Football News

Tennessee

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:50:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 28th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN/Baptist Sports Park, Nashville, TN

CAMP OBJECTIVES: NFL observers, not to mention the Titans' fans and stakeholders, are chomping at the bit to see Vince Young (Texas) in action. If he progresses quickly in training camp, he'll probably replace opening day starter Billy Volek before the end of October. Whoever plays quarterback will benefit from the addition of David Givens (Patriots) to the receiving corps. At running back, the fragile Chris Brown is the holdover, though Travis Henry is still around and second-round pick LenDale White (USC) has intriguing talent. The offense has no chance to thrive without improvement from the offensive line, and the addition of center Kevin Mawae (Jets) should help somewhat. Defensively, head coach Jeff Fisher and coordinator Jim Schwartz will get an extended look at free agent pickups in linebacker David Thornton (Colts) and safety Chris Hope (Steelers), both of whom are expected to earn starting jobs. The secondary was a particular trouble spot for Tennessee last year, and the Titans must see some development from projected starting corners Reynaldo Hill and Pacman Jones during camp.

San Diego

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:49:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 24th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: Chargers Park, San Diego, CA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: With Drew Brees having bolted to New Orleans, the Chargers' top brass, coaching staff, and fan base will be scrutinizing the work of former first-round pick Philip Rivers closely. Behind Rivers, the battle for No. 2 duties between A.J. Feeley and rookie Charlie Whitehurst (Clemson) will also be worth watching. Rivers' supporting cast, most notably running back LaDanian Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates, is strong, but the thin offensive line will have to stay healthy and hold up over the course of camp. Second-round draft pick Marcus McNeill (Auburn), whom some thought to have first round talent, could be given an opportunity to start. On defense, the Achilles heel has long been the secondary, which prompted the team to draft cornerback Antonio Cromartie (Florida State) in the first round this past year. Cromartie should unseat either Quentin Jammer or Drayton Florence with a good camp. Former Panther Marlon McCree also figures to step into a starting job at free safety.

Pittsburgh

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:49:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 28th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Steelers fans will be watching quarterback Ben Roethlisberger closely in an attempt to assure themselves that he is over the trauma of his offseason motorcycle injury. Bill Cowher and company figure to be concerned by both that situation and by the battle to replace Jerome Bettis and Antwaan Randle El, two key components of last year's Super Bowl title. At running back, Verron Haynes is the odds-on favorite to claim the short-yardage role formerly occupied by Bettis, and first-round draft pick Santonio Holmes (Ohio State), will be looked to for some Randle El-like explosiveness. With Tommy Maddox gone, holdover Charlie Batch and fifth-round draft pick Omar Jacobs (Bowling Green) will have to prove capable of filling out the depth chart behind Roethlisberger. Little is expected to change on the defensive end of the football, though household names like cornerback Willie Williams (released) and safety Chris Hope (Titans) have departed from the secondary. Former Redskin Ryan Clark and third-round draft pick Anthony Smith (Syracuse) will compete to replace Hope at free safety.

Oakland

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:49:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 24th, Veterans July 24th

SITE: Napa Valley Marriott, Napa Valley, CA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Most of the fan and media focus in Raiders camp will be on the quarterback position, where Aaron Brooks (Saints) and second-year pro Andrew Walter are competing to replace Kerry Collins. But new head coach Art Shell is likely to be just as concerned about the defensive side of the football, where the Raiders struggled mightily last season. The system will switch full-time to a 4-3 this season, and the linebacker position, where rookie Thomas Howard (UTEP) is expected to step into a lineup that includes second-year pro Kirk Morrison on the strong side and the underrated Danny Clark in the middle, will be a particular focal point. First-round draft choice Michael Huff (Texas) will be expected to lead a secondary that is now without Charles Woodson (Packers), and should settle into the strong safety slot. Elsewhere in the secondary, young corners Nnamdi Asomugha and Fabian Washington will have to prove that they can be consistent. Other than quarterback, the biggest offensive concern is up front, where rookie tackle Paul McQuistan (Weber State) has a chance to join an already-young starting group.

