Training Camp Update Volume 6, Issue 1 8/3/10
MLB: Brian Urlacher (inj), Tim Shaw OLB
Download 0.59 Mb.
|
- Navigate this page:
- Bengals Depth Chart QB
- Browns Depth Chart QB
- Dallas Cowboys QB
- Cowboys Depth Chart QB
- Brandon Lloyd
- Brady Quinn.
MLB: Brian Urlacher (inj), Tim Shaw OLB: Lance Briggs (W) (inj), Nick Roach (S), Hunter Hillenmeyer (inj), Pisa Tinoisamoa CB: Zackary Bowman, Charles Tillman (inj), Corey Graham (FS/CB), Tim Jennings, Brian Iwuh, D.J. Moore S: Chris Harris (SS), Danieal Manning (FS/CB/KR), Major Wright (FS), Craig Steltz (SS/FS), Al Afalava (FS), Josh Bullocks (SS), Quentin Scott Cincinnati Bengals QB: Early reports from camp were promising on franchise quarterback Carson Palmer, who started last season showing plenty of arm strength and accuracy before faltering badly down the stretch. Palmer insisted all offseason that his arm was healthy, deflecting ongoing questions about his decision to rehab his arm without surgery last offseason. The Bengals filled the depth chart with receiving options this offseason, adding Matt Jones, Antonio Bryant, Jermaine Gresham, Jordan Shipley and last but certainly not least – Terrell Owens, in the hopes of bringing some balance back to what was a heavily run-oriented offense last season. Fantasy owners should be watching Palmer’s mechanics closely this preseason. If he looks right, there’s a lot of value to be found in his current ADP. The backup quarterback spots are set with J.T. O’Sullivan as Palmer’s primary backup and Palmer’s brother Jordan still developing as the team’s third quarterback. RB: Cedric Benson got good news last week when Commissioner Roger Goodell elected not to suspend him for an assault charge this offseason. Though the Bengals are looking to bring better balance to the offensive play calling, the offensive line is still set up to play power football. Benson should again get plenty of opportunity. Bernard Scott has proclaimed himself fully healthy after an ankle problem limited his reps during OTAs. It’s been reported that he’ll be used more often to spell Benson this season, but past history suggests that we could see otherwise when the pads go on. The team also brought in Cedric Peerman, who has a chance at making the roster alongside third down back Brian Leonard and FB Fui Vakapuna. WR: The Bengals are flush with possibilities at receiver after finishing the season extremely thin at the position. Chad Ochocinco is back and in great shape. The team brought in three veteran options to complement him. The team first signed Matt Jones, who was cut by the Jaguars late last season. Reports were mixed during OTAs, but the early returns in camp have been decidedly negative, with observers calling him slow and unimpressive. He’s in a battle to make the roster and his lack of special teams value may earn him a ticket back to the free agent pool. Shortly before the draft, the Bengals signed Antonio Bryant to a big contract in the hopes that his knee issues were behind him. That move may also be backfiring. Bryant has yet to practice in camp and has been seen limping and unable to run routes at full speed on the side. Reports of a bone-on-bone condition and the late offseason signing of Terrell Owens have many speculating that Bryant may struggle to make the roster. That’s unlikely, however, and Marvin Lewis has said that the team isn’t concerned about the severity of the knee condition and he’s being held out of practice to “give him the opportunity to get him back 100%.” The Owens – Ochocinco Odd Couple has been the talk of camp so far. With Bryant gimpy, Owens is the heavy favorite to open the season as the team’s WR2. The team sees him as filling the stretch-the-field role that Chris Henry has in years past. If all hands are healthy, insiders have said that Owens and Bryant could rotate on early downs, with Bryant slipping into the slot and Owens staying outside in three wide packages. Also competing for slot duties are third round pick Jordan Shipley and Andre Caldwell, both of whom have drawn praise from coaches over the past month. Jones, Quan Cosby and Jerome Simpson are competing for the last spot on the roster. Simpson has finally been showing signs of becoming an NFL-ready receiver, but Cosby offers better special teams value and may have the early lead for the final roster spot. TE: First round draft pick Jermaine Gresham is expected to contribute immediately as a pass catching option, but remains unsigned. His presence in camp is key and the players ahead and behind him in the first round have been signed, so expect him to get in camp this week. While Gresham holds out, Chase Coffman has been taking advantage of the added reps. After offseason surgery to remove bone spurs, Coffman is now pain-free and