2007 NFL Training Camp Updates

Marcel Shipp pounded his way for a touchdown. ―We got a

chance to lay a hat on them,‖ said starting LB Karlos Dansby.

―Coach did a great job planning it, giving us a chance to go

live. It keeps you motivated. It teases you a little bit with a

little live action. It keeps you going.‖ Whisenhunt

acknowledged Thursday he is looking for his goal line running





Training Camp Update

back, but added that it‘s unfair to judge James yet, ―I know

Edge can run on the goal line,‖ Whisenhunt said, while adding

that James needs more reps. With that said, look for Edge to

Volume 3, Issue 2 – 8/08/07 get a bit more preseason work this year. Edge totaled seven

carries in last year‘s preseason. Whisenhunt added, ―We will

Training Camps are in full swing and we want you to feel like get a feel for that next week,‖ he said. ―I‘d like to get him a

you have attended every practice and seen every preseason little bit of work just so he can be working with the line. But

game. he is getting a lot done on the practice field.‖ One change that

could help the Cardinals plight at the goal line is the addition

To keep all our Footballguys subscribers on top of everything, of a fullback. Terrelle Smith isn‘t much of a runner or

we've created our incredibly detailed Camp Updates. They're receiver, but he can block. The change is just one of many

an exhaustive look each week covering every bit of news you tweaks implemented by new head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

need to know to stay completely on top of every team. Quite ―He is a proven commodity. You like those tough football

simply, they're the key to Dominating Your Draft. players,‖ said Whisenhunt when discussing Smith.



This is the second of five training camp updates from us. WR: The Cardinals top three receivers Anquan Boldin, Larry

We'll break down every team's skill positions and position Fitzgerald and Bryant Johnson are all having strong camps,

battles. It's the stuff you'd see if you were there at every camp. but the focus of the coaching staff isn‘t on them either. It‘s on

This Camp Update was created by our own Bob Henry (and the players competing for the two or three open roster spots.

several contributing staff writers). It reflects the most up-to- The leading contenders change almost daily according to

date info regarding each of these teams. offensive coordinator Todd Haley. ―It's going to be a tough

competition," Haley said. "A couple of good players are

Happy reading and let's have a great 2007 season, probably going to have to be let go." Sean Morey is a good bet

for one spot based on his prowess as a special teamer, but he‘d

Joe Bryant and David Dodds like to contribute on offense, too. Rookie fifth-round pick

Owners, Footballguys.com Steve Breaston is the all-time leader in punt return yards at

Michigan, and another contender for a roster spot. Todd

Watkins was a 7th round pick a year ago who "has made

tremendous progress" according to Haley. Michael Spurlock, a

rookie free agent last year, has made some nice catches, too.

Arizona Cardinals Whoever contributes most on special teams probably has the

inside track. "That's what we've been preaching from the

QB: Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner are both looking good start," Haley said. "You might be the fourth best receiver, but

through the first week of camp. At the end of last Friday‘s the guy who is the big-time special teamer will be the guy

practice, the two gave the crowd of 2,000 fans on-hand some going to the game."

entertainment with an accuracy drill. From 40 yards out, each

QB had 10 chances to throw footballs into the tops of a 6-foot TE: Whisenhunt chased free agent TE Reggie Kelly during

tall barrel. When they connected the crowd responded with big the offseason because he wants to emphasize the run more

cheers. The Cardinals new head coach Ken Whisenhunt is than the previous regimes. Unable to land Kelly, he‘s been

implementing a new offense that will emphasize the run more working with the tight ends on the roster, but he‘s still

(the team ranked last in the NFL in rushing a year ago). searching for one that he can trust for the ground game to be

Throwing fewer passes doesn‘t upset Leinart though, ―As a effective. Leonard Pope, Troy Bienemann, Tim Euhus, John

quarterback and as an offense, if you can't run the football, no Bronson, Alex Shor and rookie Ben Patrick all have

matter if you have the best receivers or whatever, you're going deficiencies as blockers. In the goal line drills, Whisenhunt

to struggle to win," he said, "because the defenses are too pointed out that it was the tight ends who caved in on the first

good." dialed play. ―We are looking for consistency and we are

looking for someone who will take the reins,‖ Whisenhunt

RB: One drill this week caused more attention than all of the said. ―Fortunately, we have some time before we have to make

others – the Cardinals goal line offensive drills. Edgerrin that decision.‖ Pope enters his second season as the

James has never been a great goal-line back, so the drill raised incumbent, but Whisenhunt will give the others a long look

some questions amongst the fantasy community if Whisenhunt before committing to Pope as the starter.

was looking to get Marcel Shipp, or another back, involved at

the goal line. On the first set of downs, the first-string offense Defense: The battle for the starting free safety job is heating

was shut out in four straight plays beginning at the 5-yard line, up between veterans Terrence Holt and Aaron Francisco. ―It‘s

stuffing Edgerrin James on fourth down. The second-team a great battle between those two,‖ Coach Ken Whisenhunt

offense needed just one play for redemption. Backup RB

said. ―Eventually, they‘re both going to play a lot. So it‘s Merritt, Matt Trannon

going to be hard to say one will come out on top.‖ Holt signed TE: Leonard Pope, Ben Patrick, Troy Bienemann, Tim Euhus,

as a free agent after spending five seasons in Detroit while Fred Wakefield (inj), John Bronson, Alex Shor

Francisco cut his teeth on special teams for the past three years K: Neil Rackers

as an undrafted free agent. ―Aaron has done it the right way,‖ DT: Alan Branch (NT), Gabe Watson (NT), Chris Cooper,

Whisenhunt said. ―I respect the way he‘s gone through the Ross Kolodziej, Jonathan Lewis (inj), Ray Blagman

process.‖ Whisenhunt then added, ―Matt Ware is coming on… DE: Darnell Dockett (DT), Antonio Smith, Joe Tafoya,

He‘s made some plays… Any time you have competition, Rodney Bailey

especially with the type of players we have, I feel comfortable ILB: Gerald Hayes, Karlos Dansby (W/S), Buster Davis,

about them progressing.‖ Monty Beisel, Pago Togafau, Nathan Hodel

OLB: Bertrand Berry (DE)(inj), Chike Okeafor (S/DE),

Ken Whisenhunt was asked to name the camp‘s early Calvin Pace (S/DE), Darryl Blackstock (W), Brandon

standouts after the first week. On defense, he listed all three Johnson, David Holloway

players who are adjusting to new positions — Bertrand Berry, CB: Antrel Rolle, Eric Green, Roderick Hood, Ralph Brown,

Chike Okeafor and Karlos Dansby — plus Gerald Hayes, Matt Ware, Darrell Hunter, Travarous Bain, Michael Adams

Gabe Watson, Antonio Smith and Darnell Dockett. Rookie DT S: Adrian Wilson (SS), Aaron Francisco (FS), Terrence Holt

Alan Branch appears to be motivated in camp after sliding out (FS), Hanik Milligan, Brandon Keeler (FS), Oliver Celestin

of the first round on draft day. The Cardinals moved up,

dealing a 4th round pick, to land the 6‘5‖ Branch. "He's

getting a lot of pressure from the way the defensive line is

playing and he's improving," Whisenhunt said. "He wants to

be good, and that's one thing about Alan I really like, that he Atlanta Falcons

wants to be a good football player and he's trying to do it the

right way." The Cardinals signed safety Oliver Celestin QB: Joey Harrington is pleased with his receivers so far

Thursday. during training camp, remarking on Thursday, "I tell you

what; this is the best group of receivers that I've played with.

Offensive line: The Cardinals had Levi Brown, their first The most talented, hard-working group of receivers I've seen."

round pick (5th overall), in camp after missing the first eight Harrington also said, ―I feel great, honestly.‖ He further

practices while getting his contract hammered out. Brown elaborated, ―I was talking to coach Jackson after practice and I

signed a 6-year, $62 million deal with $18.5 million told him I haven‘t felt this good in five years. The team is

guaranteed. Brown took his conditioning test on Friday and really working hard and coming together. We are starting to

reported to camp for his first practice on Saturday. pick up this offense. There is a lot of detail to this offense and

we need to be on top of it. I am really encouraged that it is day

(eight) and the guys are still running. We are starting to hit

Special Teams: Kicker Neil Rackers spent the offseason

that wall where you see who can push through it and who

working out and trying to lose a few pounds, in an effort to

folds. We have a lot guys who are still running, so that is very

improve his long range accuracy which faltered last year.

encouraging.‖ QB coach Bill Musgrave likes what he sees

According to him, he was ―a little overweight last season ...

from the QB stable so far, ―I‘d say we‘re going to have a

which might have caused my plant foot to be back. I wasn‘t

tremendous year,‖ he said on Friday. ―I‘m confident of that.

getting through the ball quite as well. Now I‘m sitting right at

The guys are working hard in our offense and really our entire

198-200. I feel great, I‘m a lot stronger, so I don‘t need to kick

team is coming together…We have a great group. Our

the ball quite as hard.‖ He also spent the offseason continually

meeting room is real lively. All four of them have immersed

practicing field goals from the spot where he missed a

themselves in our system and they‘re learning just as fast as

potential game winner in last year‘s devastating Monday night

they can.‖ Harrington is comfortable working with Musgrave,

loss to Chicago. On the plus side, he‘s working to correct his

stating ―His demeanor, his approach to the game and his

mistakes. On the negative side, that is contrary to the accepted

knowledge of the game are incredible. I feel extremely lucky

notion of putting a missed kick behind you and moving on.

to be working with him this year.‖

Rackers missed some practice last week due to a death in his

family. Rookie WR Steve Breaston, CB Rod Hood, WR

Bryant Johnson and WR Michael Spurlock have been RB: On Wednesday (8/1), head coach Bobby Petrino

practicing on punt returns. Hood missed a day of practice with commented on the rushing/passing mix during 2007, ―Well,

a minor ankle sprain. we have to be able to do both and there is no question about

that. We need to be as balanced as we can on first-and-10

between run and pass plays. If we get positive yardage on first

Cardinals Depth Chart down, that will help us out a lot. We can‘t just run the ball and

QB: Matt Leinart, Kurt Warner, Shayne Boyd, Toby Korrodi we can‘t just throw the ball. It would be nice for us to run the

RB: Edgerrin James, Marcel Shipp, J.J. Arrington (KR), ball well early to take some pressure off of Joey (Harrington)

Diamond Ferri, Steve Baylark and get him into a comfort zone between run and play action. I

FB: Terrelle Smith, A.J. Schable (inj), Tim Castille, BranDon think it is going to be paramount if we can throw the ball deep

Snow, Roshon Vercher too. Teams are going to drop safeties down and blitz early on

WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Bryant Johnson, us, so we are going to have to hit some big plays down the

LeRon McCoy, Sean Morey, Steve Breaston (KR/PR), Todd field.‖ On Saturday morning (the Falcons held an open

Watkins, Greg Lee, Michael Spurlock (KR/PR), Ahmad practice in Atlanta at Piedmont Park Saturday afternoon),

Jerious Norwood made several praise-worthy plays according happy to be back out there," Jackson said. "I'm playing

to reports in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. football, and that's the only thing that matters. All the other

stuff is behind me. I don't even look back. You have to turn

WR: Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson is pleased with his the page…It felt good out there. It was just something to get

receiving corps so far, according to comments made last going. I haven't taken any reps since January." Jackson

Thursday, "I've never been around a harder working group. rehabbed a right knee surgery during the offseason, but

They have really made strides. I'm looking for them to reported in decent shape according to Petrino, ―I think he's in

continue to make strides. They need to really step up, create fairly good condition right now. We just have to make sure we

and make plays for us, and I think they will." Free agent don't have any setbacks with the knee.‖ On Thursday, Lawyer

import Joe Horn impresses his new QB – on Thursday Milloy sat out of practice – Coach Petrino stated, ―It is the

Harrington said, "I'm surprised that Joe Horn has been out same situation with Lawyer (same situation as Alge

here at every practice. That's a testament to what kind of Crumpler). Some of the veterans have (injuries) to manage or

worker that he is." Harrington also commented on the entire need some rest. We are trying to monitor and take care of it.‖

WR stable, ―I don‘t know anything about this group of S Chris Crocker and RCB Houston, engaged in competition

receivers that people are asking me about from last year. All I for starting jobs, did not take part in Saturday morning's

know is what I see this year and they are the best group of practice because of inflammation in their knees. "It was kind

receivers I have played with. They are the most talented and of a precautionary deal," Petrino said about holding Houston

hardworking group of receivers I have ever seen. Right now I and Crocker out. "They'll be back Monday."

have nothing but confidence in them. It seems like we have a

guy for every situation. They are running and they are working Special Teams: The Falcons released Aaron Elling, leaving

out here and I respect that.‖ Harrington also had praise for Billy Cundiff as the only kicker on the roster. Punter Michael

rookie Laurent Robinson, saying ―He is going to be a Koenen has been available in recent years for long field goal

tremendous receiver. He‘s got great size, great hands, good attempts, although he may not be needed for that this year.

speed and a great stride. He has a huge stride and he can get to Cundiff has the range to hit long ones, so Koenen will

defensive backs and close that cushion. He is learning the probably stick to punting this year. Head coach Bobby Petrino

game well. He has a great mind; he is open to criticism and recently noted, ―I like what Michael Koenen's doing. He's

open to learning. He is asking questions and trying to figure punted as well as he has since I've been here. He's punting it

what he can do to get better. That‘s all you want to see from a nice and high, and his location has been very good." Kickoff

rookie.‖ Coach Petrino commented on Roddy White and and punt returns will most likely be handled by CB Allen

Laurent Robinson on Wednesday, stating ―Roddy is much Rossum and/or WR Adam Jennings. The dark horse candidate

faster and he‘s doing a nice job catching the deep ball. Laurent is WR Noriaki Kinoshita. He got off to a limited start, "I can't

certainly has the speed and the stride. I think the thing that be given many chances, because I haven't really memorized

surprises everyone about Laurent is his stride. He gobbles up the plays and the tempo (of the camp) is pretty fast."

the turf quickly on defensive backs. He‘s done a nice job

adjusting to the ball as well. I think we‘ll definitely throw the DB/ST player David Irons is making a god impression in

ball downfield to those two guys. Joe (Horn) has gone deep training camp so far, according to Petrino, ―David Irons is the

and he‘s been able to catch the ball too.‖ type of guy that is going to come out, work hard every day and

be competitive. He should be a very good player for us on

TE: Alge Crumpler sat out of Thursday‘s morning practice by special teams. He has to get use to the NFL rules in terms of

design. Coach Petrino commented, ―We‘re trying to get Alge the 5-yard area and when your hands can be on a receiver.

in one practice a day so; hopefully, we will get him in this Once he does that, he‘ll have great recovery speed. Also, I

afternoon. He did a great job yesterday so we are just trying to think his competitiveness and his ability to catch up will really

let him get some rest.‖ help him to be a player.‖



Defense: LB Keith Brooking sat out of practice on Friday due Falcons Depth Chart

to soreness in one of his knees. RCB Lewis Shepherd is QB: Joey Harrington, D.J. Shockley, Chris Redman, Lang

locked in a positional battle with rookie Chris Houston, and he Campbell, Michael Vick

may hold off Houston and retain the starting job, according to RB: Warrick Dunn (inj), Jerious Norwood, Jamal Robertson,

reports out of Atlanta. Shepherd commented on Friday, "For Jason Snelling, Justin Vincent, Taurean Henderson, Sha-Ron

me, it's all about winning, so I'm trying to get everybody ready Edwards, Arlen Harris

to go. I never know what could happen to me tomorrow in FB: Ovie Mughelli, Corey McIntyre

practice. I could go down or something could happen. The WR: Michael Jenkins, Joe Horn, Roddy White, Laurent

next person's got to be ready to go. I'm going to do what I've Robinson, Adam Jennings, Jamin Elliot, Vincent Marshall,

got to do. At the same time, I've got to make sure that if Eric Weems, Eric Newman, Noriaki Kinoshita (KR), Ben

something happens to me, the next guy is ready to go." Coach Nelson, Brian Finneran (IR)

Petrino also chimed in on Shepherd‘s performance: "Lew is TE: Alge Crumpler (inj), Dwayne Blakely, Martrez Milner,

doing a real nice job. He understands the game. He knows the Daniel Fells

routes. He knows how to cheat and jump routes sometimes. K: Billy Cundiff, Aaron Elling

He really does a nice job of reading routes, and he's also DT: Grady Jackson (NT), Rod Coleman (inj), Darrell

helping Chris a lot." DT Grady Jackson returned on Tuesday Shropshire (NT), Jonathan Babineaux, T.J. Jackson (NT),

after settling a defamation suit against the team. "I'm just Trey Lewis (NT), Michael Bozeman ,David Patterson, Kelly

Talavou on the first three plays following the scuffle, including TD

DE: John Abraham, Jamaal Anderson, Paul Carrington, catches by Demetrius Williams and Derrick Mason. As

Chauncey Davis, Josh Mallard, Nic Clemons Preston suggests, for the first time in years, the offense didn‘t

MLB: Keith Brooking (W), Jordan Beck, Tony Taylor flinch. Even reserve WR Devard Darling wasn‘t taking any

OLB: Michael Boley (S), Demorrio Williams (W)(inj), flak, getting into the defensive players‘ faces along with

Stephen Nicholas (W), Orlando Huff (W), Marcus Wilkins several other young players like Williams; rookie tackles Jared

(S), John Leake (S), Travis Williams Gaither, Marshal Yanda and guard Jason Brown. Darling also

CB: DeAngelo Hall, Chris Houston, Lewis Sanders, Allen tangled with Redskins safety Sean Taylor on Saturday, which

Rossum (KR), David Irons, Brent Grimes, Antoine Harris led to Darling ripping Taylor‘s helmet off during 11-on-11s.

S: Lawyer Milloy (SS), Chris Crocker (FS), Jimmy Williams

(FS), Omare Lowe (SS), Daren Stone (FS), Nick Turnbull Williams is becoming a fan favorite, too. Fans went nuts on

(FS), Jeramie Johnson (SS) Friday when he leaped high into the air over corner Willie

Gaston to haul in a touchdown pass from rookie QB Troy

Smith. Williams looks like the most improved receiver in

camp. He is fast and he‘s running more physical routes. "We

all saw what Demetrius could do last year, and he needs to

Baltimore Ravens build on that," Coach Brian Billick said. Added Boller:

"Demetrius runs great routes. All of them do." Williams said

QB: In Saturday‘s scrimmage against the Redskins, QB Steve his comfort level within the Ravens offense has grown, too.

McNair looked calm and collected. On a third-and-6 he hit TE "I'm a little bit more comfortable, especially with this training

Todd Heap for a 12-yard completion down the middle of the camp and everything," he said. "This year, I have a better

field, and then he hit Demetrius Williams for 14 yards on a sense of what to do. So this year, it's more about working on

2nd-and-8. Kyle Boller also connected with Demetrius the technique. There's not as much thinking. Once you get rid

Williams, who showed signs that he may indeed be ready to of the thinking, I think your ability starts to come out, and you

breakout this year, for two potential TDs. Williams also can play your game." Clarence Moore was not active for

caught passes for 5, 14 and 18 yards during the scrimmage. Saturday‘s scrimmage, despite practicing all week. Moore felt

―When you play against the No. 1 defense in the NFL, it's kind his left hamstring tighten up during warm-ups so he played it

of hard to see how good our offense really is," quarterback safe. "I just know that with the competitive nature of going

Steve McNair said. "Coming out today, we moved the ball and against another team, I would've tried to push it that extra

made some plays down the field. That shows where we're at mile," Moore said. "So I just said that it wasn't worth it for a

and how far we've got to improve." McNair finished 3-of-5 for scrimmage. I'd rather just get back to training on Monday and

33 yards. He had his worst practice just a couple days earlier get ready for the preseason game against the Eagles [on Aug.

on the fourth day of training camp. Boller took the majority of 13]."

the snaps, finishing with 88 yards on 5-of-8 passing. "I just

feel really comfortable out there," Boller said. "I'm not TE: On Friday, the first big scare of training camp occurred

nervous. I just kind of go out there and go through my reads when Todd Heap was shoved to the ground and was slow

and just have fun." Boller‘s 39-yard pass to TE Daniel Wilcox getting up. The crowd became nervous when Heap initially

was the biggest play of the scrimmage. favored his right ankle, but he quickly walked it off and the

trainer checked him out just to be sure. Soon after, Heap was

RB: Willis McGahee didn‘t set the world on fire against the back on the field and everything was fine. In Friday morning‘s

Redskins defense. He gained nine yards on four carries, practice McNair connected often with his tight ends. He hit

including a 5-yard burst up the middle on 1st down. "I can get Heap for a 25-yard TD behind safety Dawan Landry. Later,

used to this. I can't wait until the opener," McGahee said. "I'm McNair dropped a 4-yard TD to TE Daniel Wilcox. Wilcox

ready." He said he wasn't affected by the sweltering heat also had a nice scrimmage against the Redskins catching 2

either. "What heat? I wasn't complaining about it," McGahee passes for 53 yards. Tipping his hat to the Ravens D, Wilcox

said. "I'm [an] all-terrain guy." In the locker room afterwards, said, ―The Redskins were the closest thing we've seen to a

McNair was talking about the heat, ―"My toes are still regular defense this year.‖

burning.‖ The Ravens were shut down on one series despite

having a 1st-and-goal from the 4-yard line; settling for a Matt Defense: Despite playing the 2nd unit during most of the

Stover 22-yard FG. P.J. Daniels, with a 1-yard TD run, scrimmage, the Ravens defense dominated the Redskins

finished off a drive by the second team offense that covered during 11-on-11 drills. Mark Brunell was playing for starter

60-yards. "I dedicate that to my offensive line," said Daniels. Jason Campbell, but the Skins offense mustered only two first

"They kept pushing, and they never gave up." downs, failed one third down conversion and didn‘t cross

midfield in 10 plays. LB Edgar Jones recorded a sack off the

WR: Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun reporter, reports the left edge. "It felt good, getting a sack in front of all those

Ravens offense is developing a ―nasty streak‖. In years past fans," said Jones, who said he also made a couple of mistakes.

the offense would be dominated and taunted by the defense. "Just hearing the fans and playing against the Redskins, it was

This year, when a fight broke out between TE Marcus a pretty good experience." NT Kelly Gregg (bruise) and LB

Freeman and LB Jarret Johnson, the offense reacted in a much Antwan Barnes (ankle) didn‘t play. On Friday, one day after

different way. Instead of going back to the huddle and getting deflecting a pass that led to an interception by Jamaine

abused by the defense the rest of practice, the offense scored Winborne, safety Gerome Sapp intercepted a pass himself

during a seven-on-seven, two-minute drill. Sapp picked off a RB: Head coach Dick Jauron still maintains that the Bills will

Kyle Boller pass intended for receiver Damien Linson. use a committee approach at RB this year no matter who

winds up with the starting job. Anthony Thomas continues to

Special Teams: Kicker Matt Stover made a 22-yard field goal take most of the reps with the first unit and has looked quick,

in a scrimmage against Washington. He‘s been busier than making several impressive cuts to get extra yardage in the

expected early in camp, since British camp leg Rhys Lloyd has open field. Marshawn Lynch has been impressive in most

been delayed joining the team due to visa problems. On drills thus far, demonstrating great balance and soft hands out

kickoff and punt returns, DB B.J. Sams looks to be fully of the backfield. He was inconsistent in pass protection during

recovered from last year‘s broken ankle, and rookie WR has the week but showed signs of improvement and recognized

looked promising so far in practices. That is not good news for how important it was to his development, ―It is key. It‘s

the job security of RB Cory Ross, the primary backup on something we go over. I felt with today‘s practice I was well

returns last year. He noted, "Competition is competition prepared for it and that‘s why I was able to get out on those

wherever you're at. The only thing I can do is just have fun edges and pick those guys up.‖ Rookie Dwayne Wright has

and do what I do." In other words, he realizes the writing is on been running hard and demonstrated his blocking ability, but

the wall. also took a few big hits this week, including one that forced a

fumble in the backfield.

Ravens Depth Chart

QB: Steve McNair, Kyle Boller, Troy Smith, Drew Olsen WR: Lee Evans is clearly the star of this group and as Dick

RB: Willis McGahee, Musa Smith, Mike Anderson, P.J. Jauron said, ―We look for him to put fear in the defense we‘re

Daniels, Cory Ross, Greg Pruitt Jr. playing.‖ Given all the attention Evans will receive from

FB: Justin Green, Le'Ron McClain defenses, the Bills will need some other players to play better

WR: Mark Clayton (PR), Derrick Mason, Demetrius than they did a year ago. Josh Reed took a big step in that

Williams, Clarence Moore, Devard Darling, Yamon Figurs direction with a great week of practice, including a one-

(KR/PR), Romby Bryant, Damien Linson, Matt Willis, Leo handed grab over the middle and a long TD where he was

Bookman wide open after beating CB Terrence McGee on a double

TE: Todd Heap, Daniel Wilcox, Quinn Sypniewski, Marcus move. Roscoe Parrish missed some time with heat exhaustion

Freeman, Kendrick Ballantyne but has also shown the potential to be a big-play threat for this

K: Matt Stover, Rhys Lloyd, Brendan Carney offense. Peerless Price, the projected starter, had a quiet week

DT: Kelly Gregg, Haloti Ngata, Justin Bannan, Dwan in practice and could lose some playing time to Parrish.

Edwards, Keyonta Marshall, Anthony Bryant, Atiyyah Ellison

DE: Terrell Suggs, Trevor Pryce, Travis Leitko, Bill Swancutt TE: The Bills have 6 TEs in training camp and any of them

MLB: Ray Lewis, Mike Smith, Prescott Burgess could be used in the backfield or sent in motion, but OC Steve

OLB: Bart Scott (W), Jarrett Johnson (S/DE), Gary Stills Fairchild indicated that starter Robert Royal and backup Kevin

(S/DE), Dan Cody (S) (inj), Antwan Barnes, Dennis Haley, Everett would primarily be used on the line of scrimmage. The

Edgar Jones, Joe Martin, Jamar Enzor, Ryan Riddle two players most likely to play H-back are Ryan Neufeld and

CB: Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Corey Ivy, Ronnie Prude, Brad Cieslak and they will likely compete for snaps all

David Pittman, Evan Oglesby, Derrick Martin, B.J. Sams preseason long. The goal of using an H-Back in place of a true

(KR/PR), Willie Gaston, Terrell Maze fullback this season is to make the offense more versatile.

S: Ed Reed (FS), Dawan Landry (SS), Jamaine Winborn, Defenses won‘t be able to anticipate run or pass when the H-

Gerome Sapp, Donnie Johnson, Bobby Blackshire back is in there, and it will also free up the tailbacks,

especially Marshawn Lynch, to be a receiver out of the

backfield. Neufeld suffered a hyper-extended knee in practice

but it isn‘t expected to be serious.



Buffalo Bills Defense: Early on in training camp, the offense was beating

the defense pretty regularly but in Week 2 the defense started

QB: J.P. Losman has continued his strong play in Week 2 of to turn things around. Linebackers Keith Ellison, Coy Wire,

training camp and the Bills are showing signs of what should and Angelo Crowell have been forcing plenty of turnovers and

be a more potent passing attack this season. Losman has been hitting anything that moves. DT John McCargo had been

doing a great job of executing play fakes and connecting with playing well, including a burst through the line to drop RB

WRs on long pass plays, although the defense was able to Josh Scobey in the backfield, but he suffered a strained

make him pay for the few mistakes he made. On Tuesday oblique muscle on Friday and may be out for a little while. In

night, in one of the week‘s highlights, Losman rolled to his the competition to replace Nate Clements at CB, veteran Jason

right and launched a 60-yard touchdown bomb down the left Webster remains the favorite but he missed a few days with a

sideline to Roscoe Parrish, who caught it in stride. Not leg injury this week and durability was already a major

surprisingly, there appears to be a pretty big dropoff in play concern for him to begin with. Kiwaukee Thomas replaced

between Losman and the two backups. Craig Nall‘s accuracy Webster with the first unit. Rookie Paul Posluszny has been

has been improving and he is still the favorite for the backup taking reps at MLB with the first unit while John DiGiorgio

job, but rookie Trent Edwards has shown flashes of potential recovered from a hip flexor injury, and Coy Wire has filled in

and could put some pressure on with a solid showing in the at MLB with the second unit.

first couple preseason games.

Special Teams: CB Terrence McGee, WR Roscoe Parrish, WR: The competition for the spots behind Steve Smith is

RB Fred Jackson and WR Jonathan Smith continue to practice heating up. Keary Colbert and Drew Carter have been splitting

on kickoff returns. Missing from the mix was RB Josh the reps with the starters so far, with Dwayne Jarrett in the

Scobey, who was out with a calf injury. RB Shaud Williams background. The extra reps should help fantasy owners

and RB Dwayne Wright have lined up in the upman position evaluate the best prospect for the team‘s #2WR position. Ryne

on returns. Smith rejoined the Bills this year, after playing Robinson has expectedly made his mark as a kick/punt

briefly for the division rival Patriots last year. He noted that returner, but has unexpectedly contributed at both split end

practice wasn‘t really any different between the two teams. and flanker in passing situations. Reports indicate that

Colbert looks like the promising player we glimpsed in 2004 –

Bills Depth Chart he‘s said to be catching everything thrown his way.

QB: J.P. Losman (PUP), Craig Nall, Trent Edwards, Kevin

Eakin TE: Jeff King is reported to be in great shape this year – he

RB: Marshawn Lynch, Anthony Thomas, Dwayne Wright, appears to be a slight favorite to start at TE as of the second

Shaud Williams (3RB), Josh Scobey, Fred Jackson week of training camp. On Saturday (8/4), King, Michael

WR: Lee Evans, Peerless Price, Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish Gaines and Chad Upshaw all had solid plays to their credit.

(PR), Sam Aiken, Donovan Morgan, Scott Mayle, Jemalle The competition at TE is tight at this point. On Friday (8/3),

Cornelius, Jonathan Smith, Justin Jenkins King commented, ―I‘m extremely excited. Anytime you have

TE: Robert Royal, Kevin Everett, Matt Murphy, Ryan an opportunity to work with the #1 offense, it‘s a great feeling.

Neufeld (FB), Brad Cieslak (FB), Derek Schouman (FB) But, at the same time, you have to realize you‘ve got to get

K: Rian Lindell, D.J. Fitzpatrick better every day.‖

DT: Larry Tripplett, Kyle Williams, John McCargo, Tim

Anderson, Jason Jefferson, Corey Mace Defense: Carolina Panthers rookie LB Jon Beason ended his

DE: Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay, Ryan Denney, Anthony eight-day holdout Sunday (8/5) when he signed a five-year

Hargrove, C.J. Ah You, Eric Powell, Ryan Neill contract that includes more than $6 million in guaranteed

MLB: Paul Posluszny, John DiGiorgio (S/M), Thaddeus money. Agent Michael Huyghue said Beason, the 25th pick in

Washington the draft, will get a $3.2 million signing bonus to make up for

OLB: Angelo Crowell (S/M)(inj), Keith Ellison (W), Mario the lack of a second-year option bonus, which was the main

Haggan (W/M), Coy Wire (S/FS), Josh Stamer (S/W), Roy stumbling block in the negotiations. Panthers‘ DE Julius

Manning (W), Kevin Harrison (W) Peppers sat out on Friday because he was ill. Safety Mike

CB: Terrence McGee (KR), Jason Webster, Kiwaukee Minter announced his retirement this week, ending speculation

Thomas, Jabari Greer, Ashton Youboty, Riley Swanson, about his future with the team. The Panthers acquired veteran

Reggie Lewis, Eric Bassey S Chris Harris from Chicago to bolster their thin DB roster; a

S: Donte Whitner (SS), Ko Simpson (FS), George Wilson timely move in light of Minter‘s decision. S Nate Salley, WR

(SS), John Wendling (SS), Jim Leonhard (FS), Trevor Hooper Ryne Robinson, LB Brandon Jamison and DB Derrick Strait

(FS), John Sorto (FS) all sat out with minor leg complaints on Friday. The Charlotte

Observer noted on Wednesday that LB Dan Morgan has been

seeing an increasing work load: ―Linebacker Dan Morgan,

recovering from concussions, had a strong practice that

included an end zone interception of a pass from quarterback

Carolina Panthers Dalton Bell. Morgan has had his workload increase gradually

with no ill effects so far.‖ Head coach Fox commented on

QB: Jake Delhomme and David Carr are growing together Morgan‘s situation Thursday, stating, ―When Dan's healthy,

during training camp. On Saturday, Delhomme stated, he's as good as there is. We're being cautious. Every time you

―David's started more games in this league than I have, so he throw him in there you hold your breath. But he's taking more

has the experience. So that's always great to draw back on and and more reps in the contact drills.‖ LB Na‘il Diggs missed

get feedback, and sometimes he needs to ask me a question. practice on Tuesday, but the tweaked hamstring that held him

We don't hold anything back, and I mean that in a good way. out is not considered serious at this time. James Anderson is in

I've been in situations where it's not a healthy environment, the mix to start at weakside LB (along with Diggs and Beason)

and that doesn't do anybody any good. We're trying to get according to Panthers.com. Stanley McClover has had a

everybody better, and that's when you have fun, when you strong camp to date playing in place of the injured Mike

win." According to reports out of Charlotte, Delhomme Rucker. He‘s a guy that IDP owners will want to monitor as

looked sharp in practices this past week. training camp moves along.