N.Y. Jets

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:49:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 28th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

CAMP OBJECTIVES: The Jets enter training camp with a four-way competition at quarterback that can probably be handicapped thusly: Chad Pennington will be the top choice for new head coach Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer if he can prove that he is healthy following rotator cuff surgery, which seems unlikely; former Redskins starter Patrick Ramsey is the odds-on choice to be the opening day starter; second-round draft choice Kellen Clemens (Oregon) will probably hold the clipboard after sitting out the final two months of his senior year with a broken ankle; and Brooks Bollinger, who started nine games last season, will be cut if Pennington is on the opening day active roster. The next-most-pressing concern is along the offensive line, where a pair of first-round draft picks - tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Virginia) and center Nick Mangold (Ohio State) - will need to make significant contributions right away. At running back, Mangini and company need to decide whether 33-year-old Curtis Martin can still be an every-down back. The defense will switch to a 3-4 scheme, meaning linebackers like Eric Barton and Victor Hobson will have to prove themselves capable of pass-rushing duties, especially following the departure of end John Abraham (Falcons). In the secondary, either Ray Mickens (Browns) or Andre Dyson (Seahawks) will have to step up and win the cornerback job vacated by Ty Law (not tendered).

New England

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:48:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 28th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: There is intrigue surrounding wideout Deion Branch, who is unhappy with his contract and is expected to hold out during training camp. While he sits, players like free agent acquisition Reche Caldwell (Chargers) and second-round draft choice Chad Jackson (Florida) will have an opportunity to see lots of reps. The Pats used a first-round pick on running back Laurence Maroney (Minnesota), who head coach Bill Belichick and coordinator Josh McDaniels will try to incorporate into an attack that already includes Corey Dillon. With Doug Flutie having retired, 2005 seventh-round pick Matt Cassel is now a Tom Brady injury away from becoming the starter. Much of Belichick's focus will be on an aging defense that had injury problems and didn't feature much of a pass rush or playmaking secondary last season. Belichick must determine whether players like outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain and cornerback Ellis Hobbs are ready for full-time starting roles, and whether long-in-the-tooth stars like inside linebacker Tedy Bruschi and strong safety Rodney Harrison can hold up over the course of the season. Also interesting will be the place-kicking battle between veteran Martin Gramatica (Colts) and rookie Stephen Gostkowski, both of whom are battling to replace the departed Adam Vinatieri (Colts)

Miami

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:48:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 28th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: Dolphins Training Center, Davie, FL

CAMP OBJECTIVES: The Dolphins are widely expected to make a run at the AFC East title and a playoff berth this season, but that doesn't mean there aren't a significant number of question marks as the team begins camp. At quarterback, Daunte Culpepper (Vikings) comes off a major knee injury, is learning a brand new system under coordinator Mike Mularkey, and is bound to be rusty to boot. His backup, Joey Harrington (Lions) is also learning a new system and has struggled as an NFL starter. With Ricky Williams out for the year, second-year-pro Ronnie Brown will have to prove that he can thrive as the full-time ball carrier. The offensive line also has a few new faces that will vie for starting jobs, including guard Bennie Anderson (Bills), tackle L.J. Shelton (Browns), and tackle Mike Pearson (Jaguars). On defense, head coach Nick Saban has revamped the secondary, disposing of the likes of Sam Madison and Tebucky Jones and bringing in reinforcements such as first-round draft choice Jason Allen (Tennessee) and cornerbacks Will Allen (Giants) and Andre' Goodman (Lions). Establishing the depth chart in that area will be important for the Fins.

Kansas City

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:48:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 27th

SITE: University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI

CAMP OBJECTIVES: The biggest change on offense for Herm Edwards' squad could be at the coordinator position, where Al Saunders bolted to a lucrative contract with the Redskins and former o-line coach Mike Solari moves into Saunders' former chair. Solari's biggest concern could be at right tackle, where John Welbourn retired and Jordan Black needs to prove worthy of a full- time role. Trent Green and Larry Johnson are established as the starters at quarterback and running back, respectively, but with Todd Collins' (Redskins) departure and Priest Holmes' future in serious doubt, suitable backups must be located. If third-round draft pick Brodie Croyle (Alabama) and/or former CFL standout Casey Printers play well in camp, veteran Damon Huard could be excised from the quarterback depth chart. Former Bronco Quentin Griffin will battle Dee Brown for the RB job behind Johnson, and Ronnie Cruz should take over for the well-regarded Tony Richardson (Vikings) at fullback. On defense, coordinator Gunther Cunningham needs a credible cornerback to start opposite Patrick Surtain, and unless the team lands free agent Ty Law, former Broncos starter Lenny Walls and holdover Benny Sapp appear to be the top candidates. Another issue is the pass rush, where first-round draft pick Tamba Hali (Penn State) should win an immediate starting job should he impress.

