Training Camp Update Volume 6, Issue 1 8/3/10
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- Ravens Depth Chart QB
- Bills Depth Chart QB
- Panthers Depth Chart QB
- Bears Depth Chart QB
Special Teams: The Ravens have no question at punter and holder, roles both handled by Sam Koch. At long snapper, although Matt Katula will likely retain the job, it is not a certainty as he is coming off a difficult year dealing with elbow tendinitis. In camp and preseason he’ll need to find a delicate balance between showing that he has recovered and establishing timing with his co-specialists, while not over working his elbow. Should he falter, undrafted rookie Morgan Cox could snatch the job. The primary competition to watch in camp and preseason is the kicking battle between Shayne Graham and Billy Cundiff. Graham was a late free agent addition, coming from the division rival Bengals, while Cundiff served as Baltimore’s kicker during the second half of last year. Ravens Depth Chart QB: Joe Flacco, Troy Smith, Marc Bulger, John Beck RB: Ray Rice (3RB), Willis McGahee, Jalen Parmele (KR), Matt Lawrence (inj),Curtis Steele FB: Le'Ron McClain, Mike McLaughlin WR: Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, Donte' Stallworth, Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams, David Reed, Marcus Smith, Justin Harper TE: Todd Heap, Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta, Tony Curtis K: Shayne Graham, Billy Cundiff DT: Haloti Ngata, Kelly Gregg (NT), Terrence Cody (NT), Kelly Talavou (NT), Lamar Divens (inj) DE: Trevor Pryce, Paul Kruger, Arthur Jones, Brandon McKinney ILB: Ray Lewis, Jameel McClain, Dannell Ellerbe, Tavares Gooden, Brendon Ayanbedejo (inj), Jason Phillips (inj) OLB: Terrell Suggs (DE), Jarrett Johnson (S), Antwan Barnes, Sergio Kindle (inj),Prescott Burgess, Edgar Jones CB: Fabian Washington (inj), Lardarius Webb (inj), Chris Carr, Travis Fisher, Cary Williams (susp), Dominique Foxworth (IR) S: Ed Reed (FS) (inj), Dawan Landry (SS), Tom Zbikowski (SS/FS), Haruki Nakamura (inj) Buffalo Bills QB: Even though the Bills changed coaching staffs this offseason, they decided to go with status quo at the QB position. One of the most interesting storylines throughout training camp and the preseason will be a three-way competition for the starting QB job between Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Brian Brohm. Edwards had a strong offseason and entered camp last week as the early favorite. He has been taking all reps with the first-team offense and is throwing the ball with confidence and accuracy, although he’ll need to play well in the preseason games to hold onto his position. Brohm seems to have a slight edge on Fitzpatrick for the #2 job as he worked with the second unit on Friday and Saturday, although HC Chan Gailey indicated that both QBs would rotate in that position. Brohm was a college star at Louisville who is trying to salvage his career after being cut loose by the Packers last year while Fitzpatrick has already enjoyed some limited success as an NFL backup the past few years. Rookie Levi Brown is an interesting developmental prospect who may have a hard time finding enough snaps this preseason. Regardless of who emerges as the starting QB here, don’t get too excited about their fantasy prospects as this may wind up being one of the least productive passing attacks in the league this year. RB: The Bills got an amazing season from Fred Jackson in 2009 and still have former 1st round pick Marshawn Lynch on the roster, but they apparently felt a talent upgrade was needed and spent their first round pick on RB C.J. Spiller out of Clemson. Spiller is an electric talent with the ability to make plays all over the field, but he is joining a crowded backfield that are all competing for time behind a very inexperienced offensive line. It will be interesting to watch him in training camp to try and get a better idea of how the Bills plan to use him this year. Unfortunately, he remained unsigned as of Monday and any additional missed time would likely set him back considerably. Jackson has looked good early on and figures to pick up where he left off as the team’s feature back. Lynch was the subject of many trade rumors over the offseason but appears to have the right attitude and has been seeing some limited work with the first unit on offense. Chad Simpson provides depth at the position, although special teams likely provides him the best opportunity to make the final roster. WR: The wide receiver group will be interesting to watch in camp for a very different reason this year. Terrell Owens and the media spotlight is gone, leaving Lee Evans and a bunch of young WRs competing for playing time. As the leader of the group, Evans will clearly be the #1 WR and a focal point of the