Training
Volume 3, Issue 1 – 8/02/07
Joe Bryant and
Owners, Footballguys.com
Arizona
Cardinals
QB: For Matt Leinart, training camp
is unchartered territory. Leinart spent just two nights in camp last year
following a contract dispute even though he wound up being the team’s starter
for most of the year. The playing experience gives Leinart some added
confidence coming into his second season. "It's weird," he said.
"I feel totally different. I feel like I'm more in command. I'm more of a
leader. I can speak up. It's a total different vibe." Leinart is joined in
camp by veteran backup Kurt Warner with Shayne Boyd and Toby Korrodi competing
for the 3rd spot.
RB: The
Cardinals begin camp with four tailbacks: Edge James, Marcel Shipp, J.J.
Arrington, and Steve Baylark. Edge reported to camp on-time sporting a new look
– no more gold teeth. "It was time
to take them out," he said. "I had them for a long time, but I took
off my mask. Now the real 'Business Edge' will surface." The Cardinals
hope so. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt and assistant HC Russ Grimm hope to run
the ball more this year, promising Edge 300+ carries this year. Never a fan of
the preseason, Edge appears to be ready for the challenge. "If
(Whisenhunt) wants me to go out there and get five, six carries, I'm not going
to say no. If they want me to do it just to save face, so there's no
complaining, I'll do it,” said James. Shipp enters camp with a solid grasp on
the backup job. Baylark is an undrafted rookie out of UMass (as Shipp was when
he joined the team). He is competing for a spot hoping to contribute on special teams. Baylark ran for
5,199 yards and 42 touchdowns as a collegian, only the third player in DI-AA
with four 1,000-yard seasons.
WR: Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald
and Bryant Johnson all return healthy and motivated. Johnson is a free agent
following the season. In offseason workouts, Boldin has lined up at all three
receiver positions as well as the backfield. It appears that Whisenhunt will
use him in creative ways, much like he did Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle-El in
Pittsburgh. Boldin made his 2nd Pro Bowl last year and he became the
fastest player in NFL history to reach 300 receptions (in 47 games). The
Cardinals signed Sean Morey and Ahmad Merritt to free agent contract to provide
competition for LeRon McCory, who missed all of 2006 with a thumb injury. Morey
followed Whisenhunt from Pittsburgh. He and Merritt hope to contribute on
special teams. Like Boldin, Michael Spurlock is a former college QB. He spent
most of 2006 on the practice squad along with Todd Watkins and Greg Lee (who
also played in NFL Europa this spring). The Cardinals added Steve Breaston in
the 5th round of the draft, who led Michigan last year with 58
receptions for 670 yards and two touchdowns. Breaston’s strength, however, is
on returns; he finished as the Big Ten’s all-time leader in punt returns (127)
and punt return yards (1,599). Matt
Trannon went undrafted, but he could be fun to watch in the preseason given his
6’6” frame and athleticism (he also played basketball for Tom Izzo). Trannon
has been impressive in offseason workouts; he finished with148 receptions for
1,755 yards and nine touchdowns at Michigan State.
TE: Leonard
Pope has the size and receiving skills to be emerge as a deep sleeper in his 2nd
season. He’s 6’7” but struggles as a blocker in the running game. He’s penciled
in as the team’s starter, but Troy Bienemann
and rookie 7th round pick Ben Patrick could push him to playing
time. Bienemann might be a better blocker than Pope, but he’s coming off an
injury. Patrick slid in the draft after being projected as a first day pick.
Tim Euhus was picked up recently after being with Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and
Buffalo in previous stints. Pope and Patrick have the most promise to make a
fantasy impact, but if Pope can learn to block he could emerge as a legitimate
red zone thread with defenses more focused on the team’s other star players.
Defense: The Cardinals are switching to
the 3-4 this year. Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor are making the transition
to OLB and the team added behemoth DT Alan Branch with the first pick of the 2nd
round. Branch projects as the team’s starting nose tackle, though he could be
moved around to take advantage of his talents. He and another former Wolverine
Gabe Watson will anchor the middle of the defense. Branch is adjusting quickly
to the NFL and his first training camp. "Someone just told me we ain't got TVs in there," said
Branch. "It's going to be crazy to me, because I'm addicted to
television." Toting a large cooler to his dorm room, Branch was asked
what’s inside. "Healthy snacks,” said the rookie, who dropped some weight
since last season. Branch is eager to get started, "It's been a lot of
time since I hit somebody, so I kind of been having an itch about it," he
said. The Cardinals have plenty of talent at LB as Karlos Dansby moves inside
where he’ll be paired with Gerald Hayes along with backups Monty Beisel and
rookie Buster Davis, a productive, but undersized player with a nose for the
ball. Calvin Pace and Darryl Blackstock added depth and experience on the
outside. SS Adrian Wilson is the team’s biggest playmaker and the unquestioned
leader of the defense. Opposite him, free agent signee Terrence Holt will
compete with Aaron Francisco for a starting job.
Special Teams: Neil Rackers hopes to regain his magic from
long range this year. After making nearly everything in 2005, he struggled on
field goals from 50+ yards last year. He may be spelled during preseason by
dual-purpose camp leg Ricky Schmitt, a rookie punter/kicker from Division II
Shepherd. Rookie WR Steve Breaston out of Michigan is the favorite to be the
return specialist. His strength is punt returns, and his only real competition
at that position is second year WR Michael Spurlock, who played QB in college.
Breaston will face a larger number of competitors at kickoff returner during
camp. Foremost is the incumbent, RB J.J. Arrington. Spurlock and free agent acquisition CB Roderick Hood are also
options.
Cardinals
Depth Chart
QB: Matt
Leinart, Kurt
Warner, Shayne Boyd, Toby Korrodi
RB: Edgerrin
James, Marcel
Shipp, J.J.
Arrington (KR), Diamond
Ferri, Steve Baylark
FB: Terrelle
Smith, A.J. Schable (inj), Tim Castille,
Brandon Snow, Roshon Vercher
WR: Larry
Fitzgerald, Anquan
Boldin, Bryant
Johnson, LeRon
McCoy, Sean
Morey, Steve
Breaston (KR/PR), Todd Watkins, Greg Lee,
Michael Spurlock (KR/PR), Ahmad Merritt, Matt
Trannon
TE: Leonard
Pope, Ben
Patrick, Troy
Bienemann, Tim
Euhus, John Bronson, Alex Shor
K: Neil
Rackers
DT: Alan
Branch (NT), Gabe
Watson (NT), Chris
Cooper, Ross
Kolodziej, Jonathan Lewis, Ray Blagman
DE: Darnell
Dockett (DT), Antonio
Smith, Joe
Tafoya, Rodney
Bailey
ILB: Gerald
Hayes, Karlos
Dansby (W/S), Buster
Davis, Monty
Beisel, Pago Togafau, Nathan Hodel
OLB: Bertrand
Berry (DE)(inj), Chike
Okeafor (S/DE), Calvin
Pace (S/DE), Darryl
Blackstock (W), Brandon
Johnson, David Holloway
CB: Antrel
Rolle, Eric
Green, Roderick
Hood, Ralph
Brown, Matt
Ware, Darrell
Hunter, Travarous Bain, Michael Adams
S: Adrian
Wilson (SS), Aaron
Francisco (FS), Terrence
Holt (FS), Hanik
Milligan, Brandon Keeler (FS)
Atlanta
Falcons
QB: With
Michael Vick sidelined due to his ongoing legal woes (in case you haven't
heard, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ordered Vick to stay away from camp when
it opened on Thursday), the team has turned to Joey Harrington as the starting
QB. Vick's trial is scheduled for November 26th and he is not expected to play
football during 2007. The change leaves fantasy owners wondering what to expect
from the Falcons' new starter Harrington. Our Jason Wood and Mark Wimer offer
contrasting viewpoints about this topic on the Footballguys.com
Blog here - as the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the Falcons'
are moving on without Michael Vick at QB. The depth chart as of Sunday stands:
Harrington, 2nd-year player D.J. Shockley, Chris Redman and ex-arena leaguer
Lang Campbell. Just prior to training camp, head coach Bobby Petrino said of
Harrington, "I think the thing that impressed me the most at OTAs is his
take-charge attitude, the way he jumped in the classroom and studied. He's a
very quick learner. A very intelligent young man." On Sunday 7/29, Petrino
gave an early assessment of Harrington's performance so far in training camp,
"First, I like his knowledge of the game and he understands what the
defense is trying to do. He does a good job in his post and pre-snap reads,
being able to see how the safeties and linebackers move after the ball. I think
he is really going to be able to execute our offense and distribute the ball
where it needs to be. That’s going to help us in our run game when you
understand the defenses and the fronts like that. He has a real good sense of
timing as well. Unfortunately, guys don’t get very open so you have to hit them
when they are open. I think that’s a good starting point and he has a really
good since of timing.” Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson commented on Shockley
Friday, stating "D.J. has been around, played in some preseason games a
year ago, played at the University of Georgia, so he knows those particular
elements, too. It's just him getting the chance to play to show what he can
do." Redman played for one season under head coach Petrino in college at
Louisville.
RB: Just before camp opened, we learned that Warrick Dunn
had surgery for a herniated disk in his back and is expected to miss 3-6 weeks
due to his ongoing rehabilitation. It was the second surgery during the
offseason for Dunn, who also had arthroscopic surgery on his injured shoulder
earlier in the year. With Dunn out, Jerious Norwood has stepped into the
starting role. Norwood showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie and he’s not
wasting any time in his second season either. "Jerious is a guy that you look at, you watch
him on video and you say: 'Wow, this guy has a chance to really make some big
plays for us,'" HC Bobby Petrino said. "He can accelerate and cut
very quickly and he has home run speed. He's a very good receiver out of the
backfield so we're looking forward to seeing how we utilize him catching the
ball out of the backfield. He just needs to continually work on his blitz
pickup and protecting the quarterback." A huge camp battle is brewing for the #2 RB spot on the squad. As of
Sunday 7/29, Jamal Robertson is working at the #2 spot, with rookie Jason
Snelling (7th round draft pick) in hot pursuit. Coach Petrino stated,
"Jamal understands what we're doing, so he's probably ahead of everybody
else. I like what I see of Snelling. It's going to be a question of how he does
once we get into preseason games. He has good vision and makes nice cuts. He
has some power when he runs the ball, and we're hoping he will be able to run
through some tackles." Meanwhile, Norwood is working to perfect his pass
blocking skills. Coach Petrino said, "He still needs to improve on his
pass protection. He's working hard at that, and he's certainly gotten better at
that." The team may add a veteran RB to the mix at some point during
training camp, but no move has been made just yet.
WR: New
starting WR Joe Horn is making a difference for the Falcons according to coach
Petrino, "Joe has added a lot with his energy and his excitement, the way
he takes the field every day. His competitiveness is unbelievable. Every drill
he does, he wants to be the best, beat whoever he's going against. That rubs
off. We're very unproven, but they left OTAs with a great deal of confidence
and feel they're a lot better." Fred Gibson was released on Saturday after
only 3 days with the club - he was apparently not playing up to coach Petrino's
standard. Gibson missed a special teams meeting due to misunderstanding the
team’s schedule. Rookie Laurent Robinson is still on the squad and is striving
to get into the rotation.
TE: Alge
Crumpler has been partially participating in practices while he continues to
rehab his surgically repaired knee. He took part in some of the drills on
Friday and Saturday. Coach Petrino commented on Crumpler's level of
participation on Saturday, 7/28: “It’s great to see Alge out there. He is a
really good player and there is no question about it. He knows his trade very
well and he’s got a tremendous amount of energy when he’s out there. We are
really trying to manage his knee so he’s only practicing once a day. He doesn’t
do the two-a-days. I’m really excited to see how he fits and how he makes this
offense better. I’ve really liked what I’ve seen so far.” Petrino also went on
to say, “The tight ends are doing well so far. (Dwayne) Blakley has done a nice
job and he had really good OTA practices. He did better yesterday and today. I
still like (Martrez) Milner and he’s doing a really nice job. He can both run
block and catch the ball. I feel good about the position, especially when Alge
(Crumpler) is out there with us because he makes us better.” Martrez Milner has
risen to #3 on the depth chart as of Sunday.
Defense:
Rookie Jamaal Anderson started working with the first team at LDE on Sunday.
"We need to get him in, no question about it," new head coach Bobby
Petrino said. "He's come back from the break in very good condition. He's
not been timid at all. He's been really good going against the run, and he
already had the ability to rush the pass. Right now, it's just getting used to
lining up with the Ones." On Sunday, Anderson stated, "I'm getting a
better IQ for football. This is only my fourth year playing defensive end. So
just learning formations, looking at a lineman's alignment, recognizing down
and distance, a lot of things that come with repetition — those are things that
are starting to come to me now, and I'm only going to get better." Chaucey
Davis is now working with the second team. Second-round pick CB Chris Houston
has been getting some reps with the first team, although Lewis Sanders is #1 on
the depth chart - for now. Starting weakside LB Demorrio Williams, returning
from offseason chest surgery, is working to get back into game shape. Rookie
Stephen Nicholas has been getting first team reps but he'll probably end up
moving down the depth chart once Williams is fully up to speed. At MLB,
offseason FA acquisition Orlando Huff has moved to #2 on the depth chart behind
Keith Brookings, bumping 3rd year MLB Jordan Beck to 3rd team. Backup DE Josh
Mallard has seen some time at DT - coach Petrino praised Mallard's hard work,
stating, "I really like his effort. He gives you everything he has on
every play." In other notes, DT Rod Coleman (thigh injury) and DT Grady
Jackson (conditioning) did not practice on Sunday.
Special
Teams: The Falcons once again enter preseason without a set starter at kicker.
The competitors this year are Billy Cundiff and Aaron Elling. Cundiff handled
kickoffs for New Orleans the latter part of last year. Elling was out of
football last year, after handling kickoffs for Baltimore in 2005. At this
juncture, punter Michael Koenen does not appear to be a contender. He emerged
as the clear winner last August, but failed miserably in the first two games of
the regular season. On kickoff and punt returns it essentially comes down to
two players. Can the aging and slowing CB Allen Rossum once again retain the
job? Or, will second year WR Adam Jennings step into the return specialist
role? If Atlanta’s year continues to be as troubled as it has started, whoever
wins the returner job could be very busy this year.
Falcons
Depth Chart
QB: Joey
Harrington, D.J.
Shockley, Chris
Redman, Lang
Campbell, Michael
Vick
RB: Warrick
Dunn (inj), Jerious
Norwood, Jamal
Robertson, Jason
Snelling, Justin
Vincent, Taurean Henderson, Sha-Ron
Edwards
FB: Ovie
Mughelli, Corey
McIntyre
WR: Michael
Jenkins, Joe
Horn, Roddy
White, Laurent
Robinson, Adam
Jennings, Jamin Elliot, Vincent Marshall,
Eric Weems, Eric Newman, Noriaki Kinoshita (KR),
Ben Nelson, Brian
Finneran (IR)
TE: Alge
Crumpler, Dwayne
Blakely, Martrez
Milner, Daniel Fells
K: Billy
Cundiff, Aaron
Elling
DT: Grady
Jackson (NT), Rod
Coleman (inj), Darrell
Shropshire (NT), Jonathan
Babineaux, T.J.
Jackson (NT), Trey Lewis (NT), Michael Bozeman,
David Patterson, Kelly Talavou
DE: John
Abraham, Jamaal
Anderson, Paul
Carrington, Chauncey
Davis, Josh
Mallard, Nic Clemons
MLB: Keith
Brooking (W), Jordan
Beck, Tony Taylor
OLB: Michael
Boley (S), Demorrio
Williams (W) (inj), Stephen
Nicholas (W), Orlando
Huff (W), Marcus
Wilkins (S), John Leake (S), Travis Williams
CB: DeAngelo
Hall, Chris
Houston, Lewis
Sanders, Allen
Rossum (KR), David
Irons, Brent Grimes, Antoine Harris
S: Lawyer
Milloy (SS), Chris
Crocker (FS), Jimmy
Williams (FS), Omare
Lowe (SS), Daren
Stone (FS), Nick Turnbull (FS), Jeramie Johnson
(SS)
Baltimore
Ravens
QB: Steve McNair enters his 2nd
season as the Ravens QB with former starter Kyle Boller as the backup. Boller
will be a free agent following the season and the team doesn’t know if McNair will
be around for another year either. That’s why it will be a battle worth
watching in training camp between 5th round picks Troy Smith and Drew Olson, a
practice squad player last year from UCLA. On the eve of camp the Ravens
released Cullen Finerty, who won three Division II championships at Grand
Valley State. The QBs will be coached by Rick Neuheisel, who made the following
comment regarding the competition for that third spot, “Fortunately, I don’t
have to make those decisions yet. It’s going to be a hard decision. When
you’re dealing with a roster, the more hard decisions you have to make, the
better team you have.” Olson had a busy spring while leading NFL Europa’s
Amsterdam Admirals to a 4-6 record, completing 170 of 310 passes for 1,967 yards
with 13 TDs and 13 INTs. Smith, of course, was a 1st team
All-American and Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State before imploding in the
National Championship game against Florida. He’s undersized, but the team has
already been impressed with his confidence and leadership abilities during
offseason workouts as he displayed a strong arm and good mobility while Olson
got plenty of work overseas.
RB: Willis
McGahee enters camp with great expectations. A regular at headquarters since he
signed during the offseason, McGahee hopes to be the workhorse the Ravens
envision. Backup Musa Smith finished last season on IR with a neck injury, but
he was healthy in the OTAs earlier this year and he hopes to remain healthy,
for once, and serve as the primary backup. Veteran Mike Anderson is back and
provides some insurance along with P.J. Daniels, a 4th round pick a
year ago, who got plenty of work during OTAs showing some speed and an ability
to contribute on special teams. Cory Ross and Greg Pruitt Jr. have uphill
battles to win a roster spot in camp. Ross made the roster last year and helped
on special teams after B.J. Sams went on IR late in the season. Fourth round
pick FB Le’Ron McClain signed prior to camp meaning the Ravens were able to ink
all eight of their picks on time. "It's good to have each of our draft
choices finished prior to the start of Brian's team meeting on Sunday,"
said general manager Ozzie Newsome.
WR: Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton
return as the team’s starters, but 2nd year Demetrius Williams’
blend of size, speed and body control makes him a potential breakout player
this year. He could possibly overtake Mason in the starting lineup, considering
their play late in the 2006 season, but Mason could be tough to unseat given
his experience and competiveness. The team added the explosive Yamon Figurs in
the draft. Figurs clocked a 4.3 40 at the combine (best among all players) and
he promises to give the Ravens special teams a boost, although the Ravens
coaching staff will take a look at him during the preseason to see if he can
contribute offensively, as well. Devard Darling and Clarence Moore return for
another training camp battle, but it’s unlikely both players will stick with
Figurs now in the mix.
TE: Entering
his 7th season, Todd Heap feels like a rookie thanks to an offseason
free of rehabilitation or surgeries. “This is the first
time in a couple years that I have felt this good,” Heap said. “I am
a lot further ahead than where we were the last few years, and that just makes
me a little more excited for the season.” Heap played all 16 games last
year but didn’t make the Pro Bowl. With a full offseason to think about the
offense instead of rehab, HC Brian Billick thinks that might change. “I think
he is one of the best tight ends in the league,” Billick explained. “He
is excited about spending an entire offseason of basically just getting ready
for the season and not rehabbing. He is in a very good place right now.”
