Training Camp Update Volume 3, Issue 1 8/02/07
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- Bears Depth Chart QB
- Cincinnati Bengals QB
- Bengals Depth Chart QB
- Browns Depth Chart QB
WR: The Bears return their top four WRs from last season so things will mostly remain the same, but the biggest story early in training camp has been the play of Devin Hester. The Bears initially tried the return specialist at cornerback last year but decided to move him to offense this year to take advantage of his big-play ability. When asked if there are any other players as explosive and dynamic as Hester, offensive coordinator Ron Turner said "Maybe Steve Smith. That would be the only other guy." In practice so far, Hester has been nearly uncoverable on deep routes and has made several spectacular grabs, including one while laying on the ground. He has elite change of direction skills and soft hands that could make him a terror for opposing defenses to contend with. Mark Bradley is fully healthy and could also make a big impact now that he’ll be nearly two full years removed from the torn ACL that ended his rookie season. When you add Hester and Bradley to starters Muhsin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian, and slot receiver Rashied Davis, the Bears appear to have the pieces in place for a very explosive passing attack. Another player to keep an eye on is undrafted rookie David Ball who caught 58 TD passes at New Hampshire, shattering Jerry Rice’s Division I-AA record. TE: After several disappointing seasons, Desmond Clark exploded with a career-high 626 yard season in 2006. He enters camp as the unquestioned starter at TE and is clearly one of Grossman’s favorite targets, especially near the goal line. The Bears upgraded the position even further by drafting Greg Olsen in the 1st round out of Miami. Olsen has elite speed, runs great routes, and catches everything in sight. He demonstrated his ability to stretch the defense with a deep catch down the middle, but also showed he could be a reliable check down option for Grossman, as well. The Bears may have one of the best receiving tandems in the league and that could pose some matchup nightmares for opposing defenses this year. Defense: The biggest story surrounding the Bears defense was the signing of All Pro LB Lance Briggs. In exchange for the Bears promising not to use the franchise tag on him again next offseason, Briggs agreed to sign the 1-year franchise tender, thus keeping the league’s best defense intact for at least one more season. The Bears also prevented their starting two CBs from becoming free agents a year from now by locking them both up to long-term extensions. Charles Tillman signed a 6-year, $38 million contract extension with $18 million guaranteed and Nathan Vasher signed a 5-year, $28 million contract with $14 million guaranteed. When combined with nickel CB Ricky Manning Jr.’s 5-year, $21 million deal last year, the Bears have basically locked up their top-3 CBs for the next four seasons. Some of the situations to watch in training camp are how SS Adam Archuleta adapts to the Bears defense after being benched in Washington last year, the health of FS Mike Brown, and the play of 2nd year DE Mark Anderson who is taking over the starting right end job from veteran Alex Brown. The Bears also made a move to solidify the interior of their defensive line when they acquired disgruntled DT Darwin Walker from the Bills for an undisclosed draft pick. He’ll likely be a big part of the defensive tackle rotation and provide some insurance behind Tommie Harris. Special Teams: The key special teams’ starters for the Bears are set. Robbie Gould returns as the reigning top scoring kicker in the league. He’s been working during the offseason on his kickoffs and onside kicks. Nick Novak will provide the most experienced camp leg in the NFL. He has played for Washington and Arizona in regular season games. On kickoff and punt returns, everybody knows and wants to emulate Devin Hester. The Bears know that opposing teams will be trying to kick away from Hester. The Colts reminded the league how important that is in the Super Bowl. Chicago is looking at lining up a second player deep on kickoffs, so that Hester isn't running laterally to chase down balls when opposing teams kick away from him. FS Danieal Manning was used in that role during minicamps, and WR Rashied Davis is the other contender for that duty. On punt returns, WR Bernard Berrian and Rashied Davis have been practicing in addition to Devin Hester. Bears Depth Chart QB: Rex Grossman, Brian Griese, Kyle Orton, Chris Leak RB: Cedric Benson (inj), Adrian Peterson, Garrett Wolfe, Josh Allen FB: Jason McKie, Obafemi Ayanbedejo, Jon Goldsberry WR: Muhsin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian, Mark Bradley, Rashied Davis (PR), Devin Hester (KR/PR), Mike Hass, Dave Ball, Brandon Rideau, Drisan James, Timon