Training
Volume 2, Issue 2 – 8/09/06
Training
Camps are in full swing and we want you to feel like you have attended every
practice and seen every preseason game.
To keep all our Footballguys subscribers on top of everything, we've created our
incredibly detailed
This is the fourth of five training camp updates from us. We'll break
down every team's skill positions and position battles. It's the stuff you'd
see if you were there at every camp. This
Happy reading and let's have a great 2006 season,
Joe Bryant and
Owners, Footballguys.com
QB:
Nothing has changed on the
Matt Leinart front. Leinart’s absence is John Navarre’s gain, at least for now.
“I am glad to get as many reps as I can,”
Kurt Warner says the offense is continuing to
improve every day, acknowledging that the defense usually has the upper hand
early in training camp. “The big thing is that we are improving every day,”
offered Warner. “The first practice was a little sluggish and disappointing but
I think we are starting to realize when we get things moving and the tempo
going, that it just benefits us. Coach does a good job of throwing a lot of
situations at us and it gets us thinking.”
RB: The preseason isn’t about Edgerrin James. Or should
we say Edgerrin James isn’t about the preseason? James would be just as happy
to practice hard, but leave the preseason games to the guys fighting for spots
behind him. That doesn’t prevent him from setting the tone in practice though.
His banter is just as good as his play and his teammates seem to enjoy it, too.
“He talks a good game too,” said Dennis
Green. “Defensively we have a lot of guys that are good at it and he is too. He
brings a good intensity but has a lot of fun with it and he likes being out
there. That is what we really try to emphasize and that is what we have tried
to do from the start. You really have to love the game. You have to love coming
out onto the field and Edge has always done that.” Darnell Dockett confessed,
“We look forward to hitting him in practice because if you don’t you hear about
it all day. He is one of the best running backs in the league and we have to go
up against him all of the day and it is just going to help us be ready when the
season comes around. We’ll be ready to face good running backs and it is a good
challenge and key to having him on our team.”
Fullback
James Hodgins remains hopeful that he’ll return to practice next week after
rehabilitating his surgically repaired knee for the first week of camp. He was
initially upset after being held out of practice. He’s been mentoring converted
tight end John Bronson as he learns the position – even if it might cost
Hodgins a roster spot. The Cardinals
signed Diamond Ferri on Tuesday, August 1st. Roger Robinson is expected to miss
four to six weeks. Ferri, 24, played for
WR: Larry Fitzgerald
and Anquan Boldin were asked about becoming the best receiving duo in the NFL
and becoming synonymous with the Dolphins’ Mark Duper and Mark Clayton. “That
is something you have to do year in and year out,” Fitzgerald said. “One year
is not going to get it done. We were on a terrible team last year. We moved the
football and we produced in terms of us two, but we didn’t produce wins.”
Boldin added, “Hopefully, we will get there one day. We’re starting to get
recognized in that department, but the only way to get recognized as the best
duo in the league is to put up numbers consistently. We are still working on
that.” Edgerrin James enjoyed the benefits of playing with Marvin Harrison and
Reggie Wayne and admitted the Cardinals duo helped lure him to the desert. “I
never put a rank on it,” James said. “Both sets are good. I am friends with
both of them and if I see something that Marv did or Reggie did that I can tell
Anquan or Fitz, I would. They know what they have to do. As a receiver, you
only get better as time goes. It’s amazing how hungry these guys are.”
Bryant Johnson continues to hold off LeRon McCoy for
the No. 3 job, but that doesn’t mean McCoy can’t overtake him at some point.
Dennis Green was asked if there’s a scenario where McCoy could take the job
over Johnson. Green said, “I don’t know...LeRon is young and ambitious and he
wants that number three spot.” Johnson is a prime candidate to be the team’s
kick returner and Green still believes Johnson is due for a breakout
season. Johnson is taking it all in
stride. “I don’t feel there is a battle,” said the former first round pick. “I
know Q and I tried to take LeRon under our wings, and the better our entire
receiving corps are, the better our team will be.”
TE: On Wednesday, August 2nd, the Cardinals released
tight end Ben Hall.
Defense: DT Kenny King will be sidelined for a month
after breaking his right hand. He injured it during last Thursday’s morning
workout. King spent the last two seasons on injured reserve and missed most of
his rookie season after breaking his right wrist twice. MLB Gerald Hayes has
recovered from reconstructive knee surgery and he’s up to 253 pounds. He added
the weight to help him make a run at the starting job. Dennis Green is making
him earn the spot against James Darling. SLB Karlos Dansby heard rumors that
the coaching staff was down on him during the off-season, but he didn’t know
what to make of it. “I was productive (in organized team workouts) until my
injury happened, and once my injury happened I still went through a whole week
of practice,” Dansby said. “People didn’t know what was going on, but I
finished the week out. All that stuff in the news, I don’t know how it came
about; I didn’t even read it. I was in the blind with that. I never found out
anyone was disappointed in my offseason workouts. I thought I did pretty
doggone good.”
Antrel Rolle is expected to make a bigger impact in
his second season. He has impressed the staff with his playmaking skills in
camp. “Every day he makes a big play,” spouted Green. Rolle had an interception
in Friday morning’s practice during team drills. “He made a big play today and that is his
style as a defender,” confirmed Green. During red zone drills on Thursday
morning, Rolle picked off another Warner pass. Rolle has been aggressive since
camp began a week ago; batting down passes and talking smack with receivers.
Rolle remains cautious though and Darnell Dockett talked about the return of
Rolle and others from injury last year. “We keep looking at film and some of
the mistakes we made last year. We made a lot of big mistakes and we have a lot
of guys coming back from injury and that is going to help us. A big key is
Antrel Rolle. He’s back and we needed that in a huge way so we’re going in the
right direction.” With Rolle, Dansby, Dockett, Chike Okeafor, Bert Berry and
Adrian Wilson the Cardinals have a potentially explosive defense.
Special
Teams: Kicker Neil Rackers displayed his precise accuracy during practice last
week, taking aim at a staff member operating a camera perched on a lift between
the uprights. Rackers forced him to move twice to avoid being hit. Meanwhile,
the debate rages on regarding the authenticity of Rackers’ video clip on the
NFL Network. RB Marcel Shipp recently discussed his revised role on the team
now that Edgerrin James is a Cardinal, “I'm on pretty much every special team.
I'm hard core. I don't mind. That's how I made it into this league, and it's a
very important part of the game." HC Dennis Green continues to mention
that they’re hopeful that WR Bryant Johnson will be more involved on returns.
WR Troy Walters however remains the favorite in that department. The other
primary return candidate, WR Michael Spurlock, has looked like the rookie he is
practice, occasionally putting the ball on the ground.
Other: Starting right tackle Oliver Ross suffered an injury to his right knee
on Tuesday, August 1st. Ross is expected to miss several weeks of action and
former defensive tackle Fred Wakefield moved from backup LT to take Ross’s
spot. Jeremy Bridges is also working into the mix in Ross’s absence.
Cardinals Depth Chart
QB Kurt Warner, Matt
Leinart, John Navarre
RB Edgerrin James, J.J. Arrington, Marcel Shipp, Damien Anderson,
Diamond Ferry
FB Obafemi
Ayanbadejo, James Hodgins, John Bronson
WR Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Bryant Johnson, LeRon McCoy, Troy Walters, Todd
Watkins, Carlyle Holiday, Michael Spurlock (QB), Greg Lee
TE Leonard
Pope, Adam Bergen, Eric Edwards, Alex Shor
K Neil Rackers, Nick Novak
DE Chike Okeafor, Bertrand Berry (inj), Anton
Palepoi, Antonio Smith, A.J. Schable
DT Darnell Dockett, Kendrick Clancy, Tim Bulman, Langston Moore, Gabe Watson, Kenny King
(inj), Jon Lewis
MLB James Darling (W), Gerald Hayes, Lance Mitchell
OLB Karlos
Dansby (S), Orlando Huff (W), Darryl
Blackstock (W), Calvin
Pace (S), Mark Brown, Isaac Keys,
Brandon Johnson, Lawrence Pinson
CB David Macklin, Antrel Rolle, Eric Green (inj), Robert
Tate, Dyshod Carter, Lamont Reid, Darrell Hunter, Jay McCareins,
Damarius Bilbo, Justin Wyatt
S Adrian Wilson (SS), Robert Griffith
(FS), Aaron Francisco, Ernest Shazor, Jack Brewer, Chris Harrell
QB: On
Tuesday, August 1, Michael Vick left the Falcon’s practice with a hamstring
injury. Head coach Jim Mora didn’t think Vick would miss more than a couple of
days, but Vick remained out of Friday’s practice marking his third straight day
with the “tweaked” hammy. Vick didn’t require any assistance to leave the
field, but he did pull up during a drill midway through the session. On his way
into the locker room he insisted, “It’s no big deal.” As expected, Matt Schaub
took the first team snaps in his stead.
Bryan
Randall and D.J. Shockley have both impressed the coaching staff as they vie
for the No. 3 job. Mora likes Shockley’s presence in the huddle and his field
generalship saying that it eased his concerns of him being a rookie and feeling
overwhelmed. Mora can’t wait to see them
in preseason game action. "I've been really impressed with D.J. Just his
personality, the way he conducts his business. The way he goes about running
the show. He's got a real maturity to him. I can tell now why people love him.
He's got a certain persona about him. Plus, he's got a whip. When he decides to
throw it, he can sling it.” He notes that Randall is doing well, too, "Bryan
Randall certainly is not backing down."
RB: The Falcons
like their backs to be “one cut” backs just like the Broncos do. To that end,
veteran RB Warrick Dunn is putting on a clinic so far in training camp, but
perhaps almost impressive has been the speed and elusiveness that rookie
Jerious Norwood is flashing.
WR: With Brian Finneran on the shelf for the entire
season, the Falcons are said to be exploring trade opportunities.
TE: Alge Crumpler isn’t expected to play in the team’s
upcoming preseason game against
Defense: Patrick Kerney has been a terror at times in
camp. Last Thursday, he was a beast during pass drills as he punished just
about every lineman that lined up against him. Kerney and John Abraham give the
Falcons their best pass rush in years – perhaps the best in the NFL if both
players stay healthy. The improved pass rush should be a help to the team’s
secondary, which underwent a makeover in the offseason. Rookie corner Jimmy
Williams is penciled in to start as the team’s right corner when the season begins.
Jason Webster, last year’s starter, missed four days of practice with a
sprained foot before returning on Thursday. "I don't take it
personal," said Webster, who knows Williams wants to start just as he does.
"I see it as a good thing. We can both make each other better."
DeAngelo Hall practiced with the receivers during the last week. At one point,
he sported the offense's red practice jersey. After about 30 minutes, he
returned to playing defense, and put his white practice jersey back on. Darrell
Shropshire was promoted to starter over Chad Lavalais, but Mora indicated the
move is not set in stone.
Special
Teams: After Zac Derr was injured and released, the Falcons quickly added
Carlos Martinez to join the kicking competition. He spent the last three years
playing for the AFL’s Dallas Desperados, who happen to be owned by Jerry Jones,
who happens to also own the Dallas Cowboys, who for many years employed kicking
coach Steve Hoffman, who was hired by the Falcons this year to develop a cheap
kicker.
Falcons Depth Chart
QB Michael Vick, Matt
Schaub, D.J. Shockley, Bryan Randall
RB Warrick Dunn (3RB), T.J. Duckett (SD), Jerious Norwood, Deandra Cobb
(KR), Butchie Wallace
FB Justin Griffith, John Pannozzo
WR Michael Jenkins, Roddy White, Jerome Pathon, Adam
Jennings, Cole Magner, Troy Bergeron, Jamin Elliot, Javarus Dudley,
Brian Finneran (inj)
TE Alge Crumpler, Dwayne Blakely, Eric Beverly, Daniel Fells. Boone
Stutz
K Tony Yelk, Michael Koenen
DE Patrick Kerney, John Abraham, Chauncey
Davis, Constantin Ritzmann, Paul Carrington
DT Rod Coleman, Darrell Shropshire (NT), Chad Lavalais (NT), Jonathan
Babineaux, Antwan Lake (NT), T.J. Jackson
MLB Edgerton Hartwell, Jordan Beck
OLB Keith
Brooking (W), Michael Boley (S), Demorrio
Williams (W), Ike Reese (S/W), Artie
Ulmer, Travis Williams
CB DeAngelo Hall, Jimmy Williams, Jason Webster, Allen Rossum (KR), Leigh Torrence,
Kevin Mathis
S Lawyer
Milloy (SS), Chris Crocker (FS), Antuan
Edwards (SS), Omare Lowe (FS), Chris Reis, Nick Turnbull
QB: Steve McNair has lofty expectations after coming to
"You've got a responsibility - kind of like the
Spiderman movies. He's got those powers. Now, with those powers comes great
responsibility. That's what Steve has to uphold, and I don't see any indication
of him not upholding that responsibility of being our starting quarterback and
our leader. So everything he does is going to be scrutinized. Even if he does
it perfectly, somebody's going to find some way where that gets scrutinized.
But it's been that way his whole life, his whole career." McNair just needs
some time to acclimate himself to the Ravens offense and offensive coordinator
Jim Fassel. Later in the scrimmage, Drew Olson completed a 24-yard touchdown
pass to Romby Bryant.
RB: Jamal Lewis started in the scrimmage Saturday
night, but only for the 7-on-7 drills. He did not play in the full-team
scrimmage. The Ravens used Mike Anderson as a fullback during the 11-on-11
drills increasing the possibility the Ravens could use them both on the field
at the same time. According to RBs coach Tony Nathan, it might happen.
"That's in the plans, that's in the works,"
said Nathan.
WR: It’s
been an up and down training camp so far for Devard Darling. On Thursday,
Darling dropped a possible long touchdown, but bounced back with two great
efforts later – beating Ed Reed for a short touchdown catch on one play, and
then hauling in another touchdown later. Darling is competing for the No. 3 job
against Clarence Moore and rookie Demetrius Williams. During last Thursday’s
practice, starter Mark Clayton (hamstring),
TE: The Ravens know they have a major weapon with Todd Heap at the position,
but they intend on using him even more this year in short-yardage and goal-line
situations. "We're going to move him around, not just play him on the wing,"
said Jim Fassel said when talking about Heap. "Moving him outside will
definitely be part of the package. He will cause a mismatch. That's what I like
about TE's when they are athletic like that, you can place them in different
spots and that's the hardest match for the defense." The Ravens added
Quinn Sypniewski in the fifth round because of his blocking. Yet so far in
Defense: Rookie
DT Haloti Ngata sprained the MCL of his left knee during the 11-on-11 drills in
Saturday’s scrimmage. Ngata said the injury was not serious and expected to be
back in practice by midweek. "It feels good," Ngata said. "It's
just a minor sprain. I'll be back in a couple of days." Rex Ryan had a
funny quote when talking about the Ravens 12th pick. "If his upper body
ever catches up to his lower body, he could really be a 380-pound guy. Right
now, he's a little puppy, but he could become a really big puppy." Ryan said
of Ngata. The Ravens' first-team defense seemed to be in midseason form in the
scrimmage, especially when matched up against backup quarterback Jason Campbell
instead of starter Mark Brunell. The Ravens' starters allowed 2 yards on six
plays, stuffing the Redskins behind the line twice. "They got a good
chemistry going," Billick said. "The communication was very good.
That's something that we've really been stressing. We caught ourselves short
last year a few times because of communication." Some of the players
weren't satisfied by their brief but dominating effort. "We still have a
long ways to go," linebacker Adalius Thomas said. "We set a higher
standard than anybody else." Rookie Dawan Laundry joined Ed Reed and
corners Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle when the secondary took the field with
the first-team defense. Landy might have surpassed Gerome Sapp as the starter
opposite Reed. "That's pretty encouraging, but at the same time, I've
still got to stay on my game and do a lot of film study," he said. "I
want to be on the same page with those guys." Earlier in the week during
practice, Rolle snatched a McNair pass and took it 50 yards for a “would be”
touchdown. Last Wednesday, McAlister dropped an interception and did 10 pushups
as a penalty. He came back strong the next day when he stepped in front of a
quick slant from McNair to Mason during red-zone drills.
Special
Teams: The Ravens were dismissed from practice 15 minutes
early the other day when kicker Matt Stover just cleared the crossbar on a
48-yard field goal, which is near the end of his range. Attempts much over 50
yards have been handled by the kickoff specialist in recent years. Kicker Aaron
Elling continues to compete with punters Sam Koch and Leo Araguz on kickoffs in
practice. All have looked good, although Elling has looked the strongest, often
getting the ball across the goal line. Running back / kickoff returner / punt
returner B.J. Sams has been expanding his versatility by practicing at safety.
He also handled all the returns in practice the other day, when his only
competition at the position, rookie RB Cory Ross, sat out with a strained
hamstring. Ross returned to practice the following day.
Ravens Depth Chart
QB Steve McNair, Kyle
Boller, Brian St. Pierre, Drew Olson
RB Jamal Lewis, Mike Anderson (FB), Musa Smith, P.J. Daniels, B.J.
Sams (KR/PR), Cory Ross
FB Justin Green, Ovie Mughelli
WR Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton (inj), Clarence Moore, Devard Darling, Demetrius Williams, Ronald
Bellamy, Romby Bryant, Rufus Skillern, Brian Bratton, Tre Moses, Matt Cherry
TE Todd Heap, Daniel Wilcox, Quinn Sypniewski
K Matt Stover, Aaron Elling
DE Terrell Suggs, Trevor Pryce, Jarrett Johnson, Roderick Green, Gary Stills
DT Kelly Gregg, Haloti Ngata, Dwan Edwards, Aubrayo Franklin, Justin
Bannan, Cedric Hilliard, Remi Ayodele
MLB Ray Lewis, Mike Smith
OLB Adalius Thomas (S), Bart Scott (W), Dan Cody (S/DE) (inj), Dennis Haley, Ryan LaCasse, Tim Johnson
CB Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Corey Ivy, David Pittman, Evan Oglesby, Derrick
Martin, Ronnie Prude
S Ed Reed (SS), Dawan Landry (FS), Gerome Sapp (FS), B.J. Ward (FS)
QB: Kelly
Holcomb and J.P. Losman continued to battle each other for the starting QB this
past week while Craig Nall was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Holcomb has
been noticeably more accurate, but he appears to lack arm strength. His throws
don’t seem to going more than 20 yards. New offensive coordinator Steve
Fairchild’s offense is predicated on short and intermediate throws – a scaled
down version of Mike Martz’s offense. That would appear to favor Holcomb, but
whoever does win the starting job will still need to throw the deep ball and
there is no question that Losman has the stronger arm of the two. Losman looked
sharp in Saturday’s practice completing nine straight passes during the team’s
7-on-7 drills, including a touchdown to TE Robert Royal. Craig Nall hopes to
return to the practice field sometime in the next week. He still hopes to
compete for the starting job. "Not to put any extra pressure on myself,
but I know I have to come out and pick up right where I left off when I get
back,” he said realistically.
RB: During the first week of camp it’s become apparent
that Steve Fairchild intends to use Willis McGahee much differently than the
former Bills staff. The Bills are working with him in the passing game with the
hope he’ll become a true three-down back. So far in his career, McGahee has
largely been a 1st and 2nd down back often leaving the field on third downs.
For his part, McGahee is noticeably thinner than last year and he’s running
decisively, too. The backup job remains up in the air with Anthony Thomas,
Lionel Gates and last year’s backup Shaud Williams competing. Anthony Thomas
reported to camp at 218 lbs, the best shape of his career, but Dick Jauron has
been taking longer looks at Lionel Gates and Shaud Williams. Perhaps he’s
familiar with Thomas from their days in
WR: So far,
Josh Reed seems to be leading the pack for the starting job opposite Lee Evans.
Reed is competing against Peerless Price, Andre Davis and to a lesser extent
Roscoe Parrish, who will probably be the team’s slot receiver. Oddly enough,
many think Reed is a better fit in the slot, but for now he’s in the starting
lineup. In Saturday’s 7-on-7 drills, Price was the top receiver with eight
catches and a TD. Lee Evans wasn’t able to play due to an ailing shoulder, so
the defense was focused on Price as the No.1 receiver. The team is taking it
easy with Evans’ shoulder so they won’t rush him back onto the field even
thought it’s considered a minor injury. He was sidelined from Wednesday, when
he fell awkwardly while catching a pass, through Saturday when he took part in
individual drills fully dressed in pads.
Defense: The most
noteworthy change this past week was the move of WLB Takeo Spikes to SLB with
former backup Angelo Crowell lining up as the team’s starting WLB – as he did
while filing in for Spikes last year when he was out. Crowell beat out veteran
Jeff Posey; who was subsequently waived by the Bills this past week. The move drops Spikes’ fantasy value, while
‘spiking’ Crowell’s considering they’ll use the cover-2 defense and the WLB is
usually the leading tackler in that scheme. After missing the first eight days
of camp, first round pick safety Donte Whitner agreed to terms. He’ll compete
with Matt Bowen to start alongside veteran Troy Vincent at strong safety. The
Bills are using Vincent against slot receivers in the dime package.
Special
Teams: Punter Brian Moorman remains the starting holder for
Rian Lindell on kicks. Quarterbacks J.P.
Losman and Kelly Holcomb practiced as backups last week for the first time this
year in that role. Camp leg kicker Nicholas Setta has been working with the
kickoff return group. Terrence McGee is, of course, the starting kickoff
returner. Competing for the backup role, and in some cases competing to make
the final roster, have been RB Shaud Williams, WR
Jonathan Smith, WR Roscoe Parrish, CB Nate Clements, WR Andre Davis, S
Jim Leonhard, and RB Fred Jackson. RBs Lionel
Gates and Anthony Thomas have been practicing in the upman role. When the team practiced running reverses, WR Sam Aiken,
S Matt Bowen, S Rashad Baker, and DB Kiwaukee Thomas took handoffs from whoever
fielded the kickoff. Nate Clements, Jim Leonhard, Roscoe Parrish, Jonathan
Smith and Shaud Williams have also been practicing punt returns. The latter
three are the top contenders.
Bills Depth Chart
QB Kelly Holcomb, J.P. Losman,
Craig Nall
RB Willis McGahee, Shaud Williams, Anthony Thomas, Lionel Gates, Fred
Jackson
FB Damien Shelton, Alan Ricard, Joe Burns
WR Lee Evans, Josh Reed, Peerless Price, Andre' Davis, Roscoe Parrish
(PR), Sam Aiken, Jonathan Smith, George Wilson, Martin Nance, Chris
Denney
TE Robert Royal, Brad Cieslak, Kevin Everett, Ryan Neufeld
K Rian Lindell
DT Larry Tripplett, Tim Anderson (NT), Lauvale Sape (inj), John McCargo, Jason Jefferson,
Kyle Williams
DE Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay, Ryan Denney, Mark Word, Ryan Neill, Jason Hall,
Joshua Cooper
MLB London Fletcher, Liam Ezekiel,
Courtney Watson (inj)
OLB Takeo
Spikes (S), Angelo Crowell (W), Josh Stamer
(S/W), Mario Haggan (W), Keith Ellison,
John Digiorgio
CB Nate Clements (PR), Terrence McGee
(KR), Eric King, Jabari Greer, Ashton Youboty,
Kiwaukee Thomas, Eric Bassey
S Troy Vincent (FS), Donte Whitner (SS), Matt Bowen (SS), Coy Wire (SS),
Ko Simpson (FS), Rashad Baker (FS), Jim Leonhard (SS), James Bethea
QB: The Panthers are taking it easy with starter
Jake Delhomme. In their first scrimmage, Delhomme was on the field for only
five plays and did not throw a pass. "It's not the shoulder," said
Delhomme, who also was given Friday's practice off. "I could've thrown it
this morning, but Foxy just wanted (me) to rest. That was his decision, but I
was ready to go today. It's hard not to be out there and throw a little bit. I
almost called a couple of passes. But hey, that's just part of it. We want to
be smart, because we're throwing a ton of balls." Delhomme’s rest gave
Stefan Lefors an opportunity to mix it up against the starting defense. Lefors,
grouped with several other backups, drove the team to the 32-yard line before
they were stopped when LB Dan Morgan tipped a pass that was intercepted by
safety Mike Minter.