offense. The fight for the right to start opposite him is most likely to be between 3rd year WRs Steve Johnson and James Hardy, although rookie Marcus Easley and former Patriot Chad Jackson could also be in the mix. Roscoe Parrish is most likely to wind up as the slot receiver and there are a couple of interesting undrafted free agents (Naaman Roosevelt, David Nelson) who will also be competing for a roster spot. There is some talent in this group but it is extremely raw at this point, so we’ll have to wait and see if any of these receivers are ready to make a big jump and take advantage of the opportunity in front of them. Steve Johnson entered camp as the favorite for the #2 WR job based on a strong spring, although Hardy is fully recovered from the knee injury that wiped out most of his 2009 season and seems much more comfortable than he has in the past. Both young receivers said they learned a lot from watching Terrell Owens last year and hopefully the competition this year brings out the best in at least one of them so defenses can’t focus all their attention on Evans. TE: The Bills have not really had an impact fantasy tight end in the past decade or more, but that may actually change this year. Shawn Nelson was a 4th round pick last year who has the talent and opportunity to be one of this year’s best fantasy sleepers at the position. The departures of Terrell Owens and Josh Reed has freed up a lot of targets in the passing game and should open things up for a receiving TE like Nelson who can work the middle of the field and be a reliable option for whoever winds up at QB. Early in camp, Nelson has shown excellent hands catching nearly everything thrown his way and he will certainly be a player to watch once the preseason games begin. Derek Schouman has flashed some ability in the past and will likely see action as part of some 2-TE sets if he can stay healthy. Michael Matthews is a big blocking specialist who played under Gailey at Georgia Tech. Defense: Things will look quite a bit different on defense this year as the Bills will be moving to more of a 3-4 front under new coordinator George Stevens and will likely be without their best player. Aaron Schobel has been contemplating retirement all offseason and the team announced on Monday that they are ready to move on without him. It sounds like his days in Buffalo are over, and if he decides to play later on, the team will likely grant him his release to play somewhere else. OLB Aaron Maybin will be a focal point of the preseason as last year’s 1st round pick looks to make an impact as an edge rusher in the new defense. Newcomer Andra Davis will battle with Kawika Mitchell for the ILB job next to Paul Posluszny, who was sitting out while recovering from offseason groin surgery. The deepest position on the roster is likely at safety where the Bills have at least 4 players competing for starting jobs so it will be interesting to see who emerges there as well. Overall, this unit should be stronger against the run than it has been in the past thanks to some additions up front, but they will have to find a way to generate consistent pressure on opposing QBs if they hope to be a viable fantasy unit. Special Teams: Nothing to see here (in a good way). The Bills are set at the three specialist roles with long snapper Garrison Sanborn, punter/holder Brian Moorman, and kicker Rian Lindell: As new special teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven recently commented, “Brian is one of the better punters in the league no question about it. He’s very versatile. He can drive the ball for distance if you get backed up. He can hang it up there high if you have a returner you’re trying to take out of the game. He’s very quick with the ball which helps your protection. He’s got good hands and an excellent athlete…. I think that Rian has really developed since he’s come into the league. His accuracy has improved from his first year in the league and he’s done a nice job with that. He’s also an above average kickoff guy.” Bills Depth Chart QB: Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Brohm, Levi Brown RB: Fred Jackson (PR), C.J. Spiller, Marshawn Lynch, Chad Simpson (KR),Justice Hairston, Joicque Bell FB: Corey McIntyre WR: Lee Evans, Steve Johnson, Chad Jackson, Roscoe Parrish, James Hardy,Marcus Easley TE: Shawn Nelson, Derek Schouman, Jonathan Stupar, Michael Matthews, Joe Klopfenstein (IR) K: Rian Lindell NT: Kyle Williams, Torell Troup, Lonnie Harvey, Rashaad Duncan DE: Marcus Stroud, Aaron Schobel, Dwan Edwards, Spencer Johnson, Alex Carrington, John McCargo ILB: Paul Posluszny, Andra Davis, Kawika Mitchell, Keith Ellison, Marcus Buggs,Ryan Manalac, Antonio Coleman OLB: Chris Kelsay, Reggie Torbor, Aaron Maybin, Chris Ellis, Arthur Moats, Dan Batten (inj), Donovan Woods CB: Terrence McGee, Leodis McKelvin, Reggie Corner, Drayton Florence, Ashton Youboty, Ellis Lankster S: Jairus Byrd (FS), George Wilson (SS), Donte Whitner (FS/SS), Bryan Scott (SS/LB), Jon Corto, Cary Harris, Lydell Sargeant Carolina Panthers QB: Matt Moore shrugs off questions about the pressure of being the new #1 QB for Carolina: “I just try to be myself,” said Moore. “I think that is the approach I always try to take. There are different styles to play this game. But just because the depth chart has changed doesn’t mean I need to change at all. If I can keep that in mind and just be true to myself I think everything will work out...