Training Camp Update Volume 2, Issue 1 8/02/06
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Special Teams: The one constant in Detroit is kicker Jason Hanson, except for the one game he missed last year with the first and only injury of his football career. The camp leg will be provided by rookie kicker Matt Prater out of Central Florida. WR Eddie Drummond, the very talented return specialist, impressed new OC Mike Martz back in minicamps, so he could see an increased role on offense. He has yet to play a full season in his four years in the NFL, so the backup KR and PR spots should be watched in camp. Two former Rams, RB Arlen Harris and WR Mike Furrey, both have experience on kickoff and punt returns. The player with the least experience but the most potential, including excellent speed and ball handling skills, is third round draft pick RB Brian Calhoun out of Wisconsin. The Lions signed him to a contract just as camp began. Lions Depth Chart QB Jon Kitna, Josh McCown, Dan Orlovsky, Joel Klatt RB Kevin Jones, Brian Calhoun (3RB/KR), Arlen Harris, Artose Pinner FB Shawn Bryson (3RB), Cory Schlesinger, Matt Bernstein WR Roy Williams, Corey Bradford, Charles Rogers, Mike Furrey, Mike Williams, Scottie Vines, Eddie Drummond (KR/PR), DeVale Ellis, Brett Fischer, Shaun Bodiford TE Marcus Pollard, Dan Campbell, Casey Fitzsimmons, Sean McHugh, Cole Downer K Jason Hanson, Matt Prater DE James Hall, Kalimba Edwards, Cory Redding, Jared DeVries, Bill Swancutt, Claude Harriott, Val Barnaby DT Shaun Rogers, Shaun Cody, Marcus Bell, Tyoka Jackson, Damian Gregory, Cleveland Pinckney MLB Boss Bailey (S/M), Levar Woods, Matt Grootegoed OLB Ernie Sims (W), Ted Lehman (S) (inj), James Davis (W), Alex Lewis (W/S), Paris Lenon, Donte' Curry (S), Anthony Cannon CB Dre' Bly, Fernando Bryant, Keith Smith, Stanley Wilson, Jamar Fletcher, Alton McCann, LaMarcus Hicks, Antonio Malone S Kenoy Kennedy (SS), Terrence Holt (FS), Daniel Bullocks (FS), Jon McGraw (FS), Idrees Bashir (FS), Vernon Fox, Harrison Smith, Marcus Demps Green Bay Packers QB: Brett Favre seems to be throwing the ball well, as usual. Head coach Mike McCarthy said Favre looked good despite having a slight ankle sprain. "He looks good," McCarthy said. "The ankle's bothering him a little bit, but he's throwing the ball with good accuracy and good velocity. So I think he looks good. He's playing with good balance, his legs are still very strong, he hasn't lost anything there. (He's) very comfortable with the offense and (I'm) very pleased with him so far." Aaron Rodgers has also played well. Early in camp, though, McCarthy cautioned, “The drops are way up, definitely. I thought the route-running was a lot better. I thought the timing was a lot better. The two negatives were too many dropped balls and too many pre-snap penalties." The Packers have a lot of new faces within their WR corps so it will take some time for Favre and Rodgers to get in sync with their new teammates. RB: Ahman Green is expected to be the Packers starter this year, bur he is still about two weeks away from returning to the field. On the plus side, Najeh Davenport passed his physical and practiced at full speed. Davenport was seen smiling and jumping around. During the first day of practice, Davenport looked good while running with authority, confidence and a burst. He seems to have a good handle of the new scheme, too. If Green is unable to start because of injury, Davenport would get the first crack at the No. 1 job. Last year’s darling, Samkon Gado is doing everything he can to earn a spot, but his play has been mixed. He’s splitting time with Noah Herron at No. 2 RB while Arliss Beach is running behind them. Offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski is looking forward to seeing what the team's runners can do. With Green and Davenport both returning from major injuries there is some concern amongst the coaches until they are back at full health and both practicing. "I don't know if uneasy is the word," said Jagodzinski. "I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do. I know what Ahman can do, and if we can get him back to where he feels comfortable and confident with his injury and rehab, he'll be fine. Najeh's always been a good player; he's just never been able to stay healthy. I just think there's a question mark on how fast they come back in the preseason." Gado has been indecisive in the new zone-blocking scheme that requires the backs to make one cut and go, giving Herron an opportunity to move ahead of Gado and get some work with the No. 1 offense during OTAs in June, though Gado remains the superior talent. WR: So far in camp, Donald Driver has been nothing short of exceptional, but he’s not the concern of the Packers coaching staff. Beyond Driver, the team’s most reliable receivers are a rookie receiver, a veteran tight end and an ancient fullback. Greg