RB: In
addition to Delhomme resting, starting RB DeShaun Foster was held out of
action, too. "We just rested them," Fox said. "We kind of know
what both those guys can do; we still have a lot of camp left and there's a lot of hits to be taken." So far in camp,
Foster has looked good showing no ill-effects from a broken ankle suffered last
year in the team’s playoff loss to
DeAngelo
Williams is competing with
WR: So far,
Keyshawn Johnson has been the perfect teammate, playing hard consistently
throughout practices. Due to Steve Smith’s hamstring injury, which will
sideline him for a couple more weeks, Johnson has been able to work more with
Jake Delhomme on their timing. Keary Colbert looks like a different player than
last year. "He is a different player," quarterback Jake Delhomme
said. "You can just see the way he runs his routes. He has explosion. He
has separation." Said offensive coordinator Dan Henning: "It's
markedly different. He is 100 percent quicker and stronger than he was last
year." Colbert and Drew Carter are having their moments in camp as they
battle for the team’s No. 3 WR. The Panthers added another body for camp last
Tuesday signing free agent WR Terrance Metcalf to a deal.
TE: Starter
Kris Mangum will be out for several weeks after partially tearing the plantar
fascia in his left foot. Mangum struggled with the injury during the first few
days of camp, but was then put into a cast and walking boot on Thursday. The
team hopes he can play in at least one preseason game. That gives Michael
Gaines an opportunity to get more reps and develop consistency. That’s the main
drawback with Gaines. Dan Henning was asked if Gaines needs to practice and
play with more consistency. Henning replied, "Yes, the answer to that
question is definitely yes.” In a recent press conference, HC John Fox talked
at length about his young backup tight end. “He's a young player that continues
to improve. I saw great improvement last year, and he worked hard this
offseason. He even went back to college and got his degree. He's continuing to
work… He was always a mature kid. The more you do something the better you get.
He just lacked experience. He's further along now and he's continuing to work
on that aspect of his game. He's got all of the physical tools.”
Defense: If the
Panthers are to become the No. 1 defense in the league, (they were No. 3 last
year) the prevailing opinion is that second year LB Thomas Davis needs to have
a breakout season. It’s not whether DT Kris Jenkins can stay healthy. The team
did fine last year when he went down for the second straight year. They are
deep at tackle. Frankly, the front four are stacked with talent. The team’s
corners are solid, too.. Dan Morgan was asked about
Another
player the team is watching closely is rookie linebacker James Anderson. John
Fox recently discussed
Special
Teams: Kicker John Kasay continued to miss practices with
muscle tightness in his kicking leg. He has been doing some light kicking and
stationary bike riding. Like Kasay, temporary kicker MacKenzie Hoambrecker is
also a leftie. This has allowed long snapper LB Jason Kyle and holder P Jason
Baker to stay in sync. Kasay’s importance has been reinforced as Hoambrecker
has missed several short range kicks (26, 39, 40, and 40 yards). WR/PR Steve
Smith continued to miss practice due to his hamstring injury. He has done some
light agility drills and caught a few balls. WR Efram Hill has been getting
some work on punt returns. Rookie RB DeAngelo Williams persisted in his quest to
return kicks, “Every time I pass the special teams coach I say, 'When are we
doing kickoff returns, coach?' I bet he's probably tired of hearing that.” He
got his wish and has been working as the primary kickoff returner. RB Jamal Robertson and rookie CB Richard Marshall have been practicing as
backups.
Panthers Depth Chart
QB Jake Delhomme, Chris
Weinke, Stefan Lefors, Brett Basanez
RB DeShaun Foster, DeAngelo Williams, Eric Shelton (SD), Jamal
Robertson
FB Brad Hoover, Nick Goings, Casey Cramer
WR Steve Smith (PR) (inj), Keyshawn
Johnson, Keary Colbert, Drew Carter,
Karl Hankton, Jovon Bouknight, Daniel Smith, Justin McCullum, Lynzell Jackson,
Taye Biddle, D.J. Smith
TE Kris
Mangum (inj), Michael Gaines, Mike Seidman, Jeff
King
K John Kasay
DE Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker, Al Wallace, Jovan Haye, Stanley McClover, Devan Long
DT Kris Jenkins (inj), Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Damione Lewis, Jordan Carstens, Atiyyah Ellison,
Tony Brown
MLB Dan Morgan, Vinny Ciurciu (W/M)
OLB Thomas Davis (S), Keith Adams (W), Na'il Diggs (W), Adam Seward (W), James
Anderson (W), Chris Draft (S/M), Sean Tufts
CB Chris Gamble, Ken Lucas, Reggie Howard, Richard
Marshall, Jermaine Hardy, Marcus Cassel, Jarrett Bush, DeShane Dennis
S Mike Minter (SS), Shaun Williams (FS), Colin Branch (FS), Kevin
McAdam, Nate Salley (FS)
QB: Backup
quarterback Brian Griese had surgery during the off-season to repair a torn ACL
and MCL in his left knee. Yet so far he has shown no ill effects from the
surgery, but he’s only practicing once per day during two-a-days. His mobility
looks good and he’s reporting no problems. "I haven't had as much swelling
as I expected to have, and I've really been pleased with it,'' he said. During
Friday’s practice Griese showed good accuracy, putting passes into tight spots
along the sidelines. On Thursday, Griese was given the day off allowing Kyle
Orton to work with the second team. Orton’s two minute drill ended when Dion
Byrum intercepted his pass along the sideline.
RB: Cedric
Benson was carted off the field on Friday evening after injuring his left
shoulder after catching a short pass over the middle. He’s expected to miss two
or three weeks – best-case scenario. Benson was hit by LB Brian Urlacher and
then safety Mike Brown, but the hits looked clean and nondescript. Benson then
went down to one knee and it quickly became apparent he was hurting as he
grabbed his wrist writing in pain. "He broke through, a freak accident,
those kind of things happen," head coach Lovie
Smith said. "Hopefully it isn't too serious." “The X-Rays were
negative. I'm doing pretty good," Benson said.
"I don't think it's nothing severe. Everything seems good. I did a little
treatment this morning and was moving it around. I felt pretty strong. I just
feel really sore today." Benson will likely miss the team’s preseason
opener on Friday against
The injuries to Benson and Thomas Jones give Adrian
Peterson a chance to work as the starter for the time being. P.J. Pope will
work with the second team and the Bears signed rookie free agent Andre Hall to
a contract on Friday to give them another back in camp. Hall was released by
WR: Leave it to
Muhsin Muhammad to lead by example. The veteran receiver reported to camp 10
pounds lighter. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner saw him from a distance last
week and thought they signed a new player. Bernard Berrian even walked past him
without recognizing him. ''When a guy loses weight like that, it tells you he
is trying to do something, trying to make himself better,'' Bears coach Lovie
Smith said. ''When you lose weight, that is normally some
kind of commitment you've made to get pounds off like that. Moose has
worked extremely hard. It seems like the All-Pros, the ones I have been around, they seem to get better as the years go on. They
take care of their body year-round. He didn't have the type of year he wanted
last year. Normally, when that happens you say, 'Hey, what can I do?' All you
can do is get your mind right and then come in the best physical shape you
can.''
As for the heated competition for the starting job
opposite Moose, Bernard Berrian holds a slight edge over Mark Bradley. "Bernard has played well throughout
camp," said Smith. "He's making a move. It's been documented about
the second receiver (competition), and somebody needs to step up. Who's to say
that it won't be him?" Berrian is more comfortable in his third camp, he
is completely healthy and he got some experience in the playoffs last year,
catching five balls for 68 yards against
TE: There has been little to no news out of Bears camp
regarding the tight ends, but Desmond Clark continues to work as the starter
and he made a nice catch over his head in Friday’s practice between Charles
Tillman and Mike Brown.
Defense: Defensive
coordinator Ron Rivera said the team is converting Dwayne Slay, out currently
with a hamstring pull, to outside linebacker. Safety Cameron Worrell has looked
good playing with the second and third team defenses after missing all of last
year with a dislocated shoulder. Todd Johnson is being used as the backup
nickel back at the moment while rookie DB/WR/KR/PR Devin Hester could be the
team’s fifth corner and wide receiver.
Special
Teams: Robbie Gould and rookie Josh
Huston continue to compete for the kicking job. WR/PR Bernard
Berrian has missed time with a hip flexor. The Bears signed free agent RB Andre
Hall, who was released by
Bears Depth Chart
QB Rex Grossman, Brian Griese, Kyle Orton
RB Cedric Benson (inj), Thomas Jones (inj), Adrian
Peterson, P.J. Pope, Andre Hall
FB Bryan Johnson (inj), Jason McKie, J.D. Runnels
WR Muhsin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian, Mark Bradley, Justin Gage, Airese
Curry (inj), Alex Bannister, Devin Hester (KR/PR/CB), Rashied Davis (PR), Craig
Bragg, Bryan McClendon
TE Desmond Clark, Gabe Reid, John
Gilmore, Tim Day, Cooper Wallace
K Robbie Gould, Josh Huston
DE Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown, Israel Idonije, Michael Haynes (DT), Jamaal Green,
Mark Anderson, Khari Long
DT Tommie Harris, Ian Scott (inj), Terry Johnson (inj),
Alfonso Boone, Dusty Dvoracek
MLB Brian Urlacher, Jeremy Cain
OLB Lance Briggs (W), Hunter Hillenmeyer
(S/M), Joe Odom (S), Leon Joe (W),
Brendon Ayanbadejo (S), Dwayne Slay, Brandon Marshall, Jamar Williams
CB Charles Tillman, Nathan Vasher, Ricky Manning, Dante Wesley, Alfonso Marshall,
Abraham Elimimian, Carlos Hendricks
S Mike Brown (SS), Chris Harris (FS), Danieal Manning (FS), Todd Johnson (SS/FS), Cameron Worrell, Brandon
McGowan (SS) (inj), Dion Byrum, Donnie McCleskey
Cincinnati Bengals
QB: Carson
Palmer’s return is going well with no setbacks, but he’s still working hard to
shake the rust off his game. On Friday, following a slow start, Palmer
completed four of his last five passes featuring a six-yard touchdown flip to
WR Tab Perry. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said they’re evaluating
Palmer weekly. They gave him about 40% of the snaps last week and they would
decide whether to increase his reps over the weekend. "I’m going to do whatever I get cleared
to do," Palmer said. "If the doctors think I need more reps and give
me more reps, I’ll do it. If they want me to back off and say I need more rest,
I’ll do it. I’m just going on what they say." Despite the optimism
surrounding Palmer and his steady progress, neither he nor the team are making
any guarantees that he’ll be in the starting lineup when the Bengals open the
season at
With Palmer sidelined, Anthony Wright worked with
the first-team offense and Doug Johnson with the second team during the team’s
mock game Saturday. Wright went 23-of-33 for 291 yards with one touchdown and
three interceptions, two of which were tipped and should have been caught by
Chad Johnson. Doug Johnson finished 16-of-30 passing for 130 yards with no
touchdowns or interceptions. Wright may have locked up the backup job, but he
did have the benefit of working with Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh while
Johnson did not. Wright struggled in the team’s scrimmage the previous night
completing only seven out of 17 passes. Johnson went 5-of-11 with one touchdown
and one interception on Friday night.
RB: Rudi Johnson looks great in camp. He’s down
to 218 pounds and appears to be even stronger throughout his upper body and
shoulders. His knee is healthy and he’s breaking tackles like usual. As a result
of his workout regimen, he appears quicker getting to and through the hole.
During the mock game the offense mostly threw the football, but Johnson still
had one of the most noteworthy plays breaking through for a 21-yard gain off
the left side. He ran eight times for 41 yards. Backup Chris Perry remains on
the PUP giving veteran Kenny Watson an opportunity to work as the third down
back – a role he previously held before Perry was drafted. “It hurt me watching
everybody play. Now I'm back and ready to make some plays." Watson said,
"It's important for a guy like me… The more you can do, the better chance
you have to be on the field. Whatever they put me out there to do, I'm going to
take advantage of it."
Quincy Wilson and rookie
tailback DeDe Dorsey also broke long runs, thanks to dominant offensive line
play at times. Dorsey also worked as a kickoff returner with Reggie McNeal and
Bennie Brazell, as special teams coach Darrin Simmons looks for a top backup to
No. 1 kickoff returner Tab Perry.
"We're all trying to earn a spot," Dorsey said. "For us
rookies, special teams is where it's going to be at. Tab's the guy, but if I
can, I'll come in and take his place." Rookie free agent FB Naufahu Tahi
broke a bone in his foot on Friday and will be out for a few weeks.
WR: The mock game was dominated by
big passing plays. Chad Johnson had 142 yards on 11 catches, despite letting
two balls go through his hands for interceptions. T.J. Houshmandzadeh added
seven catches for 107 yards. Chris Henry did not participate, but rookie Reggie
McNeal has three catches for 20 yards. McNeal said he’s finally adjusted to the
extra running that comes with his new position in the pros. McNeal is a
project, but his presence gives the Bengals the ability to call trick plays much
like the Steelers have done with Antwaan Randle El in the past. While Henry
didn’t play Saturday night, the team got plenty to see from him the previous
night. On Friday, Henry dominated the team’s scrimmage catching five balls for
117 yards, including a 44-yarder, and a 10-yard TD. His play caused Carson
Palmer to draw comparisons between he and Randy Moss. Henry simply had his way
against whoever tried to cover him making plays with his 6-foot-4 frame,
jumping ability, and sure hands. Marvin Lewis wasn’t overly thrilled, but he
did offer Henry some reassuring words following his troubled offseason.
"He has faced some adversity," Lewis said. "He’s learning to
deal with it. And in dealing with that, he is becoming a more mature person and
accepting responsibility for what has occurred. He gets the opportunity to
defend himself, and that will happen." Receivers coach Hue Jackson added,
"I've never had a football problem with Chris… I never anticipated it
would be, but I also never anticipated it would be the other…He's a talented
player who is working his way back into shape and he's trying to earn the
respect of his teammates by being out there every day and fit in and do his
job. That's all he can do. Chris has to learn to do the right thing in society.
Chris' problem is not on this team as a player. Chris puts himself in jeopardy
away from here. That's what's gone on. Other than that, his talent will always
show up. That's why we drafted him. I'm not in awe. It's like, 'OK, but I
expect more.' I'm not surprised by anything he does."
Besides Henry, Tab Perry and
Bennie Brazell also stole the show. Perry caught a 6-yard TD from Palmer on the
opening drive. After the TD, Perry and fellow wideouts Chad Johnson and T.J.
Houshmandzadeh drew a 15-yard penalty following their celebration. Perry stood
on the back line of the end zone and "bowled" the football toward his
three teammates, who acted like bowling pins, falling backward simulating a
"strike." "I didn't see it," head coach Marvin Lewis said,
"but from what I understand… it was pretty good, though." Brazell had
one catch where he ran 52 yards only to pull up with a cramp in his leg. He
appeared to be fine afterward giving the fans a "thumbs up” as he left the
field. HC Marvin Lewis said his injured receivers are healing well. Kelley
Washington (hamstring) and Antonio Chatman (hip) are expected to be ready soon.
Defense: It didn’t take rookie MLB
Ahmad Brooks long to make some plays in training camp. On Tuesday, August 1,
Brooks was literally a human highlight film on his own. He intercepted a pass
from Anthony Wright, then not long after that, he grabbed Quincy Wilson on a
sweep and rode him out of bounds crashing into a photographer. "I was
thinking they were going to slow down," said the AP photographer.
"But they just kept coming." Brooks continued to hustle saying
afterwards, “I'm just trying to get better. I'm trying to take my game from
college to pro practice. Hopefully, I can do it in a game. It's imperative for
me to go out there every day and compete hard. Every day, I've got to do
good." In Saturday’s practice Keiwan Ratliff intercepted two passes then
broke up several more during the mock game in the afternoon. Ratliff returned
on interception 33 yards for a score, while Patrick Body had another interception.
Ratliff is engaged in an intense battle with rookie Johnathan Joseph for the
team’s nickel back job , but the team’s other corners – Rashad Bauman, Greg
Brooks and Body - are also playing well. "Keiwan isn't giving anything up,
and Rashad didn't even have a ball thrown at him today, so he's doing something
right over there," defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan said. "Greg
Brooks is playing his butt off. And Pat Body is doing some good things. They're
all competing, and it's making us a better team." Coach Marvin Lewis is
pleased, too. "Keiwan did some good things today," Lewis said.
"We have a real battle between Keiwan and Johnathan. Rashad Bauman is
probably having his best camp, and Greg Brooks ... a great competition between
those four guys."
LB David Pollack didn’t play
Saturday night because of a hamstring injury. His injury is allowing Landon
Johnson, the team’s projected starter at WLB, to also get some work in
Pollack’s position. Johnson can play all three LB positions. As for Pollack, the
hamstring could be day-to-day or sideline him for as much as three weeks. Other
injuries of note include DT John Thornton, who is getting some rest due to a
hip contusion. DT Sam Adams has been on the PUP list as he works himself back
into football shape. Their absence has allowed backups Shaun Smith and rookie
Domata Peko to run with the starting defense.
Special Teams: In last Friday’s scrimmage, kicker Shayne Graham went
6-of-6 on field goals (27, 32, 35, 39, 42 and 46 yards). He was less perfect in
Saturday’s practice, missing wide right from 48 yards and hitting the left
upright from 36 yards. Starting punt returner WR Antonio Chatman has missed
practices and the scrimmage with a groin injury. In his absence, CB Keiwan Ratliff, WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh and CB Deltha O’Neal have handled punts.
WR/KR Tab Perry also joined in on punts during a practice. He remains the top
kickoff returner; however the backup KR role is up for grabs. RB Kenny Watson
appears to be the most likely candidate. Several rookies have also been
regularly practicing on kickoff returns: WR Bennie Brazell, WR Reggie McNeal,
and RB DeDe Dorsey.
Bengals
Depth Chart
QB Carson Palmer (inj),
Anthony Wright, Doug Johnson, Erik Meyer
RB Rudi Johnson, Chris Perry (3RB) (inj), Kenny
Watson (3RB), Quincy Wilson, DeDe Dorsey, Terrence Whitehead
FB Jeremi Johnson, Naufahu Tahi,
Chris Manderino
WR Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry, Antonio Chatman (KR), Tab Perry (KR), Kelley
Washington, Reggie McNeal (QB), Benny Brazell, Ethan Kilmer
TE Reggie Kelly, Tony Stewart, Darnell Sanders, Ronnie Ghent, David
Jones
K Shayne Graham
DE Justin
Smith, Robert Geathers, Bryan Robinson (inj),
Jonathan Fenene, Frostee Rucker, Eric Henderson
DT John
Thornton, Sam Adams, Matthias Askew, Shaun Smith, Domata Peko, Marcus
Lewis
MLB Odell Thurman (susp), Brian Simmons
(M/W), Ahmad Brooks (S), A.J. Nicholson
OLB David Pollack (S/DE) (inj), Landon
Johnson (W/M/S), Caleb Miller (W),
Marcus Wilkins, Hannibal Navies, Wyatt Gayer, Kenny Kern
CB Tory James, Deltha O'Neal (WR/PR),
Johnathan Joseph, Keiwan Ratliff (SS/PR), Rashad
Bauman, Greg Brooks, Patrick Body
S Madieu Williams (FS/CB) (inj), Dexter
Jackson (SS/FS), Kevin Kaesviharn (FS/SS),
Anthony Mitchell, Ifeanyi Ohalete (SS), John Busing, Jeremy Modkins,
Jereme Perry, Blake Ferris
QB: Charlie
Frye is tired of hearing that he has a weak arm. He recalls a particular play
where he connected with Dennis Northcutt, "I threw that ball 66 yards in the
air," Frye said, "so I don't want to hear anything about the arm
strength thing." Since the opening of camp, Frye and Northcutt have been
on the same page, especially on the deep balls. "The thing I'm happy about
is we're taking more shots down the field," Frye said. "It makes it a
lot easier when you don't have to go 14 plays, 80 yards every time." HC
Romer Crennel wanted to see his young offense get into a rhythm after
struggling a bit in camp. He had them play against the 2nd and 3rd string
defense, but it didn’t work as he had hoped. "We threw interceptions,
fumbled snaps, can't make FG's -- it's hard to win doing stuff like that,"
Crennel said. "We've got a lot of work to do and a short time to try to
get something done with it." Crennel described the offense as "sluggish".
If that’s not a bad sign, then perhaps the battle for the backup QB is shaping
up that way. Neither Ken Dorsey nor Derek Anderson have looked good in camp.
Dorsey isn’t a good practice player and, while Anderson’s arm is impressive,
his lack of mobility and inability to secure the ball don’t bode well for a No.
2 quarterback. Sean Jones and Antonio Perkins intercepted Dorsey on Tuesday,
but Crennel didn’t seem too concerned saying, "Maybe he could have made
better decisions, but I don't think it would be fair to say he's struggling."
RB: Rookie Jerome Harrison continues to draw the
attention of the coaching staff. "He's done some nice things,"
Crennel said after practice. "He's gotten everyone's attention with his
ability to make cuts and his acceleration through the hole. There are some
things that he has to work on and he's working at it. Pretty soon, the story
will be told. We'll play the games and find out." The Browns are looking
at Harrison as a third-down or change-of-pace back behind starter Reuben
Droughns. "He kind of reminds me of
some of those third down backs," said Romeo Crennel on Thursday. "We
had a player named David Meggett (former Giants and Patriots running back) who
was a third down back with explosiveness and quickness. When you see him make
some of those cuts and that acceleration, it kind of reminds you of
Meggett." If Harrison continues to play this way in the games, he could
beat veteran Lee Suggs for a job. Not taking the competition lightly, Suggs has
been on a mission in camp using his 3rd spot on the depth chart as motivation. "Anything
other than first is a disappointment," Suggs said, "but that's how
they chose to make it, and I have to go with it. I was ready for it." Suggs
would do well for himself if he could simply stay healthy. If the season began
today, he’d be the team’s third down back, unless he’s traded by then.
"I'm out to prove them wrong," Suggs said. "I hope I stay here,
but if not, maybe there will be an opportunity somewhere else."
WR: The
Browns didn’t sign Joe Jurevicius during the off-season because of his blinding
speed. They signed him because they needed a red zone presence at the position
and they weren’t sure how quickly Braylon Edwards would return from his torn
ACL suffered during his rookie season. Jurevicius probably has the best hands
on the team and it doesn’t hurt that he’s 6’5” inches tall. "I
kind of look at myself as a security blanket," Jurevicius said. "I
don't like being the guy that's out there in the spotlight." Jurevicius
knows it’s only a matter of time before Edwards returns to full health and
claims the No. 1 job. Meanwhile, rookie
Travis Wilson is catching up to the rest of the group after missing the
beginning of camp. He had an excellent day of practice on Friday, catching
Romeo Crennel’s eye. "One day is
not going to do it for him, but I was encouraged by what I saw today,"
said the head coach. “He’s working and trying to impress us... If he continues
to run correct routes and block the correct people, then, he can make some
progress.” Crennel continued on Wilson pointing to a couple particular plays he
made that got his attention. “I saw the one where he jumped over the (defensive
back) and took the ball away from him. I thought it was a good play on his part
and he made another good catch at practice. I talk about opportunity and he had
some opportunities today. At the beginning when we had the team together, most
of the young guys were on the field. They were trying to take advantage of the
opportunities that were given and I think Travis did. He showed some of the
things he did in college as far as going up for the ball and taking it away
from guys. I was glad to see him step up and make some plays," Crennel
said.
TE: What Kellen Winslow lacks in common sense; he makes
up for with confidence, or is it hubris? He commented last week that he
probably will never be 100% again after sustaining a severe knee injury last
year in his infamous motorcycle escapade, but he didn’t stop there. “I hate to be brash but I
think my 90 percent is better than every tight end out there…It's all hype
right now,'' he said. “We have to get on the field and do what we do best.
Right now it's just all hype. I'm sick of talking about what I'm going to do.