“I am pretty comfortable. Experience, there is nothing like it. To have those five games last year and finish the way we did, to me that’s a big deal.” Jimmy Clausen commented on being third on the depth chart: “Whenever you get your reps, you have to go out there and make plays...When you go out to practice you want to do as much as you can to be the starting quarterback. But at the end of the day, I can control only what I can control and the coaches are going to make the decisions, who's going to play and who's not going to play.” RB: Jonathan Stewart began training camp on the sidelines as the coaching staff is slowly bringing his activity level up due to his continuing recovery from offseason ankle surgery (to remove bone spurs that were aggravating his Achilles' tendon throughout 2009). He is said to be "close to healthy". Stewart sat out of the team's first two practices, and said he has not been 100 percent healthy since his last year in college. "Once I get healthy, it is going to be one of the best days of my life." Coach John Fox stated on July 30th that he expects Stewart to practice in training camp sometime before the final day on August 18th. In other injury news, key OL Jeff Otah started camp on the PUP list on Wednesday - RT Geoff Schwartz subbed for Otah. RB Tyrell Sutton, who was subbing for Stewart early in camp, suffered a calf injury of unspecified severity on Friday, July 30th, and sat out practice on Saturday. He'll be evaluated further as camp moves along. Mike Goodson was carted off the field on Sunday with an ankle injury. After practice, Coach Fox told the media Goodson had an ankle injury and didn’t break any bones. Goodson could be out for several weeks. The team was down to DeAngelo Williams and Josh Vaughn healthy enough to take reps on Monday. WR: With Muhsin Muhammad retired and Steve Smith recovering from a broken arm (Smith may not return until regular season), a camp battle is underway for the #2 starter. Dwayne Jarrett suffered a hamstring injury (after dropping catches and being yelled at for running incorrect routes), which will hurt his chances to hold off Kenneth Moore, and the rookies Armanti Edwards, Brandon LaFell and David Gettis. On day one, Charly Martin made a pair of nice catches and Kenneth Moore, who was playing with the first team, also looked sharp. Moore has consistently made big catches and beat DBs during the first three days of camp. Coach Fox said Moore has earned the opportunity to run with the first team - it looks like Moore has the early lead in the fight for #2 wide receiver. Moore commented: “I always believe in my ability and what I do... I believe my best should be good enough. If I continue to take advantage of my opportunities and come out and compete every day hopefully that will be enough for the coaches.” LaFell reportedly made an impressive one-handed catch during Friday’s full-pad practice, making his case for the #2 job. Unfortunately, Martin suffered a finger injury and his timetable for a return is unknown after he underwent surgery to repair a badly broken finger on Saturday. He may end up on IR due to the injury. LaFell didn't practice Sunday due to a bruised leg. TE: No items of interest to report. Defense: Reports out of Carolina have observed that nearly every position along the defensive line is in contention, particularly in the middle. Louis Leonard and Tank Tyler are penciled in, but Leonard enters camp on the PUP list with an injured knee. Regarding Tyler, "In only three practices; it's hard to declare," coach John Fox said when asked if Tyler was at full health [Tyler is recovering from a right knee injury from week 12, 2009]. The ongoing issue for Leonard will likely allow Ed Johnson, Corvey Irvin and Derek Landri a chance to be a starter. The Panthers opened training camp with Jon Beason working at WLB Thomas Davis’ position and moved Dan Connor over to the MLB slot. It appears the team is committed to moving Beason to that position while Davis tries to make it back from a torn right ACL (second injury to that ACL). “The only reason I would prefer to be in the middle is because it is