Jason Wood - Keys to Training Camps

Link: http://www.dallascowboys.com/camp.cfm
Location: Marriott Residence Inn (Oxnard, CA)
Dates: July 29 - August 20
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Is Julius Jones capable of carrying the load? - After a monster second half in 2004, Julius Jones was expected to flourish as the Cowboys workhorse. But lingering injuries left him out for some games and ineffective for others. Meanwhile, Marion Barber played well when given the chance. Can Jones stay healthy and handle 20+ carries game in, game out? Bill Parcells won't wait long to find out; particularly with Barber reportedly becoming a favorite of his.

How good will Terrell Owens be in Big D? - Few offseason signings were as widely discussed as the Cowboys addition of Terrell Owens. Owens is healthy and well compensated, with a chip on his shoulder. As long as he can tow the line under Bill Parcells, Owens should be among the league's top producing receivers. But can anyone count on Owens playing the good soldier for an entire year?

How does Anthony Fasano impact Jason Witten? - The Cowboys surprised many by drafting Anthony Fasano in the 2nd round given the presence of Jason Witten, a Pro Bowler at the position. According to early reports, the Cowboys want to use 2-TE sets as the base offense in 2006 and needed another top-tier TE to line up alongside Witten. Whether this truly allows Witten to run more routes hinges on whether Fasano can adjust to NFL blocking schemes quickly.

The battle at right tackle - Last year Rob Petiti started at right tackle as a rookie. His inconsistency was maddening but he showed enough to enter camp as the starter. But his hold on the job is tenuous because of the acquisition of veteran Jason Fabini. Fabini, a longtime starter for the Jets, will push for the job in training camp.

Answering the other questions on the offensive line - In an ultra-competitive division, the Cowboys can ill afford for their line to taper off again as it did in the second half a year ago. Is LT Flozell Adams healthy and ready to dominate? Is Kyle Kosier really an upgrade at LG? Who starts at center: Andre Gurode or Al Johnson? And is last year's big acquisition, Marco Rivera, going to hang onto a roster spot after injuries robbed him of his effectiveness in 2005?

(IDP) Is there a replacement if Keith Davis can't play? - Starting free safety Keith Davis was the victim of a drive by shooting in July, leaving his status uncertain. Unfortunately free safety is one of the team's weakest positions, meaning the much discussed move of corners Aaron Glenn or Marcus Coleman to safety may become a necessity.

(IDP) Is Bobby Carpenter up to the task at OLB? - The Cowboys are expecting rookie Bobby Carpenter to start outside (opposite Demarcus Ware), but he must a) come into camp in time and b) outperform veterans Al Singleton, Kevin Burnett and Rocky Boiman.

New York Giants

Link: http://www.albany.edu/sports/giants.html
Location: University of Albany (Albany, NY)
Dates: July 28 - August 23
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Is Eli Manning the next great QB in waiting? - Eli Manning threw for almost 3,800 yards and had 24 touchdowns a season ago; prompting many to presume greatness in 2006. Yet, he also completed just 53% of his passes and threw 17 interceptions (tied for 2nd worst) last year. With the Giants difficult schedule, will Manning make another step forward or are calls of greatness premature?

Who is going to back him up? - The Giants backups leave much to be desired, but someone has to be Manning's game day backup. Will it be the athletically limited Tim Hasselbeck or Rob Johnson, who looks like an All Pro in practice but can't bring it on game day?

Does Brandon Jacobs become a more prominent member of the offense? - Last year, the Giants coaches, personnel and even Tiki Barber lauded the selection of Brandon Jacobs because it would allow Tiki some needed in-game rest. Yet, Jacobs ended the year with only 38 carries and Barber had more than 400 touches. Will Jacobs play a more consistent role this year?

What role will Sinorice Moss play as a rookie? - The Giants have a promising offense, but Amani Toomer is nearing the end of his career. The Giants hope Sinorice Moss, the diminutive brother of Santana Moss, will add an explosive open field dimension to the passing game while also helping in the return game. Can he get into camp on time and cement a position in the WR rotation?

(IDP) LaVar Arrington's role - LaVar Arrington joins the Giants with a chip on his shoulder and a lot to prove. Will the Giants allow him to run free, making use of his aggressiveness and athleticism?