It's time to just get on the field and do it.'' One of the best ongoing battles
in camp has been between Winslow and rookie linebacker Leon Williams, who know
each other from their days at the University of Miami. "We're just
battling," Williams said. "Pushing off, holding, whatever, playing
dirty, whatever it is. We just try to get the job done." Winslow's
feistiness is no surprise to Williams. "Kellen never changes,"
Williams said. "I love that about him. He's going to be that same guy
every day out here." Williams is a fourth round draft pick who is
currently backing up Andra Davis, but he ran with the first team last Tuesday
as Davis was temporarily moved to the other inside spot. Fellow rookie and
second round pick D'Qwell Jackson and Chaun Thompson are competing for the starting
job next to Davis, but Williams, who didn’t start at Miami, is playing well.
"Eventually," Winslow said, "I think he'll be (starting), most
definitely." Backup tight end Darnell Dinkins was sidelined during
Friday’s practice with an ankle injury.
Defense: Corner
Daylon McCutcheon and right offensive tackle Ryan Tucker both opted to undergo
knee surgery to fix some ongoing problems they are having so they (hopefully)
can be ready in time for the season opener. Corner Antonio Perkins missed
Friday’s practice with a hamstring injury. Another corner DeMario Minter never
made it to the practice field in camp because of a knee injury. With the injuries at corner
stacking up Jeremy Perry is getting a chance to make an impression. "It's
like going through a tunnel with no lights," said the aspiring Perry.
"You just keep going forward... Injuries and stuff always give you an
opportunity. I know I'm at the bottom of the cornerbacks, so I'm just trying to
prove myself." Meanwhile, first round pick LB Kamerion Wimbly expects to make an
immediate impact with the team as a pass rusher. "I'm getting more
comfortable every day," Wimbley said. "The confidence is getting
there. I'm starting to react without thinking. Each day gets easier."
Other: Having already lost LeCharles Bentley the Browns
were dealt a crushing blow when replacement center Bob Hallen left the team for
medical and personal reasons. He is expected to be lost for the season; leaving
the Browns to scramble by acquiring Ross Tucker from
Special
Teams: Kicker Phil Dawson has been working with long snapper
Ryan Pontbriand and holder P Dave Zastudil.
Browns Depth Chart
QB Charlie Frye, Ken
Dorsey, Derek Anderson, Darrell Hackney
RB Reuben Droughns, William Green, Lee Suggs (3RB), Jerome Harrison (3RB), Chris
Barclay
FB Terrelle Smith, Corey McIntyre,
Lawrence Vickers
WR Braylon Edwards (inj), Joe Jurevicius,
Dennis Northcutt (PR), Frisman Jackson, Travis
Wilson, Joshua Cribbs (WR/RB), Brandon Rideau, Carlton Brewster, Brent
Little, Glenn Holt
TE Kellen
Winslow Jr, Steve Heiden, Darnell Dinkins,
Paul Irons
K Phil Dawson, Jeff Chandler
DE Orpheus Roye, Alvin McKinley, Nick Eason, Simon Fraser
NT Ted
Washington, Ethan Kelley, Babatunde Oshinowo, Ja'Waren Blair
ILB Andra Davis (L), DQwell Jackson (R), Chaun Thompson (R), Leon Williams (L), Mason Unck
OLB Willie McGinest (S/DE), Kamerion Wimbley (S/DE), Matt Stewart (S), David
McMillan (W), Nick Speegle (S), Charlton Keith
CB Daylon
McCutcheon (inj), Gary Baxter, Leigh
Bodden, Antonio Perkins (inj), Pete Hunter, DeMario Minter (inj),
DeMarcus Rideaux, Ralph Brown
S Brian Russell (FS), Brodney Pool (FS), Sean Jones (SS), Antwaan Harris,
Justin Hamilton (SS)
QB: The
Cowboys held their first intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday. Unofficially, Drew
Bledsoe finished 12-of-17 leading the team to field goals. Tony Romo completed
9-of-18 passes leading the offense to three scores – two touchdowns and a field
goal. Romo threw a touchdown to receiver J.R. Tolver. "It was good to get
out there and move the ball," Romo said. "And it's always encouraging
when you do it against the first unit, too, as the No. 2 (unit). So I think
we're showing progress here and we'll take it into next week." Third
stringer Drew Henson completed 12-of-17 passes and led the team to two
touchdowns, including a 11-yard strike to rookie
Skyler Green. He also led the third team offense on a touchdown drive capped by
FB Lousaka Polite’s 4-yard plunge. "We moved the ball, we scored a couple
times when my group was in there," said Henson, who struggled in practice
earlier this week. "We kicked a bunch of field goals and scored a few
touchdowns as an offense. So I think as tough as it's been on us the last three
or four days in practice, today we were able to move the ball a little bit and
make a few more plays than we had this week." Overall, the offense scored
on seven out of nine 10-play series. Henson’s play even drew a pat on the rear from
HC Bill Parcells, a gesture that’s not easily earned. "That's a big
compliment," Henson said. On Romo, Parcells, said, “I’ve got to decide
where he is…I think he is ready to play a lot. I see a guy that’s pretty smart.
It looks like in practice he’s making less and less mistakes. It’s time to go
forward.” During the Saturday scrimmage, there were still far too many dropped
passes. Receivers Terry Glenn, Patrick Crayton, tight end Anthony Fasano and
running backs Keylon Kincade and Tyson Thompson all came up empty handed at
times.
RB: Julius Jones had trouble finding room to run in the
scrimmage Saturday, but the same can’t be said for Marion Barber, who ran very
well with the second-team offense. Barber broke off a few nice runs, including
two that ended with collisions involving free safety Keith Davis. After running
20 yards down the right sideline, Barber was blasted by
WR: During
one practice last week, the entire offense was out of synch. Terrell Owens
short-armed a pass then missed another ball over the middle as two defenders
closing in on him. Patrick Crayton made a catch a few plays later, which
prompted a fan to jeer, "Patrick, show T.O. how to catch the ball."
Owens was sidelined for a couple of days with a balmy hamstring. An MRI taken on
Saturday revealed no structural damage. "I'm not worried at all,"
said Owens, who has never had a hamstring problem before. "I know it'll
get well. I know my body responds very quickly to treatment." Owens missed
three days of practice in a row. Also in Saturday’s scrimmage, rookie Sam Hurd
had a 31-yard over-the-shoulder catch that was the play of the day. Hurd also
had a 26-yard reception. “If you look at
his size, he has great hands,” Owens said. “He’s been making some plays
throughout camp. The upside and potential is there.” An undrafted rookie from
TE: Having one of the league’s best young tight ends
didn’t prevent the Cowboys from bolstering their lot on draft day. They added
Anthony Fasano, out of Notre Dame, in the second round. Fasano has drawn
numerous comparisons to a former favorite of Parcells, Mark Bavaro. The move
signaled that Parcells plans to use more two TE sets this year. Parcells also
felt that Fasano had a good chance to make an immediate impact having been
coached by Charlie Weis in college. "My
expectations are that it should be a quick transition," Parcells said.
"He made a couple of mental errors yesterday (Monday). You know, we're
getting into that information overload time of camp, particularly for the young
players, but I expect him to make a quick transition to pro football. You
couldn't ask for a situation that's better for him. He's playing the same exact
position for the Cowboys that he played for Notre Dame. I'd say it's 90 percent
the exact same terminology. I couldn't see how it could get to be an easier
transition. ... I do think, of all the rookies, he should make the quickest
transition." Parcells said Fasano is a complete player that can block, run
and catch. The Cowboys waived injured Brett Pierce, but they plan to place him
on injured reserve once he clears waivers. Last, but not least, backup tight
end Tony Curtis had a 27-yard catch during Saturday’s scrimmage.
Defense: The
Cowboys didn’t want to play with fire and allow Roy Williams to enter free
agency following this year. They agreed to terms with Williams on a four-year
extension reportedly worth $25.2 million with $11.1 million guaranteed. In
Saturday’s scrimmage, the offense fared much better, but the defense did manage
to record seven sacks. Rookie linebacker Bobby Carpenter and defensive end
Chris Canty had two sacks each, while Greg Ellis, linebacker DeMarcus Ware and
former
Special
Teams: The most accurate kicker in NFL history has missed
quite a few FGs in practice recently. Mike Vanderjagt is not pleased, "I'm
a perfectionist. I don't think missed field goals are acceptable, regardless of
the situation. Whether it was a good hold or not, or if it's
in a game or practice. If I put a good foot on it, I think it should go
in.” The cause of the problem could be backup QB Tony Romo, who is also the
holder. Vanderjagt responded to that idea, "We're in a transition, and
because (Romo) is a quarterback, he doesn't have much time for me." During
one practice that Vanderjagt missed, kickers Shaun Suisham and Tyler
Fredrickson went a combined 2-of-8. On the topic of kickoffs, Vanderjagt noted,
"Yeah, I have not kicked off in a long time. I think I'll probably do some
of that next week. I really don't think it's a problem at all. I'm going to do
it the best that I can. If it's not what they want, then they'll get someone
else." HC Bill Parcells noted,
"If I use him as kickoff guy then there's no impact on the roster. So
that's why I want to use him. Ideally, I'd like them inside the five with a
nice four-plus hang time. You're going to get pretty good coverage if you have
that. But the bottom line in this business is what you're forced to settle for
usually.” The recently acquired PK/P Frederickson could be a possible kickoff
specialist. Rookie WR Skyler Green, CB Terence Newman, and WR Jamaica Rector
have been practicing punt returns.
Cowboys Depth Chart
QB Drew Bledsoe, Tony
Romo, Drew Henson, Matt Baker
RB Julius Jones, Marion Barber III (3RB), Tyson Thompson (KR),
Demetrius Summers
FB Lousaka
Polite (HB/TE)
WR Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn, Patrick Crayton (PR), Terrance Copper, Skyler Green,
Jamaica Rector
TE Jason Witten, Anthony Fasano, Ryan Hannam, Sean Ryan
K Mike
Vanderjagt, Tyler Fredrickson
DE Kenyon Coleman, Marcus Spears, Chris Canty, Jay Ratliff, Jason
Hatcher, Junior Glymph, Jason Davis
NT Jason
Ferguson, Montavious Stanley, Samuel
Taulealea
ILB Bradie James (M), Akinola
Ayodele (S), Scott Shanle (J), Ryan
Fowler, John Aldi
OLB Demarcus Ware (W), Al Singleton, Bobby Carpenter, Kevin Burnett (S), Greg
Ellis (DE), Rocky Boiman (inj)
CB Terance Newman, Anthony Henry, Aaron Glenn, Jacques Reeves, Quincy Butler
S Roy
Williams (SS), Keith Davis (FS), Marcus
Coleman (FS/CB), Pat Watkins (FS), Willie Pile (FS), Justin Beriault
(SS)
QB: Jake
Plummer said he hopes to throw for more touchdowns than a year ago (18), but he
wasn’t sure he could do so without throwing more interceptions (7). With all
due respect, Jay Cutler is the player everyone is watching. Cutler has shown
good athleticism throughout camp scrambling for first downs and generally
throwing the ball well. He’s struggled at times like any rookie quarterback,
but he’s happy with his progress. “I feel pretty good. We have been doing some
two-minute stuff, which is a little different. We’ve been putting some
combinations and stuff together when we are out there by ourselves. Other than
that, seven-on-seven and the running game, everything’s been pretty good so
far.” Mike Shanahan seems to agree when asked about Cutler, “He’s very sharp.
He picks things up quickly and it’s not his first week. This is the fourth time
he’s been through it. He picks it up as quickly as anyone. He’s very, very
sharp, very accustomed to the passing game and very impressive to where he is
at this time.” When Cutler was asked about his grasp of the offense, he
answered, “I feel really good about it right now. The only problem right now is
just the two-minute drills because we have to put stuff together out there on
our own. When we are in team and in seven-on-seven and on our run plays and
things, I feel fine.” Bradlee Van Pelt is in danger of losing his job,
especially if Shanahan decides to keep only two quarterbacks as he’s done in
the past. Cutler is working more and more with the second team offense at Van
Pelt’s expense.
RB: In the surprise move of the NFL preseason, Mike
Shanahan promoted rookie undrafted free agent Mike Bell to the first team.
Tatum bell is running with the second team while Ron Dayne is now listed 3rd
despite opening camp as the starter. "I think all of our guys are
able to carry the whole load," HC Shanahan said. "You just have to
evaluate who you think is the most effective for your team." "Mike's
having a heck of a camp," Shanahan said. "He really has stepped up
and been very impressive." Shanahan told the press not to read too much
into the depth chart shuffling, and acknowledged that either Dayne or Tatum
Bell could exit camp as the starter. "I've been very pleased with Tatum,
he's had his best camp he's had this year, and Tatum could win the job before
the season starts," he said. "So far Mike deserves a chance to start
at that position and that's why he's got it."
Tatum
Bell openly expressed frustration over Mike Bell’s promotion. Broncos elevated
undrafted rookie free agent Mike Bell from third string to the starting running
back position this past weekend, ahead of
Cedric
Cobbs has not been consistent, but he had a great day on Saturday. He ran the
ball well up the middle getting to the second level of the defense – even
knocking Hamza Abdullah on his backside one play. The team cut Marty Johnson last week, then
claimed Rashaun Woods off waivers, only to waive him when he failed the
physical. After all that, they signed Damien Nash, who was waived by
WR: Rod
Smith suffered a “minor” hamstring injury on Wednesday, July 26th during
morning practice. Smith broke across the middle on a deep cross pattern, but
Plummer threw the ball to the outside as if Smith was running a corner (route).
Mike Shanahan talked about it after the practice. "Rod Smith is smart to
know that with a hamstring, there is nothing you can do about it except rest
it, and we might have to get him an extra day. Instead of being two days up, it
might have to be three. I really don't know how bad it is," said Shanahan.
A Broncos trainer said “it was just a tweak, but it could be a little more
serious than that. I don't think it will be too long, knowing Rod." While
Smith missed Friday’s workout, Javon Walker returned to action. Darius Watts
continues to shine at times only to drop a couple passes at other times.
Nothing new there. David Terrell has been playing well of late. “He is doing
better. He is one of those guys who just needs to be more consistent with
everything he does. Today he had a great day. He caught everything near him and
I told him that that is what you have to do every day. That is what we expect
and regardless of wherever he has been or whatever he has done, you have got to
respect that. It is tough as a receiver. You are running, and even when you are
not in the play, sometimes you have to run 40 yards as hard as you can and then
you have to come back to the huddle and do it again. So those guys are tired,
but there is no excuse for losing concentration, busting a play, or dropping a
ball. That is where the mental toughness has got to come in," Shanahan
said.
David
Kircus is having a good camp, but he has dropped too many balls, too. Kircus
can run like a deer and his hands have improved during camp, but he’s still a
long shot to stick with the team. Rookie Brandon Marshall is showing his unique
skills. His vertical jump is astounding and once he refines his technique and
adopts to the pro level, he could be special. Another player making plays is
Brian Clark. He’s shown some flashes and made a great catch from Cutler in
Saturday’s practice. There are reports that
TE: It’s still early but the team seems content
replacing Jeb Putzier with rookie Tony Scheffler and holdover Nate Jackson.
Scheffler is a better than advertised blocker, but it will take time before
he’s up to speed in that area as a rookie. His hands are one of the biggest
reasons the team drafted him. Nate Jackson missed several workouts with a
sprained ankle giving Scheffler more playing time and an inside track on the
pass-catching role vacated by Putzier. Scheffler is adjusting well to badly
thrown balls often making tough catches look easy.
Defense: The
Broncos lost defensive tackle Gerard Warren over the weekend for two to four
weeks with a dislocated left big toe.
Special
Teams: Kicker Jason
Broncos Depth Chart
QB Jake Plummer, Jay
Cutler, Bradlee Van Pelt
RB Mike Bell, Tatum Bell, Ron Dayne, Cedric Cobbs, Damien Nash
FB Cecil Sapp, Kyle Johnson, Rashon Powers-Neal
WR Rod Smith, Javon Walker (inj),
Ashley Lelie, Darius Watts, Brandon Marshall, David
Terrell, Charlie Adams, Todd Devoe, Domenik Hixon, Brian Clark
TE Stephen Alexander, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson, Chad Mustard, Landon
Trusty (IR)
K Jason Elam
DE Courtney Brown (inj), Ebenezer Ekuban, John Engelberger, Kenard Lang, Elvis Dumervil, Randy
Garner
DT Gerard
Warren, Michael Myers, Demetrin Veal,
D.J. Renteria, Amon Gordon, Antwon Burton, Bryan Save
MLB Al Wilson, Nate Webster, Keith Burns
OLB Ian Gold (W), D.J. Williams
(S), Raymond Wells, Louis Green (W), Patrick
Chukwurah, Cameron Vaughn, Kevin Harrison, T.J. Hollowell (inj)
CB Champ Bailey, Darrent Williams (PR), Dominique Foxworth, Karl Paymah, Roc Alexander (KR),
Willie Middlebrooks
S John Lynch (FS), Nick Ferguson (SS), Sam Brandon (FS), Curome Cox, Hamza Abdullah, Tyler
Everett
QB: Head
coach Rod Marinelli began camp with Josh McCown as his No. 2 quarterback, but
in the past two weeks second-year quarterback Dan Orlovsky has emerged to make
it a competition. Orlovsky earned some snaps with the second team and Marinelli
was asked if he has a shot at the backup job. "He's got a chance," Marinelli said. "He's doing a good
job of competing, a very good job." Marinelli insisted that the job is not
settled. "Maybe I should say it again," Marinelli said Thursday.
"Two and three are still competing." Orlovsky is always around. "I
just think the guy really loves football -- a gym rat," said Marinelli.
"He's always around here, hanging out, watching tape." Keep an eye on
Orlovsky in dynasty leagues, he could emerge in the long run as a “player of
interest”.
RB: Kevin Jones was limited in practices this past
week with a quad contusion. He was held out of goal-line drills on Friday.
Another player who is creating a stir is rookie Brian Calhoun, the Lions third
round draft choice. Calhoun’s versatility has Marinelli and offensive genius
Mike Martz thinking of many ways they could use him. Marinelli offered up these
comments on Calhoun: “He does a lot of little things – he can catch the ball;
you move him outside and he catches the ball; he runs with it. He’s good, we
just have to get guys into preseason games and see how they react.” On whether
the Lions might use him immediately or develop him for down the road, Marinelli
said, “I want to see how far he is. Let’s see how he performs in games and see
what he does under pressure; how well he picks up blitzes; all those things –
protection schemes – that’s important. Anytime a guy is up there, you hold
somebody else’s career in your hands with protections and all those things. So
we’ve got to prove that we can take care of all of those details.” Basically,
Calhoun’s chances for extended playing time this year lie squarely on his
ability to pass protect, one of the most difficult transitions most college backs
have to make as a pro.
WR: At
Saturday’s practice (open to the public), it became apparent that Roy Williams
is the most popular Lion. He received quite a roar after several plays. He made
three outstanding catches, one which he stretched out in the end zone to snare. "Pretty good catches," Williams
said, judging his performance. "I should have had more, but Dre' (Bly)
sticks his hand in there and knocks them out." Mike Williams couldn’t get
off the field last Tuesday, while Charles Rogers couldn’t get on the field on
Wednesday. The Lions staff challenged Williams to go several plays in a row, in
pads, in the stifling heat as they worked outside. On Wednesday, they were not
in pads, but
The Lions gave Drummond a four-year deal worth $6
million with $2 million guaranteed. One of the reasons he returned to
TE: In what might be a surprise, Casey Fitzsimmons began
camp as the Lions starting tight end. In the second week of training camp,
Fitzsimmons remained atop the depth chart. For his part, Marcus Pollard offered
up his praise, too. “With years you gain more experience and you get
comfortable in your abilities and what you're comfortable doing," Pollard
said. "I think Casey's right there now. He's excited about getting an
opportunity to play, with the potential to make a lot of plays in this offense.
I think it's driving him. A lot of us are still making our errors, but Casey,
he's just a rock. He's a smart guy, very confident in his abilities, and the
coaches see the same thing. When you’ve got those two things going, you're
going to get a lot of playing time and going to get a lot of balls."
Fitzsimmons is taking it in stride. "I knew coming into camp that I'd be
running with the ones.” Tight ends coach Pat Carter is working with Fitzsimmons
on his footwork and hand placement to improve his blocking. Indeed, Mike
Martz’s offense has everyone excited. "I love it," he said. "You
really keep the defense on edge. They show their hand a little bit sooner too
because they can't really be moving around because you have them on edge. It
gives us an advantage in the passing game and in the run game."
Defense: It
didn’t take long for LB Ernie Sims to make his presence felt. On one of his
first plays in camp, Sims bolted across the field in pursuit of Brian Calhoun
and clubbed the rookie across the shoulder pads with his right forearm. "It always feels real good to get a
lick in," Sims said. "I couldn't really explode on him like I really
wanted to. To get a little forearm in on him, it felt good." Sims also had
an interception towards the end of the session. It was a good start for his
first practice. Sims is expected to start at WLB, but the team isn’t going to
just give him the starting job. The same goes for second round pick FS Daniel
Bullocks, who will have to surpass Terrence Holt to start. "I want them to
earn it," said head coach Rod Marinelli. "And that's important after
everything I've said, let's just let them come in and see how well they do and
earn the spots because the guy in front of him might be playing better, who
knows. We want to play the best Lions, or they may have a great opportunity to
get into the rotation. It might be that we have a chance to rotate a guy in
(for) a series to be fresh. Once these guys go in - sometimes when you have a
first round pick, you just hand it to them and he never understands what it
takes to earn a job." Defensive tackle Shaun Rogers scared the team when
he slumped to the ground last week with an injured shoulder, but a MRI revealed
only a mild separation of his left shoulder. He is considered week-by-week.
Rookie LB Anthony Cannon is day-to-day with an injured finger. Corner Fernando
Bryant is day-to-day with a hamstring injury. The Lions signed DT Lynn
McGruder, a former Buc, on Friday, August 4.
Special
Teams: WR/KR/PR Eddie Drummond has a few camp aches and
pains (groin pull), and missed last weekend’s scrimmage. There is speculation
that he might see a little more work on offense this year, and consequently a
little less on returns, kickoffs in particular. Drummond recalls his first
meeting with new OC Mike Martz, “He didn’t B.S. me at all. He told me
man-to-man, ‘I’m used to players like you, your size, your speed, how you move
around. I’m going to give you an opportunity to play receiver. You’ve just got
to prove it to me.” He also noted, "I'll still be there [on returns], but
there might be times they shift me in and out. I still want to do punt returns.
I think receiving will help me with my special teams because last year, I was
always on the sideline cooling off, just waiting for punts or kickoffs. You get
over there and get cold. This will help me." The most likely candidate to
spell him on returns is rookie RB Brian
Calhoun. Two more remote possibilities are undrafted rookie WRs Shaun
Bodiford and Devale Ellis. Special teams coach Chuck Priefer commented on their
chances, "If they return a couple for touchdowns in preseason, what are
you going to do? Remember a guy named Andre Coleman? He was 169 pounds and
scored six touchdowns in three years. These kids are lightning fast. I agree
they're long shots, but that's why you play."
Others: Five days into training camp, injuries are already
taking their toll. OT Rex Tucker, starting on the right side, crumpled to the
ground and clutched his left knee during Tuesday afternoon's practice. He was
carted off. Team officials said he suffered a knee sprain and would undergo an
MRI, but the team says he’s “week to week.” The Lions waived offensive tackle
Courtney Van Buren last Thursday. He was signed to compete for playing time at
right tackle after sitting out the 2005 season. Meanwhile, OG Damien Woody left
practice Friday, Aug. 4, because of a hand injury and could be out for two
weeks. Backup TE Dan Campbell, LB Teddy Lehman, and backup WR Scottie Vines
remain on the PUP list.
