The players' return from their break on Monday focused on a number of classroom activities, most important the annual in-season "across the hall" meetings.

In those, the offensive coaches prepare scouting reports for how they would attack the defense, and vice versa. Those reports are delivered to the players, presentation style, in a position-appropriate way. Meaning, the offensive line coaches meet with the defensive linemen, and the defensive backs coaches meet with the wide receivers, etc.

"I don't know if there's been a better coaching process that I've ever been a part of than what 'across the hall' gives these players," said McCarthy, who has organized this for the last handful of years. "It's all about developing instincts and awareness, and this is a format that has really improved the individuality of each player here.

"The players are very receptive of the information they get. It's been a very healthy process. This is the only time of year you can really do it, and it's the best one we do. We do it in the offseason and training camp, but this is the best one because we have actual, live game tape. We have the last six games, so it's a good thing."

The idea is to have the opposing side point out the weaknesses and the ways for players to improve their games as the team heads into its toughest stretch of the season, with four road trips in five weeks, beginning this week with a visit to the undefeated Rams.