2011 Training Camp / Preseason Observations, News & Tidbits Thread (2 Viewers)

[Faust]

Fantasy Football Preseason Report

Excerpts:

Houston 20, N.Y. Jets 16

This was one of the few preseason stinkers, fantasy-wise, as an upcoming short week forced the teams to use their starters even less than normal. There were some surprise stars in the game, namely Jets backup tight end Jeff Cumberland and Texans roster-filling running back Chris Ogbonnaya, but no one that is going to impact fantasy this season.

• Shonn Greene looked strong and fast in his five carries, perhaps a signal this is going to be his breakthrough year. LaDainian Tomlinson will still be the finisher at the goal-line, but there are plenty of touches for both backs to be viable in fantasy. Green is going to be much more of the clear pick between the two this go around.

• Mark Sanchez completed his short passes, but the game suggested he isn't going to truly be relied on this season. The Jets' elite defense and strong running game lends itself to a more conservative approach to the passing game. It was apparent on an efficient first drive. Sanchez is a marginal fantasy backup quarterback going into the year.

• Cumberland's performance is significant in that it could be he was running the plays that could be going to Dustin Keller in a breakthrough year. Keller will be especially important over the middle with the loss of Braylon Edwards. Sure, the Jets have Plaxico Burress now, but he was sidelined (ankle) with an issue that apparently never resolved in prison.

New England 47, Jacksonville 12

The Patriots offense was clicking no matter who was playing quarterback, Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett. They won't matter this season behind Brady, but there were a number of real interesting developments here:

• Aaron Hernandez is healthy. This should not be understated. He is easily one of the most intriguing sleepers at tight end, coming off offseason hip surgery. If he plays like this in the preseason, his status as a sleeper is going to be all but lost. Six catches for 68 yards should remove any doubts of his health.

• Stevan Ridley is stealing Shane Vereen's thunder. Ridley, an LSU star, was one of the biggest winners of the weekend, and the third-rounder is taking the spotlight in camp from second-rounder Vereen (hamstring). Neither is a real threat to BenJarvus Green-Ellis, but both are going to be interesting handcuffs. They look like they could be this year's Danny Woodhead.

• Blaine Gabbert is no real threat to David Garrard (back). Gabbert, the team's first-round pick, was underwhelming against Pats backups.

• Maurice Jones-Drew (knee) didn't play, but he practiced Saturday and is pain free. That is music to the ears of those picking in the second half of Round 1 this fall.

Philadelphia 13, Baltimore 6

Michael Vick came out firing on all cylinders, despite not having his premium receivers on the outside. It made for the emergence of another intriguing sleeper at tight end, but first, what of those receivers on the outside:

• Jeremy Maclin (illness) is a real concern right now. The Eagles stole Steve Smith (knee) from the Giants as insurance, too. You have to slide Maclin down your draft lists right now. Hopefully, we will get a greater understanding of his status before draft day. He is a risk in drafts right now. Smith is intriguing but it is unlikely he will be ready to help fantasy owners before October.

• Hello, Mr. Brent Celek. He wasn't a real factor with Vick a season ago, proving to be a bust, but this is going to be a whole different year. With the WRs down, Vick is developing an early rapport with his underutilized tight end. Vick even referenced his early career use of Alge Crumpler back in his Falcons days. Move Celek significantly up draft lists. He probably should be drafted as a starter at the position now, moving from No. 17 to No. 12 in my rankings.

• Ronnie Brown is in a great situation. LeSean McCoy is a rock-solid mid-first-rounder, but the presence of Brown is intriguing behind him. Brown has never proven healthy for a full season, but when he's right, he's spectacular for fantasy owners. In this offseason, Brown can prove to be a big-time sleeper, especially if McCoy gets banged up like so many backs do.

• Ray Rice didn't play much, but his line didn't impress us. It could be a year where Rice struggles to stay much over 4.0 yards per carry. Not to worry, though. Backup Ricky Williams is 32. Rice will still get his 1,000 yards, 10 TDs and be a significant part of the short passing game.

Seattle 24, San Diego 17

We don't need a preseason to tell us how productive Philip Rivers is going to be. We will need a few more exhibition games to determine who will be the primary rusher for the Chargers, though.

• Vincent Jackson is going to be a star with a full training camp and season. It took all of one drive to realize that. He probably warrants a higher ranking than he is getting on most cheat sheets.

• Mike Tolbert looks like he can bulldoze enough value out of sophomore Ryan Mathews to make the latter a sleeper for fantasy owners. Mathews was a bust after the preseason a year ago. The experience is going to cut the fumbling and pass-blocking issues. Mathews is going to be legit, even if Tolbert takes the short-yardage stuff and vultures TDs.

• Tarvaris Jackson is the starter right now, but Charlie Whitehurst is going to gain momentum as the preseason moves on. Neither is going to be fantasy worthy on draft day, but someone is going to be racking up stats as the Seahawks play from behind in games. The reason Jackson has the starting job right now is because of his grasp of the offense from Minnesota. Whitehurst is going to be a quick study in that regard.

• Golden Tate made a showing, not an impressive one, but enough to remember the sophomore has some nice upside.

Dallas 24, Denver 23

Everyone has talked about how Kyle Orton will be dealt, but the showing of Brady Quinn might make him the man that will be on the move. He just might have decent value to another team now. If the Broncos do decide to send Orton to Miami, Quinn and Tim Tebow look plenty capable of quarterbacking the Broncos.

• Felix Jones is easily one of this writer's favorite sleepers and his 18-yard run and 16-yard reception showed what he is capable of. This could be a real big breakthrough for him with Marion Barber on the Bears' depth chart now.

• Knowshon Moreno popped some good runs. He is a lot better than he is being given credit for by his coach and fantasy drafters right now. The Broncos didn't need to entertain thoughts for DeAngelo Williams.

Willis McGahee is going to be Moreno's TD vulture, but there are going to be a lot of yards with coach John Fox's commitment to the run game. Moreno and Jones are going to be great value picks if you go with wide receivers or a quarterback early and need some rushers later.

• When watching the Broncos in Week 2, pay attention to the use of Eddie Royal. He was great in Year 1, silent in Year 2 and mediocre in Year 3. He is an intriguing sleeper. Eric Decker, who was great in college, will be interesting as a third wideout, too.

Arizona 24, Oakland 18

This was one of the least impactful games of the first weekend, fantasy-wise, but these teams will generate some surprises for us this season:

• Larry Fitzgerald is back as a stud fantasy receiver, perhaps even a candidate to be the best at his position. Kevin Kolb legitimizes Fitzgerald all over again. They are going to have a connection on the level of Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. Fitzgerald is that good.

• Beanie Wells is the Cardinals starter, but Ryan Williams was a college star and is the breakaway threat. Both had some good runs. Williams is going to be a better yards-per-carry guy, but Wells gets the starts and TDs out of the gate. If Wells is injured, Williams can perform with anyone outside of a handful of backs.

• Todd Heap won't be lost in Arizona. He is going to prove to be a good value after the starters are drafted at the position.

• There was a Michael Bennett sighting. I only mentioned this because I coached his cousin in pee-wee flag football last fall. Michael Bush played after his late signing and will be the backup to Darren McFadden.

Detroit 34, Cincinnati 3

This game showed exactly what we should expect this season. The Lions are going to be intriguing and the Bengals are going to be worthless. This was apparent early:

• Mikel Leshoure's torn Achilles' makes Jahvid Best a big-time breakout candidate. Best looked good in brief duty.

• Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson is going to be a common connection this season -- perhaps even on the Kolb-Fitzgerald or Schaub-Johnson level. Stafford's health and development legitimizes Johnson's status as a second-rounder in all formats.

• Andy Dalton wasn't terrible, but he didn't look starter-worthy either. It is going to be a long year -- one characterized by a lot of short passes and check-downs. Don't draft him.

• Cedric Benson was busy, but it is going to be real tough for him to be a real factor in fantasy with so little around him. The Bengals are not going to score a lot of points and they aren't going to be a great defense. It spells a bust year for Benson, even if he is physically capable of a good season.

Miami 28, Atlanta 23

The final score doesn't do this one justice. The Falcons were perhaps the sharpest first team of the weekend. The Dolphins might have been the worst.

• Chad Henne did his best to create a quarterback controversy. Matt Moore played well enough to make that possible. Neither looks worthy of being a starter in the NFL, especially with the likes of Vince Young and Tebow or Quinn as backups elsewhere. Orton talk shouldn't die.

• Julio Jones looked like a playmaker right away. It is more likely to get him drafted higher than he should, but it was plenty interesting to watch. Most rookies don't tend to pay dividends, but Jones is at least in a great situation with his quarterback and the fact he could be a solid No. 2 to a superstar in Roddy White.

• Daniel Thomas opened the preseason as arguably the No. 1 rookie to have. Forget that now. It won't necessarily be the presence of Reggie Bush, whom the Dolphins call their starter, or the fact Thomas didn't show much here. Thomas was probably a bit overrated for fantasy because of his circumstance. Those change with the announcement that Bush will be a bigger part of the offense than originally believed. Oh, and the bad QB makes the offense mediocre at best.

Redskins 16, Steelers 7

We don't need to see anything from the Steelers. There is a belief teams coming off a Super Bowl sputter the next season. The Steelers won't be that team. They are going to be good top to bottom, minus this lackluster showing.

• Tim Hightower staked a claim to the starting role and looked strong. Swap him in your rankings with Ryan Torain. Both are going to succumb to rookie Roy Helu eventually. Helu had an 18-yard run and looks capable of being a solid back.

• It is just preseason, but Rex Grossman looks capable of being a starter in this league again. That is something than cannot be said for John Beck.

• Santana Moss looked good. He always slips further than he should in drafts. He is old and the QB situation is underwhelming, but the Redskins are going to be throwing from behind all season. Grossman can be a gun-slinging threat to make Moss a nice sleeper.

• Isaac Redman was productive, making him the clear handcuff for Rashard Mendenhall. A Mendenhall injury will make Redman a factor in all leagues in a hurry.

Tampa Bay 25, Kansas City 0

This was the biggest tail-kicking of the weekend. The Chiefs showed nothing at home. This couldn't have possibly been by design.

• Dezmon Briscoe is the best receiver you likely have never heard of. He has been the talk of Bucs camp, though. He was a legitimate star in college (Kansas) and should be far more of a factor in Year 2. He might even prove to be Mike Williams good. Seriously.

• Maybe calling Josh Freeman a bust in my preseason QB preview was a bit unfair. It will be very difficult to repeat his numbers from a season ago, but he is building something significant in Tampa. Don't draft him as a starter, but he is a solid backup for fantasy owners. He can't possibly be a bust at that level.

• There was nothing to like from the Chiefs aspect, unless you needed to see if Thomas Jones has anything left. After two strong carries, he showed enough to be wary of picking Jamaal Charles early in Round 1. Jones will still be the TD vulture at the very least.

New Orleans 24, San Francisco 3

With one pinball, 14-yard touchdown run, we have a clear-cut No. 1 rookie to target in fantasy now:

• Mark Ingram will still have to deal with Pierre Thomas on the depth chart, but Ingram looks like he could an NFL superstar. Soar him up the rankings, perhaps even into the top 20. Ranking him behind the Dolphins' Thomas looks like a big mistake, if only because that Saints offense is going to generate a lot of production.

• Alex Smith played bad enough to generate a QB controversy all over again. It was so bad, the 49ers are even considering Daunte Culpepper. Ouch. Heck, David Carr, now backing up for the Giants, would have been more intriguing.

• A bad QB situation for the 49ers can hurt everyone in the 49ers' offense, especially since Frank Gore requires a premium draft pick and Vernon Davis is close to the elite at tight end. Braylon Edwards and Michael Crabtree are likely to suffer, too, if Smith cannot be the answer.

• Marques Colston (knee) didn't play but he is at least practicing again. Recovering quickly from microfracture surgery is tough. Colston has to prove healthy before we remove him from the potential bust category. With that said, if Colston is a bust, look out for the likes of Jimmy Graham, Robert Meachem and Lance Moore.

Cleveland 27, Green Bay 17

The most impressive QB of the first week of games played in this one, and it wasn't the Super Bowl MVP and arguable No. 1 pick at the position in fantasy.

• Colt McCoy had a smashing debut and looks like he could be a very good sophomore. He has tremendous value in two-quarterback leagues as a sleeper (or those that allow QBs at the flex position). Heck, you might even consider him a backup option in standard formats.

McCoy tossed it all over the place, going 9-for-10 for 135 yards and a TD to return star Josh Cribbs. If only McCoy had some proven targets to work with ... maybe the preseason might reveal some for him. Watch McCoy and his receivers closely. There could be some sleepers to be found here.

• Ho-hum Aaron Rodgers ripped and Greg Jennings reeled in a TD. Donald Driver had a long catch, too. This writer won't change his stance that Brady will be the No. 1 QB in fantasy, but Rodgers is easily the only one worth drafting alongside him.

• We might be burying the lead for fantasy owners here, but Ryan Grant had a healthy three carries. He is the starter over postseason breakout James Starks.

• Peyton Hillis had a statline we expect to see this season: a lot of carries, a poor yards-per-carry and some short TDs. He is productive, but his punishing style makes him a risk for injury. Montario Hardesty (knee) hasn't proved healthy in camp, and even the mediocre Brandon Jackson is ahead of him on the depth chart. That's good news for Hillis, bad news for Hardesty. This is clearly something to watch.

Chicago 10, Buffalo 3

Reviewing this game is as lame as the final score. Heck, it only took a dozen games to find a real snoozer for redeeming value in fantasy.

• Marion Barber looked good and is going to both help and hurt Matt Forte. Barber is going to take the punishment off the second-rounder, but he could also take the goal-line carries. That remains to be seen. Forte's involvement in the passing game keeps his fantasy value high, regardless.

• C.J. Spiller was a bust a year ago and very few are talking about him now, especially since he is backing up Fred Jackson. But Spiller is the third-down back and he caught a couple of passes out of the backfield. He needs to show the game-breaking ability he showed in college. He should be far more interesting to watch in the next couple of preseason games. The Bills certainly need to take the diapers off him.

• Jay Cutler is notorious as a ball-holder, but the Bears line didn't look very good in front of him. A rushed passer is going to be an error-prone one. Cutler certainly has been one in his career. This is clearly something to watch, too.

Tennessee 14, Minnesota 3

This game featured two of the biggest veteran QB movers ahead of two early-round QB draftees. There was plenty to watch behind the teams we say have the No. 1 and 2 backs in fantasy, i.e. the top two overall picks.

• Javon Ringer is a handcuff, but he could be this year's breakthrough if Chris Johnson's holdout extends into the season. The fact the Titans are going to make Johnson the highest-paid running back in NFL history makes us believe this won't last much longer. Ringer is one of the best backup running backs for fantasy owners. Jonathan Stewart is going to be the first backup RB drafted, and the Chiefs' Jones will be drafted to start for some fantasy teams, but Ringer could be the first true handcuff pick off the board.

• Matt Hasselbeck was sharp. He is going to be a very good value down the draft list at QB. Donovan McNabb will be, too, but he was far less impressive.

• It is still the belief here Jake Locker will be the best NFL quarterback of this draft class. It certainly showed in Week 1 of this preseason. Christian Ponder wasn't bad either. Heck, McNabb and the Vikings were unimpressive enough to think Ponder could start far sooner then next season.

St. Louis 33, Indianapolis 10

It shouldn't be underrated that offensive guru Josh McDaniels is now the offensive coordinator for the Rams, especially with developing sophomore QB Sam Bradford running the show on the field. It wasn't here.

• Danario Alexander was impressive. Mardy Gilyard made some noise. And we have yet to really get a look at the likes of Danny Amendola, Mike Sims-Walker and Donnie Avery (knee). It shouldn't be forgotten McDaniels turned Brandon Lloyd from undrafted last fall to the No. 1 scoring receiver in fantasy. Someone here, or a number of these guys, are going to be great value for their draft positions. Heck, all might.

• Bradford should move up draft lists now. McDaniels is going to orchestrate a wide-open attack, even if the ball is spread around and the running game will be the first priority under defensive-minded head coach Steve Spagnuolo.

• It has been Steven Jackson and a pile of dust for the Rams for years. It still should be plenty of Jackson and dust (although they play on turf), but don't overlook Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood. Both of Jackson's backups looked real good. It should help Jackson more than hurt him, especially since neither will be the goal-line running back Jackson can be. This is a strong, and now deep, running game. This should be a very productive Rams offense. They have to be the prohibitive favorite in the NFC West.

• We didn't see much from the Colts, but they do have three backs in Joseph Addai, Donald Brown and now rookie Delone Carter. Rank them in that order, but Addai is easily the most intriguing for fantasy owners.

Carolina 20, New York Giants 10

The No. 1 overall pick debuted with a so-so effort and both teams were underwhelming offensively, especially early.

• Cam Newton went just 8-for-19 for 134 yards. Jimmy Clausen rebounded from a rough start, but Derek Anderson deserves to open the season as the starter. It will be an interesting three-headed monster in the coming weeks, even if none of them should be drafted outside of two-quarterback formats.

• DeAngelo Williams proved healthy, which is a good sign. The question is how much will the QB play hold him back. You have to figure, significantly.

• Greg Olsen looked great and could be a security blanket and the No. 1 receiver in this Panthers offense. Yes, even more intriguing than former star Steve Smith. Olsen still shouldn't be drafted as a fantasy starter, though.

• Eli Manning looked inept, but at least he and the Giants QBs didn't turn the ball over. Avoiding turnovers is the goal of the season for Manning. He was forcing balls into Hakeem Nicks, which could be a function of the absence of the other Smith, who is now an Eagle.

• The No. 3 wideout for the Giants will be intriguing. Right now it is clearly Domenik Hixon, who caught five passes for 86 yards. Hixon is coming off knee surgery and looks capable of being a 50-catch, 700-yard threat out of the slot, especially since the Giants really don't have a trustworthy group of tight ends. Hixon is a tough receiver over the middle.

• Watch Travis Beckum closely as the tight end next week. He is a receiver-first TE who should benefit from Kevin Boss' signing with the Raiders.

I don't agree with everything that was posted in this article, but there was enough solid information and analysis in this article that I thought it was worth posting.

 

[dynastyguy1000]

Most important thread of the year.

You've done incredible work in taking the time and synthesizing everything, Faust.Much obliged.

diddo

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Excerpts:

THREE HOT TOPICS

1. Where will the pass rush come from? The Bucs were among the worst in the league at pressuring quarterbacks last season. That’s why they drafted Clayborn in the first round and fellow defensive end Da'Quan Bowers in the second in April. A year ago, the Bucs used their top two draft picks on defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price.

There’s a lot invested in those young defensive linemen and the Bucs expect immediate results. Sure, they wouldn’t mind getting some sacks from blitzes by their linebackers or defensive backs, but it’s not like the Bucs have some other pass-rushing defensive end hidden up their sleeves.

Throughout camp, Clayborn’s looked even better than the Bucs thought he was when they drafted him. Bowers, coming off knee surgery in January, hasn’t been quite at Clayborn’s level. But he has looked better than the Bucs expected him to be at this point. At worst, Clayborn will start right away and Bowers will be used as a situational rusher. At best, Bowers might get on the field more than that and show every team that let him slide to the second round that his knee is fine.

2. Can Blount be a complete running back? That’s the hope and the plan, but Blount is a work in progress. We learned quickly last season that he can run between the tackles. He didn’t take the starting job from Cadillac Williams until midseason, but he still managed to rush for 1,007 yards.

Williams thrived as a third-down back last season, but he left via free agency, creating a void. When Blount was on the field last season, it was pretty obvious the Bucs were going to hand the ball to him. He caught only five passes and the team was hesitant to rely on Blount to pick up on blitzes on pass plays.

Earnest Graham and Kregg Lumpkin can do some of those things, but the Bucs have been working hard to make Blount a more balanced player. The coaching staff said he’s now up to speed on pass blocking and he has worked a lot on catching the ball out of the backfield in camp. If Blount can do everything this season, Tampa Bay’s offensive intentions no longer will be telegraphed.

3. Was Freeman’s first full season as a starter misleading? Not at all. He threw for 25 touchdowns with only six interceptions and pretty much carried an offense that had to do a lot of shuffling through a series of injuries.

Freeman took over as leader of the team last season, and he only reinforced that with the way he kept the Bucs together during the lockout. Those workouts only improved his chemistry with Williams, Arrelious Benn, Sammie Stroughter and tight end Kellen Winslow. Freeman is capable of throwing for 30-plus TDs and passing for more than 4,000 yards.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

The Bucs had a pretty strong feeling about receiver Dezmon Briscoe when they made the unconventional move of signing him to the practice squad, but paying him like he was a member of the regular roster at the start of last season. Briscoe later earned his way onto the regular roster and has made the Bucs look like geniuses throughout camp and in the first preseason game. The team believes Benn is coming along well after suffering a torn ACL late last season. But the Bucs don’t want to rush Benn. That's why Briscoe could end up starting at the “Z’’ position opposite Williams early in the season. The long-range promise of Briscoe is off the charts because he can play all three receiver spots.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

It’s not so much that the Bucs have been disappointed with what they’ve seen from McCoy and Price when they’ve been on the field. The problem is the two second-year defensive tackles simply haven’t been on the field a lot. The hopes are still high for these two, but Price is coming off a rare surgery on his pelvis and is being brought along slowly. McCoy, who had his rookie season end with a triceps injury just when he was starting to blossom, has missed some of camp with a shoulder injury. Roy Miller is a consistent player and the Bucs don’t mind starting him. But they need McCoy and Price to be on the field and making big plays.

OBSERVATION DECK

•The arrival of Clayborn and Bowers also helps the offensive line. In the old days, left tackle Donald Penn rarely had to break a sweat in practice because he worked against Stylez G. White.

•There’s concern on the outside about depth in the secondary. A lot of that concern stems from the uncertain situations of cornerback Aqib Talib and safety Tanard Jackson. Talib could face suspension by the league for an offseason incident in which he was charged with aggravated assault, and Jackson is out until at least late September as he finishes a one-year suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. The Bucs have no idea what’s going to happen with Talib. If Jackson returns to them, they view it as a bonus. But the team isn’t nearly as concerned with the depth situation as fans are. Coaches are comfortable with Sean Jones and Cody Grimm as starting safeties and think they’ve found quality backups in Larry Asante and Corey Lynch. At cornerback, the Bucs believe E.J. Biggers could step into a starting role if anything happens to Talib, and there’s hope that second-year pro Myron Lewis could succeed as a nickelback.

•The Bucs like what they’ve seen from Lumpkin during camp and think he might be a reliable backup for Blount. But Graham is a nice fallback option. He’s been playing fullback, but played tailback earlier in his career. With Erik Lorig getting time at fullback last season, the Bucs have flexibility to move Graham around.

•Although Foster is expected to start in the middle, the Bucs aren’t going to overload the rookie. At least in the short term, outside linebacker Quincy Black will wear the radio helmet and call the defensive plays. Part of that is because Black will be on the field all the time, and Foster will come out when the Bucs go to the nickel package.

•Attention, fantasy football players: Consider drafting Winslow. He was good last season, despite missing a lot of practice time with an achy knee. Winslow said the knee feels better than it has in years. He spent most of the offseason working out with Freeman in Tampa and their chemistry should be even better than last season.

 

[Faust]

Most important thread of the year.

You've done incredible work in taking the time and synthesizing everything, Faust.Much obliged.

diddo

I appreciate the kudos from my fellow FBG and the other posters who have taken the time to add to this thread!

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Denver Broncos

Excerpts:

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Fix the defense. While the Tim Tebow-Kyle Orton competition has garnered much attention, the real key issue in Denver’s camp has been the defense. This unit was ranked No. 32 in the NFL last season and was generally awful in every major statistical category. Fox and his defensive staff have taken a hands-on approach to improve this group, which is a mix of veterans and youngsters.