Marshall, Clinton Solomon TE: Desmond Clark, Greg Olsen, John Gilmore, Fontel Mines, Brett Pierce K: Robbie Gould, Nick Novak DT: Tommie Harris (inj), Darwin Walker, Dusty Dvoracek (NT), Anthony Adams, Antonio Garay, Tory Collins DE: Adewale Ogunleye, Mark Anderson, Alex Brown, Dan Bazuin, Israel Idonije (DT), Copeland Bryan, Chris Frome MLB: Brian Urlacher OLB: Lance Briggs (W), Hunter Hillenmeyer (S/M), Michael Okwo (W), Jamar Williams (W), Brendon Ayanbadejo (S), Leon Joe (W), Darrell McClover, Rod Wilson, Danny Verdun-Wheeler CB: Charles Tillman, Nathan Vasher, Ricky Manning, Dante Wesley, Corey Graham, Trumaine McBride, Tim Mixon, Greg Fassitt S: Mike Brown (FS/SS), Adam Archuleta (SS), Danieal Manning (FS/CB), Chris Harris (FS), Brandon McGowan (SS), Kevin Payne, Tyler Everett (SS), Jay Staggs, Andrew Shanle Cincinnati Bengals QB: Unlike 2006, the Bengals open camp comfortable that their star quarterback, Carson Palmer, is healthy. Palmer, now 18 months removed from the torn ACL he suffered in the 2005 playoffs, has looked sharp during the first practices of camp. "It's comforting to know that I am confident in my knee and it can withstand whatever is thrown at it," said Palmer. "I don't have to worry about the rehab and all the stuff I had to worry about last year." Palmer and Chad Johnson have been connecting regularly on timing routes thus far, reassuring the offensive coaches that Palmer’s second half improvement last season will carry over into 2007. Veteran Doug Johnson is secure in the backup role this year, with fifth round draft pick Jeff Rowe likely to be brought along slowly for the future. RB: Rudi Johnson again looks trim and ready to assume the bulk of the rushing duties in 2007. The Bengals coaching staff would like to see Johnson break some longer runs, however, and the team drafted Auburn running back Kenny Irons to provide the change of pace back they have been looking for since selecting Chris Perry in the first round of the 2004 draft. Irons has already impressed RB coach Jim Anderson with his willingness to improve, staying after practice to work on technique. Anderson singled out Irons, saying, “He wants to be good.” Irons will compete for third down snaps with veteran Kenny Watson, who has been a valued special teams contributor. Perry was placed on the Active/PUP list and is expected to remain on the PUP list when camp ends as he continues to recover from a broken leg suffered during the 2006 season. While Rudi Johnson came to camp in shape, talented fullback Jeremi Johnson found himself on the Active/PUP list. The coaching staff listed the cause as “unknown” but team insiders believe that Johnson was placed on the list after showing up to camp overweight. Johnson is a vital part of the Bengals’ two back sets and goal line packages and had received Pro Bowl consideration in each of the past two seasons. He is unlikely to be allowed to practice until his conditioning improves. WR: Chad Johnson has been clicking with Carson Palmer early in camp, competing hard with cornerback Deltha O’Neal and keeping the 11-on-11 drills lively. T.J. Houshmandzadeh should again provide a stable, veteran presence working the middle of the field from the slot. With deep and red zone threat Chris Henry suspended for the first eight games of the regular season under the new tough conduct policy, the team is looking for one of a number of candidates to step up and grab the outside receiver spot in the three wide receiver package. Now recovered from a severe hip injury suffered early in 2006, third year player Tab Perry may have the inside track. Perry had a better 40-time in the Scouting Combine than Henry and showed flashes of being a physical option in the red zone in limited time last year. Antonio Chatman could also see time as a downfield threat but is already missing practice with a hamstring injury. Glenn Holt, Bennie Brazell and Reggie McNeal will also battle for snaps during the preseason. TE: While veteran Reggie Kelly is only a rare contributor to the Bengals passing attack, he is a vital part of the run blocking scheme. The Bengals rewarded him with a generous contract this offseason to keep him from other potential suitors. Although the team was able to keep Kelly, their valuable backup Tony Stewart signed with Oakland. The loss of Stewart could be significant because there are no experienced options on the roster behind Kelly. College free agent signee Daniel Coats may have an early leg up on the backup role but is unlikely to become a reliable option in the passing game. Defense: The Bengals defense continues to lag behind its high-powered offensive counterpart. After another inconsistent season against both the run and the pass, the Bengals could have four new starters on defense. Second year players LB Ahmad Brooks, CB Johnathan Joseph and DT Domata Peko are all atop the depth chart at their respective positions. Brooks had a