Scouts' views: observations and opinions from two NFL pro scouts, one from each conference.(NFL)(National Football League)

Curtis Martin gets my vote as an early candidate for MVP. He's running like he's been in the league for only three or four years--with vision, determination and fresh legs. I think he's made the Jets' line better, and I think he's made their passing game a little better.... Chris Hovan times the snap really well. Two years ago, we played the Vikings and we couldn't block him. He still has that first-step quickness, but what I don't see him doing is pushing the pocket like he used to and finishing. Leverage is really a problem for him now. He's letting people get into his chest, and he's on the ground a little too much for a front-line guy. He used to have a pretty good two-handed bull rush, and I just don't see him using that like he used to.... I think the Chargers upgraded themselves when they got Bobby Shaw and Keenan McCardell. They're veteran receivers who have been pretty good players in this league. Shaw is a good threat on short and intermediate routes, and McCardell is a deep threat.... Steven Jackson gives the Rams a bigger inside run presence than Marshall Faulk. His gifts as a runner are his size and how physical and powerful he is. But if this kid wants to play more, he's going to have to do something it seems all young running backs struggle with--block. If you're going to play in St. Louis, you're going to have to protect. And it's a trust factor. ...