RB: DeShaun Foster has been working as the Panthers‘ Special Teams: Kicker John Kasay attempted field goals of

starting RB during training camp, according to the Gaston 59 and 62 yards the other day, but came up short on both. The

Gazette: ―DeShaun Foster, who has been working as the Panthers have never hesitated to let Kasay try long attempts,

team‘s starting running back, also looked good on the drive and he makes his fair share of them. Rookie WR Ryne

(Saturday‘s intra-squad scrimmage) with three carries for 17 Robinson is being given every opportunity to be the return

yards.‖ Coach Fox commented after the scrimmage, ―We had specialist this year. After missing a morning practice due to a

some guys run the ball hard. I though DeShaun (Foster) and tight leg muscle, he subsequently fumbled a kickoff return in

DeAngelo (Williams) and even Alex Haynes there at the end.‖ the next practice. But that was the only bad news. Otherwise

he has shown good judgment, good ball handling, and good Berrian has been playing like the team‘s #1 WR and seems

moves once he catches the ball. The returner job is currently headed for a big season. ―Bernard has already started that

his to lose. Robinson has also shown early promise on offense. ascension to being an elite receiver,'' position coach Darryl

WR Chris Horn has also been practicing on punt returns. Drake said. ''He's making himself into a complete football

player.'' Other players taking advantage of Muhammad‘s

Panthers Depth Chart absence include Mark Bradley and Mike Hass. Bradley is

QB: Jake Delhomme, David Carr, Brett Basanez, Dalton Bell entering his third season and the Bears think he‘ll have a

RB: DeAngelo Williams, DeShaun Foster, Eric Shelton, Nick breakout season if he can just stay healthy. Mike Hass has a

Goings, Alex Haynes decent chance to make the team as a 6th receiver after spending

FB: Brad Hoover, Billy Latsko, Steven Jackson all of last year on the practice squad.

WR: Steve Smith, Drew Carter, Dwayne Jarrett, Keary

Colbert, Taye Biddle, Kevin Youngblood, Ryne Robinson, TE: Desmond Clark and rookie Greg Olsen both continue to

Josh Davis, Justin McCullum, Chris Horn, Jahkeen Gilmore practice with the first unit. Having both players on the field at

TE: Jeff King, Michael Gaines, Dante Rosario, Chad Upshaw the same time should give the Bears a new dimension on

K: John Kasay, Andrew Wellock offense this year, although neither is particularly well known

DT: Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Kris Jenkins, Damione Lewis, Chad for their blocking. Third TE John Gilmore also figures to get

Lavalais, Kindal Moorehead, Stephen Williams, Brent Curvey regular playing time since he is the best blocker of the group

DE: Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker (inj), Charles Johnson, by far.

Stanley McClover, Dave Ball, Otis Grigsby, Jason Hall (inj),

Rondell Biggs, Gary Gibson Defense: Although the Bears return nearly every starter from a

MLB: Dan Morgan (inj), Adam Seward year ago, they will have a new weapon this season in SS

OLB: Thomas Davis (S), Na'il Diggs (W) (inj), Jon Beason Adam Archuleta. One of the league‘s best pass rushers from

(W/M), James Anderson (W), Tim Shaw, Brandon Jamison, the safety position, Archuleta has been lining up like an extra

Philippe Gardent, Mickey Pementel, Terrence Melton (IR) linebacker and could make the Bears defense even scarier for

CB: Chris Gamble (PR), Ken Lucas, Richard Marshall, Curtis opposing QBs this year. The team also signed newly acquired

Deloatch, Derrick Strait, Kevin Garrett, Christian Morton DT Darwin Walker to a 5-year, $25 million contract with $8.5

S: Nate Salley (FS), Chris Harris (SS), Deke Cooper, C.J. million guaranteed. Walker is expected to back up Tommie

Wilson, Cam Newton, Quinton Teal, Jermaine Hardy Harris at the three-technique spot, but could also receive

playing time at NT. Chris Harris, who had fallen to 6 th on the

safety depth chart in Chicago, was traded to the Panthers

where he‘s expected to compete for a starting job. CB Dante

Wesley was traded to the Patriots to make room for young

Chicago Bears players like rookie Trumaine McBride, who caught the

attention of the coaching staff early in camp and has been

QB: Grossman continues to have a strong training camp but playing with the second unit.

there hasn‘t been much contact yet so a better test of how he

handles pressure will come in the preseason. Grossman often Special Teams: Camp leg Nick Novak came close to being

got into trouble last year by throwing the ball away when Chicago‘s kicker back in 2005, but they opted to go with the

pressured, so this year he has pledged to tuck the ball and run experienced veteran, Doug Brien. This time he‘s just

a bit more. While that may cut down on his interceptions, it auditioning for the rest of the league, since Robbie Gould will

also will make him more susceptible to injury. With Grossman remain the Bears‘ kicker. Special teams coordinator Dave

firmly entrenched as the Bears starter for now (he‘s in the last Toub said of Novak, "There's only 32 jobs out there, and he's

year of his contract), Brian Griese may be in a battle with Kyle in the top 35. We think Nick is a very good, quality kicker,

Orton for the backup job. Griese‘s experience should win out and we're lucky to have him at camp. He's on the verge of

in the end, but Orton had a strong offseason and the coaching breaking out to be on a squad." WR Devin Hester, WR

staff has rewarded him with some 2nd unit reps. Rashied Davis, WR Timon Marshall, FS Danieal Manning,

rookie WR Drisan James and rookie RB Josh Allen have

RB: Cedric Benson probably isn‘t in serious danger of losing practiced on kickoffs. Hester missed two days of practice with

his starting job, but Adrian Peterson took most of the first a sore hamstring.

team reps over the weekend. Benson has had some fumbling

problems in camp early on and was apparently ―a little sore‖ Bears Depth Chart

according to head coach Lovie Smith. The Bears are likely just QB: Rex Grossman, Brian Griese, Kyle Orton, Chris Leak

being careful with their new starter here, but it‘s not a great RB: Cedric Benson (inj), Adrian Peterson, Garrett Wolfe, Josh

sign for a player who is coming into the season with durability Allen

concerns. Rookie Garrett Wolfe recently returned to practice FB: Jason McKie, Obafemi Ayanbedejo, Jon Goldsberry,

after suffering a hamstring injury on the second day of camp Quadtrine Hill

but is still limited. WR: Muhsin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian, Mark Bradley,

Rashied Davis (PR), Devin Hester (KR/PR), Mike Hass, Dave

WR: Muhsin Muhammad has missed 5 straight days of Ball, Brandon Rideau, Drisan James, Timon Marshall, Clinton

practice due to an unspecified injury that was simply referred Solomon

to as ―general soreness‖ by the Bears. In his absence, Bernard TE: Desmond Clark, Greg Olsen, John Gilmore, Fontel

Mines, Brett Pierce will still get the bulk of the carries this season. Ball security

K: Robbie Gould, Nick Novak and blitz pickup are every bit as important as breakaway speed

DT: Tommie Harris (inj), Darwin Walker, Dusty Dvoracek and big play ability. Fullback Jeremi Johnson may be back at

(NT), Anthony Adams, Antonio Garay, Tory Collins practice after sitting out last week with a vague leg injury and

DE: Adewale Ogunleye, Mark Anderson, Alex Brown, Dan conditioning issues.

Bazuin, Israel Idonije (DT), Copeland Bryan, Greg White,

Chris Frome WR: Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are in

MLB: Brian Urlacher midseason form. Each performed well during the intrasquad

OLB: Lance Briggs (W), Hunter Hillenmeyer (S/M), Michael scrimmage, Johnson catching three passes for 44 yards and

Okwo (W), Jamar Williams (W), Brendon Ayanbadejo (S), Houshmandzadeh three for 33 yards and a TD.

Leon Joe (W), Darrell McClover, Rod Wilson, Danny Verdun- Houshmandzadeh also added a 17-yard end around. While the

Wheeler Bengals‘ two stud receivers are clicking with Palmer as usual,

CB: Charles Tillman, Nathan Vasher, Ricky Manning, Corey the competition for the third wide receiver job is a mess. Tab

Graham, Trumaine McBride, Tim Mixon, Greg Fassitt Perry, who went into camp with a tenuous hold on the job, felt

S: Mike Brown (FS/SS), Adam Archuleta (SS), Danieal some soreness in the hip that cost him most of the 2006

Manning (FS/CB), Brandon McGowan (SS), Kevin Payne, season. An MRI apparently showed no evidence of a

Tyler Everett (SS), Jay Staggs, Andrew Shanle recurrent injury. However, despite Perry‘s protests to the

contrary, doctors held him out of the intrasquad scrimmage

and mock game last weekend. Perry expects to be eased back

into practice this week. The next three receivers on the depth

chart (Antonio Chatman, Glenn Holt, and Bennie Brazell) also

Cincinnati Bengals missed time with leg injuries. All three should be back to

practice soon. The rash of injuries opened the door for last

QB: If the first ten days of camp are any indication, Carson season‘s fifth round pick, Reggie McNeal, to impress the

Palmer is back in 2005 form when he completed nearly 68% coaches and make an impact as the team‘s 3rd WR over the

of his passes with a 32-12 TD-INT ratio. Palmer has been weekend. McNeal had three drops in the intrasquad activities,

crisp and on target all week long despite working with a but he also made some nice catches, too. McNeal caught a

merry-go-round of third and fourth receivers due to injuries to deep pass down the sideline from Doug Johnson. On another

the wide receiver corps. Palmer capped the week with a 7-for- play, he came back for a reception, cutting across the middle

9 effort in the annual intrasquad scrimmage, including an as Johnson rolled out to his left when protection broke down.

efficient 5-of-5 for 69 yards during his first 11 snaps. The "He sees things conceptually, big-picture, like a quarterback,"

Bengals are making every effort to keep Palmer fresh during said WRs coach Mike Sheppard of McNeal.

camp, holding him out of the morning practice during two-a-

days for weight room and conditioning work. Backup Doug TE: The Bengals were reduced to pulling bodies in off the

Johnson had an up-and-down week. After the coaching staff street last week after three tight ends were injured during

singled him out for his good work in the two-minute offense consecutive practices, with two taken to the hospital with back

earlier in the week, Johnson was picked three times during the injuries. Starting tight end Reggie Kelly remains healthy. The

team‘s mock game. Johnson is in no jeopardy of losing his #2 injuries to the competition opened up a number of repetitions

role to rookie Jeff Rowe, however. Rowe had a nice outing in for undrafted free agent Daniel Coats. Coats took the

the Saturday mock game, going 7-for-12 with no major errors. opportunity to impress the coaching staff with his blocking

ability, route running and quick grasp of the pass offense. He

RB: Although Rudi Johnson finished the first series of the appears to have separated himself in the race to earn the

intrasquad scrimmage with a 6-yard touchdown run, the talk backup tight end role. The Bengals aren‘t afraid to use their

of the weekend‘s scrimmage and mock game was rookie tight ends around the goal line, so Coats may end up with a

Kenny Irons. Irons showed the quickness and breakaway significant role if he continues to progress.

speed the team felt they were getting when they selected Irons

in the April draft. He ripped off 65 yards on ten carries, Defense: The same issues that plagued the Bengal defense in

including an impressive 24-yard cutback run. Unfortunately, recent seasons have continued to be issues early in camp. The

Irons fumbled at the end of the run getting tackled from intrasquad scrimmage and mock game saw the defense make

behind, prompting head coach Marvin Lewis to say, ―If you plays (both ―final scores‖ were very close) but give up a

keep doing that you end up in the press box…‖ Offensive number of long gainers along the way. The defense got high

coordinator Bob Bratkowski continues to praise Irons, noting marks for stuffing Rudi Johnson on two third-and-short plays

that although he needs to continue to work on pass protection but defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan was disappointed

and maintaining his pad level, Irons is ―everything we thought in the five plays over 12 yards given up by the unit. "Tackling

and more.‖ Running backs coach Jim Anderson, one of the wise, I wasn't pleased. Assignment wise I don't think we were

most respected and tenured position coaches in the league, is too bad," said Bresnahan. "We have to lead the league in

also impressed. ―He runs like he‘s 220 pounds,‖ Anderson turnovers. We need more than three in each game. Five big

said. ―He has that slashing ability Corey [Dillon] had early in plays. Not good enough.‖ The team has been pleased with the

his career. He‘s only about 15 pounds lighter than Corey, but play of its linebackers. Ed Hartwell, competing for the WLB

he runs with that same kind of style. And the thing is, he‘s job, has been healthy and disruptive. He was responsible for

always looking to make the big play.‖ Don‘t get carried away one of the stuffs of Rudi Johnson and added an interception

listening to the coaches‘ comments, though. Rudi Johnson

off a tipped pass in the mock game. The highest praise this

week was for MLB Ahmad Brooks, who looks like a new

player after last year‘s inconsistent rookie season. Brooks has

impressed everyone with his grasp of his assignments and Cleveland Browns

those of his teammates, and the team has given him control of

the huddle. Said Marvin Lewis, ―Last year he was trying to QB: After 15 days of practice, 22nd overall pick Brady Quinn

get himself lined up, for the most part. Now he is able to put finally signed a contract and will begin his tenure in

other people in position, and that is a good thing. He is able to Cleveland. After two weeks of disagreements, largely over the

get us correct if there are adjustments that need to be made. I escalator incentives that would kick in should Quinn earn

hear him making those adjustments from the sideline. I think starting time, the team finally acquiesced with a 5-year,

those are things that a year ago, he would have to get on the $20.2mm deal with an additional $10mm in escalators. The

second time around." On the injury front, the team expects to question now becomes, is it too late for Quinn to make a claim

get CB Johnathan Joseph (broken foot) back at practice soon on the starting job? Romeo Crennel sounds unconvinced of his

but is still waiting for DE Frostee Rucker to get back on the chances, "He's pretty far behind…We have a lot of offense,

field after suffering an undisclosed leg injury during the first and we're putting it in every day. It takes a while to get this

practice of camp. down and get caught up on it." Don‘t count Quinn completely

out of the picture though, because neither Charlie Frye nor

Special Teams: In recent years, Shayne Graham has been one Derek Anderson has distinguished himself as the starter.

of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, although last year he When asked who was ahead in the competition last week,

missed two big kicks towards the end of the year. In last Crennel quipped, ―That Wimbley is playing well.‖

weekend‘s intrasquad scrimmage, he was only 3 of 6 on field

goals. He was good from 32, 35 and 39 yards, but missed on RB: Jamal Lewis continues to impress the coaching staff with

attempts from 27 (hit right upright), 42 (wide left) and 46 his quickness and strength during the early stages of camp.

(wide right). The returners are having injury problems. Lewis has been pleased with the outcome of his offseason

WR/PR Antonio Chatman remains sidelined after hurting his surgery to remove bone spurs from his ankle, telling team

hamstring on the first day of camp. WR/KR Tab Perry is day- observers that ―I‘m now making cuts I haven‘t made in a long

to-day after his bad hip flared up. WR/KR Glenn Holt missed time.‖ Lewis also had high praise for his new offensive line,

the scrimmage with a hamstring injury. In their absence, WR saying, ―I haven‘t seen a line like that in a long time. They

Skyler Green has looked good on returns. Green was drafted look magnificent.‖ While that may amount to little more than

by Dallas last year, and spent his time there in and out of Bill a player saying all the right things about his new teammates,

Parcells‘ dog house and on and off the practice squad before it‘s significant coming from a guy who ran behind future Hall

eventually being released. of Famer Jonathan Ogden and a solid Baltimore offensive line.

Romeo Crennel brushed off concerns that Lewis would be

Bengals Depth Chart unable to carry the full load all season long. ―He‘s been out

there every day and hasn‘t missed a beat. Everybody is saying

QB: Carson Palmer, Doug Johnson, Jeff Rowe, Jeff Smith

how old he is and how he‘s lost a step and isn‘t what he used

RB: Rudi Johnson, Kenny Watson (3RB), Kenny Irons, Chris

to be but he‘s been doing it and taking the reps.‖ Jerome

Perry (PUP), Quincy Wilson, Curtis Brown

Harrison may have an early leg up on the backup role.

FB: Jeremi Johnson, Chris Manderino, Stan White

Browns‘ beat writers have noted that he looks ―much more

WR: Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry

prepared mentally and physically‖ and has been consistently

(susp), Tab Perry, Antonio Chatman, Reggie McNeal, Glenn

good in practice.

Holt, Benny Brazell, Skyler Green (PR), Tony Kays, Jesse

Holley

TE: Reggie Kelly, Bobby Blizzard, Tim Day (inj), Daniel WR: With Braylon Edwards and Joe Jurevicius entrenched as

Coats, Erik Jensen, Nate Lawrie, Sean Mulcahy (inj) starters, the focus remains on the battle to win the third wide

K: Shayne Graham receiver job. Second year man Travis Wilson may have edged

DT: John Thornton, Domata Peko, Michael Myers, Kenderick ahead of the group with a good week of practice. The coaches

Allen, Matt Toeaina took note of Wilson‘s effort on a leaping grab over rookie

DE: Justin Smith, Bryan Robinson (DT), Robert Geathers, corner Eric Wright on a deep sideline route. ―I tell these guys

Frostee Rucker, Jonathan Fanene, Xzavie Jackson, Jimmy all the time: one way to get noticed is make plays," head coach

Verdon, Bryan Andrews Romeo Crennel said. "Coaches notice guys who make plays

MLB: Ahmad Brooks (M/S), Caleb Miller (W/M), Earl and do good things. If [Wilson] continues to do that he can

Everett, Odell Thurman (susp) elevate his status." Special teams‘ standout Josh Cribbs also

OLB: Rashad Jeanty (S), Landon Johnson (W/S), Ed Hartwell looked good during practice and looks to be more comfortable

(W/M), Andre Frazier, Eric Henderson, Matt Muncy, David as a wide receiver this season. Offseason acquisition Tim

Pollack (IR) Carter continues to struggle with the same issue that has

CB: Johnathan Joseph, Deltha O'Neal, Leon Hall, Keiwan always held him back – health. He missed practice last week

Ratliff (PR), Blue Adams, Brandon Williams, T.J. Wright with a hamstring injury and could slide down the depth chart

S: Madieu Williams (FS), Dexter Jackson (SS), Marvin White while he watches from the training room.

(SS), Chinedum Ndukwe, Herena-Daze Jones (SS), Ethan

Kilmer (FS), John Busing (SS) TE: Kellen Winslow has held up well after his first week of

camp practices. The Browns are still treating him carefully,

though, limiting his practice time to keep him as fresh as ILB: Andra Davis (L), DQwell Jackson (R), Chaun

possible. Romeo Crennel thinks it‘s working so far, "He looks Thompson (R), Leon Williams (L), Mason Unck

strong, but he's not taking all the practices. ―We're trying to OLB: Kamerion Wimbley (S/DE), Willie McGinest (S/DE),

take care of him so we can get into the game on Sundays, Antwan Peek, Matt Stewart (S), David McMillan (W), Jason

hoping he'll continue to look as strong is he does now." As Short, Kris Griffin, Clifton Smith

was noted in the first camp report, Winslow will be featured CB: Leigh Bodden, Gary Baxter (PUP), Eric Wright, Kenny

prominently in the new offense and has already made his Wright, Daven Holly, Brandon McDonald, Jereme Perry,

presence felt in the huddle by making sure he points out when Therrian Fontenot

he‘s been open and not gotten the ball in team drills. S: Sean Jones (SS), Brodney Pool (FS), Justin Hamilton (FS),

Mike Adams (FS), DeMario Minter (FS), Jeremy Lasueur,

Defense: The Browns front seven was dealt a potentially Justin Sandy

significant blow during the first week of practice when DE

Orpheus Roye was forced out of drills and later underwent

arthroscopy to clean out of his troublesome knee. Roye will

be out for the remainder of the preseason and is not a lock to

play in Week One. Simon Fraser, Shaun Smith and J‘Vonne Dallas Cowboys

Parker will compete for snaps with Roye sidelined. Another

veteran, LB Willie McGinest, has been holding up better. QB: Tony Romo continues to look sharp and is making the

Romeo Crennel hopes that new addition Antwan Peek will be decision to keep him on the bench for three-plus seasons seem

able to rotate in for McGinest to keep the 35 year old fresh. foolish. In 7-on-7 drills on Sunday (8/5) Romo went 12-of-16

The Browns also welcomed back CB Gary Baxter last week, completing passes including four passes to Sam Hurd. Veteran

who returned to practice after rupturing both patellar tendons backup Brad Johnson was less effective during the drills,

in 2006. With Leigh Bodden, Daven Holly, Eric Wright and dumping off his first four passes. Johnson needs to show an

Gary Baxter, the team hopes to be able to use its safeties more ability to get the ball downfield, something that he struggled

often in run support. One of those safeties, Brodney Pool, is with in Minnesota last season.

settling into his full time FS role nicely after playing a number

of positions last year. Crennel singled out Pool last week as a RB: The Julius Jones versus Marion Barber III camp battle is

bright spot on the defense and is pleased with his progress and turning out to be a non-event, at least judging from their

playmaking ability. respective workloads. Jones has been primarily running with

the first team offense and has gotten what seems like 2x the

Special Teams: Special teams coordinator Ted Daisher carries overall. Barber is being used at times with the first

discussed the technique tweaks on which kicker Phil Dawson team, and has been featured in the short-yardage drills. Tyson

has been working, "He made little corrections with his Thompson appears a stone-cold lock to once again play third

approach. He's made some changes with his footwork. Phil is fiddle as his only real camp competition, rookie Jackie Battle

very knowledgeable with the mechanics of kicking. He knows simply hasn‘t made many memorable plays.

what he's doing right and wrong. It's very, very minor, but

hopefully it will help him become more consistent." Starting During Monday‘s practice, Julius Jones and safety Pat

kickoff returner WR Joshua Cribbs has done very well fielding Watkins were the center of a team battle royale. Jones was put

punts, and area in which he struggled last year when he filled on his back by Watkins on a safety blitz, which led to some

in for the now departed Dennis Northcutt. Rookie WR Syndric jawing. Punches were thrown and ultimately it became and

Steptoe is looking like the strongest challenger to Cribbs for offense vs. defense battle. Teammates laughed off the fight

the lead punt returner role. Rookie CB Brandon McDonald is afterwards, but Jones seemed noticeably fired up for the rest of

the third candidate. He had troubles fielding punts in the first practice.

few practices, but has looked better recently.

WR: After last week‘s news that Terry Glenn had a minor

Browns Depth Chart scope and would be out for 2+ weeks, the Cowboys can ill

QB: Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey afford for Terrell Owens to also come up lame. Yet, T.O.

RB: Jamal Lewis, Jason Wright, Jerome Harrison (3RB), didn‘t practice for most of this week. At first dubbed ―tired

Chris Barclay, Jerome Jackson hamstrings‖, he has also been held out with tightness in his

FB: Lawrence Vickers, J.R. Niklos, Charles Ali back. The good news I results of an MRI were negative. Don‘t

WR: Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius, Tim Carter, Travis bet that this is anything more than a veteran wanting to take it

Wilson, Josh Cribbs (KR/PR), Syndric Steptoe, Maurice easy during training camp. With Glenn, Owens and rookie

Mann, Kendrick Mosley, Steve Sanders, Efrem Hill, Mike Isaiah Stanback out with injuries, Patrick Crayton and Sam

Mason Hurd have been getting a ton of reps; trying to stake their

TE: Kellen Winslow Jr (PUP), Steve Heiden, Darnell Dinkins, claims on the #3 job. Crayton is the heavy favorite, but Hurd

Ryan Krause, Buck Ortega has been putting on a clinic the last few days. During an

K: Phil Dawson, Jesse Ainsworth intrasquad scrimmage this week, Hurd caught four passes

NT: Ted Washington, Shaun Smith, Ethan Kelley, J'Vonne from Tony Romo (out of 12 completions) including one

Parker, Babatunda Oshinowo, Alvin Smith particular deep bomb where Hurd had to extend without

DE: Robaire Smith, Orpheus Roye (inj), Chase Pittman, breaking stride. Another receiver making the most of the

Melila Purcell, Simon Fraser, Orien Harris injury situation is 2nd year backup Miles Austin. Austin has

been hustling and made a few highly reel catches over the ILB: Bradie James (M), Akinola Ayodele (S), Bobby

weekend. He may not make the roster if the Cowboys don‘t Carpenter (S/I)

keep six WRs, because Jamaica Rector has value as a special OLB: Demarcus Ware (W), Greg Ellis (S)(inj), Anthony

teamer. Spencer (S), Kevin Burnett (S/I), Junior Glymph, Dedrick

Harrington, Blair Phillips, Alex Obomese, John Saldi

TE: Jason Witten is going to be a big part of Jason Garrett‘s CB: Terance Newman, Anthony Henry, Aaron Glenn, Alan

offense, which really isn‘t a surprise. He has been catching Ball, Courtney Brown, Jacques Reeves, Nathan Jones, Quincy

passes all over the practice field, and has been particularly Butler, Joey Thomas

effective when matched up against linebackers. On one play, S: Roy Williams (SS), Ken Hamlin (FS), Keith Davis (SS),

he got loose on crossing pattern as LB Bradie James couldn‘t Pat Watkins (FS), Damarius Bilbo, Abram Elam, Jasper

stay with him, and then turned upfield for a long scoring play. Johnson

Anthony Fasano has had his share of impressive plays,

including a diving catch in between two defensive backs on

Sunday during 9-on-9s. But he‘s also had a few drops,

including several that hit him right between the numbers.

Denver Broncos

Defense: The addition of safety Ken Hamlin may be the

missing piece to the defensive puzzle, and he and Roy QB: Once again, we here at Footballguys.com are proud to

Williams are starting to look like enforcers. In one practice have two of our very best on hand, Cecil Lammey and

last week, Hamlin absolutely leveled a pair of tight ends Sigmund Bloom, at Dove Valley covering the Broncos

(Andy Thorn and Rodney Hannah); not to be outdone, Roy training camp from the sidelines. In Friday‘s practice,

Williams laid the hammer on Anthony Fasano shortly Lammey said the play of the day came when D.J. Williams

thereafter. DeMarcus Ware has been crushing it, racking up blitzed through a huge gap up the middle, when Jay Cutler

sacks seemingly every set of downs. When Ware isn‘t quickly spotted him and rolled to his right as Williams over

participating in team drills, he‘s been spending a noticeable pursued. Cutler found Javon Walker, who got behind Champ

amount of time in one-on-one tutelage with LB coach Paul Bailey, and threw the ball 55 yards in the air with little effort

Pasqualoni. as Bailey closed the gap and tipped the ball at the last second,

but Walker still hauled it in showing amazing concentration. It

got the largest crowd reaction of the day by far. You can view

Special Teams: It appears that QB Brad Johnson will be the

the video of this play here. In 3rd down drills, Cutler showed

holder on kicks, which makes kicker Martin Gramatica happy,

poise and demonstrated great field vision. On one play, a

"With Brad it is unbelievable. I get so much more time to see

rollout, he hit Daniel Graham, who extended fully to snag the

the ball. He held for me in the past [Tampa Bay], and knowing

ball with his soft hands. One another play, Cutler executed a

what kind of guy he is, I was very comfortable with Brad." Of

play fake and rollout to connect with TE Nate Jackson.

course that will be a moot point if Gramatica fails to beat out

rookie Nick Folk for the kicking job. After the early part of

camp that appears to be a distinct possibility, as Folk has been RB: On Saturday, the team had a big scare when Travis

the better kicker so far. He has been stronger on kickoffs. He Henry had to sit out of the morning practice and drills with a

was perfect on field goals through the first week of camp, but sharp hip pointer. He stretched out and then returned for three

finally did miss one the other day. The closest competition on plays before staying on the sidelined the rest of the morning.

special teams may be at the kickoff returner position. As "I had a little hip pointer yesterday," Henry said. "I kind of re-

expected, incumbent WR Miles Austin and former incumbent aggravated it today but I'm cool. I nicked it up again and didn't

RB Tyson Thompson are the two contenders. Two of the punt feel like I could go the way I wanted today." He said he would

returner candidates are day-to-day with minor injuries: WR get it treated and be back for Monday‘s practice. In Saturday‘s

Jamaica Rector (knee) and WR Isaiah Stanback (foot). midfield drills, Cecil Sapp initiated contact a few times while

displaying sharp, crisp cuts. Two or three defenders tried to

sandwich Sapp, but took the worst of it on that play. Andre

Cowboys Depth Chart Hall continued to give the team a different look than the rest

QB: Tony Romo, Brad Johnson, Matt Moore, Richard Bartel of the Broncos backs, showing great ―quicks‖ and moving

RB: Julius Jones, Marion Barber III (3RB/SD), Tyson well in space. Mike Bell attempted a spin move, but got nailed

Thompson (inj), Jackie Battle, Alonzo Coleman before he could pull it off. On another play, Bell showed good

FB: Lousaka Polite, Deon Anderson, Oliver Hoyte balance while navigating through some small holes. Bell tried

WR: Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn (inj), Patrick Crayton, Sam to get to the corner on one play, but Karl Paymah beat him to

Hurd, Jamaica Rector (PR), Miles Austin, Isaiah Stanback, the spot and nailed him. Selvin Young, on the other hand, was

Jerheme Urban, Jamel Richardson, Jerard Rabb, Mike able to get to the corner more than once, surprisingly.

Jefferson

TE: Jason Witten, Anthony Fasano, Adam Bergen, Tony

In goal line drills, Andre Hall burst through the hole and left

Curtis, Andy Thorn, Rodney Hannah

safety John Lynch grasping for air as he scored a TD. On

K: Nick Folk, Martin Gramatica

another play, Hall put in a great second effort, keeping his feet

NT: Jason Ferguson, Montavious Stanley, Ola Dagunduro,

churning and moving the pile for a score. Selvin Young tried

Remi Ayodele

to go airborne but got blown up. FB Kyle Johnson was stood

DE: Marcus Spears, Chris Canty, Jay Ratliff, Jason Hatcher,

up at the goal line on his only run and he had the ball knocked

Stephen Bowen, Marcus Smith

out of his hands by Nick Ferguson after getting open on his really does not know,‖ HC Shanahan said. ―They think it‘s a

route for what looked like it would‘ve been a TD. twist(ed) knee. It‘s not loose right now, which is a good sign.