Daniel Wilcox and 2nd year Quinn Sypniewski give the Ravens solid
depth while Marcus Freeman and Kendrick Ballantyne hope to make the roster or
stick on the practice squad. Rob
Abiamiri was released prior to training camp after spending two seasons on the
practice squad.
Defense: The Ravens lost Pro Bowl LB
Adalius Thomas during the offseason, but little else. The defense returns
largely intact with two rookies last year looking to improve and have a greater
impact in 2007; first round pick DT Haloti Ngata and 5th round pick
SS Dawan Landry. Plus, a healthy Dan Cody could make an impact for the first
time in his career. DT Kelly
Gregg reported to camp sporting ten pounds of muscle gained during the
offseason. "I'm stronger than I've been in about four or five years,"
Gregg said. "I really wasn't sore this offseason, so I got into the weight
room. I'm 30 years old, and I'm pushing weight like I'm 25. I feel good about
that, and I'm looking forward to the season."
Special Teams: He may be one
of the oldest players in the NFL, but we know that Matt Stover will be the
Ravens’ placekicker once again this year. The only question is whether he will
also handle kickoffs this year. He resumed doing so last year, after several
years in which Baltimore had kept a separate kickoff specialist on the roster.
Vying for that role in camp will be Rhys Lloyd. He spent this spring in NFL
Europa and was in the Ravens’ camp in 2005. DB B.J. Sams was one of the
top return specialists in the league in recent years; however he missed the
final four games last year with a fractured ankle. He also had off field
troubles with a second DUI charge, although he was acquitted during the
offseason. Even if he's fully recovered from his foot surgery, he faces a
potentially strong challenge for his job from third round draft pick WR Yamon
Figurs out of Kansas State. Figurs posted the fastest time at the NFL Scouting
Combine, and was considered by some to be the best returner in this year's
draft.
Ravens
Depth Chart
QB: Steve
McNair, Kyle
Boller, Troy
Smith, Drew
Olsen
RB: Willis
McGahee, Musa
Smith, Mike
Anderson, P.J.
Daniels, Cory
Ross, Greg Pruitt Jr.
FB: Justin
Green, Le'Ron
McClain
WR: Mark
Clayton (PR), Derrick
Mason, Demetrius
Williams, Clarence
Moore, Devard
Darling, Yamon
Figurs (KR/PR), Romby Bryant, Damien
Linson, Matt Willis, Leo Bookman
TE: Todd
Heap, Daniel
Wilcox, Quinn
Sypniewski, Marcus Freeman, Kendrick
Ballantyne
K: Matt
Stover, Rhys Lloyd, Brendan Carney
DT: Kelly
Gregg, Haloti
Ngata, Justin
Bannan, Dwan
Edwards, Keyonta Marshall, Anthony Bryant,
Atiyyah Ellison
DE: Terrell
Suggs, Trevor
Pryce, Travis Leitko
MLB: Ray
Lewis, Mike
Smith, Prescott
Burgess
OLB: Bart
Scott (W), Jarrett Johnson (S/DE), Gary
Stills (S/DE), Dan
Cody (S) (inj), Antwan
Barnes, Dennis
Haley, Edgar Jones, Joe Martin, Jamar
Enzor
CB: Chris
McAlister, Samari
Rolle, Corey
Ivy, Ronnie
Prude, David
Pittman, Evan
Oglesby, Derrick
Martin, B.J.
Sams (KR/PR), Willie Gaston, Terrell Maze
S: Ed
Reed (FS), Dawan
Landry (SS), Jamaine Winborn, Gerome Sapp,
Donnie Johnson, Bobby Blackshire
QB: Unlike
last year, the Bills enter camp this year with a clear starter at QB in J.P.
Losman. He showed considerable improvement in all areas last season and should
benefit from playing a second consecutive season in the same system with the
same coaching staff. After ranking 2nd last in the NFL in pass attempts last
year, the Bills plan to open things up and feel that the upgrades up front will
allow Losman to be even more successful. “We could open it up a little more,”
Bills offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild said. “When you look at last year,
we were trying to identify a starter and get experience at quarterback with a
not solid situation up front. That made it difficult. Now we’re a little more
well-equipped in those areas.” Losman missed the first day of training camp
after tweaking his back while lifting weights earlier in the week, but he
participated fully on Day 2 and showed plenty of zip and accuracy on his
passes. According to Buffalo News writer Mark Gaughan, “Losman has put a buzz
into the crowd with his throws.” He has been particularly effective on deep
passes and has done a good job with play fakes and looking off defenders. At
this point, there is quite a bit of optimism surrounding Losman and the Bills
passing game.
Craig Nall began camp as the #2 QB but he could be
pushed by rookie Trent Edwards. Nall has a clear edge in experience and should
be more comfortable in the offense having spent last year with the Bills, but
the Bills clearly have high hopes for Edwards after spending a 3rd round pick
on him. When Losman missed the first day of camp, Nall got the first reps in
every drill but Edwards wound up with an almost an identical number of snaps.
After several days of practices, neither player has been particularly
impressive. Nall has looked rusty and although he was accurate on short and
intermediate passes over the middle, he continues to struggle with his footwork
and deeper throws to the outside. Edwards looked alright at times but was the
least accurate of the QBs and generally looked uncomfortable in the pocket.
There appears to be a huge dropoff from Losman to either of these players right
now.
RB:
With Willis McGahee now playing in Baltimore, the
Bills will begin the year with a new starter at RB. Although McGahee was a
workhorse for them, it appears that head coach Dick Jauron would prefer to use
a committee approach at the position. "Regardless of who the number one
(back) is we do still intend to run the ball by committee," said Jauron.
"We think it's better for our team over the long haul. A guy that gets
overburdened carrying the ball constantly at that position will take so many
more shots. We'd like to run it by committee and the guy that's the lead (back)
will have to earn the right to be the lead." It is almost a certainty that
rookie Marshawn Lynch will wind up with that feature back job at some point,
but his performance in training camp and the preseason will likely determine
how quickly that will happen. The coaches plan to ease him into the offense
gradually so as not to overwhelm him, but he quickly showed some of the
explosiveness that the Bills running game has lacked in recent years.
"Sometimes in our running scheme he hits the corner when it's not really
blocked perfectly and he's not supposed to do that, but he outruns everybody
where you just have to start letting him do his thing," said Losman.
"That's what he's good at. You can't over coach a guy like that. You just
have to trust and realize that's how talented he is and just let him take
over." Lynch also demonstrated his receiving ability on day 3 of practice
when he finished with 5 receptions, including a big gainer over the middle when
Losman hit him in stride.
Given the Bills intentions to bring Lynch along slowly, Anthony Thomas
has been taking many of the first team reps at RB early in camp. He is a
reliable and proven player who the team feels very comfortable with but Lynch
appears to be a better fit for the type of multi-dimensional offense the Bills
hope to run this year. Both players figure to split carries during training
camp and preseason. Rookie Dwayne Wright has been third in the RB rotation and
although he is known as more of a power runner, he has impressed with his
quickness early on. If he has a strong training camp, he could force his way
into the committee and earn some regular season snaps as well. Josh Scobey
figures to make the team as a 4th RB due to his contributions on special teams,
so Shaud Williams and Fred Jackson will likely battle over a potential 5th RB
roster spot. The team has no true fullback on the roster this year and plans to
use tight ends as H-backs instead.
WR:
The Bills return
basically the same group of WRs from a year ago, which should further help the
offensive continuity. Lee Evans has clearly emerged as the focal point of the
passing game and could join the league’s elite with another strong season. He
has been very effective in camp early on and looks like he can beat any of the
Bills cornerbacks pretty much whenever he wants. Peerless Price lined up
opposite Evans with the first unit and figures to remain the starter again this
season but he’ll likely be pushed by Josh Reed and Roscoe Parrish throughout
training camp. Josh Reed has impressed as the slot WR and could steal some snaps
from Price in 2-WR formations due to his superior blocking. Parrish has been
lining up opposite Sam Aiken with the second unit and has made several big
plays in camp so far. The Bills may try to get him more snaps with the top unit
to take advantage of his big-play ability. The top-4 WRs appear to be locks to
make the roster and Aiken has a big edge over the rest due to his contributions
on special teams. If the Bills decide to keep a 6th WR this year, it
will likely be Jonathan Smith who was recently claimed off waivers and has a
strong track record as a special teams performer. There may not be enough
leftover reps for any of the inexperienced free agents to make much of an
impact.
TE: The Bills hope to get a lot more
production out of the TE position this season compared to years past and will
employ a more versatile H-back in the offense instead of a true fullback.
Robert Royal is the unquestioned starter at TE when healthy after a solid first
season with the team. He hasn’t looked to be at full strength early in camp and
that has opened up an opportunity for 3rd year pro Kevin Everett to
get more reps with the first team. There has been a lot of positive buzz around
Everett all offseason and he did nothing to discourage it while catching nearly
everything thrown his way. He has made great strides in his route-running and
understanding of the game and could provide a new dimension. Ryan Neufeld
appeared to be taking 1st team snaps at the H-back position but he
was followed closely by Brad Cieslak. This is one of the few offensive position
battles to watch in Bills camp this year.
Defense:
While there is plenty
of optimism surrounding the Bills offense this year, the defense has several
question marks that will need to be resolved during training camp. There are as
many as four CBs expected to compete for the starting spot vacated by Nate
Clements. Jason Webster was signed in May and is the most experienced so he
begins camp as the favorite. Kiwaukee Thomas also has starting experience but
looks to be a better fit as the nickel back. Jabari Greer has potential but
needs to be more consistent. Ashton Youboty is the wildcard to watch in this
competition given the high hopes the team has for him after drafting him in the
3rd round a year ago. Another key situation to watch is at MLB where
the team tries to replace veteran London Fletcher-Baker. Paul Posluszny is the heir apparent after the
Bills traded up in round 2 to get him, but unheralded 2nd year
player John DiGiorgio has been the most improved player in minicamps and looks
like he won’t give up the spot without a fight. 2nd year player
Keith Ellison is set to become a full-time starter at WLB this year and has
been perhaps the Bills best defender in camp so far with some big interceptions
and pass breakups. Finally, one of the most important players to watch this
preseason is DT John McCargo, who the Bills traded up to get in the 1st
round last year. He missed most of his rookie year to an injury but the team
hopes he can make an impact and help improve the league’s 28th
ranked run defense from a year ago. The Bills traded DT Darwin Walker to the
Bears for an undisclosed draft pick after he refused to report due to a
contract dispute.
Special Teams: Rian Lindell
has quietly emerged as a very good kicker. He’ll be busy in camp, as the Bills
do not currently have a second kicker on the roster. CB Terrence McGee
is the incumbent kickoff returner and is one of the best in the league. There
was offseason speculation that his return role would be reduced or eliminated
so that he could focus on defense, however early signs in camp are that he will
continue as the primary KR. RB
Josh Scobey, WR Jonathan Smith, RB Shaud Williams and RB Fred Jackson have also been handling kickoffs in practice. The
usually reliable Scobey muffed two kicks the other day. Although Shaud
Williams, Jonathan Smith, and DB Jim Leonhard will practice on punt returns,
that job definitely belongs to WR Roscoe Parrish.
Bills
Depth Chart
QB: J.P. Losman (PUP), Craig Nall, Trent Edwards, Kevin Eakin
RB: Marshawn Lynch, Anthony Thomas, Dwayne Wright, Shaud Williams (3RB), Josh Scobey, Fred Jackson
WR: Lee Evans, Peerless Price, Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish (PR), Sam Aiken, Donovan Morgan, Scott
Mayle, Jemalle Cornelius, Jonathan Smith, Justin Jenkins
TE: Robert Royal, Kevin Everett, Matt Murphy, Ryan Neufeld (FB), Brad Cieslak (FB), Derek Schouman (FB)
K: Rian Lindell, D.J. Fitzpatrick
DT: Larry Tripplett, Kyle Williams, John McCargo, Tim Anderson, Jason Jefferson, Corey Mace
DE: Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay, Ryan Denney, Anthony Hargrove, C.J. Ah You, Eric Powell, Ryan Neill
MLB: Paul Posluszny, John DiGiorgio (S/M), Thaddeus Washington
OLB: Angelo Crowell (S/M)(inj), Keith Ellison (W), Mario Haggan (W/M), Coy Wire (S/FS), Josh Stamer (S/W), Roy Manning (W), Kevin Harrison (W)
CB: Terrence McGee (KR), Jason Webster, Kiwaukee Thomas, Jabari Greer, Ashton Youboty, Riley Swanson, Reggie
Lewis, Eric Bassey
S: Donte Whitner (SS), Ko Simpson (FS), George Wilson (SS), John Wendling (SS), Jim Leonhard (FS), Trevor Hooper (FS), John Sorto (FS)
Carolina
Panthers
QB: The biggest Panther QB news this offseason was the
acquisition of veteran David Carr from the Houston Texans. Carr was a tackling dummy
for much of his tenure in Houston, facing intense pass rush pressure behind a
leaky offensive line – it remains to be seen if he can overcome the bad habits
he developed while ducking away (or, often, getting sacked) by multiple
blitzers during his years in Houston. Jake Delhomme suffered ligament damage in
his right thumb (throwing hand) last December, but returned to action in the
season finale. Delhomme participated fully in the team’s early May mini-camp,
commenting on the presence of new team-mate David Carr, “I’m probably my
hardest critic. It’s not any different for me whatsoever.” It appears that
Delhomme is on thin ice as of the start of training camp – the competition
between he and Carr will play out as camp rolls along. Some good news for both
Delhomme and Carr (whoever wins the starting job) – the Panthers are going to
vary their snap count during games under new OC Jeff Davidson. "Our snap
count isn’t on one every play anymore, so guys aren’t just going to just tee
off on the same snap count over and over again," said veteran G Mike
Wahle, adding, "You can minimize that as much as you want but that’s a big
deal for offensive linemen. Keeping those guys (defensive players) guessing and
the fact that we’re not coming off with the same drive block every time
helps."
RB: DeAngelo Williams and DeShaun Foster are fighting
tooth and nail to headline the Panthers’ rushing attack. After one day of
training camp, there hasn’t been a lot of discussion about the backs’
respective talents or their position on the depth chart. Foster signed a
re-worked contract during the offseason that included $3.5 million in bonuses –
based on the level of money expended on Foster; it appears the team wants to
utilize both players during 2007. We’ll see who emerges as the superior ball
carrier as camp goes along. Eric Shelton is the dark horse candidate in this
race, but he hasn’t shown us much so far in his career (8 rushes for 23 yards
last year). Williams, who posted 121/501/1 rushing and 33/313/1 receiving is a favorite of some fantasy owners this
year, but he’s far from a sure bet to win the starting job outright. This
dynamic needs to play itself out a little further before fantasy owners rush to
add either Williams or Foster to their roster.
WR: Steve Smith is excited about the upcoming season,
"This year is going to be outstanding; I look forward to it. I set the
goal high. I mean, I feel so good I want to reach 2,000 (receiving) yards this
year.” “I wasn't 100 percent (all) of
the season," Smith stated regarding last year's hamstring injury, "I
didn't start feeling good until right before I went to the Pro Bowl and after
the Pro Bowl. That's when I felt 100 percent." Fantasy owners dream about
having a receiver who gains 2000 yards in a season...it's good to hear Smith is
aiming high. 2nd-year WR Taye Biddle looked good on a sideline pass vs. CB Ken
Lucas, who was left grasping air and watching Biddle burst down the sidelines.
The big question mark for the Panthers regards the #2 WR position. Keary
Colbert disappointed last year, so the team drafted Dwayne Jarrett to challenge
for the starting job. Also in the mix is 3rd year man Drew Carter
(he is technically a 4th-year guy, but sat out his rookie season
during 2004 with a knee injury), who could be a legitimate “sleeper” candidate
for 2007. Reports out of Charlotte indicate that Carter is faster than teammate
Steve Smith, which is saying something. Fantasy owners will want to play close
attention to the duel for #2 in Charlotte.
TE: Jeff King started with the first team during
Saturday’s initial practice. He's in a three-way battle with Michael Gaines and
Dante Rosario for playing time in the Panther's attack - but don't get too
excited. Panther TEs tend to be used as lead-blockers more than pass catchers.
You don't get many fantasy points for pancake blocks in most leagues. King
caught all of 1 pass for a TD last year, but appears poised to challenge for
the starting job if Day One of camp is any indication.
Defense: The Panthers opened training camp Saturday with
stalwarts RDE Mike Rucker (rehabbing an ACL/MCL knee injury) and MLB Dan Morgan
(head/repeat concussions) – but neither player was allowed contact. "That
was one of my goals coming off the injury to be back out there on day one,"
Rucker said, "That means that I really had to hump it this offseason and I
did that. I have been blessed to be in this position. In saying that, but it’s
not over. We still have a long ways to go in the rehab. This is just one hurdle
of many. But I’m ready to move to the next step." Stanley McClover subbed for Rucker, while Adam Seward
stepped in for Morgan. Morgan is not afraid he’ll become a victim of
post-concussion syndrome (despite his five career concussions). “It really
doesn’t scare me,” Morgan said, “When I hear them talking it really doesn’t
remind me of how I feel. If I was sitting there and forgetting things I was
talking about, then it might concern me. But there hasn’t been a point where
I’m forgetting where things are or I’m driving somewhere and I don’t know where
I’m at. That stuff hasn’t happened to me. When I hear these guys (NFL veterans)
talking about (their symptoms) it doesn’t sound like what I’ve gone through. So
I’m not going to base how I feel on how they feel.” Seward is currently second on
the depth
charts at Footballguys.com, but he may well be #1 before too long given
Morgan’s injury woes. Rookie LB Jon Beason is holding out of training camp as
of press time, causing some concerns that he’ll be behind the learning curve
and unable to step into the starting lineup. We’ll see how long his holdout
continues. SS Mike Minter, who is retiring after this season, spoke about his
aspirations for 2007, ”At the end of the day if I have a chance to write the
story, we'll win the Super Bowl, I'll go to the Pro Bowl and then I'll go up on
the (parade) float and we'll be all happy. That's the way I'll write the
story."
Special
Teams: There is no big news regarding thirty-seven year old kicker John Kasay.
He is however sporting a new youthful buzz haircut in camp. The camp leg will
be provided by undrafted rookie Andrew Wellock out of Eastern Michigan. He
actually is youthful. The kickoff returner role appears to be a three man race
in camp: RB DeAngelo Williams vs. CB Richard Marshall vs. fourth round
draft pick WR Ryne Robinson. The rookie Robinson had far more experience and
success on punt returns in college at Miami of Ohio. The Panthers are hoping
that success will carry over to the NFL, so that they don’t have to use WR
Steve Smith or CB Chris Gamble in the punt returner role and let them focus on
their primary jobs.
