Training Camp Update Volume 2, Issue 1 8/02/06
Download 366.51 Kb.
|
- Navigate this page:
- Bears Depth Chart QB
- Cincinnati Bengals QB
- Bengals Depth Chart QB
- Cleveland Browns QB
- Browns Depth Chart QB
Defense: Lance Briggs started camp with the 2nd string, but he needed just one practice to earn his spot back with the No. 1 nickel defense alongside Brian Urlacher. Immediately, Briggs showed why when he flew to the ball on a swing pass to Cedric Benson. "We wanted to see exactly what type of shape Lance was in," coach Lovie Smith explained. "Lance is a Pro Bowl player. … We're going to keep him a while." It won’t take Briggs long before he reclaims his starting job from Leon Joe in the base package, too. Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera said playing Joe with the starting unit was not a punishment for Briggs, but a reward for Joe. Briggs isn't wasting any energy on his “demotion.” "It's nothing new to me," Briggs said. "I've been behind guys since I was 7 years old. You just compete and I definitely play better knowing I'm competing with somebody. Most of the guys I was behind aren't in the league now. I'm not saying that about Leon; Leon Joe I think is going to be around for a long time. When I was a kid it was always 'Daddy-ball,' kids whose fathers ran the team, I played behind them." Rookie FS Daniel Manning made a huge hit in practice breaking up a ball intended for TE Gabe Reid. Manning is expected to press FS Chris Harris for the starting job. "We think he is a safety with corner skills," Lovie Smith said. "He needs to do it out here, and today was a step." Meanwhile, Harris jumped a route and collected a TD interception in the first play of "team" sessions and S Cameron Worrell broke up a ball thrown to the deep middle. DE Mark Anderson left Saturday’s practice with a hamstring strain and Michael Haynes is getting a good look at tackle with the No. 1 nickel unit. Special Teams: The Bears’ camp will feature what might be the tightest kicking competition in the NFL this year. Second year kicker Robbie Gould was solid from short range last year, but struggled on kickoffs and 40+ yard field goals. Rookie Josh Huston invited himself to join the team. Kickoffs were one of his strengths at Ohio State. The early signs are that his leg strength has quickly adapted to the pro game. Special teams coach Dave Toub noted, “Josh is better than I thought”. Second round draft pick WR Devin Hester is almost assured of getting the top punt returner role, given his skills and track record at Miami. The Bears are also hoping that he’ll emerge as the top kickoff returner. If he doesn’t, CB/WR Rashied Davis is next in line. In addition to Hester, WRs Bernard Berrian and Craig Bragg have also been working on punt returns. Rookie DB Danieal Manning has college experience on both kickoff and punt returns, and could factor into the mix before camp is over. Bears Depth Chart QB Rex Grossman, Brian Griese, Kyle Orton RB Cedric Benson, Thomas Jones (inj), Adrian Peterson, P.J. Pope FB Bryan Johnson, Jason McKie, J.D. Runnels WR Muhsin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian, Mark Bradley (inj), Justin Gage, Airese Curry, Alex Bannister, Devin Hester (KR/PR/CB), Rashied Davis (PR), Craig Bragg, Bryan McClendon TE Desmond Clark, Gabe Reid, John Gilmore, Tim Day, Cooper Wallace K Robbie Gould, Josh Huston DE Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown, Israel Idonije, Michael Haynes (DT), Jamaal Green, Mark Anderson, Khari Long DT Tommie Harris, Ian Scott, Terry Johnson (inj), Alfonso Boone, Dusty Dvoracek MLB Brian Urlacher, Jeremy Cain OLB Lance Briggs (W), Hunter Hillenmeyer (S/M), Joe Odom (S), Brendon Ayanbadejo (S), Brandon Marshall , Leon Joe, Jamar Williams CB Charles Tillman, Nathan Vasher, Ricky Manning, Dante Wesley, Alfonso Marshall, Abraham Elimimian, Carlos Hendricks S Mike Brown (SS), Chris Harris (FS), Danieal Manning (FS), Todd Johnson (SS/FS), Brandon McGowan (SS) (inj), Cameron Worrell, Dwayne Slay, Dion Byrum, Donnie McCleskey Cincinnati Bengals QB: Carson Palmer ran the offense on Saturday, the team's first training camp practice. His presence on the field fueled optimism that his left knee will be ready and he’ll be available to start the season opener. Is he close to 100 percent? "There's no way to tell right now," Palmer said. "I'll have a better feel for it next week at this time." During the next two weeks, Palmer will push his left knee harder than at anytime in the last few months. He still hasn’t taken a hit for the first time either. Palmer will play with three different knee braces during camp to see which one works best. He doesn’t know yet if his knee will swell up when he starts increasing the intensity of his workouts during practice. One thing’s for