NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 7 New Articles Added 11/6/06

Hache Man · Aug 22, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Aug. 22, 2006, 4:08 PM

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FFL: Weekend Wrap

By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games

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Here's an in-depth look at some of the top stories from the past weekend, including player news, injuries and exhibition game performances.
? Jets acquire Kevan Barlow: Before this trade, Barlow was considered a past disappointment with limited fantasy appeal. Frank Gore has obvious upside, but fantasy leaguers still weren't sure about his possible output with Barlow still in the San Francisco RB picture. The trade instantly boosts the value of both players.
A change of scenery is good for Barlow, who hasn't officially been named the new Jets starter, but it's clear he is in line to be the No. 1 guy in New York. In the past, Barlow has been enigmatic and only occasionally looked like he is worthy of being a fantasy starter. But he could be motivated by a chance to start over and he still has the chance to post decent overall numbers with the Jets if he avoids injuries. Barlow is coming off knee surgery in January, and he has already dealt with shoulder and thigh problems this preseason. New York has an offensive line that could potentially be solid if everyone stays healthy and the younger players come along quickly. The Jets will need Barlow to take pressure off the QB as well.
Chad Pennington's shoulder remains a question mark, as does the Jets' QB situation. So Barlow's owners will have to hope the New York passing game can at least be respectable, and there is also the reality that the Jets could play from behind often, neutralizing the running game. Barlow still has the skills to perform well occasionally and he should be dependable near the goal line when needed. Look for Barlow to be inconsistent overall, and he is more attractive as a "flex" player or top backup to your best two starters. Don't expect more than a maximum of 950 rushing yards or six TDs. Barlow still has a lot to prove, must stay healthy, and is surrounded by questionable talent at the other skill positions. All signs now point to Curtis Martin being a wasted fantasy draft choice.
Gore now becomes a very good fourth-round pick as long as he doesn't have any further shoulder issues. He's a sparkplug with good speed who should now become a focal point of the offense, as offensive coordinator Norv Turner has always made the running game a major part of his offensive attack. If Gore stays healthy, he could be good for 1,100-plus rushing yards and six or more TDs. His owners just have to hope QB Alex Smith can keep defenses honest. Maurice Hicks is good late-round insurance for Gore, who has dealt with injury problems in the past.
? QB controversy in Dallas?: The buzz is getting louder that Tony Romo, who looked sharp in Dallas' second preseason game, could threaten the playing time of Drew Blesdoe at some point. While Bledsoe remains the starter for now, and Bill Parcells has openly dismissed any talk of a QB "race", Bledsoe might not have much room for error early in the regular season. If Romo continues to impress, he could take over for Bledsoe at some point during the 2006 schedule. How Romo would fare during the regular season remains to be seen, but fantasy owners should drop Bledsoe a few spots on their cheat sheets for now, knowing there is a chance he could lose his job at some point. Don't worry about Terrell Owens in light of this talk. Once Romo gets the ball in the hands of Owens, T.O. can do much of the rest and he's still worthy of a second-round selection. Parcells won't give Romo the chance to play if he doesn't trust him to get the ball to his best target.
? Jamal Lewis out two weeks: Just when it appeared his preseason was getting off to a good start, Baltimore's top RB had a setback. Lewis is expected to miss two weeks because of a hip problem. He has recurring soreness in the hip and quadriceps areas, and will now rest and rehab for the regular season. Lewis had rushed for 65 yards on 15 carries in the first two Baltimore exhibition games, but he still has pain and said he isn't playing at 100 percent. While Lewis should still be ready for the regular season, fantasy owners should proceed with caution and avoid him until the fourth round. Lewis had been on the physically-unable-to-perform list earlier in the summer because of the problem. While Lewis has been happy about his new contract and wants to prove he can still be a top RB, his body is not guaranteed to cooperate. Mike Anderson, who is trying to overcome a foot problem, is the obvious handcuff pick in the middle rounds.
? The Houston RB picture: It is still uncertain when Domanick Davis will return from a knee injury, or if he will be ready for the beginning of the regular season. In the meantime, Vernand Morency, who seems to have the endorsement of the Houston braintrust, made a solid case to be the interim starter. He rushed for 99 yards and two TDs against St. Louis. Wali Lundy totaled 66 yards from scrimmage, but Morency appears to be the favorite to start when Davis is out. The Texans are giving Morency every opportunity to prove himself this preseason. Both Morency and Lundy make good later-round picks right now. Morency might get the chance to start first, but don't rule out Lundy eventually surpassing him on the depth chart. Lundy has looked very good early in the preseason and Morency will have to deliver some more good outings to keep the No. 2 RB job.
? Palmer ready to return?: Carson Palmer now says he expect to play in next Monday's preseason game. While Marvin Lewis has yet to officially confirm that, it is apparent Palmer is becoming more confident in taking the field and testing his knee. As long as he doesn't have any more swelling prior to Monday, he could make his preseason debut. This is encouraging news for Palmer's owners. Meanwhile, Anthony Wright has played adequately in Palmer's place. He threw a TD to Chad Johnson, who finished with five catches for 73 yards on Friday. Johnson has already shown us that he won't suffer a major drop in production if Palmer misses any regular season time. He has worked well with Wright so far in exhibition play.
? Fred Taylor not secure: Jack Del Rio has not yet named a starter at RB and there is still a reported open competition between Fred Taylor and Greg Jones. Neither one has distinguished himself over the other in a major way yet in exhibition play. Taylor has rushed for 27 yards, and Jones 26. But with Taylor's injury history, smart fantasy owners know Jones could eventually start even if he doesn't win the job outright. Both RBs should be picked in the fifth or sixth round of fantasy leagues.
? Mike Bell looking better: After fumbling in his exhibition debut, rookie RB Mike Bell worked on his running style in the days leading up to Denver's second preseason game. Bell had focused on keeping his shoulder pads lower, and the adjustments seemed to boost his confidence against Tennessee. Bell rushed for 73 yards on 10 carries and scored twice. He appears to have tightened his grip on the starting RB job for now, and Bell shouldn't be picked later than the end of the fourth round in most fantasy leagues. There is also now talk that Ron Dayne, who has been battling a toe injury, isn't assured of making the team.
? More adversity for Larry Johnson?: The Chiefs are still dealing with the retirements of tackles Willie Roaf and John Welbourn. Now there are injury issues at guard to contend with. Right guard Will Shields now has a high ankle sprain. Left guard Brain Waters has just returned from a foot injury. Shields is still expected to be ready for the regular season and Waters is back at practice. There's no reason to panic yet, but monitor the situations. I have yet to drop Johnson from his spot atop my player rankings, but he is no lock to stay there ahead of Shaun Alexander and LaDainian Tomlinson.
? Dillon not done: While rookie Laurence Maroney has a lot of upside, Corey Dillon isn't about to surrender his starting job. Dillon rushed for 26 yards on 10 carries and scored on Saturday. While the final numbers aren't impressive, it's apparent Dillon will get most of the carries when he is healthy. He certainly will remain a top option near the goal line. Maroney has looked good, but his only real opportunity to shine might come as a result of a Dillon injury.
? Pick this Packer: Rookie Greg Jennings has looked very good this preseason, and has impressed onlookers with his ability to catch the ball in stride and gain extra yards after the reception. Jennings finished with 115 receiving yards, including an 85-yard TD reception, against Atlanta. He could easily overtake Robert Ferguson in the starting lineup at some point, and Jennings is looking like a terrific late-round fantasy draft choice. Tomorrow: Watch for an exclusive fantasy report on Saturday's Vikings-Steelers preseason game.