Panthers
Depth Chart
QB: Jake
Delhomme (inj), David
Carr, Brett
Basanez, Dalton Bell
RB: DeAngelo
Williams, DeShaun
Foster, Eric
Shelton, Nick
Goings, Alex Haynes
FB: Brad
Hoover, Billy Latsko, Steven Jackson
WR: Steve
Smith, Drew
Carter, Dwayne
Jarrett, Keary
Colbert, Taye
Biddle, Kevin
Youngblood, Ryne
Robinson, Josh Davis, Justin McCullum, Chris Horn,
Jahkeen Gilmore
TE: Jeff
King, Michael
Gaines, Dante
Rosario, Chad Upshaw
K: John
Kasay, Andrew Wellock
DT: Ma'ake
Kemoeatu, Kris
Jenkins, Damione
Lewis, Chad
Lavalais, Kindal
Moorehead, Stephen
Williams, Brent Curvey
DE: Julius
Peppers, Mike
Rucker (inj), Charles
Johnson, Stanley
McClover, Dave
Ball, Otis Grigsby, Jason Hall, Rondell Biggs,
Gary Gibson
MLB: Dan
Morgan (inj), Adam
Seward
OLB: Thomas
Davis (S), Na'il
Diggs (W) (inj), Jon
Beason (W/M), James
Anderson (W), Tim
Shaw, Terrence
Melton (W), Brandon Jamison, Philippe Gardent, Mickey
Pementel
CB: Chris
Gamble (PR), Ken
Lucas, Richard
Marshall, Curtis
Deloatch, Derrick
Strait, Kevin Garrett, Dion
Byrum (inj), Christian
Morton
S: Mike
Minter (SS), Nate
Salley (FS) , Deke
Cooper, C.J.
Wilson, Cam Newton, Quinton Teal
Chicago Bears
QB:
After missing nearly
two full years to injuries, Rex Grossman was finally able to stay healthy for
an entire season last year and the Bears wound up going to the Super Bowl.
While Grossman did play very well at times, there were many other games when he
played terribly and the team wound up winning despite his poor play. The Bears
are going to try and help him become a more consistent player beginning with
this year’s training camp. "There is nothing drastic we have to do with
him," Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. "His mechanics
were overall good last year and he had some good games. We just have to get him
that way all the time." Head coach Lovie Smith stuck with Grossman last
year despite his erratic play and hopes that will pay off this year,
"Normally, once you've been in a system for a while, you get better at it.
Most quarterbacks I've seen make a big improvement their second year as a
starter and I think Rex will do that, too." This is also the last year of
Grossman’s contract so if he struggles, he may not get another chance to be a
starter. Early camp reports indicate that Grossman has looked very sharp,
particularly out of the shotgun formation which the Bears plan to use more of
this season. He’s done a good job of spreading the ball around and utilizing
all the weapons available to him rather than locking on to one or two options,
which is a good sign.
While many fans and observers called for
Brian Griese to replace Grossman last season, Lovie Smith never budged.
Although Griese begins camp as the favorite to hold down the #2 QB job again, 3rd
year pro Kyle Orton could pose a serious threat this year. Griese got off to a
rough start in camp with two interceptions and a fumbled snap in his first
practice. Orton, meanwhile, has worked hard during the offseason and looks to
be much improved compared to a year ago. If Orton has a strong preseason,
Griese could become expendable. Rookie Chris Leak was an undrafted free agent
who won a national championship with Florida last year, but he’s a longshot to
make the Bears roster unless a QB is injured or traded.
RB:
Thomas Jones was traded
to the Jets this offseason after three successful years as the Bears starter.
Taking his place will be 3rd year pro Cedric Benson who should
finally get a chance to become the feature back he was expected to be when the
Bears drafted him with the #4 overall pick. Benson will use the preseason to
try and prove that he can be effective in the passing game (both catching and
blocking) and to answer questions that remain about his durability. When asked
what the area he most wanted to improve this year was, Benson joked, “Probably
not taking so many hits.” Although Jones was productive as the starter, Benson
could be a better fit for Ron Turner’s power offense. “He’s got really good
vision and great acceleration to the hole,” Turner said. “He has a real good
feel for being patient and setting up the blocks and then hitting it.” Benson
had a strong start to training camp and could be poised for a big season if he
can stay healthy.
The backup job belongs to incumbent
Adrian Peterson who has been around the team for a few years and has always
been productive when given a chance to play. Peterson is a good all-around back
who could easily step into the starting lineup if needed. He’s also a reliable
blocker and a good receiver who should get first crack at a 3rd down
role, but he’ll likely be pushed in training camp by rookie Garrett Wolfe.
Wolfe is small at just 5’7”, but the Bears drafted him with the idea that he
could be a threat in the passing game and as a change-of-pace runner. “Garrett
gives us a different flavor back there,” running backs coach Tim Spencer said.
“He's not the big, power run-you-over-type of guy. But he's stronger and more
physical than what people think. If people want to make light of his size,
they'll be surprised. He's tough as nails. He gets good leverage, obviously,
because of his size. That will help him block.”
WR: The Bears return their top four WRs
from last season so things will mostly remain the same, but the biggest story
early in training camp has been the play of Devin Hester. The Bears initially
tried the return specialist at cornerback last year but decided to move him to
offense this year to take advantage of his big-play ability. When asked if
there are any other players as explosive and dynamic as Hester, offensive
coordinator Ron Turner said "Maybe Steve Smith. That would be the only
other guy." In practice so far, Hester has been nearly uncoverable on deep
routes and has made several spectacular grabs, including one while laying on
the ground. He has elite change of direction skills and soft hands that could
make him a terror for opposing defenses to contend with. Mark Bradley is fully
healthy and could also make a big impact now that he’ll be nearly two full
years removed from the torn ACL that ended his rookie season. When you add
Hester and Bradley to starters Muhsin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian, and slot receiver
Rashied Davis, the Bears appear to have the pieces in place for a very
explosive passing attack. Another player to keep an eye on is undrafted rookie
David Ball who caught 58 TD passes at New Hampshire, shattering Jerry Rice’s
Division I-AA record.
TE: After several disappointing seasons,
Desmond Clark exploded with a career-high 626 yard season in 2006. He enters
camp as the unquestioned starter at TE and is clearly one of Grossman’s
favorite targets, especially near the goal line. The Bears upgraded the
position even further by drafting Greg Olsen in the 1st round out of
Miami. Olsen has elite speed, runs great routes, and catches everything in
sight. He demonstrated his ability to stretch the defense with a deep catch
down the middle, but also showed he could be a reliable check down option for
Grossman, as well. The Bears may have one of the best receiving tandems in the
league and that could pose some matchup nightmares for opposing defenses this
year.
Defense:
The biggest story
surrounding the Bears defense was the signing of All Pro LB Lance Briggs. In
exchange for the Bears promising not to use the franchise tag on him again next
offseason, Briggs agreed to sign the 1-year franchise tender, thus keeping the
league’s best defense intact for at least one more season. The Bears also
prevented their starting two CBs from becoming free agents a year from now by
locking them both up to long-term extensions. Charles Tillman signed a 6-year,
$38 million contract extension with $18 million guaranteed and Nathan Vasher
signed a 5-year, $28 million contract with $14 million guaranteed. When
combined with nickel CB Ricky Manning Jr.’s 5-year, $21 million deal last year,
the Bears have basically locked up their top-3 CBs for the next four seasons.
Some of the situations to watch in training camp are how SS Adam Archuleta
adapts to the Bears defense after being benched in Washington last year, the
health of FS Mike Brown, and the play of 2nd year DE Mark Anderson
who is taking over the starting right end job from veteran Alex Brown. The
Bears also made a move to solidify the interior of their defensive line when
they acquired disgruntled DT Darwin Walker from the Bills for an undisclosed
draft pick. He’ll likely be a big part of the defensive tackle rotation and provide
some insurance behind Tommie Harris.
Special Teams: The key special teams’ starters for the Bears
are set. Robbie Gould returns as the reigning top scoring kicker in the league.
He’s been working during the offseason on his kickoffs and onside kicks. Nick
Novak will provide the most experienced camp leg in the NFL. He has played for
Washington and Arizona in regular season games. On kickoff and punt returns,
everybody knows and wants to emulate Devin Hester. The Bears know that opposing
teams will be trying to kick away from Hester. The Colts reminded the league
how important that is in the Super Bowl. Chicago is looking at lining up a
second player deep on kickoffs, so that Hester isn't running laterally to chase
down balls when opposing teams kick away from him. FS Danieal Manning was used
in that role during minicamps, and WR
Rashied Davis is the other contender for that duty. On punt returns, WR Bernard
Berrian and Rashied Davis have been practicing in addition to Devin Hester.
Bears
Depth Chart
QB: Rex
Grossman, Brian
Griese, Kyle
Orton, Chris
Leak
RB: Cedric
Benson (inj), Adrian
Peterson, Garrett
Wolfe, Josh
Allen
FB: Jason
McKie, Obafemi
Ayanbedejo, Jon
Goldsberry
WR: Muhsin
Muhammad, Bernard
Berrian, Mark
Bradley, Rashied
Davis (PR), Devin
Hester (KR/PR), Mike
Hass, Dave
Ball, Brandon
Rideau, Drisan James, Timon Marshall,
Clinton Solomon
TE: Desmond
Clark, Greg
Olsen, John
Gilmore, Fontel
Mines, Brett Pierce
K: Robbie
Gould, Nick
Novak
DT: Tommie
Harris (inj), Darwin
Walker, Dusty
Dvoracek (NT), Anthony
Adams, Antonio
Garay, Tory Collins
DE: Adewale
Ogunleye, Mark
Anderson, Alex
Brown, Dan
Bazuin, Israel
Idonije (DT), Copeland
Bryan, Chris Frome
MLB: Brian
Urlacher
OLB: Lance
Briggs (W), Hunter
Hillenmeyer (S/M), Michael
Okwo (W), Jamar
Williams (W), Brendon
Ayanbadejo (S), Leon
Joe (W), Darrell
McClover, Rod
Wilson, Danny Verdun-Wheeler
CB: Charles
Tillman, Nathan
Vasher, Ricky
Manning, Dante
Wesley, Corey
Graham, Trumaine
McBride, Tim
Mixon, Greg Fassitt
S: Mike
Brown (FS/SS), Adam
Archuleta (SS), Danieal
Manning (FS/CB), Chris
Harris (FS), Brandon
McGowan (SS), Kevin
Payne, Tyler
Everett (SS), Jay Staggs, Andrew Shanle
Cincinnati Bengals
QB: Unlike 2006, the Bengals open camp comfortable that
their star quarterback, Carson Palmer, is healthy. Palmer, now 18 months removed from the torn ACL
he suffered in the 2005 playoffs, has looked sharp during the first practices
of camp. "It's
comforting to know that I am confident in my knee and it can withstand whatever
is thrown at it," said Palmer. "I don't have to worry about the rehab
and all the stuff I had to worry about last year." Palmer and Chad Johnson have been connecting
regularly on timing routes thus far, reassuring the offensive coaches that
Palmer’s second half improvement last season will carry over into 2007. Veteran Doug Johnson is secure in the backup
role this year, with fifth round draft pick Jeff Rowe likely to be brought
along slowly for the future.
RB: Rudi Johnson again looks trim and ready to assume the
bulk of the rushing duties in 2007. The
Bengals coaching staff would like to see Johnson break some longer runs,
however, and the team drafted Auburn running back Kenny Irons to provide the
change of pace back they have been looking for since selecting Chris Perry in
the first round of the 2004 draft. Irons
has already impressed RB coach Jim Anderson with his willingness to improve,
staying after practice to work on technique.
Anderson singled out Irons, saying, “He wants to be good.” Irons will compete for third down snaps with
veteran Kenny Watson, who has been a valued special teams contributor. Perry was placed on the Active/PUP list and
is expected to remain on the PUP list when camp ends as he continues to recover
from a broken leg suffered during the 2006 season. While Rudi Johnson came to camp in shape,
talented fullback Jeremi Johnson found himself on the Active/PUP list. The coaching staff listed the cause as
“unknown” but team insiders believe that Johnson was placed on the list after
showing up to camp overweight. Johnson
is a vital part of the Bengals’ two back sets and goal line packages and had
received Pro Bowl consideration in each of the past two seasons. He is unlikely to be allowed to practice
until his conditioning improves.
WR: Chad Johnson has been clicking with Carson Palmer
early in camp, competing hard with cornerback Deltha O’Neal and keeping the
11-on-11 drills lively. T.J.
Houshmandzadeh should again provide a stable, veteran presence working the
middle of the field from the slot. With
deep and red zone threat Chris Henry suspended for the first eight games of the
regular season under the new tough conduct policy, the team is looking for one
of a number of candidates to step up and grab the outside receiver spot in the
three wide receiver package. Now
recovered from a severe hip injury suffered early in 2006, third year player
Tab Perry may have the inside track.
Perry had a better 40-time in the Scouting Combine than Henry and showed
flashes of being a physical option in the red zone in limited time last
year. Antonio Chatman could also see
time as a downfield threat but is already missing practice with a hamstring
injury. Glenn Holt, Bennie Brazell and
Reggie McNeal will also battle for snaps during the preseason.
TE: While veteran Reggie Kelly is only a rare contributor
to the Bengals passing attack, he is a vital part of the run blocking
scheme. The Bengals rewarded him with a
generous contract this offseason to keep him from other potential suitors. Although the team was able to keep Kelly,
their valuable backup Tony Stewart signed with Oakland. The loss of Stewart
could be significant because there are no experienced options on the roster
behind Kelly. College free agent signee
Daniel Coats may have an early leg up on the backup role but is unlikely to
become a reliable option in the passing game.
Defense: The Bengals defense continues to lag behind its
high-powered offensive counterpart.
After another inconsistent season against both the run and the pass, the
Bengals could have four new starters on defense. Second year players LB Ahmad Brooks, CB
Johnathan Joseph and DT Domata Peko are all atop the depth chart at their
respective positions. Brooks had a very
impressive offseason, solidifying his hold on the MLB position after fading
late in 2006. He has been praised by the
defensive coaches for his attention to detail in the early days of camp and has
shown some big play ability during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Since the league denied the reinstatement
application of former MLB Odell Thurman, Brooks will be given every chance to
become the face of the Cincinnati defense.
Joseph is recovering from a foot injury suffered during OTAs but is on
schedule and should start the season at one corner position. Deltha O’Neal disappointed last season but
early signs suggest he may return to his former Pro Bowl form in his contract
year. Should O’Neal remain inconsistent,
first round draftee Leon Hall and veteran Keiwan Ratliff could steal
snaps. Peko had an impressive rookie
season as a rotational player and assumes a starting defensive tackle role
after the team released Sam Adams, who disappointed as a run stuffer last
year. The most intriguing camp battle to
watch outside of the corner competition will be at WLB, where free agent signee
Ed Hartwell will need to prove his knees are healthy to earn snaps on rushing
downs ahead of underrated veteran Landon Johnson.
Special Teams: Kicker Shayne Graham, holder Kyle Larson and long snapper Brad St.
Louis have been working to perfect their teamwork on kicks. Two late season big
misses last year put them under the proverbial microscope. There is currently
no camp leg on the Bengals’ roster, so Graham will be doing all the kicking in
camp. Cincinnati lost both their starting returners to injury early last year;
WR Tab Perry on kickoffs and WR Antonio Chatman on punts. Perry will compete to
regain his job against WR Glenn Holt, the guy that eventually replaced him last
year. Chatman should be the punt returner, although he tweaked a hamstring in
practice last Friday. A dark horse candidate for both jobs is WR Skyler Green.
He did very well on returns in college at LSU, but struggled in his first year
in the NFL with Dallas last year.
Bengals
Depth Chart
QB: Carson
Palmer, Doug
Johnson, Jeff
Rowe, Jeff
Smith
RB: Rudi
Johnson, Kenny
Watson (3RB), Kenny
Irons, Chris
Perry (PUP), Quincy
Wilson, Dan Burks
FB: Jeremi
Johnson, Chris
Manderino, Stan
White
WR: Chad
Johnson, T.J.
Houshmandzadeh, Chris
Henry (susp), Tab
Perry, Antonio
Chatman, Reggie
McNeal (QB), Glenn
Holt, Benny
Brazell, Skyler
Green, Tony
Kays, Jesse
Holley
TE: Reggie
Kelly, Bobby Blizzard (inj), Tim
Day, Daniel
Coats, Sean Mulcahy (inj)
K: Shayne
Graham
DT: John
Thornton, Domata
Peko, Michael
Myers, Kenderick
Allen, Matt
Toeaina
DE: Justin
Smith, Bryan
Robinson (DT), Robert
Geathers, Frostee
Rucker, Jonathan
Fanene, Xzavie
Jackson, Jimmy
Verdon, Bryan Andrews
MLB: Ahmad
Brooks (M/S), Caleb
Miller (W/M), Earl
Everett, Odell
Thurman (susp)
OLB: Rashad
Jeanty (S), Ed
Hartwell (W/M), Landon
Johnson (W/S), Andre
Frazier, Eric
Henderson, Matt
Muncy, Cameron
Siskowic, David
Pollack (IR)
CB: Johnathan
Joseph, Deltha
O'Neal, Leon
Hall, Keiwan
Ratliff (PR), Blue
Adams, Brandon
Williams, T.J.
Wright
S: Madieu
Williams (FS), Dexter
Jackson (SS), Marvin
White (SS), Chinedum
Ndukwe, Herena-Daze
Jones (SS), Ethan
Kilmer (FS), John
Busing (SS)
Cleveland
Browns
QB: The competition at quarterback is clearly the main
storyline as camp begins. First round
draftee Brady Quinn has yet to sign a contract, while veterans Charlie Frye and
Derek Anderson begin camp as QB1 and QB1a.
Frye opened camp with a “leg up” in the competition according the
Browns’ head coach Romeo Crennel and was getting the bulk of the first team
reps during opening weekend. Derek
Anderson isn’t far behind, however, and could overtake Frye depending on how
each performs as the preseason progresses.
While Quinn wasn’t expected to be the Week 1 starting quarterback, he
isn’t doing himself any favors by holding out.
Cleveland General Manager Phil Savage didn’t pull any punches as camp
started, saying, “With every day that passes, it eliminates some of that
[starting] chance. I would say that
coming into this training camp, for Brady [Quinn] to win the job; he was going
to have to perform at a level that was clearly better than Charlie [Frye],
Derek [Anderson] and Ken [Dorsey].” It
will be interesting to see how Crennel splits the camp reps when Quinn finally
signs to give each enough time to sort out the competition and get the starter
sharp for the regular season.
RB: Unlike the uncertainty under center, the starting
running back position clearly belongs to Jamal Lewis, who changes uniforms but
stays in the same division after leaving the Baltimore Ravens for the Cleveland
in free agency. Lewis will carry the
bulk of the load as the Browns look to establish a smash mouth running game
behind what they hope will be a much healthier offensive line this season. Lewis has already showed signs of fulfilling
the promise the team holds for him, impressing new offensive coordinator Rob
Chudzinski with a quick burst, sharp cutting ability and breakaway speed on at
least one occasion during the opening practice.
With Reuben Droughns shipped to the New York Giants for WR Tim Carter,
Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison will compete for the few snaps needed to spell
Lewis. Wright showed flashes of
potential last season and Harrison impressed the coaching staff as a rookie in
2006. Both are inexperienced, however,
with less than 100 career carries between them.
