OFFICIAL 2013 Training Camp & Preseason: News & Tidbits Thread (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Nice work Netnalp with the Giants training camp updates!

 

[Faust]

NFL training camp roundup: Broncos lose C Koppen for season

 

[Faust]

Seahawks camp observations: Pass rushers watch, wait

Jason La Canfora

RENTON, Wash -- For as superb as the Seahawks defense is, this sight could not have pleased many in the early stages of training camp.

As the players ran and stretched this morning, there was Cliff Avril, brought in to bolster the pass rush, in sweats and no helmet standing next to Chris Clemons, himself a spectator recovering from ACL surgery. Five yards over, Bruce Irvin, their 2012 first-round pick and pass rushing threat, was actually taking part in the session but doing so knowing he will be suspended the first four games of the season.

The Seahawks feel good about Clemons recovery because he remains ahead of schedule -- the shoddy playing surface at FedEx Field might have caused his injury in the playoffs last season. Avril picked up a hamstring injury early in camp, though the expectation is it won't be long-term. And Irvin is back in October.

Still, it's hardly ideal to have so many spectators in the same position group.

Team officials feel good about the acquisition of O'Brien Schofield, however, who was claimed off waivers from the Cardinals this weekend. He could provide some cover for them in that regard on the edge as an outside linebacker, though he obviously isn't an end in the way Clemons and Avril play the position.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] Linebacker K.J. Wright is all over the place at training camp, and the third-year player is emerging as a leader of that group.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] Two recent draft picks are coming off strong offseasons, and are being looked at to solidify their status on the offensive line. Guard James Carpenter, Seattle's first-round pick in 2011, is coming into his own pushing for a tackle spot and the team hopes, staying healthy after multiple knee surgeries.

"He's fallen off the radar a little bit," coach Pete Carroll said, "but he's back, and he's a monster of a guy and we love what he brings. We've had four days and he's made it through every day looking good and feeling good. His knee seems to be totally healed. He's in shape and in the swing of things, and that's a real, real positive for us."

Guard J.R. Sweezy, a seventh-round pick in 2012, is making a push at guard after starting three games as a rookie. "He came out of nowhere to play for us last year, and he's so much further along than this time last year," Carroll said. "He had a very productive offseason."

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] People tend to mock star corner Richard Sherman these days for some of his outlandish statements, and clearly he loves stirring things up. But don't kid yourself. He's not silly in any way when it comes to football. He went to Stanford and has a high football IQ; his retention of information continues to impress this staff. Last year, for instance, he recorded a big sack that led to a touchdown and cemented a win over the Jets. Back in the preseason the Seahawks did one brief session stressing principles in a certain rare, heavy tight-end set, getting the clue for a particular blitz in that formation. The only time it appeared all season was that game against New York, and even though his blitz wasn't called in that defense, he recalled what then coordinator Gus Bradley had told him back at camp, and executed perfectly. He's only getting better is already among the most impactful corners in the game.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] With tight end Zach Miller another one of the injured players here, rookie tight end Luke Wilson, a fifth-round pick out of Rice, is getting a good run with the top offense, and making the most of that opportunity thus far. His speed shows up immediately and it's not unusual for him to get behind a defensive back in drills. "He's been very impressive," Carroll said.

 

[Faust]

Buffalo Bills practice observations

By Mike Rodak | ESPN.com

PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills opened training camp on Sunday evening, holding practice under the lights at Growney Stadium, on the campus of St. John Fisher College.

Following the rules of the collective bargaining agreement, players were in light shoulder pads. Full-padded practices can begin as soon as Tuesday.

Attendance report: Of the 87 players who have reported to training camp, 86 were in uniform for the session. Offensive lineman Chris Hairston, who is on the active/physically unable to perform list, was seen working out with the training staff on the sideline.

Mario Williams, Kyle Williams limited: The biggest news of the night was defensive end Mario Williams being held out of most drills with what head coach Doug Marrone called a sore foot. Marrone said after practice that Williams is being evaluated by the training staff. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who is recovering from Achilles surgery, did not take reps during 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills.

Chandler impressive in return: Tight end Scott Chandler, who underwent ACL surgery in January, was back on the practice field Sunday evening. Marrone said Chandler is still limited, but he drew cheers after beating his defender over the middle to make a catch during 11-on-11 work.

Kolb gets most first-team reps: Veteran Kevin Kolb saw the most action with the first-team unit at quarterback, although Marrone was quick to point out after practice that rookie EJ Manuel also took some snaps with the top unit.

As is to be expected, the results were mixed from both quarterbacks.

The good: During a drill early in practice where receivers matched up 1-on-1 against cornerbacks on deep patterns, Manuel showed good arm strength and touch, hitting receiver T.J. Graham in stride twice for would-be touchdowns. In 11-on-11's, Kolb matched Manuel with an impressive deep completion to wide receiver Marcus Easley.

The bad: Kolb was intercepted by safety Aaron Williams over the middle on his first pass of an 11-on-11 drill, while Manuel was picked off by safety Mana Silva later in the session. In 7-on-7's, safety Da'Norris Searcy snagged a tipped pass from Kolb, while in 11-on-11's, Manuel was part of a botched snap. In the 1-on-1 deep pattern drill, Manuel underthrew wide receiver DeMarco Sampson and was intercepted by cornerback Jumal Rolle.

Mixing and matching along D-line: With both Mario Williams and Kyle Williams held out of team drills, the Bills used a number of different personnel groups on their defensive line. The biggest takeaway was that Marcell Dareus saw limited action, especially with the top unit. It's unclear if he was nursing any type of injury. In his place, Alex Carrington and Jay Ross saw significant reps with top groups at linebacker and defensive back behind them. Meanwhile, Torell Troup and Alan Branch appeared to rotate at nose tackle during most drills.

Justin Rogers sees first-team action: Third-year cornerback Justin Rogers, who started just one game last season, lined up across from Stephon Gilmore with the top defensive unit during full-team drills. Ron Brooks manned the slot in sub packages, while Aaron Williams stepped in for Jairus Byrd at safety.

Brown gets nod at left guard: Despite facing competition from Doug Legursky and now Antoine Caldwell, veteran Colin Brown stepped in at left guard on Sunday evening, in place of the departed Andy Levitre. At right tackle, Erik Pears took Hairston's potential spot at right tackle, with Sam Young manning the second team. Thomas Welch took second-team reps at left tackle.

Marrone gets hands-on with O-line: It's been eight seasons since Marrone was last an offensive line coach, but he went back to his roots on Sunday evening. The Bills head coach spent significant time working hands-on with the offensive line in positional drills, coaching the unit on technique.

GOOD DAY AT THE OFFICE FOR: The safeties. Even with Byrd out, this group reeled in three interceptions.

BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE FOR: WR Robert Woods. The second-round pick dropped a well-thrown pass from Manuel during 1-on-1 drills, and had another from Kolb bounce off his hands in 11-on-11's.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Bills will be back on the practice field on Monday afternoon, from 2 to 5:10 p.m. ET.

 

[Faust]

Can Jake Locker lift the Titans to a playoff berth?

Pete Prisco

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- I am here at yet another NFL camp where everything depends on the development of the quarterback. Can Tennessee's third-year passer Jake Locker get to a level to allow his team to compete for a playoff spot?

Let's just say this is a big year for Locker. The coaches like what they've seen from him some far. They've also added some good pieces around him to make it easier on him.

"We are talented enough around him now, he just needs to drive the bus and get the ball to our playmakers,'' offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. “He doesn't have to do anything on his own. He needs to use his legs when he has an opportunity to. He needs to be OK checking the ball down and not make bad decisions. We can be successful in the offense the way we are going to run the ball is we don't turn it over throwing it."

Titans Coach Mike Munchak said another positive is that this has been Locker's team for the entire offseason.

"He hasn't the real chance to prove what kind of player he's going to be," Munchak said. "This is the first time he's had the chance to be the guy. That's important."

Locker battled through injuries in his second season in 2012. Now healthy, it's his team. One thing he has to do a better job of is taking what's available instead of holding the ball and trying to make every play a big one. His ability to run is as good as any quarterback in the league, making that a valuable asset.

If Locker doesn't improve, the Titans will be looking for a new quarterback next spring in the draft, and Munchak might be looking for work.

Locker was just so-so the first day I watched him practice. But he had a good night practice Sunday, hitting several passes, including a bomb to Nate Washington. On that throw, he looked the safety off to his left and came back right. That's what he has to continue to develop as he plays more.

• The Titans were ninth in the league in sacks last season with 39, but they got only 12 1/2 from their starting defensive ends. Derrick Morgan had 6 1/2 and Kamerion Wimbley had six. They have to do more. But Munchak thinks getting bigger and stronger inside will help those two on the outside. The addition of Sammie Hill as a free agent from Detroit will pay dividends. "He can really push the pocket," Munchak said. "And he's a big guy who will make it tough for quarterbacks to throw over."

• The Titans have two young, fast linebackers in Zach Brown and Akeem Ayers. Brown is freakishly fast for a guy who is 6-4, 255 pounds. As he learns the game more, he could be a special player at linebacker. Both are good blitzers, which is why the Titans had so many sacks last season. Brown had 5 1/2 sacks and Ayers had six.

• The Titans have the makings of a nice receiving group. If Kenny Britt can stay away from injuries, he should team with second-year player Kendall Wright to give the Titans a nice 1-2 punch. Veteran Nate Washington and rookie Justin Hunter from the University of Tennessee will be in a battle to be the third guy. Hunter did some nice things when I was there, but he is light. He has his weight up to 200 pounds, but he is thin at 6-foot-4. One thing that is impressive about this group is the way Shawn Jefferson coaches them. He was the Lions receiving coach under Jim Schwartz and did a really nice job with some of those guys, including Calvin Johnson. He will not take crap from any player, which could be good for Britt. He's already helped Wright get 15 pounds off his body weight. Wright was too heavy last season as a rookie, and looks much quicker now

• The Titans lost tight end Jared Cook to St. Louis in free agency and replaced him with Delanie Walker from the 49ers. Walker was the move or No. 2 tight end in San Francisco. It will be interesting to see how he responds now that he is expected to be the primary target at tight end. He's dinged up, so he didn't work the days I was with the team. One player who caught my eye was second-year player Taylor Thompson. He is a big tight end who has some ability to catch the football. It will be wise to keep an eye on his progress this summer. Veteran Craig Stevens will also get time. He is a scrapper, who gets into his share of training-camp tussles. Why? "He's a tough guy," Loggains said.

• I know the Titans are excited about adding safety Bernard Pollard as a free agent. He comes over from Baltimore, where he helped the Ravens win a Super Bowl. Pollard, to me, is a box safety at a time when you don't really want those guys on the back end. He is a good run player. He will hit. But he is a liability in coverage. Teaming Michael Griffin and Pollard together on the back end will cause some issues in coverage for the Titans. They better hope their young corners are damn good. Veteran George Wilson is also on the team, and he might present a better option in coverage. One thing Pollard does bring is a swagger. His mouth goes non-stop during practices, which this team needed. And you can tell he's dying to hit every day. He thumped Chris Johnson on one play Sunday night, and then got decked by center Rob Turner, starting a scuffle of sorts.

• Johnson will get the majority of the Titans carries. But what I can't understand is why the Titans went out and gave former Jets running back Shonn Greene a good contract? Greene is a solid back, but I think the Titans could have found a back in the draft they could have used to back up Johnson. What will be interesting is if Johnson gets taken off the field in goal-line situations, something that happened in the past with LenDale White. I don't get that type of thinking at all.

• Gregg Williams is now on the Titans staff. Yes, that Gregg Williams. I think he will help. His aggressive approach is what the Titans will use more of in 2013. Williams by the way, has turned down all media requests so far. Word is he's going to talk once and soon. There, I said it

• The Titans will be better than I expected. They have talent.

• Tommie Campbell will be name to know by October. The young corner is a rising player.

• Kendall Wright will do a much better job of yards after the catch this season now that he's trimmer.

• Johnson will rush for 1,600 yards, but not get to 2,000, which is his goal.

• Brown is on his way to the Pro Bowl.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Despite missing all of OTAs due to Stanford's late graduation, Eagles rookie TE Zach Ertz has mixed in with the first-team offense in training camp.
He's assimilating quickly. Multiple reports out of Philadelphia have Ertz excelling as a pass catcher, shining on deep-out routes and separating from defenders. Ertz is unlikely to make serious fantasy noise in coach Chip Kelly's run-first offense, but has long-term appeal. He's a much better receiver than blocker.

Source: CSN Philly

The San Francisco Chronicle believes Terrelle Pryor has "made progress" as a passer early in training camp.
We've also seen the Oakland Tribune praise 24-year-old Pryor's development. Pryor spent the offseason working with QBs guru Tom House, adjusting his "footwork and throwing mechanics." Pryor is running as Oakland's second-team quarterback so far. Tyler Wilson is No. 3, and Matt McGloin the fourth-stringer.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Ravens contract-year TE Ed Dickson is expected to take on a "larger receiving role" with Dennis Pitta lost for the season.
Dickson came out of Oregon known as an athlete, but he's been a bit of a plodder in the pros and played mostly an in-line position, running far fewer pass routes than his injured teammate. With Visanthe Shiancoe on the roster, Dickson could split out into the slot more this year. We still wouldn't anticipate more than unsteady high-end to mid-range TE2 value from 6-foot-4, 255-pound Dickson.

Source: Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun suggests fourth-round FB Kyle Juszczyk would move to tight end if the Ravens re-signed Vonta Leach.
Juszczyk played tight end at Harvard. At 6-foot-1, 248, he's severely undersized to play that position in the NFL, but Baltimore has a glaring tight end need after losing Dennis Pitta for the season. The Sun's Mike Preston believes the Ravens now have "urgency" to bring back Leach, who is tentatively expected to sign with a team early this week. The sides were negotiating this weekend.

Source: Baltimore Sun

Raiders coach Dennis Allen indicated he has no interest in using a rotation at tight end, and wants "somebody to step up."
A favorite deep sleeper of Rotoworld/PFF's Mike Clay, David Ausberry is considered to have an "edge" over rookies Nick Kasa and Mychal Rivera. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Ausberry ran a 4.48 forty coming out of USC in 2011. He now weighs 261. "We want somebody to step up, say that, ‘I’m the man and this is my job,'" Allen explained. "We’re going to let the competition dictate that."

Source: Oakland Tribune

The Union-Tribune San Diego's Michael Gehlken believes there's "no doubt" the Chargers' backfield will be a "rotation" in 2013.
New coach Mike McCoy has confirmed as much publicly. Per Gehlken, Danny Woodhead is simply "too good at what he does" to not be used heavily in the passing game, and likely as a change-of-pace ball carrier. Ryan Mathews is the favorite for early-down rushing attempts, but he'll be far from a "bellcow."

Source: Michael Gehlken on Twitter

Seahawks OC Darrell Bevell indicated fifth-round TE Luke Willson is a work in progress.
Wilson has starting-caliber measurables at 6-foot-5, 251 with 4.51 wheels, but he's a blocking-deficient project coming out of Rice's spread offense. "There’s a lot for him to work on, just getting a grasp of our offense and things," said Bevell. "... We want to see him block well. We feel like we know what we can expect out of him in the pass game and we want to see the speed in the pass game, but we need to see how he is going to fit in as a blocker in the NFL."

Source: Seattle Times

Seahawks OC Darrell Bevell confirmed Seattle will continue to play run-based offense in 2013.
The 2012 Seahawks led the NFL in rushing attempts. "We are a run football team, that sets up everything that we want to do offensively," Bevell said. "It’s our philosophy, it’s our toughness, it’s all the things that we preach. So whether Marshawn (Lynch) gets 315 carries or not we are going to be running the football with Marshawn." Lynch is a locked-in top-ten pick in non-PPR leagues.

Source: Seattle Times

The Sacramento Bee has noticed Kendall Hunter (Achilles') sprinting "like a blur" off to the side of 49ers practice.
Hunter is on active/PUP, but he's getting close. Per beat writer Matt Barrows, Hunter's "speed seems to be back." Hunter isn't yet making cuts and changing direction at full-boar, however. He remains the best handcuff for Frank Gore.

Source: Sacramento Bee

 

[EBF]

I've been trying to find Seahawks stuff and there isn't much out there. Found this post on a Seahawks message board from someone who attended Sunday's session. Lots of random thoughts with a few relevant nuggets:

Just got back from an awesome day at VMAC for camp. I went with my wife, younger sister, brother in law, nephew and niece. I took a lot of notes, I apologize that most of this is mind burps and not organized lol. There is a LOT going on.

We dropped off my nephew at The Landing in Renton very early (around 6:30 am), and he held our place in line. We ended up being on the first bus and had our pick of where to stand at the facility. For those who haven't attended yet or are not aware, there is a Top Pot donut shop close by to where you line up... :> There is definitely a lot more media present this year.

*** I did like that in the buses that take you down to the VMAC, they have the "I'M IN" signs above the door.

-- Marquand Manuel came out early with CB/S DeShawn Shead to do some one-on-one work, very close to where we were standing along the fence line. Surprisingly, most of the fans there had no idea who Manuel was...but I did. I chatted him up back and forth for awhile. I think I cursed the memory of Etric Pruitt too.

-- Other than the PUP guys - DT Jesse Williams, DE Cliff Avril, LB Heath Farwell and T Michael Bowie did not practice. FB Michael Robinson and TE Sean McGrath were back in.

-- LB K.J. Wright has a cast on his left wrist. According to Danny O'Neil (more on him soon), it should come off soon and should not be an issue for the regular season.

-- WR Stephen Williams has really good size and flashed some potential. I see why John Schneider is high on him. He made some plays today.

-- LB John Lotulelei is definitely smallish, but has quickness and he brings some pop. I can see him as a practice squad guy this season.

-- LB/DE Bruce Irvin is definitely bigger. He works out with the LB's and spent all his time (that I noted) in a 2-point stance as the SAM.