Jennings, Bubba Franks and William Henderson aren't merely the most reliable options behind Driver, but they are the only reliable options. WRs Robert Ferguson (back) and Rod Gardner (hamstring) did not pass their physicals and both were held out of practice. McCarthy said both players were day-to-day. Their absence left Marc Boerigter working with the No. 1 offense opposite Driver. However, if the woes continue, then Jennings would likely start opposite Driver in the Sept. 10 regular-season opener. In practice, Driver showed he’s ready to go by beating newcomer Charles Woodson on a deep pattern for a 75-yard TD from Favre. Woodson said he was in tip-top shape, but Brett Favre repeatedly smoked him during seven-on-seven drills. Rookies Greg Jennings and Chris Francies both caught hooks from Favre in front of Woodson. Free agent Ruvell Martin even beat Woodson deep by a good step, but didn't catch the pass as their feet got tangled. On Saturday, Ferguson was on the practice field but Gardner didn't pass his exam for the second straight day due to a hamstring injury. Reggie McKenzie, the Packers' director of pro personnel, hopes Ferguson can make an impact this year. "The biggest thing with Ferguson is trying to make it through training camp. That will be touch and go. I know in his mind, he obviously wants to be healthy for an entire season. This is his opportunity, and I think he sees that." On Friday, Leo Bookman sprained his ankle and was unable to return to practice. TE: Jagodzinski has vowed to get the Packers TEs more involved in the offense this year, especially starter Bubba Franks assuming he can stay healthy. Jagodzinski said he wants to focus on what Franks does best. "You have to play to his strengths. His strengths are short-to-medium passes and the red zone and goal line. That's where he excels," Jagodzinski said. "That's why he went to the Pro Bowl - off of those things. He didn't catch 60-yard touchdowns." That would be the job of backup David Martin, who was a receiver in college. “You can see it in the offense. We are more involved," said Franks. "We're pretty much (being used) at every position - we're at the tight end position, we're in the backfield, we're split out at the wide receiver position. We play all the positions, really. So they have no choice but to get us the ball. "But we'll see." Packers GM Ted Thompson chimed in on the team’s tight ends, "They're all athletic. They all can block. They can get up the field and do a lot of things to put pressure on the defense. We're looking forward to the contributions that they'll make." The Packers also cut Garrett Cross the week before training camp. Defense: Top draft pick LB A.J. Hawk signed a six-year deal worth $36 million that includes a guaranteed roster bonus of $1.91 million this season, an option bonus worth $11,856,520 next season and guaranteed portions of his base salary. He’s expected to start immediately and provide a big impact. DT Ryan Pickett was involved in a two-car accident leaving Lambeau Field Saturday afternoon. He wasn’t at practice on Sunday because of a slight concussion. SS Marviel Underwood lined up with the No. 1 defense at strong safety Friday, because SS Marquand Manuel was not ready to practice. Despite all the talk of a holdout, corner Al Harris showed up for training camp on time. "I never wanted to be a distraction. I made the decision to show up, and I'm here." Harris skipped all voluntary offseason workouts, the second mini-camp and all OTAs because he’s been unhappy with his contract. That prompted Charles Woodson to say, "There's no question he's underpaid. Al's one of the best in this league." The Packers released safety Mark Roman to give them a chance to evaluate their younger players at the position. Roman was unhappy and wanted to be released anyway. Special Teams: Billy Cundiff and Dave Rayner will be competing throughout camp for the Packers’ kicking job. Special teams coordinator Mike Stock indicated he plans to alternate them either kick-by-kick or quarter-by-quarter in preseason games. Cundiff is a slight favorite given his prior experience with Dallas. Heading into camp, CB Charles Woodson has been anointed the top punt returner. The team is hoping however, that fourth round draft pick WR Cory Rodgers will emerge as the return specialist. He has plenty of potential; however he had troubles catching the ball during minicamps and OTAs as well as trouble with the law. Since then he’s changed his contact lens prescription and made a deal with prosecutors on his misdemeanor weapons charge. If he doesn’t come through, rookies WR Greg Jennings and CB Will Blackmon are also possibilities. Veterans CB Ahmad Carroll and RB Najeh Davenport both have kickoff return experience. Packers Depth Chart QB Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, Ingle Martin RB Ahman Green (inj), Najeh