WR: Braylon Edwards and Joe Jurevicius return as the
starting wide receivers. Edwards, now
two years removed from ACL surgery, could be ready to breakout in his third
season. "I
believe I have some movement now that I wasn't necessarily able to do 100
percent last year," Edwards said, "I believe my stride length has
increased and I believe I'll be a better player than I was last year.” Questions linger about his maturity level, however,
after he missed a voluntary workout in May and was briefly demoted to the third
team. An early decision on the starting
quarterback competition would benefit Edwards, especially if rookie Brady Quinn
somehow forces his way into the first team huddle. Jurevicius should provide a steady option
opposite Edwards, but the Browns are paper thin behind the starting duo. Second year man Travis Wilson, special teams
ace Joshua Cribbs and oft-injured Tim Carter will battle for snaps as the third
wide receiver. While tight end Kellen
Winslow gives the Browns another talented option in the passing game, the team
would feel more comfortable if at least one additional wide receiver emerges by
camp’s end.
TE: After a very brief stint on the active/PUP list,
Kellen Winslow, Jr. passed a physical in time to join the team for the first
practice of camp and was warmly welcomed by the Browns’ faithful. Winslow will likely be held out of a number
of workouts in the early stages as he recovers from microfracture surgery on
his knee, but says his knee is sound.
“I’m not thinking about the knee, not at all,” said Winslow. “Maybe a little bit after the play, but I’m
just glad to be back. I’m going to do
whatever to help the team win.” Winslow
also referred to new offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski as a “genius,” and
expects to have a major role in the offense this season. Veteran Steve Heiden and free agent signee
Darnell Dinkins won’t provide any of the big play potential that Winslow
offers, but should be a solid blocking duo and both could be goal line options
if needed.
Defense: While there were no major additions in free agency,
the Browns will likely have three new starters on defense on opening
weekend. Rookie DB Eric Wright is signed
and in camp. Although he slid to the
second round due to character concerns, Wright has excellent cover skills and
will be given every opportunity to beat out Kenny Wright and Daven Holly to
start opposite Leigh Bodden at corner.
Third year man Brodney Pool finally gets his chance in the starting
lineup at free safety after veteran Brian Russell moved on in free agency. The defensive line will also see a new
starter as veteran Robaire Smith takes over for the departed Alvin McKinley at
one end. The Browns also expect new
additions Shaun Smith (NT) and Antwan Peek (OLB) to have significant roles as
rotational players. In addition to the
new faces, the defensive coaches will also be closely watching cornerback Gary
Baxter, who is expected to be cleared for practice soon after an amazingly
smooth recovery from tearing both patellar tendons last season, and linebacker
Leon Williams, who was impressive as an injury fill-in late last season and
could push D’Qwell Jackson for playing time inside.
Special Teams: Kicker Phil Dawson looks to regain his
accuracy, after struggling last year. He spent the offseason working on details
of his technique. Undrafted rookie Jesse Ainsworth from Arizona State will
provide the camp leg. The Browns are set with one of the top kickoff returners,
WR Joshua Cribbs. The punt returner role has a vacancy with the departure of
Dennis Northcutt. Cribbs will be given the first shot at the job, although he
had mixed results when he filled in briefly last year. The two primary
challengers are both drafted rookies, WR Syndric Steptoe and CB Brandon McDonald. Special teams
coordinator Ted Daisher noted, “They get their hands on the ball and get a
little space, they're gonna make something happen."
Browns
Depth Chart
QB: Charlie
Frye, Brady
Quinn, Derek
Anderson, Ken
Dorsey
RB: Jamal
Lewis, Jason
Wright, Jerome
Harrison (3RB), Chris
Barclay, Jerome Jackson
FB: Lawrence
Vickers, J.R. Niklos, Charles Ali
WR: Braylon
Edwards, Joe
Jurevicius, Travis
Wilson, Josh
Cribbs (KR/PR), Tim
Carter, Syndric
Steptoe, Maurice
Mann, Kendrick
Mosley, Steve
Sanders, Efrem Hill, Mike Mason
TE: Kellen
Winslow Jr (PUP), Steve
Heiden, Darnell
Dinkins, Ryan
Krause, Buck Ortega
K: Phil
Dawson, Jesse Ainsworth
NT: Ted
Washington, Shaun
Smith, Ethan
Kelley, J'Vonne
Parker, Babatunda
Oshinowo, Alvin
Smith
DE: Robaire
Smith, Orpheus
Roye (inj), Chase
Pittman, Melila
Purcell, Simon
Fraser, Orien
Harris, Justin Frick
ILB: Andra
Davis (L), DQwell
Jackson (R), Chaun
Thompson (R), Leon
Williams (L), Mason
Unck
OLB: Kamerion
Wimbley (S/DE), Willie
McGinest (S/DE), Antwan
Peek, Matt
Stewart (S), David
McMillan (W), Jason
Short, Kris
Griffin, Clifton
Smith
CB: Leigh
Bodden, Gary
Baxter (PUP), Eric
Wright, Kenny
Wright, Daven
Holly, Brandon
McDonald, Jereme
Perry, Therrian
Fontenot
S: Sean
Jones (SS), Brodney
Pool (FS), Justin
Hamilton (FS), Mike
Adams (FS), DeMario
Minter (FS), Jeremy
Lasueur, Justin
Sandy
Dallas
Cowboys
QB: Tony Romo enters training camp
as the starter for the first time, and feels great about things. He’s looked
sharp in the first few days of practice, displaying the same quick release that
led to his surprising Pro Bowl appearance last year as a mid-season replacement
for Drew Bledsoe. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones was on NFL Network this
week discussing expectations for the 2007 season. He made it clear that he
would like to see Romo guide the team deep into the playoffs and, if he does,
Jones would then be willing to compensate Romo with a long-term extension that
is commensurate with today’s highest paid franchise QBs. Brad Johnson lost his
job as the Vikings starter because of his inability to avoid the pass rush, and
that same problem has been evident in Big D. Johnson was sacked on the first
play of consecutive scrimmages, and has been brought down far too often for the
team’s liking.
RB: The Cowboys have an embarrassment of riches
at running back with a 1,000-yard rusher (Julius Jones) and a 14-TD powerhouse
(Marion Barber) splitting time in the backfield. Although Barber was the more
productive back in early every category last year, don’t expect much to change
under the new coaching regime. The Cowboys retained Tony Sparano, the running
game coordinator under Parcells, and he will likely keep things much the same
as they were last year. Coach Phillips sees no downside to using both
regularly. "Julius is kind of a slasher, movement guy, and Marion kind of
skips into it and goes," Phillips said. "Their styles are a little
different, and certainly, their body types are different. But they both have
good vision, and they both catch the ball, so we're going to try to utilize
them both."We will probably see more use of a true fullback this year,
something that Julius Jones welcomes. "I like having the fullback back
there," Jones said. "I know who he's supposed to block so I know what
to expect from him. Oliver and Lousaka are always going to get it done so I
feel comfortable behind them. It just feels better to have a fullback back
there." Jerry
Jones was pleased with what he’s seen of his runners thus far. “I’m pleased
with some things, especially our running backs,” Jones said. “Julius and Marion
[have picked up where they left off last year, and Tyson is very fast.”
WR: Terrell Owens is a happy camper,
literally. For a guy who led the league in TDs last year, you would think the
team completely failed to throw to him a season ago. But the truth is, Owens
felt he was underutilized last season because the Cowboys always used him in
the same role, regardless of down and distance. Owens is excited about being
used all over the field this year, including lining up in the slot when
appropriate. "I think I'm going to do whatever I can to be productive in
the offense. Obviously with Coach (Jason) Garrett, he knows my strengths and
weaknesses and he's going to do whatever I can to help the team. I had a chance
to do that last year. We just didn't get around to doing it." The other
projected starter, Terry Glenn, had a setback in the first week of camp. After
being held out of practice for precautionary reasons, Glenn ultimately
underwent arthroscopic surgery and will be out for a few weeks. Wade Phillips
doesn’t seem overly concerned, “Terry
Glenn can run the routes. He knows the offense pretty well already and when he
comes back I think he will fall right in and it won't be a drop off at all for
an experienced guy." While Glenn rehabs, the Cowboys have a chance to see
what Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd can do running with
the first team offense. Hurd, who officially backs up T.O., is excited about
the chance to strut his stuff. "Oh I'm ready to move up, I'm ready to be
No. 1," he said. "But I've always got to stay humble. The only thing
I can do is go out there and show what I can do. When it's my time it's my
time, but I'm very patient."
TE: Jason Witten is Mr. Reliable and will again
patrol the middle and use his route-running ability to beat linebackers deep.
The Pro Bowler knows that the Cowboys will be even better if his backup,
Anthony Fasano, can be successfully worked into the offense. New offensive
coordinator Jason Garrett likes what he sees of the 2nd year TE out
of Notre Dame. "He
can play both," Garrett said. "We can interchange him as the
"F" (fullback) and as the "Y" (line of scrimmage) by play,
and it's a stress on him mentally, but he's handling it. He's a really good
athlete and he can catch and he's tough so he can go from being that skillful
pass receiver to that online blocker or that lead blocker as a fullback."
Defense: The team will continue to use a 3-4 defensive front under
new head coach Wade Phillips, but it will look much different than the version
Bill Parcells endorsed. Phillips believes in attacking from all positions, and
there has been a clear emphasis on disrupting the quarterback in the first few
days of camp. The new attacking scheme is expected to turn DeMarcus Ware into a
full-fledged defensive star, and if the first few days of practice are any
indication, expectations are well founded. "This defense allows me to do
what I do best and that's get to the quarterback," Ware said. "I want
to be a well-rounded player. That's one of my goals this year is to be more of
a complete player. And that means getting better in coverage and my drops. But
the main thing I still do in this defense is pass rush. So that's why I like
it. It's going to allow us to make more plays and attack." DE/LB Greg
Ellis remains unhappy with his contract situation, although the team doesn’t
appear willing to part ways with him. CB Anthony Henry looks nothing like the
inconsistent player who seemed ill fitted to his role last season. He’s been
playing a physical brand of football and has an impressive number of
interceptions and near-interceptions through the first few days of practice.
Ken Hamlin, added to give the secondary a more reliable deep protector, has
looked the part; which can only make Roy Williams better as he focuses on
playing in the box. At linebacker, Bradie James has been making tackles all
over the field whereas Bobby Carpenter has been inconsistent. He made a few
plays of note including a middle blitz that took down Tony Romo; but he’s been
a liability in coverage and stiff from sideline to sideline.
Special Teams: Heading into camp, the popular consensus was
that incumbent kicker Martin Gramatica would keep his job, and that sixth round draft pick Nick Folk might challenge for a
roster spot as a kickoff specialist. Early results in camp have shown Folk to
be stronger on kickoffs as expected. Both players were doing well on field
goals until Saturday’s practice. Folk continued to do well, hitting 5 of 5,
with a long of 51 yards. Gramatica struggled however, hitting only 2 of 6
attempts. Also up for grabs is the holder job, after Tony Romo’s infamous
conclusion to last season. Backup QB Brad
Johnson and punter Mat McBriar
are the two contenders for the job. The kickoff returner role will test the age
old question of whether one can lose their job due to injury. RB Tyson Thompson
was a very solid returner before breaking his ankle last October. WR Miles
Austin stepped in and did just as well, and enhanced his chances with a TD in
the Wild Card game. CB Terence Newman should once again be the primary punt
returner. WR Patrick Crayton, WR Jamaica
Rector, CB Quincy Butler and CB Aaron Glenn have also been practicing on punt
returns. The team also wants to take a look at rookie WR Isaiah Stanback in
that role.
Cowboys
Depth Chart
QB: Tony
Romo, Brad
Johnson, Matt Moore, Richard Bartel
RB: Julius
Jones, Marion
Barber III (3RB/SD), Tyson
Thompson (inj), Jackie
Battle, Alonzo
Coleman
FB: Lousaka
Polite, Deon
Anderson, Oliver
Hoyte
WR: Terrell
Owens, Terry
Glenn (inj), Patrick
Crayton, Sam
Hurd, Jamaica
Rector (PR), Isaiah
Stanback, Miles
Austin, Jerheme
Urban, Jamel Richardson, Jerard
Rabb, Mike Jefferson
TE: Jason
Witten, Anthony
Fasano, Adam
Bergen, Tony
Curtis, Andy
Thorn, Rodney Hannah
K: Nick
Folk, Martin
Gramatica
NT: Jason
Ferguson, Montavious
Stanley, Ola
Dagunduro, Remi Ayodele
DE: Marcus
Spears, Chris
Canty, Jay
Ratliff, Jason
Hatcher, Stephen
Bowen, Marcus Smith
ILB: Bradie
James (M), Akinola
Ayodele (S), Bobby
Carpenter (S/I)
OLB: Demarcus
Ware (W), Greg
Ellis (S)(inj), Anthony
Spencer (S), Kevin
Burnett (S/I), Junior
Glymph, Dedrick
Harrington, Blair
Phillips, Alex Obomese, John Saldi
CB: Terance
Newman, Anthony
Henry, Aaron
Glenn, Alan
Ball, Courtney
Brown, Jacques
Reeves, Nathan
Jones, Quincy
Butler, Joey
Thomas
S: Roy
Williams (SS), Ken
Hamlin (FS), Keith
Davis (SS), Pat
Watkins (FS), Damarius
Bilbo, Abram Elam, Jasper Johnson
QB: Expectations are high for 2nd
year QB Jay Cutler. After throwing 2 TDs in his first four starts as a rookie
the expectations were set and they are even higher heading into this season.
"Yeah, I've heard if I play well, the team's going to do well, and if I
play badly, the team's going to do badly. How I go is how the team goes,"
Cutler said. "I think that's a little ridiculous. I mean, I don't think I
have to throw for 300 yards every game for us to win football games. I need to
manage the game and limit turnovers. I think our running game and our defense
will be enough for us to put up enough points." On the first day of camp,
Cutler looked calm, cool,
and collected according to our own Cecil Lammey, who was in attendance. Cutler
threw with plenty of zip, showing supreme confidence in his arm. He also threw
with accuracy. On one play, from their own 40-yard line, Cutler did a 5-step
drop and slung it down field to David Kircus who was running a post. It first
appeared that Cutler was throwing into coverage, with safety help over the top,
but the pass was plenty deep and Kircus skied for the ball above two defenders
for the touchdown. If the first day is any indication, the bootleg is back. Cutler
had the defense biting on that a couple of times. He looked good running the
boot, so watch the Broncos throw that play in when teams least expect it.
Patrick Ramsey was not as impressive, just okay. His passes looked good, but
too often he was off the mark or behind his receivers. It didn’t help that he
held onto the ball too long either. And when the play broke down he “tried” to
scramble, but Vince Young he is not. Darrell Hackney looks like a mini-Donovan
McNabb. Except that he’s not that good of a QB. He’s a scrambler – very
athletic, and his arm is an absolute CANNON. His accuracy leaves a lot to be
desired, however the buzz around him was pretty good, and the Broncos could
keep him as their 3rd QB – or put him on the PS for some seasoning. Preston
Parsons is a good guy, but just a camp arm. No more, no less.
RB: If
Travis Henry has it his way, he’ll get the rock as much as he possibly can this
year. “Me, personally, I'm from the old school," Henry said. "From
watching Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, all those guys, it was one
back. That's it. One guy got the ball. It's good to have the backup in case
something goes wrong, but as far as rotating during the game, that takes away
from a premier back trying to get in a rhythm. So, a two-back rotation? I guess
I don't see it." Shanahan said, “It's up to the guy. If a guy is that
productive, putting up those kinds of numbers and you're having success, there
is no reason to use two backs. If he doesn't have that type of ability, that type
of talent, then you switch them off to keep both guys healthy and be
productive." Henry recorded six 100-yard games last season for an 8-8
Titans team. "Coach Shanahan has
been watching me since I've been in the league, he knows what type of back I
am," Henry said. "I think that's why he got me here. I think he
pretty much knows my game and what I'm about." Henry signed a 5-year deal
getting $12 million in guaranteed money from the Broncos. On the first day of
practice, Henry showed why he’s a PERFECT fit for the Broncos system. Henry showed tremendous cutback ability and several times made
the key moves that had defenders out of position. Linebacker DJ Williams even
got yelled at twice in a row. Henry showed no problems catching the ball
naturally. Henry’s burst was prevalent and he followed through nicely on all of
his runs. He looked a little winded on a few plays, but maybe that was due to
the altitude. Here’s what Henry had to say after practice, “I feel like I am in
the best shape of my career. I’m healthy, and I feel like this team is special.
We are here now just getting better and trying to gel together. OTAs have
helped me out a lot. It’s just going back over everything. Right now,
everything is going really well for me. I just have to get used to my players.
Once we put the pads on and I get a feel of what these guys can do, it will all
be first hand. Getting used to the individual players and knowing how they
block will help me get better.”
Cecil Sapp is running #2 and he ran with some zeal, too. Suffice to say, he
won’t be giving up the RB2 job without a fight. Sapp, generally more of a
run-you-over type, mixed in a couple of spin moves, but still delivered some
shots to d-backs who got a little too close. Cecil Lammey described Sapp’s play
as “feisty”. That’s definitely not a bad thing. Sapp was effective between the
tackles; he showed good hands and dropped just one pass. Sapp also adds value
because he can play FB and contribute on special teams. Mike Bell changed
numbers during the offseason. While that might be considered blasphemous in
some circles, Bell donned the #30 jersey in practice. Maybe that’s what had
Bell all fired up. According to our Cecil Lammey, Bell ran with “a TON of
burst”, more than he showed last year. Bell worked hard during the offseason
and it’s apparently paying off. Bell ran with good power, but still seemed to
be thinking too much instead of just playing. Regardless, Bell will put up a
good fight for that #2 spot.
Andre Hall and undrafted rookie free agent Selvin Young are also in the mix for
a roster spot. Hall spent time on the practice squad last year after stints in
Chicago and Tampa. According to Lammey, Hall was vastly improved since the last
time we saw him. Here’s Cecil’s take on Hall: “He is a completely different
type of runner from the other Broncos RBs. He has explosion, quickness, vision,
and instincts. The one thing that he does have (and what makes him so
different) is the fact that he is really, really shifty. It’s hard to get a
bead to tackle this kid. He is elusive in the open field and looked very
determined out there. He’ll make the team, (coaches have been raving about him
on the PS), and he’ll contribute in some way if he continues to play this way.”
Young was a disappointment. He appeared to be lost, missed his cutback lanes
and sometimes just opted for less years. His balance seemed to be off, too.
Three times he got into the 2nd level of the defense only to fall
forward with a bit too much body lean. At this rate, Young will be hard pressed
to make the team.
WR: Rod Smith is on the PUP list and
he could remain there for most, if not all, of training camp as he continues to
recover from hip surgery. He still isn’t running. "I'd like to get him
ready for the last preseason game, that's my goal, but I don't want to push him
too hard, I want to make sure he's ready. Rod is smart enough to understand
that this is a process that's going to take some time. His body will tell him
what he can do," Shanahan said. He later added, “Rod is here, he is in our meetings.