-- TE Sean McGrath seemed to be moving well and had a good practice with quite a few nice catches. I'm hopeful he can bring his game from the practice field/pre-season games into the regular season games this year. I did note that he seems to get dinged up a lot and is slow to his feet more often than I'd like. He had several nice plays in scrimmage today and was one of the standouts for me.

-- TE Darren Fells is a big boy...but raw. I see the practice squad for him too. If he can develop his game, I like the idea of having an athletic 6'7" target for Russell Wilson.

-- TE Zach Miller is walking with a slight limp. He came by after practice and signed autographs and he said he will be back "soon".

-- Chatted up Danny O'Neil for awhile...he's fun.

-- For whatever reason, Beast Mode was doing individual positional drills (the hand-to-hand engagement drill) with the defensive line for awhile. Just Marshawn being Marshawn, I guess. He was one of the highlights of the day (more later).

-- Even though he didn't practice, it was interesting to see Farwell "coaching up" a few players during the special teams portion of practice. He was right out there in the mix showing guys what to do. Pretty cool.

-- Ashton Wilson sighting! She is pretty nice. Her, Golden Tate's girlfriend and a few other players wives/girlfriends were right next to us for awhile.



-- K Carson Wiggs definitely has some leg. I'm hoping he pushes Steven Hauschka for a roster spot.

-- DE Kenneth Boatright looked "small" to me. He's listed as 6'3", 254...

-- During the LB positional drills, they set up orange rings that the players were race around and then run towards a tackling dummy - a speed drill. Bruce Irvin and John Lotulelei really stood out.

-- LB Malcolm Smith had a brace on his right leg, but it didn't seem to be bothering him.

-- LB coach Ken Norton cracked me up during one of the LB drills. They set up tackling sleds, and the backers would lift them up and then twist them to the ground. After one set of players knocked them down, they just walked back to the end of the line and Ken said, "everyone standing around and nobody helping me pick this ##### up!"

-- RB Spencer Ware seems to be a little small for a fullback. Just my two cents. He had a rough day today as well, getting smacked around a bit in the scrimmage portion. Welcome to the NFL, rook.

-- The RB vs. LB drill is a lot of fun to watch - considerable violence in a short area. Lots of pads popping and "oohs and aahs" from the crowd.

-- The new RB we signed, #30 (Holley) was out there. He may be the next Great White Hope in the hallowed name of Jesse Lumsden!

-- Beast Mode fought for a swing pass with one of the defenders and couldn't make the catch. He then reacted very dramatically and did a swan drive onto the ground, which brought a lot of laughs from the crowd and also some push-ups from Sherman Smith, lol.

-- DE Chris Clemons looks to be walking around pretty good.

-- DT Jesse Williams is a large man. So is DT Tony McDaniel. So is LT Russell Okung. Heck, they all look big.

-- TE Luke Willson has a well constructed frame and is athletic. He didn't stand out much today, nothing bad just that they seemed to be featuring Harper/Kearse/McGrath/Bates more.

-- RB Christine Michael is VERY, VERY impressive. He is low to the ground but has great quickness and elusiveness. He runs with a purpose and looks like he is going to be a force in time. Lots of people behind me were asking me, "who is #33??" One of the standout players from today for me...Robert Turbin better get back on the field quick

-- WR Phil Bates was another standout for me today. He has good size and seems to have developed his game the last year quite a bit. He made a lot of catches today.

-- QB Brady Quinn... well, he doesn't really excite me. He loses some steam on his passes beyond 15 yards, and seemed to have some accuracy issues at times, and it looks like he has a tendency to rush his throws. I've seen others post from camp today and they said he looked good, so who knows. I wasn't overly excited. On the plus side, he spent the longest time after practice signing autographs. And his sister is white hot. So there is that.

-- Another standout...and another receiver: WR Jermaine Kearse. He caught everything today.

-- Seahawks.com photographer Rod Mar has a really BIG _________________ camera.

-- It is a blessing that we have this man. Nothing spectacular from Russell today, although he had a few nice gains on read options keeps.



-- WR Chris Harper had a few catches in the 2-minute drill. Looks like he is getting his feet under him.

-- The Legion of Boom just looks ... ridiculous. They are like flypaper! Actually, the whole #1 defense today was like that. Our offense has it's hands full every day in practice, which is going to help them. The secondary is particularly tight and close-knit. Sherman was pandering to the crowd quite a bit. Gotta love him.

-- Beast Mode lined up in the slot on one play during the scrimmage portion. On the next play, Christine Michael went wide. Just a few wrinkles.

-- I noted a lot of camaraderie and closeness - not just between the players but also the players and coaches. You can tell that it is a tight unit. At one point, WR Doug Baldwin walked up and hugged Tom Cable.

-- SS Winston Guy FLATTENED TE Cooper Helfet on a play during the scrimmage portion.

-- FS Earl Thomas dropped a pick! He needs to stop that.

In all fairness, it was a short throw from T-Jack with a lot of zip on it and he broke on it beautifully.

-- DT/DE Michael Bennett got some good interior pressure. I'm pretty sure he got a sack on Wilson during scrimmage.

 

[Faust]

EBF,

Nice find on the Seahawks training camp, and thanks for the addition to this thread!

Rotoworld:

Coach Leslie Frazier has been impressed with first-round WR Cordarrelle Patterson through the early days of Vikings camp.
"If you were going to put together a receiver, he would look like Cordarrelle," Frazier said. "He has the vertical speed to get behind defensive backs. That won’t be an issue. That’s going to give us a dimension we didn’t have a year ago." Frazier also believes Patterson is "hungry" and "maturing" after questions about his character and on-the-field maturity dogged him in the run up to the draft. A raw prospect, Patterson's touches may have to be manufactured as a rookie, but we don't doubt he'll make something of them.


Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Colin Kaepernick believes he's gotten faster after training with "Olympic runners and jumpers" this offseason.
"There are a lot of details to running that I never even thought about," Kaepernick said of his work with the track athletes. "I just went out and ran. I think I can be faster. I think I can be quicker." One of the most freakish athletes in North American sports, we wouldn't put it past him. Kaepernick has also reportedly been putting on a show as a passer in the early days of 49ers camp, which isn't surprising considering how well he showed after replacing Alex Smith. Only San Francisco's dicey receiver corps can slow Kaepernick down this season.


Source: Sports Illustrated

SI's Peter King considers Raiders TE David Ausberry the "most impressive unknown player" he saw during the first week of his training camp tour.
Ausberry is competing with rookies Nick Kasa and Mychal Rivera to replace Brandon Myers, but is considered the favorite. Ausberry is No. 31 in Rotoworld's tight end ranks. New QB Matt Flynn figures to rival 2012 Carson Palmer as a checkdown machine, but "Raiders tight end" is not going to be a valuable fantasy position.


Source: Sports Illustrated

SI's Peter King believes 49ers rookie TE Vance McDonald "could get a very long look in the preseason."
King made the observation after taking in Niners practice on Sunday. McDonald supposedly opened camp behind Garrett Celek on the depth chart, but it shouldn't be long before he settles in behind Vernon Davis. McDonald consistently stood out in OTAs. An impressive receiver at 6-foot-4, 262 pounds with 4.69 wheels, McDonald could very much be a part of the solution as the 49ers look to make up for Michael Crabtree's lost production.


Source: Sports Illustrated

T.J. Graham took first-team reps on the first day of Bills camp.
Both WGR 550 Buffalo and BuffaloBills.com considered Graham one of the standouts of Day 1. This, after Graham consistently impressed in OTAs. Rookie Robert Woods is probably still the slight favorite to start opposite Stevie Johnson, but it's clear the new coaching staff will give Graham a legitimate opportunity.


Source: WGR 550 Buffalo

Kevin Kolb received more first-team reps than E.J. Manuel on the first day of Bills camp, but not "considerably more."
"We have a young quarterback in E.J. and we’re bringing him along and at the same point we have a lot of time before the preseason games to get the (reps) to 50-50," coach Doug Marrone said. "E.J. did take some snaps with the first group, but you’re right Kevin had more." Marrone had previously pledged to split reps 50-50 right off the bat. Kolb appears to have a leg up, but the Bills will almost certainly be open to Manuel winning the job and/or playing early.

Related: E.J. Manuel

Source: buffalobills.com

 

[Faust]

Patriots camp observations: WRs coming along under Brady

Pat Kirwan

Many thanks to Coach Belichick for letting me on the practice field and close to all the drills during practice. I got a birds-eye view of all the things going on during the Patriots first practice in full pads.

Here are some hings that jumped out at me from practice.

[SIZE=xx-small]• [/SIZE]Tom Brady and the young receivers: Right now if Rob Gronkowski can't make it back for the opening game Brady will play minus the players who caught 356 of the 401 receptions last year. Before I got to camp I thought this could be the biggest problem the team faces. I was impressed with rookie wide receivers Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce. Dobson can be a vertical threat between the numbers and sideline, a role Brandon Lloyd played last year. Dobson did struggle catching the ball occasionally but that was because he was still learning the route running. Boyce missed all the OTAs but shinned at practice on two routes. He ran a post corner for a touchdown showing deep speed, good route running and concentration. Then he came back on a shallow crossing route, caught the ball and showed plenty of YAC.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] The Shane Vereen factor: Vereen is being groomed to take over the Danny Woodheadrole as a receiving back and he looked impressive. He already has multiple screen pass plays mastered and can empty out of the backfield into a no back set and run routes like a wide receiver. I wouldn't be surprised if Vereen catches 50 balls this year.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] The tight end population: It's clear there is no replacement for Aaron Hernandez in the tight end group. Without Rob Gronkowski, a number of players are competing for playing time. Jake Ballard doesn't look 100 percent yet but is working through the medical recovery. Veteran Daniel Fells flashed a few times during the drills but is only a candidate for a backup spot at this point. Zach Sudfeld, the 6-foot-7, 260-pound kid from Nevada is a work in progress. Mike Hoomanawanui did come out of the backfield a few times like Hernandez did but is hardly the threat Hernandez was in the past few years. It's possible the Patriots could look to a veteran on the street in the next few weeks.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] The Patriots run game: New England is under the radar screen when it comes to the running game. They have the offensive line and the running backs to be a very physical run team, and I think they are planning to feature the run game while the young receivers learn the ropes. I expect the Patriots to be a 50 percent run team on first downs and finish up the season running the ball close to 45 percent of the time. As long as Ridley doesn't have fumble issues, he should get close to 300 carries.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] The no-huddle offense: Some believe the no-huddle offense will be shelved with Welker, Hernandez, Lloyd and maybe Gronkowski not on the field. I think you will still see the no-huddle attack, especially on second downs. It will be a challenge with all the inexperienced receivers, but Tom Brady will push his teammates along until they can function in the package.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] Defensive line depth: The starting front four looks good with Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones at the ends and Tommy Kelly and Vince Wilfork inside. The problems start when you look to the roster for quality depth and a hybrid 'joker' player that will stress opposing quarterbacks. Justin Francis, a defensive end out of Rutgers, is a dark horse to become a factor in the pass rush according to his teammates I spoke with Sunday. It may take some time, but rookie Jamie Collins has a chance to be a hybrid linebacker/pass rusher.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] The rookie class: There were many years that I would come to Patriots camp and it was simply too hard for rookies to crack the lineup and make a big impression. This year there are a few rookies looking to contribute right away. I already mentioned the two wide receivers, Josh Boyce and Aaron Dobson, as well as linebacker Jamie Collins. Keep an eye on corner Logan Ryan out of Rutgers. If Alfonso Dennard finds himself in legal troubles and is unavailable to play, Ryan will have to step up. He flashed a few good things at practice in his zone awareness and needs to be studied as the summer progresses.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] Tim Tebow: I'm not sure how much impact Tebow will have on this team but a few things stood out as I watched him and spoke with the owner Bob Kraft. Mr. Kraft really likes what Tebow stands for, and with all the issues surrounding the club right now, he sounds like a guy the owner wants on the team. Bill Belichick said to me: "We have three good quarterbacks to work with this year." Tebow is the third QB on the team. The defensive players expressed to me that Tebow will do a great job of preparing them for the pistol offenses they may see this season and finally, when the team went to the cafeteria for lunch, Tebow was one of the guys who just sat down with the veterans and seemed to fit in well. A month ago I thought he was a prime candidate to be cut in August. Now I say he makes the team.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] Position competition: There is competition at a few spots on this team. If Dennard is unavailable then Ras-I Dowling, Kyle Arrington and maybe Logan Ryans are battling for the corner spot opposite Aqib Talib. The third defensive tackle spot is wide open and Marcus Forston appears to be leading, but things will change and another veteran could be added. Veteran wide receiver Michael Jenkins may have to hold off the two rookies to stay on the field. The best battle may be OG Marcus Cannon and Dan Connolly for the right guard spot.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] Final thoughts leaving camp: The Patriots are still the team to beat and Brady will get the receivers ready in time. If Danny Amendola stays healthy he will catch 80 balls. There is little depth for the front seven on defense and they can ill afford an injury. This team is still a double digit win club.

Here are some more practice notes:

1. Vince Wilfork ran over Logan Mankins in a one-on-one pass rush.

2. Tim Tebow worked exclusively at QB and took some reps in a scramble pass drill which helped the receivers re-adjust their routes. It looks like Tebow will move around if he plays.

3. Tom Brady spent a lot of time between plays talking with Stevan Ridley about the passing game.

4. Ryan Mallett's deep ball was very impressive and if he has to play opposing corners will get challenged right away.

5. LeGarrette Blount had a good short-yardage inside run at the goal line for a touchdown in the live team period.

6. Stevan Ridley had two fumbles in practice and Vince Wilfork picked one up and ran for a long touchdown.

7. After the 9-on-7 run game period, the team broke up into position groups in all parts of the field. Then Belichick blew a whistle and made the whole team run back to the 9-on-7 spot, line up and run two more plays while they were huffing and puffing. It was a great opportunity to deal with sudden change. Belichick warned the team if they walked or jogged slowly the next time they split up into position groups he would do it again.

8. Newly acquired safety Adrian Wilson, a true strong safety, wound up in a lot of deep middle free safety coverages during the practice.

9. Any time a player made a mental error or fumbled the ball he had to take a lap around the field. I counted nine players taking that lap.

10. Chandler Jones had an exceptional bull rush on left tackle Nate Solder and it was clear his offseason weight room work is paying off.

 

[Faust]

Live blog: Minnesota Vikings training camp

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Baltimore Ravens

By Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn't waste any time to set the theme for the defending Super Bowl champions' training camp."First post-practice press conference of the 2013 season," Harbaugh told reporters last week, "so I guess that means that 2012 is behind us, right?"

No one in the organization is wearing a Super Bowl ring. The two Lombardi trophies won by the Ravens aren't sitting in the lobby of the team's headquarters. Even two of the most prominent players in franchise history -- Ray Lewis and Ed Reed -- are gone.

This is more than distancing themselves from a Super Bowl hangover. The Ravens have undergone a Super Bowl team makeover. This is a new team with new challenges. In many ways, this is a new era.When you factor in the season-ending injury to tight end Dennis Pitta, the Ravens will take the field in 2013 with 10 different starters from the team that beat the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl in February; six on defense, four on offense. How drastic is this change? No previous Super Bowl champion has lost more than five starters the following year.

The Ravens can't say this was part of some grand scheme to be revolutionary. A salary-cap crunch forced some tough decisions and even tougher divorces. Many have counted out the possibility of a Ravens repeat because of these losses. The Ravens, though, believe they remain a title contender because of the players who will replace them, such as pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil, defensive lineman Chris Canty, safety Michael Huff and first-round pick Matt Elam.

“Every move we’ve made is what’s best for our football team to be the best team we can. Period. ... We’ll just see where that takes us,” Harbaugh said. “I’m pretty excited about it. I think we can be a very good football team. But we have to prove it.”

(click on the linked article to see the chart)

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Figuring out the No. 2 wide receiver. The one move that the Ravens will second-guess is trading wide receiver Anquan Boldin to the 49ers for a sixth-round draft pick because he refused to reduce his $6 million salary. This leaves the Ravens with Torrey Smith as the No. 1 wide receiver and a bunch of question marks.

The favorite at this point is Jacoby Jones, but team officials won't just hand the job over to him. Jones will have to win it. You get a feeling that the team would like one of its young receivers to take over the No. 2 spot, which would allow Jones to focus on his true strengths. Jones was a difference-maker in the playoffs as a field-stretching No. 3 receiver and a returner. But there's no proven experience beyond Smith and Jones, the only two wide receivers on the Ravens' roster who have caught more than seven passes in a season.

"I will play whatever role they want me to play," Jones said. "If they want me to hand out the water, I will be the best water boy there is."

The other receivers are making an impression early in camp. Tandon Doss, who is considered more of a possession receiver since being a fourth-round pick in 2011, looks more explosive. Deonte Thompson, who went undrafted a year ago, has the talent to develop into a starting receiver in this league, but he has to be more consistent. And David Reed, who has been an afterthought in this competition, has bulked up.

All four receivers have rotated into the starting lineup in the first week of camp. “That’s exactly the plan,” Harbaugh said. “We’re rotating those guys by period usually, and we’re giving them all a chance to work with the first group and work with Joe [Flacco].”

2. The state of the offensive line. Most of the players blocking for Flacco right now will likely not be doing so in the regular-season opener in Denver. Right guard Marshal Yanda (offseason shoulder surgery) is on the physically unable to perform list. Left guard Kelechi Osemele is sitting out some practices after tweaking his hamstring. And left tackle Bryant McKinnie is working himself back into shape.

The only starters in front of Flacco right now are right tackle Michael Oher and first-year starting center Gino Gradkowski, who has to prove he's strong enough to be a center at this level. As a result, Flacco isn't getting much time in the pocket, not even on his three-step drops. While none of these injuries are serious, the Ravens need to get this group together as quickly as possible to get their chemistry back.