If the reconstructed defensive front plays well and rookie linebacker Von Miller makes an instant impact, this group has a chance to improve quickly. It seems to be working early. Denver’s defense has been capable in camp and it looked solid against Dallas in the preseason opener Thursday. Injuries to defensive tackles Ty Warren (who signed to a two-year, $8 million deal) and Marcus Thomas create more uncertainty at a key spot for Denver. It needs to get help there by Kevin Vickerson, Brodrick Bunkley, Jeremy Jarmon and Derrick Harvey in the rest of the preseason. Warren could be out for a long period and Thomas will miss the rest of the preseason.

2. Clarity at quarterback: The Broncos’ camp has been about getting the first-team ready to go with Orton. There is no question Orton is the starter now. If the team struggles, Tebow could enter the picture, but players love playing with Orton and the team thinks he currently gives them the best chance to win now.

Of course, the lack of clarity was team-induced. It spent the immediate days after the lockout trying to trade Orton to Miami. After that fell through, Orton took control of the offense quickly and has given Denver no choice but to make him the starter, TebowMania be dammed.

3. Establish a ground game: Although Fox is a defensive-minded coach, he has a strict philosophy on offense. He believes in stuffing the ball down an opponent’s throat and killing the clock. Denver struggled to run the ball under McDaniels, and Fox said adding a veteran tailback was paramount.

The Broncos jumped on Willis McGahee when he was cut by the Ravens. Expect McGahee and third-year player Knowshon Moreno to combine for plenty of carries. They have worked well in camp, and they combined for 40 yards on six carries in the preseason opener at Dallas. This camp has been spent getting these two involved in the offense as much as possible.

ELVIS IS BACK IN THE BUILDING

The Broncos are raving about the play of Elvis Dumervil. After leading the NFL with 17 sacks in 2009 and getting a contract worthy of that performance, Dumervil tore a pectoral muscle in early August last year and missed the entire 2010 season.

There was concern that his rust and a move back to the 4-3 under Fox could hamper the smallish Dumervil. He flourished in McDaniels’ 3-4 system after being a solid player in Shanahan’s 4-3 defense. Dumervil beefed up to more than 260 pounds, and he‘s been impressive under Fox.

The Broncos expect Dumervil and Miller to become one of the better pass-rush tandems in the league.

RELYING ON THE ROOKIES

One of the most exciting aspects of this camp for Denver has been the play of its rookies. The Broncos thought they drafted well in April, and after three weeks, they are thrilled with what they see.

“I think we had an excellent draft,” Fox said.

Added Dumervil: “This is the best group of rookies I’ve seen here in awhile.”

Leading the way is Miller, who was the No. 2 overall draft pick. The Texas A&M product has been as advertised. Teammates rave about his speed, explosiveness and his ability to make plays. They expect instant success.

Second-round pick Rahim Moore is vying for a starting spot with Kyle McCarthy at safety and has shown he is ready for NFL play. Right tackle Orlando Franklin, middle linebacker Nate Irving, tight end Julius Thomas and safety Quentin Carter are all expected to be major contributors. This is exactly what this 4-12 team needed -- a solid group of youngsters to build around after a couple of shaky years of drafting by McDaniels.

OBSERVATION DECK

• Safety Brian Dawkins may be turning 38 this year, but the Broncos are still getting a lot out of him. He works well with Fox’s staff, and his leadership has been uncanny during camp.

• Defensive end Robert Ayers has been getting chances to break out in camp, but he has been slow to show progress. He was the No. 18 overall pick in the 2009 draft.

• Receiver Brandon Lloyd has been slowed by swelling in his knee. Still, the team expects him to contribute. Lloyd had a breakout season in 2010 -- 77 catches for 1,448 yards.

• The second-round draft class of 2009 has been a bust. Tight end Richard Quinn is hurt and could be the odd man out. Safety Darcel McBath has yet to develop, and cornerback Alphonso Smith (who Denver traded its 20101 first-round pick for) was shipped out to Detroit last year. This was supposed to be the nucleus of future success, and Denver hasn’t seen results.

• The Broncos’ passing game struggled in red-zone and third-down situations. That has been a point of emphasis during this camp.

• Veterans Joe Mays and Mario Haggan are competing to hold off Irving at middle linebacker.

• Franklin has struggled in pass projection. Still, the team is committed to him.

• Denver is excited about second-year receiver Eric Decker. Expect Decker to get a chance to contribute a lot.

• The Broncos like what they have in new tight end Daniel Fells. He is solid as a receiver and as a blocker. He should help in both phases of the game.

• Right cornerback Andre' Goodman has been steady, and the team is confident he can play well in 2011.

• Second-year center J.D. Walton continues to improve, and he has shown strong leadership for a young player.

 

[Faust]

First impressions: A look at Rams' receivers

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could see the first question coming from the reporters surrounding him following the St. Louis Rams' practice Tuesday.

It had to be about the situation at wide receiver. It was.

Here is what you need to know: The Rams trust McDaniels' system enough to diminish widespread public fears over their injury-riddled, largely unproven group of wideouts. They expect promising rookie tight end Lance Kendricks to play a significant role in the offense. And they're also confident quarterback Sam Bradford can help maximize their receivers' potential.

Still thinking the Rams should have made a play for a dynamic talent such as Sidney Rice? I tend to think so, but the Rams apparently were not interested in paying a premium for a player without a demonstrated record of consistency from year to year. They picked up Mike Sims-Walker at a discount and are asking him to play all three positions, not just the "X" receiver spot he played for Jacksonville in 2010.

"Our philosophy is, we want to do what we should do each week based on the opponent, and that may change," McDaniels said. "We may end up having more guys in the slot from one week and then the next week we don't line up in slot formation at all because that is not really how to beat that team. We have to be flexible so we can attack and put stress on the defense as best we can."

The word "stress" is a McDaniels favorite. He often speaks of stressing defenses, not necessarily stretching them.

Translation: Adding a receiver with track-certified speed isn't a necessity.

Widespread injuries at receiver stressed the Rams last season. The injury report hasn't been very kind to the position during camp, either.

Danny Amendola projects as the Rams' leader in receptions for another season. Sims-Walker, Brandon Gibson, Greg Salas and Austin Pettis appear likely to earn roster spots.

Alexander would seemingly figure into the mix if his knees hold up well enough. Donnie Avery has starting potential when healthy, but he missed another practice Tuesday. He missed all 16 games last season after suffering a torn ACL during preseason.

Second-year pro Mardy Gilyard is having a strong camp. He carries value on special teams. But can the Rams trust him to produce consistently while providing the versatility they require?

A few observations on receivers from Tuesday:

Alexander's left leg sports a brace extending from his sock up past the bottom of his practice shorts. He has the athletic ability to make spectacular, leaping grabs. But the day-to-day rigors of the position will be tough to weather over time. Alexander, who turned 23 this month, has undergone five surgeries on the knee.

Dominique Curry made a one-handed catch during drills. Did he have any choice? Curry, a gifted player on special teams before a knee injury ended his 2010 season, is wearing a protective cast/brace on his left hand. He underwent surgery on the hand this month.

Pettis, a third-round choice from Boise State, showed good hands in practice. Salas, a fourth-rounder, was back on the field after resting a knee injury. I didn't notice him as much on this initial visit to Rams camp. My oversight.

Avery watched practice wearing a gold Rams cap and long pants.

Sims-Walker, who caught 14 touchdown passes for Jacksonville over the past two seasons and was the Jaguars' No. 1 wideout in 2010, missed practice with a groin injury. The Rams need him on the field.

Greg Mathews, an undrafted free agent in 2010, caught an intermediate pass, then lost the ball while turning to run.

Bradford connected on a deep pass to Gibson. Cornerback Ron Bartell broke up another Bradford pass for Gibson.

It's still early. The position has yet to shake out. Players could and likely will emerge. And there's no question Kendricks' addition at tight end has given the Rams a welcome option. He caught a touchdown pass in his preseason debut and has impressed veteran teammates.

"We've got a lot of guys moving in and out of different spots right now," McDaniels said. "We still got a long way to go and a lot of things to do and a lot of things to evaluate."

 

[Faust]

Soaring expectations for Kolb-led Cardinals

ESPN's John Clayton envisions Larry Fitzgerald approaching 115 receptions and the Arizona Cardinals improving by about three victories with Kevin Kolb as the team's new quarterback.

"Mike & Mike" has the audio.

Kolb made a very positive impression during Clayton's recent trip to Cardinals training camp at Northern Arizona University. Kolb also impressed when I visited Cardinals camp earlier, more for his demeanor and leadership potential than for the limited snaps we've seen him take for the Cardinals during practices and the team's lone preseason game.

Injuries stand out to me as the biggest threat to Kolb. He's no lightweight at 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds, but my first impression at practice was that Kolb would benefit from a full offseason in the Cardinals' strength program. It was just an impression. And no matter how frequently coach Ken Whisenhunt downplays fears over Arizona's offensive tackles, those fears exist for a reason. Levi Brown and Brandon Keith have not demonstrated over time an ability to protect the passer at a high level by NFL standards.

We're all projecting, obviously, and I'm more conservative in making assessments based on practices and games that do not count. There's every reason to think Kolb will easily clear the low bar set for him by Arizona quarterbacks last season.

A stat to consider: Kolb tossed six touchdown passes in four starts last season. The Cardinals had 10 touchdown passes in 16 games.

 

[Faust]

Bucs camp report: Young players hungry to take next step

Observation deck

1. There's a new quarterback on defense. Gone is MLB Barrett Ruud and inserted is third-round rookie Mason Foster. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy described Foster as a guy who "sees ball, gets ball." Foster will be a force against the run, but will be a work in progress making the calls and adjustments. After sitting down with Foster, I feel good about his ability to grow into the quarterback role for the defense. He has a calmness about him and doesn't dwell on mistakes. The Bucs also don't plan to have him play on third down, which will help his development.

2. The third-down back job is open. Cadillac Williams did a good job last year as the Bucs' third-down back, but he is now with the St. Louis Rams. I don't believe the winner of the important job has been decided. LeGarrette Blount wants to be a three-down back, but I get the feeling Earnest Graham is the leader with Kregg Lumpkin challenging for the spot. There's no substitute for experience in protections and route running and Graham has both.

3. The Aqib Talib cloud hangs over camp. Talib is a talent; there's no argument about that. But with Talib's offseason arrest for aggravated assault, the Bucs really don't know what commissioner Roger Goodell will decide about his availability this season. Some inside the organization speculate it will be 2012 before a decision is made -- because Talib won't face a trial until next March -- but others believe a suspension could come without notice sometime during the season. The challenge for GM Mark Dominik is to be ready in case of a 2011 suspension. Myron Lewis and E.J. Biggers can play and the emergence of seventh-round corner Anthony Gaitor might be their ace in the hole.

4. Mark Dominik has a keen eye. I tip my hat to Dominik for his ability to pick players, especially guys off the waiver wire, who come into Tampa and become really good starters. Blount, OG Ted Larsen, DE Michael Bennett and WR Dezmon Briscoe are waiver-wire pickups, financial bargains and young enough to stay for years. Keep your eye on Dominik during the upcoming cuts; he will work his magic again.

New guy watch

» Adrian Clayborn. The Bucs' first-round pick slipped in the draft because of a medical condition that limited his right side and caused his production to fall off during his senior year at Iowa. Watching him at practice at defensive end and talking to him afterwards, I don't think there is reason to be concerned. Clayborn stays put when the offense brings a tight end to his side and has been moving inside the guard in some third-down situations. He wouldn't do either if his physical limitations prevented it.

» Da'Quan Bowers. The rookie defensive end told me he had a win in his first one-on-one pass rush against a starting Buccaneers lineman. Bowers has really leaned out since college. He used to have a weight problem early in his career at Clemson but got down to 295 late in his college career. He told me he's 277 right now and hasn't lost any strength. Both Bowers and Clayborn are benefiting from being coached by former NFL defensive lineman Keith Millard.

» Anthony Gaitor. Everyone in the personnel business hopes they hit a home run late in the draft. Right now the Bucs are starting to get excited about their seventh-round corner. Gaitor has been described to me as tenacious and physical.

Overheard

"It takes a thief to catch a thief."

--Gerald McCoy, on turning it loose and becoming more disruptive after not finishing plays as a rookie in 2010. McCoy said things have gotten more simple for him during camp and he's doing a lot less thinking.

"I'm not sure, but I'm a big dude."

--Josh Freeman, when I asked how many sacks the 6-foot-7, 260-pound QB avoided last year because defenders just dripped off him. A coach told me it was about 15-16 times.

Prediction

This group of extremely young guys is so focused on getting better and taking the next step that I don't think they will be denied a playoff spot, especially if they get to 10 wins again. They are in a tough division to say the least, but Freeman should be even more productive with a healthy Kellen Winslow and Blount for 16 games. Last year, Blount only had 10 carries for 30 yards in the first five weeks, but his next 191 carries produced 977 yards. A full 16-game season for the 250-pound back should generate close to 1,300 yards.

 

[Faust]

Cowboys camp report: Romo, Bryant in line for big seasons

Observation deck

1. Jason Garrett is rebuilding the Cowboys in the mold of the franchise's championship teams under Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson. The new coach has embraced the traditions of the past and demanded the commitment, accountability and toughness that were associated with the Cowboys during their title runs.

Garrett started raising the standard of accountability by placing clocks in all of the meeting rooms to ensure punctuality. He also raised the level of intensity and focus in practice, which were crisp and aggressive, with an emphasis on fundamentals. The players operated at a game-like tempo and the pad poppin' was reminiscent of rugged practices during the Johnson era. Garrett took it a step further by having officials at practice to call penalties and infractions. With added attention to detail that was lacking under his predecessor, Garrett has the Cowboys looking and acting like a championship squad.

2. Tony Romo should bounce back with a big year in 2011. The Cowboys' much-maligned leader is coming off a disappointing season due to injury, but Romo looks poised and confident in practice. He routinely delivered the ball on time to Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, showing complete command of the system.

Romo also handled the varied pressure packages thrown at him by defensive coordinator Rob Ryan with little problem. He quickly identified potential rushers and used audibles or hot reads to combat the aggressive tactics. Although Romo was executing within the confines of a controlled practice, his anticipation and awareness of pressure suggests he's already in midseason form.

3. Dez Bryant will emerge as the Cowboys' top offensive weapon. The second-year pro is a remarkable talent. He's a natural pass catcher with a blend of size, strength and speed. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, he efficiently gets in and out of his breaks while gaining separation from defenders. His balance and body control rate off the charts as does his hand-eye coordination. Bryant's ability to win the contested ball is reminiscent of Larry Fitzgerald, and Romo has shown more confidence throwing the ball up to him in traffic. With defenses unable to direct double coverage in Bryant's direction with Austin and Witten also threats, it's possible that Bryant will be the most productive player in the passing game.

4. The Cowboys' young offensive linemen show promise. The trio of Tyron Smith, David Arkin and Phil Costa look like viable contributors. Smith, who is expected to start at right tackle, has displayed the athleticism and power that captivated scouts and coaches in the pre-draft process. Although he still is sorting through the nuances of pass protection, his natural ability should allow him to thrive as a rookie starter.

Arkin is competing with Montrae Holland at left guard, but his athleticism and movement skills could move him slightly ahead of the injured veteran. Arkin has shown the ability to block in space, which allows the Cowboys to incorporate more movement plays into their game plan. Costa will fill in as a capable swingman at guard or center, and provide the line with much-needed depth on the interior. Also, rookie Bill Nagy has a chance to jump into the rotation at guard or center. He only had one year of starter's experience at Wisconsin, but has shown some promise when given reps with the first unit.

5. If Rob Ryan's defense is to match his bodacious claims, the secondary will have to lead the way. Ryan wants to get after the passer with his talented frontline, but he needs to get better play from the secondary to implement his aggressive, high-pressure tactics. Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman, in particular, must bounce back from sub-par years to give Ryan the blanket coverage he needs. Their struggles a season ago led to the Cowboys finishing 26th in pass defense, and injuries have hampered any potential progress in training camp. In their absence, Alan Ball and Orlando Scandrick have stepped in, though they lack the skill set of their counterparts. Still, they showed signs of being effective thanks to the pressure generated by the frontline. If Newman and Jenkins can provide more than serviceable coverage, the defense has a chance to be good.

6. Sean Lee is prime for more. He showed flashes of being an impact player during spot duty as a rookie, but he looks ready to supplant Keith Brooking at inside linebacker. Lee is a sound tactician with a strong nose for the ball, and his underrated athleticism would upgrade the starting linebacker corps. If he shows a better feel for attacking the run, he should be starting when the season opens.

New guy watch

» Dwayne Harris. The rookie out of East Carolina has opened eyes with his playmaking skills as a receiver/returner. He had an impressive preseason debut against the Denver Broncos with five catches for 127 yards and two scores, including a 76-yard touchdown on a catch and run. Although Harris remains a work in progress as a route runner, he has shown enough potential to merit consideration as the third receiver.

Overheard

"You guys have all of the answers."

--Keith Brooking, in an exchange with a handful of reporters on the practice field in response to having his status on the team questioned.

Prediction

The Cowboys will challenge the Eagles for the NFC East title. They have as much offensive firepower as any team in the league, and Ryan's emerging defense has the potential to wreak havoc. If Dallas can avoid the miscues and penalties that haunted the team in 2010, the Cowboys should be a title contender.

 

[Faust]

Tomlin trying to make sure Steelers avoid Super Bowl hangover

1. Mike Tomlin doesn't want to hear about a Super Bowl hangover. Recent losers of the Super Bowl have typically struggled the following year, but Tomlin is helping the Steelers work through any potential malaise by increasing his demands. He spent most of practice encouraging his troops to give more effort, while also focusing on details. From watching the defensive line work through drills on the individual sled to correcting defensive backs on their footwork, Tomlin was teaching. He also prodded both sides of the ball during a spirited 2-minute drill that concluded practice. With Tomlin intent on providing daily motivation, the Steelers are on track to pick up where they left off.

2. The offensive line remains in flux. Regarded as the team's biggest issue for the past few seasons, it remains a major concern. The team has an unsettled situation at right guard with Ramon Foster, Tony Hills and Doug Legursky competing for the starting spot. Foster started the preseason opener, but his inconsistent play has opened the door for Hills. If neither player steps up, look for the team to turn the experience of Legursky.

The Steelers are also hoping Willie Colon and Chris Kemoeatu can bounce back from injuries. Colon missed all of last season with an Achilles tear and Kemoeatu has lingering knee issues that kept him out of camp early and will likely force him to miss Thursday's game against the Eagles. Colon and Kemoeatu being effective will play a critical role in whether the offensive line can show major improvement.

3. Rashard Mendenhall has game. He cemented his status as a top runner with his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season, but looks even better heading into 2011. He's showing quickness and burst running between the tackles and his speed getting to the edge is impressive considering his size (5-foot-10, 225 pounds). He also looks more confident and decisive in his cuts, which will lead to more big runs in the Steelers' zone-based system. Unfairly miscast as a fumbler after his critical miscue in Super Bowl XLV, Mendenhall should be poised to have another big season.

4. The "Young Money Crew" is poised to have a big season. The Steelers' young receiving corps of Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown has developed quickly. The trio accounted for nearly 50 percent of the team's passing yards, and their ability to come up with big plays gives the offense the balance needed to offset eight-man boxes used to contain the running game.

Wallace, in particular, has become one of the league's most explosive weapons. His combination of speed and acceleration allows him to get behind defenders on vertical throws. He's also become a more refined route runner. This should lead to even more from Wallace as he slides into the No. 1 receiver role. While Sanders and Brown have the quickness to give defenders fits in the slot. Of the two, Brown has been more impressive in camp and could surprise people in 2011.

5. The defense is built for the long haul. Any discussion about the unit being too old to still play at a high level is premature. After watching the team's young defenders in practice, it's clear director of football operations Kevin Colbert and his staff have done a terrific job of assembling young talent. The front seven features intriguing prospects Ziggy Hood, Cameron Heyward, Jason Worilds and Chris Carter. With Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley entering the prime of their respective careers, the Steelers have the nucleus on the frontline to continue to torment opponents with their high-pressure tactics.

Although the secondary doesn't have a budding star, the Steelers drafted a pair of corners -- Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen -- who have the potential to develop into key contributors.

6. The management of reps for veterans could pay dividends early in the season. The Steelers have been careful not to overwork the older guys during an abbreviated training camp. They have carefully plotted out off days in hopes of keeping the veterans fresh. While it doesn't seem like a big deal to those on the outside, the added rest allows an aging roster to quickly recover from the taxing nature of training camp. Given the importance of a getting off to fast start in the regular season, the routine should help their veterans be ready to roll when the season starts.

New guy to watch

» Jerricho Cotchery. The Steelers' decision to bring in Cotchery provides Ben Roethlisberger with a dependable possession receiver who can do damage from the slot or outside. Cotchery's versatility gives the team insurance if Hines Ward falls off due to age or injury or if one of the young receivers takes a step back. Regardless of where he eventually fits in the rotation, Cotchery improves a deep and talented receiving corps.

Overheard

"I usually measure camps based on seasons. I believe that's the appropriate way to look at it. I feel comfortable with what we've done to this point, but no question, you measure camps and productivity based on the outcomes of football seasons."

-- Mike Tomlin on how he measures the success of a training camp.

Prediction

The Steelers will continue to compete for a title. They have a top-five defense that will continue to excel behind James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley and Troy Polamalu. If they can continue to get solid play from cornerbacks Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden, there's no reason the defense won't carry the Steelers deep into the postseason again.

 

[Thomsen]

Aug. 17, 2011 3:44 p.m. - by John Oehser - Key to passing game, WR Hill says he's improving daily

WR Jason Hill , who said Wednesday he got off to a sluggish start to training camp because of the Northeast Florida heat and humidity, said he has adjusted to the climate and believes he is improving daily. He is starting and his development is key to the Jaguars’ passing offense. Jaguars RapidReports

Aug. 17, 2011 3:37 p.m. - by Greg Bedard - Rookie Solder entrusted to protect Brady at LT

First-round pick Nate Solder is expected to start at left tackle and protect Tom Brady's blind side. Expect the Patriots to give Solder a lot of help to keep the franchise upright. Patriots RapidReports

Aug. 17, 2011 3:27 p.m. - by Eric Gilmore - Saunders talks about RB McFadden's explosiveness

Offensive coordinator Al Saunders on RB Darren McFadden: “The thing that he has is such tremendous explosiveness. We had Marshall Faulk in St. Louis, and our best runs (often) were when we didn’t block anybody and he made five guys miss and ran 60 yards down the field. McFadden has that ability.” Raiders RapidReports

Aug. 17, 2011 3:21 p.m. - by Chris Perkins - Bush working hard with workload expected to increase

RB Reggie Bush is the last one off the practice field almost every day. He stays to do things such as running windsprints and pulling a sled. Coach Tony Sparano said Bush, who has never had more than 157 carries is a season, knows he’ll be “carrying a bigger load” this season. Dolphins RapidReports

 

[netnalp]

Giants' Travis Beckum catches heat from Kevin Gilbride in rocky training-camp practice

Published: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 6:35 PM

By Mike Garafolo/The Star-Ledger

There was a play early in today’s practice when Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride was yelling at somebody for running the wrong pattern. Gilbride screamed downfield in someone’s general direction and then complained to the rest of the offensive players on the side about how the player “ran right by (the safety)” instead of doing whatever he was supposed to do.

I thought that player might have been Travis Beckum, but I wasn’t sure. I scribbled something in my notebook but without further evidence I couldn’t really mention it.

But further evidence came about an hour later. Beckum did something — or perhaps failed to do something — and Gilbride looked right at him.