Obviously he is not out there on the field, but I am glad he is taking care of
himself. Rod is such a tough guy; he played last year with an injury when he
probably shouldn’t have. He is doing what he can to make sure he is out on the
field and very healthy. I hope we can have him back for the third preseason
game. Rod will come back and play extremely well for us.” Brandon Stokley and Domenik Hixon are benefiting from the absence of
Smith and Brandon Marshall (short-term). Marshall, expected to start opposite
Javon Walker, was placed on the PUP list with a quad injury. He’s not expected
to miss more than a few days. It’s a good thing Javon Walker is a stud, as
Lammey puts it. “The Broncos have no worries with #84. He was making great
catch after great catch all day long. He seemed to have a spark in his step
that he didn’t have last year. Javon seems motivated by many factors this
season. He is rocking the “fro-hawk” in honor of deceased former teammate
Darrent Williams. Both Williams and Damien Nash’s numbers are on the back of
Broncos helmets.”
Brandon Stokley is a dark horse for the
#2 role opposite of Javon Walker. The news on Brandon Marshall varies depending
on who you talk to. Some people say he’ll be out just a few days, others say
that he could miss over half of training camp – and maybe more. The buzz around
Marshall was not good, as many people feel that while talented, Marshall may
never put it together to be a consistent WR in the NFL. Backup David Kircus started out cold. He was
dropping many easy passes during drills. However, when he and Cutler hooked up
for a deep TD, something just clicked. After that Kircus seemed to be pumped up
and was making catches all over the field. He’ll have to show more consistency,
but with Marshall’s injury this WR corps is wide open. Domenik Hixon had a good
first day. He is a different receiver from the other guys out there. He seems
to have great speed, and is a bigger receiver. He’s not a polished route
runner, but his hands are easily above average. He seems to have good run after
the catch ability. David Terrell made some good plays, but is not a favorite
among teammates and probably won’t make the team. Veteran Quincy Morgan made some nice catches
in practice this week.
TE: Tony
Scheffler, who fractured his foot during May’s minicamp, was placed on the PUP,
but didn’t expect to be out for long (days). Scheffler will have to play
catch-up to projected starter Daniel Graham, who has looked brilliant in camp
so far. On the first day, Cecil reports that Graham did not drop a pass all day. “He was even catching
God-awful passes from Preston Parsons. Cutler was already looking to Graham
early and often. When plays would break down, Jay would flick the ball to
Graham (the guy knows how to get open). A fantastic day from this guy.” Stephen
Alexander made several good catches this week. He’s a solid veteran that seems
to have shaken the injury bug that hampered him earlier in his career.
Defense: First round pick DE Jarvis Moss
signed a 5-year deal on Saturday morning allowing the Broncos to have all four
of their draft picks on the field for their first practice. Safety Sam Brandon
was released after failing a physical. He’s recovering from torn ACL in
November 2006. LB Eddie Moore failed his physical and was waived, but he may
return in 6-to-8 weeks following minor knee surgery. That move should
strengthen Warrick Holdman’s place in the battle to start on the strong-side.
DC Jim Bates said he’ll take a look at several players, but Holdman is probably
the best bet. Defensive players that stood out in camp to “Big Mex” Lammey?
Look no further than Marcus Thomas. Lammey called Thomas a “BEAST”, adding that he leveled Greg
Elsinger in one-on-one drills. If Thomas stays out of trouble the Broncos have
a steal. When Thomas took the field at the beginning of practice he did so with
a running cartwheel and a backflip. Shanahan commented on Thomas’ gymnastics
abilities: “I actually saw it in college once and when he did his workouts for
the pro scouts. A lot of his coaches were there. During that time, he started
his workouts doing that so I had kind of anticipated it. Most of our players
never see that, so they are a little bit surprised. He did a round off and a
back flip, not many guys can do that at 325 pounds.”
Sam Adams practiced, and he’s as big as ever, but he didn’t appear to be
huffing too much. Jarvis Moss looked tentative. He’s slender, and needs to be
more instinctive, but nothing to worry about early on. LB D.J. Williams was
chided by coaches twice for being out of position. Newcomer Dre’ Bly got a
chance to do some showboating, too. Bly
made one catch in drill that was over-and-behind his head that was amazing.
Champ Bailey welcomes Bly’s aggressiveness to the mix, saying it should open up
things for him, “Definitely. I have to get more than last year. I can’t really
get less. With Dre (Bly) on the other side, we’re going to make plays. Last
year, I picked about a third of the balls. Some quarterbacks don’t care. There
are a lot of young quarterbacks that think they can do it, so I’m all for it.
I’m not going to say anything during the week about them not throwing it over
there.”
Special Teams: Kicker Jason Elam is back for yet another run
at a top ten scoring finish. He’ll share the workload during preseason with
camp leg Brandon Pace, an undrafted rookie out of Virginia Tech. After
struggling for several years to find a kickoff returner, the Broncos finally
got some decent results from WR Quincy Morgan the latter part of last year.
He’s not a lock however to retain that job this year. WR Domenik Hixon was
candidate with lots of potential last year; however he never got the chance to
play due to a broken foot. He’ll compete with Morgan for kickoff returns and is
the early favorite to replace Darrent Williams on punt returns. While many
teams have a dark horse candidate on returns, Denver actually has two.
Undrafted rookies RB Selvin Young (Texas)
and WR Marquay McDaniel (Hampton) both fared well on returns in college, and
should get a look during preseason.
Broncos
Depth Chart
QB: Jay
Cutler, Patrick
Ramsey, Preston Parsons, Darrell
Hackney
RB: Travis
Henry, Cecil
Sapp, Mike
Bell, Andre
Hall, Selvin
Young
FB: Kyle
Johnson, Paul
Smith, Troy
Fleming
WR: Javon
Walker, Brandon
Marshall, Rod
Smith (inj), Brandon
Stokley, Domenik
Hixon (KR), David
Kircus, Quincy
Morgan, David
Terrell, Brian
Clark, Glenn
Martinez, Marquay McDonald
TE: Daniel
Graham, Tony
Scheffler (inj), Stephen
Alexander, Nate
Jackson, Teyo
Johnson, Chad
Mustard
K: Jason
Elam, Brandon
Pace
DT: Gerard
Warren, Sam
Adams (NT), Jimmy
Kennedy, Elvis
Dumervil, Demetrin
Veal, Marcus
Thomas, Alvin
McKinley, Antwon
Burton, Amon
Gordon, Steven
Harris
DE: Ebenezer
Ekuban, John
Engelberger, Kenard
Lang, Tim
Crowder, Jarvis
Moss, Carlos
Hall, Kenny
Peterson (susp)
MLB: D.J.
Williams (M/S), Nate
Webster (W/M)
OLB: Ian
Gold (W), Warrick Holdman (S), D.D.
Lewis (S/M), Louis
Green (W), T.J.
Hollowell, Wesly
Mallard, Cameron
Vaughn
CB: Champ
Bailey, Dre'
Bly, Dominique Foxworth, Karl
Paymah, Jeff Shoate, Lamont
Reid, Bill Alford
S: John
Lynch (FS), Nick
Ferguson (SS), Curome
Cox (SS), Hamza
Abdullah (FS), Quentin
Harris, Steve
Cargile, Roderick
Rogers
Detroit Lions
QB: Starting QB Jon Kitna made
headlines when he said the Lions would win at least ten games this season. That
did not bother Lions head coach Rod Marinelli. "The expectations are high
and we set a bar. When you set a bar, you've got to be secure in your feelings
that you'll reach that level of expectation,'' said Marinelli. Kitna has been
extremely sharp throughout the early stages of camp. Not every play is working
perfectly, but when receivers get open, he's snapping the ball quickly and
accurately. Drew Stanton looked a lot more relaxed in the pocket and appeared
surer under center than he did in offseason workouts. However, Stanton hurt his
knee and underwent arthroscopic surgery which will sideline him for
approximately a month. Stanton’s injury increases the reps both J.T. O’Sullivan
and Dan Orlovsky will see. As long as Stanton can come back to start the
season, there is probably only one roster spot open for Orlovsky and
O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan has looked comfortable running the offense in practice,
but the early edge in the battle has to go to Orlovsky.
RB: Kevin Jones was placed on
the PUP list at the start of camp. Jones is recovering from lisfranc surgery on
his left foot and while his rehabilitation is ahead of schedule, he's not ready
to take part in full-contact team drills. Jones is running full speed in
straight-line drills, but is still not confident doing drills that involve
cutting, planting and shifting. The Lions believe there is a 50-50 chance that
Jones will be ready for Week One. In April, Tatum Bell was traded to the Lions
for insurance in case Kevin Jones misses significant playing time because of
his injury. Bell rushed for over 1,000 yards for the Broncos in 2006 but fell
out of favor because of his propensity to fumble at inopportune times. OC Mike
Martz said that Bell possesses the "wow" factor. "The ball all
of a sudden is out of there, and it's in the end zone," Martz said.
"And you don't know how he did it." The Lions signed T.J. Duckett,
26, to a free-agent contract. He reported to camp in perhaps the best shape of
his life. The Lions scored touchdowns on just 40 percent of their red-zone
opportunities and had just nine rushing TDs last year. Duckett scored 33
rushing touchdowns in his first four seasons. In practice, Duckett is running
with the ball high and tight and looks very good, very solid. On the first day
of practice, Brian Calhoun did not practice in the morning, but did practice in
the afternoon. He will likely battle Aveion Cason for a roster spot. The Lions
cut FB Shawn Bryson after he failed a physical.
WR: Rookie Calvin Johnson, the
second overall pick in the 2007 draft, remains unsigned. Obviously Marinelli
and the rest of the team want him signed and in camp. The upside is that
Johnson is not only a great athlete but also a fast learner and diligent
worker. “He’s smart enough to learn this offense, but we do need him out here,”
said wide receiver Roy Williams. Williams should benefit most from the drafting
of Calvin Johnson. He is a tremendous athlete who is quickly becoming a
complete receiver. Williams is already among the better players at his position
and defenses will have a brutal time producing a game plan to stop this duo.
Mike Furrey missed a couple of passes he thought he should've caught in
practice and was visibly upset. One was a tough catch in traffic that he
normally would've had while the other would've required a superhuman effort.
Shawn McDonald, who signed with the Lions after spending four years with the
Rams, began camp on the PUP list. He was removed and worked out with the team
later in the week. Eddie Drummond made a nice catch on a long ball halfway
through practice and then didn't take another rep the rest of the workout.
Devale Ellis began camp on the PUP list and veteran Marcus Robinson was placed
on injured reserve.
TE: Dan Campbell began camp on
the PUP list, but was removed Saturday morning and briefly took part in some
padded drills. Campbell spent most of the workout lifting weights. The Lions
are going to be cautious with him and ease him back into the routine. The Lions
found themselves short a tight end when Eric Beverly suddenly announced his
retirement. Sean McHugh saw some work in
two tight end sets. Casey FitzSimmons is playing a great deal at the fullback
and flex positions.
Defense: Defensive tackle Cory
Redding agreed to a seven-year, $49 million contract that includes $13 million
in guaranteed money. Redding, who has played just a half season at the
position, became the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL. Defensive tackle
Shaun Rogers was placed on the PUP list. He appears to be quite a bit
overweight. Defensive end DeWayne White sustained a minor groin pull in a
morning workout and was pulled from action as a precautionary measure. Kalimba
Edwards enters camp as the starter at right defensive end. Rookie second-round pick Ikaika Alama-Francis
looks very quick. He’s very raw, but very quick. He has excellent hand speed
and is still learning how to best utilize his hand placement. The starting
linebackers are Ernie Sims, Paris Lenon and Boss Bailey and all three made some
plays, especially in pass defense. Bailey made an instinctive and athletic play
when he made a nice outside pass drop and then leapt high in the air to bat
away a pass on a deeper "out'' route. Lenon made an excellent play during
team drills when he knocked away a pass from RB Tatum Bell who was coming out
of the backfield and then tried to cut across the middle. The athleticism of LB
Anthony Cannon, now in his second year, is really starting to reveal itself.
Don't be surprised if he moves ahead of Teddy Lehman into the backup nickel
linebacker spot. Stanley Wilson and Fernando Bryant lined up as the starting
cornerbacks and Bryant made several good plays in coverage. Travis Fisher and
Keith Smith are making their presence felt in specified roles early in camp.
Safeties Kenoy Kennedy and Daniel Bullocks practiced with the first team.
Rookie Gerald Alexander signed a contract on the eve of training camp, but
hasn’t made his mark in practice yet.
Special Teams: As always,
Jason Hanson will handle kicking for the Lions. He’ll be joined during the
preseason by camp leg Kenny Byrd, and undrafted rookie out of New Mexico. Just
several years ago, WR Eddie Drummond was one of the premier return specialists
in the NFL, but things are not looking good for him. He has a history of
injuries. His numbers have declined. He has seen virtually no work on offense
in minicamps and camps. WR Devale Ellis and WR Shaun McDonald are capable
options on returns. The team signed free agent WR Troy Walters and WR Edell
Shepherd, whose recent work has been primarily on returns. WR Kevin
Kasper, WR Cliff Russell, and DB Dee McCann practiced kickoff returns during
OTAs; however they are probably long shots to make the team.
Lions
Depth Chart
QB: Jon Kitna, Dan Orlovsky, Drew Stanton (inj), J.T. O'Sullivan
RB: Kevin Jones (PUP), Tatum Bell, T.J. Duckett, Brian Calhoun, Aveion Cason, Anthony Sherrell
FB: Alan Ricard
WR: Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey, Shaun McDonald (PUP), Eddie Drummond (KR/PR), DeVale Ellis (PUP), Edell Shepherd, Troy Walters, Cliff Russell, Kevin Kasper, Brandon Middleton, Ron
Bellamy, Reggie Ball, Marcus Robinson (IR)
TE: Dan Campbell (PUP), Casey Fitzsimmons, Darnell Sanders, Sean McHugh, Rudy Sylvan
K: Jason Hanson, Kenny Byrd
DT: Shaun Rogers (PUP), Cory Redding, Shaun Cody, Cleveland Pinkney, Langston Moore, Jon Bradley, Marcus Lewis, Salomon
Solano
DE: Dewayne White, Kalimba Edwards, Ikaika Alama-Francis, Jared DeVries, Corey Smith, Claude Harriott
MLB: Paris Lenon, Ted Lehman (inj), Johnny Baldwin
OLB: Ernie Sims (W), Boss Bailey (S), Alex Lewis (S), Anthony Cannon (W), Donte' Curry, James Hargrave
CB: Fernando Bryant, Stanley Wilson, Travis Fisher, A.J. Davis, Keith Smith s, Ike Charlton, Tony Beckham, Dee McCann, Ramzee Robinson, Israel Route, LaMarcus
Hicks
S: Kenoy Kennedy (SS), Daniel Bullocks (FS), Gerald Alexander, Idrees Bashir
Green Bay
Packers
QB: Brett Favre begins camp somewhat
limited. He’s expected to participate in only one practice per day as he
strengthens his ankle following offseason surgery. "I talked to Brett about
a week to 10 days ago, and from our conversation, his ankle is fine," Head
Coach Mike McCarthy said. "He wants to start throwing more to get a
further evaluation on his shoulder. As far as conditioning, he feels
great." Favre also struggled a bit with a tired shoulder during OTAs, but
said that he’s been throwing in the weeks leading up to camp. The shoulder
isn’t expected to be a problem once the season gets underway.
RB:
Vernand Morency opens camp as the starting tailback, but most expect a RB-by-committee
approach with Morency sharing time with rookie 2nd round pick
Brandon Jackson, and possibly veteran Noah Herron and DeShawn Wynn also in
the mix. Jackson, a 5-foot-10, 212-pound
late bloomer from Nebraska, was an All-Big 12 selection in 2006. He left school
following his junior season after producing 1,459 all-purpose yards and 10
touchdowns. Morencey averaged 4.6 yds/carry last year, but struggled to stay
healthy and he was benched early into one start for not protecting the
football. Herron and Jackson, who both catch the ball well, will compete for 3rd
down duties. Seventh-round draft pick DeShawn Wynn was an elite recruit out of
high school, but he underachieved at Florida. His lack of toughness and
dedication are a concern, but Wynn has excellent size (5-10¾, 232 pounds) and
he gained 630 yards and averaged 5.1 yards a carry last season. Wynn could find
a niche as the team’s short-yardage back, but also keep an eye on undrafted
rookie Corey White (6-1, 239) out of Alabama-Birmingham, who showed some
promise during OTAs. "DeShawn Wynn finished the offseason program on a
positive note, and he's a big man. It could be him (on short-yardage downs),”
said John Schneider, a personnel analyst in the team’s front office. “I'm not
exactly sure. Someone in that group is going to step forward. And one thing
about our staff, they're willing to try a number of combinations to make things
work." Brandon Miree opens camp as the starting FB. Sixth round pick Korey
Hall, out of Boise State, will compete against Miree for a roster spot.
WR: Donald Driver was listed as
day-to-day after failing his physical exam Friday morning. Driver failed his
exam because he couldn’t keep his right arm extended while a team doctor
applied pressure. He’ll continue to get treatment and hopes to be ready within
a day or two. “This is like doing a (field-sobriety test),” Driver said. “You
think you can go up there and tell the cop you straight and not drunk and try
to walk that fine line, but the next thing you know, you’re walking sideways.”
Driver said the shoulder never bothered him in the weight room during the
offseason. Driver added a few pounds weighing in at 194 lbs. Coach Mike
McCarthy said Driver is day to day, “I’m not concerned, because I think like
all of us know that Donald keeps himself in excellent shape all year
round. This is something that bothered
him coming into camp, so we’re just being cautious him.” Driver and Greg
Jennings have the starting spots nailed down, while Robert Ferguson, Ruvell
Martin and rookies James Jones and David Clowney add competition not only for
roster spots, but for those 3rd and 4th WR spots. Jones,
the team’s 3rd round pick, is strong off the line drawing
comparisons to Packer great Sterling Sharpe. If Jones has a strong camp he
could win the No. 3 job putting pressure on Ferguson to stay healthy and avoid
a visit from the Turk. Lastly, don’t forget about Koren Robinson, currently
serving a 45-day sentence in the Brown County Jail. Robinson is suspended by
the NFL but he can apply for reinstatement on September 18th. If
reinstated, he would be under contract through 2008.
TE: Coach McCarthy commented that TE
Zac Alcorn "has the best hands on the team". It looks like the
coaching staff will experiment with a number of players in different offensive
sets. On the first day of practice, Donald Lee was running with the first team
while veteran (and former first round pick) Bubba Franks lined up with the
second team. Franks rarely worked with the No. 1 offense during minicamp and
OTAs. "I think it's important to not really get caught up in who runs out
there for the first snap of practice, especially the way we use our tight
ends," McCarthy said. "We use those guys in a number of different
roles." Keep your eyes on rookie Clark Harris, a rookie 7th round pick out
of Rutgers. Harris slid in the draft after being projected as a first day pick
following his junior season. Tory Humphrey will miss several weeks after
breaking his fibula during the first day of training camp.
Defense: First round pick Justin Harrell was signed just in time for camp. He
began camp lining up with the first team defense ahead of veteran Corey
Williams, despite seeing limited reps in OTAs due to a torn biceps tendon
suffered in his last year at Tennessee. "We haven't taken the field yet
with Justin," McCarthy said. "Based on potential, if we play a base
(defense), he'd probably run out there with the first base. Corey would run out
there with the first sub group. Same with the nickel. There's really no
starting 11. Frankly, I think it would help everybody if they designed the
depth charts that way — have a sub and a base." Another rookie hopes to
make an immediate impact. Safety Aaron Rouse has great size (6-4, 223) and has
a reputation as a big hitter. Picked late in the third round, No. 89 overall,
Rouse hopes to challenge for a starting job.
