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Training Camp & Preseason Observations (1 Viewer)

Postcard from camp: 49ers (SI.com)

Excerpts:

The Niners face a big decision at quarterback this year: Can Alex Smith, the former top overall pick, finally stake his claim to this job and win it for the foreseeable future? Everyone in the organization loves this kid. But most of the balls he threw in the practice I saw today had some flutter to them. The question that Smith has to answer is whether he has enough arm to win in the NFL.

Star in the making: Safety Dashon Goldson. The Niners think he is the right combination of big hitter and rangy center fielder, and at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he's big enough to help in run-support. This could be his breakout year.

New Face, New Place

I doubt that Ted Ginn, the former ninth overall pick acquired from Miami for a fifth-round draft choice, will ever become the productive receiver he was drafted to be. San Francisco is not asking him to catch 70 balls. The Niners would be happy if he could be a field-stretching deep threat to take some of the pressure away from the bigger offensive threats, tight end Vernon Davis and wideout Michael Crabtree. Look for Ginn to return either punts or kicks and be that third or fourth receiver who gives San Francisco the element of speed it lacked last year.

Rookie Report

The Niners, with two picks in the middle of the first round last April, pulled a surprise by making both offensive linemen. Early in camp, guard Mike Iupati has a better shot to start opening day than Rutgers tackle Anthony Davis. Davis is still a kid, just 20, and came to the NFL needing a Singletary infusion of work ethic. He is likely to open the season behind Adam Snyder at right tackle.

Iupati, who played guard throughout his career at Idaho, has adjusted well to NFL weight-training and playing in space when the Niners go to multiple-receiver sets. Strange to think that a guard from Idaho would be pro-ready in his first camp, but that's how he looks. It'll be an interesting battle between incumbent David Baas and Iupati, but I think Iupati will win.

One of the things running back Frank Gore doesn't get enough credit for is his blocking and heads-up play as a hot receiver when protection breaks down. Gore's one of the best in the league at this thankless but important task.

Several in the 49ers organization, including personnel VP Trent Balke, stressed to me how mature Vernon Davis has become. He sets a good example in practice, which I noticed in the morning workout. And he was convincing in a post-practice interview that the coaching change to Singletary two years ago helped him grow up as much as any single event in his life. "I want to be the best tight end in football, but more important than that I want us to win," he said. He mentioned a lot of team-first things like that to me, almost as if he's been programmed. If this is the real Davis, the 49ers are going to have a very important Singletary disciple in the locker room.

San Francisco's quarterback depth chart is, frankly, a little scary. There's no guarantee Smith is the man for the job, and if he isn't, David Carr is not exactly the kind of safety net to feel really comfortable with. Carr had an inaccurate morning throwing the ball. He's had a few of those in his career. Behind him is Nate Davis, who no one in San Francisco rates as a great prospect.

At every San Francisco practice, Singletary stands apart from the group and makes notes about what he's seeing. Often he'll keep score between the offense and defense as to which unit is making winning plays. Last year, the defense dominated. This year, the offense is catching up. "The competition's closer -- a lot closer,'' Singletary said. About time.

 
Clifton has been great in camp and Rodgers has been running some no huddle. He is so athletic if given time could be fun to watch this year.

In addition Finley has caught just about everything and his blocking has been better.

 
Atlanta Falcons Camp Report (USA Today)

Excerpts:

Ryan is healthy after missing almost two full games last season with a painful turf toe injury and his statistics suffered. He threw for 22 touchdowns with 14 interceptions, three more than his rookie season, and his completion percentage fell to 58.3% from 61.1% his freshman season.

Ryan spent the offseason studying the strengths of the top five quarterbacks — four-time league MVP Peyton Manning, three-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, Super Bowl XLIV MVP Drew Brees, Philip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers, who led the league in third-down passing.

The ultra-competitive and hard-working Ryan is the high-profile face of the Dimitroff-Smith program who wants to see a team that battled the reigning Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints tough twice last season get over the hump and go beyond just returning to the playoffs.

"Having the back-to-back winning seasons was great for the organization and it was great to get that monkey off the back," Ryan says. "But with that, more is expected within the locker room. We feel like we have the talent to do it.

"We feel like we're working the right way to get to where we want to be. We're excited to finally get to the games where we have a chance to showcase that."

Dimitroff, the former Patriots director of college scouting, sees a lot of Brady in Ryan's demeanor, especially after Ryan let receiver Mike Jenkins know he wasn't pleased with the way a route was run following an incompletion.

That accountability and premium on consistency is just the way the highly-respected Smith wants it.

AROUND FALCONS TRAINING CAMP

Reasons to believe: Ryan's best is likely yet to come entering his most productive offseason. And a re-dedicated Turner dropped 15 pounds in a bid to rediscover the punishing running style that produced 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns in his 2008 Pro Bowl season. Slot receiver Harry Douglas practiced for the first time Wednesday since undergoing season-ending ACL surgery following a knee injury suffered in last summer's training camp. And the offensive line has been together for three years.

Trouble spot: The Falcons had 28 sacks last season, third-fewest in the NFC. The hope is the return of second-year defensive tackle Peria Jerry from season-ending knee surgery will free up Abraham to return to his 16½-sack form of 2008. Backup end Kroy Biermann, who had five sacks last season, is also being counted on to help with the sack slack.

Who's new: The addition of Robinson injects a play-making cover corner who should have an effect on the pass rush. Robinson will have a chance to play more in zone coverage, theoretically giving him more chances to find the ball and intercept it. Weatherspoon has been the talk of camp, impressing the likes of Gonzalez and Ryan with his sticky coverage, his ball skills and his beyond-his-years confidence.

Positional battles: The biggest camp battle is at the other starting cornerback spot where Brent Grimes is running first team ahead of Chris Owens, but figures to get bumped back to nickel corner once veteran Brian Williams comes back from knee surgery. The kicking job is veteran Matt Bryant's to lose with former Baltimore Ravens castoff Steven Hauschka providing camp competition.

On the mend: Backup running back Jerious Norwood has been sidelined by a hip flexor.

 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Camp Report (USA Today)

Excerpts:

AROUND BUCCANEERS TRAINING CAMP

Reason to believe: Wins in two of its final three games last season, including an overtime win against the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, gave Tampa a positive vibe about 2010 despite the previous year's 3-13 record. Second-year coach Raheem Morris now has experience in the lead role, and top draft pick Gerald McCoy (third overall) should boost a defense that finished last against the run. Too, quarterback Josh Freeman isn't a rookie anymore and the team more or less has tailored the offense around him.

Trouble spot: Middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, the leader of the defense, is brooding about not having been given a long-term deal — although he did sign his one-year tender for a little more than $3 million — and thus is not exactly a happy camper, especially given the fact that fellow restricted free agent Donald Penn at left tackle signed a six-year deal last weekend worth $48 million. Also miffed about not getting a new deal is right tackle Jeremy Trueblood.

Who's new: McCoy is the splashiest addition, but the arrival of free agent safety Sean Jones from the Philadelphia Eagles should provide a boost in the secondary. And first-year offensive coordinator Greg Olson, who unofficially took the job 10 days before last season after Jeff Jagodzinski was fired, has had a full offseason to fully implement his intentions.

Positional battle: At wide receiver, things are pretty much wide open, with veterans Reggie Brown and Michael Clayton leading the way, although rookie Mike Williams, a fourth-round pick, has been impressive in camp so far. Also in the mix is second-round draft pick Arrelious Benn, who's off to something of a slow start, and veteran Maurice Stovall.

On the mend: Tight end Kellen Winslow is coming off his sixth knee surgery and was limited in how much he could do during offseason workouts. He's being brought along slowly, and sat out the first several practices but is expected to be in relatively good shape for the season.

Rookie watch: McCoy ended fears of an extended holdout when he signed a five-year deal last weekend for $63 million. Benn, the Bucs' third overall pick, has slipped behind Williams, the fifth overall pick, in the early stages of camp. Williams has shown a better grasp of the offense and presently is listed as a starter.

 
Buffalo Bills Camp Report (NFL.com)

Excerpts:

Trent Edwards is in control of this offense and for the sake of stability, the Bills should declare him the starter soon. I sat down with Edwards at camp, and he is ready to be Buffalo's franchise quarterback. In order to reach that status, however, he needs more weapons. Third-year receiver James Hardy has to develop into a red-zone threat.

The Bills have been out in pads more than the other teams I have visited so far, and according to running back Fred Jackson, have already had three live goal line drills in the first week. Jackson said the team needs the work, specifically an offense that has struggled every day to move the ball.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE

It's not a shock for all of the quarterbacks to be having a tough time. What is a pleasant surprise, though, is how much the offense, especially Edwards, appreciates working against the new 3-4 defense. All three division opponents play the 3-4, so it gives the Bills' offense more preparation for their division slate.

Player wise, the most pleasant surprise is wide receiver Steve Johnson, who is becoming a favorite target for all the quarterbacks. Another player making a name for himself is rookie outside linebacker Arthur Moats.

Moats was a sixth-round pick who recorded 29 sacks in college, and he has already flashed impressive skills in full team drills.

The Bills have installed 65 percent of their offense, and Spiller is far behind on a team that really needs him.

The more I study this defense, the more impressed I am with it and the players' effort. Last year the Bills gave up just 20.4 points a game and had the second-ranked pass defense (184.2 yards per game). They may have to be even better this year. When you consider the Bills had one of the worst third-down offenses in 20 years and forced the defense to go back on the field after three 0and-out series constantly, it was not praised enough.

 
New England Patriots Camp Report (NFL.com)

Excerpts:

While some things are different, success for the Patriots will be based on what quarterback Tom Brady does. In sitting down with Brady, he made it clear any questions about his contract won't impact his preparation for the season or be a distraction to the ultimate goal of getting another Super Bowl ring.

Brady discussed the challenges of being with his family and playing, but said it will not be an issue during the season. Owner Robert Kraft admitted the entire organization would love to have Brady around for the entire offseason, but recognizes that the QB is in another phase of his life and the team has adjusted.

After taking in two practices and sitting down with several players, there's nothing to worry about when it comes to Brady and Co. The Patriots are ready to defend their division title and fix the things that went wrong in the playoffs.

Randy Moss looked terrific and should be the same dominant player he's always been. Wes Welker was on the sidelines running and doing drills, easily crossing his legs and turning to change directions. He appears well on his way to a full season after passing his physical Sunday and practicing with the team.

Tory Holt can still run and looks like a perfect fit on the backside of the Moss/Welker combination. Edelman and Brandon Tate look like solid contributors while rookie Taylor Price appears to be a keeper. Maybe Patten saw the handwriting on the wall.

Rob Gronkowski impressed at practice and looks like a starting tight end. He could be just the right guy to set the edge for the run game and open up the passing attack in the red zone. He's a big target and, outside of one dropped pass, had a very impressive day. He lined up as a traditional tight end, a slot player and in the backfield and was effective from all three spots. Even Laurence Maroney was impressed with his blocking skills.

Taylor Price is vertical threat and a receiver who will snatch a ball out away from his body.

Aaron Hernandez, the 2009 Mackey award winner as the nation's top tight end, is a very intriguing prospect. He moves like Kellen Winslow on the field and demonstrated he can get vertical.

Brady on Maroney, "He can run you over or run around you, and he is really figuring out when to use each style and has really worked on his hands as a receiver."

*** My observation on the NFL.com reports is that you need to be a little careful, as they are less likely to be critical of formerly good & great players like Torry Holt. Almost every other Patriots report that I have seen has indicated that Holt doesn't have much left to give on the field and is at risk to get cut, while Kirwan gushes that Holt "can still run" and looks like a "perfect fit on the backside of the Moss/Welker combination" ***

 
Giants Camp Report (NFL.com)

Excerpts:

Two things jumped out at me during the morning practice on Monday, and they were reinforced in the afternoon. The offense is way ahead of where it was last year now that the receivers have been established, and Brandon Jacobs is 100 percent healthy.

Secondly, the defense is much more upbeat with passionate Perry Fewell coordinating the unit. He is running around practically jumping on loose balls himself and getting his players to understand what an up-tempo practice looks. More importantly he's getting his players to understand what it can lead to.

All three running backs with medical issues last year looked great at practice. Jacobs had a down hill run that burst into the second level of the defense -- no trouble with the hamstring. Ahmad Bradshaw had a stop and start run that forced him to change direction four times, and he still escaped the grasp of the defense. Andre Brown, a second-year runner who missed all of last season with a torn Achilles tendon, moved around extremely well.

There's a rookie free-agent wide receiver who really surprised me a lot. Little 5-foot-8, 165-pound Tim Brown was great in practice. As one player said, "He can do many of the things Sinorice Moss does for us." Brown may get caught up in the numbers game with all the good receivers, but he should enjoy a good camp and find his way to the practice squad.

Manning is throwing the ball better than I have ever seen. After a career-high 27 touchdown passes last year, I expect him to break 30 this season.

Rolle had something real nice to say about wide receiver Hakim Nicks: "He reminds me of Anquan Boldin with his ability after the catch."

Tight end Kevin Boss is feeling confident heading into 2010. on his steady rise in production from 33 receptions in 2008 to 42 in 2009 "It is about team, but I also have a goal of 50-60 receptions this year," said Boss, who increased from 33 receptions to 42 from 2008 to last season. "Eli Manning trusts me."

 
Adam Schefter - Bengals Camp Report

Excerpts:

Setbacks sometimes can turn into steps forward. Lewis believes this will be the case with Cincinnati linebacker Rey Maualuga, who was arrested this offseason for DUI. "This will be a career-changing time for him, much like what happened with Ray Lewis in Baltimore," said Lewis, the former Ravens defensive coordinator. "If sitting through the first round of the draft was a rude awakening for [Maualuga], then this changed his whole life." Lewis said Maualuga reported to training camp with a different mindset and makeup. Lewis believes that Maualuga is now on the cusp of stardom.

Interesting message from Bengals wide receivers coach Mike Sheppard, who gave Cincinnati third-round pick Jordan Shipley a year's worth of catches from Welker and Houshmandzadeh to study. And interesting words from Palmer, who said Shipley is one of the smartest rookies he has ever seen. "He understands how to play the game already," Palmer said of Shipley. "He understands the slot position, which you don't see from a rookie. You don't have to do a lot of teaching with him." From his Manhattan Beach workouts, Palmer said Shipley reminds him some of Welker. The two receivers have similar size, intelligence and determination. And it certainly sounds like teams that passed on Shipley in the first two rounds will regret it.