The reason the Ravens believe this offensive line will be better than last year's group is Juan Castillo. His title is run game coordinator, but make no mistake, he's running this offensive line. Castillo is a respected offensive line coach from his days with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he's also one of the more motivated coaches in the league after being fired following two tumultuous seasons as the Eagles' defensive coordinator. Several teams were interested in adding Castillo to their staff, but Harbaugh had an edge. He's known Castillo since he was in fifth grade.

3. Availability of inside linebacker Jameel McClain. The original prognosis was that McClain would be sidelined for six months after suffering a spinal cord contusion. Nine months later, McClain still hasn't been cleared for football activities. This is a big deal for the Ravens, even though McClain is hardly a big name around the league. While the spotlight has been on Lewis for years, McClain has been an underrated force in the middle for Baltimore.

McClain's slower-than-expected recovery hasn't put the Ravens in a vulnerable position. Already knowing the team had to replace the retired Lewis, Baltimore drafted Arthur Brown in the second round and the team has been impressed with his ability to run sideline to sideline. Then, after the team's first choice at inside linebacker, Rolando McClain, abruptly retired, the Ravens signed Daryl Smith, a free agent from the Jacksonville Jaguars, on June 5.

If McClain is unable to return for the regular season, Smith would start at inside linebacker with Brown. The Ravens had been monitoring Smith throughout the offseason, but they wanted to wait until June to sign him so he wouldn't count against them getting an additional compensatory pick next year.

“Daryl is a very intelligent player,” Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees said. “You can tell he’s a veteran. He plays smooth. He’s got heavy hands. He’s a tough guy. I really love his personality -- fits right in with our room."

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

On paper, the Ravens have a better defense than a year ago. That's not saying much. A franchise known for stopping the run and picking off quarterbacks, the Ravens finished 17th in the NFL in yards allowed (5,615) last season. Baltimore improved its pass rush by replacing Paul Kruger with Dumervil. The Ravens upgraded their defensive line with Canty. They also added two well-rounded safeties in Elam and Huff to fill the void left by Reed, who struggled with tackling, and Pollard, who struggled in pass coverage. Plus, the Ravens get back their best cornerback in Lardarius Webb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in October.

Offensively, the Ravens have the potential to improve if Flacco has truly turned the corner. Last season, after Jim Caldwell took over as offensive coordinator, Flacco averaged 283.8 yards per game with 15 touchdowns and one interception. If Flacco can carry this over in 2013, the Ravens will have a top-10 offense.

REASON FOR PESSIMISM

There are always going to be doubts about Flacco because he hasn't been able to play at a high level for 16 games in the regular season. The pressure will be on Flacco to produce after he signed a $120.6 million contract this offseason. He'll have to validate that contract with not much of a supporting cast this season. He lost his top two targets from a year ago in Boldin and Pitta. They accounted for 36 receptions in the postseason, which was nearly half of Flacco's completions.

Where Flacco will miss Boldin and Pitta the most is in the red zone. The Ravens will be vulnerable if they are scoring field goals instead of touchdowns. There will be little room for error for the Ravens, who have to hold off the upstart Bengals to win the AFC North for a third straight season.

OBSERVATION DECK

• One apparent change since Caldwell took over as offensive coordinator was moving Flacco out of the pocket more. It was more of the same in the first couple of practices in camp. Flacco, though, doesn't want to be the next RG III. "You hope that you have some room in there to move around and look for guys," Flacco said. "But I’m not going to make a living doing it. And if I was to do that, I’d probably be out of the game after like four of them and on the sideline for the rest of the season."

• Terrell Suggs has never been a workout warrior, but he took his training to another level this offseason. He reported to training camp in the best shape of his 11-year career. Some of the motivation comes from the fact that he wants to reclaim his title as best defender in the league after an Achilles injury slowed him down in 2012. He also wants to prove his worth to the Ravens considering his base salary in 2014 jumps to $7.8 million.

• Another veteran who is in much better shape than a year ago is Haloti Ngata, who is working at a new position at nose tackle. The addition of Canty allowed Ngata to move inside, where Ngata is more comfortable and effective. It's clear Ngata is carrying fewer pounds when you see him run down the line and disrupt the stretch running plays.

• Let's not write off Ray Rice too quickly. There's been a clamoring in the Ravens' fan base for backup running back Bernard Pierce to get more carries because he had a stronger finish to last season than Rice. While the Ravens are wise not to overload Rice, he's still the best playmaker at running back. Look at fourth-and-29 in San Diego if you need a reminder. Pierce has shown the ability to get yards on defenses after the Ravens have worn them down. He's not in the same league as Rice yet.

• Rookie fullback Kyle Juszczyk has to prove himself as a lead blocker, especially in short-yardage situations. Some have already been calling for the Ravens to re-sign Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach. But Juszczyk has been effective as a receiver. One local reporter nicknamed him "Little Pitta."

• The natural assumption is that the signing of Dumervil will reduce playing time for outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw. That may not be true. The Ravens like Upshaw's impact on run defense and his ability to set the edge. It wouldn't surprise me if Upshaw played a majority of the early downs, which would keep Dumervil fresh as a pass-rusher.

• It was last year at this time when the Ravens were deciding between Justin Tucker and Billy Cundiff at kicker. Harbaugh made the right move in going with Tucker, but it was far from a no-brainer. Tucker was an undrafted rookie and Cundiff was a year removed from being a Pro Bowl kicker. Tucker didn't convincingly win the battle, but it was enough to beat out Cundiff, who had that painful miss in the AFC Championship Game the previous postseason. Tucker converted 30 of 33 field goals (90.9 percent), the second-best success rate for a rookie in NFL history. He made a 58-yard field goal in training camp this year. Cundiff, meanwhile, is with the New York Jets, his third team since getting cut by the Ravens in August 2012.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, it was "hard not to notice" rookie RB Johnathan Franklin in the Packers' first padded practice.
Per reporter Pete Dougherty, Franklin notched two "explosive runs," and out-shined fellow rookie Eddie Lacy. Franklin also made a big play on special teams. How the Pack delineate touches between Franklin and Lacy in the preseason will be of keen interest.


Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette

 

[GregR]

Gabbert limping. Trainers looking at his ankle. ETA: Rides off on cart. ETA2: Team says sprained ankle, guard stepped on his foot. Will be evaluated next 2 days.

Also Denard Robinson getting snaps at QB.

 

[Faust]

Greg,

Thanks for the addition to the thread!

Ted Ginn Jr. starts fast in Carolina

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Robert Griffin III says he's already overcome the mental obstacle of his right ACL and LCL reconstruction.
The mental part can often be the hardest to overcome for knee-surgery patients. Although RG3 has yet to participate in 11-on-11 camp drills, he's running full speed and making cuts, and drew praise for sliding at Saturday's practice. "I don't really worry about my leg anymore," he said. "I just play football."


Source: SI.com

Ryan Williams will go for a second opinion on his right knee after it "flared up" during Sunday's practice.
Williams felt good enough to walk around after the flareup, but the Cardinals are concerned enough to get a medical opinion. The right knee is the same one in which Williams tore his patellar tendon two years ago. Until/unless damage is revealed, we'd only think of the 23-year-old's status as day to day.


Source: Mike Sando on Twitter

According to CSN Bay Area, Colin Kaepernick has showed an "amazing" amount of improvement on touch passes, which was considered one of his weaknesses in previous training camps.
After re-watching all of Kaepernick's 2012 throws, ESPN's Ron Jaworski stated Kap "has a chance to be very special." Seems he's already making good in that promise. Ex-NFL scout John Middlekauff recently attended 49ers camp and came away saying Kaepernick was throwing "absolute lasers" in addition to the improved touch throws. Michael Crabtree's loss was a big blow, but Kaepernick has NFL MVP-caliber talent and remains a high-ceiling fantasy pick.


Source: CSN Bay Area

Stevan Ridley says he had to "cut a few pounds" after reporting to OTAs "looking like a house."
Beat writer Jeff Howe insinuates the weight loss was at the team's urging. Ridley bulked up to steel himself for a bigger workload — and in response to Bernard Pollard's thundering hit in the AFC Championship Game — but the Pats want him to remain near his listed playing weight of 220. Ridley has reportedly been struggling with ball security in the early days of camp, but there's no reason to believe he won't remain the Pats' preferred early-down back.


Source: Boston Herald

Excerpt from Peter King's MMQB today:

2. I think it’s foreign to most of us that a player can significantly improve his speed, but Colin Kaepernick thinks he’s done just that this offseason. He trained in Atlanta with some speed technicians, including long-jumper Dwight Phillips. “I trained with a few Olympic runners and jumpers,” Kaepernick told me. “Just to try to get a little bit faster, a little bit better. Anything I could do to try to get a little bit better and stay ahead of the competition. I think the biggest thing was the form of running and how to be more efficient when I run. I feel like that has helped me to this point, and it’s something I’m trying to improve on more and more, but I think those few weeks with them were very valuable.” He said he improved his stride and “the way I contact the ground. There are a lot of details to running that I never even thought about. I just went out and ran. I think I can be faster. I think I can be quicker.” Not sure if we’ll notice, but talking to Kaepernick, and seeing how excited he was about his running training, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a tick faster in 2013.

 

[Faust]

NFL quarterback battle roundup: Who's in front?

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks made his predictions Monday on how each quarterback battle will end. We'll take a look to find out how each battle has started.

New York Jets: NFL Network's Heath Evans said the difference between Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez in practice Monday was like "night and day" in favor of Smith. Evans was impressed with Smith's arm strength and command of the offense. Coach Rex Ryan said he was impressed that Smith hasn't thrown an interception through four days of practice. NFL Network's Brian Baldinger, meanwhile, said Smith looked great in practice over the weekend, but was "embarrassing" in conditioning sprints after practice.

Overall, Smith's early practices have quieted concerns about his performance during organized team activites and minicamp. A tie in this battle goes to the rookie.

Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb are evenly splitting reps. No one watching practice has reported any meaningful separation between the two quarterbacks yet. Matt Barkley is getting far fewer snaps as the No. 3 quarterback.

Oakland Raiders: While reports suggest Terrelle Pryor has made strides, this still looks like Matt Flynn's job to lose. All reports indicate that Flynn has looked solid as the No. 1 quarterback to start camp.

Jacksonville Jaguars: We'll start with this note from practice Monday.

@GeneFrenette

#Jaguars QBs have thrown 8 straight incompletions in 11-on-11. Oyyyyy

This is not a great sign considering there isn't a true pass rush yet. Blaine Gabbert left practice with a right ankle injury, but it initially sounds minor. Chad Henne has a better chance to win this battle than people think.

Buffalo Bills: Kevin Kolb received slightly more reps that EJ Manuel to open training camp, but that's to be expected. Kolb also received the first snap of camp. Manuel connected on some long bombs Sunday. Coach Doug Marrone says he wants to make a decision around 10 to 12 days before the season starts.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

 

[Faust]

Vernon Davis at WR? What we need to know

By Mike Sando | ESPN.com

(click on the linked article to see the chart)

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis indicated Sunday he's getting reps at wide receiver.

This means ... what? Let's walk through this.

Defenses must set their personnel before they know where offensive skill players will line up in the formation. If they see Davis in the 49ers' huddle, for example, they know they have to contend with an exceptionally fast tight end. They also know Davis might line up where wide receivers line up, but they cannot treat him the way they would treat a 195-pound wideout. They will see a tight end when they see Davis, and they will plan accordingly.

We should expect Davis' receiving stats to swell this season in the absence of injured primary receiver Michael Crabtree. Davis appeared to be gaining momentum as a receiver last season, before Crabtree was injured. He had six catches for 104 yards in the Super Bowl. He had five catches for 106 yards in the NFC title game. Crabtree also had 11 receptions over those two games, but Davis had a 210-166 advantage in yardage.

The 49ers like to use multiple tight ends and running backs to facilitate their running game. They will not want to abandon that identity by turning Davis into a wideout, even if they do decide to split him wide more frequently.

The chart from ESPN Stats & Information shows Davis' 2012 regular-season and postseason stats when Colin Kaepernick was the quarterback, broken out by where Davis aligned at the snap. He wasn't lining up on the perimeter much.

 

[Faust]

Ryan Williams' knee and other Cards notes

By Mike Sando | ESPN.com

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Nearly two years have passed since Arizona Cardinals running back Ryan Williams suffered a torn patella tendon in his right knee.

Williams, now entering his third training camp, had an ice pack on that same knee while failing to finish practice Sunday. Williams was moving briskly with a slight limp when he headed to the locker room following practice. He did not oblige interview requests.

No big deal? Major story? It was impossible to tell, but any trouble with Williams' surgically repaired right knee is a concern for the Cardinals. Free-agent addition Rashard Mendenhall is the presumed favorite to get most of the carries this season. His history with head coach Bruce Arians is one factor. Mendenhall averaged better than 1,100 yards per season with Pittsburgh from 2009 through 2011.

The shifty Williams, a second-round pick in 2011, remains a wild card until his health stabilizes. Knee and shoulder injuries ended his first two seasons.

Floyd's day

It was odd seeing Larry Fitzgerald drop a well-placed deep ball from Carson Palmer. Not long after, second-year wideout Michael Floyd impressed with a leaping grab on a deep pass to the other side of the field. Floyd looked good in this practice. Meanwhile, tight end Rob Housler impressed by catching a touchdown pass with his left arm while safety Jonathon Amaya hung onto him.

Up close and personal

The Cardinals wearing full pads for the first time in this camp, practiced running plays from the home sideline toward midfield. Fans were seated within maybe 15 yards of the action. Reporters were standing closer than that. Arians was standing within only a few feet of the offense. One highlight: right tackle Bobby Massie planting defensive end Darnell Dockett.

Former San Francisco 49er Chilo Rachal was working at left guard while the team awaited first-round pick Jonathan Cooper's arrival after Cooper reached agreement on a contract earlier in the day.

No break-in period for Cooper

Arians said Cooper would be allowed to practice in pads right away instead of waiting til his fourth day in camp. That marks a departure from 2012, when the Seattle Seahawks violated rules by allowing Terrell Owens to wear pads during his first practice.

As a league spokesman said last summer, "Day 1 is for the physical and meetings. Day 2 and 3 the player may participate, but only in helmet and shells or a padded shirt. Day 4 and for the rest of camp is in full pads."

So, what has changed? Not the CBA, but rather the interpretation of the CBA, according to the Cardinals. The language refers to the team's first day of camp, not to the player's first day of camp.

Strange sight

That was the not-so-mobile Palmer running what appeared to be a read-option play in practice before several thousand fans at University of Phoenix Stadium. Of course, it's not really an option if everyone knows the quarterback is going to pitch the ball. That is what Palmer did. The Cardinals also had cornerback Patrick Peterson playing receiver.

 

[petenice15]

NFL quarterback battle roundup: Who's in front?

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks made his predictions Monday on how each quarterback battle will end. We'll take a look to find out how each battle has started.

New York Jets: NFL Network's Heath Evans said the difference between Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez in practice Monday was like "night and day" in favor of Smith. Evans was impressed with Smith's arm strength and command of the offense. Coach Rex Ryan said he was impressed that Smith hasn't thrown an interception through four days of practice. NFL Network's Brian Baldinger, meanwhile, said Smith looked great in practice over the weekend, but was "embarrassing" in conditioning sprints after practice.

Overall, Smith's early practices have quieted concerns about his performance during organized team activites and minicamp. A tie in this battle goes to the rookie.

Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb are evenly splitting reps. No one watching practice has reported any meaningful separation between the two quarterbacks yet. Matt Barkley is getting far fewer snaps as the No. 3 quarterback.

Oakland Raiders: While reports suggest Terrelle Pryor has made strides, this still looks like Matt Flynn's job to lose. All reports indicate that Flynn has looked solid as the No. 1 quarterback to start camp.

Jacksonville Jaguars: We'll start with this note from practice Monday.

@GeneFrenette

#Jaguars QBs have thrown 8 straight incompletions in 11-on-11. Oyyyyy

This is not a great sign considering there isn't a true pass rush yet. Blaine Gabbert left practice with a right ankle injury, but it initially sounds minor. Chad Henne has a better chance to win this battle than people think.

Buffalo Bills: Kevin Kolb received slightly more reps that EJ Manuel to open training camp, but that's to be expected. Kolb also received the first snap of camp. Manuel connected on some long bombs Sunday. Coach Doug Marrone says he wants to make a decision around 10 to 12 days before the season starts.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

Nick Foles gets no respect

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: New England Patriots

By Mike Reiss | ESPN.com

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Facing arguably the greatest challenge of his 14-year NFL career, stripped of his go-to receiver Wes Welker and then some, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady altered his training camp travel itinerary this year.

An early arrival was required.

Brady and the team's other veterans weren't required to report until last Thursday, but the two-time NFL MVP instead showed up four days early. The main reason: to continue the process of working with a rookie receiving corps that is being counted on heavily as part of a redo at the position unlike any the team has undertaken in the past during Brady's tenure.

Never before has the team had such a youthful look at the position, where there have been more struggles than successes in drafting and developing talent. The Patriots opened training camp with 12 receivers on the roster, six of whom are rookies.

Three of those young pups -- second-round draft choice Aaron Dobson, fourth-rounder Josh Boyce and free-agent Kenbrell Thompkins -- have taken more repetitions with Brady through the first three days of training camp than most could have imagined. One reason the results have looked fairly sharp is the extra work that was put in thanks to Brady's early arrival (rookies reported the day before Brady).

It is almost as if Brady is more than just the team's quarterback now; he's part coach, too. Unlike his record-breaking 2007 season, when there was an immediate connection with veterans Randy Moss, Welker and Jabar Gaffney, there is a certain teacher-student dynamic in play now. Brady, a stickler for detail, can be tough to please.

"He’s one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game, so he’s definitely demanding,” said the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Dobson, a smooth-strider from Marshall who the Patriots hope will fill the outside role that Chad Johnson (2011) and Brandon Lloyd (2012) filled the past two years. “[He’s] definitely tough to play for.”