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Hache Man · Aug 23, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Watts made Lelie expendable

posted: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Denver Broncos

In what appears to be the beginning of a pattern, the Denver Broncos have swung their second three-team trade involving the Atlanta Falcons this offseason.

Lelie

Tuesday's deal sent disgruntled wide receiver Ashley Lelie from Denver to Atlanta and running back T.J. Duckett from Atlanta to Washington. The Broncos reportedly will receive the Redskins' third-round pick in the 2007 draft, but there might be some contingencies involved on the pick.

In March, the Broncos helped the Falcons land defensive end John Abraham from the Jets in a three-team deal, and in return received the draft pick they used to grab quarterback Jay Cutler.
So if you are the Broncos, why do you make this deal? You aren't getting anything that helps you this season in your quest to get over the hump and into the Super Bowl.
Well, they did if for a few reasons. First and foremost, they got rid of a player who has been a serious distraction for them the entire offseason. Lelie is an average receiver, and his absence is not going to have a major effect on how this offense performs this season.
The team added veteran WR Javon Walker in a draft-day trade. Walker is coming off a knee injury and has yet to play in the preseason, but he is close to being ready.

Watts

A bigger reason than the Walker deal, though, is the newfound confidence head coach Mike Shanahan has developed in third-year WR Darius Watts. If you remember, Watts had a very good rookie season two years ago, when he caught 31 balls for 385 yards and a TD. Last season he fell off the map (two receptions for 22 yards), going through a big-time sophomore slump.

But Watts appears ready to put last season behind him. I have talked to people in the Broncos organization who say Watts has been the team's most outstanding receiver in camp. They told me he really has improved his toughness and competitiveness. They talked to me about how Watts spent this entire offseason working hard and really concentrating on becoming a much better route runner. The end result? We will have to wait and see. We know this, though: Denver is going to use a lot of three-receiver sets, which will give Watts the opportunity to become a dangerous playmaker in their offensive system.

Hache Man · Aug 23, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Duckett is insurance for Portis

posted: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Washington Redskins

After the three-team, two-player trade that developed Tuesday night that sent T.J. Duckett to Washington and Ashley Lelie to Atlanta, there is some lingering question in my mind about how serious Clinton Portis' shoulder injury might be. Is this trade a sign that Portis might not be 100 percent in the first part of the season? Or are the Redskins giving themselves a solid one-two punch at running back that they feel will get them over the hump this year?

Portis

As I stated in my earlier blog, shoulder injuries at certain positions can affect how well players get their jobs done. Portis could have lingering soreness and range-of-motion problems all season, and if were to take a solid hit on that shoulder, he could be out for a series or the rest of a game. An effective running game will be key for the 'Skins this year, as it was in 2005.

Joe Gibbs cannot be pleased with the performance of his backup running backs, as they have combined for only 55 yards on 27 carries in two preseason games. Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright and Nehemiah Broughton have not gotten the job done so far. So Washington took advantage of the opportunity to upgrade its running game with a proven back in Duckett.

Duckett

Duckett has had a solid preseason, gaining 96 yards on 15 carries, an impressive 6.4 average. He is a power, downhill runner who can move the pile and get tough, inside yards. His size and power make him a good choice in short-yardage, goal-line and four-minute situations, when the 'Skins are trying to run out the clock, as well. Duckett has good vision and will make good decisions while running with the football, but he needs to improve his pass blocking and catching the ball out of the backfield to fit Al Saunders offensive scheme.

If Portis is healthy, he and Duckett could form a good one-two punch for Washington, with Portis as the speed back and Duckett the power back. This combo worked well for the Steelers last season, with Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis. One thing is for certain: The Redskins feel they have a legitimate chance at winning the NFC East and going deep into the playoffs, and they are making a commitment with this trade to bolster their veteran depth at the running back position. Gibbs must feel this is his year, and he is going to do what ever it takes to make it happen.

Hache Man · Aug 23, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Lelie improves Falcons' offense

posted: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons' west coast passing attack has struggled throughout the preseason to come up with a third or fourth option in the spread groupings since the injury to wide receiver Brian Finneran. Finneran was a crafty possession receiver who finished second on the team in receptions last season with 50. He was an experienced player who could play multiple spots in the team's spread formations and had a strong relationship with quarterback Michael Vick.