So much focus is on Cincinnati's offense, mainly its wide receivers, that it is easy to overlook the Bengals' defense. This is a mistake. The Bengals have one of the top defensive units in the league. When they lost in the wild-card round to the Jets last season, Cincinnati played without Maualuga, safety Roy Williams and defensive end Antwan Odom. Plus, defensive tackle Domata Peko and safety Chris Crocker were coming off injuries. Now they're all back and healthy, and they should be dangerous. "We're ready," said Odom, who ruptured his Achilles in the fifth game, when he was leading the league with eight sacks. "I'm ready."

 
Adam Schefter - Bears Camp Report

Excerpts:

Mike Martz is known for his offense, but he played some great defense Saturday.

The Bears' offensive coordinator staunchly defended quarterback Jay Cutler, saying the signal-caller has all the physical and emotional skills he needs to become a standout. Martz and Cutler have grown close this offseason and each needs the other to revive his career. Both are convinced they will succeed.

As for Bears wide receivers, Martz spoke with conviction and confidence about them. He is a firm believer that Devin Hester, Devin Aromashodu, Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett and Rashied Davis can perform the way his Rams receivers did back in the day. Fans doubt the group and its quarterback; Martz doesn't.

Forget the talk about the Bears not using their tight ends. At Friday's practice, Cutler couldn't stop throwing to tight ends Desmond Clark, Greg Olsen and Kellen Davis. Chicago's tight ends are going to produce a lot more than people expect.

Chicago didn't have first- or second-round picks, but it sure looks like it hit on its third- and fourth-round picks: safety Major Wright and defensive end Corey Wootton. Each could wind up starting sooner rather than later.

I'm still not sure how Chicago's offensive line is going to hold up with Frank Omiyale at right tackle and Chris Williams at left tackle. But offensive line coach Mike Tice is the right man to make Chicago's makeshift unit work.

 
From the Cards Beat Writer:

Coaches have not eased nose tackle Dan Williams back into action after he signed a five-year deal earlier this week. Williams is getting a ton of snaps in practice, often because line coach Ron Aiken isn't satisfied with how he did something the first time.

"Coach is working him hard," said end Calais Campbell. "Coach is riding him, being real strict. If he does something real small wrong, he gets on him about it and makes him do it again, which is good for him because we depend on him and need him to get ready."

Williams appears to be just as advertised. He's been fairly stout agains the run, and his wide base is going to make him difficult to move. He doesn't seem to possess a lot of pass rush moves, however, and has been handled pretty easily in one-on-one drills.

Some observations from the last two days:

-- QB Matt Leinart has had his best practices the past two days. He appears to be making the proper reads and his throws have been more accurate. On a side note, parts of the off-season were difficult for Leinart. His father Bob had quadruple bypass surgery and had a stroke while on the operating table. He has recovered from the operation and the stroke and Mr. Leinart looks great and shows no effects from the stroke. There was a significant rehab process involved. Leinart regularly traveled back home to Southern California to be with his dad but still managed to regularly attend off-season workouts.

-- OLB Stevie Baggs was all over the field during the afternoon practice on Friday. During blitz pickup drills with the running backs, he dominated, and he flashed pass rush skills again during team work.

-- RB Beanie Wells looks lean, strong and fast. He had a nice, patient run this afternoon, doing a solid job of setting his lineman up for a block. Tim Hightower is enjoying a productive camp, too. LaRod Stephens-Howling was impressive during the morning. Throw in Jason Wright, who can play both running and back and fullback, and the Cardinals will be fine at running back, barring injuries.

-- Fullback could be a problem. Charles Ali, the backup, limped off the field during the afternoon. No word on his status. It didn't look serious but that doesn't mean much. Or anything. Nehemiah Broughton is the only other fullback on the roster. The Cardinals got a lot of production out of the fullback in the second half of last season, averaging about 1/2 yard more a carry when the fullback was in the game. It's an important part of this offense.



-- G Alan Faneca continued to struggle in one-on-one pass rush drills. He was beaten twice by Campbell. The defense has the advantage in the drill, because defenders don't have to worry about the run, they can just take off when the ball is snapped. Campbell is no slouch but I'm sure coaches want to see Faneca win a few of those battles.

-- G Deuce Lutui has looked good in camp but is still too heavy, said Whisenhunt. The coach isn't pleased that Lutui's weight is an issue in training camp. From what I've seen, however, it's going to be hard to keep Lutui off the field if he sheds the necessary pounds. Even at 360 or so, Deuce looks like he's moving pretty well.

 
Adam Schefter - Lions Camp Report

Excerpts:

When former California standout Jahvid Best flipped over an Oregon State defender in November, Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz flipped over the running back. Schwartz wanted to see more.

Though he doesn't follow college football closely, Schwartz sought out more information and highlights. The more he saw of Best, the more enamored he became. Eventually, Schwartz had a DVD filled with the best of Best.

"Every running back has a highlight reel -- some a play or two, some 10 plays," Schwartz said Sunday in between Lions practices. "But there was nothing like that steady stream of highlights that [best] put on tape."

Now Schwartz believes the Lions have two weapons -- Best and wide receiver Calvin Johnson -- to go along with the improvements they've made at tight end with Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler and at wide receiver with Nate Burleson and Bryant Johnson. Schwartz's man-crush on Best has not subsided. He is enamored with how Best catches the ball, not just out of the backfield, but 30 yards downfield. He is fully aware of the 8.1 yards per carry Best averaged in his sophomore season and his 7.3 career average at California. And he raves about Best's speed, which enabled him to run a faster 40-yard dash at the combine than the Bills' C.J. Spiller (the ninth overall pick)

At this time last year, Stafford was competing for a starting job with Daunte Culpepper; this season the starting quarterback reps are all his. Last training camp, Calvin Johnson, Bryant Johnson and Pettigrew did not get to work with Stafford because of injuries; this summer they're all working together. Last summer, Stafford didn't know the names of many in the organization; now he's the face of the franchise. Stafford is far more comfortable and should produce at a higher level because of it.

Anyone looking for the Lions' weakness needs to look at their defensive backs. Last season, the Lions ranked last in the NFL in pass defense. Detroit's secondary still has more questions than talent, and the only player the Lions know will be starting is Delmas, who has a passion for football to match his talent. The Lions' cornerbacks could be Chris Houston, 33-year-old Dre' Bly and third-round pick Amari Spievey. This Lions secondary could be the weakest in the league.

This year's Mr. Irrelevant, Weber State wide receiver Tim Toone, has a legitimate chance to make the Lions' roster and be the team's punt returner.

 
From the Bills beat writer:

(I like beat writers that don't sugarcoat it, but dang)

Training Camp Notes Vol. 3

Not a lot has changed in the last few days here at Bills camp - the quarterbacks are still awful. I really wish I could be upbeat because, after all, camp is a time to try to be optimistic, but I can’t be.

As I stand out here and watch these guys, it strikes me over the head like a sledgehammer that none of them are any good. Trent Edwards doesn’t look a whole lot better than Ryan Fitzpatrick, who doesn’t look a whole lot better than Brian Brohm. When one through three are basically the same player, that’s not a good thing.

Clearly, the defense is way ahead of the offense at this point and that’s part of the problem for the quarterbacks, but the Bills are struggling to complete short passes, and as for a downfield passing game, there is none. It appears that Chan Gailey has concluded that he’s going to run the ball with the three solid backs that he has, and just try to use a short, controlled passing game when needed.

The problem with that formula is that teams are just going to load up the box with eight defenders and dare the Bills to throw, and they won’t be able to. The quarterbacks are a huge problem, but the receivers sure aren’t helping. Steve Johnson is the starter on the other side of Lee Evans. Johnson is a mediocrity at best, but he may be the best they have. James Hardy has done nothing. All that talk last week about how he was going to bring it? Well, he hasn’t brought a thing. He looks like he’s lumbering, he has no explosion, and his hands are inconsistent.

Roscoe Parrish has been making some plays from the slot, but nothing that’s going to wow anyone. He’s not a deep threat, and he takes too much punishment on the inside. He may not survive in that job.

It will be interesting to see what C.J. Spiller brings once he gets here, reportedly today. But even with Spiller, all you’re going to see are dumps and swings to him in the flats. Yes, he’s shifty enough to make something happen, but teams will get wise to that eventually if the Bills can’t threaten them with a downfield attack.

 
Adam Schefter - Browns Camp Report

Excerpts:

The Miami Dolphins made the Wildcat a weapon, but the Cleveland Browns could elevate its effectiveness.

Wide receiver Josh Cribbs can play quarterback or wide receiver. Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace can play quarterback or wide receiver. Then there will be times when Cribbs and Wallace line up at running back and fullback, without the defense knowing where the ball is being snapped.

The Browns know it's coming and soon enough opponents will, too.

"My role is just going to expand dramatically," Cribbs predicted. "A lot of things are going to happen where me and Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme -- we are all going to be rotating and hopping in and out of there."

Cleveland knows it has to do something to worry opposing defenses. In what is one of the most stunning statistics from last season, the Browns completed a total of 34 passes during their five wins -- an average of less than seven per game. Peyton Manning completed at least 34 passes in two separate games last season; the Browns did it in their five wins.

Nobody likes gimmicks more than Cleveland coach Eric Mangini and nobody has any more toys than the Browns. Don't be surprised if the Browns take the Wildcat to a new level.

Rookie quarterback Colt McCoy continually kidded Jake Delhomme on Monday that he has been in the NFL for what, 25 years? No, but it does feel like it. Delhomme has been around so long that, back in 1998, when he played on the Amsterdam Admirals and went to NFL Europe training camp in Atlanta, his teammate was Kurt Warner. Amazing how some NFL teams can't ever find a quality quarterback and the Amsterdam Admirals found two.

When McCoy took his pre-draft visit to Cleveland in the spring, he arrived at the Browns' training facility at 6:30 a.m. The moment McCoy walked into the Browns' quarterbacks meeting room, he found Delhomme engrossed in game film, studying Cleveland's offense. Right there is an example of how Delhomme's presence will benefit McCoy for years to come. There are few quarterbacks in the league who are better role models than the classy and professional Delhomme.

Hard to imagine how first-round pick Joe Haden could crack the starting lineup in Cleveland this season. Eric Wright is a big-time cornerback, as the Browns thought he would be when they drafted him out of UNLV with a second-round pick in 2007. Sheldon Brown is a former Pro Bowl selection whom Browns general manager Tom Heckert knows well from his time in Philadelphia. White and Brown are the undisputed starters for now. But Haden will be the nickel cornerback and a player the Browns believe they will rely on for years to come.

Even though second-round pick Montario Hardesty is out for a couple weeks with a knee injury, he should have few problems picking up the Browns' offense. Browns coaches have been impressed with the running back's maturity and intelligence.

Cleveland might not have top-shelf wide receivers, but its tight ends are formidable. Ben Watson will be a weapon in the Browns' offense. The best-kept secret on Cleveland's roster just might be tight end Evan Moore, a 2009 undrafted free agent from Stanford whom most fans don't know. In a West Coast-type offense, Moore might catch 90 passes. In this offense, he won't catch that many passes, but he will be a player that the rest of the league will come to know.

 
massraider - thanks for the posting! And you were right, there was no sugarcoating on that Bills report whatsoever!

 
Some interesting notes on guys who appear to be stepping it up who were originally highly drafted/touted prospects.

It's still just camp but Chad Jackson is getting a lot of love in Buffalo, while James Hardy is running with the 3rd team:

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/article93202.ece

http://buffalowdown.com/2010/08/05/players...7-chad-jackson/

Mike Williams (SEA) is getting positive press as well though question remains on his ability to create separation since he's not fast/quick. Route running is praised in one of these links though. Seems he's finally got his diet under control. Maybe Pete Carroll has this guy focused again:

http://www.seahawkaddicts.com/ - Look at Thursday August 5th entry

http://www.fieldgulls.com/2010/8/6/1609521...practice-report

Definitely two guys to watch preseason in deep leagues/dynasty leagues.

 
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Adam Schefter - Steelers Camp Report

Excerpts:

Even though Mike Tomlin has not named a starting quarterback for the first four games this season, the job is Byron Leftwich's to lose. Leftwich took reps with the first-team offense during organized team activities this spring. He has been sharing reps with Roethlisberger this summer as the Steelers' starting quarterback. And even though there have been moments in which Leftwich has not shined, he still is expected to start the Steelers' regular-season opener.

The roster spot of veteran Charlie Batch has to be in question at some point this season. If he starts the season on the active roster, his 2010 base salary would become fully guaranteed. But once Roethlisberger returns from his suspension, Pittsburgh will not be able to keep four quarterbacks on its roster. It creates an interesting dilemma, and a move is expected to be made at some point.

For some reason, it feels as if there has been an endless procession of defensive dynamos who have passed through Pittsburgh. Now the Steelers believe they have found another. Pittsburgh's 2009 first-round pick, defensive end Ziggy Hood, has gotten the attention of the entire Steelers organization this spring and summer. In fact, when Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith -- who's not known for hyperbole -- showed up to training camp at St. Vincent College, he proclaimed: "Ziggy is going to be special. He's really going to blossom."

Smith is 34 years old and Pittsburgh's other starting defensive end, Brett Keisel, is 31. The Steelers now have their replacement on deck and getting ready.

For all the upheaval surrounding Pittsburgh's offensive line, it doesn't seem all that different, with the exception of former Cowboy Flozell Adams replacing Willie Colon at right tackle. If the season started today, Pittsburgh's right tackle would be Adams, its right guard would be Trai Essex, its center would be Justin Hartwig, its left guard would be Chris Kemoeatu and its left tackle would be Max Starks. Plus, first-round pick Maurkice Pouncey is waiting in the wings.

 
Cowboys TC observations

My training camp thoughts:

With the Cowboys finishing up their second week of camp in San Antonio and now heading for preseason games, I thought I would reflect on what I have learned so far.

There were three main areas of concern for me when the club started work two weeks ago. Will Doug Free be able to man the left tackle spot effectively? Will Alan Ball or Mike Hamlin fit as the new free safety? And can David Buehler be more than just a kickoff specialist?

In my mind, I can answer two of those three questions. Free will be fine at left tackle. In the day-in and day-out work that he gets against DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer, Free has proven that to me. Free’s work has been solid in this camp. His footwork and punch improved each day when working against the two of the better linebackers in the NFL. Free has looked comfortable as well blocking on the edge in the running game. He will never be a “road grader” type of blocker but he knows how to fit, work his feet and maintain position.

Ball is a trained corner making the switch to full-time free safety. In visiting with secondary coach Dave Campo, he couldn’t have been more proud the way Ball has played these first two weeks.