Some used to say the same thing about Miami Dolphins great Dan Marino, and there is a connection in play between Marino and what Brady currently faces. Because Marino had played for so long in Miami (1983 to '99), the offense grew so much each season that it was difficult in Marino’s later years for any young or new receiver to handle. So when go-to receivers Mark Clayton and Mark Duper were no longer in the mix -- they had grown with Marino in the offense -- it was a challenge to find anyone capable of stepping in.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick has acknowledged that’s a similar dynamic to what his team is currently navigating. This is Brady’s 14th year in the Patriots’ offense, which has evolved in many layers since his first year in 2000, and there is a lot there for any receiver to handle, let alone a rookie.

That is a big reason why the Patriots were drawn to Dobson and Boyce in the draft, and why Thompkins -- an older rookie at 25 who went undrafted after two years at Cincinnati -- has been an under-the-radar surprise to this point. All have a high football IQ. And so does free-agent signee Danny Amendola, who has developed a quick rapport with Brady that stands out.

Still, the Patriots might have to “trim the fat” in some areas of the playbook, according to Belichick. There will also be times when patience will be tested.

But watching Brady through the first three days of camp, part of it seems to have invigorated him. Those close to him say he is more committed than ever before; he turns 36 on Aug. 3, craves another Super Bowl championship, and knows that if all the receiver changes are going to produce the desired results -- especially with the rookies -- it is going to take extra work.

And it started with his early arrival at training camp.

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Distractions from tight end Aaron Hernandez.

In an unprecedented move, Belichick called a news conference two days before the team’s training camp practice to address Hernandez’s murder charge and its impact on the franchise. Then Brady spoke to reporters the following day. The goal was to balance the fine line between showing empathy and perspective to something bigger than football, but also position the club to move forward.

Because of that proactive approach, Hernandez wasn’t much of a topic of discussion from a media perspective by the second day of training camp. But will that change as new developments come to light in the case against Hernandez?

As one would expect, Belichick addressed players about the situation in a team meeting at the start of camp.

“He had comments, but that’s between him and the team. If he wants to share it, that’s fine,” said offensive lineman Logan Mankins, one of the team’s captains. (No surprise, but Belichick hasn’t been in the sharing mood.)

Mankins, the third-longest tenured player on the team (nine years) after Brady (14) and Wilfork (10), touched on how players are attempting to move on.

“At the time, you kind of reflect, but now it’s football season and everything goes in a drawer; no matter how you feel about it, it’s put away,” he said. “It’s football, it’s straightforward, and that’s all you can concentrate on or you’ll fall behind. Bill puts so much pressure on everyone and demands so much work and focus that if you’re not just focusing on football, then you’re in trouble.”

2. Void at top of tight end depth chart.

By the time the Patriots had blazed a trail through the NFL in 2011 with their innovative two-tight end offense, Rob Gronkowski had played almost 95 percent of the offensive snaps and Hernandez about 77 percent. The results were impressive, and others around the league considered plans to attempt to duplicate it.

That’s also when the Patriots extended the contracts of both players -- Gronkowski through 2019 and Hernandez 2018 -- with the idea of building their offense around them (over Welker).

The plans obviously haven’t worked out as desired, and if Gronkowski isn’t ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 8 at Buffalo after a surgery-filled offseason, it sparks the questions: Who fills the void, and how does it impact plans to play with multiple tight ends?

Former New York Giant Jake Ballard (6-6, 260) and returning veterans Daniel Fells (6-4, 260) and Michael Hoomanawanui (6-4, 260) are the top candidates, while rookie free agent Zach Sudfeld (6-7, 260) is a potential sleeper.

“I don’t want to say this is Wally Pipp and Lou Gehrig, but that’s the classic story … it’s there if they can do it,” Belichick said.

Still, it would be a surprise if the Patriots run as many multiple-tight end sets as they did in 2011. The numbers were down to about 50 percent last year when Gronkowski and Hernandez missed significant time with injuries.

3. Tim Tebow’s role.

On a scale of 1-10 in terms of importance to the team’s success, No. 3 quarterback Tim Tebow is closer to the “1” than the “10.” Yet there is intrigue.

Tebow hasn’t been consistent as a drop-back passer in practices and appears to be at his best on the move or as a runner. That explains why he has been the only quarterback in the drill in which ball carriers run with the football in a confined space after making a catch, and then the defenders execute proper tackling technique.

Do the Patriots see enough value in him, possibly as a scout-team quarterback, to reserve a coveted spot on the 53-man roster? That’s a hot-button topic that has generated passionate response from both circles.

“He’s a good guy first, a super-nice guy and a good guy to talk to,” Mankins said of Tebow. “He works his butt off, so we’ll see if he can find a role.”

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

Since Brady is the quarterback, Belichick is the coach, and the team is playing in the AFC East, what’s not to like? And we’ve made it to this point with nary a mention of the team’s defense, which should be improved when factoring in that 10 of 11 starters return and the addition of a few complementary pieces, such as veteran safety Adrian Wilson, who brings size (6-3, 230) and an intimidating presence.

Last year, the Patriots traded up in the first round for defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont’a Hightower, and they could be difference-makers. Jones was hobbled by an ankle injury for most of the second half of last year and said one of his primary goals this offseason was to improve his upper-body strength. Hightower played 51 percent of the defensive snaps in 2012 but looks primed to possibly become more of a three-down option this year.

Furthermore, cornerback Aqib Talib had a significant impact -- both on the field and in the meeting room -- after he was acquired in November. Having him for a full year, in theory, should help the defense improve.

REASON FOR PESSIMISM

There has been too much turbulence this offseason, including starting cornerback Alfonzo Dennard’s arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. Dennard is due in court in Lincoln, Neb., on Aug. 27 to determine if he violated his probation and could potentially face an NFL suspension.

Uncertainty with Dennard, the unknown in the passing game, Gronkowski’s health questions, and layers of the roster that appear thin on depth (interior DL) mean that the margin for error the Patriots traditionally have doesn’t seem as big as before.

Finally, the departed Welker was known for his consistency and durability. The Patriots are hoping Amendola can fill the void -- and the early returns are positive -- but there are questions about whether he can play a full 16-game season based on his injury history.

OBSERVATION DECK

• The Patriots’ coaching staff returns intact from 2012, marking only the second time in Belichick’s 14-year tenure that has happened. Former Chiefs offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who joined the Patriots in January, has the title of “offensive assistant.” At times in practice, he’s worked closely with Tebow.

• Devin McCourty, the 2010 first-round draft choice who made the Pro Bowl as a cornerback in his first season, appears to be settling into the safety position nicely. McCourty first moved to safety in the middle of last season, and his command of the defense, along with strong communication and sideline-to-sideline skills, make him a solid fit at the new position.

• Teammates call Wilson “The Incredible Hulk” because of his chiseled physique. Wilson and fellow veteran Steve Gregory are the top candidates vying for a starting role next to McCourty at safety.

• Former Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Tommy Kelly (6-6, 310) projects as a starter next to Vince Wilfork; defensive end Rob Ninkovich called Kelly an under-the-radar player who is making a mark. Mankins said: “He’s been impressive so far, very athletic for his size. He’s quick for an inside guy. I like his work ethic. He’s been giving great effort, and if he gives us that kind of effort all season, I think he’ll have a good season.”

• Running back Stevan Ridley lost two fumbles in the team’s third practice, with Belichick sending him to run two punishment laps. Ridley led all Patriots running backs in playing 45 percent of the snaps last season, and the projection is that he should match that number this year. But if he struggles to hold on to the ball, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount and second-year man Brandon Bolden are the top candidates to step in to that bigger back role. Blount was 2-for-2 in a goal-line running drill on Sunday. Shane Vereen looks primed to fill the void created by Danny Woodhead’s defection to the Chargers to serve as the team’s “passing back.” On Sunday, he was featured as a pass-catcher when the team worked on the screen game.

• The entire offensive line returns intact, although there could be a competition at right guard, where third-year player Marcus Cannon (6-5, 335) has been working with the top unit while incumbent Dan Connolly (shoulder) works his way back.

• Top draft choice Jamie Collins, the linebacker/defensive end from Southern Mississippi (52nd overall), has received his initial work at linebacker. He’s the first linebacker to rotate into 11-on-11 drills, often replacing middle linebacker Brandon Spikes, who has been more of a two-down player.

• Former Canadian Football League defensive lineman Armond Armstead opened training camp on the non-football illness list. Belichick said the illness is different from the heart condition that led him to leave Southern Cal in 2011 and land in the CFL, and there is no indication when/if Armstead might join the team at practice. In addition, receiver Julian Edelman and Gronkowski opened camp on the physically unable to perform list.

• Leon Washington, who signed with the Patriots after three seasons with the Seahawks, has served as the primary kickoff returner, where the Patriots are banking on improved results after ranking 25th in the NFL last season (21.2-yard average).

• Ballard, who said he played at 278 pounds in New York, is down to 260. The hope is that it doesn’t affect him at the line of scrimmage as a blocker, but makes him faster and takes pressure off his knee.

• Incumbent punter Zoltan Mesko, who is entering the final year of his contract, is joined on the roster by rookie Ryan Allen, the two-time Ray Guy Award winner from Louisiana Tech. Both are lefty punters; Belichick has employed a left-footed punter in each of his 14 seasons as coach.

 

[Penguin]

Someone better get Lacy a Nutritionist quick

http://www.packers.com/media-center/photo-gallery/Training-Camp-practice-Day-3/fa3b6ef3-1e0c-4551-985d-916edc2a9e5a#baea6e9e-f9f0-4a64-8859-74df30ea2c1a

 

[EBF]

Is that Lacy? Geez. He looks like BJ Raji in that picture.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Rod Streater has been the Raiders' "most consistent" receiver early in camp, and the Oakland Tribune suggests he could "emerge as the go-to" guy for Matt Flynn because of his reliability.
Telling when your go-to receiver might be Rod Streater. Largely a possession guy at slot and Z receiver, Streater caught 39 balls for 584 yards and three TDs as a rookie. Deep threat Denarius Moore is far more talented, but far less consistent. Streater may actually be a superior match for Flynn's noodle arm.


Source: Oakland Tribune

According to the Oakland Tribune, rookie QB Tyler Wilson "has had some rough moments" early in Raiders camp, "and is getting his feet wet."
Early camp reports have Matt Flynn and Terrelle Pryor pulling away from Wilson atop Oakland's depth chart. Per the Tribune, Flynn is the starter "and has done nothing to lose ground." We'll keep tabs on Wilson throughout preseason.


Source: Oakland Tribune

The Washington Times notes projected third-down back Roy Helu's "speed and elusiveness on the second level sets him apart" from Alfred Morris.
Helu offers considerably more straight-line speed and arguably just as much or more second-level wiggle than Washington's starter. Helu is vying to be the Skins' third-down back two seasons after racking up 49 receptions and rushing for 100 yards in three straight games late in his rookie year. Helu is the early favorite for Morris "handcuff" duties. He's worth a late-round fantasy pick.


Source: Washington Times

An initial MRI on Ryan Williams' right knee injury came back "clean."
The Cardinals are seeing a second opinion as a precaution. "We’ll see when he comes back," said coach Bruce Arians. "It just flared up. There’s no injury; the MRI’s clean." Arians added he "would think" this is a make-or-break year for Williams, who's been injury plagued since his freshman season in college.


Source: Arizona Republic

According to the Miami Herald, free agent WR Austin Collie is "believed to be a possibility" to address the Dolphins' depth issues at receiver.
The Dolphins have shown more interest in Laurent Robinson thus far. Miami needs wideout help after losing Rishard Mathews (undisclosed) indefinitely and Armon Binns (knee) for the season. Slot weapon Collie is 27 years old.

Related: Dolphins

Source: Miami Herald

Free agent Laurent Robinson will work out for the Dolphins on Tuesday.
The news comes less than a half hour after the Miami Herald reported the Fins would look to the open market for receiver help after losing Armon Binns and Rishard Matthews to injury. Still only 28, Robinson is two years removed from posting a 54/858/11 line for the Cowboys, but was inexplicably allowed to suffer five concussions in 2012. To say he's a health risk is putting it mildly.

Related: Dolphins

Source: National Football Post

 

[UKColt]

Some highlights from Colts camp:

Loads of hype about how well WR Griff Whalen is playing. He was the Colts leading receiver last pre-season before he got injured and ended up on IR.

Reports from fans and beat writers is that the dude catches everything and has drawn comparisons to Austin Collie with his route running and ability to create separation. With Brazill suspended, the fight for the WR4 job on that team is wide open, and Wayne is aging and DHB is on a 1 year deal so if Whalen impresses, there could be a good route to a starting job down the line. It also will help that he is playing in an offense that he is familiar with.

Someone worth an addition in deeper dynasty leagues.

Other name being thrown about, mainly today, is Coby Fleener. IndyStar beat writer Phil Wilson tweeted this earlier: #Colts' best offensive player today couldn't be more obvious. TE Coby Fleener has been exceptional.

Alot of people sleeping on Fleener because of a 'poor' rookie season, in comparison to Dwayne Allen, so he can be picked up fairly cheaply. In his old Stanford offense and playing more out in space, I expect him to be the better fantasy TE option this year.

 

[Faust]

Nice addition to this thread UKColt !!!

The CBS Camp updates are usually good for a chuckle or two with the twitter comments and camp pictures:

Training Camp Roundup: Handicapping quarterback competitions

 

[ImTheScientist]

http://www.hawkblogger.com/

Updates on Seahawks camp after every practice. You can also watch a live stream on Seahawks.com.

 

[Faust]

ImTheScientist, thanks for adding the post and the link on the Seahawks training camp!

Baldinger: Geno Smith's conditioning is 'embarrassing'

By Dan Hanzus

Around the League Writer

NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger watched Geno Smith at New York Jets practice this weekend and came away impressed. Well, mostly impressed.

"He looked good to me yesterday until he ran gassers at the end of practice," said Baldinger, who attended Jets training camp in Cortland, N.Y., on Sunday. "And Geno Smith looked like he had done no conditioning. It was actually embarrassing to see how far behind he was behind (Mark) Sanchez and (Matt) Simms and everybody else that's there."

The rookie quarterback was more impressive during the parts of practice that count most.

Added Baldy on Monday's "Inside Training Camp": "However, he did look good getting in and out of the huddle, getting to the line of scrimmage, getting the ball out of his hands quickly."

Baldinger's comments provide a reminder of how much scrutiny Smith faces as he attempts to win a starting job in his first NFL training camp. NFL Network analyst Heath Evans was in Cortland on Monday, pointing out the difference in arm strength between Sanchez and Smith.

"You see a lot of accuracy, a lot of zip on the ball obviously from Geno," Evans observed. "You see some balls sailing, or what I would say floating, for Mark Sanchez."

It's early, but it feels like we're seeing early signs of a tide turning Smith's way in this competition. Rex Ryan praised Smith for playing mistake-free football in team drills. Antonio Cromartie is praising Smith's ability to pick up the offense.

Sanchez needs to show himself to be a superior candidate, and we don't have any evidence he's done that yet. Starting jobs aren't won in gasser races.

Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.

 

[netnalp]

The Day at Giants Camp: July 29, 2013

http://insidefootball.com/blog/2013/07/the-day-at-camp-july-29-2013/

I have good news and bad news for those of you worried about the Giants defense this year.

The good news is that the defensive units — all three of them — put forth their best collective effort to date in this, the early phase of training camp. It was an effort that saw five interceptions (two by Curtis Painter, two by Ryan Nassib, and one by David Carr), a handful of coverage sacks, and a few plays blown up in the backfield.

“The defense was pretty good today,” head coach Tom Coughlin said with a big smile. “They’re in the right spot, and made a nice play. Hopefully we can grow with that and get better because of that. It’s a good thing to see people make plays.”

The other highlight was the battle between receiver Rueben Randle and cornerback Prince Amukamara. More on that in a bit, but certainly Coughlin agreed with the opinion that the battle between those two was a sight to behold.

“Prince has competed like heck,” Coughlin said of Amukamara. “That’s what we’re trying to get. He’s rising to the occasion and is being more and more competitive.”

Coughlin also had some words of praise for Randle.“He’s made some outstanding plays, and today he made a couple that … would have been nice plays. The one in the team drill in the left corner the jump ball post in the middle of the field was a nice play. I don’t know how close that one in the far corner was from (receiver Louis) Murphy (on the reverse), but it looked like it was competitive.”

So what’s the bad news I mentioned? As far as I know, there’s no way to catch lightning in a bottle and for a defensive unit that last year struggled with consistency, it remains to be seen if today’s performance, which by the way was conducted in shorts and shells, the last day of the NFL mandated three-day acclimation period, can do it again when it starts to count.

If it’s all about consistency, which has been a running theme for the defense this camp, they better find a way.

INJURY REPORT

Receiver Hakeem Nicks did return to practice today, but was still limited by his groin. That didn’t sit too well with Coughlin, who bristled when asked if it was a matter of Nicks trying to stay healthy so he could make it through camp.

“I don’t know that; that’s not what he tells me,” Coughlin said. “We just want him out there competing and practicing. The guy has not practiced, and he really needs to get out there. And we’ll have to see what the extent of which we have an issue is.”

As for the PUP guys, no changes, but we did notice that Chris Snee and Markus Kuhn were doing some running on the side as well as some agility drills, and neither looked that bad.

Kuhn, to me at least, looks like he’s ready to go, so it’s possible his stay on PUP could be short-lived assuming he’s not experiencing pain or discomfort after these workouts. However, with the numbers being what they are at defensive tackle, the longer he is out, the more likely he stays exactly where he is to start the season.

Snee, meanwhile, continues to move well. I’d really be shocked if he’s on PUP for too much longer. I don’t think he’ll play in the first preseason game, obviously, but I do believe that at some point he will get on the field this summer.

I didn’t see cornerback Terrell Thomas, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul or fullback Henry Hynoski doing much in the way of running, which wasn’t surprising. Hynoski continues to sport a big bulky brace on his healing knee so I doubt he would have been able to do too much with that anyway.

