NFC south.(NFL)(National Football Conference)

ATLANTA FALCONS

FB Justin Griffith is an asset in the short passing game. He has decent speed and can burst into an extra gear as he runs upfield. Linebackers are forced to pick up Griffith or shade in his direction because of his abilities as a receiver. ... DT Rod Coleman's pass-rushing skills have made the team forget Ellis Johnson's decision not to report to camp. Coleman beats double-teams frequently, and he overpowers guards who aren't strong enough to shut him down. Coleman needs to improve his technique at beating blocks and tackling against the run, but overall, his arrival has been a huge boost. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: There isn't just one way to block. Offensive line coach Alex Gibbs wants his players to know they have an answer for any move an opponent tries. Falcons linemen are taught to keep their hands outside if a defender tries to rip-arm them. On swim moves, Gibbs instructs his players to punch up with their forearms and get leverage under opponents' pads.--George Henry

CAROLINA PANTHERS

With RB DeShaun Foster out (broken clavicle), depth is a concern. Starter Stephen Davis and Rod Smart are coming off knee injuries, and Smart and Nick Goings are situational players at best. Davis, who is more consistent and powerful than Foster but less capable of making a big run, will have to handle a lot of carries. ... Al Wallace is considered a fifth starter on the defensive line, playing both end and tackle. Wallace isn't as quick as starting Es Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker, but he's an effective pass rusher who relies on strength and intelligence. That allows him to get some penetration when he lines up inside. Wallace can get pushed off the ball in the running game on the inside, but he is an adequate run defender at the end spots. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The collapse of the team's run defense goes deeper than a less-than-physical line. The linebackers aren't wrapping up ballcarriers, and CBs Ricky Manning and Chris Gamble aren't great tacklers.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

LE Charles Grant has become a complete player. He's a force off the edge with his ...