* OFFICIAL * 2012 Training Camp / Preseason News & Tidbits Thread (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Indianapolis Colts training camp: Andrew Luck hype justified

By Albert Breer

Reporter, NFL.com and NFL Network

WHERE IS NFL.COM?

Anderson, Ind., a run-down, old manufacturing town 50 miles northeast of Indianapolis that was devastated by the closing of General Motors plants. It's a place that sadly illustrates the toll the American auto industry's decline has taken on the Midwest. The Colts camped here from their 1984 Indy arrival until Peyton's Manning rookie season of 1998, and returned in 2010 after 11 years in Terre Haute, Ind. On the day we pulled into town, it had been exactly one year since Manning agreed to a five-year, $90 million deal that seemingly ensured he'd retire a Colt. So, yeah, a lot has changed around here.

OBSERVATION DECK



1. Andrew Luck's as good as advertised. I'll have a more in-depth take at a later date on the rookie's rapid assimilation, but it's not breaking news to say Luck is impressive on the practice field. Late in practice, he did force two balls into coverage in the red zone; one was tipped and then picked by Jerry Hughes, the other was batted away. But watching how he controls things at the line is, yup, Peyton-esque. (Or Brady-esque, if you're looking for the less obvious comparison.) It's not just how he commands the huddle or gets his guys positioned pre-snap, either. It's how he calls out the Mike linebacker and coverage, and adjusts everything at the line. What can be tough for a rookie quarterback is the juxtaposition of having to lead because that's the position, but also knowing your place as a neophyte. Luck's coaches say his voluminous knowledge of the game and easy-going nature make things easier. "I watch him take control, take command of the huddle, he's instantly earned the respect of everybody on this team, on both sides," rookie head coach Chuck Pagano told me. "It's because he's right -- he's making the right decisions, he's making the right checks, he's making the right calls. The guys know. This guy knows his stuff. ... From my vantage point, it's like you're watching a guy that's a three- or four-year veteran."



2. These aren't your big brother's Colts. Pagano looked down his roster the other day and counted up the number of players who had either a "1," "2" or "R" in the experience column. The count came to 54. Mind you, the ones with a "2" are guys who have just one accrued NFL season under their belts, and the guys with a "1" aren't quite rookies, but haven't spent enough time on a roster to get credit for a year. So if you wanna compare Luck and Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III -- and those comparisons will be made for years to come -- it'll be important to consider the differences in the players' circumstances. Griffin's walking into a program in its third year, with coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen having two draft classes fully broken in. Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson are just getting started in Indy. That means Luck will have more responsibility -- because he has less around him at this point -- but less of an expectation to contend right away.

3. The players are going through some culture shock. The Colts wore T-shirts that read "Build a Monster" in the spring. Grigson's charge in the offseason, in rebuilding, was to get bigger and tougher all over the place -- a vision that springs to life with additions like S Tom Zbikowski, DE Cory Redding and NT Brandon McKinney. And this new approach was especially apparent when the pads started popping on Tuesday. Remember, Colts practices weren't exactly bloodbaths in the Bill Polian years. "I had a lot of long faces after the first practice," Pagano said. "I've gotten a lot of crazy looks now, even in shorts. After one practice, there was that 'Is this every day?' and 'Is this normal, coach?'" Pagano said he'd be smart about it going forward, but he's resolute in his plan to implement a Ravens-type ethos here. "The mindset we wanna develop, how we're gonna play this game, we wanna be a smart, tough, physical, disciplined football team that can run the football and stop the run. And the only way I know how to do that is you gotta hit. You gotta do some banging. That's the only way I know how to develop that. That's not something you flip the switch and say, 'OK, we're gonna be a physical football team.' It's not gonna happen that way."

4. The new look for Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis is taking time. The two edge rushers long typified what the Indy defense was under Tony Dungy and Co.: undersized, aggressive and relentless. Now, they've become players in their 30s working to redefine themselves as 3-4 outside linebackers. Early returns show the transition has been a bit tougher for Freeney, who has played a certain style of defensive end since college, and has remarked how he feels like a rookie again. On the flip side, one reason the team felt comfortable locking up Mathis was that Grigson's staff viewed him simply as a "football player" who could adapt to his surroundings. One thing that's overlooked here, too: As much as things might change on early downs, Mathis and Freeney will likely have their hands on the ground plenty in passing situations.

5. Keep an eye on the rookie skill players. The addition of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians garnered plenty of attention, since he worked with Manning as a rookie and will now help shepherd along Luck. But it's worth noting he also has experience coaching receivers. His swift development of Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders the last few years in Pittsburgh should bode well for Indy's quartet of skill-position draftees: tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen and receivers T.Y. Hilton and LaVon Brazill. Fleener, Allen and Brazill are already gobbling up first-team reps here.

THE NEW GUYS

Allen: Fleener's ticketed for a role as a "matchup" guy in Indianapolis' offense, and likely will play more as the in-line tight end. Allen, on the other hand, will be the jack of all trades. The Clemson product has been a quick study, learning a number of positions on the fly and displaying an ability to contribute in a variety of ways. The Colts had New England's Rob Gronkowski-Aaron Hernandez combo in mind when they took tight ends in back-to-back rounds in April. The early signs are encouraging.

Redding: Coaches often bring players with them when they switch teams to climb the occupational ladder. Thus far, Redding has been a perfect example of why that practice is worthwhile. He brings the size needed to play the 5-technique in the 3-4, and even more so, he provides leadership and knowledge of the scheme. Redding has served as a mentor -- not just to young guys, but also to players like Mathis and Freeney who are trying to get up to speed with the new system and culture.

Donnie Avery: The fifth-year receiver has had a long road back from a torn ACL suffered in the 2010 preseason, but he finally seems to be returning to the form that led to a promising two-year start to his career with the St. Louis Rams. Avery's still just 28 and will get the first crack at the "Mike Wallace" role in Arians' offense. On a very young unit, he and Reggie Wayne will be counted on early as the rookies figure things out.

OVERHEARD

As mentioned above, Freeney and Mathis are tasked with learning to play a different game in the new 3-4 defense being installed by Pagano and Greg Manusky. But they aren't alone. The change in style brings a significant shift at corner, as well. The well-worn Tampa-2 used to demand that Indy's guys could tackle and press, but they were rarely asked to go man-to-man with receivers. The new defense will, indeed, force the corners to do more. And early word is Jerraud Powers, who has battled injuries but started all 34 of the games he's participated in during his first three years, is taking to it -- and quickly. A big year could mean a big payday for the impending free-agent.

EXTRA POINTS

1. This is a big camp for Hughes, the 2010 first-rounder who's been a massive disappointment and now is playing under a group that isn't tied to him. Freeney's in a contract year, so expect the Colts to get a good long look at Hughes in the preseason to try and evaluate where he is.

2. Zbikowski's another Raven import who seems to symbolize what Pagano wants in his players. The safety told me prior to Tuesday's practice that it was important to set the tone during the first session in pads because it'd help show how each player fits in the new vision.

3. This is also a big camp for running back Donald Brown, who has a real chance to shed the "soft" tag that some scouts have affixed to him. Pagano and Arians want badly to run the ball effectively, so we'll find out if the 2009 first-rounder is capable of being a bell cow in a physical offense.

OUTLOOK

The Colts won't be measured by wins and losses this year -- they'll be judged by progress. How does it look in Week 1 vs. Week 10? How about Week 6 vs. Week 14? And as much as the added hitting in practice has to do with Pagano's approach, he also sees it as another chance to test inexperienced players.

"The thing I told them is, and you gotta understand, we're a young football team, we've got a new staff, new systems on both sides of the football and special teams, so we've gotta put the time in," Pagano said. "It's not like stepping in and you've got a veteran team with a bunch of starters back on both sides of the ball, and schemes that have been in place for years, and you might've added some things in the offseason. It's nothing like that."

What is it like? A team that looked hopeless without Manning last year -- one that has been torn down and completely rebuilt -- going to battle with rookies all over the place. Lumps are coming. Pagano knows it. Grigson knows it. So assessing how the new regime is doing in 2012 will likely require a deeper look, beyond the scoreboard.

 

[Faust]

Kansas City Chiefs training camp: Jon Baldwin helps build buzz

By Bucky Brooks

Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network

WHERE IS NFL.COM?

The Chiefs hosted a night practice at Spratt Stadium on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo. The night skies were gorgeous, but the stifling heat and humidity created a challenging environment for players and fans.

OBSERVATION DECK

1. Matt Cassel looks good directing Brian Daboll's offense. After enduring an offseason of harsh criticism following a disappointing performance a season ago, Cassel has been impressive through the first few days of camp. He looks confident and decisive in the pocket, and his accurate throws are the result of his self-assuredness as a playmaker. More importantly, Cassel appears to have complete command of Daboll's offense. He repeatedly worked through progressions to identify the second and third options in the route, and his efficiency has allowed the Chiefs' passing game to thrive, even with top target Dwayne Bowe missing in action (holdout). In addition, Cassel's keen understanding of the scheme has enabled him to get the Chiefs out of bad plays against certain fronts through checks and audibles.



2. The emergence of Jon Baldwin has lessened the impact of Bowe's absence. The buzz surrounding Chiefs camp has centered on the rapid development of Baldwin, who has been sensational. I walked away impressed with his playmaking potential. Baldwin possesses the size, speed and athleticism to overwhelm defenders in isolated matchups, and he has started to figure out how to utilize his superior physical traits to dominate on the perimeter. Chiefs officials raved about his ability to make highlight catches appear routine. During the night practice, he demonstrated those traits by making an acrobatic catch in the end zone during which he used his extraordinary length to reach up high to grab a ball before nimbly dragging his feet along the end line. If he can continue to display this kind of playmaking ability, the absence of Bowe will not impact the Chiefs' chances of fielding a top 10-caliber offense in 2012.

3. Eric Berry's return makes the Chiefs' defense scary good. After playing the majority of the last season without their most versatile and explosive defensive playmaker, the Chiefs' defense is set to become a dominant unit upon his return. Berry has the capacity to cover wide receivers or tight ends in the slot, and is a gritty defender in the running game. Coach Romeo Crennel capitalized on his unique skills in 2010 by deploying him in various alignments to neutralize the opponent's top threat in the middle of the field. In addition, he would occasionally send him off the edge on blitzes to add speed and athleticism to the pass rush. After watching Berry closely at practice, I'm convinced that he hasn't lost a step following his ACL surgery and is certainly capable of reprising his role as the Chiefs' designated playmaker. With more AFC teams set to feature the tight end as a primary option in the passing game, the return of Berry provides an effective counter to the tactic.



4. Justin Houston will become a household name in 2012. After studying Houston on game tape and watching him work in practice, I'm convinced the Chiefs have an emerging superstar on their hands. Houston displays outstanding first-step quickness and shows a natural knack for getting to the quarterback off the edge. Last season, he provided a glimpse of his immense potential when he tallied 5.5 sacks in the team's final five games. While Houston must continue to refine his hand skills and countermoves, he possesses all of the requisite traits (speed, athleticism and burst) that you look for in an elite pass rusher. Playing opposite Tamba Hali, he will thrive against the isolated matchups he receives. If the Chiefs can routinely force opponents into long-yardage situations by successfully defending the run, I would expect to see Houston collect 10-plus sacks as a second-year player.

THE NEW GUYS

Peyton Hillis: After suffering through a miserable 2011 campaign, Hillis looks ready to be a key contributor for the Chiefs. He reported to camp in outstanding shape and is running the rock with the urgency and physicality that made him a feared runner in Cleveland. With Hillis also displaying soft hands and superb receiving skills in practice, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Chiefs use him as a feature back in a variety of sub packages to take advantage of his versatility.

Eric Winston: The Chiefs desperately needed to upgrade their offensive line on the perimeter after struggling last season, and Winston certainly fits the bill. He has shored up the right side of the line with his athleticism and quickness, allowing the Chiefs to incorporate more zone-based running schemes into their package. With Daboll intent on fielding an offense that can attack with the run or pass, the addition of Winston was a major coup for the Chiefs in the offseason.

Dontari Poe: A lot has been made about the Chiefs' decision to select Poe with the 11th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, based on his "boom-or-bust" potential following a non-descript career at Memphis. But he looks like a solid inside defender in drills. I love his combination of athleticism, strength and power, and believe he will emerge as an effective inside rusher in the Chiefs' nickel package. Although Poe will eventually need to become a starter and dominant all-around player to justify his lofty draft status, I don't mind Kansas City bringing him along slowly to foster his development.

OVERHEARD

"There is no doubt that this is the best personnel group we've had since we've been here in Kansas City."

-- Cassel, telling reporters about the multitude of offensive weapons at his disposal.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Daboll's system will challenge the football aptitude of the Chiefs' opponents with constant pre-snap movement. During the practice, the Chiefs routinely put one or two players on the move before the snap, and the dizzying array of formations will certainly lead to mental mistakes from the opposition. While several offensive coordinators throughout the league utilize intricate pre-snap movement to create favorable matchups along the line, Daboll's usage of motions and shifts is complemented by a constant shuttling of offensive personnel that makes it difficult to anticipate his intentions. With Hillis, Dexter McCluster and Kevin Boss possessing the athleticism and versatility to align in multiple spots, the frenetic pre-snap approach of the Chiefs should lead to better production from the offense in 2012.



2. Attention to the fundamentals is a priority. The defense went through an assortment of bag drills that reminded me of the "county fair" agility circuit often performed at high school practices. From the defensive linemen to the defensive backs, each member of the defense performed a series of high knee drills, lateral shuffles and "W" movements that emphasize the proper balance and body position needed to perform at a high level. Meanwhile, the offense ran through a series of "perfect plays" during the opening period of practice to simulate the proper execution of the unit's key plays without facing a defense. Although these drills are commonplace throughout the league, the priority placed on the attention to detail was apparent by the speed and urgency displayed by the players.

3. Remember the name Anthony Toribio. The unheralded nose tackle has been one of the most impressive performers in training camp. Although he wasn't expected to fill a role as a starter due to the arrival of Poe, he has been so good during workouts that he continues to run with the first unit and could be the linchpin that allows the Chiefs' talented linebacker corps to roam freely in the middle. When I asked about what makes Toribio so effective in the middle, Chiefs officials cited his strength, leverage and flawless technique. Given the importance of the nose tackle to the Chiefs' version of the 3-4, Toribio could become the most important player on an underrated defensive front.

OUTLOOK

The Chiefs should be the overwhelming favorites to win the AFC West based on their personnel. They are the most talented team in the division on both sides of the ball, and the return of several key playmakers should make them a popular sleeper to make a run at the AFC crown. Although they must develop an identity on offense to suit their talent, there is a lot to like about the Chiefs heading into the 2012 campaign.

 

[Faust]

Vikings training camp: Matt Kalil, Jared Allen locking horns

By Chad Reuter NFL Network

Draft analyst

WHERE IS NFL.COM?

The Minnesota Vikings are holding training camp in Mankato, Minn., for the 47th consecutive year. The Minnesota State University campus provides good facilities for the team, including three nice practice fields. Plenty of fans came from all over the state (Mankato is about 90 minutes southwest of the Twin Cities) to watch their favorite team on a warm, sun-soaked Tuesday.



OBSERVATION DECK



1. Matt Kalil is getting up to speed in a hurry facing Jared Allen in practice. The Vikings ranked 27th in the league in sacks allowed last season with 49, so it was no surprise they selected Kalil with the fourth overall pick of April's draft. He got a pass-rush clinic by last season's NFL sack king (22 sacks) during team work, and clearly needs to bulk up as his body matures. But he stood his ground well against Allen during one-on-one drills, making the All-Pro shake his head when he couldn't use his hands to beat Kalil's punch and lateral movement. It's going to be a fun matchup throughout camp that will make both players better.

2. Adrian Peterson is here, but not really. While his teammates run drills and scrimmage, Peterson is spending his time working with dumbbells and big hoses on another part of the practice fields. The Pro Bowl running back is on the team's physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he rehabs the torn ACL suffered late last season. While the Vikings hopes he'll be ready for the season opener, it's disconcerting to see their best player not taking part in the same reindeer games as his teammates as the preseason schedule approaches.

3. Christian Ponder's still seeking consistency entering Year 2. At times, Ponder looks the part of a solid starting quarterback, using his mobility and accurate arm to successfully move his offense. But he struggled more than the Vikings wanted to see in this practice, coming up short on some throws and showing bad body language as frustration set in. The interior offensive line didn't exactly help him feel settled in the pocket, either -- new guards Charlie Johnson (taking over on the left side for Steve Hutchinson) and Brandon Fusco (replacing Anthony Herrera on the right) must be strong if the team hopes to lean on the passing game while Peterson gets back to form.



4. There shouldn't be a drop-off with Jasper Brinkley taking over for E.J. Henderson. Brinkley lost his 2011 season to injury, but looked strong (yet lean) and quick at middle linebacker during practice. He'll certainly be a factor filling gaps in the run game, but will also attack as a blitzer when given the chance. Brinkley might not play in nickel situations, but that wasn't Henderson's forte, either.

THE NEW GUYS

Jerome Simpson: Percy Harvin is a dangerous offensive weapon at wide receiver, but Simpson must step forward as the vertical threat down the sideline and up the seam to stretch defenses vertically, allowing Harvin and the tight ends to work the middle. He'll be out the first three weeks due to a suspension for off-field misconduct, but his speed, athleticism and hands make him an important piece for the final three-quarters of the season.

Greg Childs: Childs looks more comfortable than former Arkansas teammate Jarius Wright at this time, and could fill the outside role during Simpson's suspension. Leaning on rookie fourth-round wide receivers is rarely a good idea, but Childs' size/speed/hands combination might allow him to eventually become the reliable big-bodied receiver they thought Michael Jenkins could become when they signed him to a three-year deal last summer. Wright's going to contribute in the slot and on special teams during his rookie season, but might need more time to absorb his role in the offense.

John Carlson/Rhett Ellison: At the start of Tuesday's practice, it appeared the Vikings had one of the deeper tight end groups in the league. John Carlson, a free-agent acquisition from Seattle, and second-year tight end Kyle Rudolph will be sure-handed and athletic targets for Ponder this season. Ellison (a fourth-round pick and the son of former San Francisco 49er Riki Ellison) showed some excellent blocking skills in practice, stoning first-round safety Harrison Smith in the hole on one run play and sealing the edge to allow an off-tackle touchdown in goal-line drills. Unfortunately, Carlson suffered a sprained MCL Tuesday, but it doesn't sound as though surgery will be necessary. Ponder will lean on those three, as well as third-year player Mickey Shuler, to move the chains in 2012.

OVERHEARD

General manager Rick Spielman has been impressed with Ellison's play this summer. His eyes lit up talking about the team's "other" rookie from USC during a post-practice conversation, calling him "the most mature rookie I've ever been around. You look at the way he plays, and you'd think he's a 10-year vet."

EXTRA POINTS

1. Fourth-string quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson struggled in team work Tuesday, but displayed intriguing arm strength while wearing the No. 4 jersey once donned by another cannon-armed Vikings quarterback named Favre. Pro scouts around the league will be watching his preseason work very closely.

2. Right now, Joe Webb is taking snaps with the second team, not Sage Rosenfels. Webb is the classic "gamer," showing average accuracy and footwork in practice -- but also flashing the athleticism that makes opposing defensive coordinators nervous when he comes into the game.

3. Starting right tackle Phil Loadholt isn't afraid to say what he's thinking. After one goal-line stop by the team's second-string defense against the second-string offense, Loadholt weighed in with, "You SHOULD stop it if you've got 12 guys out there," as he counted out the defenders on the field.

4. Sixth-round pick Blair Walsh didn't have a great senior season making field goals for Georgia (going 21-for-35), but he connected on a 44-yarder at the end of practice while hearing it from his defensive teammates. He also kicked three balls through the uprights on kickoffs -- it looked as though they came from a machine, not a human leg.

5. Watching >Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Singletary run linebacker drills is a treat, not only because of his intensity but because he can still stay low and punch tackling dummies with great power. While rookies Tyler Nielsen and Audie Cole struggled to bend and bring strength to the sled, Singletary and Pro Bowl linebacker Chad Greenway showed the young guys how it's done.

6. Defensive end D'Aundre Reed wasn't a starter at the University of Arizona (stuck behind Brooks Reed and Ricky Elmore) and wasn't activated for a game during his rookie campaign of 2011, but his size and quickness off the snap give him a chance to make an impact behind Brian Robison on the left side in 2012.

7. Scouts from the Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League were seen roaming the sidelines Tuesday. NFL teams are not allowed to attend/scout each other's training camp practices, but CFL personnel can. They scout players who might miss the cut and could be interested in a jump to the Great White North.

OUTLOOK

While the team has top-notch players in Allen, Greenway and the injured Peterson, it's difficult to say that any position group is the best in a highly competitive NFC North. The team couldn't win a division game in 2011, and this season could be even tougher, with the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions seemingly improving and the Green Bay Packers staying strong. The Vikings need to win their opening games against Jacksonville and Indianapolis without Simpson -- and potentially a quasi-healthy Peterson -- to have a chance at making a run at the .500 mark.

 

[Faust]

St. Louis Rams training camp: Sam Bradford primed for big year

By Jeff Darlington

Reporter, NFL.com and NFL Network

WHERE IS NFL.COM?

In just about every NFL city where a newly hired head coach is attempting to make a vivid first impression on his locker room, practices start to look a little more like boot camp than training camp. Then, there's Earth City, Mo., where Jeff Fisher roams the field in a baggy shirt and shorts, looking like he just walked off a cruise ship. The vibe, though, isn't overly relaxed -- only relaxed enough to send a message to this team and this fan base that everything is under control. After just 15 wins in the last five seasons, the peaceful atmosphere is a welcome one. You know what else will be welcomed? A turnaround. And Fisher just might be the guy to do it.

OBSERVATION DECK



1. Sam Bradford is on the verge of a big year -- but does he have enough weapons? General manager Les Snead, speaking with NFL.com, said he isn't at all concerned about the wide receiver position, citing competition and depth as two reasons why the end of training camp should reveal a few true playmakers. Let's hope Snead is right because Bradford looks absolutely primed for a big year. The ankle that hindered him for six weeks last season looks to be fully healed, easily visible during Tuesday's practice as he threw one dart after another while moving fluidly around the pocket. Still, which wide receiver will offer him a primary target? Rookie Brian Quick has potential, but he's very raw. Steve Smith has the résumé, but he'll need to stay healthy to get his career going again. Danny Amendola will be solid, but he's not an alpha receiver. Yes, plenty of questions at the position remain -- so we'll wait to see how it shakes out.

2. Patience will pay off for running back Steven Jackson. With just 37 wins in his eight NFL seasons, Jackson might be the best player in the league with the least team success. Surely, it must be a frustrating, unsettling feeling for a 29-year-old running back. But Jackson is being a good soldier as he prepares to play for his fourth coaching staff since entering the league in 2004. The good news? This coaching staff is full of men committed to a potent running game, and Jackson should benefit hugely. Jackson reported to training camp in ridiculous shape, and it showed during practice. He said he currently weighs 234 pounds -- with just five percent body fat. How absurd is that? Without question, you can expect another highly productive year for the elite running back.



3. A reconstructed defensive line will soon be one of the NFL's premier units. Although the Rams are a little shaky at outside linebacker -- which could impact the pass rush -- the team's defensive line might be enough to make up for it. Defensive end Chris Long's four-year contract extension last weekend shows you what the organization thinks of him, and the addition of Michael Brockers with the 14th overall pick should add a long-term anchor at tackle. But don't overlook Brockers' neighbor on the line, Kendall Langford. In Miami, Langford was an underrated force with elite strength and Pro Bowl talent. If he can find his niche in the right system -- and become more consistent getting to the quarterback -- he could prove to be a major free-agent addition.

THE NEW GUYS

Cortland Finnegan: When it became clear Fisher would become the boss in St. Louis, it also became an immediate expectation that Finnegan would use free agency to follow his old coach to this new city. After six seasons together in Tennessee, Fisher and Finnegan know they are a fine combination -- and so the timing for their reunion couldn't have been much more ideal. Finnegan should provide an anchor in a secondary that's trying to establish an identity. He should also be able to help rookie Janoris Jenkins get comfortable back there. It still isn't exactly known whether Jenkins or Bradley Fletcher will be the starter opposite Finnegan, but it stands to reason both will benefit from the veteran's intimate knowledge of Fisher's system.

