NFC. (NFL).

Arizona Cardinals

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HELD UP: Though rookie DT Wendell Bryant and the team remain deadlocked in contract talks, it has become obvious in camp practices that the team needs him on the field. Unlike Bryant, the other tackles aren't especially athletic. Bryant also is expected to provide some pass rush from the middle, which the team didn't have last season.... The tight end spot, which was hit hard by injuries and a lack of talent last season, is enjoying a dramatic upgrade. Free-agent acquisition Freddie Jones has played well in camp; backup Steve Bush is an underrated producer; third-year man Tywan Mitchell catches the ball well but must improve his blocking; and seventh-rounder Mike Banks appears to have better hands than expected.... Second-round OLB Levar Fisher could push Raynoch Thompson for his starting job on the left side. Fisher (6-1, 228) is about 20 pounds heavier than Thompson and runs just as well. If Fisher can handle the mental demands of the job, it will be hard to keep him out of the lineup.

READY TO BREAK OUT: SS Adrian Wilson likely will have the biggest impact among the team's new starters this season. Because Wilson left school a year early, the coaches limited his role as a rookie in 2001. But he spent the offseason learning the defense, watching tape and preparing to take over for Pat Tillman. Wilson is big enough (6-3, 207) to be a force against the run and has excellent coverage skills--a plus in the NFC West. Tillman moved to linebacker in nickel situations, but Wilson will stay at safety, where coaches think he can roam and create problems for offenses.--Kent Somers

Atlanta Falcons

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THE INSIDE TRACK: Many had projected rookie RB T.J. Duckett to be the team's primary inside runner this season, with Warrick Dunn used on sweeps and other outside runs. But Duckett's late arrival to camp--he signed late last week--didn't leave the team without an inside runner. On the first goal-line scrimmage play of camp, Dunn scored off right tackle from about the 2; two plays later, he scored on a dive over center. Afterward, coach Dan Reeves said Dunn could get playing time in goal-line situations.... Also benefiting from Duckett's absence was RB Maurice Smith, who participated in every practice and is capable of sharing time with Dunn. Smith (6-0, 235) isn't as big as Duckett (6-0, 254), but he shares the same power/speed combination and has the advantage of two seasons in Reeves' offense, including most of last season as a fill-in starter.