sure, he’s been active. Palmer is fresh off a three-week passing camp they held in California with WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Tab Perry, Antonio Chatman and TE Ronnie Ghent. Houshmandzadeh said Palmer looked so good that he would even bet his check that he would be ready for the Sept. 10 opener. “I think I’m being realistic,” Palmer said under the stands after the debut was over. “It’s unrealistic to say I’m going to start against the Chiefs. It’s realistic to say I might start against the Chiefs. That’s my goal. We’ll just see how it works out.” Head coach Marvin Lewis said, "We're going to put him in to prepare the season as the starter… He's right on target." A primary goal in training camp is to identify a clear backup. Anthony Wright or Doug Johnson would be the starter if Palmer isn’t ready. Wright is currently No. 2 and Johnson No. 3. It looks like Wright’s job to lose, but offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski wants to get a longer look. RB: Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry are ideal complements with their respective power and quickness and FB Jeremi Johnson is an outstanding blocker giving the Bengals a top notch backfield. Johnson looks strong following an offseason knee scope to repair damaged cartilage. He's doing fine, running with quickness and bursting through the line. Johnson chose not to reveal the injury last season because so he wouldn’t draw attention to himself. With Palmer coming off a major knee injury, Johnson may need to carry the load. Thirty-plus carries is fine with him. "I know I have to raise my game and I think everybody else knows they have to. I’ve got to make sure these legs are ready to go if my quarterback’s not here.” It’s been an offseason of extra sessions on Friday and overtimes on Wednesday as Johnson bids to be quicker. Chris Perry is still rehabilitating from ankle surgery in April. He is on the PUP list and wasn’t expected to be ready for the beginning of training camp. WR: On the first day of practice, Chad Johnson showed up sporting a McDonald's breakfast of pancakes, sausage and a large orange juice assuring everyone, "I'm ready.” He showed up with a Mohawk. He’s giving the defensive backs a chance to make him dye it blond, or other colors. "I'm going to make it fun for the defensive backs," Johnson said. "For whoever stops me, I'm going to be changing colors." QB Carson Palmer worked with several of the team’s others receivers for a few weeks in California. "That's the best I've ever seen T.J.," Palmer said. "Tab Perry is going to be somebody to contend with in the receiver corps. He had a great summer. Antonio is An-TN-tonio. He's a fast, explosive Peter Warrick to my eyes." Palmer said, “With Chad, (the timing) will take a couple of days… By tomorrow it will be there with the guys I’ve been throwing with. ... It doesn’t matter with T.J. He’s such a consistent route runner that you always know where he’s going to be.” Chris Henry missed all of the spring with a torn PCL in his knee. He was ready for the first practice, but he faces an NFL suspension at some point this season, maybe for as long as a year, but at least four games. Perry, who excelled on special teams as a rookie, should get a chance to move all the way up to No. 3 wide receiver. Palmer said Perry will command attention. Kelley Washington may not make the team, but at least he wants to play. “All I know is I’m damn good and I want to play,” Washington said. “No matter where I am, I don’t want to practice all week and then lift weights on Sunday (because he’s inactive.) I’m going to do what I do. Do what they tell me, work hard, see what happens.” Washington, who hurt his hamstring during the last practice of mini-camp back in June, says he’ll be back by next week. For now, he’s on the PUP list with a hamstring injury. Defense: The Bengals hope the return of safety Madieu Williams (shoulder) and the signings of safety Dexter Jackson and DT Sam Adams will help them improve after finishing 28th in yards allowed last year. LB Odell Thurman will sit out 4 games after being suspended and HC Marvin Lewis didn't know when Thurman would report for camp, “I’m not concerned with that." Asked if the Bengals want Thurman in camp, Lewis said, "Yes, we do. But he's dealing with some things with his family, and they'd asked that he be allowed to do this. There's no pressing need of time for him to be here, so we're allowing him to do this." There’s growing concern that Thurman may not play at all this year. Lewis and defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan both expect rookie supplemental pick LB Ahmad Brooks to make an impact with Thurman out. Brooks is competing with fellow rookie A.J. Nicholson and veteran Caleb Miller to backup Brian