Lions Depth Chart
QB Jon Kitna, Josh McCown, Dan Orlovsky, Joel Klatt
RB Kevin Jones, Brian Calhoun (3RB/KR), Arlen Harris, Artose Pinner
FB Shawn Bryson (3RB), Cory Schlesinger,
Matt Bernstein
WR Roy Williams, Corey Bradford, Mike Furrey, Glenn Martinez, Charles Rogers, Mike
Williams, Eddie Drummond (KR/PR), Scottie Vines, DeVale Ellis, Brett
Fischer, Shaun Bodiford
TE Marcus Pollard, Casey Fitzsimmons,
Dan Campbell, Sean McHugh, Cole Downer
K Jason Hanson, Matt Prater
DE James Hall, Kalimba Edwards, Cory Redding, Jared DeVries, Bill Swancutt, Claude
Harriott, Val Barnaby
DT Shaun
Rogers, Shaun Cody, Marcus Bell, Tyoka
Jackson, Damian Gregory, Cleveland Pinckney, Lynn McGruder
MLB Boss Bailey, Levar Woods, Matt
Grootegoed
OLB Ernie
Sims (W), Ted Lehman (S) (inj), James Davis (W), Alex
Lewis (W/S), Paris Lenon (S), Donte' Curry (S), Anthony Cannon (S),
James Hargrave
CB Dre' Bly, Fernando Bryant, Keith Smith, Stanley Wilson, Jamar Fletcher, Alton McCann,
LaMarcus Hicks, Antonio Malone
S Kenoy Kennedy (SS), Terrence Holt (FS), Daniel Bullocks (FS), Jon McGraw (FS), Idrees
Bashir (FS), Vernon Fox, Harrison Smith, Marcus Demps
QB: Brett
Favre strained his right calf during evening practice on Tuesday, July 25th.
The injury was never considered serious. HC Mike McCarthy downplayed it as well. “He just got banged in
the back of his leg,” McCarthy said. “It was during the blitz drill. We’ll see
him in the morning. We only have one practice tomorrow so I think we’re OK.”
Favre made several nice plays during the week and second year quarterback Aaron
Rodgers also has shown great improvement compared to last year. In a two-minute
drill during the team’s recent scrimmage, Favre led the team on a 75-yard
touchdown drive that culminated in a 4-yard TD to Donald Driver. It was Favre
and Driver who connected on a 48-yard pass just three plays earlier. Favre went
3-of-4 for 64 yards and connected with rookie Greg Jennings for a two-point
conversion. Rodgers looked solid playing with the second team completing 6-of-8
for 27 yards, but he was also intercepted by Marviel Underwood during the
two-minute drill.
RB: In Saturday’s scrimmage the Packers running game
seemed to struggle a bit, but not according to Mike McCarthy. "Running the
football is a commitment, running the football is a four-quarter journey,"
McCarthy said. "It's not very often you come out in this league ripping
people with the run game," he added. “I didn't look at it like the run
game struggled, and we had the run at the end there that [starting RB] Samkon
[Gado] scored on…The biggest thing running the football is you don't want
negative runs…I thought we got off to a solid start." Indeed, Samkon Gado
scored from 10 yards out to cap one drive, but he was stuffed on 4th and 1 on
another. Ahman Green remains a couple weeks from returning to the field while
backup Najeh Davenport was sidelined again, this time with a calf injury. Noah
Herron continues to play well in practice and in Saturday’s scrimmage.
WR: For
Robert Ferguson, this year truly is a “make or break” year. "It's my sixth year. I think it's just
time for me to go out and show what I'm capable of,"
TE: Bubba Franks missed several practice sessions this
week due to what HC Mike McCarthy called “camp swelling.” The injury isn’t
considered serious and he’s expected back at practice in a day or two.
Defense: A.J. Hawk didn’t make a big splash in the
team’s scrimmage Saturday night, but nobody is concerned. Hawk said he’s just
adjusting to the pro game, "It's something that's pretty new so it takes a
little longer to get comfortable with it," Hawk said. "I'm learning
every day. Watching the older guys. Just listening to my coaches." In
Friday’s practice, corner Charles Woodson suffered a minor hip injury and left
practice. In an earlier practice, Favre was nearly intercepted by Woodson when
he overthrew William Henderson on a short pass. During 11-on-11 drills, Mike
Hawkins dropped what would have been a nice interception over the middle on a
bullet thrown by Favre. Overall, the defensive backs have struggled in the
1-on-1 drills with everyone sharing the limelight getting burned at least once.
Nick Barnett was the lone linebacker in the Packers dime package that featured
Aaron Kampman, Cullen Jenkins, Corey Williams and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila in the
front four. The extra corners were Ahmad Carroll and Jason Horton. Rookie
linebacker Abdul Hodge served as the linebacker in the second string dime
defense.
Special Teams: The
Packers ended last weekend’s scrimmage with each kicker attempting five field
goals. Each missed twice, Billy Cundiff from 39 and 52 yards and Dave Rayner
from 39 and 49 yards. Overall they’ve looked okay in practice, with Cundiff
still holding a slight edge. But neither one has been especially Longwellesque,
so the Packers are keeping their options open. Free agent kicker Paul Edinger
was in for a workout last week, although was not signed. Quite a few different
players have practiced on returns, including CB Ahmad Carroll, RB Najeh Davenport, RB Samkon Gado, WR
Robert Ferguson, rookie WR Greg Jennings, rookie WR Cory Rodgers, and even WR Donald
Driver. The one that is getting the most hype is CB Charles Woodson on punt
returns. HC Mike McCarthy said, "If he's your lead punt returner, you
expect him to be a weapon. He's a very talented football player and always has
been. He's an exciting player when the ball's in his hands. So, that's the way
we're going to get him the football." Special teams coordinator Mike Stock
adds, "I think he can do it well. And, I think these 10 other guys (on the
return team) will be happy about it, too, if that happens that way.” Woodson
himself however thinks it will play out differently, “When the season comes [Greg]
Packers Depth Chart
QB Brett Favre, Aaron
Rodgers, Ingle Martin
RB Ahman Green (inj), Najeh Davenport, Samkon Gado,
Noah Herron (FB), Arliss Beach, Shermar Bracey
FB William Henderson, Vonta Leach,
A.J. Cooper (TE), Ben Brown
WR Donald Driver, Robert Ferguson, Greg Jennings, Rod Gardner, Marc Boerigter, Cory Rogers,
Will Blackmon (KR/PR) (inj), Chad Lucas, Leo Bookman, Vince Butler, Calvin
Russell, Chris Francies
TE Bubba Franks, David Martin, Donald Lee, Zac Alcorn, Tory Humphrey
K Billy Cundiff, Dave Rayner
DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Aaron Kampman, Mike Montgomery, Kenny
Peterson, Corey Williams, Dave Tollefson, Jason Hunter, Montez Murphy
DT Ryan Pickett (NT), Cullen Jenkins, Kenderick Allen, Colin Cole (NT), Johnny Jolly,
Jerome Nichols
MLB Nick Barnett, Abdul Hodge
OLB A.J.
Hawk (W), Ben Taylor (S/W), Roy Manning (S/M),
Brady Poppinga (S), Tracy White (S), Kurt Campbell, Tim Goodwell, Kevin
Schimmelmann
CB Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Ahmad Carroll, Michael Hawkins, Jason Horton,
Patrick Dendy, Jerron Wishom
S Nick Collins (FS), Marquand Manuel
(SS), Marviel Underwood (SS), Tyrone
Culver (FS), Jeremy Thornburg, Tra Boger, Atari Bigby
QB: One of the biggest differences under Gary
Kubiak’s watch is that QB David Carr is being held accountable. He’s just one
of the guys now as opposed to being treated differently by the previous regime
for fear of breaking his confidence. Previously, Carr says he never knew where
stood with Capers’ staff. That’s no longer the case with Kubiak. "The
truth is nice," Carr said. "It doesn't feel good at first, because
the first six days of OTAs, he was on me every time we got together for a team
meeting. It kind of bites you. But at the same time, you know it's going to
make you better." So far, Kubiak and offensive coordinator Troy Calhoun are
happy with Carr’s progress picking up the system.
RB: Kubiak has made it perfectly clear to the team’s
running backs; he wants a running back with quick feet, good vision and the
ability to make one cut and go. "We preach a one-cut philosophy,"
Kubiak said. "We tell (our running backs) you get one cut and no more.
That's it. We don't want to wiggle. We want to go downhill and try and make a
play." How does this affect the Texans’ RBs? It means that second-year RB
Vernand Morency must be more disciplined. With Domanick Davis out for most of
the past week with a sore knee, the team split the reps amongst Morency,
veteran Antowain Smith and rookie Wali Lundy.
WR: Andre
Johnson continues to make strides and looks as good as ever in camp. The
addition of veteran Eric Moulds is helping everyone including Kevin Walter, who
signed with the Texans after playing for the Bengals for three years. Walter is
having a great camp. Barring an injury or surprise, he should be the team’s No.
3 receiver behind Johnson and Moulds. Receivers coach Kyle Shanahan said Walter will
have a prominent role in the Texans’ offense. “He's a consistent receiver who
can make every catch," said Shanahan. "He's talented enough to
separate and he can beat man coverage. He's also as tough as anyone."
TE: After three years or heartbreaking injuries, Texans
tight end Benny Joppru is healthy and making plays in training camp. The former
Michigan Wolverine has excellent hands, but he’s been on injured reserve
essentially since he was drafted in the second round a few years back. On
Saturday, Joppru made a finger tip grab prompting some kudos from his
quarterback. Carr said, “Jopp’s going to be a good player. Talk about a guy
with a chip on his shoulder.” If he stays healthy, you might be looking at the
best tight end on the Texans roster. Keep that in mind as you watch the Texans
preseason games. Ben Steele fractured his leg during Tuesday morning's practice
last week and will miss the entire season.
Defense: Rookie
DeMeco Ryans worked with the first team defense during most of Saturday’s
practice. He seems to be emerging as the team’s starter at MLB ahead of veteran
Sam Cowart. “I’m still working on it,”
Ryans said. “It’s kind of difficult at times because there is a lot going on.
Each day, I try to get better with one call here and there. By the end, I
should have it all down. I don’t take it all in at one time because it’s just
too much to memorize at a fast pace.” DT Travis Johnson reported to camp in
better shape than a year ago. Of the lighter Johnson, Kubiak said Friday:
"I was very impressed. Travis can be a dominant football player. He was in
college and at times he was here. But it's about consistency and doing it all
the time. We just told him we don't want to wait anymore." On Saturday,
both starting corners Dunta Robinson (ankle) and Phillip Buchanon (hamstring)
sat out of practice. Chris McKenzie hurt his shoulder and the team placed him
on injured reserve along with LB Wali Rainer (broken ankle). CB DeMarcus Faggins broke his foot and will be
out a minimum of 6-to-10 weeks. The Texans signed free agent cornerbacks Kevin
Garrett and Earthwind Moreland last week to help offset the depth issues at
corner.
Special
Teams: Kicker Kris Brown discussed his preseason goals,
"It's just a matter of getting my leg in shape, getting ready to endure a
16-game season. I'm getting the work in during camp to get myself prepared for
the season, but at the same time I'm not doing too much so that my leg is not
shocked before the season even starts." Special teams coordinator Joe
Marciano discussed the teams’ goal for Brown for the regular season, "We
want to get Kris in at least six times a game. It's been documented if the
kicker gets on the field six times a game, you are going to win. If we're not
using him, we're not scoring. The kicker is the leading scorer of every
team." HC Gary Kubiak discussed the time frame for the return of WR/KR Jerome Mathis, “I don’t think
you’re going to see Jerome any time soon. I think Jerome is going to be a
decision from a PUP (physically unable to perform) standpoint, it could be
about week five or week six before a decision is made about him as far as
coming back this year. He has a ways to go.” The two leading candidates to
return punts, CBs Phillip Buchanon and Dunta Robinson, both missed time last
week with minor injuries. WR Derrick Lewis, RB Wali Lundy, RB Chris Taylor, WR
Kendrick Starling, and WR Jake Schifino have all been working on kickoff
returns.
Texans Depth Chart
QB David Carr, Sage
Rosenfels, Cody Pickett
RB Domanick Davis (inj), Antowain Smith, Vernand Morency, Wali Lundy, Chris
Taylor, Damien Rhodes
FB Jameel Cook, Quadtrine
Hill, Nick Luchey
WR Andre Johnson, Eric Moulds, Kevin Walter, Derick Armstrong, Jerome Mathis
(PR/KR) (inj), Derrick Lewis, David Anderson, Nick Narcisse, Jake Schifino,
Richie Ross
TE Mark
Bruener, Jeb Putzier, Benny Joppru, Owen Daniels, Patrick Hape, Scott
Weaver, Ben Steele (IR)
K Kris Brown
DT Anthony Weaver, Robaire Smith, Seth Payne, Travis Johnson (inj), Alfred Malone
DE Mario
Williams, Jason Babin, Antwan Peek, Jeff
Charleston, Phillip Alexander
MLB DeMeco Ryans, Sam Cowart, DaShon Polk, Dave Moretti
OLB Kailee Wong (inj), Morlon Greenwood, Shantee Orr, Barrett Green, Charlie Anderson
(inj), Kenneth Petway, Saleem Rasheed, Wali Rainer (IR)
CB Dunta
Robinson, Phillip Buchanon, DeMarcus Faggins
(inj), Dexter McCleon, Lewis Sanders (FS), Kevin Garrett, Tramon
Williams, John Walker, Earthwind Moreland, Chris McKenzie (IR)
S Glenn Earl (SS), C.C. Brown (SS/FS), Jason
Simmons (FS) (inj), Ramon Walker (SS), Michael
Stone
QB: While
Shaun King’s play on Saturday wasn’t Manning-esque, it was good enough to earn
the play-of-the-day honors. With no time on the clock, King rolled to his right
to avoid the pass rush and found former Purdue receiver Brian Hare in the back
of the end zone for a 14-yard yard score. King is fighting for a roster spot
and the chance to compete with Jim Sorgi for the backup job. "Every play (matters), especially if
you're a free agent and trying to make the team,'' said the undrafted rookie Hare.
“You know one bad day could make or break you. You've got to be on top of your
game every day in practice.'' Hare described the play as "a normal
jump-ball drill you do every day in practice.'' King agreed noting that
practice ended perfectly. "We actually work on that in quarterback
drills,'' he said. “Do a little scramble drill and (throw it) high in the back
of the end zone. It's (the receiver's) ball or nobody's ball.”
RB: The battle for the starting job is one of the
hottest in fantasy football this year. Dominic Rhodes entered camp with a
slight advantage over rookie Joseph Addai given his experience with Tom Moore’s
offensive system. “Dominic deserves it. He has the most experience. He has
played, he is a 1,000-yard rusher and number two behind (former starting RB)
Edgerrin (James) last year. That’s where it is and we’ll see what
happens," said HC Tony Dungy.
Over the weekend, the team signed RB Tony Hollings.
WR: Besides
The 5-foot-9, 188-pound Gerran Walker was waived by
the Colts after signing as an undrafted free agent following the draft.
TE: Corey Roberts remains on the reserve/left squad
list. The Colts originally placed a waiver claim on linebacker Dale Robinson,
but later withdrew their request, before the paperwork was processed by the
league when Roberts was forced to leave the team for personal reasons. The
Colts were able to get a roster exemption for Roberts. They will retain his
rights through the 2006 season.
Defense: The
Colts already had the lightest pair of bookends in the NFL with Robert Mathis
(240 lbs.) and Dwight Freeney (268 lbs.). Now, DT Corey Simon lost 25 pounds
and wants to shed another 10 to 15 before the season is underway. When Simon was acquired before last year, he
was grossly out of shape. "He's had the whole offseason and a season
behind him to know what we're doing, to play with our guys and to get himself
ready to run the way we run,'' Dungy said. "I think he's going to have a
lights-out year.'' DT Montae Reagor will miss two weeks with a sprained
ligament in his knee. “He’s got a sprained ligament in there. It’s going to be
awhile, it’s going to be at least two weeks,” Dungy said. “He’ll miss this
first preseason game for sure, but it’s not anything that should jeopardize the
beginning of the season.” In the secondary, there is a battle brewing at corner
where Marlin Jackson splitting reps with incumbent Jason David. Definitely not
shy,
Special
Teams: Kicker Adam Vinatieri has quickly acclimated according
to HC Tony Dungy, “He has been tremendous in terms of getting to know the
routine, the system, the players and working himself in. We expect him to make
big kicks and I think that’s why he came.” Vinatieri ended last week’s
scrimmage with a 37-yard “game-winning” field goal. There have been minor
rumors that kicker Shane Andrus could make the final roster to handle kickoffs,
however special teams coach Russ Purnell alludes otherwise, “Adam’s a very
capable kickoff guy. If Adam had a tired leg or was injured, Shane has proven
that he can kick off… He’s a good kicker and a hard-working kid.” Vinatieri is
also planning on kicking off, "Absolutely. I'd be disappointed if I wasn't
the kickoff guy. I'm only 33, not 43.'' Veteran WR Terrence Wilkins is hoping
to land the return specialist role, “I’m glad that they’ve given me this chance
to come back here. Mr. Polian called me… and said that they’d like to bring me
in to return kicks. The offense is pretty much the same as when I was here
before, but they’ve added several wrinkles to it since then. That’s what I’m
trying to learn and pick up on now.” His primary competition, rookie CB T.J.
Rushing, has missed time with a groin strain. Rookie WRs Jamie Goodwin and
Gerran Walker were dark horse candidates, but both have been waived.
Competition that still remains is WR Dan Sheldon, WR
Ashlan Davis, and CB Tanard Davis.
Colts Depth Chart
QB Peyton Manning, Jim
Sorgi, Shaun King, Josh Betts, David Koral
RB Dominic
Rhodes, Joseph Addai, Kory Chapman, Vashon Pearson, Tony Hollings
FB James Mungro
WR Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Stokley, Aaron Moorehead, Terrence Wilkins
(KR), Ed Hinkel, Brian Hare, Jamie Goodwin
TE Dallas Clark, Bryan Fletcher, Ben Utecht, Ben Hartsock, Joey
Hawkins, Corey Roberts (res)
K Adam Vinatieri
DT Corey Simon, Montae Reagor, Vincent Burns, Darrell Reid, Tom Johnson
DE Dwight Freeney, Raheem Brock (DT), Robert Mathis, Josh Thomas, Jonathan Welsh, Javor
Mills, Marcus West
MLB Gary Brackett (W/M), Rob Morris
OLB Cato June (W), Gilbert Gardner (S/W), Freddie Keiaho, Keith O'Neil, Deryck Toles (W),
Tyjuan Hagler (W), Brandon Hoyte, Kyle Killion, Kendyll Pope (susp)
CB Nick Harper, Jason David, Marlin Jackson (CB/FS), Kelvin Hayden, Tim Jennings,
Von Hutchin, T.J. Rushing
S Bob Sanders (FS), Mike Doss (SS), Matt Giordano (FS), Dexter Reid, Antoine Bethea
(FS), Daryl Dixon (FS), Tanard Davis, Jammal Lord
QB: Byron Leftwich enters this year
still searching for that elusive breakout season. It looked like he was well on
his way a couple times in the past two years only to be sidetracked by
injuries. This year, despite the retirement of Jimmy Smith, there is growing
optimism on the Jaguars that this is his year. In Friday’s scrimmage, Leftwich
completed 6-of-11 for 36 yards but he was intercepted on a perfectly thrown
ball on a slant pass to Ernest Wilford, who promptly bobbled the ball before it
was picked off by David Richardson. Backup David Garrard went 3-of-5 for 14
yards in the scrimmage.
RB: Maurice
Drew shined in the Jaguars first scrimmage last Friday night. The second-round
draft pick and former Bruin broke a 31-yard run, then followed it up with a
3-yard touchdown run a couple of plays later.
"He showed some of that explosive quality that he has," coach
Jack Del Rio said. "He's got that ability to get out in the open field and
then really get going. You got a little taste of that." Drew finished with
39 yards on four carries to lead the team. When asked about the run, he was
more upset that he was tackled. "I should have scored," he said.
"I’ve got to work on my speed, I guess." Fred Taylor started the game
despite a strained hamstring. He ran for 9 yards on three carries. Greg Jones
ran four times for 19 yards, and LaBrandon Toefield ran five times for 18
yards. Running back Alvin Pearman fumbled – something that plagued him last
year as a rookie. Both Jones and Toefield are having strong camps, but one has
to wonder, will all of these backs make the team? Will the Jaguars decide to
deal one of them to a team searching for RB depth? Toefield,
WR: Matt
Jones missed much of the week's practices with a moderate ankle sprain. The
team put him in a walking boot as a precaution and he wasn’t on the field
during Friday’s intrasquad scrimmage. Fred Stamps was a bright spot on Friday
night catching a 35-yard touchdown pass from Quinn Gray. Reggie Williams was
the only other receiver with a catch longer than 10 yards in the scrimmage. The
team hopes Williams and Jones will emerge as consistent playmakers this year.
Ernest Wilford played brilliantly down the stretch last year and caught 7
touchdowns. He’s competing with Williams for a starting job opposite Jones,
widely considered the team’s new No. 1 receiver with Smith’s retirement. Asked
if he’s feeling any pressure, Wilford calmly responded, “There's no pressure -
it's a challenge… I love challenges. So I'm just trying to go out there and
work as hard as I can to be the best player I can be. We all have to step our
game up. From the starters to the backups, we all have to take our game to
another level and I think that's what we are doing in this training camp.
Everybody is coming in executing the offense and finishing the plays."
TE: The
Jaguars love what they’re seeing out of rookie Marcedes Lewis. Not only does he
give Leftwich another king-sized target, but he has incredibly soft hands, too.
Lewis is taking it in stride. When asked about his first NFL training camp,
Lewis said, “It's been real good… You know it's been good when the week flies
by. I didn't even know that today was Thursday. Everyone is out there working
hard and looking forward to the season. We are adults. Jack always says that he
is going to treat us like adults and it's on us to be ready. Everyone respects
things and handles things as they come."
Defense: The
Jaguars were thought to be clamoring for a high-profile free agent to bolster
their LB corps, especially as Akin Ayodele left via free agency, but the team
opted to stay out of the free agent frenzy and waited until the third round
before selecting Clint Ingram. Entering camp, Pat Thomas is penciled in as the
starter at WLB. His primary competition comes from Nick Greisen, but Jorge
Cordova, rookie Brent Hawkins and Ingram are all in the hunt. Even Brian Iwuh
is competing for a spot. Iwuh has been a hit, no pun intended, at camp. He has
impressed the coaching staff amidst the tough competition. “Nobody, but nobody,
has been more impressive. He's competing for more than a roster spot. He's
flashed enough to make that statement. The competition is intense. He's a good
run-and-hit guy. He has explosiveness in his play. He reminds me a little of
Takeo Spikes.” said LBs coach Mark Duffner, who also coached Spikes in
Special Teams: Kicker Josh Scobee showed his strong leg during last weekend’s
scrimmage, connecting on field goals of 47 and 50 yards into the wind. HC Jack
Del Rio reiterated that Scobee is definitely their kicker, unless of course he
screws up, “We know he's our kicker. What he's got to do is continue to play
well and kick well. He's got a great leg and great mechanics. That's the one
position on this team that doesn't have direct competition. However, there's
still a level of performance, a standard, he has to stay at, or we would have
guys in here quick." RB Maurice Drew was a little rusty early in camp,
dropping several punts, but he’s progressing well. Special teams coordinator
Pete Rodriguez assessed his status, "He's got explosive speed and he's
strong. He's not the kind of guy that's going down with an arm tackle. He's
still inconsistent with mechanics and fundamentals; he's a typical
rookie." Drew himself also feels he’s adjusting, ““Returning punts on
special teams is all about being comfortable. When you are comfortable you can
do a lot of things. Right now I am trying to work at it and have fun.” Don’t
dismiss WR Chad Owens, last year’s return specialist hopeful. HC Jack Del Rio
commented, "He's having another solid camp. I think he learned from his
experiences last year. We all do. He's no different than anybody else. He's
more comfortable this year. He's working hard, and he's doing a nice job."
