NFC south.(NFL)

ATLANTA FALCONS

The pass rush has struggled since RE Brady Smith (toe) went down. His replacement, rookie Jonathan Babineaux, struggles against bigger tackles and is best suited to play inside. The defense has only one sack in three games since Smith was injured. He probably won't return until December 5 against the Panthers. ... CB DeAngelo Hall has great physical skills, but he needs to work harder and study more tape. Hall must learn his speed can't always bail him out. PROBLEM SPOT: The run defense has been poor because the Falcons haven't been fighting off blocks. Offenses have double-teamed DT Rod Coleman and occupied NTs Antwan Lake and Chad Lavalais long enough to open big holes in the middle. SLB Michael Boley has struggled to beat tight ends' blocks and fill gaps, which makes it harder for MLB Keith Brooking and WLB Demorrio Williams to contain running backs, especially when they drop into coverage and then have to recover.--George Henry

CAROLINA PANTHERS

WLB Will Witherspoon, a potential free agent after 2005, has emerged as a difference-maker. He has the quickness to be a sideline-to-sideline run stopper and is equally valuable as a pass defender. He's excellent at dropping in coverage and has shown good hands and a knack for being near the ball. ... RE Mike Rucker dedicated himself to getting in better shape in the offseason. That has translated into more quickness, energy and sacks. ... WR Steve Smith has been terrific, but there's no other consistent offensive threat. Defenses can either focus on stopping Smith or let him get his catches and yards and shut down the other parts of the offense. The Bears used the latter approach successfully last Sunday. PROBLEM SPOT: The running game has struggled all season. The line has been excellent in short-yardage situations but needs to get better at opening holes on early downs. RBs Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster also need to hit holes more quickly and accurately. Foster is the more explosive of the two, and the team needs to get him more carries.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

TE Zachary Hilton is getting an opportunity to ...