In the offseason Rouse did nothing to suggest he can't provide help. The
coaches hope he will match up better with top-tier tight ends, but to earn a
starting job, Rouse must play big when the pads go on. "We're looking for
a guy that's 6-4 and 230 pounds to hit like a guy that's 6-4 and 230," DBs
coach Kurt Schottenheimer said. "So we'll let that play out and find that
out on the field."
Special Teams:
Perhaps one of the closest competitions
for a job in the Packers’ camp is at kicker. Incumbent Dave Rayner will be
challenged by sixth-round draft pick Mason Crosby from Colorado. Rayner
faltered early, with a mediocre showing in minicamp. Both have done well so far
during practices early in training camp. The return roles will also feature
plenty of competition. RB Vernand Morency emerged as the kickoff
returner the latter part of last year, although an increased role on offense
could change that. WR Shaun Bodiford may be the early favorite to take over
that role. CB Will Blackmon and rookie WR David Clowney should also get a look.
Further clouding the picture is WR Koren Robinson, who is fishing up a jail
sentence and his one year suspension. He can apply for reinstatement later in
September. CB Charles Woodson was the primary punt returner last year, however
special teams coordinator Mike Stock indicated they plan to use him only when
ball security is critically important. The contenders include Shaun Bodiford,
Will Blackmon, WR Greg Jennings, rookie WR James Jones, and WR Carlton
Brewster. Jones stood out in a recent practice as the only one that didn’t have
problems handling the ball in blustery conditions.
Packers
Depth Chart
QB: Brett
Favre, Aaron
Rodgers (inj), Ingle
Martin, Paul Thompson
RB: Vernand
Morency (KR) (inj), Brandon
Jackson, Noah
Herron, P.J.
Pope, DeShawn
Wynn
FB: Brandon
Miree, Korey
Hall, Ryan Powdrell, Corey
White
WR: Donald
Driver, Greg
Jennings, Robert
Ferguson (inj), Ruvell
Martin, James Jones, David
Clowney, Carlyle
Holiday, Calvin Russell, Shaun
Bodiford (inj), Chris
Francies, Carlton Brewster, Koren
Robinson (susp)
TE: Donald
Lee, Bubba
Franks, Zac Alcorn, Clark
Harris, Joe Werner, Tory
Humphrey (inj)
K: Dave
Rayner, Mason
Crosby
DT: Ryan
Pickett (NT), Justin
Harrell (inj), Corey
Williams (NT), Colin
Cole, Johnny
Jolly (NT), Daniel Muir
DE: Aaron
Kampman, Cullen
Jenkins, Kabeer
Gbaja-Biamila, Mike
Montgomery, Jason
Hunter, DeVon Hicks, Larry
Birdine
MLB: Nick
Barnett, Abdul
Hodge, Desmond
Bishop (W), Tim Goodwell, Carl-Johan Bjork
OLB: A.J.
Hawk (W), Brady
Poppinga (S), Tracy
White (W), Spencer
Havner (S), Juwan
Simpson (S), Rory
Johnson (W)
CB: Al
Harris, Charles
Woodson, Patrick
Dendy, Jarrett Bush, Frank
Walker, Will
Blackmon (PR), Tramon
Williams, Antonio
Malone
S: Nick
Collins (FS), Marquand
Manuel (SS), Aaron
Rouse (FS), Marviel
Underwood (SS), Atari
Bigby (SS), Tyrone
Culver (FS), Charlie
Peprah (FS), Alvin Nnabuife (SS)
Houston
Texans
QB: Matt Schaub was inconsistent on
the first day of camp after getting off to a good start in the morning
practice. HC Gary Kubiak called the practice sloppy. It didn’t rattle Schaub
though. The Texans new QB has shown confidence and good leadership traits since
coming over to Houston via trade. Kubiak had this to stay about Kubiak
following the first day of work, “He’s fine.
He’s a very composed young man.
He’s got a lot on his plate right now.
It’s the first time he’s ever stepped into a huddle and started
two-a-days as a starter of a franchise.
That’s a lot on your plate. Now we’re just settling down and keep
working and getting better around him, but I think he’s been fine.” On the second day in camp, fans voiced their
approval for the passing game as Sage Rosenfels had a good morning session. In
one drill, he connected with Andre Davis, who made a spectacular, twisting
catch down the sidelines. On the next play, Rosenfels hit Jerome Mathis, who
made an over the shoulder catch for another big gain.
RB: Ahman
Green and the Texans RBs apparently showed up to camp in good enough shape to
avoid the running test. “This is the first offseason
where I didn’t have to do a run test,” Green said. “We didn’t have to because
we worked out four days out of the week, sometimes five on Fridays. Running in
this humidity and heat gets you ready. No matter what, you’ll be ready.” HC
Gary Kubiak sounds excited by the playmaking ability that Green adds to the
team’s backfield. “He can be a huge difference maker,” Kubiak said. “All of the
sudden, when you’re right and you call the perfect play or you block the
perfect scheme, all of the sudden it can be a home run and not a 10 or 12 yard
gain. It makes those guys up front there know if they can hold on to it just a
second, there’s a guy that can make them look really, really good.” Ron Dayne
looks ready to complement Green as the team’s RB2, reporting to camp in great
shape and looking every bit as confident as he did while running wild last
December. Backup Chris Taylor injured his knee on the second day of practice
and has been placed on IR. Taylor’s loss is rookie Darius Walker’s gain. Walker
was released before training camp after signing as a street free agent, but now
has a second chance to prove he belongs on the opening roster. He has an uphill
battle as both Samkon Gado and Wali Lundy have designs on the RB3 spot; and the
Texans are unlikely to carry more than 3 tailbacks on the active roster. Jon
Abbate is an undrafted free agent linebacker from Wake Forest, who will be try
to make the team as a fullback and backup to starter Vonta Leach. Jameel Cook
is a week or two away from practicing after having knee surgery in the
offseason that later developed an infection.
WR: A week before camp opened the
Texans added veteran Keenan McCardell, signing him to a 1-year deal worth
$860,000. The coaching staff wanted some insurance opposite Andre Johnson.
McCardell may ultimately win the starting job, but for now Kevin Walter has a
leg up – consistently lining up with the first team offense. Walter may be
better suited to the slot, but he won’t give up his starting job without a
fight. Also competing for roles are Andre Davis and rookie Jacoby Jones along
with Jerome Mathis, Bethel Johnson and David Anderson. Jones has an excellent
size and speed combination (6’ 3”, 215 pounds), but he’s making a big jump to
the NFL from Lane College. He could be the wild card in the mix if he works
hard and impresses in the preseason. McCardell and Johnson both grew up in the
Houston area. Mathis has world-class speed, but he’s been a disappointment
following a Pro Bowl rookie season as a home run threat on kick returns. Jones
could unseat him on returns. On the team’s competition for the 2nd
and 3rd WRs, HC Gary Kubiak commented, "You look at André
Davis, you look at wide receiver Bethel Johnson, you look at wide receiver
Jerome (Mathis) who’s been on the field these first three practices. We’ve got
some guys that can stretch the field, and I think that’s important to our
offense.”
TE: Owen
Daniels enters his second season as the #1 TE after a solid rookie season. Mark
Bruener and Jeb Putzier are the backups.
Defense: The Texans signed top pick DT Amobi Okoye in time for camp. Okoye, the
10th overall pick in the draft, enters the season as the youngest
player in the NFL. The team is excited to add Okoye alongside Mario Williams,
the No. 1 overall pick a year ago, who dropped 15 lbs to 280 during the
offseason hoping for more production in his 2nd season. DeMeco Ryans, like all
rookies, he still had trouble learning plays and making reads last year. Moving
him around between the inside and outside only added to that confusion. In his
2nd season with job security at MLB, Ryans is oozing confidence. “I’m feeling a
lot more comfortable in year two,” Ryans said. “In year one, my head was
spinning coming in, trying to learn a lot. A lot was on my plate, and it was a
lot tougher last year. But now that I know the defense and I’m familiar with
it, it’s a lot easier.” Kubiak went on to say, “He’s a gym rat. He comes out
here and goes all day and he loves being around this complex. You can’t
substitute that.” Charlie
Anderson, a sixth-round pick in 2004, is competing with Shantee Orr for a
starting job. Currently, he’s running with the first team. "Nobody on the
team improved more in the offseason than Charlie did," Kubiak said.
"He's so much more confident this season." In passing
situations, Anderson and Orr are dropping to end to try give the team more quickness
on the field. "Charlie's
a real good athlete, and we've got high hopes for him," GM Rick Smith
said. Veterans Danny Clark and Shawn Barber are also in the mix at SLB behind
Orr and Anderson.
Special Teams: There are no
questions at kicker, where Kris Brown is the only kicker in camp. The same
cannot be said for the returner roles. WR Jerome Mathis is one of the
top kickoff returners when healthy, however his hamstrings again were an issue
during OTAs this year. The coaching staff has put him on notice that he needs
to stay healthy to remain a part of the team. DB Dexter Wynn filled in last
year on kickoff returns, and did particularly well on punt returns. The team
signed WR Bethel Johnson, the leading KR for New England from 2003 to 2005 and
the Vikings last year, although he also has had injury problems this offseason.
Last but not least is rookie WR Jacoby Jones from Lane College. He has limited
experience, but succeeded when he did play and has plenty of potential.
Texans
Depth Chart
QB: Matt Schaub, Sage Rosenfels (inj), Bradlee Van Pelt, Quinton Porter, Jared Zabransky
RB: Ahman Green, Ron Dayne, Wali Lundy (3RB), Samkon Gado, Darius Walker, Chris Taylor (IR)
FB: Vonta Leach, Jameel Cook (inj), Patrick Pass
WR: Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Keenan McCardell, David Anderson, Jacoby Jones, Jerome Mathis (KR/PR), Andre Davis, Bethel Johnson (KR), Charlie Adams, Harry Williams, Terry
Richardson
TE: Owen Daniels, Mark Bruener, Jeb Putzier, Ben Steele (inj), Joel Dreessen
K: Kris Brown
DT: Travis Johnson (inj), Anthony Maddox, Amobi Okoye, Thomas Johnson, Jeff Zgonina, Tim Bulman, Thomas Smith, Cedric Killings, Deljuan Robinson
DE: Mario Williams, Anthony Weaver, Jason Babin, Ndukwe Kalu, Earl Cochrane, Victor DeGrate, Alfred Malone (inj)
MLB: DeMeco Ryans, John Abbate
OLB: Morlon Greenwood (W), Charlie Anderson (S), Danny Clark (S), Shawn Barber (W/S), Zac Diles, Trent Bray, Eduardo Castenada
CB: Dunta Robinson, DeMarcus Faggins, Jamar Fletcher, Von Hutchins, Dexter McCleon, Jason Horton, Fred Bennett, Dexter Wynn, John Walker, Derrick Roberson, Roc Alexander (IR)
S: Glenn Earl (SS), C.C. Brown (FS), Jason Simmons (FS), Brandon Harrison (SS), Brandon Mitchell (FS)
Indianapolis
Colts
QB: No significant news to report
regarding the Colts QBs. Peyton Manning hasn’t missed a game due to injury, and
now, has a Super Bowl title to his credit. Jim Sorgi faces competition from
John Navarre for the backup job. Two years ago, Sorgi played in two games after
Colts clinched their playoff seed, but he didn’t throw a pass last year.
RB: Joseph
Addai enters training camp as a potential top 5 fantasy back following the
departure of Dominic Rhodes via free agency. Hoping to fill the void and earn a
share of the workload, second year RB DeDe Dorsey is a sleeper worth watching
in camp. His positional coach from college predicted he’d be the NFL’s next
Willie Parker. Dorsey appears to have the inside track as the team’s RB2. He
had a productive preseason with Cincinnati last year, but he was cut as the
Bengals tried to sneak him through the waiver wire to add to their practice
squad. The Colts pounced on Dorsey and now he has an opportunity to play a
significant role. Addai was slowed by injuries in college, but he managed to
stay healthy as a rookie. If Addai gets hurt, Dorsey could produce much in the
same way Rhodes did coming into the Colts as an undrafted rookie free agent and
playing in place of the injured Edgerrin James. "I've really tried to work on all aspects of being a running
back," Dorsey said. "Playing with the Indianapolis Colts, we're a big
passing team, so you have to be on top of your game, especially with pass
protection and your pass blocking. So I worked on making sure I was solid in my
schemes as well as in the act of pass blocking. The other big thing is knowing
your assignment. Having as complex of an offense as we do, it's vital that you
know what you're doing on every play." Also competing for a role and a
roster spot are Kenton Keith, who played in the CFL previously, and undrafted
rookie free agent Clifton Dawson, from Harvard.
WR: There’s not much to report on
starters Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison other than they’re both healthy, in
great shape and have made big plays in just about every practice thus far.
Harrison, in particular, has been a man possessed, catching by one beat writers
estimation a dozen 15+ yard passes during one two-a-day session. The Colts hope to fill the void at WR3 with
rookie Anthony Gonzalez. The Colts signed their first-round pick (32nd overall)
to a five-year, $7.5 million contract on Thursday. Gonzalez is an upgrade at
WR3 for the Colts giving them a big target with good route running skills and
hands. Fellow Buckeye and 5th round pick, Roy Hall signed a league
minimum, four-year contract. Hall was overshadowed at Ohio State by Gonzalez
and Ted Ginn, but his 6’3”, 240 pound size and excellent speed (4.35) make him
an intriguing player. In minicamp, Hall showed good hands, outstanding leaping
ability and made good adjustments to the ball. While Hall played a secondary
role in college, he was utilized as a go-to guy for the team in clutch
situations and a key special teams player. The Colts plan to use him in several
ways, as a slot receiver and H-back, but right now he's lining up at the
outside receiver slot. Once he learns the system, the Colts will try to use his
size and speed in the slot to create match-up problems for opposing defenses.
If he develops as the team hopes, they’ll have found themselves a diamond in
the rough.
TE: Dallas
Clark returns as the clear cut starter with Ben Utecht serving as the 2nd
TE in 2-TE sets. Bryan Fletcher, Jerome Collins and Mike Seidman are competing
for roster spots along with Jonny Hartline. Clark has had injury problems as a
pro, so keep an eye on Utecht and the other backups in camp as they could end
up playing a larger role if Clark misses any time.
Defense: Dwight
Freeney signed a 6-year, $72 million contract with a $15 million signing bonus
just over a week before camp. DT Corey
Simon, who missed the Colts Super Bowl season with a knee injury and an
undisclosed illness, remains on the team’s PUP list, reported to training camp.
The Colts hope Kelvin Hayden can fill the void left by the departure of Josh
David at corner. Freddie Keiaho is the front runner to start at WLB and Rob
Morris at SLB, but Tyjuan Hagler and Clint Session will provide competition in
camp.
OL:
Pro Bowl left tackle
Tarik Glenn, Peyton Manning’s blindside protector, surprised many by announcing
his retirement just a week prior to the beginning of training camp.
Special Teams: Adam
Vinatieri is still widely regarding as the best clutch kicker in the NFL today,
and perhaps ever (although Josh Brown was actually more clutch last year).
Shane Andrus will once again serve as the camp leg. He was busy in that role
last year when Vinatieri was injured. The return specialist job is CB T.J.
Rushing’s to lose. He didn’t get many opportunities during his rookie year with
the Colts in 2006; however he put up some impressive numbers at Stanford on
kickoff returns. A more remote possibility is CB Antonio Perkins. He didn’t get
many opportunities during his years with Cleveland; however he put up some
impressive numbers at Oklahoma on punt returns. Two other options on kickoff
returns are backup RBs DeDe Dorsey and Kenton Keith.
Colts
Depth Chart
QB: Peyton
Manning, Jim
Sorgi, John
Navarre, Josh
Betts, Mike McGann
RB: Joseph
Addai, DeDe
Dorsey, Kenton
Keith, Clifton
Dawson
FB: Luke
Lawton
WR: Marvin
Harrison, Reggie
Wayne, Anthony
Gonzalez, Roy
Hall, Aaron
Moorehead, John Standeford, Devin
Aromashodu, Craphonso
Thorpe, Brian Hare, Trent Shelton, Michael
DePriest (IR)
TE: Dallas
Clark, Ben
Utecht, Bryan
Fletcher, Jerome
Collins, Gijon Robinson, Mike
Seidman, Jonny
Harline, Justin
Snow
K: Adam
Vinatieri, Shane Andrus
DT: Anthony
McFarland, Raheem
Brock (DE), Quinn
Pitcock (NT), Darrell
Reid, Dan
Klecko, Ramel
Meekins, Tom Johnson, Corey
Simon (PUP)
DE: Dwight
Freeney, Robert
Mathis, Josh
Thomas, Bo
Schobel, Keyunta
Dawson, Jeff Charleston, Ben Ishola, Ryan
LaCasse
MLB: Gary
Brackett (W/M)
OLB: Rob
Morris (S), Freddie
Keiaho (W), Tyjuan
Hagler (S), Clint
Session, Rocky
Boiman, Keith
O'Neil (inj), Brandon
Archer, KaMichael
Hall, Ramon
Guzman
CB: Marlin
Jackson, Kelvin
Hayden, Daymeion
Hughes, Michael
Coe, T.J.
Rushing (KR), Antonio
Perkins, Tim
Jennings, Cedric Holt, Duane Coleman
S: Bob
Sanders (SS) (PUP), Antoine
Bethea (FS), Matt
Giordano (FS), Brannen
Condren, Tanard Davis, Norman
LeJeune, Melvin
Bullitt, Scott Ware
Jacksonville
Jaguars
QB: The Jaguars were rumored to have
interest in free agent Daunte Culpepper, but Jack Del Rio denounced those
reports prior to the start of camp.
That’s good news for returning starter Byron Leftwich; who is playing
for a contract as he’ll be a free agent at the end of the year. For the first
time since college, Leftwich’s ankle appears healthy, too. He is plenty
motivated, but he’ll also be working with yet another new offensive
coordinator, a new quarterbacks coach, two new wide receivers coaches, and
maybe even two new receivers. Ironically, Leftwich is the one constant. “It’s a
producing league. I know I’m here for a reason. If they didn’t think I was the
guy for the team, I wouldn’t be here,” Leftwich said. “I have a new
appreciation for football from having it taken away from me. When I’m out
there, I’m going to be having fun. You’re not going to see many frowns on my
face,” he added. David Garrard returns as the backup and Quinn Gray as the QB3.
RB: The
Jaguars have more running back talent than they know what to do with. Obviously
the team’s primary ball-carriers will be veteran Fred Taylor and second-year
phenom Maurice Jones-Drew. Both are in excellent shape, but the best player in
camp thus far appears to be Jones-Drew. If it’s possible, he looks stronger,
faster and more consistent than he was a year ago. On several plays, he has
found a seam where there really wasn’t any to the naked eye, and run for
daylight shortly thereafter. Barring injury, Jones-Drew is going to be dynamic
this season. But the talent doesn’t stop there. Fullback Greg Jones is back
running hard after missing last season with a knee injury. He’s showing power
and were it not for Taylor and Jones-Drew, Jones would be a good bet to see a
good amount of playing time, particularly in short yardage. Converted
linebacker D.D. Terry is going to have difficulty breaking camp with the team,
but he looks like a solid bet for practice squad participation and a possible
role with the team in a year or two.