Safety Tyler Sash, who left yesterday with cramps, was back on the field. And receiver Kris Adams suffered a dislocated finger in yesterday’s practice, though the injury did not keep him out of today’s session.

LINEUPS

Slight change today at linebacker as Jacquian Williams, who missed a large chunk of the spring while continuing to rehab his PCL, took some snaps at the weakside linebacker spot in red zone drills in place of Keith Rivers.

Also, rookie defensive end Damontre Moore, who impressed yesterday against the third string offensive line, saw a few snaps against the second stringers today. Given how well defensive line coach Robert Nunn spoke of “DaMonster,” earlier today, I wonder how long until he gets a few snaps in the rotation against the starters?

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

* I mentioned the interceptions, but what I didn’t’ mentioned (probably because it’s a judgment call given that there is no tackling allowed) is that there were a few coverage sacks in this practice as well.

For instance, in seven on seven drills, an Eli Manning pass to Ramses Barden almost certainly would have been a sack as Manning held onto the ball for a long time before Barden finally got open.

On the next play, Manning was forced to throw the ball away, over the head of Louis Murphy who was covered tightly by the defensive secondary (as was the rest of the receivers). And Jacquian Williams managed to get a mitt up to knock down a pass by David Carr.

* A couple of miscommunications popped up between Carr and two of his receivers in the seven-on-sevens. The first was with Jerrel Jernigan; the second with Kris Adams. Needless to say, it wasn’t a strong series for Carr.

* Safety Tyler Sash did a nice job covering tight end Adrien Robinson down the field. In fact, Sash, who many people believe might be on the bubble, had one of his better practices today, the only blemish being that when he picked off a pass thrown by Curtis Painter later on in 11-on-11s, he got so excited that he started to run the wrong way until Perry Fewell’s booming voice got him back on track.

* Another mixed day from quarterback Ryan Nassib, who when he’s on target, throws a nice ball. When he’s not, it can be quite ugly. Again, when he sets his feet, his passes tend to get away from him, but when he is on the move, his accuracy is better. He took four straight snaps, completing three, two of which were off target. He also grossly overthrew the first, despite having all day to set up and find his target.

* With all the focus on the defense today, special teams had a couple of notable plays with both a kickoff return and a punt return going for touchdowns. On the kickoff return, it was Jernigan breaking free while cornerback Jayron Hosley found daylight as a punt returner.

* Cornerback Laron Scott, who ended the practice suffering from cramps, had one of the five interceptions today for the defense, picking off a tipped pass thrown by Ryan Nassib. The ball was tipped by receiver Keith Carlos and right into Scott’s waiting arms.

* Rookie running back Michael Cox dropped a swing pass when he started to run up field before tucking the ball away. That’s not the way to impress the coaches.

* Also dropping a pass because he turned to plan his escape route was Victor Cruz, who has battled that issue since he’s been in the league. Cruz, for all the excitement he brings to the game, has logged double digit drops in his last two seasons, most of those drops coming because he’s planning his escape route up field before he has the ball. Hopefully this year he’ll be able to cut down on the dropped passes.

* In 11-on-11s, the battle between Amukamara and Randle took center stage. Randle caught the first pass thrown his way, but Amukamara was right there to limit the yards after the catch. A few plays later, Randle got past Amukamara and Corey Webster for a reception, though technically the play should have been a coverage sack against Manning.

Randle did have a dropped pass along the left sideline, perhaps his lone gaffe of the day. But he made up for it when he connected with Manning for a red zone touchdown.

Last thing about Randle – he was involved in a little razzle-dazzle when on a reverse, Louis Murphy tried to connect with him in the end zone during a red zone drill. However, Corey Webster was having none of it and broke up the play.

* Defensive tackle Mike Patterson and defensive end Damontre Moore teamed up to stuff a shotgun draw. Patterson had a solid showing today, proving to be a load inside to handle, and this combination of him and Moore is intriguing to watch.

* Linebacker Kyle Bosworth made a nice read and timed a stop of a shotgun draw. That’s two such plays Bosworth has made in the last two practices; he’s looked promising against the runs so far.

* Cornerback Aaron Ross got in on the interception parade, picking off David Carr who was trying to hit a receiver on a slant route.

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

I understand where Coughlin is coming from wen he expresses frustration about not having Nicks out on the practice field, but at the same time, I think there has to be a degree of logic applied here.

It’s still early in camp with the start of the regular season still more than a month away. Assuming Nicks’ groin tightness is mild, isn’t it better to let him sit out for a few days so that it doesn’t become an issue later in the summer as time ticks down to the start of the regular season?

Quarterback Eli Manning seems to think so.

“Hakeem is being smart. He is coming off some injuries. He’s going to take it slow and do what he’s got to do to make sure when he’s out there he is full speed and is prepared for these preseason games and sat the start of the regular season coming in healthy.

“We have some time and it is early on and he has been limited in some practices over the spring, so we just want to make sure he goes at his pace that’s going to keep him healthy for the upcoming year.”

Nicks, by the way, has declined media requests for interviews thus far. We’re going to try again tomorrow to see if he’ll speak.

* * *

All throughout the offseason, whenever I had a letter or a question about the linebackers stating how lousy they were, I kept reminding people that it would be wise to take a wait-and-see approach rather than to assume the worst.

So far, the linebackers have looked pretty good – yes it’s early, but it’s also encouraging.

And Coughlin apparently agrees with me. “Just because you don’t know necessarily a lot of information about them doesn’t mean that they’re not football players.”

Amen, coach!

UP NEXT

The moment we’ve all been waiting for – the end of the acclimation period and the start of padded practices. Same bat time, same bat channel.

 

[netnalp]

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/t-rock-s-take-on-the-giants-1.811990/practice-report-five-picks-sash-s-exploits-and-some-red-zone-trickery-1.5791337

Practice report: Five picks, Sash's exploits, and some red zone trickery5:38 PM By Tom Rock

Picks aplenty at training camp today!

There were five of them, which was good news for the defense. And the good news for the offense? None of them were thrown by Eli Manning.

We’ll break down all of those interceptions plus a few other plays, but first the injury report. The five guys on PUP remained there. Chris Snee (hip), Henry Hynoski (knee), Markus Kuhn (knee) and Terrell Thomas (knee) were all out on the field doing drills and on the bikes off to the side. The only guy I didn’t see with them was Jason Pierre-Paul (back), but he may have been floating around. There didn’t seem to be any other injured players, unless you count Hakeem Nicks who was limited. You can read more about him and the big day for his replacement here.

It was a very active day for Tyler Sash. First he was used on a fake punt and had the ball snapped directly to him. Then, in a drill with the safeties, he was booted out of his role as a quarterback. The players were working on their drops and cuts and while position coach Dave Merritt directed them in various positions another player had to throw the ball and have the safety break on it and catch it. Sash’s first throw was so bad that he was immediately kicked out and replaced by Antrel Rolle. Rolle’s not exactly Aaron Rodgers, but he was much better than Sash. Even the fans who were at the practice gave Sash a hard time about his throwing. To combine the two elements, if Sash is in on a fake punt and the ball is snapped to him, he’ll be running with it and not throwing it.

Sash wound up making one of the five interceptions later in practice, but even that one had a twist to it. Literally. Sash made a catch on a low pass from Curtis Painter and tumbled over himself, his helmet sticking into the ground and his body spinning 180 degrees while made the summersault. It was such a contortion that when Sash got up to run with the ball, he took a step in the wrong direction and started heading towards the offensive endzone. He quickly realized that no one was in front of him and reversed course, but it was a funny little moment off a very nice play.

Sash left practice three snaps early yesterday with leg cramps, but obviously was out there today. For a guy who most thought would be an afterthought at safety, he's been pretty conspicuous so far in camp. Not always for good things, but conspicuous nonetheless. And his beard is very impressive.

Here’s the scoop on the rest of the picks while we’re talking about them:

Jayron Hosley, who’d been pretty quiet through the first two practices, did a nice job of jumping in front of a receiver (it may have been Adrien Robinson, but not sure) and grabbing a pass from Painter in 7-on-7s. A few snaps later Laron Scott grabbed a ball that was tipped by receiver Keith Carlos from Ryan Nassib. It was the second pick in two days for Nassib. That left David Carr as the only Giants quarterback in camp without an interception. For a few minutes, anyway. Because later in 11-on-11 snaps Carr was picked off by Aaron Ross on a pass intended for Louis Murphy. Ross, as I said after the first practice, has been playing at a very high level. Yes, he’s going against second-teamers. But it’s veterans like Carr and Murphy that he’s facing so it’s not like he’s picking on rooks. (Ross later in practice did a nice job at nickel coming down and spooking Victor Cruz into dropping an easy pass). The last interception of the day was another one from Nassib, who was trying to find Murphy in the endzone during red zone snaps. Junior Mertile came down with that one.

“They were in the right spot and they made a nice play and hopefully we can grow with that, we can get better because of that,” Coughlin said of the younger players (with the exception of Ross) making the picks. “It’s a good thing to see the people make plays.”

Besides the five interceptions, two passes were batted down by Jacquian Williams in pass coverage. The first was in 7-on-7s when he jumped up and batted away a pass from Manning to Kris Adams. Later, in the red zone 11-on-11 snaps, he did the same thing but to Curtis Painter on a pass intended for Brandon Collins. It’s good to see that because the Giants can certainly use his athleticism in their underneath coverage. They missed that last year while he was injured.

A few other notes and observations: Randle looks smooth fielding punts. He may not be as shifty as traditional punt returners, but he’s got great hands and good vision. Randle has been leading off the punt return drills followed by Jerrel Jernigan, David Wilson, Victor Cruz and Aaron Ross …

Kris Adams made a juggling catch on the sideline and his injured hand seems to still be an issue for him catching the ball cleanly. Coughlin said his finger “popped out” the other day but they put it back in …

I haven’t zoomed in my attention on every snap, but the first guy I saw block Damontre Moore cleanly was Larry Donnell who stood the rookie up on a run with Ryan Torain zipping past them. Moore continues to haunt Chris DeGeare with that inside move and he did a nice job chasing Carr out of the pocket and forcing him to throw a pass away later

… Justin Pugh lost his footing on a run to his side by Da’Rel Scott …

Ryan D’Imperio had a nice block on Dan Connor, who had to tug the fullback’s facemask to swim over him on a run by Torain

… The Giants ran a trick play in the red zone when the had Murphy take an end-around handoff and throw it up to Randle in the end zone. Corey Webster was there to break it up … Aaron Curry and Ryan Mundy were both in the backfield to greet Torain on a run …

Jernigan ran an end-around too, but he never looked to pass. Remember when we thought Jernigan might be a Wildcat player for the Giants? That seems like an awful long time ago. Anyway, on that play Kyle Bosworth did a nice job of pushing Jernigan towards the sideline for a short gain

… Matt McCants did a nice job pulling out from guard and throwing a block for Jeremy Horne on a quick screen pass from Nassib

… The last play of the practice was a checkdown pass from Nassib to Da’Rel Scott. He dropped it. Scott is the Giants’ longest-tenured running back believe it or not (assuming you don’t count Andre Brown’s service as continuous). That tenure may not be for much longer if he keeps dropping passes like that.

 

[netnalp]

Monday Camp Report (BBI)
http://corner.bigblueinteractive.com/index.php?mode=2&thread=475970gtt350 : 6:25 pm
Weekdays is the time to go, pleanty of seats , no crowds

A few heads up

there are two lines to enter. If you enter from field two (the least used field you will get in twice as fast.

The first set of Bleachers on field one tends to fill up real fast however the 2nd set of Bleachers was half empty with the same view (goal line to 40 yard line).

I arrived at 12:45 and got a top row seat no problem. If you bring binoculars you're in business. From the top row you can see over the fence and have a clear view of both fields.

The bleachers are covered so it's very pleasant with a nice breese.

Pre practise

two 14 year olds walking past the bleachers, one in a jets Revis Jersey drew immediate boos and shout outs " leave him in the car" " put him in the bathroom" good stuff

Overall impression is this team has size and speed. If we can't stop the run this year we never will. Rogers, Joseph and Hankins are huge and Jenkins is really quick. Kuhn do agility drills on the side with Snee moved well and hopefully will be back soon. He looks like a load without the pads.

Alot of teaching and standing around, it's not like the old days. It was good to follow each group though. Cuts will be real difficult this year.

To the action

Qb's
Eli Sharp reading his progressions and finding his recievers. The others no so good.
Nassib looks lost taking forever to get rid of the ball and constanly checking down He threw two picks, I said to myself how can this kid ever beat out carr who promptly stepped up and threw an interception.

Recievers
Randle is going to be a star making catches while being tightly covered one for a TD drawing oohs and ahs.
Cruz dropped a gimmee and was hooted otherwise he was fine
Nicks worked but wasn't used much
Barden saw alot of reps today
Murphy slowed down on a fly route causing an overthrow, Eli not happy

Rb's
nice stable of backs all performed well Brown and Wilson in particular. Alot of work on screen passes today. when the pads are on we will see what the others can do.

TE's
not targeted much today Bear caught one and dropped one
this guy Powell who is a monster made a nice play

Defense highlights

Prince another star in the making, a tough pass defensed drew a slap from Fewell. two interceptions one by Holsey and one by Scott run back all the way with Fewell in hot pursuit drawing cheers.

DE's Tracey getting alot of work and Kiwi looks bigger and prototypical DE.
Moore i didn't pick up on too much but he was out there.

Punt retuns

a whole group of guys back there but it seems like Jerrigan's job to lose. He made three guys miss at full speed and it was two hand touch.

that's about it if i remember more i will post.

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Work on the screen game is a big deal. The Giants haven't been much of a screen team since Bradshaw and Jacobs were between the tackles type players. During Tiki's best years was when the screen game was big.

 

[Faust]

What we learned from NFL training camps Monday

By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been predictably vague about his plans for Tim Tebow, leading to no end of speculation about a possible pass-catching role.

Tebow has explained that he will do whatever is asked of him, which further fanned the flames of speculation about a "slash" position as a combination fullback, H-back and tight-end.

It's not going to happen, folks.

As Ben Volin of the Boston Globe explained Monday, Tebow has spent "99 percent" of his time with the Patriots learning to play quarterback in coordinator Josh McDaniels' system. The quarterback meeting room is the only one Tebow has attended. He runs the third-team offense in practices.

The only reason Tebow spends five minutes each practice with the skill-position players is so he can work on ball security as a scrambling quarterback. The Patriots aren't preparing him to play any other position, despite undying speculation to the contrary.

Fresh faces» And then there were none. Tennessee Titans guard Chance Warmack became the last first-round pick to sign, receiving a four-year, $12.166 million contract.

» After much hemming and hawing, All-Pro fullback Vonta Leach landed back with the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year contract.

» The Houston Texans reportedly signed former Denver Broncos linebacker Joe Mays to a one-year, $1 million contract with a $285,000 signing bonus. The money suggests Mays will compete for the starting job next to Brian Cushing, as Daryl Sharpton once again is sidelined by injury.

» Veteran wide receiver Laurent Robinson worked out for the Miami Dolphins, days after Armon Binns was lost for the season with a torn ACL and MCL and Rishard Matthews went down with an undisclosed injury. The two were battling for the No. 4 receiver job. Robinson previously had worked out for the Patriots, New York Jets and Detroit Lions.

Weighty matters» An oddly angled photo turned Eddie Lacy into "Eddie Lazy" within a span of minutes on Twitter. Lacy hardly is in ideal game shape one week into training camp, but there's no way the Green Bay Packers would let the rookie running back practice if he was severely overweight.

» Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer told NFL.com's Aditi Kinkhabwala that he lost 25 to 30 pounds by "working his butt off" during the offseason. Dwyer looked downright thin in the footage shown on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access." Per Kinkhabwala, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin hopes the backfield roles will be determined by the end of training camp, but he's willing to ride the "hot hand" again if necessary. It's worth noting that rookie Le'Veon Bell ran with the first-team offense Monday.

Hype check» Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier already is raving about "dynamic" first-rounder Cordarrelle Patterson. "If you were going to put together a receiver," Frazier said, "he would look like Cordarrelle."

» Rod Streater has been the most consistent receiver in Oakland Raiders camp. He could become the offense's go-to receiver, as his game is better suited to Matt Flynn's pop-gun arm than deep threat Denarius Moore's is.

» Robert Griffin III said speedy wide receiver Aldrick Robinson is the one player who has impressed the most early in Washington Redskins camp. "He just looked phenomenal," Griffin said. "He's definitely a guy we've got to get on the field a lot more." Robinson's game calls to mind a poor man's DeSean Jackson.

» Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler has been "hard to miss" both on the field and in the locker room.

» New York Giants rookie pass rusher Damontre Moore is off to an "outstanding start," according to defensive line coach Robert Nunn.

Trainer's room» Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak hopes Arian Foster's strained calf is ready to go by midweek.

» The Buffalo Bills have sent pass rusher Mario Williams off campus to have his sore foot examined.

» Ben Roethlisberger told NFL Network's Solomon Wilcots that his surgically repaired knee feels "great" early in Steelers training camp.

» Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon sat out team drills with patellar tendinitis. Although coach Rob Chudzinski downplayed the soreness, the Browns have yet to rule out an MRI.

» Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert insists he's "good" after being carted off the field with an ankle injury in Monday's practice.

» Arizona Cardinals running back Ryan Williams is going for a second opinion after his surgically repaired knee flared up Sunday.

» Hip soreness kept Dez Bryant from practice again Monday, but the Dallas Cowboys receiver was running "just fine" on the sideline. He should be back in pads within the next day or two.

» The Chicago Bears lost backup defensive lineman Turk McBride to a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon.

» The Philadelphia Eagles lost backup linebacker Jason Phillips to a season-ending torn ACL. Phillips was battling for a roster spot as a special-teamer.

» Newly signed Jets rookie Dee Milliner said he's "100 percent back" from offseason shoulder surgery, but he won't go "full throttle" in practices right away. Coach Rex Ryan conceded the cornerback "is never going to be Darrelle Revis."