very impressive offseason, solidifying his hold on the MLB position after fading late in 2006. He has been praised by the defensive coaches for his attention to detail in the early days of camp and has shown some big play ability during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Since the league denied the reinstatement application of former MLB Odell Thurman, Brooks will be given every chance to become the face of the Cincinnati defense. Joseph is recovering from a foot injury suffered during OTAs but is on schedule and should start the season at one corner position. Deltha O’Neal disappointed last season but early signs suggest he may return to his former Pro Bowl form in his contract year. Should O’Neal remain inconsistent, first round draftee Leon Hall and veteran Keiwan Ratliff could steal snaps. Peko had an impressive rookie season as a rotational player and assumes a starting defensive tackle role after the team released Sam Adams, who disappointed as a run stuffer last year. The most intriguing camp battle to watch outside of the corner competition will be at WLB, where free agent signee Ed Hartwell will need to prove his knees are healthy to earn snaps on rushing downs ahead of underrated veteran Landon Johnson. Special Teams: Kicker Shayne Graham, holder Kyle Larson and long snapper Brad St. Louis have been working to perfect their teamwork on kicks. Two late season big misses last year put them under the proverbial microscope. There is currently no camp leg on the Bengals’ roster, so Graham will be doing all the kicking in camp. Cincinnati lost both their starting returners to injury early last year; WR Tab Perry on kickoffs and WR Antonio Chatman on punts. Perry will compete to regain his job against WR Glenn Holt, the guy that eventually replaced him last year. Chatman should be the punt returner, although he tweaked a hamstring in practice last Friday. A dark horse candidate for both jobs is WR Skyler Green. He did very well on returns in college at LSU, but struggled in his first year in the NFL with Dallas last year. Bengals Depth Chart QB: Carson Palmer, Doug Johnson, Jeff Rowe, Jeff Smith RB: Rudi Johnson, Kenny Watson (3RB), Kenny Irons, Chris Perry (PUP), Quincy Wilson, Dan Burks FB: Jeremi Johnson, Chris Manderino, Stan White WR: Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry (susp), Tab Perry, Antonio Chatman, Reggie McNeal (QB), Glenn Holt, Benny Brazell, Skyler Green, Tony Kays, Jesse Holley TE: Reggie Kelly, Bobby Blizzard (inj), Tim Day, Daniel Coats, Sean Mulcahy (inj) K: Shayne Graham DT: John Thornton, Domata Peko, Michael Myers, Kenderick Allen, Matt Toeaina DE: Justin Smith, Bryan Robinson (DT), Robert Geathers, Frostee Rucker, Jonathan Fanene, Xzavie Jackson, Jimmy Verdon, Bryan Andrews MLB: Ahmad Brooks (M/S), Caleb Miller (W/M), Earl Everett, Odell Thurman (susp) OLB: Rashad Jeanty (S), Ed Hartwell (W/M), Landon Johnson (W/S), Andre Frazier, Eric Henderson, Matt Muncy, Cameron Siskowic, David Pollack (IR) CB: Johnathan Joseph, Deltha O'Neal, Leon Hall, Keiwan Ratliff (PR), Blue Adams, Brandon Williams, T.J. Wright S: Madieu Williams (FS), Dexter Jackson (SS), Marvin White (SS), Chinedum Ndukwe, Herena-Daze Jones (SS), Ethan Kilmer (FS), John Busing (SS) Cleveland Browns QB: The competition at quarterback is clearly the main storyline as camp begins. First round draftee Brady Quinn has yet to sign a contract, while veterans Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson begin camp as QB1 and QB1a. Frye opened camp with a “leg up” in the competition according the Browns’ head coach Romeo Crennel and was getting the bulk of the first team reps during opening weekend. Derek Anderson isn’t far behind, however, and could overtake Frye depending on how each performs as the preseason progresses. While Quinn wasn’t expected to be the Week 1 starting quarterback, he isn’t doing himself any favors by holding out. Cleveland General Manager Phil Savage didn’t pull any punches as camp started, saying, “With every day that passes, it eliminates some of that [starting] chance. I would say that coming into this training camp, for Brady [Quinn] to win the job; he was going to have to perform at a level that was clearly better than Charlie [Frye], Derek [Anderson] and Ken [Dorsey].” It will be interesting to see how Crennel splits the camp reps when Quinn finally signs to give each enough time to sort out the competition and get the starter sharp for the regular season. RB: Unlike the uncertainty under center, the starting running back position clearly belongs to Jamal Lewis, who changes uniforms but stays in the same division after leaving the Baltimore Ravens for the Cleveland in free agency. Lewis will carry the bulk of the load as the Browns look to establish a smash mouth running game behind what they hope will be a much healthier offensive line this season. Lewis has already showed signs of fulfilling