Training Camp Update Volume 2, Issue 1 8/02/06
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RB: Let it be known that LaDainian Tomlinson would not have a problem carrying a bigger workload if need be in order to cater to the change at quarterback. With QB Philip Rivers taking over for departed QB Drew Brees (Saints), he said, "If my role on the field changes, I'll gladly accept it… There may be weeks where we have to run it 40 times to win and there will be other weeks where we air it out 50 times. I just want to win. If I have to do a little more for us to do that, then so be it, but I also believe that Philip can get it done when we do have to put the ball in the air." In practices, LT was seen catching everything thrown his way. It looks like he and Rivers are already on the same page. Don’t be surprised if LT sees an increase in receptions this year as Rivers comes up to speed and looks to dump off more to his prized RB. WR: Second-year WR Vincent Jackson is the player that’s grabbing everyone’s attention among the receivers. Jackson has incredible size, good hands and continues to work diligently at improving, but he’ll have a difficult time unseating veteran Eric Parker for a starting job. Still, Jackson started fast in training camp. He got the best of the Chargers’ first round pick CB Antonio Cromartie a handful of times in Wednesday's first practice. Keenan McCardell is entrenched on the other side, but his days are coming to a close soon. If Jackson doesn’t break through during camp, it probably won’t take long. Parker made a sensational grab on a long bomb from Phillips during 1-on-1's and has been consistently doing a great job of getting separation. He also didn’t drop a pass. The team was hoping to revive Rashaun Woods’ career after he bombed as a 49er, but he was a surprise cut on August 1st. TE: It’s Antonio Gates’ world; the rest of us just live in it. Nothing new here, but Gates does have some different players providing backup to him this year. Brandon Manumaleuna comes over from the Rams while Aaron Shea joins the team from the Browns. Defense: Shawne Merriman reported to camp in outstanding shape and sporting a mini-mohawk. Rookie Antonio Cromartie made a nice play in morning practice leaping several feet into the air after stopping on a dime to pick off a pass during 1 on 1s. Once he has the ball he could be dangerous as he shows excellent acceleration as a runner. Of course, the rookie was beaten on other plays and has a lot of work ahead of him, but the ability and instincts are there. Chargers GM A.J. Smith apparently doesn’t want to talk about the status of Donnie Edwards. “Teams have shown little or no interest at this time. On Oct. 17 (the trade deadline), it all stops, and he's a member of the Chargers. He's on our football team. I like Donnie, and I like his contract. Donnie has a problem with his contract and has had a problem with his contract for three consecutive years. I'm tired of this. We're trying to accommodate him." "I'm just tired of all his bull(bleep) and innuendo he's put out there,” Smith says. “I don't want to talk about it anymore.” Ok, A.J., enough said. Free safety Marlon McCree started camp working with the first team defense. Special Teams: Nate Kaeding is definitely the placekicker for the Chargers; however he may not handle kickoffs again this year. The team drafted kickoff specialist Kurt Smith from Virginia. Smith struggled on kickoffs in minicamp and OTAs; however he’s been looking better in early camp practices. But that may not be enough, because Kaeding is looking better on kickoffs this year. He added core strength during the off-season and worked on getting more height on his kicks. Camp will be an opportunity to see if RB Darren Sproles’ off-season work on punt returns has paid off. He started last year as the punt returner, but eventually gave way to WR Eric Parker. Sproles does not really need to improve on kickoff returns, where he did very well all of last year. Undrafted CB Cletis Gordon from Jackson State is a long shot to make the squad. If he does it will be via the return game. Chargers Depth Chart QB Philip Rivers, A.J. Feeley, Charlie Whitehurst, Brett Elliott RB LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Turner, Darren Sproles (KR), Tyrone Gross, Bryson Sumlin FB Lorenzo Neal, Andrew Pinnock, Shawn Willis WR Keenan McCardell, Eric Parker, Kassim Osgood, Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd, Mark Simmons, Sean Coffey, Robert Ortiz, Gerran Walker TE Antonio Gates, Aaron Shea, Brandon Manumaleuna, Ryan Krause K Nate Kaeding, Kurt Smith DE Igor Olshansky, Luis Castillo (NT), Jacques Cesaire, Derrick Robinson, Chase Page, Patrick Massey NT Jamal Williams, Ryon Bingham, Brandon McKinney, Alvin Smith ILB Donnie