But until you look at that MRI, you‘re not really sure.‖ If we

In Friday‘s two minute drill, Henry showed great hands the hear anything new on Moss, we‘ll be sure to pass it along via

few times he was targeted. He and Mike Bell both lined up our FBG News Blogger. Prior to the injury, Bloom and

wide on some plays as the team went with an empty backfield. Lammey reported that ―Moss is not looking small, or lost, but

Henry continued to make himself small going through the the buzz around camp is much more about Tim Crowder than

hole. Andre Hall was able to get to the corner easily on a few Moss. Most observers feel Moss is only going to be a pass

plays and Cecil Sapp displayed some nice cuts that allowed rush specialist, while Crowder is looking like a three down

him to run to daylight. Hall appeared to be the quickest of the end, who can also move inside - a similar player to Ekuban.

backs in that drill. Moss is getting more confident and flashing some of the

moves he showed at Florida. Talking to people around camp

about the DEs, the word is that Jim Bates LOVES Dumervil‖.

WR: Brandon Marshall (quad) remains on the PUP list, but he

is expected to return to practice sometime next week. Earlier in the week, LB Warrick Holdman scared the team and

Domenik Hixon returned to practice after sitting out Tuesday on looking crowd when he went down with an apparent

neck/spinal injury. It was later diagnosed as a spinal cord

with a shoulder separation. Upon returning, HC Mike

contusion after he was rushed to the hospital. "We all know

Shanahan noted, ―When guys get hurt, it really hurts their

the risk about playing this game," HC Mike Shanahan said. If

chances of making the team," Shanahan said. "For a guy like

Holdman is ok, he‘ll be back and competing for the team‘s

Domenik to come in after a first-degree shoulder separation is

pretty impressive. He worked through it, and that is what you starting SLB job.

are hoping a guy is going to do.‖ In Saturday‘s midfield drill,

Javon Walker made a beautiful catch in stride on a ball that The defensive line performed very well in third down drills,

was deflected at the line of scrimmage by a d-lineman. clogging running lanes and applying pressure. Ebenezer

Ekuban destroyed just about any of the blockers that lined up

In Friday‘s end zone drills, there was a lot of action. Dre Bly against him as he blitzed from the rush end position. Ian Gold

owned Erik Pears on a blitz and got to Cutler. In two minute

showed why he has one of the best sets of hands in the league,

drills, Tim Crowder and Jarvis Moss lined up on the strong

but he also showed how he‘s prone to gambling – consistently

side over the tight end. Crowder lined up inside a few times.

selling himself out to make plays. David Kircus had trouble

Jeff Shoate dropped two interceptions on back to back plays;

getting away from Bly, especially once Bly got his hands into

him at the line. Kircus has the quicks to gain separation, and one of which would‘ve been an easy ―pick six‖.

on one play, he drew a holding call. Brian Clark seems

hesitant at the line, but fought hard for the ball and attacked In Saturday‘s midfield drills, D.J. Williams did a nice job of

each ball at its highest point. Domenik Hixon did the same, resisting his incessant urge to over pursue, and he stuffed a

and on one play, he made a nice stutter step to get both feet in cutback run. Dominique Foxworth smothered Brian Clark on

on a catch. two straight passes that he was able to break up. After

dropping two INTs, Shoate made a beautiful interception on a

pass he read perfectly. On another play, Shoate broke up a

In two minute drills, Quincy Morgan was going all out and

deep pass easily as he had the inside position on David Kircus.

made a fully extended diving catch that elicited a huge cheer

Hamza Abdullah made a nice strip on Daniel Graham after the

from the crowd on hand. Kircus was guilty of a bad drop, as

catch, while Jarvis Moss looked like a beach volleyball player

has been the case throughout camp (he makes the tough ones,

but drops too many easy ones). Hixon showed some good on another play as he batted a Jay Cutler pass down.

instincts running after the catch, while Clark showed natural

hands throughout the drill – one catch he snagged was no Special Teams: One person on special teams for the Broncos

more than 6‖ off the ground. has been generating a lot of hype in camp. And no, it‘s not

WR Domenik Hixon, despite the fact he suffered a first degree

TE: Tony Scheffler remains on the PUP list and is expected to shoulder separation one day last week and returned to practice

the following day. Hixon by the way is currently the top punt

return to practice sometime within the next week. "We've got

returner and the second string kickoff returner (behind WR

to have guys who can stay healthy," HC Shanahan said,

Quincy Morgan). The hype has been for Scott O‘Brien, the

referring to Scheffler and WR Brandon Marshall. In

new special teams coordinator. His approach, his intensity, his

Saturday‘s midfield drill, Daniel Graham made a big play

downfield when he gained inside position on Nick Ferguson sideline quizzes, and his new playbook have been winning

for a catch and run. In the two minute drill, Graham was over the players. Punter Todd Sauerbrun elaborated, ―I think

the attitude used to be that let's not have special teams lose the

targeted frequently as he consistently got open and caught

game. But now, with Scott, his attitude is, 'No, we're going to

nearly everything thrown in his direction. Nate Jackson had a

win games for the Broncos. Let's put it on us.' People talk

bad drop on an easy pass, and then made a sprawling catch

about special teams being one of the three phases of the game

that drew a cheer from the crowd.

(along with offense and defense), but I think it's just talk some

places. Here, this year, we mean it." One area that hasn‘t been

Defense: On Monday morning first round pick DE Jarvis a bright spot in camp have been more misses than usual by

Moss hit the ground after making a spin move during a one- kicker Jason Elam. The problem appears to be the holder,

on-one drill midway through the practice session. The extent where Jay Cutler, Todd Sauerbrun, or Paul Ernster will replace

of the injury was not immediately known. ―(The medical staff)

the departed Jake Plummer. Elam noted, "The last couple of impressive in camp. O‘Sullivan will battle Dan Orlovsky for

years I had Jake Plummer - he was a great holder. He had the backup job.

really quick hands and got the ball down fast for me so I could

have a real long look." He hopes the team determines who the RB: Kevin Jones had a successful 30-minute workout in

new holder will be by the third preseason game, "Whoever it's Thursday's late afternoon practice that included forward,

going to be, I would probably push: Please, let me have the backward and side-to-side cuts to test his recuperating left

guy who's going to be the guy so I can really start honing it on foot. Jones has been out since the Dec. 10 loss to Minnesota, a

it and get into a real good rhythm." game in which dislocated and broke the foot, creating

speculation that it could be a career-ending injury. One of the

Broncos Depth Chart drills he participated in involved short runs while being

QB: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey, Preston Parsons, Darrell strapped to a harness pulled by another person. Jones seemed

Hackney to have no problem with the resistance. His status for Week

RB: Travis Henry, Cecil Sapp, Mike Bell, Andre Hall, Selvin One is still up in the air. Tatum Bell continues to impress the

Young coaches in camp. Martz said Bell has, in some ways, been a

FB: Kyle Johnson, Paul Smith, Troy Fleming surprise to him. "Tatum right now is a different level," Martz

WR: Javon Walker, Brandon Stokley, Brandon Marshall (inj), said. "He's better than I thought he'd be, to be honest with you.

Rod Smith (PUP), Domenik Hixon (KR), Brian Clark, David T.J. Duckett is getting some reps at fullback, but don't read too

Kircus, David Terrell, Quincy Morgan, Glenn Martinez, much into it. While Duckett is expected to play that role in

Marquay McDonald some two-back formations, it's not going to be his primary

TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Stephen Alexander, Nate responsibility. Martz is notorious for moving players around

Jackson, Teyo Johnson, Chad Mustard during training camp to see how many different roles they can

K: Jason Elam, Brandon Pace fill. Martz also said that Brian Calhoun has stood out in camp.

DT: Gerard Warren, Sam Adams (NT), Jimmy Kennedy, Marinelli spoke of the versatility of Aveion Cason ―The thing

Elvis Dumervil, Demetrin Veal, Marcus Thomas, Alvin about him is he does everything; the kicking game, coverage

McKinley, Antwon Burton, Amon Gordon, Steven Harris kicks, he returns kicks, good pass blocker, good runner, and

DE: Ebenezer Ekuban, John Engelberger, Kenard Lang, Tim good receiver. You just let all that work out now.‖ The Lions

Crowder, Jarvis Moss (inj), Carlos Hall, Kenny Peterson signed fullback Alan Ricard. He is the only true fullback on

(susp) the roster.

MLB: D.J. Williams (M/S), Nate Webster (W/M)

OLB: Ian Gold (W), Louis Green (S), Warrick Holdman WR: The Lions signed first round pick Calvin Johnson to a

(S)(inj), D.D. Lewis (S/M), T.J. Hollowell, Wesly Mallard, six-year contract worth $64 million, which includes $27.2

Cameron Vaughn million in guaranteed money. After Rod Marinelli's speech

CB: Champ Bailey, Dre' Bly, Dominique Foxworth, Karl about why players like Johnson are so important, he threw the

Paymah, Jeff Shoate, Lamont Reid, Bill Alford rookie right into the fire. Johnson worked on first-team

S: John Lynch (FS), Nick Ferguson (SS), Curome Cox (SS), offense and caught balls over the middle during a two-minute

Hamza Abdullah (FS), Quentin Harris, Steve Cargile, drill. "They brought me in for that purpose. There is no sense

Roderick Rogers having me out here for no reason," Johnson said. "I kind of

expected to be out there with the ones." The Lions practiced at

Ford Field Saturday, and it was open to the public. The fans

shouted encouragement, chanted "Let's Go Lions" and buzzed

anytime a player got hit. But mostly, they kept track of

Detroit Lions Johnson. Though Johnson was the center of attention, it was

Roy Williams who made most of the night‘s highlight plays,

QB: Offensive coordinator Mike Martz has been pleased with including a spectacular, outstretched, tip-to-himself grab as he

quarterback Jon Kitna, who threw for 4,208 yards last season. fell out of the end zone. Martz said Mike Furrey and Troy

Kitna was given the day off Sunday. "Jon's far enough along, Walters have been very good in camp. WR Shaun McDonald

we could start tomorrow," Martz said. "We gave him the (knee) was held out of Monday's afternoon workout, but was

whole day off yesterday to rest his arm. We have to take care back at practice on Tuesday. Kevin Kasper (hamstring)

of him. He's playing at such a high, high level. We're trying to remains sidelined and his status is day-to-day. Devale Ellis

be careful with him. When other guys are all (aware) of remains on the PUP list. Kick returner Eddie Drummond is out

protections and routes and we're just working through those with a minor hip injury; Marinelli said he would be back soon.

things ... there's just nothing you can give him that he can't do

right now." The news wasn‘t as good regarding Drew Stanton. TE: Marinelli has been pleased with the work of Darnell

The second round draft pick had arthroscopic knee surgery to Sanders. The Lions will take it easy with starting Dan

repair cartilage damage. The Lions placed him on injured Campbell, who is returning from an injury.

reserve. Stanton can‘t practice with the team while on injured

reserve, but he probably wasn‘t going to get many reps Defense: Defensive tackle Shaun Rogers remains on the PUP

anyway during the season. He can still sit in on meetings to list. The Lions are pleased with the leadership shown by Corey

learn the offense and work out at team headquarters. This Redding. Shawn Cody is versatile and is playing both nose

means the Lions have decided journeyman J.T. O‘Sullivan is tackle and under-tackle. The Lions like what they have seen

probably good enough to make the roster. The Lions haven‘t from Langston Moore and Jon Bradley. "I want to develop a

even seen O‘Sullivan in an exhibition, but he has been

fourth tackle, and they're both exploding right now," Marinelli CB: Fernando Bryant, Stanley Wilson, Travis Fisher, A.J.

said. Defensive end Kalimba Edwards is making moves he Davis, Keith Smith, Ike Charlton, Tony Beckham, Dee

wouldn‘t have made last year. He is much more decisive and McCann, Ramzee Robinson, Israel Route, LaMarcus Hicks

is finishing stronger. Dewayne White remains out with a groin S: Kenoy Kennedy (SS), Daniel Bullocks (FS), Gerald

injury. Marinelli said rookie Ikaika Alama-Francis needs to Alexander, Idrees Bashir

work on getting aligned correctly. LB Ernie Sims has been

impressive in camp, and is seeing things faster and reacting

faster. Marinelli said linebacker Teddy Lehman (shoulder)

was week-to-week. Paris Lenon has been solid in camp. Boss

Bailey is playing only strong side linebacker this year. Green Bay Packers

Anthony Cannon continues to impress the coaching staff.

Johnny Baldwin used film and extra drills to feel more QB: Since Favre returned to the team on Thursday, the

comfortable in the middle linebacker position and make fewer playing time for the backup QBs decreased significantly.

mistakes, and the coaches say he has improved. Barry said Favre was gone for a few days to attend a funeral. Aaron

Fernando Bryant and Kenoy Kennedy are providing great Rodgers got the majority of snaps when Favre wasn‘t on the

leadership. Marinelli praised Daniel Bullocks, a second-round field, while Ingle Martin gets a couple after that and Paul

pick last year, who has become the starting free safety. Keith Thompson, a rookie free agent from Oklahoma, gets none. HC

Smith is having a very good camp. The Lions have just left Mike McCarthy and staff are tweaking Thompson‘s footwork

him at one spot, doing one thing, and he‘s playing well. and mechanics. "Paul is definitely a prospect as far as the

Stanley Wilson has stepped up of late. Travis Fisher has lined ability part of it," McCarthy said. "He's picked up the scheme

up as the nickel corner. very well." Perhaps the best moment for Favre in camp so far

occurred when the defense blitzed and Favre hit receiver Greg

Special Teams: Kicker Jason Hanson has been with the Lions Jennings on a post pattern for a 22-yard touchdown against Al

a very, very long time. He discussed the current optimism in Harris. On another play, Jennings made a nice catch on a fade

camp compared to prior years, "Every team in the NFL that's route with one hand in the back of the end zone, while getting

being interviewed right now is excited and has big plans for both feet down during a pass-catching drill. Later in Friday‘s

the season. Myself and everyone else has had them for the last practice, Favre hit tight end Donald Lee for a touchdown, as

six years and by midseason it's been, 'Ok, I shouldn't have said Lee made a sliding catch near the sideline, and then he lofted a

that.' But all I can say is, the atmosphere of the team, the way pass to the corner of the end zone finding RB P.J. Pope who

guys relate and the way they take the field and practice is hauled in one-handed catch that might be the best catch so far

different." Potential returner WR Devale Ellis was on the PUP in camp. Fumbles were almost non-existent in camp before

list. Head coach Rod Marinelli discussed using WR Shaun QB Ingle Martin bobbled a shotgun snap in one of evening

McDonald on punt returns, "He gives you more guys practices. It was Favre‘s first practice back, and he showed off

competing for that spot. You can't have enough of those guys." his fresh legs on a pair of scrambles that drew cheers from the

Already in jeopardy of losing his job, WR Eddie Drummond crowd. Earlier in the week, Rodgers produced the best throw

missed practices with a sore hamstring. Further jeopardizing when he threw a bullet to Calvin Russell for 40-yards. On the

his job has been the strong play of Troy Walters which elicited next play, he completed a 35-yard pass to Ruvell Martin, who

praise from OC Mike Martz. got behind Patrick Dendy. In Saturday‘s annual family night

at Lambeau Field, Favre was his usual self – sharp on the first

Lions Depth Chart drive. He connected with Driver for a TD and completed

several other passes to Jennings, Driver and one to RB

QB: Jon Kitna, Dan Orlovsky, J.T. O'Sullivan, Drew Stanton

Brandon Jackson that got the offense down to the goal line.

(IR)

Rodgers didn‘t fare as well going against the first team D, but

RB: Kevin Jones (PUP), Tatum Bell, T.J. Duckett, Brian

generally Rodgers is having a solid camp.

Calhoun, Aveion Cason, Anthony Sherrell

FB: Alan Ricard

WR: Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey, Shaun RB: Vernand Morency is the team‘s projected starter at RB,

McDonald (PUP), Eddie Drummond (KR/PR), DeVale Ellis but he suffered a knee injury in the team‘s first practice.

(PUP), Edell Shepherd, Troy Walters, Cliff Russell, Kevin Morency is expected to miss up to a month, according to

Kasper, Brandon Middleton, Ron Bellamy, Reggie Ball, McCarthy. Since injuring his knee, Morency has been

Marcus Robinson (IR) rehabbing two and sometimes three times a day, while still

TE: Dan Campbell (PUP), Casey Fitzsimmons, Darnell watching practices from the sidelines. "I want to be out there

Sanders, Sean McHugh, Rudy Sylvan with my guys," he said. "Sweat, blood and tears, that's what

K: Jason Hanson, Kenny Byrd it's about in training camp. It's the dog days, and you definitely

DT: Shaun Rogers (PUP), Cory Redding, Shaun Cody, want to be out there with your teammates. It pains me every

Cleveland Pinkney, Langston Moore, Jon Bradley, Marcus single day to go out there and watch those guys in practice and

Lewis, Salomon Solano get better, and me not out there." Friday‘s practice was chock

DE: Dewayne White, Kalimba Edwards, Ikaika Alama- full of poor pass blocking by the remaining running backs.

Francis, Jared DeVries, Corey Smith, Claude Harriott Rookie Brandon Jackson showed his deficiencies getting

MLB: Paris Lenon, Ted Lehman (inj), Johnny Baldwin beaten repeatedly by linebackers, who went practically

OLB: Ernie Sims (W), Boss Bailey (S), Alex Lewis (S), unabated to the quarterback. On Saturday night at Lambeau,

Anthony Cannon (W), Donte' Curry, James Hargrave Jackson redeemed himself somewhat with a real nice catch

and run that got the first team offense down near the goal line.

From there, Jackson punched it in a few plays later after has real good hands, but this is camp. I think it was kind of

getting stuffed once at the goal. Noah Herron worked with the different with Jennings last year. There was just something

first team and, outside of Jackson‘s catch; he was the only about him that everybody just kind of saw. Jones, he catches

back who produced much on the ground for the offense. P.J. some good balls, but I've got to see him in a game first."

Pope underwent arthroscopic surgery on Monday after

injuring his knee on Saturday night. He will be out two to four Jones had one dropped pass through the first five practices.

weeks. Overhearing Woodson‘s comments, he said that he

understands. It‘s a process and he‘s in it for the long haul. "I

As for the blocking woes in the backfield, Jackson wasn‘t the don't try to get into whether I'm competing against (Robert)

only guilty party. Corey White was run over by LB Tim Ferguson or competing against Jennings," Jones said. "If it's

Goodwell on one play and Korey Hall struggled within in the catching 100 balls or catching 10 balls, my main goal is just

blocking drills, too. Rookie free agent Juwan Simpson tossed help this team win." With that said, Jones won‘t displace

Jackson aside on one turn and rookie Desmond Bishop juked Jennings in the starting lineup anytime soon, but he could send

KB Ryan Powdrell on another play. Noah Herron and Robert Ferguson to the waiver wire. The battle for the No. 3

Brandon Miree were the top two blockers, but neither is a lock will come down to Jones, Ferguson and Ruvell Martin, who

to make the roster. Teammates call Miree ―the technician‖ for had a big day on Thursday, when he beat CB Frank Walker on

his sound fundamentals and pass blocking abilities. "We've a post-corner route for a long TD. Martin also dropped a TD

got a lot of ability there," McCarthy said, when asked about on Saturday night and was called for pass interference. Back

the blocking. "We just have to get them trained and get them to Jennings, he looked great on Saturday night. He was

experienced." Rookie 7th round pick DeShawn Wynn missed consistently open and caught a handful of balls from Favre.

several practices at the beginning of camp, but by the

weekend, he took a handful of snaps with the first team Where Jones has impressed, 5th round pick David Clowney

offense as the lone tailback. With Morency injured and has disappointed. Clowney has struggled mightily so far. He

Jackson struggling, Wynn could take advantage of the extra dropped a perfectly thrown pass in the corner of the end zone

snaps this week, but he appears to be struggling with after Will Blackmon fell down on coverage. Later, he caught a

conditioning. He‘s big, but seems slower and he‘ll have to pass only because the ball wedged itself into his facemask

pick it up if he‘s going to make a name for himself. after going through his hands. Clowney quit running on

another play, a drag route from the 10-yard into the end zone,

WR: After failing his initial physical due to a sore shoulder, allowing Favre‘s pass to go incomplete. On the positive side,

Donald Driver rejoined the team and took part in two practices Clowney showed his speed on a kick return that went for a TD

last Tuesday. With Driver out for the first several days, rookie on Saturday night at Lambeau Field.

James Jones took advantage, clearly separating himself from

the pack by catching everything in sight and showing good TE: The Packers will have to wait for another draft or two to

strength at the line of scrimmage. "He's done really well," QB find a tight end with stretch-the-field ability, but they remain

Ingle Martin said. "I think he's going to help the Packers for cautiously optimistic that Bubba Franks is ―back‖. Bubba

sure this year." By the end of the OTAs, the team already changed his eating habits during the offseason in a concerted

viewed Jones as their third-best WR. One week into camp, effort to reduce his body fat and stimulate his metabolism. He

Jones has made more plays than any of his peers. "My started eating five times a day and reports that his body fat is

expectations for myself are very high," Jones said. "What I'm 2% to 3% lower than ever before. Franks reported to camp at a

doing right now, I still expect more. I still don't think I'm svelte 260 pounds, five pounds less than most seasons. In the

making enough plays. I think I'm actually playing under my previous power-gap blocking scheme, Franks routinely

standards. I need to step my game up." At 6 feet ½ inch and blocked defensive ends by himself. In McCarthy‘s zone

209 pounds, Jones is strong enough to create space and his blocking scheme adopted last season, Franks‘ role is different.

strong hands allow him to consistently catch the ball with his In better shape, Frank hopes to rebound this season. A week

hands, away from the body. ago (Tuesday), Franks suffered a scratched cornea forcing him

out of practice for a few days. "I still can't see real good out of

The next morning, Jones scored two touchdowns during it," Franks said. "In my line of work you need both eyes,

extended red-zone drills, where the Packers ranked a lowly especially with Brett (Favre) throwing the ball." Also last

31st in efficiency last year. First, Jones took CB Patrick week, Tory Humphrey was placed on injured reserve. On

Dendy into the right corner of the end zone, where he snagged Wednesday, Humphrey underwent surgery to repair the

a TD over Dendy, who turned back to the ball too late. Later, broken ankle suffered on July 28. Zack Alcorn (foot) and

Jones lined up in the slot where he beat a linebacker and safety rookie Clark Harris (ankle) both missed practice on Friday,

Aaron Rouse on a post pattern for a completion from Paul leaving the team with only starter Donald Lee and recently-

Thompson. "I don't know what catch was better," Jones said. signed rookie free agent Joe Werner available to practice.

"I just try to catch everything. When it comes down to the

point of who would you count on and who can catch the ball, I Defense: There are a couple of key battles going on in camp.

want my name to come up. Leave them no doubt." The way One is the battle for the No. 3 corner between incumbent

Jones is playing, last year‘s hot rookie Greg Jennings faces a Patrick Dendy and Jarrett Bush. "Bush had an exceptional

possible battle for the starting job opposite Donald Driver. offseason and is off to an excellent start," McCarthy said.

Corner Charles Woodson was asked to compare Jennings and "You're seeing his play come up a lot. He's a tough kid.

Jones, but he hesitated, saying, ―From what I've seen, (Jones) Always liked him. Dendy is stronger this year and playing

with more confidence. Frank Walker is in the hunt. Tramon Birdine

Williams is a guy who just keeps getting better. That group MLB: Nick Barnett, Abdul Hodge, Desmond Bishop (W),

will be very competitive." McCarthy didn‘t mention Will Tim Goodwell, Carl-Johan Bjork

Blackmon, last year‘s fourth-round pick, who was beat for a OLB: A.J. Hawk (W), Brady Poppinga (S), Tracy White (W),

few long completions and touchdown passes during the week. Spencer Havner (S), Juwan Simpson (S), Rory Johnson (W)

CB: Al Harris, Charles Woodson, Patrick Dendy, Jarrett Bush,

The other battle is at strong safety between veteran Marquand Frank Walker, Will Blackmon (PR), Tramon Williams,

Manuel, last year‘s starter, and 2nd year safety Atari Bigby, Antonio Malone

who at 5‘11‖ and 211 pounds brings the wood. Bigby has just S: Nick Collins (FS), Marquand Manuel (SS), Aaron Rouse

one interception in camp, but he is more physical and can play (FS), Marviel Underwood (SS), Atari Bigby (SS), Tyrone

closer to the line where he can punish RBs. Manuel is doing a Culver (FS), Charlie Peprah (FS), Alvin Nnabuife (SS)

better job of making calls in the secondary than he did a year

ago. He‘s running better and seems to be holding up better in

coverage, but Bigby has made a name for himself so far,

forcing himself into the mix. Marviel Underwood, Tyrone

Culver, Charlie Peprah and third-round pick Aaron Rouse are Houston Texans

also in the mix for playing time.

QB: On Wednesday, QB Matt Schaub underwent X-rays on

T Ryan Pickett had to sit out four practices because he failed a his knee after practice following a collision with DE Jason

conditioning run. He still isn't in great shape, according to Babin. The X-rays were negative and the injury was classified

coaches. DL Cullen Jenkins burned Jason Spitz with a nice as a bruise. "He and Babin just ran into each other," Head

spin move during the 1-on-1's. "I think Cullen Jenkins is off to coach Gary Kubiak said. "I think Matt was so tired, he

an incredible start," McCarthy said. "He's having about as couldn't get out of the way, but he's OK." Later in the week,

good a camp as I can recall." Kubiak said he‘s impressed with Schaub‘s progress, noting his

work in two-minute drills during Thursday‘s practice. "He's

getting better," Kubiak said. "The first day of training camp he

Special Teams: Right now, two of the better looking kickers

was nervous; he was on a stage that he's never been on, but I

around NFL camps happen to both play for Green Bay.

think he's slowly gotten better. He did some things in the two-

Through this past weekend, Dave Rayner was 40 of 47

minute drill at the end of practice that big-time quarterbacks

(85.1%) on field goals, while rookie Mason Crosby was 37 of-

do. He handled some situations to me that were very

44 (84.1%). Two of Rayner‘s misses were blocked and two

impressive to me and his teammates, and that's what he's got

were from 50+ yards. Both have done well on kickoffs, with

to do. That's what he's here to do and (we've) just got to keep

Crosby getting slightly better distance and Rayner getting

getting better." Schaub juked everybody in Thursday

slightly better hang time. If they continue at this pace, the

morning‘s practice, even the fans, when he faked a spike

―loser‖ could very well end up kicking for another NFL team

during a hurry-up drill, then hit Kevin Walter for a 20-yard

during the regular season. Special teams coordinator Mike

touchdown pass

Stock is making sure they get plenty of kicks in practice,

"That's why every kick counts. That's why every kick is

important. We didn't get that many game kicks last year [in RB: Ahman Green is having a solid camp so far, enough to

preseason].'' It appears that punter Jon Ryan has edged out give HC Gary Kubiak a distinct impression. Kubiak said that

WR Ruvell Martin as the holder on kicks. During a Green has the same big-play ability that Terrell Davis had, and

scrimmage, WR Shaun Bodiford had a 53-yard kickoff return he can‘t wait to use his new weapon. "He reminds me of

negated by a penalty. Shortly thereafter, rookie David Terrell (Davis), when I watch the way he runs," Kubiak said.

Clowney returned a kickoff 103 yards for a score. "He‘s a downhill runner. He‘s bigger than you think. He likes

the physical part of football. He likes to bang around, and if he

gets a big enough crack, he‘s capable of going the distance. He

Packers Depth Chart reminds me of him quite a bit." Green and Ron Dayne

QB: Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers (inj), Ingle Martin, Paul alternated with the first team throughout the week with Sam

Thompson Gado and Wali Lundy working with the 2nd and 3rd teams.

RB: Vernand Morency (KR)(inj), Brandon Jackson, Noah

Herron, P.J. Pope (inj), DeShawn Wynn

A week after Darius Walker was released by the Texans; Chris

FB: Brandon Miree, Korey Hall, Ryan Powdrell, Corey White

Taylor suffered a season-ending knee injury. Walker got a call

WR: Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Robert Ferguson (inj),

from the Texans shortly thereafter and described it as "almost

James Jones, Ruvell Martin, David Clowney, Carlyle Holiday,

like a call from God." The question now is whether or not

Shaun Bodiford, Calvin Russell, Chris Francies, Carlton

Walker has a prayer of making the team. Since rejoining the

Brewster, Koren Robinson (susp)

team, Walker has impressed the coaches. He has hit holes in

TE: Donald Lee, Bubba Franks, Zac Alcorn, Clark Harris, Joe

practice, like he didn‘t do two weeks prior, prompting the staff

Werner, Tory Humphrey (IR)

to shout "Nice play, (No.) 37!" on a few occasions. "It's

K: Dave Rayner, Mason Crosby

interesting how things happen in this league," Kubiak said.

DT: Ryan Pickett (NT), Justin Harrell (inj), Corey Williams

"The kid had a tremendous career at Notre Dame, and last year

(NT), Colin Cole, Johnny Jolly (NT), Daniel Muir

he was one of the top backs in the country. He enters the draft

DE: Aaron Kampman, Cullen Jenkins, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila,

Mike Montgomery, Jason Hunter, DeVon Hicks, Larry

and doesn't get drafted. That can be devastating for guys. I Williams missed Thursday‘s practice due to a tight hamstring.

think it was disturbing for him." Kubiak said it wasn't serious. "I just don't want something to

happen right now in training camp," Williams said. "This is a

After placing FB Jameel Cook on the PUP list, the Texans very important season coming up for the team, and I want to

signed free agent RB Patrick Pass, a versatile veteran who can be a part of that. So I'm going to try to be as cautious as

play both the RB and FB as well as contribute to special possible."

teams, to a one-year deal.

Corner Dunta Robinson, known for his physical play, talked

WR: The Texans WR corps is suffering myriad injuries. about the final practice of the week being a good preparation

Perhaps the worst, a strained quad, was suffered by recent free for the real games ahead. ―If you are going to put the pads on,

agent addition Keenan McCardell. "We really need to get him you might as well use them,‖ Robinson said. ―If we are going

back out there. He knows his body better than anybody, and to be out here you might as well have some fun. Guys are just

we‘ve got to get him healthy," Kubiak said, who said that flying around making plays. It‘s nothing personal, we just

David Anderson should be back on the field Monday and want to give each other game speed looks, and that‘s what

Andre' Davis likely would return that day, too. Charlie Adams we‘re doing.‖ On Saturday, Robinson showed why he‘s

was impressive on Friday afternoon, soaring high into the air ranked among the best at his position. Matched up with Andre

to make a TD catch on one play. Adams benefited from the Johnson 1-on-1, Robinson consistently denied the 6‘3‖

injuries to Anderson, McCardell and Davis, allowing him Johnson catches by playing smothering defense and using

extra playing time. Another receiver that is finally healthy and keen ball skills. ―He made a lot of plays today,‖ Kubiak said.

turning heads in camp is Jerome Mathis, who finally returned ―That‘s what makes him better. In practice, you‘re not going

to practice at full speed this past week. Following Thursday to sit there and go away from a player, you‘re going to

night‘s practice, where Mathis got the crowd going with challenge. Everybody‘s got to get ready to play. Any time

several nice catches. Andre (Johnson) is going against Dunta our football team is

getting better.‖ If Robinson‘s reputation prompts teams to

―Best football practice he‘s had since I‘ve been here,‖ Kubiak begin throwing in the other direction, he said that won‘t be a

problem with DeMarcus Faggins opposite him. ―I trust Petey,‖

said. ―There‘s a little buzz tonight, there‘s some people out

Robinson said. ―I believe in him and he believes in me. When

here and you can tell his juices are flowing. If he keeps this up

the ball goes to his side, I don‘t worry about it. I know he‘s

and stays on the field, he‘s going to have a special year.‖

going to make the play, and when the ball comes to my side,

Mathis knew he was running out of opportunities, so he made

fitness and conditioning a top priority during the offseason. "I vice versa. I wouldn‘t rather have any other player on the

feel like I put my time in during the offseason," Mathis said. other side of me.‖

"Now I‘m looking forward to making it through this camp."