Jaguars
Depth Chart
QB Byron Leftwich, David
Garrard, Quinn Gray
RB Fred Taylor (inj), Maurice Drew (KR), Alvin Pearman (3RB/PR), LaBrandon
Toefield (SD), Rich Alexis
FB Greg Jones (SD), Derrick
Wimbush (KR)
WR Matt Jones, Ernest Wilford, Reggie Williams, Cortez Hankton, Randy Hymes, Troy
Edwards, Felton Huggins, Kyle Brown
TE Kyle Brady, Marcedes Lewis, George Wrighster, Brian Jones, Todd
Yoder
K Josh Scobee
DE Reggie Hayward, Paul Spicer, Bobby McCray, Marcellus Wiley, Brent Hawkins, James
Wyche
DT Marcus Stroud, John Henderson, Anthony Maddox, Martin Chase
MLB Mike Peterson, Nick Greisen (W), Tony Gilbert
OLB Daryl Smith (S/W), Pat Thomas (W), Jorge Cordova (W/S), Clint Engram,
Brian Iwuh
CB Rashean Mathis, Brian Williams,
Terry Cousin, David Richardson, Scott
Starks, Demetrice Webb, Trestin George
S Donovan Darius (SS) (inj), Deon Grant
(FS), Gerald Sensabaugh (SS), Chris Roberson (FS/CB), Nick Sorenson (FS)
(inj)
QB: Everyone knows Trent Green will
start, but this year he’ll have a new backup because Todd Collins left via free
agency. One of those players competing for that spot is former Canadian
Football League QB Casey Printers. In 7-on-7 drills against the Minnesota
Vikings, his first taste of NFL action, Printers did an admirable job reading
the defense and checking off his receivers. The Vikings were blitzing, though
not at full speed, but Printers still made the read and got it to the hot
receiver. There were times when he wasn’t as sharp, but in his first real
exposure to live action, the team was pleased with his performance. Coming out
of
RB: Priest Holmes was placed on the PUP list and the
Chiefs acquired former Vikings RB Michael Bennett last week to strengthen their
backfield and give them a “proven” veteran behind starter Larry Johnson.
WR: Many felt the Chiefs needed to
upgrade their receiving corps during the offseason, but they return essentially
unchanged from a year ago with starters Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker and
Dante Hall working out of the slot. “I'm not worried about it, Eddie's not
worried about it, and Dante's not worried about it,” Parker said when asked
about the threesome. "We know what we have here, and we know we'll get the
job done." Of course, Kennison has made it clear he’s not thrilled about
his current contract and that he would like the Chiefs to give him an extension
or re-work his contract to reflect his stature as the No. 1 receiver. It
doesn’t help that he’s 33 years old, but coming off a career year. “Age is mind
over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter,” said Kennison.
"There's no person walking the face of this earth who's going to tell me
that just because I'm 33 years old, I'm too old to play this game. That's what
they say. I've heard it a lot. Eddie Kennison will prove them wrong. I'm in
great shape. I've worked hard. I'm ready to have another big season." The
player who is making an excellent value play at the moment is Parker, who had 36
catches for 533 yards and three scores in 2005. Entering his third season,
Parker thinks it’s his time to blossom. "I missed four games last year,
and the year before that I missed maybe eight, but I put up good numbers when I
played, and there's no telling what I could have done in those games that I
didn't play," said Parker. "I'm just looking forward to staying
healthy and having a big season." Here’s some sage advice: consider Parker
around rounds 13 to 15 in your league draft. Add him for depth knowing he has
some upside and he still hasn’t shown his full potential.
TE: Pro
Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez was allowed to leave camp over the weekend to
attend the Hall of Fame induction of former teammate and close friend Warren
Moon, who played with the Chiefs in 1999-2000. "I
give
Defense: Defensive tackle Lional Dalton
had to leave practice last Wednesday with a sprained knee. HC Herm Edwards
described his injury as a slight hamstring pull and
Special Teams: New special teams coach Mike Priefer likes what he sees in kicker
Lawrence Tynes, “He's ready to take that next step. He's got a great mentality.
He's hard on himself, which is a good trait to have. But he also knows when
it's time to just learn from it and move on. He has very few technique flaws
for a young kicker." Tynes appears less stressed this year, and the change
in head coaches is a factor, "Edwards isn't in my ear chiming in if I make
one or if I miss one. He leaves me alone. He doesn't get involved with it. He
talks to you, and he's never negative. Coach Vermeil was never negative with
me, but obviously with the media he was. That's Edwards' prerogative to say
something to you guys if I miss one, but I don't think he'll throw me under the
bus." Herm Edwards discussed his thoughts and approach with kickers, “He
[Vermeil] fired more kickers and punters than anyone. So I leave them alone. At
the end of the day, I like to pat them on the back. I understand their dilemma.
They've got the hardest deal of anyone on this team. They get one play to get
it right, and what they're trying to do isn't easy." Punter Dustin
Colquitt will again handle holding on kicks for Tynes this year. WR/KR/PR Dante
hall discussed his role for the upcoming year, "I will say this – two
years ago when Johnnie Morton went down and Eddie (Kennison) went down, I had
to start and it about wore me out," Hall said. "To return a kick 35
yards and have to go right in the huddle and do three or four plays at a hot
tempo.... I'm really comfortable with my role now. Not too many return guys
play 30 to 40 percent on the offense and go right in and rotate with the
starters. So I love it."
Chiefs
Depth Chart
QB Trent Green, Damon Huard, Brody Croyle, Casey Printers
RB Larry Johnson, Michael Bennett, Dee Brown, McKenzi Smith, Quentin
Griffin, De'Arrius Howard, Derrick Ross, Priest Holmes (inj)
FB Ronnie Cruz, Travis Wilson, J.R.
Niklos
WR Eddie Kennison, Samie Parker, Dante Hall (KR/PR), Craphonso Thorpe, Jeris McIntyre,
Jeff Webb, Nate Curry, Chris Hannon, Terrance Metcalf, Scott McCready
TE Tony Gonzalez, Kris Wilson (HB), Jason Dunn, Aaron Golliday, Bob
Docherty
K Lawrence Tynes
DE Jared Allen, Eric Hicks (inj), Tamba Hali, Carlos Hall,
Jimmy Wilkerson (DT)
DT Ryan Sims (NT), Lional Dalton, Ron Edwards, Junior Siavii, John Browning (inj), James Reed, Alex Guerrero, Shane Burton, Steve
Williams
MLB Kawika Mitchell, Rich Scanlon,
Boomer Grigsby
OLB Derrick Johnson (R), Kendrell Bell (L), Keyaron
Fox (S/W), Kris Griffin, Nick Reid, William Kershaw, Brandon Guillory
CB Patrick Surtain, Ty Law, Lenny Walls, Benny Sapp, Chris Johnson, Julian
Battle (inj), Alphonso Hodge, Marcus Maxey, Justin Perkins, Jerald Brown
S Sammy
Knight (SS), Greg Wesley (FS), Bernard Pollard
(SS), Jarrad Page (FS), Gabriel Helms
QB: Let’s look at the Dolphins
quarterback play during the last week of training camp. On Day 4 of camp,
Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington and Cleo Lemon were boosted by the play of
their receiving corps. Kelly Campbell hauled in two long touchdowns to help
their cause. During 11-on-11 drills, Culpepper lost the football on his first
attempt then followed that by a botched flea-flicker and miscommunication with
No. 1 receiver Chris Chambers on his pass route. Harrington was intercepted by
safety Yeremiah Bell on a terrible pass as he threw the ball into coverage
during a red zone drill. Chambers bailed out Culpepper on another play as he
wrestled the ball away from corner Michael Lehan while crossing the goal line
following a long throw. On Day 5, Culpepper looked much better in the morning,
even though backup TE Justin Peelle dropped what would have been a long
touchdown. Marty Booker dropped one during the evening practice. Culpepper also
had a pass batted down by DL Vonnie Holliday. Lemon was intercepted by corner
Eddie Jackson while 4th string QB Brock
On Day Six, Culpepper caused a stir when he scrambled for a touchdown;
despite the fact, the defense knew better than to hit him once he left the
pocket. They pulled back as Culpepper motored past them into the end zone.
Harrington avoided a sack by Yeremiah Bell, but still couldn’t make a play as
he fell on his backside. He got some work with the first team in 11-on-11
drills hitting Marcus Vick for two completions in a row before having a pass
batted then intercepted by Channing Crowder. Lemon completed a nice 20-yard
pass down the sidelines to Jamall Broussard, who made a leaping grab. During
Day Seven, Culpepper worked with some reserve receivers. He was intercepted by
Eddie Jackson in the morning, but later he completed a nice pass to TE Randy
McMichael and he was sacked by Yeremiah Bell to kill a drive during a
two-minute drill. He bounced back quickly throwing a ball to rookie Derek Hagan
in a tight spot for a 20-yard gain. In the same practice, Lemon completed a
nice pass to Jason Willis, while Harrington’s struggles continued as he missed
open receivers and seemed rush in his delivery. Harrington completed a 40-yard
touchdown during 11-on-11 work, but even that was under thrown and Willis had
to come back for the ball to snatch it away from Jackson who had his mind on
scoring six the other way. On Day 8, Culpepper and Harrington did some
scrambling and both had problems overthrowing their intended targets on
occasion. Culpepper overthrew McMichael in the end zone on one play, while
Harrington flew the coop trying to hit RB Sammy Morris but missing by three
feet. Brock
RB: No
news is good news. Ronnie Brown is working hard and taking advantage of his
opportunity to be the Dolphins featured back in his second season as a pro, but
the rumor mill has the Titans’ Chris Brown interested in playing for the Fish.
More succinctly, Brown’s agent is the one stirring up commotion. Agent Ryan
Morgan has let it be known that the Dolphins are among the list of teams that
Brown wouldn’t mind going to if a trade does happen. Back in camp, on Day Six, the play of the day
came on a gadget play when Culpepper handed off to Sammy Morris, who pitched it
back to Culpepper, who threw a deep ball to Marty Booker. It wasn’t exactly
smooth, but the result is what mattered – a 35-yard touchdown as Booker jumped
over defensive backs Deke Cooper and Eddie Jackson for the score.
WR: Marty Booker hopes to take
advantage of the added attention defenses are bound to give Chris Chambers this
season. "That's the price you pay
for being a good receiver. You start to get double-teamed," Booker said of
Chambers. The Dolphins No. 1 receiver was limited during this past week in
practice following a mild hamstring injury. He worked on the sidelines with a
trainer for a day and then returned to practice on Saturday sporting a red,
no-contact jersey. Marcus Vick made the best catch in Thursday’s practice as he
dove to snare a Harrington pass over the middle for a 15-yard gain. Vick has been
extremely impressive with his route running considering he played quarterback his
entire collegiate career. On Friday, Wes Welker contributed a diving catch
between two defenders for a 50-yard gain. On Saturday, rookie WR Devin
Aromashodu executed a one-man tip drill to make a touchdown grab over Eddie
Jackson.
TE: In
Thursday’s morning practice, Justin Peelle let the ball slip through his hands
in the end zone on a long pass from Joey Harrington. The backup tight ends
haven’t been overly impressive during camp as far as catching the football. Keith Heinrich had a drop during seven-on-seven
drills.
Defense: On Monday, the Dolphins finally
came to terms on a six-year contract with safety Jason Allen, their first round
draft choice. Second year DE Matt Roth
is getting comfortable in his second training camp. “You come in there and you
got these studs that have been proven; they've been in tons of Pro Bowls [six]
and have Super Bowl rings [five]," said Roth. "It's definitely hard
at first to get along and try to break their group and earn their trust and
confidence…But after a while you just become one of the guys and learn from
them." Meanwhile, fellow DE Jason Taylor missed his fifth consecutive day
of practice on Saturday.
Second year DT Manuel Wright has shed his
image as being soft after losing weight. Clearly, he’s feeling more part of the
team this time around. He’s working behind Keith Traylor hoping to earn more
snaps this year. "They treat me with a lot of respect, they all call me by
my little nickname," Wright said. "It's like ... not lovey-dovey, but
it's like, you can tell I'm part of the family now." In Friday’s morning
practice Will Poole was tooling around in a gold cart with his leg still in a
brace as he recovers from a torn ACL that sidelined him all of last year.
Fellow second-year corner Travis Daniels sprained his ankle last Wednesday. He
was listed as day-to-day after missing several days of practice. Saban said,”
He may be a few days, but it's still day to day. We'll get the swelling out and
we'll see."
Special Teams: Kicker Olindo Mare has been connecting on quite a few long field goals
in practice, including a 64-yarder the other day. Practice also includes a
drill of kicking without the ball. Kicker Ola Kimrin noted, "I do it for
timing and to work on my leg swing. But, yeah, it probably looks pretty
dumb." HC Nick Saban has eased up on his practice requirements for the
kickers, "I would make them run routes on the scout team and all that, but
all they did was miss field goals and lose games and punt bad. Finally I said
these are guys who have a special job to do that's a little different, and the
mind-set they need is a little different." Return specialist WR Wes Welker
will need to stay on top of his game during camp. He’s part of a crowded WR
group, and surprisingly is not necessarily a lock to make the final roster.
That’s even truer for QB/WR Marcus Vick, who’ll need to impress during camp at
wide receiver and on kickoff and punt returns in order to stick around.
Dolphins
Depth Chart
QB Daunte Culpepper (inj),
Joey Harrington, Cleo Lemon
RB Ronnie Brown, Sammy Morris, Travis Minor, Kay Jay Harris, Gerald
Riggs Jr., Ricky Williams (susp)
FB Fred Beasley, Darian Barnes
WR Chris Chambers, Marty Booker, Wesley Welker (KR/PR), Derek Hagan, Devin Aromashodu, Kelly
Campbell, Marcus Vick (QB), Kendall Newson, Fred Gibson, Jamal Broussard (KR),
Eric Kimble, Frank Murphy (KR)
TE Randy McMichael, Justin Peelle, Keith Heinrich
K Olindo Mare
DE Jason Taylor (OLB) (inj), Kevin Carter
(DT), Matt Roth,
David Bowens, Ben Ishola
DT Keith Traylor (NT), Vonnie
Holiday, Jeff Zgonina, Manuel Wright (NT),
Fred Evans, Josh Shaw, Kevin Vickerson, Steve Fifita, Rodrique Wright
(inj)
MLB Zack
Thomas, Lester Towns
OLB Channing
Crowder (W/M), Donnie Spragan (S), Sedrick
Hodge (S), Derrick Pope (W), Keith Newman, Sam McGrew, Trent Bray,
Travis Harris
CB Travis Daniels, Will Allen, Renaldo Hill, Andre Goodman, Eddie Jackson,
Shirdonya Mitchell
S Travares
Tillman (SS), Deke Cooper, Jason Allen (FS),
Yeremiah Bell (SS), Norman LeJeune, Michael
Lehan
QB: Mike
McMahon is projected to be the Vikings backup quarterback behind starter Brad
Johnson, but he understands that nothing will be given to him in training camp.
He faces competition from J.T. O’Sullivan. “One of the tough things about being
a backup," said McMahon when asked about O’Sullivan "is when you do
get in there, a lot of times it's not the way you had hoped it would be. We had
a lot of injuries in
RB: Brad Childress removed all doubt as to who the
team’s starting running back is confirming that Chester Taylor is their
featured back. Mewelde Moore will be the primary backup, at least right now. “(
The team is
ecstatic with the addition of fullback Tony Richardson during the offseason.
Newly elected Hall of Fame quarterback, and former Viking, Warren Moon said
during a conference call, "He was one of those great leadership, great
locker-room guys… One of the hardest workers on the team, he has really made
himself into an all-pro player over the last three or four years." Brad
Johnson agreed, praising
WR:
So far, Troy Williamson has been
practicing alongside Koren Robinson with the team's starting unit. During
7-on-7 drills, Brad Johnson said Williamson did a nice job catching passes over
the middle as well as making some nice grabs along the sideline. "I
thought Troy Williamson did a good job of catching the football," added HC
Brad Childress. "He had a couple of tries inside that I thought were in
traffic. I was pleased to see that." Williamson admitted the team's
coaching staff recently uncovered a problem with his hand-eye coordination. "Everything
is with my eyes, pretty much," Williamson said. "I know that if I can
get my eyes on the ball, I can just let my hands do the work. It will all work
out.” Travis Taylor is working in the slot as the team’s No. 3 receiver.
Offensive coordinator Darell Bevell recently praised
TE: Jermaine
Wiggins is a happy camper playing in Brad Childress’ version of the West Coast
offense. "This is definitely TE-friendly," said Wiggins.
"I'm going to have the opportunity to make plays, and I'm going to have an
opportunity to do a lot of good things." Last year, the tight ends had a
well-defined role with Wiggins catching passes and Jimmy Kleinsasser primarily
blocking. That is expected to change this year in the new scheme. New offensive
coordinator Darrell Bevell expects both of the TEs to contribute in multiple
ways. What does that mean? Kleinsasser could catch more passes while Wiggins
might be asked to block a bit more. So, temper Wiggins’ enthusiasm and don’t
overpay for him on draft day. He’ll see the ball, but probably not as much as
he was targeted in that past few seasons under Mike Tice.
Defense: On Saturday, safety SS Tank Williams was carted off the field with an
injury to his left knee. It occurred while backpedaling during 7-on-7 drills
without any contact. He has been diagnosed with a fractured knee and is lost
for the season. Dwight Smith was signed just before camp after being released
by the Saints. He was to compete with Williams during camp for the starting
position, but now will be counted on. DT Pat Williams started camp on the PUP
list after reporting to camp overweight and not passing the players’
conditioning test. HC Brad Childress had a chat with him on Friday to set clear
expectations for the veteran. "I think he understands where I'm coming
from," Childress said. "And I understand where he's coming from. So
he's got his nose to the grindstone." DT Manase Hopoi missed Tuesday's
practice (Aug 1st) and had an MRI on his foot after experiencing swelling. LB
Napoleon Harris is hopeful that a move back to MLB will rejuvenate him this
year. "He's real focused, has a
lot of confidence," CB Antoine Winfield said. "He's our leader at the
middle linebacker. We're expecting big things out of him this year."
Rookie corner Charles Gordon underwent surgery on Monday after suffering
cartilage damage in his left knee. He’ll miss the rest of the preseason and the
Vikings signed former Titans corner Tony Beckham on Saturday. First round pick
LB Chad Greenway left the field with a team doctor on Saturday. He was shaken
up and evaluated for a possible concussion. Greenway later said the trainers
were "just being cautious" but weren't sure whether he had suffered a
concussion.
Special Teams: Kicker Ryan Longwell has consistently done well during practice on
kickoffs, an area in which the Vikings struggled in recent years. Special teams
coordinator Paul Ferraro indicated that punter Chris Kluwe is progressing as
the holder on kicks, “He’s doing well. There are some little technical things
here and there in terms of getting the ball exactly where Ryan [Longwell] wants
it and the lean of the ball and that kind of thing. But for somebody that
hasn’t done it before, I think he’s doing a really nice job at this
point.” Ferraro also discussed the punt
returner situation, "Mewelde [Moore], as of right now today, is our punt
returner. He certainly did a good job and was at a high level a year ago with
that. But we're working some different people back there. [FS] Darren Sharper
is taking some, [WR] Travis Taylor has taken some, we have some rookies in camp
that will be in the preseason games getting an opportunity. So Mewelde is our
number one guy." Regarding kickoff returns he noted the following, “We're
just going to have to see where it goes with preseason where Koren Robinson
goes with the offense and where the competition goes with the kick return
situation. It's obvious what he brings to the table, but that's something we're
going to continue to evaluate with the other guys we're giving some reps
too." RB Mewelde Moore, WR Kevin Kasper, WR Jason Carter, and WR Troy
Williamson have practiced on kickoff returns. CB Charles Gordon was in the mix,
until a knee injury sidelined him for at least the remainder of the preseason.
Vikings
Depth Chart
QB Brad Johnson, Mike McMahon, Tarvaris Jackson, J.T. O'Sullivan
RB Chester Taylor, Mewelde Moore (PR/KR), Ciatrick Fason, Joe
Echemandu, Wendell Mathis
FB Tony Richardson, Richard Owens,
Steven Jackson, Brandon Jones, Joey Goodspeed (inj)
WR Koren Robinson, Troy Williamson, Travis Taylor, Marcus Robinson, Billy McMullen,
Aaron Hosack, Ryan Hoag, Kevin Kasper, Josh Davis, Jason Carter
TE Jermaine Wiggins, Jim Kleinsasser (FB), Richard Angulo, Jeff Dugan
K Ryan Longwell
DE Erasmus
James, Kenechi Udeze, Darrion Scott, DeQuincy
Scott, Ray Edwards, Jayme Mitchell, Khreem Smith
DT Pat Williams (NT), Kevin Williams
(DE), Spencer Johnson (DT), C.J. Mosley, Eric
Taylor, Manase Hopoi, Ross Kolodziej
MLB Napoleon Harris (M/S), E.J. Henderson (M/W), Rod Davis, Kyle McKenzie
OLB Chad Greenway (W), Ben Leber (S), Dontarrious Thomas (W/M), Heath Farwell (S), Marcus
Lawrence
CB Antoine Winfield, Fred Smoot, Devonte Edwards (KR), Cedric Griffin, Dustin Fox (FS),
Will Hunter, Ronyell Whittaker, Tony Beckham, Ahmad Treaudo, Charles Gordon
(inj)
S Darren Sharper (FS), Dwight Smith
(SS/FS), Willie Offord (SS), Greg Blue
(FS/SS), Tank Williams (IR)
QB:
Reports circulated that Tom Brady was “mad as hell” about the Patriots
impasse with veteran WR Deion Branch, whose holdout continued into the second
week of training camp. When pressed by the media, however, Brady backpedaled
smoothly. Brady made his point, but didn’t want to further create a rift
between the front office and Branch or even himself. Brady has been wearing a
brace on his left leg during camp. The presence of the brace led to speculation
that Brady had a knee injury, but Brady explained that it’s simply something he
wears as a preventative measure. “Just trying to be more proactive and take
care of myself,” said Brady of the brace. “You see all these quarterbacks’ left
knees get hurt, Carson Palmer and Brian Griese. The last thing you want to do
is hurt your knee.”
RB: Corey Dillon is playing it forward, so to speak. Instead of approaching
rookie first-round pick Laurence Maroney as competition, Dillon is taking the
young back under his wing in training camp.
Dillon was asked why he wasn’t making him carry his equipment or giving
him grief. Dillon said he doesn’t belief in hazing; that all Maroney needs to
do is buy breakfast for the other backs. "He said that?" Maroney
asked, glancing over at Dillon, who was smiling back at him. "When did he say
that? I didn't hear that. Does McDonald's count?" Maroney then added,
“He's a cool dude, a really cool dude," he said talking about Dillon.
"He's fun to be around. You can learn a lot from him." Dillon also
talked about not giving up his job without a fight. After playing last year at
235 lbs., he’s in better shape than a year ago. “I concentrated in the
offseason on getting my weight down and cutting down my body fat," he
said. "Hopefully, it will work out. You've got to be cognizant of that…
The heavier you get the more problems you tend to have. This offseason, that
was my whole goal, to get a little leaner and a little stronger. I have no
personal goals, no total (yardage) I want to achieve," Dillon said.
"Just come out here and help the team." For now anyway, everyone is
content.
WR: There is no change on the Deion
Branch front as the team and Branch remain in a stalemate. Branch has
accumulated $126,000 in fines (and counting) through the weekend. Maybe some of
those fines will be forgiven if Branch and the Patriots reach an agreement but
the two sides remain far apart in negotiations. In Branch’s absence, newcomer
Reche Caldwell has been making an impression with Tom Brady. On the first play
of one session,
TE: The
Patriots signed veteran TE Walter Rasby a week ago to give them added depth at
tight end for training camp. It’s no secret the team plans on utilizing more
two-TE sets this year. Still, Rasby isn’t much of a receiver and he’ll be hard
pressed to make the roster, but he did make a nice
one-handed shoe-string catch during practice over the weekend.
Defense: The team didn’t like to see Tedy
Bruschi break the scaphoid bone in his wrist last week during practice. The
injury will sideline him for the entire preseason and could cost him regular
season time if it requires surgery. Bruschi’s absence opens the door for
veteran Barry Gardner to spend time working with the first unit.