(IDP) Finding a nose tackle - The Giants are having an open competition in camp to determine who starts at nose tackle. Veteran Fred Robbins must battle Damane Duckett, Junioe Ioane, Barry Cofield and Jonas Seawright.

(IDP) Defining the secondary - The Giants are attempting a massive overhaul of the secondary. Entering camp, it's a numbers game with plenty of roster spots up for grabs. FS Will Demps, SS Gibril Wilson, and CB Sam Madison are sure bets to start, but Corey Webster, Frank Walker, R.W. McQuarters, Quentin Harris, James Butler, Curtis Deloatch and Jason Bell are fighting for the other active roster spots.

Philadelphia Eagles

Link: http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/trainingcamp.jsp
Location: Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA)
Dates: July 20 - August 16
Open to the public? - YES (with a few exceptions, check website)

Offensive coaching and philosophy changes - The Eagles aren't making wholesale changes to the offense, but for the first time in the Andy Reid era, a new offensive coordinator is at the helm. Marty Mornhinweg takes over for Brad Childress. But more importantly, for fantasy purposes, is whether Andy Reid is serious about his promise run the ball more; creating an important balance.

Donovan McNabb's condition - McNabb played last season with a severe sports hernia that eventually required surgery. The hernia made it impossible for him to step into throws, not to mention it was all but impossible to use his mobility effectively. The team needs McNabb 100% healthy if it hopes to turn its fortunes around.

Can Reggie Brown fulfill lofty expectations? - Reggie Brown is replacing Terrell Owens as the Eagles top receiver, no easy task. But head coach Andy Reid has maintained from day one that Reggie Brown has the chance to be the best receiver he's ever coached. Can Brown establish himself as Donovan McNabb's go-to receiver in his second year?

Sorting through the interior line - The Eagles tackle spots are set, but the interior line will be decided in training camp. At center, Hank Fraley and Jamaal Jackson have an open battle. At left guard, rookie Max Jean-Gilles, second year Todd Herremans and third year Adrien Clarke are all up for the job.

Josh Parry vs. Thomas Tapeh - Last year, Josh Parry beat out Jon Ritchie in camp. This year, he has to battle Thomas Tapeh. Parry is a classic blocking fullback, whereas Tapeh is more offensively inclined, if not as punishing at the point of attack.

(IDP) Are the young 'backers ready to start alongside Trotter? - Both outside linebacker positions are in flux. Entering camp, 2nd year Matt McCoy is penciled in as the starter on the weak side, while rookie Chris Gocong is pushing incumbent Dhani Jones on the strong side.

Washington Redskins

Link: http://www.redskins.com/tickets/trainingcamp06.jsp
Location: Redskins Park (Ashburn, VA)
Dates: July 31 - August 15
Open to the public? - YES

Implementing Al Saunders' extensive playbook - For the first time in his illustrious head coaching career, Joe Gibbs is handing over the play calling duties. Al Saunders brings a similar philosophy (both are Don Coryell protégés) but his playbook is considerably more complex according to Redskins players.

Antwaan Randle El vs. Brandon Lloyd - Santana Moss is entrenched as the team's top pass catcher, but the Redskins went out and acquired Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle-El this offseason; both starters for their prior teams. Both have made indications they intend to start, but that's simply impossible. Will Lloyd, a pure receiver, get the nod over Randle El, who can help the team in so many other ways?

The changing role of the H-Back and tight end - In Joe Gibbs' offense, the H-back is a vital component of the offense. In Al Saunders, less so. With Chris Cooley a proven pass catcher, we know he'll be targeted often regardless, but does the addition of veteran Christian Fauria signal the end of the H-back? Will Mike Sellers survive the final roster cuts?

(IDP) Sean Taylor's legal situation - Sean Taylor should probably buy his own law firm, it'll be cheaper than paying all the bills he's accrued thus far. How will his legal woes impact his availability and preparedness for the upcoming season?

(IDP) Weak side linebacker battle - Entering camp, DC Gregg Williams says Warrick Holdman has the "slightest" of edge against Chris Clemons and rookie Rocky McIntosh for the starting gig. But it will be a true three-way competition, with the odd man out possibly losing a roster spot.

(IDP) Is Andre Carter a difference maker? - The Redskins are paying new defensive end Andre Carter as though he's a perennial impact pass rusher; and they need him to be