the promise the team holds for him, impressing new offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski with a quick burst, sharp cutting ability and breakaway speed on at least one occasion during the opening practice. With Reuben Droughns shipped to the New York Giants for WR Tim Carter, Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison will compete for the few snaps needed to spell Lewis. Wright showed flashes of potential last season and Harrison impressed the coaching staff as a rookie in 2006. Both are inexperienced, however, with less than 100 career carries between them. WR: Braylon Edwards and Joe Jurevicius return as the starting wide receivers. Edwards, now two years removed from ACL surgery, could be ready to breakout in his third season. "I believe I have some movement now that I wasn't necessarily able to do 100 percent last year," Edwards said, "I believe my stride length has increased and I believe I'll be a better player than I was last year.” Questions linger about his maturity level, however, after he missed a voluntary workout in May and was briefly demoted to the third team. An early decision on the starting quarterback competition would benefit Edwards, especially if rookie Brady Quinn somehow forces his way into the first team huddle. Jurevicius should provide a steady option opposite Edwards, but the Browns are paper thin behind the starting duo. Second year man Travis Wilson, special teams ace Joshua Cribbs and oft-injured Tim Carter will battle for snaps as the third wide receiver. While tight end Kellen Winslow gives the Browns another talented option in the passing game, the team would feel more comfortable if at least one additional wide receiver emerges by camp’s end. TE: After a very brief stint on the active/PUP list, Kellen Winslow, Jr. passed a physical in time to join the team for the first practice of camp and was warmly welcomed by the Browns’ faithful. Winslow will likely be held out of a number of workouts in the early stages as he recovers from microfracture surgery on his knee, but says his knee is sound. “I’m not thinking about the knee, not at all,” said Winslow. “Maybe a little bit after the play, but I’m just glad to be back. I’m going to do whatever to help the team win.” Winslow also referred to new offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski as a “genius,” and expects to have a major role in the offense this season. Veteran Steve Heiden and free agent signee Darnell Dinkins won’t provide any of the big play potential that Winslow offers, but should be a solid blocking duo and both could be goal line options if needed. Defense: While there were no major additions in free agency, the Browns will likely have three new starters on defense on opening weekend. Rookie DB Eric Wright is signed and in camp. Although he slid to the second round due to character concerns, Wright has excellent cover skills and will be given every opportunity to beat out Kenny Wright and Daven Holly to start opposite Leigh Bodden at corner. Third year man Brodney Pool finally gets his chance in the starting lineup at free safety after veteran Brian Russell moved on in free agency. The defensive line will also see a new starter as veteran Robaire Smith takes over for the departed Alvin McKinley at one end. The Browns also expect new additions Shaun Smith (NT) and Antwan Peek (OLB) to have significant roles as rotational players. In addition to the new faces, the defensive coaches will also be closely watching cornerback Gary Baxter, who is expected to be cleared for practice soon after an amazingly smooth recovery from tearing both patellar tendons last season, and linebacker Leon Williams, who was impressive as an injury fill-in late last season and could push D’Qwell Jackson for playing time inside. Special Teams: Kicker Phil Dawson looks to regain his accuracy, after struggling last year. He spent the offseason working on details of his technique. Undrafted rookie Jesse Ainsworth from Arizona State will provide the camp leg. The Browns are set with one of the top kickoff returners, WR Joshua Cribbs. The punt returner role has a vacancy with the departure of Dennis Northcutt. Cribbs will be given the first shot at the job, although he had mixed results when he filled in briefly last year. The two primary challengers are both drafted rookies, WR Syndric Steptoe and CB Brandon McDonald. Special teams coordinator Ted Daisher noted, “They get their hands on the ball and get a little space, they're gonna make something happen." Browns Depth Chart QB: Charlie Frye, Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, Ken Dorsey RB: Jamal Lewis, Jason Wright, Jerome Harrison (3RB), Chris Barclay, Jerome Jackson FB: Lawrence Vickers, J.R. Niklos, Charles Ali WR: Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius, Travis Wilson, Josh Cribbs (KR/PR), Tim Carter, Syndric Steptoe, Maurice Mann, Kendrick