The Around The League Podcast is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.

 

[Faust]

Cardinals camp observations: Offensive line key to improvementJason La Canfora

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- If the Cardinals are to make any gains offensively this season, it must start at the point of attack. The offensive line needs to be much improved if they are going to take steps with new aging quarterback Carson Palmer under center.

Head coach Bruce Arians wasn't exactly loving what he saw from his reconstituted unit at the onset of camp, though they have made some strides in the days since and are energized by the signing of first-round pick Jonathan Cooper, who was taken very high for a guard at No. 7 overall. Arians was beaming as he explained how Cooper "breezed through" the team's conditioning test, always a concern when a rookie has missed even a little bit of camp because of a contract impasse.

Cooper's outgoing nature and big smile have endeared him to teammates and the unique athleticism he brings to the position should give the Cardinals a baseline for progress as a unit.

"You can tell he's a great dude," Palmer said, adding he "loves his athleticism."

Recently-signed veteran right tackle Eric Winston brings some injury risk as well, but should at least solidify things there (I suspect he beats out Bobby Massie for that job). Levi Brown needs a strong year at left tackle. Nate Potter is pushing him hard for that spot -- also working with the starters -- and given Brown's injury issues, Brown might end up on the outside looking in.

The unit remains a work in progress, however. Arians was upset with the mental errors he saw overall, and it's no secret that at this stage of Palmer's career, he needs to be insulated. Mobility isn't a strong suit and Arians wants to stretch the field, which means keeping Palmer upright as he attempts five-and-seven step drops.

According to the STATS, Inc., protection index, an equation that factors in sacks, hurries, knockdowns, holds, false starts, and passing attempts, Arizona ranked 27th in the NFL as a unit protecting the passer. Factor in their utter inability to open up holes in the running game -- Arizona ranked dead-last in yards per carry on first down in 2012 (3.39 yards; the league average was 4.45 yards), and they look even worse. The Cardinals were one of only four teams to allow their quarterback to be hit more than 100 times, and the 58 sacks they allowed were seven more than any other club.

Duplicate that, and there's no question about whether Palmer sticks around here for more than one season. Chances are he would be pounded into submission in this division. The Seahawks loaded up on pass rushers. The 49ers still have Aldon Smith, Justin Smith and some of the best linebackers in the NFL. And the Rams quickly are becoming one of the fastest and most physical attacking defenses in the league. So the margin for error for the Cards' offensive line is particularly slim.

This group will bear watching ever so closely, and already veteran starting guard Daryn Colledge (who could get in the mix at center as well) remains out with a leg issue and "no timetable" for his return, Arians said. So, not the greatest start at what will be, far and away, the most important position group for this rebuilding team.

And with rookie general manager Steve Keim already showing his practice mentality running the front office, the Cardinals will continue to search for upgrades and depth as players falter and others become available once cuts are made around the league. They want to be aggressive to keep up in what's become a highly-competitive NFC West. As Arians put it, this time of year isn't about chemistry and cohesion in so much as it is about competition from within the roster and adding to it from the outside if need be.

"When we pick the 53 [-man roster), then we're a team," said the reigning NFL coach of the year, awarded his performance as interim coach with the Colts last season as Chuck Pagano battled cancer.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] While the Cardinals are thankful the MRI on oft-injured running back Ryan Williams came back showing no structural issues, there is always concern anytime his knee "flares up" as Arians put it, or becomes painful, as it is early in camp. He is no stranger to knee surgery and is seeking another opinion this week. After staying away from the MRI machine for a good stretch of time, Williams -- who will be pushed by free agent Rashard Mendenhall for carries -- is trying to stay upbeat despite the uncertainty about his return.

"It sucks, because I worked so hard to get to a point where I have don't have incidents like this," he said. Besides offensive line, running back would be high on the list of positions that still need to get sorted out, and step up.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] Add tight end to the list of positions where newcomers could be sought. Arians would like to be able to get multiple at that spot with a move guy and a more traditional tight end. If people aren't jumping up, then Arians said, "We'll continue to look at Door No. 2," meaning free agents (the crop of available tight ends is not very deep, but Dallas Clark is one name still out there).

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] Much like their division foes, the 49ers, Arizona has an open competition in the return game and will give a handful of players opportunities in practice and the preseason games. Arians joked that any receiver other than Larry Fitzgerald could end up back there.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] Speaking of Fitzgerald, it's always worth a trek to the desert if only to see him. He is without a doubt one of the coolest, most well-rounded dudes in the NFL and a true ambassador for the sport. Fitzgerald said he's now visited almost 90 countries and did his usual forays to remote places this past offseason, starting in Antarctica and working north through most of South America, and then through Central America with stops in Honduras and Belize to name a few. Somehow, he told me, he still has zero skills when it comes to speaking Spanish, despite his travels.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] Fitzgerald is hoping for the best for injured Seahawks receiver Percy Harvin. The two played in a celebrity softball game recently, and Harvin as always blew away Fitzgerald with his athleticism. "He was chasing down balls like Willie Mays," Fitzgerald said, and he was shocked that Harvin was battling a hip issue now. He talks about Harvin's game-breaking ability in almost reverential tones -- and remember this is the best receiver in the NFL talking -- and believes that if healthy Harvin will be massive difference maker for the rival Seahawks.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] It's very, very early, but Carson Palmer has been slinging the ball around. It's hard for some Cards officials not to get excited about how live his arm has been with the ability to spread it around to guys like Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, who is having a strong start to camp and is expected to break out this season. They also feel as if Palmer has a bit of a chip on his shoulder, in a positive way, motivated to show the league he isn't done and can still be a top-level quarterback as he was years ago with the Bengals. His accuracy is superior to anything Arizona has had at quarterback for quite some time, but durability and maintaining that form through a grueling season in a very tough division will be the challenge.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] With Mendenhall on a one-year deal, and running backs such valuable players for many teams, I have a feeling he ends up being one-and-done out here, especially if he produces to the best of his abilities. Arians knows the runner well from their time in Pittsburgh and will want to establish some semblance of a consistent ground game, and this is a "prove-it" contract for Mendenhall.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] At 32, some might think versatile defensive lineman Darnell Dockett is slowing down -- and he has endured some epic battles in the trenches in this division with such physical units as the 49ers offensive line -- but Arians sees a veteran who is still a huge part of everything his team will do on defense. Arians says Dockett still looks explosive.

[SIZE=xx-small]•[/SIZE] The Cardinals are beating the heat by holding camp indoors at sparkling University of Phoenix Stadium. They can create two playing surfaces with the way the trays they can use to pull out a practice surface that covers part of the normal playing field used on game day. There aren't two entire fields, as would be the norm, but one full practice field and then a 30-yard field next to it. The team also has practice bubbles and another field available at its training facility, but much of camp is taking place in their stadium with fans able to attend.

It's a little odd to see just a few sections full in a massive retractable dome facility, but, with temperatures set to push 110 degrees this week, I'm not complaining.

 

[Faust]

Cowboys' Terrance Williams coming on

By Dan Graziano | ESPN.com

Tim MacMahon checks in from Oxnard on Dallas Cowboys rookie receiver Terrance Williams, a third-round pick who could make an impact as early as this year as a deep threat for Tony Romo. Tim writes that Williams "stumbled out of the blocks" but has "flashed his playmaking potential in recent days."

There’s no question that the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Williams has the ability to be a deep threat. He led the nation with 1,832 yards as a Baylor senior, averaging 18.9 yards per catch. He’s provided glimpses of his ball skills and ability to get deep during camp.
The challenge for Williams, who should see a ton of single coverage as the Cowboys’ third receiver, is getting off the line of scrimmage against cornerbacks who are stronger, smarter, faster and tougher than the dudes he torched in the Big 12.
The Cowboys don't need Williams to be a starting wide receiver for them this year. They have two excellent starters in Dez Bryant and Miles Austin, a top receiving tight end in Jason Witten, and they like what Dwayne Harris showed last year in the No. 3 wide receiver role. They could give Williams time to develop if he needs it.

But he's a guy they drafted because they liked his talent, and if he develops quickly in camp and the preseason, he could earn more playing time than they maybe anticipated him getting as a rookie. That would be a positive development for the Cowboys' offense, even if Bryant and Austin are fully healthy all year.

 

[Faust]

Breakfast links: Roy Helu again?

By Dan Graziano | ESPN.com

Good morning. I am back home from my training camp trip. Eagles "Camp Confidential" is on tap for today, as is our first chat in a few weeks. I look forward to all of it and hope you do as well. Here are some links.

Washington Redskins

Remember Roy Helu? Yeah, he's in the mix this year for a third-down running back role. As Rich Campbell writes, the way he'll win that job is by showing something in pass protection (as well as staying healthy, if he can, which he never has). Starting running back Alfred Morris is a strong pass-protection back, so they don't need to take Morris off the field on third downs for the sake of quarterback Robert Griffin III's safety. But Helu may offer something more as a dynamic receiving option, which is why he's getting this look.

The Redskins tried to sign free-agent linebacker Joe Mays, but he has picked the Houston Texans instead.

Dallas Cowboys

It appears the Cowboys want to give Ronald Leary a chance to win some playing time at left guard, as he's sharing snaps there with Nate Livings. Leary could win a starting job on the line or could work in a rotation with Livings or right guard Mackenzy Bernadeau if he shows enough. The Cowboys know they must get better on the line this year, and they're open to any options.

Speaking of surprising camp competitions, it appears as though the presence of rookie Joseph Randle is motivating the other backup running backs on the roster, especially Lance Dunbar. Surely, the Cowboys won't argue with the idea of depth behind oft-injured starter DeMarco Murray.

New York Giants

The Giants' defensive line coach says veteran defensive end Justin Tuck has had his best offseason of the past four years, is in tremendous shape and should play at a high level if he can keep himself healthy this time around. It would certainly be huge for the Giants if Tuck can make good on his promises that this year will be different.

And the Giants' offensive line coach says veteran David Diehl is his starting right tackle, even though the team drafted Justin Pugh in the first round. Pugh obviously has a chance to start somewhere along the offensive line at some point, but the Giants don't rush their rookies, and it's no surprise that they'll wait until they're sure Pugh is ready before handing him a starter's responsibility. Could be September. Could be November. Could be 2014.

Philadelphia Eagles

Geoff Mosher reports that the loser of the starting-quarterback battle between Michael Vick and Nick Foles likely will be cut from the Eagles' roster, as the team is ready to go with Matt Barkley and Dennis Dixon as its backup quarterbacks this year. Interesting, certainly. I've thought for a while that Vick likely would be cut if he wasn't the starter, since he doesn't make sense as a backup. But Foles was the backup last year, so I guess I've just been assuming they'd look at him as a worthy backup this time around, too. Of course, this is a different coaching staff. Dixon has been a backup quarterback in the NFL longer than Foles has, and he has the advantage of having played one year at Oregon while Chip Kelly was offensive coordinator there.

And this here is a very interesting story from the Wall Street Journal on the ways in which the league's officiating dynamics could hinder Kelly's plans to run his offense at the breakneck speed at which he ran it at Oregon. My guess is Kelly's already examined and thought about this, since that's what he seems to do with everything. But it's the first time I've read anything about it, and I imagine fans will find it interesting.

 

[Faust]

Raiders waiting for tight ends to grow

By Bill Williamson | ESPN.com

NAPA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders’ roster is full of question marks as the team looks for young talent to emerge.

Perhaps no position is more in flux than at tight end.

The Raiders have four tight ends who figure to get a chance to play. They are young veterans David Ausberry and Richard Gordon and sixth-round picks Nick Kasa and Mychal Rivera.

Oakland is open to adding a veteran at the position and it will certainly study the waiver wire after the 53-man rosters are set in early September. But the current young tight ends will get long looks.

“The good thing is we don’t have to make a decision right now,” head coach Dennis Allen said. “We have time.”

Allen said all four players have unique skill sets and all offer the team something. He said improvements are being made by the group as camp progresses.

While there is a long way to go in this case, I think Ausberry has a chance to emerge. He is highly athletic and has great size. If he can find a consistency, Ausberry can become a solid player.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Ben Tate has been running with the first team while Arian Foster (calf) sits.
As expected. After missing 22 games through his first three NFL seasons, Tate enters his contract year at 100 percent and as the clear-cut handcuff to Foster. The Texans could be planning a carry split similar to the one they executed in 2011. When both backs were active at the same time that year (12 games), Foster averaged 21.3 carries per game while Tate got 9.6.

Related: Arian Foster

Source: CSN Houston

Steelers RB Jonathan Dwyer says he's lost 25-30 pounds since last season.
Dwyer was listed at 5'11/229 last year, but appeared to be lugging around much more weight than that. He averaged just 3.99 YPC while leading the Steelers with 156 carries. The team reportedly placed him on the trade block after drafting Le'Veon Bell, but predictably found no takers. Dwyer may be battling Isaac Redman for one backup roster spot at training camp.

Source: Steelers.com

Jaguars WR Mike Brown has been running with the first-team offense in training camp.
With Justin Blackmon (groin, active/PUP) out, Brown has been running with the ones opposite Cecil Shorts. "He's a guy that's had a couple of good practices in a row," coach Gus Bradley said. "I keep telling these guys when you compete, it shows up on tape, and he has done that." Brown received praise from GM Dave Caldwell in the spring, and he's carried his play over into the summer.

Source: Florida Times Union

Fifth-round RB Joseph Randle is battling UDFA Kendial Lawrence for reps early in Cowboys camp.
In other words, he's near the bottom of the depth chart. Lance Dunbar has reportedly "zoomed past" Randle, and Phillip Tanner "has been more consistent." Randle is far from a safe bet to open the season as DeMarco Murray's handcuff. "He makes mistakes, like all the young guys do, but he’s learning," said coach Jason Garrett, conceding Randle has "a long way to go."

Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Lance Dunbar has "zoomed past" fifth-round rookie Joseph Randle in the Cowboys' No. 2 running back competition.
All three of DeMarco Murray, Dunbar, and Phillip Tanner have been getting more reps than Randle early in training camp. The Star-Telegram adds that Randle has been "battling" undrafted rookie Kendial Lawrence for "snaps and attention." Dunbar, entering his second year out of North Texas, was a star in spring practices, and it's carried over into the summer.

Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Jimmy Graham told NFL Network his offseason training regimen consisted of increased film study and three months of two-a-day workouts.
Graham made it a point to say film study was an emphasis as he recovered from early-offseason wrist surgery, and then he turned to an intense physical workout plan to get his body in tip-top condition. This year's clear-cut No. 1 fantasy tight end has mammoth potential entering the last year of his contract.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Both coach Mike Shanahan and Robert Griffin have identified WR Aldrick Robinson as a player that's standing out at camp.
Robinson has been called a poor man's DeSean Jackson by former Rotoworldian Chris Wesseling. A 5'10/178 speedster, he projects as Pierre Garcon's backup at split end this season. Robinson projects as an intriguing waiver add if Garcon's foot issues act up.


Source: Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star

Pierre Garcon has reportedly been the Redskins' most reliable receiver through four days of camp.
It's early, but Garcon says the foot woes that plagued him last season have been a non-issue so far. If that's the case through the regular season, he'll be an absolute steal at his current late fifth-round ADP. "I'm gonna lean on him and he's gonna lean on me and we're gonna make things happen," Robert Griffin said. Garcon is playing the split end spot in the Shanahan & Son offense, the same spot that has made stars out of Brandon Marshall, Andre Johnson and Rod Smith through the years.


Source: Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star

Denard Robinson is practicing some Wildcat at Jaguars camp.
The Jags shouldn't hesitate to take Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne off the field and get creative. Robinson, who of course played quarterback at Michigan, is very capable of being a dual threat out of the Wildcat. The Jags are trying to get the ball in his hands any way possible, whether that's in the return game, as a gadget guy, or as a change-of-pace back behind Maurice Jones-Drew.


Source: Florida Times Union

Jason Witten has excelled in the red zone so far during Cowboys camp.
It's notable because the red zone is where Witten has struggled during his illustrious career. Although he's caught 806 passes over 159 games, just 44 (5.4 percent) have gone for touchdowns. For comparison's sake, 8.3 percent of Tony Gonzalez's career catches have resulted in six points and Antonio Gates is way up at 12.9 percent. We don't expect Witten to suddenly become a red-zone monster, but his relative value has grown as the tight end position has thinned out in fantasy. There aren't many safer options.


Source: ESPN Dallas

Eagles WR Arrelious Benn has been sidelined by a hyperextended knee.
Benn is expected to miss 1-2 weeks. It's another setback for a former second-round pick who busted in Tampa after tearing his ACL in 2010. Benn isn't a real threat to Riley Cooper's role as Jeremy Maclin's replacement.


Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter

ESPN Cleveland calls RB Dion Lewis the surprise of Browns camp so far.
It's notable because Montario Hardesty's roster spot appears to be in danger due to continued durability woes. Lewis has gotten reps with the second-team offense, impressing with his speed and foot quickness. It's a camp battle for potential Trent Richardson handcuffers to monitor.

Related: Montario Hardesty

Source: ESPN Cleveland

 

[Faust]

Jets camp observations: Low expectations serving as motivation

Pat Kirwan

If you go by all the things said about the New York Jets it would be easy to conclude that they have little chance of winning more than five or six games.

I spent a day with the team and was up-close at a full-padded practice and also sat down with a number of players, as well as the head coach and GM.

And I have to admit: I underestimated the potential of this team.

If the Jets can make the right decision at QB and get Santonio Holmes back on the field, they will surprise a lot of opponents. Rex Ryan's players are practicing and acting like their backs are to the wall and don't want to see their coach fired at the end of the season. All I can say at this point is watch out.

Here are some hings that jumped out at me from practice.