Kubiak then added more thoughts on Mathis‘ play. ―I think The other player separating himself from his peers in camp

Jerome is heading in the right direction, and his conditioning has been LB Charlie Anderson, who hasn‘t made a start in his

level is much better than it has been in the past,‖ Kubiak said. three-year career. That is likely to change if he continues his

―Let‘s face it, this is as long as Jerome (Mathis) has been on current level of play according to Kubiak. ―When I look at the

the field with us over a period of time, and that‘s a positive. I defensive side of the ball, I think Charlie Anderson‘s really

think he‘s gotten better. At the last play in practice just now, separated himself,‖ Kubiak said. ―When you look at the

Sherm (offensive coordinator Mike Sherman) called ‗Double linebacker group, you look at Morlon (Greenwood), you look

Go.‘ Our whole team is tired, and I watched him run his route at DeMeco (Ryans), and you look at Charlie. Then right away

specifically, and he gave them a chance over there to win at you go to Zac Diles, and you go to Danny Clark. Shawn

the end of a practice.‖ (Barber) is missing time, but Shawn looked good. You look at

those six, and chances are you‘re going to keep six. Those

guys have kind of distinguished themselves day in and day

Rookie Jacoby Jones had an excellent practice, too. He made a

out.‖

leaping catch on one play and he got downfield on a reverse

on another play. Harry Williams had a couple nice practices.

During a one-on-one receiving drill with cornerbacks at the Special Teams: Head coach Gary Kubiak discussed several

goal line, Williams beat his man cutting towards the goal post players that will be competing for kickoff and/or punt returner

on an inside route instead of breaking toward the back pylon. roles. After entering the coach‘s doghouse in minicamp, WR

On another play, he pulled the ball down for a TD on a jump Jerome Mathis appears to have emerged, ―He's gotten better.

ball. This is as long as Jerome has been on the field with us over a

period of time, and that's a positive. His conditioning level is

much better than it has been in the past.‖ WR Bethel Johnson

TE: Owen Daniels and Jeb Putzier are getting most of the

has some work to do to make the team, "He's a very talented

work. Daniels and Putzier, at times, are being used in double

young man, very talented. On any given rep, he's as talented as

TE sets with Daniels on the line and Putzier in the slot. In

we got out here right now at receiver. Consistency and

other situations, the Texans went with an empty backfield

using Daniels and Putzier lined up on the line of scrimmage. struggling a little bit mentally are the things that hold Bethel

back from being a full-time player and starter in this league.

He's getting better. But he's going to have to continue to do

Defense: LB DeMeco Ryans led the highlight reel for the that to make it as part of this team.‖ Rookie WR Jacoby Jones

defense on Thursday night jumping nearly three feet into the also has work to do, but will probably get more leeway, "The

air to intercept a pass during a red zone drill. DE Mario

thing that's been disappointing with him is he's not clean plays later, Sorgi found Hall again for 35-yard completion

catching the ball all the time, and we've got to clean that up. If down to the 14-yard line (and another FG). With 3.4 seconds

he does, there's no doubt that there's a player there that can in the half, Josh Betts threw a 22-yard TD to rookie Anthony

help our team as a returner and a receiver. He's got a lot of Gonzalez. The second half was marred by turnovers (Betts

confidence in what he can do — what he thinks he can do. But fumbled a snap for one).

he's got to do it at this level."

RB: In the first week of camp, 2nd year running back Joseph

Texans Depth Chart Addai has consistently stood out amongst the offensive

QB: Matt Schaub, Sage Rosenfels (inj), Bradlee Van Pelt, players. In the first three days, Addai had several long runs

Quinton Porter, Jared Zabransky and was effective as a receiver. On Wednesday, Addai had

RB: Ahman Green, Ron Dayne, Wali Lundy (3RB), Samkon one of the morning practice‘s best plays, a 10-yard reception

Gado, Darius Walker, Chris Taylor (IR) from Manning on a back-shoulder pass in the corner of the end

FB: Vonta Leach, Jameel Cook (inj), Patrick Pass zone. On Friday, Addai caught a short TD from Manning in

WR: Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Keenan McCardell, the morning then another in the afternoon.

David Anderson, Jacoby Jones, Jerome Mathis (KR/PR),

Andre Davis, Bethel Johnson (KR), Charlie Adams, Harry WR: Starting wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Marvin

Williams, Terry Richardson Harrison continue to have strong camp. In Wednesday

TE: Owen Daniels, Mark Bruener, Jeb Putzier, Ben Steele morning‘s practice, they both caught several short passes.

(inj), Joel Dreessen Harrison caught several passes in the night practice; he and

K: Kris Brown Manning connected several times over the middle and on the

DT: Travis Johnson (inj), Anthony Maddox, Amobi Okoye, sidelines. On Friday, Harrison caught a touchdown pass from

Thomas Johnson, Jeff Zgonina, Tim Bulman, Thomas Smith, Manning in red zone drills in the afternoon. Wayne caught a

Cedric Killings, Deljuan Robinson TD pass in the corner of the end zone in the same drills.

DE: Mario Williams, Anthony Weaver, Jason Babin, Ndukwe Wayne had a nice quote this week, when asked if he‘s giving

Kalu, Earl Cochrane, Victor DeGrate, Alfred Malone (inj) any advice to rookie WR Anthony Gonzalez. ―I‘ve been kind

MLB: DeMeco Ryans, John Abbate of taking it easy on him. He‘s got a million things being

OLB: Morlon Greenwood (W), Charlie Anderson (S), Danny thrown at him, so once he sort of gets comfortable, I‘ll give

Clark (S), Shawn Barber (W/S), Shantee Orr, Zac Diles, Trent him something (advice). I just feel like there‘s no sense of me

Bray, Eduardo Castenada telling in him something when you‘ve got (wide receivers

CB: Dunta Robinson, DeMarcus Faggins, Jamar Fletcher, coach) Clyde Christensen, then you‘ve got (offensive

Von Hutchins, Dexter McCleon, Jason Horton, Fred Bennett, coordinator) Tom Moore, then you‘ve got (quarterback)

Dexter Wynn, John Walker, Derrick Roberson, Roc Alexander Peyton (Manning). You feel like you‘re in calculus class.

(IR) Once he gets comfortable, then I‘ll say, ‗Hey, look . . .‘‘‘

S: Glenn Earl (SS), C.C. Brown (FS), Jason Simmons (FS), Gonzalez is fighting for a starting role as the team‘s slot

Brandon Harrison (SS), Brandon Mitchell (FS) receiver. So far, he‘s been as good as advertised.



Indianapolis Colts The Colts offense may have two former Buckeyes making an

impact this year. 5th round pick Roy Hall is commanding a lot

of interest based on his play through Week One. The 6-foot-3,

QB: Saturday morning as the Colts annual Blue-and-White 240-pound rookie is really standing out at times. "He might be

scrimmage. HC Tony Dungy was pleased with the outcome a Marcus Pollard-type...,‖ said Dungy. ―I don‘t know what

after Peyton Manning led the first team offense on two drives Marcus looked like when he first got here, but he was

that produced a pair of FGs. ―I really like our attitude and the probably very similar…" It‘s almost certain that Hall will

way we‘re going about things… Some of our young guys contribute in multiple ways, as an outside receiver, slot

made some plays all week. I think we‘re going to be a fast receiver, maybe even a little tight end or H-back on occasion.

team. We‘re going to be an explosive team on offense, so I see He‘s almost a sure bet for special teams, too. ―We‘re really

a lot of good signs,‖ said Dungy. ―It‘s been a good week… finding out things that Roy can do. I have a feeling he‘s going

We‘re off to a good start. We put a lot of things in. It‘s always to be an excellent special teams player. We‘ve got him doing

nice to see these guys for the first time in pads. Some of the things on the coverage units as a gunner and a kickoff

young guys have gotten off to a good start with the coverage guy. We are looking at him in the slot,‖ Dungy said.

knowledge,‖ added Manning. ―That‘s the main thing you Hall is down for whatever, but he‘s pretty clear that he wants

want to see, as few mental mistakes as possible.‖ Manning to be a receiver first and foremost. ―I‘ve got to do the wideout

noted that some of the rookies like Anthony Gonzalez and thing first, but I think the biggest thing about moving inside is

Tony Ugoh were not all ―wide eyed‖ out there, ―You can tell just learning the technique blocking. Dallas is about 240 or

they‘ve kind of been in their playbooks, which is good. That‘s 245 and he hangs in there with those guys who are close to

what you want to see out of these guys, guys who are doing 300 pounds and does a great job day in and day out. Right

things on their own to get ready to play.‖ Manning threw an now, I‘m comfortable at wideout, but if they decide to make

apparent 16-yard TD to Marvin Harrison on the first drive, but that move...‖ Hall then added that conversation is for another

it was negated on a penalty. Manning also connected with TE time. His sights are set on making the team, making a name

Dallas Clark for a 26-yard gain on the same drive. On the third for himself and making an impact on special teams.

series, with Jim Sorgi at the helm, the offense converted a 3 rd- ―Hopefully, I won‘t be doing it for my whole career, but for

and-15 with a 22-yard strike to rookie WR Roy Hall. Four

now that‘s what my role is partially,‖ Hall said. ―I‘m trying to that quick first step. He's doing that pretty consistently. As a

do it to the best of my ability… The fun part to me is blocking punt returner, in particular, you've got to have a quick first

a punt or making a big block to spring a touchdown. They‘re step to set [up] your blocks and to make that guy miss. He has

all huge plays. You don‘t learn how much special teams can that." The backup kickoff returners have also done well,

affect the game until something devastating happens on the and/or the defenders have done a poor job of stopping them.

special teams.‖ WR Craphonso Thorpe had a 47 yard return and RB DeDe

Dorsey had a 48-yard return in practice.

TE: Mike Seidman suffered a knee injury and he‘ll miss the

entire season. With the loss of Seidman, the Colts have starter Colts Depth Chart

Dallas Clark along with Ben Utecht, Bryan Fletcher and QB: Peyton Manning, Jim Sorgi, Josh Betts, Mike McGann

rookies Gijon Robinson and Jonny Harline. On Wednesday, RB: Joseph Addai, DeDe Dorsey, Kenton Keith, Clifton

Utecht caught a TD pass from Manning on a slant pattern Dawson

during seven-on-seven drills. Clark caught a 15-yard pass near FB: Luke Lawton

the sidelines in same practice. On Friday, Fletcher caught a WR: Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez,

Manning TD pass in red zone drills during the morning, and Roy Hall, Aaron Moorehead, John Standeford, Craphonso

then he proceeded to catch two more TDs in the afternoon. Thorpe, Brian Hare, Trent Shelton

TE: Dallas Clark, Ben Utecht, Bryan Fletcher, Jerome

Defense: The Colts finally severed ties with DT Corey Simon Collins, Gijon Robinson, Jonny Harline, Justin Snow, Mike

on Saturday, and then on Sunday, the Colts lost DT Anthony Seidman (IR)

McFarland with a season-ending torn ACL. Making matters K: Adam Vinatieri, Shane Andrus

worse, LB Rob Morris and DE Robert Mathis had MRIs, DT: Raheem Brock (DE), Darrell Reid, Quinn Pitcock (NT),

missing Saturday morning‘s practice. Morris was back in Dan Klecko, Ramel Meekins, Tom Johnson, Anthony

practice on Monday while Mathis, wearing a knee wrap, was McFarland (inj)

held out for precautionary reasons. He is expected to be fine, DE: Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis (inj), Josh Thomas, Bo

though. Dwight Freeney left Friday morning‘s practice with Schobel, Keyunta Dawson, Jeff Charleston, Ben Ishola, Ryan

his left shoulder wrapped. The injury wasn‘t serious, but LaCasse

Freeney didn‘t practice in the afternoon. ―He got it bumped MLB: Gary Brackett (W/M)

[Friday], but I don‘t think it‘s anything serious,‖ Dungy said. OLB: Rob Morris (S) (inj), Freddie Keiaho (W), Tyjuan

On Thursday, third round pick DT Quinn Pitcock, signed a Hagler (S), Clint Session, Rocky Boiman, Keith O'Neil (inj),

four-year contract. Safety Bob Sanders (shoulder) is still Brandon Archer, KaMichael Hall, Ramon Guzman

rehabbing and was placed on the team‘s PUP list. Sanders CB: Marlin Jackson, Kelvin Hayden, Daymeion Hughes,

hopes he can be ready for the regular season opener with the Michael Coe, T.J. Rushing (KR), Antonio Perkins, Tim

Saints. ―I‘m doing good, still rehabbing. Still working out Jennings, Cedric Holt, Duane Coleman

every day… Just trying to get back… I should be back in a S: Bob Sanders (SS) (PUP), Antoine Bethea (FS), Matt

few weeks and we‘ll see how things go from there,‖ he said Giordano (FS), Brannen Condren, Tanard Davis, Norman

Wednesday night. ―I feel good. But you never know until you LeJeune, Melvin Bullitt, Scott Ware

actually get out there and start making a little bit of contact…

but right now I definitely feel like I‘m in shape. I‘m running

every other day, still working out. I can‘t wait until I get back.

Right now, I‘m a little over four months [since his latest

surgery]. I‘m looking forward to getting back.‖ In Friday Jacksonville Jaguars

afternoon‘s practice, safety Melvin Bullitt intercepted a Jim

Sorgi pass and returned it for a long touchdown. QB: In Friday‘s intrasquad scrimmage, fans had reason to be

excited, as Byron Leftwich led the offense to a romp over the

Special Teams: On a nationally televised night practice, Colts defense (46-13). Leftwich completed 12-of-17 for 181 yards

fans got to see successful field goals from 43 and 52 yards. and a TD. David Garrard finished 9-of-16 for 125 yards and a

No, it wasn‘t Adam Vinatieri; rather it was camp leg Shane TD. Last year, those two combined for 50 yards on 9-of-16

Andrus. So far in camp, CB T.J. Rushing has done nothing to passing in the same scrimmage. "What you just got a glimpse

lose the return specialist role. Special teams coordinator Russ of, I think, is what our offense is going to be about this year,"

Purnell is pleased with Rushing‘s progress, "Most of all, he Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio said. "We're going to have an

has made good decisions, which is important. Sometimes explosive offense." Added receiver Ernest Wilford: "I just

those returners are like quarterbacks; a quarterback has an ego know it's going to be a special season." Whenever you read

in his arm and a returner has an ego in his legs. They're going things like this, it‘s important to put the brakes on and say,

to field that ball seven yards deep in the end zone and take off ―It‘s only training camp‖. It‘s also important to note that the

running or they're going to return a ball that they should fair team‘s starters on both sides only matched up for one series all

catch. We all felt confident T.J. has demonstrated the maturity, night, though Leftwich went 2-for-2 for 30 yards on that drive,

decision-making and skill level that he could help us." Purnell which ended with a 23-yard TD to Matt Jones. Even against

also indicated that Rushing is doing very well fielding the ball, the team‘s 2nd defense, the offense was crisp, effective and

"One of the things we really stress in catching the football on most importantly, free of turnovers. Leftwich, Garrard, and

kickoffs is catching it with some momentum, rolling into the Tim Couch combined to complete passes to 12 different

catch, not backing up, not being flat footed so you can make receivers. Leftwich completed nine straight passes to start the

―game‖, but he was also indecisive on two plays that would‘ve

been sacks in the regular season. "Byron's timing and his think they've been working hard. You just want to see

footwork are right on," new OC Dirk Koetter said. "The ball is improvement. I'm beginning to see signs of improvement, and

coming out on time. He knows exactly where he's going with we need to continue to build, and it's only [done] through hard

the ball and when to go there. Any quarterback in that kind of work." Sharon brings sure hands to the table, Mike Walker

rhythm is tough to stop." great athleticism and poise, and Broussard brings speed. In

Friday‘s scrimmage, Broussard led the club with three catches

Quinn Gray took snaps Friday morning for the first time in for 62 yards while Jones and Isaac Smolko each scored TDs.

training camp. Gray was placed on the team‘s PUP list before Walker (knee) didn‘t practice during Friday morning‘s

camp started, but they took him off the list before Friday session. Sharon and Williams stayed on the field after the

morning‘s session. By Saturday, Gray received a lot of morning practice and caught extra passes from a ball machine.

repetitions during the morning‘s mock game. He missed on a In Saturday‘s mock game, Ernest Wilford caught the game-

few passes, but otherwise was on target. Leftwich connected winning pass with 2 seconds left, a 44-yarder from David

on almost all of his throws and Garrard was sharp as well. Garrard that was reviewed and ruled a TD by officials.

While Gray was out, the Jags signed Tim Couch to a two-year

deal to give them another arm for camp, at least until Gray TE: George Wrighster is close to returning from offseason

returned. "He'll help us out in camp with Quinn down," shoulder surgery. He was hitting a blocking dummy on the

receiver Dennis Northcutt said of Couch, with whom he sidelines and he could return within the next two weeks. In the

played in Cleveland. "It's good to see him." The team offered meantime, Marcedes Lewis and Jermaine Wiggins are getting

Daunte Culpepper a three year deal, but he opted for Oakland, most of the reps.

instead seeking a year deal. Rookie Lester Ricard struggled in

his first few days of camp. Defense: Cornerback Scott Starks was practicing with a cast

on his left hand to protect a broken bone. DE Reggie

RB: Last year, Maurice Jones-Drew ran with a chip on his Hayward returned to the field last week. Bobby McCray is

shoulder. This year, it‘s 10-year veteran Fred Taylor, who is currently running with the starting unit opposite Hayward on

487 yards shy of 10,000 yards rushing for his career. There are the other side at DE. First round pick Reggie Nelson is

20 players in NFL history to reach that plateau, most are in the adapting to the NFL. "It's a lot different and any rookie will

Hall of Fame, but Taylor feels like he doesn‘t get that kind of tell you that," said Nelson. "I feel different, too. I've gained a

respect nationally – and it bothers him. The Sporting News few pounds and I think it's all muscle. I don't have any

recently ranked the league‘s runner and tabbed Taylor 28th. problem sleeping because they've worked me so hard. And

"When I heard they had ranked Joseph Addai ahead of me," man…the school work. I almost feel I'm doing as much

Taylor said, "I was like, 'What the [expletive] is going on in studying here as I did at Florida with football and classes

this business?' People make predictions, and if they're right, combined."

people think they're Muhammad. But no way in [expletive]

he's better than me. I can tell you that." Taylor is healthy this Special Teams: In scrimmage, the offense did an excellent

year in camp, something he wasn‘t able to say last year. "The job of setting up kicker Josh Scobee. He was good on field

first couple days, I was kind of finding myself [in the new goals from 17, 22, and 26 yards. Fourth round draft pick

offense] but now I'm feeling it," he said. "I'm starting to get in Adam Podlesh will almost certainly be the Jaguars‘ punter this

the same rhythm with these guys." In Friday‘s practice, Fred year, although camp leg Tony Yelk is making him work for it.

Taylor and Maurice Drew combined for 27 yards on four Head coach Jack Del Rio noted following a recent practice,

carries. Greg Jones (knee) didn‘t participate. "Based on the two or three kicks they each got, Tony had a

better night kicking. But it's kind of like a golf swing. You

WR: Charles Sharon did not practice all week after he could go out with Tiger Woods, and he might dump one, and

suffered a slight concussion last Monday. As a result, Sharon you might hit one right down the middle. But that doesn't

was held out of Friday‘s scrimmage. Sharon finally returned to mean you're better than Tiger." If practices are any indication

the field for Saturday‘s mock game. "They're taking it looks like RB Maurice Jones-Drew will retain the top

precautions just to make sure," Sharon said. "I'm happy they're kickoff returner role. WR Dennis Northcutt has been working

doing it for my sake as well as theirs." Entering camp, Sharon as the primary backup, and rookie WR John Broussard has

hoped his days of watching and waiting were coming to an been working with the third-string unit. RB Derrick Wimbush

end. Up until the injury, he was competing for a starting role will likely be in the no. two or three spot once the regular

hoping to surpass Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, Ernest season arrives.

Wilford and Dennis Northcutt. HC Jack Del Rio made it

perfectly clear when camp started that all of the positions were Jaguars Depth Chart

open for competition amongst the WRs. "We need somebody QB: Byron Leftwich (inj), David Garrard, Quinn Gray, Tim

to step up and take charge," Del Rio said. "We're going to let Couch, Lester Ricard

the most productive guys emerge and play." John Broussard, RB: Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew (SD/3RB/KR) ,

the team's seventh-round pick said, "Whoever does the best, LaBrandon Toefield (KR), Alvin Pearman (PR), Montell

the word is, they're going to play. I just try to focus on practice Owens, D.D. Terry

and making plays." At least Matt Jones and Reggie Williams, FB: Greg Jones, Derrick Wimbush (KR)

the incumbent starters, managed to stay healthy throughout the WR: Reggie Williams, Matt Jones (inj), Ernest Wilford,

first week of camp. "I think they've been dutiful," said Del Rio Dennis Northcutt, Charles Sharon, Mike Walker, John

when asked for an assessment of his two veteran receivers. "I Broussard, Jimmy Farris, D'Juan Woods, Roosevelt Kiser

TE: George Wrighster, Marcedes Lewis, Jermaine Wiggins, camp, but he didn‘t play in Saturday‘s scrimmage. Kolby

Richard Angulo, Greg Estandia, Isaac Smolko Smith was impressive though. He made a couple of long runs.

K: Josh Scobee Michael Bennett also had a nice run over right guard. In

DT: Marcus Stroud, John Henderson, Rob Meier (DE), Derek Wednesday‘s practice, Bennett had some nice runs in the early

Landri, Tony McDaniel, Walter Curry workout in full pads. He also dropped a perfect pass over the

DE: Reggie Hayward, Bobby McCray, Brent Hawkins, Paul middle. Derrick Ross ran over safety Chad Williams on one

Spicer, James Wyche, Jeremy Mincey, Brian Smith run and FB Kris Wilson made a nice, over-the-shoulder catch

MLB: Mike Peterson (M/W) (inj), Tony Gilbert for a TD from Brodie Coyle.

OLB: Daryl Smith (W/M), Clint Ingram (S), Nick Greisen

(W), Justin Durant (W), Jorge Cordova (W/S), Pat Thomas WR: Dwayne Bowe, the team‘s first round pick (23 rd overall)

(inj), Kenneth Pettway, Brian Iwuh, Chad Nkang finally signed a 5-year contract on Sunday and reported to

CB: Rashean Mathis, Brian Williams, Terry Cousin, Scott camp on Monday. Having missed 10 days of camp, it‘s going

Starks, Bruce Thornton, Dee Webb, Chris Roberson, Rashod to be tough for Bowe to make an immediate impact, but HC

Moulton, Jamar Landrom Herm Edwards isn‘t ruling it out. "He's going to compete. We

S: Reggie Nelson (FS), Gerald Sensabaugh (SS), Josh Gattis rotate those receivers a lot," Edwards said. "He has the

(SS), Nick Sorensen, Kevin McCAdam, Jamaal Fudge potential (to be a starter). But when I look at starters, those

receivers, to me, are going to play in this system on a rotation,

with three or four of them. We want to keep them fresh."

Samie Parker struggled last Wednesday, dropping four passes,

and then on Thursday, he continued with two more drops,

Kansas City Chiefs including one that drew boos from the crowd when the ball hit

him in the numbers. Veteran Rod Gardner felt like the

QB: In the Chiefs scrimmage against the Vikings on Saturday, forgotten receiver, but he‘s been a pleasant surprise so far and

QB Brodie Croyle opened the 11-on-11 team period with the made some nice catches throughout the last week. "His first

first-team offense. He completed his first pass on a check- couple of years in the league he was a very, very good

down route to FB Kris Wilson. Croyle looked good with his receiver. I'm hoping he continues to do that and really

throws on 10-yard outs and completed another nice pass to challenges." HC Herm Edwards said, "I thought our receivers

Eddie Kennison in stride on a slant route for 15 yards. Damon made some good catches today. I thought they made some on

Huard got his share of snaps with the first-team offense the other field, too, today. We'll look at it all."

midway through the team session. In the Saturday night

scrimmage, during the passing segments, Huard was with the Elsewhere in practice throughout the week, Ean Randolph

first team and things didn‘t go very well. Huard completed all made a spectacular play with a one-handed diving catch on a

three of his passes, but for only short yardage, and he was streak route down the left sideline for a 40-yard gain inside the

sacked once. Croyle didn‘t fare much better with the 2nd team five-yard line. CB Mike Hawkins provided excellent coverage,

offensive line. His foot was stepped on by his own lineman on but QB Jeff Terrell‘s accurate pass, along with Randolph‘s

the first play, and then two plays later he was knocked down effort, was too much to overcome. Gardner stretched out to

by the Vikings pass rush. Casey Printers played two downs make an impressive catch over the middle on one play.

with the third string line and was sacked, too. The weather Maurice Price made a diving catch on a slant route from

conditions didn‘t help; the field was wet and the night was Huard. Safety Greg Wesley delivered a huge hit to WR

damp in general. In the team offense portion, Huard looked Chandler Williams when the rookie attempted a crack block

good hitting Kris Wilson for a nice gain, then Tony Gonzalez on a rushing play. Williams was shaken up and had to go to

for a 30-yard TD. RB Kolby Smith dropped Huard‘s last pass the sidelines. Jeff Webb made a great double-move against CB

in that segment. Croyle came in for four plays; going 1-of-3 Jerron Wishom to catch a deep post route over the middle. KC

with a pick that was dropped by a Vikings LB. Printers went fans were excited to see former Mizzou WR Brad Ekwerekwu

1-of-2 with a nice pass to Titus Ryan that went for 20-plus match up against Charles Gordon in one-on-one drills (a MU

yards. All three offensive lines struggled with pass protection vs. KU match-up). Ekwerekwu had the upper hand thanks to a

against the Vikings. highlight catch where he kept both feet in-bounds on a leaping

catch down the sideline for a 15-yard gain. Brent Little, who

On Friday, Croyle connected with rookie Brad Ekwerekwu for grew up in KC, made a leaping catch over the middle for a big

what appeared to be a great catch in the back of the end zone, gain in Saturday‘s scrimmage. He made a pair of nice catches

but Ekwerekwu was ruled out of bounds. Croyle threw the ball in the night scrimmage holding on to the ball both times after

with more zip than Huard, and he was more accurate. Huard taking some pretty good hits.

looked great at times, too, including a pair of completions to

Rod Gardner over the middle. In Thursday morning‘s practice, TE: Tony Gonzalez has been his usual self, nothing new

Printers had a good showing throwing between defenders there. On Friday, rookie TE Michael Allan made his best play

multiple times throughout the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. so far in camp on an athletic grab of a Casey Printers pass.

Printers showed good accuracy on a quick slant bullet to Brent

Little through traffic.

Defense: The Chiefs defense is looking good so far in camp.

They‘ve been physical, especially the secondary, who dished

RB: Larry Johnson remains a holdout, with neither side out several tasty tributes to the Chiefs RBs. Bernard Pollard,

showing signs of flinching at this stage. Priest Holmes is in Jarrad Page, Greg Wesley and Jon McGraw have all been

flying to the ball and levying timely hits. Chad Williams was Webb, Dwayne Bowe, Rod Gardner, Ean Randolph (KR),

crushed by Derrick Ross on one play, but it didn‘t bother Maurice Price, Brent Little, Ryan Titus, Brad Ekwerekwu

Williams for long. He dished out blows of his own to T Chris TE: Tony Gonzalez, Jason Dunn, Kris Wilson, Michael Allan,

Terry and RB Kolby Smith just a few plays later. On Friday Mike Pinkard, Keith Willis

evening, the Chiefs D played well again. They shut down the K: Justin Medlock

Vikings on four of the first five plays during 9-on-7 drills. DT: James Reed, Ron Edwards, Turk McBride, Tank Tyler,

MLB Napoleon Harris stood out in that session flying all of Alfonso Boone (NT), Kiki Gonzalez, Patrice Majondo-

the field and shutting down the Vikings ground game. In the Mwamba

first play of the team session on Saturday, DT Ron Edwards DE: Tamba Hali, Jared Allen (susp), Jimmy Wilkerson,

sacked QB Tarvaris Jackson. LB Derrick Johnson blew up RB Michael Heard, Chris Harris, Montez Murphy

Mewelde Moore on the second play for a three-yard loss. DE MLB: Napoleon Harris, Rich Scanlon

Jared Allen used his quickness to get around All-Pro T Bryant OLB: Derrick Johnson (L), Donnie Edwards (R), Kendrell

McKinnie a few times and put himself in position for at least Bell (R), Keyaron Fox (R/L), William Kershaw, Nick Reid,

two sacks. LB Keyaron Fox dove to break up a pass during 7- David Hicks, Nate Harris, Brian Crum

on-7 drills and LB Justin Phinisee intercepted a pass during CB: Patrick Surtain, Ty Law, Benny Sapp, Marcus Maxey,

the same drills. Rookie DT Tank Tyler worked with the first Michael Bragg, Justin Phinisee, Dimitri Patterson, Will Poole,

team d-line. Backup safety Greg Wesley appeared to have a Tyron Brackenridge

nice pass break-up but was called for interference instead. S: Bernard Pollard (SS), Jarrad Page (FS), Greg Wesley (FS),

Jon McGraw, Chad Williams, Marlon Fair

On Thursday, the MVP of practice was LB William Kershaw,

who picked off one pass and tipped another that led to an Miami Dolphins

interception. LB Kendrell Bell made a nice play on a stretch

play where he fended off a reach block to string Kolby Smith

out for a 3-yard loss. Derrick Johnson displayed incredible QB: Trent Green‘s performance has been erratic thus far.

balance on Wednesday, when he had to extend fully to Green continues to run with the 2nd team primarily, while Cleo

intercept a Damon Huard swing pass for a TD. Johnson has Lemon takes more 1st team snaps. Rookie John Beck is

made it a habit of lambasting rookie RB Kolby Smith this handling 3rd string duties. Green has thrown several

week. He flattened Smith at the line of scrimmage on one interceptions and bad passes in the first week of camp, but

play. Benny Sapp made a shoestring interception during the also produced some nice, crisp plays. Green is still expected to

afternoon workout and Jarrad Page broke up a would-be be the team‘s starter come regular season, but head coach Cam

touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez. Cameron is making him earn it, so Lemon remains in the

driver‘s seat for now.

Special Teams: Rookie kicker Justin Medlock has looked

very good in camp, except for last Tuesday when he went 0- Under the lights on Friday, Green shined when he connected

for-4 on field goals. Otherwise he has shown both accuracy with Chris Chambers in traffic for two consecutive

and range. Although Medlock is the only kicker in camp, completions. Later, he found a wide-open Ronnie Brown in

special teams coordinator Mike Priefer noted, "I told him as the flat for an easy TD. On Green‘s last drive, he capped off a

soon as he got here that he is competing against all NFL drive with a 20-yard TD to Marty Booker down the middle.

kickers that don't have a job." Priefer also discussed why The team‘s offense had mixed success in 9-on-7 passing drills,

Dante Hall is no longer with the team, ―He was treated where the team focused on third-and-short situations. Green

differently by the previous staff. This head coach and myself avoided pressure on one play and found Kerry Reed on a deep

are not into babying players. I‘m going to treat them like men slant for a completion. Lemon showed nice touch on a short

and treat them with respect. I guess it wasn‘t enough. He was pass over the middle to Ronnie Brown. However, on the next

in the tank a lot. His attitude wasn‘t what it should have been. play, Lemon was picked off by corner Travis Daniels, who is

After a while, I don‘t know if he wanted to buy into what the having a strong camp and is fully recovered from the ankle

head coach was preaching or what I was trying to get done.‖ injury that limited him in 2006. On the next drill, Lemon ran

What they are trying to get done is hitting the hole, and north- the first-team offense against the third-team defense, but

south running for positive yardage on every return, rather than quickly fell behind with a third-and-long situation. From the

Hall‘s all or nothing style. If rookie WR Ean Randolph can fit shotgun, he dumped off a pass to Brown with Rodrique

that mold, he will probably win the punt return job. If he has Wright in his face. Brown got the first down on the next play,

trouble handling the ball and/or spends too much time behind then Green returned and hit FB Corey Schlesinger out of the

the line, the job will probably default to WR Samie Parker. backfield for another first down. Beck then got his first action.