bulked up to 260 pounds. He’s still raw, but showing more confidence in learning to become an all-around tight end. He should see more time in two tight end sets this year. The team was very happy to get veteran Reggie Kelly back this offseason. He’ll be a stabilizing force as a blocker and mentor to the young tight ends. Defense: Mike Zimmer has the team moving toward more of a multiple front defense and will employ many different nickel looks to confuse offenses and make use of his versatile defenders. Michael Johnson has been converted into a standup SLB, but should also see time at end and tackle in the nickel. The team hopes he can become the focal point of a multiple front look. Antwan Odom is back after a torn Achilles’ tendon ended a very effective start to 2009. If Johnson can handle the SLB job, Rey Maualuga may be able to bring his physical, downhill presence to MLB. The team also added depth to the secondary, with Adam Jones expected to improve the team’s nickel corner play and Gibril Wilson offering another physical, big play presence in the safety rotation. The depth and likely improvement in the pass rush could help young and rising cornerbacks Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph to big seasons. Special Teams: Kevin Huber heads into his second season as the Bengals punter and holder. The other two specialist roles are up for grabs during camp and the preseason. The kicking competition features two players who’ve had their share of setbacks, but are resilient enough to still be vying for a starting job in the NFL. Last year Dave Rayner lost out in the preseason to Shaun Suisham for the Washington Redskins kicking job. Mike Nugent began last year as the Buccaneers kicker, was released after struggling, and then resurfaced in Arizona to fill in for an injured Neil Rackers. A less publicized, yet just as important competition is for the long snapper job. Clark Harris was brought in part way through 2009 to replace Brad St. Louis. He’ll have to beat out rookie Mike Windt, who has previously worked with Huber when they were team mates at the University of Cincinnati. Bengals Depth Chart QB: Carson Palmer, J.T. O'Sullivan, Jordan Palmer RB: Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard (3RB), Cedric Peerman,LaMarcus Coker FB: Fui Vakapuna WR: Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, Antonio Bryant (inj), Andre Caldwell, Jordan Shipley, Matt Jones, Quan Cosby (PR), Jerome Simpson, Dezmon Briscoe,Maurice Purify TE: Jermaine Gresham, Reggie Kelly (inj), Daniel Coats, Chase Coffman, Darius Hill K: Mike Nugent, Dave Rayner DT: Domata Peko, Tank Johnson, Jonathan Fanene (DE), Pat Sims, Geno Atkins,Orien Harris, Clinton McDonald DE: Antwan Odom (inj), Robert Geathers, Jonathan Fanene (DT), Frostee Rucker,Carlos Dunlap, Rahim Allen MLB: Dhani Jones (M/W), Abdul Hodge OLB: Rey Maualuga (S) (inj), Keith Rivers (W) (inj), Rashad Jeanty (S), Michael Johnson (S), Brandon Johnson (W), Roddrick Muckelroy, Dan Scuta CB: Leon Hall, Johnathan Joseph, David Jones, Brandon Ghee, Adam Jones,Morgan Trent S: Chris Crocker (FS) (inj), Roy Williams (SS), Chinedum Ndukwe (SS), Gibril Wilson, Tom Nelson (FS), Kyries Hebert (SS), Rico Murray, Jeromy Miles Cleveland Browns QB: Eric Mangini called the Browns’ starting quarterback job Jake Delhomme’s to lose shortly before camp opened. After Delhomme’s performance in Carolina, that isn’t necessarily a ringing vote of confidence. Mangini has said that Seneca Wallace will take some repetitions with the first team early in camp, and Wallace was impressing observers with a strong arm during the first practices of camp. Wallace will have a firm grip on the number two quarterback job if he isn’t able to surprise and overtake Delhomme on the depth chart during the preseason. Third round draft pick and possible quarterback of the future Colt McCoy isn’t expected to be ready to contribute until 2011 at the earliest. RB: What was shaping up to be a heated competition for carries between Jerome Harrison and Montario Hardesty fizzled before it began. Hardesty twisted a knee during rookie camp practices last week and will miss at least two weeks of camp. The team doesn’t feel the injury is serious and has said that it’s unrelated to any of his prior knee injuries. Harrison has been impressive early in camp and the two-week head start could kill any chance Hardesty had to earn the majority of carries. However, Hardesty was drawing lots of praise from Mangini and the Cleveland coaches during OTAs and a quick recovery could put him right back in the thick of things. With Hardesty missing practice, Peyton Hillis assumed most of the second team reps. Chris Jennings and James Davis, who returns from last season’s controversial shoulder injury, will