Edwards, Randall Godfrey, Stephen Cooper, Matt Wilhelm, Carlos Polk, Tim Dobbins OLB Steve Foley (W), Shawne Merriman (S), Shaun Phillips (S), Marques Harris (W), Jonathan Pollard, CB Quentin Jammer, Drayton Florence, Antonio Cromartie, Raymond Walls, Markus Curry, Cletis Gordon, Steve Gregory, Anthony Mims S Marlon McCree (FS), Terrence Kiel (SS), Bhawoh Jue (SS/FS), Clinton Hart (FS/SS), Hanik Milligan (FS), Andre Lott (FS), Richard Yancy San Francisco 49ers QB: In Saturday’s practice Alex Smith threw several interceptions after throwing another five or so in practice on Friday. Head coach Mike Nolan was asked if his timing is off. "I don't think it was off when he threw three touchdown passes. On some interceptions, I say to Alex, 'That was a bad choice.' On others, I say, 'Alex, you've got to stick it in there, you've got to learn.'" Nolan said his expectations are higher for Smith in his second season. "My expectations are higher. His should be higher. Our football teams' are higher, of him. All of that applies that pressure to him. If you're a competitor, as all of the players are out here, that pressure should not disrupt what you are doing. If anything, it should make you compete at a higher level. When you pump up the competition on the football field, you find out real quick who the competitors are. Those are the guys you win championships with. Those are the guys I'm looking for. If somebody backs down to the competition, you might be the starter, but if I see that, and when I see that, that guy is really on a fast track to being the backup." The 49ers traded QB Cody Pickett to the Houston Texans in exchange for a conditional draft pick before camp began. RB: Kevan Barlow reported to camp nearly 10 pounds lighter than he was last season after working out with a trainer this summer. Barlow said he’s about 228 pounds. It's part of an effort to hit the line of scrimmage more quickly. Barlow is expected to compete with Frank Gore for the starting job, but ultimately there’s a good chance both players will carry the ball frequently in offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s system. Gore has the upper hand after averaging 4.8 yards per carry last year as a rookie. The team also has the reliable Maurice Hicks returning to provide depth and work as a kick returner. The most intriguing member of the backfield is rookie QB/RB/WR Michael Robinson, a former quarterback at Penn State. The fourth-round pick threw for 3,531 yards and 23 touchdowns in his Nittany Lions career. Robinson became the only player in Penn State history to both throw and run for over 1,000 yards in a career. WR: The addition of WR Antonio Bryant should help greatly, but it could also help the 49ers’ secondary in training camp, too. When asked about Bryant, Nolan said, "Antonio is a big, physical guy, very much like the guys they have at Arizona. Without a doubt it's not just the competition that comes at your position. It's the competition that's across the line." Bryant and corner Shawntae Spencer are battling in the first days of camp. “They are playing on two opposite sides of the ball, but they are both competing for two starting jobs. It’s making each guy better, the competition helps us tremendously. That’s how good teams are and it’s a good thing. If you get to practice against speed guys all the time, when you get into the game and that speed guy comes into the game, it’s not a surprise when he comes up and goes by you. The same is said with big, physical guys like we face in this division all the time. Antonio is a big physical guy, and he’s very much like the guys in Arizona. So, that plays into all the things that make us better. Without a doubt, it’s not just about the competition at your position; it’s about the competition across the line. That’s a big thing. Going up against Larry Allen every day, I’m sure Marques Douglas is fired up every day he comes out here, but only to get better. That’s a big man.” The team is quietly concerned about Arnaz Battle, who remains troubled by his right knee.. Battle is a projected starter, but he’ll only practice once a day because swelling in his knee. The condition cost him six games last year. Rookie third-round pick WR Brandon Williams signed a four-year, $2.275 million contract with the team. Williams and Battle earned some appreciation with two deep grabs in practice. Battle got a little extra love with a sticky one-handed catch. Derrick Hamilton suffered a hamstring injury. Hamilton was not able to practice on August 1st and Nolan said he is out indefinitely. TE: The 49ers signed top draft pick Vernon Davis as camp got underway, making him the highest paid tight end in the league (five-year, $25 million). The 49ers plan to use more two tight end sets this year featuring Davis and