Steve Smith: It really wasn't long ago -- 2009 -- when Smith made the first Pro Bowl of his career. He'd won a Super Bowl ring, and he proved to be one of Eli Manning's favorite targets as a trustworthy possession receiver. So how did we so quickly reach a point of wonder about whether Smith, at only 27, has left his best years behind him? Well, really, it's simple: injuries. A torn pectoral and a knee injury that required microfracture surgery ruined his 2010 season, and he wasn't fully recovered in 2011 as he tried to get comfortable in Philadelphia. Smith is healthy now, and two Rams sources say they've seen all good signs that lead them to believe a rebirth is in store for him. Smith's confidence seems to be rising, which could be hugely valuable to a team very much needing some weapons in the passing game.

Greg Zuerlein: Early in camp, it has already become one of the most entertaining parts of the day for many Rams employees when Zuerlein starts lining up for long kicks. On Tuesday, he hit a 60-yard field goal -- and probably had about 10 yards to spare. He also easily had the distance on a 64-yard attempt, but it barely missed wide right. The point is this: The Rams are still completely sold on spending a sixth-round pick on a kicker, particularly one who might have a legitimate shot at eventually breaking an NFL record. No need to get ahead of ourselves with such talk, but Zuerlein has already shown his new bosses that he's the real deal. And for a kicker to entertain a staff as Zuerlein already has, it probably says something about a pretty promising future.

OVERHEARD

"I'm really excited about the group of wide receivers we're working with this year. I think the guys that have been here have definitely matured over the years. I'm really happy with the way they came out and played today -- the young guys, too. They've really learned a lot very quickly during the offseason, so really happy with where they're at, and hopefully we can continue to progress and continue to build our chemistry and get better every day out here."

-- Bradford

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jenkins opened camp with the first-team defense ahead of Fletcher, which suggests the team will really push the second-round pick to make an immediate impact. Snead says he's excited about that competition.

2. It's good to see the Rams signing players, like Long, to contract extensions after years of letting them walk as free agents. The team is currently also hoping to extend middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, who will otherwise become a free agent after this season.

3. Pretty sweet fan giveaway planned by the Rams, which NFL.com managed to acquire Tuesday: A Jeff Fisher-stache -- a stick-on mustache that can be worn above the lip to resemble St. Louis' new coach. Hey, Halloween is just around the corner.

OUTLOOK

Maybe more than any other team, the Rams are clinging to new hope as they enter the 2012 season. New hope because of a new head coach and new general manager. New hope because of additions like Finnegan and Brockers. New hope because of a boatload of rookies and an extension for Long. New hope because Bradford appears to be fully healthy and Jackson looks primed for another big year.

But where will all of this lead them? Is there enough firepower on offense? Will the offensive line prove durable? And what about the pass rush at outside linebacker? It's hard to imagine a playoff run is just around the corner -- but there's every reason to believe, as a few of these questions get answered, this new hope is real. Now, it's just a matter of when it turns into tangible success.

 

[Faust]

Tim Tebow excels in New York Jets' goal-line package

By Dan Hanzus

Around the League Writer

Tim Tebow's role in the New York Jets' offense remained a mystery until Thursday, when the quarterback was set loose during an impressive goal line sequence.

ESPN New York's Rich Cimini reported Tebow "dominated" during a live four-play stretch, running for two touchdowns and throwing another with the second-team offense.

"It was sort of (a Wildcat play)," Tebow said about one of his touchdown runs, via The Associated Press. "It looks like there's more gadgets and gizmos, but it's really just a power play that can stretch defenses. But, with the shift and with the motion, you can really stretch the defense horizontally."

The Jets had used Tebow exclusively in a conventional offense and on the punt team until Thursday. The new Wildcat-style wrinkle provides a glimpse into how the Jets might operate in goal-to-go situations this season.

"We saw a little bit of what he could do today," Jets coach Rex Ryan said, "what he brings to the table in the short yardage and goal-line situations, and when we get back to doing more Wildcat things then we'll all be excited that Tim's here.

"I think it shows that number one, he's all in. He just wants to win. It's not about him, it's not about me, it's not about this guy or that guy, and it's about us," Ryan went on. "And, I think he understands that as well as anybody. He's been absolutely terrific. I think that's that team mind-set we're trying to establish."

Ryan made it sound as though Tebow could be a fixture in the Jets' red zone offense.

"I can see us doing some of that for the simple fact that I know how difficult it is to stop," Ryan said. "But we're going to do whatever we can to score obviously, if that means putting Tim in or if that means leaving Mark (Sanchez) in."

Tebow has the built-in makeup to thrive in these situations. The question is how well will Sanchez handle the long jog to the sidelines after leading his team down the field.

 

[Faust]

Postcard from camp: Packers

Dennis Dillon

Where's SI.com?

In Titletown, USA, aka Green Bay, Wisc., where the first part of training camp catered to the early bird. Coach Mike McCarthy scheduled his first half-dozen practices for 8:15 a.m. at Ray Nitschke Field, a short ride on kids' bicycles for the players (it's a tradition) from the locker room at Lambeau Field. Practice moved to 7 p.m. on Thursday, and there also will be 3:30 p.m. and 11 a.m. sessions as McCarthy tries to keep his players (and the media) on their toes. The Packers have been training camp homebodies since 1958, one year before Vince Lombardi arrived. They practice at their facility and players are housed at St. Norbert College in nearby DePere.



Three Observations

1. Charles in charge. Following in the path of Ronnie Lott and Rod Woodson, two Hall of Fame cornerbacks who switched to safety in the twilight of their careers, Charles Woodson is lining up as a safety in Green Bay's base 3-4 defense. When the Packers switch to their nickel and dime packages, which they use a lot, Woodson moves in to cover the slot receiver, just like he usually has done.

This is not entirely new for the 15-year veteran, who was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. In recent seasons, the Packers have given Woodson a handful of plays at safety during a game. Now, he'll get a bigger dose. The thinking is that Woodson, a versatile playmaker, can be even more involved if he's closer to the ball. It also could extend the 35-year-old's career.

"Well, that's what some people say, but I don't know of too many examples other than Rod and Ronnie," Woodson said. "Not all corners can switch and make the move to safety. Once you get up there in age, they start bringing new guys in at your position and you kind of get yourself weeded out."

Having some younger legs at the cornerback position should help a defense that allowed 4,796 passing yards (an average of nearly 300 per game) last season, but just in case you're wondering, the Packers have no plans to put Woodson out to pasture.



2. The running game is a work in progress. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the NFL's most valuable player last season, and his elite cast of receivers form one of the league's most potent passing arsenals. But the Packers cannot live on the pass alone. So who's going to step up and run the ball effectively?

The leader in the clubhouse is third-year back James Starks, who displayed some flashes during the Packers' Super Bowl run two seasons ago but still is a developing player who has been hampered by various injuries (a hamstring during the 2010 regular season and a knee and ankle last year). Starks has size (6-foot-2, 218), speed and strength, and he's a capable receiver. He just needs to stay healthy. He spent a lot of the offseason riding bikes, both stationary and two-wheelers, to build up his endurance and strengthen his legs.

"His availability is probably his biggest challenge," McCarthy said.

Two second-year backs, Alex Green and Brandon Saine, are pushing Starks for work. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Packers go with a running-back-by-committee approach this season.

3. Driver driven. The Packers didn't sign wide receiver Donald Driver to a new restructured contract that should allow him to finish out his career in Green Bay because they liked the way he performed the paso doble en route to winning last season's Dancing with the Stars contest. They still think, at 37, he is a viable piece in their passing game.

"Donald is so consistent," McCarthy said. "That's the one thing you always admire about Donald. The thing that's overlooked is his toughness. Just when you don't hear from him for a little while, he goes out and makes two or three big plays. He's the all-time pro."

Driver made a couple of athletic catches during Tuesday's practice, including an acrobatic reception in the end zone to end a two-minute period.

Step On Up

D.J. Smith, linebacker. The Packers have high expectations for Smith, a second-year linebacker who was drafted in the sixth round out of Appalachian State last year. Primarily a special teams player for most of the season, Smith made his first career start in a Dec. 4 road game against the Giants, when linebackers A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop were inactive with calf injuries. He made nine tackles (eight solo) and pressured Eli Manning into a throw that linebacker Clay Matthews intercepted. Starting again a week later against the Raiders, Smith had 12 tackles (eight solo) and jumped up to pick off a pass by Carson Palmer. Smith, who received game balls after both contests, made a big impression on Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers, who compares him to former Saints premier linebacker Sam Mills, when Mills was a young pro.

New Face, New Place

Jeff Saturday, center. When long-time Packer Scott Wells, a starter since 2005, went on the free-agent market, eventually signing with St. Louis, Green Bay moved quickly to get a player to fill the vacancy in the middle of its offensive line. The Packers found a great one in Saturday, who, you may remember, worked hand-in-hand with Peyton Manning in Indianapolis for the past 13 years. Saturday, 37, is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the more durable linemen in the league (he played in 197 games with Indy and started 188). He should be a good leader on the field and in the locker room, as well as a veteran linchpin for a starting line that has no other player with more than four years of experience.

Looking At The Schedule

The Packers won't go 15-1 again. I'll go out on a limb and say that right now. But they have a great chance to win 12 games and repeat as champs in a getting-tougher-by-the-year NFC North -- if the defense is better. Although the Pack led the league in interceptions last season, the lack of a consistent pass rush and an oft-vulnerable pass defense was exposed by the Giants in an NFC divisional-round win over the Packers. Green Bay's schedule, which features five primetime games, has some quirks. Between Sept. 30 and Dec. 2, the Packers have only two home games. They play a string of three straight road games (at Indy, Houston, St. Louis) in October, and then face back-to-back challenges at the Giants and at the Lions after their Nov. 11 bye.

 

[Faust]

Postcard from camp: Panthers

Don Banks

Where's SI.com?

At Wofford College in the genteel city of Spartanburg, S.C., the only training camp home the Panthers have ever had in the franchise's 18 seasons. Team owner Jerry Richardson played at Wofford back in the day and has the school's Physical Activities Building named after him, which is the least the school could do since he probably paid to have it built. The night I was at practice, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was on hand to read a proclamation honoring Richardson for bringing the NFL to the Carolinas. She kept mentioning with pride 20 years of Panthers football, even though we're not even at 19 yet. But you know what they say: Never let the facts get in the way of a good proclamation.

Three Observations

1. I'm not sure Ryan Kalil taking out a full-page newspaper ad to promise a Super Bowl championship to Carolina fans would go over well in every NFL organization. (Can you imagine the fallout in New England, where they actually own a Lombardi or three? "You did what?,'' a certain hoodie-wearing coach might ask his veteran offensive center). But this isn't Foxboro, and Kalil's bold form of personal expression has been viewed as anything but a negative. His teammates embraced his message, as did his head coach, Ron Rivera, and even normally cautious Panthers general manager Marty Hurney told me he liked Kalil's tone and willingness to express confidence in his team.

The part I love is that Kalil didn't even bother to tell anyone or clear it with anyone in Carolina's front office or coaching staff. He just did it, and lived with the consequences. He said he didn't want to dilute or paraphrase his message in any way, so he figured a full-page ad was the best way to have complete control over his words. Of course, as an old print journalism guy, I'm for anything that helps the struggling newspaper industry stay afloat.

"I wanted to kind of give the fans a reason to get behind us,'' Kalil told me. "It was a letter intended for the fans, by a fan of the game. I think a lot of people forget that, as players we were and are fans of this game. I knew I'd get some heat for it and rightfully so. It's a bold prediction to make. But I wanted to let the fans know we were getting serious about being good again, and let them know their unwavering support will pay off because better years are to come.''

2. I heard something really smart from Panthers quarterbacks coach Mike Shula, who probably doesn't get enough credit for Cam Newton's rookie success in 2011. I asked Shula if the Panthers would prefer Newton didn't run the ball another 126 times this season (about eight times per game), in order to save his body, or if you can't limit that part of his game because it's so pivotal to how he challenges a defense? Shula said he talked with ex-Falcons head coach Dan Reeves about it, because Reeves faced the same issue once Atlanta drafted Michael Vick in 2001.

"With Vick, he said if teams were playing him in a lot of zone, with everybody facing (the quarterback), they didn't want him running much and exposing him to a lot of hits that way,'' Shula said. "I'm not saying that's what we're going to do with Cam, because he's a lot bigger than Michael. But it made a lot of sense to us, and it made a lot of sense to Cam, too. He understands, if he's scrambling, and he's got man coverage, he's not going to get three or four guys hitting him. In zone that can be the case, and he'll get down quicker. But when it's man, he knows if he can make that one guy miss, make a move, he'll get a lot more yards.''

3. We're not supposed to root for players in my line of work. But an exception is allowed from time to time, and I'm using one to pull a little for Carolina outside linebacker Thomas Davis this season. You know the gist of his story. He has fought his way back from a third torn ACL in the past three years, the first known NFL player to have come back three times from that demoralizing injury. I can't imagine what it feels like trying to push that same rock back up the hill over and over, but Davis, 29, is progressing well enough and figures to be the team's fourth linebacker, playing in combination on the strong side with starter James Anderson. Davis, the Panthers' first-round pick in 2005, deserves a season of health, good fortune and anything but more days spent rehabilitating his battle-scarred knees.

Step On Up

Luke Kuechly, outside linebacker. The term "pro-ready'' gets thrown around entirely too much in the pre-draft scouting process, but in Kuechly's case, the label is the only one that fits. The Panthers' first round pick, taken ninth overall, has looked like he belongs in the starting lineup from day one of camp. Shifting to the weak side in order to make room for returning middle linebacker Jon Beason, who lost almost all of last year to an Achilles tendon tear, Kuechly has been wowing everyone with his instinctive style of play. His play recognition skills are excellent, and the game is definitely not moving too fast for him so far, in that typical rookie way. If Kuechly isn't seriously in the running for the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award by October, it'll be an upset.

"He's got a natural feel for the game and great instincts,'' Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said. "You watch tape or watch him live and you'll say, 'That's not the kind of play you would expect a rookie to make.' He's a very good football player and he's going to help us.''

New Face, New Place

Mike Tolbert, running back. Even with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart already spearheading the Carolina running game, just watch how the Panthers find ways to use the versatile ex-Charger. Both Rivera and Carolina offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski worked on Norv Turner's staff in San Diego and they know what Tolbert can do: 735 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns in 2010, with 54 receptions and eight rushing touchdowns last year.

Add in his special teams contributions -- he had a team-best 12 tackles in San Diego last season -- and Tolbert is one of the more valuable members of the Carolina roster. At 5-foot-9, 243 pounds, Tolbert is a handful to bring down, and his north-south running style is already a popular sight at Panthers camp. He signed with Carolina in free agency because he wanted to be closer to his native Georgia, and his ability to block, run, catch and do just about anything asked of him on special teams renders him one of the best low-profile acquisitions of the NFL offseason.



Looking At The Schedule

Just where the young and hungry Panthers stack up in the NFC South this season should be determined early, with Carolina facing all three of its division foes in the first four weeks of the season. The Panthers help open the Greg Schiano era in Tampa Bay in Week 1, then draw the suspension-weakened Saints for their Week 2 home opener, before a Week 4 trip to Atlanta rounds out their challenging September (a Week 3 Thursday night primetime home game against the Super Bowl champion Giants is no picnic either).

Carolina won four of its final six games last season, and the Panthers need to build on that momentum with a hope-infusing fast getaway. It helps that the Panthers get to stay home for four of their first six games, playing half of their Bank of America Stadium schedule before the start of the World Series. But equally important to a good start is a strong finish. Carolina showed a propensity to lose sizable second-half leads in 2011, and closing the deal late in games is the obvious path to playoff contention this year.

 

[Faust]

Tom Brady-Lloyd connection could be huge

By James Walker | ESPN.com

One of the most underrated free-agent additions in the NFL this year could be New England Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd. He signed a modest three-year, $12 million contract and could pay big dividends this season.

Lloyd brings an explosive, deep-ball element to New England’s already high-powered offense. He joins tight end Aaron Hernandez as the Patriots’ vertical threats, while receiver Wes Welker and tight end Rob Gronkowski do most of their damage underneath and in the middle of the field.

Can Brady and Lloyd be a dangerous passing combo? Brady and Lloyd are putting in the work now in training camp so they will be on the same page by the regular season.

"Well, it’s going to be up to us to decide that," Brady told reporters this week. "It’s going to be the kind of work that we put in. [Lloyd] wants to be a big part of this offense. I obviously want to help him become a big part of this offense, so there’s constant communication between the two of us. There is always communication between the quarterback and the receivers. Without the receivers, there’s no passing game."

The Brady-Lloyd connection has the makings of being everything the Brady-Chad Johnson duo was not.

Lloyd, like Johnson, is an athletic receiver. But Lloyd is faster, younger and able to get behind the defense more consistently. Johnson also had issues grasping the playbook. Lloyd played under Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and knows New England’s offense very well.

Brady has an array of weapons to throw to, so don’t expect Lloyd to had 80 catches this year. But Lloyd could be a fantasy sleeper due to the potential with Brady for big plays and touchdowns. Owners should keep Lloyd in mind if he’s still available in the later rounds.

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Washington Redskins

By Dan Graziano | ESPN.com

ASHBURN, Va. -- As the rest of the teams in the NFC East talk about dynasties, defending championships and ... whatever it is that Jerry Jones has been talking about all week, the Washington Redskins are working on moving up from fourth place. It has been a long time since the Redskins were a real factor. They've had three straight losing seasons and have reached the playoffs in just three of the past 19 years.

But for the first time in a long time, there is reason for hope. His name is Robert Griffin III, and he is a rookie quarterback on whom everything now rests. The Redskins traded three first-round picks and a second-round pick for the right to draft Griffin, and all he has to do is look around or listen to know what he represents to the Redskins' starving fan base.

"I didn't expect the excitement," said Griffin, who doesn't seem to be caught off-guard by too many things. "I wasn't looking to get drafted and have a whole city fall in love with me. So it's definitely a great experience. Hopefully, I can be the catalyst and get a lot of fans excited about this team."

Months before the games -- months before training camp, even -- Griffin already was doing that. His jersey became a fungal phenomenon, sprouting up instantly everywhere in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Stores began selling posters modeled after the iconic 2008 Barack Obama "HOPE" campaign posters, only with Griffin's face on them instead. The public reaction to Griffin has been outsized and unreasonable. But given the way Redskins fans feel about their team and how long they've gone without a franchise quarterback, it's easy for longtime residents of the area to understand.

"It's Washington, man," veteran Redskins receiver Santana Moss said. "There's nothing reasonable. The whole city expects 'now,' so at the end of the day, all you can do is give them what they want."

"Now" may not be a reasonable goal for a rookie quarterback on a team that won five games last year and plays in the same division as the Super Bowl champions. But what Griffin has already done around here is change the vibe. People are talking with real excitement about what can or will be. Even coach Mike Shanahan, who has overhauled the roster to the point where 19 of the projected 22 starters weren't on the team two years ago, feels differently about 2012.

"It's the first time, I feel like, you go into a season and you've got a chance," Shanahan said. "You're excited about the year. You're excited about your football team. You're excited about the direction you're going."

That's all new this year, and the new front man is a huge reason why.

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. How will the offense be different under Griffin? If you watch the Redskins practice, you see a lot of new stuff. There are rollouts. There are bootlegs. There are designed runs for the quarterback. There are option sets, where Griffin has to decide whether to keep, pitch or throw the ball. Shanahan admits he's throwing a lot at his rookie quarterback, and it's by design.

"What I think you do is, you feed him everything," Shanahan said. "For people to grow, in my opinion, you teach them everything and then you find out what they're able to do. So we teach him everything, see how much he can handle, knowing he's going to get better and better every year because he's smart enough to get it. And then that'll be our job here for the next three weeks, really after this week, to isolate it down more to what we're going to do this season -- get a package for him that he's most comfortable with."

In other words, all of the stuff we're seeing Griffin do in practice might not necessarily carry over into the season. If there's a particular part of the offense with which he's having a hard time, the Redskins could shelve it until next summer and go with the things they know he can do. Regardless, though, Griffin's athleticism and running ability give the Redskins options they didn't have in previous years. And it may help them cover up question marks on the offensive line and in the running game. Speaking of which ...

2. Do they have enough around him? Shanahan won't talk about the salary-cap penalties the league imposed on the Redskins (and the Cowboys) just before the start of free agency. But it's a pretty fair guess that, had they not been docked $18 million in cap space this year and again next year, they might have been able to sign some offensive line help. They did not. They're bringing back last year's offensive line, and two of the starters are already injured. There's a chance left guard Kory Lichtensteiger makes the season opener, but right tackle Jammal Brown has a recurring hip problem that could prevent them from being able to count on him. The good news is that some of their backups got playing time last year because of injuries and suspension. And left tackle Trent Williams looks like the best player on the field in practices. But Griffin's protection could be an issue all year if the line struggles with injuries.

If it doesn't, Shanahan believes it can be effective because the players all know the system and each other. He's also not worried right now about who will emerge has his starting running back. Veteran Tim Hightower would be the starter if not for his ongoing recovery from last year's knee surgery. Evan Royster, a sixth-round pick in 2011, has looked the best of the remaining bunch so far in camp, but they also like 2011 fourth-round pick Roy Helu and 2012 sixth-rounder Alfred Morris. "We have four backs that can play," Shanahan told me, and he's willing to let the camp competition sort it out for him.

Griffin's receiving group includes newcomers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, veteran Moss and last year's rookie star, Leonard Hankerson, whose 2011 was cut short by injury, appears to be back. They're also expecting big things out of tight end Fred Davis, who was their best pass-catcher for much of last year before a drug suspension cost him the final four games.

3. The secondary. The defensive front seven looks strong and deep, but there are question marks at cornerback and safety. Will DeAngelo Hall thrive in his new role as the nickel corner? Will Cedric Griffin or Kevin Barnes be good enough as his replacement on the outside? Is strong safety Brandon Meriweather a talented star who was miscast in Chicago? Or is he a malcontent who got kicked out of New England because he wasn't playing to his potential? Can Madieu Williams or Tanard Jackson hold down the free safety spot? Lots of new faces and moving parts out there, and these questions need to be answered if the defense is going to continue to make progress.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

As they will tell you, the Redskins did beat the Giants twice last year. And they played the Cowboys tough twice. Of all the last-place teams in the NFL, only one finished closer to its division's first-place team than did the Redskins, who at 5-11 were still only four games out of first. They have replaced a starting quarterback (Rex Grossman) who somehow threw 20 interceptions in only 13 games with a brilliantly talented, charismatic and ultra-promising rookie. They've beefed up at receiver and on the defensive line. And even if all of that isn't enough for them to contend in 2012, Redskins fans have all kinds of reasons to feel good about the direction in which their franchise is pointing.



REASON FOR PESSIMISM

The Eagles should be better than they were last year. The Giants have reason to believe they'll be better than they were last year. The Cowboys made major upgrades at cornerback and should be tougher to play than they were last year. Even with the improvements, there are very few positions (Tight end? Linebacker? 3-4 defensive end?) at which the Redskins appear to be as good as or better than their division rivals. That's a comment on the talent in the rest of the division as much as it is on what the Redskins are doing, but it remains a troubling reality. The Redskins are still a work in progress, and while the NFL prides itself on the number of its annual surprises, a Redskins playoff push at this point would likely rank among the biggest.

OBSERVATION DECK

[*]Moss' weight loss is striking. He's down 16 pounds and says he feels completely different. The Redskins' coaches called him in the offseason and told him they thought he was too big, and he agreed, so he got in shape and has come to camp determined to show the world he's still a top receiver.

[*]The Redskins are converting Niles Paul, who last year was a rookie wide receiver, to tight end. He's 234 pounds and said his biggest concern when they asked him to make the change was that he wouldn't be able to block big pass-rushers like DeMarcus Ware and Jason Pierre-Paul. But incumbent tight end Chris Cooley told him it was all about technique, and Cooley has been working with Paul to help refine that.