Ball has shown range, catch-up speed and awareness for the position. He gives the corners the confidence that if there is a mistake in coverage, he will be there to clean up the mess. He is a fluid moving athlete that puts himself in good positions to defend the ball.

Hamlin has shown me something as well. Hamlin has a great build for a free safety, tall with long arms. Hamlin is not as fluid as Ball but his movement skill is good enough and when coming forward on a play can be impressive. There were some questions of his instincts, but I have seen reps where he was able to see the route, react to the receiver and make a play on the ball. In the Thursday morning practice, he showed range down the middle of the field carrying a receiver and making a play on an underthrown Tony Romo pass for an interception.

Have been impressed with the play of both of the safeties in camp.

Buehler is gaining the confidence of his coaches and teammates each practice with his leg strength and accuracy of his field goal attempts in practice. The real test for him will be the next five weeks in game situations.

Special teams coach Joe DeCamillis has bet all along that Buehler can do the job but also realizes that there needed to be a plan in place if Buehler were to struggle this pre season. It has been impressive to watch the ball jump off his foot. You can hear the impact from behind the goal post where I sit to watch him kick. He gets tremendous height on his kicks.

In the first two weeks of practice, Buehler has done nothing to disappoint, but the next step will be the most important one and that starts Sunday in the Hall of Fame Game against the Bengals.

 
Adam Schefter - Bills Camp Report

Excerpts:

For all the questions Buffalo has had about who would start at quarterback this season, Edwards now has positioned himself as the front-runner for the Bills' Sept. 12 regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins. "His confidence is sky high," said Jackson, who led the NFL in combined net yards last season. Edwards is the biggest, most experienced and best quarterback the Bills have in camp. Buffalo was hoping Ryan Fitzpatrick or Brian Brohm would challenge for the job, and maybe they still will. But the early indications are that the job belongs to Edwards, who is 14-16 as a starter. He has come to camp more relaxed, more mature and a better quarterback. During practices, it has shown.

Sometimes teams have to struggle before they succeed. Look at the Indianapolis Colts. For years, they were horrendous before they landed the No. 1 overall pick and the opportunity to draft quarterback Peyton Manning. A similar situation could await the Bills this season. While the young squad learns new coach Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix's system, many around the league believe the Bills will be positioned for a premier pick that could net them a franchise quarterback, such as Washington's Jake Locker or Stanford's Andrew Luck. Losing might be difficult to get through this season. But it might be the best thing that could happen to this franchise for future seasons.

For some reason, former New England second-round pick Chad Jackson has struggled to find a home. But the wide receiver might be finding one in Buffalo. This summer, Jackson has impressed Gailey. "The guy comes out to play every day," Gailey said. "It looks like he's made up his mind that he wants to be a very good football player. I think that bouncing around is not what he intended for his career and I think he's decided to go out and make himself at the position. He's been impressive."

There's a real soft spot in this reporter's heart for the Bills. In fact, my fantasy football team is called The Bills -- simply because three Brother-In-Laws (BILLS) make up our team. So it's hard to root against the NFL namesake of our family's fantasy football team.

 
Colts observations (PFW):



* WR Pierre Garcon was one of the stars in practice, making a couple of highlight-reel catches. It's easy to forget about Garcon a bit with all the focus on Wayne and his contract and the battle between slot WRs Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez, but Garcon looks like he'll be making a very strong case start again this season. It appears that Garcon will strictly be an outside receiver — Peyton Manning at least seemed to think that was the plan for now — and though the other wideouts might be a little more versatile, it appears it will be hard to keep Garcon off the field.

* On defense, CB Kelvin Hayden was one of the standouts. Again, most of the work this morning highlighted the receivers and DBs, but relatively speaking to the others on the field, Hayden looked great. He first beautifully broke up a pass intended for Gonzalez, closing on the ball well and avoiding any contact. Then Hayden tracked Garcon deep down the seam and leaped to break up a high, arcing pass from Manning. It was a great first practice for Hayden.

* Gonzalez had a nice day overall. The most interesting thing he did was catch punts, the first time he has done that since ... since ... "Actually, never," Gonzalez told me. "I mean, I have been back there, but I don't know that I have returned more than one or two punts. I think I might have fair caught one (at Ohio State)." Gonzalez looked comfortable doing it and wasn't fighting the ball at all. "I like it," he said. "If anything, it helps with your hands. The ball is up there knuckling around; it's harder to catch a punt than anything else." Gonzalez said he's healthy and looking forward to the competition he's facing at wideout, which will be fierce. "My focus is just to control my game. I can't worry about anything else. It's great competition, that's for sure," he said.

* It's early, but here was the first first-team offensive line combo the team rolled out: Charlie Johnson at left tackle, Jamey Richard at left guard, Jeff Saturday at center, Kyle DeVan at right guard and Ryan Diem at right tackle. We'll have to see if and where Adam Terry and Mike Pollak fit in. As for the first iteration, head coach Jim Caldwell told me they will be doing a lot of rotating up front. "The (53-man rosters) dictate it," he said. Most teams opt to keep seven, maybe eight, offensive linemen active on game days, which makes flexible players all the more valuable. But his answer was politically correct, too. Despite it being the first day, this fivesome does mean something.

* DT Fili Moala, last year's second-rounder who had something of a nada rookie season, played some end today and flashed a couple times in 11-on-11s. But Moala said he's not switching positions. "It was just out of necessity," he said. "We had a couple of guys down." That would be Dwight Freeney, still nursing his pre-Super Bowl ankle injury, and Robert Mathis, who was held out of some drills today. Freeney said he's a once-a-day practice player for camp, but that the coaches tell him which practice he'll be going.

* P Pat McAfee unleashed some real bombs in the special-teams portion, but he also uncorked a few very bad clunkers.

* After looking a little out of his league early on, WR Dudley Guice made one of the plays of the day: a brilliant, sprawling catch along the sidelines. He managed to stay inbounds, it appeared, and the catch made the Colts fans in attendance (there were a ton) go reaching for their rosters to find out who No. 13 was.

* Another slow starter, WR Taj Smith rallied with a few nice grabs, too.

 
Adam Schefter - Jets Camp Report

Excerpts:

At each training camp stop, the player who stepped on our tour bus later stepped off it to sign the team's logo sticker on the back of the bus.

Until Thursday at the New York Jets' camp, nobody had signed anything more than their name. When Jets coach Rex Ryan stepped on the ladder to sign the logo sticker, he kept writing more than his name.

"You writing a novel there?" someone shouted to Ryan.

No. What Ryan was signing was not just his name but a message to his fans and the rest of the league.

Atop the Jets logo, beneath his name, Ryan wrote, "Soon to be Champs."

It's amazing how, in an offseason in which NFL rules were designed to prevent the final four playoff teams from adding talent, the Jets managed to circumvent them.

Tannenbaum, Ryan and the rest of the organization somehow figured out a way to turn the Jets into the NFL's version of the Miami Heat.

New York traded for wide receiver Santonio Holmes and cornerback Antonio Cromartie, signed running back LaDainian Tomlinson and defensive end Jason Taylor, drafted cornerback Kyle Wilson and constructed the type of roster that would make former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner proud.

The players have begun to make their marks. During Wednesday's practice, Cromartie put on a show the way he regularly did when he was performing at the top of his game in San Diego.

"His ball skills are God-given," Ryan said of Cromartie. "I don't know how to describe him. I've never seen anything like that. Somebody is calling him a spider because he's so long, he's tall, and he's got those long arms. That's why he gets all those interceptions. Don't forget, he can reach out six feet. He's a rare guy."

On one play, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez thought he had an easy touchdown pass to Jerricho Cotchery.

"I thought it was a for-sure touchdown, and J-Co did, too," Sanchez said. "But Cromartie's long arms reached around and picked it off. I was stunned."

Anyone hoping for encouraging news regarding holdout cornerback Darrelle Revis could be waiting a long time -- a very long time. Think about this: The two sides have been trying to make this deal happen since January, and they have yet to come close.

It's pretty simple, really. Revis wants to be the highest-paid cornerback in the game. The Jets are willing to compensate him handsomely, but they recognize that Revis has three years left on the contract that he held out for three years ago.

Revis is leaning heavily on his uncle and role model Sean Gilbert, who sat out the entire 1997 season before being traded from the Washington Redskins to the Carolina Panthers, where he landed the seven-year, $46.5 million deal he wanted.

Revis is prepared to do what his uncle once did. The Jets will continue to try to get him back in camp, but there have been no signs of a breakthrough.

Edwards is sporting the type of bushy beard once worn by Abraham Lincoln. But it must be working.

He and Cromartie have provided some of this camp's most memorable battles.

"Some of his catches are unbelievable," Sanchez said about Edwards. "Him versus Cromartie is such a fun matchup. If I was a fan, that's what I would watch. I would follow those two around all day long and watch them, because they get after it.

"Cromartie has these unbelievable ball skills, but so does Edwards. They push, they scratch, they claw, so it's good for the both of them. It's good for both sides of the ball."

The way Jets landed Taylor is a reflection of how Ryan feels about his organization. Asked how he was able to recruit Taylor from Miami to New York, Ryan said: "We just told him the facts. We have a great team, and we think we have great people in this organization." The Jets plan to rotate Taylor, Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas to keep everyone fresh and keep the most pressure possible on the quarterback.

As celebrated as Sanchez is, it's easy to forget that last season as a rookie starter he threw 13 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. He improved in the postseason, but Sanchez will have to keep playing better for this to be the type of season the Jets envision.

For all the talk about Holmes, Cromartie, Tomlinson and Taylor, two of the Jets' more notable free-agent acquisitions might be safety Brodney Pool and kicker Nick Folk. Each is having a stellar summer. Each is expected to be a key contributor this season.

 
Adam Schefter (Patriots Camp Report)

Excerpts:

Up against the ESPN training camp tour bus, Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker climbed the ladder that Jets coach Rex Ryan did 24 hours earlier.

Welker stared at the Jets team logo sticker affixed to the bus on which Ryan signed, "Soon to be champs."

Welker paused, glanced at the Patriots team logo on the bus and seemed to be thinking. Finally, he lifted the cap off the Sharpie, autographed his name and kept on writing just the way Ryan did.

Whereas as Terrell Owens in Cincinnati, Matthew Stafford in Detroit and Hines Ward in Pittsburgh had only autographed their names on the team logo sticker on the bus, Ryan became the first to break the mold. And Welker answered in a way that would make Patriots coach Bill Belichick proud.

"One game at a time," Welker wrote on the sticker next to Ryan's. As Welker stepped off the ladder, he looked at the crew there to film his signature and repeated the same words.

"One game at a time."

Sometimes it's easy to tell when a person is in New England.

During a spot on WEEI radio Friday, former Patriots wide receiver Troy Brown predicted that quarterback Tom Brady's deal could be signed before New England's preseason opener Thursday night against the New Orleans Saints.

This year's class is already making a mark as well. Belichick never would come out and say it, but the rookie making a big mark in camp is former Florida standout linebacker Brandon Spikes. When Belichick says someone is an interesting player to coach and that he sees things that other players don't, that's coachspeak for this guy has the chance to be the Real Deal.

 
Chris Mortensen Camp Report - Cowboys

Excerpts:

Other than the return game, the Cowboys have a fairly simple plan for Bryant in 2010. He's shown such a gift for catching the ball in tight spots -- and with exceptional body control -- that there have been no plans to overload him. Because the Cowboys have an abundance of talent at offensive skill positions -- not unlike the Vikings had in 1998 when Randy Moss was a rookie -- Bryant's absence now may not prohibit him from making impact plays early in the season.

Romo continues to work on at least 15 areas he believes he can improve on. Among them are better execution on third downs and mobility nuances in the pocket to help his offensive line in pass protection.

Although wide receiver Roy Williams has been a disappointment the past two seasons, some of his detractors acknowledged he looks like a player who should be more productive.

Speaking of wideouts, as it relates to Bryant's injury, the Cowboys still hope to use Pro Bowl receiver Miles Austin in the slot when they're in three-receiver sets. The Cowboys also feel better about not caving in to Patrick Crayton's offseason trade demands.

Just as significant to the Cowboys' offense is the development of left tackle Doug Free, who had another good practice after faring well against All-Pro linebacker DeMarcus Ware on Thursday.

Even though rookie inside linebacker Sean Lee is missing time with a quad injury, the Cowboys are excited about the 236-pounder from Penn State. That won't surprise a lot of teams that were trying to trade up for Lee. The Cowboys beat 'em to the punch by moving up in April.

Third-year tight end Martellus Bennett looked good catching passes and blocking in his first practice of training camp. Bennett missed the first nine practices because of a sprained ankle. This is a crossroads season for Bennett, who has been expected to be a threat to compete with Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten.

The Cowboys are anything but alarmed about running back Felix Jones bulking up to 220. In fact, they're more excited than ever about the former first-round pick from 2008. He hasn't lost any explosiveness, and his physical development is not only the result of hard work in the weight room, it's a natural maturation for a player that is only 23 years old.

 
Chris Mortensen - Texans Camp Report

Excerpts:

Pro Bowl tight end Owen Daniels suffered what Kubiak described as a setback in his rehab from knee surgery at midseason in 2009, but he said he is hopeful Houston can get him back for the opener. The Texans were 5-3 when Daniels suffered a torn ACL in Buffalo, then proceeded to lose four straight divisional games.

With new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison reuniting with Kubiak from their Denver days, a huge focus is balancing the offense with a rejuvenated running game.

The competition is young and heated. Arian Foster, a second-year back from Tennessee described by the Texans as "a young man with a chip on his shoulder," played well at the end of last season. Steve Slaton, who had fumbling issues and eventually was shut down last season because of a neck injury, is healthier and slimmer. Rookie Ben Tate of Auburn has played well.

There perhaps is even a more heated competition at kicker. The Texans signed ex-Cardinal Neil Rackers to battle veteran Kris Brown.

"I told our team that not many teams have two kickers like we have going head to head, so respect the battle," Kubiak said. "We're going to end up with a great kicker, and the other one is probably going to be somewhere trying to beat us."

Schaub threw for 4,770 yards and 29 touchdowns last season, but his goal, aside from winning, is to cut his interceptions into the single-digit range. He had 15 picks last season. It won't hurt to have Johnson, Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones as his wideouts. The Texans believe Jones will continue to provide explosive plays.

Rookie returner Trindon Holliday, the ex-LSU Tiger who won the 2009 NCAA 100-meter championship with a 10-second clocking, is an early buzz player. At 5-foot-5 and 165 pounds, Holliday can vanish in a flash.