Former first-round picks Roddy White and Michael Jenkins are young players who combined for 65 receptions last season. They both possess the size and skill-set to develop into productive playmakers in the NFL, but they lack experience and consistency at this stage. However, they both have looked really impressive thus far in training camp with their timing and rhythm with Vick.
Still, acquiring Ashley Lelie is a good move for the Falcons, because he is an upgrade over Jerome Pathon and sixth-round pick Adam Jennings. Lelie is young and has very good athletic skills for the position. He brings another vertical dimension to the offense that, along with Jenkins, gives Vick deep options down the field. Lelie can be inconsistent in his overall catching skills, but he is a fast and explosive player in his run-after-catch ability. However, I have concerns about Lelie's consistency and toughness. And, don't forget that he has missed all the offseason conditioning programs and training camp as the regular season gets closer.
Look for the Falcons to move Jenkins inside to the slot, where Finneran usually lined up, in multiple sets, with White and Lelie on the outside. This will allow Jenkins to focus on shallow underneath crossing routes and option routes.
The other area this trade impacts is the Falcons' rushing attack. With the loss of T.J. Duckett, rookie Jerious Norwood now becomes the primary backup to starter Warrick Dunn. Norwood is a fast and explosive young back, but he has struggled to carry the ball between the tackles thus far in the preseason. However, after using a third-round pick on Norwood, the organization has enough confidence in him to move Duckett in a trade.
Fantasy tip: For you fantasy lovers out there, the player that this trade impacts the most might be tight end Alge Crumpler. Crumpler should flourish even more in the passing game with this strong supporting cast around him, especially in the red zone. Bulking up: One other interesting note in Atlanta is the addition of nose tackle Grady Jackson. If Jackson can pass the team's physical, he will add a unique dimension to the interior of the Falcons' defensive line. Jackson has a good combination of size, strength and power. He has value as a run stuffer but has limited pass-rush skills. The Falcons really struggled last season against the run, and Jackson gives them that inside space-eater opposite DT Rod Coleman on first and second downs.

Hache Man · Aug 23, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Part elephant trainer, part mad scientist

posted: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans

Probably the most important -- and most difficult -- position coach on any NFL staff is the offensive line coach. He has to get five starters all on the same page on blocking assignments and techniques. One missed assignment by any of the five linemen can ruin a play. He also has to get at least three backups on the same page, as well. One injury and the lineup changes.

How a line coach handles his players varies with each individual. Most linemen consider themselves the blue-collar players on the team. They don't ask for, or want, a lot of publicity. While it's muscle and mass against muscle and mass when blocking, they must use proper techniques, as well as some of the tricks of the trade, to get the job done.
The offensive lineman has the toughest playbook to learn outside that of the quarterback, and he has to learn to work with the guys on his left as well as his right. Because so much of the lineman's game is mental, the line coach has to understand how his prot?g?s learn. Do they pick things up off the blackboard (grease boards these days)? Do they learn out of the playbook? Or do they have to walk through everything on the practice field? Everyone is different.
Because of this, a good line coach (more so than any other position coach) can create a strong cohesive unit out of mediocre talent. With that in mind, let's look at the offensive line coaches in the AFC South.
Houston: John Benton. He played at Colorado State, then spent his college coaching career at his alma mater and at California University (Pa.) as an offensive line coach. After college coaching, he went to the St. Louis Rams as an offensive line coach for two years before being hired to coach the line this year at Houston.
Jacksonville: Andy Heck. Andy moved from tight end to tackle for his senior year at Notre Dame. I was scouting for Seattle when we drafted him in the first round in 1989, and he became an immediate starter. He coached tight ends at the University of Virginia, then joined the Jaguars in 2004. As a player, he was the kind of guy we knew would end up coaching some day. He understood how to play the position.
Indianapolis: Howard Mudd. It would take more pages than I'm allowed to cover Howard's coaching career. Suffice it to say he has been coaching the offensive line for 33 years in the NFL. As a player, Mudd enjoyed a stellar career both in college (Hillsdale) and in the NFL (San Francisco and Chicago), earning honors at both levels. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with Howard twice (two stints in Seattle) and consider him one of, if not the, best offensive line coaches in the NFL. I have never seen a coach get more out of his players and produce as successful a blocking team as Howard.
Tennessee: Mike Munchak. Mike has probably the most glamorous r?sum? of all the coaches currently in the NFL. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player and had his number retired by the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans). He has been coaching for the Oilers/Titans since he retired in 1994 and was promoted to the offensive line coach in 1997. He has immediate credibility and the respect of his players and has done a fine job in Tennessee. As a group, these are all fine coaches. How quickly they can get their five starters and their backups to jell will go a long ways in determining how their teams do this year.

Hache Man · Aug 23, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/22/06)

Wimbley making early impression

filed under: Cleveland Browns

A lot of things have gone wrong for the Cleveland Browns since they started training camp, but the addition of Kamerion Wimbley isn't one of them. It's early, of course, and yes, he is learning a new position, but he just jumps off the screen when you watch the Browns' defense. Wimbley currently is listed as Matt Stewart's backup at the right outside linebacker spot in the starting defense, but by the early look of things he will pass Stewart in no time.

Wimbley is close to the perfect specimen for a 3-4 outside linebacker. He has a very long build with big hands, long arms, good body definition and enough strength to hold the point of attack in the run game. He is both very fast and abrupt at changing directions. His run recognition still needs more time to develop, but he has fine upside in this area. Amazingly, he looks pretty natural in pass coverage -- something he rarely did at Florida State. He covers a lot of ground, is very fluid and breaks on the ball with suddenness and certainty.
What Wimbley was drafted for, though, is his pass-rushing talents, and he has surpassed expectations in that area. He explodes off the snap, has rare body control and balance and shows the rare ability to dip his shoulder underneath the offensive tackle while bending the edge without losing speed or the ability to change direction. He already is an excellent stunting pass rusher, and he closes on his target with force and passion.
The Browns had more than their share of weaknesses in 2005, but the lack of a pass rusher who inspired fear in protection schemes could have been the most glaring. If he isn't already, Wimbley very soon will be the best pass rusher on the team, and his ceiling for getting after the quarterback is extremely high. In all areas of his game, his outstanding athletic ability is apparent. He bends his knees extremely well and never looks awkward or out of place, despite playing a new position. Without a doubt, Wimbley has been by far the best-looking rookie I have seen in the AFC North, and he is just scratching the surface of what he may become. The Browns got this one right.

