Training Camp Update Volume 2, Issue 1 8/02/06
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Raiders Depth Chart QB Aaron Brooks, Andrew Walter, Marques Tuiasosopo, Kent Smith RB LaMont Jordan, Justin Fargas, Rod Smart (KR), ReShard Lee, DeJuan Green FB Zack Crockett (SD/3RB), Joe Hall WR Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, Doug Gabriel, Ron Curry (PR) (inj), Alvis Whitted, Carlos Francis (KR), Johnnie Morant, Kevin McMahan, Rick Gatewood, James Adkisson TE Courtney Anderson, John Paul Foschi (FB), Randal Williams, Marcellus Rivers, O.J. Santiago, John Madsen, Jacob Brown K Sebastian Janikowski DE Derrick Burgess, Tyler Brayton, Bobby Hamilton, Grant Irons, Lance Johnstone, Bryant McNeal, Ryan Riddle DT Warren Sapp (inj), Tommy Kelly, Ed Jasper, Terdell Sands (NT) (RFA), Anttaj Hawthorne, Kenny Smith, Donnell Washington MLB Kirk Morrison (I/W), Danny Clark (I) OLB Sam Williams (S) (inj), Thomas Howard (S), Robert Thomas (S/W), Darnell Bing (S/W), Isaiah Ekejiuba, Henri Crockett CB Nnamdi Asomugha, Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt, Tyrone Poole, Duane Starks S Stuart Schweigert (FS), Derrick Gibson (SS), Michael Huff (S/CB), Chris Carr (PR), Calvin Branch, Keyon Nash Philadelphia Eagles QB: Donovan McNabb comes into camp feeling great and motivated to recapture the Eagles’ winning ways. He also seems set on using his feet more this year after running less and less in recent years. "I'm able to get out of the pocket a little more with a little speed," he said. "It puts a lot of pressure on defenses. People know that I can get out of the pocket." Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg agreed. “He’s healthy right now ... He can push and move and groove a little bit, he's got a little juice with his feet right now.” Jeff Garcia is entrenched as the number two QB, but Timmy Chang will try to unseat Koy Detmer for the No. 3 job in camp. Detmer, an excellent holder as well, is being challenged by P Dirk Johnson to be the holder for PK David Akers. RB: Brian Westbrook looked great in the first days of camp. Behind him, the Eagles have a slew of backs competing for various roles or even just a roster spot. Ryan Moats is the favorite to earn a significant role as Westbrook’s top backup, but he sprained a ligament in his knee last Wednesday. On August 2nd, he missed his fifth straight day of practice. That put Bruce Perry into a position to display his talents, but he’s been sidelined as well. Before the injury, Moats had two nice runs in a row displaying some burst up the middle and bouncing outside along the sidelines. Meanwhile, Reno Mahe broke off a long TD run in practice when Koy Detmer rolled out and tossed him a pass over a defender. Rookie guard Max Jean-Gilles made a nice block to buy Detmer some time on the play. Mahe now figures more prominently as he gets more snaps as long as Moats and Perry are on the sidelines. Perry could be a sleeper, but not until he gets healthy. Westbrook said "I think Bruce is someone who has the ability to play in this league." Then there is Correll Buckhalter. He’s the feel-good story in camp, as long as he avoids another injury. He’s been held out of contact drills, but he’d like to be running and in the middle of the action. "I just want to punish somebody," he said. "I envision myself running and making plays and having contact." Also on the injury front, FB Thomas Tapeh missed a fourth day of practice with a hamstring injury. WR: The Eagles will downplay their need for a true #1 receiver, but the truth is they need more than one receiver to emerge this season. McNabb wasn’t concerned about the lack of a “go to” guy saying, “We have a great group of guys here who work well together. We spread the ball around." In reality, the “go to” guy is probably RB Brian Westbrook. For now, it looks like it will be 2nd year WR Reggie Brown. The coaches want to go slowly with Todd Pinkston as he returns from injury, so that means Greg Lewis and Jabar Gaffney will also get long looks. On the opening day of camp, the play of the day was provided by Brown when he took a double reverse around left end and went untouched for a 45-yard TD. "I'm not a veteran by any means, but I'm more advanced than I would have been if T.O. had remained here," Brown said. "I got the chance to go out there and play every day. I think I really settled into my position the last three games of the season. I felt like I was coming into my own and getting a grasp of how to play and how to attack certain defenses and players." In Saturday morning’s workout, Brown suffered a hamstring sprain, which was later referred to as a spasm. Rookie Hank Baskett has looked good with an array of notable catches. "He's doing a nice job," Reid said. "He's had some nice