Yes, the Texans no longer have cornerback Dunta Robinson, who signed with the Falcons as a free agent, but top draft pick Kareem Jackson is getting rave reviews. He started 40 games at Alabama, where coach Nick Saban tutors the cornerbacks.

 
Chris Mortensen - Cardinals Camp Report

Excerpts:

The glaring question mark is at quarterback. Matt Leinart is the starter, but even Whisenhunt pointed out that Derek Anderson has shown the talent few quarterbacks in the NFL possess, especially with the offensive skill talent around him headed by All-Pro wideout Larry Fitzgerald.

Whisenhunt did offer a vote of confidence for Leinart, even if there is a reality that Anderson is capable of overtaking the job at some stage.

"I think Matt's really matured," the coach said. "I think what he's been through has made him stronger."

Leinart himself conceded Anderson is a worthwhile competitor but won't panic on his bad days.

"I know DA can really throw it and has a big arm, but I just spent three years battling a Hall of Fame quarterback," Leinart said.

"I know this really is my job for the first time but I'm not assuming anything. People can say what they want but I'm also not looking over my shoulder no matter what. One of the things I learned from Kurt is that he had days and games where he struggled but he'd bounce back. Trust me, I learned a lot [from Warner] and I'm here every day to just do my job and lead this team that has a lot of talent around me."

Whisenhunt conceded he's "had a number of discussions" with Warner after his January retirement but never really believed the quarterback would pull a Brett Favre and come back for another season.

While Leinart will have to play well to keep Anderson on the sidelines, the No. 3 quarterback battle is another camp story because undrafted free agent Max Hall (BYU) has been very impressive and could beat out fifth-rounder Fordham QB John Skelton, who shows a strong arm. Why is it noteworthy? The Cardinals believe Hall has some Warner-like abilities despite being undersized.

Hightower and Wells both seem strong at running back; Wells looks a little lighter, and his big-play ability is very evident.

Of all the defensive players teammates and coaches say could have a Pro Bowl, breakout year is 6-foot-8, 300-pound Campbell, a third-year defensive end who emerged as a force last season.

 
Chris Mortensen - Chargers Camp Report

Excerpts:

Go ahead, try to bait Philip Rivers. Tell him about no Vincent Jackson to catch his passes or, worst yet, no Marcus McNeill to protect his blind side. Mention Drew Brees winning a Super Bowl before him and, just for fun, tempt him again to say the San Diego Chargers are relieved LaDainian Tomlinson is gone.

The quarterback is so unflappable it's easy to see why the Chargers are, in fact, his team.

Rookie top pick Ryan Mathews, a running back from Fresno State, has made an early strong impression on Rivers and the Chargers.

"I've seen him up close the past few days, and he's going to be special," Rivers said. "It's a very simple approach he has -- "I'm a running back, and I'm going to play the way I play." He's not coming in here to fill the expectations LT set around here."

 
Chris Mortensen - 49ers Camp Report

Excerpts:

Alex Smith knows all about high expectations, so when he hears that the San Francisco 49ers should win the NFC West and make their first playoff appearance since 2002, the quarterback understands the traps that await the team.

"If you fall in love with everything people have to say about you when you really haven't accomplished anything yet … well, we haven't earned anything at this point," Smith said.

That attitude is a reason why 49ers coach Mike Singletary has tabbed Smith as his quarterback for 2010, which the coach said is a testament to Smith's "character." Smith fell far short of expectations after he was selected with the first overall pick by the 49ers in the 2005 draft and lost the starting job.

Smith could have walked -- no, he could have sprinted away -- from San Francisco and few would have blamed him. Instead, he chose to take a pay cut and compete last season before eventually winning the job from Shaun Hill.

"I don't know if there's any one reason, but it [leaving] just didn't feel like the right thing to do," said Smith, who threw for a career-best 18 touchdowns last season. "I think the easiest thing may have been to get out of here and start over, but I felt like I had unfinished business."

Vice president of player personnel Trent Baalke, one of the 49ers' best-kept secrets, believed enough in Smith to continue building the team around him. The 49ers used 2010 first-round draft picks on two offensive linemen, Rutgers tackle Anthony Davis and Idaho guard Mike Iupati, when some were campaigning for quarterbacks Jimmy Clausen or Colt McCoy.

"I'm not saying Alex Smith is a great quarterback in the NFL, but if we protect him and we've surrounded him with the right kind of players, put him in the right system and stay out of all the third-and-8s that we had last year, then he'll be just fine," Baalke said. "I just wonder if people truly understand what he's been through with five coordinators in five years, two significant injuries, and awkward situation with the [former] head coach [Mike Nolan]."

By bolstering the depth and talent of their offensive line, the 49ers believe Smith has a chance to succeed because running back Frank Gore still will be the team's workhorse. But there's also a full season ahead with the gifted Michael Crabtree at wideout and a Pro Bowl tight end in Vernon Davis.

So, yes, the 49ers are a blue-collar team because that's the identity Singletary and Baalke have embraced, but don't be deceived.

"Blue-collar does not mean 3 yards and a cloud of dust," Singletary said.

Defensive end Justin Smith, the former Bengals first-round pick who is coming off his first Pro Bowl season, said the 49ers have really embraced the team concept. "I don't care about the Pro Bowl, and I don't think anybody else really cares about those things or how we win games," Smith said. "All that matters is that we win games and get to a Super Bowl. And that's all about hard work and talent and playing as a team, not as a bunch of individuals."

Two of the more unsung offseason additions are offensive line coach Mike Solari and his assistant, Ray Brown, an ex-49er. Their job is to improve the line play, which includes preparing Iupati and Davis. Said Smith, the veteran defensive lineman: "I know the rookies' heads are spinning, but one of the biggest differences I see in our team is the depth and talent of our offensive line."

The star in the secondary is unsung safety Dashon Goldson, who had 114 tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two sacks in 2009, his third year in the NFL.

Sleeper alert: Wideout Kyle Williams, a sixth-round pick, is a return man who could fill a slot receiver spot.

Ted Ginn Jr., the former first-round pick of the Dolphins whom the 49ers got for only a fifth-round pick in an offseason deal, won't have much of an impact, except perhaps in the return game.

 
Chris Mortensen - Raiders Camp Report

Excerpts:

In the early stages of a physical Oakland Raiders training camp practice Thursday, there were stark differences from a year ago.

Jason Campbell broke the huddle with the Raiders' offense, moved a receiver over another yard and barked his quarterback cadence to initiate a play.

"Yeah, I know the difference because I've been around him awhile," said former Redskins teammate Rock Cartwright, now a Raiders running back. "He's more vocal … it's a fresh start. It was tough for him in Washington, especially the past year or two because there were always rumors about them bringing in someone else."

There also is a huge contrast for the Raiders, who released disappointing quarterback JaMarcus Russell, a former No. 1 overall pick, in May.

"I would say Jason Campbell, from a player standpoint, is probably the biggest difference on our team," All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. "He's just an automatic leader. He didn't have to get pushed into that role. Once he was in the huddle, you could see guys standing at attention. He's quick to put the guys in their right place, offense or defense, and that's something we really needed from that position."

Campbell admitted to feeling rejuvenated and retold the story of spending time with Brett Favre in his hometown of Hattiesburg, Miss., before reporting to camp. Favre offered a pep talk.

"Brett said sometimes it takes a change of scenery like he had [from Atlanta to Green Bay] and how it really took him five years to get comfortable in the NFL," Campbell said. "He just reminded me it's happened with a lot of quarterbacks."

The Raiders know something about that history of quarterbacks reviving their careers with a change of scenery -- from Jim Plunkett to Rich Gannon, a former MVP and the last quarterback to lead Oakland to a Super Bowl, in 2002.

Asomugha isn't predicting a Super Bowl for the Raiders, but he didn't hesitate to define them as a threat to the Chargers in the AFC West. He was effusive in his praise of new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, as well as the rapid growth of young receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy and the impact of this year's top draft pick, middle linebacker Rolando McClain. He described McClain as a "big guy, a smart guy, and based on the live hitting I saw [Thursday], he's a punisher."

Reserve quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who has recovered from a left pectoral muscle injury suffered four months ago, vouches for reports of Heyward-Bey's strides in the offseason. "The thing people don't know about him is how hard he works at it, and it's paying off," said Gradkowski, who provided a spark for the Raiders when Russell was benched.

Campbell also spoke positively about Heyward-Bey, and he believes second-year WR Louis Murphy is the real deal as a deep threat. "I'm impressed," the QB said.

Campbell on running back Darren McFadden: "I'm absolutely stunned at how natural a receiver he is. That's something we'll take advantage of. I know Coach Jackson sees it, too."

The Raiders will have a one-two running punch of Michael Bush and McFadden, but head coach Tom Cable really believes the key is keeping left guard Robert Gallery healthy. Cable admitted he has a special affinity for Gallery, who was disappointing as a tackle but has become one of the NFL's best guards.

The Raiders have the league's best kicker-punter combination in Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler. Nevertheless, the goal is to have Lechler punt less, and for Janikowski to get more extra points and fewer field goals.

Asomugha's eye-popping, three-year, $45.3 million contract negotiated by agent Tom Condon has one year left, in 2011, when his salary must be either the average of the top five paid NFL quarterbacks or a guaranteed $16.75 million.

 
Training camp: Day 8 highlights Minnesota Vikings

Minneapolis Star & Tribune

Rookie cornerback Chris Cook has made a number of impressive plays the first week of camp, and he added another one Friday morning. Cook ran stride for stride with Bernard Berrian on a 50-yard pass down the sideline. Tarvaris Jackson's throw looked to be perfectly placed, but Cook tipped the ball at the last second for an incompletion.

Getting into it

The intensity in the morning practice picked up during a 9-on-7 run drill. Players on both sides of the ball jawed at each other several times after plays. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier called it a "spirited" practice. "Guys were really getting after it," he said. "Tempers were a little bit raised, which was a good thing. Kind of something we needed for training camp."

Kids at play

The ball boys were hard at work catching Ryan Longwell's field-goal attempts that sailed through the uprights when Vice President of Player Personnel Rick Spielman walked onto the field. Spielman upped the ante by offering each kid $1 if he caught the football. One boy nearly made a leaping one-handed grab on a ball that was above his head. "That would've been a $5 catch," Spielman said.

Two for the rookie

Former Gopher Marcus Sherels intercepted two passes in a less than 10 minutes. The first came against Tarvaris Jackson in 7-on-7. He then intercepted Sage Rosenfels in an 11-on-11 period.

WHERE'S BRETT FAVRE?

When last seen, he was revving up his truck and trying to close the door on reporters.

INJURY REPORT

• CB Cedric Griffin, knee, PUP list

• WR Sidney Rice, hip, PUP

• C John Sullivan, calf, day to day

• CB Benny Sapp, dehydration, day to day

• CB Darius Reynaud, ankle, 1-2 weeks

• FB Naufahu Tahi, calf, day to day

• LB J Leman, toe, day to day

CAMP CHATTER

"About 5 out."

-- NFL back judge Richard Reels to a fan who asked if wide receiver Jaymar Johnson was only 1 yard out of bounds on his catch on a Hail Mary throw that sailed through the back of the end zone.

SCHEDULE

Today: 9-11 a.m.; 5-7 p.m.

Sunday: No practice

Monday: 9-11:15 a.m.; 2:45-4:05 p.m.

 
Biggest surprise of Giants camp

Derek Hagan might be the most unexpected surprise that the Giants have had at training camp. Entering his fifth season, Hagan came to camp somewhat lost in the depth chart at receiver. The pecking order was Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, Ramses Barden, Sinorice Moss, and maybe then Hagan would have found his niche. The only thing in his favor was his ability to play special teams. Hagan has done something else in the first week of camp at the University at Albany. He has caught as many passes and probably made more big plays than any other receiver.

 
Camp Confidential: 49ers (ESPN.com)

Excerpts:

All the key components are back from a team that finished 8-8 last season. An improving offense and questions elsewhere in the division give the 49ers their clearest shot at a playoff berth since the days of Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens. Just ask Davis.

"You have Ted Ginn outside with a lot of speed and you have to keep an eye on him," Davis said. "Then you have [Michael] Crabtree, who is just like a cat in the night. I mean, he just runs his routes so well. Then you have to worry about Josh Morgan. When all of us are on the field and Frank Gore, I mean, they can't stop us."

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. How will Frank Gore's role evolve? Gore rushed for 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, so it's not like he wasn't a big part of the offense. Still, perceptions linger that Gore and Smith weren't particularly compatible. Smith seemed most comfortable operating from looser formations. Gore has always preferred running behind a fullback out of a more traditional offense. To answer the question, though, check out Gore's stats over the final four games of the 2009 season. He averaged 23 carries for 113 yards in those games. Expect the 49ers to continue feeding Gore as long as the running back holds up physically. That was where the offense was headed in December.

2. What impact will Ted Ginn Jr. have on the offense? Forget about what Ginn accomplished -- or failed to accomplish -- with the Miami Dolphins. In Miami, Ginn was measured against expectations for a first-round draft choice. The expectations aren't the same in San Francisco, where the 49ers already have established offensive stars (Davis and Gore) and one of the better up-and-coming wideouts in second-year pro Crabtree. All Ginn has to do for the 49ers is use his speed to attract safety help against the deep ball. Ginn has been able to do that in practice. His speed is obvious, and it should lead to more favorable coverages for the other receiving targets, notably Davis and Crabtree.

3. Will the offensive line improve? The three hottest questions in 49ers camp concern the offense. That is fitting for a team whose defense has held up its end in recent seasons. While the 49ers are excited about adding first-round linemen Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis, both players face learning curves as they transition to the NFL. The 49ers play three of their first four games on the road, where communication can be difficult and experience helps a great deal. Iupati and Davis will upgrade this line over the course of the season, but the line could face some issues early on.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Nate Clements. The veteran cornerback seems like his old self: confident, outspoken, having fun. He's been bantering with Davis and seems to have moved past a difficult 2009 season. Clements spent his offseason training in Arizona, with an emphasis on fundamentals. He looks good so far.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Aubrayo Franklin. The 49ers' franchise player remains unsigned. It's a given that Franklin will report before the regular season. Singletary has confidence Franklin will report in good condition, so there won't be any Albert Haynesworth-style conditioning issues. But with the team setting aside $7 million for Franklin this season, it would be nice to have him in camp.