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Updated: Aug. 24, 2006
Training-camp closure: NFC North

Pro Football Weekly

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The fine-tuning has just about reached the final stages.
In just a couple of weeks, the 2006 NFL regular season will be officially under way, and as usual, unpredictability is likely to abound, with lots of unheralded newcomers providing surprising impacts, while an equal number of established players raise our eyebrows with their surprising inability to live up to expectations.
In Pro Football Weekly's final league-wide rundown of this year's training-camp action, we provide more than a few clues on what to expect from every team in the mix this season -- for better or worse.
In the following NFC North report, we pick a veteran player and a rookie player from each team who deserves special notice, in addition to identifying each team's strongest and weakest positions and providing a comprehensive injury update of every roster through the first two weeks of the '06 preseason. <OFFER>

? NFC East | NFC South | NFC West
? AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West

Chicago Bears

Veteran to watch: QB Brian Griese. We know, we know, it's the preseason. But Griese's preseason performance cannot be ignored, especially if incumbent starter Rex Grossman fails to deliver as he did in the preseason opener Aug. 11 at San Francisco. While Grossman completed just 3 of 11 passes, Griese led the second-team offense on scoring drives of 83 and 75 yards.
Rookie to watch: RS Devin Hester. The second-round pick will play a major role for the Bears in replacing Jerry Azumah as the primary return specialist. Hester has game-breaking speed to make highlight-reel plays. However, his decision-making can be questionable at times and will make him an even more interesting study.
Injury update: RB Thomas Jones is back from a hamstring problem that sidelined him for all but one day of camp. RB Cedric Benson is rehabbing and participating in individual drills but might not play again in the preseason. The Bears believe Benson will be cleared for contact before the Sept. 10 opener at Green Bay and hope the same applies to SS Mike Brown, who felt a twinge in his right Achilles at San Francisco on Aug. 11 and was shut down completely for at least seven days. CB Nathan Vasher is being monitored closely after suffering a concussion vs. the 49ers. DT Ian Scott (knee surgery) was expected to be out until Aug. 21, and DT Tank Johnson (quadriceps) could come off the non-football injury list at that time. Oft-injured FB Bryan Johnson suffered a torn hamstring. He's unlikely to play until midseason at the earliest. WRs Alex Bannister (wrist) and Airese Currie (knee) were expected to be ready to resume practicing shortly after camp broke on Aug. 16.
Strongest positions: Running back and cornerback are equal assets for the Bears. Once Jones and Benson are healthy, which has rarely been the case in the one full year the duo has been in Chicago, the Bears' backfield could be as loaded as any in the league. And the CB play has risen a level, bolstered by offseason additions Ricky Manning and Dante Wesley.
Weakest position: Homegrown second-round, third-round and fifth-round picks at wide receiver have to exceed expectations for the Bears' offense to make the much-discussed improvement it seeks. Mark Bradley, Bernard Berrian, Justin Gage and Airese Currie are average individual talents, at best, until proven otherwise. Durability seems to be a significant hurdle across the board, leaving Gage or perhaps long shot Rashied Davis as the top candidate to start opposite Muhsin Muhammad.

Detroit Lions

Veterans to watch: Expectations are through the roof for RB Kevin Jones in Detroit, and not just with the fan base. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz thinks Jones can play every down after improving his pass-catching skills in the offseason and coming to training camp in flawless physical condition. Another top pick, LB Boss Bailey, hasn't been the same since his rookie season because of knee and ankle injuries. But the Lions have been cautious with Bailey and plan to use him as a do-it-all playmaker at middle linebacker.
Rookies to watch: Detroit's top two picks, LB Ernie Sims and FS Daniel Bullocks, are hard-hitting, instinctive defenders who bring attitude to the defense. Bullocks possesses the skill set of a strong safety, but don't be surprised to see him start at free safety alongside Kenoy Kennedy. Sims did too much freelancing in his first week of training camp but is coming around to Rod Marinelli's tough-love approach.
Injury update: Bailey has not yet played in the preseason because of a tight hamstring. WR Charles Rogers missed the Lions' second preseason game with a sore knee. DT Shaun Rogers (shoulder) and ORG Damien Woody (broken hand) are expected to play in the Lions' third preseason game. TE Casey FitzSimmons (fractured left wrist) won't play until at least Week Two. ORT Rex Tucker (knee) is still bothered by his injury and might miss another week of practice. LB Teddy Lehman (foot), WR Scottie Vines (groin) and TE Dan Campbell (elbow) remain on the physically-unable-to-perform list.
Strongest positions: Martz continues to freely rotate personnel at quarterback and wide receiver. According to the coach, it's not a question of whether the talent exists, but rather which talents best suit the Lions' offense. Dan Orlovsky and Josh McCown are neck-and-neck behind Jon Kitna for the backup QB job, and the competition for four, possibly five, roster spots at wide receiver behind Roy Williams is thick. Former first-round pick Charles Rogers could still be released, but we're told Mike Williams, the Lions' top pick in 2005, is moving up the depth chart.
Weakest position: Based on the personnel and not the coach overseeing the unit, the defensive line might become a weak link. Marinelli, a veteran DL coach before taking over the Lions, has much to like about his starters: DEs Cory Redding and James Hall are solid, and DTs Rogers and Shaun Cody are active 300-pounders capable of disrupting plays in the backfield and making a tackle five yards downfield. But there is little depth outside of DE Kalimba Edwards. Can the hands-on approach of Marinelli make a big enough difference?

Green Bay Packers

Veteran to watch: RB Ahman Green has returned to full-contact, full-pads practices and has drawn praise from coaches and teammates. If he's fully recovered from the quadriceps injury that ended his 2005 season two months early and shows the form he did two seasons ago, the offense should be more complete. If not, the Packers are more likely to sink to the bottom of the NFC North for the second straight year.
Rookie to watch: Second-round pick Greg Jennings is climbing the depth chart at wide receiver, but the jewel of the Packers' draft class is LB A.J. Hawk. After a rude introduction to the NFL -- Hawk was slow to pick up the defense in training camp and was torched in coverage by Chargers TE Antonio Gates in the preseason opener -- there were signs that Hawk was turning the corner. If he's full speed, or close to it, by Week 1, the Packers think their defense could be prizeworthy.
Injury update: Two safeties are injured for the Packers. Starter Marquand Manuel missed almost every training-camp practice with a calf injury. Marviel Underwood (knee), the top backup to Manuel, was lost for the season in the preseason opener. DT Ryan Pickett and TE David Martin have hand injuries, but neither injury is serious. The Packers are monitoring the status of OLT Chad Clifton closely. He has missed several practices with soreness in his right knee, on which he's had multiple operations. Green continues to be brought along slowly with a target date for his full-speed return of Aug. 28 vs. Cincinnati.
Strongest position: For whatever it might be worth at this stage in the game, the Packers are thrilled with their depth at defensive tackle. Some pinpointed the interior defensive line as a weak spot, but the competition inside is fierce, and the Packers think they can go five or six deep. Next to free-agent signee Ryan Pickett, Cullen Jenkins, Corey Williams, Colin Cole and Kenderick Allen are fighting for the starting DLT job. In fact, we're told general manager Ted Thompson already has discussed trading one of his tackles.
Weakest position: Perilously thin at safety, the Packers are crossing their fingers Manuel can return soon. He's been out with a calf injury since late July, and there is no depth behind him after Underwood injured his knee. The Packers released Mark Roman just before the start of camp and used sixth-round pick Tyrone Culver with the starting defense at San Diego.

