Training Camp Update Volume 6, Issue 1 8/3/10
RB: Arian Foster, Steve Slaton (3RB), Ben Tate, Jeremiah Johnson (inj), Chris Henry FB
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- Colts Depth Chart QB
- Vic Ketchman feels there is a different buzz about the team in 2010
- Jaguars Depth Chart QB
- Chiefs Depth Chart QB
RB: Arian Foster, Steve Slaton (3RB), Ben Tate, Jeremiah Johnson (inj), Chris Henry FB: Vonta Leach WR: Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones, David Anderson, Andre Davis (KR/PR), Trindon Holliday (KR/PR), Dorin Dickerson, Glenn Martinez (IR) TE: Owen Daniels (inj), Joel Dreessen, James Casey, Garrett Graham, Michael Gaines, Anthony Hill (inj) K: Kris Brown, Neil Rackers DT: Amobi Okoye, Shaun Cody (NT), DelJuan Robinson, Earl Mitchell, Frank Okam (inj) DE: Mario Williams, Antonio Smith, Connor Barwin, Tim Bulman, Tim Jamison,Jesse Nading, Pannel Egboh MLB: DeMeco Ryans OLB: Brian Cushing (S) (susp), Zac Diles (W) , Xavier Adibi (S/W), Darryl Sharpton (S), Danny Clark (S), Kevin Bentley (W), Toddrick Verdell, Darnell Bing CB: Glover Quin, Jacques Reeves, Kareem Jackson, Brice McCain, Fred Bennett,Sherrick McManis, Antwaun Molden (inj), Mark Parson S: Bernard Pollard (SS), Dominique Barber (FS), Eugene Wilson (inj), Troy Nolan (inj) Indianapolis Colts QB: No news on the Peyton Manning contract front, although Colts owner Jim Irsay indicated that discussions are ongoing. "We're working through the timing," Irsay said. "It's not only keeping Peyton going forward, but being able to surround him with the right people. We need both." Expect Peyton to be the highest-paid player in league history when the ink does dry. The possibility remains that the Colts will allow Peyton to play out his final year, and then place the franchise tag on him while they negotiate a long-term deal. Bottom line is that Peyton is going nowhere. Peyton doesn’t seem to be worried about it. “It’s not a distraction because I’m under contract," Manning said. "It’s one thing if I’m here and didn’t have (one). I’m under contract though. I’m ready to play football and I’m excited about this season. So, as I’ve said before, I have not spoken about a future contract in 12 years. I’ve always played on the contract I’ve been under and when it’s time to talk about it, when something is to be signed or something to be announced, I’ve talked about it. That policy has served me pretty well for 12 years going on 13 so I think I’m going to keep that policy. I’m in a frame of mind physically. I feel good mentally and I’m looking forward to hopefully having a good 2010.” The Colts will let Curtis Painter, Tom Brandstater, Tim Hiller and Drew Willy compete for the backup job now that Jim Sorgi is gone. RB: Mike Chappell of the Indy Star commented on five key issues the Colts must resolve in camp. Chief among them is improving the running game. Last year, the Colts ranked last in rushing yards per game (80.3) and yards per attempt (3.5). The team doesn’t necessarily want to run more this year, but they intend to run more effectively – looking to improve their average from 3.5 to 4.2 yards per average. Better blocking in short yardage is one of the key areas for improvement, but they also hope to get more production out of second year back Donald Brown. The NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi predicted that Brown will “take a giant leap” this year. Head Coach Jim Caldwell praised Brown’s increased knowledge of the offense during OTAs, but if he wants to supplant Joseph Addai (who is in a contract year) he’ll need to improve his blitz pickups and stay healthy. Brown is viewed as the better talent, but Addai has proven reliable and he is one of the league’s best near the goal line. WR: Another big question that fantasy owners are hoping will clear up in camp is who will start at receiver opposite Reggie Wayne? Despite speculation that Wayne might hold out, Wayne indicated via his website that he intended to honor his contract, and he did just that. "It's raining every day in South Florida due to hurricane season," Wayne wrote. "So maybe it is time to play some football. Not much else to talk about at this point in time. I'm about to go sit by the pool with a glass of lemonade ... and enjoy my last few days of freedom. Talk to you soon. GO COLTS!" As for who will start opposite him? Pierre Garcon finished 2009 in that role, but Anthony Gonzalez is back and, according to Peyton Manning, ready to compete. “I had dinner with Gonzo last night and he sounds really good," Manning said. “We had kind of July off and we spent a little time down in Tennessee some. Gonzalez and Collie came down there and worked out with me because he missed mini-camp. He wanted to get down there and get