Brandon Jones has a chance to make the situation at receiver more interesting. Crabtree and Morgan are the starters. Ginn appears likely to earn a spot among the top three or four. Jones, a disappointment last season after an injury set him back, has the talent to become more of a factor. He seems to be having a good camp so far.

The 49ers' low-stakes gamble on Travis LaBoy suffered a setback when the veteran pass-rusher suffered a concussion early in camp. Concussion problems factored into the Tennessee Titans' decision against re-signing LaBoy years ago. The 49ers might not have an elite pass-rusher, but they ranked third in the NFL for sacks last season, and their outside linebackers have very good quickness. Diyral Briggs has stood out recently and could provide depth for a group featuring Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson and Ahmad Brooks.

One upside to Franklin's absence: Ricky Jean-Francois is getting significant reps at nose tackle. As Franklin proved, the 49ers can develop players at that position.

Backup running back Glen Coffee added weight this offseason in an effort to improve upon what he considered a subpar rookie season. He hasn't stood out in camp to this point, however.

New special-teams coach Kurt Schottenheimer has slid under the radar to this point. That will change if the team suffers continued problems in the return game. Ginn should upgrade kickoff returns. Preseason games should tell us whether rookie receiver Kyle Williams can salvage the punt-return game. Williams could stick as the fifth or sixth receiver if he can make a positive impact on punt returns this summer.

Iupati stands out for his run blocking, but he's getting lots of reps and could wear down in the short term. Incumbent starter David Baas continues to miss time with a concussion.

Veteran Barry Sims and slimmed-down second-year tackle Alex Boone could be competing for the ninth and likely final spot among offensive linemen. Once Iupati and Davis become starters, the top three backups would likely become Baas, Adam Snyder and Tony Wragge.

 
Camp Confidential: Detroit Lions (ESPN.com)

Excerpts:

Can Matthew Stafford make the jump the Lions need? Stafford's rookie season wasn't unusual for a highly drafted quarterback. Playing on a bad team, he threw 20 interceptions in 10 games. Injuries cost him six starts. But after surrounding him with receiver Nate Burleson, tight end Tony Scheffler and running back Jahvid Best, the Lions are expecting a much more positive second-year experience.

Stafford spent the early part of the offseason studying the causes of each interception, concluding that the majority of them were "trying to make a play when it wasn't there," he said. He added: "A lot of them were on third-and-long. I've got to be better on third-and-long to trust our backs, to throw a checkdown and let him run and go get it. I have to know that the best teams in this league are 35 percent [conversion rate] on third-and-long. Not everybody's making it every time. The goal this year is to stay out of those as much as possible."

The potential is there. Stafford has spent the entire offseason working with receivers, putting a special emphasis on developing chemistry with Calvin Johnson. He has taken every first-team snap in practice and has a set of skill players that can rival other NFC North offenses.

"We have a lot of weapons this year," he said. "It's up to us to get some rhythm and get it going."

Can an overhauled defensive line compensate for uncertainty at linebacker and safety? I like to compare the Lions' defense to an episode of "Hoarders." When Mayhew and Schwartz opened the front door, they found a mass of junk. So they picked one corner, the defensive line, and starting digging their way out.

As training camp opened, the Lions had NFL-caliber starters at right end (Kyle Vanden Bosch) and nose tackle (Corey Williams), along with a potential superstar in defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. But remember, the Lions are the only team since the 1970 merger to finish with the NFL's worst defense in three consecutive years. In order to move up significantly in those standings, they'll need their line to be so good that it overshadows inexperience at linebacker and another year of patchwork in the secondary.

"If this defense is going to be good, it's going to be on us up front, and we're just going to have to wreak havoc," Vanden Bosch said. "We're going to have to bring energy to every practice and we're just going to have to keep on pushing each other and make improvements."

As we discussed earlier this week, it's schematically possible for an elite pass rush and strong run-stoppers to reduce the strain placed on other positions. Based on how the rest of the Lions' defense is shaping up, they'll need nothing less.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Tight end Brandon Pettigrew tore an anterior cruciate ligament on Thanksgiving Day 2009. A little more than eight months later, Pettigrew was back on the field doing much more than at least I would have expected. He's practicing at least once per day and participating in some contact drills, even while wearing a brace on his knee.

If he has a hitch in his gait, it's barely noticeable. And on at least one play this week, Pettigrew displayed enough speed to get past linebacker Julian Peterson and catch a nice seam pass from Stafford. "He's had a really good rehab and we don't want to set him back by trying to do too much too soon," Schwartz said. At this rate, it seems quite reasonable to expect Pettigrew to be ready for a significant role in the season-opening game at Soldier Field. That has to be the best-case scenario the Lions could have imagined when the injury first occurred.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Two key parts of any defensive improvement the Lions will have this season weren't on the field for any part of the five practices I watched. Delmas hasn't practiced since the spring because of a groin injury that Schwartz said has healed but impacted his conditioning. But Delmas is an "established" player who probably could get away with missing a portion of training camp after starting 15 games last season. Linebacker DeAndre Levy, however, needs every practice rep he can get while making the permanent transition from the outside to the middle. Levy reported to training camp with tightness in his back, and he was pulled from practice this week. There is no long-term concern at this point, and the Lions must hope nothing develops. At this point, there are no viable internal options to turn to. Levy's backup is veteran Vinny Ciurciu, an undersized career special-teams player.

Burleson signed a five-year, $25 million contract in the offseason that included $11 in guaranteed money. Then, in one of the first meetings of the Lions' reconfigured receiver position, Burleson stood up to speak. "There's a lot of things that can get between players when new guys come along, especially when money's involved," he said. "So I made an announcement that I've been in the league long enough to know, as a guy who just got paid, I'm going play a lot. So my goal is to prove I'm worth more than what they paid me. I'm here for the team, not to pat myself on the back." In part because No. 1 receiver Calvin Johnson is so quiet, Burleson has taken on the leadership role of this group.

Johnson is hopeful that coverages will loosen on him this season, but it will require players like Burleson, making big plays to do it. Burleson doesn't think it will be a problem. "My goal is to come in and make enough plays to where Calvin will get more single coverage and Bryant [Johnson] will make plays," he said. "You hear about [Terrell Owens] and Chad [Ochocinco] in Cincinnati. I'm going to say firsthand that we will be the most-respected receiving corps after it's all said and done." Wow.

Suh is one serious man. During a news conference to announce his arrival to camp, a reporter asked a pretty standard first-day question for a top draft pick: "What are you going to treat yourself to after becoming a millionaire?" Most players bite and say they bought a new car, or a house for their mother or some such splurge. Suh? Here's what he said: "I'm treating myself to getting on this field and getting ready." OK then.

Vanden Bosch makes it a point to touch the ball on every practice play from scrimmage. Sometimes that happens at the line of scrimmage. But whether the play comes directly toward him or goes 30 yards downfield, he chases without fail. If that means sprinting 40 yards, so be it. Although the Lions didn't necessarily sign Vanden Bosch for that reason, he sets an excellent example for a historically moribund defense. "You don't get any points for that," Schwartz said. "But if I was a professional football player, I would hope that I would practice and I would play the way Kyle Vanden Bosch does. I think it is contagious for sure and I think that it's tremendous leadership. I think it makes the running backs better. The running backs are now finishing their runs deeper down the field because they don't want him catching them."

Right tackle Gosder Cherilus, the Lions' No. 1 draft pick in 2008, might be down to his final chance to lock down a permanent starting job. He's sharing repetitions with veteran Jon Jansen, and a decision might not come until the end of the preseason.

In an earlier post, I suggested that rookie receiver Tim Toone had looked sharp and ranked him no worse than No. 4 among the Lions' receivers. In the comments section, some of you suggested that second-year receiver Derrick Williams was having a better camp than I gave him credit for. All I can say is that every time I looked, Williams was dropping a pass while Toone was catching one. Regardless, there is a long way to go for both players.

 
Texans training camp notes: Day 8

August 7, 2:23 PMHouston Texans ExaminerAlan Burge

The Texans held their sixth open practice Saturday morning at the Methodist Training Center in Houston. Once again a large crowd was on hand, packing the bleachers and surrounding the endzone area of Field 1.

Random notes on what I saw (or thought I saw):

* Walking through the gates I was instructed by someone in a yellow shirt to throw away my half full PowerAid - presumably so I'd have to buy the $4 bottled water (or whatever it costs) inside. You would think they would allow people to bring in one bottle of water considering the 100+ degree heat indices. Reliant has a free water station set up in the corner of the field but if you leave your bleacher seat, you're likely to lose it.

* First on the field were James Casey and long snapper Jon Weeks

* Pre practice routine was the same as previous practices. DBs and LBs on Field 1 doing group work. The younger DBs came out first and worked with coach Gibbs before the vets joined the group.

* Full pad scrimmage today. Pannel Egboh not dressed. Egboh and Holliday riding the stationary bikes (Holliday riding a full sized bike this time). Tim Bulman, Danny Clark, Xavier Adibi, Mario Williams also not dressed.

* One thing I've noticed about Brice McCain during drills is that he has a really good vertical leap. That's part of his game, being able to get up and fight for balls against taller receivers. At 5-9 McCain is looking up to virtually every receiver in the league but remember Steve Jackson of the Oilers? He was basically the same height as McCain and he turned out to be a pretty good corner.

* Only seven LBs out there today with Adibi and Clark sitting out. The group looked a bit thin during warmup.

* The defense ran what someone called a 'buck drill' again today. It's a one-on-one 'engage and drive through' drill that can get a bit feisty. The team is crowded around in a circle offering words of encouragement like in a Oklahoma drill as the two players tee off on one another. Cushing and Okoye locked up in a good one as did Cushing and Pollard. That's how the defense got fired up before the offense came over to Field 1.

* Studdard got the start at LG with the first team offense but there were many interior line variations today

* As far as the QBs go, Schaub is surgical, Orlovsky looks lostsky, and Booty is about what you'd expect from a third stringer

* Darnell Bing got reps with the 2's and 3's at strong side backer today. He made a nice play tackling Chris Henry for a loss early in 11 on 11's

* Antwaun Molden and Fred Bennett were seeing some reps with the 3's today. One secondary grouping had Molden and Bennett backed up by safeties Nick Polk and Torri Williams

* Torri Williams picked off J.D. Booty early in 11's. Booty started to roll right, then improvised and rolled back to the left when he couldn't find anyone open. Booty ended up overthrowing Derek Fine, hitting Williams between the numbers instead. Williams later picked off Booty again, this time returning it for 20 yards and a TD.

* Sherrick McManis got a little run with the 1's. Your all-rookie corner tandem of KJ and McManis backed up by Wilson and Pollard at safety. Scary thought isn't it? It's early but McManis could be Fred Bennet's replacement on the 53.

* Kareem Jackson worked a lot against Andre Johnson again today. As you would expect, AJ gets the best of that one almost every time. KJ is physical (more on that later) and seems to be able to hold his own on the shorter routes, but deep speed is not his thing. Sounds like Quin doesn't it?

* Another DB grouping: getting reps with the 2's were Molden and McCain at corner, Barber and Nolan at safety

* 3rd team reps: Bennett and Parsons at corner, Torri Williams and Polk at safety

* J.D. Booty hooked up with Dorin Dickerson on a long pass down the far sideline - a good 35 yards. Dickerson made a nice over the shoulder catch in full stride. Dickerson got a nice congrats from Andre Johnson after the play. He's a player.

* Wade Smith at LG. Brisiel got reps at center with the 2's

* On a screen pass right to Slaton, Kareem Jackson came off a block and leveled Eric Winston who was out in front of Slaton on the play. Proof that KJ can get physical.

* On what looked like a designed inside zone run to the left, Ben Tate got caught up in traffic and reversed field to the right, breaking away for 15-20 yards and drawing cheers from the crowd. But Coach Kubiak obviously did not like Tate's decision to reverse field and gave him a serious and animated lecture after the play. It probably went something like this: "kid, the SEC is good but NFL linebackers can run like nothing you've ever seen, so stay with the play."

* The offense did a lot of work deep in their own end, practicing situations where they are backed up on their own 2 yard line. They worked on various run and pass plays designed to get out of the shadow of their own goalpost.

* Arian Foster continues to impress at RB1. Slaton running RB2, Tate 3, Henry 4, and Johnson 5.

* Kareem Jackson had a nice coverage against Jacoby Jones, breaking up a 10 yard hook.

* Shelley Smith and Steve Maneri are working 3rd team LG and LT. Maneri is a good looking development tackle/practice squad candidate. He's still a bit light for left tackle but he has the frame to add some weight (he's 6'6"). He was a tight end in college and is very athletic.

* I don't get these guys with the 'Sign Charles Spencer' signs. They were out there last weekend too.

* Field goal competition: They started from 38 yards out then moved back in 5 yard increments to 53 yards alternating between left and right hashes. Rackers finished 6 for 6, including a 53 yarder, while Brown was 4 for 6. Brown missed from 43 and 53 yards, pushing both to the right from the right hash. Rackers seems to get more air under his kicks than Brown. But of course all that matters is whether they split the uprights.

* Connor Barwin and Eric Winston got into a little shoving match but after practice they shared a fist bump before the team stretch indicating no hard feelings

* Sometimes I wonder why they have officials out there. They throw flags every once in a while but it's like no one notices.

* Dorin Dickerson had a rare drop and Matt Schaub had a rare pick near the end of practice. On Schaub's pick, the defense ran a 'zone dog' dropping Barwin into coverage. It confused Schaub and Barwin plucked a pass intended for Dreessen out of the air and took it in for 6. David Anderson did his best Don Beebe on Leon Lett impersonation but he couldn't catch Barwin before he crossed the goal line.

* One guy we haven't heard much from in camp, DelJuan Robinson, blew up Mike Brisiel on an Orlovsky deep handoff to Chris Henry, totally disrupting the play.

* Ben Tate seemed a little heavy legged today for some reason. Maybe it's just the grind of camp.

* Duane Brown planted Glover Quin on a hitch pass to Slaton. I guess that was the OLs revenge for KJ planting Winston earlier in the day on a similar play.

* When the final horn blew you saw a bunch of guys with big smiles on their faces, glad that another grueling practice was behind them.

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-778-Hou...ing_twitter:778

 
identikit said:
Texans training camp notes: Day 8

August 7, 2:23 PMHouston Texans ExaminerAlan Burge

The Texans held their sixth open practice Saturday morning at the Methodist Training Center in Houston. Once again a large crowd was on hand, packing the bleachers and surrounding the endzone area of Field 1.

