Training Camp Update Volume 3, Issue 1 8/02/07
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- Buccaneers Depth Chart QB
- Titans Depth Chart QB
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WR: Joey Galloway did not participate in the 2nd practice each day, as was the case last year during most of camp. Galloway is expected to follow a similar pattern this year to save his body for the regular season. In the first few days of camp there was no shortage of nice plays from the WR corps. The first roar from the crowd came Friday morning when Jeff Garcia hit Michael Clayton in stride on a deep ball over the middle – though it should be pointed out this was the “group install” drill meaning there was no defense on the field. Several coaches specifically praised that throw by Garcia, and moments later, Clayton made a fantastic shoestring grab on a quick slant. During red zone drills, the offense ran a play-action pass that didn’t fool DE Greg Spires, who made a beeline to Garcia, but the QB made a nifty move and dumped a low pass to David Boston who rolled into the end zone for a TD, drawing a loud cheer from the fans in attendance. In the first full team session, Boston split the middle of the defense as he got about 5 yards behind the coverage where Luke McCown hit him for a play that covered half the length of the field. WR Maurice Stovall continues to see action in the team's goal line formation, as was the case last season. The 6-5, 220-pound Stovall turned in a highlight catch, leaping high above defenders to haul in a pass that looked overthrown at first during team drills. Stovall plucked the ball out of the air and remained inbounds, drawing attention from his teammates and a "Way to go, Mo!" shout. On Friday, Stovall made a nice double move for another long completion from Garcia. Chad Lucas ran a perfect double move in the same drills catching a long throw from Chris Simms. In 7-on-7 drills, Joey Galloway got free down the right sideline and Luke McCown found him on the run for what would’ve been a touchdown. Moments later, Galloway caught another pass on the same sideline. On Saturday, HC Jon Gruden was stressing to the receivers what to do after the catch. “[Forget] the sideline,” yelled Gruden. “Don’t just fall out of bounds. Get some yards.” Michael Clayton had a nice play going deep down the right sideline against Will Allen, but DBs coach called out Jenkins for pushing off. WR Chad Owens isn’t tall, but he’s compact and tough as nails. During a WRs drill in the red zone Saturday, Owens caught a quick slant that, then after the catch near the back of the end zone he ran up to a blocking sled finished the rep off nicely with a hard hit to the sled. TE: In the first full-team session, new TE Jerramy Stevens flashed some of his athleticism by making a nice catch on a crossing route. Stevens caught the pass from Jeff Garcia between coverage, and then dragged both of his feet to barely stay in bounds. Stevens hopes to challenge Alex Smith for the starting role, but both are likely to make the roster and play a role in two-TE sets. On Thursday, the Bucs released TE T.J. Williams. Defense: Two players with high hopes for the year are MLB Barrett Ruud and rookie safety Sabby Piscitelli. The two players combined for a big play in the first days of camp. On a pass intended for Joey Galloway, Piscitelli dove in front to tip the pass. The ball deflected off Galloway and Ruud was able to scoop the ball out of the air for an interception. During team drills, Piscitelli drew praise from his teammates on an interception of Chris Simms. It should have been his second of the day, but the rookie was unable to bring in the earlier pass that should have been a pick. Rookie first round pick DE Gaines Adams showed off his speed, beating his man off the edge almost instantaneously on the snap. Derrick Brooks was back on the field, but he didn’t participate in practices; he was in pad and looked ready to start hitting people. Brooks was joined on the sidelines by former Bucs LB Shelton Quarles, who remains a friend of the team, during Saturday’s morning session. LB Ryan Nece, last season's starting SLB, handled the MLB duties whenever he lined up with the defense. While the WR/DB 1-on-1 drills generally favor the offense, the Bucs corners (and a few safeties) showed aggressiveness on Saturday morning, thwarting 12 out of 28 attempted throws, including five in a row near the end of the drill. Sammy Davis maintained coverage on a square-in by Chas Gessner to knock one ball