veteran Eric Johnson. Just how frequently the 49ers operate out of a two-back set depends on how FB Moran Norris plays and how much they use their "F-back," a hybrid fullback/tight end position. Davis will play some F-back as will last year's starting fullback, FB Chris Hetherington, and rookie RB Michael Robinson. Onye Ibekwe suffered a rib contusion during the Friday afternoon practice and the team plans on releasing TE Trent Smith as soon as he is healthy. He was injured while playing in NFL Europe. In the red zone drills over the weekend, tight end Eric Johnson scored on back-to-back touchdown catches. Defense: The 49ers signed safety Mark Roman on Sunday, three days after he was cut by the Green Bay Packers. Roman, a seven-year veteran, appeared in every game over the last two seasons with Green Bay. To make room, the 49ers released safety Ben Emanuel, who played sparingly last season. CB Mike Rumph is fighting to retain his roster spot. He will compete with CB Sammy Davis and CB Derrick Johnson for a backup cornerback job. CB Walt Harris is ahead of all three players. Special Teams: Joe Nedney, the reigning team MVP, will once again be the 49ers kicker. Mexican kicking sensation Luis Berlanga will serve as the camp leg, although his arrival in camp was delayed until his work visa was processed. Third round draft pick WR Brandon Williams is anticipated to be the return specialist. So far in minicamp, OTAs, and camp he has not disappointed. HC Mike Nolan noted, “He was aggressive in the team periods trying to get the ball. If you watch him on the punts, he’s the same way.” WRs Otis Amey, Rasheed Marshall and Antonio Bryant have also been practicing on punt returns. WR Arnaz Battle is also available; however he’s been limited in practice since his knee is still bothering him. Aside from Williams, quite a few players are available that could see kickoff return practice in camp. Amey, Marshall, RB Maurice Hicks, and WR Jason McAddley all contributed last year. 49ers Depth Chart QB Alex Smith, Trent Dilfer, Jesse Palmer, Shaun Hill RB Frank Gore, Kevan Barlow, Maurice Hicks, Michael Robinson (QB/WR) FB Chris Hetherington, Moran Norris WR Arnaz Battle (KR/PR), Antonio Bryant, Brandon Williams, Bryan Gilmore, Derrick Hamilton (inj), Rasheed Marshall, Jason McAddley, Otis Amey (PR), Marcus Maxwell, C.J. Brewer TE Vernon Davis, Eric Johnson, Billy Bajema, Delanie Walker, Terry Jones, Onye Ibekwe K Joe Nedney, Andrew Jacas, Luis Berlanga DE Bryant Young, Marques Douglas, Melvin Oliver, Jerry Deloach NT Anthony Adams, Isaac Sapoaga, Ronald Fields, Bobby Payne ILB Derek Smith, Jeff Ulbrich, Brandon Moore, Renauld Williams, Zak Keasey OLB Manny Lawson, Corey Smith (S), Parys Haralson (DE), T.J. Slaughter, James Maxwell, Andre Torrey CB Shawntae Spencer, Mike Rumph (inj), Walt Harris, Derrick Johnson, Sammy Davis, B.J. Tucker S Tony Parrish (SS) (inj), Mike Adams (FS), Mark Roman (FS), Keith Lewis (FS), Chad Williams (FS), Marcus Hudson (FS), Vickiel Vaughn (FS) Seattle Seahawks QB: Matt Hasselbeck is primed for the 2006 season, but he can sense the added attention the Seahawks received from their Super Bowl appearance and hopes it won’t become a burden. "Hopefully we're not the team that decides to read our own press clippings," he said. "The fact that we were good last year really doesn't mean anything. We're a new team this year." Hasselback has already begun working with new WR Nate Burleson, for example. Hasselbeck feels it is imperative to establish a rapport with the former Vikings receiver. In Saturday morning’s practice, Hasselbeck passed to the right side, but was picked off by Kelly Herndon. In another drill, Seneca Wallace found D.J. Hackett for a long completion. RB: Shaun Alexander is coming off a record-setting 28 touchdowns, but he’s looking forward to this season and not looking back. “This season is going to be awesome,” he said. “When you have a season like we did in 2005, you can either take the pressure of repeating and fall, or you can show up with a chip on your shoulder that is so unbelievable you want to prove just how good you can be". Alexander will surely miss the blocking of All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson, who was wrestled away via free agency by Minnesota. Maurice Morris and Josh Scobey return for depth with Morris likely serving as Alexander’s primary backup. WR: As mentioned above, Matt Hasselbeck and Nate Burleson worked on their timing even after the team's offseason program had officially ended. The extra work will only enhance the rapport that Hasselbeck and the free-agent wide receiver began developing during the team's minicamps. Meanwhile, Darrell Jackson is a little behind schedule as he recovers from knee surgery. According to head coach Mike Holmgren, Jackson