some reps. He and I had three really good days of throwing where I thought he looked good and I thought he looked quick, had a good burst on all his routes. So his hamstring, I think, that is fully healed. I know he’s really excited to be here in training camp and get started with truly kind of a fresh start to the 2010 season. I know the 2009 was frustrating for him. So, I’m excited for him. There is going to be good healthy competition at the wide receiver position all across the board. All those guys are going to make a big impact for our team this year.” There will be no shortage of competition between Gonzalez, Garcon and Austin Collie for the team’s first four spots. Even more encouraging for Gonzalez is that he avoided starting camp on the active/PUP list. Sam Giguere, undrafted rookie Blair White, Dudley Guice and Taj Smith are among those competing for the last roster spot. TE: Phil Wilson, of the Indy Star, won’t be surprised if rookie TE Brody Eldridge turns out to be a better pass catcher than blocker. The team’s fifth round pick was primarily used as a blocker at Oklahoma, but so far in OTAs has proven to be capable as a receiver. Eldridge has been described as a “big, physical player” who appears to have the athletic skills to get downfield quickly and make himself a target for QB Peyton Manning. Defense: The Colts signed LB Pat Angerer to a four year, $3.14 million contract just before camp began. An All-Big Ten selection and Iowa’s leading tackler last season, he’ll begin as Gary Brackett’s backup in the middle instead of competing with Phillip Wheeler for the strong-side job. Third round pick Kevin Thomas also signed, but he suffered a knee injury in May’s minicamp that might force him to miss all of the 2010 season. The Colts announced the signing of veteran Deshea Townsend the day before camp opened; he’ll add depth and compete for one of the top spots at corner and figures to be one of the top four along with starters Kelvin Hayden, Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey. Top pick Jerry Hughes was signed, sealed and delivered in time for camp as he looks forward to working alongside Pro Bowl ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. The Colts plan to use him along with their other two pass rushers in a 3-DE package the coaches have been working on. Colts President Bill Polian said, “He has both the ability to rush the passer and he can also stand up and move around… He gives us a lot of flexibility to create third-down packages that we have not had before and would like to have." Safety Bob Sanders opened camp on the active list, avoiding the PUP. Special Teams: Word on the street during the spring was that Adam Vinatieri is fully recovered from the knee and hip surgeries that shortened his 2009 season. Camp and preseason will be chance to confirm that. The Colts recently released rookie kicker Brett Swenson, however they still have a rookie camp leg on the roster, as they had claimed Garrett Lindholm off waivers from Atlanta. Pat McAfee enters his second year as the Colts punter, holder, and kickoff specialist. He recently commented regarding the latter role, “That's what I've been working on this offseason, to get more [touchbacks] and hit the ball better.” Justin Snow enters his second decade as the Colts long snapper. Colts Depth Chart QB: Peyton Manning, Curtis Painter, Tom Brandstater, Tim Hiller RB: Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, Mike Hart, Devin Moore, Javarris James WR: Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon (PR), Austin Collie, Anthony Gonzalez (inj),Sam Gugiere, Blair White, Dudley Guice, Taj Smith, Jordan Sisco, Brandon James TE: Dallas Clark, Gijon Robinson (inj), Jacob Tamme, Brody Eldridge, Colin Cloherty K: Adam Vinatieri, Brett Swenson, Garrett Lindholm DT: Antonio Johnson, Daniel Muir, Fili Moala, Eric Foster, Ricardo Mathews, John Gill, Marlon Favorite, Mitch King DE: Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis (inj), Jerry Hughes, Ervin Baldwin, Keyunta Dawson (DT), Trevor Anderson, J.D. Skolnitsky, John Chick MLB: Gary Brackett (W/M), Pat Angerer OLB: Clint Session (W), Philip Wheeler (S), Ramon Humber, Kavell Conner, Cody Glenn, Vuna Tuhialamaka CB: Kelvin Hayden, Jerraud Powers, Jacob Lacey, Deshea Townsend, Kevin Thomas (inj), Ray Fisher, Terrail Lambert, Thad Turner, Brandon King, Jordan Hemby, Pete Ittersagen S: Bob Sanders (inj), Antoine Bethea (FS), Melvin Bullitt (SS) (inj), Jamie Silva,David Caldwell, Mike Newton, Donye' McCleskey Jacksonville Jaguars QB: Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver and head coach Jack Del Rio called out David Garrard during the offseason, demanding greater dedication if the Jaguars are to improve offensively. The