NFC south.(NFL)

ATLANTA FALCONS

Rookie WLB Michael Boley has big-play potential, as he showed when he caused two fumbles and blocked a field-goal attempt against the Saints, but he needs to improve his recognition. Boley, who became a starter when Keith Brooking replaced MLB Ed Hartwell (torn Achilles'), bites too much on play-action fakes. ... WR Dez White consistently gets open, but he doesn't know how to extend or alter routes when QB Michael Vick scrambles. White also has had several critical drops. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK:The team has success when it can stop the run and use blitz schemes on second- and third-and-long situations. But the loss of Hartwell weakens the run defense. Teams can draw Brooking out of position with motion. SLB Demorrio Williams, a first-year starter, and Boley are fast and strong, but they don't diagnose well. FS Bryan Scott has poor recognition, and SS Keion Carpenter does not intimidate. The linebackers will correct their problems as they get more experience, but poor safety play could prove to be the unit's undoing.--George Henry

CAROLINA PANTHERS

The running game is becoming a concern. RB Stephen Davis has been slow hitting holes, but he remains the safest option. Backup DeShaun Fester is much quicker, but he has been struggling with injuries and ball security. If Foster doesn't improve soon, Nick Goings will start getting more carries. He doesn't have great speed but rarely fumbles. ... QB Jake Delhomme's job is safe, even after backup Chris Weinke rallied the team to victory against Detroit. But Delhomme needs to start making better decisions. At times, he has locked in on receivers. At others, he has thrown blindly. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The unit is beginning to improve, but it's still a work in progress. The run defense has been solid, but the pass rush, which suffered a major blow when DT Kris Jenkins was injured, still must be more consistent. initially, offenses used three-step drops and extra blockers to neutralize DEs Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker, but both are doing a better job of fighting through double-teams. The team has used more blitzes, which is allowing the secondary to come up with more big plays.--Pat Yasinskas