WR: HC Jack Del Rio opened up
competition for the starting WR spots showing some displeasure with the
progress and lack of production out of Reggie Williams and Matt Jones.
"Well, they don't stand at the front of the line… It's wide open,"
Del Rio said. "The guy who's really stepped up and really put himself into
the picture is Charles Sharon. He's a guy who's earned his opportunity and look
in camp." Sharon was an undrafted free agent a year ago, but he along with
rookies Mike Walker and John Broussard have opportunities to earn a spot in
camp. During offseason workouts, Sharon has played well and Walker has shown
great hands to go with his 6’ 2” frame. Walker got off to a nice start in camp
making a leaping, two-handed grab along the sideline earning the loudest cheer
from fans during Saturday morning’s opening practice. Ernest Wilford remains in
the mix and the team brought in veteran Dennis Northcutt to add experience and
competition for the team’s WR3 spot. "Dennis has been a terrific
addition," said Del Rio. "He brings speed, suddenness, veteran savvy.
The other thing he brings to our locker room is a guy that's done it. He understands
what it takes to be a pro. He's been a tremendous influence on our young
receivers." Northcutt and Sharon ran with the first team while Williams
and Jones lined up with David Garrard on the second team. Del Rio also said “we
really don’t have a depth chart right now” preferring to keep this an open
competition and perhaps light a fire under Jones and Williams.
TE: George
Wrighster remains the starter heading into camp, but most expect Marcedes
Lewis, last year’s first round pick to either produce more fantasy points than
Wrighster or supplant him as the starter at some point. The Jags also signed
veteran Jermaine Wiggins from Minnesota to add depth and another reliable,
short-to-intermediate receiver. Depending on what happens during the preseason,
one of these (Lewis?) could emerge as a bonafide sleeper for league requiring
TEs.
Defense: The team signed 1st-round pick Reggie Nelson to a contract
worth a maximum value of $13.1 million; the deal includes $7.1 million in
guarantees. 2nd round pick, LB Justin Durant signed a four-year deal worth
$1.72 million in guaranteed money. Nelson and Durant were the last two rookies
to sign, but both were signed right as camp opened. SS Gerald Sensabaugh has
the inside track to replace Donovin Darius, but he’ll draw competition from
rookie 2nd round pick Josh Gattis. HC
Jack Del Rio said: "I think (Sensabaugh) is ready to compete to be a
starter and a very productive starter. But I think it's best to leave it at
that and let things work themselves out." DE Reggie Hayward was medically
cleared to practice and in time to start training camp. Hayward suffered a
season-ending Achilles injury in last year's season-opener.
Special Teams: Heading into camp, there are no big questions
on special teams for Jacksonville. Josh Scobee always had the leg strength, and
has started to improve his consistency. Both were evident in this year’s
minicamps. There is no other kicker on the roster, although punter Tony Yelk
has kicking experience, and could serve as a camp leg. RB Maurice Jones-Drew is a playmaker and will be the lead kickoff returner once again. RB
Derrick Wimbush is a solid backup option. RB Alvin Pearman was a respectable
punt returner the last two years; however the Jaguars upgraded the position
during the offseason. Free agent acquisition WR Dennis Northcutt is a playmaker
on punt returns, and gives Jacksonville potentially one of the best return
tandems in the league.
Jaguars
Depth Chart
QB: Byron Leftwich (inj), David Garrard, Quinn Gray, Tim Couch, Lester Ricard
RB: Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew (SD/3RB/KR) , LaBrandon Toefield (KR) , Alvin Pearman (PR), Montell Owens, D.D. Terry
FB: Greg Jones, Derrick Wimbush (KR)
WR: Reggie Williams, Matt Jones (inj), Ernest Wilford, Dennis Northcutt, Charles Sharon, Mike Walker, John Broussard, Jimmy Farris, D'Juan Woods, Roosevelt Kiser
TE: George Wrighster (inj), Marcedes Lewis, Jermaine Wiggins, Richard Angulo, Greg Estandia, Isaac Smolko
K: Josh Scobee
DT: Marcus Stroud, John Henderson, Rob Meier (DE), Derek Landri, Tony McDaniel, Walter Curry
DE: Reggie Hayward, Bobby McCray, Brent Hawkins, Paul Spicer, James Wyche, Jeremy Mincey, Brian Smith
MLB: Mike Peterson (M/W) (inj), Tony Gilbert
OLB: Daryl Smith (W/M), Clint Ingram (S), Nick Greisen (W), Justin Durant (W), Jorge Cordova (W/S), Pat Thomas (inj), Kenneth Pettway, Brian Iwuh, Chad Nkang
CB: Rashean Mathis, Brian Williams, Terry Cousin, Scott Starks, Bruce Thornton, Dee Webb, Chris Roberson, Rashod Moulton, Jamar
Landrom
S: Reggie Nelson (FS), Gerald Sensabaugh (SS), Josh Gattis (SS), Nick Sorensen, Kevin McCAdam, Jamaal Fudge
Kansas
City Chiefs
QB: With Trent Green dealt to the
Dolphins, the stage is set for 2nd year QB Brodie Croyle to take
over as the team’s starter. Croyle is penciled in as the starter as camp got
underway, but he’ll have competition from veteran Damon Huard, who was 10-4 as
a starter last season. Croyle has a good arm and he’s a natural leader who
played in a pro-style offense at Alabama. He’ll need to limit his mistakes,
though, considering that Huard threw just one interception last year in 244
attempts. After a few days of camp, Croyle has yet to really distance himself
from his veteran competition. When asked if Head Coach Herm Edwards had seen
any separation between the QBs, he said, “Naaaah, not really. As we get into
this thing even more and more we’ll find out. I think you’ll see separation as
we go through pre-season and the start of playing games.”
RB: Larry
Johnson is a hold out as he and the team remain $14 million apart. “We're very
far apart, but I can't tell you exactly how far apart we are because we haven't
received an offer from them since June 1," said Alvin Keels, Johnson's
agent. GM Carl Peterson addressed the media on Friday noting that he has not
attempted to trade the Chiefs star RB. "I have no intention whatsoever of
trading Larry Johnson. Like before there was a lot of speculation on that; I
have had no teams - zero - call me with an interest in trading for Larry. I
think the obvious is that any team that would have an interest in him realizes
that the compensation they would have to give to the Kansas City Chiefs in
draft choices plus the contract that his agent is currently asking for makes it
quite prohibitive for anybody to step up to all of that." Peterson went on
to say that “"Larry
is a terrific back, but I don't put him in the LaDainian Tomlinson category.
Hopefully, he can get there; become a more complete back like LaDainian. This
guy wants money beyond LaDainian Tomlinson. That's not going to happen with
us."
Meanwhile, Priest Holmes received medical
clearance to play in 2007 giving the Chiefs perhaps a bit of leverage, though it’s
hard to predict what to expect from Holmes, who is 34 and almost two years
removed from his last NFL action following neck and head injuries. Holmes
conceivably could be the team’s backup and occasional 3rd down back
competing with Michael Bennett for snaps while LJ is out of camp. Rookie 5th
round pick Kolby Smith will compete with Derrick Ross for a roster spot. Smith
split first-team snaps with Bennett on Friday. LJ will be fined $14K for each
day he misses camp.
WR: Dwayne Bowe missed the first two
days of camp as his agent and the team continued working on a contract for the
first rounder. Bowe is expected to push Samie Parker for a starting job
opposite Eddie Kennison. Parker hasn’t been very productive and Bowe gives the
team a much better threat in the red zone due to his size and physical style of
play. Coach Edwards admits that Parker has to prove himself this year or risk
being demoted. “He’s competing to find out if he’s still going to continue to
be the starter or what role he’s going to have. That’s a good thing. That’s
what is great about the receiver corps right now. We’ve got some young guys in
there that are getting a chance and having an opportunity and that’s raising
the competition level at that position,” said Edwards. Also in the mix for
playing time are Jeff Webb, Rod Gardner and Chris Hannon.
TE: Tony
Gonzalez enters his 11th season with the Chiefs having finished as a
top 3 fantasy TE in seven of the last eight years. Fantasy owners hope the
Chiefs losses on the offensive line won’t hurt Gonzo’s production (if he’s
required to block more). Gonzo should be fine, but there are some concerns with
an unknown commodity at QB, losses on the line and Larry Johnson holding out
for a new contract. Jason Dunn and Kris Wilson remain the backups. Dunn is like
a third tackle while Wilson can play some FB, H-back and TE.
Defense: The Chiefs received some good
news prior to camp when the NFL announced that DE Jared Allen’s suspension has
been reduced from four to two games. 2nd round pick DT Turk McBride
started camp on a strong note after turning heads throughout the spring drills
and workouts. McBride performed well in the 1-on-1 drills with the offensive
linemen. The Broncos have shown interest in trading for veteran Greg Wesley as
they hope to add an experienced player in their secondary, but the Chiefs have
been reluctant to move the veteran safety to a division foe. eanwhile, the
Chiefs will see what free agent CB Will Poole has left, signing him to a
two-year contract on Friday. Poole has not played in the NFL since 2004.
Special Teams: The Chiefs’
house cleaning was very evident on special teams. They traded away Lawrence
Tynes, shortly after drafting Justin Medlock from UCLA. They also released Aaron
Barret, leaving Medlock as the only kicker on the roster. Training camp will be
an opportunity for Medlock to show that the team’s confidence in him is
justified. The Chiefs also traded away return specialist WR Dante Hall. WR Jeff
Webb did well in relief of Hall last year and will likely be the starter this
year. CB Benny Sapp, rookie WR Ean Randolph and WR Chris Hannon have also been
practicing on kickoff returns. WR Samie Parker is the early frontrunner for the
lead punt returner role. Ean Randolph from Florida Southern is also a
possibility, although the coaches are looking for steady north-south returners
more so than explosive dancers. Rookie WR Titus Ryan and CB Justin Phinisee
have also been practicing on punt returns. If they don’t pan out, WR Eddie
Kennison has been the primary backup the last few years and could step into the
role.
Chiefs
Depth Chart
QB: Brodie
Croyle, Damon
Huard, Casey
Printers, Jeff Terrell
RB: Larry
Johnson, Priest
Holmes, Michael
Bennett, Kolby
Smith, Derrick
Ross, Marcus O'Keith
FB: Boomer
Grigsby, Greg Hanoian, Gilbert
Harris
WR: Eddie
Kennison, Samie
Parker (RFA), Jeff
Webb, Dwayne
Bowe, Rod
Gardner, Chris
Hannon, Ean Randolph (KR), Maurice
Price, Brent Little, Ryan Titus, Brad
Ekwerekwu
TE: Tony
Gonzalez, Jason
Dunn, Kris
Wilson, Michael
Allan, Mike Pinkard, Keith Willis
K: Justin
Medlock
DT: James
Reed, Ron
Edwards, Turk
McBride, Tank
Tyler, Alfonso
Boone (NT), Kiki Gonzalez, Patrice
Majondo-Mwamba
DE: Tamba
Hali, Jared
Allen (susp), Jimmy
Wilkerson, Michael Heard, Chris
Harris, Montez
Murphy
MLB: Napoleon
Harris, Rich
Scanlon
OLB: Derrick
Johnson (L), Donnie
Edwards (R), Kendrell
Bell (R), Keyaron
Fox (R/L), William
Kershaw, Nick
Reid, David Hicks, Nate
Harris, Brian Crum
CB: Patrick
Surtain, Ty
Law, Benny
Sapp, Marcus
Maxey, Michael
Bragg, Justin
Phinisee, Dimitri Patterson, Will Poole,
Tyron Brackenridge
S: Bernard
Pollard (SS), Jarrad
Page (FS), Greg
Wesley (FS), Jon
McGraw, Chad
Williams, Marlon Fair
Miami
Dolphins
QB: The Dolphins traded for Trent
Green with the hope that he can stabilize the offense after a turbulent year with
Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington and Cleo Lemon leading the offense. Green is
a risk since he missed most of last season due to a serious concussion and its
aftermath. While everyone expects Green to start for the Dolphins this season,
the team is going to make him earn it. Lemon was getting some first team snaps
as camp opened, but that arrangement probably won’t last for long. "Bottom
line is, you learn over time, why make a decision before you need to make
it?" head coach Cam Cameron said. "And this year, this particular
year, it's not the time to do that yet in my opinion." The Dolphins gave
Green, Lemon and rookie 2nd round pick John Beck adequate snaps on
the first day.
RB: If
anyone was wondering whether Ronnie Brown was going to have to share the load,
the first week of training camp should have cleared up the situation. Brown has
taken virtually all the snaps with the 1st team offense, and Cameron
expects huge things out of the former Auburn Tiger. Brown showed up to camp at
230 pounds and has been the hardest worker in camp according to several
veterans, including Vonnie Holiday. Coach Cameron doesn’t mince words about his
plan to run early and often. “I love to run the football," Cameron said
Wednesday. "And the only way that I'm familiar with being able to run the
football is being able to run it in practice - and run it, and run it and run
it and continue to run it and give it to the guy that continues to run it. I
don't know any other way." While Brown is in line to be the workhorse, it
didn’t take long for rookie Lorenzo Booker to impress his teammates. Booker got
a rise out of the crowd when he juked LB Derrick Pope in the backfield during a
1-on-1 drill. Before that, he beat Channing Crowder deep and Crowder just
raised his hands as Booker trotted in for a TD. Veteran DT Vonnie Holliday
liked what he saw, too. "This guy is impressive, he's fast," Holliday
said after Saturday’s first full-squad workout. "I can't wait to see him
actually get into a preseason game and get some carries and some catches out of
the backfield. He's so quick ... and his ability to make a move and get north
and south is impressive." Booker believes he was underutilized at Florida
State, so he’s going out of his way to do whatever is asked of him by the
Dolphins coaching staff. He took part in punt return drills along with several
others. Earlier last week in full-squad plays Booker and Ray Perkins were
running on every play. Perkins showed nice cut-back ability up the middle,
while Booker showed good speed on the outside, catching the corners on a number
of plays. Starter Ronnie Brown made a nice move in RB receiving drills, making
Zack Thomas miss as he went in for a score.
WR: The Dolphins were able to sign
first-round pick Ted Ginn Jr. to a five-year deal worth more than $13 million.
The signing was key because the team had all 87 players signed for their first
full squad workouts. Ginn missed five practices earlier in the week, but he
made team meetings Friday before the team took the field. Ginn is finally healthy
after spraining his foot during an end-zone celebration after returning the
opening kickoff for a TD in the BCS national championship game. Ginn proclaimed
himself 100% and said he would not be limited. "It's great to be here on
time," said Ginn, the 9th overall pick. "We both had the
same goal - to come in and be on time and be ready to start rolling. It all
worked out fine." Ginn was asked if he's be the fastest player in the NFL.
"No," he said. How about top 10? "Yeah," he said. Ginn has
plenty of work ahead. He needs to work on his route running, hands and getting
off the line cleanly before he makes an impact at this level. On the first day
of camp, Ginn connected with Green and Beck for a pair of nice receptions.
Chris Chambers, the team’s #1 WR, seems pleased with HC Cam Cameron's offense.
"I like the precision. He's very confident about his offense, I know
that," Chambers said. "Over the years in San Diego they've been in
the top five probably the last four or five years so you know what he brings. It's
a variation of probably one of the greatest offenses that's been run, but it
depends on who's calling the plays and he knows he can do that." Marty
Booker will face competition from 2nd year WR Derek Hagan for the
other starting job, and ultimately, from Ginn as well. On the opening day of camp, rookies Kerry
Reed and David Sutton displayed some good route running, proving they’ve been
studying the playbook. Marty Booker caught a nice pass on the sideline over CB
Michael Lehan but needs to do more to reclaim the goodwill he lost while
demanding a trade this offseason.
TE: David
Martin will start for the Dolphins, but he’s not exactly a one-man gang. The Dolphins picked up tight end Courtney Anderson off waivers from the
Oakland Raiders on Saturday waiving rookie safety David Lofton in order to make
room for the 26-year-old Anderson. Anderson gives the team another veteran to
compete with Justin Peelle for playing time.
Defense: The LBs and secondary got off to
a good start on the first day making solid tackles and preventing yards after
the catch. WR Chris Chambers paid the price for dropping a pass on a slant
route when safety Cameron Worrell dropped him in his tracks. Chambers remained
down for a minute before bouncing back to his feet. Later on, the LBs and
secondary continued to set the tone in 7-on-7 drills and 11-on-11, picking off
a number of passes from Green, Lemon and Beck. Will Allen picked off Green,
while Kelvin Smith nabbed one of Cleo Lemon’s throws.
Special Teams: Free agent acquisition Jay Feely takes over
the kicker job. He’ll be spelled during the preseason by camp leg Matt Prater.
Who will be the holder remains a question. Punter candidates Ryan Flinn and
rookie Brandon Fields are the top choices. Second choices are the backup QBs Cleo
Lemon and John Beck. It’s difficult to discuss returners without mentioning the
Devin Hester effect. That’s especially true with the Dolphins, who used the
ninth overall draft pick to select their return specialist, WR Ted Ginn Jr.
from Ohio State. He appears to be healthy again, and agreed to contract terms
several days into camp. If he gets hurt again or flops as a returner, then Az-Zahir Hakim provides a veteran option. Another
rookie possibility is RB Lorenzo Booker from Florida State. He has looked good
in practices on kickoff returns, but has struggled fielding punts.
Dolphins
Depth Chart
QB: Trent
Green, Cleo
Lemon, John
Beck, Gibran Hamdan
RB: Ronnie
Brown, Lorenzo
Booker, Patrick
Cobbs, Jesse
Chatman, Ray
Perkins
FB: Corey
Schlesinger, Kyle
Eckel, Reagan
Mauia
WR: Chris
Chambers, Marty
Booker, Derek
Hagan, Ted
Ginn (inj)(KR/PR), Az-Zahir
Hakim, David Sutton, Kerry Reed, P.K. Sam,
Michael Malone, Marvin Allen
TE: David
Martin, Justin
Peelle, Courtney
Anderson, Tim Massaquoi, Aaron
Halterman, Jason
Rader
K: Jay
Feely
DT: Vonnie
Holliday, Keith
Traylor (NT), Paul
Soliai (NT), Rodrique
Wright, Kevin
Vickerson, Marquay
Love, Steve
Fifita, Chase
Page, Brian Soi
DE: Jason
Taylor, Matt
Roth, Mkristo
Bruce, John
Denney (LS)
MLB: Zach
Thomas, Robert
McCune
OLB: Channing
Crowder (W), Joey
Porter (S), Donnie
Spragan (S), Derrick
Pope (W), Kelvin
Smith, Abraham
Wright (S), Akbar
Gbaja-Biamila, Edmin
Miles, Jim
Maxwell
CB: Will
Allen, Andre
Goodman (PUP), Travis
Daniels, Jason
Allen, Michael
Lehan, Derrick
Johnson, Shirdonya
Mitchell, Tuff Harris, Geoffrey Pope
S: Renaldo
Hill (FS), Yeremiah
Bell (SS), Travares
Tillman (SS), Cameron
Worrell, Chris
Harrell, Courtney Bryan, Christopher
Vedder
Minnesota
Vikings
QB: Conventional wisdom suggests
Tarvaris Jackson will be the Vikings QB this year. But head coach Brad
Childress continues to proclaim that there are no-predetermined decisions being
made in regards to the team’s starting QB, and nor should they. Brooks
Bollinger is going to do everything in his power to insert his way into the
Week One starting lineup. Regardless of what Childress says and Bollinger does,
clearly the Vikings hope Jackson will emerge as their guy. He’s taken most of
the first team reps through the first three days of practice. Recall, the
Vikings moved up into the 2nd round to draft Jackson last year with
the hope he would become the franchise QB eventually. Jackson is well-built,
athletic, moves well in the pocket and he throws with good rhythm and high
velocity. "He's got a tremendous
arm," Vikings rookie WR Sidney Rice said. "On the last play today he
threw a ball to me from the pocket and it hit my hands and went right through
them to my chest and I had to trap it there. It was on me fast. He has what it
takes to get the job done this year." Veterans have confidence in Jackson,
too. "I know Tarvaris has all the ability to lead us to victory, whoever
we play, because he brings so much to the table," safety Darren Sharper
said. "He's such a threat as far as running the football and also the arm
and the accuracy that he has, and he's a smart kid. So I have all the
confidence in Tarvaris." Jackson remains focused on improving despite the
praise from his teammates. "I'm a lot farther along than I was last year.