Priefer says that WR Jeff Webb isn‘t a lock for the kickoff He threw a perfect pass to David Sutton for 25-yards, except

return job, but that is probably just coach speak. Sutton dropped it. Lemon returned and threw a nice bomb

down the middle to Chambers, who made a diving catch.



Chiefs Depth Chart RB: Ronnie Brown knows he‘s being counted on more this

QB: Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard, Casey Printers, Jeff Terrell year. He‘s being expected to carry the offense on his

RB: Larry Johnson, Priest Holmes, Michael Bennett, Kolby shoulders, and he looks more like a guy that‘s prepared to do

Smith, Derrick Ross, Marcus O'Keith that than he did a year ago. Brown reported to camp at 235 lbs

FB: Boomer Grigsby, Greg Hanoian, Gilbert Harris looking more confident, and his teammates are picking up on

WR: Eddie Kennison, Samie Parker, Chris Hannon, Jeff it. "That's what's going to be asked of me to do," Brown said.

"Hopefully, I can do that and carry the load. I'm going to go drafted in the 3rd round by Oakland. Sutton was signed by the

out every day and work toward that, so when guys feel like Dolphins as an undrafted free agent. ''I'm new to the game,'' he

they need to lean on me, I'm going to be able to carry the admitted. ``I'm just trying to learn every day. I'm so far

load." Brown won‘t get all of the touches though. The behind; I still have so much to learn. When I'm out there, I

Dolphins will mix rookie Lorenzo Booker into the game as a don't feel as comfortable, but I have teammates that help me

change-of-pace and 3rd down back. Both Brown and Booker out.'' On Saturday, he was about to catch a 25-yard pass from

catch the ball extremely well, but Booker adds more John Beck, but it went right through his hands. Sutton is a

suddenness – he can start/stop on a dime and he‘s fast. ''This project, no doubt about it, but the team is taking a long look.

guy is quick, fast, I can't wait to see him actually get into a

preseason game and get some catches out of the backfield,'' In Thursday‘s drills, Michael Malone made a few noteworthy

said veteran DT Vonnie Holliday. ‖His ability to make a move plays. The first was a catch over the middle from Trent Green

and get north-south is very impressive.'' Holliday said he in which Malone was greeted quickly by safety Christopher

couldn't remember very many backs with Booker's quickness Vedder. On the last play of that drill, Green found Malone

and shiftiness. Booker faces competition from Jesse Chatman again downfield as he made a nice catch over an outstretched

as the primary backup though. If Brown were to miss Shirdonya Mitchell.

significant time, Booker might not be the team‘s featured

back. That‘s where Chatman becomes a factor. During Friday TE: A month ago, David Martin looked like a nice late round

night‘s practice the team ended with a goal line drill. Chatman sleeper if he, as expected, won the starting job. Then, last

scored on the first play when he bounced it to the outside. week, Courtney Anderson was cut by the Raiders and then

After that, the defense tightened up, denying Booker and then signed/claimed by the Dolphins. All of a sudden, the Dolphins

Chatman on the next play. Keep an eye on this competition. have some competition and improved depth at TE. Think

Booker will play, but Chatman could wind up being a free Martin minds the competition? Martin said he married

agent sleeper if injuries strike the Dolphins backfield this competition. ''We're both competitors,'' Martin said of him and

season. his wife Kameisha. ‖We compete over everything. Before we

had kids, whenever we would go out to eat we would drive

WR: No news can be good news sometimes. Chris Chambers separate cars, so we could race home. We would just haul

and Marty Booker aren‘t drawing much publicity so far in [tail]. Once we had kids, we had to stop that. But everything's

camp, but that‘s a good thing according to Chambers. ―We're competition for us.'' Kameisha was 1.2 seconds away from

under the radar right now. My mom called me [Friday] and qualifying as an Olympian in the 800 meters in 2004. ''I mean,

said, "I don't hear anything about you guys? What's going we do push-ups together,'' Martin said. ‖I kill her. She just had

on?‖ said Chambers. The Dolphins are looking at several a baby, so she's trying to get back in shape, so we run. Maybe

receivers in the background, hoping one or more of them can we'll do sprints one day and I'll beat her. If we do long

add quality depth or even make an impact. Ted Ginn Jr., of distance, she'll leave me.'' Martin was never able to unseat

course, has the highest expectation as the team‘s top pick. Bubba Franks in Green Bay; mostly because of injuries

He‘s generally looked good, showing his trademark speed and (Martin‘s missed 16 games in the past three years). In

he has caught most of the balls thrown to him, but he dropped Thursday‘s morning drills, Martin made a pair of nice juggling

a perfectly thrown deep ball by Trent Green on Friday night catch over the middle during 9-on-7s. The second catch wasn‘t

and then another from Green went off his fingers in the same a clean grab, but the first one was a diving, one-handed grab

session. After Ginn, veteran Az-Zahir Hakim is in camp, but on a dart over the middle from Trent Green.

he was in shorts for the full pad workouts Friday night. HC

Cameron said it was the trainer‘s decision, not Hakim to sit Defense: CB Travis Daniels and S Yeremiah Bell collided

out. Hakim was back for the afternoon practice in helmets and during Friday night‘s practice on an errant throw by Trent

shoulder pads. There are a couple other players of interest Green. Bell hobbled off the field and didn't return. He was

after that: P.K. Same, David Sutton and Michael Malone. P.K. replaced by Travares Tillman. Later Bell said he‘s fine, but

Sam is a 24-year old former 5th round pick of the Patriots who sustained a hip flexor. "I'm feeling fine. I just fell on my hip

spent the spring in NFL Europa. Sam was on the Dolphins yesterday but everything's okay," Bell reported on Saturday

practice squad last year. At 6‘3‖ 210 pounds, Sam is usually morning. LB Joey Porter may miss the rest of the preseason

one of the biggest WRs in the locker room, but that‘s not the after having his knee scoped for the third time in two years.

case in Miami. There are ten WRs in camp, two who are CB Andre Goodman might also be out for the rest of training

bigger than Sam – David Sutton (6‘6‖, 222 pounds) and camp with a shoulder injury. Corner Jason Allen was beaten

Michael Malone (6‘4‖, 210 pounds). Cameron covets larger by WR Derek Hagan in a 1-on-1 passing drill for a 35-yard

receivers. "Being able to maneuver like he does and run the reception. Hagan managed to gain about a 5-yard separation

kind of routes he runs at his size is pretty impressive," rookie before catching the ball. Allen had a chance to redeem himself

quarterback John Beck said. "You do have Sutton on this a few plays later on a bad pass intended for Marty Booker, but

team, and he's a monster, but you look at everyone else, P.K. the ball bounced off Allen‘s hands and onto the ground. Travis

is a pretty big, physical receiver." Daniels has played well, breaking on the ball and showing

good instincts while picking off Trent Green several times

David Sutton excelled at basketball, volleyball, baseball and during the week. 2nd year DT Rodrique Wright showed some

track in high school, but he never played much football. He pass rushing ability in team drills and is having a solid camp

bounced around before landing at UTEP, where he was the after missing all of his rookie year with a shoulder injury.

blocking complimentary WR to Johnnie Lee Higgins. Sutton

had a nice workout when scouts came to see Higgins, who was

Special Teams: In between kicking practices, Jay Feely has with the first team and continued their improved play from

been seen fielding punts and catching passes from the earlier in the week. Jackson completed three straight passes at

quarterbacks. He explained, ''It keeps me active and it's a good one point to rookies Sidney Rice and Chandler Williams along

workout rather than just standing around. When you have to with one to Jason Carter. Drew Henson hooked up with Jason

make a tackle, and you haven't been moving around, doing Carter on a nice lob pass down the right sideline over CB

things, change of direction, then you can get hurt. That helps Ronyell Whittaker in Thursday‘s practice. On Saturday, both

me just to have your body prepared to do a football move Jackson and Bollinger were more consistent than they were on

besides kicking the ball. 'No. 2, I have fun doing it. I feel like Friday night. Jackson threw one of his prettiest passes so far in

I'm back in high school, getting to actually play football rather camp, a tight spiral in the seam to Jason Carter. Unfortunately,

than just kick. The third thing is, it generates a little more the ball slipped through Carter‘s hands. Meanwhile, Bollinger

respect from your teammates, rather than just as a kicker. . . . found WR Martin Nance for a 15-yard touchdown in red zone

When I go down there and make tackles on kickoffs or I'm drills. "They picked it up from [Friday] night," Childress said.

catching balls from the quarterback, it develops an additional

relationship and respect. They know I'm also an athlete, not RB: Adrian Peterson signed a five-year, $40.5 million deal

just a kicker.'' The winner of the punting competition between with the Vikings last Sunday, ending the seventh overall pick's

Brandon Fields and Ryan Flinn could also be the holder on three-day holdout. After his first two days in camp, HC Brad

kicks. HC Cam Cameron indicated Feely would make the final Childress was asked about his star rookie. ―Adrian is awashed

decision between that or the backup plan, ''They're both good in it a little bit right now. By design we weren't going to give

athletes. They both have good hands. I think Jay likes the Chester any snaps in this scrimmage; we were going let

development of both those guys, and you're sitting there with a Adrian jump in there, and you saw (running backs coach) EB

guy like [WR] Marty Booker, who can hold.'' Word out of (Eric Bieniemy) jump in and out of the huddle with him a little

camp is that WR/KR/PR Ted Ginn Jr. is fast, but you already bit, which is to be expected. He has only been here less than

knew that. RB Lorenzo Booker, the likely backup on returns, 48 hours or so, but you get to see the innate skills and ability.

has done a better job of hanging onto the ball recently on punt Once those eyes get trained and he has complete

returns. understanding, you'll see him get more and more comfortable I

think with what he is doing." Earlier in the week, Chester

Dolphins Depth Chart Taylor gave the team a scare when he was carted off the field.

QB: Trent Green, Cleo Lemon, John Beck, Gibran Hamdan It turns out Taylor suffered only a bruised arm, but it was

RB: Ronnie Brown, Lorenzo Booker, Jesse Chatman, Patrick thought to be broken at first. Taylor returned to practice on

Cobbs, Ray Perkins Thursday, but then Peterson limped off the field with a hip

FB: Corey Schlesinger, Kyle Eckel, Reagan Mauia pointer. Neither back participated in practice sessions with the

WR: Chris Chambers, Marty Booker, Derek Hagan, Ted Ginn Chiefs over the weekend, opening the door for Mewelde

(KR/PR), Az-Zahir Hakim, David Sutton, Kerry Reed, P.K. Moore and the other Vikings backs to make an impression.

Sam, Michael Malone, Marvin Allen Moore is having a solid camp. "I think on offense the guy that

TE: David Martin, Justin Peelle, Courtney Anderson, Tim probably gets overseen, Mewelde (Moore) has had an

Massaquoi, Aaron Halterman, Jason Rader excellent camp," Childress said. "He really has, and you see

K: Jay Feely him pop out here and do a couple of things today but he has

DT: Vonnie Holliday, Keith Traylor (NT), Paul Soliai (NT), done everything we've asked him to do and then some. He just

Rodrique Wright, Kevin Vickerson, Marquay Love, Steve keeps his nose to the grindstone there and he wants to be a

Fifita, Chase Page, Brian Soi good football player.‖

DE: Jason Taylor, Matt Roth, Mkristo Bruce, John Denney

(LS) WR: Justin Surrency, who is having a nice camp, continued to

MLB: Zach Thomas, Robert McCune impress coaches by making some great catches against the

OLB: Channing Crowder (W), Joey Porter (S), Donnie Chiefs in Friday night‘s scrimmage. Surrency made a great

Spragan (S), Derrick Pope (W), Kelvin Smith, Abraham catch on a fade route on one play, and then he leaped over the

Wright (S), Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, Edmin Miles, Jim Maxwell Chiefs Michael Bragg for another catch while keeping his feet

CB: Will Allen, Andre Goodman (PUP), Travis Daniels, in bounds. His last one was a tight-rope catch along the

Jason Allen, Michael Lehan, Derrick Johnson, Shirdonya Vikings sideline later in the practice. Billy McMullen worked

Mitchell, Tuff Harris, Geoffrey Pope on the sidelines this week and didn‘t play. Other WRs that

S: Renaldo Hill (FS), Yeremiah Bell (SS), Travares Tillman were held out include Troy Williamson (infection) and

(SS), Cameron Worrell, Chris Harrell, Courtney Bryan, Aundrae Allison (leg). With Allison, Sidney Rice, Chandler

Christopher Vedder Williams and Williamson all sitting out, the rest of the

receiver corps got a chance to for extra reps. At one point,

both Jason Carter and Surrency were playing with the first

string unit, catching passes from QB Tarvaris Jackson. On

Thursday, Bobby Wade and Martin Nance made nice catches

Minnesota Vikings for first downs in the morning session during 11-on-11s.



QB: After a couple of shaky practices earlier in the week, the TE: Some folks in Minnesota are still trying to figure out how

Vikings offense began to show improvement on Wednesday to say Visanthe Shiancoe‘s name. "Just call me Shank-dog,"

and Thursday. Against the Chiefs in Friday night‘s scrimmage he said with a smile. Shiancoe struggled with dropped passes

QBs Tarvaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger each spent time

during OTAs and he appeared to be held back by a nagging RB: Chester Taylor, Adrian Peterson, Mewelde Moore

quad injury early in camp, but he outran speedy LB (3RB/PR), Artose Pinner, Ciatrick Fason, Wendell Mathis

Dontarrious Thomas later in the week on a pass, so he appears FB: Tony Richardson (inj), Naufahu Tahi

to be fine. The Vikings TEs caught 59 passes a year ago, so WR: Bobby Wade, Troy Williamson, Sidney Rice, Billy

Shiancoe could be a solid sleeper if he emerges as the player McMullen, Martin Nance, Cortez Hankton, Aundrae Allison,

the team envisioned during free agency. Shiancoe runs a 4.5 Jason Carter, Todd Lowber, Chandler Williams, Justin

40 and weighs 250 pounds, but he caught only 35 passes in Surrency

four seasons as a backup to Jeremy Shockey. "I'm going to put TE: Jim Kleinsasser, Visanthe Shiancoe, Jeff Dugan (FB),

up some pretty solid numbers," Shiancoe said, his head Richard Owens (FB), Stephen Spach, Braden Jones

nodding confidently. "That's what I will say. Very solid K: Ryan Longwell

numbers. Very high numbers." DT: Pat Williams (NT), Kevin Williams (DE), Spencer

Johnson, Howard Green, Joe Bradley, Conrad Bolston, Alex

Defense: In Saturday evening‘s scrimmage with the Chiefs, Guerrero

LB Heath Farwell intercepted a pass on the first play of third- DE: Kenechi Udeze, Ray Edwards, Erasmus James (inj),

down drills. He dropped into zone coverage, then he while Darrion Scott, Brian Robison, Jayme Mitchell, Khreem Smith

sliding over, he simultaneously caught the pass with Chiefs MLB: E.J. Henderson (M/W), Dontarrious Thomas (W/M),

WR Rod Gardner. Farwell wrestled with Gardner and came Vinny Ciurciu

away with the ball. Safety Mike Doss and corner Mike OLB: Ben Leber (S), Chad Greenway (W/M), Rufus

Hawkins each broke up a pass during 7-on-7 drills. Friday Alexander (W), Heath Farwell (S), Jason Glenn, John Kerr,

night, against the Chiefs, defensive backs Charles Gordon and David Herron

Cedric Griffin recorded interceptions during the one-on-one CB: Antoine Winfield, Cedric Griffin, Dovonte Edwards,

drills and Gordon recorded another one during seven-on-seven Marcus McCauley, Charles Gordon, Ronyell Whittaker, Jerron

work. Safety Greg Blue had the biggest hit of the night, Wishom, Sergio Gilliam

stopping the Chiefs Derrick Ross dead in his tracks with a hit S: Darren Sharper (FS), Dwight Smith (SS), Mike Doss (SS),

that drew a rise from teammates and fans. Rookie LB John Tank Williams (SS), Greg Blue (FS/SS), Patrick Body, Mike

Kerr made a nice play during the 11-on-11 session when he Hawkins

leapt to intercept a pass along the right seam. On Thursday,

cornerback Ronyell Whitaker was carted off the field with a

sprained ankle, but DC Leslie Frazier didn‘t think it was

serious. Another player having a strong camp is DE Ray

Edwards, who has played like a man on a mission. Darrion New England Patriots

Scott and Kenechi Udeze‘s battle for one DE spot remains

mostly a dead heat. Scott has been used inside on occasion QB: In Sunday‘s practice during red zone drills Tom Brady

alongside Kevin Williams for passing downs. Dontarrious dropped back and saw Wes Welker open on the end line

Thomas is also having a good camp. He‘s filled in for Ben running toward the back pylon. Brady threw a perfect pass off

Leber and can backup all three of the LB positions. his back foot for a 20-yard TD between two defenders for the

best play of the session. On Thursday, the team did plenty of

Special Teams: In an effort to improve his leg strength and situational work as they continued their 2-a-days. The offense

kickoffs, kicker Ryan Longwell borrowed the workout ethic worked primarily on the passing game and Tom Brady played

and routine of one of his neighbors, Tiger Woods. "I would extremely well. Brady led the offense up and down the field

just kind of watch him and watch what he does and talk to him almost at will. His play was highlighted by a perfectly thrown

on the range a little bit. This guy, on a Tuesday of a laser to Ben Watson‘s back hip who was being closely

tournament week, he's out there running three, four, five covered by safety Mel Mitchell. The 2nd and 3rd units also got

miles. On a Tuesday! He says he gets up and works out, even some chances. Matt Cassel and Matt Gutierrez each had

on days that he has a round." Longwell noted that the change flashes in their reps, though Cassel seemed to struggle with his

was triggered by last year‘s poor kickoffs, "Our percentage consistency. On Sunday, Cassel was just eager for the team‘s

was great, but a couple of kicks and kickoff-wise, I thought I first preseason game on Friday. He expects to see a lot of

ran out of gas toward the end of the season. If the best athlete action against Tampa Bay. "I hope so," he said after practice.

in the world [Tiger Woods] is trying to get better and still "I haven't been told anything, but we'll see how it all unfolds,

running and lifting while he's playing, then I think there's and I'm looking forward to going out there and getting some

something to be learned from that." If Longwell does not playing time and competing." Now in his third season, Cassel

improve on his kickoffs it might impact the punter position. is a bit more confident than he was as a rookie. "I feel a lot

Incumbent Chris Kluwe will likely keep his job. Undrafted more comfortable…There's definitely been an acceleration of

rookie Alex Reyes out of Texas Tech is not a serious threat to the learning curve from year one to year three."

take the job away, although he could become a legitimate

challenger of kickoffs become a factor, since that is a job he RB: Laurence Maroney said he‘s not going to change his

can also handle. running style despite missing two games as a rookie from torn

rib cartilage and having shoulder surgery following the season.

Vikings Depth Chart His style exposes him to injury, but it‘s also the same style

that makes him a threat to score whenever he touches the ball.

QB: Tarvaris Jackson, Brooks Bollinger, Drew Henson, Tyler

"I'm not making any changes," Maroney said. "I feel like that's

Thigpen

what got me here, so I'm going to stay with it." But he might

change the way he approaches the game mentally in his and Mike Vrabel time and time again," said former Patriots

second season. "Just reading defenses and learning this TE Christian Fauria. "I've seen those guys beat him, too."

playbook," said Maroney. "Last year everything went by so Watson said he learned plenty from Graham and Fauria. "Each

fast I really probably didn't learn it as well as I needed and it's of them has their unique style, and in blocking, you have to

making it a little easier this year now that I know it a little bit find your unique way of doing it," said Watson. "Whereas

better." Sammy Morris was signed to be Maroney‘s backup, Daniel would come and just blast you off the line, Christian

whose versatility could come in handy. Yet in the first week of was more of a technician. I think I'm a little bit of both. I

camp, Morris has struggled with his blitz pickups against LBs think I'm starting to develop an idea of what my strengths are

and, uncharacteristically, he‘s having a difficult time catching and what my weaknesses are and just try to develop." Reserve

the ball. He dropped two catchable balls in team drills on TE Matt Kranchick was shaken up near the end of the second

Thursday. Justice Hairston, the team‘s 6th round pick out of practice on Friday. The Patriots have been without Garrett

Central Connecticut, was waived last week, but he wasn‘t Mills since the first day of camp save for a walkthrough on

claimed by another team allowing the Patriots to retain his Sunday. Kyle Brady didn‘t practice all of last week. David

rights. Hairston will remain with the club on injured reserve. Thomas remains on the PUP, and while the rest of the PUP

guys have been in the field during the team‘s walk through,

WR: Randy Moss had to leave Wednesday‘s practice early Thomas did not make an appearance.

when he pulled up lame chasing down a Tom Brady deep

pass. HC Bill Belichick described Moss as ―day to day‖. Defense: Safety Eugene Wilson was thrown into the fire as a

Moss, who has some history with leg problems, missed both rookie in 2003. So, with Asante Samuel holding out as the

practice sessions on Thursday. "I think we just take it as it team‘s franchise player, he‘s watching the same thing happen

comes," Belichick said. "If there is a problem, then you deal to this year‘s first-round pick, defensive back Brandon

with it. We take everybody's physical condition into account Meriweather. So far he likes what he sees, too. "He's a tough

when we set up our practices. That includes everybody, and guy. He's out there getting a lot of reps right now, he's fighting

then if there is a problem along the way, we deal with it. It's through, and that's what we need," Wilson said. "We need a

no different than any other guy." Moss returned to the warrior like him out there to help us." Meriweather has been

practice field on Friday, though only for a walkthrough, paired with Tory James as the corners on the second team in

jogging lightly through the drills. Several other players on the camp. Adalius Thomas was absent in Friday‘s practice

PUP were also allowed to participate like Donte Stallworth, allowing Oscar Lua a chance to play with the first team

Troy Brown and Chad Jackson. "It's good to see guys out there defense. "It shows that if something happens, they are

that haven't been out there," Welker said. "The more we can confident with me in there," Lua said. "But at this point it's all

have the full squad out there, guys getting going, the better just filling in for the guys, just trying to learn, trying to take

we're going to be." Stallworth returned to practice on Sunday. advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. Today

was an opportunity to go out there and run with some of the

Before Moss‘ injury on Wednesday, he had been excellent in first-team reps. I did my job, took care of it.‖ Randall Gay has

camp, lining up and taking reps at the front of the line been strong through the first week of camp routinely holding

followed by Welker, Jabar Gaffney, then Reche Caldwell and his own regardless of how was lined up opposite him.

Kelley Washington next in line. Welker quickly emerged as

the team‘s top option in the slot. With Moss and Stallworth on Pierre Woods, an undrafted free agent out of Michigan in

the outside, Welker should benefit greatly. Gaffney has been 2006, made the team a year ago and worked his way onto the

the most pleasant surprise in camp, taking full advantage of field by the end of the season. Woods was recently named one

Donte Stallworth opening camp on the PUP list. "He had a of the Patriot‘s offseason program award winners. Woods has

great offseason, and he's having a real good camp," Belichick been one of the most improved players in camp, so the work is

acknowledged. "He's showed up and made plays out there paying off, but it also means that he‘s earned another perk – a

every day." Keep in mind, Gaffney put together back-to-back preferred parking spot. "It's a great privilege to have a parking

100 yard games in the playoffs last season, but that didn‘t spot," said Woods, "but at the same time you've just got to go

make him feel secure when the club added Moss, Welker and out there and stay focused. It's all about what you do on the

Stallworth in the offseason. "We're a deep and talented group," field. A parking spot is not going to get me a spot in the locker

Gaffney said. "It's important to come out here every day and room." Other winners of the award included Chad Scott, Ty

do something that stays in the coaches' minds." Warren, Adalius Thomas, Tom Brady, Kevin Faulk, Matt

Cassel, Stephen Neal and Wes Welker.

TE: With Kyle Brady on board, Ben Watson won‘t be counted

on heavily as a blocker, but to become an every down TE Special Teams: One of the hottest kickers early in camps

Watson knows he must improve. "You've got to be able to do around the NFL has been the Patriots‘ Stephen Gostkowski. In

everything," said Watson, who is entering his fourth season. four recent practices he went 6-of-8, 8-of-8, 6-of-6, and 8-of-8

"You can't just be one-dimensional. As a tight end, you're on field goals. He feels a little more comfortable this year,

called on to block, so you've got to work on it." So, that‘s "Last year, I had no idea what to expect. I was brand new

precisely what Watson has done since joining the Patriots and coming into the situation, and I still feel pretty brand new. I've

this could be the year he finally breaks through in that area. got just one year under my belt, and I still have to go out and

Daniel Graham wasn‘t a great blocker when he entered the prove myself every day. I haven't been here for that long to

league, but became one of the league‘s best after working hard feel any comfortability, so I've got to go out there every day

at it his first few years. "I've seen him block Roosevelt Colvin and prove it to my team and to my coaches." The team

continues to practice on the return game. RB Kevin Faulk, rookie. But that‘s not all Bush wants to do on special teams,

WR Wes Welker and WR Bam Childress have been fielding he‘d like to add kick returns to his repertoire. ―A lot depends

punts. CB Ellis Hobbs, CB Willie Andrews, RB Sammy on some of those other guys that are working back there, but

Morris, WR Wes Welker, CB Gemara Williams and WR Bam he‘s kind of lobbying for that,‖ Payton said. ―So we‘ll see.

Childress have been fielding kickoffs. Andrews has stood out Right now, he is taking reps at both skills. We‘ve got

in special teams‘ practices, both as a returner and especially as candidates, but it‘s an important area. It was brought up a few

a gunner. days ago, and it‘s one of the things up on our grease board.

We‘ve got to find a kick returner.‖

Patriots Depth Chart

QB: Tom Brady, Matt Cassel, Matt Gutierrez Undrafted rookie Pierre Thomas got some work Sunday night

RB: Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk (3RB), Sammy Morris, with 4 carries for 17 yard and 2 catches for 35 yards. Aaron

Quinton Smith, Justice Hairston (IR) Stecker combined for 24 yards on 6 carries (16 yds) and one

FB: Heath Evans reception (8 yds). Antonio Pittman had the most carries for the

WR: Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Wesley Welker offense rushing for 20 yards on 7 attempts. Reggie Bush

(KR/PR), Reche Caldwell, Jabar Gaffney, Troy Brown (PUP), started the game, but carried just twice for 8 yards. The

Chad Jackson (PUP), Kelley Washington, Bam Childress, coaching staff didn‘t need to see Deuce McAllister. Instead,

Kelvin Kight, Chris Dunlap, C.J. Jones they wanted to get more looks from Thomas and Jamaal

TE: Ben Watson, David Thomas (PUP), Kyle Brady, Garrett Branch, who was productive at times in last year‘s camp.

Mills (FB)

K: Stephen Gostkowski WR: Devery Henderson continues to lead the pack in the race

NT: Vince Wilfork, LeKevin Smith, Mike Wright for the WR2 job. The competition for the slot job is coming

DE: Richard Seymour (DT)(PUP), Ty Warren (DT), Jarvis down to Terrence Copper and veteran David Patten, which

Green, Kareem Brown (DT), Kenny Smith, Rashad Moore leaves Robert Meachem‘s current role unclear, but as the

ILB: Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel (S/I), Junior Seau, Eric team‘s 1st round pick his roster spot is definitely not in

Alexander, Oscar Lua, Justin Rogers, Justin Warren question. In Sunday‘s Hall of Fame game, Meachem was

OLB: Adalius Thomas (S/I), Rosevelt Colvin (W/DE), Larry welcomed to the NFL by Steelers corner William Gay, who

Izzo, Pierre Woods (S), Chad Brown, Corey Mays laid out Meachem with a super hit in the fourth quarter.

CB: Asante Samuel (UFA-F), Ellis Hobbs (KR), Tory James, Meachem stayed on the ground for a bit, before walking off

Brandon Meriweather (FS/CB), Randall Gay, Dante Wesley, the field under his own power, albeit a little woozy. Marques

Mike Richardson, Eddie Jackson, Willie Andrews, Gemara Colston and Devery Henderson started the game for the

Williams, Chad Scott (IR) Saints. Terrence Copper led the Saints with three catches for

S: Rodney Harrison (SS), Eugene Wilson (FS), Artrell 39 yards while Lance Moore caught two balls for 11 yards;

Hawkins (SS), James Sanders (SS/FS), Rashad Baker, Mel Meachem and Colston caught one ball each for 6 yards.

Mitchell, Denny Poland Earlier in the week, the Saints waived Rhema McKnight and

signed free agent Chris Jackson.



While Meachem got a ringing endorsement from the Steelers

in his NFL debut, he‘s been working hard in practice to

New Orleans Saints improve and continues to make progress after struggling with

dropped passes earlier in camp. He had his best practice last

QB: The Saints might want to quickly forget about the Hall of Tuesday. ―We keep talking about making steps and making

Fame game, go back to practice and prepare for their next progress,‖ Payton said. ―He‘s got a lot of ability and he‘s

game after losing 20-7 to Pittsburgh Sunday night. "In the first working extremely hard, so I was pleased to see him get his

preseason game, you are finally getting a chance to go against hands on some balls today. He‘s a big target. It‘s just the

someone else, and see where you have progressed," QB Drew definition of the route-running and exactness of the

Brees said after going 1-for-6 for 6 yards while barely playing assignment. Those are things he‘ll continue to work on. But I

one quarter with the rest of the starters. "Obviously, we still was encouraged.‖

have some work to do." If there was a silver lining in the

opener, it was the third string offense, led by QB Jason Fife, TE: Mark Campbell was in the starting lineup for Sunday

driving 72 yards on 16 plays to put the Saints on the board to night‘s game. Most observers expect newcomer Eric Johnson

open the second half. Fife finished with 47 yards on 5-of-8 to eventually emerge as the team‘s starter, but so far, veterans

passing with a 1-yard TD to FB Kevin Dudley. Tyler Palko Billy Miller and Campbell continue to hold the upper hand,

got some work, too. Palko completed 4-of-8 for 53 yards, but mainly because of their familiarity with the offense and QB

was intercepted once. He also took off running on one play Drew Brees. For his part, Johnson continues to work with

that netted 13 yards. Jamie Martin worked briefly throwing 8 Brees in an effort to develop the rapport needed to win the job.

passes, completing three of them for 26 yards. John Owens is also in camp, but he‘s considered a long shot to

stick with the club for the regular season. On Wednesday, the

RB: Reggie Bush has been ―dubbed‖ by his teammates ―The Saints added one more body to the mix, signing former

President‖ due to his surname, but in camp he‘s actually been Bengals TE Ronnie Ghent and DE Scott Scharff to contracts.

more of a lobbyist as one of four vying for the punt return

duties after averaging a modest 7.7 yards per return as a

Defense: Some new faces in the Saints starting lineup Sunday Moore, Dante Ridgeway, Aaron Hosack, Tramain Hall

night included SS Kevin Kaesviharn, MLB Mark Simoneau TE: Mark Campbell, Billy Miller, Eric Johnson, Robert

and DTs Antwan Lake and Hollis Thomas. LB Troy Evans, Johnson

DB Curry Burns and DE Will Smith led the way with four K: Olindo Mare, Brett Bergstrom

solo tackles each; Smith collected a sack as did Simoneau and DT: Kendrick Clancy (NT), Brian Young (inj), Antwan Lake,

DE Josh Cooper. Simoneau is doing his best to fend off Brian Hollis Thomas (NT), Rodney Leisle, Brandon Villareal,

Simmons for the starting job at MLB. Simmons is still McKinley Boykin, Lance Legree (IR)

recovering, somewhat, from offseason knee surgery and he DE: Charles Grant, Will Smith, Rob Ninkovich (inj), Tommy

may eventually take over at some point this season, but in the Davis (inj), Willie Evans

here and now world of the NFL, Simoneau is performing MLB: Mark Simoneau (W/M), Brian Simmons (W/M), Alfred

better than anyone else competing for the spot. "He's playing Fincher, Marvin Mitchell, Trev Faulk

extremely well right now," HC Sean Payton said. "He's having OLB: Scott Fujita (S), Scott Shanle (W), Dhani Jones (S),

a very good camp. He had a good offseason." In the Troy Evans (W), Cornelius Wortham

secondary, 2nd year SS Roman Harper and 3rd year FS Josh CB: Mike McKenzie, Jason David, Fred Thomas, Usama

Bullocks are practicing with the first team, but Harper isn‘t Young, Jason Craft, Anwar Phillips, David Jones

100% healthy as he continues to recover from offseason knee S: Josh Bullocks (FS), Roman Harper (SS), Kevin Kaesviharn

surgery. Bullocks is leading the way at FS, but Kaesviharn is (FS/SS), Jay Bellamy (FS), Steve Gleason (IR), Chris Reis

right on his tail and, regardless of how that competition

evolves, will likely hold a significant role whether he starts or

not. On Wednesday, the club placed DT Lance Legree on

season-ending IR after he suffered a left knee injury. Also on

the injury front, 2nd year DE Rob Ninkovich, who blew out his New York Giants

knee as a rookie after having a promising camp, sustained a

sprain to his MCL which means he should be sidelined for QB: QB coach Chris Palmer continues to work intensively

about a month. Ironically, the news was positive as the team with Eli Manning on his erratic mechanics. It will be tough to

was worried that his knee was considerably worse and would judge the progress until preseason games are underway, but

require months of recovery and rehab. "It's encouraging Eli seems happy with the early returns, ―I‘m just trying to

compared to what it might have been," Payton said. The team work on that and get comfortable. Just working on scrambling,

waived DE Jon Hamm last week. getting your shoulder lined up, getting aimed, getting good

torque and twist and getting something on the ball.‖ A major

Special Teams: Kicker Olindo Mare did not get any field goal concern has to be the poor play of tackles David Diehl and

attempts in the Hall of Fame game. His lone kickoff was a Guy Whimper. The defensive ends have been having a field

touchback, which is one of the reasons the Saints traded for day against them, and Manning would be feeling a ton of

him. HC Sean Payton noted, "I think clearly he's someone that pressure were this real game conditions.

has confidence in his kickoffs. He had 24 touchbacks last year,

so he's somebody that's got a strong leg. What you're hoping Jared ―Hefty Lefty‖ Lorenzen has been running with the 2 nd

for is the consistency and accuracy on field goal attempts, and team, and may break camp as the backup which would be

then the distance on kickoffs. And when you can get that from mildly surprising given the presence of veterans Tim

one player, that's a plus." In the game, WR Lance Moore and Hasselbeck and Anthony Wright. Both Wright and Hasselbeck

WR Tramain Hall handled punt returns, while Rookie RB have started NFL games, something Lorenzen has yet to do.