• The quarterback competition: There's no story bigger than the battle between Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith. At this point it doesn't appear to be dividing the team, but as the days go by it could become a problem. It appeared Mark Sanchez was pressing a bit as the day went on, and when you consider he has never been in a similar position as a pro, it is understandable but not acceptable. Smith was relaxed and threw the ball well in drills, but took a step backward in the team period. The good news is Smith really spins the ball, wants to sit in the pocket, and looks ready if the team was exclusively in the shotgun short pass game. Smith struggles to read coverage in the level 2 and level 3 passing game. I believe this is an open competition and must be decided before the third preseason game because the eventual starter is going to need a lot of reps to get ready for the season.

• Rex Ryan situation: I sat down with Rex for a good half hour and you would never know he's supposedly on the hot seat. Ryan's sense of humor was in rare form, and he is excited to be back heavily involved with the defense. I talked to a lot of players and I am convinced he has not lost the team. What will the Jet management do with Rex if he goes 8-8 or 9-7? Fire him like the Bears did Lovie Smith last year? Ryan has a 38-32 record and that could balloon to 46-40.

• Rebuild on defense: How many teams clean house on defense when they are ranked No. 8 in the NFL? The Jets will replace their nose tackle, a defensive end, an outside linebacker, an inside linebacker, and both safeties. On top of that they probably will have a new cornerback and outside linebacker. Imagine a defense with eight of 11 new players. After watching practice, the Jets could be better than last year, even with all the new players.

• The plan at running back: Shonn Greene had 276 carries last year and is no longer on the team. Recently acquired Chris Ivory is not ready for practice but will win the job and should get most, if not all of the Greene attempts. It was pointed out to me by Ryan and Idzik that Ivory has an unusually high number of explosive runs considering the limited work he got with the Saints.

• Rookie report: Two rookies will start on defense -- Dee Milliner at corner and Sheldon Richardson at DE. Richardson was very impressive in the live practice and could wind up with rookie defensive player of the year. On the offensive line, rookie Brian Winters has the best chance to crack the starting lineup. Tackle Oday Aboushi is not as far along as Winters but he will make the team as a swing tackle. He will not challenge Austin Howard for the starting job, however. At least four rookies will play important roles for the Jets this season.

• Position battles: Rex Ryan told me this was the season with the most competition he had on the roster in a long time, and there are a number of jobs up for grabs. Quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith are going throw for throw in every practice. Rookie OG Brian Winters is pressing veterans Willie Colon and Stephen Peterman for a starting job. I think the veterans hold off the rookies for the short term. Bilal Powell is not going to hand the running back spot to Chris Ivory, and until Ivory gets back on the field, Powell is making a statement he deserves the job. Rookie fullback Tommy Bohanon is giving Lex Hilliard a run for the money. Antonio Garay is a good veteran nose tackle that may make it tough for Kenrick Ellis at some point. Finally, at free safety, Antonio Allen and Josh Bush are battling for the lead.

• The importance of the West Coast fullback: Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is running a pure West Coast offense and that usually means the fullback needs receiving skills. I could see this team keeping two fullbacks, which is rare, but maybe the right idea considering the weak group of tight ends. Speaking of tight ends, Kellen Winslow needs to make this team if they want to threaten defenses. The sooner the franchise decides Winslow is a keeper, the sooner it can back him off this summer and save him for the regular season. In this offense he could catch 50 passes.

• Prediction: Last year the Jets were 6-10 and lost three games by a touchdown or less. This year there is controversy around the QB position which isn't good for the short term but may work out for the long term. There is a five-game stretch before the bye that includes Atlanta, Pittsburgh, New England, Cincinnati and New Orleans which could break the spirit of any team. This camp visit has convinced me this team is better than I thought before I got here, but it may not show up in the win column. A repeat of last year's record is possible and the right move would be to keep the coaching staff and try again in 2014, but we all know how this league works.

Things I saw or heard at practice:

1. Jet offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg said 'we could have one of the better offensive lines in the NFL and we have some depth as well.'

2. Nick Mangold said making adjustments with the offensive line will be easier now that veterans Willie Colon and Stephen Peterman are on the roster. In fact he said the five starters are already discussing things a month ahead of schedule.

3. GM John Idzik said the QB competition is a true open competition, nothing has been decided at this point, and he and Rex will sit down at the appropriate time.

4. Rex Ryan is still heating up the pressure calls and may do even more now that he is more involved in the defense. Nick Mangold said the blitzes are already coming fast and furious.

5. Quinton Coples told me he is learning the pass coverage principles and he feels more comfortable with the zone calls instead of the man calls. He anticipates teams using spread sets to isolate him in coverage.

6. Greg McElroy looks pretty good in the new West Coast offense. He may not be in any QB conversation, but he really knows where to go with the ball and was sharp in the shallow cross passing game. In fact he was better than the two QBs competing for the starting job.

7. The defensive backs dominated the wide receivers in practice for the most part, but speedy Clyde Gates won more than he lost as a receiver.

8. Mark Sanchez simply doesn't spin the ball as well as Geno Smith. Smith can really throw the slant game and stands tall in the pocket and has a big over-the-top release.

9. Marty Mornhinweg feels Braylon Edwards brings a toughness to the receiver position. I was a little surprised by that comment.

10. QB coach David Lee is blending in some wildcat/pistol packages into the offense. It could be Jeremy Curley at QB.

11. Former rugby player Hayden Smith is competing for a tight spot for the second straight year, but struggled catching the ball in practice. The Jets may have to go outside the organization for a third tight end.

12. Calvin Pace blocked two Geno Smith passes in the team period of practice. Smith has to learn not to telegraph his release.

13. Safety Jaiquawn Jarrett made a very good play on a pass in the team red zone passing period, as well as making a couple of very big hits in practice.

14. Both Sanchez and Geno Smith had a lot of reps in the passing game outside the pocket.

15. The four-man rush on passing downs was LDE Calvin Pace, LDT Quinton Coples, RDT Mohammed Wilkerson RDE Antwan Barnes. They may be good enough that the club can limit their blitz calls.

16. Willie Colon made me laugh when he said 'I kind of had a history of holding and I gotta work on it.'

 

[Faust]

Buffalo Bills practice report

By Mike Rodak | ESPN.com

PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills held their first full-padded practice of training camp on Tuesday, their first morning session since beginning camp Sunday.

Passing along some observations:

Attendance report: Defensive end Mario Williams continued to be absent from practice. Head coach Doug Marrone said he had no updates on Williams, who he said was off campus yesterday having his sore foot evaluated by doctors. Otherwise, offensive lineman Chris Hairston, who remains on the active/physically unable to perform list, continued to rehab on the sideline.

Pough leaves practice; Rogers, Blatnick limited: Rookie linebacker Keith Pough left practice with an unknown injury. The undrafted rookie talked to a team doctor on the sideline before walking off the field. Meanwhile, cornerback Justin Rogers, who practiced with the first team to begin training camp, stayed on the sideline during team drills, as did outside linebacker Jamie Blatnick. The condition of either player isn't known. Defensive lineman Kyle Williams (Achilles) and tight end Scott Chandler (ACL) also were held out of full-team work.

Manuel impressive: Although veteran quarterback Kevin Kolb continues to take snaps with the first-team offense, rookie EJ Manuel had the better performance on Tuesday. In 7-on-7s, Manuel connected with rookie receiver Da'Rick Rogers on a deep ball over cornerback Leodis McKelvin. At 6-foot-5, Manuel has a height advantage over Kolb in the pocket, which helped on Tuesday, as the Bills opened their 11-on-11s with a heavy dose of screen passes. Meanwhile, Kolb was intercepted during an 11-on-11 drill by Stephon Gilmore, although there was a flag thrown on the play.

First fight of camp: With the pads coming on, it didn't take long for players to scuffle after a play. Rookie receiver Robert Woods got into it with cornerback Crezdon Butler after a catch, with Butler taking Woods to the ground and getting in swings before other players intervened. Later in practice, running back Tashard Choice and safety Aaron Williams had to be separated as they jawed at each other walking back to the sideline. Safety Jordan Dangerfield also laid a solid hit on running back Drew Smith after a screen pass, sending Smith tumbling to the ground out of bounds.

1-on-1 drills take center stage: Always a highlight of camp, 1-on-1 pass-rushing drills between an offensive and defensive lineman made their debut on Tuesday. Guard Colin Brown, who looks to have a solid hold on the open left guard spot through the early stages of camp, performed well in this drill. Also standing out on offense were Ryan Turnley, Zebrie Sanders, Zack Chibane. On the defensive end, defensive tackle Torell Troup struggled against Doug Legursky twice, and his second attempt came after he was twice flagged for being offside. Outside linebacker Kourtnei Brown had some wins defensively against Hutch Eckerson and Thomas Welch. Newcomer Tony Hills was flagged for a false start in the drill, as well as in an earlier 11-on-11 drill.

Kickers get their chance: For the first time training camp, the kicking competition came into focus. Veteran Rian Lindell and rookie Dustin Hopkins looked about even in field goals, with each missing two from the 40-yard range in the first period, while both were perfect in the second period. As expected, Hopkins showed the stronger leg on kickoffs, but this battle will continue throughout camp.

Good day at the office for: RB Fred Jackson. The 32-year old set the tone early in practice, breaking an outside run and showing no ill effects from the knee injury that limited him last season. He was fired up coming back to the huddle, which helped pick up the tempo for the first padded practice of camp.

Bad day at the office for: Kolb. Through the first three sessions of training camp, Kolb hasn't shown the veteran edge that one might expect. He hasn't made critical mistakes in practice, but also hasn't looked sharp or accurate in his throws, overthrowing an open T.J. Graham during early 11-on-11 work.

What's next: The Bills will be back on the practice field on Wednesday morning, from 8 to 11:10, before a day off on Thursday.

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Philadelphia Eagles

By Dan Graziano | ESPN.com

PHILADELPHIA -- Chip Kelly sometimes sounds as though he's speaking in fortune cookies. The Philadelphia Eagles' new coach has an array of easily digestible sayings he employs to illustrate his points, whether he's speaking to the media in a news conference, addressing his players in a meeting or just passing them in the hallways. Last week, he trotted out "touchdown, first down, get down" as the progression of possibilities he wants his quarterbacks to go through in their minds on each play and then said "durability is the most important ability" when discussing players' health. He's got a million of them, and they're all designed with a teaching purpose in mind.

"We spend a lot of time as a staff talking about that: 'What's the best way to teach our guys?'" Kelly said after the Eagles' practice Monday. "Because the bottom line is, it means absolutely nothing what we know, because we're not the ones playing. So our job, very simply, is that we need to create an environment where our players have a chance to be successful and then get out of the way and let them go play. And if we can arm them with information so that they can not have to think on the field but react, then we're doing what we're supposed to do."

I asked some Eagles players for their favorite Kelly-isms.

"He always says, 'Take 15,'" left tackle Jason Peters said. "And that means take 15 minutes out of your day to do something positive, whether it's studying your plays, go call a loved one, just take 15 minutes out of your day to do something positive. Whatever you do in that 15 minutes is going to help the teammate across from you or beside you."

"He'll just say, 'The little things,'" guard Evan Mathis said. "It just means doing everything like a professional. Just carry yourself on the field, off the field the same way. Clean up after yourself after you eat. Parking in the right place. Being here on time. The little things. It helps you focus things the right way. How you carry yourself off the field translates to the way you carry yourself on the field. Just get used to forming good habits."

"'Let the world see what you want them to see,'" running back LeSean McCoy said. "Good plays, bad plays, you let the world see that. Same thing off the field. Whatever you may tweet, however you may act in public, that's what the world will see. So always be thinking about what you want the world to see."

The fact that everybody seems to have his favorite speaks to the number of these mini-mantras Kelly employs, but also to one of the central teaching tenets he learned from former NFL coach Tony Dungy when he approached him, before taking this job, about the challenges of coaching professional players as opposed to collegiate ones.

"The one thing Tony told me is that if you can make individual players better, then they're going to listen," Kelly said. "So I think when you're dealing with anybody, no matter what business it is, if people understand that you care about them and you want to help them, then I think they're going to take to it. And these guys understand us and I think we've got a pretty good understanding of them as a staff."

If Kelly's first mission was to get his players to buy in, then he's done well. He's connected with them on a personal level, impressed them with his preparedness and his ideas and installed an atmosphere that appears conducive to the teaching he wants and needs to do.

"I just like his attitude, man," McCoy said. "He's always positive. Good days, bad days, always positive."

Long way to go, obviously, and many more good and bad days ahead once the Eagles get into the grind of the NFL season and try to improve on last year's 4-12 record. But this is training camp, a time of excitement, hope and teaching. And Kelly's got all of that humming so far.

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Who will be the starting quarterback? It appears to be a two-way race between veteran Michael Vick and second-year man Nick Foles with rookie Matt Barkley a long-shot possibility to start at some point if not right away. But it's very wide open, and Kelly isn't planning to make any final evaluations until he sees his candidates play in some preseason games. "A quarterback is like a teabag," he has said more than once, the meaning being that you don't know what's in a teabag until you steep it in water. Since the quarterbacks haven't yet been in an environment that lends itself to reliable conclusions about the way they'll function in game situations, there's no way to know yet who's the best choice.

Vick is the obvious front-runner, based both on experience and 2013 upside. But the fact that he has foot speed and Foles doesn't won't win him the job. He's got to show he can handle the quick decision-making Kelly wants from his quarterback, and that he's willing to give up on a play for the sake of protecting the ball and making it to the next play. Throughout his career, Vick has been a guy who's preferred to extend plays in the hopes of making big ones. If he doesn't show a willingness or ability to change that, he could lose the job to Foles or even Barkley. Don't be surprised if each of those guys starts games for the Eagles this year. They don't appear to have a great solution on the current roster.

2. Replacing Jeremy Maclin. The Eagles' leading receiver in 2012, Maclin went down with a torn ACL in practice Saturday and is almost certain to miss the entire season. The fact that this happened so early in camp gives Kelly time to adjust his offense around Maclin's absence. And although speedy wideout DeSean Jackson should be heavily featured and guys like Jason Avant, Arrelious Benn and Riley Cooper have a chance to contribute more, it's probably better to look to the tight end group and the running back group for solutions here. The Eagles have depth at both of those positions, with players who can contribute as receivers and make the kinds of short-range and medium-range plays that will help speed Kelly's offense along. None of them offers the playmaking versatility or the speed of Maclin, but there are plenty of options here for Kelly, and if Plan B doesn't work out there are lots of potential Plans C, D, E, etc.

3. What will the defense look like?

"We're going from a wide nine 4-3 defense to a 3-4," Kelly said. "When do we get to a 3-4? I don't know."

What Kelly means is that, while the ultimate goal is to play a base 3-4, two-gap system on defense, he's not going to force square pegs into round holes right away just because that's what he wants. If the players he has on defense aren't ready to swing all the way to that 3-4, two-gap system, then he's going to stop the transition at some yet-undetermined midpoint and fashion his 2013 defense around their capabilities. And if it doesn't work, then they go out next offseason and find personnel who can better handle what he wants to do.

The question is whether a defense can succeed in the short term while it endures such a transition. Change is worth making for the Eagles on defense, but how quickly the players master the changes required of them will go a long way toward determining whether they're a 2013 contender.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

The energy and the enthusiasm in camp are very high, and the players do seem to be buying what Kelly and his staff are selling. That's always going to be a question mark with a new coach, and it could continue to be one if the team starts losing and the attitudes turn sour, but for now everybody seems to be enjoying the novelty.

"Every single thing has been very well thought out, very well researched, and there's a rhyme and reason to everything," Mathis said. "And it definitely matters. It helps you understand and just give it your all. When you can trust the game plan, the road map that you've been given, you can just focus on applying yourself and doing it."

REASON FOR PESSIMISM

On the flip side, there are plenty of these. This is a team that won four games last season, doesn't have a great option at quarterback and is having to learn a dramatically different defense that's asking some players to play new positions. The secondary is different, but there's no way to say for sure that it's better until we see what guys such as Cary Williams, Patrick Chung and Kenny Phillips bring to the party. There's a lot of change, and probably more is still necessary before this team is where it wants to be.

"The way we're looking at it is that we're trying to develop into a team like we've had in the past, that can consistently compete," GM Howie Roseman said. "We want to win now, obviously, because in this league you can never say you're going to have a redshirt year. But at the same time we want to build it the right way. We don't want to take shortcuts. In the past we were in a situation where we felt like we were close, so we did some things that you do when you're a team that you think is right on the verge. For us, if we build it the right way, good things will happen."

As is the case with any team that bottoms out at 4-12 and changes coaches, the Eagles have a great deal of work to do. Kelly and his staff are wisely operating according to a long-term plan, and it's entirely possible that this season is a transition or rebuilding year just out of necessity.

OBSERVATION DECK

• Andy Reid's Eagles training camps were well known as some of the hardest-hitting camps in the league. Although the Eagles practiced in pads Sunday and Monday, there was no tackling to the ground and there won't be. Kelly said, "We have four preseason games for that." He doesn't like the risk of his own players injuring their teammates, and he thinks keeping everyone on their feet encourages proper tackling technique. It's new in Philly, but not unheard of. Some teams, like the Pittsburgh Steelers, never do any hitting at all in training camp.

• One of the defensive keys will be the ability of pass-rushers Trent Cole and Brandon Graham, who had been 4-3 defensive ends, to transition to standup 3-4 outside linebacker roles. Cole says he enjoys the extra room he has to rush the passer, and Graham says that pass coverage is "a weakness of mine" and that he has to improve in that area.

• For a few moments Monday, it appeared Kelly had his running backs on leashes. Turns out, this was a new drill in which one back carries a ball with a string attached to it while another runs behind him holding the other end of the string and trying to pull the ball loose. Obviously, it's a drill designed to improve ball security.

• The standout player in the secondary, to me, was second-year cornerback Brandon Boykin, who works mainly as the nickel corner but could get more work on the outside if he continues to show well.

• As much as the Eagles would like former Giants safety Phillips to help, he looks to me like a guy whose knee isn't fully healthy, and of course it may never be.