something I have done - and I have done it at a high level – and because I do have that comfort zone,” said Beason. “If it’s going to help the team I want to do it.” Connor commented on Sunday: “I feel like a different player than I did the last couple of years. I have more experience. I’m more comfortable with the defense. I feel comfortable on the field, and I look forward to playing.” LB Jamar Williams and DE Charles Johnson both tweaked hamstrings and left the first day of practice. Backup LB Jordan Senn reportedly impressed day one, delivering two big hits. While Johnson sat out of practice on Friday due to his sore hamstring, DE Everette Brown has done a solid job subbing during practice. Rookie DE Greg Hardy is making a positive impression early in camp, according to DL coach Brian Baker: "We're seeing what we hoped we saw when we drafted him." He continued, "Big, explosive, active kid. Certainly brings a lot of energy....He's very conscientious, wants to understand exactly how we want things and why we want them that way. So I'm pleased with him." Johnson returned to practices on Monday. Special Teams: Almost all of the specialist jobs for the Panthers will remain the same in 2010 as they were in 2009. J.J. Jansen will again be the long snapper, Jason Baker the punter and holder, and John Kasay the placekicker. Kickoffs are the one change to watch in camp and preseason. The Panthers let kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd become a free agent (he quickly landed with the Vikings). Carolina subsequently signed Todd Carter, who took off from playing football last year to train and who gained notoriety this offseason with his expletive inducing leg strength. If he fails to show enough to convince the Panthers to once again carry a fourth specialist, then presumably Baker would handle kickoffs as opposed to Kasay. Panthers Depth Chart QB: Matt Moore, Jimmy Clausen, Hunter Cantwell, Tony Pike RB: DeAngelo Williams (inj), Jonathan Stewart, Tyrell Sutton (KR), Mike Goodson (KR), Dantrell Savage FB: Tony Fiammetta, Rashawn Jackson WR: Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, Dwayne Jarrett, Kenneth Moore (PR/KR),Armanti Edwards (KR), David Gettis, Wallace Wright, Charly Martin, Trent Guy TE: Gary Barnidge, Dante Rosario, Jeff King K: John Kasay, Todd Conner DT: Ed Johnson, Nick Hayden, Louis Leonard (inj), Derek Landri, Tank Tyler,Corvey Irvin (inj) DE: Charles Johnson, Tyler Brayton, Everette Brown, Greg Hardy, Hilee Taylor MLB: Dan Connor OLB: Jon Beason (W), James Anderson (S), Jamar Williams (S), Mortty Ivy (S),Eric Norwood, Jordan Senn, Quinton Culberson, Thomas Davis (inj) CB: Chris Gamble, Richard Marshall, Captain Munnerlyn (PR), Marcus Hudson,C.J. Wilson, R.J. Sanford, Jordon Pugh, Robert McClain, Brian Witherspoon (KR/PR) S: Charles Godfrey (SS), Sherrod Martin (FS), Aaron Francisco, Keith Lewis Chicago Bears QB: All fantasy owners will want to keep a close eye on the Bears this preseason as Mike Martz is in town and that usually means a pass-happy offense and big fantasy production from a few key players. Jay Cutler flashed his great arm at times last year with 27 touchdowns, but he also was far too inconsistent and wound up hurting the team with 26 interceptions as well. The Bears have what looks to be a very solid and deep group of WRs for him to throw to, but the offensive line remains a major question mark. Early in camp, Cutler has looked very comfortable and reports seem to indicate that he already has a pretty strong grasp of the new offense. If he can avoid the big mistakes from a year ago, he could certainly wind up as one of the most productive fantasy QBs this year. Caleb Hanie and Dan LeFevour will also compete with each other in camp for the backup QB job. Hanie was the backup a year ago but he’ll likely get a strong challenge from LeFevour, an extremely mobile QB who was wildly productive in college. RB: Another player looking to bounce back from a disappointing season is Matt Forte. After a huge rookie season in 2008, Forte struggled to find any room to run for much of 2009 and wound up being one of the year’s biggest fantasy busts. The team signed veteran RB Chester Taylor to compete with him and it will be interesting to see how these two players are used during the preseason. If either player emerges as a feature back, they will be a valuable fantasy back but chances are that they will wind up being used in some type of committee approach all year. Both players are great catching the ball out of the backfield, but Taylor is the superior blocker and also likely a better inside runner which might make him a better fit in the Martz offense. The Bears also added rookie Harvey Unga during this year’s supplemental draft so he’ll be another interesting player to watch during