Special Teams: Kicker Martin Gramatica has consistently been making field goals
throughout camp. Rookie Stephen
Gostkowski started off camp missing some easy kicks, but has come on strong
recently. Both players have been getting the ball deep on kickoffs; however
Gramatica’s tend to be low returnable line drives while Gostkowski gets more
height and hang time. HC Bill Belichick reminds us that it’s still early,
"You're talking about a three-man operation. We've got two snappers out
there and two kickers. There's a timing element and they're just getting into
the routine of kicking twice a day. I would say that after the player has been
in camp for seven or eight days, that's a good break-in period. I'd say
everyone at that point is pretty much up to speed. Then you're talking about
volume. Until we have to make a decision, I would let that competition play
out. We've all seen players go at different rates. We see that in all sports.
Some guys start fast and level out and some guys start slow before hitting
their stride." Rookie CB Willie Andrews continues to be a slight favorite
among a very crowded group of returner candidates that includes: CB Ellis
Hobbs, RB Kevin Faulk, RB Laurence Maroney, WR Reche Caldwell, WR John Stone,
WR Chad
Jackson, WR Bam Childress, WR Matt Shelton, WR Kelvin Kight, CB
Vernell Brown, WR Reche Caldwell, and WR Troy Brown.
Patriots
Depth Chart
QB Tom Brady (inj), Matt
Cassel, Corey Bramlet
RB Corey Dillon, Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk (3RB), Patrick Cobbs
FB Patrick Pass (3RB), Heath Evans
WR Deion Branch, Reche Caldwell, Chad Jackson, Troy Brown, Bam Childress, Erik Davis,
Michael McGrew, Zuriel Smith, John Stone, Rich Musinski, Keron Henry, Matt
Shelton (IR)
TE Daniel
Graham, Ben Watson, David Thomas, Garrett
Mills (HB/FB), Matt Brandt, Walter Rasby
K Martin Gramatica, Stephen Gostkowski
DE Richard Seymour (DT), Ty Warren (DT),
Jarvis Green, Marquise Hill, Ifo Pili
NT Vince Wilfork, Mario Monds,
Dan Klecko, Johnathan Sullivan, Le Kevin Smith
MLB Tedy Bruschi (inj), Monty Beisel, Chad Brown, Larry Izzo, Don Davis, Barry Gardner,
Fred Roach
OLB Rosevelt
Colvin (W/DE), Mike
Vrabel (S/I), Tully Banta-Cain (S),
Pierre Woods, Jeremy Mincey
CB Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs (KR), Randall Gay, Chad Scott, Eric
Warfield, Hank Poteat, Willie Andrews, Antwain Spann, Vernell Brown
S Eugene Wilson (FS/CB), Rodney Harrison
(SS), Tebucky Jones (SS/FS), James Sanders
(SS), Artrell Hawkins (SS), Guss
Scott, Mel Mitchell (IR)
QB: Drew Brees said he’s ready to
play after making it back from offseason shoulder surgery. "There is no
doubt in my mind that I can go right now," Brees said. "But I'm going
to build gradually, listen to my arm and listen to my body and build it up from
there." He said his shoulder is "85 to 90" percent healthy
adding, "I reached my limit as far as where I could go with rehab. To pick
up that last 10 to 15 percent is what camp is for." He’s been feeling well
enough to scrap the limitations he placed on himself when camp opened. Brees
said he would not hesitate to throw 120 passes per day. "Now I'm at the
stage where I can almost just walk out on the field and just start playing. I'm
not saying every day I'm going to go out there and throw 125 balls. I don't
think any healthy-armed guy would throw 125 to 150 balls. That'd be hard, but
every other day is fine.” During Wednesday’s practice, Brees completed 7-of-9
passes during a full-speed scrimmage against the starting defense. Brees
exhibited good velocity on balls over the middle, nice touch on his deep passes
and even good accuracy on throws to the sidelines. Head coach Sean Payton plans
to play Brees for a quarter in their preseason opener at
RB: Reggie
Bush knows that expectations are sky high for him after signing his $62 million
dollar contract with over $26 million guaranteed. As he took the field for his
first practices, Bush was the focal point of the fans who cheered with approval
nearly every time he touched the ball. Bush looked good making several would-be
tacklers miss as he broke off a few nice runs.
“It was a good day, I thought it was pretty productive,” he said. However, Bush
knows that he won’t be able to make those jaw-dropping moves with regularity if
he doesn’t seal the deal and prove his ability to pass protect. "I've
always taken pride in those kinds of things," Bush said after Saturday’s
practice. "A lot of what I do is just natural, God-given gifts, you know.
But something like pass-blocking, that's really something you have to want to
be good at. It isn't something that just happens. You've got to work at it and,
when you do it well, there's a real sense of accomplishment. I don't know,
maybe that's why I like it so much." In Saturday’s scrimmage, Bush carried
the ball eight times for 30 yards and he caught four receptions for 19 yards.
Despite a procession of quick whistles, Bush was able to display his agility
and acceleration during another practice as he finished with about 35 yards
rushing on seven attempts and about 30 yards receiving on five catches. Coach Payton
and QB Drew Brees both thought Bush looked explosive. Payton added, "We
all kind of saw that gear that everybody talks about Reggie having. He looks
good on a college field; I think he looks pretty good on an NFL field,
too." Meanwhile, Deuce McAllister is waiting for live tackling to test his
surgically-repaired right knee. Payton has not allowed the defense to wrap up
RBs and WRs fearing injury.
WR: The more things change, the more
they remain the same with the Saints receiving corps. Last year, Joe Horn
seemed to fall off his Pro Bowl perch as the younger Donte’ Stallworth finally
showed more of his explosive potential. Yet, while everyone assumed that
Stallworth would be starting for the team as camp got underway, it was Devery
Henderson lining up at his No. 2 spot instead. Ironically, the only “sure
thing” seems to be Joe Horn at the No. 1 spot again. "In Devery
Henderson's case he's working hard, and he keeps going and going. There's
things he's working on and improving. There's some things he does real well. I
thought he came off a pretty good offseason. In Donte' Stallworth's (groin)
case it's hard because he's injured," HC Sean Payton said last Friday.
"Devery just had to get his confidence back. The big thing was he
was letting the dropped balls linger. I told him that he had to get amnesia, so
I had to stay on him a little bit." With help from the coaches,
TE: Ernie Conwell is running
with the first team so far in camp while free agent addition Mark Campbell is
mostly running with the second team. Zach Hilton remains in the mix, but he’s
mostly running with the third team. Tim Euhus and Nate Lawrie are also in the
mix for a roster spot.
Defense: As expected, veteran LB Anthony Simmons, who
was AWOL when training camp began, announced his retirement citing family
issues and a flare up of an old wrist injury that kept him out of the league
last season. The Saints made a couple of
roster moves signing DT Joe Minucci to a contract while waiving DT McKinley
Boykin. Also, according to reports, there are several veterans who may be on the
roster bubble this preseason. Those players include safety Steve Gleason, WR/KR
Michael Lewis and reserve RB Fred McAfee. "I think that they're competing
against the down-the-line receivers and defensive backs," head coach Sean
Payton said. "I see Gleason as a guy that, although he primarily plays
specials teams, he's comfortable playing safety as well. In Michael Lewis'
case, he's had a great career as a returner. For him it's more how does he come
off this injury? Fred's case is the same way; he's had a long career. Those
guys know each year that they're competing against the other guys on the
roster. We'll see how it unfolds. That phase of it (special teams) is going to
be important to us, as it is to any other team."
Special Teams: The Saints’ scrimmage on Saturday turned out to be a showcase for the
kickers. John Carney went 6-of-6 on field goals (32, 35, 37, 37, 46, and 46
yards), while rookie Connor Hughes went 2-of-2 (37 and 49 yards). One task for
Carney in camp is to adjust to a new holder, "I'm just trying to dial some
things in and working with a new holder, Jamie Martin. So, as always, it's a
matter of getting a lot of reps with the new holder and just getting into
rhythm." Return specialist WR Michael Lewis had arthroscopic knee surgery
last year, a follow-up clean out procedure a month ago, and still hasn’t been
able to practice. HC Sean Payton said the following regarding rookie RB Reggie
Bush’s role on returns, "We've got an idea of what we want to do, we'll
move forward. We're not ready to announce it." If Lewis isn’t ready for the
regular season, then Bush may be very involved no matter what idea they have
now. Payton indirectly hinted that punt returns could be a more likely option
for Bush, "Well I think probably there are greater collisions on kickoff
returns. Guys are running further. The life expectancy of kick returners isn't
long.” The experiment of QB Adrian McPherson trying punt returns continues,
“"They asked me if I had ever done punt return. I said that I had never
done it, but I could catch. It might not look good, but I can catch the
ball."
Saints
Depth Chart
QB Drew Brees, Jamie
Martin, Todd Bouman, Adrian McPherson, Jason Fife
RB Deuce McAllister (inj), Reggie Bush (KR/PR), Aaron Stecker (3RB/KR), Ray
Hudson
FB Mike Karney, Fred McAfee. Jamar
Martin
WR Joe Horn, Donte Stallworth, Devery Henderson, Bethel
Johnson, Chris Horn, Mike Hass, Michael Lewis (KR/PR), Chase Lyman,
Jamal Jones, Lance Moore
TE Ernie
Conwell, Mark Campbell, Zach Hilton, Tim
Euhus, Nate Lawrie, Billy Miller, Marcus Colston, Wesley Dukes
K John Carney, Connor Hughes
DE Charles Grant, Will Smith, Tony Bryant, Rob Ninkovich, Tommy Davis
DT Brian
Young, Willie Whitehead, Hollis Thomas, Rodney
Leisle, Brandon Villareal, Joe Minucci
MLB Alfred
Fincher, Colby Bockwoldt (W/M), Cie
Grant
OLB Scott
Fujita (S), Tommy Polley (W), Jay Foreman,
Terrence Melton (W), E.J. Kuale, Bobby Iwuchukwu, James Allen (S) (inj)
CB Mike
McKenzie, Jason Craft, Fred Thomas, Joey
Thomas, Josh Lay, Grant Mason, Anwar Phillips, Ray Williams
S Josh Bullocks (FS), Bryan Scott
(SS/FS), Jay Bellamy (SS), Roman Harper (FS),
Steve Gleason (FS)
QB: All of the Giants backups - Tim
Hasselbeck, Jared Lorenzen and Rob Johnson - are in the mix for the No. 2 job.
Each player had had his moments prompting head coach Tom Coughlin to say, “They
do different things well on different days… Tim has been pretty consistent.
We’ve had some flashes there, and some flashes out of Jared. Rob had a couple
nice balls here today. There is no question that it is very competitive right
now, and it’s going to be interesting. Naturally, the competition, I hope, is
going to bring out the best in those three and we’ll be able to make a
difficult choice.” In one morning practice, Hasselbeck made several nice
throws, especially on one deep ball over the middle to Amani Toomer. Hasselbeck
also threw a pretty pass to David Tyree down the seam on the right side.
RB: One of
the biggest changes in camp from a year ago is the transformation of 2nd-year
RB Brandon Jacobs from a shy rookie to a confident, almost brash participant
often seen jawing with defenders on the field. The contact in camp so far has
been limited. There is no tackling, just “thud” hits. For veteran corner Frank
Walker, that’s probably a good thing. Jacobs took a handoff in one practice and
sprinted through the secondary as the 5-10, 198-pound
WR: On Wednesday last week, Plaxico Burress did
not practice. He sprained his ankle the day before and spent most of the day’s
morning session with his ankle wrapped and elevated. “It’s a little sore,
that’s all - nothing to get overly excited about,” Burress said. "I
woke up this morning and it was a little sore and stiff. I told the trainers I
couldn’t go. I might (practice this afternoon). It just swelled up overnight.
It was a little stiff.” Tim Carter worked with the first team in Burress’ absence.
Burress returned to the field on Thursday and caught the first two passes by
Eli Manning. Amani Toomer made a terrific catch of a Manning throw in the right
side of the end zone. The receiver drawing the most attention so far in camp
has easily been Tim Carter. On Friday, Carter made a spectacular catch on a
Manning throw that covered 31 yards during a one-minute drive drill. Carter has
been catching everything thrown his way. "I definitely think it’s my best
camp, mainly because of consistency," Carter said. "I’m more
consistent about everything. I’m focused on the details and the small things,
but also the major things, the ability to make the plays I need to make."
Meanwhile, rookie Sinorice Moss has hardly practiced because of a strained quad
muscle. “I don’t feel good about that,” Carter said about his new teammate.
“He’s a very talented player and he’s a great addition to the team. I think
he’s going to contribute. As far as me getting better during this camp, I’m
definitely happy and excited about that.” On Friday night, Carter continued his
fine play when he leaped high in the end zone to snag the ball away from two
defenders, Corey Webster and Will Demps, to end a hurry-up drill by scoring.
TE: After
missing almost a week due to a concussion suffered in a collision with safety
Will Demps, Jeremy Shockey returned to practice on Sunday. "Yesterday I felt pretty much what you would call myself
again," Shockey said. "Every day I feel better. I was trying to get
in there a couple times and they wouldn't let me in. I'm anxious to go against
the defense. We have to find a happy medium between the two, and I think we did
that this morning." On Friday, Coughlin was asked if Shockey’s situation
was similar that of Sinorice Moss’, but Coughlin said, “Shockey has done it
before… He’s a veteran player. He’s been in the system. Moss has no idea, he’s
just learning on a daily basis. It’s a situation where the more he misses the
more difficult it is going to be. Jeremy has been out enough now to need to get
back in the harness as well.” Asked if he was upset with Demps for the play
that resulted in his concussion, Shockey stated, “I was upset at Will at first,
but he was going for the ball. I looked at the play and it was really the
ground – Mother Nature – that caused it.” For his part, Demps didn’t feel like
he owed Shockey an apology either. "We were both going for a play,"
Demps said. "It is what it is. It's a mild concussion. It's
football."
Defense: Giants fans need not worry about
DE Osi Umenyiora’s play falling off this year. "He's becoming a complete
player," said Luke Petitgout, who goes up against Umenyiora every day in
practice. "He's not just flying off the ball. Well, he is, but he's not a
one-dimensional player." Umenyiora said, "Everything is different
now, I know that… Your peers voted you to be amongst the best in the entire
NFL, so you have to walk with a certain swagger. That said, if you want to
continue to be there, you have to forget about everything you've
accomplished." Petitgout agreed adding, "You can see him maturing as
a player. The experience and intelligence along with his physical ability.
Anybody can just run around. I expect big things out of him this year." But
nobody expects more out of Umenyiora than himself, noting that he coined the
phrase "Get your Osi up!" as a rallying cry for the defensive line
last year. On Thursday, Michael Strahan left practice after experiencing
tightness in his back. LB Carlos Emmons missed a couple practices with a burner
and safety Gibril Wilson sat out one afternoon practice with a hip flexor.
LaVar Arrington also missed practice over the weekend because of soreness.
“He’s got a couple of different areas,” HC Tom Coughlin said. “We thought we’d
see if we could get him for tonight.” Arrington said his absence is “nothing to
be alarmed about.” During Friday’s evening practice, the secondary turned in some strong play knocking down several balls and
coming up with an interception when Corey Webster picked off an Eli Manning
pass intended for Plaxico Burress.
Special Teams: Kicker Jay Feely rooms with LBs LaVar Arrington and Brandon Short. Off
the field they spend their free time playing chess. Dating all the way back to
their days at
Giants
Depth Chart
QB Eli Manning, Tim
Hasselbeck, Rob Johnson, Jared Lorenzen
RB Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs (SD), Derrick Ward (inj), Chad Morton
(PR), Little John Flowers, James Sims, Ryan Grant (inj)
FB Jim Finn
WR Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Tim Carter, Sinorice Moss, David Tyree, Willie
Ponder (KR), Anthony Mix, Harry Williams
TE Jeremy Shockey, Vishante Shiancoe, Boo Williams, Tony Jackson, Darcy
Johnson
K Jay Feely
DE Michael
Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Mathias
Kiwanuka, Eric Moore, Willie Evans, Thomas Carroll
DT William
Joseph, Fred Robbins, Damane Duckett, Barry
Cofield, Jonas Seawright, Ahmad Childress, Junior Ioane, Marcus Green
MLB Antonio Pierce (W/M), Gerris Wilkerson,
Kevin Lewis, Chase Blackburn
OLB Lavar
Arrington (S) (inj), Carlos Emmons (W), Reggie
Torbor (S), Brandon Short (S), Nick McNeil
CB Sam Madison, Corey Webster, R.W. McQuarters (FS/PR), Frank Walker, Curtis Deloatch, Jason
Bell, Brandon Williams, Gerrick McPhearson, E.J. Underwood, Kevin Dockery
S Gibril Wilson (SS), Will Demps (FS), Quentin Harris, Charlie Peprah (SS), James Butler
(inj)
QB:
RB: The mystery with Curtis Martin continues to
linger and fuel speculation that he may indeed retire. Martin remains on the
PUP list, but he’s been working out on the side of the practice field. Mangini continues to say Martin will practice when he's ready, but he’s
not given any indication when that will be. Meanwhile, the Jets are probing the
market, according to sources, just in case Martin won’t be ready for the season
opener, if at all. Martin continues to say he wants to play this year, but
there are rumors that he might not fit into the Jets’ plans. In the mean time,
the team is using Martin’s absence to get a better read on what they have in Cedric
Houston, Derrick Blaylock and rookie Leon Washington. "I think both
Derrick and Cedric have shown some good things in different areas,"
Mangini said, complimenting
WR: Two
players have drawn attention in the first week or so in camp. The first is
Jerricho Cotchery, who has an outside shot of displacing starter Justin
McCareins if he continues to have a strong showing in camp. "I'd say I've made a lot of improvements over the last year,"
said Cotchery, who has opened eyes by catching difficult passes in traffic the
last few days. "The coaching staff has challenged me a little bit. That's
helped me out a lot." One positive factor working in Cotchery’s favor is
the presence of wide receivers coach Noel Mazzone, the former offensive
coordinator at NC State where Cotchery played. "I gained a lot from
him," Cotchery said of his previous time with Mazzone. Will Mazzone be
helpful to Cotchery now? "I think he will be," Cotchery said.
"He knows how I approach the game and he knows my abilities. He knows what
it takes to get certain things out of me."
Meanwhile, rookie Brad Smith is also drawing praise from the coaching
staff with numerous highlight reel catches. Mangini commented, "Each day
is a little bit better… Each day you capitalize on the opportunity and it's
not, 'Well, who is that guy?' It's, 'Did you see what he did?' or 'He's really
making progress here.'" On one play Smith made an impressive touchdown
catch from Brooks Bollinger as he adjusted his body after initially trying to
catch the ball over his left shoulder only to make the catch over his right
shoulder while falling down on the sideline. "I know they expect me to
make plays in any kind of way," Smith said. "That's how it was in
college, so I don't know if they'd be surprised." The team hopes the 6’2”
Smith can become the same type of playmaker he was in college. Smith was the
first quarterback in Division 1-A history to pass for more than 8,000 yards and
run for more than 4,000. He’s still a work in progress and he’s dropped a few
balls, but his upside is huge. For now, he’s competing with Reggie Newhouse for
the No. 5 WR. His quarterbacking skills may come into play at some point, too.
In practice, Smith had a few chances to throw passes on reverses. "I
definitely like that," Smith said. "When I have the opportunity to
throw, I need to make the right decision with it."
TE: Sixth-round draft pick, tight end
Jason Pociask is out for the year after injuring his shoulder. He was placed on
injured reserve. Last year’s starter (before he was lost for the season) Chris
Baker watched video of Antonio Gates during the offseason in an attempt to
improve his own skills. "I'm not Antonio Gates, but I think I can do a lot
of things in the passing game that I haven't done here in the past with an
expanded role," said Baker, who averaged almost 15 yards per catch last
year. Baker is competing with Doug Jolley for the starting job re-enacting the
same competition he won last year during training camp.
Defense: Jonathan Vilma is learning a new
position as the team shifts to a 3-4 defense this season. Vilma’s been studying
hard to learn his new duties at inside linebacker. “It doesn’t surprise me that
Jon would do that extra work and try to study and give himself any edge he
can,” said Eric Mangini, adding, “Jonathan is a great example of what you can
do if you take the coaching, if you study, and if you work the technique.” Also
making a shift is 310-pound lineman DeWayne Robertson, who will slide over to
nose tackle instead of lining up in the guard-tackle gap as he did a year ago.
Robertson will now line up over the center. “Nose tackle is a great position,”
he said. “I’m having fun learning how to play it.” The Jets lost corner Drew
Coleman to a season-ending knee injury on Sunday. Earlier they signed Bruce
Thornton, who was released earlier in the week by the 49ers. The Jets also
waived defensive back Jovon Johnson.
Special Teams: Kicker Mike Nugent has been looking strong in camp. He hit a 58-yard
field goal between narrowed uprights in practice, and hit a 50-yard field goal
into the wind at the end of a scrimmage. He is now the only kicker on the
roster, as the camp leg D.J. Fitzpatrick was released. Leading punt return
candidate WR Tim Dwight started off practice by muffing a punt, however he
looked good thereafter and by the end of the day had won over the crowd of
fans. Down at the other end of the punt return depth chart is rookie RB Leon
Washington. He’s shown good hands and has impressed HC Eric Mangini. The
kickoff return depth chart is still a question. CB Justin Miller, WR Tim
Dwight, WR Jerricho Cotchery, and RB Derrick Blaylock are all candidates for
the upper spots.
Jets
Depth Chart
QB Chad Pennington, Patrick
Ramsey, Kellen Clemens, Brooks Bollinger
RB Curtis Martin (inj), Cedric Houston,
Derrick Blaylock, Leon Washington, Stacy Tutt (QB/WR), Nick Hartigan
FB B.J. Askew
WR Laveranues Coles, Justin
McCareins, Jerricho Cotchery, Tim Dwight (PR),
Brad Smith, Reggie Newhouse, Dante Ridgeway, Maurice Avery, Deqawn Mobley, Phil
Silva, Chris Baker
TE Chris Baker, Doug Jolley, Joel Dreessen, Jason Pociask (IR)
K Mike Nugent
DE Shaun Ellis, Kimo Van
Oelhoffen, Trevor Johnson, Dave Ball,
Darrell Adams
NT Dewayne Robertson, Sione Pouha, Monsanto Pope, Matt McChesney, Titus
Adams, Brennan Schmidt
ILB Jonathan Vilma, Brad Kassell, Anthony Schlegel
OLB Eric Barton (W) (inj), Victor Hobson
(S), Bryan Thomas (DE), Matt Chatham (S),
Darrell McClover, Craig Bailey, Blake Costanzo, Alonzo Jackson
CB David Barrett, Andre Dyson, Justin Miller (KR), Derrick Straight, Ray Mickens, Andrew
Davison, Roosevelt Williams, Lamont Reid, D.J. Johnson, Drew Coleman (inj),
Rayshun Reed, Bruce Thornton
S Erik Coleman (SS) (inj), Kerry Rhodes
(FS), Rashad Washington, Eric Smith (SS), James
Taylor, Andre Maddox, Jamie Thompson
QB: Head coach Art Shell likes what he is seeing from
Aaron Brooks. Shell said he is beginning to see signs that Brooks is mastering
the job and showing the kind of leadership he was hoping to see from the team’s
new quarterback. "Aaron is taking big strides," Shell said after
Tuesday morning's practice in
RB: You can count LaMont
WR: The Raiders aren’t paying much
attention to Jerry Porter’s attitude and injury problems. When asked about
Porter’s antics, the legendary Al Davis quipped, "He has lost his way a
little bit, but he is a good guy."