[*]That's a pretty cool thing for Cooley to do for a player who may be about to take his job. Shows you what kind of guy and teammate Cooley is. He's got a chance to stick on the roster, but he has to show he's healthy and probably take a pay cut.

[*]The Redskins' plan as of now for three-receiver sets is to use Garcon and Hankerson wide and Moss in the slot. But Moss could play well enough to see action outside in two-receiver sets, especially if Hankerson and Morgan have injury problems. Morgan, who has always had those, is being looked at as someone who can play any of the three receiver slots in Shanahan's offense.

[*]Shanahan named defensive lineman Chris Baker as a player he thinks will surprise people. If that's true, the defensive line rotation looks formidable with Barry Cofield, Stephen Bowen, Adam Carriker and 2011 second-round pick Jarvis Jenkins, who missed his rookie year with a knee injury but is back and looking good.

[*]Outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan will switch up from time to time this year instead of staying pinned to specific sides of the field. Orakpo also says he's working on adding pass-rush moves to his arsenal in an effort to get his sack numbers up.

[*]Neil Rackers has a chance to unseat Graham Gano as the kicker, but Gano held off a challenge from veteran Shayne Graham in preseason last year, so don't give up on him yet.

[*]Brandon Banks has been told he has to make the team as a receiver, not just a return man. If he doesn't make it, look for Aldrick Robinson as a possible kick returner.

[*]Somehow, we have reached this point in the Camp Confidential without mentioning the name of London Fletcher. But he's still very much in the middle of things at age 37. He ran an interception in for a touchdown during the first week of training camp. He's in the best shape of anyone in camp, as usual. They put Griffin's locker next to his because they felt Griffin could benefit from proximity to their best veteran leader, and Griffin said he knew right away the significance of the locker assignment. Fletcher said he wanted to come back to Washington in part because he wants to be there when they turn it around. If they do, his presence will of course be a big reason why.

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: St. Louis Rams

By Mike Sando | ESPN.com

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Jeff Fisher experienced plenty during 16-plus seasons as an NFL head coach, but his initial team meeting in St. Louis represented a career first.

The Rams' new leader was addressing a room filled with players he didn't know.

"That was different, but you could tell within the first three minutes of him being up there, with his presence, that the team was his," assistant head coach Dave McGinnis said.

Fisher won over the Rams, and not with a fiery speech or with bold promises.

"It's something that you can't put your hand on and touch it, but it's palpable," McGinnis said.

It's called quiet confidence born of experience, and it's what the Rams needed from their next coach after posting a 15-65 record over their previous five seasons, all under less experienced leadership. There's an authenticity to Fisher that resonates. Quarterback Sam Bradford first saw it during a nearly two-hour meeting with Fisher, conducted before Fisher agreed to take the job.

"I think the biggest thing for me when we met was, there was no nonsense," Bradford said. "Everything that he has said has been valuable information. There is never that talk just to talk. That is what everyone really respects about him."

Thanks to Fisher, the feeling at Rams camp has shifted from "if" the team can right itself to "when" it will happen.

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Can the Rams help Bradford? It's easy to forget that Bradford had two 300-yard passing games in his first five starts last season. The high-ankle sprain he suffered in Week 6 changed the trajectory of his season. Bradford wasn't the only one hurting. The Rams suffered more losses to injury in a season than all but one NFL team since 2002, according to Football Outsiders. They had no chance.

The plan this season will be to take pressure off Bradford with a run-first offense. That approach represents a philosophical about-face from the thinking former coordinator Josh McDaniels promoted last season. McDaniels' offense would have worked better under different circumstances. In retrospect, the Rams lacked the personnel to make it work, particularly after losing key players to injury.

The offensive personnel could be better this season. Young prospects at running back (Isaiah Pead) and on the perimeter (Brian Quick, Chris Givens) give the team fresh options. But no one is quite sure what the team has at wide receiver. It's also unclear whether young tackles Rodger Saffold and especially Jason Smith can give Bradford the protection he needs when the Rams do put the ball in the quarterback's hands.

The Rams have additional first-round draft choices over the next couple seasons. There's a good chance they'll use them mostly to bolster the offense. In the meantime, they'll protect Bradford through the design of their offense.

2. Another year, another offensive scheme. The Rams are learning their third offensive system in three seasons. Last season, the idea was for Bradford to help get the Rams into the perfect offensive play for whatever defense the opponent was running. This season, Fisher and new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer want the Rams to run the ball for the sake of running it, even against loaded fronts.

This could be the Rams' most run-oriented offense from a philosophical standpoint since the team moved to St. Louis for the 1995 season. Longer term, it's fair to wonder whether this is the best offense for a franchise quarterback to realize his full potential as a passer. For now, though, the philosophy will play to the team's offensive strength (Steven Jackson) while minimizing a primary weakness (pass protection).

"This offense is ground, pound and we’re in your face," Jackson said. "Regardless of how much a team studies about us, they are probably going to be able to tell, out of this formation, this is what they like to run. So now the mentality has gone from trying to be tricky or crafty to more so, 'This is my hole, this is where I’m going, stop me.' Completely different attitude."

3. Are the Rams OK at outside linebacker? St. Louis is set at middle linebacker with James Laurinaitis, a player the organization wants to build around (expect a new contract for him soon). The question is whether the outside linebackers -- Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Mario Haggan and Rocky McIntosh -- represent much of an upgrade for a team seeking to improve its run defense.

Another question: How much does it really matter? The league isn't exactly brimming with elite outside linebackers in traditional 4-3 schemes. The position has been de-emphasized. The Rams will run their defense through Laurinaitis. Dunbar will remain on the field with him on passing downs.

The Rams could use ascending young talent on the outside. They had too many more important needs this offseason to justify throwing precious resources at a position of lesser value.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

Head coach and quarterback are the two most important figures in a football operation. The Rams have the right people in those positions. That gives them a chance.

The Rams also have the pass-rushing talent Fisher needs to run his aggressive defense. Left defensive end Chris Long is coming off a 13-sack season. On the right, 2011 first-round choice Robert Quinn is serving notice, at least in practice, that he's the best pure pass-rusher on the team. His ability to close on the quarterback even when off-balance or falling sets him apart from most.

I wondered coming into camp whether last season inflicted irreparable damage to Bradford. That was not the case. There hasn't been a more impressive player on the practice field to this point. It's stunning, in retrospect, that a team with such a talented quarterback could suffer through a 2-14 season. So many things had to go wrong.

Day after day, play after play, Bradford impresses even the most seasoned observers. Receivers coach Ray Sherman, most recently with the Dallas Cowboys, has been around accomplished quarterbacks throughout his coaching career. The list includes Warren Moon, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Boomer Esiason, Randall Cunningham, Brett Favre, Steve McNair and Tony Romo. He used the word "special" to describe Bradford.

"His temperament is just so calm," Sherman said of Bradford. "He has a demeanor about him and Brett was like that -- when he spoke, guys listened. They tune in. They know, 'We take care of this guy, he's going to take us a long way. He's going to do some special things.'"

REASON FOR PESSIMISM

Look at the schedule. Road games against Detroit and Chicago in the first three weeks. Green Bay, New England and San Francisco during a three-game stretch at midseason. Four of the final six games on the road. Only seven true home games overall, the New England game having been moved to London.

No one said this job would be easy for Fisher and his veteran staff.

Danny Amendola looks like the best receiver on the team. He's a terrific slot receiver, but with an 8-yard career average per reception, he won't strike fear into opponents. Quick and Givens, though promising draft choices, are rookies nonetheless. It's an upset if either becomes a force right away and a bonus if veteran Steve Smith fights through recent knee troubles to become a factor.

Bradford has the talent to rack up yardage when healthy, but he might not have the weapons to finish drives with touchdowns. Think back to the game at Green Bay last season. Bradford threw for 328 yards with a 64.4 completion rate at Lambeau Field, but the Rams still lost, 24-3.

Also, the Rams are going to a run-first offense at a time when the passing game is king in the NFL.

"Sitting in our first offensive meeting, it was made clear that our identity as an offense, we’re going to be known as being a physical unit that can run the ball versus whatever," Bradford said. "It doesn’t matter if people put 8-9 in the box, we’re going to run the ball. That’s what we’re going to do, and we’re going to pound them and we’re going to wear them out, and then we’re going to take our shots."

OBSERVATION DECK

[*]Rookie cornerback Janoris Jenkins might already be one of the three or four most talented players on the team. He's starting opposite free-agent newcomer Cortland Finnegan. "He is game-ready," Finnegan said. "I think he’s one of those special guys."

[*]Brandon Gibson has been one of the better receivers in camp. That was the case a year ago, and it might have said something about the quality of the position overall. I'm looking at Gibson as a barometer for the position this season. It's good for the Rams if other receivers pass him on the depth chart.

[*]The Rams won't know for sure until they put on the pads, but they're hopeful rookie defensive tackle Michael Brockers can be more than just a run stuffer. They need him to factor as an inside pass-rusher as well. Having three relatively recent first-round picks on the defensive line -- Long, Brockers and Quinn -- gives Fisher and the defensive staff talent to work with.

[*]Speaking of the defensive staff, I never heard Gregg Williams' name come up once during the first four days of camp. The NFL suspended Williams before he could get much work done as defensive coordinator. Fisher has never been one to panic. He's as cool as they come. The Rams moved on long ago. McGinnis: "I've been with Jeff when we were 10-0, and I’ve been with him when we were 0-6 and came back and won eight of our last 10. He doesn’t change. That type of self-confidence is transferable to a group. It’s transferable to individuals. That excites me."

[*]Jackson, down to 235 pounds with 5.1 percent body fat, appears fresh in camp at age 29. Thomas Jones was that age when he rushed for 1,119 yards in Schottenheimer's offense with the Jets. Jones followed up that season with 1,312 yards at age 30, and 1,402 yards at age 31.

[*]Rookie running back Pead stands out as an obvious talent. He's shifty. The question is whether he can pick up the offense quickly enough for the team to trust him in pass protection. The academic calendar at the University of Cincinnati prevented Pead from participating in organized team activities. He's behind from that standpoint, but he's got talent, and Schottenheimer likes using two backs. Those Jets teams referenced above had enough carries left over for secondary backs to gain 400-500 yards per season.

[*]Long and Quinn had their way with the Rams' offensive tackles in pass-rushing situations. That could change some once players put on pads. Offensive linemen can become more aggressive at that point. I would expect the trend to continue, however. I'm expecting Long and Quinn to reach double-digit sacks.

[*]Defensive end Eugene Sims played 25 percent of the Rams' defensive snaps last season. Look for that number to rise in 2012. The Rams' new staff likes his athleticism.

[*]Jason Smith needs to become more patient as a pass protector at right tackle. He too frequently wants to bury the opponent. That's not necessary in pass protection. It's dangerous, in fact. Line coach Paul Boudreau went into the archives to produce a highlight reel showing former Rams great Orlando Pace letting opposing rushers come to him. Smith lacks Pace's talent, but if he can emulate Pace's patience, the Rams will have a better chance keeping Bradford upright.

[*]"Gee-zee" would be rookie kicker Greg Zuerlein. Some are calling him "Greg the Leg" as well, and for good reason. Zuerlein has been powering through field goal tries from the 60-yard range. He made 23 of 24 attempts at Missouri Western State last season, including all nine tries from 50-plus yards. We'll see how it translates to the NFL. For now, though, the Rams aren't missing veteran Josh Brown.

[*]The Rams have the youngest roster in the NFL, including the youngest specialists. They could be counting on a rookie, Johnny Hekker, to punt away from Patrick Peterson. That sounds risky, and it is, but the results can only get better. Peterson returned two for touchdowns against the Rams last season.

 

[Faust]

Assertive Flacco wants to attack

By John Clayton | ESPN.com

BALTIMORE -- One of the reasons Ozzie Newsome is one of the game's best general managers is his ability to solve problems.

For years, it seemed the Ravens lacked speed at receiver. He found faster receivers. Two years ago, the Ravens were precariously thin at cornerback. Now they are deep.

It also helps to have a great staff of coaches headed by John Harbaugh. Harbaugh and his staff know how to develop young talent, while locker room leaders such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed keep players accountable.

As they put this puzzle together in training camp, Newsome and Harbaugh are looking for the final pieces that can turn this perennial playoff team into a Super Bowl champ.

Here are five observations from Ravens camp:

1. Flacco on the offensive: Teammates, coaches and beat reporters rave about Joe Flacco's training camp. Throwing the ball has never been a problem. Flacco has one of the strongest arms in football. He has won playoff games on the road. But this is clearly his best training camp in terms of focus and execution. In camp, Flacco has taken even more of a leadership role on offense. He continues to suggest to coaches he wants the offense to be more aggressive in the latter stages of games. Instead of trying to run out the clock with a running offense when the Ravens have a fourth-quarter lead, he wants them to attack more with the pass. For more than a decade, the Ravens have been constructed to win with defense and good running. Flacco wants the Ravens not to be as cautious. Because the Ravens' defense is so good, Flacco thinks the Ravens should go for the jugular. Instead of sitting on 17-3 leads that could end up being 20-17 victories, Flacco wants more offense and more points. Not a bad idea. He also suggests more passes on early downs, so the offense isn't stuck with too many tough third-down situations. From what he hears and what he sees from Flacco this summer, Harbaugh believes his quarterback will have a breakout year.

2. These Ravens can fly: Matching up against good man-to-man defenses has been a big problem for the Ravens. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron would call for three-receiver plays, but the receivers often didn't separate from corners in press man coverage. That caused Flacco to hold the ball until either halfback Ray Rice or one of his tight ends popped open, leading to criticism he was holding the ball too long. Newsome started rebuilding the receiving corps last season by drafting Torrey Smith. Smith has exceptional speed and was very good on deep routes. Now, he has worked on his short routes and crossing patterns, and he is a threat on all routes. Once Jacoby Jones was cut by the Texans this past spring, Newsome jumped on him. Jones has a great chance to start and will pull coverage away from slot receiver Anquan Boldin and tight ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, opening up the middle for the field for Flacco. LaQuan Williams and Tommy Streeter are fast. Overall, Newsome believes this is the fastest group of receivers he's ever put together.

3. Suddenly deep pool of corners: I remember going to Ravens camp two years ago the day after Domonique Foxworth blew out a knee and was lost for the season. The Ravens were devastated. Lardarius Webb was coming off knee surgery. The cornerback position was thin. Since then, the Ravens have rebuilt the unit with coverage cornerbacks. The best young prospect is Jimmy Smith, last year's first-round pick. Smith is a long, angular cornerback with shutdown potential. As a rookie, he was thrown into the fire after the lockout and played decently despite not having an offseason of coaching. Now, he knows the schemes and should have a great season. Webb is one of the better corners in the AFC North. Cary Williams would be good enough to start on other teams, but he's Baltimore's No. 3 corner. The Ravens signed Corey Graham from the Bears to be a special teams player, but he's done well enough to challenge for the fourth cornerback spot. The Ravens even have a couple of sleeper cornerbacks competing for roster spots.

4. The new Ray Lewis: Father Time can't catch Lewis. Despite being 37, Lewis keeps finding new ways to keep his body young and his No. 52 on the field. During the offseason, he bought an Olympic-style bicycle and started pedaling. Every day, he would bike a minimum of 20 miles to a maximum of 50. He was everywhere on his bike. Once, Kevin Byrne, the Ravens' longtime public relations expert and team vice president, was driving and reached a stoplight. Lewis pulled over to Byrne's car on a bike and knocked on his window. Lewis reported to camp more than 10 pounds lighter and could be in the mid-230-pound range. Staying light means staying quick, and staying quick will keep him on the field on passing downs.

5. Offensive line worries? Harbaugh believes the Ravens are solid along the offensive line, but the unit remains a concern. This year's draft may have produced a starting right tackle, Kelechi Osemele, and a future starting center or guard, Gino Gradkowski. Because the Ravens are competing for a Super Bowl, though, they would like to go with experience. They don't worry about injuries preventing center Matt Birk from practicing. He's 36 and doesn't need much practice time to get ready for the season. They believe 35-year-old Bobbie Williams will upgrade the blocking at left guard. The loose piece remains left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who is still trying to lose some weight to get on the practice field. If he loses the weight, he could slide into the left tackle spot, forcing Michael Oher to switch back to right tackle. If not, McKinnie could be a backup or he could simply be cut. To me, the line is a concern, but at least the Ravens have options.

 

[Faust]

Browns camp report: Offense -- any offense -- necessary to start climb out of cellar

By Jason La Canfora | CBS Sports NFL Insider

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns enter 2012 after yet another season in the basement of the AFC North with nowhere to go but up. They have another nominal quarterback battle, at least on paper (Weeden vs. McCoy feels a bit like Quinn vs. Anderson), and yet again, there are possibly huge front-office changes on the horizon (and an imminent ownership change).

Just another summer for the Browns.

The coaches are hoping an infusion of offensive talent from the draft can lift the franchise, and last year's offense was downright unwatchable at times. All eyes are on Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson, Josh Gordon and Mitchell Schwartz, to name a few. With incoming owner Jim Haslam a hands-on kind of guy, and team president Mike Holmgren possibly out soon, everyone knows more change is afoot and they might need to perform quickly to stick around.

Showing signs of life on offense is paramount.

"We needed to get a running back, and I felt like we needed to upgrade at the quarterback position," coach Pat Shurmur said. "And then we needed to bring in a guy at the right tackle position who we could count on. Those were the three starting points, not to mention, what I thought was a good move on our part, to upgrade the receiver position."

Team Objectives

• Score points. It sounds simple, but they have to get in the end zone. The Browns couldn't crack 14 points most weeks and couldn't score in the first or third quarter to save their lives. They have to play with the lead occasionally and there is no doubt Richardson will be a workhorse back. He'll be on the field in all situations. Getting Weeden on the same page with his young receivers is another mandatory step. It has to translate to Sundays. They need to sell some hope to the fan base on that side of the ball, and there's no better way than with a slew of top picks. Now they just have to produce.

• Stay healthy. The Browns love some of their key pieces on an improving defense -- and that side of the ball was the focus of the 2009 and 2010 offseason -- like D'Qwell Jackson, Joe Haden and Phil Taylor. But they also know they aren't deep enough to withstand the loss of key starters. Taylor is already hurt. "Our guys are comfortable within the scheme," Shurmur said, "but the key for us is to stay healthy. That's the key. As we go through camp the ones we've got, we've got to get them to the race, and unfortunately there are times you get guys banged up in camp."

• Win in the division. If this franchise is going to turn around, then at some point the Browns will have to be able to win consistently against the likes of Pittsburgh and Baltimore, and now Cincinnati as well. That's three teams with quality quarterbacks and some impressive talent. Cleveland is still playing catchup. When everyone else in the division is playing in the postseason, and you're jostling for a top-five pick, it's an indication of how far there is to go. Making Cleveland a tough place to visit again for divisional foes would be a nice step in the right direction.

Camp Battles

Quarterback: There isn't anyone in this organization who doesn't think Weeden, the 22nd overall pick, will be the Week 1 starter. But Colt McCoy, the incumbent, is still getting some camp reps with starting receivers. At least on paper it's a competition. Weeden looked raw in special situations early in camp, like the two-minute drill, but that's to be expected. No matter how much he struggles in camp and the preseason, I can't see him doing anything but starting the season on the field. McCoy could be dealt before the season, with veteran Seneca Wallace a capable backup.

No. 2 and No. 3 wide receiver: After Greg Little, who returns as the top target, this group is entirely up for grabs. There are no real favorites and so much yet to play out. Gordon, taken in the second round of the supplemental draft, and fourth-round pick Travis Benjamin have a lot of promise. Holdover Mohamed Massaquoi, a bust to this point, looked energized early in camp. Josh Cribbs is seeing his role decline, with more of a focus on special teams, which opens up playing time for others. Regardless of how it shakes out, expect the youngsters to be in plenty of packages.

Right tackle: Tony Pashos is a courageous fellow, and he gutted it out with his body failing him last season. But right tackle was a huge issue in 2011 and having drafted yet another quarterback high, they need to find a bookend to complement left tackle Joe Thomas. Everyone expects Schwartz to get the gig, and he will. But he was having some trouble adjusting to the speed of the game early in camp as he worked with the starters. He will see a lot of action in preseason games. Journeyman Oniel Cousins provides the competition here.

Somebody to Watch

You can't miss Gordon at camp. He hovers over other guys on what is a receiving group with good size. He has freak-of-nature, matchup-nightmare speed and body type, but is ever so raw. He really only played one year of college football at Baylor and missed the entire offseason, having just been taken in the supplemental draft in mid-June. But a lot of teams liked him, and while the Browns surprised some by taking him so high, the potential is there. Gordon, despite all the missed time, was already getting reps in some three-receiver sets with the starters early in camp. "He's an extremely talented young man," Shurmur said. "We'll just see how far we can get him." It's worth noting after a shaky offseason that Benjamin was lighting up camp with his speed.

Injury Roundup

Defensive lineman Phil Taylor tore a pectoral muscle in the offseason and for a time it appeared he might be lost for the season, but GM Tom Heckert was confident he would be off the PUP list and ready to play by around Week 7. "He's already lifting," Heckert said. "We just have to make sure he doesn't do too much."

Defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin was being brought along slowly but is expected back after the first preseason game.

The Final Word

The Browns went 4-12 and are 18-46 the past four years. So all the hope must be somewhat tempered. They have made some strides and Heckert has pulled off some nice draft-day trades, but other execs see this team still firmly in rebuilding mode. Improving much on last year's win total will be a chore, and, especially if Joe Banner takes over as team president before the season, brace for sweeping changes throughout the organization heading into 2013.

 

[Faust]

Five questions from Bills camp

By Pat Kirwan | NFL Insider

This year's visit to Bills camp was a lot different than stops over the past five years.

This summer, there are realistic expectations that a wild-card berth into the playoffs is attainable. General manager Buddy Nix has done a nice job of putting difference makers on the roster and fortifying the depth.

"This year we are going to cut a few good football players, which is a good problem to finally have," Nix said.

I don't think the Bills are yet on par with the Patriots, but they have drawn even with the Jets. As with every team there are questions that have to be answered in camp, which I address below.

1. Can the Bills develop a deep passing game?

Under Chan Gailey's direction, the Bills love to throw and have become proficient at the no-huddle, underneath game. Ryan Fitzpatrick realizes they must add an outside deep threat to keep teams from packing in the underneath zones, which led to many of his 23 interceptions last season. T.J. Graham can fly (100-meter time of 10.2 seconds, 20.6 in the 200) and was drafted to be that threat. But he needs to learn to separate from the press coverage his defensive teammates have been using on him. He can beat the tight coverage but not in time to get deep. As he progresses in his route running the next issue is getting him the ball. Fitzpatrick is very good at the quick release and accurate in the short game but needs to keep working on the deep game. Keep your eyes on preseason games, especially when David Nelson and Scott Chandler are working the middle of the field and the safeties start creeping down on the intermediate routes, leaving a corner on Graham. The deep game is there for the taking but time will tell if the Bills can take it.

2. Will the Bills be able to rush the passer without blitzing?

Dave Wannstedt is the new defensive coordinator and he likes to get after opposing quarterbacks without blitzing, if at all possible. Mario Williams is playing on the left side and will see slide protection all the time. Right tackles can't handle him. Mark Anderson is on the right side and looked very explosive at practice. He will be single blocked by the left tackle and should be a 12-sack player this year opposite Williams. The real impressive part of the front four is the inside rushers. Marcel Dareus and Kyle Williams can both beat guards on their way to the QB. As Williams pointed out, "One of us is getting a single block inside and we have to win and I think we can." The second defensive line is also impressive, led by Shawne Merriman, who looks like he has regained his quickness. Gailey said he's looking for 15-20 good plays a game out of Merriman, and I see him being a bigger factor this season than last. The Bills worked on their blitz package while I watched practice but it will be a changeup, not the base."Once you go down the road of being a blitz team there's no turning back and the good quarterbacks either see it coming or they just spread you out and eliminate most of the pressure calls," Wannstedt said. I think the Bills' front four is good for 35 sacks this year.