the preseason to see if he has the potential to overtake Forte as the RB of the future. Kahlil Bell and Garrett Wolfe are back and could be fighting with undrafted free agent Brandon Minor for the final roster spot. WR: This is likely the area where most of the fantasy value will be found on the Bears this year as Martz offenses tend to lead to some big reception totals from the receivers. Devin Hester enters camp as the presumed #1 WR given his contract and prior performance, but his numbers didn’t take the huge jump last year when Cutler arrived that many expected them to. The fight for who gets to start opposite him is where things get interesting and the two favorites right now are 2nd year pro Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu. Knox is a speedster coming off a very strong rookie season and he has definitely been a favorite target of Cutler’s early in training camp. Aromashodu adds some much-needed size to the group and appeared to have great chemistry with Cutler during a very strong finish to the 2009 season. Whoever loses this battle will probably be the favorite to line up as the slot receiver in 3-wide formations but Earl Bennett could also be a factor there as well. Some other players to watch include Juaquin Iglesias, a 3rd round pick last year who is currently sitting out with a groin injury, and rookie Freddie Barnes who set the NCAA record for catches in a season with 155 last year. TE: What a difference a year makes. Greg Olsen was everyone’s favorite TE sleeper in 2009, but now everyone is running for cover as tight ends in offenses run by Martz do not have a very productive history. He clearly has the talent to be an elite player at the position, but it will be useful to see what type of role the Bears have planned for him in training camp and the preseason to see if he can remain among the top-10 this year. He’ll likely be pushed by veteran Brandon Manumaleuna, a blocking specialist who played under Martz in St. Louis. Veteran Desmond Clark has been very consistent and productive for a long time and he was one of the stars in the first day of training camp while working with the second offensive unit. Kellen Davis is a young player who has shown flashes at times, but may have a difficult time earning a roster spot given the player ahead of him on the depth chart. Defense: There is a new superstar in town after the Bears made a huge splash in free agency with the signing of DE Julius Peppers to a 6-year, $91 million contract. Although he has a reputation for being inconsistent in his effort and production, he’s an elite pass rusher and should provide a big boost to the entire defense. Long-time starters Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye are gone so training camp will likely be used to find out who is going to start opposite Peppers with Mark Anderson the most likely candidate. LB Brian Urlacher returns after missing nearly the entire 2009 season with a wrist injury and will look to reclaim his status as one of the best inside linebackers in the league. The secondary has undergone some changes with the trade for S Chris Harris who will help solidify things on the back end, and the move of CB Charles Tillman from the left side to the right side, which could affect his IDP value. The defense has the talent to be one of the best in the league, but they’ll need their key players to stay healthy. Special Teams: Heading into camp, the Bears are set with starting specialists long snapper Patrick Mannelly, punter and holder Brad Maynard, and kicker Robbie Gould. As special teams coordinator Dave Toub recently attested, “I’m very fortunate. We’re going into our seventh season here, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have Maynard and Mannelly the whole time and Robbie for the majority of it. They work very well together and they’re good leaders in our room, which is real important.” Punter Richmond McGee is on the roster to serve as a camp leg and to allow Maynard to ease back into things following offseason hip surgery. Bears Depth Chart QB: Jay Cutler, Caleb Hanie, Dan LaFevour RB: Matt Forte, Chester Taylor, Harvey Unga, Kahlil Bell, Garrett Wolfe, Brandon Minor FB: Eddie Williams (inj) WR: Devin Hester (PR), Johnny Knox (KR), Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett,Juaquin Iglesias, Rashied Davis, Antonio Robinson, Freddie Barnes, Greg Mathews TE: Greg Olsen, Brandon Manumaleuna, Desmond Clark, Kellen Davis K: Robbie Gould DT: Tommie Harris, Marcus Harrison (NT), Anthony Adams (NT), Jarron Gilbert,Matt Toeaina (NT), Dusty Dvoracek (inj), Averell Spicer DE: Julius Peppers, Mark Anderson, Israel Idonije, Corey Wootton, Henry Melton (inj), Barry Turner Download 0.59 Mb. Share with your friends:
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