“Just stay out!” Gilbide yelled with a dismissive wave toward Beckum.

Yikes.

The Giants don’t have much time to mess around here. Tight end is their biggest question mark after the departure of Kevin Boss, and Beckum is their best hope at making sure the production level doesn’t drop off.

General manager Jerry Reese thinks Beckum can pick up the 35 or so catches a year Boss was good for. What me might be failing to include in that equation is somebody also has to make up for the loss of Steve Smith in the slot as well.

The Giants need Beckum to step up big this year. And they can’t afford mental errors or drops (yes, he had one of those today, too). That’s why Gilbride was so aggravated. And that’s why Beckum needs to clean up his errors pronto. He might have done just that a bit with a few late grabs in the two-minute drill, including one on what appeared to be a well-run option route, but it has to continue.

The Giants need Beckum to step up. Now.

* * * *

INJURIES

You know about these by now.

* * * *

THE STARTERS

The good news for CB Terrell Thomas is he continues to bait the QBs into making throws and then breaking on them. The bad news is he keeps dropping balls and leaving interceptions on the field. Early in practice, he darted in front of WR Hakeem Nicks on a comeback route and had an easy pick six if he holds on. But he didn’t. I mean it was incredible the jump he got on the play. I was on the sideline with the same view of the play as Manning and I could almost hear the “Uh oh” in his head when he delivered the ball and saw the blue jersey jump in the path between him and Nicks. But again, Thomas couldn’t hold on, so it goes down only as a pass defensed. Same with another pass that bounced out of his hands when he jumped in front of WR Mario Manningham on a comeback. That one wasn’t as easy, as Manningham might have gotten a hand in there, but Thomas probably thinks he should have had it. And then, there was a third dropped pick: a ball from QB Ryan Perrilloux to WR Victor Cruz.

Right about there was when Newsday’s Tom Rock tweeted safeties coach David Merritt might have a stroke. But unlike Tuesday, Merritt stayed upright on this one.

All of the above isn't to say Thomas had a bad practice. Again, he was there to make plays on the ball even if he didn’t hold on. And there was a great play by him later on when he had TE Jake Ballard running across his face and Manningham breaking behind him on a flag route. He split the difference and covered both, showing great vision and awareness while the ball was thrown to the other side. “Yeah, T2, play both of ‘em!” Merritt yelled. On the run-defense side of things, Thomas was lined up over TE Bear Pascoe in the slot and shot into the backfield faster than Pascoe could react off the snap. Thomas chased down RB Ahmad Bradshaw from behind on a stretch play the other way.

A few plays after Manning threw the ill-fated pass for Nicks that Thomas broke up, he tried the same throw for Nicks again. This time, CB Aaron Ross was nowhere near making the same break and Manning threw it to the back-side shoulder, well away from Ross. Good adjustment. Later, Manning looked for Nicks on a comeback and CB Corey Webster defended it. He thought he had a PD there, but he also had a hand on the front of Nicks’ jersey. I was on the other side of the field, so I’ll have to defer to the refs on the other sideline. But that looked shady to me.

There was a colossal mismatch when Manningham tried to block LB Mathias Kiwanuka on a run to the right edge. Kiwanuka chucked Manningham. Easily, I might add. Later, Webster fought around Manningham to stop a pitch play for Bradshaw. Mannigham blocked well in Saturday’s game against the Panthers but not so much on the practice field today.

Back to Nicks for a quick second: he uncharacteristically dropped a ball on a quick slant. But maybe the bigger story on the play was C David Baas had a great pickup of Kiwanuka on a blitz. It wasn’t an easy play or read for Baas but he made it.

DT Chris Canty has a crazy-good swim move he busts out from time to time. Today, he broke through the middle of the starting offensive line to blow up a goal-line run.

* * * *

THE BACKUPS

QB David Carr was out of sync when it came to his receivers today, whether by his own fault or theirs. The most egregious of the miscommunications came when he overshot TE Daniel Coats on a ball up the seam that was picked off by S Tyler Sash, who was playing the deep half there. Sash returned the interception for a touchdown the other way, with LB Clint Sintim as his escort telling him “Watch out” when WR Domenik Hixon tried to chase him down from behind.

Another miscommunication between Carr and one of his targets came when he threw up the deep middle for Ballard, who wasn’t looking. Maybe Carr should have looked for Beckum because one of the bright spots in an otherwise dark day for Beckum came on that play when he spun CB Brian Jackson. And finally, Carr threw a corner route in the two-minute drill; only problem was Hixon ran the in cut.

There were a lot of runs off the edge today, if you can’t tell by now, so there were interesting battles between the defenders trying to keep the corner and the blockers trying to turn them or kick them out. One guy who stood out on the blocking side was Coats, who turned DE Alex Hall very well on one play. So far in practice, it seems Coats is a solid blocker. He also had a couple of grabs today, including a ball from Perrillloux over S David Sims.

Another guy who delivered a good block was OG Mitch Petrus, who got to LB Kenny Ingram and drove him outside. OL coach Pat Flaherty yelled, “That’s the way you get out there and do it!” Again, Petrus continues to look pretty good.

I wonder if I jinxed Ingram by being so high on him early. Haven’t written his name much lately. Still early, though.

OT Jamon Meredith is pretty darn good for a backup tackle and I can see why the Giants have kept him around. Though he made a mistake to allow LB Phillip Dillard in the backfield during 9-on-7 running drills, he bounced right back on the next play to drive DE Ayanga Okpokowuruk.

Dillard was upset with himself when Beckum caught a hot-route slant in front of him. I think he believes he could have reacted a lot quicker there.

Big hit by FB Henry Hynoski on LB Mark Herzlich in 9-on-7s. Hynoski got Herzlich moving backward on that one. He got him again in goal-line drills, though I’m not sure if Herzlich expected a slower pace on that one. (See below.)

K Rhys Lloyd was okay on field goals. He didn’t seem to miss any (tough to tell for sure from our angle) but he did have some funky rotations on a few kicks.

Cruz keeps showing up in spots. He caught a deep go past Webster up the right sideline. On another front, he did a great job of sealing Ingram on the edge to give RB Da’Rel Scott room on the corner, but…

…for the second straight day he had a ball go off his hands for an interception. This one belonged to an alert CB Joe Burnett.

On the third of (Terrell) Thomas’ dropped INTs, WR Devin Thomas made a tremendous move off the line to get around Burnett. Thomas was quick and shifty on that one. Great stuff there.

CB Brian Witherspoon has been quiet, though that’s not a bad thing. You see, it seems like a lot fewer balls are being thrown in his direction, probably because he’s done nothing but bat them away. Today, Perrilloux tried to take a deep shot against him with a ball up the left sideline to WR Todd Watkins. But Witherspoon was there, stride for stride with Watkins.

* * * *

THE YOUNG GUYS

I’m still waiting for the big breakout from WR Jerrel Jernigan. It seems like it’s been almost there for a while now. He was a part of today’s play of the day (see below) and had a few other nice grabs, including a seam ball near S Deon Grant, who might have blasted him in a live game.

Okpokowuruk is really starting to force me to learn how to spell his name without looking at the roster. After getting props from coach Tom Coughlin for his play against the Panthers in the preseason opener, Okpokowuruk has continued to perform well in practice. Today, he held the edge on a few runs to his side.

OT James Brewer didn’t exactly endear himself to Flaherty when he allowed DE Justin Trattou to fight outside and make a stop on RB Charles Scott. Trattou also came through clean on a play a few snaps later.

Herzlich had his issues with Hynoski and was also eaten up by OL Ike Ndukwe. He did show up on one play when he came through a gap to get to (Da’Rel) Scott.

LB Greg Jones keeps flashing, as Coughlin would say. He scraped to make a stop on (Da’Rel) Scott on a stretch play in 9-on-7s and was very happy with his coverage on Coats on a rollout pass during goal-line drills. Jones clapped his hands after the ball sailed incomplete.

In addition to his interception, Sash made a good play to come up on a run stop and got his teammates fired up on that one.

But nobody got the defense more jacked than DB Darnell Burks when he went into a pile of players and blasted a few people. There were bodies scattered after that one, including WR Michael Clayton. (Terrell) Thomas was loving what he saw from Burks there. In fact, a few minutes later, when the team was running through a goal line drill that was little more than jog-through speed, Thomas was still congratulating Burks while wondering what was happening on the field. “That’s the weakest goal-line drill I’ve ever seen,” Thomas yelled out. “Golly, I thought we had pads on!”

* * * *

And finally, it was a great practice for Perrilloux, who threw some darts out there today, including one to (Devin) Thomas that looked like it could have dislocated another one of his fingers. His best ball, though, was the play of the day: a gorgeous touch pass to Jernigan up the seam between Sash and LB Jacquian Williams. That play really got the crowd fired up and made Perrilloux’s coaches happy.

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2011/08/giants_travis_beckum_catches_h.html

 

[Faust]

Wrapping up big day from Rams camp

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- It takes only a few minutes with St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford to realize an offseason framed ominously by a lockout and offensive scheme change hasn't fazed him.

Bradford appears so much more comfortable, so much more confident, so much more prepared for what awaits him when the regular season gets going in 26 days.

"This year, I've got a year under my belt, I've seen different defenses, knowing what they can do in those defenses, understanding football," Bradford said Wednesday night. "If I had to learn this system last year, I think it really would have been a struggle because there is so much more put on the quarterback in this system."

I'll be expanding on Bradford's responsibilities, the Rams' new direction on offense, which players stand to benefit, the overall feel of the team and how veteran newcomers have supplemented the defense. I'll be staying in St. Louis through the team's preseason game Saturday night. Our "Camp Confidential" piece on the Rams is scheduled to run Monday.

Rookie receiver Austin Pettis caught my attention during red-zone drills Wednesday. The defense had been giving the No. 1 offense problems, batting away passes and even picking off Bradford on a deflection. But on the final play of the period, Bradford threw what might have been his highest-velocity strike of the day.

Pettis caught it, allowing the offense to finish strong. Earlier, Pettis caught a deep ball from Bradford behind the coverage.

After practice, Steven Jackson held court and offered thoughts on what veteran running backs Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood would offer him during games. The focus has been on how Williams and Norwood might give Jackson a few additional plays of rest. Jackson emphasized what they'll offer between possessions.

"I think they bring the ability of fresh young eyes that know and understand the game at the speed that it is right now," Jackson said. "So, years previous, I had younger guys where I had to actually come off the field and maybe mentor, tell them what I saw. Now, I can lean on those guys to be an extra coach on the sideline."

Wednesday was a huge gathering day, with interviews packed between practices. Lots to digest.

 

[Faust]

Over heat, Hill improving for Jaguars

Jason Hill struggled with the Jacksonville heat early in camp.

I’m not big on excuses, but I’m leaning toward giving him a pass on it because it can be oppressive to the uninitiated.

He just should have been sure he was initiated before the lockout ended.

This blog entry from Tania Ganguli told me of this heat-related struggle and also told me that Hill has a special feeling about Blaine Gabbert.

One big thing that could happen for that special feeling to turn into special football is for Hill to show himself a special player the way the Jaguars think he can.

This prompted me to circle back to what David Garrard said about Hill when I was in Jacksonville early in camp.

“Jason Hill is a really good receiver that I still don’t understand how is not with the 49ers anymore,” Garrard said. “He’s a quiet guy, but a guy that works. You can count on him being in the right place. He’s learning, picking up everything really fast… We’re going to have a really good tandem with him and Mike [Thomas].”

Ganguli says Hill’s looked better recently. The Jaguars are thin at receiver, particularly at experienced receiver, even if Hill pans out. If he doesn’t, they’re going to have a void.

He's got to be a guy the Jaguars have the right read on.

 

[Faust]

Sans Favre, Vikings quietly building for another playoff run

Observation deck

1. First the good news. The Vikings have a big enough core of veteran players who are experienced in winning and approach things the right way. Jared Allen, Steve Hutchinson, Adrian Peterson, Antoine Winfield, Chad Greenway and others know how to prepare and are working as hard as ever. Adding quarterback Donovan McNabb and other veterans like tackle Charlie Johnson and wide receiver Michael Jenkins shows that the organization is trying to stay competitive. Coach Leslie Frazier believes that there is enough talent to get to the playoffs.

"You've got to get them to believe that we can do it," Frazier said. "It can't be me talking about it. We've got to experience some success early on. It's important that we have some early success. I do believe as the year goes on we're going to get better, but this game is as much mental as physical."

Translation: If the team starts out hot, players will understand the blueprint. If it struggles, players could think that a full-blown rebuilding process could be under way soon.

2. Now the (maybe) not-so-good news. The Vikings look suspect at some key positions, and those uncertainties are large enough to overshadow strengths. Winfield is one of the toughest and more underrated cornerbacks in the NFL. At 34, he is without question the best player in the secondary. Second-year cornerback Chris Cook is still trying to figure things out, and the back end has been a concern for years. The once-fearsome front four now features Remi Ayodele at nose tackle instead of Pat Williams and Brian Robison at defensive end instead of Ray Edwards. Change might have been needed, but a lot will be expected of these two players.

"When you lose a guy like Pat, specifically, it makes it tough because he's been good at the position for a long time," Greenway said. "It's going to be very similar to what we've done in the past. We're going to try to get back to that No. 1 spot in rush defense. That's our goal."

Along the offensive line, Johnson, who was with the Colts, takes over for Bryant McKinnie at left tackle. He's a tough veteran, but there doesn't seem to be an outpouring of faith that he can hold that spot down for years. Instead, he seems like more of a Band-Aid, like the Vikings have at a few other positions.

The Vikings also are getting backup defensive tackle Letroy Guion a lot of work in case starter Kevin Williams finally has to serve the four-game suspension related to the Starcaps diuretic case.

3. A refreshing change. It has been pretty uniform conversation with people throughout the organization who say it's night and day not having the circus in town that accompanied retired quarterback Brett Favre. Players, coaches and team employees spoke highly of Favre, how he conducted himself and how much he respected his teammates and the organization -- and vice versa. However, the constant media surveillance and attention he drew was taxing. To say there is a far more relaxed vibe at the team compound is an understatement. Frazier's calm demeanor and steady coaching style also play into the atmosphere.

4. After Harvin, who is next? There's no question that wide receiver Percy Harvin is a big-play threat. He'll play mainly in the slot, but will be used on the outside at times. Bernard Berrian, who didn't register much the past two seasons, is working at the main wide receiver spot with newcomer Michael Jenkins as the third wideout. Other than Harvin, do you see anyone commanding a double-team? Once again, Peterson will see four million defenders in the box -- and he'll still get his yards.

5. Getting it together. McNabb said that the offense "is still a work in progress." Part of that is because so many key players are out or just returning from injuries. Guard Anthony Herrera returned to contact practice this week after recovering from major knee and triceps surgeries. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe has been out with a hamstring injury, and Harvin has been held out of practice and could be kept out of the second preseason game at Seattle with sore ribs. That hasn't helped a lot of moving parts gain continuity.

"Communication-wise, the chemistry is flowing where we need it to be," McNabb said. "Then again, it's just the beginning."

6. Toby's ascension. It looks very much like backup tailback Toby Gerhart has worked on his footwork. He seems far more nimble than he did at this point last season, and as a result looks to be more of a threat on cut-backs and running off-tackle. If the Vikings want to preserve Peterson, Gerhart could get action early in the season.

New guys watch

» Christian Ponder. The first-round draft pick is taking third-team reps behind McNabb and Joe Webb, but he's also getting a lot of work on the side with offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave. Ponder didn't look lost in team drills and seems to be on a good track, but the coaching staff isn't trying to rush him.

"Christian understands where we are and what we're trying to get done," Frazier said. "There was no offseason. He's been great. He's got the right approach, the right attitude. He's handled it extremely well and in the long-term he'll benefit from this situation and so will our organization.

» Kyle Rudolph. The second-round pick is going to be a big part of the Vikings' offense. Minnesota is going to use a steady diet of two tight end sets, and Rudolph and Shiancoe will be on the field a lot together. Rudolph's blocking is adequate, but needs to be improved, Frazier said. But Rudolph is a serious threat in the passing game, something the Vikings need.

Overheard

"It's almost a sense of relief to have that stuff in our past. Clearly a team can't, an organization can't, go through something like that two years in a row. We had so much going on with the media and Brett. Coach (Brad) Childress and his situation. The stadium (collapsing). Games getting delayed. Randy Moss. You can put that in a decade of most organizations. We went through that in a year. The fact that we were 6-10 was probably a good thing."

-- Greenway on last season's calamity.

Prediction

A lot of things will have to go right early for the Vikings to threaten in the NFC North. McNabb also is going to have to rebound. If Minnesota reaches the midseason point and is below .500, the franchise is going to have to make a decision to make a playoff push behind McNabb as the starter or turn to Ponder.

The ramifications of going the later route could be ugly, as veterans could assume that rebuilding is in order and they'll be out the door next. But I don't think that would happen because this is a very high-character locker room. The players also respect Frazier too much. The Vikings are in an awkward transition where there is enough talent to be good, but not enough of that talent to overcome a few injuries or bad decisions.

 

[Faust]

Jags QBs David Garrard and Blaine Gabbert take competition into second preseason game

Blaine Gabbert downplayed his increased repetitions with the first-team offense, but that is just his style.

The reality is, the Jaguars have a very real quarterback competition.

David Garrard is still in the lead and will start Friday against the Atlanta Falcons. He made a beautiful throw tonight against the Falcons, hitting Cecil Shorts on a fade route in the corner of the end zone. But Garrard's grip on the starting job is not as definite as it was heading into camp.

It's become apparent from talking to people in the building and by watching Gabbert throughout camp that he has the ability to be an NFL quarterback -- and soon.

The Jaguars said all along they were going to host a competition at quarterback during training camp. They just didn't think it was likely Gabbert would be a legitimate threat this year. The lockout wiped out not just offseason activities, but also contact between Gabbert and Jaguars coaches between the draft and the end of the lockout.

"If Blaine is capable of coming in and getting past Dave in Year One, it looks to me like the Jaguars win," offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter told Jaguars.com in July. "We're all winners. But I think the likelihood of that, the longer this goes, is tough, and we don't have to have it happen."

Gabbert impressed people immediately. After five days of practice, Jack Del Rio had this to say about him:

"He can run, he's fast, he's got a good arm. He's got a great skill set in terms of arm and size and speed, those things. We think he's got a bright upside. He's got a lot of work to do. He's doing some things now off natural ability, being able to throw the ball that will only get better. He got in the first night and saw things and got rid of the ball. He's fairly quick getting the ball out. The ball gets there on time and accurate and those are good qualities to have.

"So as we continue to go through and add offensively and the complexity and the things you're going to see defensively, there are going to be some growing pains. That's when the value of having a veteran guy really will show itself. ...

"Again, the point of not having to rush through that process of understanding how defenses are trying to attack you, what are your problems and what are your answers? Those are the kinds of things that if you rush him in and he's getting crushed while he's learning it's not always a good thing for a young man's development."

Then, Garrard's back injury two weeks ago sidelined him for a full week. During that time, the Jaguars got plenty of opportunity to see Gabbert with the first-team offense, including an entire half in Foxborough against the New England Patriots.

He showed poise, pocket presence and decent decision-making abilities. It was clear the stage wasn't too big for him.

"I wasn't really intimidated by the stadium or the legend," Gabbert said after the game. "I just looked at it as a chance to go out there and take a few snaps in a live situation."

It's important to note Garrard hasn't had a chance to really show much because of his injury. He didn't play in the scrimmage or the exhibition opener. And Gabbert says the real reason Garrard's snaps have decreased is because he is returning from the back injury.

"We're not going to throw him in to have him throw 100 balls in practice," Gabbert said. "He's working back into things. He's starting on Friday night [against the Falcons]. We're just all about getting reps in practice. Everybody's getting reps. Dave myself, Luke and Todd."

Garrard has been helping Gabbert learn the offense, but he said he still wanted to make it as tough as possible for the rookie to surpass him. Now comes his chance to do that.

 

[Faust]

Cleveland Browns receiver Brian Robiskie eager to shoulder a bigger load in offense

Excerpt:

"I like Brian," Shurmur said. "I think he has a chance to be very successful for us."

The third-year pro out of Chagrin Falls High School and Ohio State is listed No. 1 on the depth chart at one of the receiver spots (Josh Cribbs is No. 1 at the other receiver spot while Mohamed Massaquoi recovers from a foot injury) and hopes to improve on last season's 29 catches for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Those 29 receptions were fifth best on the team last season, behind Massaquoi's 36.

Robiskie, who will start Friday night against the Detroit Lions in the second preseason game, already can tell this offense is much more receiver-friendly than that of former coach Eric Mangini.

"It's completely different than what we had last year," said Robiskie, who seemed to be really coming on at the end of last season when he got a chance to play with quarterback Colt McCoy. "The receivers are a lot more involved. For me, it's been a matter of learning it and making sure I'm exact in what I'm doing."

With the NFL lockout wiping out minicamps that would have helped the Browns adjust to their new coaches and new offense, Robiskie made sure he took part in all four off-season workouts organized by McCoy.

"We were already behind the eight ball a little bit with the new offense and new guys coming in, so we wanted to make sure we got a head start and that when we came into camp we could hit the ground running," Robiskie said. "Anytime you can get together with guys and work on timing routes, work on those basic fundamentals coming into camp, it gives you a head start. It did for us. A lot of the stuff we went over when we got here, we had already worked on."

McCoy has noticed.

"Brian's doing well," the quarterback said. "He's playing a lot more X [weak-side receiver] than what he was last year so, again, it's an adjustment. Not only am I new, but the whole unit's new. Those things take time. But Robo is playing well."

During Saturday's 27-17 victory over the Packers, Robiskie caught a 15-yard pass over the middle from McCoy to set up Josh Cribbs' 27-yard TD catch. McCoy called the Robiskie play one of his favorite of the game.

"We run a little play-action deep slant," said McCoy. "Normally, you hit that ball in the first window, but they rolled the safety down, and Robo converted over the top, and I hit him in the second window. It was a nice job by him of staying alive."

With receivers coming and going with bumps and bruises this preseason, the sight of Robiskie in the starting lineup everyday has been comforting to Shurmur.

"I would say Robiskie has been very steady," Shurmur said. "You can say that a lot about what he is. He's just a steady guy in terms of his personality, his performance, being on time and doing the right thing. He's had a steady camp, and I think that speaks well to him."

 

[Faust]

Carucci’s Corner

Excerpts on Browns rookie WR Greg Little:

Little said he doesn’t see himself at any sort of disadvantage because he missed his final season at North Carolina due to a suspension. “I think I did a great job in preparing myself for the day that I eventually stepped back on the football field,” he said. “And I think I’m doing a tremendous job with absorbing the offense and terminology and my conditioning as well. I think I’m making strides towards getting better, every day.”

Little on dealing with the dropped passes he has had in practice: “When I have a play like that, I don’t necessarily forget it, because I want to make a play to make everyone else forget about it, so that’s my take on it. When I do have one of those drops here and there, I go back and watch the tape and try to think of what I could’ve done differently to ensure the catch.” What’s the solution? “Looking the ball completely in before getting up the field,” Little said. “The game is so fast and coaches are always talking about getting north and south and getting vertical upfield that oftentimes you do lose sight of the catch, all the way in. It’s just a minor thing that guys lose sight of sometimes and then they’re cured in the game.”

 

[Faust]

I know that Jerry Jones has said this before, but:

Jerry Jones: If Felix Jones has a good year - mark this - we'll have a good year

Excerpt:

We know how much you loved Felix Jones when you drafted him. How do you feel about him now?

Jerry Jones: Think that he's having an outstanding camp. Have always thought that he ought to carry the ball more. Think he will. Think he'll get the ball more out in space. Last year, he played well. He didn't have injury. I think that anytime he gets the ball, he gives us a chance to make the big play. If Felix has a good year, mark this, we'll have a good year.