3. Will the rookies be ready for the opener?

Like every team, the Bills need immediate rookie impacts. Cordy Glenn has to win the left tackle job and Stephon Gilmore must be the lockdown corner this team doesn't have right now. After practice, I say Gilmore is close to being ready for the job. After interviewing him, I am more convinced. Gilmore is quietly confident, not overwhelmed by the pace of installation of the defense and enjoys the daily challenge of covering Steve Johnson. Glenn is in a battle with Chris Hairston. Glenn must win if the Bills are going to improve their offensive line. Keep in mind Buffalo likes the silent count out of the no huddle, which puts stress on the young tackle. When I watched him in one-on-one blocking drills he showed the ability to dominate defenders. I think both rookies will be ready for Week 1.



4. Who are the receivers besides Johnson?

Gailey said everyone asks him who the No. 2 wide receiver is. He keeps answering, "We know who the No. 1 guy is and the rest of the guys will take turns being the No. 2 man." The Bills love three- and four-wide receiver sets and Fitzpatrick is very capable of reading the coverage and going to the right man. Nelson will play a key role as a hybrid receiver that some teams might treat as a tight end because of his size and willingness to block. Donald Jones will be on the field a lot and some in the organization believe Marcus Easley can compete for a spot if he stays healthy. What's really interesting is how the Bills use their running backs as receivers. At times, Fred Jackson or C.J. Spiller will be the No. 2 receiver.

5. Can the defense match up with the spread offenses they face?

The Bills' nickel defense means linebackers Kirk Morrison and Kelvin Sheppard leave and safety Bryan Scott enters at linebacker with either cornerback Terrence McGee or Leodis McKelvin. Some opponents will look at this adjustment as a dime defense with six defensive backs on the field and look to run the ball occasionally. The Bills' offense checked to the run a few times in practice against this personnel group and had some real success. The Bills had a few nice adjustments when the offense emptied the backfield and built 3 by 2 sets with no running backs. Mark Anderson is capable of standing up and being a "spinner" -- either drop into coverage, which he did well or rush from a standup position. I like the combinations Buffalo has to defend on third down.

 

[Faust]

Philip Rivers, retooled San Diego Chargers look impressive

By Gil Brandt

Senior Analyst

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- After adding a boatload of free agents this offseason, the San Diego Chargers are undoubtedly a different team than they were last season. Thanks in part to that signing spree, I think they'll also have much better results in 2012 than 2011. Quarterback Philip Rivers, tight end Antonio Gates and new running back Ronnie Brown have all looked good in training camp, and I think the Chargers have the potential to finish 10-6.

Of the 18 free agents signed by the Chargers this season, six project as starters: Brown, outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, fullback Le'Ron McClain, safety Atari Bigby and receivers Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal are all positioned to make a big impact.

When I saw him practice this week, Brown could not be covered by the defense. He is a great route runner who will catch a ton of passes and can be a real third-down threat for the Chargers, helping to keep scoring drives alive. The 30-year-old Brown gained 6,442 yards from scrimmage and scored 39 total touchdowns in six years with the Miami Dolphins and one with the Philadelphia Eagles. Signing him was probably the best move the Chargers made this offseason.

Adding as many free agents as the San Diego Chargers have is usually not a good sign. But they used a strict set of criteria when deciding who to bring aboard and stuck to their master plan. Players had to have proven track records of success while possessing good character and intelligence. General manager A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner have really improved this team.

Gates looks like he's his old self again. After a relatively disappointing 2011 (64 catches for 778 yards and seven touchdowns), he is moving well, looking like he's lost about 20 pounds. He's made the Pro Bowl the past eight seasons, and he should have no problem keeping that streak alive in 2012.

Rivers looked really sharp in practice. During the passing drills that I saw, the ninth-year signal caller heaved between 55 and 60 passes ... and just one hit the ground. He was picked off a career-high 20 times last season, but Rivers seemed to be dialed in when I watched him.

The Chargers are not going to replace Vincent Jackson, who left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers via free agency. But Meachem and Royal give the Chargers depth, and they have a second-year player in Vincent Brown who could be a big factor in the offense this season.

The Chargers had a turnover ratio of minus-7 in 2011, and ball security is a big emphasis for the team in camp this year. They also have to create more turnovers on defense and get off the field on third down, which they struggled to do last season.

Fans seem to be excited about this team. When I visited, there must have been 2,000 people there, probably the biggest crowd that could be accommodated. The fans got used to seeing the Chargers make the playoffs, but the team has missed the postseason in each of the past two years. Consequently, I think the fans are more interested in the preseason than they've been recently.

In my estimation, Turner is one of the best play callers in football. The Chargers had a ton of injuries in 2011 and still put up 406 points, tied for fifth-most in the NFL. This team seems very unified; everyone appears to have bought into Turner's game plan.

When I put together an offseason Power Rankings in June, I slotted the Chargers in at No. 17. After watching them practice this week, I'd move them up to 11 or 12. They were good enough to start 2011 with a 4-1 record before injuries derailed that momentum. Now that they've added great depth in the offseason, I think they're a 10-win team.

 

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10 Vikings Off To a Fast Start at Training Camp

The Vikings are now a week into training camp and it’s full speed ahead for the team as they begin preparing for the 2012 season. Now that we’re gaining a better understanding of the roster after six days of practice, let’s take a look at 10 players who are off to fast starts at 2012 Verizon Vikings Training Camp.

TE Kyle Rudolph

Rudolph’s combination of size, strength and speed is unique, and it presents big-time mismatch problems for the defense. QB Christian Ponder is not afraid to look Rudolph’s way, and until someone finds a way to slow the 6-6, 258-pound beast, he’s going to keep catching passes.

LT Matt Kalil

You would naturally excuse a rookie – even a third overall choice – if he were making mistakes during training camp. Add in the fact that the rookie is going against the best defensive end in football, and you’d allow even a few more perhaps. But Kalil hasn’t been guilty of many miscues. Sure, Jared Allen is winning his fair share of the matchups, but all things considered, Kalil has looked the part of a player who could develop into a cornerstone LT.

CB Antoine Winfield

We wrote in this space multiple times about how great Antoine Winfield looked during the offseason program. He’s continued to look great during training camp.

“We were talking about that as a staff last night, he really seems to be into this training camp more than any other. You see him out there taking one-on-ones and all of the reps,” Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier said. “We will have to monitor that a little bit, he is not 22 years of age anymore, but he is definitely invigorated in a lot of ways, which is good for our young players in our secondary to see the way he works and how he approaches things. It’s great for them.”

CB Bobby Felder

One of those young players in the secondary is Bobby Felder, an undrafted college free agent out of Nicholls State. I’m asked about Felder more than most players for some reason, but maybe Felder will show us all why he deserves to be noticed. He didn’t have the best day of practice on Wednesday, but other than that he’s been solid. Felder is a player to watch in the preseason.

WRs Percy Harvin and Jerome Simpson

I like what the Vikings have going at WR. Entering the offseason, WR was a position that needed an upgrade. And it got one. The Vikings look much better at the position, and the addition of Jerome Simpson is a big reason for that. Simpson has tremendous speed and is terrific after the catch. He’s not strictly a vertical route receiver, either. Simpson can run intermediate/deep crossing patterns as well, and he’s hard to stop on comeback routes.

Simpson looking so good likely has Percy Harvin upping his game as well. Harvin is already one of the most dynamic receivers in the game, so watching him rise to the challenge in competing with Simpson for passes from Ponder has been great to watch.

DT Letroy Guion

When the defensive coordinator singles you out as having a good camp, you’re going to make this list.

“Letroy has been one that has been phenomenal in camp,” Alan Williams said. “It may not seem to the naked eye but there are some clips of him just getting off blocks, running to the ball and pursuing. Day two he made a play outside of the numbers running to the football so we are very pleased with him.”

LB Chad Greenway

We listed Chad Greenway as a stand out from Tuesday’s practice, largely because of an athletic pass breakup (PBU) he registered on an end zone fade pass to Kyle Rudolph and also because of a couple plays he made in short-yardage and goal line periods. Greenway is a leader on the Vikings defense and will be a three-down player for the Vikings once again this season.

TE Rhett Ellison

During the Vikings rookie minicamp in May, Rhett Ellison emerged as a stand out thanks in large part to his fluid pass-catching skills. Billed as more of a physical, blocking-type of TE, Ellison displayed a natural ability in the passing game during that camp and has continued to do so in training camp. He’s also a physical player in the trenches. That type of all-around ability could yield a long, productive career for the rookie from USC.

RB Derrick Coleman

Undrafted this year and joining the Vikings for their rookie minicamp, not many paid much attention to Derrick Coleman this spring. But it’s hard not to notice him during training camp. He is running with the third-team, so it’s appropriate to temper the enthusiasm. But you can only beat the people put in front of you, and right now Coleman is winning more than he’s losing when he’s on the field. He’ll be another player to watch during the preseason.

GM Rick Spielman

We’re only a week into training camp, but you’ve got to give GM Rick Spielman and his staff, along with head coach Leslie Frazier, credit for attacking the task of reforming this roster over the offseason. The Vikings were coming off consecutive seasons of 6-10 and 3-13, plus they had tough roster decisions to make on valued veteran players. On top of that, the team had 10 draft choices to execute.

The Vikings have had a good training camp to date and the talent level on this roster is going the right way. There is a clear sense of direction the team is heading in, and there’s no question Spielman and Frazier set out to make this roster younger and more talented. Judging by one week of training camp, they did a good job. There’s a lot of work to be done, but the progress is encouraging.

 

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Backup QB Joe Webb Still Finding His Way

The Joe Webb experiment continues at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings as the third-year pro tries to solidify the backup role behind starter Christian Ponder.

A proven NFL playmaker with two victories as a starter, Webb remains somewhat of an enigma as the Vikings continue developing him as a pass-run threat. Results have been decidedly mixed early in camp with Webb struggling some with his accuracy but still able to complete tough passes and gain yards on the ground.

"Joe is always going to look better in the games than he will in practice at this stage in his career," offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said Thursday, Aug. 2. "He is not a real refined pure passer but he does have touch. He demonstrated that against the Redskins last year.

"He does have the ability to exhibit anticipation also, throwing the ball early before the guy gets out of his break. Joe, like a lot of young players, just needs more and more turns so he can get comfortable and confident and execute more consistently."

Webb relieved an injured Ponder and threw a pair of touchdowns to deliver a Week 16 road victory over Washington. He also started at wide receiver against Denver in Week 13 after being used to little effect in the wildcat formation.

Musgrave said the Vikings would continue integrating Webb into more packages.

"Joe has superior running ability so any nuance plays would be after we get through this training and preparation period of our season," he said.

 

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Chris Cook, Greg Childs Step Up in 11-man Drills

Cornerback Chris Cook was the defensive standout with two interceptions, including on quarterback Christian Ponder's first pass in 11-man drills during the Minnesota Vikings' scrimmage on Thursday, Aug. 2.

Cook sniffed out a corner route to Percy Harvin that Ponder delivered short. But Ponder returned the favor on the next play with a 50-yard deep ball to Harvin with Cook in coverage.

In one-on-one drills between corners and receivers, Cook made an impressive diving catch on a deep ball, and he wasn't the only one. Jerome Simpson and Greg Childs had their moments, too.

Childs is improving after some drops early in camp. He ripped a ball away from a defensive back on a pass from Joe Webb.

"Anything that they need me to do, I'm going to do it full speed," said Childs, a fourth-round pick in April's draft.

Save a few telegraphed passes, Ponder had a solid day overall. He threw a dart to tight end Rhett Ellison for a touchdown in situational short-yardage work, and he delivered two precise fades, to Harvin and Michael Jenkins, in seven-man drills.

Other standouts on the day: cornerback Reggie Jones (coach Leslie Frazier said he's caught the coaches' attention), defensive tackle Fred Evans (strong inside push on a run stuff), linebacker Everson Griffen (blew up a running play), defensive end Christian Ballard (showed plenty of quickness in one-on-one drills) and running backs Jordan Todman and Matt Asiata.

In the kicking game, Blair Walsh made 6 of 7 kicks from the 30-to-45-yard range.

 

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Vikings Notes: Thursday

Sanford's special-teams value noted

Jamarca Sanford's days as a starting safety may be numbered. Ideally, the Vikings hope to slide Sanford back into a reserve role. And the ascension of rookie Harrison Smith will likely trigger that move before the preseason is finished. But don't underestimate Sanford's big-picture value as a special teams contributor.

Special teams coach Mike Priefer spoke up Thursday to deliver his endorsement, commending Sanford's speed, toughness and ability to use his hands well. Sanford's hyperactive nature? Also a plus.

"He's almost as crazy as I am," Priefer said. "I think you have to have a couple screws loose when you play special teams. ... He's got great heart. He's got great want-to. I wish I had 10 of him."

Priefer's praise came a day after head coach Leslie Frazier delivered an assessment of Sanford's skills. Frazier hinted that Sanford's grip on a starting safety spot may be tenuous, noting that the fourth-year veteran hasn't consistently made enough plays on balls down the field. But Frazier also said Sanford's energy level is "off the charts" and highlighted his special teams value.

"He's one of those guys who goes 100 miles per hour," Frazier said. "So there is never time where he takes any time off. And if you are an opposing special teams player and you are trying to get your breath, look out. Because Jamarca will rock you now."

Youth being served

The Vikings defensive line, with All-Pro Jared Allen, standout defensive tackle Kevin Williams and end Brian Robison, is likely the most established unit on the team. Yet the long-term welfare of the line may hinge on the development of its younger players.

Topping that list: tackles Letroy Guion and Christian Ballard and defensive end D'Aundre Reed.

New line coach Brendan Daly has been impressed with all three players so far in camp.

Guion, playing exclusively at nose tackle now, has seemed more confident. And Daly was thrilled he came to camp in such great shape.

"He's lighter than what he's been the past couple of years," Daly said. "I think his body feels better. And I think he's seen himself moving and playing a little bit better because of that."

Daly likes Ballard's athleticism and his knack for rushing the passer but believes the second-year tackle "has a ways to go" in improving his technique against the run.

As for Reed? Versatility is his calling card.

"He's a guy who gives us tremendous flexibility. He can flip both sides, play left end and right end without much issue," Daly said. "And he's done some pass rush stuff inside where he can use his athleticism to create some nice mismatches."

Help wanted

Competition for the Vikings' punt returner job remains open. So while Marcus Sherels is the incumbent and will be the No. 1 return man heading into next week's preseason game in San Francisco, the Vikings will also give rookies Jarius Wright and Josh Robinson a look, with Bryan Walters in the mix as well.

Given that Sherels and Walters face an uphill battle to make the roster and Robinson has missed most of training camp practice so far because of a pulled hamstring, Wright may have an inside track.

Wright didn't return punts last season at Arkansas. For his college career, he averaged 5.9 yards on eight returns.

Did you see that?

Rookie Greg Childs delivered the highlight reel play of the day in the final team session of Thursday's practice. Childs' 26-yard touchdown catch from Joe Webb came on a grab during which cornerback Brandon Burton had near-perfect coverage. Yet with the two face-to-face in the end zone, Childs leaped, reached both arms around Burton and managed to pin the ball on the cornerback's back long enough to haul it in.

Said Wright, a friend of Childs' since childhood: "I've seen that since our school days. Greg making catches like that? There's nothing new for me to see."

 

[griff321]

Vikings day at camp: Thursday

Ball hawk Cook puts on high heat

Cornerback Chris Cook had two eye-opening interceptions during Thursday's practice. The first came in 11-on-11 work on a throw up the right sideline made by Christian Ponder, intended for Percy Harvin. Cook made an athletic grab and raced the other way. Later, with the defensive backs matching up against receivers in drill work, Cook made up ground fast on speedy rookie Jarius Wright and delivered another nifty pick of a Sage Rosenfels pass.

Nonstop coverage

Don't sleep on Reggie Jones as a dark horse to make this team. The 26-year-old cornerback, who joined the Vikings' practice squad for the final eight weeks of 2011, continues to flash. His energy and ability to break on the ball have been impressive. In a secondary in which opportunities to shine are open, Jones is taking advantage of his.

CAMP PROFILE

Nick Reed

Position: Defensive end

The skinny: A seventh-round draft choice by Seattle in 2009, Reed has spent time with the Seahawks, Bears and Buccaneers but has been a role player throughout. Last season, in seven games with Chicago, he made six tackles.

Did you know? While with Seattle, Reed had a 79-yard fumble return touchdown in 2009 against Jacksonville.

Chances of making the team: Reed is slotted behind Jared Allen at right defensive end. And with new defensive coordinator Alan Williams vowing to use an eight-man rotation on the line, the 24-year-old Reed may have a shot at landing on the roster. He will certainly face competition from Jeff Charleston.

CAMP CHATTER

"It was a tough deal because he's been a great kicker in this league for a long time. I just thought for the future of this team kickoff-wise and even field goal-wise, I thought it was the best move."

-- Special teams coach Mike Priefer, on releasing kicker Ryan Longwell

INJURY REPORT

•OT Pat Brown suffered an knee injury and is awaiting test results.

•RB Jordan Todman sprained his ankle and left practice.

•TE John Carlson remains out (MCL sprain).

•RB Adrian Peterson (knee) remains on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list.

•CB Josh Robinson (hamstring) has not been cleared for full practice.

•DB Robert Blanton (hamstring) is still out.

•OL Demarcus Love (shoulder) is still out.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Just one guy's opinion, but still interesting...

James Starks and Alex Green

(Rotoworld) James Starks is off to a very slow start at Packers camp. Analysis: Veteran beat writer Bob McGinn ripped into the starting running back following Thursday's practice. "Starks hasn't made strides as a pass blocker or ball carrier," McGinn wrote. "He just doesn't carry himself like a reliable, top-flight player." McGinn goes on to say that Alex Green, whose reps have been limited as he comes off knee surgery, has been the more dynamic runner.

 

[Faust]

A big to griff321, wdcrob, netnalp and everyone else who have contributed to this thread!

Training Camp Buzz: Robert Griffin III's good day

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Robert Griffin III has a few things to work on, but things are trending up overall.

Washington Redskins tackle Trent Williams should have made my list of veterans making noise early in camp. Numerous reports suggest he's on the cusp of a breakout season. Washington’s line is banged up right now, but performed much better than expected last season.

Also good for Griffin: Saints cornerback Jabari Greer underwent hernia surgery. The New Orleans Saints' thin secondary could be undermanned in Week 1.

Finally, Daniel Jeremiah wrote a cool piece on how Griffin's presence has changed the Redskins offense. It's always a plus when you can use the term "easy heat."

Position Battling

1. Bilal Powell might pass Joe McKnight for third down duties for the New York Jets. Powell even gets some first-team and could even wind up splitting carries this year if Shonn Greene continues to play like Shonn Greene.

2. Ryan Tannehill took first team snaps` for the first time in training camp. He remains a sizable underdog to start for the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. The preseason will decide this battle, but David Garrard may have the very small early edge.

3. From ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky says Chad Henne has been "average at best" in camp and hasn’t been any better than Blaine Gabbert.

4. It was a Matt Flynn day at the Seattle Seahawks camp. Russell Wilson gets his turn tomorrow. Pete Carroll has been true to his word, diving up snaps evenly among his three competing quarterbacks.



Sorry, Bill

The Lombardi/Belichick Trophy is never going to happen. If another coach’s name was going on the trophy, we’d roll with one of Belichick’s heroes Paul Brown. Among all-time NFL coaches, my Mount Rushmore would be Lombardi, Brown, Bill Walsh, and Belichick.

A Bad Day For ...

The Cleveland Browns are understandably excited for the change in ownership despite all the questions it brings. It was not a good day for rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden. The 28-year-old rookie essentially has a one-year tryout for the new Browns regime. A new coach and general manager are likely. They usually want their own quarterback, unless Weeden performs too well this year to be denied.

Cincinnati's true No. 2

There is understandable concern in Cincinnati about the lack of a No. 2 wideout. The Brandon Tate vs. Armond Binns vs. Mohamed Sanu vs. Marvin Jones battle which is captivating America isn't a great sign for Andy Dalton.

Still, Bengals.com points out that the Cincinnati Bengals' true No. 2 receiver plays tight end. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden expects Jermaine Gresham to have a bigger role this year. CBS Sports' Pete Prisco believes Gresham will be a breakout candidate.

I've always been a huge fan of Gresham because he is a massive player with fantastic hands. He’s not going to get the big plays of a player like Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham, but Gresham could score double digit touchdowns with a high volume of catches.

On the agenda

Marc Sessler is in Canton all weekend covering Hall of Fame festivities. I’m going to try to take care of my 10-month old daughter Ellis and write all day for the first time ever. Wish me luck. (And expect lots of posts with words "like 11ssldfk" mixed in.)

 

[Faust]

Jermaine Gresham: Not on Gronkowski, Graham's level

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

Jermaine Gresham, the first tight end selected in the 2010 NFL Draft, going to the Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 21 pick, has 108 receptions for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns for his career. The latter two numbers do not match up to what Rob Gronkowski (No. 42 overall) and Jimmy Graham (No. 95 overall) produced last season.

Despite being added to the Pro Bowl roster -- as a Super Bowl replacement for Gronkowski -- Gresham is aware that he is lagging behind in the production department and looking to close the gap, writes Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

"I have to step my game up to get where those guys are at, to even be considered with them. Right now I'm not even close," Gresham said. "I'm very, very average, below average right now. I need to excel at things so I can be on the top-level tier with those guys. It's just that simple."

Gresham may never be as productive a receiver as Gronkowski or Graham have been thus far, but he certainly has the talent (and quarterback) to catch over 60 balls annually with a yards per catch well above the 9.9 yards he's averaged his first two seasons.

With a full offseason to become more comfortable in Jay Gruden's offense, and no clear-cut No. 2 receiver (outside of third-round pick Mohamed Sanu), Gresham could see a jump in his production if the Bengals start to utilize him as a downfield option. Most of Gresham's receptions thus far have come on short routes that do not take advantage of the athleticism that made him the highest-rated tight end in the 2010 draft.

 

[Faust]

LeSean McCoy OK with sharing Eagles' backfield snaps

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

No running back in the NFL had more than the 867 snaps that LeSean McCoy logged for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. McCoy was also one of four backs with over 1,300 yards rushing and over 1,600 combined rushing and receiving yards.

With a five-year, $45 million contract extension in his back pocket, McCoy is once again expected to shoulder a heavy load in the Eagles' offense. But he wouldn't mind sharing some snaps with Dion Lewis, a 2011 fifth-round draft pick who has the inside track to replace Ronnie Brown as the No. 2 back.

"Yeah, I think it works better because sometimes I might be getting tired, instead of being selfish taking that rep, I think Dion deserves to play," McCoy said, via Dave Zangaro of CSNPhilly.com. "He's a good player. You go out in the league and see a lot of teams who rotate and last year we didn't rotate … not enough really, so I think it will be a good year."

Lewis barely played as a rookie -- just 42 snaps -- but according to Zangaro, McCoy is expecting his fellow Pitt alum to "play a big role" in the offense. To do that, Lewis will need to extend his "camp sensation" title into the preseason to stay ahead of rookies Bryce Brown and Chris Polk on the depth chart.

 

[DawnBTVS]

Redskins Notes

By John Keim

Tight end Fred Davis said he’s evolved at his position, watching more film than in the past and focusing more on his blocking (which remains a work in progress). “As a player you have to grow,” he said. He said watching film has helped him decipher coverages better. “Definitely knowing how to adjust my route at certain times, coming out of a route early if I’m hot and start seeing things before they happen,” he said. “When I first got in the league I didn’t do that as well. Now I can tell. I can see it a lot more than I ever have.”

Wide receiver Anthony Armstrong said X-rays on his right shoulder confirmed what the trainers originally anticipated. Coach Mike Shanahan said Thursday that Armstrong hurt the AC joint in his shoulder, but that it didn’t look bad. Armstrong isn’t sure when he’ll return to practice, though it doesn’t appear he’ll miss much time.

 

[DawnBTVS]

Miami Dolphins August 3rd Practice Report

By Ben Volin

Earlier this week, defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle took issue with a reporter’s statement that only one job on the defense – one of the safety spots – is up for grabs. The past two days, we’ve seen why: Vontae Davis has lost his spot, for now at least, to veteran Richard Marshall as one of the two outside cornerbacks in the base 4-3 defense. Friday, Marshall and Sean Smith began each drill as the two outside corners, and Davis would only come onto the field with the Nickel package (with Davis on the outside and Marshall on the inside).