catches. He's catching the football, which is a big thing. He runs good routes, and he's a big target." Baskett was undrafted, but he says, "You do what you gotta do." He was a crowd favorite after a gem of a 15-yard TD catch on an underthrown McNabb pass early in camp. Rookie Jason Avant was activated on Monday while Jeremy Bloom remains on the team’s PUP list. More highlights: Last Wednesday, Darnerian McCants caught a long pass from Jeff Garcia and ran down the left side for a 50-yard touchdown. On Monday, Avant looked great making two outstanding plays from the slot. TE: L.J. Smith returned to the field on Monday after suffering from shoulder issues that kept him out of practice for several days. The coaches said Smith will try to keep playing through the pain. Matt Schobel struggled with some dropped passes early in camp, but took it all in stride when the crowd jeered him. "That's fair," Schobel said after the morning practice. "If I catch the ball, they cheer, and if I don't, they boo, or whatever they do. That's all part of it." Marty Mornhinweg's impression? "Number one, he's doing an excellent job of separating. Certainly, he needs to catch the ball on a consistent basis. If you catch the football, it gives you a chance to play for us. If you don't catch the football, you're not playing. It's as simple as that." Schobel said “ I've never had that problem before … It's just been a couple of days where I've dropped a couple, and I'm not going to make too big of a deal out of it... . I'm going to keep working at it so it doesn't continue to happen." Schobel ran with the first-team offense while starter L.J. Smith was out. Defense: Based on the first workout in pads, the defense appeared ahead of the offense. Cornerback Sheldon Brown and newcomer DE Darren Howard, a free-agent from New Orleans, both made a number of impressive plays. Howard insists that he wasn't doing anything special to impress his new teammates. "This is the way I play, going after it hard," Howard said. LB Matt McCoy looked good in his new role as starting WLB. He improved his conditioning during the off-season and added muscle. Most importantly, he immersed himself in Jim Johnson’s playbook. He’s been a pleasant surprise in camp. He’s physical and always seems to be in the right place. Veteran safety Brian Dawkins showed he was back in mid-season form when he had the play of the day in one of the first practices. He was near the line of scrimmage on a blitz when he jumped to deflect a pass from Jeff Garcia, caught it, and then returned it 40 yards for a score. The next day, rookie LB Omar Gaither had the hit of the day when he shed a block and leveled Brian Westbrook for a 2-yard loss on a running play. Gaither has shown great athletic ability. Special Teams: David Akers will take it easy in camp, after missing part of last year with a hamstring injury. The left-footed kicker has been warming up his right leg by kicking a soccer ball in order to counterbalance himself. Camp leg E.J. Cochrane will help keep Akers rested. Akers will also be keeping close tabs on the holder situation in camp, since long time holder Koy Detmer’s days appear numbered. The kickoff and punt return situation is complicated by injury heading into camp. The Eagles drafted WR Jeremy Bloom with the hope that he would be their return specialist. He was out of football for two years after being stripped of NCAA eligibility and now has missed quite a lot of practice time with a strained hamstring. Safety J.R. Reed continues his improbable comeback from a severe peroneal nerve leg injury. He’s looking good so far, but whether he’ll be anywhere close to his 2004 form by the end of camp remains to be seen. RB Bruce Perry enters camp as the top KR, but Bloom and/or Reed could eventually overtake him. If Bloom returns, he’ll compete against RB Reno Mahe and CB Dexter Wynn on punt returns. Eagles Depth Chart QB Donovan McNabb, Jeff Garcia, Koy Detmer, Timmy Chang RB Brian Westbrook, Ryan Moats (inj), Bruce Perry (KR), Reno Mahe (PR), Correll Buckhalter (inj) FB Josh Parry, Thomas Tapeh, Jason Davis WR Reggie Brown (inj), Todd Pinkston (inj), Greg Lewis, Jabar Gaffney, Jason Avant, Darnerien McCants, Jeremy Bloom (KR/PR), Hank Baskett, Carl Ford, Justin Jenkins, Bill Sampy, J.J. Outlaw, Derrick Fenner, Jermaine Jamison TE L.J. Smith, Matt Schobel, Steven Spach, Jonas Crafts K David Akers DE Jevon Kearse, Darren Howard, Trent Cole, Jerome McDougle, Juqua Thomas DT Mike Patterson, Darwin Walker, Sam Rayburn, Brodrick Bunkley, Ed Jasper, Keyonta Marshall, LaJuan Ramsey MLB Jeremiah Trotter, Mark Simoneau (W/M), Omar Gaither (W/M) OLB Dhani Jones (S), Shawn Barber (W), Matt McCoy (W), Chris Gocong (S), Jason Short (S), Dedrick Roper (S), Greg Richmond, Torrence Daniels