Random notes on what I saw (or thought I saw):

* Walking through the gates I was instructed by someone in a yellow shirt to throw away my half full PowerAid - presumably so I'd have to buy the $4 bottled water (or whatever it costs) inside. You would think they would allow people to bring in one bottle of water considering the 100+ degree heat indices. Reliant has a free water station set up in the corner of the field but if you leave your bleacher seat, you're likely to lose it.

* First on the field were James Casey and long snapper Jon Weeks

* Pre practice routine was the same as previous practices. DBs and LBs on Field 1 doing group work. The younger DBs came out first and worked with coach Gibbs before the vets joined the group.

* Full pad scrimmage today. Pannel Egboh not dressed. Egboh and Holliday riding the stationary bikes (Holliday riding a full sized bike this time). Tim Bulman, Danny Clark, Xavier Adibi, Mario Williams also not dressed.

* One thing I've noticed about Brice McCain during drills is that he has a really good vertical leap. That's part of his game, being able to get up and fight for balls against taller receivers. At 5-9 McCain is looking up to virtually every receiver in the league but remember Steve Jackson of the Oilers? He was basically the same height as McCain and he turned out to be a pretty good corner.

* Only seven LBs out there today with Adibi and Clark sitting out. The group looked a bit thin during warmup.

* The defense ran what someone called a 'buck drill' again today. It's a one-on-one 'engage and drive through' drill that can get a bit feisty. The team is crowded around in a circle offering words of encouragement like in a Oklahoma drill as the two players tee off on one another. Cushing and Okoye locked up in a good one as did Cushing and Pollard. That's how the defense got fired up before the offense came over to Field 1.

* Studdard got the start at LG with the first team offense but there were many interior line variations today

* As far as the QBs go, Schaub is surgical, Orlovsky looks lostsky, and Booty is about what you'd expect from a third stringer

* Darnell Bing got reps with the 2's and 3's at strong side backer today. He made a nice play tackling Chris Henry for a loss early in 11 on 11's

* Antwaun Molden and Fred Bennett were seeing some reps with the 3's today. One secondary grouping had Molden and Bennett backed up by safeties Nick Polk and Torri Williams

* Torri Williams picked off J.D. Booty early in 11's. Booty started to roll right, then improvised and rolled back to the left when he couldn't find anyone open. Booty ended up overthrowing Derek Fine, hitting Williams between the numbers instead. Williams later picked off Booty again, this time returning it for 20 yards and a TD.

* Sherrick McManis got a little run with the 1's. Your all-rookie corner tandem of KJ and McManis backed up by Wilson and Pollard at safety. Scary thought isn't it? It's early but McManis could be Fred Bennet's replacement on the 53.

* Kareem Jackson worked a lot against Andre Johnson again today. As you would expect, AJ gets the best of that one almost every time. KJ is physical (more on that later) and seems to be able to hold his own on the shorter routes, but deep speed is not his thing. Sounds like Quin doesn't it?

* Another DB grouping: getting reps with the 2's were Molden and McCain at corner, Barber and Nolan at safety

* 3rd team reps: Bennett and Parsons at corner, Torri Williams and Polk at safety

* J.D. Booty hooked up with Dorin Dickerson on a long pass down the far sideline - a good 35 yards. Dickerson made a nice over the shoulder catch in full stride. Dickerson got a nice congrats from Andre Johnson after the play. He's a player.

* Wade Smith at LG. Brisiel got reps at center with the 2's

* On a screen pass right to Slaton, Kareem Jackson came off a block and leveled Eric Winston who was out in front of Slaton on the play. Proof that KJ can get physical.

* On what looked like a designed inside zone run to the left, Ben Tate got caught up in traffic and reversed field to the right, breaking away for 15-20 yards and drawing cheers from the crowd. But Coach Kubiak obviously did not like Tate's decision to reverse field and gave him a serious and animated lecture after the play. It probably went something like this: "kid, the SEC is good but NFL linebackers can run like nothing you've ever seen, so stay with the play."

* The offense did a lot of work deep in their own end, practicing situations where they are backed up on their own 2 yard line. They worked on various run and pass plays designed to get out of the shadow of their own goalpost.

* Arian Foster continues to impress at RB1. Slaton running RB2, Tate 3, Henry 4, and Johnson 5.

* Kareem Jackson had a nice coverage against Jacoby Jones, breaking up a 10 yard hook.

* Shelley Smith and Steve Maneri are working 3rd team LG and LT. Maneri is a good looking development tackle/practice squad candidate. He's still a bit light for left tackle but he has the frame to add some weight (he's 6'6"). He was a tight end in college and is very athletic.

* I don't get these guys with the 'Sign Charles Spencer' signs. They were out there last weekend too.

* Field goal competition: They started from 38 yards out then moved back in 5 yard increments to 53 yards alternating between left and right hashes. Rackers finished 6 for 6, including a 53 yarder, while Brown was 4 for 6. Brown missed from 43 and 53 yards, pushing both to the right from the right hash. Rackers seems to get more air under his kicks than Brown. But of course all that matters is whether they split the uprights.

* Connor Barwin and Eric Winston got into a little shoving match but after practice they shared a fist bump before the team stretch indicating no hard feelings

* Sometimes I wonder why they have officials out there. They throw flags every once in a while but it's like no one notices.

* Dorin Dickerson had a rare drop and Matt Schaub had a rare pick near the end of practice. On Schaub's pick, the defense ran a 'zone dog' dropping Barwin into coverage. It confused Schaub and Barwin plucked a pass intended for Dreessen out of the air and took it in for 6. David Anderson did his best Don Beebe on Leon Lett impersonation but he couldn't catch Barwin before he crossed the goal line.

* One guy we haven't heard much from in camp, DelJuan Robinson, blew up Mike Brisiel on an Orlovsky deep handoff to Chris Henry, totally disrupting the play.

* Ben Tate seemed a little heavy legged today for some reason. Maybe it's just the grind of camp.

* Duane Brown planted Glover Quin on a hitch pass to Slaton. I guess that was the OLs revenge for KJ planting Winston earlier in the day on a similar play.

* When the final horn blew you saw a bunch of guys with big smiles on their faces, glad that another grueling practice was behind them.

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-778-Hou...ing_twitter:778
Click to expand...
As a Foster owner it is pretty hard not to get excited right now. For Foster it was never a qustion of talent. He was a 4.5 40 guy around 220 lbs. I do like that he is now at 229. The questions were, health, will he work, and fumbles. He has clearly worked hard, I haven't seen or heard a word about fumbles, and knock on wood he is healthy. The coaches seem to love him and he is in a great offence. Not willing to bank on anything yet, but things couldn't have gone better, so far.

 
Observations from Chargers camp

Posted Aug. 06, 2010 @ 2:33 p.m.

Updated Aug. 06, 2010 @ 3:15 p.m.

By Eric Edholm

SAN DIEGO — God must have created this part of the country as a cruel joke to the rest of us ... this time of the year, or pretty much any.

The weather is near-perfect, high 60s and low 70s with abundant sun, though the locals tend to say something like "another nice day" when asked about it.

I rolled into town last night and took in training-camp practice this morning at the team's facility, although I am unable to make the afternoon session,

The team started with special teams and then did 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and full team drills.

Here are a few things that stood out to me:

* QB Philip Rivers did not have a great start to the morning throwing the ball. Not bad, but not his best. He fluttered a couple of passes before making some gorgeous throws later. On one, he hit Malcolm Floyd on a pretty deep out. On another fine toss, Rivers hit TE Kris Wilson in stride, beating nickel DB Donald Strickland.

* It's clearly Rivers' team and they rally around him. When asked about rookie RB Ryan Mathews (more on him later), FB Jacob Hester kept talking about Rivers and his leadership and how Rivers commanded the huddle and kept everyone in line offensively.

* I'll be writing a short Mathews feature for the site later, but I can say he looks impressive. He runs with purpose and is quick through the hole for a big man. The local and national media who have come through here have hovered around him quite a bit, so he's learning to take everything in. Naturally, the LT questions are the first or second thing everyone asks him, and though Mathews is polite and well-spoken, he did admit he's a bit tired of them coming his way daily. "It's a lot (of attention)," Mathews said. "But I understand why. He's a great back. He was my (idol) growing up."

* The Chargers' fifth WR spot could be held by a relative no-name. Undrafted rookie Jeremy Williams had a bad drop, but he also made a few nice catches and looked decent with the second team. He's also returning punts. Right now, he's hoping to make it through this next week physically. "I have hit the wall a bit," Williams told me. "But I am just trying to fight through." Other receivers in this race to watch include Gary Banks (who Rivers looked to more than once in passing drills) and Seyi Ajirotutu, a teammate of Mathews' at Fresno State who had a few drops today but also made a great double move late in practice to catch the ball along the sidelines.

* Hester told me that the media has used the word "distraction" a lot in regard to the holdouts of Shawne Merriman, Marcus McNeill and Vincent Jackson, but he feels that the tempo of practice and the focus around the team has been excellent. Hester credits the backups who have stepped up for helping make it that way. "Those guys have done an excellent job," Hester said. "(Rivers) keeps us all close and doesn't let those 'distractions' — there's that word again — bother this team."

* Head coach Norv Turner appeared to be very enthused with the work of Brandyn Dombrowski, who is replacing McNeill with the first team at left tackle. Dombrowski played some right tackle and did a decent job last season, but Turner thinks he might actually be at home on the left side. "It's funny because you say 'switching over (from right tackle)' because he feels like he's at his most natural position. I just think he has had some great training-camp battles with (OLBs) Larry English and Shaun Phillips, who gets over there at times. He's improved. He's a very big, physical player. And that helps more in pass protection than you think. If it's a finesse situation, when we're out there in shells, sometimes he doesn't look as good as some of the other guys. But when it's full pads and full speed and he can use his best skills — and he knows how to use them. He has had an outstanding training camp."

http://www.profootballweekly.com/blogs/201...m-chargers-camp

 
Postcard from camp: Seahawks (SI.com)

Excerpts:

Three Observations

1.Hasselbeck is in the final year of his contract and looks like someone prepared to cash in, despite turning 35 in September. He reported to camp leaner and more focused and quickly squashed talk of a quarterback controversy after Carroll traded for Charlie Whitehurst in March, then signed the former San Diego backup to an $8 million, two-year contract. Carroll wanted to send a message to the team that each player -- even the entrenched quarterback -- would have to earn his job. But a competition between Hasselbeck and Whitehurst never materialized. The only battle at this point is between Whitehurst and former Buffalo first-round pick J.P. Losman, whom observers contend has the early lead for the backup position.

2. For a coach who loves diversity, Seattle's running backs sure seem homogenous. All of the backs are relatively small, with quickness ranking among their chief attributes. The personnel staff will look for a bigger, grinder type back when teams begin making roster cuts. Quinton Ganther provides some pop, but he might be better-suited for fullback. Justin Forsett has been impressive -- and stood out the last month of the 2009 season -- but at 5-foot-8, 198 pounds there are questions about durability. Julius Jones (5-10, 208) lacks Forsett's suddenness, and newcomer Leon Washington (5-8, 203) is coming off a serious leg injury. Seattle thought it had a solid complement in LenDale White, but he was released on May 28 for various reasons (five weeks after being cut he was suspended for four games by the league for violating its substance-abuse policy).

"I've always like complementary backs, different style guys," says Carroll. "We love the physical nature of the running game, so it's nice to have that type of big back. Ganther has been running really good for us and has that physical presence. He's tough and might give us that little change of style type thing. ... But I really like this position group. When Leon is ready to go [Aug. 16 is a tentative target date] and can throw his hat in the ring, I think this is going to be a very strong group. Julius has just done a marvelous job, and Justin has done a marvelous job."

3. Wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh led the team in receptions (79) and yards (911) last season after leaving Cincinnati as a free agent, but the longtime Bengal took a lot of heat for not having the impact that he and others anticipated. Houshmandzadeh's response: "They didn't throw me a lot of balls when the game mattered. Go count the attempts to me when the game mattered -- first-half attempts, then second-half attempts. Big difference. "

According to Stats Inc, Houshmandzadeh had 41 catches in the first half and 38 after halftime.

"Me and [former coach Jim Mora] talked about it; he said it was the protection and things like that. But I don't know. I don't really talk to coaches about that because I don't want to come off as I'm demanding the ball. Me and Matt talked about it. He said, 'I talked to them, too. I don't know why it's like that.' "

According to Stats Inc., Houshmandzadeh was targeted 38 times in the team's wins and 97 times in their losses. Forty-eight of his catches occurred when the team was losing. Make of the numbers what you will, but Houshmandzadeh says he will be more of a factor this season. He is still getting up to speed after missing all of the offseason workouts while recovering from hernia surgery, but he says it's just a matter of time before he and Hasselbeck are clicking.

"We're seeing the same thing, out there, but I'm just not reacting fast enough because I'm thinking as I'm doing it," he says. "I just have to get more reps. We're on the same page, just not the same tempo."

Rookie Report

Top pick Russell Okung, a mountainous man who is expected to start at left tackle, was the last player from his draft class to sign. He'll be thrown immediately into the starting lineup, where he'll be responsible for protecting Hasselbeck's blind side. That's a huge responsibility for someone that who projected as a right tackle on some draft boards. The second of the team's two first-round picks, safety Earl Thomas, has impressed teammates. Like Okung, he is expected to start immediately. He has tremendous range and consistently has been around the ball. Finally, wideout Golden Tate will have a tougher time cracking the first team, although he has taken reps with the starters during camp.

The Seahawks had only two sacks in their final five games, and it remains unclear how they're going to pressure opposing quarterbacks this year. Their top three ends from last season are gone -- Patrick Kerney to retirement, Darryl Tapp in a trade and Cory Redding in free agency -- and linebacker Aaron Curry, the team's top pick in 2009, has rush ability but admits he favors playing over the tight end. Beyond him, there isn't much. End Chris Clemons had eight sacks two years ago with Oakland, but managed just seven total the past two seasons with Philadelphia. Linebacker Leroy Hill showed promise as a rookie in 2005 with 7.5 sacks, but has had a total of seven in the four seasons since and might be released or traded before the season.

Cornerback Marcus Trufant is turning heads. Slowed in 2009 by a back injury that cost him much of training camp and forced him onto the PUP list to start the year, he is healthy and making plays. Houshmandzadeh says he hasn't seen Trufant this quick and explosive in two years. That's a good sign for a defense that allowed the third-most passing yards in the league last season.

The OL was a problem last year because of age and injury. Carroll's most important hire arguably was respected line coach Alex Gibbs, whose zone-blocking scheme has succeeded most everyplace it has been. Still, you need players. Signing top draft pick Okung was big, and newcomer left guard Ben Hamilton previously played under Gibbs. The group has its work cut out; Seattle ranked 26th in rushing last season, averaging just 97.9 yards a game.