Today was supposed to be Matt Moore’s day with the starters, but David Garrard vultured some of his snaps in 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s. Garrard looks to be the clear front-runner at this point, though performances in tomorrow’s scrimmage and the first two preseason games will factor a lot into the final decision.

Matt Moore looks good when he has a clean pocket, making a couple of nice touchdown passes to Charles Clay and Davone Bess on corner fades. But Garrard is much better when the play breaks down due to tight coverage or bad blocking.

In the final practice period of the day, an 11-on-11 drill, rookie Lamar Miller took most of the reps at running back. Philbin said Miller impressed the coaching staff on Wednesday not with a big run, but when he picked up a “middle dog cross” blitz with two rushers blitzing up the “A” gaps. “I thought he really stepped up and took the guy on,” Philbin said. “We know he can run the ball. … (But) if you’re going to play you’ve got to be able to do that, because I’m sure the opposition at some point in time is going to challenge our protection schemes.”

Rookie WR Jeff Fuller, one of the tallest receivers at 6-foot-4, displayed nice body control when he boxed out Vincent Agnew on a jump ball in the end zone. Fuller, an undrafted rookie from Texas A&M, looks to be a decent bet to be kept on the practice squad.

Reshad Jones appears to have switched to the strong safety position, with Chris Clemons and Jimmy Wilson battling for free safety.

 

[Faust]

Arizona Cardinals training camp: QB quandary needs solving

By Bucky Brooks

Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network

WHERE IS NFL.COM?

The Cardinals are hosting a night practice at Lumberjack Stadium on the campus of Northern Arizona University. The night skies are crystal clear and the temperatures are hovering in the mid-80s at practice time.

OBSERVATION DECK

1. The Cardinals' quarterback competition remains a toss up. Kevin Kolb took the initial snaps with the first-team offense, but he is certainly not entrenched as the starter. He continues to produce up-and-down performances from the pocket, and his inability to consistently direct the offense to scoring drives leaves the door cracked for John Skelton to make a run at the job. As I watched Kolb at practice, it appeared that the offense was a little out of sync with him at the helm. The unit failed to string together first downs consistently and Kolb was unable to make the key play to change the momentum. While he isn't solely responsible for the offense's inefficiency, he had a few misfires that would've led to turnovers from the offense. Granted, Kolb worked extensively against the Cardinals' first-team defense, an underrated unit with outstanding talent, but he didn't perform like a franchise-caliber quarterback on Wednesday night.

Skelton, on the other hand, is an improvisational playmaker with a flair for the dramatic. He plays with a bit of a "sandlot" mentality and his willingness to take chances with the ball has produced some of the Cardinals' best plays the past two seasons. In practice, Skelton utilized those impromptu skills to make several key plays in practice. For instance, he scored on a naked bootleg during a spirited goal-line drill that was originally called as a power run in the huddle. Although Skelton kept the ball at the urging of his coaches, it is that kind of improvisation that leads to points for the Cardinals offense. Another benefit to Skelton's carefree attitude is his willingness to test the defense with vertical throws. He repeatedly threw the ball over the top of the defense with success after eluding a free rusher in the pocket. With explosive plays valued at a premium, Skelton's ability to generate big gains could land him the starting job at the end of training camp.

2. Ryan Williams adds a different dimension to the Cardinals offense. The versatile power back is an extraordinary runner with outstanding skills. He is ideally suited to grind between the tackles, but also possesses the speed and quickness to make plays on the perimeter. In watching Williams work at practice, I was impressed with his ability to find seams in the middle of the defense and stick his foot in the ground to explode through holes. He shows remarkable "stop and start" quickness and his decisiveness will lead to few negative runs for the offense. In addition, Williams is a capable receiving threat out of the backfield with the hands and route-running skills to catch 50-plus passes in the Cardinals' scheme. Given Williams' ability to serve as an all-purpose threat, the Cardinals suddenly have a diverse offense that can attack opponents with the run or pass from a variety of formations and personnel packages.

3. The Cardinals defense is salty. After keying the team's 7-2 finish down the stretch last season, defensive coordinator Ray Horton has his unit playing at a high level in camp. The defense put on a dominating performance at practice, and the prospect of finishing as a top-10 defense is certainly within reach. As I looked at practice, I sensed the Cardinals were far more aggressive with their blitzes than last year. The defense constantly shifted fronts and coverage prior to the snap, and unleashed a series of five- and six-man pressures on the offense that resulted in a number of sacks. While some of the defensive success could be attributed to the offense still working out the kinks in pass protection, the majority of free rushers at the quarterback were the result of clever scheming and aggressive play design. Horton has clearly implemented more of his base 3-4 and nickel blitzes during camp, with more overload pressures coming from the weak side. This not only leads to more free hitters coming off edges, but it makes it difficult for opponents to direct their pass protection to the appropriate side in blitz pick up due to the frenetic movement prior to the snap. With the defense also taking on a more aggressive attitude and demeanor, the combination of creative scheming and ferocity could make the Cardinals defense a feared unit in 2012.

THE NEW GUYS

Michael Floyd. The Cardinals' biggest perceived offensive need was a complementary receiver to Larry Fitzgerald. Floyd certainly fills that void as a big, physical playmaker with outstanding hands and ball skills. He has been one of the standouts in camp, and Cardinals coaches are raving about his ability to contribute in the passing game. Although he has not earned the starting nod at this point, Floyd is a fixture on the outside in the Cardinals' four-receiver sets, giving opponents the unenviable task of matching up with two big receivers in spread formations. If he can continue to develop at a rapid pace throughout camp, there is no reason why Floyd couldn't tally 50-plus receptions as a rookie.

William Gay. One of the underrated signings by the Cardinals in the offseason was the acquisition of Gay. The sixth-year pro was an outstanding nickel corner for the Steelers, and gives the Cardinals a veteran cover man opposite Patrick Peterson. Gay's knowledge of the system will allow the Cardinals to implement more exotic coverage, while also adding some veteran leadership to the locker room.

OVERHEARD

"At the end of the day, you want to be the best ... You don't want to settle for second, settle for third. I want to try and be the best cornerback in the game."

-- Patrick Peterson on his ultimate goal of becoming the best cornerback in the NFL

EXTRA POINTS

1. It is not often that a team's best player is also the hardest worker, but that is certainly the case in Arizona with Larry Fitzgerald. He is an absolute maniac about his preparation, and it was apparent watching him work throughout practice. Fitzgerald took the field 45 minutes before his peers and went through a series of ball drills with an assistant to prepare him for the day. He continued to display his fanatical approach to preparation by running every route at game-like tempo at practice and finishing every reception with a sprint to the end zone to reinforce the importance of running hard after the catch. These subtleties not only prepare Fitzgerald for the urgency and tempo of game situations, but it sets a strong example for the young players on how to approach the game like a professional. With Fitzgerald willing to show leadership through his actions, it is not surprising to see the Cardinals' young receivers making significant strides in their development throughout training camp.

2. Patrick Peterson will develop into one of the league's premier defensive playmakers due to his obsession with making plays on the ball. He spends nearly every moment of practice trying to get his hands on the ball, and it is that mentality that leads to his spectacular plays. From his pre-practice route-running session with former high school quarterback-turned-safety Kerry Rhodes to the countless ball drills conducted in defensive drills, Peterson is fascinated with turning every "touch" into a touchdown and he works to put himself in a position to make plays. In team drills, the attention to playmaking resulted in a pick six on an errant Kolb pass that Peterson snatched out of the air after jumping a curl route in the right flat. Given Peterson's diligent approach to the ball and playmaking, I would expect to see him rank among the league's interception leaders at season's end.

3. Opponents could have a difficult time matching up with the Cardinals' four-receiver package in the fall. The package features Floyd and Fitzgerald on the outside, with Andre Roberts and Early Doucet aligned in the slots. What makes the grouping difficult to defend is the possibility of Fitzgerald being used on the move from his flanker position to create stack or bunch formations to run various crossing routes over the middle. With Roberts and Doucet adept at running vertical routes from their interior alignments, the possibility of utilizing brackets to double Fitzgerald is neutralized for fear of surrendering big plays down the field. Given the complications created by the Cardinals' four-receiver set, I would expect to see it featured prominently in the game plan when the regular season opens.

OUTLOOK

The Cardinals certainly have the look of a playoff team and are viable challengers for the NFC West crown. However, the play of the quarterback will ultimately decide their fate. With five preseason games -- starting with Sunday's Hall of Fame Game -- to determine whether Kolb or Skelton is the right man for the job, coach Ken Whisenhunt must decide if superior talent (Skelton) or savvy (Kolb) gives the Cardinals the best chance to maximize the potential of a budding sleeping giant.

 

[Faust]

Denver Broncos training camp: All eyes on Peyton Manning

By Jeff Darlington

Reporter, NFL.com and NFL Network

WHERE IS NFL.COM?

On one of the Denver Broncos' two practice fields, quarterback Peyton Manning stood under the center of his new offensive line with no defenders, no wide receivers and no running backs around him. He was in the middle of a tutorial: Manning Cadences 101. "Buffalo ... alert tight ... double, double, double ... apple, apple, apple," he hollered. For years, we've come to learn these calls at the line of scrimmage as trademark Peyton. But as we learn to accept No. 18 wearing new colors, we also must remember that everything must be re-taught to a new group, a new team. The second chapter is so clearly under way at Broncos training camp -- even if in so many ways he still looks like the same old Peyton Manning.

OBSERVATION DECK



1. Manning will run Manning's offense -- not the Broncos' offense. If we learned anything about the Broncos' coaching staff last year, it might have been their noble and successful ability to adapt to a player's skill set. Denver recognized last year that they'd be best suited adjusting to Tim Tebow's style, rather than forcing him into uncomfortable spots. So you'd better believe, with a quarterback as skilled and seasoned as Manning under center, they are more than willing to do the same for the future Hall of Famer. The Broncos' coaching staff has spent plenty of time this summer studying Manning's offense in Indianapolis, sources said, and they fully plan to use it as a blueprint for their own future in Denver. So make absolutely no mistake: As the Broncos install their offense in the coming month, it will be a partnership between Manning and the coaching staff. Prepare to see much of what you've come to expect from Manning over the years.

2. A revamped secondary should improve depth issues that plagued Denver in 2011. When the Broncos' fans get a glimpse of their team's secondary, they'll at least still recognize the most important player in the group: Cornerback Champ Bailey. But the perennial Pro Bowler will be anchoring a very different looking group, one that looks much improved with the addition of former New Orleans Saints cornerback Tracy Porter. Porter isn't the only new player, even if he's been the most impressive. Mike Adams and Florence Drayton will also assist in the Broncos' desire to be better prepared for the spread-out offenses that gashed them several times throughout last season. The Broncos saw vulnerability in the unit -- both because of talent and depth -- and they aggressively addressed it during the offseason. If all goes according to plan, the new group will get the opposing offense off the field far faster to allow Manning to do his work.

3. Through much of the first week of training camp, it looked like wide receiver Eric Decker would be the biggest benefactor of Manning's arrival. He quickly became a featured pass catcher, the type of reliable receiver Manning loves. Then, on Wednesday, Decker suffered a slight groin strain that limited him for Thursday's practice. The result? Manning might have realized he now has two very reliable targets. Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, best known for his overtime touchdown catch from Tim Tebow in the playoffs last season, looked tremendous in Decker's absence. He caught several balls over the middle with great moves after the catch -- and highlighted his day with a sweet deep catch for a touchdown. Thomas had been pretty inconsistent for the first part of camp, so this practice should instill some confidence in the pairing. It should also make Manning a little more comfortable knowing he does have a nice crop of weapons to help get him started in Denver.

THE NEW GUYS

Jacob Tamme. On paper, the Broncos' new tight end might not turn any heads. He's started only 14 games. He's had only one season with more than 20 catches. He has just five touchdowns during his career. So why is Tamme among the best signings of the offseason? Well, that's simple: Not only is he very familiar with Manning's ways, he also showed the type of promise in 2010 that makes many in the league believe he's only just getting started. During that career-best season, he caught 67 balls for 631 yards when he replaced an injured Dallas Clark. Now, he's providing a perfect comfort valve in the passing game for Manning. One source said Tamme has looked very solid in the start of camp, rivaling only Porter for the most notable new addition of the offseason. That's good news for a team that didn't have that type of weapon one year ago.

Brock Osweiler. At 6-foot-7, this massive rookie is hard to miss on the practice field. But he's making it even harder to not pay attention to him because of his play, too. Osweiler has quickly impressed the Broncos' coaching staff, and many have already vaulted him toward the top of the depth chart -- perhaps even ahead of Adam Weber and Caleb Hanie. That isn't necessarily going to be formally reflected at any point soon, but sources don't expect it to take long before the experience of Hanie and Weber is overridden by the apparent talent of Osweiler. Of course, with Manning serving as the team's starter, it's uncertain just how many repetitions Osweiler will get during practice to improve on a very promising start.

Jack Del Rio. No, he isn't a player. But this offseason addition might have been the only way Denver could replace former defensive coordinator Dennis Allen without taking a major step back in 2012. Allen did a very solid job putting together the Broncos defense last year, particularly given some depth issues, and he was rewarded for his success with a head coaching job for the Oakland Raiders. Now, the Broncos have replaced him with a very well-known name in league circles. Del Rio, the former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, is feeling rejuvenated in his new role as a coordinator. He's looking to add bulk to his front seven in order to become a tougher, more aggressive defense. And he'll also have a backfield that now has the type of tandem at cornerback that should lead to more big plays. Del Rio is set up to have a good year in this new role. It's just a wonder how long he'll be a coordinator before another team in need of a head coach comes calling.

OVERHEARD

"Demaryius (Thomas) is a guy who we're going to feature. His size and strength and speed allows you to do certain things with him that other players just can't do ... He's the biggest receiver I've played with since I've been in pro ball."

-- Peyton Manning on his big day with Demaryius Thomas on Thursday

OUTLOOK

It isn't rare to hear someone suggest that, because the Broncos were successful with a quarterback like Tebow in 2011, they're destined for a Super Bowl appearance now that Manning is under center. But it's just not that simple. What happened in Denver last season wasn't normal. It wasn't as if the Broncos just dominated in so many other aspects of the games that Tebow's shortcomings were overshadowed until the fourth quarter. The defense had its ups and downs, and Tebow didn't always get a ton of help. So what does that mean for 2012? Well, not much. Instead, the Broncos are destined for some very big things for other reasons. Like the addition of Porter in the secondary to work alongside Bailey. Like Del Rio's presence as a defensive coordinator. And, of course, they are destined for big things if Manning can stay healthy. So yes, it's very possible Denver will have what it takes to make a playoff run -- but very little of it will have anything to do with what went down in 2011.

 

[Faust]

to DawnBTVS for the updates that you have added to this thread!

Green Bay Packers training camp: Aaron Rodgers is on target

By Chad Reuter

Draft analyst

WHERE IS NFL.COM?

The Green Bay Packers list their training camp headquarters at local St. Norbert College, because that's where the players are housed, but thousands of fans each day know to fill the bleachers lining one side of Ray Nitschke Field (while "railbirds" line up against the chain-link fences) to see the team practice. The facility named after the team's Hall of Fame linebacker is adjacent to the Don Hutson Center, their indoor practice facility, which is located across the street from hallowed Lambeau Field.

OBSERVATION DECK

1. Aaron Rodgers and his receivers are what separate Green Bay from most other teams. The 2011 NFL MVP looks very sharp, hitting Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Donald Driver and Randall Cobb on the money on nearly every route. Rodgers trusts this crew completely on sideline and end zone throws because they consistently show the ability to get to their spot (like Cobb did on a nice corner route) and go up over defenders (as both Jennings and Nelson showed in practice, much to the delight of the fans) to make the tough catch. With tight end Jermichael Finley in the mix as well, there's no reason to think they'll be slowed down in 2012, although ...

2. There is some cause for concern in the team's offensive line depth. The team couldn't rely on left tackle Chad Clifton's knees to stay stable any longer, so they released him in April. Marshall Newhouse is no stranger to the position, as he played on the blind side at TCU and started 10 games there in 2011 for the Packers. During practice he had some mixed success against sack-master Clay Matthews, but he should be serviceable. The rest of the starting five is set with right tackle Bryan Bulaga and right guard Josh Sitton dominant at times, and left guard T.J. Lang and free-agent acquisition center Jeff Saturday capable of getting the job done. But if any one of those players go down, only guard/center Evan Dietrich-Smith has shown any real ability to capably fill in and it's unclear if Derek Sherrod will be healthy and effective enough to be part of a new lineup if an injury upsets the apple cart.

3. A "Vacancy" sign hangs above the cornerback spot across from Tramon Williams. Coaches have moved Charles Woodson into a safety/slot role, meaning that one of three cornerbacks must step up to claim the starting role in tandem with Williams (who looked healthy when fighting for 50/50 balls in practice) if the team has any shot to improve their 32nd-ranked defense. Thursday night, long-time corner/safety/special teamer Jarrett Bush ran with the first team and was generally solid. Second-year player Davon House is also getting work with the starting unit, using his length to harass receivers at the line and downfield. Sam Shields' sophomore slump has carried over a bit into this camp, as he's seen a lot of work with the third team -- though he still obviously has the athleticism to challenge for the starting job. All three guys struggled at times against the Packers' top receivers -- but then again, so do most secondaries throughout the league.

THE NEW GUYS

Jeff Saturday. The Packers brought in the long-time starter from the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Rodgers, knowing full well Saturday's no spring chicken and lacks great bulk. But he held his own against the huge, athletic B.J. Raji and the team's other talented interior players with the toughness and footwork he showed while keeping Peyton Manning upright for many years.

Jerel Worthy. The team's second-round pick joined fellow defensive tackle and "new old guy" Danny Muir (he played for the Packers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2007 and returned this spring after stints with the Colts and St. Louis Rams) in making the most noise on the field -- in a literal sense -- by constantly trying to get their teammates revved up. Worthy also mixed it up a bit after the whistle, finding himself in the middle of a quasi-scrum. But he made some splash plays when shooting his gap, just chomping at the bit to hit Rodgers after using his quickness to get into the backfield on one play in team work. As was said during the draft evaluation process, if Worthy can learn to consistently use his hands to free himself of blocks, he could be a dangerous lineman.

Nick Perry. Although Green Bay's first pick last April didn't make any flashy plays during Thursday's practice, it really had more to do with the strength of Bulaga than any lack of effort or quickness. He'll be fine when asked to play with leverage in the run game, packing a pretty good punch and owning the agility to contain. And when he and Clay Matthews are both coming off the edge in pass-rush mode, quarterbacks will be swallowed up or forced to step up into the arms of guys like Raji and Worthy in the middle. If his play in this practice was any indication, Perry should prove to be a good foil across from "CM3."

OVERHEARD

"Sometimes we overanalyze things. Most NFL teams would love to have the Packers' 'problems.' They're just a really good team."

-- Packers radio color commentator Larry McCarren, who played 12 seasons with the club (1973-1984) and is a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Donald Driver might be the most popular Packer of the last decade with the team's fans, even ahead of MVP quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. He gets big laughs and applause from the bleachers with most catches, and his infectious attitude and big smile will be missed whenever he hangs up his cleats -- but it won't be this year, as he still looks capable of making a big play or two a game over the middle when the team most needs it.

2. Third-year safety Morgan Burnett is truly becoming a leader on defense. The 16-game starter in 2011 is among the more physical players in practice, showing his teammates how to pop pads without going over the line. Look for him and Woodson to make some big plays whether deep or in the box this fall.

3. Rodgers' connections with his receivers and the quickness of Matthews are impressive, but Raji's simply one of the most amazing players in the NFL to watch because of the athleticism that his 337-pound (conservatively) frame houses. His hustle, power and tenacity are worth the price of admission to any game.

4. James Starks can be a powerful running back, and judging backs during practices is very difficult because of the lack of live tackling. But his pass protection ability was called out a bit by Rodgers after a recent practice and he double-caught and dropped a couple of passes Thursday night. The team's depth is undetermined as of yet, with Alex Green and Brandon Saine still looking to prove themselves ... and former starter Ryan Grant still looking for a job.

5. Packers backup quarterback Graham Harrell is not particularly awe-inspiring in practice, though he shows the ability to make quick decisions and generally deliver the ball on time and on target. But until he proves himself in the preseason, it's tough to see him matching Matt Flynn's success coming in for Rodgers before he got a free-agent deal to go to Seattle.

6. Casey Hayward is finding out that rookie cornerbacks have a big target on their chest during his first NFL training camp. He was turned around and left behind on double moves, and missed his punch badly while playing the slot one play in team work. But he didn't give up or show bad body language, and displayed the quick feet and instincts to stay with receivers as the practice wore on. His father, Casey, Sr., was up for the week to watch his son play, and he astutely pointed out that corners are always at a disadvantage since "the receivers know where they're going." Coaches think Hayward will soon know where receivers are headed before they make up their mind which route option they're going to take.

OUTLOOK

Despite the Packers' 15-1 regular-season record in 2011, the team still feels unfulfilled because of its home playoff loss to the New York Giants. They'll need any edge they can get to once again win the NFC North, as the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears are ready to make a run for the division title. Rodgers and his receiving corps should help the Packers once again make the playoffs -- but it's the Packers' improved pass rush and desire to finish the season strong that will make them Super Bowl contenders.

 

[Faust]

New Orleans Saints training camp: Drew Brees embraces turmoil

By Aditi Kinkhabwala

Reporter, NFL.com and NFL Network

WHERE IS NFL.COM?

In Metairie, La., at the New Orleans Saints' practice facility, where the team has newly refurbished meeting rooms, and where the air is sticky, thick and HOT.

OBSERVATION DECK

1. Drew Brees is not afraid of anything. The Saints quarterback is not cowed by the idea of not having his head coach all year. (Brees said he's "excited" to prove what the Saints can do.) He's not worried about who the head coach will be five weeks from now, when interim head coach Joe Vitt starts his six-game suspension. (Brees: "It's business as usual.") He won't even shy away from his own attention-grabbing declaration that "Nobody trusts him," with "him" being Commissioner Roger Goodell. (The reigning Offensive Player of the Year said that to Sports Illustrated's Peter King. Two days after those words were published, when I asked him if he'd elaborate, he wouldn't take them back. He firmly said he'd been honest and direct, he said his intent was never to be disrespectful and he strikingly said, "If there's any dialogue that needs to take place, I would talk to the commissioner directly.")

2. Jimmy Graham is going to have another monster year -- Brees is guaranteeing it. Sometimes the offense meets as a whole. Sometimes the various position groups meet alone. When it's the latter, the quarterbacks will watch film, the tight ends will watch the same film, and then a quarterback will come scurrying into the tight end room with a message, from Brees to Graham. On what Graham should have done. Every day. "Sometimes it's so bad that he has to get up and come in there himself," Graham said. The line got laughs, but the third-year tight end was entirely serious, especially when he said Brees "has been awesome in my development." And when he said Brees "is always trying to make me a better player." And, "to have your quarterback have that much confidence in you and to want and help you to get there is special." It's not just Brees, of course. A year after Graham had 99 catches, 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns, Vitt said he gave the former basketball player a long list of things to improve upon. No. 1 on the list, Graham said, is his yards after catch. Regardless, there won't be any backsliding this year.

3. New coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is definitely making this defense better. The obvious is his new scheme: more matchup zones, fewer man-to-man coverages; less of the constant blitzing, more unpredictable pressure. The not-so-obvious is how he takes himself from one position drill to the next, getting right up close and teaching individually. "It's good that he's hands-on like that," linebacker Scott Shanle said.

THE NEW GUYS

Johnny Patrick: The Saints' third-round draft pick in 2011, Patrick was hurt in the preseason last year and only played in nine games. But if all goes as safety Malcolm Jenkins predicts, Patrick should be like a new player this year. "The thing about Johnny is that he's a natural football player," Jenkins said. "He makes a lot of plays that are just pure ability. He's made a few plays this camp so far, and it's eye opening."

Curtis Lofton: Whether or not Jonathan Vilma wins his appeal on the yearlong "Bountygate" suspension, Lofton has already established himself as a force at middle linebacker. The former Falcon is just part of the upgrade at linebacker for the Saints; former Seahawk David Hawthorne is another big addition.