Simmons, who will slide in and start at middle linebacker. CB Keiwan Ratliff is hoping to push Tory James and Deltha O'Neal for a starting job. Sam Adams began camp on the PUP, but don’t be concerned says Adams. “I’ll be there,” Adams said Saturday afternoon. Asked about Bryan Robinson moving from tackle to left end so he can play next to him, Adams said, “They’ll have to run someplace else. ... In this division, you have to be tough and physical in order to survive.” Rookie corner Jonathan Joseph had the most exciting play on Saturday on a pass he broke-up on an out pattern against wide receiver Bennie Brazell. Special Teams: Shayne Graham enters camp as the only kicker on the Bengals’ roster. Once the regular season starts, he needs just four more successful field goals to reach 100 for his career. That qualifies him for the all-time NFL accuracy standings, where he’ll rank second behind only Mike Vanderjagt. WR Tab Perry will once again be the primary kickoff returner, while RB Kenny Watson could see some backup work now that he’s back from an injury. Punt returns may get a little more attention in camp. Free agent acquisition WR Antonio Chatman from Green Bay should get the job, although the incumbent CB Keiwan Ratliff is still a possibility. The coaches would prefer to move Ratliff back to the hold up guy role on punt returns. The wildcard is sixth round draft pick WR Reggie McNeal who played quarterback at Texas A&M, but will be tried out on both kickoff and punt returns. Bengals Depth Chart QB Carson Palmer (inj), Anthony Wright, Doug Johnson, Erik Meyer RB Rudi Johnson, Chris Perry (3RB) (inj), Kenny Watson, Quincy Wilson, DeDe Dorsey, Terrence Whitehead FB Jeremi Johnson, Naufahu Tahi, Chris Manderino WR Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Antonio Chatman (KR), Chris Henry (inj), Kelley Washington, Tab Perry (KR), Reggie McNeal (QB), Ethan Kilmer, Benny Brazell TE Reggie Kelly, Tony Stewart, Darnell Sanders, Ronnie Ghent, David Jones K Shayne Graham DE Justin Smith, Robert Geathers, Bryan Robinson (inj), Jonathan Fenene, Frostee Rucker, Eric Henderson DT John Thornton, Sam Adams, Matthias Askew, Shaun Smith, Domata Peko, Marcus Lewis MLB Odell Thurman (susp), Brian Simmons (M/W), A.J. Nicholson OLB David Pollack (S/DE) (inj), Landon Johnson (W/M), Caleb Miller (W), Marcus Wilkins, Hannibal Navies, Ahmad Brooks, Wyatt Gayer, Kenny Kern CB Tory James, Deltha O'Neal (WR/PR), Johnathan Joseph, Keiwan Ratliff (SS/PR), Rashad Bauman, Greg Brooks, Patrick Body S Madieu Williams (FS/CB) (inj), Dexter Jackson (SS/FS), Kevin Kaesviharn (FS/SS), Anthony Mitchell, Ifeanyi Ohalete (SS), John Busing, Jeremy Modkins, Jereme Perry, Blake Ferris Cleveland Browns QB: It’s only two days of training camp, but QB Charlie Frye is off to a great start. On Friday, Frye hit on a long touchdown pass to Dennis Northcutt during 11-on-11 drills. On Saturday morning, and for the second day in a row, Frye hit Northcutt for a 55-yard completion on a deep post for a TD. Frye threw the ball 45 yards in the air on the money. “We’ve been working on the long ball and it felt good to hit on that,” Frye said. “We’ve thrown more long balls thus far in practice than we did at this time last year by far.” Browns GM Phil Savage is proud of his young QB, saying that he “worked extremely hard to get to this point…‘Let's protect him physically, preserve him mentally and promote him organizationally.'” Frye has worked on making the huddle his own, after all “you don't want to go in the huddle and have guys questioning you.” HC Romeo Crennel also talked highly of Frye’s “composure.” Owner Al Lerner commended Frye for his work in the offseason, saying he studied, stayed fit, and become bigger and stronger since his rookie year, calling him an "inspiring athlete." RB: The biggest news related to the Browns running game was the season-ending injury to center LeCharles Bentley, who went down and stayed down during practice last Thursday. Bentley tore his patella tendon and already underwent surgery. The main battle to watch is rookie Jerome Harrison against Lee Suggs for the third down job. Suggs needs to stay healthy or he won’t make the roster. Harrison could be a factor this year if he earns a job as the third down back and proves to be opportunistic, something Suggs hasn’t done due to nagging injuries. WR: WR Braylon Edwards underwent surgery for his ACL tear in January. This week he received medical clearance from the staff and showed up ready to practice. Nobody expected Edwards to be back on the field this quickly, prompting Al Lerner to say, "God forbid, if anything happens to our race and creed… they should use his DNA to rebuild the population." Lerner continued to talk about the excitement of seeing first-round picks TE Kellen Winslow and