Is he a 20-25 carry guy or more of a Reggie Bush, home-run 15-carry guy?

Jerry Jones: Do you want to call his screen passes or any of his work out of the passing game carries? I think he's a guy who will touch the ball the latter number rather than the earlier number.

Do you think you can you keep four running backs?

Jerry Jones: No I don't ... and not planning to.

 

[Faust]

What to look for in Patriots-Bucs

FOXBORO - Last week, I cautioned before the preseason opener against Jacksonville that "if Ryan Mallett goes 9 for 11 for 141 yards and a touchdown" you needed to keep it in check and not make early proclamations.

Then the kid went 12 for 19 for 164 yards and a touchdown and everyone started bouncing up and down in their La-Z-Boy.

Be that as it may (one of the all-time great transitional quotes that means nothing), we move on to preseason Game No. 2. Here are a few more things to keep your peepers peeled for when the Patriots take on Tampa.

1. The Brady Factor

Do you agree with this observation? Rarely has so little been made of remarkable individual performance as was made of Tom Brady's 2010. I mean, the guy was the unanimous NFL MVP (first time . . . FIRST TIME), set the record for passes without a pick and threw 36 touchdowns and four picks. He may have been better last year than he was in 2007 when he went 50 and 8. He is getting Jordan-esque. Ruth-ian. Thursday night, he will play his first game of the 2011 season. He figures to be as he's been in camp. Absurdly accurate, and rapid-fire in his decision-making. These are the autumnal years of what may be the best quarterback ever. Watch every snap.

2. Safety Dance

Regardless of how unhappy, disappointed, crestfallen or otherwise chagrined the Patriots are with Brandon Meriweather, they don't have a lot of recourse at this point. The safety is a necessary evil because the team did not replace departed free agent Jarrad Page. And James Sanders is damaged. So, despite the fact the team has shuttled in safeties for a look-see, Meriweather - unless something bizarre happens - will be going nowhere. It's just him, Sergio Brown and Patrick Chung. So happy, unhappy, no difference. How he plays and who he plays with is worth watching Thursday night. Is he getting the bulk of the reps or is he an afterthought?



3. Looking for a Star

The Patriots have rotated Darius Butler, Leigh Bodden, Chung, Meriweather and Jonathan Wilhite through the position that guards the slot position. Which one emerges as the lead will be interesting and it will be a critical position in the AFC East with the talented slot and underneath receivers in the division.

4. Gronk Play

The tight end didn't play last week against the Jaguars because of an injury. This week, he'll be ready to go. And there is no player that's been more impressive in training camp than Professor Gronkowski. How will he perform against unfamiliar competition? No doubt ridiculously effective. Don't tell anyone but he's the next great tight end in the NFL.

5. Love Hurts

Kyle Love has actually been pretty good in this camp. Playing next to Vince Wilfork on the defensive line in the 4-3, he's most likely just keeping the spot warm for Albert Haynesworth. But the second-year defensive tackle has been a gap-shooting beast in the 4-3 and has no doubt earned a spot for himself at this point.

 

[Faust]

Williams among Bears offensive problems

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The 2011 Bears’ offense is struggling. No other way to put it. That’s the bad news.

The really bad news is that for the most part it has little to do with the offensive line.

More specifically, the passing game is having its problems, something that wasn’t expected given that quarterback Jay Cutler and his receivers had a year with the Mike Martz system.

But three significant problems in particular are plaguing the offense:

1) One of the starting wide receivers is not in shape.

2) The defense isn’t playing fair.

3) The No. 2 quarterback is still trying to catch up.

That’s a lot to overcome. And the Bears haven’t. Yet.

As for the wide receiver problem:

Roy Williams was inserted into the starting lineup, replacing Johnny Knox for a variety of reasons. But Williams admits he is not in shape at this point, and that has been increasingly apparent watching the veteran go through practice at sometimes less than peak speed.

Williams acknowledged that the biggest thing for him to work on at this point is “my conditioning. Getting my wind right. You have to be able to run in this offense. Run all day long.”

The problem with this is that he is working with a new quarterback and Cutler does not have the familiarity and comfort level with Williams that he had with Knox, even with Knox’s occasional strayings from the plan.

As far as being in game-ready shape: “Ooh, yeah…About that. How many more weeks have we got?” he joked. Told that there were still a couple of weeks, he smiled: “Yeah, I’ll be ready by then.”

That would be a good thing. But not necessarily a given.

“I’m a firm believer in no matter what you do in the offseason, nothing will get you football ready except for playing football,” Williams said. “That’s what I believe. It’s tough. You can run all the hills and mountains that you want to, but when you get out here and play for four seconds and jog back to the huddle, that’s what gets you in shape.”

His quarterback knows Williams is not where he needs to be physically, something that hasn’t been said about Knox, Earl Bennett, Devin Hester, Sam Hurd, Dan Sanzenbacher or any of the other wideouts.

“Roy’s definitely getting back into shape, taking more plays every day,” Cutler said. “You can see more glimpses of Roy Williams each and every day on film. So hopefully by Monday, he’ll be ready to go.”

Williams often has stated two of Martz’s mantras: Be where you’re supposed to be, and don’t surprise the quarterback. Williams may not be surprising his quarterback, but when the quarterback uses a word like “hopefully,” that does not reflect complete confidence.

Defensive edge

From the outset of camp, the defense was expected to have an advantage over the offense simply because the timing needed for an offense was going to be work-in-progress given the elimination of an offseason.

Cutler suspects inside information is at work.

“They know exactly what they're doing out there,” he said. “You know, they go in, they watch film, and they game plan us. While we're just trying to get stuff in and get our rhythm and see things in action, they're actually game planning and coming out and doing what they can to stop us.

“So it's a little different mindsets on different sides of the ball. We can't let that really bother us. We've just got to do what we're supposed to do out there, and if they have the right defense called, then they have the right defense called.”

Cutler should direct some blame to Jerry Angelo. The GM signed not only Williams and Chris Spencer, former No. 1 picks, but also Vernon Gholston and Amobi Okoye. That means the No. 2 defense, which is going against Caleb Hanie’s unit (more on that momentarily), includes two Top-Ten draft choices, not the usual fare for a second-string. When rookie defensive tackle Stephen Paea lines up with the 2’s, that’s a second-round pick.

And they all know the plays Cutler and Hanie are running. No fair.

Hanie on hold

Hanie has not been helped by being forced to miss the first six days of training camp because of contract and CBA rules. The lost time has hurt, because expectations are higher after last year, and Nathan Enderle was a Martz pick.

Hanie has struggled with interceptions through the past week of practice and missed Knox badly on a couple of open throws Wednesday. And Knox is a former first-teamer, meaning Hanie and he are not fully in phase yet as well.

Cutler has spent time with Hanie, a good sign on the leadership meter and is helping Hanie through the rough patches. For Hanie to talk about the missed time would come off as excuse-making. From Cutler, however, it has the ring of a reason instead.

“You know, I think it really hurt him missing those first six days of camp,” Cutler said. “Not as much physically, but mentally; installing, going through the reads on the field. It’s one thing to sit in a classroom and see it on the board, and watch Mike [Martz] teach it.

“But to go out and experience it is a whole different thing….So he’s getting back into it.”

 

[netnalp]

Giant Play Like Team With 11 Total Practices To Date

Carolina Panthers 20 (1-0) – New York Giants 10 (0-1)

by rnargi for BigBlueInteractive.com

Game Summary: The New York Football Giants took to the field for the first time in 2011 against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina last Saturday night. It was hard to expect much from any team going into action this week after having 11 practices (7 for the signed UFAs) to work with prior to game time. It became apparent midway through the first quarter that the Giants had no team cohesiveness. It had appeared that the defense was ahead of the offense so far through training camp, and this game proved that out.

The Giants lost 20-10, didn’t score an offensive touchdown, had three field goal attempts fail, and gave up a whirlwind 3-play, 54-yard touchdown drive midway through the first quarter. The Giants looked exactly like a team who held no organized team activities (OTAs), mini-camps, and that suffered from not being able to study the playbook during the offseason.

There were some individual bright spots, but really no one should be panicking or worrying about the result of this game. The major takeaway should be that the rookies and young guys playing new positions got some much needed game-time practice to work on their instincts, work on communication, and start to understand how they fit into their particular unit and how the unit fits into the overall concept. The other major takeaway is that there appeared to be no major injuries on the night.

One thing I’d like to mention before going any further with the review is to mention that there is always a wealth of individual analysis on The Corner Forum that you will not get from the beat writers or other news outlets. For those of you who are new to The Forum, I urge you to seek out several posters for more information and analysis of the games and, sometimes more importantly, analysis of individual players/units. The beauty of The Forum is that we have a number of guys that have coached or played the game who bring unique perspective to certain areas. Look for posts/threads that are started by Joey in VA, Dorgan, Rich in L.A., Phil in LA, JonC and of course Eric from BBI just to name a few. You will be guaranteed to learn a thing or two. One such outstanding thread this week was started by Rich in L.A. and can be found here.

Offense:

The opening offense for 2011 was, at this point in time barring any further adjustments, likely to be the one we see on September 8th in Washington with the exception of tight end, where Jake Ballard got the start over injured TE/H-Back Travis Beckum. QB Eli Manning, HB Ahmad Bradshaw, WRs Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham also started for the Giants. The shuffled offensive line got their first start together, and Bear Pascoe filled out the starting eleven.

The very first play of the game illustrated some of the fears that many Giants fans have. With the receivers split wide and Pascoe in motion to Eli’s right, the Giants attempted a pass that ended up with Manning attempting to dump the ball off to Bradshaw in the right flat. On the play, Manning was under heavy and immediate pressure from RDE Everette Brown, who went through and finally around Ballard as if he wasn’t there. Additionally, Pascoe was steamrolled by SAM Omar Gaither, and if not for a chip by Bradshaw, would also have gotten to Manning.

Two plays later, however, both Ballard and Pascoe completely walled off the Panthers defense on a Bradshaw running play to the right side for 17 yards. I mention these two plays because that’s what we are going to see for a bit. A mixed bag until they get into a groove.

The Giants showed a two TE set early with Pascoe and Ballard, releasing both into the pattern on what turned out to be a 7 yard completion to Ballard.

The first team offense moved the ball fairly well on the first drive, and if not for an overthrown pass to an open Hakeem Nicks, the Giants may have gotten into a rhythm. As it was, they never did and ended up running 5 total drives. The longest was the first, a 6-play drive that resulted in a missed 56-yard field goal attempt. Following that drive, the first team only gained one more first down on 15 plays and never converted a 3rd down play.

The second team offense fared little better, managing just one more first down in the half as they settled for a field goal prior to the end of the first half.

The second half saw all of the backups and newcomers on the roster get heavy action, and although they were able to make a play here and there, again no rhythm was established and the Giants either punted or settled for field goal attempts.

On a positive note and despite only having between 7 and 11 practices, the Giants did not turn over the football.



The Quarterbacks: Eli Manning did not look particularly good on Saturday night. Although he wasn’t sacked, he was under heavy pressure on 4 of his 9 attempts on the night. For the game, Manning completed 4 of 9 passes for 36 yards. He was victimized, however, when Hakeem Nicks was interfered with but did not get the call on a beautifully thrown ball 25 yards downfield. On the other hand, he missed a wide open Nicks on the first drive which would have moved the chains deep in Carolina territory.

Despite taking a ton of criticism for bird-dogging his receivers on The Corner Forum, Sage Rosenfels had a respectable night, completing 13 of 19 passes for 129 yards. Rosenfels certainly has issues to work on, however. On a first and 10 from the Carolina 26 with 1:46 left in the half, Carolina ran an overload blitz to Rosenfels’ right in which Sage did nothing to adjust to and took a sack. WR Victor Cruz, the hot read to the QBs left, was wide open cutting across the middle underneath but Sage never looked his way and just swallowed the ball for an 8 yard loss, effectively killing the drive.

Longshot QB Ryan Perrilloux, who’s impressed coaches and fans at camp, completed 5 of 9 passes for 67 yards.

David Carr did not play in the game.

The Running Backs: Neither starter Ahmad Bradshaw nor Brandon Jacobs were able to get anything going on the ground with the first team offense. Each had one big gainer, but other than that neither was able to establish any momentum or sustain a drive. Neither player caught a pass in their limited time.

Jacobs had an opportunity to establish some validity for the offensive line on a 3rd and 1 opportunity, but Jake Ballard again lost contain and Brandon was forced outside where he tripped over a fallen Pascoe for no gain.

HB D.J. Ware had the most carries for the Giants with 7 and also caught 3 passes on the night.

Andre Brown, Charles Scott (fully recovered from his car accident in May), and Da’Rel Scott had the rest of the carries thought none distinguished themselves.

The much-awaited debut of UDFA Henry Hynoski was as could be expected. The young man has a lot to learn despite his obvious talent. Bear Pascoe didn’t do himself any favors at winning the starting job, however, so steady improvement can certainly work in Hynoski’s favor going forward.



The Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham are the defacto starters, but only caught 1 pass between them in their limited time. The real battles are at the 3rd and 4th receiver spots and there is quite a battle going on between healthy Domenick Hixon, Devin Thomas, Victor Cruz and Darius Reynaud. Rookie Jerrel Jernigan will make the team but his role as yet is undefined due to the lack of a full offseason to get into the playbook and learn the offense.

Hixon led the corps with 4 receptions on 5 balls thrown his way. Hixon took a couple of big hits and bounced right back up, hopefully answering any questions in his own mind about the mental aspect of getting over a serious injury.

Thomas caught three passes and Cruz caught one and dropped one. Other than TE and FB, it’s probably safe to say these four players will have the most heated battles for playing time the rest of this pre-season.

With TE Kevin Boss gone to Oakland and Ben Patrick suddenly retired, the Giants have a major hole to fill at the position. Jake Ballard caught one pass, but he was a major disappointment at the point of attack, allowing a pressure on Eli and not being able to contain a linebacker on the unsuccessful 3rd and 1 run by Jacobs. Bear Pascoe lined up at both FB and TE, and caught 2 passes yet was also suspect in his blocking assignments at times. TE Daniel Coats, hoping for a fresh start after bouncing around for a while in Cincinnati and Denver, caught 3 passes on the night for short yardage. Coats also has the flexibility to play fullback in a pinch. In the end however, with yet having to see if oft-injured Travis Beckum can take a step forward this year, it’s safe to assume the Giants are not through looking elsewhere for their starting TE this season.



The Offensive Line: Let’s face it; this unit is a work in progress. New C David Baas (with 7 full practices under his belt) got a rude welcome on the second Giants drive of the game when he allowed rookie Sione Fua a clean and free release on Manning on what was supposed to be a WR screen to Hakeem Nicks. Later, Kevin Boothe moved to his right to help out RG Mitch Petrus allowing the MIKE a clean lane to record a sack on Rosenfels. Rosenfels should have gotten rid of the ball, as he had Devin Thomas flashing underneath across his face but he never saw him and took the sack. Still, Boothe didn’t stay home and allowed the seam in the pocket.

Will Beatty, in my opinion, wasn’t nearly as bad as what’s been written and with continued reps should become a more than serviceable LT.

The problem with the offensive line right now is continuity, familiarity, and communication. As Eric from BBI posted on Saturday, “How fast the Oline comes together will be the key to the offense, and you can add the TEs (as blockers) to that picture.

The talent on the OL is there. But this isn’t Madden on the Playstation. Chemistry and cohesion matter and the only way you gain that – unfortunately – is time. Time in practice, time on the field. There is no other way.

 As I expected (and have written about), the cohesion isn’t there. Pat Flaherty and the guys are working as hard and as fast as they can. But the more downs there will be, the more inconsistent the offense will be. A 2nd-and-4 may become a 3rd-and-4 and then a punt.

The next two preseason games for the starting OL will be very important.”



The Defense:

The first team defense on Saturday may very well be what we see on Opening Day. For those that didn’t see it, the Giants trotted out LE Justin Tuck, LDT Linval Joseph, RDT Chris Canty, RE Jason Pierre-Paul, SAM Mathias Kiwanuka, MLB Jonathan Goff, WLB Michael Boley, LCB Corey Webster, RCB Terrell Thomas, SS Kenny Phillips, FS Antrel Rolle.

As Corner Forum contributor Kyle said on Saturday when the starters were posted on a thread, “That D on paper makes me so ### #### happy.”

It’s still possible that Osi Umenyiora will start in place of JPP and now that Deon Grant has re-signed with the Giants he will certainly play a lot at the SAM position. At any rate, that gives the Giants plenty of interesting problems and scenarios for getting their best players on the field at any given time.

Overall, the opening team defense did not play that badly other than being burned on a quick 3-play drive that covered 54 yards. The Giants bit and were burned on a screen, then were victimized by an inside handoff/draw, and finally were beaten down the middle of the field when safety Tyler Sash could not make a play on a ball thrown for Greg Olsen, who made somewhat of a circus catch. Other than that, the Giants first stringers didn’t allow a first down in the other four Panthers series’ in the first half. They also put the first points of the year on the board for the Giants, something the team didn’t do once at all in 2010, when Michael Boley intercepted a wayward Jimmy Clausen pass as Jason Pierre-Paul applied heavy pressure.

The second team and roster hopefuls also played fairly well as a unit. On the whole, the Giants defense appears to be a force with strong depth, but it’s apparent that they are susceptible over the middle and also to the screen pass as Carolina hit the Giants with a few of each on the night. The screens can be attributed to the fact that the Giants are hell bent on getting to the QB. The middle of the field being open seems to be that communication between the safeties and linebackers is still a work in progress.



Front 7: The starting front seven looked very good in their limited action, especially on the line. DTs Chris Canty and Linval Joseph were stout and made plays against the run and also had good push in the pass game. As for the DEs, how about Jason Pierre-Paul? He’s still raw, but his power and speed combination is something to behold. A case could be made that both of his sacks were the result of Carolina QB Jimmy Clausen leaving the pocket and holding the ball too long, but JPP never quit on either play and got his man. He also caused the pressure that resulted in Clausen throwing a pick six to Michael Boley. Justin Tuck was rather quiet on the night, but with everyone else making plays, it’s sometimes hard to get into the action.

What should not be lost on the play by the defensive line is that they did it against a pretty stout offensive line that boasts two Pro Bowlers, LT Jordan Gross and C Ryan Kalil.

Most of the backup defensive linemen were so-so on the night. Marvin Austin may one day be a player, but he didn’t get a lot of push. Alex Hall had a sack, but that was because LB Adrian Tracy led Cam Newton into it.

The linebackers had trouble getting out of the wash for most of the game. For some reason, MIKE Jonathan Goff still takes on blockers head on instead of trying to shed them way too often. His momentum gets stuffed, and he has to get back into the play flatfooted and by then it’s too late. SAM Mathias Kiwanuka also had good pressure on the Clausen pick, but other than that one play not much was heard from him. That said, he didn’t look lost in coverage and it was his first game in around a year. WILL Michael Boley had the pick six, but again other than that not much was heard from him.

The young linebackers didn’t distinguish themselves on Saturday, and those waiting to see what or if Adrian Tracy, Jacquian Williams and camp favorite Greg Jones will have to see if the game reps start translating to better instincts on Monday against the Bears. The other BBI favorite, Mark Herzlich, had an active game. HC Tom Coughlin seems to be pleased with his versatility and physicality, mentioning how good he looked on specials and praising him for forcing a fumble.

Defensive Backs: The starting defensive backs didn’t have a whole lot to cheer about as CB Corey Webster was burnt on the first play of the game for a long gainer, made longer by either a poor angle or a reluctance to deliver a hit by S Kenny Phillips. CB Aaron Ross also looked lost at times on Saturday. It’s hard to believe that in 2007 he was a dangerous corner who now looks like he’s trying to hold on to a spot after getting burned a couple of times and displaying poor tackling.

S Tyler Sash had his trials, too. Sash lost TE Greg Olsen on Carolina’s first touchdown, but technically his coverage was pretty good and it was a well thrown ball. With more seasoning, however, I think he makes that play. Later, though, Sash did a good job of defending a pass in the endzone saving a touchdown. CB Brian Witherspoon looked like a player. He broke up several passes, one in the endzone, and was one of the lone bright spots on special teams.



Special Teams: Here we go again? Who knows! One thing that’s really bothered me over the past several seasons is the depths to which the special teams play has fallen. One has to ask, why are these players seemingly so disinterested in blocking and tackling on special teams? This was one game, and it is preseason, but it continues a downward trend that should seriously not be tolerated any longer by HC Tom Coughlin. The offseason saw the arrival of assistant special teams coach Tom Izzo, charged to help ST Coach Tom Quinn, who has been completely unable to turn these units around. It appears Mr. Izzo hasn’t figured anything out in his few weeks with the team since camps opened.

On Saturday night, despite the new rule that has kickoffs moved up to the 35 yard line this season, the Giants allowed an astounding 88 yards on 3 returns, an average of nearly 30 yards. You have GOT to be kidding me!

The punt return team also embarrassed themselves, allowing a nearly 17 ypr average. The funny thing about it is that the punting was good! A number of times the returner Amanti Edwards, was bottled up on the sideline but loss of contain, over-pursuit, tentativeness at the point of impact, and sheer shoddy tackling allowed him to wiggle free for tons of yards.

The field goal team was another fiasco, missing on two (one was a hard-to-believe 56 yard attempt) and having a 3rd blocked. To make matters worse, K Lawrence Tynes suffered a bruised thigh that will keep him out of action for a while.

Coaching: Not much can be said about the coaching in this game as no game planning and very basic formations were played on both sides of the ball. It remains to be seen what will happen to Quinn, however, if the specials do not turn it around next week.



Summary: Remember, folks – this was the first game of the year with a slew of rookies and young players who haven’t participated in organized football for a minimum of 9 months and for some (Austin, Kiwi, etc) it’s been a year or more. Many people on The Corner Forum felt the Giants looked a little slow and had less urgency than the Panthers. That may or may not be so, but this team will find their sea legs and improve. The defense had two takeaways and the offense didn’t turn the ball over. The Giants also committed minimal penalties, which is another mark of intensity and attention to detail. A lot of the kids got much needed repetitions and will improve as time goes on. The starting offensive line had only 7 total practices as a complete unit with three players in new places. They will get better.

_________________________________________________________________________________



My Game Observations (Lots of Players Discussed)

Rich in L.A. : 8/14/2011 6:45 pm

Just finished the replay, and made some notes.

I'm not going to say much about the veterans, but a couple of quick things:

Two players, Kiwi and Phillips, played like they were worried about being reinjured. They were very tentative at times, not looking like they were playing full speed. (On the first big completion that Clausen had against our first team D, Phillips looked about as hesitant and wary as a player can look.) Both guys will need to work through that.

Goff was a big disappointment in terms of play recognition and getting from point A to point B. He's our MIKE and you can't be getting caught up in the trash as many times as he was.

Our first teams on both sides of the ball seemed to play with a lot less energy than Carolina's. They were a step faster and they were hitting harder. I find that unfathomable in a game where you finally have an opportunity to hit somebody wearing a different color jersey.

With all of that, some vets that impressed me: Rosenfels (as long as the pass was inside of 10 yards), Snee, Canty, Boley (at times), Bradshaw (had one decent hole the whole night but ran hard), Jacobs. Obviously the real star of the night was JPP, but enough has been said about him already on this board.

Baas is our new center and I know everyone is excited about him, but in this game as well as in most 49er games I saw, he was just okay. A decent NFL player. Not great. Not a mauler. A smart guy and a technician.

Now to the younger players and/or those fighting for starting jobs:

OFFENSE



Andre Brown in particular looked like he was ready to prove something; he ran hard and angry. Charles Scott strikes me as the kind of RB who needs a 10-yard wide hole to do anything. He's toast.