I still have a lot of learning to do, but it just feels good to be here. I'm
more confident out here than I was last year coming in, and I have more of a
chemistry with my teammates this year than I did last year, so it feels a lot
better,” Jackson says.
RB: Adrian Peterson wasn’t in camp for the first two days of practice, but
he signed a 5-year deal on Sunday worth (potentially) $40.5 million including
$17 million in guaranteed money. His
appearance at camp couldn’t come soon enough for Childress. The Vikings have
plans for Chester Taylor and Peterson being in the same backfield, so they
needed Peterson into camp. "It's a turns thing," HC Brad Childress
said. "We install things a number of times. The more you can carry it, the
more you understand it, so it's not just rote. We don't go back to things.
You've got to catch up." In the first day of camp with Peterson back in
Norman, Okla., Artose Pinner and Mewelde Moore rotated with starter Chester
Taylor. Vikings fans got a scare when Chester Taylor was carted off the field
holding his arm; but X-rays were negative and it’s just a severe bruise. He
should be back at practice within a week or sooner. With the two-headed monster
of Taylor and Peterson, the backup spots are going to be fiercely contested.
Moore is a proven receiver but hasn’t shown a knack for the endzone, while
Pinner has failed to live up to lofty draft expectations coming out of
Kentucky.
WR: Believe it or not, veteran free
agent Bobby Wade is the Vikings WR1 heading into camp. Troy Williamson and
Sidney Rice are battling for the WR2 job, though Childress predicted a breakout
year for Williamson, who spent the offseason working on his infamously bad hand-eye
coordination. After 11 drops last season, Williamson has some work to do. Rice
(and Peterson) missed Friday’s practice prompting Childress to say “Those turns
are important, and there is a point where you can't make up for those. And my
best advice to them would be to get their tails in camp." Rice signed his
deal Friday evening and was at practice Saturday morning, getting some work as
the 2nd and 3rd receiver, but he didn’t do anything noteworthy. “I
know there’s a lot of stuff, and there’s a lot of stuff I have to catch up
on," Rice said. "I didn’t want to miss time, but things happen. So
I’ll have to get in and ask a lot of questions." During Friday’s practice
Brooks Bollinger and Cortez Hankton hooked up for a couple of nice plays. Todd
Lowber made a nice catch over the middle of the field. 5th round
pick Aundrae Allison filled in for Rice on Friday as the team’s third WR and
the best catch of the day; a one-handed grab while running toward the left
sideline. True to form, Troy Williamson dropped a pass, but to his credit, he
came right back and made a difficult diving catch going against Cedric Griffin
during 7-on-7s.
TE: The
Vikings put their money and their faith in free agent Vishanthe Shiancoe even
though he’s unproven as a starter in the league. He’ll compete with veteran
Jimmy Kleinsasser for the starting job. In Friday’s practice, Shiancoe left the
field with a minor injury, but he later returned and appears to be fine.
Defense: The team has been unable to
reach agreement on a contract extension with DT Pat Williams leading most to
believe this could be the 11-year veteran’s last season in the twin cities,
especially after Williams terminated negotiations on Friday. HC Brad Childress
doesn’t seem too concerned, "I've had great conversations with Pat,"
Childress said. "Just as long as my relationship with Pat is good and I
know where Pat stands, he knows where I stand," Childress said. "He's
a team guy who wants to be here. He's a valuable member of our football team
and I appreciate everything he does for us on the field and off of it."
Meanwhile, in the team’s third practice, Williams forced a fumble after
anticipating the count on a goal line play, Dwight Smith recovered. Rookie DE
Brian Robison recorded the best play while working with the first-string
defensive line. Robison knifed through the line and dropped Mewelde Moore for a
three-yard loss. Rookie Marcus McCauley is playing well; he picked off Brooks
Bollinger on one play then deflected another pass later. So far so good for
Chad Greenway, he hasn't held back at WLB. E.J. Henderson stuffed Chester
Taylor on an inside run and he appears to be comfortable. Darren Sharper was kept out of the Friday
afternoon session after taking a hard shot from Tony Richardson earlier in the
day. Mike Doss took his place with the first team. Ben Leber missed the Friday
morning practice, but DC Leslie Frazier said he’s expected back in a few days.
Dontarrious Thomas worked in Leber’s place.
Special Teams: Ryan Longwell
spent the offseason working to improve his kickoffs, after having the worst
average in the NFL last year. He’ll have plenty of opportunity to practice as
he’s the only kicker on the roster. The first choice for kickoff returner will
likely be newcomer WR Bobby Wade, although that may hinge on how much work he
gets at wide receiver, which may hinge on well some of the younger receivers
fare. Second choice would be WR Troy Williamson, who began last year as the
kickoff returner but gave way to now departed WR Bethel Johnson. Williamson has
room to improve as both a returner and a receiver. After those two come a large
collection of players that will jockey for backup roles. The punt returner
picture is clearer, where RB Mewelde Moore remains the starter. Bobby wade also
has experience in that role.
Vikings
Depth Chart
QB: Tarvaris
Jackson, Brooks
Bollinger, Drew
Henson, Tyler
Thigpen
RB: Chester
Taylor (inj), Adrian
Peterson, Mewelde
Moore (3RB/PR), Artose
Pinner, Ciatrick
Fason, Wendell Mathis, Arkee
Whitlock
FB: Tony
Richardson (inj), Naufahu
Tahi
WR: Bobby
Wade, Troy
Williamson, Sidney
Rice, Billy
McMullen, Martin
Nance, Cortez
Hankton, Aundrae
Allison, Jason
Carter, Todd Lowber, Chandler Williams,
Justin Surrency
TE: Visanthe
Shiancoe, Jim
Kleinsasser, Jeff
Dugan (FB), Richard
Owens (FB), Stephen Spach, Braden Jones
K: Ryan
Longwell
DT: Pat
Williams (NT), Kevin
Williams (DE), Spencer
Johnson (RFA), Howard Green, Joe Bradley,
Conrad Bolston, Alex Guerrero
DE: Kenechi
Udeze, Erasmus
James (inj), Darrion
Scott, Ray
Edwards, Brian
Robison, Jayme
Mitchell, Khreem Smith
MLB: E.J.
Henderson (M/W), Dontarrious
Thomas (W/M), Vinny
Ciurciu
OLB: Ben
Leber (S), Chad
Greenway (W/M), Rufus
Alexander (W), Heath
Farwell (S) , Jason Glenn, John Kerr,
David Herron
CB: Antoine
Winfield, Cedric
Griffin, Dovonte
Edwards, Marcus
McCauley, Charles
Gordon, Ronyell Whittaker, Jerron Wishom,
Sergio Gilliam
S: Darren
Sharper (FS), Dwight
Smith (SS), Mike
Doss (SS), Tank
Williams (SS), Greg
Blue (FS/SS), Patrick Body, Mike Hawkins
New
England Patriots
QB: Tom Brady threw 24 TDs and 12
INTs last year with Reche Caldwell as his #1 WR hauling in 61 balls. With the
acquisitions of Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth and Wesley Welker in the
offseason, Brady is primed for another strong season. Matt Cassel figures to
get plenty of work in the preseason as the QB2, however he could find himself
out of a job once the regular season comes along. The Patriots have
acknowledged plans to sign Vinnie Testaverde as the team’s backup, but are
waiting until the end of camp because Testaverde doesn’t want to put his body
through the rigors of camp at his age. Matt Gutierrez is the third QB in camp,
but stands little chance of landing a roster spot. On the first day of camp,
Cassel and Jabar Gaffney made the play of the day on a bomb that Cassel dropped
in over Gaffney’s outside shoulder in stride for a TD.
RB: Laurence Maroney opened camp wearing the red,
non-contact jersey, but he declared himself ready to go after weighing in at
last year’s weight of 220 lbs. Maroney believes he’s ready for contact, but the
team is being cautious for now. When asked about being the team’s workhorse
back (25 carries a game), Maroney held back just a little bit. "Nobody
said anything about me being a feature back," he said. "I'm just
getting a little more carries than last year, that's all." Maroney doesn’t
need to be the physical runner that Corey Dillon was, nor is that his style.
"Being a very physical back like Corey is definitely not a part of my
game. That's not what I'm going to do, run into somebody every day,"
Maroney said. "Every time I hit the hole, I'm looking for the best route
to get around you. If I can outrun you, that's what I'm going to do. If I can
put a move on you, that's what I'm going to do. If I have to drop the shoulder,
I'll do it, but dropping my shoulder every time is not my game, so if that's
what you're all expecting, I'm sorry." In other
news, the Patriots released RB Justine Hairston on Friday.
WR: The Patriots start training camp
with 12 receivers on the roster. Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker,
all acquired this offseason, are the only locks. Welker may be farther along
than the other new receivers and it is evident he’s already worked his way
right into the team’s framework. Tom Brady had nothing but good things to say
about his new main weapon, Randy Moss. "One of Randy's greatest strengths,
I think, is he tracks the ball in the air very well," Brady said.
"Everything looks effortless down the field. He really judges the height
of the ball, like a center fielder. He knows when to put his hands out, knows
not to do it too early because that really triggers the defensive back to put
his hands up. That's a big strength of his game. I hope I can throw it as far
as he can run." Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown will be difficult to unseat,
but Jabar Gaffney, Kelley Washington and slew of other less notable WRs will
keep the pressure on. Last year’s first round pick, Chad Jackson, is a
candidate to start the season on the PUP list. In the first two days of
practice, Jabar Gaffney took advantage of Donte' Stallworth and Troy Brown
being on the PUP list. Gaffney looked sharp running routes alongside Randy Moss
and Wes Welker. Washington is on the PUP list for now, so he has an uphill
battle to make the roster if the team only keeps 5 or even 6 WRs.
TE: Ben
Watson enters camp as the starter while David Thomas and Garrett Mills are on
the PUP list. Kyle Brady has been lining up in some formations as the TE with Watson
in the slot. Brady is the most accomplished blocker of the lot, so expect
Watson, Thomas and Mills to be used more on the receiving end with Brady taking
care of the blocking duties. On the first day of practice, Watson put a move on
Rodney Harrison sending him flying over his back in one-on-ones, but Watson
later had a bad drop in the middle of practice.
Defense: Asante Samuel remains in a
contract dispute leaving the Patriots defense thin in the secondary. With
Samuel unavailable, Ellis Hobbs was lining up with Randall Gay while Mike
Richardson and Gemara Williams also took reps. Rookie DB Brandon Meriweather
missed some early practice sessions, but once he signed his five-year deal
worth $8.75 million with $6 million in bonuses and guarantees, he gave the
secondary a boost, getting some of his early work at cornerback. Meriweather
was primarily a safety at Miami, but he did start three games at corner last
year. Belichick said he’d play a variety of roles, “We’ll work him at both
spots. He’s played a lot of different positions in college. He’s played the
nickel position, the corner position, and the safety position. We’ll use him in
some different spots and see how it goes. People on our team are going to have
to have some versatility and play different spots anyway, so he falls into that
category.” Chad Scott was carted off the field Friday evening, and placed on IR
with a season-ending leg injury.
Fourth-year veteran Randall Gay took his spot opposite of Ellis Hobbs,
and intercepted a Tom Brady pass intended for tight end Benjamin Watson. S
Rashad Baker and DL Kareem Brown are on the PUP list. Junior Seau looked
rejuvenated for another season, but he was wearing a red jersey along with LB
Eric Alexander.
Special Teams: Kicker
Stephen Gostkowski does not have to compete with anyone for the kicking job
this year. In fact, there is no other kicker currently in camp. The specter of
Adam Vinatieri is also one year further removed. How has Gostkowski responded?
He went 8 of 8 on field goals the first day of practice, and the 7 of 7 on the
second day. On returns, just about everyone on the Patriots’ roster is a
capable returner as always, and just about everyone practices that role as
usual. Everyone currently includes RB Kevin Faulk, RB Laurence Maroney, WR Wes Welker, RB Sammy
Morris, WR Bam Childress, CB Ellis Hobbs, CB Gemara Williams,
CB Willie
Andrews, WR Donte Stallworth, and WR Troy Brown. Early speculation is that
Ellis Hobbs is the favorite to be the kickoff returner and Wes Welker the punt
returner, with Kevin Faulk nipping at their heels.
Patriots
Depth Chart
QB: Tom Brady, Matt Cassel, Matt Gutierrez
RB: Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk (3RB), Sammy Morris, Quinton Smith, Justice Hairston (IR)
FB: Heath Evans, Quadtrine Hill
WR: Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Wesley Welker (KR/PR), Reche Caldwell, Troy Brown (PUP), Jabar Gaffney, Chad Jackson (PUP), Kelley Washington, Bam Childress, Kelvin Kight, Chris Dunlap, C.J. Jones
TE: Ben Watson, David Thomas (PUP), Kyle Brady, Garrett Mills (FB)
K: Stephen Gostkowski
NT: Vince Wilfork, LeKevin Smith, Mike Wright
DE: Richard Seymour (DT)(PUP), Ty Warren (DT), Jarvis Green, Kareem Brown (DT), Kenny Smith, Rashad Moore
ILB: Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel (S/I), Junior Seau, Eric Alexander, Oscar Lua, Justin Rogers, Justin
Warren
OLB: Adalius Thomas (S/I), Rosevelt Colvin (W/DE), Larry Izzo, Pierre Woods (S), Chad Brown, Corey Mays
CB: Asante Samuel (UFA-F), Ellis Hobbs (KR), Tory James, Randall Gay, Mike Richardson, Eddie Jackson, Willie Andrews, Gemara Williams, Chad Scott (IR)
S: Rodney Harrison (SS) (inj), Eugene Wilson (FS), Brandon Meriweather (SS/FS), Artrell Hawkins (SS), James Sanders (SS/FS), Rashad Baker, Mel Mitchell (PUP), Denny Poland
New
Orleans Saints
QB: Drew Brees started where he left
off last year making several nice throws in the opening days of camp. He had
two nice plays in particular on Saturday that drew the crowd’s praise. On the
first play, Brees dropped back and threw
a high arching pass to Devery Henderson, who had a step on CB Anwar Phillips; Henderson
looked the ball in over his right shoulder and tapped both feet in bounds
before sliding out. On another play, Brees threw a perfectly-placed toss into
the outstretched hands of David Patten, who had gotten behind the defense, 40
yards down field. The weather was hot and humid, but Brees didn’t seem to mind.
Brees was asked what the best and worst things were on the first day of camp.
The best? Brees said the tempo was good and players were flying around. The
worst? “There was no worst part of the day,” he said. “I mean, hey, where would
you rather be? Jackson, Miss. It’s 95 degrees, 1,000 percent humidity. You’ve
got to love it.” Rookie QB Tyler Palko hid some rough spots in Saturday’s team
drills. He threw a couple of passes off target, like a wobbly shovel pass that
was picked off by LB Marvin Mitchell. ... Neither Palko nor Jason Fife has
distinguished himself in the battle for QB3 yet.
RB: Reggie Bush is eager to get
his second season under way, and so is QB Drew Bress, who chided Bush for his various
commercials as practice got underway. "I'm just glad to have him off those
commercial shoots and have him here in camp with us," Brees said, just
loud enough for Bush to hear. For his part, Bush was happy to get back at it,
too. "After so much time off, you look forward to getting back to playing
football, playing the sport you love to do, love to play and are so passionate
about," Bush said. "For me, it's fun.... That stuff kind of takes a
toll on you, all the meetings with the sponsors. It's fun but after a certain
amount of time you just want to get back to football. I kind of took a break
from that stuff, but it has its season." Bush chose to train on his own
during the offseason, but HC Sean Payton wasn’t upset at all. "He's in
good shape, he has trained well," Payton said. "We're real pleased
with how he tested. He's running around and, I think, in real good shape."
Brees agreed with Payton’s take. "If there's one thing about Reggie,
obviously, he's got a lot of things going on, he's got a lot of people pulling
at him," Brees said. "But he's always going to find a way to make
sure he's ready to go. He's a competitor. He's a very prideful guy, so I'm
never worried about Reggie." Deuce McAllister loves sharing the backfield
with Bush. It's a blessing," McAllister said. "When he's on the field
or when we're on the field together, it's a blessing for us to be able to look
at the defense and see how teams are going to try to play us. I'm not having to
carry that load as a running back or as the team leader. I can give some of
that to him and know that he can do it in this league.” In Saturday’s session,
after the defense made some big plays, backup Aaron Stecker helped the offense
answer with some tough inside running where he bounced off a few tacklers for
some extra yardage. Stecker faces a daunting challenge from rookie Antonio
Pittman for RB3 honors.
WR: One player who will be watched closely by Saints fans and coaches is rookie first round pick Robert Meachem, especially after he showed up for mini-camps overweight. Meachem was signed and in camp on time, though and midway through the first practice he made a nice play running past CB Jason David to pull down a tight spiral from quarterback Jamie Martin. Unfortunately, he didn’t finish the play. After the catch, he slid to the ground drawing the ire of his position coach Curtis Johnson, who was asking everyone around him, “Why did he go down? It should have been a touchdown.” Meachem is playing catch up to some extent after having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in early June. The knee came after a sprained ankle in May limited him in the final part of the team’s OTAs. Johnson is known for getting on his players, and he was riding Meachem plenty during the opening sessions. At one point, he yelled, “This ain’t Tennessee anymore.” None of that seemed to bother Meachem, who said “I love that. As long as he’s talking to me, it means I’ve got a lot to learn. All my life, I was taught that you can learn something new every day. If he stays on me, I know that I’ve got a lot of improvement to do. And I know I can improve.” Meachem reported to camp at 208 lbs – two pounds below his prescribed weight, but he knows that he’s a bit behind the others after missing time with the injuries. “I was moving pretty good, but there are a lot of things I have to work on since I haven’t run in a long time,” he said. “It’s a learning process all over again. You have to teach yourself how to ge