give the Browns plenty of options to sort through before final roster cuts. Lawrence Vickers is back as the team’s fullback. WR: Second year players Mohammed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie opened camp as the starting wide receivers. Massaquoi flashed talent at times last year, but the inaccuracy of the Cleveland quarterbacks and his inconsistent route running and hands kept him from a better season. The Browns need him to make big strides if Delhomme is to have much success this year. Robiskie impressed observers during camp last year, but saw very little playing time until late in the season. He’s getting first crack at starter’s snaps after a strong OTA season, but electrifying wideout/kick returner Josh Cribbs will also get a chance to prove he’s improved enough to earn more time. Cribbs is again expected to take a handful of Wildcat snaps each week, possibly with Wallace in the game at the same time. In the slot, Chansi Stuckey will battle veteran free agent signee Bobby Engram. Rookie sixth round pick Carlton Mitchell has big potential, but is likely too raw to contribute much this season. TE: Ben Watson was signed to give the Browns a stronger presence at tight end. He’ll be the opening weekend starter. Evan Moore should see time in the Browns’ two tight end sets and was showing good hands and the ability to separate early in camp. He’ll be competing with Alex Smith, who has bounced around the league in recent seasons. Robert Royal remains on the roster, but will have to compete for a roster spot. Defense: The Browns added lots of bodies on defense this offseason. CB Joe Haden and Safety T.J. Ward were drafted highly and they will be expected to solidify the Cleveland secondary. Ward was already playing with the first team as camp started. Haden ran with the twos, but could crack the starting lineup if the Browns feel he’s physical enough in run support to bump either Eric Wright or Sheldon Brown. Scott Fujita was signed in free agency to bring some veteran toughness to the linebacker unit. He’s getting a look at both OLB and ILB. Shaun Rogers started camp on the active PUP list and there’s been talk of moving him out to DE, where he could give a boost to a pass rush that was among the worst in the league last season. This year, the coaches have high hopes that Matt Roth can continue his strong late season efforts and that Marcus Benard will continue to develop as a situational pass rusher. Special Teams: Long snapper Ryan Pontbriand is back, with no questions or concerns. Kicker Phil Dawson is the only kicker on the roster (Leigh Tiffin and Shaun Suisham were around briefly during the spring). For the second year in a row, he had skipped voluntary workouts, but showed up for the required ones. While the media has speculated extensively on Dawson’s displeasure with his contract, he has not publicly indicated so. He did note, “Regardless of whether there's a new regime or not, you have to prove yourself again every year, especially at my position.” Punter/holder Dave Zastudil is recovering from a knee injury which caused him to miss the second half of last year. Punter Reggie Hodges was brought in to finish the 2009 season, and remains on the roster heading into camp. Browns Depth Chart QB: Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace, Colt McCoy, Brett Ratliff RB: Montario Hardesty (inj), Jerome Harrison, Peyton Hillis, James Davis (inj),Chris Jennings FB: Lawrence Vickers, Jed Collins WR: Mohamed Massoquoi, Brian Robiskie, Josh Cribbs (KR/PR/RB/QB), Chansi Stuckey, Bobby Engram, Carlton Mitchell, Syndric Steptoe (inj), Jake Allen TE: Ben Watson, Evan Moore, Robert Royal, Alex Smith, Greg Estandia (IR) K: Phil Dawson NT: Ahtyba Rubin, Jonathan Lewis DE: Kenyon Coleman (inj), Shaun Rogers, Robaire Smith (inj), Brian Schafering,C.J. Mosley (inj), Clifton Geathers, Derreck Robinson, Titus Adams ILB: D'Qwell Jackson (inj), Chris Gocong, David Bowens, Eric Barton (inj), David Veikune, Kaluka Maiava, Blake Costanzo OLB: Matt Roth, Scott Fujita, Marcus Benard, Jason Trusnik, Titus Brown CB: Eric Wright, Sheldon Brown, Joe Haden, Brandon McDonald, Mike Adams,Coye Francies, Gerard Lawson, Chris Roberson, DeAngelo Smith S: T.J. Ward (FS), Abram Elam (SS), Larry Asante (SS), Nick Sorensen (SS), Ray Ventrone Dallas Cowboys QB: A business-as-usual start to camp for Tony Romo, including sightings of his latest gorgeous blonde girlfriend. Romo has run a measured, effective first week with the first team and has been more vocal with the press in his role as team leader. Don’t worry about reports that his arm was sore, that is typical for him at this point in camp, and was nothing more than a casual observation about having thrown passes for 14 straight practices over a week and change. Jon Kitna remains the QB2 but hasn’t looked very good thus far. Hopefully he’ll shake off the rust because the team doesn’t want a reprise of a few seasons ago when Brad Johnson had to play in Romo’s stead. 