CB Sheldon Brown, Lito Sheppard (inj), Roderick Hood (KR), Donald Strickland, Matt Ware, Dexter Wynn, Joselio Hanson, Mark Clark S Brian Dawkins (FS), Michael Lewis (SS), Quintin Mikell (FS), Sean Considine (SS), J.R. Reed (FS/KR), Scott Ware (SS) Pittsburgh Steelers QB: Ben Roethlisberger wasted no time when camp started. He was out there running wind sprints with his offensive linemen just a few weeks after his near-fatal motorcycle crash. "It was important for me. A lot of guys were asking me, 'Are you really going to run? You don't have to go out and prove anything to us.' But it was important for me to get out there and show the guys and the coaches that I'm out here and I'm going to give it my all," he said. Roethlisberger was sharp during the initial portions of practice. He was crisp and on target with his throws, but then he was intercepted by Deshea Townsend during 11-on-11 drills on a pass intended for Nate Washington. Later, Cowher said Roethlisberger banged his thumb on a helmet during the follow-through on the throw but the quarterback didn't miss a repetition. "I don't get hit for a long time, so I'm good," said Roethlisberger about his ability to take contact. "I want to let Coach know I'm ready whenever he needs me." The Steelers cut hometown product Rod Rutherford before camp started. RB: Verron Haynes is running 2nd on the Steelers depth chart hoping to earn a larger role this year after being the team’s third-down back in the past. He’s ahead of Duce Staley and running second to starter Willie Parker. "I'm working hard in Atlanta for whenever the opportunity presents itself," Haynes said. "As the old saying goes, you have to dress for the job you want, not the one you have," Haynes said. "I can see it and I want it, so I have been preparing harder." The Steelers signed rookie Cedric Humes before camp started and he’s running 4th on the depth chart. WR: The Steelers have discussed rotating Hines Ward and Cedrick Wilson at flanker as part of an effort to replace Antwaan Randle El. They hope rookie Santonio Holmes will be able to contribute something, too. Holmes hasn’t gotten off to a good start. He essentially called Ben Roethlisberger a liar and showed no remorse for his two arrests in a three-week span since he was drafted. When asked why he didn't return Roethlisberger's telephone calls, Holmes jabbed, "I didn't get any calls from him." He then added defiantly, "I don't think I have anything to prove to anybody. People know what I can do on the field and they know the type of person I am off the field." Regardless, Holmes is under contract and on the field along with fellow rookie WR Willie Reid and veterans Cedrick Wilson, Quincy Morgan, Nate Washington, Sean Morey and, of course, Hines Ward. TE: Heath Miller, who caught 6 TDs last year, expects to have a bigger role in the offense in his 2nd season, especially in the red zone. He’ll once again be backed up by Jerame Tuman. Defense: The Steelers are talking to free-agent-to-be CB Ike Taylor about a long-term extension. Taylor never really considered holding out. "Ain't no thoughts like that coming across my head," Taylor said. He wants to stay with the Steelers long-term. "What guy wouldn't want to come back to Pittsburgh, especially after winning a Super Bowl," he said. "Hopefully, we'll have a chance to win another one." Safety Chris Hope left as a free agent. He’ll be replaced by Ryan Clark, short term, and then long term, hopefully by Anthony Smith, the team’s 2nd round pick. Brett Keisel becomes a starter this year at DE with the loss of Kimo von Oelhoffen. Joey Porter is still on the shelf after having knee surgery on May 24th. He vowed to be in top form when the Steelers open the regular season. Porter said, "The knee is fine. I'm just rehabbing. I got 40 days before the first game to get ready. I'll be ready." Special Teams: Jeff Reed remains the Steelers’ kicker. Rookie kicker Mark Brubaker from East Stroudsburg is also in camp to help carry the workload. The special teams focus in camp will be upon the return squads. The more exciting half is punt returns, where Antwaan Randle El needs to be replaced. WR Willie Reid was drafted in the third round for primarily that reason, and early indications are that he will succeed. He’s yet another fast Willie for the Steelers. Rookie WR Santonio Holmes also did quite well with punt returns in college, and Bill Cowher suggested they may try lining up both of them on the field at the same time. Holmes could also compete on kickoff returns. Incumbents CB Ricardo Colclough and WR Quincy Morgan should also figure into the kickoff return mix once again. Holmes, Reid, WR Eugene Baker, WR Nate Washington, WR Cedrick Wilson, and Colclough have all been practicing fielding the ball. WR Isaac