Minnesota Vikings

Veterans to watch: Chester Taylor has never been a starter, but he could be the most critical cog on the Vikings' roster. As Taylor goes, so will the Vikings. If he falters, Minnesota lacks a tested fallback option. Taylor, himself unproven after four seasons in Baltimore, was handpicked in free agency to be head coach Brad Childress' bell-cow running back. Defensively, the Vikings are counting on a rebound season out of CB Fred Smoot, who was signed to a lucrative free-agent deal prior to the 2005 season. Injuries, off-the-field drama and greatly diminished self-confidence derailed Smoot's first season in Minnesota.
Rookie to watch: A raw talent for whom the Vikings set low expectations this season, second-round pick Tarvaris Jackson, came to camp ready to compete in the NFL. Veterans describe him as one of the hardest-working players in camp. His work ethic is such that the hands-on coaching from Childress and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell is absorbed and put to use almost immediately. Already Jackson was the Vikings' No. 2 quarterback, ahead of Mike McMahon, on Aug. 19 at Pittsburgh and completed 9 of 11 passes (3-of-4 with the first-team offense).
Injury update: Rookie WLB Chad Greenway has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and is done for the year. A fractured left middle finger might force OLT Bryant McKinnie to play wearing a protective wrap for a few weeks, possibly into the regular season. DT Kevin Williams has experienced some swelling in his left knee, but the Vikings don't believe the injury to be serious. SS Tank Williams (broken left kneecap) is out for the season. SS Willie Offord injured his right wrist in the Aug. 19 game and is expected to consult a specialist.
Strongest positions: Depth and talent along the defensive line are nothing new to these Vikings. With three first-round picks -- DEs Erasmus James and Kenechi Udeze and DT Kevin Williams -- alongside motivated veteran anchor Pat Williams, Minnesota's front wall won't be easy to keep out of the backfield. The secondary, should Smoot raise his level of play back near Pro Bowl caliber, also has enough muscle to scare opponents.
Weakest positions: The Vikings possess quantity but not quality at linebacker. They don't have the true playmakers needed to successfully employ the Cover 2 defense. E.J. Henderson, now the unquestioned starter on the weak side in light of Greenway's knee injury, is the best of an average bunch. Don't rule out a move before the regular-season opener at Washington. Wide receiver, now that lead option Koren Robinson's future is in doubt, isn't far behind linebacker in terms of weakness. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Updated: Aug. 24, 2006
Training camp closure: NFC East

Pro Football Weekly

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
The fine-tuning has just about reached the final stages.
In just a couple of weeks, the 2006 NFL regular season will be officially under way, and as usual, unpredictability is likely to abound, with lots of unheralded newcomers providing surprising impacts, while an equal number of established players raise our eyebrows with their surprising inability to live up to expectations.
In Pro Football Weekly's final leaguewide rundown of this year's training camp action, we provide more than a few clues on what to expect from every team in the mix this season -- for better or worse.
In the following NFC East report, we pick a veteran player and a rookie player from each team who deserves special notice, in addition to identifying each team's strongest and weakest positions and providing a comprehensive injury update of every roster through the first two weeks of the '06 preseason. <OFFER>

? NFC North | NFC South | NFC West
? AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West

Dallas Cowboys

Veteran to watch: Now that he's healthy, veteran OT Marc Colombo has a realistic chance to start on the right side. It has taken him years to get over the knee injury he suffered with the Bears, but Colombo looked pretty good working with the first team in the preseason opener vs. Seattle. The team has had a revolving door at right tackle for six seasons, and Colombo will rotate with Rob Petitti -- last year's starter who struggled badly as a rookie -- in the remaining preseason games until one stands out enough to get the starting nod.
Rookie to watch: Bill Parcells, who is usually opaque toward rookies, has been praiseworthy of intriguing fifth-round FS Pat Watkins, who is running with the second team now. Watkins could challenge for a starting spot and should make an impact as a nickel safety. The first time he steps on the field, the 6-foot-5 Watkins will be one of the tallest safeties in the history of the NFL, but he has shown good movement and skills on defense as well as on special teams.
Injury update: WR Terrell Owens (hamstring) ended his 14-practice hiatus, but the injury is worth watching, especially with ailing WRs Patrick Crayton (high ankle sprain) and Terry Glenn (blisters) missing time. Parcells says Owens won't play in games unless he practices. PK Mike Vanderjagt has been bothered by quadriceps and hamstring problems and hasn't kicked much at all. DE Marcus Spears (knee) and LB Rocky Boiman (thumb) are back in the fold. The playing days of S Justin Beriault, a feel-good story coming off a tricky osteotomy surgery, appear to be over; Parcells said Beriault likely would retire after not being able to come back from two serious ligament tears.
Strongest position: Linebacker might be the deepest position, and the D-line has some great parts, but the secondary appears to be in great shape. Top three CBs Terence Newman, Anthony Henry and Aaron Glenn are about as solid a trio as there is in the league right now. SS Roy Williams, armed with a new contract extension, has taken on a leadership role and appears to be poised for a breakout season. And free safety, considered somewhat of a question mark coming into camp, looks at least steady with Watkins, Keith Davis (15 starts last year), 11-year vet Marcus Coleman and even first-year man Abram Elam, who had seven tackles in the first preseason game.
Weakest position: The offensive line still has questions at multiple spots, though it might not appear as dire as it once did this offseason. Right tackle is up for grabs. Center is still in doubt, though Andre Gurode has looked better. And OLT Flozell Adams, slowed by his rehabbed knee, has yet to stand out and has needed to have his repetitions cut in order to keep him fresh. The depth, predictably, is thin as well.