The Glaring Sean Payton: It's huge, it's hanging up high in New Orleans Saints' indoor facility and it's got that famously piercing -- and scary -- Payton glare. That's right: There's a blown-up picture of the suspended head coach and the words "DO YOUR JOB" looming over the Saints every day. And yes, the first time Shanle saw it, he told general manager Mickey Loomis, "I feel like I did something wrong." Shanle laughed about it Wednesday, saying, "It's got a great presence, that's for sure. Anybody who has played for the Saints has drawn that look from coach Payton."

OVERHEARD

"How are y'all going to cover the fade in the red zone?"

-- Tight end Jimmy Graham, butting into Jenkins' explanation of the Saints' new zone defense. Jenkins, without pausing for even a beat, responded, "All we're going to do is put a linebacker out on Jimmy Graham and just leave him there because he'll shut it down."

EXTRA POINTS

1. At the end of a two-and-a-half hour practice in the blazing heat, the Saints ran gassers (the awful sprints across the width of the football field). The 33-year-old Brees finished first in about five straight. "That means he's in shape," Vitt said dryly.

2. Brees said it's like Payton is in "solitary confinement," and maybe that's not so wrong. Think about this: Hawthorne has never even met Payton. After spending his first four NFL seasons in Seattle, the linebacker signed with the Saints two weeks after Payton was suspended.

3. Don't believe Brees, or any of his teammates, when they claim the Saints aren't using "Bountygate" punishments (and being without their coach) to bolster the chip on their collective shoulder. Oh yeah, is that ever a rallying cry.

4. New Orleans hotels need to get the NFL Network.

OUTLOOK

The Saints don't yet have an interim interim head coach for the first six games of the season, when Vitt is serving his suspension. But Shanle said it best: "As long as you have Drew Brees, it really doesn't matter who your interim head coach is. He's the interim head coach." And that's the crux of it.

Fine, the Saints don't have their coach. Fine, they don't have their defensive captain. They'll still be fine. The offense returns 10 of 11 starters, Brees is one of the best -- if not the best -- quarterbacks and leaders in the game, and there's something about the way he says it's time for the Saints to "take it to the next level" that makes it not just sound like lip service. (Remember, they were 13-3 a year ago.) The Atlanta Falcons will be good in the NFC South, and the Carolina Panthers should be improved, too, but the Saints are still, well, the Saints.

 

[Faust]

New York Giants training camp: Champs seek improvement

By Kimberly Jones

Reporter, NFL.com and NFL Network

WHERE IS NFL.COM?

For the 16th time, the New York Giants' training camp home is the University at Albany. The length of the partnership speaks to a strong relationship. A drawback: Albany doesn't have an indoor football practice facility. During Wednesday's thunderstorms, the team finished practice with a walk-through on a basketball court, which wasn't exactly to coach Tom Coughlin's liking.

OBSERVATION DECK

1. The book on Eli. Coming off the best statistical season of his career and his second Super Bowl MVP, Eli Manning believes he can improve. Better decision making, eliminating turnovers and improved accuracy top his list. General manager Jerry Reese said the willingness to publicly challenge himself is one reason "we love Eli."



2. Who's down with JPP? Scary: Jason Pierre-Paul believes he reached only 50 percent of his potential while recording 16½ sacks last year. Scarier: Giants personnel say he's correct. "You don't try to coach him too much," defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said, "because you don't want to screw him up."

3. Injury bug still bites. For the second consecutive year, Terrell Thomas has injured his right ACL; the Giants don't know the full extent of the injury. Prince Amukamara, whose 2011 rookie season started with a broken foot, is now expected to start. Amukamara said he takes it "as encouragement" that Reese says he needs to play like the first-round draft pick he is.

4. Victor Cruz is no diva. After a franchise record-setting season and countless salsas, Cruz continues to impress the Giants with his blue-collar approach. Practicing hard? "It's the only way he knows," Coughlin said.

5. Tweaks, from the top. Giants players express general amusement about the attention-getting New York Jets and had little to say in response to Jerry Jones' recent prediction that his Dallas Cowboys would kick the Giants, um, butt in Texas. Leave it to co-owner John Mara to deliver the goods. When reporters asked Wednesday about a Band-Aid on his forehead, Mara deadpanned, "You should see what Jerry Jones looks like." Mara also suggested he was so wrapped up in media coverage of Tim Tebow that he wasn't entirely sure what Jones had said.

THE NEW GUYS

David Wilson. "Explosive" is the most common word used to describe the rookie and first-round draft pick. He has great feet, is fast and should team with Ahmad Bradshaw to give the Giants more burst out of the backfield. (There's nowhere to go but up for the 32nd-ranked rushing attack.) In fact, a concern for the Giants about Wilson is that he'll have to perfect his timing and employ patience to allow his blockers to work for him.

Shaun Rogers. The Giants believe Rogers, signed in April, can still play. They'd gladly take 20 snaps per game.

Martellus Bennett. The former Cowboy already has had his ups (ballooning to 291 pounds in the offseason) and downs (a balky hamstring) as a Giant. But Coughlin has lauded his blocking and catching early in camp. If nothing else, Bennett's a great quote. Bennett has described himself as "a black unicorn," which somehow is supposed to illustrate that he's in the best shape of his life.

OVERHEARD

"It remains to be seen as to how good we can be. I think we can be strong, and we can be good again. But you have to do it. You can't talk about it, you have to go out there and do it. That's what's important to us."

-- Giants general manager Jerry Reese

EXTRA POINTS

1. As fierce as the Giants' defensive line has been, consider this: Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck have yet to play together at full strength. Saying he's healthy for the first time in six years, Umenyiora is back to practicing at 100 miles per hour; he tweeted post-practice Wednesday that he lost 11 pounds in the Albany heat and soup-like humidity.

2. In his third season, defensive tackle Linval Joseph has impressed coaches, who think he's in for a big year.

3. While Thomas is sidelined -- which will be a significant amount of time, if not the season -- safety Antrel Rolle shifts back to the nickel back role. He did so with hesitation in 2011. This time, he told coaches: I'll play wherever you need me.

4. As Hakeem Nicks (broken foot) projects to return mid-August, receiver Domenik Hixon is having an impressive camp. Hixon has torn his right ACL in each of the last two years but says he's 100 percent. Evidence: the running, leaping catch he made to end Thursday's practice. Said Coughlin: "He has no fear."

OUTLOOK

A Super Bowl repeat is not out of the question, but the Giants will tell you it takes luck just to get there. As usual, they'll depend on their ferocious, play-making pass rush to cover other defensive deficiencies, on Manning to lead a still-green receiving corps, and on being better than 32nd in the league at running the ball. The Giants are built to make the playoffs. After that? Even they wouldn't pretend to know.

 

[Faust]

Philadelphia Eagles training camp: Andy Reid runs brutal camp

By Daniel Jeremiah

Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network

WHERE IS NFL.COM?

The Eagles conduct training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. Every year, thousands of fans make the hour-and-a-half drive from Philadelphia to catch a first glimpse at their new squad. At last year's training camp, following the Eagles' high-profile free-agent binge, there was almost a rock star atmosphere out on the practice field. This year, the crowd was a bit more subdued, but there were still occasional outbursts from a few vocal folks in the stands.

OBSERVATION DECK

1. The Eagles conduct a VERY physical training camp. For those who suggest the Philadelphia Eagles are a finesse team, I suggest you pay a visit to their training camp. Head coach Andy Reid puts his team through grueling periods of "live" interaction between the offense and the defense. After suffering a smattering of injuries over the first few days of the week, there were only about six official full-contact plays during Thursday's practice. Still, plenty of hitting took place. The battle between Howard Mudd's offensive line and Jim Washburn's defensive line was intense throughout the day, featuring a brief brawl between offensive guard Danny Watkins and defensive tackle Cedric Thornton.

2. Michael Vick looks increasingly comfortable in Andy Reid's offense. Vick wasn't perfect by any stretch, but he is making very good decisions with the ball and seems to have a firm grasp of what Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg would like from him. He is going deeper into his progressions and doing a much better job of taking the easy completions, instead of forcing the ball into traffic.

3. Danny Watkins looks like a different player. Last season was a year of adjustments for the Eagles' 2011 first-round pick. After playing exclusively left tackle at Baylor, he was moved inside to right guard upon arrival in Philly. That is a tough transition to make for any offensive lineman -- it was made even tougher for Watkins because the lockout robbed him of an offseason. He improved throughout the 2011 season, but never got comfortable enough to dominate like he did in college. During Thursday's practice, he had several impressive drive blocks in the nine-on-seven run-game period and showed a consistent anchor when he was bull-rushed in the one-on-one pass-rush period. LeSean McCoy enjoyed a lot of success running on the perimeter last season, but Watkins is going to help create a lot of room for him to run on the inside in 2012.

4. The Eagles have built an extremely deep roster. Despite several injuries, there was plenty of athletic talent still on the practice field. Take the defensive line for example. All four projected starters (Jason Babin, Trent Cole, Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson) were held out of practice, but their replacements were far from "backup"-caliber players. They trotted out a front four consisting of No. 12 overall pick Fletcher Cox and 2010 first-rounder Brandon Graham on one side, and proven NFL defenders Derek Landri and Darryl Tapp on the other. The depth didn't end with those guys. There were several impressive plays made by defensive end Phillip Hunt and defensive tackles Cedric Thornton and Antonio Dixon. No need to rush the starters back into action when you have that kind of quality depth.

THE NEW GUYS

Cox: The first-rounder out of Mississippi State is not going to be a good NFL player -- that would be selling his ability short. He is going to be a dominant force at defensive tackle. Cox has rare first-step quickness and his hands are very explosive against both the run and pass. He is going to create a pick-your-poison situation for opposing offensive lines; if they slide help to either of the Eagles' talented defensive ends, Cox will be a very disruptive player on the inside.

DeMeco Ryans: The Eagles acquired Cox in a trade with the Houston Texans to provide a steady veteran presence in the middle of the defense. Ryans will fill that role nicely, but don't expect a lot of "wow" plays from Philly's new middle linebacker. He is very instinctive, but lacks the explosiveness and range of the elite players at his position.

Mychal Kendricks and Brandon Boykin: Both will contribute heavily during their rookie season. Kendricks clearly stands out from the rest of the linebacker group. He has very good instincts, can run sideline to sideline and is an explosive tackler. You can close your eyes and figure out when he's the one making contact with ball carriers -- it just sounds different. Boykin looked very comfortable when he worked in the slot. I would be surprised if he didn't take over the nickel role at some point during the 2012 season. He is also very much in the running to handle the return duties.

OVERHEARD

While talking to Eagles general manager Howie Roseman during practice, I mentioned how impressed I was with the teams' running back depth. He then brought up the point that McCoy is the oldest runner on the team. He's 24 years old.

EXTRA POINTS

1. DeSean Jackson looked very explosive and seems more focused this year.

2. Demetress Bell isn't as physical or powerful as Jason Peters, but he is very athletic and a more-than-capable starting left tackle.

3. The Eagles love to collect cornerbacks, as they proved yesterday by acquiring Kevin Thomas in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts.

OUTLOOK

Philadelphia will have a very tough road in the NFC East. The New York Giants are the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Dallas Cowboys believe they have solved their secondary issues and the Washington Redskins are ready to unleash Robert Griffin III. Despite all of that, the Eagles are my early pick to win the division. Their roster is loaded with playmakers on both sides of the ball and their defensive front is going to be tough for any NFL team to handle. As long as Vick can avoid missing a large portion of the season, this team is capable of making a very deep postseason run.

 

[Faust]

Postcard from camp: Bills

Ben Reiter

Where's SI.com?

On the bucolic campus of St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, N.Y., which Peter King earlier this week ranked as the league's third-best training camp site -- although it wasn't on Tuesday. That was because a fearsome lightning storm rolled in about an hour and 40 minutes into the afternoon's practice, sending fans scurrying for shuttle buses and the Bills into the school's gymnasium. They finished up their session underneath raised basketball hoops, on a hardwood floor on which yard-line numbers had been applied in white tape.

But even that couldn't dampen the optimism here, as the Bills seem genuinely poised to make the leap at which they'd hinted during last season's 5-2 start. On Tuesday, running back Fred Jackson passed out 100 T-shirts to staff and teammates (well, most teammates; 331-pound DT Marcell Dareus requested a size XXXXL, which was one X more than Jackson had) that was emblazoned with a Shepard Fairey-like image of head coach Chan Gailey and the slogan, "YES WE CHAN." There are, indeed, many reasons to believe that Buffalo's first playoff appearance since 1999 is within reach.



Three Observations

1. Even more impressive than the defensive line's star power is its depth. You know about the Bills' additions via free agency of Mario Williams, the former Texan signed to the richest deal ever for a defender (a potential $100 million, including $50 million in guaranteed money), and Mark Anderson, who parlayed his 10-sack rejuvenation as a Patriot last season into his own four-year, $27.5 million deal. Both ends have in practice demonstrated the type of disruptive edge speed that the team has long lacked.

Even more significant is the depth that the line now boasts, which seems to rival even that of the Giants. Dareus and Kyle Williams will ably clog the middle in the Bills' new 4-3 scheme, which will be orchestrated by new defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt. But backing up and spelling the starters will be experienced and talented veterans like Dwan Edwards, Chris Kelsay and Shawne Merriman -- who seems again healthy after having played in just eight games the past two seasons.

"I think probably one of the best things in the world for Shawne will be not to have to play every snap of every game," says Gailey. "Let him recover slowly from the injuries he's had, get out there, do what he does best -- rush the passer -- but not have to play 60 plays a game."

Buffalo produced just 29 sacks last season -- 10 in a single game, against the Redskins -- and a newly teeming line should lift its defense into the league's upper echelon.

2. There is no QB controversy here. Ryan Fitzpatrick's two main backups, Tyler Thigpen and Vince Young, have made 62 NFL starts between them. However, unlike in Jets camp, some 60 miles southwest of here, there is absolutely no talk that the starter's job is in jeopardy -- even though Fitzpatrick last season ranked 22nd in quarterback rating (79.1) and Mark Sanchez 23rd (78.2). "Is Fitz secure? There's no question," says Gailey. "He is our quarterback, and will be. I don't see any change there in the foreseeable future."

For one, neither Thigpen nor Young has impressed in practice. More than that, though, is that Fitzpatrick has established himself as the team's unquestioned leader, and has worked with new quarterbacks coach David Lee to make sure he plays more like he did during the team's 5-2 start (when he threw 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions) than their 1-8 finish (when that differential flipped to 10:16).

"My footwork was all over the place," Fitzpatrick says. "I was not an accurate passer the second half of the year." Fitzpatrick and Lee have refined his mechanics, particularly as far as his footwork and hip rotation, and those changes will nicely complement his intelligence and drive for a full 16 games, at a minimum.

3. The Bills now have their Darrelle Revis. He is Stephon Gilmore, the rookie cornerback picked 10th overall out of South Carolina, and he has so far had the type of camp that leads teammates from both side of the ball -- Fitzpatrick, center Eric Wood, safety George Wilson -- to bring up his name, unprompted, as an obvious standout.

Of course, no one on the team is much inclined to give the clips-devouring Jets much bulletin board material, but the feeling is that the 6-foot-1, 190-pound Gilmore has the ability to immediately become the shutdown corner that Revis is for their rivals, and to further enhance the Bills' defensive renaissance. "Everything I see in Revis, I see in Gilmore," says wideout Stevie Johnson. "Of course, Revis does a few things better, and I think Gilmore has a few things that may be better than Revis. I can't say too much like that, because I don't want to put too much out there. But he's definitely going to be a shutdown corner. You definitely can tell."

Step On Up

Stevie Johnson, receiver. Johnson last year became the first Bills receiver to achieve consecutive 1,000-yard seasons -- something even the great Andre Reed never did. "I couldn't believe it -- I had to check the stats for myself," says Johnson. "I didn't know he had never done it until at least Week 11."

Now, Johnson, 26, has a contract befitting a premier receiver -- for five years and $36.25 million ($19.5 million of which is guaranteed) -- and he knows he has room to improve so that he really becomes one. For example, he averaged just 4.5 yards after the catch last year, 40th among wideouts and a drop from his breakout 2010, when he ranked 22nd. "Whatever I can get out of it, I'm going to try to get it," he says. The Bills will need a lot out of Johnson, because while their receiving corps contains some promise -- such as in speedy rookie T.J. Graham -- it is on the whole thinner than other areas of the team.

New Face, New Place

Mario Williams, DE. Who else? While the 6-6, 292-pound Williams was presented with 100 million reasons to make Buffalo the only city he visited in his free-agent tour, he insists he wasn't fully sold on becoming a Bill until he toured the city, and realized it was a place that felt like home -- like Richlands, N.C., where he grew up.

The signing of Williams was a landmark in the franchise's history, and might have a long tail, as subsequent free agents who have traditionally not even considered the possibility of Buffalo might now follow his lead. His biggest impact, though, will be immediate, and on the field, as a team that had no player record more than 5.5 sacks in 2011 all of a sudden has one who had 5.0 in the five games in which he played last year, before he suffered a torn pectoral muscle.

Looking At The Schedule

The Bills have been blessed with the league's third-easiest schedule, and while their talent should ensure that they will not again suffer a late-season slide like last year's, so does their slate. Between Weeks 11 and Week 16, they play the Dolphins, Colts, Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks, and then the Dolphins again -- six eminently winnable games, four of which are at home in what should by then be a very chilly Buffalo. If they can enter that stretch at even 4-5 -- and their first nine games include visits to the Jets, 49ers and Texans, and both matchups with the Patriots -- they will be in prime position to finish at least 10-6. While that record likely will not win the AFC East, it should be good enough for a Wild Card. At the very least, the Bills will finally be relevant once more.

 

[Faust]

Postcard from camp: Dolphins

Peter King

Where's SI.com?

At the Dolphins' training complex in Davie, Fla., on a perfectly normal dog-day-of-training-camp day: 93 degrees, oppressively humid and no breeze. I watched the Dolphins work for 2½ hours, their fifth practice of camp. The first 35 minutes or so was loosening up and walking through some plays in the club's practice bubble, the rest on the Dolphins' well-manicured fields.

Three Observations

1. Holy cow: This team practices fast. I like coaches who think and then do things that make sense, even if they sound nutty. Joe Philbin did some thinking and came up with a plan. He knew there would be two major issues he'd face in training camp: how not to fry his team to death in the south Florida heat and humidity, and how to get all three quarterbacks enough work, so he'd be able to have enough evidence when it came time to pick a starter. Though the CBA allows him to practice once a day in pads for three hours, he decided (in most cases) to not exceed 2½ hours. And to get his quarterbacks enough work, he decided to have stereo 11-on-11 scrimmage sessions in the padded practices, one quarterback taking a snap and running a play, followed in seconds by the other quarterback taking a snap and running a play in the opposite direction. Brilliant. And it makes for a practice that seems to set land-speed records. I've never seen anything quite like it.

2. For one day anyway, David Garrard sure looks like the starting quarterback. Upstairs in the press area watching practice, traveling partner Neil Hornsby made a list of the top quarterback performances we'd seen on our (so far) eight-camp trip. Drew Brees and Philip Rivers were at the top of his list; I agreed. After that, he had Carson Palmer, and then Peyton Manning. But the more I thought of it, the more I thought Garrard should be no lower than four -- ahead of Manning. He was terrific consistently through practice, hitting a bomb to promising free agent Roberto Wallace down the right side, throwing well on the run across his body, and, in general, looking extremely comfortable in a West Coast offense, which is new for him. "This guy's got something to him,'' said Philbin. "I like what I've seen." I'm told he's looked the best overall in Miami's camp work.

3. Cameron Wake, one of the game's best pass rushers, is adjusting to going back to his CFL position -- defensive end -- in the Dolphins' new 4-3. Everyone of influence in camp, including Wake, tells me it's no big deal, switching schemes and moving closer to contact on each snap in the 4-3. But Wake put on 10 pounds of muscle this offseason to cope with the rougher physical toll defensive end will take; will that affect his outside closing speed on quarterbacks, so valuable in his 22.5 sacks over the past two years? "I don't think it's going to be a negative for me at all,'' Wake told me. "I'm getting as much practice going up against Jake Long so I can be ready for the best tackles. Like, when we're in drills, and it's someone else's turn, and Jake's up, I say, 'Excuse me,' and I take that rep.''

Step On Up

Charles Clay, fullback/tight end. There's a huge opportunity for a big blocker who can catch in the Philbin offense, but if Clay has many more days like he had Wednesday, he'll be blowing his chance to get significant playing time as the starting fullback. He dropped a sure touchdown pass in the end zone from Matt Moore in one 11-on-11 drill, and followed that with a drop in the open field from David Garrard. He must have been feeling awful about it, because when he went to the sideline after the second one, he dropped and did a long set of pushups, as apparent penance. Better days are ahead, Clay must hope. Or there won't be many more days as a Dolphin.

New Face, New Place

Chad Johnson, wide receiver. Johnson, playing for his career after a miserable season in New England in 2011, has always been as good an act as he is a football player. He showed that again Wednesday with the press, showing off black fingernails (from his friendship with Gene Simmons of KISS), saying he was going to take his receiver-mates to a strip club on a night off, and volunteering that if he didn't make the Dolphins, he was thinking of going into porn. He said one serious thing that's a fact: "I approach this camp as one having to earn a spot, one having to prove himself again, which I shouldn't have to do, but after last year, I was horrible. I mean 15 catches, come on. I'm working like a rookie again, I'm flying around like a young dude, being detailed, being consistent, working on my one weakness which has always been blocking." There's a starting spot to be won while Brian Hartline rehabs a lower-leg injury, and GM Jeff Ireland and the coaching staff seem inclined to give Johnson every chance to win it. "He's out at practice 15 minutes early every day, strapped up and ready to go,'' said Philbin. "He wants it.'' It's there for the taking.

On The Menu

Didn't have a chance to eat with the Dolphins, but the SI-EvoShield road trip, which began with this camp stop, meandered to Flanigan's Seafood Bar and Grill for a tasty blackened tilapia sandwich on a bun (B-plus) and cole slaw (C-minus, way too runny), along with a Diet Coke with lemon. Quite a nice lunch/dinner, or linner, before the SI.com group made the 3½-hour drive across the state to Tampa for our next stop.

Looking At The Schedule

The good news: Miami doesn't play big, bad New England until December. The bad news: By then, it might not matter. The Dolphins don't have an impossible pre-Thanksgiving schedule, but the strong defenses of Houston, Oakland, Arizona and the Jets will test Miami's under-construction offense five times in the first seven games. The Dolphins had better rally behind Garrard or whoever wins the starting quarterback job and become competent early, or this could be a long year.

It cracks me up that Peter King still includes a section on what he eats in these training camp tours!

 

[King of the Jungle]

I look forward to this thread everyday - a big thank to everyone who contributes.

 

[maxwelledison]

I look forward to this thread everyday - a big thank to everyone who contributes.

Me too. I appreciate everone's efforts but i have to say - Faust, you are doing tremendous work.

 

[DawnBTVS]

New York Jets: Day 9

By Rich Cimini

Of the eight draft picks, the one that has played the best over the last two days is -- are you ready for this? -- S Antonio Allen. He has made plays in coverage, supposedly his weakness. On Friday, he knifed into the backfield and tackled Bilal Powell for a loss. The Jets were stunned that Allen, a productive player at South Carolina, dropped to the seventh round. Teams stayed away because he was a "box" safety in college, almost like a linebacker, and they assumed he's struggle at the pro level. No struggling so far.

 

[DawnBTVS]

Don't think accuracy numbers mean a whole lot but for those following the Tennessee Titans QB battle...

Jim Wyatt ‏@jwyattsports

Today's QB numbers: Hasselbeck 13 of 15; Locker 16 of 20 with an INT. All in team drills #Titans

 

[Faust]

I look forward to this thread everyday - a big thank to everyone who contributes.

Me too. I appreciate everone's efforts but i have to say - Faust, you are doing tremendous work.