planned to participate in one practice per day, but he’s currently on the PUP list until he’s activated. Holmgren expects Jackson to be ready for the regular season. Skyler Fulton probably won’t make the roster after injuring his shoulder. He’ll miss four to six weeks and most likely all of training camp. TE: Jerramy Stevens has his work cut out for him in training camp. Following a poor Super Bowl outing, Stevens was under the knife during the off-season as well and opened camp on the PUP list. It’s almost directly the opposite of last season when Stevens was healthy and primed for a big year, while backup Itula Mili was struggling. Stevens should be fine this year, but Mili appeared to be in good shape at training camp. Mili seems eager to show that he can return to form after a poor 2005 season. Defense: Strong safety Michael Boulware took the field for a brief workout Friday. He underwent surgery on his left knee after tearing some cartilage in the Super Bowl, but he wanted to test the knee in coverage drills and let his coaches see how far along he is in the rehabilitation process. "It's definitely not 100 percent," Boulware said, "but it's feeling pretty good. I definitely have some strength issues going on with my leg but not so much pain." Starting free safety Ken Hamlin was cleared by the team’s medical staff to participate in contact drills. He was sidelined back in October after he sustained a fractured skull after an altercation outside a Seattle club. Hamlin seems ready to go. "You guys just keep the cameras going and we'll see how that first hit goes.” The Seahawks released DE Jeb Heckuba after he failed a physical with the team. Rookie first round pick Kelly Jennings singed a contract for 5 years worth about $9.5 million. Special Teams: Josh Brown enters his fourth year as the kicker for the Seahawks. The team’s release of veteran punter Tom Rouen means that Brown will have a new holder this year. Rookie punter Ryan Plackemeier is first in line to handle that chore, with QB Matt Hasselbeck the contingency plan. Camp leg services will be provided by Ryan Killeen, who led NFL Europe in scoring this past spring. WR Peter Warrick enters camp as the top punt returner. WR Bobby Engram, WR Keenan Howry, and CB Jimmy Williams should also see practice time on punt returns. RB Josh Scobey enters camp as the top kickoff returner. RBs Maurice Morris and Marquis Weeks are the likely backups. Seventh round draft pick WR Ben Obomanu did not handle returns at Auburn; however the Seahawks are giving him a try on both kickoffs and punts. Seahawks Depth Chart QB Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, David Greene, Gibran Hamdan (inj), Travis Lulay RB Shaun Alexander, Maurice Morris, Josh Scobey FB Mack Strong, Leonard Weaver, David Kirtman WR Darrell Jackson (inj), Nate Burleson, Bobby Engram, Peter Warrick, D.J. Hackett, Ben Obomanu, Keenan Howry TE Jerramy Stevens (inj), Itula Mili, Will Heller, Caleen Powell, Matt Henshaw, Mike Gomez K Josh Brown DE Grant Wistrom, Bryce Fisher, Darryl Tapp, Joe Tafoya, Ronald Flemons, Kemp Rasmussen, Chris Cooper, John Syptak, Darrell Wright DT Marcus Tubbs, Chartric Darby, Rocky Bernard, Craig Terrill, Russell Davis, Ron Smith MLB Lofa Tatupu, Niko Koutouvides OLB Leroy Hill (W), Julian Peterson (S), D.D. Lewis (S/W), Kevin Bentley, Isaiah Kacyvenski (S), Cornelius Wortham, Lance Laury, Evan Benjamin CB Marcus Trufant, Kelly Herndon, Jordan Babineaux, Jimmy Williams, Kelly Jennings, Kevin Hobbs, Gerard Ross S Michael Boulware (SS), Ken Hamlin (FS) (inj), Oliver Celestin, Mike Green (FS) Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB: Chris Simms is finally settling into his role as the Bucs’ starting quarterback. Head coach Jon Gruden said he’s made incredible strides since last year. Simms said, "I think if you asked me at this point last year compared to where I am right now, there's no comparison. I don't think you can truly learn and be comfortable until you get the on-field playing experience." HC Jon Gruden was asked how the team was doing after a day and a half of practice. “We dropped some footballs, but I thought the quarterbacks were sharp,” said Gruden. “In our seven-on-seven period we didn’t handle the ball particularly well. But our blitz period, our third-and-three segment was pretty good; it got a little sloppy at the end with the center-quarterback exchange.” "We’ve got a long way to go,” said Gruden. “This isn’t the Dream Team right now.” On the rookie class, Gruden said, “They all [impress me]. We’re rotating liberally right now. Maurice Stovall’s doing some good thing. Davin Joseph and [Jeremy] Trueblood are doing some good things. [Bruce] Gradkowski’s doing some good things. I got irritated with him a little bit today; some formations ran together