• The loss of reserve linebacker Jason Phillips, who tore his ACL during Monday's practice and was placed on injured reserve, could show up more than you'd think. The Eagles signed Phillips because he was a special teams star in Carolina, and his loss is a blow to their coverage units.

 

[Faust]

Camp Confidential: Seattle Seahawks

By Mike Sando | ESPN.com

RENTON, Wash. -- This training camp marks the Seattle Seahawks' first since 2009 without some form of a starting quarterback competition. So comfortable, mature and in command is Russell Wilson this summer that you'd swear he's been the starter for a decade.

It's sometimes as though Wilson is 24 years old going on 42.

Wilson naturally took the driver's seat in the van Seattle players used when shuttling to the offseason practices Wilson organized in Los Angeles. While teammates joked around in the back like kids on a field trip, Wilson was their chaperone.

Asked during this camp what he knew of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick from their time together shooting a commercial and appearing at the ESPYS, Wilson, nearly 13 months Kaepernick's junior, described his rival as someone who loves football and is a good person to be around.

"Great kid," Wilson added.

Reporters can forget about prying a colorful quote from the player teammates have nicknamed "the robot" for his methodical approach to the job. Wilson has been known to favor coachspeak even inside Seattle's quarterback meeting room.

"We joke around all the time," backup Brady Quinn said. "There are some times when he'll state the obvious. We try to make sure he realizes that is a given. Like, for example, 'Hey man, guys gotta stay healthy this year.' Well, yeah. They always need to stay healthy. That's a big part of a team doing well, people not getting hurt. Times like that, you've gotta keep him on his toes, make him laugh a little bit, give him a hard time."

One year after Wilson won a three-way competition against Matt Flynn and Tarvaris Jackson, the player receiver Sidney Rice sometimes calls "the president" is running unopposed at this Seahawks camp.

"He's a champion when he steps out there on that field, even in practice," Rice said. "I’ve seen him run, I believe, 80 yards on one play on a scramble to try to get away and get us a first down. He is going to do whatever it takes. You have seen him running down the sideline blocking for Marshawn [Lynch] numerous times. That is the kind of guy you want leading your team."

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Percy Harvin's health. The Seahawks were already a good team before they acquired Harvin. They became a popular pick for the Super Bowl once the versatile receiver and return specialist joined their roster in March. Now, with Harvin seeking a second opinion that could lead to season-altering surgery on his sore hip, those projections seem a little more tenuous.

How Harvin will proceed from here is not clear. His sometimes rocky past in Minnesota invites questions and fuels his critics. Is he smartly erring on the side of caution, as coach Pete Carroll seemed to suggest in initial remarks about the injury? Or, is this another one of those tough-to-explain Harvin plot twists like the ones that seemed to pop up regularly during his Minnesota tenure? With Harvin set to seek that second opinion Tuesday, Carroll noted that safety Kam Chancellor played through a similar injury last season. Was he saying Harvin should do the same?

"Guys around here trust [Harvin] and believe in him," Rice said. "It's nothing like coming out here and taking days off and doing his own thing. I don’t think he’s that type of person. You get that perception from people that don’t really know what's going on, and they just hear stuff and they just create their own [impression]."

Harvin is, by all accounts, plenty tough and competitive. If this is an injury Harvin can manage, it appears he'll do so on his terms, not on the Seahawks' terms. That surely wouldn't surprise the Vikings, even though Rice, himself an ex-Viking, said his teammate is misunderstood.

2. Bruce Irvin's position. There has been some confusion, at least on my end, regarding the role Seattle envisions for 2012 first-round draft choice Irvin. The team drafted Irvin with plans to use him initially as a situational pass-rusher, and later as the successor to Chris Clemons in the "Leo" position as a stand-up rusher in Carroll's defense.

Irvin collected eight sacks as a rookie in the situational role, as planned. He'll continue to play that role within the nickel defense while adding responsibilities as an outside linebacker in base packages. It's not so much that Irvin will be playing the strong side or weak side. Rather, he'll be one of two outside linebackers positioned on the line of scrimmage in what will look like a 3-4 scheme. He'll be asked to set the edge in the running game, rush the passer, match up man-to-man or cover the flat.

First, though, Irvin will have to serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

3. Depth on the offensive line. The Seahawks drafted offensive lineman James Carpenter 25th overall in 2011 when they could have taken a quarterback such as Andy Dalton or Kaepernick. Finding Wilson a year later absolved the team from second-guessing on the quarterback front, but the Carpenter selection was still looking like a regrettable one heading into this camp. Injuries were threatening Carpenter's career, and he wasn't exactly dominant even when healthy in his rookie season.

Perceptions are beginning to change after Carpenter reported to camp in good enough shape to participate fully from the beginning. I noticed Carpenter running from one drill to the next when he could have jogged. It seemed like evidence Carpenter was feeling good and was eager to salvage his career. He's been working with the starting unit at left guard between Pro Bowlers Russell Okung and Max Unger. Adding a healthy Carpenter to the mix would upgrade the line's longer-term prospects.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

Seattle has one of the NFL's best quarterbacks, best running backs and best defenses. That's a winning combination just about every time. Last season, Wilson struggled through his first few games while hamstrung by remedial game plans. He did not start to hit his stride until Week 8 at Detroit. Wilson did not break out all the way until leading 97- and 80-yard touchdown drives to win at Chicago in Week 13. That's the quarterback Seattle will have behind center from the beginning this season. That is why the Seahawks like their chances.

REASON FOR PESSIMISM

Potential depth issues at tight end, offensive tackle, weakside linebacker and defensive end (for now, while Clemons rehabs and Irvin faces a suspension) probably aren't serious enough to send the Seahawks plummeting into mediocrity. However, the margin for error within the NFC West figures to be small. Harvin, at his best, was supposed to put Seattle over the top. Now, the Seahawks can't be sure they'll have him for the regular season.

OBSERVATION DECK

• Defensive end Red Bryant appears more comfortable, for good reason. Bryant had treatment for sleep apnea this offseason after former trainer Sam Ramsden, now the Seahawks' director of player health and performance, recommended testing for larger players. Bryant, who wears a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask when he sleeps, says he's feeling refreshed and has better stamina later in practices. This is a pivotal season for Bryant, who struggled with a foot injury last season after signing a $35 million extension. At Carroll's suggestion, Bryant has recommitted to his identity as a dominant run-stuffer after feeling pressure to improve as a pass-rusher upon signing his new contract.

• Rookie fourth-round receiver Chris Harper didn't seem to be a factor in the first couple days of camp. The first time I really noticed him was when he caught a touchdown pass on the third day of practice. Perhaps not coincidentally, that was also the first day this summer that the Seahawks practiced in pads. Harper, oddly proportioned for a receiver at 6-foot-1 and 234 pounds, relishes the physical part of the game. Some young receivers flourish in shorts and struggle in pads. Harper might have it the other way around.

• The Seahawks claimed off waivers former Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Irvin's speed showed up in practice when he chased down rookie running back Christine Michael to force a fumble some 40 yards past the line of scrimmage. Michael ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds at the combine. He has appeared to be one of the more explosive players in camp. Irvin caught him despite outweighing Michael by about 25 pounds, 245 to 220. Raw speed isn't the question for Irvin. He has plenty. The question is whether he can handle some of the coverage and run-stopping responsibilities associated with his evolving role.

• Remember those offseason stories about Lynch skipping chunks of the voluntary offseason conditioning program? They're pretty much irrelevant now, as anticipated.

• Nothing has changed the perception that Jackson will beat out Quinn for the No. 2 job behind Wilson. Trading Jackson a year ago was tough in some respects because Jackson was so popular among teammates. I see no reason for the Seahawks to make the same decision again unless Quinn vastly outplays Jackson.

• Between the practice field and the locker room sits a cart with a laptop connected to a sensor atop a stand. The setup from GPSports allows teams to monitor player performance in real time. Team owner Paul Allen's other professional Seattle sports team, Sounders FC, has used the technology. The GPSports website says systems include a GPS, accelerometer, magnetometer, heart rate sensor and a wireless transmitter. The company says its product can "accurately measure distance, speed, acceleration, heart rate, bodyload and impacts all in real time."

• Former Cardinals receiver Stephen Williams is doing what he sometimes did while with Arizona: impressing during camp by making spectacular leaping catches. Williams has the talent, but he has been unable to make it transfer to the regular season. Working with a top NFL quarterback cannot hurt. Williams arrived in Arizona the year after Kurt Warner retired.

• Linebacker K.J. Wright has stood out in past camps, but not so much in this one, except for the big hit he delivered on rookie fullback Spencer Ware.

• Speaking of Ware, he has some work to do before making veteran fullback Michael Robinson expendable, at least from early indications. The offense didn't look the same or as good with Robinson and tight end Zach Miller sitting out. Robinson and Lynch have a special feel for one another. Ware, more of a halfback type for most of his college career, has dropped a few passes and is still adjusting to the physical nature of the position.

• The offseason buzz about rookie Jesse Williams possibly starting at defensive tackle seems to have subsided for the time being. Veteran Tony McDaniel and 2012 fourth-rounder Jaye Howard have stood out more.

• Is that really assistant head coach/offensive line Tom Cable? He has dropped a significant amount of weight since having back surgery, and he said after one practice, "You can’t imagine how nothing hurts on me. It’s awesome."

• Richard Sherman, although sometimes combative when facing receivers, projects unfiltered joy other times. He is the player most likely to groove along to the music Carroll plays at practice. Sherman thrilled the crowd during one practice when he picked off a pass and lateraled to Earl Thomas during the return. Football is fun to Sherman, and it shows.

• There aren't many open passing lanes in practice against the Seattle defense. This team is stacked at cornerback. If this keeps up in preseason, and there's enough depth that it should, Seattle could be in position to trade one of its backups.

 

[Faust]

Le'Veon Bell working with Pittsburgh Steelers starters

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to return to their running roots this season. Rookie Le'Veon Bell is the best candidate to lead the way.

Training camp has just started, and Bell's work with the first team is on the way up. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes that Bell had the majority of snaps with the first team in 11-on-11 drills Tuesday, and he ran with the starters more than any other back in pass-protection drills.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told the Post-Gazette not to read too much into Bell's increased work, "but I'm sure you guys will run with it, so go ahead."

Actions speak louder than words, even from one of our favorite coaches to listen to. The Steelers drafted Bell high to be an every-down back. They aren't wasting any time giving him most of the reps with the first team.

Jonathan Dwyer has lost a lot of weight and Isaac Redman remains in the mix, but they probably are competing for the right to back up Bell.

(Yep, we ran with it.)

The Around The League Podcast is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.

 

[Faust]

DuJuan Harris getting lost in Packers' backfield

By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

Despite missing offseason practices following surgery to remove a fist-sized cyst from his lung, DuJuan Harris was expected to compete for the Green Bay Packers' starting running back job this summer.

That plan was altered when a "minor" knee injury landed Harris on the active/PUP list entering training camp.

Although Harris insists he's already at "100 percent" and will soon be at "110 percent," coach Mike McCarthy set the timetable Tuesday at two or three more weeks.

Harris could miss the entirety of training camp, which will put him behind the eight-ball for a spot on the final roster.

Alex Green opened camp as the starter. Reinvigorated veteran James Starks had his best practice Tuesday. The Packers view second-rounder Eddie Lacy as a key red-zone hammer.

Even more impressive has been fourth-rounder Johnathan Franklin, who has stood out from the crowd at tailback. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel suspects Franklin could play as much as 40 percent of the backfield snaps this season.

The backfield logjam means at least one tough decision will have to be made.

The Packers do have the luxury of stashing Harris on reserve/PUP for the first six weeks of the regular season. That move would buy time against a trade or release of Green or Starks. It would also allow Harris' fresh legs to function as a late-season shot in the arm for the second consecutive year if the Packers suffer injuries at the position.

The Around The League Podcast is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.

 

[EBF]

I've been looking for Seahawks stuff and while I don't have a link to summarize it all, there are a few FF-relevant things consistently being mentioned:

- Golden Tate is doing well in camp.

- Christine Michael is looking really good.

- Stephen Williams is doing pretty well.

- In the most recent practices, Spencer Ware has been used at RB and not FB. He has shown some potential there.

- Luke Willson is a project.

Harper has started to make his presence felt. One poster said he looks like the second best WR on the roster behind Tate.

The praise for Michael has been pretty unanimous, so I would definitely think about making a preemptive move if you're interested and he's available at a reasonable price.

I wouldn't read much into the Stephen Williams stuff, as he's a camp superstar who makes "wow" catches, but disappears in games.

 

[Faust]

Kevin Kolb struggling early at Buffalo Bills practices

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

Buffalo Bills fans haven't seen a lot of completed passes early in training camp, especially by Kevin Kolb.

"Kolb, who again got the first-team nod and more practice reps, looked at times like he was trying to complete passes to the water cooler on the sideline," The Buffalo News wrote about Monday's practice.

There's no need to overreact to one practice, but we witnessed much of the same on Tuesday's "Inside Training Camp" on NFL Network. Kolb underthrew and overthrew a handful of deep receivers. Kolb was forced to throw the ball away and didn't react well to pressure. We saw a fumbled snap or two, as well. While Kolb is dealing with more complex defensive looks than rookie EJ Manuel early in camp, but these aren't great early signs.

NFL Network's Heath Evans watched the entire practice and believes rookie Manuel ultimately will win the starting job. Kolb will have to outplay Manuel by a good margin to be the starter. The tie goes to the rookie.

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Rotoworld:

Kevin Kolb took the "majority" of the first-team reps in the Bills' first padded practice on Tuesday.
The Buffalo News' unofficial count had Kolb getting 38 snaps to E.J. Manuel's 22. Per reporter Mark Gaughan, Manuel threw the ball a "tad" better. A "tad" better probably won't be enough for Manuel to unseat Kolb before Week 1.

Related: E.J. Manuel

Source: Buffalo News

 

[Faust]

Panthers haven't given up on Edwards

By Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com

There might be a redemption story brewing in Carolina Panthers training camp.

The Twitter world was going crazy with reports that wide receiver Armanti Edwards was working with the first-team offense Tuesday. Edwards was working with the first team partly due to the fact the Panthers gave veteran Steve Smith the day off from practice.

But just getting some temporary work with the first team is huge news for Edwards. It’s a sign that the coaching staff must have been impressed with what Edwards showed in offseason workouts.

If it seems like this is long overdue, that’s only because it is. Edwards was a quarterback in college and the Panthers gambled on him in the 2010 draft. They gave up a second-round pick to get Edwards in the third round and the plan was to convert him into a wide receiver and a return man.

But that transition didn’t go very smoothly. In three seasons, Edwards has only five catches. That’s led to speculation that Edwards might not stay on Carolina’s roster this year.

But the fact he was getting first-team work is a sign the Panthers haven’t given up on Edwards. I’m not sure Edwards will overtake Domenik Hixon or Ted Ginn Jr. as the third receiver. But I think Edwards has a good chance to stick around as the fourth or fifth receiver.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett praised RB Lance Dunbar on Tuesday.
"He gets better every single day and it really goes to the kind of young man he is, how important it is to him," Garrett said. "He just works at it, and he has great juice, got a bounce in his step all the time." Per reporter Calvin Watkins, "juice" has been a common word to describe Dunbar this summer. For the moment, he appears to be ahead of rookie Joseph Randle for No. 2 duties.


Source: ESPN Dallas

 

[Gawain]

What may have been a question mark coming into camp has turned out to be a possible team strength. This crop of running backs offers a lot of versatility and talent. None stood out more on Monday than Isaiah Pead. Pead flashed elite speed, and seemed to be moving a step quicker than everyone else on the field. He was running with the first team offense most of the day, and looked like he belonged there. He was sharp in and out of cuts, and always seemed to be in the right hole or running the right route. So far, Pead looks like he may elevate himself in year 2.

Richardson didn't really stand out Monday, but did get some time with the first team as well. Zac Stacy looks sharp running between the tackles. He stays very low to the ground and drives his feet well. He is able to navigate in traffic and pick up tough internal yardage. The Rams could really use him to compliment someone like Richardson or Pead. Let's hope he is ready soon.

However, one of the big standouts of the practice was Ben Cunningham who looks like a very powerful back with the ball in his hands. Terrance Gannaway will have a very tough time making this team with someone as talented as Cunningham in front of him. Cunningham also showcased some of the best pass-blocking during individual drills. I see him making the team at this point .

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/7/30/4571770/st-louis-rams-2013-training-camp-report-chris-givens-michael-brockers

 

[pantherclub]

Someone better get Lacy a Nutritionist quick

http://www.packers.com/media-center/photo-gallery/Training-Camp-practice-Day-3/fa3b6ef3-1e0c-4551-985d-916edc2a9e5a#baea6e9e-f9f0-4a64-8859-74df30ea2c1a

wtf?

 

[pantherclub]

Panthers haven't given up on Edwards

By Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com

There might be a redemption story brewing in Carolina Panthers training camp.

The Twitter world was going crazy with reports that wide receiver Armanti Edwards was working with the first-team offense Tuesday. Edwards was working with the first team partly due to the fact the Panthers gave veteran Steve Smith the day off from practice.

But just getting some temporary work with the first team is huge news for Edwards. It’s a sign that the coaching staff must have been impressed with what Edwards showed in offseason workouts.

If it seems like this is long overdue, that’s only because it is. Edwards was a quarterback in college and the Panthers gambled on him in the 2010 draft. They gave up a second-round pick to get Edwards in the third round and the plan was to convert him into a wide receiver and a return man.

But that transition didn’t go very smoothly. In three seasons, Edwards has only five catches. That’s led to speculation that Edwards might not stay on Carolina’s roster this year.

But the fact he was getting first-team work is a sign the Panthers haven’t given up on Edwards. I’m not sure Edwards will overtake Domenik Hixon or Ted Ginn Jr. as the third receiver. But I think Edwards has a good chance to stick around as the fourth or fifth receiver.

None of that matters. He is soft and doesnt like to get hit. He always seems to have a good camp or practices but when the real bullets start flying he freezes up.