 
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Postcard from camp: Browns (SI.com)

Excerpts:

Linebackers are crucial to the success of any a 3-4 defense, and the Browns are piecing together a feisty, intelligent corps. In March, they signed free-agent Scott Fujita, who played outside linebacker for the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. In April, they traded for Philadelphia Eagle Chris Gocong (along with cornerback Sheldon Brown). "One of the things that you need is smart guys," Mangini said. "You need to be able to adjust and you need to get everybody lined up. Chris was a guy I liked in college. Scott was a I guy I kind of followed. Two really bright guys that are talented coming into the system and have played multiple positions. Then you can mix and match. David Bowens has played inside and out. Eric Barton's played Mike and Will. [Jason] Trusnik's played inside and out." Mangini also pointed out Matt Roth, whom the Browns signed off of waivers. "He's like the enforcer in hockey," Mangini said. "I'm excited about that group."

If the Browns are going to win in the bruising AFC North, they have to run the football effectively. Cleveland didn't score a rushing touchdown until the 13th game of the 2009 season. Odds are, it's coming much earlier in 2010. After releasing Jamal Lewis in February and drafting Montario Hardesty in April, the Browns were left with an intriguing mix of runners and plenty of competition for carries. "One thing I learned from this league is, don't expect anything," running back Jerome Harrison said when asked if he thought he earned the starting spot last season. "After last year was over, it was over."

One thing Harrison said he wants to see carryover in 2010 is the play of the offensive line at the end of the year. "That was a huge finish for us," Harrison said. "My offensive line dominated across the board, from tight ends all the way to the backside guard. I think we are ahead of schedule. I think we're on pace and I think we have a real good feel for each other now."

New Face, New Place

The Browns brought in veteran Jake Delhomme to calm a quarterback position that has been unsettled and unproductive. Can Delhomme, at 35 and coming off an 8 TD, 18 interception campaign in Carolina, still get it done? Is he out to prove critics wrong? "That's not something that makes me get up every day," Delhomme said. "I've been a part of successful teams in the NFL, I know what it takes, and I want to be part of a winner again. I want to be a part of helping to turn this around." The Browns believe his 2010 season was an aberration rather than a sign of decline. "I know that he's a consistent performer and I believe that's what we'll see as opposed to some of what we saw last year," Mangini said. "In watching the tape, there were more picks than touchdowns and it was a high number, but there are a lot of reasons why a ball gets intercepted. You're behind, protection, running the wrong route, there are a lot of asterisks next to some of those [interceptions]."

Rookie report

While the starters won't be named for awhile, cornerback Joe Haden, the seventh pick over all, may push veteran Sheldon Brown (from the Eagles) and Eric Wright (in his fourth season in Cleveland) for playing time. He could also end up seeing time in the nickel package and on special teams. "Ever since I've been here I knew the expectations were going to be for me to be on the field and play," Haden said. "Ever since the first rookie minicamp, I've been trying to work hard and show that I deserve to be here."

Haden says if his duties extend to kickoff and punt teams, he will be ready. "Coach [urban] Meyer had his best players on special teams, so I played every special teams when I was there," he said. On inking his rookie contract, Haden said: "Now that I have the money, I'm just trying to show that I deserve the money, too."

Hardesty, who earned huge praise during minicamps, tweaked his right knee during the rookie portion of training camp and has yet to return to practice.

The versatile Josh Cribbs expects to line up all over the field this season -- including under center. "My role is just going to expand dramatically," he said. "A lot of things are going to happen where me and Seneca [Wallace] and Jake are all rotating and hopping in and out of there. We added a lot of diversity to the offense."

 
49ers Camp Report (NFL.com)

Excerpts:

After throwing for 2,350 yards and 18 touchdowns with 12 interceptions in 10 starts last season, to those who play with him, Smith turned a corner. The team went 5-5 with him as starter, but players said his command and huddle presence grew more inspiring with each snap. Now, Smith is playing in the same scheme with the same offensive coordinator, Jimmy Raye, for two consecutive seasons -- a first for Smith. And with some flashy weapons (Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore, Davis, Josh Morgan,) there is a feeling around the organization that Smith is finally in a good place.

"He's light years ahead of where he was last year," Singletary said. "With all the change he's had, he wasn't looking to read guys on defense. He was worried about getting guys in place on offense. It's not like that. Now guys are where they're supposed to be. Now he can say, 'Let me soak this [defense] in and make this my field, my playground.' He's a guy that gets better from one snap to the next. I'm really excited about him."

Smith still has a lot to prove. For his career, Smith has thrown 37 touchdowns and 43 interceptions, and he had to restructure his contract (downwards) before last season to remain with the 49ers. He's never instilled the faith in the franchise that he has now.

Smith has spurred confidence by taking control. During practices he has stopped drills to tell other players what to do correctly, showing the forcible command the good ones possess. Instead of just doing what's been told he's taken ownership.

More than anything, there is no doubt that Smith is the guy. There is no quarterback competition. David Carr? Nate Davis? Smith is secure unless he completely folds. And that is something we simply don't know will happen or not.

After the defense dominated the offense the first day in full pads, Willis offered this up: "We were excited to see how the offense played last season when Alex took over (in Week 8). Seeing how they are out here, even through OTAs, we know they're still trying to get things right. This is their second year in the same offense, the fourth year we've been in the same defense, so we're going to be a little ahead.

The 49ers will be a run-first team with Gore -- one of the most underrated players in the league -- doing much of the heavy lifting. San Francisco has tried to upgrade its offensive line by drafting offensive linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati in the first round in order to get more push in the running game.

Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin missed the first two days of training camp, but his absence hasn't created much of a stir.

That's because the team feels he will eventually sign his $7 million franchise tender and take the field. Because the truth of the matter is that he doesn't have any other option but to sit out the season and not earn a dime. A source close to Franklin said he's not going to be here in the immediate future. No information was given as to when he could report.

The 49ers placed the franchise tag on Franklin during the free-agent period. They opted against signing him to a long-term deal, though, which hasn't sat well with him. It's too late for those conversations to take place until next offseason. The NFL deadline for negotiating long-term deals with unsigned franchise players has expired, leaving San Francisco with exclusive rights to the seven-year veteran.

Ricky Jean Francois, a second-year player from LSU, is working at nose tackle for now.

Davis might get downfield better than any tight end in the game. Coming off a season in which he had 78 catches for 965 yards and 13 touchdowns, Davis looks even hungrier to be a playmaker. He had no problem making plays of more than 10 yards at practice, going against some pretty solid linebackers and safeties. With his ability to stretch the field, he will continue to clear out the middle for Crabtree and Morgan underneath.

As for Crabtree and Morgan, they looked very good in individual drills. But with the defense overwhelming the offense, they had a hard time making plays. Crabtree is very adept at getting off press coverage, and because of his ability to get off the line he could be a routine quick-strike threat.

The 49ers' defensive front seven are frighteningly physical -- and deep. Although Franklin isn't here (and when he does arrive this unit could be even scarier), there are no signs that the front seven will be yielding much in the black-and-blue department. Defensive end Justin Smith is lights-out nasty, even though at 285 pounds he isn't a prototypical 3-4 defensive end. He was giving it to offensive linemen in individual and team drills and really set the tone for the defense.

ROOKIE REPORT

Iupati, picked 17th overall, looks physically ready to move into the starting lineup. He has a huge learning curve, but he is being pushed. He may have caught an early break as, on the first day of contact drills, incumbent left guard David Baas sustained a mild concussion, allowing Iupati to work with the first-team offense.

"He's a mature guy, and he knows what he wants to do," Singletary said. "When I talked to him before the draft, he said, 'I want to be the best. I want to do all the little things. I got something I want to prove. I want to take care of my parents.' Man, you want that guy. He's what you want. He's what (players) should look like."

Davis, picked 11th overall, is more of a project than Iupati. He has some work to do to get stronger and more NFL-ready, but his athleticism has dazzled Singletary. Davis had a fairly rough go on the first day of contact drills. At just 20-years old, he might have a harder time than Iupati breaking into the starting lineup right away.

"Anthony is young, but it's amazing how talented he is," Singletary said. "I'm thankful our offensive line coaches are so detailed. They're going to take the time. Anthony Davis is going to be a heck of a player."

The first-year player who's turned the most heads? Third-round linebacker Navarro Bowman. It's unlikely he'll unseat Takeo Spikes as the Mike (strongside) linebacker next to Willis, but Bowman's got Singletary's heart racing with his unharnessed physicality. He needs to harness it to take the next step, though. Bowman could be utilized in some packages and on special teams.

"I've got to get him to settle down a little bit," Singletary said. "He surprised me the most. When I looked at him on film, I thought he was more of an outside guy who may have a chance to come in and be a Mike linebacker. He's a thick guy and built strong, so when I look at the power that he has and his mental makeup -- he's a man now -- I get real excited about him."

Second-round pick, safety Taylor Mays, has shown himself to be far more versatile -- and coachable -- than initially thought. Hurt by his fall into the second round, Singletary said Mays has driven coaches crazy asking so many questions. It's paid off, though. Mays is picking up the defense quickly. He's also more than the in-the-box, hybrid linebacker many projected because of his 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame. Singletary said Mays, who is working with the second unit, has been strong in coverage and can play free safety just as well as strong safety in the 49ers' scheme.

"He's a guy that's very exciting," Singletary said. "He was like clay when we got him. He just wants to be coached. He's hungry. He can do anything that you ask him to do. The league will see that this guy is a player. How much time it takes, I don't know but if he has to work on something, he's going to get it right. He's self motivated. He wants to know everything. I'm really excited about him."

EXTRA POINTS

» Gore came in a little lighter than usual at 215 pounds, but Singletary said he's not worried because it's not a radical drop in weight (Gore typically weighs no more than 220). As long as Gore is durable and produces, it's all good.

» Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Ted Ginn, who was traded to San Francisco in the offseason, will be tried as a punt returner as well as kickoff returner. He has the blazing speed but didn't flash much in the first day in pads.

 
Broncos Camp Report (NFL.com)

Excerpts:

For a moment, let's put aside the Tim Tebow hysteria and focus on the reality of the Denver Broncos' quarterback situation.

Which is this: Kyle Orton is clearly their No. 1 guy.

Tebow is, by far, the most popular player at Broncos training camp. But the first-round draft pick from Florida remains a long way from being ready to start -- or even see significant playing time -- as a rookie.

Brady Quinn, acquired during the offseason from the Cleveland Browns, has looked impressive during workouts. But he has plenty to learn in an offense that is similar to the one he ran at Notre Dame, yet with several differences now that it's been six years since Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis stopped working together in New England.

Orton knows the scheme better than the other quarterbacks on the roster, and it shows. When running plays in offseason and camp practices, he displays a great deal of confidence, far more than he had after arriving here last year from the Chicago Bears. He's calm, and he throws with tremendous accuracy.

Orton cites being fully healthy for the first time in a long while as the primary reason for his ability to perform well. Second, he has a much better understanding of the offense.

"Hopefully that'll allow the communication to be so much better on Sundays," Orton said. "Last year, we could put two or three good plays together, where everybody's doing the right thing. But we had a heck of time trying to find 10 or 11 plays in a row. That's what you've got to do in the league to score."

MacDaniels, too, has noticed the change in Orton.

"The speed at which he's playing mentally, and then couple that with the fact that he's making very few mistakes physically, or with the football, that's a good thing," McDaniels said. "I've seen that happen before (with Tom Brady and Matt Cassel in New England), and it's led to good things."

The Broncos are still trying to rebound from the double whammy they received when their top two running backs suffered injuries on the first day of practice: Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and Correll Buckhalter (back). If Moreno is able to return in a few weeks as the team is saying, it might be something the Broncos can weather. If it lingers, who knows, especially with Buckhalter's status up in the air? Moreno was injured last summer after a camp holdout, causing his rookie season to get off to a slow start. The coaches were hopeful that he'd be able to participate fully this summer and get off to a faster start.

The offensive line could have at least one serious health issue with standout tackle Ryan Clady opening camp on the active/non-football list while recovering from a knee injury he suffered playing basketball in April. Clady was still moving with a noticeable limp during the offseason. The Broncos hope he'll be ready to play at the start of the season, but he could very well remain sidelined until October. Besides missing Clady's tremendous talent, the Broncos also could be forced into using more two-tight end sets to compensate for his absence, which could give opposing defenses a better feel for what's coming.

Throughout the offseason, Broncos defensive players have talked about new coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale installing a more aggressive scheme than they had under his predecessor, Mike Nolan. So far, there have been no obvious signs of that in camp, but there is reason to believe that it will change. Martindale is from the Rex Ryan School of Defense, having worked on Ryan's defensive staff at the University of Cincinnati. Martindale also coached linebackers for Ryan's twin brother, Rob, with the Oakland Raiders before coming to Denver. The Ryans -- beginning with their father, former NFL coordinator and head coach Buddy Ryan -- strongly believe in using a highly aggressive, in-your-face style of defense.

It's hard to imagine the Broncos not missing Brandon Marshall (who they traded to the Broncos in the offseason), but it also wouldn't be correct to say that the outlook of the position is hopeless. Besides the strong possibilities of significant contribution from Thomas and Decker, the Broncos also have the makings of a solid corps that includes Brandon Lloyd, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Stokley and Matt Willis.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE

» Willis, an undrafted free agent in 2008, had a strong offseason and is performing well in camp. Said veteran cornerback Champ Bailey: "He was our best receiver out there at times (during the offseason). He's an unknown guy, but I figure people should (be aware of him). It's just his competitiveness, speed, quickness. He really doesn't have any weaknesses. He's not afraid to go across the middle, and he's one of the smallest guys (at 6-foot, 190 pounds)."

» Free-agent linebacker Baraka Atkins is an interesting pickup. He performed well enough during offseason workouts to see some practice time with the starters in place of 2009 first-round choice Robert Ayers.

ROOKIE REPORT

» The Broncos' coaches will be challenged in trying to figure out what to do with Tebow this season. Keeping three quarterbacks active on game day is a risk teams generally do their best to avoid. But the Broncos just might take that chance in order to have Tebow available for Wildcat looks and other special situations that take advantage of his athletic skills.

Another chance they're going to take is to work on some of the gadgetry they have in store for Tebow in public practices and preseason games, where anyone -- including someone gathering information for another team -- can watch.