West and CB Anthony Madison will soon join them. Steelers Depth Chart QB Ben Roethlisberger (inj), Charlie Batch, Omar Jacobs RB Willie Parker (RFA), Duce Staley (SD), Verron Haynes (3RB/FB), Cedric Humes FB Dan Kreider, Doug Easlick WR Hines Ward, Cedrick Wilson, Santonio Holmes, Nate Washington, Quincy Morgan, Willie Reid (KR/PR), Sean Morey, Lee Mays, Walter Young, Eugene Baker, Marvin Allen TE Heath Miller, Jerame Tuman, Charles Davis, Jonathan Dekker, Isaac Smolko K Jeff Reed, Mark Brubaker DE Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel, Travis Kirschke, Rodney Bailey, Shaun Nua, Orien Harris, Lee Vickers NT Casey Hampton, Chris Hoke, Scott Paxson ILB James Farrior, Larry Foote, Rian Wallace, Clint Kriewaldt, Mike Kudla OLB Joey Porter (inj), Clark Haggans, James Harrison, Andre Frazier, Arnold Harrison CB Deshea Townsend, Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, Ricardo Colclough (PR/KR), Chidi Iwuoma, Anthony Madison S Troy Polamalu (SS), Ryan Clark (FS), Tyrone Carter (FS), Mike Logan (SS), Anthony Smith, Zack Baker, Mike Lorello St. Louis Rams QB: Marc Bulger can’t worry about the departure of former head coach Mike Martz. Instead, he’s been enthusiastic in adopting the new system installed by head coach Scott Linehan. "Marc has really shown me that he's embracing our system, which is the new Rams system. He's played very well," Linehan said, pointing out that in the first three camp practices, Bulger "had two interceptions on bad-luck tips. Other than that, he's up there in the 75-80 percent completion range...I think this guy's going to really have a great year. Not just statistically, but as a guy who's going to take his game to a new level, a leader who's playing winning football for us.” Jeff Smoker was released prior to camp reducing the Rams’ number of QBs on the roster to four: Marc Bulger, Gus Frerotte, Ryan Fitzpatrick and David Ragone. RB: Camp under Linehan is noticeably more physical than in previous years. So much so that Linehan himself had to step in at one point after the running backs were taken to the ground several times by defenders in a 9-on-7 run drill. Linehan reminded everyone that is how leg injuries happen when players are in shorts. Steven Jackson had his helmet knocked off on one play. On another, he was shoved hard out of bounds by new safety Corey Chavous, to his surprise. "It's football," Jackson said after practice. "No one got mad out there. Everyone understands that. Coach (Linehan) said this team's going to have a new attitude, and to me, it's starting today." Jackson is no worse for the wear. He reported to training camp at 228 lbs, five pounds lighter than usual and ready for a bigger workload. "One of the big things is Marshall's not here, so I don't have to deal with that any more," Jackson said. "And it's a new regimen. Coach (Linehan) is making a point that the running game is going to be something that he expects to be there. So there's no more excuses." With Faulk out for the year, rumors persisted about the Rams trading for Michael Bennett, but he was sent to the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday. The primary backup for now is free-agent pickup Tony Fisher. "I think we helped ourselves with Tony Fisher," Linehan said. "That was a big signing because he does help us in the special teams area, but he really is a very effective running back and can handle that number two spot." Fisher and FB Paul Smith will likely see more carries this season with Faulk (knee) out of the picture. "I think if we were playing a game tomorrow those would be the guys, Steven (Jackson), (Tony) Fish(er), and Paul (Smith) would be the guys who would carry the majority of the load at tailback spot," Rams head coach Scott Linehan said. WR: All of the Rams receivers are starting over this year as they learn Linehan’s offensive system. After Saturday’s practice, Isaac Bruce worked with a "jugs" machine. "Can't stay the same," he said. "You either get better or you get worse." If Scott Linehan didn't know about Bruce's relentless work ethic, he does now. "When you come out here in practice and see it, you see why he's had such a long career," Linehan said. "I marvel at how good he looks. And I'm not really making reference to his age. You wish all the rookies would come in looking like this guy. He looks as fresh as ever to me. He's the consummate pro." TE: Linehan acknowledged the Rams are "young ... scary young" at tight end, with two rookies atop the depth chart. On the opening day of training camp Thursday, quarterback Marc Bulger found out just how scary. "I don't know which one it was, but it was ... some protection issues" in a pass-blocking scheme, Bulger said. "They have to realize that this isn't college. We're not going to baby