3rd stringer Stephen McGee ran the majority of Sunday’s morning session as HC Wade Phillips gave the veterans the morning off after 14 straight practice sessions over the prior week. McGee is going to see a lot of action in the Cowboys preseason games – and if shouldn’t surprise anyone if McGee takes over for Jon Kitna as the QB2 as soon as next season. OL: As to the matter of who replaces Flozell Adams, incumbent backup Doug Free has gotten the majority of the work with the first unit over Alex Barron. Barron has looked good, too, but right now it appears the job is Free’s to lose. On the right side Marc Colombo is back and healthy after missing part of last year (Free started in his place). RB: Those who are ready to anoint Felix Jones as the full-time starter are counting out Marion Barber (and Tashard Choice) too quickly. Barber played on a torn quad last season and the difference between his 2009 form and his status in Week One of camp has been night and day. He’s running with authority, making decisive cuts, and is playing at 220 lbs, which was his playing weight during his Pro Bowl season. Jones showed up slightly heavier than Barber, as he believes the added size will help him handle the rigors of a larger workload. Unfortunately the same knee that kept him out of games last year flared up this week, but to Jones’ credit he practiced through the pain – even during one afternoon session where the coaches had declared him out, yet he argued his way back into drills. WR: Dez Bryant has made quite an impression in his first week of NFL training camp, some positive, some negative. In the early going Bryant was impressive, catching everything thrown his way and hounding QB Tony Romo at every turn to try to get more reps and build a rapport with the Pro Bowl passer. Then there was a minor kerfuffle because Bryant refused to carry Roy Williams’ shoulder pads after practice; a matter that made for better internet message board fodder than real life drama. Unfortunately the week ended with terrible news – Bryant suffered a high ankle sprain and will miss the next 4 to 6 weeks. History tells us that rookie WRs, even talented ones, need time to adjust to their new offenses. Bryant can’t be counted out for the season opener, but expectations for an immediate fantasy impact should be tempered. Bryant’s injury re-opens the door for Roy Williams and makes any hope Patrick Crayton had of a trade evaporate into thin air. OC Jason Garrett had nothing but positive things to say about Crayton and his opportunity to contribute. "Patrick has always been a very good football player for us," Garrett said. "He's a smart guy. He's a reliable guy. He's made a ton of plays for us in the past, and he has a role on this football team. Whenever someone goes down, the other players at that position get more of an opportunity. They simply get more snaps in practice.” Kevin Ogletree, who was competing for the WR3 role a year ago, has been uneven in the first week and must improve to secure his place on the 53-man. As for WR1 Miles Austin? About the only thing memorable from his first week of camp was the presence of his new gal pal, Kim Kardashian. The less said about that, the better. TE: Departed OT Flozell Adams was criticized for his penchant to commit false start penalties, but Jason Witten tied Adams last year with six false start flags. That’s notable especially because Witten has been pulled out of team drills twice already for – you guessed it – committing false starts. There’s no reason this isn’t correctable but it is mildly concerning to see the issue crop back up in training camp already. Backup Martellus Bennett spent most of the week on the NFI list with a sore ankle but was activated for the weekend sessions. John Phillips has done well in Bennett’s absence and could push him for the TE2 role. Defense: The defense has been aggressive at the start of camp and this unit has the makings of one of the NFC’s best. Everyone knows what DeMarcus Ware can do, but Anthony Spencer has been nothing short of dominant through the first week including back-to-back sacks in 11-on-11 drills on Thursday (July 29th). Alan Ball, the new starter at free safety, has looked sharp in the first week of practice and lends credence to the Cowboys decision to let Ken Hamlin go. Special Teams: The Cowboys head into camp with three specialists. Receiving no media attention is long snapper L.P.Ladouceur. Receiving minimal attention is punter Mat McBriar, who has resumed serving as the holder on kicks (he had been demoted