Hynoski was hard to evaluate at times, because he'd go meet his guy but someone else would blow an assignment and get the RB nailed in the backfield. I loved this signing but I'm going to hold off on thinking he's the next Lorenzo Neal quite yet.

Props to Jake Ballard for getting out in space and actually making a play in the early part of the game. I wasn't sure he had that in him.

Jernigan showed some good stuff but I have the feeling he has no idea what he's doing out there yet. I'm not sure how much he'll contribute this season but it was nice to see the ball going his way a lot.

Victor Cruz is a guy I'm looking for big things from this year. He was up and down in this game. I'm looking forward to watching more of him.

James Brewer's technique is in need of work. To say the least. He's a complete mess in terms of footwork.



Petrus looks like he might be an okay player, but he gets fought to a standoff one too many times for my taste.

Boothe is very quick coming out of his stance; I was impressed. He might have starting ability.



Stacy Andrews can still play, so that was a relief. We may need him. He wasn't blowing people off the ball by any means, he was more of a shield-blocker the whole night, but he hustled around and stayed on his man.



Jarriel King from South Carolina looks like he might have some talent at tackle. On one play he completely overlooked a guy on his outside shoulder and almost got Perilloux killed, but when he DID know what he was doing he displayed some ability.

Speaking of South Carolina tackles, Jamon Meredith looked okay in pass pro. Didn't really get a chance to focus on his run-blocking ability.



Chris White is a journeyman NFL center who almost got (I think) Danny Ware killed on one of his first snaps when he whiffed on a block. After that he displayed good agility but less-than ideal (read: tepid) base blocking ability.

Finally, Ryan Perilloux. He was a wunderkind coming out of high school and it was great to see him perform in front of that crowd and not blink last night. I thought he did a very nice job considering he probably knows about 2% of the playbook at this point. The kid has an arm and now, it appears, he has the one thing most people though he lacked: moxie.



DEFENSE

I'm happy to announce that Mark Herzlich looks like an NFL player and potential contributor (someday) for the Giants. He is always around the ball and he is one smart guy reading keys and getting to his spots. His physical ability does not always match his diagnostic acumen, so sometimes he's a step or two late... but he has a nose for the ball, and we desperately need players like that on this team.

The other young LB's weren't terribly impressive. Greg Jones jumps around a lot and is active, but he gets completely swallowed up by a sea of humanity on too many running plays. If he can't wade through the trash and make plays close to the LOS, he's not much use for us. But I'll hold off on final judgment until we've logged a few more games.



Jacquian Williams looks the part at OLB and seems to have a world of ability; I'm just not sure how long the team is going to wait for him to start making plays. He's late arriving to most tackles because his instincts and experiences don't align with his physical gifts. Hopefully he improves sooner than later.

Spencer Paysinger, to me, played better than both Jones and Williams (despite being undrafted); he has instincts and (like Herzlich) a knack for being around the football. He might be a keeper.

Adrian Tracy plays a bit lost in space, doesn't look totally comfortable out there settling into his drops. Going forward, it's a different story, he is clearly very capable coming hard off the edge and playing downhill. He's got a long ways to go as the complete package, though.

Similar in many ways to Tracy was Kenny Ingram. Not terribly comfortable playing OLB, not really a read-and-react type player. Has a tough time disengaging from blocks, like Tracy, and seems most comfortable rushing the QB.



Phillip Dillard didn't impress me. There was one sprint-draw early where he was still backpedaling even after the RB had taken several steps with the ball. He looks the part physically and might have just had a cruddy game, but the guy needs to make plays near the LOS, not 7 yards down the field.

Our DL was a mixed bag. Alex Hall made some plays but that was only when people didn't touch him and he could burst upfield freely. (Same as with Adrian Tracy.)

Marvin Austin came off the ball way too high on a number of plays and got driven backwards; on other plays, he showed his speed and agility to help run plays down, but we need him to be great at the point of attack, not a "pursuit" player. I think the coaches will have a lot to show Austin on film this week.

Gabe Watson looked okay. Hard to believe that this guy was expected to (perhaps) be a great DT in the NFL someday.

One kid who looked pretty good to me was Craig Marshall, the FA rookie from South Florida. He held his ground on running plays very well, maintained excellent technique to seal off the edge and turn the plays inside. He might be a sleeper/contributor type.

The young DB who impressed me most was FA CB Brian Witherspoon. He fought very hard on every play, marked his man beautifully, and was a real thorn in the side of whomever he was asked to cover. It's a shame that he got blatantly held on that late TD pass where he could have easily made the tackle had he not gotten mugged.

Another guy who flashed was CB Woodny Turenne, who was once a heralded high school recruit. He looked to have good instincts and ability out there, and wasn't afraid to stick his nose in there on tackles.



Tyler Sash, though overmatched by the likes of Greg Olsen, was mostly in the right place at the right time and may be a nice find for us. He still needs to learn the defense and figure out what he's doing, but even on plays where he got beaten, he was close to making a play. We'll have to see how he progresses as the season goes on.

Not so sure about Michael Coe. He appears to have only so-so instincts, though he's clearly a good athlete. Cary Harris (formerly of the Bills and USC) might be able to help this team but he didn't do much last night.

 

[Faust]

Postcard from camp: Jaguars

Three Observations

1. David Garrard's back is fine. Sort of. Count Garrard among the players who were genuinely hurt by the lockout, specifically with chronic tightness in his lower back. He said his back X-rays more closely resemble an offensive lineman's. Not being able to visit the facility to test the injury in practices or receive treatment only exacerbated matters. "I didn't feel anything during the offseason," said Garrard, who spent most of it in Jacksonville. "But once we started back it just all of a sudden started to creep up on me, building up so much that it eventually locked up. I've never had it where I couldn't walk or if I did have to sit out a little bit of that practice where I couldn't come back the next practice."

Garrard was back in the mix this week and taking the majority of the snaps, which should come as welcome relief to Jaguars fans. Hard as it is to suppress excitement for Missouri rookie Blaine Gabbert (more on him later), it's just as hard not to root for Garrard, who has put this team on his back before and could do it again if near full strength.

2. Maurice Jones-Drew is done talking about Jay Cutler. Sort of. "It's in the past, man," he said. "Everybody wants to keep bringing it up when there's nothing to talk about. What he does doesn't affect the Jaguars. What I do won't affect the Bears. Right now it seems like you can't have an opinion in this world, and that's bulls**t."

On the subject of playing hurt, Jones-Drew will never bite his tongue; for him, the better recourse is to grit your teeth. That's essentially what he did last year while playing on a bum right knee, an injury later discovered to be a torn meniscus. He thought hard about having reconstructive surgery last August, but pride kept him from sacrificing the significant playing time that procedure and recovery would have cost him. He went under the knife in January instead and solo-rehabbed back in California. He said doctors banned him from running for seven months, but you'd never know it from seeing him out here. Though his participation in practices has been limited, his abilities have not. The burst, the cutting, the acceleration -- which he memorably flashed on a completed deep route -- are all there. "It's just better now because I don't have that pain," he said.

3. The Jaguars are serious about banning rookie hazing. Sort of. The first major cuts from camp were of the goalpost-binding, car-vandalizing and hair terrorism variety that vets have inflicted on the juniors for generations. With the lockout narrowing the 2011 preparation window to a crack, coach Jack Del Rio said he couldn't afford for his new charges to lose time or respect. "If you're belittling the guy, demeaning the guy, how much is he really going to listen to what you have to say?" he said. Still, some rites remain. Rookies are still expected to valet pads and participate in the annual talent showcase. (For a taste of how the Jags used to get down, check out season three, episode two of Hard Knocks.) "We'll continue to find our loopholes," Pro Bowl tight end Marcedes Lewis said with a wide smile, "but at the same time we want to be together. That's the most important thing."

Step On Up

Rashean Mathis, cornerback. By all accounts the ninth-year vet has been the camp's peak performer. He says it's because he's healthy for the first time in years and because of the workout time he put in with teammates in Jacksonville during the lockout. His skeptics say it's because he's entering the final year of his contract. The negativity is nothing new for Mathis, who took much of the blame for Jacksonville's 28th-ranked pass defense. And he internalized exactly none of it. "I know that fans have their opinions," said the former Pro Bowler. "I knew I had a young group. I would rather it be on me than them." But with the cavalry having arrived in the free agent signings of nickelback Drew Coleman and safety Dawan Landry, odds are fans -- and offenses -- won't have Landry to kick around anymore. "When you have guys who come from teams that have had success and know how to win, it makes a difference," he said.

New Face, New Place

Blaine Gabbert, quarterback. The argument that spread college quarterbacks make terrible NFL pros just becomes more laughable with every snap the Missouri rookie takes in practice. In fact, the only fumbled exchanges were the ones between observers groping for words to describe his pocket presence. His dropback mechanics were always fluid, his eyes are always downfield and his passes always crackled through the air before hitting their intended targets. But then again, that's about right for a passer who is both naturally gifted and played in a system that depended on his ability to read a defense, work through his progressions and deliver an accurate, catchable ball time and again.

"Of course every offense is going to have different terminology," said Gabbert, who showed poise in his preseason debut against the Patriots, has fast entrenched himself as the Jaguars' No. 2 passer and is filling Garrard's rearview mirror. "But we run extremely similar concepts here as I did at Missouri. The reads are almost the exact same. When I hear the [anti-spread] argument, it just makes me think people don't really know what they're talking about."

Looking At The Schedule ...

It's easy to forget that this team (technically in rebuilding mode) came a whisker from clinching the South at the three-quarter pole last year. This year's edition is miles better. The middle of the defense still looks vulnerable -- especially against the beefy chorus-line running games of the AFC North -- but it's certainly strong enough to challenge the high-flying attacks inside this division. That alone could be good enough for at least a two-game improvement on last year's 8-8 mark.

 

[Faust]

Postcard from camp: Cardinals

Three Observations

1. Kevin Kolb has been a godsend. The former Eagles second-round pick has brought life and vigor back to an offense that was beaten down by the poor play of last year's signal-callers. Teammates talk about his passion for the game, his desire to be great, and his willingness to challenge them to be better.

Outside of coach Ken Whisenhunt, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald might be happier than anyone about the trade that brought Kolb to town. The two worked out together for a week in the offseason and felt an instant chemistry. Now Fitzgerald not only has a coach who'll scheme to get him the ball, but a quarterback who can deliver it. But is it enough for Fitzgerald to stick around beyond 2011?

His contract expires at the end of the season, but the sides are discussing a new deal that would keep him around for at least another six years. Fitzgerald, who has a "no franchise" clause in his current deal, has put a self-imposed deadline of Sept. 4 -- the final day of the preseason -- for getting something done. After that, he says he won't discuss an extension until after the season.

How close are the sides?

"Closer than we were last week," Fitzgerald said.

How far are they from reaching an agreement?

"Not too far away," he added.

My gut feeling: An extension will be finalized before Fitzgerald's stated deadline.

2. The Cardinals may have more cornerback depth than at any point in Whisenhunt's five seasons. Greg Toler and A.J. Jefferson are running with the first team, and rookie Patrick Peterson -- the fifth pick overall in April's draft -- and solid veteran Richard Marshall are lining up with the second unit.

"Do we have the marquee guy at that position? Not right now," says new defensive coordinator Ray Horton. "But I've got four solid guys who I can rotate in without hesitation. So if one guy is having a bad day, then he can come out and someone else can go in. They're all competing and pushing each other. I like the depth from one to four."

Whisenhunt believes strongly that rookies should earn their way, which is why Peterson, whom some considered the best player in the draft, has yet to crack the starting lineup. For all of his physical skills, the former LSU star has a lot to learn in Horton's 3-4 scheme and the Cardinals want to be careful not to overwhelm him.

"This defense is not easy for a rookie to play, so what I've got to do is have him be a sponge and soak it up, but when push comes to shove when he gets in a game I've got to pull back," Horton says. "I can't expect him to know the nuances of the defense. I've got to go, 'OK, he's a natural, talented athlete. Let him play.' I'm not saying Deion (Sanders-like), but that's going to be my thought: Give him something very simple; give him that man, go cover that man, and let him go play football."

Horton says it's possible to have a scheme within the scheme when it comes to Peterson. "I can control the calls," Horton says. "There will be times when he'll mess up; he did it tonight. There'll be a learning curve. But that's all young players. Cam Newton is going to mess up. Sam Bradford messed up. Rookies just do. The unfortunate thing at that position is that it's always involving points or big chunks of yardage. So we've got to be careful with him."

3. Second-year defensive tackle Dan Williams was among the players hurt by the lockout. Williams, the team's first-round pick out of Tennessee last year, struggled with his weight as a rookie and clearly did not report to camp in shape this year. For the Cardinals' defense to be at its best, it needs a noseguard who can control the line of scrimmage and occupy blockers. Williams, who is listed at 6-foot-3, 327 pounds, clearly has the physical ability. The question is: Does he have the discipline and desire necessary to reach his potential? If the answer is no, the coaching staff has been impressed with rookie sixth-round draft pick David Carter. The 6-5, 300-pounder Carter has not only the size to be effective on the interior, but also the conditioning.

Step On Up

Calais Campbell, defensive end. The Cardinals are hopeful that this is the year the fourth-year pro breaks out and becomes a dominant player. He has the size (6-foot-8, 300) and athleticism to be a presence, and with opponents likely to pay more attention to Pro Bowler Darnell Dockett on the opposite end, Campbell will get a lot of one-on-one looks. If he raises his game after managing only 60 tackles and six sacks in 2010, the Cardinals' defense will have a much smoother road to redemption.

New Face, New Place

Ryan Williams, running back. The rookie second-round pick from Virginia Tech has turned heads with his speed, balance and cutting ability. Seemingly once each practice he makes a run or move that causes teammates to look at each other with arched eyebrows. The Cardinals traded veteran Tim Hightower to Washington presumably because they believe Williams is capable of backing up Beanie Wells.

A key to Williams' playing time could be how quickly he excels in pass protection. Running backs in Arizona's sub packages have to be spot on reading blitzes and knowing where the pressure is coming from. The staff says Williams asks all the right questions and has the ability -- and desire -- to fill that role.

Looking At The Schedule ...

Whisenhunt likes the fact that the Cardinals play all but one game on Sunday afternoon because it will allow them to be consistent in their approach from week to week. Beyond that, the schedule sets up well for Arizona.

They open with games vs. Carolina (which has a new coach and could be breaking in a rookie quarterback), at Washington (which has quarterback issues) and at Seattle (which has a new offensive coordinator, quarterback and No. 1 wideout). It's not inconceivable they could start 3-0 before facing the Giants at home and the Vikings on the road.

Perhaps more noteworthy is that four of the Cardinals' final five games are at home, including divisional games against San Francisco and Seattle. Add it all up and Arizona should be in the hunt for a third NFC West title in four years.

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Patriots

Excerpts:

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. How does Haynesworth fit in? All eyes were on Haynesworth when he took the field for the first time July 31, and he didnt disappoint.

The crowd cheered his arrival, which he acknowledged with a wave (almost like a baseball pitcher tipping his cap). Then he dominated a running drill. On the first play, he exploded through the line to blow up the play, which led to an eruption from the crowd. Haynesworth had a few other disruptive plays.

It's going to be awesome. It's a refresher, and it kind of revived me, playing football again, said Haynesworth, who was acquired for a fifth-round draft choice after two tumultuous seasons with the Redskins.

Haynesworths arrival could change the way the Patriots, who used a 3-4 alignment about 40 percent of the time last season, play defense. There have been more traditional four-man lines used in training camp, with linemen attacking more rather than controlling two gaps. Haynesworth would line up at tackle next to Pro Bowler Vince Wilfork in that type of plan.

The Patriots have managed Haynesworths health closely in camp, keeping him out of practice since Aug. 3. Although the reason Haynesworth is not practicing is not clear -- speculation is its simply maintenance of his troublesome knee -- Belichick doesnt sound concerned.

"I think Albert has been great since he's been here, he told WEEI sports radio Aug. 15. He's worked hard. He's done more than really what we've asked him to do. He's put in a lot of extra time and a lot of extra effort to get back on the field, to study, to catch up on things from a playbook standpoint that's he a little behind on."

As for Haynesworths off-field issues, owner Robert Kraft explained how the organization developed a comfort level in acquiring him.

I met with him, and I like the guy, Kraft said. He didn't come here for the money. He came here to be part of a team and win [and] I think in some ways to improve his reputation. So it's like a lot of meetings I have with these guys, I found him to be genuine and sincere. Now I hope he gets out on the field and does his thing.

Haynesworth agreed to restructure his contract to consummate the trade. His new deal calls for him to earn a base salary of $1.5 million this season (he can earn more in incentives) before the salary spikes to $6.7 million in 2012. There was no signing bonus as part of the pact, making it a low-risk acquisition for the Patriots.

2. Will Ochocinco conform to the Patriot Way? On his first day on the practice field, Ochocinco tweeted, Its 1 thing to jump and be able to land on 2 feet but I had no idea I was landing in Heaven.

He has quickly integrated himself into the mix, lining up in two-receiver packages with Wes Welker. Veteran Deion Branch joined the mix in three-wide looks.

Although there has been a higher-than-expected total of dropped passes, things have otherwise been smooth as Ochocinco has made the transition from Cincinnati to New England. The biggest challenges have been adjusting to offensive terminology that isnt numbers-based (like the Bengals) and on-field communication with Brady through various signals.

Once were on the field, there is no talking. I just look in his eyes and thats it and thats how we communicate, said Ochocinco, who restructured his contract and received a $4.5 million signing bonus and base salaries of $1 million in 2011, $3 million in 2012 and $3 million in 2013. Thats what I like about it here. [its] really, really cool.

Patriots coaches and players have cited Ochocincos work ethic and passion for football on a daily basis, with some players laughing at the fun he has had off the field, which included attending a Red Sox/Yankees game and sitting in the front row along the third-base line, requesting a group hug from reporters and announcing that he would be living with a fan who had an Internet connection and Xbox for the first few weeks of the season.

In a classy move, second-year tight end Aaron Hernandez gave up his No. 85 for Ochocinco when the trade was consummated, the Patriots giving up fifth- and sixth-round draft choices in the move. Hernandez didnt receive anything in return for the jersey swap, which set a positive tone.

3. Can Patriots get over playoff hump? Few would argue the Patriots arent top contenders for the Super Bowl. But those who dont put them atop the list can make a strong case by pointing to their last three playoff games.

Feb. 3, 2008: Giants 17, Patriots 14. With the chance to close out their perfect season, the Patriots fall just short.

Jan. 10, 2010: Ravens 33, Patriots 14. A stunning home blowout in the wild-card round of the playoffs in which the Ravens stomped all over the Pats.

Jan. 16, 2011: Jets 28, Patriots 21. Having earned the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, the Patriots had a chance to bury the Jets early, but two first-quarter miscues halted the momentum. The Jets built confidence and stunned the Pats in the divisional round.

Simply put, the Patriots wont be able to answer one of their biggest questions for at least five months.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Saying goodbye to veteran tight end Alge Crumpler. The Patriots were so pleased with the addition of Crumpler last season, and the role he played in mentoring 2010 draft picks Rob Gronkowski and Hernandez, they named him a captain a few weeks into the season.

Crumplers steadying presence in the locker room was considered key in righting one of the teams trouble areas from 2009 -- a fractured locker room.

So it was surprising when the team released him a few days into training camp, turning the position over to Gronkowski (10 TDs in 2010), Hernandez and either rookie Lee Smith (fifth-round pick out of Marshall) or Will Yeatman (rookie free agent out of Maryland).

Crumpler played 53 percent of the offensive snaps last season, contributing mostly in the running game. Only three other offensive skill-position players were on the field more.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Its a tie between third-year defensive lineman Ron Brace and fifth-year safety Brandon Meriweather.

Brace is a 2009 second-round draft choice out of Boston College who is close to hitting a fork in the road of his NFL career.

For the second year in a row, he has opened camp on a reserve list, not ready to practice. With the team releasing longtime starter Ty Warren, the opportunity was there for Brace (6-foot-3, 330 pounds) to rise up the depth chart, but he hasnt been able to seize the opportunity.

Meanwhile, the coaching staff seems to be sending a message to Meriweather, a two-time Pro Bowl safety. Meriweather played the entire first half of the preseason opener, even though the clubs other Pro Bowl players -- cornerback Devin McCourty, linebacker Jerod Mayo and Wilfork -- did not suit up for the game.

The team also offered free-agent safety Dashon Goldson a contract before Goldson re-signed with the 49ers, while Meriweathers practice reps of late have been split with second-year player Sergio Brown.

OBSERVATION DECK

Great competition at backup quarterback between third-year man Brian Hoyer and rookie Ryan Mallett (third round, 74th overall). Hoyer has been the No. 2 the last two seasons after making the club as a rookie free agent out of Michigan State, and he has solid command of the complex offense. Meanwhile, Malletts arm strength and work ethic are notable. He often stays late after practice, working with offensive assistant George Godsey on the finer points of the position (e.g., footwork).

It has been a common occurrence to see Mallett carrying the shoulder pads of Tom Brady and Hoyer off the field after practice. Some humble pie for the highly touted signal-caller from Arkansas.

Belichick gets involved in a drill in which the goal is for quarterbacks to maintain their concentration and perfect their footwork while under duress, and Belichick creates that duress by firing a blocking pad at them. Belichick has cranked Hoyer and Mallett in the head. No 15-yard penalties for that in practice.

A lot of defensive linemen in camp. Counting hybrids, the Patriots have 20 in camp entering their second preseason game, and Belichick acknowledged to Sirius XM NFL radio that the team will probably keep more defensive linemen than linebackers this year.

Second-round draft choices Ras-I Dowling (cornerback, 33rd overall) and Shane Vereen (running back, 56th overall) pulled up with hamstrings issues after just one practice, and they havent practiced since. Both signed contracts late -- this could be filed under the lockout effect. When Vereen was on the field, his speed stood out.

Second-year receiver Taylor Price, whose chance to break through for a top spot at receiver was made more challenging by the acquisition of Ochocinco, is stating his case. He has had a solid camp and was the star of the preseason opener (5 catches, 105 yards and a TD). He said his next step is developing the trust of Brady that hell always be in the right spot. Right now, he looks like a solid No. 4 option.

The Patriots struggled to generate a pass rush off the edge in 2010. Veteran defensive ends Mark Anderson and Andre Carter have been solid in that area to this point, providing what looks to be an upgrade over Tully Banta-Cain, who was released.

First-round draft choice Nate Solder, the teams left tackle of the future, has responded well to his crash course since joining the team a week into camp. Hes big (6-foot-8, 319 pounds) and sometimes struggles with an inside move, but the potential is easy to see.

Veteran cornerback Leigh Bodden has turned in a solid camp as he returns after missing the entire 2010 season with a torn rotator cuff. A starter at right cornerback opposite McCourty, Bodden has worked in the slot in sub packages, a role he last played in 2007 with the Browns. Boddens size (6-foot-1, 193) is a good fit there from a run-support and jamming-receivers perspective.

Dont expect All-Pro left guard Logan Mankins to get too comfortable now that he has signed a six-year, $51 million contract extension. He looks like his typical nasty self on the field, and his early-camp battles with Haynesworth were a highlight.

The Patriots had a minor scare when Gronkowski was helped off the field Aug. 8. But he returned a few days later and looks primed to build off his impressive rookie campaign.

Sixth-year kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed the last half of the 2010 season with a torn right quadriceps muscle, but his recovery is on track. The right-footed kicker is not yet taking kickoffs -- UMass product Chris Koepplin is in camp to handle those duties -- but he looks strong on field goals. Gostkowski has hit from a long of 53 yards in practice and was good from 43 and 46 yards in the preseason opener.