Edwards on the field together "perhaps sooner than later… Edwards has done very well. He has rehabbed very well. He's disciplined." While Edwards works his way back to full strength, Crennel expects Joe Jurevicius to be a playmaker. Joshua Cribbs and Frisman Jackson should also see extra reps. As for the timetable for Edwards’ return? It has obviously changed. Edwards couldn’t promise he’ll be available on Sept. 10 against New Orleans, but he added he would definitely be back before October. Edwards predicted big things once he and TE Kellen Winslow Jr. are on the field together. So far, Edwards hasn't participated in team drills at full speed. He ran at less than half speed during the early practices, and then watched his teammates as tempo increased. TE: Romeo Crennel has given Kellen Winslow a lighter practice load. “He’s been going at it pretty hard the last couple of days,” said Crennel. “We wanted to give him a break from some of the drills today. We’ll do that from time to time.” Winslow then sat out on Saturday morning. "I gave him a little time off… I thought today would be a good day to rest him,” said Crennel. In Saturday morning’s practice, Darnell Dinkins, signed via free agency from Baltimore, made a catch on first-round draft pick LB Kamerion Wimbley. Dinkins then flipped the ball off Wimbley’s shoulder pads. Later, Dinkins caught a 55-yard pass from Ken Dorsey down the sidelines between two defenders. On another play, TE Steve Heiden whipped the ball at seventh-round pick Justin Hamilton after he hog tied him and threw him to the ground after a catch. Defense: Chaun Thompson has taken all the 1st team reps at inside linebacker, as has Matt Stewart at outside linebacker. Romeo Crennel said Sean Jones is slightly ahead of Brodney Pool at strong safety and that corners Daylon McCutcheon and Leigh Bodden are neck and neck for the left corner job. Those two will rotate in camp to see who wins. Bodden is said to have a slight edge in the early part of camp. On the 4th day of camp, corner Gary Baxter was red hot in the morning practice. Baxter was breaking up passes all over the field, including one deep ball over the middle from Frye to Joshua Cribbs. Rookie linebacker Leon Williams picked off a tipped pass in the morning. On one play, rookie linebacker D’Qwell Jackson used his forearm to knock Terrelle Smith to the ground after the fullback grabbed a short pass. “I made the catch,” Smith said defiantly after getting up. Also drawing attention were safety Brodney Pool and TE Steve Heiden, who literally stiff-armed each other to the ground after Heiden made a catch. CB DeMario Minter (knee) was released from the hospital following knee surgery. Special Teams: Kicker Phil Dawson’s recovery from off-season surgery for a sports hernia appears to be going well. He has been practicing in camp, and will be getting acclimated to a new holder, punter Dave Zastudil whom the Browns acquired via free agency from the Ravens. Unless Dawson has a relapse, kicker Jeff Chandler will spend the pre-season keeping Dawson rested and auditioning himself for other teams that may be looking for a kicker just prior to the start of the regular season. The Browns have very capable returners in WR Joshua Cribbs on kickoffs and WR Dennis Northcutt on punts. Two players lurking behind both of them and that will get a look in camp, are second-year player CB Antonio Perkins and fifth round draft pick RB Jerome Harrison out of Washington State. Browns Depth Chart QB Charlie Frye, Ken Dorsey, Derek Anderson, Darrell Hackney RB Reuben Droughns, William Green, Lee Suggs, Jerome Harrison, Chris Barclay FB Terrelle Smith, Corey McIntyre, Lawrence Vickers WR Braylon Edwards (inj), Joe Jurevicius, Dennis Northcutt (PR), Frisman Jackson, Travis Wilson, Joshua Cribbs (WR/RB), Brandon Rideau, Carlton Brewster, Brent Little, Glenn Holt TE Kellen Winslow Jr, Steve Heiden, Darnell Dinkins, Paul Irons K Phil Dawson, Jeff Chandler DE Orpheus Roye, Alvin McKinley, Nick Eason, Simon Fraser NT Ted Washington, Ethan Kelley, Babatunde Oshinowo, Ja'Waren Blair ILB Andra Davis (L), DQwell Jackson (R), Chaun Thompson (R), Leon Williams (L), Mason Unck OLB Willie McGinest (S/DE), Kamerion Wimbley (S/DE), Matt Stewart (S), David McMillan (W), Nick Speegle (S), Charlton Keith CB Daylon McCutcheon, Gary Baxter, Leigh Bodden, Antonio Perkins, Pete Hunter, DeMario Minter, DeMarcus Rideaux, Chris Thompson S Brian Russell (FS), Brodney Pool (FS), Sean Jones (SS), Antwaan Harris, Justin Hamilton (SS) Dallas Cowboys QB: Drew Bledsoe had the understatement of the day when asked about his new teammate Terrell Owens on the first day of camp, "I've never played with anybody that draws as much attention as he does,” said the veteran QB. Head coach Bill Parcells was asked if he gave