Jacksonville

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:48:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 28th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: ALLTELL Stadium, Jacksonville, FL

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Questions abound for the Jaguars, particularly on the offensive end of the football. Jimmy Smith retired following an illustrious 12-year career, meaning head coach Jack Del Rio and coordinator Carl Smith need to find a No. 1 receiver from the likes of Reggie Williams, Matt Jones, and Ernest Wilford. At running back, Fred Taylor appears done, so rookie Maurice Jones-Drew (UCLA) will be counted on to make an immediate impact. Another UCLA rookie, first-round pick Marcedes Lewis, projects as the team's No. 1 tight end. And that's before you get to the quarterback position, where oft-injured Byron Leftwich is the starter but reliable David Garrard lies in wait. The defense appears more stable, though the defection of Akin Ayodele to the Cowboys leaves a hole open at weakside linebacker. Top candidates to fill that slot include former Giant Nick Greisen, third-round draft pick Clint Ingram (Oklahoma), and Jorge Cordova, a third-round pick in 2004 who has missed the last two seasons with knee injuries. In the secondary, the Jags will look for strong safety Donovin Darius to return from the knee injury that sidelined him for most of 2005, and will need ex-Viking corner Brian Williams to prove himself worthy of the major free agent dollars the team committed to him in the offseason.

Indianapolis

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:47:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 30th, Veterans July 30th

SITE: Rose-Human Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Much attention in Colts camp will be paid to the running back situation, where Edgerrin James' defection to Arizona means a new starter will be lining up behind Peyton Manning. Trusty former backup Dominic Rhodes will be given a shot to carry the load, but in the long run, the team hopes that 2006 first-round choice Joseph Addai (LSU) will emerge as the regular rusher. Other than at the running back slot, the offense maintains the status quo. The biggest issue on defense is at defensive tackle, where Larry Tripplett (Bills) and Josh Williams (released) are both gone and Montae Reagor and Corey Simon will have to handle more of the run-stopping duties. At linebacker, strong side starter David Thornton (Titans) has departed, meaning head coach Tony Dungy and coordinator Ron Meeks will look for someone along the lines of holdover Gilbert Gardner or rookie Freddie Keiaho (San Diego State) to prove capable of handling a starting assignment. Indianapolis will also have to become accustomed to the presence of a new kicker, as two-time Super Bowl hero Adam Vinatieri (Patriots) takes over for 2005 playoff goat Mike Vanderjagt (Cowboys).

Houston

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:47:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 27th

SITE: Houston Texans Practice Facility, Houston, TX

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Job number one for new head coach Gary Kubiak and coordinator Mike Sherman will be to whip the Texans' offensive unit into shape. Finding a way to protect quarterback David Carr will be among the top directives, with a trio of free agents - center Mike Flanagan (Packers), guard David Loverne (Lions), and tackle Ephraim Salaam (Jaguars) - along with a couple of draft picks - tackles Eric Winston (Miami (FL)) and Charles Spencer (Pittsburgh) - among those making a serious push for starting duties there. Carr and new arrival Eric Moulds (Bills) need to build some chemistry in the receiving game. On defense, coordinator Richard Smith needs No. 1 draft pick Mario Williams (N.C. State) to develop into a major pass-rushing threat, and will require free agent pickups Anthony Weaver (Ravens) and N.D. Kalu (Eagles) to become a part of the end rotation as well. The linebacking situation should also be interesting, with free agent acquisitions Sam Cowart (Vikings) and Barrett Green (Giants) attempting to win jobs along with youngsters like second-round draft choice DeMeco Ryans (Alabama). The Texans finished last in the league in rushing defense a year ago, so Smith's primary focus will be within the defensive front seven.