them along. Two weeks from now we're playing Indianapolis, and one mistake like that could knock your quarterback out for the year." And Bulger knows a little about that. The team is counting on rapid development from Joe Klopfenstein, a second-round draft pick out of Colorado, and Dominique Byrd, a third-rounder from Southern California. "They've got to understand the urgency," Bulger said. Both said they realize that in the NFL, tight ends must be accomplished blockers, too. "I'm working at it," Klopfenstein said. "I put on 20 pounds since the beginning of the summer, so I think that's going to help a lot. It's a goal of mine to be a starter, and I'm going to do everything I can to do that." Said Byrd: "It feels great just to have the opportunity to play. Some guys have veterans in front of them who have been in the league for eight, nine years. I get to come in and kind of learn on the fly. I think that'll be good for me." Linehan had this to say about his rookie TEs, "We went into the draft knowing we were going to go with the youth movement at that position… They're talented guys, and you've basically just got to say you're going to do it. If you're going to draft two (tight ends), you want to put them on the field and go through the growing pains with them." Defense: Corner Travis Fisher, who missed eight games last season with a groin injury, appears intent on winning back his starting job. He was one of the most active defenders in last Thursday's team drills. The Rams told CB Ron Bartell he’s moving to free safety last week. He has been working with the third team while he acclimates himself to the new position. Veteran corners Fisher and Jerametrius Butler are also learning nickel-back responsibilities. Rookie DE Victor Adeyanju is backing up Leonard Little on the right side since Tyoka Jackson signed with the Lions as a free agent. Special Teams: Veteran kicker Jeff Wilkins will once again be handling the kicking for the Rams. Remy Hamilton, the best kicker in the AFL the last two years, will also be on the roster during camp. WR Brad Pyatt hopes to showcase his skills in camp and win the return specialist role. He showed flashes when with the Colts, but had trouble staying healthy. Fifth round draft pick WR Marques Hagans, another in the trend of converted QBs, will compete on punt returns. WR Shaun McDonald, WR Dane Looker, and CB DeJuan Groce should also once again be involved. Other than Pyatt, the Rams don’t have many experienced kickoff returners. Consequently WR Kevin Curtis is being given a shot, "I tried it a little bit in college, but they didn't use me much back there. So, it's something new. It's another opportunity to touch the ball and get on the field. So, I'm all for it." Rams Depth Chart QB Marc Bulger, Gus Frerotte, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dave Ragone RB Steven Jackson, Tony Fisher, John David Washington, Antoine Bagwell, Marshall Faulk (inj) FB Madison Hedgecock, Paul Smith WR Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Kevin Curtis, Shaun McDonald (PR), Dane Looker, Brad Pyatt, Marques Hagans, Clinton Solomon, Joshua Tinch TE Joel Klopfenstein, Jerome Collins, Dominique Byrd, Aaron Walker, Alex Holmes, Landon Trusty (IR) K Jeff Wilkins, Remy Hamilton DE Leonard Little, Tony Hargrove, Brandon Green, Clifford Dukes, Victor Adeyanju, Matthew Rice DT Jimmy Kennedy (NT), La'Roi Glover, Claude Wroten, Brian Howard, Jason Fisk, Jeremy Calahan, Tim Sandidge MLB Will Witherspoon (W/M), Tim McGarigle OLB Pisa Tinoisamoa (S), Brandon Chillar (W), Dexter Coakley (W) (inj), Raonall Smith, Jon Alston, Drew Wahlroos (S) CB Tye Hill, Jerametrius Butler, Travis Fisher, Fakhir Brown, DeJuan Groce, Kevin Timothee S Corey Chavous (SS), Oshiomogho Atogwe (FS), Ronald Bartell (FS), Jerome Carter (SS), Dwaine Carpenter (FS) San Diego Chargers QB: After the first couple of days, Philip Rivers is off to a good start in training camp. He hit Eric Parker on a deep pass on one play and then looked sharp throwing crossing routes later. In 9-on-9 drills, Rivers completed nearly every pass even in wet conditions. "There's an element of uncertainty there," head coach Marty Schottenheimer professed when discussing Rivers. As a testament to Schottenheimer’s offense, Rivers admitted that “I don't have to do too much…I've got to do my job and not try to create a big play or make spectacular things happen. If those opportunities present themselves, I'll take them." Rivers is throwing accurately and routinely hitting LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates on shorter routes in stride. Competing for the backup job is A.J. Feeley and rookie Charlie Whitehurst. Download 366.51 Kb. Share with your friends:
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