Pierre Thomas and Hall handled kickoff returns. During the Tom Coughlin has kind words for the young passer. "I've been

regular season, returns will primarily be handled by RB relatively impressed with where he's going and what he's been

Reggie Bush and WR Lance Moore. Bush discussed the doing," Coughlin said, noting the overall improvement in

scenario, "I don't like to be limited to outside, inside or Lorenzen's game. "He certainly goes out there and gives

returning punts or kicks. I like to do it all. I'm obviously not everything he's got. He's doing a good job with his audibles,

going to be the starting kick returner or the regular kick and over the ball he's better than he's been."

returner -- only in situations where [Payton] might need a big

play. We spoke about that. He's all for it and I don't see why RB: Brandon Jacobs has taken his new role with the team

not." Others practicing on returns have included CB Jason seriously, and is becoming a vocal leader as well as the lead

David, RB Aaron Stecker, rookie RB Antonio Pittman, WR back. On Monday (8/6) he took fullback Robert Douglas to

Devery Henderson, WR Terrance Copper, WR Jamal Jones task for dogging it during sprint drills, something you

and rookie WR Robert Meachem. wouldn‘t have seen Tiki Barber do in prior camps. Anyone

expecting a big rivalry between Jacobs and Reuben Droughns

Saints Depth Chart has been disappointed, as they seem to be fast friends and

QB: Drew Brees, Jamie Martin, Jason Fife, Tyler Palko, Matt have nothing but compliments for one another. "We are

Baker definitely similar, although he's going to be a little tougher to

RB: Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush (KR/PR), Antonio bring down than me," said Droughns. "We're both aggressive,

Pittman, Aaron Stecker (3RB/KR) we both have some type of elusive skills and I know we can

FB: Mike Karney, Keith Joseph (inj), Kevin Dudley both catch the ball out of the backfield.‖ Even though Jacobs

WR: Marques Colston, Terrance Copper, Devery Henderson, appears set to receive the heavier workload, he thinks there

Robert Meacham (inj), David Patten, Jamal Jones, Lance could be games where Droughns earns more playing time.

"You never know," Jacobs said. "Reuben could get on a tear, which prompted new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo

hitting it, hitting it, doing good, making everything go. Me, to move Gibril Wilson to free safety. Veteran CB Sam

myself, I would want to stick with him then, and I hope he Madison may have difficulty making the final roster; he‘s

feels the same way about me. It all depends on who's hot, one been out of position and outplayed by Corey Webster and

guy gets out, gets in a zone, and there it is.‖ R.W. McQuarters thus far.



WR: The Giants WR corps appears vastly improved, as 2 nd Special Teams: Neither Giants‘ kicker, Josh Huston and

year Sinorice Moss and rookie Steve Smith have been shown especially Lawrence Tynes, has looked very solid during the

the potential to play major roles if the opportunity presents beginning of camp. That was compounded last Tuesday when

itself. Moss looks nothing like the non-factor he was as a long snapper Ryan Kuehl suffered a severely strained calf. He

rookie, and clearly has the deep speed back that was his will probably not be ready for the regular season opener. OL

hallmark at the University of Miami. He caught deep Grey Ruegamer replaced him on snaps. Tynes expressed

touchdown passes from both Eli Manning and Jared Lorenzen concern over his subsequent field goal attempts, ―All those

in Monday (8/6) practice. kicks would have been blocked.‖ In a recent kicking

competition, Tynes earned an extra hour of curfew for the

Plaxico Burress continues to miss practice with a sprained offense, while the defense had to go to bed at the usual time

ankle. Although the coaches don‘t appear concerned, the since Huston was the first to miss a kick. Rookie DT Jay

missed practice time is beginning to mount. Amani Toomer, Alford has handled the snapping more recently, and things

coming back from an ACL injury last year, has been sitting look a little less bleak. The project starting punt returner,

out the evening practices during two-a-days, but looks rookie CB Aaron Ross, missed some practice time with a sore

comfortable catches Manning‘s passes in the early workouts. glute.

"I thought I'd be sore and I thought my knee would swell up a

lot, which it hasn't. I'm pretty encouraged," Toomer said. Giants Depth Chart

QB: Eli Manning, Anthony Wright, Jared Lorenzen, Tim

TE: Jeremy Shockey had the play of the day on Monday, Hasselbeck

catching a diving TD in between starting safety James Butler RB: Brandon Jacobs (SD), Reuben Droughns, Derrick Ward,

and LB Antonio Pierce. Earlier in the week, Shockey missed a Ahmad Bradshaw, Cedric Humes

few practices with ―sore legs‖ and rookie Kevin Boss ran with FB: Jim Finn (IR), Robert Douglas

the first team in his place. Boss is a natural pass-catcher but if WR: Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer (inj), Sinorice Moss,

he‘s going to cement his place as the team‘s new TE2, he‘s Steve Smith, David Tyree, Michael Jennings (PR), Anthony

going to have to improve his pass-blocking. Mix, Brandon London, Marco Thomas, Kevin McMahan

TE: Jeremy Shockey, Kevin Boss, Darcy Johnson, Charles

Defense: Will he or won‘t he? Michael Strahan continues to Davis, Michael Matthews, Rodney Burgess

steer clear of training camp but it‘s unclear whether this is K: Lawrence Tynes, Josh Huston

veteran posturing or a genuine career crossroads. This DT: Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield, William Joseph, Jay Alford

weekend Strahan released a public statement directed to the (DE), Marcus Bell, Jonas Seawright, Ahmad Childress

Giants fans, and dismissed the notion that his holdout is DE: Michael Strahan (inj), Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck (inj),

financially motivated. ―Despite what some might believe there Adrian Awasom, Marquies Gunn, Charrod Taylor

are those of us who make decisions that have nothing to do MLB: Antonio Pierce (M/W), Chase Blackburn

with money. Many athletes ask themselves daily if they are OLB: Kawika Mitchell (W), Mathias Kiwanuka (S), Reggie

emotionally and psychologically at the level where they can Torbor (S), Gerris Wilkinson (W) (inj), Zak DeOssie, Tyson

compete at the highest level for twenty-four weeks. For them Smith

also it isn't about the money, rather a serious athlete asking CB: Sam Madison, Aaron Ross, Corey Webster, R.W.

serious questions about his future. All that I ask, after fourteen McQuarters (FS/PR), Kevin Dockery, Gerrick McPhearson,

seasons, is that you afford me the patience so that I might E.J. Underwood (inj)

arrive at my decision on my own terms.‖ The Giants seem S: Gibril Wilson (SS), James Butler (FS), Will Demps (FS),

ready to move on without Strahan, but until the DE files his Michael Johnson, Michael Stone, Craig Dahl, Jason Bell (IR)

retirement papers, we‘re betting he joins the team at some

point before the season opener. Strahan‘s running mate, Osi

Umenyiora has looked more like the Pro Bowler in 2005 than

the average pass rusher we saw last year. Part of his success

has come from beating new left tackle David Diehl like a New York Jets

rented mule, but there‘s no mistaking Osi‘s renewed focus.

"When we're out there, they're just leaving me one-on-one, so QB: On Thursday, the team had a game condition practice

you can't look at that and say that's going to happen in a game. that was closed to the public. Among the top plays of the

[Diehl] is a very good tackle, but I don't think there's a tackle night: Chad Pennington hit Laveranues Coles for a 44-yard

in this league who can stay with me one-on-one." completion that setup a Thomas Jones touchdown run, Leon

Washington‘s 60+ yard run and Brad Smith‘s 21-yd TD catch

In the secondary, the talk of camp has been safety James from Kellen Clemens. The practice was a good setup for the

Butler, who has been running with the first team in place of weekend‘s Green & White game held at Fordham, where

the demoted Will Demps. Butler is playing strong safety, Clemens got the White team out to an early 7-0 lead with a 66-

yard TD pass to Justin McCareins. Clemens hit McCareins Pennington could also be in trouble due to Smith's

again for another TD, and an 11-point lead, when he left the development. Smith says there‘s always a special feeling

game. Pennington, quiet in his previous drives, struck quickly anytime he dons the red jersey. "It's about leadership and a

to get the Green within three points, 24-21. It started with a level of production," he said of the shirt. "You have to be

30-yard completion to Chris Baker amidst tight coverage from ready to go out there and be able to lead the team. I take great

LB Victor Hobson and DB Justin Miller. Two plays later, pride in that."

Pennington hit Jerricho Cotchery going to the corner over Erik

Coleman for a 20-yard score, then a 2 pt conversion on a The Jets WRs had a Hall of Fame visitor on Friday when Jerry

Thomas Jones run. Clemens had the best night statistically, 14 Rice dropped in. "Personally, I just wanted an autograph,"

of 18 for 205 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Laveranues Coles said. "He said we're going to work it out.‖

Pennington finished 19-of-30 for 186 yards, a TD pass to Mangini wanted give his WRs some perspective and Rice

Jerricho Cotchery and no INTs. Marques Tuiasosopo played helped him accomplish that. "I just believe in the value of

the second quarter and completed 11-of-18 for 103 yards, one letting players hear how these successful people became

TD and no INTs. Tuiasosopo led the Green on a scoring drive successful." As for Coles, it looks like he‘ll be voted as the

capped by a 9-yard TD pass to RB Alvin Banks. Brett Ratliff team‘s captain after being selected as the team‘s MVP last

couldn't move the White offense in his drives. Head coach season. "I don't view myself as one of those guys who is real

Eric Mangini thought Kellen Clemens played well, vocal," Coles said. "I try to keep things light because I think

"(Clemens) looked very sharp... That drive to start the second that's what my job is." But some, like Jerricho Cotchery, think

half looked very good. His command of the offense working he's a perfect fit. "He's a true leader," Cotchery said. "He's a

with that group I thought was very good." guy who works hard and keeps the team level-headed. He

talks a lot of smack in the locker room, but when it's time to

RB: Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are both enjoying go out and perform, he does it." Get a firsthand look at Coles

strong camps after the first week. Jones is the consummate going to work in training camp in this video. In the Green &

professional and Washington looks like he‘s primed for White game, Justin McCareins shined, finishing with three

another year of making big plays for the Jets out of the catches for 119 yards and two TDs.

backfield. In Thursday‘s practice, Chad Pennington threw

numerous passes to Washington, more than any other receiver, Defense: Rookie CB Darrelle Revis remains one of two

and Washington caught all but one of his targets. He took one unsigned rookies (the other is JaMarcus Russell), and the issue

for 30 yards after burning the corner covering on the play. appears to be the Jets unwillingness to grant Revis a 5-year

Washington will likely see fewer carries this year, with deal instead of their standard 6-year deal. The Jets are

Thomas Jones now starting, but if practices are foreshadowing enjoying the rebirth of former DE turned LB Andre

the regular season at all, then Washington will be catching the Wadsworth. Wadsworth has undergone 12 surgeries since he

ball and making some big plays and complimenting Jones last played in the NFL, but he‘s dead set on making a

nicely. ―You love when you have a tailback who can split comeback and defying the odds. "It is a completely new

out,‖ said Mangini. Washington had just 25 receptions as a position for him as opposed to what he's been used to and he's

rookie, but he averaged 10.8 yards per catch. Mangini said he coming back from the long layoff. This is multiple days now

can create mismatches with Washington by lining him up as a in pads, so we'll take it day by day and he'll take it day by

receiver and forcing defenses to declare man or zone. On July day," HC Eric Mangini said. The Jets are happy with

31st, the Jets signed Tony Hollings and cut Tony Fisher, who Wadsworth so far in camp, as they are with another grizzly

signed with the team in the week prior after Cedric Houston veteran in DE Eric Hicks. In Wednesday‘s practice, DE Bobby

unexpectedly left camp. Hamilton went down with an injury. He lay on the ground for

several minutes before limping off the field. In the ‗Green and

WR: Brad Smith might start going by the nickname Optimus White‘ game, the defense recorded several sacks, nine by the

Prime. He‘s already seen the Transformers movie four times; first team D on the White team; two by Dewayne Robertson,

and he‘s also working on his own transformation from and five by the Green defense including two by DT Sione

receiver to quarterback. Smith is still playing receiver in camp Pouha. The team was enforcing the college halo rule to protect

but he‘s listed at QB and he‘s playing there, too. Last year, the QBs, so the sack total was higher than usual. The New

Smith concentrated on receiver to make the team, but in the York Jets signed free agent rookie LB Jerry Mackey over the

final preseason game, with about 20 minutes of notes in the weekend. On Friday, they waived LB Mark Zalewski. On

team hotel, Smith got behind center and led the team on two Thursday, they signed free agent cornerback Manny Collins.

fourth-quarter drives that netted 10 points, including a 9-yard

TD run from Smith himself. "We figured if we put more than Special Teams: Kicker Mike Nugent fixed his accuracy

20 minutes into it, it might work out," Mangini said about following Week 1 last year. During the offseason he appears

getting Smith in the mix at QB. Mangini says he‘s working to have fixed his kickoffs. His increased strength has been

with the QBs on a part-time basis, but he‘ll compete there full- apparent on both kickoffs and long field goals, although he did

time for the role as a backup QB. The Jets plan to use him as a miss a last minute potential game tying 65-yarder in the

―change of pace‖ QB, not just for trick plays, but for entire intrasquad scrimmage. Rookie CB Darrelle Revis remains one

drives – and just one more thing for defenses to have on their of the last players in this year‘s draft yet to sign a contract.

minds. As a receiver, Smith has been excellent, exciting the The main beneficiary of his absence has been CB Justin Miller

crowd with several acrobatic catches. ―It's just jaw-dropping to on both defense and special teams. Already one of the league‘s

watch him and see all the things that he can do," said Kellen top kickoff returners, he has now also been practicing punt

Clemens, whose anticipated role as second string to Chad

returns. HC Eric Mangini discussed Miller‘s progress, get better and stronger every day." In the meantime, McCown

"Sometimes early on you take the ball and you run and don't and Walter received the bulk of the work with the first team

really understand how the whole scheme is unfolding, but he's throughout the week, but Culpepper‘s reps are increasing as he

working there as well. It's getting better and better each day, gets comfortable. On Saturday, the team had a 56-play

and I'm happy with that." Miller left the scrimmage in the scrimmage. Culpepper provided one of the few highlights on a

fourth quarter with an apparent hamstring injury. 20-yard TD to Carlos Francis on the final play. Culpepper

finished 6-of-14 for 74 yards and the TD, which was with the

Jets Depth Chart third team offense. Walter ran with the first team and went

QB: Chad Pennington, Kellen Clemens, Marques Tuiasosopo, only 3-of-8 for 22 yards. McCown went 4-of-8 for 36 yards,

Brett Ratliff no TDs, but he led the team on a TD scoring drive.

RB: Thomas Jones, Leon Washington (3RB), Alvin Banks,

Danny Ware, Tony Hollings RB: In Saturday‘s scrimmage, Justin Fargas carried the ball

FB: Darian Barnes, Stacy Tutt 12 times for 55 yards. LaMont Jordan has been taking it easy

WR: Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery, Justin McCareins, after missing some practices. Kiffin wasn‘t concerned saying

Brad Smith (QB), Tim Dwight (PUP), Chansi Stuckey, that he‘d be able to play if it was a game day. He was more

Wallace Wright, Frisman Jackson, Jessie Pellot-Rosa, Evan interested in other players in Saturday‘s scrimmage. Kiffin

Prall, Iiro Luoto, Juan Wong, Chris Davis said Jordan would be back by Monday, for at least one of the

TE: Chris Baker, Jason Pociask (inj), Sean Ryan, Joe two practices. Kiffin also dished out some praise for RB

Kowalewski, James Dearth (LS) Adimchinobe Echemandu, or just "Joe" to the coaching staff.

K: Mike Nugent, Brian Wingert "Joe has had a really good camp," Kiffin said. "Actually, we

NT: Dewayne Robertson, Rashad Moore, Monsanto Pope, used a phrase two nights ago to our coaches that he might be

C.J. Mosley, Sione Pouha (inj) the surprise player of the camp, as far as coming in and doing

DE: Shaun Ellis, Kimo Van Oelhoffen, Kenyon Coleman, things right and really working extremely hard running the

Bobby Hamilton, Eric Hicks, Michael Haynes, Andre ball and taking care of it.‖ Kiffin also added that rookie

Wadsworth, Matt King, Jason Trusnik Michael Bush is not ready to come off of the PUP list yet. It's

ILB: Jonathan Vilma, David Harris, Eric Barton, Brad uncertain what Bush‘s timetable is during training camp.

Kassell, Anthony Schlegel

OLB: Victor Hobson (S), Bryan Thomas (DE), David WR: Ronald Curry is having a nice camp. On Friday, he had a

Bowens, Jerry Mackey, Matt Chatham (S)(PUP) spectacular one-handed catch in the back of the end zone from

CB: Andre Dyson, Darrelle Revis, David Barrett, Drew Josh McCown. Curry came back with a second touchdown

Coleman, Justin Miller (KR), Hank Poteat, Manny Collins pass in the end zone on a quick slant from Culpepper in the

S: Kerry Rhodes (FS), Erik Coleman (SS), Rashad same practice. In Saturday‘s scrimmage, Carlos Francis caught

Washington, Eric Smith (SS) 2 passes for 38 yards (including a 20-yard TD). He‘s trying to

make the roster and stay healthy this year after his injury-

riddled past. "I take every day like it‘s my last," Francis said.

"Just take care of my body, that‘s a big thing for me. I‘m

playing football. You‘re away from it awhile and you forget.

Oakland Raiders But it‘s football and it‘s fun to me." Mike Williams dropped a

20-yard pass from McCown. "You can't write about that

QB: The Raiders signed their strong armed behemoth QB on dropped post," Williams implored to a reporter. "I don't drop

Tuesday to a one-year, $3.2 million contract. Of course, it balls. That's an anomaly. It doesn't happen." On Friday, Lane

wasn‘t JaMarcus Russell, but Daunte Culpepper. Russell Kiffin was asked about Mike Williams and whether the

remains unsigned heading into the 2nd week of camp, despite Raiders can draw the talent out of him. Kiffin said, ―Well

the 2nd overall pick, Calvin Johnson, agreeing to a deal late obviously that‘s our job, to get the most out of every one of

last week. Raiders HC Lane Kiffin doesn‘t think that will our players, but there comes a point where they either buy in

make any difference in Russell‘s ongoing negotiations. and they do it or they‘re not here anymore. He has bought in

"Sometimes it does," Kiffin said after a morning practice and he is close, he‘s doing good things, we just have to make

Friday. "If he signs for a lot, then it works for one side. If he sure that he‘s doing it every day and he‘s being consistent so

doesn't, it works for the other side. That does somewhat have he has a chance to make the team.‖

to do with it, but it's just another contract being posted." The

holdup doesn‘t appear to be money, but an option bonus. In one practice last week, Williams beat corner Nnamdi

Meanwhile, Culpepper is in camp and hoping to win the Asomugha for a touchdown twice in three plays, showing why

starting job competing against Andrew Walter, Josh McCown he was so touted after two years at USC. Kiffin said he still

and, at some point, Russell, too. On signing Culpepper, Al has to get in better shape, but the Raiders want him at 235

Davis said, ―Lane made the final decision, but I wanted it to pounds, not the 220 lbs. the Lions wanted him. "That is a

happen. I like to take chances like that. I don't know what the value, obviously – his size and being able to keep people away

risk is. I don't see any real risk." Culpepper practiced without a from him," Kiffin said. "That goes back to when he's right;

brace on his rebuilt right knee and proclaimed himself healthy. he's a dangerous red-zone player. He played for us two years;

"My mind-set is to continue to work to get better to be the he caught 30 touchdowns in two years for us. There is good

starter ...," Culpepper said. "I'm ready to go now. I'm just ways to use him down there. But he's got to get better." In

going to continue to work and progress every day in this Friday‘s practice, Williams caught three TDs in the early

offense. Physically, I feel great and I'm going to continue to

session, all from short range, and also ran under an excellent Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler. While some teams have

throw by Josh McCown that went for 40 yards. Earlier in the been practicing special teams with vengeance (some several

week, rookie Johnnie Lee Higgins showed his deep speed by times a day), it was almost a week before Oakland first

racing down the left sideline under a 40+ yard pass by Andrew practiced kickoff returns. When they did, CB Chris Carr,

Walter for a completion despite tight coverage from Chris rookie WR Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR Doug Gabriel, and DB

Carr. Later, after practice in the hotel lobby, Higgins ran into Chris Johnson fielded kicks. When the regular season arrives,

DC Rob Ryan, who told him ―you keep running deep on us both kickoff and punt returns are expected to be handled by

and I‘m going to start crying.‖ Carr and/or Higgins.



TE: Randal Williams returned to camp but the Raiders placed Raiders Depth Chart

him on waivers Friday. Fellow TE Tony Stewart is now QB: Josh McCown, Andrew Walter, Daunte Culpepper,

wearing his number (86). In Lane Kiffin’s Q&A sessions this JaMarcus Russell, Josh Booty

week he answered some key questions regarding rookie TE RB: LaMont Jordan (inj), Dominic Rhodes (susp), Justin

Zach Miller. How quickly has Miller caught on? Kiffin Fargas, Michael Bush (PUP), Joe Echemandu, DeJuan Green

answered, ―Extremely quick, he is great, he is everything we FB: Justin Griffith, Zack Crockett, Joe Hall (inj), Oren ONeal

thought as far as a competitor the way he works, the way he is WR: Jerry Porter, Ron Curry (PR), Doug Gabriel, Travis

in the classroom, he comes out here and rarely does he make a Taylor, Mike Williams, Alvis Whitted, Johnnie Morant,

mental mistake. You start to feel like he is not a rookie, but we Johnnie Lee Higgins (PR), Carlos Francis (inj), Johnathan

still have to make sure we're going through all the steps like Holland (inj)

we would with another rookie.‖ Is Miller a pretty good TE: Zach Miller, Tony Stewart, John Madsen, James

blocker? ―Yes he is doing real well he is not afraid of Adkisson, O.J. Santiago, Jake Nordin

anything. We still have to do a little technique work with him, K: Sebastian Janikowski, Tyler Fredrickson

but as far as putting his face on people he is right where we DT: Warren Sapp, Tommy Kelly (DE), Terdell Sands (NT),

need him to be.‖ Miller put on a show in Thursday‘s practice Jay Richardson (DE), Anttaj Hawthorne, Michael Quarshie

scoring four TDs in a short span from three different QBs. The (inj), Larry Brown

man was on fire. "Yeah, I felt good today," Miller said after DE: Derrick Burgess, Tyler Brayton (DT), Quentin Moses,

his performance. "I got good opportunities and I took Kevin Huntley

advantage, was able to make a few nice plays. So, I was pretty MLB: Kirk Morrison (I/W), Isaiah Kacyvenski (IR)

happy with myself." OLB: Thomas Howard (W), Sam Williams (S), Robert

Thomas (S/W), Isaiah Ekejiuba (inj), Keith Charlton, Ricky

"He's great," Kiffin said. "He's everything we thought, as far Brown, Chris Clemons

as a competitor, the way he works, the way he is in the CB: Nnamdi Asomugha, Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt,

classroom. He comes out here and rarely ever does he make a Duane Starks, John Bowie, Chris Carr (PR)

mental mistake. You got to be careful because you're starting S: Donovin Darius (SS), Michael Huff (FS/CB), Stuart

to feel like he's not a rookie, he's been here a long time. But Schweigert (FS), Colin Branch, Eric Frampton, B.J. Ward (inj)

we still have to make sure that we're going through all the

steps we would with another rookie." John Madsen is having a

great camp and appears to be a lock to make the roster

Philadelphia Eagles

alongside Miller with Tony Stewart and Fred Wakefield

competing for the third spot. QB: When training camp started, Donovan McNabb

diagnosed himself at 75%, which seemed reasonable given his

Defense: Linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski is out with a knee ongoing rehab after tearing his ACL last season. Two weeks

injury, and Kiffin said he could miss up to a month. into camp and McNabb now puts himself at ―80% to 90%.‖

Thursday‘s play of the day was a diving, finger tip He‘s been wearing a bulky knee brace, which has an impact

interception of an Andrew Walter pass by Fabian Washington. on his mobility but hasn‘t hurt his passing accuracy at all.

Taylor Brayton continues to get most of his reps at tackle "He's been very accurate, very strong," HC Andy Reid said of

rather than end. Pro Bowl DE Derrick Burgess continues in his McNabb. "So far, he's had a great camp." Whether McNabb

recovery from hernia surgery. He hopes to return for next wears the brace during the regular season remains a point of

week's pre-season opener. "Burgess is really close and he'll be contention; McNabb has said he might wear it all season

here within the next couple of days," Kiffin said. Rookie whereas HC Andy Reid has expressed a belief that the brace

Quentin Moses has gotten many of Burgess' first-team snaps. will be gone to start the season.

On Friday, Oakland made one other roster move, signing LB

Kurt Campbell who was with the team in the offseason. Rookie Kevin Kolb is off to a fast start. While he still sits

solidly behind A.J. Feeley, it would be difficult to question his

Special Teams: Kicker Sebastian Janikowski has been progress in the first two weeks. "He's pretty sharp . . . and he's

displaying his range lately. He made a 50-yard field goal had a lot of game experience. That was at the college level,

against the wind in practice, and made a 58-yarder in but that experience is showing up a little bit," OC Marty

Saturday‘s scrimmage. He entered camp as the only kicker on Mornhinweg said. "I think he certainly has a natural feel for

the roster; however the Raiders recently signed a camp leg, the game, which shows up . . . There are very few times where

Tyler Frederickson who was released by Washington last he hasn't at least known what his responsibility in his

week. He can both kick and punt, providing relief for progression and read was."

RB: Brian Westbrook was the team‘s offensive linchpin last At linebacker, Chris Gocong has been consistently running

year and also became a more vocal leader. He‘s apparently not with the first team at SLB; but the coaches are taking a

ready to give up the role of team leader, even with McNabb cautious approach until they see him in game action. Takeo

back under center. "I think I will continue in (a leadership) Spike (WLB) and Jeremiah Trotter (MLB) are set as starters,

role," Westbrook said. "Donovan says his things sometimes. but Gocong could still be pushed by Matt McCoy and Omar

He has one point of view, and I have another point of view. Gaither.

We both have the same common goal and that's to win

football games." Special Teams: Are they ever apart? In addition to working

together on the field, kicker David Akers, long snapper Jon

Westbrook and backup Correll Buckhalter have missed time Dorenbos, punter Dirk Johnson, and punter Sav Rocca share a

intermittently with knee soreness. Rookie Tony Hunt has four-person suite in the training camp dorm. The latter two are

made the most of his increased playing time with the first unit, competing for the punting job, and the winner will also likely

most notably leading the way on an 80-yard scoring drive in be the holder on kicks. WR Jeremy Bloom has done nothing to

during a weekend practice. "It's always nice when you get a lose the return specialist role that was placed in his lap.

nice run drive going, it's tough and physical. You kind of Special teams coordinator Rory Segrest is very pleased so far,

make a statement out there," Hunt said. "It was good to get in "We didn't get to see Jeremy a lot last year. We got to see him

a rhythm . . . It's football. Somebody hits you one play, you hit early in the season, and he was coming in after skiing for a

somebody the next play."His competition for the backup role, while, so he's obviously had a little more time to work on

Ryan Moats, seems to be falling further behind thanks to his things here and he's looking real solid right now." In addition

difficulties holding onto the ball. Moats coughed the ball up to looking good on returns, Bloom has also been a pleasant

near the goal line when LB Chris Gocong popped the ball surprise on offense.

loose on a tackle.

Eagles Depth Chart

WR: Kevin Curtis has been a quick study in Philadelphia, and QB: Donovan McNabb (inj), A.J. Feeley, Kevin Kolb, Kelly

he and Reggie Brown are set as the starters. The battle for the Holcomb

third position and main slot receiver has been more RB: Brian Westbrook, Correll Buckhalter, Ryan Moats, Tony

competitive than many expected, as Jason Avant has played Hunt, Antoine Bagwell

well throughout camp, putting the pressure on Hank Baskett, FB: Thomas Tapeh, Jason Davis (inj), Nate Ilaoa

last year‘s WR3. OC Mornhinweg loves the versatility the two WR: Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis, Hank Baskett, Jason

provide: "We have multiple guys that are good inside. You Avant, Greg Lewis, Jeremy Bloom (KR/PR), Zac Collie,

can have two different types inside: One is a smaller, very Dereck Faulkner, Michael Gasperson

quick and fast receiver, and the other is a big, physical guy. In TE: L.J. Smith, Matt Schobel, Brent Celek, Mike Bartrum,

both cases, you can get pretty good matchups, depending on Kyle Hunt

how you use them against a safety or linebacker." K: David Akers, E.J. Cochrane

DT: Mike Patterson, Brodrick Bunkley, Monte Reagor, Ian

TE: L.J. Smith sat out of full-contact drills again this week as Scott, LaJuan Ramsey, Jeremy Clark, Mauricio Lopez

he recovers from offseason hernia surgery. His recovery is, by DE: Jevon Kearse (inj), Darren Howard, Trent Cole, Juqua

all accounts, going well and Smith is expected to resume Thomas, Victor Abiamiri, Jerome McDougle, Marcus Murrell

practicing at full speed this week (stay tuned for next week‘s MLB: Jeremiah Trotter

report to see if he kept his word). Rookie Brent Celek appears OLB: Takeo Spikes (W), Chris Gocong (S), Omar Gaither

to have an edge over Lee Vickers for the 3rd TE slot. Celek has (W/M), Stewart Bradley (S), Matt McCoy (W), Dedrick

seen reps with the first team (as has Matt Schobel) in Smith‘s Roper, Torrance Daniels, Akeem Jordan

absence from full-contact drills. CB: Sheldon Brown, Lito Sheppard (PR), Joselio Hanson,

William James, Rashad Barksdale, C.J. Gaddis, Nick Graham

Defense: Brian Dawkins, the team‘s defensive heart and soul, S: Brian Dawkins (FS), Sean Considine (SS), Quintin Mikell

continues to miss practice with a sore Achilles. Dawkins has (FS), Marcus Paschal, Chris Smith

downplayed the significance of the injury but he hasn‘t

practiced in team drills since the first day of camp.