away, then later stayed with Maurice Stovall to bat down another. Second-year CB Alan Zemaitis had a nice one against Gessner also, and then later, covered Chad Owens so well on a crossing route that QB Luke McCown chose not to even throw the ball. During 7-on-7s S Will Allen intercepted a deep floater that he returned through the offense with fervor. Last, but certainly not least, the Bucs released DE Simeon Rice last Thursday as camp got underway. In another move, they placed DE Charles Bennett on the IR with a knee injury. Special Teams: Matt Bryant will again be the kicker for the Bucs. He hopes to be busier than last year, when they provided him with the fewest kicker scoring opportunities in the NFL. He’ll be busy in preseason, as he’s the only kicker on the roster. Tampa Bay is hoping to have one player emerge as a return specialist handling both kickoff and punt returns this year. The two contenders are WR Mark Jones and WR Chad Owens. Jones has handled punt returns in recent years. Owens struggled during his two years in Jacksonville. Both are more experienced on punt returns. If neither one can adequately pick up the kickoff return role, RB Michael Pittman may once again fill that job. If neither one makes the final roster, then WR Ike Hilliard and/or CB Philip Buchanon may once again handle punt returns. Buccaneers Depth Chart QB: Jeff Garcia, Bruce Gradkowski, Chris Simms, Luke McCown, Bruce Eugene RB: Cadillac Williams, Michael Pittman (3RB), Earnest Graham, Ken Darby FB: Mike Alstott, B.J. Askew WR: Joey Galloway, Michael Clayton (inj), Maurice Stovall, Ike Hilliard, David Boston, Paris Warren, Mark Jones TE: Jerramy Stevens, Alex Smith, Anthony Becht, Keith Heinrich K: Matt Bryant DT: Chris Hovan (NT), Kevin Carter (DT), Ellis Wyms, Ryan Sims (NT), Greg Peterson DE: Greg Spires, Gaines Adams, Patrick Chukwurah, Julian Jenkins, Jovan Haye, Charles Bennett (IR) MLB: Barrett Ruud, Adam Hayward OLB: Derrick Brooks (W), Cato June (S), Ryan Nece (S), Quincy Black, Jamie Winborn (S) CB: Ronde Barber, Brian Kelly, Phillip Buchanon (PR), Alan Zemaitas, Torrie Cox (susp), Marcus Hamilton, Sammy Davis, Marcus Hamilton S: Will Allen (FS), Jermaine Phillips (SS), Sabby Piscitelli (SS), Tanard Jackson (FS), Kalvin Pearson (SS), Eli Ward (FS) Tennessee Titans QB: Vince Young didn’t waste any opportunities to thank teammates for backing him during his rookie season. He left thank you notes in each of his teammates’ lockers. "It was a good way, without getting up in front of the team and taking that forum, of getting in everybody's head and just giving them that word of encouragement," veteran DE Kyle Vanden Bosch said. "I think it meant a lot." TE Bo Scaife, who talked with Young about the letter before it was distributed, said "I feel like his leadership role has definitely picked up. I think he's more comfortable saying what he feels and reaching out to everyone on the team, offense and defense. He definitely feels like he has more power, being a leader and being able to express his opinion to everyone." Young was animated in the team’s first practice on last Friday afternoon, clapping his hands and then scolding himself after overthrowing a receiver on another play. Young seemed loose. "I know I'm more comfortable. I know I'm a little bit more ahead on the offense, so that helps me out," Young said. "…Last year I was quieter. I was watching. Now I'm more relaxed. I know what's going on. I know what coach expects." Offensive coordinator Norm Chow said Young is earning to read defenses and now just let his athleticism take over. Chow said that Young’s progress is forcing him to alter his thinking about his quarterback. "We've got to fix it to match what 10 can do for you because 10 can do an awful lot of good things," Chow said. "The progressive-type reads … I think now we're more into coverage recognition and then knowing where to go after you recognize the coverage." Young can now identify the defense before taking the snap, something he wasn’t doing a year ago. Chow said he expects defenses to treat Young much differently this season than they did in 2006. “People understand him now, they're not going to let him run around," he said. "So if they're not going to let him run around, he better throw some completions." To do so, Young knows he will need to heed Chow's instructions. "Every day he preaches, 'Read this free safety, watch what he's doing, he's going to tell you where to go,' " Young said. Kerry Collins and Tim Rattay are in camp as the #2 and #3, respectively.