 

[Faust]

Do the Cowboys really need a third WR?

IRVING, Texas -- On Thursday, the Dallas Cowboys practiced outside, in the triple-digit Texas heat, for the first time this training camp. They practiced against another team -- their offense going against the San Diego Chargers' defense and vice-versa with the Chargers in town in advance of Sunday's preseason game. (Yeah, Sunday. Remember, that's a change from the original schedule.) And with Miles Austin sidelined by a hamstring injury, Kevin Ogletree got a little more work than usual.

"He's done a lot of good things," coach Jason Garrett said. "He shows you on a daily basis that he's a guy who can win as a route-runner in this league, both as an outside receiver and inside receiver. Like a lot of our younger players, Kevin shows you flashes and needs to do it on a more consistent basis."

If he does, Ogletree has a good chance to be the Cowboys' No. 3 receiver behind Austin and Dez Bryant. That's because the team doesn't seem inclined, at this point, to go out on the market and find someone for that role. And that's because the "No. 3 receiver" really isn't going to be the No. 3 receiver on the Cowboys this year. Not with Jason Witten, who's caught 94 balls in each of the past two seasons, and the rest of the depth they have at tight end able to handle blocking duties while Witten lines up in the slot. Not with Felix Jones, who caught 48 balls last year, looking like the clear starter at running back.

There are concerns here in Cowboys camp, and we'll be getting to those later today and in the coming days. Can they find the right offensive line mix? Are the defensive ends good enough? Can they get healthy enough in the secondary by the time the season starts? But I don't think No. 3 receiver is one of the really big worries in the minds of the people running the Cowboys right now. And given the number and quality of options they have on offense, I don't think it needs to be.

 

[Faust]

Three things: Steelers-Eagles

Steelers' pass protection: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't play much against the Washington Redskins last week -- and that was a good thing. Roethlisberger was hit enough to suffer a hand injury in limited playing time. Pittsburgh's blitz recognition looked shaky last week. The Steelers gave up three sacks and eight hits on their quarterbacks. Philadelphia's defense recorded six sacks last week against the Baltimore Ravens. The Eagles' pass rush will be a good test to see if Pittsburgh corrected its early mistakes.

The emergence of Isaac Redman: One of the best players I saw in Steelers training camp this summer was backup running back Isaac Redman. The former undrafted free agent did well last year with limited opportunities. He is looking for a bigger role in 2011. Redman scored Pittsburgh's only touchdown last week with an impressive 22-yard run. He had five carries for 42 yards and a touchdown against Washington. Redman's emergence this preseason could help Steelers starting running back Rashard Mendenhall, who had a career-high 324 carries last season.

Jerricho Cotchery's debut: The veteran receiver was signed in free agency to provide depth and a veteran presence at receiver. The former New York Jet will play his first game as a Steeler on Thursday. Cotchery has only one week of practice under his belt, but needs to begin finding his niche with the team. He is most effective in the slot and is competing with second-year receiver Antonio Brown for the No. 3 receiver role.

 

[Faust]

Three and out: Ingram, Thomas could share work

Saints to use RB committee?: Rookie running backs can often times make a nice impact in fantasy land, so it’s no surprise that Mark Ingram’s name has been talked about in a prominent fashion. But is he guaranteed to see a featured role in the Saints offense? Maybe not. The New Orleans Times-Picayune is reporting that Ingram and Pierre Thomas have shared first-team reps during training camp. With Darren Sproles filling Reggie Bush’s old role in the offense, Ingram or Thomas will be the two main ball carriers for coach Sean Payton. So while Ingram has more upside and looks like the team’s goal-line back, he’s not going to see a true featured role. That’s something to keep in mind before you draft him as more than a low-end No. 2 back or flex starter.

Ryan Grant back at 100 percent: Fantasy owners are always looking for a draft bargain, and Grant could fit the bill in 2011. The veteran runner missed most of last season with an injured ankle, but OC Joe Philbin told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that Grant doesn’t look any different than before he suffered the ailment. With a starting job likely in an explosive offense, Grant should post 1,000-plus yards on the ground — even if he does lose some reps to James Starks. Currently on NFL.com, Grant is coming off the board (on average) in Round 6. If you can land him in that spot as a No. 2 or 3 fantasy back, he’s well worth the choice.

Javon gets ringing endorsement: With fantasy superstar Chris Johnson still in the middle of a holdout, Javon Ringer has been catching a lot of reps — and drawing much praise from his coaches. “I’m very pleased with Ringer,” OC Chris Palmer said. “He’s exceeded my expectations. I was very, very pleased with him.” A versatile runner out of Michigan State, Ringer might be the most important handcuff in fantasy football right now. With the status of CJ2K in question, owners who draft him must go after Ringer in the late rounds. And when you consider how good he’s looked in camp, Ringer can actually make drafting Johnson in Round 1 a little safer.

 

[Faust]

Thoughts, observations from Rams camp

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Thoughts and observations on the St. Louis Rams following their training camp practice Thursday:

• Preseason plan: The starters will play until halftime unless the Saturday night game against Tennessee features an unusually high number of snaps. Coach Steve Spagnuolo thinks the team needs extra work given restrictions on practice time and cancellation of the Hall of Fame Game against Chicago.

• Receiver alert: The team expects Donnie Avery (knee) and Mike Sims-Walker (groin) to play against the Titans. Avery in particular has been sharp since returning to practice Wednesday. Quarterback Sam Bradford singled out Avery for making proper route adjustments and operating efficiently within the offense. Avery caught a deep ball down the middle in practice Thursday. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was clearly pleased with Avery's attention to detail on an outside route. Danario Alexander missed a couple chances to make plays on the ball high in the air and well downfield. On one, he fell back and waited for the ball instead of leaping to catch it at a higher point. Something to work on. He's at his best letting his size work to his advantage. Brandon Gibson is enjoying a strong camp and continues to work exclusively with the starters.

• Legend watch: Former Rams coach **** Vermeil dropped by practice wearing a golf shirt with a "Vermeil Wines" logo. He mingled with fans watching practice and spoke with the team afterward. Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk is on the guest list for Friday. He's joining the team's television network.

• Mikell's impact: Recently signed veteran safety Quintin Mikell has caught Bradford's attention with his quickness on blitzes and ability to disguise intentions in the secondary. The Rams expect both of their safeties to support the run near the line of scrimmage at times. Mikell appealed to the Rams for his toughness, particularly against the run.

• Jackson's return: Running back Steven Jackson was back on the field after resting a hip injury this week. Bradford reiterated his expectation that Jackson will see his total for receptions increase this season given the nature of McDaniels' offense.

• Afternoon free: Spagnuolo called off afternoon meetings with an eye toward getting players fresh for the game against Minnesota. Players cheered loudly when Spagnuolo announced the news.

• Weis payoff: Bradford said his two-day meeting with former McDaniels associate Charlie Weis during the lockout gave him a firmer grasp of the basics heading into camp. Bradford: "Talking to Charlie and getting an idea for what Josh was going to be like and what his offense was going to be based around really helped me grasp the very basics of it and what we were going to try to do at the beginning of camp."

• Striking out: Receiver Mardy Gilyard and offensive line coach Steve Loney strung together six or seven strikes in a row during a recent team bowling event. Spagnuolo lamented his inability to beat Bradford. The coach wasn't particularly forthcoming about his score, either. Bradford: "He never really told me his score. I have a feeling I beat him pretty bad."

• Stuffing the run: Justin Bannan has blown up a couple running plays in the practices I've watched. The free-agent addition from Baltimore has played the nose in 3-4 defenses, but he's not as massive as prototypical noseguards such as Vince Wilfork or the retired Ted Washington. He can swing between nose tackle and traditional 4-3 defensive tackle.

• Linebacker shuffle: Bryan Kehl continues to work with the starters at weakside linebacker, but recently signed veteran Ben Leber is getting reps there, too. I would expect Leber to take over starting duties as the season progresses. Na'il Diggs continues to work with the starters on the strong side. Brady Poppinga could be a candidate to start there as well.

 

[Faust]

Cowboys camp: Impressions of Tyron Smith

IRVING, Texas -- I went to Dallas Cowboys practice intending to watch the defense, since I think that's the big story this year. But instead I got caught up watching the first-team offense take on the San Diego Chargers' first-team defense, and paying special attention to the offensive line and rookie right tackle Tyron Smith. Smith was taking on Shaun Phillips or Luis Castillo, depending on the play, and got beaten a few times as you'd expect but showed plenty of good things as well.

When Smith gets his hands on his man, the man is blocked. Smith doesn't lose him. The only issue with Smith right now seems to be footwork. ESPNDallas.com's Bryan Broaddus, the former Cowboys scout who's been studying film of Smith, told me the big thing on which line coach Hudson Houck wants Smith to work is his left foot. Smith had a habit of opening up the foot, pointing the toe toward the interior of the line, which limited his ability to swing out wide enough with his right foot to cut off an edge rusher. So Houck's got Smith's foot pointing straight forward now, which frees him up but still feels uncomfortable to him. You can see it when he goes up against a pass-rusher of the quality of Phillips or Castillo -- sometimes he just doesn't beat his man to the edge.

But Smith is clearly hyper-talented, and as soon as he learns to trust the technique Houck is trying to install, he should be more than capable of starting at right tackle for them this year. Stephen Jones told me they didn't know when they took Smith ninth overall in April whether they'd start him at right tackle or left, even if they re-signed left tackle Doug Free. And talking to people around here, you get the sense that they see him as a potential left tackle in the future. (I actually wonder if that foot-position thing could be cured completely by moving him to the left side, or whether or not he'd just tilt his right foot in instead.)

"He's becoming a real fundamental player," said Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who has worked against Smith in practices when the Cowboys' first-team defense got its shot at the first-team offense. "He came in as sort of a raw player with all of that athleticism, and now he's getting his fundamentals down, and that's going to make him dangerous. I'm impressed with how strong and quick he is. Usually, right tackles, they're just big mooses over there. He's just as strong, but a little bit quicker than the normal right tackle."

So, once the footwork issues are cleared up, Smith should be able to use that quickness to overcome whatever weaknesses he still has in his game.

 

[Faust]

2011 Atlanta Falcons preseason preview

Excerpt:

THE JULIO EFFECT: When the Falcons moved up 21 spots in the 2011 draft to select wide receiver Julio Jones it was just like announcing to the NFL that Atlanta was moving into "win now" mode. It won't be known for some time whether general manager Thomas Dimitroff gave up too much to nab Jones, but early indications are that the move was pure genius. Since the lockout kept Jones from OTAs and rookie minicamp, and even from getting a Falcons playbook, he decided to spend the summer working in the player-run 7-on-7 drills. Not only did this impress the veterans, it also allowed Jones to work on getting in synch with Ryan and allowed the team to see just what Jones brought to the table. That extra work has already proven time well spent, as Jones is one of the more impressive players on the offense in camp. Players and coaches praise his work ethic, intelligence, and knowledge of the offense. Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez have both said they expect to benefit from Jones' presence, and the passing game should open up as a result of defenses not being to key on any one Atlanta weapon.

 

[eakfootball]

Wow Stevan Ridley looks like a stud again. Quick, elusive, and poweful.

 

[Faust]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Dezmon Briscoe continues to advance his playing status

Excerpt:

With Benn making a slow recovery from knee surgery, Briscoe has taken control of the starting job opposite Mike Williams. "I had to wait until my opportunity came and make sure I seize it," Briscoe said.

It's a lesson Briscoe learned the hard way. A polished and productive receiver at Kansas who produced 3,240 yards in three seasons, Briscoe figured he would be gone in the first or second round of the 2010 draft.

But several things derailed Briscoe, Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said. He ran poorly at the draft combine, recording a 4.68-second 40-yard dash. He may have interviewed with teams even worse, appearing somewhat aloof and detached.

Dominik, a fellow Kansas alum, made Briscoe the 30th and final player the team interviewed before the draft. Dominik expressed interest but told Briscoe to expect the worst, and indeed, the receiver lasted until the Bengals chose him in the sixth round.

"We watched his final preseason game, and he ran a stutter-go," Dominik said of Briscoe's 50-yard TD in a preseason game against the Colts. "He showed every trait you want in a receiver. He showed stop-and-start, acceleration, high point, finish, all those kinds of things. That's when I knew if there was a chance to get him on our practice squad, hopefully get him on our (roster) one day, that's what we wanted to do."

The Bengals released Briscoe on the final roster cut in September with the intention of signing him to their practice squad after he cleared waivers.

But Dominik pounced on the chance to acquire Briscoe on the Bucs' practice squad, offering him the NFL-minimum salary of $310,000 instead of the $5,200 a week normally paid to those players.

"I had that much belief in who he could be and who he is," Dominik said. "It's unconventional. It's legal."

Although not a burner, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Briscoe runs good routes and has body control.

"He and Mike (Williams) are similar in that respect, going up, shielding the defender," receivers coach Eric Yarber said. "He has good enough speed, but he's a precision route runner. He has no technical flaws in his routes. Quickness is a necessity, speed is a luxury. If you've got great speed without quickness, you'll never be able to use it."

 

[Faust]

Observation deck: Eagles-Steelers

Observations from the Eagles' 24-14 preseason loss at Pittsburgh.

I'm going to start with the good news, Eagles fans. Ready?

LeSean McCoy looked really good, Jason Babin got a sack and Michael Vick made one heck of a tackle on Troy Polamalu after his third interception of the first half. Mike Kafka threw the ball extremely well in the fourth quarter after everybody stopped caring.

Oh, and the coaches now have a whole bunch of really awful-looking, mistake-riddled tape on which to base some real serious lessons this week in meetings and practice.

Other than that, pretty ugly. We can sit here and say everything we want to say about how it's only preseason, the games don't count, some teams game-plan while others go vanilla and it's a bad idea to draw sweeping, upsetting conclusions based on preseason games. All of that stuff is true and must be said before we delve into what we saw. But the fact is that the Eagles looked bad, in almost every possible way, in Thursday night's exhibition loss to the Steelers. And since I am tasked with offering you an evaluation of what I saw, I have no choice but to detail the ugliness.

1. Bad matchup. The Eagles' new defense, under Juan Castillo and Jim Washburn, is predicated on aggressiveness, especially by the defensive line. This makes Ben Roethlisberger the worst possible quarterback for the Eagles to face. He dances through and around pressure, stays upright far longer than he's supposed to, keeps plays alive forever and generally feasts on defenses that don't show enough patience. All of this was on display Thursday, as Roethlisberger was three steps ahead of Castillo and the Eagles defense at every turn. He drew them offsides with a hard count. He stepped up to avoid pressure. He pump-faked. He handed the ball off to Rashard Mendenhall and watched him gash the Eagles' backup defensive tackles and suspect linebacker corps. The Eagles helped him out, as when Asante Samuel guessed wrong on a route and Antonio Brown got past him and caught a 29-yard touchdown pass. And I'm willing to bet, when they gather for their defensive meetings in the coming days, the Eagles hear a little bit about how to control their aggressiveness a little bit better.

2. Casey Matthews may not be the answer. The Eagles' defensive play-calling was very basic, perhaps because they're trying not to overtax their rookie middle linebacker. This is a key element of preseason evaluation. The Steelers looked as though they game-planned specific offensive plays to beat the Eagles, and the Eagles looked as though they did not game-plan for the Steelers. Happens all the time in preseason, and it's a big reason not to draw big conclusions from these games. But even with the basic play-calling, Matthews looked slow and confused at times, and physically overmatched at others. The decision to start Matthews at middle linebacker is a surprising one by the Eagles, especially in light of all of the work they did to upgrade at other spots on defense. You wonder if the way he played Thursday might make them look around to see if there's a veteran on the market who can help, but on the other hand, they don't seem to be placing a very high value on the linebacker position in general. On one third down in the first quarter, they loaded up with three safeties and four cornerbacks, leaving Jamar Chaney as the only linebacker on the field. Their strengths are at corner and defensive end, so they'll lean on those. But when you have a back who can get through the line as quickly as Mendenhall can and it's up to the linebackers to make a play to stop him... that's where Matthews and the Eagles look shaky.

3. Asante Samuel has to learn to play without Quintin Mikell. Samuel bit on a move and a fake that Brown and Roethlisberger didn't make on that 29-yard touchdown. It was a pure guess, and a bad one -- the kind that's worth taking if you know you have a responsible veteran safety backing you up. But the safeties were elsewhere on that play, and the new scheme plus the absence of the veteran Mikell (who signed with the Rams) could mean Samuel has to take more responsibility for playing the receiver he's covering instead of trying to jump a route to get an interception.

4. Vick was very, very, very not good. The bad throws were one thing, but the worse part was that he just didn't do a good job of reading the defense. He struggled against the blitz, which was supposed to be his area of focus this preseason. He never saw Ryan Clark on his first interception. He threw behind Chad Hall on the second. And the third was a bad decision -- he shouldn't have thrown the ball downfield after that play broke down as badly and as many times as it did. "Obviously, tonight, I didn't make the best decisions," Vick told Fox's Pam Oliver during a fourth-quarter sideline interview. That included the hit on Polamalu, which was very impressive but must have terrified his coaches. No reason for Vick to take a risk like that in a game whose outcome doesn't matter. He's too important to the Eagles to try something like that, and he's at least as lucky he didn't get hurt as the Eagles are that this game didn't count.

5. The defensive line misses its starting tackles. Antonio Dixon and Mike Patterson are out due to injury and illness, and that's part of why the run defense looked so vulnerable. I imagine the linebackers will look better once they're at full strength in the middle of the line. But if those guys are going to be out for an extended period of time (as is surely possible with Patterson, at least), this could continue to be a problem.



6. Ronnie Brown is going to be a huge asset in the backup running back role. He's a starting-quality running back whose role is to give the electrifying McCoy a rest. So, when McCoy is on the sideline, the Eagles are still going to be better at running back than many of their opponents are when their starting back is playing. Brown looks great so far this preseason, which brings up another as-yet unmentioned point: The work-in-progress offensive line didn't look too bad. Okay, so Point 6 wasn't really a bad-news point. But hey, it's true.



7. Can Howard Mudd really not coach from the press box? Poor guy really has a hard time getting around on those bad legs of his. Don't know why they wouldn't let him coach from up there. Unless he doesn't want to. I admit I don't know.

In conclusion, it's like this: As the Giants did Saturday, the Eagles looked lousy in almost all respects Thursday. So I point this out, as I did with the Giants on Saturday. What I am not saying here is that the Eagles are in trouble as a result of anything we saw Thursday. The sky is not falling. This game matters not at all, except as a potential learning opportunity. Did it point to some potential trouble spots? Sure. But it doesn't mean the team isn't as good as people thought it would be. It just means they had a bad night in August. Kind of like the Steelers had last week against the Redskins. And you saw how they bounced back from that.

 

[Faust]

Rapid Reaction: Patriots 31, Buccaneers 14

TAMPA -- Rapid reaction after the Patriots throttled the Buccaneers, 31-14, in both teams' second preseason game:

Domination from top units. The Patriots looked sharp on both sides of the ball, opening a 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. It was 28-0 at the half. Quarterback Tom Brady was on his game; outside of failing to execute in a two-minute situation at the end of the first half, he directed an offense that played at a regular-season type pace. Meanwhile, the defense had a nice mix of tight coverage and pressure, forcing two three-and-outs to open the game. It was 14-0 by that point as the Patriots' first-stringers smoked the Buccaneers' top players. The Patriots' top units look loaded.

Ochocinco's takes big hit, responds. The first Tom Brady-to-Chad Ochocinco connection got off to a tough start, with Brady's first pass to No. 85 over the middle resulting in Ochocinco taking a big hit from linebacker Mason Foster that drew a personal-foul penalty. After another incompletion along the sideline, Ochocinco gathered in an 8-yard touchdown from Brady on a play-action fake out of a three-tight end set. Ochocinco left the football in the end zone, hardly celebrating. In all, Ochocinco was charted on the field for 24 snaps (including penalties). His stat line: 2 catches, 14 yards, 1 TD.

Starters play throughout first half. Playing time is often a big question in preseason games and Bill Belichick kept his top players in the game throughout the first half. Rookie left tackle Nate Solder, who started, played two series into the second half. The Patriots were shorthanded in the secondary, so they had some top players still on the field in the second half.

Attacking defense, led by Carter and Mayo, shines. After a 2010 season in which the Patriots struggled to generate pressure on a consistent basis out of their base alignment, tonight looked like a different unit. They were swarming, led by linebacker Jerod Mayo (2 sacks) and defensive end Andre Carter, who was bringing it off the right edge. Impressive.



Running game gets it going. The offensive line/tight ends and running backs Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis get deserving praise, as the Patriots steamrolled the Buccaneers. First-half totals on the ground: 117 yards on 17 carries (6.9 avg.) and two touchdowns.



Health questions with Fletcher, Lockett and Woodhead. Areas to monitor on the health front in the days to come are with linebacker Dane Fletcher (thumb), safety Bret Lockett (thigh/groin) and Woodhead (shaken up on fourth-quarter punt coverage). Woodhead was smiling on the bench at the end of the game.

Mallett throws a pick-six. After an impressive performance in the preseason opener, rookie quarterback Ryan Mallett struggled, throwing a pick-six on his first drive which opened the second half. It was returned 69 yards for a touchdown by cornerback Elbert Mack, with Mallett getting crunched on the return. No. 2 quarterback Brian Hoyer, who played sparingly as he was inserted into the game mid-drive twice as a way to keep him sharp, also almost threw a pick-six. Not a great night for the backups after a strong showing in the preseason opener. Overall, the second half was sloppy for the Patriots' reserves.

 

[Faust]

Observation Deck: Patriots-Buccaneers

TAMPA, Fla. -- If LeGarrette Blount continues on Thursday night’s pace, he’ll need the NFL to expand to a 1,000-game schedule in order to have his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season.

I don’t mean to single out Blount, but the running back is as fitting a symbol as any of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their exhibition loss (31-14) against the New England Patriots. He ran for 1 yard on four carries. Heck, on Thursday night’s pace, quarterback Josh Freeman would need almost 100 games to reach 3,000 passing yards.

Freeman completed 5 of 10 passes for 33 yards. And we could go on and on.

Yes, they were playing the mighty New England Patriots and Tom Brady played just about the entire first half. But let’s not give all the credit to New England.

“We had a couple of mistakes out there as well,’’ Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris said at halftime when New England was leading 28-0.

There were missed assignments on both sides of the ball and 10 first-half penalties that cost the Bucs 85 yards. And all this comes less than a week after the Bucs looked like potential Super Bowl contenders in the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Take the Kansas City game for what it’s worth and do the same with the New England game. It all tells you the preseason really doesn’t mean much. It also tells you the Bucs have some more work to accomplish before the start of the regular season.

A few more observations on the Bucs.

[*]The Bucs are planning on letting outside linebacker Quincy Black wear the radio helmet because they're going to keep him on the field for passing downs. Black didn’t look too good dropping into coverage on a touchdown pass from Brady to Aaron Hernandez in the first quarter. Then again, it wasn’t like Black got any help from the safeties.

[*]Rookie Mason Foster seems to be the leading candidate for the starting job at middle linebacker and part of the reason Black is wearing the radio helmet is because the Bucs plan to take Foster out in nickel situations during the regular season. They let Foster stay on the field for some passing downs against the Patriots and that didn’t go very well. Foster got hit with an unnecessary-roughness penalty for what appeared to be a helmet-to-helmet hit on Chad Ochocinco. Tyrone McKenzie still may be competing with Foster for the starting job.

[*]Speaking of Ochocinco, he had no problem getting by safety Sean Jones to catch a first-quarter touchdown.

[*]Defensive tackle E.J. Wilson suffered an ankle injury. The severity of the injury wasn't known right away.