response from Garrard is just one of the reasons why Vic Ketchman feels there is a different buzz about the team in 2010. Garrard took the high road and set the tone for all of his teammates, allowing Del Rio to demand the same of everyone. “We’re going to get to work and continue what we started in the spring. I’ve established very clear values I believe in and it’s imperative our players embrace that,” Del Rio said. "I'm very thankful that I'm still here and have a chance to redeem all that," added the humbled Garrard. By all accounts, he had a great offseason and is no longer squarely on the hotseat entering camp. In the first few days of camp, none of the quarterbacks stood out necessarily, but they didn’t look bad either. Garrard has been his usual self while Luke McCown had been just behind him. Trevor Harris doesn’t look like a player ready to contribute. RB: The Jaguars have two players that could provide much needed depth and insurance behind starting RB Maurice Jones-Drew this year. Rashad Jennings graded out very well as a rookie despite very limited touches. Jennings looked smooth, fast, big, and showed off his great hands in the first days of practice. Deji Karim was added in the sixth round of the draft. Karim stood out at times during OTAs, but he sat out Friday’s night practice after suffering cramps in the afternoon between practices. The heat was a factor as a few players had to take breaks, or even sit out, due to cramps. Garrard was one of those who went to the sidelines for a few minutes after cramping. ESPN Insider’s K.C. Joyner speculated about the decline of Maurice Jones-Drew, noting that he averaged only 3.9 YPA in the team’s last eight games. Jones-Drew is in no danger of losing touches, but the team has to feel better about their Plan B with Jennings and Karim competing for the backup spot WR: Mike Sims-Walker opens camp in a limited capacity, he plans to practice once a day and the coaches will be cautious with him given his checkered history of injuries. "In the past, I've had a couple of injuries, and they came from two-a-days in training camp, so I'm just trying to prevent that, but there's nothing wrong with me. I feel great," Sims-Walker said. "Training camp takes a toll on your body... It's all running and grinding, so we're just being smart with it." Also sidelined with left foot injuries were Jarrett Dillard and TE Zach Miller. Both rode bikes and opened camp on the team’s active/PUP list. Dillard has a minor stress fracture; while Miller is recovering from plantar fasciitis. Free agent addition Kassim Osgood showed why he never cracked the lineup in San Diego. A special teams ace, Osgood dropped three passes in Friday morning’s practice, but later caught a pair of TDs in the night session. Nate Hughes had a solid day, making a leaping catch over CB Derek Cox in the early practice, but later he had a Garrard pass bounce off his foot resulting in a Tyron Brackenridge interception. Hughes made the team last year only to be waived after he dropped a fourth-quater TD against the Cardinals in Week 2. He is looking for redemption and another shot to make the roster. "I'd give anything for another shot," he said. Second-year receiver Mike Thomas is primed to start opposite Sims-Walker after grading out extremely well as a rookie. Thomas’s impressive metrics as a rookie included one of the highest catch %s in the league, an indicator of his good hands. Troy Williamson is back, but so far he’s been more a non-story as opposed to the standout player that dominated headlines a year ago before he succumbed to a season-ending injury in the preseason. TE: On Sunday, Zach Miller was activated from the team’s PUP list. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter remains "excited about the role“ Miller can play this year, even though he was sidelined during OTAs. "We think Zach can be that guy, we have high hopes for him," Koetter said. The team doesn’t consider his foot injury to be an issue. He remains a project, but the speedy, athletic Miller played very well at the end of the season filling in for Marcedes Lewis by catching eight passes, including 2 TDs, in the team’s final game. He projects as a part-time, situational player alongside Lewis, but the team thinks he could give David Garrard another reliable target underneath and prove to be a more consistent performer than Lewis long-term. Defense: It wouldn’t be a Jack Del Rio training camp without the Oklahoma Drill. The offensive line performed well in the drill as tackle Eugene Monroe beat rookie Larry Hart in two matchups, while there were spirited face-offs throughout the drill including one between Reggie Nelson and Nate Hughes. In Friday morning’s practice, Derrick Harvey made a nice