The other two backs proving the competition for White are former Titans starter Chris Brown and 2nd round pick Chris Henry. RBs coach Sherman Smith said not to read into anything too early in camp if one backs seems to be taking the lead. "Whoever gets it the first week, that doesn't guarantee they have it the next week. They can't just say, 'Oh, I've got the job. I can take it easy.' You've got to perform every week, just like Travis, and Chris Brown when he was a starter, and Eddie George." Chris Brown's speed could help him be a factor in the competition. Brown returns to the team with 1-year deal and he knows it will be a spirited competition saying, "I've got a lot to go out and prove to myself and a lot of other people.” Rookie Chris Henry signed a 4-year deal on Friday. The 50th pick overall in this year’s draft is expected to compete for the job, too. "He's ready to come in and compete for the starting job and help the Titans win," Henry’s agent said. Jeff Fished broke down his RBs this way, “You’re going to end up with a starter and a backup… If your third runner is on the active roster on game day, he’s going to have to carry a significant special teams role and other responsibilities.” WR: On the first day of practice, Vince Young and Courtney Roby provided the highlights. On one play, Roby and Young connected for a long ball that brought cheers from the crowd. On Sunday, Brandon Jones took the spotlight when the former third-round pick caught a 50-yard bomb over two defenders. “Vince and I are trying to keep up the same thing that we had going in OTAs and all summer long,” Jones said after practice. “We wanted to come into camp and not start over, but rather continue from where we left off. We’re trying to stay on the same page with one another.” HC Jeff Fisher was pleased with their performance, too. “Brandon Jones is making some plays and that is good to see,” said Fisher. And about all the talk about how Young has nobody to throw to this year? Jones said that only fuels his fire. “Those people give us strength and encouragement to go out there and perform better because we feed off of that,” he said. “Hearing things like that makes you want to go out there and work even harder.” Newly signed Eric Moulds also looked good. He doesn’t have blazing speed anymore, but he catches everything and he’s big and sturdy. Roydell Williams got off to a good start, while Justin Gage saw fewer reps since Moulds joined the team. Gage didn’t standout like he did in earlier minicamps. Among the rookies, Chris Davis looks shifty and he has a chance to make an impact. David Givens wasn’t faring too well as he continued to rehab his rebuilt knee on a side field. "I wish my progress was a little further along than it is," he said. "All I can do is try and progress every day, but this process is frustrating." Givens said if he's not ready by Week 8, "then I'm rehabbing for next year." Undrafted rookie Biren Ealy (6’3” 207 pounds) is hoping to seize his opportunity in camp. Ealy became friends with Vince Young while preparing for his Pro Day as they shared the same trainer. They began working out together, even throwing and catching regularly. That led Young to mention Ealy to the Titans coaches. Turns out the Titans scouts were already interested in Ealy. “That’s my boy. I told the coaches to take a shot on him and that they would like him a lot,” Young said. “He’s out here getting into the offense, he hasn’t been making any mistakes out here, he’s catching the ball and that’s all we need from him.” Ealy understands that it will be an uphill battle to make the team (12 receivers in camp). “I’m just going to try and practice to the best of my ability. I feel like the rest will take care of itself,” he said. “All I want to do is get better every day and I feel things will work out.” TE: Ben Troupe is healthy and is one of five tight ends in camp. Jeff Fisher did comment rather extensively on Troupe after Saturday’s practices, but it was mostly coachspeak. Bo Scaife and Ben Troupe will continue to get the bulk of the work with the first team. Scaife missed part of Sunday’s practice with cramps but is expected to be fine. Defense: The Titan defensive backfield looks to improve substantially with the additions of Nick Harper and Michael Griffin, both of whom will likely start at corner. The Titans will likely work out Simeon Rice in the near future to help with the pass rush opposite Kyle Vanden Bosch. The Titans have a hole at middle linebacker as well with the retirement of Peter Sirmon. Last year’s fourth round pick Stephen Tullock and 4-year veteran Ryan Fowler are waging a battle for the starting spot. “It’s been a very, very good competition,” LBs coach Dave McGinnis said. “They’ve been pushing each other, they’ve been helping each other and you can see both of them getting incrementally better just because of that competition.” Tulloch made three starts at MLB as a rookie while Fowler has