[*]One of the few bright spots for the Bucs was cornerback Elbert Mack. He picked off a Ryan Mallett pass and returned it for a touchdown early in the second half.

[*]As long as we’re scraping for bright spots, I’ll throw out rookie defensive end Adrian Clayborn. He at least got near Brady a few times and seemed active, which is an upgrade over anything the Bucs had at defensive end last year.

 

[Faust]

Five takeaways from the Steelers-Eagles preseason game

PITTSBURGH -- I'm never one to make much of the preseason, especially with rosters being shuffled and key players being out ... But this was an old-school beatdown. I don't care if the game was being played in August or January. The Eagles got hammered by the Steelers in every aspect. It was ugly and the Eagles' staff is going to have to dissect this corpse and see what it can bring to life for the third preseason game, which is usually the dress rehearsal for the regular season.

Here's what I took away from the game:

The Steelers got the memo. Coach Mike Tomlin was steamed after they got out-muscled by the Washington Redskins in the preseason opener, and the Steelers came to play on both sides of the ball Thursday night. They beat up the Eagles at the line of scrimmage and created an array of big plays. It seemed to me that the Steelers schemed up pretty good on defense and took more of a regular-season approach. The power-run game was a point of emphasis and they gouged Philadelphia's first string for 93 rushing yards in the first half, while throwing for 192 and three touchdowns. Michael Vick never got comfortable, throwing five completions to three interceptions in a half of work and the Eagles' biggest offensive play went for 16 yards. Pittsburgh posted consecutive 14-play, 7:30-plus touchdown drives to open the game and outgained the Eagles 262-71 in the first half. Yeah, I'd call that a statement.

Big Ben is better than ever. I'm buying the new-married-changed Ben Roethlisberger. He's going to do damage over a full 16-game season, with the suspension now a year behind him. He was at his street-balling best tonight -- buying time, moving in the pocket to throw two touchdown strikes on the run. On the first drive, he was a killer on third down, converting a third and one for an 11-yard completion, third and eight for an 18-yard pass and third and seven for a 29-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Brown. He carved up the Eagles' vaunted secondary and made it look easy. He looks in great shape, and if his practice habits are indeed now top notch, Roethlisberger could be making a lot of fantasy owners happy this season.

Unsettled secondary. The Eagles are supposed to have the best group of corners around and they just well might, but not tonight. Brown took turns running past Nnamdi Asomugha and Asante Samuel on consecutive plays. Byron Leftwich slung it around on the first-team corners as well. Asomugha did his usual thing, staying exclusively on the right side of the field, but also took a few plays as a safety, in a single-high role at least once, and was playing some zone as well as straight-up man. Samuel was starting on the other side and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was more of a nickel guy. Asomugha was in the slot and on the outside, but was anything but in a matchup role with Mike Wallace.



Matthews in the middle? Casey Matthews has the bloodlines, but does he have the ability right now to be the Mike linebacker and central nervous system for a defense with Super Bowl aspirations? I know top run stuffer Mike Patterson wasn't playing for the Eagles and it's just the preseason, but defensive line coach Jim Washburn plays a style in which his linemen often play the run on the way to the quarterback and get upfield a lot. The linebackers have to be tackling machines and the group of middle linebackers on the Eagles depth chart Thursday night were all rookies. It could be an area to watch, particularly against physical units like the Steelers, who were running the ball down the Eagles' throat at times.

Hotel Flozell back to the 'Burgh? The one negative for the Steelers was an oft-maligned unit -- the offensive line. Already somewhat wounded, the Steelers lost their top two left tackles within the first two drives, with Jonathan Scott and Marcus Gilbert both leaving and not returning. We'll see how long they are out, if at all, but at some point the Steelers might have to look at bringing back Flozell Adams, perhaps, or maybe Bryant McKinnie, if the left-tackle spot is vulnerable. Protecting Roethlisberger, as long as he holds the ball, is not easy. Re-signing right tackle Willie Colon was huge, but this unit will remain under the microscope and could become a cause for concern later.

 

[Faust]

Steelers Week 2 preseason recap

The Pittsburgh Steelers played very well Thursday night in a 24-14 preseason win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Here are some observations:

The Good

• I really liked the Steelers' focus and energy. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t like the effort from his players in last week’s preseason loss to the Washington Redskins. Therefore, this game had more of a regular-season feel in the first half. Pittsburgh's starters jumped on the Eagles' starters by taking a two-touchdown lead early in the second quarter. Pittsburgh led 21-0 at halftime. The Steelers probably wouldn’t admit it, but I think the fact Philadelphia was on the preseason schedule this week helped. The Eagles are getting a lot of “Dream Team” and “Super Bowl” hype. The reigning AFC champion Steelers usually like to prove a point in those type of situations -- even if it's just the preseason.

• Offensively, the Steelers looked potent. They had no problem putting together back-to-back, 14-play touchdown drives on their first two possessions. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger finished 8-for-12 passing for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He had a 140.6 passer rating against a star-studded Eagles secondary. Roethlisberger kept plays alive and connected on a pair of touchdown passes to Antonio Brown and Hines Ward. Apparently, both receivers have been working on their end zone dances.

• It was good to see a healthy Troy Polamalu back in the lineup. The Steelers Pro Bowl safety had an Achilles injury last year and hasn’t played 100-percent healthy in a game since November 2010. But Polamalu’s acceleration and playmaking was back. He had two pass defenses and picked off Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and returned it 36 yards.

• Pittsburgh’s pass defense baffled Vick Thursday night. With Polamalu in the lineup this week, Steelers defensive coordinator **** LeBeau was able to throw some coverages and blitzes at Vick that forced some questionable throws. Vick was picked off three times, once each by Polamalu, safety Ryan Clark and cornerback Keenan Lewis.

• It was a successful Steelers debut for receiver Jerricho Cotchery. The free-agent signing led Pittsburgh with two receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown. Cotchery looks comfortable in the slot already. He adds quality depth and should be able to contribute early.

The Bad

• There wasn’t much bad about this game, but Pittsburgh's offensive line did get banged-up. Offensive tackle Jonathan Scott suffered a knee injury on the first drive and didn’t return. Rookie second-round draft pick Marcus Gilbert also suffered a knee injury. Gilbert said via Twitter Thursday night that he will be fine. Scott's injury may be more worrisome. Pittsburgh’s offensive line is thin to begin with and cannot afford too many injuries.

Anything additional on the "bad" side would be nitpicking. The Steelers put together a great team performance. It's just what you want to see in the second preseason game against another Super Bowl contender.

 

[Faust]

Magnificent Seven III

Excerpts:

A quick start. Too early to put a rookie in the Pro Bowl, but there’s little doubt rookie wide receiver Cecil Shorts is a player the Jaguars like. A lot. This was true entering 2011 Training Camp, and while Shorts missed the preseason opener against New England, he continued to impress during practice this past week. Overall, it was a significantly better week for the Jaguars’ offense, with veteran Jason Hill having some of his best practices, and the quarterbacks as a group seeming to pass with improved accuracy. Shorts had his ups and downs in practice, as is the case with just about any rookie, but he continues to show real signs that he will contribute in the short- and long-term. He does things with a naturalness at the position that often is not seen two weeks into an NFL career, and his hands have been as reliable as any on the team during camp. For those who say the Jaguars should have addressed wide receiver, the response is that they did. They didn’t do it with free agency. They did it with Shorts, and the early signs are positive.

Dominant early. The Jaguars’ defensive tackle position hardly could have had a better first two weeks of training camp. The biggest reason for that is defensive tackle Tyson Alualu. The No. 10 overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, he was selected to be the cornerstone, dominant player on a young, improving defensive line, and throughout a training camp filled with worry over Terrance Knighton’s weight and the return of defensive end Aaron Kampman, it has been Alualu who has emerged as the line’s dominant player. This is important on a number of levels, primarily that he is playing at a high enough level that opponents almost certainly will have to account for him with more than one player, therefore making life easier for the rest of the Jaguars’ defensive line. Couple that with Knighton returning this week and showing promising signs of being as dominant as he was at this time last season, and there’s every reason to believe the Jaguars’ run defense will be stifling this season. That’s something positive to build around with two weeks remaining before the regular-season opener.

Gabba, Gabba Hey. Time for the weekly thought on Blaine Gabbert. The Jaguars’ rookie quarterback rightly remains a huge storyline, and that remains true although he likely won’t start against the Falcons Friday. He hasn’t been lights-out fantastic in every practice, but that’s not what you expect from a rookie. He has made some mistakes, and thrown some interceptions. That’s what you do expect, and further, it’s what you want from a quarterback. In the modern NFL, you can’t be great making safe, check-down throws and in order to learn the position, you have to make throws in practice and games that aren’t going to be the safest. Early on, a quarterback making those throws is going to make mistakes and those mistakes are going to sometimes mean interceptions. Over time, those interceptions need to get fewer and fewer, and from all reports on Gabbert’s football sense and work ethic, there’s little reason to think his mistakes won’t reduce as he becomes more comfortable and more experienced. Gabbert has played well enough to continue taking snaps at times with the first team even after the return of starter David Garrard, who missed the preseason opener with a back injury. Garrard likely will start against Atlanta, but Gabbert’s going to get plenty of time. The Jaguars hoped Gabbert would push Garrard in camp, and while one preseason game and three weeks of practice is too early to start talking quarterback controversy, three preseason games remain, and this storyline certainly hasn’t yet been played out.

 

[Faust]

Postcard from camp: Eagles

Excerpts:

Three Observations

1. The Eagles look like a Super Bowl team on paper, but will that translate on the field? Veteran cornerback Asante Samuel knows a championship-caliber team when he sees one, having played in three Super Bowls with the Patriots and having won two rings. Asked how these Eagles compare to those New England teams, he said: "It's the same. Everybody is down for one cause -- and that's to win, compete and be the best they possibly can. I think there are some good things going on. ... It's similar. It all starts with the head coach and (Andy Reid) has done a great job."

Samuel, however, isn't a fan of being called a Dream Team.

"Anybody can put big names together on paper," he says. "The Washington Redskins did that for years, right?"

What, exactly, does Reid think of the moniker?

"If people want to call it a Dream Team, that's OK," he says. "I'm into what's real -- and what's real is continuity, trust, hard work. I'm into those things. There's one way of getting that, and it's working your tail off and fighting through the mental fatigue and physical fatigue. That's what I think this crew has done so far. There are going to be highs and lows in the season, and how are you going to handle that? You're going to bank off the tough work, the fundamentals, and your relationship with the guy next to you. The final story is told in February, at the end of the season."

2. Michael Vick won't have to do it alone. His starting receivers are back. After an 11-day holdout, DeSean Jackson began practicing on Aug. 8 and Jeremy Maclin, who missed the Eagles' entire time at Lehigh University, has been cleared to start working out after experiencing a health scare that was feared to be cancer. He tested negative for lymphoma, and passed a battery of tests for other diseases, such as HIV, after he began experiencing weight loss, fever, night sweats and loss of appetite in March. His symptoms are believed to have been caused by a virus, although specifics remain vague even to doctors. Maclin will continue to be monitored by team medical personnel at team headquarters in Philadelphia, and could be ready for the season opener at St. Louis on Sept. 11.

What impact will these guys have?

The Eagles were the only team to have two wideouts -- Jackson and Maclin, who else? -- finish among the league's top 20 in receiving yards last season. When newly acquired Steve Smith -- who ranked eighth in that category in 2009 with the Giants -- is cleared to return from the microfracture surgery he had on his left knee, Philadelphia will have a three-headed monster that might only be stopped when its goes up against the cornerback trio of Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in practice. A ticket to watch those battles might be better than any game.

3. Big names, small details. During the second half of Monday's morning practice, Andy Reid showed that even Dream Teams must be sticklers about discipline.

Moments after he called the third-string offense and defense onto the field -- which, he stressed, was for three plays only because of time constraints -- Reid walked toward the line of scrimmage and held everything up for a few precious seconds. Turning his attention to one of the sidelines, he hollered at the first- and second-string defense, "Off the field! Sideline! Sideline!" Like scolded children, the players shuffled backward, but they couldn't be held back for long.

When the third-string defense stopped a run a few yards deep in the backfield, the players on the sideline came sprinting out to the numbers, hooting and hollering and jumping up in the air as if they'd just won an actual game on a last-second play. There may be eight new starters on defense and a new coordinator in Juan Castillo, who was an offensive line coach for 13 seasons, but the foundation for great chemistry is being laid.

Step On Up

Vince Young, quarterback. Young will only have to step up if Michael Vick goes down, but if it happens, the Eagles are banking on having a two-time Pro Bowler step under center -- not a petulant quarterback who was drafted third overall by the Titans in 2006 but was no longer wanted by the organization because of team chemistry issues. Will trading Kevin Kolb reveal itself to be a mistake? Or will Young live up to the potential that Philadelphia still sees in him?

"He's a talented guy," general manager Howie Roseman says. "He's gone into Dallas and New York and had success against teams that we play. His skills fit what we look for in a quarterback. He's an athletic guy who can make plays with his feet and his arm."

But where is he in terms of learning the offense?

"He's a player who can go in and win a game under normal circumstances," offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg says. "We've still got a lot of hard work left to do to get to that point. He's over the hump, just a little bit, on that learning curve."



New Face, New Place

Casey Matthews, linebacker. Only a fourth-round draft pick out of Oregon, the rookie is shaping up to be the starting middle linebacker. The younger brother of Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews (as well as the son and nephew of former NFL players), he had an idea unlike most rookies of what to expect in making the jump to the NFL. How has he handled the transition from college?

"It hasn't been that bad. The NFL is obviously faster, but I think it's pretty comparable and the difference in speed isn't that drastic," he says. "I just want to get a thorough grasp of the defense and be a leader out there. It's everyone's goal to make it to the Super Bowl, and that's what we're shooting for this year."

Until that happens, he'll still throw a nod of respect his brother's way.

"With all the hype and stuff that's been thrown at us, we're being called Super Bowl favorites now?" says Matthews, a perplexed look on his face. "The Packers are still the Super Bowl champs, so until they get knocked off, they still have it."

Looking At The Schedule ...

The first six games shouldn't be too tough to handle -- only two of those opponents had a winning record in 2010 and just one, the Falcons, were a playoff team. But four of those six games are on the road, which could make it difficult for the Eagles to find an early rhythm. They open up in St. Louis and travel to Atlanta before playing back-to-back home games against the Giants and 49ers. Then they're living out of a suitcase again, off to play the Bills and Redskins before their bye week.

But there's no time to kick back and relax. Coming off their bye week, the Eagles better be ready for their close-up. They play three straight at home, with the first two against the Cowboys and Bears in prime time, followed by a visit from the Cardinals. Then they're back in the spotlight with a prime time game against the Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium.

Beginning with that trip to New York, the Eagles play four of their final seven games on the road -- with their Dec. 1 game in Seattle falling on a Thursday and their Christmas Eve game against the Cowboys falling on a Saturday. But Philadelphia will have to worry about more than settling into a routine. Of their three remaining home games, two should be epic battles with the Patriots and Jets coming to town. Except for that month where they're at home in the middle of the schedule -- the bye week, followed by three games -- finding any sort of groove could be hard to come by. But that shouldn't stop Philadelphia from easily locking up the division title, with bigger things yet to come.

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Chiefs

Excerpts:

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Work with the quarterback: Cassel’s development is still the No.1 priority for this team and camp time is essential. There is no doubt Cassel progressed last season, but he fell off at the end of the season and now has to get used to working with new quarterback coach Jim Zorn after a one-year stint with Charlie Weis as a his offensive coordinator. Weis now has the same job at the University of Florida. Cassel and Zorn lost valuable time due to the lockout. However, they are said to have built a good relationship and gotten comfortable working together this summer.

2. Spread the ball around: The Chiefs are spending this camp getting their varied passing-game weapons in order. This can be a dangerous passing offense and this camp is being spent on how to best utilize it. Cassel has many directions to look. It starts with No.1 receiver Dwayne Bowe, but the Chiefs have given him help by drafting Jon Baldwin in the first round and signing slot receiver Steve Breaston, who played for Haley in Arizona and caught 77 passes in 2008 under Haley’s guidance. Add tight end Tony Moeaki and running back/receiver Dexter McCluster and there are a lot of options. Figuring out the best ways to utilize all of them is what camp is for.

3. Figuring what’s best for Charles: It has driven many Kansas City fans crazy that the Chiefs don’t give Jamaal Charles more carries. Thomas Jones had 245 rushing attempts last season while Charles had 230 carries. Jones fell off toward the end of the season, but Charles was spectacular. He had 1,467 rushing yards rushing, which was second in the league. The Chiefs want to increase Charles’ numbers but also want him to stay fresh and healthy, so don’t expect his workload to fly through the roof. To help both Charles and Jones, who will likely get 8-10 carries per game, the Chiefs signed former Baltimore fullback Le'Ron McClain, who runs the ball more than the average fullback. The Chiefs are working all three backs during this camp to figure out the most advantageous carry distribution.

ARE THEY GOING TO JARED?

The Chiefs’ camp got interesting last week when the team picked up former Baltimore left tackle Jared Gaither. Known as an above-average left tackle, Gaither missed all of last season with a back injury. The Raiders considered signing him early in camp, but they passed because of his back.

The Chiefs signed Gaither during camp and he is now practicing with the second team. If his back holds up, there is a strong chance Gaither could move into the starting lineup and send Branden Albert to right tackle. Albert, a first-round pick in 2008, has been a decent-but-not-great left tackle. The Chiefs have long considered making him a right tackle, where many scouts think he’d flourish. If he moves to right tackle, Albert would replace Barry Richardson. If the massive (6-foot-9, 340 pounds) Gaither is healthy and motivated, this could be a significant move for Kansas City.

CHIEFS MAY NEED TO BACK IT UP AT QB

The Chiefs are keeping a close eye on backup quarterbacks Tyler Palko and rookie Ricky Stanzi during camp. The two struggled in the preseason opener last week. If they continue to struggle, Kansas City could potentially consider bringing in a veteran backup such as Jake Delhomme to be the No. 2 quarterback. Still, Stanzi, a fifth-round pick from Iowa, should be a lock to make the team. Palko will have to increase his production to survive the final cuts.

OBSERVATION DECK

• The team loves the addition of nose tackle Kelly Gregg. He has been a leader and he has been working hard in camp. He has been a positive influence on young players, including draft pick Jerrell Powe.

• The Chiefs are working on increasing their turnover numbers on defense. They had the eighth-fewest takeaways in the NFL last season.

• Baldwin was hampered by some minor issues. Camp observers said he struggled early in camp getting off the line of scrimmage, but the coaching staff is confident the No. 26 overall pick in the 2011 draft will catch up quickly. Baldwin had a reputation for being difficult in college, but the Chiefs haven’t seen any of indications of that and are more than satisfied with his attitude.

UPDATE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that Baldwin is doubtful for the rest of training camp after a locker-room fight with Jones. Baldwin’s incident occurred after the Chiefs’ brass praised his attitude. This event has to be alarming for the team.

• Veteran backup Jerheme Urban has been running with the first team with Bowe as Baldwin and Breaston get acclimated. Don’t expect that to last. Baldwin and Breaston were brought in to play a lot of snaps.

• Haley has paired veterans with rookies to help the younger players through camp. The players room together, and Haley often matches up players from opposite sides of the ball to help team continuity.

• Veteran Andy Studebaker has been working with first team at outside linebacker opposite star pass rusher Tamba Hali. The Chiefs are going to use several players to pressure the quarterback, but Studebaker has a chance to have a key role while rookie Justin Houston learns the team’s system.

• McCluster has been working mostly out of the backfield as Haley suggested he would in May. Still, expect McCluster to line up at receiver some as well. The Chiefs are looking to create as many matchup problems as they can with McCluster, especially on third downs.

• Rookie DE Allen Bailey has a chance to contribute right away as a pass rusher. He has been working in that area diligently in camp.

• Rookie offensive lineman Rodney Hudson has been looking good. The second-round pick could play at guard and at center.

• The team also likes the progress of second-year guard Jon Asamoah, who has a chance to shine in the aftermath of the release of Brian Waters.

• Former San Diego inside linebacker Brandon Siler is making a push for major playing time. He is a solid talent who also helps on special teams.

• Linebacker Cameron Sheffield has played well. And he could be a contributor. He missed all of last season after suffering a neck injury in the preseason.

• One undrafted free agent to watch is Temple linebacker Amara Kamara. He has caught on to the defensive scheme very quickly.

• Cornerback Jalil Brown, a fourth-round pick out of Colorado, has been impressive and he has a chance to be contributor in some packages and on special teams.

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Miami Dolphins

Excerpts:

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Can Bush and rookie Daniel Thomas make people forget Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams? From 2005-10 either Brown or Williams led the Dolphins in rushing, and four of those six years they finished 1-2. Both are getting older -- Williams is 34, Brown 29 -- and the running game ranked 30th in yards per carry (3.7) and 21st in yards per game (102.7) last season. Ireland decided it was time to move on. Thomas, a second-round pick, led the Big 12 in rushing at Kansas State the past two seasons and at 6 feet and 230 pounds, he can pound the middle. Bush, who has missed 20 games to injury the past two seasons, expressed a desire to be the feature back upon his arrival but seems more likely to line up all over the field. “The lack of experience is definitely a concern,” admitted Sparano, whose stable of backs also includes unproven Kory Sheets and Lex Hilliard.

2. How will the season unfold for Marshall? The simple fact that Marshall was perceived to have a down year when he had 86 catches last season -- tied for second in franchise history behind O.J. McDuffie’s 90 in 1998 -- demonstrates how high the expectations are for the man known as “The Beast.” Marshall’s off-field problems, which included the arrest of his wife after Marshall was found stabbed at his home in April, culminated with him being diagnosed and treated for borderline personality disorder this offseason. In camp this summer, it seemed every time Marshall went out for a pass, Henne was the one throwing it. If Gates can be the home run threat Miami lacked after trading Ted Ginn Jr. last season, Marshall could benefit greatly.

3. Will new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll bring spice to a boring offense? Miami’s top two receivers last season, Marshall and Davone Bess, averaged 11.8 and 10.4 yards per catch, respectively. No wonder Henne came to be known as “Checkdown Chad.” But in the Dolphins’ first scrimmage this year, Daboll unveiled four-receiver sets and had Bush lined up everywhere from the backfield to wideout. Despite having Josh Cribbs, Daboll’s offense didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard in Cleveland, finishing 29th in total offense and 25th in yards per play. Sparano prefers the ground-and-pound, but Henne and Daboll must demonstrate they can keep up with prolific offensive units, such as New England, San Diego and Houston -- which happen to be Miami’s first three opponents.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

If a former first-round pick can qualify as a surprise, second-year defensive end Jared Odrick has earned that distinction. Odrick was lost early in the opener against Buffalo last season with a broken leg. His comeback was then stopped six weeks later by a broken ankle, ending his season. Worse, it turned out his first injury was eerily similar to one he suffered as a sophomore at Penn State, raising questions as to whether he could remain healthy enough to be counted upon. But in the early weeks of camp, Odrick was a force, as he and partner Tony McDaniel moved ahead of last season’s starters, Randy Starks and Kendall Langford, in team drills. That quartet, as well as Phillip Merling and Ryan Baker, give Miami inordinate depth at defensive end.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

After losing Justin Smiley to chronic shoulder injuries, the Dolphins had a vacancy at right guard in 2010 and drafted John Jerry out of Mississippi in the third round. Jerry, the younger brother of Atlanta defensive tackle Peria Jerry, got 10 starts but struggled to beat out journeyman Pat McQuistan. When Miami selected Pouncey in the first round of this year's draft, Richie Incognito, who played both guard spots at times last season, was put on the left side and John Jerry was given the opportunity to win the right guard spot. After seeing unsatisfactory results in the first two weeks of camp, Sparano moved Vernon Carey over from right tackle and brought in free-agent Marc Colombo, who had been let go by Dallas.

