Jason Wood - Keys to Training Camps

Link: http://www.azcardinals.com/news/detail.php?PRKey=990
Location: Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ)
Dates: July 30 - August 17
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Can Matt Leinart put pressure on Kurt Warner? - Matt Leinart's draft day fall was the Cardinals gain. No one questions Leinart's position as the future franchise QB in Arizona, but how much pressure can he put on this year's starter, Kurt Warner? First things first; Leinart will have to outplay John Navarre in camp to earn the QB2 spot.

How effective can Edgerrin James be? - Edgerrin James is leaving one of the league's best offenses for a team that ranked dead last in every major rushing category a season ago. There's no question James will improve the Cardinals ground game, but can he play at the elite level we've all come to expect?

Do the Cardinals have a tight end that's not just a placeholder? - Last year we asked that same question and the answer turned out to be "no." This year, the team drafted mammoth Leonard Pope in the 3rd round. While Pope should be a starter in Arizona for years, if he's not ready to contribute as a rookie, who will the Cardinals rely on?

Can Steve Loney work miracles with the offensive line? - New offensive line coach Steve Loney did a good job in Minnesota. Now he's given the task of turning last year's underachieving unit into a productive line that protects Warner and opens holes for James. The team added Milford Brown and Deuce Lutui, who could both earn starting spots at guard, but was that enough of a talent infusion?

(IDP) Monitoring Karlos Dansby's health - OLB Karlos Dansby has become the team's most disruptive defender and his presence is critical for a young defense with questions at the other linebacker spots. But Dansby had surgery on his broken hand just a few weeks ago and his status for the start of camp is in question.

(IDP) The battle on the weak side - Orlando Huff and Darryl Blackstock should engage in a spirited battle in camp for the weakside linebacker spot. Huff, a veteran acquisition from Seattle, is considered the favorite to start. Another possibility, if Blackstock wins the WLB job, is for Huff to move inside where James Darling is penciled in to start.

St. Louis Rams

Link: http://www.stlouisrams.com/TrainingCamp/
Location: Rams Park (St. Louis, MO)
Dates: July 27 - August 17
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

New coaches, new systems - New head coach Scott Linehan promises a more balance offensive approach, which includes a commitment to running the ball consistently. This will be the first time most of these players have played in a system other than the Vermeil/Martz/Coryell spread attack; and an adjustment period seems likely. On defense, Jim Haslett has been tasked with rebuilding one of the league's worst units and will do so with an aggressive blitz package and a base 4-3 defensive front.

Can Bulger handle more responsibility? - The new coaching staff will allow Marc Bulger to audible. Yet, is this a good thing? Under Mike Martz, when he didn't have that freedom, he still threw a ton of interceptions. Will the added freedom lead to careless decisions?

Is Steven Jackson a workhorse in waiting? - Steven Jackson may finally get his wish to be a workhorse. Marshall Faulk's career may be over (he's considering retirement) and new coach Scott Linehan has expressed his intent to run Jackson early and often.

Is Isaac Bruce secure at WR2? - Isaac Bruce signed a new contract this offseason, so clearly the new regime values his presence. But at 34 years old with Kevin Curtis pushing for more playing time, will the new coaches consider making Bruce a backup?

Which rookie tight end is going to start? - The Rams traded Brandon Manumaleuna and drafted not one, but two tight ends in the April draft. Joe Klopfenstein and Dominique Byrd were both highly productive pass catchers in college, while Klopfenstein is the more accomplished pass blocker. Which one gets the starting nod this year?

(IDP) Establishing a new identity on defense - The Rams defense has made wholesale changes and training camp will be a crucial period of evaluation. Can La'Roi Glover solidify the interior? Will Brandon Chillar or Raonall Smith start on the strong side? Can rookie CB Tye Hill work into the starting lineup?

An epic punter battle - Can Andy Groom beat out grizzled veteran Matt Turk for the Rams punting duties?