primarily contributed on special teams. Fowler, signed from the Cowboys, is being given the opportunity to win the position. In Sunday’s practice two former Colts, Nick Harper and David Thornton, combined on an interception. Harper picked off a pass, ran several yards, and then lateraled the ball to Thornton for a “touchdown.” The coaches weren't joking about giving second-year safety Calvin Lowry a chance to start alongside Chris Hope. Lowry lined up with the first-team defense on the first days of practice while veteran Lamont Thompson was more of a spectator. Thompson is one of the worst safeties in the league. Chris Hope is firmly entrenched as the starter at free safety. Special Teams: Kicker Rob Bironas probably secured his job for another year with his 60-yard game winner against the Colts last year. Undrafted rookie John Vaughn from Auburn will serve as the camp leg this preseason. The departure of Bobby Wade and the suspension of Pacman Jones leave both return jobs open to competition in camp. WR Courtney Roby is the early favorite to take over on kickoff returns, although he’ll be challenged by DB Cortland Finnegan and rookie WR Chris Davis. Cortland Finnegan and Chris Davis also figure to be the main competitors for the punt return job. WR Brandon Jones is also a possibility on punt returns. Titans Depth Chart QB: Vince Young, Kerry Collins, Tim Rattay RB: LenDale White, Chris Brown, Chris Henry, Quinton Ganther, DonTrell Moore FB: Ahmard Hall, Casey Cramer (TE) , Jonathan Evans WR: Brandon Jones, Eric Moulds, Roydell Williams, Courtney Roby, Justin Gage, Paul Williams, Chris Davis, Jonathan Orr, Joel Filani, Biren Ealy, David Givens (inj) TE: Ben Troupe, Bo Scaife, Ben Hartsock, Cooper Wallace K: Rob Bironas, John Vaughn DT: Albert Haynesworth, Randy Starks, Antonio Johnson, Jesse Mahelona, Rien Long (inj), Tony Brown (RFA) DE: Kyle Vanden Bosch, Antwan Odom (inj), Travis LaBoy, DeQuincy Scott, Josh Savage (inj), Jacob Ford, Sean Conover, Jermaine McElveen MLB: Stephen Tulloch, Ryan Fowler OLB: Keith Bulluck (W), David Thornton (S), Cody Spencer (W), Gilbert Gardner (W), Ken Amato, LeVar Woods, Terna Nande, Spencer Toone CB: Nick Harper, Kelly Herndon, Reynaldo Hill, Michael Griffin, Andre Woolfolk, Ryan Smith, Michael Waddell, Eric King, Pacman Jones (susp) S: Chris Hope (SS), Lamont Thompson (FS), Calvin Lowry (FS), Bryan Scott (FS), Cortland Finnegan (FS/CB), Donnie Nickey, Vincent Fuller (FS), Brandon Sharp Washington Redskins QB: Jason Campbell has looked sharp in the early going; far more confident and decisive in his third year. Campbell has shown excellent footwork, making several throws on bootlegs. The team is desperate to increase the big play ability of the passing attack this year, and Campbell has answered the call. On Monday (7/30), Campbell hit Antwaan Randle El in stride for an 80-yard touchdown; and then followed that up with a 40-yard connection to TE Chris Cooley. Joe Gibbs has been quick to praise his young QB’s progress, “The timing of the offense takes time, but I feel like he’s starting to be crisp with his throws.” Mark Brunell has looked sharp, too, while Todd Collins, Jordan Palmer and Casey Bramlett have all had their ups and downs. It seems likely the Redskins will keep one of the two younger QBs as the emergency QB3, which leaves Collins as the potential odd-man out barring an exceptional performance over the next few weeks. RB: The running backs have had a relatively quiet start to camp; which is actually a good thing. Clinton Portis appears healthy and has been an active participant in camp, including blocking drills. Portis is eager to prove himself after a disappointing 2006 campaign, "For three of my five years, I think I played that way, I think it took until I felt comfortable, until I felt I'd arrived at elite status...that I was a superstar, that I relaxed. Then I get hurt and all of a sudden, you feel like everything you've done is forgotten about. Now, I'm stepping out like a rookie. I have to prove that I'm still the dangerous (number) 26." Fantasy owners eager for a glimpse of the relative workload between Portis and Ladell Betts haven’t been given any clarity through the first five days. Betts has seen plenty of work, too, but his most memorable moment from the first week was probably when newly acquired linebacker London Fletcher absolutely blew him up on one play. Betts agrees with Portis that 2007 is a year of proving themselves, “"We feel like we let the fans down, the organization down, … so I think we're trying to give back, go in the right direction, trying to get back into the playoffs. Last year was a good wake-up call for everybody." WR: The Redskins receiving corps needs to show massive improvement this year after a disappointing 2006. Santana Moss remains head and shoulders above the rest of the unit, but must put together a healthy season for the offense to flourish in OC Al Saunders second season. Antwaan Randle El is