Jason Wood - Keys to Training Camps

Link: http://www.denverbroncos.com/
Location: Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Centre (Englewood, CO)
Dates: July 28 - August 20
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Shanahan's "new" lieutenants - For the first time in his Denver tenure, Mike Shanahan won't have Gary Kubiak at his side on offense. Former assistant Mike Heimerdinger has returned as an assistant head coach and Rick Dennison gets the bump up to OC. Ultimately Shanahan controls the offense, but how will his new lieutenants alter the game plan, if at all?

Does Jay Cutler lock down the backup QB role as a rookie? - Mike Shanahan coveted Jay Cutler and traded up to draft him. And while Jake Plummer is entrenched as the Broncos' starter, it will be interesting to see whether Cutler can wrestle away the game-day backup job from Bradlee Van Pelt during training camp.

Will Tatum Bell really take a back seat to Ron Dayne? - The Broncos have not publicly committed to Tatum Bell and likely won't as a tool to motivate him. But the fact remains he had nearly 1,000 yards rushing on 173 carries last year; averaged better than 5 yards per rush and no longer has to deal with Mike Anderson. Is Ron Dayne really supposed to threaten Bell's ascendance?

Will Javon Walker overtake Rod Smith as Denver's top producer? - Javon Walker got his wish and was traded from Green Bay to Denver. Walker steps into a ready made offensive unit that merely lacked a reliable second receiver. Many are projecting Walker to be the Broncos most productive receiver in 2006, but haven't we learned not to count out Rod Smith?

Will Lelie break camp with the Broncos? - Ashley Lelie's agent has expressed doubts whether his client can return to the Broncos. There are as many as six or seven teams reportedly interested in acquiring Lelie. Will he report to camp? If not, where will he land?

The tight end battle - Entering camp veteran Stephen Alexander is the projected starter, but rookie Tony Scheffler is a polished receiving tight end coming out of Western Michigan. Can Sheffler displace Alexander or, at the very least, play a role in 2-TE sets?

Kansas City Chiefs

Link: http://www.uwrf.edu/chiefs/
Location: University of Wisconsin-River Falls (River Falls, WI)
Dates: July 28 - August 18
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Ushering in the Herm Edwards era - Herm Edwards replaces Dick Vermeil, and that's going to mean changes on several fronts. Both are considered "players coaches" but Vermeil was far less conservative on game day, and far better at managing the game. Can Edwards defensive tendencies coexist with incumbent DC Gunther Cunningham? Is new OC Mike Solari up to the task of replacing Al Saunders?

Can Priest Holmes contribute? - We know this is now Larry Johnson's team, and he's easily a top 3 fantasy pick. But can Priest Holmes get medical clearance to play, and back up LJ? If not, who grabs the RB2 job in camp? Dee Brown? Quentin Griffin?

Who lines up opposite Eddie Kennison? - The Chiefs have been without a true number two receiver for years, and appear ready to go through another season without a difference maker opposite Eddie Kennison. Will Samie Parker, Jeris McIntyre, Craphonso Thorpe, Darrell Hill or Jeff Webb prove us wrong?

Finding a new right tackle - The Chiefs offensive line has long been a strong suit, and this year four of five pieces return for another go. But right tackle will be settled in training camp as Jordan Black will battle Kyle Turley, who is trying to make a comeback after several years out of the game.

(IDP) Is Ty Law in the picture? - Reports continue to surface that Ty Law will eventually join the Chiefs, perhaps a few weeks into training camp. Will he reunite with Herm Edwards? If not, who starts opposite Pat Surtain?

(IDP) How is Eric Hicks' shoulder? - Eric Hicks suffered a torn rotator cuff that required surgery. Coach Edwards believes Hicks will be ready at, or near, the start of camp but that's far from a given. If his injury requires an extended rehab, who takes over the starting DE spot opposite Jared Allen?

Oakland Raiders

Link: http://www.raiders.com/newsroom/newsroomNewsDetail.jsp?id=26059
Location: Napa Valley Marriott (Napa Valley, CA)
Dates: July 24 - August 25
Open to the public? - NO

New coaches, old systems - The Raiders are trying to turn back the clock with Art Shell resuming the head coaching role. Even more surprising is the return of Tom Walsh as offensive coordinator. Presumably they will install the offensive system of yesteryear, which is a downfield passing attack that is augmented by run game. But are Shell and Walsh ready to compete in today's NFL? Can their old school ways inspire today's players?

Will Aaron Brooks be part of the problem or solution in Oakland? - Aaron Brooks has always been a confounding player; with glimpses of All Pro ability mixed in with a lot of poor decision-making. He replaces Kerry Collins in Oakland and has a collection of offensive weapons that most QBs would envy. Can Brooks flourish in a new town in a new system? Or does he contribute to another disappointing chapter in the Raiders recent history?

Will Randy Moss play like, well, Randy Moss? - Randy Moss' inaugural season in Oakland fell short of expectations. His 60 catches, 1,005 yards and eight touchdowns were the second lowest of his career, respectively. Can he reestablish himself as the league's best receiver, particularly with yet another QB change and a new coaching staff in place?

Cementing the new offensive line - Robert Gallery has been moved to left tackle and Barry Sims to left guard. HC Shell believes this will better optimize the Raiders OL personnel; and training camp will be vitally important toward establishing cohesion with the new lineup. Last year, the line allowed 45 sacks and struggled run blocking (29th in the NFL).

(IDP) Finding starters and a base defense - The Raiders are arguably the least settled defensive unit in the NFL entering camp. DC Ryan hasn't decided on what base defense the team will run (he's leaning toward using multiple fronts). There are battles both outside linebacker spots, the nickel defensive back position and both starting safety spots. It's entirely possible that three rookies could start (FS Michael Huff, OLB Thomas Howard, and DT Anttaj Hawthorne).

San Diego Chargers

Link: http://blog.chargers.com/2006/07/training_camp_practice_schedul.html
Location: Chargers Park (San Diego, CA)
Dates: July 29 - August 23
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Can Philip Rivers pick up where Drew Brees left off? - The Chargers have handed the reins to Rivers, two years after acquiring him on draft day. Can Rivers handle the pressure of replacing a well liked and respected Pro Bowl player?

The WR situation in San Diego beyond Keenan McCardell - Keenan McCardell remains the team's top wide receiver, but who starts alongside him is hardly set in stone. Eric Parker is the obvious fit, but he lacks explosiveness. Former 49er Rashaun Woods was acquired as a reclamation project, while raw but promising 2nd year Vincent Jackson is waiting in the wings.

How will Antonio Gates handle Philip Rivers? - Antonio Gates has established himself as the preeminent talent at his position, and it would seem unlikely for him to struggle regardless of the Chargers QB situation. But Philip Rivers isn't a proven commodity and expectations will be sky high for Gates. Can he live up to mountainous expectations in 2006?

Is there a left tackle in the house? - The Chargers have questions on the offensive line, most notably left tackle. Roman Oben is recovering from foot surgery and his status is unclear. The team drafted Marcus McNeil as insurance, but will be ready to start in Week One? If not McNeil or Oben, would the team put Leander Jordan back at LT?

(IDP) The battle at strong safety - Marlon McCree is a lock at free safety, but Terrence Kiel, Clinton Hart and Bhawoh Jue will battle in camp for the starting strong safety job.

(IDP) Is Donnie Edwards safe? - Few players have been as productive as Donnie Edwards in the last decade, but there has been some disagreement between the longtime Charger and team officials regarding his contract. Would the team consider releasing him?