Bledsoe advice on how to deal with T.O., “I told Bledsoe to get a haircut, he'd look a lot younger." Bledsoe’s fantasy prospects look as bright as ever heading into this season. Armed with T.O, Terry Glenn and Jason Witten, he has what amounts to the best WR corps of his career. On Saturday, Bledsoe overthrew J.R. Tolver in the afternoon 7-on-7 drills and Keith Davis, who is recovering from a bullet that remains lodged in his leg following a July 16 shooting, was Johnny-on-the-spot to intercept the pass. Also during Saturday’s practice, backup QB Drew Henson struggled on two straight possessions. Henson threw one pass at the ankles of his receiver and another was tipped at the line of scrimmage. Tony Romo also struggled in the same practice; leaving significant doubt about the Cowboys backup situation. RB: Julius Jones isn’t making any outlandish predictions for himself this season. He’s just hoping to stay healthy and produce the way he did in the 2nd half of 2004. The Cowboys expect to run more double TE sets this year and evolve into more of a power team. FB Lousaka Polite will be moved around at different positions to see if he can contribute as an H-back as well. The primary backup is Marion Barber III. He’s likely see an expanded role and he is the team’s third down back. With Terrell Owens on the field, teams won’t be able to focus strictly on the run. Keep in mind that Owens is an excellent blocker, as well. Parcells was asked if adding Owens would help the team’s ground game. "Well it better or we're not going to win. If they are doubling those guys or playing shell coverages and we can't run, we won't win," chirped the affable coach. One player who struggled in the opening days was Keylon Kincade. In Saturday afternoon’s session, he was beside himself after losing the ball during a run up the middle. The lost fumble meant the entire second-team offense had to run to the fence across the empty practice field and back. WR: With Terrell Owens in the fold, everyone is waiting for the first official meltdown. Yet Parcells insists he’s not thinking about it nor is he concerned. Parcells said, "We're going to treat him with respect and see what happens. Coach him. Correct him. Try to put him in positions to make plays. OK? Make him part of the team. Make him part of the offense. That's what we're going to try to do. If it works, it works. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work." Owens didn’t set any specific goals for himself in terms of receptions, yards or touchdowns, unless “lots” counts as something measurable. That didn’t stop T.O. from marketing himself to fantasy owners saying, "Hey, if you want touchdowns, if you want somebody to be up there at the top of the leader board, then I guess I'm your man”. Given that he’s scored 20 TDs in his last 21 regular season games with the Eagles, it’s best to listen to him. In Saturday’s practice, Owens beat Anthony Henry for what would have been a 60-yard TD from Bledsoe. Holding to game form, Owens spiked the ball in the end zone. Rookie fourth-round pick Skyler Green is off to a great start showing great hands in the first two practice sessions. He made several catches despite having to go high into the air and landing awkwardly. He also looked good fielding punts prompting receivers coach Todd Haley to blurt out, "You've already gotten so much better, Skyler." Terry Glenn is also looking good. It’s readily apparent that Bledsoe has confidence in him. Meanwhile, Patrick Crayton is healthy again and moving well, but Terrence Cooper dropped a handful of passes. They are battling for the third receiver spot. TE: It’s a good thing the Cowboys stocked up on tight ends in the offseason. Brett Pierce re-injured the same knee that he tore a ligament in last November and is expected to miss the season. "It's unfortunate because he worked very hard to get back from the original injury," said Parcells said Sunday. Pierce was expected to battle for the fourth TE spot with Sean Ryan and Tony Curtis. Of course, the Cowboys gave star TE Jason Witten a 6-year extension worth $28 million. They drafted Anthony Fasano in the second round and signed Ryan Hannam away from the Seahawks to bolster their depth. "The good news is that he loves the tight end position," Witten said referring to Parcells affection for tight ends. "But his expectations are really high. He's very demanding on the tight end position. First off, you better be able to block." Part of the reason he’s stocked up on TEs if that he wants the team to use more play-action this year. The tight end is a critical element of those plays because of their ability to block down or release downfield as a receiver. "I've heard every Bavaro-Coates story there is," Witten said. Download 366.51 Kb. Share with your friends:
|