Denver

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:47:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 27th

SITE: Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Centre, Englewood, CO

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Though the starting quarterback job ostensibly belongs to Jake Plummer, how well No. 11 overall draft pick and rookie Jay Cutler (Vanderbilt) progresses in camp will likely determine Plummer's very near future in Denver. It will be interesting to note how the presence of Cutler affects team chemistry as camp begins. Staying in the backfield, head coach Mike Shanahan needs Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne to prove capable of handling the rushing load following the departure of Mike Anderson (Ravens). The receiving situation looks fluid. No. 1 receiver Rod Smith is 36 years old and in decline. Potential No. 1 Javon Walker (Packers) is coming off a major knee injury that sidelined him for most of 2006. Deep threat Ashley Lelie is unhappy with his role and may hold out. The best bet to start at tight end is Tony Scheffler, a second-round draft pick out of Western Michigan. By the time the Broncos break camp, the pass-catching specifics need to be more concrete. Things appear more certain on the defensive end of the football, though coordinator Larry Coyer needs to find a consistent pass rusher, which the team greatly lacked last season. Former Brown Kenard Lang and fourth-round draft choice Elvis Dumervil (Louisville) both have a chance to inject some life into that area. On special teams, where the Broncos will be without punter Todd Sauerbrun for the first four games of 2006 due to the player's positive test for ephedra, will need to locate a replacement for him.

Cleveland

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:46:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 23rd, Veterans July 26th

SITE: Cleveland Browns Training Facility, Berea, OH

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Both the Browns' brass and their fan base know that the fate of the team's season rests largely on the play of quarterback Charlie Frye, so the development of the second-year pro during training camp will be analyzed greatly. Head coach Romeo Crennel also needs to establish the depth chart behind Frye, meaning Ken Dorsey and one of three inexperienced players - Derek Anderson, Lang Campbell, or Darrell Hackney - will have to impress as well. Frye must build a rapport with his receivers, most notably tight end Kellen Winslow and wideout Braylon Edwards. The depth chart behind running back Reuben Droughns is crowded, and it is believed that this will be the year either Lee Suggs or William Green is finally deemed expendable. The work-in- progress line added a top starter in center LeCharles Bentley (Saints) and a potential starter in tackle Kevin Shaffer (Falcons), and both need to fit in easily. There are major changes on defense, where as many as four fresh starters - nose tackle Ted Washington (Raiders), outside linebackers Willie McGinest (Patriots) and Kamerion Wimbley (Florida State), and inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (Maryland) - are expected to vie for starting jobs on opening day. In the punting game, where the Browns have struggled, Crennel will be happy to see Dave Zastudil (Ravens) working in a Cleveland uniform for the first time.

Cincinnati

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:45:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 29th, Veterans July 29th

SITE: Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY

CAMP OBJECTIVES: In light of his team's recent off-field activity, Marvin Lewis' most difficult job during camp could be keeping his players' names out of the police blotter. Wideout Chris Henry and rookie linebacker A.J. Nicholson (Florida State), the two most notable offenders, will have to work hard to get out of Lewis' doghouse. Otherwise, the focus will be on quarterback Carson Palmer and his continued recovery from the serious knee injury that knocked him out last year's AFC Wild Card loss to the Steelers. With Jon Kitna (Lions) gone, Lewis needs either Anthony Wright (Ravens) or Doug Johnson (Browns) to emerge as a capable No. 2 behind Palmer. On defense, Cincinnati will plug former Pro Bowler Sam Adams (Bills) in at one of the tackles and pray that the 33-year-old can rebound from a poor 2005 in Buffalo. Finding a credible and consistent pass rusher always seems to be a priority for the Bengals, and there is hope that '05 first-round pick David Pollack might become that guy. In the secondary, Cincy used a first-round pick on cornerback Johnathan Joseph (South Carolina), and it will be interesting to see whether he can insert himself into a corner rotation that already includes maintstays Deltha' O'Neal and Tory James.