In more encouraging news, the Eagles appear to have an

embarrassment of riches on the defensive line this year. Jevon

Pittsburgh Steelers

Kearse is making steady progress in his return from an ACL

injury while Trent Cole is running with the first team at times QB: Ben Roethlisberger came out of the gate in midseason

in place of Darren Howard. 2nd year Brodrick Bunkley has form in the Hall of Fame game, piloting the game opening

turned on the light switch, after flailing last year due to a touchdown drive to perfection. He hit Cedrick Wilson deep

lengthy training camp holdout. "We'll see what happens when downfield in stride on a play action pass, and followed that

the season starts," said DC Jim Johnson. "But right now he's with a quick hitter to Wilson that was a perfect strike,

70 percent better than he was at this time last year. He wasn't allowing him to run after the catch down to the four yard line.

ready to play last year when he came to camp. Now he is." Roethlisberger also reportedly took the role of pumping up his

There are going to be a number of solid linemen who don‘t teammates as a leader before the game to heart. He clearly did

make the final roster. not struggle at all with the new Bruce Arians offense. Arians

said, "For those third and fourth progressions, it's not even Nate Washington had two bad drops in the game, but Tomlin

close. He's so much better in looking over the whole field. also refused to take issue with that. ―Again, I‘m not going to

He's better in the red zone. And he's improved in his check pass judgment on these guys over what‘s happened in the past.

down calls against the blitz." Roethlisberger seems to be It was a problem tonight. We‘d like to make that disappear

taking to the new freedom he has in the offense to call and hopefully next week it will.‖ Willie Reid caught only one

audibles. Charlie Batch was efficient in his stint in the game, pass for 11 yards, but he is clearly gaining on Washington

completing four out of six passes for 51 yards. Brian St. Pierre with some sensational practice performances. Coach Tomlin

was outstanding, completing 8 out of 14 passes for 129 yards said "It's still early, but I like his attitude. He comes out with

and a touchdown. He should have a secure hold on the #3 QB the same approach every day." Reid is making plays in the air

job after the Steelers were looking at Aaron Brooks as and also making noise with his run after catch ability in

possible competition for ―The Saint‖ a few weeks ago. practice and should make an impact this year if he can stay

healthy. Dallas Baker made one outstanding catch on a Hail

RB: Willie Parker has developed some soreness in his left Mary and is getting some positive buzz, but he‘s likely headed

knee. He was held out of practice last week and did not play in for the practice squad. Walter Young is putting on his annual

the Hall of Fame game. While the team has not been camp show, and capped it with two catches for 35 yards. Sure

forthcoming about the nature of the soreness, there have been handed Eric Fowler, an undrafted free agent rookie out of

no signs that the condition is more serious than they are letting Grand Valley State, hasn‘t been able to carry over the

on. Najeh Davenport started in Parker‘s place and scored the momentum he built in a great minicamp.

game‘s first touchdown on a four yard run, going through New

Orleans safety Kevin Kaesviharn along the way. Davenport is TE: The demise of the TE in Bruce Arians offense has been

the clear backup, and the roster battles are now focused on the greatly exaggerated. The Steelers had multiple TE sets on 8

third and fourth running backs. Carey Davis has made a great out of 21 snaps in the first quarter of the Hall of Fame game,

case for himself this entire offseason, and did not let up in the and they were successful on them, averaging 12.25 yards. The

game, leading the team in rushing with 68 yards on seven team even had one three TE set. This bodes well for Heath

carries, including a 56-yarder, and catching two balls for 32 Miller. Matt Spaeth has all but locked up the #2 spot, and is

yards. Coach Mike Tomlin joked when asked about Davis‘s healthy after missing some time in the first week of camp.

performance, ―He showed me he needs to do a little more Jerame Tuman is fending off towering, undrafted free agent

conditioning. He got tired after that long run. But, no, in all rookie Cody Boyd for the #3 spot.

seriousness I thought he ran hard.‖ Davis has also been third

in the pecking order during practices. Gary Russell had a Defense: The Steelers had to be happy to see LaMarr

decent game with 41 yards on eight carries. Tomlin also Woodley break up a third down pass fifteen yards down the

commented that both players ―ran downhill‖. Kevan Barlow field in coverage to force a New Orleans punt on the first

did nothing to distinguish himself with 13 yards on seven defensive appearance of the game. Woodley has been a

carries, and it‘s looking like he‘s going to be an early cut. It is revelation in camp, and he is looking like he‘s going to make

looking like standout fullback Dan Kreider will see the field people forget about Joey Porter while wearing his familiar

less this year, as Arians‘ offense uses more one back sets. #55. Tomlin refused to gush after the game. ―It felt like he was

solid, but nothing stood out positively or negatively, so we‘ll

WR: Cedrick Wilson made waves twice this week, once by take a look at the tape and grade him and see where he is

airing his grievance to the media about lack of reps. "I come technically.‖ While the second round pick has been

out here and work hard just like everybody else. I deserve a outstanding, first round pick Lawrence Timmons is still yet to

couple of passes,‖ he said after a practice session that ended practice because of a groin injury first suffered in minicamp,

with him wide open and forgotten. Charlie Batch was picked and the guy he‘s backing up, James Harrison, is still out

off by Jovon Johnson when he went short instead. Wilson had because of a rib problem. William Gay turned heads late in the

an outburst on the field. He later commented, "Yeah, then you Hall of Fame game by laying out Robert Meachem. The hit

all talk about how I ain't [expletive] and I never get the seemed to affect Meachem who had trouble when he went

[expletive] football." Wilson was then targeted five times in over the middle later in the game. Gay also recorded an

the first quarter of the Hall of Fame game, catching four for 99 interception. The first impression of the Steelers defense with

yards, including a 55-yard bomb on the game‘s opening drive. Tomlin as head coach is that it will not be different from past

Mike Tomlin refused to link the two events, ―Oh, boy, I‘ll tell Dick LeBeau versions.

you what: You guys don‘t let old dogs lie. No, Ced‘s a guy

who‘s capable of making plays. We called his number a few Special Teams: In the Hall of Fame game, kicker Jeff Reed

times tonight. He delivered. That‘s what it is: It‘s not was good on field goals from 28 and 39 yards, and added two

necessarily about the number of opportunities you get; it‘s PATs. He missed wide right on a 42-yard attempt. CB Ricardo

about what you do with them when you get them. I know that Colclough was practicing punt returns early in camp, much to

he understands that.‖ Santonio Holmes also asserted himself the dismay of Steelers‘ fans. But once WR Santonio Holmes

after missing the early part of camp with a non-football injury. returned to practices, Colclough was relived of that duty. WR

He also got free deep and caught a fade for a touchdown, Willie Reid is looking to be the return specialist for the team,

although it was with the second team and against New Orleans and is typically the deep back. HC Mike Tomlin noted,

second team defense. ―Essentially there‘s one deep. There‘s another guy back there,

but you don‘t want him to get the ball. You just want him to

lead the way. There‘s one and a half, if you will, in terms of

guys deep.‖ In Sundays‘ game Reid averaged 7.0 yards on two and wins to go with it. He's vocal, because he's emotional…

punt returns, and returned a kickoff 31 yards. The bad news is He plays with that emotion, which is really a big part of why

that he had a few problems handling the ball. WR Cedrick he's good. He uses it for the positive.‖ That may be true, but

Wilson averaged 8.5 yards on his two punt returns, while DB Jackson was also involved in a scuffle with safety Corey

Jovon Johnson fair caught his one opportunity. Chavous in Saturday‘s scrimmage. "It's that time of year,"

Linehan said. "These are the dog days. I think that was just an

Steelers Depth Chart example of where you've got to keep your composure. It's

QB: Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Brian St. Pierre unacceptable, and it is non-negotiable. So we've got to get that

RB: Willie Parker, Najeh Davenport, Kevan Barlow, Verron corrected."

Haynes (PUP), John Kuhn, Gary Russell, Larry Croom

FB: Dan Kreider If Jackson is to achieve his stated goal why would the Rams

WR: Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Cedrick Wilson, Nate draft RB Brian Leonard in the 2nd round with the intent to

Washington, Willie Reid (KR/PR), Dallas Baker, Eric Fowler, lighten Jackson‘s load? Jackson joked about Leonard‘s

Dan Sheldon, Gerran Walker presence and the need to give him breaks during games. "He

TE: Heath Miller, Jerame Tuman, Matt Spaeth, Cody Boyd can give me a break in practice," Jackson joked. Leonard is

K: Jeff Reed like the Swiss Army Knife of running backs. A week into

NT: Casey Hampton, Chris Hoke camp, there‘s no question that Leonard is the player the Rams

DE: Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel, Ryan McBean, Travis envisioned when they drafted him. ―He is exactly what we

Kirschke, Nick Eason, Derrick Jones thought he was,‖ said Linehan. ―He wears a lot of hats and he

ILB: James Farrior, Larry Foote, Rian Wallace, Clint wears them well. He can run the ball downhill. He can block.

Kriewaldt He‘s a great pass protector on third down and on blitzing

OLB: Clark Haggans (S), James Harrison (W), Lawrence downs. He also has excellent hands. The only thing he doesn‘t

Timmons (W) (inj), LaMarr Woodley (S), Arnold Harrison have is experience. That will come. He has been outstanding.‖

(inj), Marquis Cooper, Derek Rehage (PUP), Matt King

CB: Deshea Townsend, Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, ―I‘m a guy that can catch the ball out of the backfield, I can

Ricardo Colclough (inj), William Gay, Chidi Iwouma, do the single back, I can even do the fullback set,‖ Leonard

Anthony Madison said. ―That‘s my specialty. I can do a little bit of everything

S: Troy Polamalu (SS), Anthony Smith (FS), Ryan Clark (FS), and I think the coaches are seeing that and they have put me

Tyrone Carter (SS/CB) there.‖ So far, Leonard is working as Jackson‘s backup and

also in third down packages where he‘s a natural receiver.

Those are the roles he was drafted to fill, but by no means is

he limited to those. Leonard is also working at fullback and on

almost every special teams unit. ―I just want to be on the field

St. Louis Rams whether I‘m a running back or fullback,‖ Leonard said. ―I just

want to help this team win.‖

QB: The Rams quarterbacks are pretty well set at the top;

Marc Bulger, fresh off a contract extension, is the starter and WR: Perhaps the biggest news out of Rams camp this week

Gus Frerotte the backup. The primary competition is between was Torry Holt estimating that his surgically repaired knee is

Ryan Fitzgerald and Brock Berlin for the QB3 job. In just 70% at the moment. As a WR that is routinely being

Saturday‘s scrimmage, Berlin turned in the stronger showing, selected in the 2nd/3rd round of fantasy drafts, that not the

completing 6-of-7 passes for 42 yards, no interceptions and a kind of thing fantasy owners like to hear heading into the

20-yard TD to TE Mark Anelli for the only TD in the session. regular season. ―It‘s feeling pretty good,‖ Holt said. ―It‘s

Fitzgerald went 7-of-14 for 77 yards, but was intercepted and coming on around. I am cutting and doing the things I have

had a couple problems with the exchange from the center. "I done in the past so that‘s a good sign. I‘m just going to keep

thought both of them did a few good things," HC Scott building on it and keep stripping it and keep icing it and

Linehan said. "It's hard to say right now where those two picking my spots in this training camp so I get to the point

stand." where I am ready to roll once we open up against Carolina.‖

Holt has been participating in almost every practice, so it‘s not

RB: Steven Jackson seems to be in midseason form already. ―I like he‘s on the PUP list. He runs a few routes then rests the

Believe‖ is the Rams marketing logo for the 2nd year in a row, knee, and then he gets back up and does it some more. On

and without question, that sums up Jackson‘s attitude to a tee. Thursday, Holt said he started running more of the type of

Jackson, fresh off a breakout season in which he amassed route that have made him the perennial Pro Bowler that he is –

2,334 yards from scrimmage, believes he can top his those requiring cutting and planting. Holt admitted to being a

production last year. He‘s firmly set his sights on 2,500 yards little sore afterwards, but just a couple of hours later, he was

this year – a total that would break the NFL record held by the out and about the facilities dribbling a basketball. Maybe Holt

Rams great Marshall Faulk in 1999 (2,429 yds). Jackson was is just being conservative. For the most part, he seems to be

asked point blank what he could do for an encore to last quite normal and getting his knee cleaned up, in the long term,

season. Pulling no punches, Jackson retorted, ―Twenty-five has him feeling quite confident.

hundred total — total yards from scrimmage." Does Jackson‘s

confidence worry Linehan at all? "I hope he does (get 2,500)," ―It feels good to actually get it nipped in the bud,‖ Holt said.

Linehan said. "There should be a lot of points on the board ―It‘s kind of like starting from scratch again. It‘s cool. I don‘t

mind the work of rehabilitation and getting stronger and Defense: The Rams cut corner Mike Rumph to create a roster

allowing me to be able to perform at the level I would like to spot for LB Larry Edwards, an undrafted rookie from North

perform at. I am excited about getting it over with and getting Carolina. Edwards passed his physical and joined the team for

it done and just continuing to keep it strong and play well.‖ Thursday night's practice. LB Chris Draft returned to practice

Like Jackson, Holt has set high goals for himself again this on Friday after missing several days of practice following

year. He set his sights on returning to the 1,300 yard plateau complications of his asthma condition. Draft passed a

with 90+ catches, but he‘s upped the ante in the TD treadmill test o Thursday and was on the field for the evening

department; he doesn‘t want just 10 TDs, instead he‘s workout. On August 1st, CB Tye Hill was held out of practice

shooting for 12 to 15. to get treatment for a staph infection on his left thigh. "It could

be from a bug bite or an ingrown hair, something like that,"

The other biggest story at WR this camp has been the addition Hill said. "The important thing now is just to heal it." A

of Drew Bennett. It didn‘t take Bennett long to put on a pleasant surprise in camp has been the ascension of two

demonstration of exactly why the team targeted him in free undrafted rookies who are working with the second team

agency to be their No.3 WR. During drills, corner Tye Hill defense. Keep an eye on LB Quinton Culberson and CB

had Bennett covered like a blanket. Any separation that Darius Vinnett in the team‘s preseason games to see if they

Bennett was able to gain was negligible, but Marc Bulger can maintain their status.

threw a near perfect pass to the 6‘5‖ receiver on a fade route

that went for 25 yards over the outstretched 5‘10‖ Hill. Special Teams: Return specialist WR Dante Hall has missed

Adding a player with that kind of size, along with an athletic practice time with a sore hamstring. He was originally

pass catching TE in Randy McMichael and a complimentary expected to be ready for the first preseason game, although it

RB in Brian Leonard have the Rams feeling giddy. "I hope now sounds like the Rams will hold him out of that game as

so," Bennett said, when asked if he can be difference maker precaution. Hall is planning to improve St. Louis‘ returns

compared to the Rams previous No. 3 WRs. "We have the production, "The fact that they traded for me and gave up a

quarterbacks. Both Bulger and Gus (Frerotte), those guys are couple of picks, it had to be pretty bad. They haven't had a

so accurate that we can utilize that on the sidelines. If a DB return in how long? Since Tony Horne or something like that?

does have good coverage, they can throw it high and away. That's not good. We, as a unit, we're definitely going to get

The throw that I personally really like is the back shoulder up that turned around this year." New special teams coordinator

high — where again, only you can get it. It's been working Al Roberts noted, "I'm getting a bunch of guys that want to be

well in camp, and I hope it works well all year." on this, want to be here, want to block." Regarding Hall he

added, "I want him to do what he does. I don't ever want to

TE: In addition to Drew Bennett, Randy McMichael‘s take that from him. He goes laterally so quick. And he's real

addition also has the team excited. McMichael wasted no time good at it. He gets 10 yards [on punt returns] easier than I've

before he started making ridiculous catches. Last week, ever seen anybody do it."

McMichael gave fans and coaches a glimpse of his ability

when he was smothered in coverage by safety Corey Chavous. Rams Depth Chart

McMichael turned just as the ball was arriving to make a QB: Marc Bulger, Gus Frerotte, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brock

difficult grab down the middle of the field. "Randy, he's just a Berlin

real shifty guy," Bulger said. "You can throw it on his back RB: Steven Jackson, Travis Minor, Kay-Jay Harris

shoulder and he's able to make those tough catches. Not only FB: Brian Leonard, Madison Hedgecock, Chris Massey, Brad

that… he's a great blocker." He averaged 57 catches during his Lua

first five seasons as a pro. He‘s without question the best pass- WR: Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Drew Bennett, Dante Hall

catching TE on the Rams roster, and he might be the best TE (PR/KR), Dane Looker, Derek Stanley, Dominique

the team has had since moving to St. Louis. "When you have Thompson, Lamart Barrett, Nate Morton

so many playmakers, you want to try to get everybody their TE: Randy McMichael, Joel Klopfenstein, Dominique Byrd,

fair touches," McMichael said. "If I have 60 (catches), or if I Aaron Walker, Mark Anelli, Steve Buches

have 30, as long as we're winning, everything's fine." K: Jeff Wilkins, Kevin Lovell

McMichael‘s going about his work the right way, too. He‘s DT: Adam Carriker (DE), La'Roi Glover, Claude Wroten,

been spending a lot of extra time with Bulger in an effort to Clifton Ryan, Keith Jackson

establish that magical chemistry. "What I want Marc to DE: Leonard Little, James Hall (inj), Victor Adeyanju (inj),

understand is that he can trust me; that I'll be able to make a Ryan Willis

play for him," McMichael said. "That's the one thing you've MLB: Will Witherspoon

got to do when you're coming into a passing attack that's as OLB: Pisa Tinoisamoa (W), Brandon Chillar (S), Chris Draft

good as the Rams were last year. You're trying to be another (S/W), Jon Alston (W), Raonall Smith, Tim McGarigle,

part to that puzzle… Some of the throws that we were just Quinton Culberson, Kevin McLee, Larry Edwards

missing, we're starting to make…by the end of camp, we CB: Fakhir Brown (susp), Tye Hill, Jonathan Wade, Lenny

should be hitting on all cylinders." Second year TE Dominique Walls, Darius Vinnett, Josh Lay

Byrd, whose roster spot seemed in question at the beginning of S: Corey Chavous (SS), Oshiomogho Atogwe (FS), Ronald

camp, has turned in consistently strong performances heading Bartell (FS/CB), Todd Johnson (FS), Jerome Carter (SS), J.R.

into the weekend to strengthen his cause. Reed (FS), Jeffrey Dukes (FS)

San Diego Chargers but his roster spot should be assured due to his special teams

prowess.

QB: Philip Rivers is noticeably more muscular than he was

last year, and by all accounts has looked sharp throughout TE: Norv Turner aims to move Antonio Gates around, lining

camp so far. Many training camp observers have pointed out him up at different spots at the snap, to create matchup

that he is going downfield more often this year, dumping the problems. Gates has shown the quickness and hands he is

ball off to the running backs less frequently. Rivers seems to known for, and looks primed for another standout fantasy

be developing nice chemistry with his top three wide receivers season. Brandon Manumaleuna is being used mostly as a

in Vincent Jackson, Craig Davis, and Malcom Floyd. He has blocker, and hasn‘t been too involved in the passing game.

shown his characteristic accuracy. There is a steep drop-off Rookie Scott Chandler is a big target with surprising speed

from Rivers to the backups, however, as neither Billy Volek who has caught everything thrown to him in camp, but playing

nor Charles Whitehurst has been impressive. Volek continues behind Antonio Gates he will probably not be a major factor in

to work with the second team during most practices, only the offense.

occasionally switching it up to get Whitehurst more reps

(since the third team gets few reps during the teamwork Defense: The defense is running the same scheme as it has in

portion of practice). Whitehurst struggled during the first few previous years. It is still doing a lot of blitzing up the middle.

days of camp; he has had some good practices since then but LB Shawne Merriman sometimes lines up in a three-point

is still inconsistent. stance on the edge in passing situations as Luis Castillo moves

inside to DT. One of the big training camp battles that people

RB: LaDainian Tomlinson hasn‘t lost a step yet, as training were on the lookout for this season – between Clinton Hart

camp observers have consistently remarked on how fast he and Eric Weddle at safety – has failed to materialize. Hart has

looks. Tomlinson spent the offseason working on his pass gotten all of the first-team reps when he‘s suited up, and has

routes as he expects to have more receptions this season than looked solid. Weddle has been working in the dime package.

he did in 2006. "That's why I spent the offseason making sure Weddle did get some first-team reps at safety when Hart sat

I was in shape, to run those pass routes," said Tomlinson, who out of last Thursday‘s practice, and was continually around the

believes he should have "70-plus catches and 315 carries." ball. But the starting job looks like it clearly belongs to Hart at

Backup Michael Turner is working with the second team and this point. The other much-hyped training camp battle has

Darren Sproles is working with the third team. Tyronne Gross shaped up to be everything it was expected to be: Drayton

will have to improve his pass-blocking to beat out Sproles for Florence and Antonio Cromartie have taken turns making big

a roster spot. Legedu Naanee, meanwhile, continues to line up plays from the cornerback position. Cromartie has made more

at a multitude of positions. He is built like a fullback, but has spectacular plays on the ball, but has also been less consistent

the athleticism to be used like a WR, and is seeing a lot of than Florence. Florence is considered the starter right now;

time lining up in the slot. He is somebody to watch during the they are really about even money to begin the season starting

preseason. Lorenzo Neal has slimmed down during the across from Quentin Jammer. Many observers have indicated

offseason; it remains to be seen whether dropping fifteen that Florence and Cromartie look like the two best corners on

pounds or so will detract from his power when taking on the team, but it is unlikely that they would both start over

linebackers in the hole. Jammer barring injury. At inside linebacker, rookie Anthony

Waters is backing up Matt Wilhelm while Tim Dobbins is

backing up Stephen Cooper. Rookie Brandon Siler is working

WR: There is good news and bad news at the WR position for with the third-team.

the Chargers. The bad news is that Eric Parker will miss up to

ten weeks with a toe injury, meaning that he will probably

begin the season on the PUP list. The good news is that Special teams: Darren Sproles, Craig Davis, and Antonio

Vincent Jackson, Craig Davis, and Malcom Floyd have all Cromartie are getting most of the work in the return game,

been consistently impressive. We mentioned in last week‘s although Cletis Gordon and Steve Gregory have gotten a few

report that Craig Davis had been the talk of training camp up reps as well. The injury to WR Eric Parker narrows the field of

to that point, and the same held this week, as well. He did miss competitors to two for the starting punt returner role. Each

two practice sessions during the week with soreness in his candidate sounds equally confident. RB Darren Sproles noted,

knee, but returned after that and continued to make highlight- "I feel pretty high about it. They have me running with the

reel-worthy catches. Expect Davis to open the season as the [first team], and I've looked pretty good out there." Rookie

starter alongside Jackson. ―Regardless of Eric‘s situation, WR Craig Davis counters, "I feel comfortable back there, just

Craig has come in here and been impressive from the start,‖ being an athlete and doing things. I think that's one of the

said head coach Norv Turner. ―We want to get Eric back as reasons they brought me in here, because I have multi-talents."

soon as we can, but Craig is going to be a factor on our So far, Davis has looked smoother catching the ball (while

football team.‖ Malcom Floyd has also been on the receiving Sproles has had his share of bobbles), but Sproles has been the

end of some big plays, and Vincent Jackson is living up to more explosive runner with the ball in his hands. Kicker Nate

expectations that he fulfill the WR1 role on the offense. With Kaeding ended practice the other day by making a 58-yard

Parker‘s injury, Greg Camarillo‘s chances to make the team field goal. Although there is no pure kicker camp leg this year,

are improved. Camarillo has some of the same characteristics punter Brian Monroe can also handle kicking, in addition to

as Parker – good route-running and hands, but a lack of deep spelling starting punter Mike Scifres, but Monroe is not

speed. Kassim Osgood has been inconsistent catching the ball, expected to make the final roster.

Chargers Depth Chart on the first play from the first team offense. After a few runs,

QB Philip Rivers, A.J. Feeley, Charlie Whitehurst, Brett Alex Smith completed short passes to Hicks and Michael

Elliott Robinson, followed by longer ones to Vernon Davis and WR

RB LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Turner, Larry Croom, Ray Taylor Jacobs. Later, the first team defense lined up against

Perkins, Tyrone Gross, Bryson Sumlin, Darren Sproles (IR) the 2nd team offense led by Trent Dilfer, who completed a nice

FB Lorenzo Neal, Andrew Pinnock, Jonathan Evans, Shawn pass to Brandon Williams in traffic. Then, he was picked off

Willis by Nate Clements. Later the offense rebounded and got into

WR Keenan McCardell, Eric Parker (inj), Vincent Jackson, the end zone on a 1-yard plunge by Robinson, who returned to

Kassim Osgood, Malcolm Floyd, Mark Simmons, Sean practice on Friday for the first time since suffering from

Coffey (inj), Gerran Walker, Robert Ortiz hydration on Tuesday, in which he was taken to the hospital.

TE Antonio Gates, Brandon Manumaleuna, Aaron Shea, Ryan Meanwhile, FB Moran Norris suffered from a lacerated lip

Krause that forced him to don a special pad over his mouth when he

K Nate Kaeding, Kurt Smith plays. Helping to fill the void, LB-turned-FB Zak Keasey has

DE Igor Olshansky, Luis Castillo (NT), Jacques Cesaire, stepped right into the mix, even taking some snaps at halfback

Derrick Robinson, Chase Page (inj), Patrick Massey in single-back formations. He‘s leaving an impressing on HC

NT Jamal Williams, Ryon Bingham, Brandon McKinney, Nolan, who jokingly called Keasey‘s running style ―ugly‖

Alvin Smith before adding, "He's doing a really good job. He's a fullback

ILB Donnie Edwards (inj), Randall Godfrey, Matt Wilhelm, but there's also times he carries the ball. He's hard-nosed, more

Stephen Cooper, Tim Dobbins, Carlos Polk of a straight-ahead guy but he's a tough kid." Maybe it‘s

OLB Steve Foley (W), Shawne Merriman (S), Shaun Phillips Keasey‘s long, braided hair flowing out of the back of his

(S), Marques Harris (W), Jonathan Pollard helmet, or not. "It makes me feel real good to hear him say

CB Quentin Jammer, Drayton Florence, Antonio Cromartie, some nice things about me," Keasey said. "I'm going to

Markus Curry, Cletis Gordon, Steve Gregory, Anthony Mims continue to work hard but I'm not too fancy of a runner."

S Marlon McCree (FS), Terrence Kiel (SS), Bhawoh Jue

(SS/FS), Clinton Hart (FS/SS), Hanik Milligan (FS), Andre WR: On Friday, Arnaz Battle returned to practice after resting

Lott (FS), Richard Yancy his sore knee for the two previous days. Battle and Darrell

Jackson seem firmly entrenched as the team‘s starting

receivers, but there‘s a battle royale brewing for the remaining

three or four roster spots between newcomers Ashley Lelie

and rookie Jason Hill along with holdovers Bryan Gilmore,

San Francisco 49ers Taylor Jacobs, Brandon Williams and Marcus Maxwell.

"We've got more speed and the best skill level that we've ever

QB: Alex Smith is expecting to run more this season. Last had since I've been here," said WRs coach Jerry Sullivan. "I

year, Smith ran for only 147 yards, but lest we forget the want to see us making more plays and getting our quarterback

athletic QB rushed for 631 yards and 10 TDs his last season at feeling a great deal of confidence in our skill level and ability.

Utah. "You look at what Steve Young did when he was here," I'd like to see our passing game jump up about 10-12 notches

Smith said. "There were two or three times in a game when he from where we were ranked last year." QB Alex Smith thinks

was able to take off and run. Those were big plays." OC Jim this group is the deepest one he‘s worked with since in his

Hostler added, "Five or six times a game, he's going to have to short tenure with the club. "It's nice to have so much more

come alive with his feet. He's going to have to come out of the depth," Smith said. "It seems like that's the biggest difference,

pocket and make a play running or by finding a receiver to have so many different guys out there that can make plays

downfield after a scramble. And that's five or six (times) with the ball in their hands. I'm excited about that, to not have

guaranteed. Last year, it was one or two here and there." Last to go out there and worry about losing the game, because

year, Smith made small improvements like keeping his eyes everyone out there can make plays. Now, I can just stay within

focused downfield as he stepped to the inside of the pass rush, myself and go wherever the defense is telling me I need to go

something Hostler calls the ―slide and move‖. Hostler believes with the ball. It's nice to have that." Battle and Jackson are

these are the times where Smith‘s opportunities arise; big runs competing with each other to be Smith‘s #1 target, although

tend to come when a QB makes small movements within the that honor may go to TE Vernon Davis when all is said and

pocket as it collapses or just keeping the play alive. "It's about done. Battle is playing the flanker position, due his tenacious

making the best thing out of what we have," Hostler said. "If blocking (Sullivan said only Hines Ward is a better blocker

it's bad, make it good. If it's good, make it great. If it's really than Battle amongst the NFL WRs), while Jackson has moved

bad, make it halfway bad." So, Hostler was asked, will Smith over to the ―X‖ spot, where Antonio Bryant played a year ago.

step up and throw the ball to an open receiver, or take off None of that seems to matter to Jackson. "My job is to be

running like Young did so well in his prime? The OC flashed open, and I'll be open," Jackson said. "We're expecting big

a wide grin and said, "I don't know. That's why we pay him all things from our receiving corps. We want to turn it up. We

that money." want to get on the map. We're going to work hard and catch

every ball. We're going to be ready when they stack the box

RB: With Frank Gore out for possibly the rest of the for the run. That's going to give us more opportunities for 1-

preseason, the other RBs have a chance to make an impact. On on-1 and make more big plays down the field."