TE: After
missing several days of practice, Courtney Anderson returned to practice last
week. He also caught a touchdown pass from Aaron Brooks in Sunday’s Hall of
Fame game against
Defense: Not long after Art Shell was
named the team’s head coach, he called DE Tyler Brayton into his office to let
him know that he was moving back to defensive end. "I said, '
Special Teams: Kicker Sebastian Janikowski may have finally gotten a good night’s
sleep following the
Raiders
Depth Chart
QB Aaron Brooks, Andrew
Walter, Marques Tuiasosopo, Kent Smith
RB LaMont Jordan, Justin Fargas, Rod Smart (KR), ReShard Lee, DeJuan
Green
FB Zack Crockett (SD/3RB), Joe
Hall
WR Randy Moss, Jerry Porter (inj), Doug Gabriel, Ron Curry (PR)
(inj), Alvis Whitted, Johnnie Morant, Carlos Francis (KR), Kevin
McMahan, Rick Gatewood, James Adkisson
TE Courtney Anderson, John Paul Foschi (FB), Randal Williams, Marcellus
Rivers, O.J. Santiago, John Madsen, Jacob Brown
K Sebastian Janikowski
DE Derrick Burgess, Tyler Brayton, Bobby Hamilton, Grant Irons, Lance Johnstone, Bryant
McNeal, Ryan Riddle
DT Warren Sapp (inj), Tommy Kelly, Ed Jasper, Terdell Sands (NT), Anttaj Hawthorne,
Kenny Smith, Donnell Washington
MLB Kirk Morrison (I/W), Danny Clark (I)
OLB Sam Williams (S) (inj), Thomas Howard (S), Robert Thomas (S/W), Darnell Bing
(S/W), Isaiah Ekejiuba, Henri Crockett
CB Nnamdi Asomugha, Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt, Tyrone Poole, Duane Starks
S Stuart Schweigert (FS), Derrick Gibson
(SS), Michael Huff (S/CB), Chris Carr (PR), Calvin
Branch, Keyon Nash
QB: The Eagles opened their
preseason in the Hall of Fame game Sunday night against the Oakland Raiders.
Donovan McNabb played just one series hitting all three passes for 29 yards as
Brian Westbrook capped the 61-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. "We
came with a different attitude," McNabb said. "This is something
that's serious for us. We were prepared to come out and have a good
showing." McNabb returned to action following a sports hernia surgery that
doomed his 2005 season, one of the main reasons the Eagles finished 6-10.
McNabb is as competitive and enthusiastic as ever going into the season. He
said, “The majority of guys that are out there with me are guys that have
played in game situations. So we don’t
have to worry too much about butterflies and guys second-guessing themselves.
But, we will have some guys rotating in there with the first group. Rookies
like WR Hank Baskett or WR Jason Avant if he continues to get healthier to work
in there with us. It will be something to try and calm them down but I think
they will be able to learn from the rest of us.”
RB: Brian
Westbrook also looked good in his preseason debut after missing the last four
games in 2005 with a sprained foot. Westbrook rushed for 32 yards, had a 1-yard
TD and caught a 14-yard pass in his brief appearance. "I think as an offensive unit we're out there trying to prove we
can run the ball," Westbrook said. "We've certainly committed a lot
of time to the running game and we did it out there in the first preseason
game." Later in the game, RB Bruce Perry was taken off the field on a
stretcher after he initially lost all feeling to his arms and legs. Perry quickly
regained feeling and gave the crowd the old “thumbs up” as he was taken off the
field. He was later diagnosed with a
concussion. Eagles coach Andy Reid said Perry had X-rays taken of his neck and
they were negative.
WR: One of the players generating
talk is undrafted rookie receiver Hank Baskett, who earned a start in the Hall
of Fame game opposite Reggie Brown. Baskett has been making big catches and
taking full advantage of the opportunity he is getting in practice and in the
game. He’s 6-4 and 220 pounds. Obviously, his size is impressive, but he uses
his strength well to gain separation and he’s not as slow as his size might
suggest. With Todd Pinkston still sidelined while recovering from the Achilles
injury that placed him on IR last year, Baskett is progressing nicely. “I’ll tell you what; he’s a big, strong,
physical receiver that’s had a solid camp. And, we’ll see. I talked about that
just a little earlier. We’ll see if he can bring what he does from practice
into a game, so, what a great opportunity for him," assistant head
coach/offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. As camp moves forward,
Baskett will probably fall back to Earth a bit, but he’s worth keeping an eye
for those of you in dynasty leagues. The
Eagles removed Jeremy Bloom from the PUP list on August 1.
Defense: The Eagles rewarded Pro Bowl safety Brian
Dawkins with a two-year contract extension on Sunday. "It's nice to get
this out of the way and it's time to get the season going," Dawkins said.
"I'm looking forward to being here another two years. It's a good thing
for me, absolutely, and for the organization." The Eagles were also happy
to ink first-round pick DT Brodrick Bunkley for a six-year deal. Bunkley was
the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft. Andy Reid said DE Darren Howard was
held out of practice last week due to inflammation and swelling in his knee.
"Until we get that out, we won't bring him back out here," Reid said.
"He's had that before and we just will work with it and get it taken care
of." Reid also said incumbent LB Dhani Jones remains ahead of LB Greg
Special Teams: For a guy that’s supposed to be taking it easy, kicker David Akers is
hitting some very long kicks. He made a 63-yard FG in practice, and then set a
HOF Game record Sunday by making a 55-yarder (his only attempt in the game).
Akers is also coming to terms with the fact that he’ll likely have a new holder
this year, punter Dirk Johnson, ''I'd be lying if I said I didn't want the guy
[Koy Detmer] who has been holding for me for six years out there. But Dirk's
also held a lot in practice, and we're in the fourth year now [with Johnson at
least in camp]. We've come to know each other, but we haven't done it in game
situations where you have to know how the wind is going to play and how he's
going to hold it. But he's a very talented athlete, a [Division II] All-
Eagles
Depth Chart
QB Donovan McNabb, Jeff
Garcia, Koy Detmer, Timmy Chang
RB Brian Westbrook, Ryan Moats (inj), Bruce Perry (KR) (inj), Reno Mahe
(PR), Correll Buckhalter (inj)
FB Josh Parry, Thomas Tapeh, Jason Davis
WR Reggie Brown, Todd Pinkston
(inj), Jabar Gaffney, Greg
Lewis, Jason Avant, Hank Baskett, Darnerien McCants, Jeremy Bloom
(KR/PR), Carl Ford, Justin Jenkins, Bill Sampy, J.J. Outlaw, Derrick Fenner,
Jermaine Jamison
TE L.J. Smith, Matt Schobel, Steven Spach, Andy Thorn, Jonas
Crafts
K David Akers
DE Jevon
Kearse, Darren Howard, Trent Cole, Jerome
McDougle, Juqua Thomas
DT Mike Patterson, Darwin Walker, Sam Rayburn, Brodrick Bunkley, Ed Jasper, Keyonta
Marshall, LaJuan Ramsey
MLB Jeremiah Trotter, Mark Simoneau (W/M), Omar Gaither (W/M)
OLB Dhani Jones (S), Shawn Barber (W), Matt McCoy (W), Chris Gocong (S), Jason
Short (S), Dedrick Roper (S), Greg Richmond, Torrence Daniels
CB Sheldon
Brown, Lito Sheppard (inj), Roderick Hood
(KR), Donald Strickland, Matt Ware, Dexter Wynn, Joselio Hanson, Mark
Clark
S Brian Dawkins (FS), Michael Lewis (SS),
Quintin Mikell (FS), Sean Considine (SS), J.R.
Reed (FS/KR), Scott Ware (SS)
QB: It didn’t take Ben
Roethlisberger long to get acclimated in camp. He’s already pronounced himself
fit for the Steelers’ first preseason game. Big Ben went on to say that Head
coach Bill Cowher would have to "hold me back" from playing against
RB: The
main story playing out this week is who will win the team’s role of goal-line
back. Cowher said, at this point, the race is wide open. In Saturday’s practice, Willie Parker and Verron Haynes both saw action
with the team’s goal-line package. Obviously, if Parker nails down the
goal-line job, then his fantasy value increases significantly. Otherwise,
Haynes remains a certifiable sleeper, especially if Duce Staley continues to
miss football games due to injury. Last year, Haynes served as the team’s third
down back. Adding goal-line duties to his repertoire would give his value a
definite boost and make him a good candidate for RB depth on your fantasy
roster (especially in a basic scoring league). "We'll take a look at all
those guys," Cowher said. "Verron, Duce, Cedric [Humes], even Willie.
Jerome had been the guy the last couple years so there's open competition right
now." In one series of goal-line plays, Parker got two carries. He was
stopped for no gain on the first and he gained three yards on the second. Both
runs were between the tackles. Haynes was stopped for a two-yard loss on third
down, and then failed to score while diving to the one yard line on fourth
down. Staley took the field with the second unit. He gained one yard on first
down, and then Charlie Batch threw a four-yard TD to the fullback, which
happened to be OLB James Harrison on that play.
On Parker, Cowher was quoted, “He's having probably as good a camp as
anyone here.” Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt then chimed in, “He did such
a good job for us last year and he's really shown, especially in this camp,
that he's a strong inside runner… So we wanted to give him an opportunity.”
Parker said he told the coaches he wants a chance to stay on the field when
they get close to the goal line. "If you're a running back," Parker
said, "and you don't like goal-line [plays] and scoring touchdowns, I
think you're in the wrong position or profession." Meanwhile, Duce Staley
was working more as the team’s lone back on third downs during 11-on-11
practice. "That's a sign from coach Cowher telling me I got to learn a
little third down," Staley said. "I take the good with the bad and
third down is not bad. In the shotgun, you have to watch the blitz pickup,
that's something we've been working hard on the past three years. I look
forward to the challenge."
WR: Hines Ward tweaked his hamstring over the
weekend, but it’s not considered serious and Bill Cowher described his status
as day-to-day. Rookie Santonio Holmes received a bit of good news following his
legal problems from earlier in the summer. Holmes had a charge of disorderly
conduct in
Defense: Joey Porter remains on the
sidelines watching his teammates practice, but Cowher said that Porter is
beginning to “look very comfortable” and the team will continue to assess his
progress during the next week. Undrafted rookie Lee Vickers was moved from
defensive end to outside linebacker this week. Vickers played multiple positions
in college at
Special Teams: Kicker Jeff Reed was successful on all five field-goal attempts (20,
30, 35, 40 and 50 yards) against a live rush in practice the other day. The
50-yarder grazed the upright, but was still good. Camp leg kicker Mark Brubaker fared just as well, making all
five from those same distances. Rookie WR Willie Reid has looked great
returning punts, utilizing his speed, good hands, ability to avoid defenders,
and more speed. Rookie WR Santonio Holmes and especially CB Ricardo
Colclough have had problems hanging onto the ball on punt returns. WRs Cedrick Wilson, Isaac West, and Nate Washington
have also been practicing on punt returns. WR Quincy Morgan and CB Ricardo
Colclough have been working with the first team unit on kickoff returns, while
the rookie WRs Willie Reid and Santonio Holmes have worked with the second
unit. Colclough has also been mishandling kickoffs. Bill Cowher is watching!
Steelers
Depth Chart
QB Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Omar Jacobs, Shane Boyd
RB Willie Parker, Duce Staley, Verron Haynes (FB), Cedric Humes
FB Dan Kreider, Doug Easlick
WR Hines Ward, Cedrick Wilson, Santonio Holmes, Quincy Morgan, Nate Washington, Willie Reid (KR/PR), Sean Morey,
Lee Mays, Walter Young, Marvin Allen
TE Heath
Miller, Jerame Tuman, Charles Davis,
Jonathan Dekker, Isaac Smolko
K Jeff Reed, Mark Brubaker
DE Aaron
Smith, Brett Keisel, Travis Kirschke, Rodney
Bailey, Shaun Nua, Orien Harris
NT Casey Hampton, Chris Hoke, Scott Paxson
ILB James Farrior, Larry Foote, Rian Wallace, Clint Kriewaldt, Mike Kudla
OLB Joey Porter (inj), Clark Haggans,
James Harrison, Andre Frazier, Arnold
Harrison, Lee Vickers
CB Deshea
Townsend, Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, Ricardo
Colclough (PR/KR), Chidi Iwuoma, Anthony Madison
S Troy Polamalu (SS), Ryan Clark (FS), Tyrone Carter (FS), Mike Logan (SS), Anthony Smith (FS),
Zack Baker, Mike Lorello
QB:
RB: Marshall
Faulk’s surgery on his right knee didn’t go as planned according to Linehan.
Surgeons were unable to repair Faulk's
posterior cruciate ligament because it was too damaged to continue the
procedure. "There wasn't much left of the ligament," Linehan said.
"If he wants to have a chance to ever play again, he's probably going to
have to have a complete reconstruction." Last Wednesday, the Rams signed
veteran Moe Williams to a one-year contract to give them more depth behind
Steven Jackson. Of course, Williams is familiar with Linehan’s offense as the
two were together in
WR: Linehan said he plans to excuse veteran Isaac Bruce from most of the
morning practices when the team begins their “two-a-days”. He expects Bruce to
still put in “mental reps”, but indicated he would extend the same courtesy to
some of the other veterans on the team. The Rams new coach has also been
impressed by the play of backup WR Shaun McDonald. "I think he really showed to me in
today's practice with the receiver corps. He made some really nice catches.
He's a different type of receiver than the other guys. He's more of a slot type
receiver. He can play outside, he does a good job there because he's got speed.
He has that initial body quickness that it takes to beat safeties and
linebackers with those in and out moves and quick feet. He has range. I think
he's really done a nice job there. In the return game, we've really been
throwing it more than anything. You kind of find out who your returners are
when the live bullets step the line." On August 3, the team released
Joshua Tinch.
TE: It’s
still early in camp, but rookie Joe
Klopfenstein is leading fellow rookie Dominique Byrd in the battle to be the
team’s starting TE. "I think Joe's been the most consistent," Linehan
said. "He's certainly what we were looking for. Tight ends are blockers
and receivers, but they're blockers first. I have no problem with Joe's ability
to be a really good receiving tight end, and he's shown positive signs as a
blocker. He just has to be consistent."
Defense: The Rams linebacking corps seems
to be taking shape in camp. OLB Brandon Chillar moved into the starting lineup
at SLB displacing veteran Dexter Coakley, who is returning from a season-ending
injury suffered last year. Free agent addition Will Witherspoon is set at MLB
while veteran Pisa Tinoisamoa is on the weak side. Ron Bartell limped off the
field on Thursday after spraining his ankle during team drills. It was his first
full week of practice at the new position after moving over from corner. "It's
sprained, but how serious it is, I don't know," said Linehan. "He's
been doing a good job with the change. Ronnie is still pretty green but he's
willing. He's learning how to work." LB Drew Wahlroos suffered a broken
bone in either his wrist/hand during Thursday's practice. First round pick CB
Tye Hill showed toughness after aggravating a shoulder sprain he sustained at
the NFL combine. In Saturday’s scrimmage he collided with newly signed RB Moe
Williams. Just a few minutes later, he was back in the mix. "I've never
questioned his toughness or his ability to get back out there, I was more happy
that it wasn't anything more serious," said Linehan. "He got back out
there quick."
Special Teams: Recently signed RB Moe Williams discussed his likely participation on
special teams, “At this stage in my career, I’m going to do whatever it takes
to let me make the team. I’m a realist and I know this is a business. The
younger guys are looking good out there as far as the running backs. Special
teams is what kept me in the league for five years before I was ever even on
the offensive side of the ball, so I know I’m going to try to get on special
teams and hopefully there’s a spot for me.” Rookie WR Marques Hagans, who had
already been working on punt returns, is now also practicing on kickoff
returns.
Rams
Depth Chart
QB Marc Bulger, Gus
Frerotte, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dave Ragone
RB Steven Jackson, Tony Fisher, Moe Williams, John David Washington,
Antoine Bagwell, Marshall Faulk (IR)
FB Madison Hedgecock, Paul Smith
WR Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Kevin Curtis, Shaun McDonald (PR), Dane Looker, Brad
Pyatt, Marques Hagans, Clinton Solomon
TE Joel Klopfenstein, Dominique
Byrd, Jerome Collins, Aaron Walker, Alex Holmes, Landon Trusty (IR)
K Jeff
Wilkins, Remy Hamilton
DE Leonard Little, Tony Hargrove, Brandon Green, Clifford Dukes, Victor Adeyanju,
Matthew Rice
DT Jimmy Kennedy (NT), La'Roi Glover, Claude Wroten, Brian Howard, Jason Fisk, Jeremy
Calahan, Tim Sandidge
MLB Will
Witherspoon (W/M), Tim McGarigle
OLB Pisa Tinoisamoa (W), Brandon
Chillar (S), Dexter Coakley (S) (inj), Raonall
Smith, Jon Alston, Drew Wahlroos (S) (inj)
CB Tye Hill, Jerametrius Butler, Travis Fisher, Fakhir Brown, DeJuan
Groce, Kevin Timothee
S Corey Chavous (SS), Oshiomogho Atogwe (FS), Ronald Bartell (FS), Jerome
Carter (SS), Dwaine Carpenter (FS)
QB: If the first week or two of
training camp are any indication, then Philip Rivers is progressing nicely and
ahead of schedule. He’s throwing the ball accurately and not repeating
mistakes. Even head coach Marty Schottenheimer said Rivers was “a little ahead”
of where he expected him to be at this point. "Philip Rivers might be a
little bit ahead,” Schottenheimer said. "He understands this offense
completely and he understands how the pieces fit together. He has had a very
good camp." RB LaDainian Tomlinson is also excited by Rivers’ play. “He’s
coming along just fine and he’s ahead of all the predictions to where he might
be. But Philip is a very smart guy so it is really not surprising where he is
right now.” Rivers was a star in Saturday’s scrimmage along with WR Malcolm
Floyd. The two teamed for two touchdown passes on the same drive (the first was
nullified by penalty). Floyd beat Antonio Cromartie with a double move for the one
that was called back, then later he burned rookie Cletis Gordon on a corner route.
“It was good to get back out here. Last time I was out here it wasn't too happy
when we left the field,” Rivers said, referring to the season-ending loss to
RB: LaDainian
Tomlinson missed a day of practice last Friday with a sore neck after colliding
with DE Igor Olshansky in practice on Thursday. "I
don't know what happened; I was just playing football," Olshansky said.
"It's a physical game, things happen. But it's not purposely." Tomlinson
added, "Everything's good… It's not real serious anyway. It doesn't hurt
to go out and practice. People made it to be a big deal but it wasn't really a
big deal at all."
WR: Malcolm Floyd (as mentioned
above) and second year WR Vincent Jackson continue to have strong camps. Floyd,
at 6-5 and 225 pounds, caught
TE: Antonio
Gates did not participate in team workouts last Thursday, August 3, due to a
hamstring injury. He was able to participate in individual drills though.
Defense: The key battle on the Chargers defense is
shaping up at free safety where free agent addition Marlon McCree is the
current leader. “I'm a good field commander while I'm out there,” said McCree.
“Cornerbacks like to hear you. They don't want to have to think. They're great
athletes, and they play the toughest position on the field. It makes their job
a lot better. They can play a lot more aggressive. It makes your job as a
safety better, because if (the corner) can drive and get to a ball and tip it,
you're there to get an interception. To be a safety you have to be a guy who
can run the defense. That's what I've been able to do in the places I've been.”
DT Luis Castillo likes what he’s seeing, too. “They look good,” Castillo said.
“They're really talking a lot back there.” That’s good news to the Chargers
front office. They signed McCree largely because they felt the secondary lacks
experience and leadership. McCree could still be moved to strong safety, but
for now he’s running with the first team at free safety. McCree said he can
play both positions, also noting that you can be the “quarterback of the
secondary” from either slot. “I played strong last year, and I was that guy,”
he said of his time at
Special Teams: Kicker Nate Kaeding is off to a great start in camp. After he made a
60-yard field goal against the wind, HC Marty Schottenheimer was practically
gushing, "I tell you what, that was huge. I just loved it. It almost
brought tears to my eyes, to be honest with you. He's an outstanding kicker, we
all know that. I put it downwind; I didn't know we were going to go back to 60.
I think it was just a spur-of-the-moment decision. He nailed them all."
Kaeding is more proud of his recent consistency, “I know there's a good
majority of guys that have as strong a leg as I do, if not stronger. My thing
is consistency. We kicked 12 field goals before practice and eight with the
team there and I didn't miss a single one of them. I'm more happy being
20-of-20 than I was making the 60-yarder.”
Right now he’s in the zone and he knows it, “My confidence is 10 million
times better than it was this time last year. As the season progressed last
year my confidence got a lot better, but right now I feel like I can't miss,
which is a good feeling.” That same day, kickoff specialist candidate Kurt
Smith went 4-of-5 on field goals, with a long of 42 yards. The Chargers claimed
rookie WR Gerran Walker off waivers from the Colts. He could compete for a
backup role on returns.
Chargers
Depth Chart
QB Philip Rivers, A.J.
Feeley, Charlie Whitehurst, Brett Elliott
RB LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Turner, Darren Sproles (KR), Tyrone Gross,
Bryson Sumlin
FB Lorenzo Neal, Andrew Pinnock,
Shawn Willis
WR Keenan McCardell, Eric Parker, Kassim Osgood, Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd, Mark
Simmons, Sean Coffey (inj), Robert Ortiz, Gerran Walker
TE Antonio Gates, Aaron Shea, Brandon Manumaleuna, Ryan Krause (inj)
K Nate Kaeding, Kurt Smith
DE Igor Olshansky, Luis Castillo (NT), Jacques Cesaire, Derrick Robinson, Chase Page
(inj), Patrick Massey
NT Jamal Williams, Ryon Bingham, Brandon McKinney, Alvin Smith
ILB Donnie Edwards, Randall Godfrey,
Stephen Cooper, Matt Wilhelm, Carlos Polk, Tim
Dobbins
OLB Steve Foley (W), Shawne Merriman (S),
Shaun Phillips (S), Marques Harris (W),
Jonathan Pollard
CB Quentin Jammer, Drayton Florence, Antonio Cromartie, Raymond Walls, Markus Curry,
Cletis Gordon, Steve Gregory, Anthony Mims
S Marlon McCree (FS), Terrence Kiel (SS), Bhawoh Jue (SS/FS), Clinton Hart (FS/SS), Hanik
Milligan (FS), Andre Lott (FS), Richard Yancy
QB: Mike Nolan was asked recently if
he sees a developing relationship between OC Norv Turner and QB Alex Smith
mirroring that of Turner and another top overall pick, Troy Aikman. “You could
say I'm full of it, but if I had to be a betting man, I would say it's going to
go right where it went with QB Troy [Aikman], but we'll just have to let that
happen,'' Nolan said. ``I just see the compatibility that is there. They
communicate well and there is a mutual respect for what the quarterback has to
do and what Norv does.'' For his part, Smith has been improving each day in
camp after poor play dominated his first few practices as camp began. One big
play came last Friday when Smith threw a pass 60 yards hitting new No. 1 WR
Antonio Bryant in stride during the team’s morning practice. In his second
camp, Smith is also leaning on veteran QB Trent Dilfer for advice. Smith knows
how much Dilfer helped Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck and he hopes Dilfer can do
the same for him. What is Dilfer’s evaluation of the young signal caller?
"I could not be more impressed. I talked to Matt last week and I told him,
'He is every bit as good as you are’,” said Dilfer, who continued, “Alex
doesn't have Matt's instincts yet -- Matt played behind (Brett) Favre, he
played for years under (head coach Mike) Holmgren – but Alex will develop
those. This kid has great presence, he's tough, smart as a whip, he gets
it."
RB: Frank Gore and Kevan Barlow continue to battle for the team’s starting
RB job. Gore’s main drawback has been his extensive history of injuries.
Otherwise, during the summer, Gore has looked great and he continues to work
hard with hopes of knocking Barlow out of the starting job. So far, Nolan
hasn’t named a starter and he’s letting the two compete for the betterment of
the team. "I want to see who that guy is," Nolan said when asked
about the depth chart at running back. "I'm wide open. There's no reason
not to be." Last Wednesday, in the morning practice, Alex Smith connected
with Frank Gore along the sidelines in a play that was reminiscent of Gore’s
touchdown run in
WR: Antonio Bryant has easily been
the most impressive receiver in camp so far. As mentioned above, he connected
with Alex Smith on one play last week that covered 60 yards in the air for a
“touchdown.” Practice observers note
that not only is Bryant getting open, but he's running good routes and not
dropping the ball. The last two issues became a source for discontent in his
stops in Dallas and Cleveland. Meanwhile, #2 WR Arnaz Battle continues to miss
practice time due to swelling in the same knee that caused him to miss eight
games in 2005.