Mosley, Steve Sanders, Efrem Hill, Mike Mason TE: Kellen Winslow Jr (PUP), Steve Heiden, Darnell Dinkins, Ryan Krause, Buck Ortega K: Phil Dawson, Jesse Ainsworth NT: Ted Washington, Shaun Smith, Ethan Kelley, J'Vonne Parker, Babatunda Oshinowo, Alvin Smith DE: Robaire Smith, Orpheus Roye (inj), Chase Pittman, Melila Purcell, Simon Fraser, Orien Harris, Justin Frick ILB: Andra Davis (L), DQwell Jackson (R), Chaun Thompson (R), Leon Williams (L), Mason Unck OLB: Kamerion Wimbley (S/DE), Willie McGinest (S/DE), Antwan Peek, Matt Stewart (S), David McMillan (W), Jason Short, Kris Griffin, Clifton Smith CB: Leigh Bodden, Gary Baxter (PUP), Eric Wright, Kenny Wright, Daven Holly, Brandon McDonald, Jereme Perry, Therrian Fontenot S: Sean Jones (SS), Brodney Pool (FS), Justin Hamilton (FS), Mike Adams (FS), DeMario Minter (FS), Jeremy Lasueur, Justin Sandy Dallas Cowboys QB: Tony Romo enters training camp as the starter for the first time, and feels great about things. He’s looked sharp in the first few days of practice, displaying the same quick release that led to his surprising Pro Bowl appearance last year as a mid-season replacement for Drew Bledsoe. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones was on NFL Network this week discussing expectations for the 2007 season. He made it clear that he would like to see Romo guide the team deep into the playoffs and, if he does, Jones would then be willing to compensate Romo with a long-term extension that is commensurate with today’s highest paid franchise QBs. Brad Johnson lost his job as the Vikings starter because of his inability to avoid the pass rush, and that same problem has been evident in Big D. Johnson was sacked on the first play of consecutive scrimmages, and has been brought down far too often for the team’s liking. RB: The Cowboys have an embarrassment of riches at running back with a 1,000-yard rusher (Julius Jones) and a 14-TD powerhouse (Marion Barber) splitting time in the backfield. Although Barber was the more productive back in early every category last year, don’t expect much to change under the new coaching regime. The Cowboys retained Tony Sparano, the running game coordinator under Parcells, and he will likely keep things much the same as they were last year. Coach Phillips sees no downside to using both regularly. "Julius is kind of a slasher, movement guy, and Marion kind of skips into it and goes," Phillips said. "Their styles are a little different, and certainly, their body types are different. But they both have good vision, and they both catch the ball, so we're going to try to utilize them both."We will probably see more use of a true fullback this year, something that Julius Jones welcomes. "I like having the fullback back there," Jones said. "I know who he's supposed to block so I know what to expect from him. Oliver and Lousaka are always going to get it done so I feel comfortable behind them. It just feels better to have a fullback back there." Jerry Jones was pleased with what he’s seen of his runners thus far. “I’m pleased with some things, especially our running backs,” Jones said. “Julius and Marion [have picked up where they left off last year, and Tyson is very fast.” WR: Terrell Owens is a happy camper, literally. For a guy who led the league in TDs last year, you would think the team completely failed to throw to him a season ago. But the truth is, Owens felt he was underutilized last season because the Cowboys always used him in the same role, regardless of down and distance. Owens is excited about being used all over the field this year, including lining up in the slot when appropriate. "I think I'm going to do whatever I can to be productive in the offense. Obviously with Coach (Jason) Garrett, he knows my strengths and weaknesses and he's going to do whatever I can to help the team. I had a chance to do that last year. We just didn't get around to doing it." The other projected starter, Terry Glenn, had a setback in the first week of camp. After being held out of practice for precautionary reasons, Glenn ultimately underwent arthroscopic surgery and will be out for a few weeks. Wade Phillips doesn’t seem overly concerned, “Terry Glenn can run the routes. He knows the offense pretty well already and when he comes back I think he will fall right in and it won't be a drop off at all for an experienced guy." While Glenn rehabs, the Cowboys have a chance to see what Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd can do running with the first team offense. Hurd, who officially backs up T.O., is excited about the chance to strut his stuff. "Oh I'm ready to move up, I'm ready to be No. 1," he said. "But I've always got to stay humble. The only thing I can do is go out there and show what I can do. When it's my time it's my time, but I'm very patient." 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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