running with the first team thus far in camp, with Brandon Lloyd playing primarily with the second unit; and appears okay with the notion of playing behind Randle El. "I don't see it as being a competition. It's all about me going in and doing my job, and if it costs me being the number two receiver and instead making plays at the number three receiver, that's what I'll do." Randle El clearly has chemistry with Jason Campbell, making at least one highlight catch in each of the first five days of practice. Backup Mike Espy made a few nice catches but was limited over the last few days; he can ill afford a protracted absence from the field if he’s to break camp on the active roster. TE: Chris Cooley picked up right where he left off in the first week of camp. He was making catches all over the field, perhaps no more impressive than a double move he put on a 2nd string defensive back that allowed him to catch a deep touchdown pass from Jason Campbell. Backup journeyman Todd Yoder has been making plays in the passing game, raising some eyebrows. Working with the 1st and 2nd team units, he has been finding the seam and picking up key first downs in 11-on-11 and 9-on-9 drills. Defense: The Redskins secondary is getting a big-time makeover with the return of Fred Smoot at corner and the signing of safety LaRon Landry. Landy, an early camp holdout, reported to camp on Day 5 after signing a deal that will guarantee him more money than any safety in NFL history. There is a clear emphasis on creating turnovers this year, after generating a league low 12 turnovers last year (6 interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries). DC Gregg Williams acknowledges the importance of improving in that area, "You've seen Coach Gibbs really crack down on the drills that we're using in the practice format," Williams said. "We've always had an emphasis on takeaways, but we've got even more incentive on some of the drills we're doing in the practice settings because Coach Gibbs wants us to play that way." Other: LT Chris Samuels suffered a badly sprained MCL and will be out approximately 4 weeks. The Redskins surprised a lot of people by putting rookie Stephon Heyer at left tackle with the first team instead of veteran Jason Fabini or Todd Wade (who is being counted on to start at left guard). The Redskins will likely rotate a number players at left tackle in the coming weeks until they find someone best equipped to hold Samuels place on the line. Special Teams: For the first time in several years, the John Hall question will not be a part of the Redskins’ camp. He was finally released during the offseason. Shaun Suisham took over the latter part of last year, and remains their kicker heading into this year. The returners remain pretty much the same as last year. RB Rock Cartwright is the primary kickoff returner, and RB Ladell Betts and WR James Thrash are available as backups. WR Antwaan Randle El is the primary punt returner, backed up by James Thrash. One new name that may get a look on returns in camp is rookie DB John Eubanks. The Redskins released PK Tyler Frederickson, leaving Shaun Suisham as the only kicker in camp. Derrick Frost resumes his punting duties. Redskins Depth Chart QB: Jason Campbell, Mark Brunell, Todd Collins, Casey Bramlet, Jordan Palmer RB: Clinton Portis (inj), Ladell Betts (3RB), Rock Cartwright, Derrick Blaylock, Marcus Mason FB: Mike Sellers, Peter Schmitt, Nehemiah Broughton (IR) WR: Santana Moss (PR), Antwaan Randle El (KR/PR), Brandon Lloyd, James Thrash, Corey Bradford, Mike Espy, Ryan Hoag, Jason McAddley, Deyon Williams, Bill Toler TE: Chris Cooley, Todd Yoder, Tyler Ecker, Pete Schmitt (inj) K: Shaun Suisham, Tyler Fredrickson DT: Cornelius Griffin, Joe Salave'a, Kedric Golston, Anthony Montgomery, Ryan Boschetti, Matt Sinclair DE: Philip Daniels, Andre Carter, Renaldo Wynn, Demetric Evans, Justin Hickman MLB: London Fletcher, H.B. Blades OLB: Marcus Washington (S), Rocky McIntosh (W), Lemar Marshall (W), Khary Campbell (S/M), Dallas Sartz CB: Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers, Fred Smoot, David Macklin, Jerametrius Butler, Ade Jimoh, Daniel Francis S: Sean Taylor (FS), Laron Landry (SS), Omar Stoutmire (SS), Pierson Prioleau, Vernon Fox (SS), Reed Doughty (SS) Directory: 2007 2007 -> Bbc archives: Beyond the programme download 2007 -> The environment in the news 2007 -> - 2007 -> Out On The Prairie Cowboys fall for each other in Ang Lee’s riveting, landmark “Brokeback Mountain.” 2007 -> An Extension Cord to mars 2007 -> Pricing Closing Price $3,578 (June 22) 52-Wk High $3,825 52-Wk Low $2,982 Market Data 2007 -> Weather Research Center 2007 -> Student enquiry teacher background information 2007 -> The environment in the news tuesday 31 July, 2007 unep and the Executive Director in the News 2007 -> Student enquiry hurricanes in the caribbean Download 0.56 Mb. Share with your friends:
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