TE: Rookie
Vernon Davis is adjusting to the NFL slowly, but surely. He’s found a great
mentor on the team in what would otherwise seem like an unlikely source – the
team’s long snapper Brian Jennings.
Defense: Rookies Manny Lawson and Parys
Haralson are gunning for a starting role in a defense that hopes to replace two
of its best pass rushers from a year ago. Julian Peterson and Andre Carter
started on the edge last year, but both veterans departed via free agency. "Now
I'm trying to fill both of those spots," Nolan said Friday. "The two
rookies are both doing a good job. I see both of those players as competing for
the possibility of being the guys at both of those spots." Corner Shawntae
Spencer switched to the left side this spring and the coaching staff is
optimistic about him being a big contributor this season. "He's getting
better all of the time and competes very well," coach Mike Nolan said.
"He works extremely hard in the offseason and pays the price. You'd like
him to get a little bigger than he is; he is a little light. But he's got the
height. He's good for the team." In other news, the 49ers signed DL Lance
Legree to a contract.
Special Teams: Luis Berlanga, the Mexican
kicking sensation, was still having problems getting a work visa. The
49ers already had Andrew Jacas, the Jamaican kicking sensation, on the roster
as a camp leg to spell Joe Nedney. Jacas has a slim chance of making the final
roster as a kickoff specialist. Special teams coordinator Larry Mac Duff notes,
"He has a legitimate chance to be a kicker and/or a kickoff specialist in
the league. He's a guy who has very good leg strength. He is in the
developmental stages. With all young kickers, they need to find their mechanics
that will help them be successful.'' For most teams, the kickoff and punt
returner positions are intertwined with certain offensive and defensive
positions when it comes to final roster decisions. That is particularly true
for the wide receivers for
49ers
Depth Chart
QB Alex Smith, Trent Dilfer, Jesse Palmer, Shaun Hill
RB Frank
Gore, Kevan
Barlow, Maurice Hicks, Michael Robinson (QB/WR)
FB Chris Hetherington, Moran
Norris
WR Antonio Bryant, Arnaz Battle (inj), Bryan Gilmore, Brandon
Williams, Derrick Hamilton (inj), Rasheed Marshall, Jason McAddley, Otis
Amey (PR), Marcus Maxwell, C.J. Brewer
TE Vernon
Davis, Eric Johnson, Delanie Walker,
Billy Bajema, Terry Jones, Onye Ibekwe
K Joe Nedney, Andrew Jacas, Luis
Berlanga
DE Bryant Young, Marques Douglas, Jerry DeLoach, Melvin Oliver, Lance Legree
NT Anthony Adams, Isaac Sapoaga, Ronald Fields, Bobby Payne
ILB Derek Smith, Jeff Ulbrich, Brandon Moore, Renauld Williams, Zak Keasey
OLB Manny Lawson, Corey Smith (S), Parys Haralson (DE), T.J.
Slaughter, James Maxwell, Andre Torrey
CB Shawntae Spencer, Mike Rumph (inj), Walt Harris, Derrick
Johnson, Sammy Davis, B.J. Tucker
S Tony Parrish (SS) (inj), Mike Adams
(FS), Mark Roman (FS), Keith Lewis (FS), Chad
Williams (FS), Marcus Hudson (FS), Vickiel Vaughn (FS)
QB: In the team’s first scrimmage
last week Matt Hasselbeck completed 4-of-6 passes for 43 yards including a TD
to WR Maurice Mann. He didn’t throw any interceptions. Backup Seneca Wallace
was 5-of-11 for 40 yards, but looked much better working in the red zone where
he was 5-of-6 for 53 yards with a 20-yard TD. Hasselbeck and Wallace got all
the snaps during the red zone work, while David Greene was 3-of-4 for 18 yards
and Gibran Hamdan was 3-of-5 for 45 yards splitting snaps in the regular
scrimmage work. "David and Gibran and Travis are battling," Holmgren
said about the battle for the No. 3 spot. "Travis will not get as many
reps as the other two guys, which is the unfair part of it. But that's just the
way it is." On Wallace, Holmgren said, “He works so hard passing the ball;
he wants people to know he’s a fine passer so he doesn’t always cut it loose… He
wants to stay in there and throw it. But I know he’s a fine passer. And when he
plays in a game, his legs are a big weapon for us, too.” Wallace wants to show
he’s not just a runner who can throw, but he’s also a good instinctive
quarterback. “I feel good about it,” Wallace said. “I feel good about
everything. Every year you have to step up a part of your game and this year I
wanted to focus on poise in the pocket and being comfortable getting the ball
to the right receiver.”
RB: After last year’s tremendous season, it’s difficult to imagine what
Shaun Alexander might do for an encore. Alexander likes to keep things simple. "I
never want to be done," Alexander said. "Every year, I have had the
same goal: to get a little bit better." Does that mean he’s shooting for
more than 28 touchdowns? "You say 29, and we can try to go for it,"
Alexander said. He also rushed for 1,880 yards and led the Seahawks to the
Super Bowl. "He wasn't Super Bowl MVP last season. He didn't get 2,000
yards," running backs coach Stump Mitchell said. "So there are still
a lot of goals." Nobody said it would be easy, but Alexander faces more
challenges than he did a year ago. For example, Mike Holmgren prefers a 60-40
pass-to-run ratio, so Alexander might have to make due with fewer opportunities
than he had last year. "I have been working hard this summer and hard
through this training camp to get a little bit better," Alexander said.
"Whatever that is, we're going to be happy with."
In the team’s scrimmage last week, Alexander didn’t participate, but the
player of the day amongst the backs was Marquis Weeks, a rookie free agent from
WR: Nate Burleson continues to
emerge as a potential star in the Seahawks offense this year. He’s being used
much differently in
D.J. Hackett expects to miss 2-to-3 weeks with a strained right
hamstring. He injured it while catching a pass in the end zone on the final
play of Wednesday's practice on July 26.
In the Seahawks scrimmage, it was Taco Wallace (of the FBG All-Name
team) with the top performance. He caught four balls for 61 yards with two TDs.
Nate Burleson caught three balls for 42 yards including a 20-yard TD. Rookie
Ben Obomanu reeled in three balls for 35 yards. Maurice Mann had three catches
for 32 yards with a 17-yard TD from Hasselbeck. With
TE: The team waived TE Matt Henshaw and signed free
agent Matt Murphy to a contract last Wednesday. Holmgren expects starting tight
end Jerramy Stevens will be able to return to practice as early as this coming
week.
Defense: Last year’s standout rookie, LB Lofa Tatupu is
shining in training camp. He reported to camp at a lighter weight and he says
he feels better than ever. He continues to have a nose for the football and he
seems to be involved in every play. "I'm a little quicker on my feet
coming in," Tatupu said. "I lost weight. I'm down to about 238 right
now and I feel better. But I think more than that my heightened awareness is
showing itself. I know more about the game, more about offenses." New
addition OLB Julian Peterson is off to a fantastic start with his new team,
too. Peterson sprinted around the field, making plays on one screen pass near
the line and on two long runs into the secondary. He also rushed the passer as
a defensive end on third downs. Peterson said he’s finally feeling like his old
self again after rehabilitating himself from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in
October 2004. Doctors told him it would take 20 months to be fully recovered. "What
do you think? I think I looked pretty good out there," Peterson said,
"On that one pass, I felt like I haven't gotten that high in a long
time... No worries at all. I felt like my old self." Safety Ken Hamlin
still has not engaged in any real contact during camp so far. Nicknamed “The
Hammer” for the big hits he laid out during his first three years, he’s
returning from a fractured skull and blood clot near his brain after he was
involved in a street fight last October. "I'm not full throttle,"
Hamlin said. "I really can't go all out against my teammates." Corner
Jimmy Williams twisted his ankle on Thursday morning and limped off the field. On
August 3rd, the team waived DL Darrell Wright.
Special Teams: Kicker Ryan
Seahawks
Depth Chart
QB Matt Hasselbeck,
Seneca Wallace, David Greene, Gibran Hamdan, Travis Lulay
RB Shaun Alexander, Maurice Morris, Josh Scobey
FB Mack Strong, Leonard Weaver, David Kirtman
WR Darrell Jackson (inj), Nate Burleson, Bobby Engram, Peter Warrick, D.J. Hackett (inj), Ben Obomanu, Keenan Howry
TE Jerramy Stevens (inj), Itula Mili, Will
Heller, Caleen Powell, Matt Murphy, Mike Gomez
K Josh Brown
DE Grant
Wistrom, Bryce Fisher, Darryl Tapp, Joe
Tafoya, Ronald Flemons, Kemp Rasmussen, Chris Cooper, John Syptak
DT Marcus Tubbs, Chartric Darby, Rocky Bernard, Craig Terrill, Russell Davis, Ron
Smith
MLB Lofa
Tatupu, Niko Koutouvides
OLB Leroy
Hill (W), Julian Peterson (S), D.D. Lewis
(S/W), Kevin Bentley, Isaiah Kacyvenski (S), Cornelius Wortham, Lance
Laury, Evan Benjamin
CB Marcus Trufant, Kelly Herndon,
Kelly Jennings, Jordan Babineaux, Jimmy Williams, Kevin
Hobbs, Gerard Ross
S Michael Boulware (SS), Ken Hamlin
(FS) (inj), Oliver Celestin, Mike Green (FS)
QB: Chris Simms seems to be doing
everything that HC Jon Gruden expects of his fourth year pupil in training
camp. He had a strong offseason during team workouts and that seems to be
spilling over into training camp. "Well,
I don't want to say too many positive things because it's so early in camp, but
he's doing a great job with our offense right now. He's throwing the ball
tremendously. He's seeing things. He's handling a lot of situational football
extremely well. He's picking up right where he left off last year, as a very
good young quarterback who's getting better. He's emerging, I think, as a
player at that position," said Jon Gruden, who later lavished more praise
on Simms following back-to-back long balls in Sunday’s practice. "QB Chris
Simms threw the ball great," said Gruden. "We had some very good work
in the passing element from an offensive standpoint. Defensively, we've got to
do a much better job than I saw in that period.” Even though CB Torrie Cox was
the one beaten on both long passes, he “has had a great camp for us,” according
to Gruden.
Backup Jay Fielder remains sidelined giving sixth round pick Bruce
Gradkowski plenty of reps, but Gruden said that isn’t the only reason he’s
seeing extra snaps. "He's earned them [reps]," Gruden said.
"He's doing a good job. I do know this: When training camp is over and we
get going in the regular season, I'm not going to be able to get him a lot of
reps…This is it, baby. You're going to have to respond. And if you do respond,
we'll keep giving you the work." As for Fielder, "It's coming. Every
day I get out here it's improving," said Fiedler. "I took a day off
(Friday). That really helped get it fresh, and I definitely took a step
forward."
RB: There
has been talk of Cadillac Williams becoming more versatile in his second year
as the team hopes to use him more in the passing game. Last year, he frequently
left the field while Michael Pittman served as the third down back. Likewise,
Mike Alstott took almost all the snaps once the team got inside the 5-yard
line. Williams only caught 20 passes for 81 yards as a rookie. Over the
weekend, Williams also dropped a pair of balls in the same practice – one of
which was a swing pass out of the backfield. Gruden all but admitted that he
misused his star RB as a rookie. “We'd
like to get him more involved in the passing game," Gruden said.
"We'll try to get him the ball a little bit more than we did a year ago…He
might carry the ball 500 times. I don't know." Williams is down for
whatever. “I do feel I'm better. I am cutting and sprinting better. I just feel
a lot swifter this year. I know that might be because I feel better confidence.
I feel like I am going to dominate." Backup RB Derek Watson suffered a
neck injury after colliding with LB Jamie Winborn on a play, but he was seen on
the sidelines later in the day as the special teams practiced.
WR: Two players
who are making things happen during the last week are David Boston and Chas
Gessner.
Gessner, an undrafted free agent from Brown, is working hard just trying
to get noticed. In Thursday’s morning practice, corner Ronde Barber jumped
Gessner’s route and intercepted the pass, but Gessner never quit on the play
and ultimately he popped the ball out of Barber’s hand, which was then
recovered by fellow rookie WR Maurice Stovall. "Hey, man, how about that
guy?" Gruden said. "I call him the Golden Goose. He hates that name,
but Chas has made a lot of plays. We're going to see a lot of him in the
preseason." At 6-5 and 220 pounds, Stovall is also hard to miss out there,
especially when he stays on the field every day after most players flock to the
locker room to get out of the heat. Stovall has been staying on the field to
catch extra passes and work on his route running. His goal is clear: to become
an all-around receiver.
TE: The
expectations for second-year TE Alex Smith continue to grow as word leaks out
about his improvement. Gruden has put together packages specifically to take
advantage of his unique skills. For his part, Smith is enjoying a strong camp
and Gruden is excited for what he brings to the table. "Not
a lot has changed with him. He's a businessman. I'm really proud to have him here.
He's what a Buccaneer football player is all about. The guy takes it very
seriously. He's got talent, that goes without saying. But he's just much more
confident, comfortable with how we're going to do business here and what we're
asking him to do. He's going to make a lot of plays for us, I believe
that," Gruden said.
Defense: The Bucs are pleased with the
play of rookie corner Alan Zemaitis during the first week of camp. He
intercepted two passes during the last week, then added a third over the weekend
during 7-on-7 drills when Blue Adams deflected a Simms’ pass in the end zone
into Zemaitis’ hands. Free safety Will Allen underwent surgery to repair his
broken thumb. He is expected to wear a hard splint and return to practice in about
a week, but his status for the Aug. 11 preseason opener against the Jets is
uncertain. Another player making a move is free safety Kalvin Pearson, the
leading tackler on special teams last season. Pearson began practicing with the
first-team defense with Will Allen sidelined. Then there is the Bucs
reclamation project from last year, NT Chris Hovan. "I came from an
organization that didn't care about defense, that put it on the back
burner," said Hovan. "
Special Teams: Kicker Matt Bryant is off to a great start in camp, and HC Jon Gruden
is very happy, “He’s pretty good, isn’t he? Yeah, I like Matt Bryant. He’s a
football player more than a kicker. He’s doing a great job. We’ve got a
combination, a battery of [holder Josh] Bidwell and Bryant, and [long-snapper
Dave]
Other: The Bucs have been without RT Kenyatta
Walker for three days as he continues to rest his injured knee. OL Toniu Fonoti
is also out indefinitely with a sprained right ankle.
Buccaneers
Depth Chart
QB Chris Simms, Jay Fiedler (inj), Bruce Gradkowski, Tim Rattay, Luke McCown (inj), Jared Allen
RB Cadillac Williams, Michael Pittman (3RB), Earnest Graham, Derek Watson
FB Mike Alstott, Jerald Sowell, Rick Razzano
WR Joey Galloway, Michael Clayton,
Ike Hilliard, David Boston, Maurice Stovall, Mark
Jones (KR), Edell Shepherd, J.R. Russell, Paris Warren, Ben Nelson
TE Anthony Becht, Alex Smith, Dave
Moore, Tim Massaqoui (inj), T.J. Williams (inj)
K Matt Bryant
DE Simeon Rice, Greg Spires, Dewayne White (DT), Julian Jenkins
DT Anthony
McFarland, Chris Hovan (NT), Ellis Wyms, Jon
Bradley, Anthony Bryant, Kevin Lewis
MLB Shelton Quarles, Barrett Ruud
OLB Derrick
Brooks (W), Ryan Nece (S), Jamie Winborn (S), Marquis
Cooper (S), Wesly Mallard (W), Jermaine Taylor (W), Charles Bennett,
Anthony Trucks
CB Ronde Barber, Brian Kelly, Juran Bolden, Torrie Cox, Alan Zemaitas, Justin
Phinisee, Dwight Ellick
S Jermaine Phillips (SS), Will Allen (FS)
(inj), Donte Nicholson (SS), Kalvin Pearson
(SS), Steve Cargile (SS), Eli Ward (FS), Blue Adams, Jahmile Addae
QB: The Titans were able to get a
good look at both of their quarterbacks during this week in camp. Billy Volek
sat out Thursday’s morning practice to rest a sore arm giving rookie Vince
Young a chance to run with the first team. "If the arm gets sore and tired
then it makes sense to rest him," said head coach Jeff Fisher of Volek.
"There is a lot of throwing going on and he's taking the majority of the
reps. Billy has been doing a lot of throwing, so we decided to rest him. We may
do that again. Vince stepped up and had a good morning. He needs to do that, so
he can get more reps with the number ones. It was great learning experience in
the heat (for Young). When you're tired, you've got to concentrate and focus on
not how you're doing, but what you're doing." Fisher then talked about
Young’s performance, “Vince stepped up and had a good morning.” Indeed, he did.
One on play he threw a deep ball to WR Roydell Williams for a touchdown over
the outstretched arms of top corner Pacman Jones. On Saturday, Young didn’t
fare quite as well. He failed to complete a pass and he was intercepted on
another. "It happens," Young said of the interception. "These guys
are great, phenomenal athletes on both sides of the ball. Interceptions are
going to happen. As long as they happen out here at practice, right now I'm
just playing the game, getting better as the days go on."
RB: Rumors
continue to circulate that Chris Brown wants to be dealt to a team where he can
make the best use of this talents, or more specifically, get the most playing
time. Ironically, he’s listed as the team’s starting running back, something
that Jeff Fisher continues to reiterate to anyone who is willing to listen to
him. That hasn’t stopped Brown’s agent, Ryan Morgan, from propagating the
story. Morgan said the Dolphins are one of the teams his client would like to
play for, but until the Titans grant him permission to pursue a deal, the issue
is a dead in the water. Meanwhile, LenDale White did not practice on Saturday
due to an injured toe. An MRI revealed that he has bone spurs around the toe
that have aggravated and irritated the injury. White was expected back on
Monday. On Saturday, rookie Quinton Gaither drew the biggest cheer of the day
when he ran downfield and over fellow rookie safety Calvin Lowry. One fan yelled out, "smash-mouth football." Ganther can play
fullback, too. He filled in for Troy Fleming (swollen knee) and Ahmad Hall (concussion)
also on Saturday. Fisher liked what he saw and said Ganther would continue alternating
with the fullbacks and running backs. "As it relates to his opportunity,
it's not a bad thing. He's strong, heavy, can catch and is a contact player ...
You take those assets there and use them the best you can, I think this will
help him," Fisher said.
WR: Starting WR Drew Bennett is
entering the final year of his contract, but he says that it doesn’t bother
him. “I haven’t thought about it that much. I know it’s the last year of my
contract and everything, but I’m looking to get back on the field, be
successful and win some football games. I really haven’t thought about anything
contract-wise, as far as where I’m going to be next year or what’s going to happen
this year.” Free agent addition David Givens joins the starting lineup opposite
Bennett. "My role is definitely to
come in and make a lot of plays," Givens said. "Definitely in the
passing game, make plays. In the run game, I'll definitely be there to block. A
good run game always opens up a good pass game and vice versa. I'm definitely
going to be blocking and I'm here to make big plays so that's the bottom
line."
Whoever comes next on the depth chart is anybody’s’ guess at this point.
Jeff Fisher knows there is no shortage of players competing for the spot and he
was none too pleased when Tyrone Calico was not able to practice on Saturday,
August 5. "We're running out of time for Ty," Fisher said. "He's
been a little inconsistent catching and has yet to really finish a practice
full speed." One player the team is hoping to get back from injury soon is
Brandon Jones. "He's very close. I don't want to say days or weeks, but
somewhere in there,'' Fisher said. "We'll be able to start to get him back
and ease him back into practice. I don't think he is ready to work twice a day
yet. But he's one of the first guys we've had, I think, on PUP (physically
unable to perform list) that had an ACL the year before and come back and work
at camp.” Jones is ready to come off the PUP, but he’s been limited to rehab
work and the team plans on working him into practice at least once per day in
the next week if all goes well. Courtney Roby, Roydell Williams and Bobby Wade
are all in that mix, too. Wade is one of the players that has caught Fisher’s
attention during OTAs and in training camp. Wade can also return punts. "He
had a great offseason," said Fisher of Wade. "He is fun to watch and
he loves to play. He is competitive, and he is always smiling. He is very
creative. He's got a lot of ability inside to get open, and that's the kind of
receiver we need. He has been very generous with his time. He came out and
worked out (QB) Matt Leinert (before the draft). He was doing those things for
us during the offseason. He really just loves the game." It’s unlikely the
team will keep six receivers, so one or more of the receivers above could be on
the street, which is just another reason why Calico needs to get on the field
and out of the infirmary.
TE: The Titans suddenly became
particularly thin at tight end after Erron Kinney underwent arthroscopic knee
surgery last week and Bo Scaife was sidelined with an injured quad. That left
the team with only Ben Troupe and Jamie Petrowski prompting them to re-sign Ben
Hall on Thursday. Greg Guenther missed some practice time with an injured hip
flexor.
Defense: Pacman Jones doesn’t mind the
fact that first round pick Vince Young has generated so much excitement this
summer. After getting the same treatment last year, Jones doesn’t mind the
cameras being focused on someone else for a change. "Last year when I
first got in, it was a whole lot of pressure, everybody's eyes on me,"
Jones said. "I'm a little back in the cut now. Everybody's eyes are on
Vince. I'm just happy to be out here and on time. If I'm here on time, I feel
pretty good and hopefully everything will be good enough." Rookie fourth
round pick LB Stephen Tulloch was picked mostly to help on special teams
immediately. Yet, so far Tulloch has impressed the coaching staff with his
hard-hitting ability. Tulloch’s athletic ability and football acumen might
allow him to contribute immediately as a rookie. "Stephen Tulloch knows
how to use his pads," said Fisher said. "That’s becoming more and
more evident each day."
Corner Michael Waddell is expected to be out until at least October as
he recovers from a patella tendon injury suffered in the spring. On Friday, the
team announced they have released linebacker Moses Osemwegie.
Special Teams: Kicker Rob Bironas was good on 9-of-10 field goals in
a recent practice. In another practice he was perfect on field goals, all in
the 35 to 45 yard range, while working with two different holders, P Craig Hentrich and WR Drew Bennett. HC Jeff Fisher noted, "Rob is kicking well. We're going to bring some
help in here at some point. We just have to massage the roster a little."
If Bironas continues to kick as well as he has, the Titans may not need to
bring in anyone else. The various kickoff and punt return practices have mostly
featured three key players: CB Adam Pacman Jones, WR Bobby Wade, and WR
Courtney Roby. Jones is expected to be the primary kickoff returner while Wade
is expected to be the primary punt returner. The two appear to be enjoying
working together and have snuck some laterals into their practice.
Titans
Depth Chart
QB Billy Volek, Vince Young, Matt Mauck, Cody Hodges
RB Chris Brown, LenDale White (inj), Travis Henry, Jarrett Payton
FB Troy Fleming (inj), Ahmard Hall,
Quinton Ganther
WR Drew Bennett, David Givens, Bobby Wade, Tyrone Calico (inj), Courtney Roby, Brandon
Jones, Roydell Williams, Jonathan Orr (inj), Sloan Thomas, Jason
Anderson, O.J. Small, Tramain Hall
TE Ben Troupe, Erron Kinney (inj), Bo Scaife (inj), Greg Guenther (inj), Jamie
Petrowski, Ben Hall
K Rob Bironas
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, Travis LaBoy, Antwan Odom, Bo Schobel, Copeland Bryan, Sean
Conover, Tim Thompson
DT Albert Haynesworth, Randy Starks, Rien Long (inj), Jared
Clauss, Jesse Mahelona, Daleroy Stewart, Marcus White, Wayne Dickens,
Jeff Littlejohn, Chris Herring
MLB Peter Sirmon (M/S), Stephen Tulloch
OLB Keith Bulluck (W), David Thornton
(S), Cody Spencer (W), Robert Reynolds (S/M), Jared
Newberry (S), Marcus Randall, Terna Nande, Spencer Toone
CB Pacman Jones, Reynaldo Hill, Andre Woolfolk, Rich Gardner, Michael Waddell (inj),
Cedric Holt
S Chris Hope (SS), Lamont Thompson (FS), V