Buffalo

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:45:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 28th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: St. John Fisher College, Pittsford, NY

CAMP OBJECTIVES: New Bills head coach Dick Jauron has a mess on his hands as camp begins. First there is the matter of the quarterback position, where veteran Kelly Holcomb has been named the starter but there remains great hope that the light will finally come on for former first-round pick J.P. Losman. The receiving corps loses its top talent in Eric Moulds (Texans), and will be looking for Peerless Price (Cowboys) to rediscover the form he established with the Bills as a 1,000-yard receiver in 2002. The offensive line is young with a capital Y, and Jauron and offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild will have to do without former starters Trey Teague (Jets), Bennie Anderson (released), and Mike Williams (released). On defense, the Bills have lost giant run-stoppers Pat Williams and Sam Adams over the course of the last two seasons, and must determine whether the new tackle rotation of holdover Tim Anderson, free agent signee Larry Tripplett (Colts), and rookie John McCargo (North Carolina State) can hold up. At linebacker, there is hope that Takeo Spikes can suitably recover from the torn right Achilles that caused him to miss nearly the entire 2005 campaign, and that the 31-year-old now known as London Fletcher-Baker still has something left. In the secondary, the major battle will be at strong safety, as rookie Donte Whitner (Ohio State) seeks to live up to his Top 10 billing and beat out veteran free agent Matt Bowen (Redskins).

Baltimore Ravens

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:44:00 +0000

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 30th, Veterans July 30th

SITE: McDaniel College, Westminster, MD

Steve McNair will be attempting to find some chemistry with his fellow offensive principles.

CAMP OBJECTIVES: As always seems to be the case with the Ravens, there is a great deal of work to do on the offensive side of the football as camp begins. For starters, quarterback and Titans castoff Steve McNair will be looking to pass a crash course in Jim Fassel's offense, and will be attempting to find some chemistry with his fellow offensive principles. The long-lamented line, particularly a right side that often resembled a turnstile last season, will have to come together early to protect McNair and block for the running backs. Jamal Lewis, who was rewarded for his poor play and attitude problems in 2005 with a new, lucrative contract, will have to show up to play this year, and new backup running back Mike Anderson must prove he has something left in the tank. The defense has some question marks as well, particularly regarding whether Ray Lewis can recover from his recent injury problems and become a dominant player again. Lewis will be working behind a reconstructed d-line that will include rookie Haloti Ngata (Oregon) on the interior and is likely to feature free agent Trevor Pryce (Broncos) at one of the ends. The secondary is looking for a starting free safety following the departure of Will Demps (Giants), and former Colt Gerome Sapp would seem to be the leading candidate for that job. Last but not least, either rookie Sam Koch (Nebraska) or journeyman Leo Araguz (Seahawks) will replace Dave Zastudil (Browns) at punter.

Chiefs acquire RB Bennett from Saints

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:42:00 +0000

For his career, Michael Bennett has rushed for 3,174 yards and scored a total of 17 touchdowns. River Falls, WI (Sports Network) - The Kansas City Chiefs acquired running back Michael Bennett from the New Orleans Saints Wednesday in exchange for an undisclosed draft choice in 2007.

Bennett, a five-year veteran, started six of 16 games last season for the Minnesota Vikings and rushed for 473 yards on 126 carries with five total touchdowns.

The University of Wisconsin alum was signed to a two-year deal by New Orleans in the offseason. After selecting Reggie Bush second overall in the 2006 NFL Draft and with Deuce McAllister already in the fold, however, Bennett became expendable.

"We have been working on a potential trade for Michael Bennett for the last couple of months," said Chiefs president Carl Peterson. "As a former number one draft choice he brings quality and experience to the Chiefs and he is still a young running back. Michael has had a 1,000-yard rushing season and has been to a Pro Bowl. He will be utilized to back up Larry Johnson and be involved in our group of running backs as soon as he arrives in camp."

Bennett rushed for 1,296 yards in 2002 and was selected to his only Pro Bowl as a result. For his career, he has rushed for 3,174 yards and scored a total of 17 touchdowns since being selected 27th overall by Minnesota in the 2001 draft.

Football

noreply@blogger.com (limonardi) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 00:26:00 +0000

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