New York Giants

Veteran to watch: CB Sam Madison was brought in to help solidify a rebuilt secondary, but he hasn't looked great when he has been out there. He isn't playing right now with a sore hamstring, and although it's not a legitimate concern at this point, the team clearly would like to see more out of their free-agent acquisition. The good news is that second-year CB Corey Webster, the other projected starter, has had a strong camp.
Rookie to watch: Considered a long shot to make the roster, CB E.J. Underwood -- from tiny Pikeville via Ohio State -- has made quite an impression on the staff and has a real chance to make the team. Despite several veterans ahead of him at the start of camp, Underwood has been working with the starting nickel and dime defenses and has taken snaps with the second unit. The team is trying to throw as much at the little-known rookie as possible.
Injury update: OG Chris Snee's knee, LB Carlos Emmons' stinger and RB Derrick Ward's broken hand have tested the Giants' depth early on, but none of the injuries is considered very serious. The team is being cautious with LB LaVar Arrington (knee) and WR Amani Toomer (hamstring) as well, but both appear fine. The most frustrating injury has been to rookie WR Sinorice Moss, who has missed several practices with a strained quadriceps -- and it's not clear how much more time he'll miss. The offensive line has taken a hit. Besides Snee, starting C Shaun O'Hara sprained a knee ligament in the Aug. 17 win over the Chiefs, and it was unknown how soon he might return. Starting OLT Luke Petitgout continues to be bothered by back spasms, and backup OG Rich Seubert is still struggling with leg and toe injuries.
Strongest position: Clearly, it's defensive end, where the team starts two Pro Bowlers in Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora and has incredible depth in promising Justin Tuck and first-round pick Mathias Kiwanuka, who had a sack and two pressures in his preseason debut. The defensive staff has talked about a nickel package where all four ends are on the field at the same time.
Weakest position: Why, of course, it's the defensive tackles. As strong as they are outside, the Giants have been unhappy with the production inside. Tom Coughlin called out William Joseph and Fred Robbins, who started the first preseason game, and the depth there -- with the untested Damane Duckett, Jonas Seawright and rookie Barry Cofield in reserve -- is shaky. As one observer notes, it appears there are a bunch of three-techniques but no one who appears capable of playing over the nose.

Philadelphia Eagles

Veteran to watch: After losing 40 pounds in the offseason following the death of a close friend who was obese, ORG Shawn Andrews has been an absolute monster in the preseason, blowing away most people lined up opposite him. He embarrassed Raiders DT Warren Sapp in the Hall of Fame game and appears poised to have his best season to date. If Andrews maintains that level of play this season, he could be moved out to tackle at some point.
Rookie to watch: Undrafted WR Hank Baskett, who was acquired in the offseason from Minnesota for Billy McMullen, is proving to be a major steal. Baskett has made terrific catches look routine throughout camp and has appeared quicker than he did in college or at the Senior Bowl. In fact, with Todd Pinkston still nursing an Achilles injury and Jabar Gaffney apparently fitting in best in the slot, Baskett has an excellent chance to start opposite Reggie Brown -- something that appeared remote at best when camp began.
Injury update: RB Brian Westbrook (foot) and snakebitten DE Jerome McDougle (broken ribs) might miss the rest of the preseason, but the prognosis is worse for LB Greg Richmond, who was expected to challenge Dhani Jones on the strong side but underwent lower-back surgery. RB Correll Buckhalter played in his first game in two years on Aug. 17, and he appeared fully recovered from a torn right patellar tendon. DT Darwin Walker (fractured rib), RB Bruce Perry (neck), OG Adrien Clarke (back surgery), CB Roderick Hood (toe), WR-RS Jeremy Bloom (hamstring) and FB Jason Davis (knee) also have been hurt.
Strongest position: Defensive end appears to be a strength. Darren Howard has had a great camp, and he should open things up for fellow DE Jevon Kearse. Howard also can slide inside to tackle on passing downs, as he did in New Orleans, which allows nickel ends Trent Cole (five sacks as a rookie) and Chris Gocong (who also plays linebacker) to rush the passer. McDougle, assuming he can ever stay healthy, is another legit talent at the position, and Juqua Thomas has had a good camp.
Weakest position: With all the injuries, Reno Mahe and Marty Johnson have seen time as the No. 1 back -- and that's not good. Though it appears there's good depth with Westbrook, Moats and others, no one has stepped up and shown he can handle the tough, inside carries or be anything close to a bell-cow back. It's safe to say the Eagles' brass will keep its eyes open for help here, though sources in Philly have dismissed the Hank Fraley-for-Lee Suggs trade rumors that have been floated recently.

Washington Redskins

Veteran to watch: FS Sean Taylor is free from missing any game action, instead levied with a heavy fine from the league for his most recent off-the-field problems. Now that the team has let out a huge sigh of relief, Taylor must work on his image and return to being the dominant defender he has shown he's capable of. There's no denying his position-defining talent, but Taylor's maturity and focus will be big concerns as this team handles massive expectations. The watch will begin in camp, though Taylor has been notoriously short with the media at times.
Rookie to watch: WLB Roger McIntosh isn't going to be handed a starting spot -- neither Taylor nor fellow top-10 pick Carlos Rogers started at the beginning of their rookie seasons -- and don't expect defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to break tradition here just because Chris Clemons, once part of McIntosh's competition on the weak side, was waived. The smart money says that Warrick Holdman, who has had a nice offseason, will open on the weak side, but that doesn't mean the staff doesn't think McIntosh will deliver at some point once he learns Williams' complicated defensive playbook. The next few weeks will be critical in his development.
Injury update: CB Shawn Springs (abdomen) will miss 3-6 weeks following surgery last week, putting him in doubt for Week 1. RB Clinton Portis (shoulder) also is in doubt to start the season and has been ruled out of any more preseason action, though there has been more optimism each day about Portis being able to play against the Vikings on Sept. 11. DE Phillip Daniels (back), CB Ade Jimoh (chest), RB Ladell Betts (hamstring) all have suffered nagging injuries, but none is considered terribly serious. Clemons, who at one point was thought to be a potential starter at LaVar Arrington's old spot, was waived after suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament.
Strongest position: With the injuries to Portis and Springs, running back and secondary -- two of the strongest positions -- have to be put on hold. It might be receiver, which was a one-trick pony last season with standout Santana Moss but has improved dramatically with the additions of Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El. Though Lloyd (hip flexor) missed a few practices, insiders say he still appears to be the front-runner to start outside. Randle El, meanwhile, has looked good out of the slot and on punt returns. Following the trade of Taylor Jacobs, David Patten (once he gets past a viral problem) and James Thrash give the team a very nice top five.
Weakest position: The feeling is that if Mark Brunell goes down for any significant stretch of time, the Redskins are in deep trouble. That's because backup QBs Jason Campbell and Todd Collins don't appear to be starting material. Collins is the most ready to step in for the short run, considering his experience in Al Saunders' offense in Kansas City, but Campbell is the more talented. These two must show something in the preseason. This position will be a season-long concern, considering the depth. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Updated: Aug. 24, 2006
Training camp closure: NFC South