Davenport, Samkon Gado, Noah Herron (FB), Arliss Beach, Shermar Bracey FB William Henderson, Vonta Leach, A.J. Cooper (TE), Ben Brown WR Donald Driver, Robert Ferguson, Rod Gardner, Marc Boerigter, Greg Jennings, Cory Rogers, Will Blackmon (KR/PR) (inj), Chad Lucas, Leo Bookman, Vince Butler, Calvin Russell, Chris Francies TE Bubba Franks, David Martin, Donald Lee, Zac Alcorn, Tory Humphrey K Billy Cundiff, Dave Rayner DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Aaron Kampman, Mike Montgomery, Kenny Peterson, Corey Williams, Dave Tollefson, Jason Hunter, Montez Murphy DT Ryan Pickett (NT), Cullen Jenkins, Kenderick Allen, Colin Cole (NT), Johnny Jolly, Jerome Nichols MLB Nick Barnett, Abdul Hodge OLB A.J. Hawk (W), Ben Taylor (S/W), Roy Manning (S/M), Brady Poppinga (S), Tracy White (S), Byron Santiago, Kurt Campbell, Tim Goodwell, Kevin Schimmelmann CB Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Ahmad Carroll, Michael Hawkins, Patrick Dendy, Jerron Wishom, Jason Horton S Nick Collins (FS), Marquand Manuel (SS), Marviel Underwood (SS), Tyrone Culver (FS), Jeremy Thornburg, Tra Boger, Atari Bigby Houston Texans QB: David Carr doesn’t want to repeat last year. "What happened to us last year I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy," Carr said as the Texans reported to training camp at Reliant Park. “I think there are a lot of guys in our locker room with a chip on their shoulder. It shouldn't have gotten to that point last season. We've got guys with a lot of pride. We've played football for a long time, and we're not used to playing at a level like that. At some points in our careers, we've all played at a high level. Now we want to get back to that level." Head coach Gary Kubiak noted that Carr struggled a bit in Friday’s practice, but added, “I was excited about how David came back today. I was concerned because you worry about how you come back the first day and how much you let go and all the work you did this summer. I thought David retained that well. His feet were good. His eyesight (vision) has to continue to get better, and I'm on him every day. He knew what was going on. There was no doubt what was happening. David picked up where he left off in the (offseason program)." Earlier in the week, the Texans acquired QB Cody Pickett from the 49ers for a conditional draft pick. RB: On the first day or camp Domanick Davis was on the practice field and initially reported no problems. “I’m feeling pretty good,” Davis said. “I did a little more than they wanted me to do so it’s feeling pretty good. Whenever I start feeling like it’s back to normal then that’s when I’ll do more. I’m kind of pushing it a little more to see how far it’ll let me go without swelling up and it’s not so that’s pretty good.” On Saturday, Davis underwent another MRI exam on his knee as it continued to bother him. "We took an MRI yesterday; it looked good. It is bothering him; he is sore. It may be a process where he goes two days and then takes a day off and come back with two more. We’re going to do what’s best for him and this football team. But the key thing is that we have to make sure that everything is fine with the knee. It looks like it is, so we have to sit down and chart out the course,” head coach Gary Kubiak said. He was originally slated for just individual workouts on Friday, but Davis decided to do more than just position drills. “I did way more than that because I’m pushing myself a little hard too. It’s not normal but it feels good enough to do it. I’m just going to take it one day at a time and just take it slow.” Davis continued, "It feels good to be back. I couldn't wait. I was more excited than anything, but at the same time I can't get over-excited because I don't want to go ahead and act like my knee is 100 percent right now and get hurt again. It was very good.” Kubiak has this to say about veteran Antowain Smith, signed to be Davis’ backup. “Antowain (Smith) has been on a winner. He’s been with New England (Patriots) and won the big game. If you look back on his career, he’s been a consistent four plus yards-per-carry runner. Our zone scheme fits him and he’s in tremendous condition for a guy who’s been in the league this long. He’s going to be right there with (RB) Domanick (Davis).” UPDATE: On Wednesday, Davis left the team to seek a second medical opinion on his knee. "Our doctors got the results, and it's nothing new, so Domanick will have peace of mind," Kubiak said. "He'll be back at camp tomorrow, and we'll see how he feels." WR: After Saturday’s practice, Kubiak was asked if he’s counting on young Andre Johnson to emerge as a leader this season. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on the kid. His practice this morning was impressive. The way he works is special. I told him in front of the guys this morning ‘if you work like that, son, the sky is the limit’. I’m very proud of him and I want him to keep it going.” On Saturday, the sure handed veteran Eric Moulds beat two defenders and reached out for a one-hand catch from David Carr during drills. Other receivers with stunning catches included Jake Schifino, Kendrick Starling and Johnson, who was on the receiving end of several passes from Carr. Jerome Mathis remains sidelined due to injury. TE: The biggest news from the tight ends is that Bennie Joppru made it through a practice without getting hurt. As one Texans reporter joked, “maybe there is hope for peace in the Middle East.” Joppru was obviously happy, "It feels good to be out here. I was having fun. It reminded me why I love the game." Joppru was asked to reflect on his struggles since being drafted out of Michigan where he caught 66 career passes for 711 yards and 8 TDs. He said, "Go crazy, feel sorry for yourself. I think I did both the first two years. Last year I decided I wasn't going to let this game affect my life. Just made a decision to work as hard as I can. Whether or not this is for me, I'll find out. But I worked as hard as I could, and I'll never second-guess myself. I'm either strong mentally or extremely hardheaded. I'm just stubborn like that. There's nothing more that I want than to be out here." If Joppru can beat the injury bug, the Texans suddenly have some talent and depth at the position for the first time in their existence. Defense: Since the Texans passed on Reggie Bush, there is all sorts of pressure on the team and top pick DE Mario Williams to make a big impact immediately. Gary Kubiak was asked about Williams on the first day of camp. “You are asking a lot of a kid, right away. But that is the role he is in, and everybody knows that. But I like the way he is fitting in with the group. I like the way he’s making other people around him better. That’s the key; just to do his job and make people around him better.” When asked about his top pick’s strength, Kubiak added, “He has a little push to him. If you’re a tight end and you have to stare at him all day, that’s a long day. He’s doing a fine job and hopefully he can get better.” Another former first round pick Jason Babin also figures to make an impact at defensive end, but realizes he’ll likely be part of a rotation. Babin said, "From what the coaches are saying, we're going to be rotating a lot, which is a good thing. When you're playing defensive end, you're exerting so much energy, if you don't rotate, you're going to be dead." In the secondary, starting corner DeMarcus Faggins was lost for 6 to 10 weeks after a breaking his right foot. The injury occurred during Friday’s practice and it was confirmed Saturday following an MRI exam. It will require surgery. CB Dunta Robinson twisted his ankle on Saturday, and sat out a portion of practice. It’s not serious and Robinson is not expected to miss an extended period of time. Special Teams: Kris Brown will be busy in camp, as the only kicker on the Texans’ roster. WR/KR Jerome Mathis will not be so busy. He entered camp on crutches, still recovering from his off-season foot surgery. He is targeted to be back for the week 6 games at Dallas. In his absence, CB Phillip Buchanon has been working on kickoff returns in addition to his usual punt returns. HC Gary Kubiak recently noted, "He wants to do that and carry more than just the corner load." Sixth round draft pick Wali Lundy returned kickoffs during only his freshman year at Virginia, but has been practicing at the position for the Texans. CB Dunta Robinson hasn’t returned punts since his senior year at South Carolina, but has been practicing in that role in camp and has impressed the new coaching staff. Texans Depth Chart QB David Carr, Sage Rosenfels, Matt Baker, Cody Pickett RB Domanick Davis (inj), Antowain Smith, Vernand Morency, Wali Lundy, Chris Taylor, Damien Rhodes FB Jameel Cook, Quadtrine Hill WR Andre Johnson, Eric Moulds, Derick Armstrong (RFA), Kevin Walter, Jerome Mathis (PR/KR) (inj), David Anderson, Nick Narcisse, Jake Schifino, Richie Ross, Derrick Lewis TE Mark Bruener, Jeb Putzier, Benny Joppru, Owen Daniels, Patrick Hape, Scott Weaver, Ben Steele (IR) K Kris Brown DT Anthony Weaver, Robaire Smith, Seth Payne, Travis Johnson (inj), Alfred Malone DE Mario Williams, Jason Babin, Antwan Peek, Jeff Charleston, Phillip Alexander MLB Sam Cowart, DaShon Polk, Dave Moretti OLB Kailee Wong (inj), Morlon Greenwood, DeMeco Ryans, Shantee Orr, Barrett Green, Charlie Anderson (inj), Kenneth Petway, Saleem Rasheed, Wali Rainer (IR) CB Dunta Robinson, Phillip Buchanon, DeMarcus Faggins (inj), Dexter McCleon, Lewis Sanders (FS), Chris McKenzie (inj), Kevin Garrett, Tramon Williams, John Walker S Glenn Earl (SS), C.C. Brown (SS/FS), Jason Simmons (FS) (inj), Ramon Walker (SS), Michael Stone Indianapolis Colts Starts Sunday, July 30th QB: The Colts camp didn’t get underway until Sunday, July 30th. Peyton Manning couldn’t wait. On Saturday night, Manning wanted to set the tone for the next three weeks and even the rest of the season. “I sent a mass text message last night to a bunch of guys,” Manning said. “I said, ‘Hey, let’s be ready for some football. Let’s make this our year.’ Everybody responded, ‘Absolutely. Let’s go. Let’s go do it.’” Manning will have more on his shoulders this year with Edgerrin James’ free agent departure. RB: Rookie first round pick Joseph Addai was available when camp opened after signing a 5-year deal with around $11 million. Dominic Rhodes begins camp as the starter on paper, but he’ll face strong competition from Addai. In the team’s first practice session, Rhodes had an impressive morning catching several passes from Manning and turning a few of them into long gains. Perhaps even more noticeable was the early play of Addai. He threw several blocks that were audible from the sideline, and then turned in the best play of the morning - a long run down the right sideline. It was on the Colts' trademark stretch play. Addai took a handoff from Manning, made a defender miss, and then made a sharp cut to break free from the defense gaining about 30 yards before the play ended. Like it or not, Addai faces inevitable comparisons to the departed James. Addai is similar to James in some ways. He’s an accomplished runner, receiver and blocker. In mini-camps, Addai displayed good speed, a burst, cutting ability and sure hands and seemed to pick up the team’s complex offense quickly. WR: Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne are back. Wayne received a sizeable raise when he signed a lucrative contract during the offseason to remain a Colt. Perhaps the biggest story or thing to watch in camp is the role of Brandon Stokley. Last year, Stokley’s role in the offense was diminished as the team employed more 2-TE sets. That might not be the case in 2006. The team expects to run more three-receiver formations this year as they break in Rhodes and Addai into the offense with Edgerrin James gone. TE: Dallas Clark remains the starter, but Bryan Fletcher, Ben Utecht and even Ben Utecht will compete for larger roles this season. Fletcher began to emerge late in the year, but Utecht promises to push him for the primary backup job behind Clark. Joey Hawkins was in camp last year and he’s back for another run at a roster spot. Defense: The Colts re-signed Robert Mathis during the offseason, but lost starters LB David Thornton and DT Larry Tripplett. Second year DB Marlin Jackson expects to push for a starting cornerback spot during training camp. His speed and savvy could force his way past CB Jason David or CB Nick Harper into the starting lineup. The Colts also dealt DB Gerome Sapp to the Ravens for a pick. Special Teams: Kicker Adam Vinatieri will just be coasting through the pre-season, waiting for the real games to begin and to then do something clutch. Kicker Shane Andrus will help carry the camp load, and has a remote possibility of staying on the roster as a kickoff specialist. Not that Vinatieri is a slouch on kickoffs, but he is getting older and the Colts are already accustomed to keeping an extra kicker the last few years. The kickoff and punt return roles are up for grabs. RB Dominic Rhodes will be spending more time running than returning kickoffs this year and Troy Walters is gone. The elder candidate is former Colt WR Terrence Wilkins who spent last year in the CFL. The youthful candidate, and most likely winner, is seventh round draft pick CB T.J. Rushing who returned both kickoffs and punts for Stanford last year. WRs Dan Sheldon, Ashlan Davis, and Gerran Walker should all get an opportunity in camp to practice returns. Colts Depth Chart QB Peyton Manning, Jim Sorgi, Shaun King, Josh Betts, David Koral RB Dominic Rhodes, Joseph Addai, Kory Chapman, Vashon Pearson FB James Mungro WR Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Stokley, Aaron Moorehead, Terrence Wilkins (KR), Ed Hinkel, Brian Hare, Jamie Goodwin TE Dallas Clark, Bryan Fletcher, Ben Utecht, Ben Hartsock, Joey Hawkins, Corey Roberts K Adam Vinatieri DT Corey Simon, Montae Reagor, Vincent Burns, Darrell Reid, Tom Johnson DE Dwight Freeney, Raheem Brock (DT), Robert Mathis, Josh Thomas, Jonathan Welsh, Javor Mills, Marcus West MLB Gary Brackett (W/M) (inj), Rob Morris OLB Cato June (W), Gilbert Gardner (S/W), Freddie Keiaho, Keith O'Neil (RFA), Deryck Toles (W), Tyjuan Hagler (W), Keyon Whiteside, Brandon Hoyte, Kyle Killion, Dale Robinson, Kendyll Pope (susp) CB Nick Harper, Jason David, Marlin Jackson, Kelvin Hayden, Tim Jennings, Von Hutchin, T.J. Rushing S Bob Sanders (FS), Mike Doss (SS), Matt Giordano (FS), Dexter Reid, Daryl Dixon (FS), Antoine Bethea (FS), Tanard Davis, Antwan Marsh Download 366.51 Kb. Share with your friends:
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