for Tony Romo for part of last year). Receiving extensive daily coverage is kicker David Buehler, who is working on expanding his kickoff specialist role to also include placekicking. He’ll get all the work in that regard in August, as Connor Hughes and more recently Delbert Alvarado have been released. He’s being tutored by former Cowboy’s kicker Chris Boniol, whom the team brought in as a consultant. In essence, Buehler is competing against himself during the preseason. If he “loses”, the team might opt to sign a veteran placekicker for the regular season. Cowboys Depth Chart QB: Tony Romo, Jon Kitna, Stephen McGee RB: Marion Barber III, Felix Jones (KR), Tashard Choice, Herb Donaldson, Lonyae Miller FB: Deon Anderson WR: Miles Austin, Dez Bryant (inj), Roy Williams, Kevin Ogletree, Patrick Crayton (PR), Sam Hurd, Jesse Holley, Teddy Williams, Titus Ryan, Terrell Hudgins TE: Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett, John Phillips, Scott Sicko, Kevin Brock K: David Buehler NT: Jay Ratliff, Junior Siavii, Sean Lissemore, Josh Brent DE: Marcus Spears, Igor Olshansky, Jason Hatcher, Stephen Bowen, Joshua Price-Brent, Jimmy Saddler-McQueen ILB: Keith Brooking, Bradie James, Sean Lee, Stephen Hodge (inj), Jason Williams OLB: DeMarcus Ware (W) (inj), Anthony Spencer (S), Steve Octavien (W), Victor Butler, Curtis Johnson, Brandon Williams (inj), Jay Moore CB: Terance Newman, Mike Jenkins (inj), Orlando Scandrick (FS/CB), Jamar Wall,Bryan McCann S: Gerald Sensabaugh (SS), Alan Ball (FS/CB), Michael Hamlin (FS), Pat Watkins (SS) , Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (FS), Cletis Gordon, Barry Church Denver Broncos QB: The story of the first day of camp was Tim Tebow. Shocker. The Broncos agreed to terms with their 25th pick in the draft on a five-year, $11.25 million deal with $8.7 million guaranteed. On his first day of practice, Coach Josh McDaniels commented: "I think (he's) not rusty… I mean, he's been throwing a bunch, but he's certainly getting the hang of things we're doing and we are working on. (But) you know, he's got some catching up to do in that regard. . . He can kind of keep pace with them, but you know, typical — some good, some bad. Just good to get him out there before we start on Sunday." On Sunday, Kyle Orton worked with the starters showing confidence and accuracy, while Brady Quinn ran with the second group. RB: On Sunday, Knowshon Moreno was carted off the field and then moments later Correll Buckhalter left the field with an upper back pull. Moreno will miss three weeks after an MRI exam revealed no significant tear to his hamstring. Buckhalter experienced numbness in his left leg after suffering what was thought to be a minor hamstring pull. Moreno’s hamstring had some “fraying” and “slight” tear, but he is expected to be ready before Week 1. That means an opportunity for Kolby Smith, Bruce Hall, Lance Ball, Toney Baker, and possibly free agent Brian Westbrook. The veteran free agent was already rumored as a possibility in Denver after they dealt J.J. Arrington to the Eagles for LB Joe Mays. WR: Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney and first round pick Demaryius Thomas look like the top three receivers entering camp. As expected, Royal saw most of his reps in the slot during the first few days of camp, which fits his skill set best. Fellow rookie Eric Decker, Matthew Willis, Brandon Lloyd, Kenny McKinley and Brandon Stokley are competing for spots, too. Gaffney set career highs in catches and yards last year and he can play any of the team’s wide receiver positions. The team hopes that Thomas emerges as the team’s #1 receiver, but he faces a steep learning curve after the unconventional nature of the Georgia Tech offense followed by an inability to practice much in OTAs due to a foot injury. Decker returned to the practice field Wednesday after missing OTAs with his own foot injury. The 87th pick overall looks like a nice complement to Thomas. “I’m excited to be on the field and just get some work in,” said Decker, who made an impression on QBs Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn. “He looked good out there. He’s a big kid,” Quinn said. “He looks big out of pads, but looks even bigger in pads.” McDaniels seemed pleased, too. “I think today was a good day for Deck, because he got to get out there today and run and catch… There wasn’t the training he was doing all spring — it was football.” Willis was named by McDaniels on Sunday as a player that made an impression. “Matt Willis made a few nice catches. He kind of continued his push from the spring – had a real nice spring and then had an opportunity to make some plays down the field today and really came up with them.” Download 0.59 Mb. Share with your friends:
|