Pro Football Weekly

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
The fine-tuning has just about reached the final stages.
In just a couple of weeks, the 2006 NFL regular season will be officially under way, and as usual, unpredictability is likely to abound, with lots of unheralded newcomers providing surprising impacts, while an equal number of established players raise our eyebrows with their surprising inability to live up to expectations.
In Pro Football Weekly's final league-wide rundown of this year's training-camp action, we provide more than a few clues on what to expect from every team in the mix this season -- for better or worse.
In the following NFC South report, we pick a veteran player and a rookie player from each team who deserves special notice, in addition to identifying each team's strongest and weakest positions and providing a comprehensive injury update of every roster through the first two weeks of the '06 preseason.<OFFER>

? NFC East | NFC North | NFC West
? AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West

Atlanta Falcons

Veteran to watch: QB Michael Vick. The enigmatic lefty enters his third year in Atlanta's hybrid West Coast system, and now is the time he's supposed to be getting a firm grip on things. He's got a new QB coach (Bill Musgrave), a tweaked system (shotgun, moving pocket), Pro Bowl TE Alge Crumpler and a year working with WRs Michael Jenkins and Roddy White. There aren't many more excuses left for Vick not to progress.
Rookie to watch: RB Jerious Norwood. This third-round pick could possibly take the league by storm. With blazing speed (4.31 at the combine), good size and very good hands, the Mississippi State product has dazzled at camp. In the preseason opener against New England, Norwood had nearly 100 total yards on nine touches, two of them screen passes he turned into 37- and 34-yard gains.
Injury update: The biggest blow came during the first week of training camp when reliable No. 3 WR Brian Finneran suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and dislocated kneecap in his right knee. Finneran, the Falcons' most productive receiver last season, was placed on the injured-reserve list. Starting MLB Ed Hartwell (right Achilles), backup MLB Jordan Beck (right foot) and S Kevin Mathis are returning from season-ending injuries in 2005.
Strongest position: Linebacker. OLB Demorrio Williams, who was second on the team in tackles last season (132), received Pro Bowl consideration and now can't even crack the starting lineup. Five-time Pro Bowler Keith Brooking, who plays on the weak side, headlines a group with Hartwell in the middle and potential big-timer Michael Boley on the strong side. Williams will play in nickel situations and 4-4 fronts. Beck is also a promising young prospect.
Weakest position: Wide receiver. Jenkins and White have promise, but to date, that's all they have. Neither has established himself, and that has hurt Vick's development in the offense. With Finneran out for the season, veteran Jerome Pathon is the No. 3 wideout, with rookie Adam Jennings occupying the fourth slot. The lack of depth and speed after the top two wide receivers is a huge shortcoming.

Carolina Panthers

Veteran to watch: MLB Dan Morgan. Morgan has never started all 16 games in a season, but when he is on the field, there aren't many middle linebackers better. With massive DTs Maake Kemoeatu and Kris Jenkins in front of him, Morgan should have plenty of space to roam from sideline to sideline and more freedom than ever. The Panthers need Morgan at the top of his game with new starters at each OLB position.
Rookie to watch: RB DeAngelo Williams. None of the Panthers' other rookies are expected to make an impact in his first season. But Williams should be on the field often as the team's No. 2 tailback and as a kick returner. With injury-prone RB DeShaun Foster as the starter, history says Williams should see plenty of action, and maybe a few starts, in his rookie campaign.
Injury update: WR Steve Smith missed a couple of weeks of practice while recovering from a left hamstring strain but was back on the practice field before the Panthers' second preseason game. Smith's injury was never considered serious, but the Panthers were overly cautious with their superstar wideout to ensure that the injury wouldn't linger into the regular season. Jenkins and FS Colin Branch are on the road to recovery from season-ending knee injuries in 2005.
Strongest position: The Panthers boast one of the premier defensive lines in the NFL. The offseason additions of veterans Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis added depth to an already healthy surplus at defensive tackle. Kemoeatu is seen as a significant upgrade over last year's starter, Brentson Buckner, and when lined up next to Jenkins, the Kemoeatu-Jenkins duo combine for nearly 700 pounds. DE Julius Peppers is a perennial All-Pro and one of the best pass rushers in the league. DE Mike Rucker is an underrated pass rusher and steady starter on the other side.
Weakest position: Linebacker. Morgan is a Pro Bowler, but the Panthers are breaking in new starters at both OLB spots. They replace emerging star WLB Will Witherspoon with veteran Na'il Diggs, who battled multiple knee injuries last season with the Packers. And steady SLB Brandon Short was let go in the offseason and will be replaced by second-year pro Thomas Davis. Davis spent most of his rookie year at safety and is somewhat undersized for the LB spot.