OBSERVATION DECK

[*]Two relatively obscure rookies provided two of the more intriguing storylines of training camp. Gates, of Abilene Christian, whose father was released from prison last fall after serving a lengthy sentence for first-degree murder, was one. Seventh-rounder Jimmy Wilson of Montana, who spent 26 months in jail before being acquitted of a first-degree murder charge, was the other. Gates, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 at the combine despite nursing a sore groin, provides needed speed at wide receiver, and Wilson is a big hitter and ball hawk in the secondary.

• While first-round pick Pouncey was drawing favorable comparisons to his Steelers All-Pro twin brother, Maurkice, for his blocking and intelligence, his struggles snapping the ball were an ongoing concern as camp progressed. Mike Pouncey, who moved to center as a senior at Florida after his brother left early, had some nightmarish games on shotgun snaps with the Gators and clearly doesn’t have the technique down yet.

• Marshall isn’t known for being shy around a microphone, but he wasn’t in a talkative mood the first three weeks of camp. He spoke only once, to reveal his diagnosis for borderline personality disorder, and took only a handful of questions. Of course, Marshall was in the middle of the Henne soap opera last season, so there was speculation he didn’t want to stir up the water this year as he continues to undergo treatment for his disorder.

• The only real battle for a starting job in camp has been at free safety. Third-year man Chris Clemons, last season's starter, was trying to hold off Reshad Jones, who made a favorable impression in limited opportunities as a rookie in 2010. Jones had a sack and an interception against Tennessee in one of his two starts and seems to be more of a playmaker.

• The biggest mystery in camp surrounded the status of Pro Bowl tackle Jake Long, who was put on the physically unable to perform list early and did not work at all the first three weeks. Sparano said Long’s injury did not involve his knee, which along with his shoulder required surgery after last season.

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Baltimore Ravens

Excerpts:

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Will Joe Flacco take the next step? If this week was any indication, Flacco is easily the most discussed athlete in Baltimore this summer. Nearly every time I turned on the radio, Flacco was being analyzed or compared with other quarterbacks.

The "Bash Flacco" bandwagon started in the offseason, when Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley and former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones criticized Flacco. It hasn't stopped since.

Flacco has responded by showing a newfound edge. The fourth-year quarterback has also become a more vocal leader.

Although his stats have steadily improved, Flacco's postseason performances have not. That's where he needs to take the next step. Flacco is 4-3 in the playoffs, but played well in only one of those games -- a wild-card victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last January.

2. What to do on the offensive line? There are no easy answers for Baltimore's offensive line. The tackle spots are the biggest problems.

Oniel Cousins has not proved to be the answer at right tackle. Now, the Ravens are experimenting with rookie third-round draft pick Jah Reid to see if he's ready. Reid is expected to get his first NFL start Friday night against the Chiefs.

Former first-round pick Michael Oher was a stellar right tackle as a rookie. But the Ravens moved Oher to left tackle out of necessity in 2010, with mixed results. Baltimore hopes Oher improves in 2011.

Starting guard Marshal Yanda has been dealing with back spasms but could return as early as next week. He's a candidate for right tackle if things don't go well for Reid. Veteran center Matt Birk is out following knee surgery but is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener against Pittsburgh.

Baltimore’s offensive line is a hodgepodge group. But the Ravens’ goal is to have clarity by their regular-season opener on Sept. 11.

"We're going to try to work out the best five in some combination," Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said this week. "It may not be ideal, but it's probably our best alternative."

3. Is the defense improved? Baltimore’s defense was ranked No. 10 in the NFL last season. A top-10 ranking is nothing to sneeze at. But the bar for the Ravens' defense is higher.

A leaky secondary and a struggling pass rush were Baltimore's two issues in 2010. Both hurt the Ravens' ability to close out games in the fourth quarter.

Baltimore invested a first-round pick in former Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith. He's big, fast and physical. The Ravens haven't had a corner with all of those attributes since former Pro Bowler Chris McAlister.

Also keep an eye on Cary Williams, another big corner who had a good training camp. Williams began working with the first team this week.

"When they prance out there, it's very comforting," Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano said of Smith and Williams. "You've got two 6-1, 6-2 guys out there with long arms and guys that can run. It makes it really difficult. When you play tight coverage, it forces the quarterback to put it in tight windows and makes it really hard for the receivers to get off the line."

Pass rush is the biggest lingering issue. The Ravens recorded just 27 sacks in 16 games last season. They didn't add any significant help getting to the quarterback in the draft or free agency.

Pro Bowl linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs (11 sacks in 2010) will do his part. The situation gets murky after that.

Second-year linebacker Sergio Kindle may be an option. He was Baltimore’s top draft pick in 2010 but suffered a fractured skull and missed his entire rookie season.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Rookie receiver Tandon Doss consistently made plays in practice this week. By all accounts, he did the same throughout camp.

Doss has really good hands. He made tough and routine catches over defenders. Speed was an issue, according to college scouting reports. But Doss was quicker and a little faster than I expected.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

The Ravens had high hopes for Cousins. Baltimore anticipated the fourth-year lineman could solidify the right tackle spot this season. But after a full training camp and one preseason game, Cousins failed to step up to the task.

Cousins allowed two sacks in Baltimore’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The coaching staff moved Cousins to right guard this week and hopes he can provide depth there.

OBSERVATION DECK

• Keep an eye on the developing chemistry between Flacco and new receiver Lee Evans. Baltimore recently acquired Evans in a trade with the Buffalo Bills. The timing was off in their first full week together. Flacco is still getting used to Evans’ speed and missed him on several throws in practice. Evans told the AFC North blog this week he’s confident they will get on the same page. Evans makes his Ravens debut Friday night against Kansas City.

• My early impression on Reid is that he looks the part at right tackle, but he's still very raw. At times, Reid still seemed like his head was spinning in practice, working with the starters. Strength and size are Reid's biggest assets. But he still needs to play faster and improve his footwork. You also have to consider that Reid didn't get any offseason work or minicamps because of the NFL lockout. Now the Ravens are hoping the third-round pick can earn a job with the starters two weeks into the preseason.

• Cameron says new Ravens fullback Vonta Leach reminds him a lot of former fullback Lorenzo Neal. We agree with the comparison. Leach is well-built and very physical. He will provide a good thump at the line of scrimmage that the Ravens were lacking last season. Leach, who went to the Pro Bowl last season, will also help with pass protection.

• I’ve been impressed with rookie quarterback Tyrod Taylor. He consistently made plays in practice this week and showed promise in Baltimore’s first preseason game. The Ravens are high on the sixth-round pick. Taylor will make the team. But is Baltimore comfortable enough to go into the season with a rookie as the No. 2 quarterback?

• Another player to look out for is Bernard Pollard. He is a big safety who is very physical. Pollard fits well with Baltimore’s defense. Free safety Ed Reed covers a lot of ground in the secondary. That allows Pollard to fly around and hit people, which is what he does best.

• The Ravens should be improved in press coverage this year. Smith and Williams are similar in size and showed good jams at the line of scrimmage this week. Previously, Baltimore gave up a lot of size to receivers. But that won’t be the case when Smith and Williams are on the field.

• Baltimore is suddenly very deep at corner. In addition to Smith and Williams, the Ravens have Lardarius Webb, Chris Carr and Domonique Foxworth, who is coming off ACL surgery. The latter three have starting NFL experience but could begin the year as backups.

 

[Faust]

Ravens camp report: Team has Super Bowl aspirations

Observation deck

1. A lot of new faces. The Ravens had a large number of free agents and released a lot of veterans. Twelve veterans have already signed with other teams, so the Ravens will have between 6-8 new starters. Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson are fighting it out for the tight end spot vacated by Todd Heap.

2. The offensive line. The O-Line is the most glaring issue at Ravens camp. Their biggest nemesis is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had nine sacks in the last two games they played against the Ravens. Right now center Matt Birk is limping around and the right tackle situation is cloudy at best. Don't be surprised if Baltimore signs two free agents to build up the offensive line.

3. The tight end battle. Todd Heap is now an Arizona Cardinal and the Ravens think the answer to replacing Heap is on the roster. Keep a close eye on Pitta (#88) and Dickson (#83) as they battle for the job. They are both quality players.

4. Rookie impact. It is hard for rookies to break into an NFL lineup, and the Ravens are a great example of that. Cornerback Jimmy Smith might make it, but expectations that second-round pick WR Torrey Smith, third-round pick OT Jah Reid or any other rookie will crack the lineup are a bit premature.

New guys to watch

» Lee Evans, WR. The Ravens were a slow offense in 2010, and they were in desperate need of a vertical threat. After watching Evans at practice, it is clear he is just what the doctor ordered for this offense.

» Jimmy Smith, CB. Smith is tall with long arms, and the plan is to lock him up with big receivers. He's a work in progress, but from Ray Lewis to defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, word is that he is the real deal. He may be the only rookie to break into the starting lineup.

» Sergio Kindle, OLB. Kindle missed a year of football and there was some real concern that he may never return. He did tell GM Ozzie Newsome, "I have a young brain and I will make it back." He's back and he adds immediate support to the pass rush.

» Bernard Pollard, S. Pollard led the Texans in tackles last year and is a box safety who complements Ed Reed, especially on run downs. The club likes Tom Zbikowski at safety, but look for Pollard in certain situations.

» Ed Dickson, TE. Dickson had three starts last year and he's penciled in to replace Heap. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron called him "special" and he has to be to keep competitor Dennis Pitta off the field. Pitta looked good in the first preseason game, but when Dickson returned from injury at practice he was back in the lineup.

Overheard

"Paul was miscast last year and is looking good at OLB instead of DE."

Ozzie Newsome on third-year pro Paul Kruger

"We believe in pressure and we will get after the QB."

Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano on his philosophy

"I'm like a construction worker: I just keep working to build something big."

Ray Rice describing himself

"I played for a lot of teams and have signed 15 different contracts, but this was the hardest team to break in with and it was worth the wait ... you gotta earn your way onto this team."

Kicker Billy Cundiff on becoming a Raven

Prediction

The Ravens were 13-5 last year including the playoffs. Their ability to reach the Super Bowl depends on beating Pittsburgh, and until they protect Joe Flacco and get Big Ben on the ground it remains an issue. I have a feeling the Ravens defense is up to the task of getting to Roethlisberger, but the offensive line is less certain. There's little doubt in my mind this team can win double-digit games once again, but going all the way remains a question.

 

[Gawain]

You're doing the Lord's work in here Faust. Thanks a bunch.

 

[Incogneto]

You're doing the Lord's work in here Faust. Thanks a bunch.

Agreed man! We all appreciate what you're doing!

 

[PhantomJB]

Bump.

One more request to pin this thread. Scrolling and scrolling to find this buried on page 2 is becoming quite exhausting.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Bump.One more request to pin this thread. Scrolling and scrolling to find this buried on page 2 is becoming quite exhausting.

Agree. But please do so at the expense of removing a couple less worthy pinned threads.

 

[netnalp]

Penalties, dropped passes mar a sloppy practice for Giants

By Mike Garafolo/The Star-Ledger

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2011/08/penalties_dropped_passes_mar_a.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_term=%23nyg

It wasn’t the prettiest practice out there today for the Giants. Lots of dropped passes on both sides of the ball, with WRs Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham the prime repeat culprits.

There were also a bunch of yellow hankies flying out there, including one on a player who picked up a flag and chucked it, a la Bart Scott in 2007. That, of course, drew another flag from a nearby official and couldn’t possibly make Tom Coughlin happy — even if it was in a practice.

(Wish I could tell you who the player was, but I was on the opposite end of the field and the player was in the middle of some traffic. There were some candidates, but I don’t want to guess on this one.)

Yes, it was a sloppy one out there. But that's not gonna stop us from running it down for you...

* * * *

INJURIES

DE Justin Tuck (Achilles) was back in action after sitting out on Wednesday. Also back: DE Jason Pierre-Paul (back), LB Michael Boley (back), QB Sage Rosenfels (strep throat) and S Jarrard Tarrant (shoulder).

DE Osi Umenyiora (knee) and CB Prince Amukamara (foot) obviously are out. WR Ramses Barden (leg) and OL Adam Koets (knee) are still on the PUP list.

WR Darius Reynaud (hamstring) and K Lawrence Tynes (thigh) were out of action. Tynes will probably miss Monday’s game against the Bears but hopes to play against the Jets a week from Saturday.

RB Andre Brown was hobbling late in practice and was checked out by the training staff. He returned but was limping a bit. We’ll keep an eye on that one.

CB Corey Webster missed practice because of a death in the family. Our condolences to him and his family.

* * * *

THE STARTERS

Quite possibly one of the best catches of camp came this afternoon when WR Hakeem Nicks won a tug-of-war with CB Terrell Thomas on a back-shoulder throw from QB Eli Manning. Nicks tracked the ball through Thomas’ hands, which obstructed his view, and made the grab. Nicks later had a diving catch on a ball from Manning on an out route in front of CB Brian Witherspoon. Manning and Nicks then hooked up to end practice on a touchdown pass Witherspoon.

As I mentioned, Manningham had a pair of drops, including an absolutely inexcusable one on a comeback from Manning. He also had one that was somewhat excusable because he ran an in cut into a small window in a zone and there was lots of traffic in front of him. The good news is he bounced right back after the first one to catch a ball on another comeback one play later. He also had a couple of catches on in cuts into the soft spot in zones. On one of them, Manning threw a great ball over LBs Jonathan Goff and Spencer Paysinger.

Speaking of Goff, he had a great stick on a run up the middle. He came through unblocked, much like he did on a play against the Panthers last week.

The drops weren’t limited to the wide receivers. S Kenny Phillips had one after making a great break on the ball from his deep safety position and jumping in front of Manningham. Phillips immediately dropped and fulfilled his obligation of 10 penalty push-ups. As did CB Woodny Turrene, who dropped a ball right in his hands on a slant from QB Ryan Perrilloux to TE Daniel Coats.

WR Domenik Hixon had a decent afternoon, with a good grab on a short slant and a back-shoulder throw from QB David Carr in front of CB Aaron Ross.



Tuck had a swatted ball at the line. That is all.

Score a win for Pierre-Paul in the ongoing battle with LT Will Beatty on a run play to his side. Pierre-Paul had a great push on Beatty to blow up that play. Hey, without Umenyiora around, who's going to make Beatty better?

* * * *



THE BACKUPS

Witherspoon made a great play on a ball on a post to Manningham up the deep middle. Or at least that’s how Thomas and I saw it. The official, on the other hand, threw a flag for pass interference, saying Witherspoon made too much contact with Manningham’s back. I disagreed and so did Thomas, who thought Witherspoon had as much right to the ball as Manningham. The “penalty” and the touchdown to Nicks notwithstanding, Witherspoon just keeps impressing. He was tight to WR Devin Thomas on a deep go late in practice (credit to Tarrant for breaking well there, too) and slapped away a slant for (Devin) Thomas later.

Cruz had two drops. The first one, he broke clean on a slant. The ball from Carr was a tad behind him, but it’s a catch that could have been made. The second one doinked off his hands over the middle. (Side note on that play: Coats did a great job of handling DE Ayanga Okpokowuruk. Coats continues to be a good blocker in camp.)

Ross drew a flag for holding WR Duke Calhoun on a crossing route. Tuck wasn’t happy and told the high-school official with a smile, “They don’t call that in the NFL. High school, maybe.” I disagree. That was a pretty bad hold. Ross didn’t need a hold later on to show great coverage on Manningham, with Phillips tight to TE Travis Beckum. The coverage there forced Manning to throw the ball away.

K Rhys Lloyd had a missed field goal from 43 yards but he also nailed one from there. And he nailed the camera assistant video director Carmen Pizzano was operating at the top of the lift behind the goal posts.



CB Michael Coe rode Hixon off the line on a jam in a Cover-2 look. Coe disrupted Hixon big-time on that one.

CB Joe Burnett held on for an interception on a ball from Perrilloux to WR Michael Clayton, who appeared to stop short on his route.

* * * *

THE YOUNG GUYS

S Tyler Sash had another interception today, this one on a diving play. The ball was slightly underthrown and Sash had to dive forward to make the nice play.

Nice quick move by DE Justin Trattou to get past OT James Brewer for a sack. The play was allowed to continue and DB Darnell Burks leaned in front or WR Jerrel Jernigan to knock a ball away. Burks came right back on the next play to get a hand on a pass from Perrilloux to Calhoun. And a few minutes later, he beat a chip attempt for what would have been a sack in a live game. He’s been impressive in spurts, that Burks.

Jernigan had a bad drop shortly thereafter on a quick slant from Carr, whose passes proved to be uncatchable for some unknown reason today. What I mean is they were there and should have been receptions but were dropped.

Paysinger has been solid in his assignments so far, though he appeared to be a bit confused when both he and LB Phillip Dillard covered a receiver in the flat in a man-coverage look. It was funny to watch the body language when the two discussed the play. Paysinger was so sure of himself but then Dillard said something that had the rookie realize his mistake. Again, it’s a rare blip for Paysinger, so we’ll give the young guy a break.

Elsewhere on the young LB coverage front, LB Greg Jones did a good job of switching on a crossing route and picking up RB Da’Rel Scott. That’s a good sign for Jones, who continues to have a steady camp.

Nice little flick of the hand by WR Todd Watkins to create separation from Coe on a deep go route. The ball was a bit overthrown by Perrilloux, but Watkins did a nice job of being sneaky to get some space there. The official didn’t see it, so that was a plus for him. It’s interesting to see some of the younger guys developing little tricks and techniques as camp goes on like…

… LB Adrian Tracy, who is a DE in obvious passing situations. His fundamentals were a lot sharper today than they’ve been all camp long. On one play, he used a hand slap to beat the blocker (can’t read my note on who it was) and then made a nice, quick inside move on a stunt. I’ll have a close eye on him this Monday.

There was some good stuff from LB Mark Herzlich, who hasn’t had the sharpest of camps. He showed good coverage on a crossing route by Beckum and then deflected a pass and almost caught it for an interception. A few snaps later, he was in great coveraged on a sideline route by RB Charles Scott.

* * * *

The play of the day went to Calhoun, who got up the left sideline past Burnett for a deep ball from Carr. Burnett didn’t get help from S Brian Jackson on that one.

In all, it was a great practice for Carr. Let’s see if it translates to the field on Monday night.

* * * *

And finally, Perrilloux had a camera on the front of his helmet. It was put there by the equipment staff to record what Perrilloux sees from his perspective. The coaches will be able to review that with Perrilloux to talk about his vision and his decision making. That’s some high-tech stuff right there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY Newsday Report: Aug. 19

By Tom Rock

Tom Coughlin was asked if he expected to have this many injuries in training camp this year, to which he said that this is actually a pretty slow year I terms of camp injuries. I have to agree. There have been some headliners – Prince Amukamara and Osi Umenyiora requiring surgery certainly qualify – but for the most part it’s been a few nagging issues and that’s it. There have been years when practices had 8-12 guys on the bikes. Today, for example, there were four.

Lawrence Tynes and Darius Reynaud were sidelined along with PUPpies Ramses Barden and Adam Koets. Obviously Osi and Prince weren’t there. And Corey Webster was excused from practice with a death in the family.

Other than that, the Giants are pretty healthy. They had their defensive front seven in place with the return of Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul and Michael Boley to the field. Sage Rosenfels, who was in the hospital for strep throat, was back on the field. Even Jim Cordle was able to return to practice.

One thing to look for is Andre Brown, who was stretching his right leg and had it attended to at one point.

Today was the next-to-last day of open practices in camp. It was also the first day that was uncomfortable in terms of weather with some heat and humidity settling in for the first time this summer.

Maybe one of the most interesting things at practice today was the small camera mounted on the helmet of fourth-string quarterback Ryen Perrilloux. The Giants’ coaching staff is hoping to use the images of what Perrilloux is seeing when he drops back to aid in their breakdowns of the film each day. If it works, we could see cameras on the helmets of all the quarterbacks. Pretty cool.

Also, Rich Seubert was at practice today. At one point he was standing near the port-a-potties that are next to the field. That’s a symbol for life in the NFL. One day you’re in the penthouse, the next you’re in the …

As for practice, here are some highlights from the first series of 11-on-11 snaps:

Manning hit Manningham … Bradshaw’s run to the right was behind a pileup as Tuck and Ballard hit the turf … JPP looked Osi quick getting around the corner and pressuring Manning on his throw to Ballard … Manning threw a pass slightly behind Manningham that should have been caught but was dropped (you’ll read that word a lot in the coming paragraphs, “dropped”) … Boothe had a nice kickout block on Paysinger with Andre Brown running behind it … Carr completed a pass to Hixon.

Here are some highlights from the second series of 11-on-11 snaps:

Tuck beat Bear Pascoe badly to blow up a Bradshaw run … Manning’s pass for Manningham was incomplete but Witherspoon drew a questionable flag from the officials on the field … Nicks made a tough catch from Manning with Thomas draped all over him. Good coverage, better grab … Hixon took an end around and even looked like the thought of passing the ball downfield crossed his mind … Carr’s pass for Victor Cruz was dropped, and on the next snap Cruz again dropped a pass from Carr … Greg Jones always seems able to fill holes and he did it on a Charles Scott run … Justin Trattou and Craig Marshall had pressure on Perrilloux (hope they said “cheese” for the camera!) who threw a pass to Jernigan that was broken up by Burks.

A few highlights as the sides took turns working off of cards to prepare for the Bears game:

Canty and Tuck had pressure on Rosenfels, who hit Manningham … Ross was called for PI on Duke Calhoun … Watkins caught a pass with Herzlich covering him … Manningham dropped a pass from Manning … Perrilloux overthrew Watkins deep down the left sideline with Coe in coverage … Carr completed a pass to Beckum, whom Gilbride has allowed back on the field.

In kickoffs, Rhys Lloyd got to show off his leg strength even if it was on a short field. Jernigan, Devin Thomas and Andre Brown were returning the kickoffs. Lloyd also kicked some field goals, but from my angle it was hard to tell the distance and if they were good. Let’s just say that even if they all went through there were some that were a bit squirrely.

In 7-on-7s Kenny Phillips dropped an interception on a Manning pass to Manningham, causing poor Dave Merritt to once again crumble to the ground. Manning hit Manningham on the next snap but Antrel Rolle was in position to break it up if they were hitting for real … Nicks made a tough rolling catch on a low pass near the right sideline on a ball from Manning … Carr hit the pass of the day, a 60-yarder for Calhoun which he caught over the shoulder at the 1 with Joe Burnett in coverage … Michael Clayton followed that with a dropped ball from Perrilloux.

Here are some highlights from the third series of 11-on-11 snaps:

Tyler Sash had an interception, diving and rolling on thr ground to pick off Perrilloux. That’s a Kodak moment! … Herzlich batted down a pass from Perrilloux … Witherspoon had a nice PD on Devin Thomas on a pass from Carr in the red zone … Joe Burnett intercepted a pass and took it 104 yards back for a touchdown (although about 84 of those yards were after the Giants offense and just about everyone else gave up chasing him).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hixon's reps at kick returner decreased till he's had none the past few days. Another sign along with Coughlin's comment about Manningham in the slot for 3 WR sets, he may have the #3 spot locked up. Thomas, Cruz, Jerrigan and Reynaud are competing for the last few spots. Barden will probably stay on the PUP for his ankle injuries and if no injuries occur to other WRs on the roster he could go on IR when the PUP is over so the Giants can keep him, kind of like how they put Cruz on IR for a hamstring pull last season. Barden was so inconsistent the last time he was on the field, without camp, it's hard to imagine he'll have had much improvement.

 

[ChainsawU]

Loving the bolded entries. Thank you.