San Francisco 49ers

Link: http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=2010
Location: 49ers Complex (Santa Clara, CA)
Dates: July 28 - August 23
Open to the public? - Limited (see website for details)

Implementing Norv Turner's offense - New offensive coordinator Norv Turner will bring his offensive system, which uses a power rushing attack to set up play-action passing, and abandon the West Coast offense long associated with the 49ers. How long will it take the 49ers young players to adjust to the new system? Is the personnel ideally suited?

Does Alex Smith put it all together in Year Two? - It's unwise to judge Alex Smith's rookie failings too harshly considering the lack of supporting components. This year, the team needs and expects to see Smith take a major leap forward. If he struggles in camp, will the team risk shaking his confidence by starting Trent Dilfer in Week One?

Frank Gore vs. Kevan Barlow - Neither Frank Gore nor Kevan Barlow has done enough to suggest they're suited for an every down role as the 49ers lead back. But barring the addition of another veteran, the 49ers rushing attack is going to go as far as Barlow and Gore take it. With Norv Turner in town, the odds of a committee approach are lessened. One of these backs could be the surprise of 2006, or not.

The WR depth chart - Another year, another uncertain receiving corps. The team traded Brandon Lloyd but acquired Antonio Bryant as his replacement. Antonio Bryant and Arnaz Battle are the likely starters, but it's unclear who will be Alex Smith's top option. Rookie Brandon Williams will push Bryan Gilmore, Rasheed Marshall and Derrick Hamilton in camp.

How good can Vernon Davis be as a rookie? - Vernon Davis isn't the typical tight end. He was faster than any wide receiver in this year's draft, runs great routes, has soft hands and yet has the size and strength of anyone at the position. The 49ers have precious few playmakers and Alex Smith could use a safety valve like Davis. Does he start right away or will veteran Eric Johnson put up a fight?

Assessing the health of the left side of the line - LT Jonas Jennings is back from shoulder surgery, C Jeremy Newberry has been given clearance to participate in practice and free agent OG Larry Allen says he feels great. If all three of these guys can make it through camp intact, the 49ers offensive line should make major strides this year.

(IDP) Can Manny Lawson replace Julian Peterson? - The 49ers are asking a lot of rookie Manny Lawson. One, they're trying to convert him to a 3-4 outside linebacker after being a defensive end in college. Two, they're asking him to replace the Pro Bowl impact of Julian Peterson. Few defensive rookies will be under closer scrutiny this preseason.

Seattle Seahawks

Link: http://www.seahawks.com/ardisplay.aspx?ID=6911
Location: Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA)
Dates: July 29 - August 24
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

How is Darrell Jackson's knee? - Darrell Jackson missed 10 games last season due to knee surgery. He was quite effective upon his return, but it was announced in April that Jackson has a follow-up procedure to clean up some scar tissue. Team officials maintain he'll be ready to start the year, but caution would be prudent until we see Jackson practicing at full speed.

Bobby Engram vs. Nate Burleson - Bobby Engram is the savvy veteran and longtime Seahawk. Nate Burleson is the young, local guy returning home with a long-term deal (that's actually a one-year deal with a big option). Which gets the start and, does it matter in fantasy terms?

The quest to replace Steve Hutchinson - It's impossible to replace Steve Hutchinson; but someone has to start at left guard. The leading candidate is Pork Chop Womack, who has started at both tackle and guard for the Seahawks in prior years. But the Seahawks have options including free agent acquisition Tom Ashworth, rookie Rob Sims and possibly moving Sean Locklear inside. It should be a spirited battle.

(IDP) Will Ken Hamlin be cleared to play? - Free safety Ken Hamlin is an important piece of the Seahawks secondary but hasn't been cleared to play as he recovers from head and neck injuries that robbed him of the second part of 2005. With free agent Mike Green a capable option, will the Seahawks take their time with Hamlin?

(IDP) Herndon vs. Jennings - Rookie CB Kelly Jennings has gotten rave reviews from everyone thus far; and will be given the chance to unseat Kelly Herndon. The loser is probably the nickel back; but it would be a blow to Herndon's ego if he loses his job to a rookie.

Clash of the punters - Fantasy owners and beat writers everywhere will be glued to the training camp reports to see whether Gabe Lindstrom or Ryan Plackemeier wins the punting job.