Saturday afternoon the team held a scrimmage which featured

several big plays from both sides of the ball. Working against TE: Vernon Davis is ready for some football. The 2 nd year

the 2nd team defense, Maurice Hicks had a 15-to 20-yard run tight end got into a scrap with veteran guard Larry Allen in

one scrimmage. The two had to be separated by a contingent summed it up simply, "I'm trying to do everything I can to

of players, coaches and staff. Davis has been vocal throughout make this team.‖

camp, jawing with several members of the defenses, but this

one was slightly different – it was with a fellow offensive 49ers Depth Chart

player. HC Mike Nolan offered up this answer when asked if QB: Alex Smith, Trent Dilfer, Shaun Hill, Luke Getsy

the incident was a concern. "Yes and no," he said before RB: Frank Gore (inj), Michael Robinson (SD/3RB), Maurice

pausing. "I don't like guys fighting for someone to get hurt but Hicks, Thomas Clayton, Arkee Whitlock

I do like ... let's put it this way. If you're fighting about FB: Moran Norris, Zak Keasey, Steve Dildine

something, it means something to you. And that's really WR: Darrell Jackson, Ashley Lelie, Arnaz Battle, Bryan

important. A lot of times, you'll find teams that are warm and Gilmore, Brandon Williams, Jason Hill, Taylor Jacobs,

fuzzy all the time. And in my opinion, those teams typically Marcus Maxwell, Dominique Zeigler, C.J. Brewer

struggle in games because something's not important to them." TE: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker (FB), Billy Bajema, Zach

Nolan said he doesn‘t want Davis to pick up bone-headed Hilton, Zac Herold

penalties for silly stuff, but he liked Davis‘ spirit and he didn‘t K: Joe Nedney

mind the trash talk providing that he backs it up with his play. NT: Aubrayo Franklin (inj), Isaac Sapoaga, Joe Cohen,

Davis later acknowledged his willful role in camp as Ronald Fields

somewhat of a practice antagonist. "If I see things are quiet DE: Marques Douglas, Bryant Young, Sam Rayburn, Ray

and the guys aren't getting rowdy," the freakishly fast TE said, McDonald, Jerry DeLoach, John Syptak, Melvin Oliver (inj)

"I'm going to take it upon myself to do something about it." ILB: Brandon Moore (O), Patrick Willis, Derek Smith, Jeff

Asked if he‘s worried about becoming a marked man because Ulbrich, Colby Bockwoldt

of his brashness? "I want that 'X' on my back," he said. "Put it OLB: Manny Lawson, Tully Banta-Cain, Parys Haralson

on me. Come and get me." (inj), Jay Moore (S), Roderick Green, Hannibal Navies, Mark

Washington, Andre Torrey (inj)

Defense: First round pick Patrick Willis is making an impact CB: Nate Clements, Walt Harris, Shawntae Spencer, Tarell

and pushing veteran Derek Smith for playing time in the Brown, Marcus Hudson, Donald Strickland (inj), Markus

middle. "He's a young (guy) that's coming in advertised as this Curry, B.J. Tucker (IR)

great athlete, and that's obviously the first thing you see about S: Michael Lewis (SS), Mark Roman (FS), Keith Lewis

him," fellow LB Jeff Ulbrich said. "But beyond that, he's got (FS/SS), Darnell Bing (SS), Dashon Goldson, Vickiel Vaughn

some un-teachable instincts, stuff in the pass game, the run (inj)

game where he's doing things that took a lot of us years to

recognize. I'm not sure if he knows what he is doing half the

time, but he's getting it done. He's doing it and it's just a

special deal, you know?" Throughout the week, Willis flashed

his vast potential and natural instincts on a few occasions. One Seattle Seahawks

was a screen pass that seemed to be developing nicely for

Michael Robinson, who seemed to go unnoticed amidst a QB: Matt Hasselbeck appears to be right on track in his return

heavy pass rush, but Willis saw it and flew over to Robinson following a disappointing 2006 campaign that was beset by

as the ball arrived to stop him for no gain. In 7-on-7 drills, injuries. Hasselbeck‘s backup, Seneca Wallace, is producing

Willis displayed his 4.5 speed going down the sideline step for some nice highlights, as well. On the 7th day of camp,

step with Robinson and tipping the ball away on a well-thrown Wallace threw a perfectly placed pass to D.J. Hackett for a 39-

pass from Smith. During team drills, Willis‘ instincts were yard TD. That pass marked Wallace and the team‘s longest

noticeable as he stuffed the runner at the line of scrimmage on completion for the second day in a row. On Saturday, David

one play, then he chased down another runner from the Greene showed some nice accuracy in his two series with the

backside on another play. As if that weren‘t enough, he also second-team o-line. Greene completed 8 out of 9 passes on the

had interceptions on back to back days, too. On Saturday, NT drive.

Aubrayo Franklin returned to practice after an MRI on his

strained elbow showed no serious problems. On Friday, DE

Bryant Young participated in his first contact drills in training RB: Last week Shaun Alexander made an appearance on

camp after being held out with lower back pain. Seattle radio KJR-AM in the morning where he‘s been on a

role with his one-liners. "Sometimes I make people miss and

sometimes I make people miss badly," Alexander said. Later

Special Teams: What does kicker Joe Nedney like about the same day, Alexander was talking about new TE Marcus

camp? ―I love the interaction with the fans. I love the fact that Pollard, "I told him that I expect him to catch a lot of balls in

I don‘t have a roommate. I love the food, and the anticipation the red zone -- and fall on the 1-yard line." Fullback David

of the start of the season.‖ Nedney went 2-of-3 on field goals Kirtman broke his hang on Wednesday. He‘ll undergo surgery

in Saturday‘s scrimmage. Camp leg MacKenzie Hoambrecker and be out for a week to 10 days.

has his field goal attempt blocked. RB/KR Maurice Hicks

started the scrimmage by returning the opening kickoff across

midfield to the 48-yard line. Backup punt returner WR Arnaz WR: Ben Obomanu returned to practice on Sunday afternoon

Battle missed two days of practice with a sore knee. WR after suffering a neck injury in Saturday‘s scrimmage.

Taylor Jacobs wasn‘t on the radar for offense or special teams Obomanu told coaches that he could have returned to the

heading into camp, but in the early going he is making people game, but was taken to a nearby ambulance for further

take notice. That includes returning kickoffs and punts. He examination to play it safe. Obomanu said he mostly went

through range-of-motion tests. Otherwise, Obomanu has Babineaux, Floyd Womack, Marcus Tubbs and Patrick Ghee

looked impressive during camp earning praise and attention were all sidelined by injuries last week.

from the team‘s coaching staff. He caught three passes in the

scrimmage. Also playing extremely well was rookie Courtney Special Teams: Kicker Josh Brown has looked solid in

Taylor. On Sunday, Taylor injured his left knee and he‘s practices, and kicked a 48-yard field goal in Friday‘s

expected to miss four weeks according to HC Mike Holmgren. scrimmage. He also has been doing better on kickoffs than

camp leg Kurt Smith, who was a kickoff specialist in college.

D.J. Hackett caught five passes and was the top target in the Early in camp, rookie CB Josh Wilson was not utilized on

scrimmage. The top play, as mentioned above, was Hackett‘s returns so that he could focus on defense, but recently he has

39-yard touchdown catch after he beat corner Josh Wilson joined the fray on special teams. Also practicing on returns

who was attempting to cover Hackett on the play. The team have been WR Nate Burleson, WR Bobby Engram, WR Ben

believes they have more depth at the position than in years Obomanu, and QB Seneca Wallace. Obomanu left the

past, which should help given the injury to Taylor and the loss scrimmage with an apparent neck injury. Special teams‘

of Darrell Jackson in the offseason. One player who is battling practices have been less intense this year compared to the

for a spot is Joe Fernandez, whose father might ring a bell. Joe prior two years. Is that a cause for alarm? Not necessarily,

is the son of former Raiders WR Mervyn Fernandez. Here‘s because that was intentional. Former special teams coordinator

the full story on Joe. Wednesday‘s practice saw Nate Bob Casullo was let go in the offseason and replaced with

Burleson make a couple of great plays. Burleson leaped for a Bruce DeHaven, whom HC Mike Holmgren felt was a better

catch in front of corner Marcus Trufant on one play, then later fit with his way of approaching things.

in the practice, he curled in front of Kelly Jennings for another

catch. D.J. Hackett missed that practice to be with his wife, Seahawks Depth Chart

who gave birth to a son last week. Bobby Engram made a QB: Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, David Greene, Travis

diving catch on a ball from Matt Hasselbeck, despite great Lulay, Erik Meyer

coverage from Josh Wilson, while Courtney Taylor made RB: Shaun Alexander, Maurice Morris, Marquis Weeks

another nice catch in the same session. FB: Mack Strong, Leonard Weaver, David Kirtman (inj), Josh

Parry

TE: Leonard Stephens continues to have a strong camp WR: Deion Branch, D.J. Hackett, Bobby Engram, Nate

making a couple more impressive plays last week in practice. Burleson (PR), Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor (inj), Jordan

He caught one ball behind Julian Peterson, who might be the Kent, Logan Payne, Joe Fernandez, Chris Jones

team‘s best cover LB. Stephens is a FB/TE tweener, so keep TE: Marcus Pollard, Will Heller, Benny Joppru (inj), Joe

an eye on where he ends up being put on the final depth chart. Newton, Ronnie Ghent

He‘s said to have the best hands on the team, so he bears K: Josh Brown

watching in the preseason games as a deep sleeper considering DT: Chartric Darby, Marcus Tubbs (inj), Robert Bernard,

that starter Marcus Pollard‘s best years are most likely in the Brandon Mebane, Craig Terrill, Russell Davis, Marcus Green

rearview mirror. Ben Joppru suffered a serious hip pointer in DE: Patrick Kerney, Bryce Fisher, Darryl Tapp, Baraka

Sunday‘s scrimmage; Holmgren didn't provide a timetable for Atkins, Brandon Green, Jeb Heckuba, Robert Pollard, Scott

his return. On Thursday, Will Heller sprained his ankle injury Scharff

during the morning practice. He is day-to-day. He did not take MLB: Lofa Tatupu, Niko Koutouvides

part in the afternoon session, which was a relatively quick OLB: Leroy Hill (L), Julian Peterson (R), Kevin Bentley (L),

workout. Will Herring, Lance Laury

CB: Marcus Trufant, Kelly Jennings, Josh Wilson

Defense: On Sunday, the defense put on a hit parade. LB S: Deon Grant (SS), Brian Russell (FS), Michael Boulware

Marcus Rucker put the wood to TE Benny Joppru near the (SS), Jordan Babineaux (SS) (inj), Mike Green (FS) (inj),

right sideline as he continued to show promise since making a Kevin Hobbs

positional change a year ago. Patrick Kerney flashed his

trademark speed off the edge, by getting around the line and

flushing Seneca Wallace from the pocket despite being held

on the play. 3rd round pick DT Brandon Mebane is playing

with a low center of gravity and he‘s proving to be a load to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

move off the line. His play is giving the team added hope that

they can remedy last season‘s weakness of stopping the run, QB: In Sunday‘s 7-on-7 passing drills, Jeff Garcia looked

especially as DT Marcus Tubbs continues to rehab from sharp. He threw a bullet to Michael Clayton on the first play,

injuries. "He has a bright and long future in this league," said then on the next play, he did the same thing to Ike Hilliard

Chuck Darby, a fellow defensive tackle. "He's so explosive off down the left seam. Two plays later, Garcia threw a perfect

the rock; he gets off blocks and is a good pass rusher." LB pass on a quick slant to David Boston, hitting him in stride.

Leroy Hill suffered a hamstring injury, but it wasn‘t severe QB Luke McCown finished off the "move-the-ball" two-

and he‘s listed as day to day. Corner Kelly Jennings minute drill on a strong note. McCown moved the team into

intercepted Seneca Wallace in one practice, returning it from field goal range, where he was able to stop the clock with 18

one end zone to the other for a TD. Incredibly, the athletic and seconds left. Chris Simms didn‘t participate in 11-on-11s for

speedy Wallace almost chased Jennings down. Jordan nearly a week, but HC Jon Gruden said Simms will likely play

in the preseason opener. On Sunday, Simms threw under QB

coach Paul Hackett‘s watchful eye for about 30 minutes in the year. That said, Gruden is riding Stovall hard just the same.

morning practice. "He needs to play, obviously," Gruden said. On Saturday, Gruden barked out, ―Come on, Stovall! That‘s

"But there's a lot of things that go into that. Do you get the ball the ugliest route I‘ve seen! Carry your pads, Stovall!‖ To

and can you do something with it and look at some guys? Clayton‘s credit, he‘s working overtime and it may be starting

We'd like to do that. Physically, he looked good today from to payoff.

what I saw and hopefully he can work himself back into a

ready position this week." It looks as if Clayton is gaining on Stovall and David Boston,

who wasn‘t even in the NFL last season. "People have totally

Simms seems to be fine mentally, but his arm isn't reacting forgotten about him, don't even know he's alive," Gruden said.

as quickly or sharply as he expects. "My mind is not the "If he can come back, it will be one heck of a story." He‘s

problem as far as dropping back and finding the open running double moves, catching the ball very well and getting

receiver,'' Simms said. ―It's just that I'm a little late trying to in and out of his breaks quicker than before. "Last year, I was

get it to him or a little inaccurate with it. It's like my mind trying to play the recovery game from practice to practice. I

says, 'Okay, there he is, he's open.' I'm just not quick and sharp wasn't ready," Boston said. "This year, I'm able to recover

with it. I don't know if anybody really knows. It's not an injury from the morning practice to the afternoon practice and keep

you can go back and look at the records of and say, 'This guy my explosiveness." CB Ronde Barber thinks Boston looks

had it in '98.' It's an unknown thing, I think, to a lot of people. good, too. "Last year, he didn't look like the David Boston that

I'm just going to keep trying to plug away and we'll see what everybody remembers from his years at Ohio State and his

happens.‖ Simms condition was described as ―irregular first couple years in the league," Barber said. "He couldn't run.

proprioception‖, which is not uncommon following abdominal He wasn't explosive. But I noticed in the offseason that he was

surgery. Simms feels healthy, but he is considerably behind showing it again, and he's showing it now. Barring anything

starter Jeff Garcia and backups Luke McCown and Bruce unforeseen, I can't imagine him not exploding back." Boston,

Gradkowski. who turns 29 this month, said, ―I haven't made any big plays

or done anything in three years, but I played the first five years

RB: The teams RBs put in some good work on Wednesday and I'm trying to pick up where I left off. It's not easy."

during the ―3rd and 1‖ drills at midfield. The offense converted

a majority of its attempts, but the defense stood its ground TE: On Saturday, the team signed TE C.J. Leak. Leak

forcing fumbles by Earnest Graham and Lionel Gates on participated in the Bucs' rookie minicamp in May and was

consecutive plays. S Will Allen and CB Torrie Cox each had a with the team during OTAs. Leak is the brother of former

recovery. Gruden voiced his displeasure with the gaffes, Florida QB C.J. Leak and the son of former Bucs WR Curtis

adding that players don't last long at camp if they can't hold on Leak.

to the football. Cadillac Williams was sharp in the drills,

darting through the defense for a first down easily. FB Mike Defense: With Barrett Ruud unavailable to practice, the Bucs

Alstott didn‘t have much trouble either getting the first down. are getting former SLB starter Ryan Nece a lot of reps with

Trying to redeem himself, Graham pulled off a sweet move on the first team defense at MLB. Nece and third round pick

DE Patrick Chukwurah, allowing him to get to the corner, but Quincy Black have switched positions. "Those guys kind of

a hold on WR Maurice Stovall brought it back. In full team switched roles," said linebackers coach Gus Bradley. "We're

drills, Garcia and Caddy worked well together starting from trying to get (Nece) as many reps as we can. With Barrett not

inside the defense‘s 20-yard line. The offense drove to the 8- being able to practice, it's benefited Ryan and Antoine Cash.

yard line, where Garcia freelances as protection broke down. He's pretty versatile, Ryan is. He could, at the drop of a hat,

The veteran QB scrambled out of the pocket toward the line, play any one of the three positions and we'd be in good

where he spotted Cadillac coming open in the end zone. At the shape." Safety Sabby Piscitelli didn‘t practice on Sunday due

last second, Garcia backhanded the ball through a crowd into to what Gruden called ―sore lowers‖. Ruud (bruised knee) and

Williams‘ arms for a TD. DT Ryan Sims (hamstring) were also held out. Ruud said he

tweaked his knee following what he called a ―a funny plant‖.

WR: Michael Clayton has his hands full in the battle to keep He should be able to return in a day or two. Sunday‘s play of

his No. 2 WR job. Clayton‘s been plagued by an assortment of the day came from Ronde Barber, who showed why he‘s such

injuries for the past two seasons. It didn‘t help matters when a tough defender in the slot. Barber broke up a pass from Luke

he tweaked his back on Thursday. He was able to practice McCown intended for Ike Hilliard allowing Will Allen to

Friday, but then had to rest on Saturday. The back tightened intercept the deflection. Rookie DE Gaines Adams was slowed

up on him overnight, so he took the day off. ―After the back, by a triceps strain this week, but on Friday, he took reps with

everything else starts to go, and I didn't want anything to get the first team during 11-on-11s. At the under tackle position,

hurt," Clayton said. "Just staying healthy. I took the day off to Ellis Wyms was back at work Sunday but he‘s fallen behind

be ready to go today." The 4th year WR is locked into one of Jovan Haye in the battle for reps. The Bucs signed DE Greg

the most heated battles in camp with 2nd year Maurice Stovall White over the weekend. White played for Bucs offensive

and, the dark horse, former Pro Bowler David Boston, who is assistant and Orlando Predators coach Jay Gruden in the

back and looking as big and quick as ever. Clayton and Arena League. White set the AFL record with 15 sacks in

Stovall are usually side by side during drills. Both players 2007. To make room, the team released LB Evan Benjamin

routinely stay after practice to catch extra balls, too. HC and DT Justin Frick.

Gruden is enamored by Stovall‘s size (6‘5‖) and there‘s no

question that Clayton has to earn his spot in the lineup this

Special Teams: The Bucs are breaking in a relatively new

long snapper this year. Andrew Economos did snap in two RB: Chris Brown and LenDale White are sharing snaps with

games last year, filling in for an injured Dave Moore, who has the first and second teams. Jeff Fisher commented, ―Both of

since retired. The holder on kicks, punter Josh Bidwell, is them at the end of the play are going to gain yards. They just

happy with the early results, "Andrew has been doing a great do it a little differently. LenDale‘s more of an inside runner

job. He's solid. His protection has gotten a ton better and Matt but has the ability to bounce outside. Chris can start outside

has great rhythm with him. I'm real, real confident with him but cut back inside. Both of them have the ability to take the

up there." Kicker Matt Bryant has also looked solid so far. ball the distance, which is good. Both of them have proven

WR Mark Jones and WR Chad Owens are expected to battle themselves – Chris already at this level, and LenDale,

for the return specialist role, but don‘t rule out CB Philip obviously, at the collegiate level. He‘s shown some things

Buchanon, particularly on punt returns. The Bucs realize he over the last year, that he can be a quality back as well.‖

may be the closest thing they have to current gold standard White was held out of Wednesday‘s practice with a sore

Devin Hester, so they are looking for more ways to utilize shoulder, leading to extra reps for Quinton Ganther and

him. WR Michael Clayton has also been practicing on returns. Dontrell Moore, who are fighting for a single roster spot.



Buccaneers Depth Chart WR: The Titans are allowing virtually every receiver an

QB: Jeff Garcia, Bruce Gradkowski, Chris Simms, Luke opportunity to run with the first team. Courtney Roby,

McCown, Bruce Eugene Brandon Jones and Paul Williams received praise from Coach

RB: Cadillac Williams, Michael Pittman (3RB), Earnest Fisher who, when asked what players have caught his eye in

Graham, Ken Darby camp, responded, ―We‘ve seen improvement in a lot of areas.

FB: Mike Alstott, B.J. Askew I‘d rather talk about positions. You‘ve got receivers like

WR: Joey Galloway, Michael Clayton (inj), Maurice Stovall, Courtney [Roby] making catches and Brandon [Jones]

Ike Hilliard, David Boston, Paris Warren, Mark Jones consistently making catches. Paul Williams, yesterday, had

TE: Jerramy Stevens, Alex Smith, Anthony Becht, Keith some great catches.‖ Fisher seems to think that Eric Moulds is

Heinrich, C.J. Leak doing well and ―not making any mistakes.‖ The coach stated

K: Matt Bryant that he thought one more week in the system would allow

DT: Chris Hovan (NT), Kevin Carter (DT), Jovan Haye, Ellis Moulds to have a strong understanding of the Titans offense

Wyms, Ryan Sims (NT), Greg Peterson and his role in it.

DE: Greg Spires, Gaines Adams, Patrick Chukwurah, Julian

Jenkins, Greg White, Charles Bennett (IR) TE: The Titans still have 5 tight ends in camp and Fisher

MLB: Barrett Ruud, Adam Hayward indicated that the team could well have 3 tight ends active

OLB: Derrick Brooks (W), Cato June (S), Ryan Nece (S), each Sunday. Said Fisher, ―That‘s one position we really

Quincy Black, Jamie Winborn (S) haven‘t identified. It‘s a competitive position only because

CB: Ronde Barber, Brian Kelly, Phillip Buchanon (PR), Alan we‘re going to potentially use three in a game. We‘re trying to

Zemaitas, Torrie Cox (susp), Marcus Hamilton, Sammy Davis, take advantage of the strengths of all three of them. Ben

Marcus Hamilton [Hartsock] is more of an on-the-line blocker and knows

S: Will Allen (FS), Jermaine Phillips (SS), Sabby Piscitelli exactly what to do, yet can get down the field. And Ben

(SS), Tanard Jackson (FS), Kalvin Pearson (SS), Eli Ward Troupe is more of a receiver-type. Bo [Scaife] is kind of a

(FS) combination of both. He‘s more versatile. So it‘s a good

combination to have with the first three. And then of course

we have depth there, too. Coop [Cooper Wallace] is having a

good camp and Jamie [Petrowski]‘s starting to get his legs

back underneath him a little bit. Casey [Cramer]‘s kind of a

Tennessee Titans jack of all trades. He plays fullback, he plays tight end, he

does everything for us. It‘s as much depth as we‘ve had for a

number of years at that position.‖

QB: Vince Young got into a skirmish with Donnie Nickey last

Wednesday, throwing a punch with his passing hand. Luckily,

neither Young nor Nickey were hurt in the incident. Defense: The battle for the starting MLB job continues as the

Afterwards, everyone involved downplayed the incident with Titans head into week two of camp. LBs coach Dave

McGinnis' plan is to give Stephen Tulloch and Ryan Fowler

Young saying, ―We‘re all a big family. We‘re still a family.

both equal reps with both the first and second units in each

You know family members fight, too. We got it off our chest practice. "They're alternating and both getting equal reps with

and now we‘re going to go shower.‖ Young is still receiving the first unit," McGinnis said. "Whoever ends up winning it,

the bulk of the first team snaps and the defense is playing a it'll make them a better player, both of them better players and

heavy amount of zone against the Titan offense, showing that it'll make us a better team." Rookie DT Antonio Johnson will

offensive coordinator Norm Chow doesn‘t expect the very have season-ending surgery on his left knee. "We felt he had a

mobile quarterback to see much man-to-man defense. In an chance to help us," HC Jeff Fisher said Saturday. "It's an

interview, Young was asked about being on the cover of unfortunate [situation] ... There will be no issues as far as

Madden 08 and responded, ― ―I feel like they have our returning for the offseason program." The Titans signed free

Tennessee Titans overall rating pretty low, but that‘s how we agent DT Lauvale Sape following Johnson‘s. Sape was

like to keep it,‖ he said. ―We like to come into the season recently released by the Oakland Raiders. Free agent DE

showing them what we can do.‖ Simeon Rice visited the Titans headquarters on Friday.

Special Teams: It was revealed recently that kicker Rob QB: Expectations are high for Jason Campbell this season and

Bironas underwent two offseason surgeries, including one on two weeks into camp, the jury is definitely still out. Campbell

his knee. Special teams coordinator Alan Lowry noted, ―The was held out of Saturday‘s scrimmage against the Baltimore

hardest part for him has been his injury situation, because he's Ravens during the 11-on-11 drills, and that was probably for

had two surgeries this offseason. He's had to overcome that the best given how much he struggled in the 7-on-7s.

and he's really still working his way back into kicking. He's Campbell has been erratic throughout camp, having sessions

not full speed by any means, you can tell with his kickoffs he's where he looks fantastic and others where he looks lost. Coach

not where he hopefully will be when we start the regular Gibbs didn‘t sound very excited about Campbell‘s

season." If he is not ready to go, that could open up the performance on Saturday, saying, "For Jason, it's about getting

opportunity to camp leg John Vaughn. HC Jeff Fisher said of the right reads…He was checking down a bunch."

Vaughn, "It's a very competitive situation. I've been very

impressed with what John's been able to do and his leg Mark Brunell has looked OK in camp thus far, and seems to

strength and his accuracy. We haven't had this in as long as I have chemistry with Santana Moss much like we saw in 2005

can remember, two guys who can consistently put the ball when they started together. Rumors that Brunell could be

through the uprights from way out. It's going to be interesting traded to Atlanta won‘t go away, as a story in the Atlanta-

to see how it unfolds." Journal Constitution (8/5) brought up the premise again. With

Todd Collins and rookie Jordan Palmer (Carson‘s younger

Right now, Courtney Roby is also returning kicks and rookie brother) also in camp, it‘s not completely illogical to see

Chris Davis, who is seeing lots of time in the slot position, is something happening. Remember, Brunell was coached by

returning punts. Another candidate to take over on returns is Falcons HC Bobby Petrino when they were in Jacksonville.

DB Cortland Finnegan. Lowry discussed Finnegan, ―He's got Casey Bramlet was released this week.

the most quickness, and he's really explosive. He's strong for

his size a lot like Pac was. So we'll give him the first shot and RB: Clinton Portis owners have to be getting nervous in

see what happens." Team members have recently commented fantasy football circles. Portis missed practice this past week

that Finnegan is actually faster than Pacman Jones. Finnegan, with knee tendinitis. Even though HC Gibbs says it‘s merely

once thought of as battling for a roster spot, is making the precautionary, it‘s notable that the team had Portis undergo an

most of his opportunity in the return game by fielding lots of MRI exam this week just to be sure. The good news is the

punts, making a play for the position in Adam Jones‘s MRI showed no incremental damage beyond the preexisting

absence. tendinitis. Portis didn‘t participate in the scrimmage against

the Ravens, but Gibbs believes he would have if this had been

Titans Depth Chart a regular season contest. "I have every confidence that had

QB: Vince Young, Kerry Collins, Tim Rattay that been a game today, he would have played," Gibbs said

RB: LenDale White, Chris Brown, Chris Henry, Quinton after the scrimmage.

Ganther, DonTrell Moore

FB: Ahmard Hall, Casey Cramer (TE), Jonathan Evans Ladell Betts and RB3 Derrick Blaylock saw the bulk of action

WR: Brandon Jones, Eric Moulds, Courtney Roby, Roydell this week, and each were heavily involved in the passing game

Williams, Justin Gage, Paul Williams, Chris Davis, Jonathan during the 7-on-7 portion of the Ravens scrimmage. The main

Orr, Joel Filani, Biren Ealy, David Givens (inj) workhorse on Saturday was rookie Marcus Mason, who toted

TE: Ben Troupe, Bo Scaife, Ben Hartsock, Cooper Wallace the rock 12 times for 34 yards. Mason faces long odds to make

K: Rob Bironas, John Vaughn the roster, but has done everything coaches could ask in the

DT: Albert Haynesworth, Randy Starks, Jesse Mahelona, Rien process.

Long (inj), Tony Brown, Lauvale Sape, Antonio Johnson (IR)

DE: Kyle Vanden Bosch, Antwan Odom (inj), Travis LaBoy, WR: It was a quiet week for the Redskins starting receivers.

DeQuincy Scott, Josh Savage (inj), Jacob Ford, Sean Conover, Santana Moss has been bothered by a hip flexor and missed

Jermaine McElveen some time intermittently. His injury isn‘t considered serious.

MLB: Stephen Tulloch, Ryan Fowler Brandon Lloyd had a quiet week and sat out the Ravens

OLB: Keith Bulluck (W), David Thornton (S), Cody Spencer scrimmage with shin splints. The Redskins haven‘t officially

(W), Gilbert Gardner (W), Ken Amato, LeVar Woods, Terna named a starter opposite Santana Moss but Antwaan Randle-

Nande, Spencer Toone El has been more productive in the first two weeks of camp.

CB: Nick Harper, Kelly Herndon, Reynaldo Hill, Michael James Thrash was considered the odd man out before camp

Griffin, Andre Woolfolk, Ryan Smith, Michael Waddell, Eric started, but he‘s been a favorite target of both Jason Campbell

King, Pacman Jones (susp) and Mark Brunell during the early part of camp. He caught a

S: Chris Hope (SS), Lamont Thompson (FS), Calvin Lowry handful of passes against the Ravens including a TD from

(FS), Bryan Scott (FS), Cortland Finnegan (FS/CB), Donnie Jason Campbell.

Nickey, Vincent Fuller (FS), Brandon Sharp

TE: Unlike Clinton Portis, Chris Samuels and Brandon Lloyd,

Chris Cooley has been in regular season form from the start of

camp. Last year, Cooley got off to a slow start but ended up

leading NFL tight ends in yards after the catch. If we‘re to

Washington Redskins believe OC Al Saunders, he could be an even more potent

threat this season. "He is used in the same vein as we used

Tony Gonzalez in Kansas City," said Saunders. "I expect Marshall (W), Khary Campbell (S/M), Dallas Sartz

Chris Cooley to be one of the dominant forces in what we CB: Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers, Fred Smoot, David

do offensively." Macklin, Jerametrius Butler, Ade Jimoh, Daniel Francis

S: Sean Taylor (FS), Laron Landry (SS), Omar Stoutmire

Defense: The Redskins defense, which was among the (SS), Pierson Prioleau, Vernon Fox (SS), Reed Doughty (SS)

league‘s least effective in 2006, looks to reassert themselves

and force more turnovers this year. The good news is that the

team has been intercepting and deflecting passes in practice

quite a bit. The bad news is the defense got shredded in 11-on-

11 drills against the Ravens. To be fair, newly re-acquired CB

Fred Smoot intercepted a Steve McNair pass.



DC Gregg Williams has been toying with new positional

designations, including moving Sean Taylor to free safety with

an eye toward rookie LaRon Landry playing the strong.

Another idea, at least in certain downs and distances, will be

lining up LB Marcus Washington at end and moving DE

Phillip Daniels inside to tackle. Williams hopes the moves will

add speed to the front four in obvious passing situations.



Special Teams: After camp leg Tyler Fredrickson was

released, HC Joe Gibbs discussed the scenario, "I didn't like

[cutting Fredrickson] earlier in the week, because that puts us

in a little bit of a bind. I think what happens there is we got

kind of critically short, and then what happens is you get short

at just one spot, and it costs you all your practice because you

can't stay out there if you're not getting work. And lots of

times you're deep at other areas and need work, and you can't.

So we had pressure at fullback, and we had tight end pressure,

so we decided to make that move, and we didn't like doing

that." Kicker Shaun Suisham response was not necessarily

politically correct, but it was honest, "From a selfish

standpoint, outside of Tyler as a person, it's great. I want all

the kicks. I don't want anyone else taking the kicks. I don't

want anyone else taking the reps. I want everything. I know

it's a selfish thing, but I like being the guy, and I want to

continue being the guy, and I don't want to give it to anyone

else. I kind of like what I'm doing right now." Suisham opened

the teams scrimmage at Baltimore with a 75-yard kickoff for a

touchback. WR Carl Berman has been practicing on kickoff

and punt returns, but he is currently day-to-day with a strained

hamstring.



Redskins Depth Chart

QB: Jason Campbell, Mark Brunell, Todd Collins, Jordan

Palmer

RB: Clinton Portis (inj), Ladell Betts (3RB), Rock Cartwright,

Derrick Blaylock, Marcus Mason

FB: Mike Sellers, Peter Schmitt, Nehemiah Broughton (IR)

WR: Santana Moss (PR), Antwaan Randle El (KR/PR),

Brandon Lloyd, James Thrash, Corey Bradford, Mike Espy,

Ryan Hoag, Jason McAddley, Deyon Williams, Bill Toler

TE: Chris Cooley, Todd Yoder, Tyler Ecker, Pete Schmitt

(inj)

K: Shaun Suisham, Tyler Fredrickson

DT: Cornelius Griffin, Joe Salave'a, Kedric Golston, Anthony

Montgomery, Ryan Boschetti, Matt Sinclair, Vaka Manupuna

DE: Philip Daniels, Andre Carter, Renaldo Wynn, Demetric

Evans, Justin Hickman

MLB: London Fletcher, H.B. Blades

OLB: Marcus Washington (S), Rocky McIntosh (W), Lemar