play in team drills to get to David Garrard and knock the ball out of his hands. The biggest impact was made by free agent addition DE Aaron Kampmann, who is about 80% coming off knee surgery in the offseason. Based on his early work, the Jaguars are in great shape, especially once top pick Tyson Alualu acclimates himself after missing the first day of practice working out his rookie contract. The team also selected the undersized Larry Hart in the draft. Hart made himself visible by applying consistent pressure on the quarterback. "I compare myself to Dwight Freeney," Hart said. "I know I haven’t accomplished anything yet, but he’s what I compare myself to and I can be that type of player." Corner Reshean Mathis reported to camp on time after skipping OTAs hoping for a new contract. "I want to finish my career here," Mathis said. "It has never been a secret. ... I still have great years left. To stay in Jacksonville is what I want long term." LB Daryl Smith missed Saturday’s practice with a tweaked hamstring, but was expected to return quickly after resting briefly. Special Teams: The early July release of undrafted rookie punter Robert Malone means the Jaguars enter camp with their three specialists from last year. Punter Adam Podlesh looks to build on last year’s direction, “Honestly, I don’t look at gross punting…. That speaks for what we value in this league; directional punting and [low] return yards.” Long snapper Jeremy Cain looks to make a few tackles, “I love it. I have been doing it since I was a little kid. It comes natural from being a high school, college and NFL linebacker. I just try to prove it every time.” Kicker Josh Scobee looks to find his long stroke after getting some extra offseason coaching, "I can see the way I am going. I feel good about this season." Jaguars Depth Chart QB: David Garrard, Luke McCown RB: Maurice Jones-Drew (KR), Rashad Jennings, Deji Karim FB: Montell Owens, Greg Jones (inj), Brock Bolen WR: Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Thomas (PR), Jarett Dillard, Troy Williamson,Kassim Osgood, Nate Hughes, John Matthews, Tiquan Underwood TE: Marcedes Lewis, Zach Miller, Ernest Wilford, Zach Potter K: Josh Scobee DT: Terrance Knighton, Tyson Alualu, D'Anthony Smith (inj), Atiyyah Ellison (inj),Walter Curry DE: Aaron Kampman, Austen Lane, Derrick Harvey (inj), Larry Hart, Julius Williams (inj), Jeremy Navarre, Bryan Smith (IR) MLB: Kirk Morrison, Ted Lehman OLB: Daryl Smith (S) , Justin Durant (W), Freddy Keiaho (W/S), Russell Allen (S),Aaron Morgan CB: Rashean Mathis (inj), Derek Cox, Tyron Brackenridge, Scott Starks (inj), Scotty McGee, William Middleton, Don Carey (inj) S: Reggie Nelson (FS/CB), Gerald Alexander (SS), Sean Considine (SS) (inj),Anthony Smith (FS), Courtney Greene Kansas City Chiefs QB: The biggest non-story of the first day of camp was the quarterback play. It’s not that Matt Cassel was awful, rather the Chiefs practiced the Wildcat formation extensively, utilizing rookie Dexter McCluster along with Thomas Jones, Jamaal Charles and Kestahn Moore (who all took direct snaps in the session). On the second day, new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis sent the offense running after Cassel was swarmed by defenders before he could get rid of the football. RB: Jamaal Charles (offseason shoulder surgery) was medically cleared for camp and was on the practice field Friday with the second-team offense. Thomas Jones began camp as the starting tailback, ahead of Charles. While it might be a psychological ploy by Head Coach Todd Haley to inspire Charles, Jones looked the part as he always does. Charles, the team’s MVP last season, sat out most of the OTAs while recovering from a shoulder scope and the staff may simply be easing him back into the fold. On Saturday morning, Charles got his first taste of action when his offensive teammates came to his rescue after he was lifted, then slammed to the ground on a play. It marked the camp’s first brawl as Branden Albert and even QB Matt Cassel rushed to his defense. Back to Jones, he took most of the first team snaps looking strong and as quick as ever during 11-on-11 drills. The Chiefs have a pleasant problem on their hands with Jones and Charles competing for touches in the backfield. The team expects to run the ball more this year, not to mention the spectre of the Wildcat with McCluster being an “X” factor out of the backfield in addition to operating out of the slot. Tim Castille has the early lead at fullback over Mike Cox, although the two are rotating on the field depending on the personnel package. WR: The standout during the first two days of camp was clearly Dwayne Bowe, according to Kent Babb. During the first day of practice, Babb reported that Bowe made