"We understand that, if you're going to be good at something, you've got to practice it," McDaniels said. "At some point, somebody's going to see something. If we're running gadget plays out there -- whether they be reverses or flea-flickers or whatever -- people are going to see those. And we may have a few things that we experiment with, with Tim. We're not going to hide it because the only way to get good at something is to practice it."

Tebow seems to have made progress through the offseason with improving his mechanics, and elevating his release point so that he is able to get the ball out of his hand quicker than he did in college. The concern is how he reacts when he's under duress. Will he, as some current and former NFL coaches and scouts predict, revert to old habits?

» Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, the Broncos' other first-rounder, looks impressive early in camp drills. The former Georgia Tech standout is raw, coming from a Triple Option offense that basically asked him to run slant and sideline routes. Still, he has considerable athleticism. The Broncos see the 6-3, 229-pound Thomas as having the ability to make an impact in the red zone because he is the kind of receiver who excels when locked up in one-on-one battles that take place near the goal line. He is physical and shows good body control. Eric Decker, a third-round pick from Minnesota, offers similar abilities with his 6-3, 220-pound frame.

» Second-rounder Zane Beadles, a guard from Utah, and J.D. Walton, a center from Baylor, have been working with the starters in practice. Both are exceptionally quick, they play with a mean streak and show considerable intelligence. Walton was the one collegiate offensive lineman who matched up well against former Nebraska tackle Ndamukong Suh, the second overall pick of the draft.

 
Raiders Camp Report (NFL.com)

Excerpts:

It seemed like someone in Oakland knew what he was doing.

For the first time in a while, the Raiders didn't do anything outrageous on draft day. They selected linebacker Rolando McClain with the 12th overall pick and defensive end Lamarr Houston in the second round, and waited until the fourth round to select offensive tackle Bruce Campbell -- potentially the value pick of the draft.

Caution: Just because the Raiders seem to be working off a legitimate NFL template and things feel decent, these are the Raiders. We should probably wait and see.

For instance, on Tuesday, four times there were pre-snap penalties. Receivers dropped passes. It was very Raider-like. However, this wasn't much different than some of the things I'd seen at previous training camps. And coach Tom Cable isn't letting these things slide.

Neither is Campbell. How about that: A quarterback who's actually taking charge. That's why there is optimism in Oakland. Campbell isn't Russell, and that's such a good thing. He's still ironing out a lot of little things, as well as changing the mindset of an organization that, since 2003, is 29-83.

"It's still a process," Campbell said. "Things are not going to turn overnight. We've got to chip things down one by one."

» Players are feeling good about new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson. The high-energy play-caller has inserted a diverse offense -- especially in the passing game -- that even has defenders impressed.

"It doesn't matter who we put in, with him calling plays, we have a chance," Asomugha said.

There are multiple options in the passing game, but the key is Campbell getting the ball out quickly, something Cable said Campbell has done well. That'll allow the young receivers -- which include Louis Murphy, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Chaz Schilens -- a chance to make plays. Oakland will try to be a run-dominant team, but they won't be predictable.

Another good thing is that Jackson was relentless on detail during camp, jumping on players for seemingly minute things like unenthusiastically breaking the huddle. That being said, the defense dominated, which is something I've also noticed at my stops in San Diego and San Francisco, so this seems to be a trend early in camps.

Defenses are good early while the offense installs schemes and personnel packages. Things eventually should balance out.

» The Raiders' offensive line is still a work in progress. There were leaks in the run game and in pass protection. Cable is really stressing the need for cohesiveness and protection up front. He's also riding the running backs about protection.

» Heyward-Bey, Last year's first-round selection, is drawing high praise for working to improve, especially hanging onto the ball. He made some nice grabs when I saw him, but the same couldn't be said for the rest of the wideouts. Murphy (concussion) and Schilens (foot) did not practice.

» Running back Darren McFadden worked with the first offense and Michael Bush the second, but Bush rotated in depending on the situation. Cable said he's not sure how both will be used. What is clear is that both players with unfulfilled expectations will get significant playing time.

ROOKIE REPORT

» McClain is the real deal. Okay, he hasn't played in a game yet, so I'm not crowning him. But his instincts are off the charts. The cerebral middle linebacker has the speed and innate football sense to be around the ball against the run and in pass coverage. He's a legit three-down player whose feel for the game is impressive. I was really taken with how he played in pass coverage.

Teammates said Houston is an ornery hombre. He still has some things to work out, but he ran with the first-team defense.

» Fourth-round wide receiver Jacoby Ford has blazing speed, but he needs to work on catching the ball. He routinely got open but didn't always finish the play in team drills.

 
Seahawks Camp Report (NFL.com)

Excerpts:

Other than Matt Hasselbeck, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Lofa Tatupu and Lawyer Milloy, who are these guys?

The overhauling of the Seattle Seahawks under new coach Pete Carroll and new general manager John Schneider has been so radical that there won't be any problems forgetting about the recent demise of this franchise. As far as everyone here is concerned, it's history.

This offseason, Carroll showed the team a highlight reel of the franchise's great moments and great players -- Steve Largent, Cortez Kennedy, Jim Zorn, Curt Warner, Shaun Alexander, Hasselbeck -- and paid momentary homage. Then he shelved the video because history won't win games in 2010.

Nice touch, but the Seahawks might want to hang on to those glory days for a little while.

There is no offensive game-breaker of note. The offensive line looks as shaky as it did last season. The defensive line is really in flux after the retirement of defensive end Patrick Kerney and the trade of opposite end Darryl Tapp. The secondary could be a strength, but it will need first-round safety Earl Thomas to mature quickly and for Milloy, 36, to play like a kid again.

OBSERVATION DECK

» Hasselbeck is in no danger whatsoever of losing his job. My visit this week did nothing but confirm reports that he is light years ahead of Charlie Whitehurst and J.P. Losman. Whitehurst, whom Seattle acquired from San Diego in exchange for a second-round pick, was 50-50 in the accuracy department and on more than one occasion, he and his receivers were way off base. I was told that this actually was one of his better practices, too.

Whitehurst has to get up to speed, because even if he won't take Hasselbeck's job this season, the Seahawks gave up a nice ransom for him to be their quarterback in coming years. Losman fared about the same as Whitehurst in practice.

Instead of either player challenging Hasselbeck, this could be a tight competition between Whitehurst and Losman for who's No. 2.

» Seattle still needs to figure out its running game. Julius Jones worked with the first-team offense, but he didn't show near the burst or explosion of Justin Forsett. Jones was tracked down several times by linebackers before he could get going on the second level, while Forsett frequently scooted into the secondary.

Because of his size (5-foot-8, 198 pounds) Forsett's durability is a concern, but it wouldn't be a reach to think he ends up as the primary ball carrier, even if he doesn't start. Seattle still believes that Leon Washington should be healthy enough to play this season, but his role can't be determined until he gets back on the field from that nasty broken leg he sustained last season with the Jets.

» Linebacker Aaron Curry, last year's No. 4 overall pick, has missed much of the early stages of training camp with a concussion. Once he returns, he'll need to step his game up after a good -- but not spectacular -- rookie season. The outside linebacker has the potential to be a big-time player, and Seattle doesn't have many of those.

» Wide receiver Mike Williams, the former first-round bust from Detroit, is well on his way to making the team. In fact, unless he falls on his face in preseason games, he should be on the final 53-man roster. Williams, who has been out of football the last two seasons after ballooning up to a reported 270 pounds, has looked very good and is viewed as the ideal fade and red-zone receiver.

ROOKIE REPORT

» Okung's signing of a six-year, $58 million (max) contract with $30 million guaranteed Friday came just in time because Okung needs as much work as possible since he is the projected starter at left tackle. Ray Willis, a right tackle, was keeping the spot warm until Okung came to terms.

» So far, there are very high opinions of Thomas, the second of Seattle's two first-round picks. Thomas will end up in the starting lineup at free safety, and his playmaking skills could be huge in a division where Seattle boasts the only stable quarterback situation.

» Wide receiver Golden Tate figures to play a huge role. He's already the No. 3 receiver and will work both wide and in the slot. He figures to get rushing touches, too, like Minnesota's Percy Harvin did last season.

 
Steelers Camp Report (NFL.com)

Excerpts:

Colbert likes this football team and its chances to make the playoffs. He believes there are players who can fill in admirably for departed stars Santonio Holmes (traded), Willie Colon (injured) and Willie Parker (released). After visiting the Steelers and watching them scrimmage, I'd recommend not taking the Steelers lightly this season.

OBSERVATION DECK

» Don't count on Dennis Dixon making a serious run at the starting quarterback job while Roethlisberger is out. He brings an interesting dimension to the offense with his escapability, but he also struggled this week in practice. Several players and at least one front-office person felt Byron Leftwich is the choice -- for his experience and previous success in this offense.

» As defensive end Brett Keisel said, "the Steelers don't usually bring back players who left the organization," but there is great comfort that Larry Foote, Antwaan Randle El, Bryant McFadden, and Leftwich are back in Pittsburgh.

"No one replaces Santonio Holmes," Ward said, "but Randle El gives us a real smart receiver who knows how to get open."

» Get ready for more exotic defenses from coordinator **** LeBeau. The Steelers couldn't close out opponents last year in true Pittsburgh fashion.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE

» Roethlisberger is taking a lot of reps in practice considering the other quarterbacks have to get ready to start in his absence. At some point there will be a shift away from Roethlisberger, but for now he's getting a lot of work. If I was coach Mike Tomlin, I might give him the entire fourth preseason game and let him throw it 40 times before he's sent home with no contact between him and the team.

» Instead of moving left tackle Max Starks over to the right side, where he played in a Super Bowl, the Steelers decided to put career left tackle Flozell Adams (a recent free-agent pickup) at right tackle. When considering Adams is right handed and Starks is left handed, it made some sense. Colbert said that, with each practice, Adams is getting better at his angles and drops from the right-handed stance. Things should work out just fine.

ROOKIE REPORT

» Pittsburgh's first-round pick Maurkice Pouncey is working mostly at right guard but is also taking reps at center. He has impressed the coaches with his ability to bounce back from bad plays. If he gets beat on a pass rush, the next time he beats the same man. He will be on the field come Week 1.

» I had a chance to sit down with second-round choice outside linebacker Jason Worilds, who is definitely cut from the mold of LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison as a thick and explosive athlete. He quickly found out that his speed-rush move off the edge got neutralized by the Steelers' tackles and is working hard on counters. He's a backup at this point and should be a terror on special teams, which need to be upgraded.

» Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, a third-round pick, is already getting noticed for his routes and smooth running style. He has a chance to make the team and is getting good grades from the coaches. That said, he has a long way to go to get on the field, and there are other young players like Brandon London and sixth-round pick Antonio Brown also vying for a roster spot.

» Despite having a great starting tandem at outside linebacker, and drafting Worilds, Pittsburgh still took Thaddeus Gibson in the fourth round. Colbert explained, "It was really a very easy decision to take him when we did because he's a good player, and he has more experience in a 3-4 defense than most college players."

EXTRA POINTS

» Kicker Jeff Reed was upset about not receiving a long-term contract and claimed the team lied to him. That was a few days ago, but it doesn't appear his comments will impact his preparation or performance this season.

» Get ready for a big year from defensive end Ziggy Hood. When I asked multiple people about who the most improved player, the number one name was Hood. He has worked on a number of pass rush moves and increased his power to the point where he will be a factor up front.

» After the Roethlisberger issue, the biggest challenge to the Steelers might face is finding a safety who can help prevent a major drop off if Troy Polamalu incurs another injury. Keep an eye on veteran Will Allen and last year's third-round pick, Keenan Lewis.

» Commissioner Roger Goodell was here the day before I arrived to meet with Roethlisberger. Goodell is going to wait until September to decide on the length of the QB's suspension, but I now believe it will be four games instead of six. I leave Latrobe thinking this is a 9-7 or 10-6 team with the potential to make the playoffs as a wild card.

 
Packers Camp Report (NFL.com)

Excerpts:

Although Rodgers and Co. are capable of carrying Green Bay to the postseason, it is a stifling defense that could be the key to the Packers' title hopes.

Last season, Dom Capers transformed a unit that was the 20th-ranked in 2008 into the league's second-best defense in his first year as coordinator. Fueled by cornerback Charles Woodson, the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year, the Packers led the league in takeaways (40) and finished with the league's top rush defense (83.3 yards per game).

Despite seemingly unraveling during the team's 51-45 playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the unit still made significant strides in its transition to the 3-4. With another offseason to master the nuances of Capers' system and a few key additions along the defensive line and secondary, the defense should wreak even more havoc in 2010.

CAMP OBSERVATIONS

» Atari Bigby's offseason absence and training camp injuries have paved the way for rookie Morgan Burnett to start at safety. He has been working with the first unit since his arrival, and flashes the kind of playmaking skills that the team covets. Although he must continue to show coaches that he can be a dependable tackler, his extraordinary ball skills make him a potential difference-maker.

» The Packers have reshuffled their defensive line to compensate for the loss of Johnny Jolly. Ryan Pickett has moved to defensive end (he was the team's starting nose tackle last season), and last year's first-round pick, B.J. Raji, will take over at nose tackle. Cullen Jenkins will remain at the other defensive end spot to add more size and strength up front. Although Jolly's run-stuffing skills will be sorely missed, the Packers have the talent to make up for the loss.

» Jordy Nelson and James Jones are embroiled in a heated battle to become the Packers' No. 3 receiver. Jones, who tallied 32 receptions for 440 yards with five touchdowns a season ago, entered training camp as a slight favorite to win the job. However, Nelson has made a strong push for the spot in camp. He has caught everything thrown in his direction and displayed good running skills in the open field. Although the Packers' preference for using four-receiver sets will guarantee both a lot of playing time, the compeititon for the slot spot is one to watch this preseason.

» After erupting in the postseason loss against the Cardinals, Finley immediately earned recognition as one of the league's breakout players. Based on the rave reviews from Packers' personnel, it appears that Finley is on the verge of stardom. He was dominant in the team's intra-squad scrimmage and flashes the skills to be a Pro Bowler. At 6-foot-5, 247 pounds, Finley has the body of a basketball power forward with the speed of a receiver. With his game continuing to round into form, Finley will cause a lot of sleepless nights for opposing coordinators.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE

The Packers' much-maligned offensive line returns intact without any changes on the first team. Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher remain the holdovers at the tackle positions, while Daryn Colledge, Scott Wells and Josh Sitton are inside. Although Jason Spitz is still in the mix to steal one of the inside positions, the Packers appear to be content to trot out the same group from a year ago.

 
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