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Oakland Raiders

By Bill Williamson | ESPN.com

NAPA, Calif. -- One of the biggest curiosities in the NFL this summer is what is occurring in Wine Country. Graced with the prettiest training camp setting in the league, the Oakland Raiders are changing in front of our very eyes.

On the same practice field where the late Al Davis used to famously stalk practice from a nearby golf cart, the Raiders are a drastically different franchise as they enter their first full season since Davis died last October at the age of 82.

The team is now run by first-time general manager Reggie McKenzie, a respected former Green Bay executive and former Raiders linebacker. He was handpicked by several of Davis’ closest confidantes. McKenzie chose Dennis Allen, who at 39 is the NFL’s youngest coach, to take over the team.

For a franchise that was closely ruled by Davis until his death, the Raiders are hoping a dose of NFL modern structure will pay dividends. Even though it has been 8-8 in the past two seasons, Oakland hasn’t had a winning record in 10 years and it is tied for the second-longest playoff drought in the league.

Perhaps McKenzie and Allen are the winning combination for Oakland.

“I think everybody is interested to see what happens,” said Oakland safety Michael Huff, who has been with the Raiders since 2006. “I’ve only known one way. To have this new structure is new to me.”

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Keep McFadden healthy: The Raiders’ best player is running back Darren McFadden. He has to stay healthy, but that hasn’t been easy for the fifth-year player. He has missed at last three games in each of his four NFL seasons. He missed the final nine games of last season with a serious foot injury. If McFadden can stay healthy, the Oakland offense will be dangerous and it will help quarterback Carson Palmer make a difference in his first full season in Oakland. If McFadden can’t stay healthy, the Raiders could be in trouble. They are not deep behind him and lose a major dimension with McFadden sidelined. McFadden has looked good so far, but the key is that he looks healthy.

2. Improve on defense: Allen is the first defensive-minded head coach of the Raiders since John Madden, who was hired in 1969. There is a reason McKenzie went with a defensive coach: the Raiders need the most help on that side of the ball. Oakland has been sloppy and has allowed too many big plays on defense. Allen helped change the defensive culture in Denver last year during his one season as the defensive coordinator there. His quest to improve Oakland’s defense begins now.

3. Cut down on penalties: The Raiders set NFL records for penalties and penalty yardage last season. It has long been a problem in Oakland. Now, it is up to Allen to get it figured out. Playing disciplined, correct ball is a focus of every camp. It has to be drilled into this team on a daily basis. To his credit, former coach Hue Jackson tried to fix penalties on a weekly basis last year and it didn’t work. It's now one of Allen’s greatest challenges. Allen stresses the importance of discipline every day and he will need to change this self-destructive trend.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

This roster has a lot of talent on it. The Raiders were on the edge of the playoffs last year, and there are lot players who think they are capable of taking the next step. Palmer has talked playoffs, and McKenzie says he thinks his team is headed in that direction.

The offense has the capability to score a lot of points, and the defense is loaded up front. It’s not like this team is going to be horribly overmatched on a weekly basis. You can watch training camp and you see good players on the field.

REASON FOR PESSIMISM

This team is pretty thin at a lot of places because of the loss of several players through free agency, salary dumps and small draft classes the past two years. Again, there is talent assembled in this camp, but there are holes on this team. Positions such as running back, tight end, offensive line, linebacker and the secondary cannot afford too many injuries.

This camp is about keeping the top players healthy and hoping it all comes together. If injuries occur, Oakland will have to get creative to stay competitive.

OBSERVATION DECK

[*]The offense looks crisp. The pace of practice has been fast as the team adjusts to playing in the West Coast offense under coordinator Greg Knapp. The unit does not look behind.

[*]Palmer throws a pretty deep ball. With the Raiders’ speed at receiver, they should parlay that combination into a lot of fast scores this season.

[*]There is a lot of talent at receiver. I can see this team using five receivers in a game. There will be a lot of options.

[*]Defensive lineman Tommy Kelly looks to be in good shape. He is one of the more underrated defensive linemen in the league.

[*]Defensive linemen Matt Shaughnessy is looking good after missing much of last season with a shoulder injury. He is known as a stronger pass-rusher, but he can also stop the run. He is aiming for a big year.

[*]I don’t anticipate a big adjustment period for second-year player Stefen Wisniewski as he moves from guard to center. He has played center before and he originally projected as an NFL center. He is a smart player who seems comfortable at the position.

[*]Don’t expect too much from quarterback Terrelle Pryor right away. He is a work in progress and he will be up and down in camp. I think Matt Leinart has a pretty strong hold on the No. 2 job as of now.

[*]Second-year cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke has a chance to make a push for a starting job. He opened camp as a starter with Ronald Bartell out with a hamstring injury. I could see Van Dyke pushing Bartell or Shawntae Spencer at some point.

[*]The team is impressed with rookie linebackers Miles Burris and Nathan Stupar. Both players are instinctive and professional. I wouldn’t be surprised if Burris earns major playing time.

[*]The team is high on third-round guard Tony Bergstrom. The game doesn’t look too big for him, and he is a mature player.

[*]New defensive coordinator Jason Tarver has a lot of energy. Watching him operate with his lively personality and blond hair invokes memories of a young Jon Gruden wearing the Silver and Black. Like Gruden, the intelligent Tarver is a young coach to watch.

[*]I think we will see tight ends Brandon Myers, David Ausberry and Richard Gordon all get ample playing time in the preseason. I think that can continue into the regular season if each player carves their own niche.

[*]Safety Mike Mitchell is the early leader in the clubhouse to replace Rock Cartwright, now in San Francisco, as the punt protector.

[*]Receivers Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford will get most of the camp looks at punt returner for now.

[*]Undrafted rookie receiver Rod Streater has taken off where he left off in the OTAs. He has been an early camp star.

[*]I could see a scenario in which the Raiders keep fullback Owen Schmitt in addition to Marcel Reece. The tough Schmitt and the versatile Reece offer different things to the offense.

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Green Bay Packers

By Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- As he always does, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has closely followed media coverage of NFL training camps this summer. Rodgers has seen multiple national networks covering every minute of Denver Broncos camp, where the arrival of Peyton Manning has drawn rock-star attention. He has seen the frenzy in New York, home of the Super Bowl champions and the most famous backup quarterback in the league.

In Green Bay, on the other hand, the Packers have trained in their quiet biosphere at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. Remember, over the past 19 months this team has captured a Super Bowl championship and won 21 of 23 games, including playoffs. The oversight has left Rodgers glowing with genuine glee, knowing he and the Packers have their competitors right where they want them.

"I think we're in a good position," Rodgers said. "A lot people are talking about other teams, which is always helpful to us. Nobody is going to forget about the Packers, but there are plenty of things to distract national attention away from us. And for whatever reason, we usually play a little bit better when that's the case.

"You've got what's going on with both teams in New York, Super Bowl stuff and that other stuff going on. You've got Peyton in Denver, and the Eagles with their talent and Dallas making a comeback this year. So I think that helps us out … that we're sort of flying under the radar."

As much as any athlete I've covered, Rodgers has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to manufacture a perceived slight into motivation. As a team leader, and now the second-longest tenured player on the Packers' roster, he sets the tone for a team that is primed for another Super Bowl run -- regardless of national attention. And it's clear that Rodgers has already begun the process of placing chips on as many shoulders as he can in the locker room.

Roughly 10 days into training camp, the Packers are the best team no one is talking about. Which suits them just fine.

"The Packers Way has been passed down for years," Rodgers said. "Just kind of keeping your mouth shut and playing."

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Added juice: The first week of training camp was notable for its elevated energy, both from an audio and a competitive standpoint. An influx of loud and excitable defensive players, from veterans Anthony Hargrove and Daniel Muir to rookie Jerel Worthy, brought a new dynamic and is a big part of why Rodgers said the Packers will have a better team in 2012.

As he spoke with two reporters in the locker room this week, Rodgers raised his voice multiple times to be heard above the din of his exuberant teammates. And during practice, there was a clear increase in verbal jockeying between the offense and defense, at least compared to what I've seen in recent Packers camps.

Higher energy doesn't necessarily equal a better chance to win, but the consensus around the team was that the locker room mix needed a shift from the professorial mentality it fell into last year.

"This group," coach Mike McCarthy said, "has more personality with what they bring to the locker room. You have some guys now with a lot of personality and juice, and obviously we've added talent on the defensive side of the ball. There's a lot more juice out there, and it's not just the rookies."



2. Running game: McCarthy spoke this offseason about reevaluating the Packers' running game, but nothing has happened so far to suggest the team will re-balance its offense. If there are any changes, the Packers will be looking for ways to yield more explosive runs of 12-plus yards.

Last season, the Packers had 24 runs that went for 12 or more yards, tied for No. 24 in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information. A few more would help slow opposing pass rushes and further open the Packers' already-lethal play-action game.

"Run more?" Rodgers said. "I don't see it happening drastically at all. It's not our identity. But running more effectively and picking the five or six or seven runs that we really like and are our best opportunity for those 12-yard gains? That's what we're going to try to do."

James Starks will get an opportunity to be the Packers' primary back. But second-year player Alex Green appears recovered from a torn ACL suffered last season and has worked in rotation with Starks and Brandon Saine during camp.



3. Return of (the real) Tramon Williams: After giving up more passing yards than any team in NFL history last season, the Packers have added some new pass-rushers to their defensive line and linebacker group. They shifted Charles Woodson to safety in their base defense and lauded the progress of third-year safety Morgan Burnett. But just as important in the presumed improvement of their pass defense has been the recovery of cornerback Tramon Williams, who demonstrated complete confidence in a now-healed shoulder that limited his 2011 effectiveness.

"It's actually really doing fine," Williams said. "I'm doing exactly what I want to do out there. Jamming. No pain. No anything. Just ready to play. … I had never been injured in any way in my career. But it's an obstacle that stood in front of me last year and I knew I needed to get through it. I was able to go out there and go to battle with my teammates and I think they respect me for it today.

"But for this last year, it was what it was. Obviously it wasn't 100 percent. I've worked hard this offseason to get back as far as I can to that. I'm ready to go. Hopefully it turns out well."

Woodson will move to the slot cornerback role in the Packers' nickel and dime defense, meaning that Williams is in essence the Packers' top cover man. Remember, Williams was a Pro Bowl player in 2010. The early portion of camp this summer suggested that he is physically ready to take on that role.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

The Packers return what should be an elite offense led by the reigning MVP. They have solid special teams and worked aggressively this offseason to overhaul their one significant weakness in 2011.

Eight new players -- five rookies and three veteran free-agent acquisitions -- are in the mix to play significant roles in the pass defense. Another pair of players who were rookies last season, cornerback Davon House and safety M.D. Jennings, are currently working with the first team.

Sometimes there can be safety in numbers. Not every draft pick and free-agent signing will work out. But an optimist would say the Packers took enough swings to ensure they make contact at least a few times this season. Or something like that.

REASON FOR PESIMISSM

Here's the downside of relying on so many young players to improve a sore spot: They're young players. There's no telling what direction they'll go in, or how long it will take them to get to a point where they can contribute consistently.

It sounds great to draft a pair of athletic pass-rushers like Worthy and linebacker Nick Perry. But when will it kick in for them? Is it even fair to expect immediate results? Remember, Clay Matthews had three sacks midway through his rookie season before finishing with 10.

Can the Packers count on second-year player Davon House to start at cornerback? Or will they have to turn to rookie Casey Hayward? And is it reasonable to assume that second-year player M.D. Jennings will have a seamless transition at safety? Or will the Packers have to turn rookie Jerron McMillian?

Sometimes people equate new with better. There is no reason to suspect any particular trouble with the Packers' defensive changes, but the premise itself merits further scrutiny.

"That's the exciting thing when you've got young guys," defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. "They're bright-eyed and they've got a lot of energy. They're getting better, but still too much inconsistency. After every practice you see some improvement, but fortunately we don't have to play a game right now."



OBSERVATION DECK

[*]As good as the Packers' offense was last season, coaches have found plenty of ways to push for improvement. According to Rodgers, coaches have presented statistical comparisons between the Packers' offense last season and the previous four Super Bowl teams in third-down percentage, red zone touchdowns and goal line performance, among other categories. "They're challenging us to do maybe one more third down per game to get us to [that] level," Rodgers said, "and one more conversion on the season in goal-to-go to get us in this ranking. If you look at it like that, we can definitely improve. But if you look at it as a whole, it's going to be tough to put up those kind of numbers."

[*]The Packers have significantly increased the time they spend working on tackling drills and fundamentals during camp, the result of poor tackling in their playoff loss to the New York Giants and other games last season. "We're emphasizing it as much as we possibly can," McCarthy said. "It's on every slide we show in meetings and talked about in every correction period. It's talked about continuously throughout team and in coordinator meetings. To me, that's coaching. If you want to have it on Sunday, it's got to show up every day in your training structure."

[*]For the first time in the McCarthy era, the Packers entered training camp with five set starters along the offensive line. There are no rotations under way and no competitions to judge. Center Jeff Saturday is new to the organization, but he is getting every practice repetition with the first team. Said offensive line coach James Campen: "Just from a familiarity standpoint, the communication, passing off stunts, getting a feel for the guys next to you, obviously that's more advantageous. The more reps that you get with the same guy side by side, it's is very helpful."

[*]Usually it's good news when you don't notice the left tackle during training camp practices, and there wasn't much to note about Marshall Newhouse until Wednesday morning. Matthews smoked him twice during a team blitz drill, but otherwise Newhouse has continued to earn praise from the coaches grading his work. "Marshall has had a very good camp so far," Campen said. "[Wednesday,] Clay got the best of him a couple times. They each get the best of each other a little bit. This was practice No. 6. It was a little rough for him. Clay brought some new stuff to him, and it's a great opportunity for him to go against somebody like that."

[*]Wide receiver Donald Driver reported to training camp in his usual fantastic shape and made quick work of several young cornerbacks in red zone drills. There is every reason to believe Driver will make the Packers' final 53-man roster, once again making the Packers' receiver rotation a complicated proposition. If everyone is healthy, there are going to be some talented players standing on the sidelines.

[*]On a couple of occasions last season, the Packers found a way to get receiver Randall Cobb on the field as a quasi-running back in the backfield. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they seek additional opportunities to do that in 2012. It's a great way to get a versatile player on the field.

[*]A final note on receivers: There was a lot of offseason discussion about the fate of youngsters Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel if the Packers decided to keep Driver on the roster. Gurley and Borel are nice players, but let's just say Lambeau Field would still stand if they are waived and another team claims them. It'll fall somewhat short of losing Babe Ruth to the Yankees.

[*]The Packers have three players suspended for the start of the regular season: Hargrove (eight games) and defensive lineman Mike Neal (four), along with linebacker Erik Walden (one). Only Walden was involved in an off-the-field incident, however, and Rodgers said the Packers "don't put up" with off-field distractions. "We've got good leadership," he said. "Guys hold each other accountable. It starts with the guys up top, the guys we bring in. We bring in a lot of high-character guys who fall in and understand what it means to put on the colors and the tradition here. It's not to say that stuff doesn't happen, because it does happen. We had some instances last year. But for the most part I think it's the kind of guys that [the Packers] bring in."

[*]Tight end D.J. Williams, for the second consecutive year, put together a nice start to training camp and could be in line to be the Packers' top backup behind Jermichael Finley.

 

[Faust]

Vincent Brown impressing Chargers

By Bill Williamson | ESPN.com

SAN DIEGO -- Much has been made about the subtractions from and additions to the San Diego Chargers' receiving corps this offseason.

Amid of all the change is the development of an intriguing Southern California kid who could have a major role in the offense this season. San Diego State product Vincent Brown came on strong in the second half of 2011, his rookie season. Showing his versatility and polish, Brown finished with 19 catches for 329 yards, a fancy 17.3 per-catch average.

All but two of Brown’s catches were for first downs.

The way Brown has performed so far in training camp and the way he has been used suggest he could be in for a big increase in production in his second season. As the Chargers move away from the Vincent Jackson days (he signed a monster deal with Tampa Bay), Brown will be part of an ensemble cast that includes incumbent starter Malcom Floyd and free-agent pickups Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal.

What makes Brown valuable in this group is that he can play every receiver position. With a team that runs multiple-receiver sets, this will come in handy.

“He is so smooth,” San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers said of Brown. “He had a great offseason. … He’s going to be a big part of the offense.”

 

[soothsayer]

I look forward to this thread everyday - a big thank to everyone who contributes.

 

[Faust]

Five questions from Browns camp

By Pat Kirwan | NFL Insider

During my one-day visit to the Cleveland Browns they had an ownership change, rumors that the club president was finished, a supplemental draft pick from a month ago lined up with the first-team offense and a 28-year-old rookie quarterback separated himself from the other QBs with what he called "my best day so far." In my 23 years in and around the NFL, I can't remember more things happening in one day to one team.

The outside world has little to no expectations for the 2012 Browns. Don't tell that to the thousands of fans that lined the field for the 2½-hour practice and a coaching staff that sees a much better team on the practice field than the 2011 team which finished 4-12.

There are many things to be resolved during this camp from top to bottom but as I leave Berea, Ohio, here are some of the things that I wondered about as this team is being constructed for the season.

1. Who is the leader of the offense?

The defense has leaders in D'Qwell Jackson and Joe Haden and that helped them become the 10th-ranked unit in the NFL. Joe Thomas definitely has a commanding presence over the offensive linemen but the overall leader is up for grabs. Ironically, it sure looks to me like rookie QB Brandon Weeden has all the traits of a team leader and the respect of his teammates. He sees himself as a veteran because of his age and his pro baseball career. He actually referred to himself as "one of the veteran athletes" on the team when we sat down to talk some Xs and Os. Browns fans are hoping for their own version of Andy Dalton and I believe they have found him in Weeden. It's not just his maturity and personality but more importantly he can play the game and his teammates already can see it. Time will tell when the games are being played but right now I wouldn't bet against Weeden being the face of the team from the beginning of the season.

2. What should the Browns do about Scott Fujita?

Fujita is an important part of this team as a starting linebacker and maybe even more critical in the nickel defense. He is probably gone for the first three games with a suspension for the Saints' bounty situation and the Browns have to alter their practice plans right now. Pat Shurmur can't wait for an appeal to overturn the suspension. The Browns have to operate like Fujita will not be available and get other linebackers ready to go. I talked with Shurmur and Fujita about the situation and both men recognized there is a plan in place, though it's tough for Fujita to watch from the sidelines on many occasions. Scott has missed 18 games over his three seasons in Cleveland due to injury so the coaches have had to work around his absence before. Is there enough talent on the roster to overcome the suspension? Chris Gocong now stays on the field in the nickel package and Kaluka Maiava gets time in the base defense. Keep an eye on how the Browns do in preseason games at the strong-side linebacker spot and hope rookies James-Michael Johnson and Emmanuel Acho emerge as solid contributors. Last year the Browns were 30th against the run and opponents will continue to pound the ground attack if things don't get better, with or without Fujita.



3. Can the offense be effective with five potential rookie starters?

When I was in the league the thought about rookie starters was each one was good for a loss. The lack of experience, stamina and knowledge of the pro game always seemed to add up to a bad outcome. After watching practice, it's entirely possible Cleveland could start five rookies on offense -- Weeden, running back Trent Richardson, right tackle Mitchell Schwartz and wide receivers Josh Gordon and Travis Benjamin. There is no surprise about the first three and I actually believe all of them will do well. The two receivers have a big challenge ahead of them this preseason but there's little doubt the coaches see the potential to be starters during their first season. Gordon is working with the first offense at the X receiver. He is big and a fluid athlete. He already flashes great potential on the slant routes and the slant and go (slugo) route. He can break tackles, catch in a crowd and Weeden loves the big target he presents. Keep an eye on his ability to beat press coverage, which he is being challenged with in practice, and more importantly his stamina. Gordon recognized the need to get his legs under him and be able to play at a high level play after play. Benjamin is working at the Z receiver and even though he is small he has a vertical component to his game that the Browns need on the field. He needs work with press coverage issues and Haden is working hard to get him ready by making life tough on him play after play.

4. Will the ownership change affect the team?

It was clear to me that not many of the players even knew outgoing owner Randy Lerner. While all the talk of the day around the building was about new owner Jimmy Haslam III, the players didn't seem fazed at all by the changes at the top. As Jackson said, "I'm tired of losing and my only focus is making this team better. Nothing else really matters." Haden echoed the same thing. Players tend to live in a vacuum and care more about what their position coach is telling them than a new owner. As for Shurmur and his staff, they already came into the season knowing they had to become a better team and an ownership change was a subject for the offseason. I know one thing about this staff, they are not the kind of men that will be looking over their shoulders or anxious about their future during the season. My hope is that Haslam will be patient and take from his experience as a minority owner of the Steelers the concept of stability and not change for the sake of change.

5. Where are the big position battles?

As Shurmur said, "There has to be change when a team goes 4-12 and we have enough depth on the roster right now for some healthy competition."

Keep an eye on these positions:

[*]Wide receiver Greg Little, in great shape after his 61-catch rookie season, will be in a battle with rookies Gordon and Benjamin.

[*]DT Phil Taylor is a lock to start when he finally returns from the PUP list but in the meantime rookies John Hughes and Billy Winn are battling for a spot in the front. They probably will wind up in a rotation but when Taylor returns only one of the two will get the real playing time.

[*]The corner opposite Haden looks like a battle between Sheldon Brown and Dimitri Patterson. Brown started all 16 games last year and is penciled in right now but Patterson wants more than the nickel job.

[*]Safety has a competition brewing opposite T.J. Ward. Some believe Usama Young is the starter but after watching practice I like Eric Hagg, a second-year man drafted in the seventh round last April. He is vocal, has the range to play the deep middle and good key and diagnose.

Finally, the Browns are headed in the right direction, but with all the youth and a schedule that includes the NFC East and The AFC West along with their own division rivals, a winning record is tough to expect. I would measure success this season in terms of seven wins and an eye on 2013 for a breakthrough year. Will the fans and new ownership have the patience to accept that scenario?

 

[Faust]

Jaguars camp report: New regime's focus is getting Gabbert in spot to succeed

By Pete Prisco | Senior NFL Columnist

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It was ugly, gross, pathetic, horrible, pedestrian, disgusting and any other negative adjective you can find to describe the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2011 passing game.

With rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert struggling, a line that was a sieve at times, receivers who couldn't get open or catch and an offensive system that was something out of 1977, the passing game had no chance.

In a league where passing numbers were at all-time highs, the Jaguars were on the other end. They were last in the NFL in total offense, passing yards per game and passing yards per play. Gabbert finished with a 65.4 passer rating, the lowest of any starting quarterback in the league. Yes, even behind Curtis Painter.

The new staff intends to change that. Gone are coach Jack Del Rio and his run-first ways. Mike Mularkey and his offensive coaches plan to let Gabbert do more.

With running back Maurice Jones-Drew holding out, this summer is about getting Gabbert ready to take a big step.

"I don't see some of the things last year I saw on tape," Mularkey said. "I see him much more balanced in the pocket. He is accurate. To his left, he still has some errant throws. He can get the play and call it without 'give it to me again, give it to me again.' I've been around a lot of those guys. Once he hears it, he's in the huddle and calls it. He has a lot of confidence about him. He hasn't let any of the stuff written about him get to him."

Gabbert has been shredded this offseason, even though few realize he's the youngest player to start 14 games at quarterback in NFL history.

There has been talk he's soft and squeamish in the pocket, afraid to stand in and take shots.

"I can tell you this: That's the last thing he is," Mularkey said.

The Jaguars added free-agent receiver Laurent Robinson and drafted Justin Blackmon in the first round to help. Blackmon isn't signed, but he will get in at some point. Mularkey also expects improvement from some younger receivers.

But this is the summer of Gabbert. If it isn't the season of Gabbert, the Jaguars might have to go back and find a guy next April.

I don't think that will be the case.

Team Objectives

• Improve the pass rush. The Jaguars were 24th in sacks per pass play last season. That's why they drafted Andre Branch in the second round. He has impressed so far in camp and should be able to give them an edge rusher to go with underrated Jeremy Mincey, who had eight sacks last season and re-signed as an unrestricted free agent. Austen Lane is also coming back off an injury.