several difficult catches, including a diving catch on a well-covered route and another catch following an adjustment mid-air against CB Brandon Flowers in coverage. He picked up where he left off during Saturday’s two practice sessions making several more tough catches while running excellent routes. The only time he incurred the wrath of Haley was after he ran a crisp route, to get past Brandon Carr to make the catch and pose for fans. Haley yelled at Bowe to “hustle back” to the huddle. “It’s carrying over from OTAs and minicamp,” cornerback Brandon Flowers said of Bowe. “He came in in OTAs and minicamp and dropped his weight, got in well-conditioned shape. He’s stepping up to a whole other level. He’s definitely like a No. 1 receiver out there.” That’s a welcome sign for Bowe. “I’m encouraged with where Dwayne is right now,” Haley said. “I think he’s clearly ahead of where he was last year. He’s fighting to be considered one of the good receivers in the league. I think that’s his goal and his mind-set.” Chris Chambers turned in another highlight during Friday’s practice when he behind Brandon Carr to bring in a perfectly thrown TD pass from Cassel on a deep fly route. Dexter McCluster continued to be the focus of practice on Friday and Saturday. One beat writer commented how difficult it is not to watch McCluster in practice. McCluster’s playmaking ability is evident. He also proved to be among the toughest receivers during blocking drills, despite being the smallest member of the group. He did have a couple drops, but also took snaps split wide, out of the Wildcat and in the slot. McCluster was also used on bubble screens and he was seen fielding punts. The team released David Grimes and signed Verran Tucker on Saturday morning. TE: Tony Moeaki performed well in both the rookie and veteran mini-camps, but he missed action in between with a minor injury. If he can stay healthy during the preseason, he could be in line for plenty of playing time. He is competing with incumbent starter Leonard Pope. Moeaki has the all-around package to be a solid blocker and receiver, but he struggled with nagging injuries during his collegiate career at Iowa. Brad Cottam was waived/injured on Thursday leaving Jake O’Connell and Leroy Banks to compete, although both players are likely long shots to make the team. O’Connell dropped a catchable pass on Friday. Defense: Eric Berry missed the first practice of his football career, but joined the team later after he signed his monstrous rookie contract. He was immediately inserted as the team’s starting strong safety opposite Jon McGraw. He has also proved to be a model teammate apologizing to his teammates for being a day late to camp and missing the first practice. Unlike Dez Bryant, Berry willingly toted his own gear as well as Dwayne Bowe’s shoulder pads and Maurice Leggett’s helmet into the locker room following practice. Corner Brandon Carr made one of the best plays breaking up a deep pass at the last second in Friday’s practice. Carr was later beaten by Chris Chambers for a pair of long TDs. Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher ran with the starters at inside linebacker, instead of Demorrio Williams and Corey Mays, on Sunday. Veteran safety Jarrad Page remained absent as the only player on the team not at camp. He still hasn’t signed his one-year contract offer as a restricted free agent. Special Teams: The Chiefs do not have any competition at the specialist spots. The returning starters will spend camp getting in their reps and honing their synchronization under the tutelage of special teams coordinator (and kicking guru) Steve Hoffman. Long snapper Thomas Gafford is back for his third year. The veteran of the trio, punter and holder Dustin Colquitt is entering his sixth year. Kicker Ryan Succop is looking to pick up on the success if his rookie season last year, "I was blessed with a great year and a great opportunity. I'm very thankful for that…. I took advantage of it. Now, I've got to build upon that." Chiefs Depth Chart QB: Matt Cassel, Brodie Croyle, Tyler Palko RB: Jamaal Charles (3RB), Thomas Jones, Jackie Battle (inj), Javarris Williams,Kestahn Moore FB: Tim Castille, Mike Cox WR: Dwayne Bowe, Chris Chambers, Dexter McCluster, Jerheme Urban, Lance Long, Terrance Copper, Quinten Lawrence, Verran Tucker TE: Leonard Pope, Tony Moeaki, Jake O'Connell, Leroy Banks K: Ryan Succop NT: Ron Edwards, Derek Lokey, Shaun Smith DE: Tyson Jackson, Glenn Dorsey, Alex Magee, Wallace Gilberry ILB: Demorrio Williams, Corey Mays, Derrick Johnson, Jovan Belcher, Justin Cole OLB: Tamba Hali, Mike Vrabel, Andy Studebaker, David Herron, Justin Rogers,Pierre Walters Download 0.59 Mb. 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