on him. But he’s doing some really good things out here. I think [Alan] Zemaitis is getting better, he’s getting more comfortable. But none of them are ready for Canton. We’ve got a long, long way to go.” RB: All eyes are definitely on Cadillac Williams, but if you’re looking for a position battle, watch the fullbacks. Mike Alstott is entering what is likely his last season. His playing time has decreased in the past couple of years, and while Alstott remains a capable runner, he’s not the power player he used to be. That’s where Jerald Sowell or Rick Razzano enters the fray. Sowell will likely see more playing time than Alstott, but Razzano remains the fullback of the future. Watch him if you want to get a look at the Bucs’ future road grader. The Bucs released rookie Andre Hall, a local high school product and undrafted free agent out who played for South Florida before camp. They also released fullback Robert Douglas. As for Williams? He went out to Nike where he was fitted with a custom-made shoe to help him to prevent any recurring foot injuries. Williams said, "Basically, they looked at my foot. They had me do some computer running and things like that. They customized the shoe for my foot, for my arch and everything." Gruden was asked what Cadillac could do to build upon his rookie year. Gruden was unsurprisingly blunt. “Well, he can stay healthy and go wire-to-wire for 16 games,” he said. “That’s what Emmitt Smith did. That’s what the great backs in this league do. I think he understands that.” WR: Michael Clayton appears to be “back” after struggling through last year with a myriad of injuries. He shed nine “bad” pounds and is in much better shape in camp this year compared to last. "It's a critical moment where an athlete needs to be training and I wasn't able to do anything for five months." This year he could. If Saturday’s afternoon practice is any indication, Clayton is heading in the right direction. Clayton provided the biggest highlight of the day when he leapt up to make a one-handed catch during the end of the afternoon practice. “It was an out and up [route] - throw it up to me and let me make a catch,” Clayton said. “Thank you Chris.” The battle to watch here is the one that will feature Edell Shepherd, Ike Hilliard and David Boston fighting for the third receiver’s spot. The Bucs met with Boston during the offseason and were impressed by his humility and commitment. He was in great shape weighing in at 219 pounds. The knees checked out OK, too. And the 4.52 (into a 15-mph wind) 40 sealed the deal. "He had instant and tremendous success, then unfortunately got himself so big [-]out-of-the-stadium big [-] that it inhibited his play," Gruden said. "His background has been well documented, but he's here and on our team now, and we can't wait to see him turn it loose. It could be a (heck of a) story." Boston is just 27 years old. The Bucs hope the story is just beginning. "The last few years have been frustrating," Boston said. "Now, I'm with a great team and a coach with a passion for the game that matches mine. I'm ready to move on." Another player to watch is rookie Maurice Stovall. If Stovall can adapt to the flanker position he could work his way into the mix as the third receiver. Don’t forget about Paris Warren and J.R. Russell. The Bucs still have big plans for these two? 2005 draftees, but this is a camp in which they will have to start proving their worth as NFL caliber players. After spending a year on the practice squad Larry Brackins was released last Wednesday. He was a 5th round pick a year ago and was considered a raw project, but he was also handed a 4 game suspension for substance abuse. TE: The Bucs still list Anthony Becht as their first-string tight end, but Alex Smith is on the verge of becoming a frequently targeted player in Gruden’s offense. The Bucs have been designing plays and packages specifically for him this off-season. This is a camp in which he will get a lot of attention. Gruden was asked about Smith going into his second season. “I think he could be a great tight end, and I think he was at times very, very good last year,” Gruden said. “He came a long way. He’s a quick study, he’s in tremendous shape, he’s got a lot of versatility, he’s a lot bigger and more powerful than people realize. He’s a great kid, he’s reliable. We’re going to try to use him more than we did a year ago, and we did get some real good production last year from him.” The Bucs also drafted Tim Massaquoi out of Michigan to add depth. Another player in camp is second-year pro Mark Anelli. Anelli isn’t flashy, but he’s a solid blocker who could open the way for Smith and Becht as pass-catching options. Download 366.51 Kb. Share with your friends:
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