NFC.

Arizona

GOOD RIDDANCE: The defensive line is the most glaring weakness, but no one is shedding tears over E Simeon Rice's departure. For five years, he was the team's best pass rusher, but he never played the run well, and the club was tired of watching offenses run over him. Rice also alienated some people with contentious contract negotiations last year. The team doesn't have a replacement, but it might address the need with the second overall pick in the draft. The Cardinals will look hard at Missouri's Justin Smith.... The team is thrilled with WR Rob Moore's progress in coming back from a knee injury that caused him to miss last season. He plans to be 100 percent by the start of training camp.... WR David Boston has looked particularly sharp in drills and might move past Frank Sanders and into the starting lineup.

GUARDS ANALYSIS: Upgrading the guard positions was coach Dave McGinnis' top priority. He cut last year's starters, RG Lester Holmes and LG Matt Joyce, who were key reasons the team averaged only 80 yards rushing a game. Chris Dishman, who played center most of last year because of injuries to Mike Gruttadauria, is penciled in as the starter at right guard. Pete Kendall was signed to start on the left side. Kendall, who came from Seattle, is expected to bring talent and toughness to a line that lacked both. If Gruttadauria doesn't return from surgery to remove a cervical disk, Dishman will move to center. That would leave Yusuf Scott or Norberto Davidds-Garrido to start at right guard, a scary proposition. --Kent Somers

Atlanta

MCBURROWS RE-SIGNS: Gerald McBurrows, who is especially valuable because he can play either safety spot and has a lead role on special teams, signed a three-year, $2.6 million deal. McBurrows pressed Ronnie Bradford for the starting job at free safety last season. McBurrows started one game at free safety and three games when the Falcons opened in a nickel package. He can be a tough tackler and occasionally will make an interception. ... LBs Keith Brooking (foot) and Jessie Tuggle (knee) appear to be on target in their comebacks from season-ending injuries. Neither is 100 percent, but both have participated in the offseason workouts.

GUARDS ANALYSIS: This likely is the position at which the team would benefit most by adding a free agent. RG Travis Claridge started the final 12 games last season as a rookie, and he is the team's best hope for the future. Claridge suffered predictable growing pains, but he has the right disposition to survive the initiation. A gruff and not easily intimidated player, he is almost certain to retain his starting job. A key to the line is left guard. Calvin Collins, Chris Banks and Bob Hallen shared the position last year, with Collins starting the final eight games. Hallen has good athletic skills, but he hasn't been consistent in games. Anthony Redmon was slowed by a knee injury last season, and he made a move to the inactive list after four starts at right guard. He had arthroscopic surgery to correct the injury. Unless Redmon or Hallen enjoys a revival, or a free agent is added, Collins will be the player to beat out. --Charles Odum

Carolina