• Get better play from the receivers. They dropped way too many passes last season and really struggled to get open. Robinson got off to a slow start in camp, but he impressed for much of the offseason. Blackmon has a lot of work to do to catch up because of the missed time. Keep an eye on second-year player Cecil Shorts. He caught one pass last season as a rookie, but he has impressed new receivers coach Jerry Sullivan.

• Solidify the offensive line. Gabbert took a pounding last season -- some of it self-inflicted -- but the line needs to play better. The return of right tackle Eben Britton will help. Guy Whimper played for him last season and he was a turnstile. Britton was good as a rookie in 2009, but has battled injuries, including back problems, since then. It doesn't help that both left tackle Eugene Monroe and left guard Will Rackley are missing time with injuries. Monroe's is minor, but Rackley will be out three to four weeks with an ankle injury.

Camp Battles

Starting cornerback: Veteran Rashean Mathis is coming off a season cut short by a torn ACL, but he is back working in full. His top competition is Aaron Ross, signed as a free agent from the Giants. Ross is a capable starter, but if Mathis is healthy I expect him to win the job and Ross to move inside in the nickel. Either way, both should be on the field a lot. Projected winner: Mathis. He's a better cover player when he's healthy.

Backup running back: It's either the No. 3 job or No. 2 job depending on whether Jones-Drew shows up. Rashad Jennings is in as the starter for now, but there is depth behind him. One guy who has flashed so far is Jalen Parmele. He has been the most impressive back of the group besides Jennings. DuJuan Harris and Richard Murphy are also in the mix. Projected winner: Parmele. He has showed some elusiveness as he gets second-team reps with Jones-Drew not around.

No. 3 receiver: Shorts has added body weight and looks stronger and really seems much more confident. Coming out of Mount Union, he was raw. He flashed last summer but then disappeared. Look for him to press Mike Thomas for the No. 3 job if Blackmon gets into camp soon. If not, he might end up as a starter. Thomas has to pick it up. He is the most experienced, but he hasn't had a good camp so far. Projected winner: Shorts. Call it a surprise, but this kid has the look of an NFL receiver.

Somebody to Watch

When the Jaguars drafted defensive tackle Tyson Alualu in the top 10 of the 2010 draft, it was a big shock to many. The Jaguars loved the kid, but something happened on his first day of practice that has held him back since.

After flying from Hawaii to Jacksonville, he was put into an Oklahoma drill against mauling guard Vince Manuwai, even though some urged the coaching staff to keep him out. Manuwai crunched him and Alualu's leg buckled, tearing the meniscus. He played that season with the injury and then didn't have it fixed afterward because of the lockout.

He then played a second full season with the injury, rarely practicing and earning high praise from his teammates. He wasn't great, but he was much better than some supposed experts would lead you to believe.

"That guy is a warrior," Mincey said.

Alualu had surgery in the offseason and looks to be stronger and quicker and could be ready to live up to the expectations of his draft spot.

Just keep him away from any Oklahoma drills.

Injury Roundup

• G Rackley. He started as a rookie in 2011 and had some good games, one against Haloti Ngata. But he wasn't strong enough. He came back to camp bigger and stronger, but now he will miss time with the ankle. That will put veteran Jason Spitz in as the starter for now. Sptiz is capable, but not having Rackley will be felt.

• LB Clint Session. He has concussion issues that forced him to injured reserve last season and there's talk he might not play this year. Russell Allen, a third-year player, would take his spot. Allen is more than capable, but depth becomes a problem.

• DE John Chick. He is coming off a major knee injury and likely won't play this season. He's barely running now.

• CB Reggie Corner. The Jaguars placed him on IR this week with a knee injury.

The Last Word

New owner. New coach. New era.

New results?

Not this year. Next year is the year for this young team.

The Jaguars will make strides this season, but it might not show up in the win-loss record. The schedule is tough. They will play a lot of close games because of the defense. If they can find a way to win them they might get to .500.

If Gabbert were to suddenly morph into a 3,500-yard passer with 20-plus touchdowns, maybe they get more.

But I think this is his growing year -- he will be better than most expect -- as is the case for many of the young players, and then they take the big step in 2013.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Warmup Segment: Your Daily Hammy Report

Once again, FS Louis Delmas, MLB Stephen Tulloch and RB Mikel LeShoure were on hand but didn't participate. SS Erik Coleman participated on a limited basis, and rookie DB Chris Greenwood was dressed but didn't practice.

During a later segment, DB Don Carey pulled up lame with a hammy. I told him to walk it out. Carey said, "Thanks, brother!"

Segment One: Field Goal Unit

No hurry today, special teams coach Danny Crossman ran a pretty normal drill, and both Jason Hanson and Ben Graham were perfect from 37 yards.

In the meanwhile, the DBs and LBs not on the FG units were playing a little pitch and catch.

Segment Two: Position Drills

As promised, I watched coach Tim Walton's DBs and coach Matt Burke's LBs exclusively today. The linebackers did their agility drills and worked the sled.

The DBs worked the type of drills commonly seen at the NFL combine. Backpedal, breakdown (as in coverage) and catch a pass drilled into the numbers.

Two reps where the DB has to break in either direction. Chris Houston was the closest thing to a poster child for proper breakdown technique: Low backpedal, then throw the arm back violently in the direction you need to turn. This arm action "flips" the hips so that a 180-degree turn is made in one stride.

Technically speaking, this is a very average group.

The DBs worked a "jam" drill against a sled. Punch and sidestep. Repeat three times. Breakdown and run downfield where you must adjust to a poorly thrown (purposely) ball.

Again, it was an average performance at best.

Next, the DBs did a "mirror" drill. One DB would play the role of WR. The other would have to breakdown in both directions in order to stay with the receiver. Houston, Alphonso Smith and Jacob Lacey looked pretty good here. The rest? Not so much.

Next, the defensive backs and linebackers worked as a unit on pre-snap adjustments and assignments as the second team cycled through some common offensive pre-snap movement schemes. More of a walkthrough at game speed to get the back-seven on the same page.



The next drill was equally vanilla, as the back-seven worked on zone-coverage schemes. They must have done it right because Matt Burke didn't raise his voice once. More on Burke later.



Segment Three: One-on-One drill

Today, I honed my skills as your camp scout by noting every one-on-one matchup. Which side of the formation the receivers and defensive backs were matched up on and who won the battle.

I won't bore you with all 30 plays, but I wanted to see which DBs performed best on the right or left side of the formation. My observations will be faithfully recorded daily, so we will have some meaningful data by the end of camp on the receivers and defensive backs.

CB Jacob Lacey had a tough day on either side but covered closer as a RCB. He was beaten by WR Maurice Stovall twice but recovered on a third attempt to make a nice breakup.

CB Bill Bentley was schooled by WRs Nate Burleson and Calvin Johnson. Welcome to the NFL, rookie!

CB Justin Miller and SS Amari Spievey made some nice plays for the defense. Both were a pleasant surprise.

WR Titus Young won every matchup and worked from the left side of the offense exclusively. Likewise for WR Lance Long.



WR Dominique Curry, who looks like Megatron light, had a busy and productive day.

WR Ryan Broyles didn't participate. I wonder why?

CB Jonte Green worked at RCB only and didn't win any of his matchups.



Segment Four: Seven-on-Seven Drills

The first-team LBs were Justin Durant (SAM), Ashlee Palmer (MIKE) and DeAndre Levy (WILL). They worked well as a unit in the absence of MLB Steven Tulloch. Playing with the twos were Tahir Whitehead (SAM), Travis Lewis (MIKE) and Doug Hogue (WILL).

I watched the linebackers closely today at the expense of some other stuff, but I think you'll agree that players like Hogue, Whitehead and Lewis bear close scrutiny.

I came away from this drill wondering when Doug Hogue is going to show up. Thus far, Whitehead—a rookie—is making a bigger splash. Travis Lewis chipped in with some strong play and had a nice pass breakup.

Third-team Lbs were Slade Norris (SAM), Carmen Messina (MIKE) and Hogue at WILL.

Offensively, the Lions moved RB Joique Bell to the perimeter on several occasions. WR Patrick Edwards proved to have the wheels to stretch the defense. Nice stuff.



Segment Five: Full-Squad Drills

DTs Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh were teamed up for every first-team snap. Suh played RDT when they were paired up. Tons of push from the big guys. DE Willie Young played LDE while Kyle Vanden Bosch remained at RDE.



Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan was standing close by. He turned to us and asked, "Warm enough for you guys?" We all said yes.

Nate Burleson rotated out and came over. I said "Hey, Nate! You gotta get us fans going, man! We're a little flat over here. Sore hammies and stiff hips."

Nate replied, "You gotta warm up man! Look, I'm gonna take one to the house. What do you guys want to see me do?" Someone said, "Do the Ikky Shuffle, Nate!"

Burleson did a little bit for us before he went back in and promptly caught a Stafford TD. No Ikky Shuffle unless you count the one he did for us behind the coaches backs.



Segment Six: Special Teams Kick Coverage

Once again, there's not much to learn on a day without wind and the "Jugs" machine doing the booting. With players shuffling in and out, this segment resembles a Chinese fire drill.



Segment Seven: Full-Squad, Red-Zone Drills

The red zone works both ways, and the Lions started with 1st-and-10 from their own 10-yard line. The offense went through their repertoire of plays designed to move the chains and get out of jail so to say.

The defense held sway yesterday, but the offense was the better unit today by far. Linebackers coach Matt Burke had seen enough and screamed "Get your noses on that (expletive) ball!"



Anyway, this segment was the Ryan Broyles show. Broyles looked very solid in tight spots. Screens and quick hitters look like Broyles' forte.

My eye was drawn to Riley Reiff playing LT. Reiff looked like a seismograph out there. A flat line of solid pass blocking punctuated by a blip where he allows KVB a clean shot at the QB. Rookies!

Jason Fox looked very good at LT. I feel more comfortable about him with every passing day. Let's hope that his acute case of Stafforditis has run it's course.

Dom Raiola sat this one out while the coaches gave the snaps to Dan Gerberry and Dylan Gandy. Both looked fine.

There were some nice plays made by both squads. Another seam route connection from Stafford to TE Tony Scheffler. SS Erik Coleman made a nice pass breakup in limited action. CB Bill Bentley making a nice INT. CB Jacob Lacey making another against QB R.J. Archer. RB Keiland Williams running strong. The usual Calvin Johnson abuse of DBs in the end zone. TE Brandon Pettigrew looking very consistent.



Wrap Up and Tomorrow's Plan

After practice, the team huddled up around head coach Jim Schwartz. Well, most of the team, that is. Off to the side, the WRs were running gassers. This is a sure sign of one very unhappy coach Jefferson. I expect that this unit will have a great day tomorrow.

I'm always open to suggestions as to who you want a detailed report on. Want some skinny on your "pet cat?" I'll be your huckleberry.

Tomorrow, we'll take a look at the early leaders for my much-coveted Randy Phillips UDFA Camp Stud Award. The winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to the practice squad. Safety Ricardo Silva was the first recipient of this prestigious honor.

Have a great weekend and check back tomorrow for another training camp report.

 

[Faust]

CampTour'12: Vikings Day 2

By Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com

MANKATO, Minn. -- A few thoughts and observations from our second day with the Minnesota Vikings:

[*]The team held its fifth consecutive afternoon practice in full pads, and on Friday the temperature had reached 90 degrees by late afternoon. After about an hour of practice, offensive lineman Kevin Murphy left the field with a cold blue towel draped over his head. He left an adjacent area in an ambulance, but coach Leslie Frazier said after practice that Murphy was fine.

[*]The Vikings worked on their two-minute drill during 11-on-11. The first-team defense got the better of the offense, allowing seven short completions to quarterback Christian Ponder but not allowing the offense past the 30-yard line before time ran out.

[*]Cornerback Antoine Winfield got a veteran's day off Friday, so the nickel defense included Chris Cook, Chris Carr and Zackary Bowman. The Vikings also used a three-man line at times with Everson Griffen as a stand-up pass-rusher. That seems like an appropriate way to use a defensive end who is an experiment at linebacker.

[*]Rookie place-kicker Blair Walsh drilled a 55-yard field goal through the middle of the uprights to end practice. The kick had at least another eight yards on it.

[*]The Vikings ostensibly had a competition set at the right guard position, but for now second-year player Brandon Fusco is holding onto the job. Friday, veteran Geoff Schwartz returned to the Twin Cities to have an abdominal strain examined.

[*]The team will hold its first night practice Saturday at 7 p.m. local time (CT). Frazier made clear it will not include any live tackling drills.

Greg Childs over-the-back catch

00:30 – Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Greg Childs makes an unbelievable over-the-back catch in Vikings training camp.

 

[Faust]

David Garrard the early Miami Dolphins' QB favorite?

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Publicly, Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin says the Dolphins' quarterback competition is wide open. He noted recently that David Garrard and Matt Moore's practice stats are nearly identical.

Privately, Peter King of Sports Illustrated hears that Garrard has been the most impressive in camp. This matches up with what King saw at Dolphins practice. Garrard reportedly shined on the day King was in attendance. (King thought Garrard was more impressive than Peyton Manning's practice in Denver.)

We also saw where Miami Herald columnist Armando Salguero wrote that he believes Ryan Tannehill and Moore are essentially battling to be Garrard's backup. It feels a little early to say that, but Garrard looks like the leader in the clubhouse.

Finally, we were interested in how Philbin runs his Dolphins practice. To limit time in the sun, the Dolphins are practice at breakneck speed.

"To get his quarterbacks enough work, he decided to have stereo 11-on-11 scrimmage sessions in the padded practices, one quarterback taking a snap and running a play, followed in seconds by the other quarterback taking a snap and running a play in the opposite direction. Brilliant," King wrote. "And it makes for a practice that seems to set land-speed records. I've never seen anything quite like it."

There's another thing to look forward to on "Hard Knocks" : Turbo-charged practices.

Report: Dolphins may cut Matt Moore or David Garrard, use Ryan Tannehill as QB2

By Will Brinson | Senior NFL and Golf Blogger

The Dolphins quarterback competition is kind of like a thesis on the motion of helium atoms in an excited state -- a real scorcher. Matt Moore and David Garrard will duel to the mediocre death, and Ryan Tannehill will hang out and try to make Fins fans hopeful for the future. At least that's supposed to the plan.

According to our pal Ben Volin at the Palm Beach Post, it might not work out that way. Miami has, per Volin's sources, "considered every contingency at quarterback." That includes cutting one of Moore or Garrard and making Tannehill the No. 2 quarterback heading into the season.

Volin adds the caveat that this situation likely only unfolds "if [Tannehill] plays well enough in the preseason and proves that he could handle himself this year if called upon to play."

On the surface, this idea seems crazy. How could the Dolphins gamble on entering 2012 knowing that a quick tweak of Garrard's back -- or early struggles from Moore -- might result in Tannehill, who's clearly a project, going under center? That's insane, right?

Maybe not. Think about it like this: if the Dolphins are as bad as everyone expects on offense and come out struggling this season, there's a very good chance that the team will cave and play their first-round pick anyway. Assuming Tannehill is even remotely capable of getting under center in live NFL action, there's a good chance he'd see the field by midfield (certainly if they start out 0-7 again, Tannehill's getting some run).

Fans aren't going to love the idea of "this team stinks with Garrard, let's see what Matt Moore can do!" And that's especially true in a division that should prove to be quite competitive in 2012. It doesn't hurt either that the team could save north of $2 million by cutting one of Moore or Garrard: Volin reports that Miami would save $2.75 million by dumping Moore and $2.25 million by ridding themselves of Garrard.

Maybe Tannehill won't look ready -- he's already reportedly out of the running to start and Volin noted that sources believed he looked lost in live action during the spring -- and the Fins will roll with both guys. That's an entirely likely scenario. At least we'll get a first-hand, Hard Knocks-style look at the competition.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Key Topics

1) Undisciplined Practice

As we turned up to the media facility the gossip between the beat writers was focused on what most things regarding the Buccaneers currently focus on; their coach Greg Schiano. To be precise, it's not so much the coach himself as some of his anal rules and behaviors. Although the story was old, the talk was still about how, when a specific type of pasta had been requested for a team meal and not delivered. A Buccaneers' employee had then been dispatched to upbraid the party responsible for the heinous mistake. Later, over lunch, Josh Freeman told us his coach insisted on toes on the line for stretching and didn't allow hands to be placed on hips during conditioning drills.

So none of this is exactly a crime, but the impression I got from talking to a few players was they were far more guarded in their comments and demeanor than any other team we'd visited. Quincy Black, when asked about the impact Schiano had made: "He's the coach, we follow him". Demar Dotson (more on him later), when asked about his aspirations for the forthcoming year: "Just to do whatever the coach tells me to do and get better".

The result of all this, provided you see any cause and effect linkage at all, was by far the least disciplined practice I've seen in nine stops. The first play in 11-on-11 started with so much confusion the whole thing was stopped and when play started again what followed was pre-snap penalty after pre-snap penalty. At one point, following an offsides and a false start on back-to-back plays, both offense and defense were made to walk off the field and back on again before re-starting.

Obviously you can have too little discipline, but there can also be too much. When anyone is put under constant pressure, particularly in ways they are uncomfortable with, the result can be players wound too tight. Schiano's job is to put the Buccaneers back on the rails not knock them from the ditch on one side of the rails straight into the one on the other side.



2) Vincent Jackson: As Advertised

In San Diego Vincent Jackson was superb; a big-bodied receiver who could run by corners or beat them using his size. His body control on certain deep throws was truly exceptional for anyone, never mind a player of his build. He also had a reputation for working very hard at his craft.

So how would Tampa Bay's decision to make him the fourth highest paid receiver in the NFL and give him just over $11 million a year affect him? Not much, if this practice and Josh Freeman's opinion are valid indicators. After a fantastic play by Aqib Talib, which was the only thing to prevent him from scoring a touchdown in the back of the end zone, the very next snap had him beating Eric Wright by two yards on the same fade. Later, he wrong-footed Myron Lewis so badly on a double move that he was open by 12 yards for another TD. Then he got open down the left sideline for another long gain.

This was the best performance by any receiver I've seen to date in training camp and he certainly showed me he was focused on delivering on the investment made in him.

However, his quarterback's view is a little more important than mine and when asked about his new target Freeman was very happy indeed. He told me, "athletically, he's exactly as advertised, but it's in the locker room that he's pleased me most. He's just a great guy, a good teammate". Nice as that sounds, I suspect come Week 1 it will be that freakish blend of size and speed that he is most pleased about.



3) Options on the Line

It will come as no surprise to regular PFF readers that you could color us shocked when we discovered that Jeremy Trueblood was still likely to be the Tampa Bay starting right tackle in 2012. This was a player whose pass protection had declined so much after an excellent season in 2008 that last year he was our fifth lowest ranked RT, after being eigth lowest the year before and the worst in 2009.

Now, if there were no other options that might make sense, but a certain part-time, 6-foot-9 guy with solid grades throughout 2011 is available. Right now Demar Dotson is replacing the injured Donald Penn at LT (and doing a good job of it from what I saw in the pass protection drills), but once Penn returns why wouldn't you let Dotson have a go at RT?

The situation reminds me a little of the scenario last year in New Orleans where Zach Strief had performed well as a tight end/extra lineman and, once given a chance to start, did an excellent job full-time. Dotson has similar traits. He has looked good when he's played and, in my opinion at least, has done too much not to be given an opportunity.



Other Notes

[*]Jeremy Zuttah struggled at times in pass protection drills to anchor effectively against Gerald McCoy.

[*]Josh Freeman has lost 20 lbs (down to 240), as well as his curly locks. To go with his new lithe physique he's sporting a Mohawk that makes him look (as SI photographer John De Petro rightly pointed out) like Soap McTavish from Modern Warfare II.

[*]Neither of the safeties penciled in to start played today. Mark Barron has a minor toe injury and Ronde Barber had the stomach flu. They were replaced by Larry Asante and Ahmad Black.

[*]George Johnson was next up at DLE, starting for injured Michael Bennett.

 

[Faust]

Santana Moss wants to be 'dominant'

By Dan Graziano | ESPN.com

I promised you more from the time I spent at Washington Redskins training camp earlier this week, and I keep my promises. As long as Camp Confidential was, there were things I learned from watching and interviewing people that weren't addressed in there. So over the coming days, I plan to offer a few more posts based on my own reporting from Redskins camp, on a variety of topics. I hope you enjoy.

ASHBURN, Va. -- Santana Moss was expecting a call from the Washington Redskins coaching staff this offseason. When his agent called him and told him the team wanted him to lose weight, he chuckled. Way ahead of you guys, he thought to himself.

"Honestly, before they even called me, me and our strength coach already had our plan when it came to what I wanted to do in the offseason," Moss said after Monday's practice. "So I was like, 'You know what? If that's what they want, I'm going to give it to them.' Because I already had my mind made up on that anyway. I feel like, the last few years, I played heavy."

Moss says he was over 200 pounds during each of the past three seasons. He lost 16 pounds this offseason and reported to camp a little bit under 190. At 5-foot-10, he says, that's where he should have been in the first place.

"The one thing I wanted to do was give myself a chance to be dominant," Moss said. "I was productive, so I let it slide away and didn't work hard enough to really get that weight off of me. I felt like I was still dominant. But when I looked at film and watched myself, I was like, 'I'm missing a step here and there from doing the things I can do.' So I just ate right and came with my mind made up."

He has dazzled the coaches and the younger receivers during offseason workouts and training camps. The Redskins are planning to use him as their slot receiver, but he's shown enough that, if guys like Leonard Hankerson or Josh Morgan struggle with their health or their development, Moss could be used on the outside opposite Pierre Garcon in two-receiver sets. He's a smart veteran who's had success in the NFL and feels rejuvenated, and those guys can sneak up on you.

"Santana's been doing a lot of great things," Garcon said. "He's been around the league for about 12 years, so he's got a lot of experience, he knows the playbook and he's been helping me out a lot with all of that. But he's still a great player, and you can see that."

Moss was watching when the Redskins signed Garcon and Morgan and tried to sign Eddie Royal during the first hour of free agency back in March. But he says he'd already heard from the coaching staff about what they wanted him to do, so he didn't take those signings as a threat to his spot on the roster.

"As a wide receiver, if you're telling me I'm gone, that's something different. Then I'm going to be motivated to go out and show you up," Moss said. "But if you're telling me, 'These guys are coming in to work with you,' I'm cool with that. I never look at other guys and worry about other guys. I had one of my best years in '05 and then the next year we got Antwaan Randle-El and Brandon Lloyd. So I never take it wrong. I look at it as a chance to get better and I go about my business."

And going about all of his business has been easier for Moss minus those 16 pounds.

"It's been the best I think I could have ever done," Moss said. "In the offseason, being so heavy, I didn't condition like I was supposed to. I did enough, and that's it. Now that I got back down to my size, I realize I can run without having to run. I can just go out there and float."

That's a good field on the football field too. Moss could be dangerous this year. Or even "dominant."

 

[Faust]

Zorn says Cassel's 'dramatically improved'

By Bill Williamson | ESPN.com

It’s been well documented that Matt Cassel will be the key to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012.

The man in charge of Cassel on a daily basis expressed major confidence in the quarterback Thursday. Jim Zorn has been Cassel’s position coach for since last season. Zorn believes Cassel has made major strides this year because the team has been able to have an offseason program. That was lost last year because of the lockout. Zorn said there is a major difference this year in Cassel.

“He’s dramatically improved because we’ve been able to spend so much time together between all the OTAs, the minicamp and now,” Zorn said of Cassel. “I really feel that he is further along than he was last year. He’s really taking charge. He’s working on things that he wasn’t working on last year at this time. The way he attacks his line of scrimmage with his command, he’s changing things or keeping things on. Our tempo is much better. We’ve really improved a lot of things sooner than we did last year.”

As for the competition to back up Cassel, Zorn said Brady Quinn and Ricky Stanzi are “battling” and there is not a clear-cut favorite.

“I think that’s a great competition,” Zorn said. “Right now I see both guys taking pride in the position and the importance of getting better. They are fighting it out (laughter) they really are, they are duking it out. There is no clear No. 2 yet. The preseason will help that, but they are great kids, and they are not only helping themselves, they are helping our football team. In our quarterback meeting room they are attacking it pretty well.”

If Zorn’s zeal pans out, the Chiefs should be in fine shape at the quarterback position.