New Orleans Saints

Veteran to watch: OLT Jammal Brown. Just entering his second NFL season, Brown is the cornerstone of a Saints offensive line that could have four new starters. Brown started 13 games as a rookie at right tackle and played very well, but the new coaching staff has switched him to left tackle (where he had never lined up before) and entrusted him with protecting the blind side of prized free-agent acquisition Drew Brees. Brown has gotten favorable reviews on the switch so far, but he is learning on the job and will struggle from time to time.
Rookie to watch: This is a no-brainer. It's RB Reggie Bush. In his first preseason game (second carry, to be exact), Bush showed exactly why he's such a big deal, turning what should have been a run for a loss into a 44-yard gain. The addition of Bush instantly gives the Saints' offense credibility and opposing defensive coordinators a headache. On a team with a revamped offensive line, Bush can freelance when plays break down and make things happen all by himself.
Injury update: Players who suffered major injuries last season, like Brees (shoulder) and RB Deuce McAllister (knee), have come back healthy and ready to contribute in training camp. No. 3 RB Aaron Stecker hurt his ankle in the Saints' first preseason game, and he will be out for a couple of weeks. KR Michael Lewis, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Week 2 last season, had arthroscopic surgery to clean up the knee in June, and he has yet to practice in training camp because his knee hasn't healed. P Mitch Berger has missed most of training camp with a groin injury.
Strongest position: The Saints are set at running back, where they have one of the most potent 1-2 punches in the NFL with McAllister and Bush. With Bush in the fold, opposing defenses won't be able to stack the box against the run. McAllister should be more productive and durable while sharing the workload with Bush. Stecker is a pretty good third option at tailback. FB Mike Karney is an excellent lead blocker and should blossom in the West Coast offense.
Weakest position: For the second year in a row, it's linebacker. And scary as it sounds, the Saints got even worse when WLB Anthony Simmons, who was slated to start, abruptly retired at the start of training camp. SLB Scott Fujita is a stable and trusted starter, but he's not enough of a playmaker to be considered a top starter. Yet he's the best New Orleans has to offer. MLB Alfred Fincher underachieved as a rookie, but he'll get starting consideration for the LB-light Saints. WLB Tommy Polley, WLB Colby Bockwoldt and MLB Jay Foreman are decent, but there is no dynamic playmaker on the depth chart.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Veteran to watch: WLB Derrick Brooks. The elite player on Tampa's defense for the past decade took a pay cut in the offseason to ensure the team could keep principal contributors like DT Chris Hovan and CB Ronde Barber. Brooks is playing with a chip on his shoulder in training camp because he was angered that he didn't lead the team in tackles last season, and he's tired of critics wondering if he has anything left in the tank at age 33.
Rookie to watch: OG Davin Joseph, the team's first-round pick, should become a starter at some point this season because rarely do teams select an offensive guard that early in the draft and keep him on the bench. Joseph struggled early in camp, but he is developing quickly and challenging veteran Jeb Terry for the starting ORG spot.
Injury update: QB Luke McCown suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament a little more than a month before training camp began. McCown, who was the No. 2 QB before he got injured, is a month ahead of schedule in his recovery and will be put on the physically-unable-to-perform list instead of injured reserve to start the season. QB Jay Fiedler's shoulder still isn't 100 percent, and he likely won't play in the preseason, though he still claims he will be ready to go in Week 1. OT Torrin Tucker was brought to Tampa in the offseason to challenge for a starting job, but he has missed most of camp with tendinitis in his right knee.
Strongest position: For the first time since head coach Jon Gruden arrived in 2002, the Buccaneers have a deep and talented group of wide receivers. For Gruden's first few seasons, the Buccaneers had a patchwork WR corps. Not anymore. Joey Galloway remains the team's No. 1 wideout fresh off a career-best campaign in 2005. Michael Clayton is healthy and ready to rebound from his sophomore slump. And there's an intriguing battle for the No. 3 spot between former Pro Bowler David Boston, who came to Tampa to resurrect his career, and steady 10-year vet Ike Hilliard. Rookie Maurice Stovall has been impressive in training camp.
Weakest position: The Buccaneers have depth issues throughout their defense, but they are especially short-handed at safety. Starters Jermaine Phillips and Will Allen have had injury issues during their careers, and Allen has already been banged up this season, suffering a broken thumb in training camp. The backup safeties are inexperienced, and that's why Tampa made a strong push to sign Charles Woodson and Dwight Smith in the offseason.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Updated: Aug. 24, 2006
Training camp closure: NFC West

Pro Football Weekly

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
The fine-tuning has just about reached the final stages.
In just a couple of weeks, the 2006 NFL regular season will be officially under way, and as usual, unpredictability is likely to abound, with lots of unheralded newcomers providing surprising impacts, while an equal number of established players raise our eyebrows with their surprising inability to live up to expectations.
In Pro Football Weekly's final league-wide rundown of this year's training-camp action, we provide more than a few clues on what to expect from every team in the mix this season -- for better or worse.
In the following NFC West report, we pick a veteran player and a rookie player from each team who deserves special notice, in addition to identifying each team's strongest and weakest positions and providing a comprehensive injury update of every roster through the first two weeks of the '06 preseason.<OFFER>

? NFC East | NFC North | NFC South
? AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West

Arizona Cardinals

Veteran to watch: In his sixth season, massive OLT Leonard Davis enters his contract year with expectations higher than ever. Considered a potential chink in the team's armor, the Cardinals' offensive line is going to be under serious scrutiny. Davis has had a good camp, and he now needs to keep it up during the regular season and play close to a Pro Bowl level. The Cardinals are still trying to figure out whether he's worth re-signing, which could be a very pricey proposition.
Rookies to watch: Third-round TE Leonard Pope may not play all the time, but his huge frame (6-7, 256) should be a threat inside the red zone, where the offense needs to show major improvement getting into the endzone. If the Redbirds' run game continues to struggle, Pope will be even more important because defenses will concentrate on WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. In addition, although he's firmly entrenched behind starting QB Kurt Warner, the high-profile presence of first-round pick Matt Leinart will be impossible to ignore.
Injury update: Initially feared to be out 6-10 weeks, starting ORT Oliver Ross (knee) is hoping to return by the start of the season. Reserve DL Kenny King (hand) is expected to miss 8-12 weeks. Starting SLB Karlos Dansby was happy to find out that he probably won't need surgery on his bothersome left big toe, but a timetable for his return was undecided at presstime. FB James Hodgins (knee) and DE Anton Palepoi (shoulder) remained on the physically-unable-to-perform list.
Strongest position: Wide receiver gets the no-brainer nod. In Fitzgerald and Boldin, the Cardinals have two potential Pro Bowlers coming off monster '05 campaigns. Bryant Johnson, a former first-round pick, isn't great, but he's not bad for a third wide receiver. Speedy No. 4 WR LeRon McCoy has some real upside, and No. 5 WR Troy Walters, a former Colt, is a solid veteran.
Weakest position: Offensive tackle. Davis is good, but there are questions about Ross even when he's healthy. The players currently replacing Ross are Jeremy Bridges, who was cut twice last season as a guard, and Fred Wakefield, who was originally a defensive end. If that isn't scary enough, there doesn't appear to be another competent tackle on the roster. Second-year pro Elton Brown has done some work there, but he's a guard.

St. Louis Rams

Veteran to watch: One of the keys to any success in the Rams' dramatically revamped defense will be how much life free-agent addition La'Roi Glover has left in his 32-year-old legs as the team's new starting defensive tackle alongside former first-round pick Jimmy Kennedy. With six Pro Bowl berths under his belt and an attitude that is still very hungry, Glover commands respect and has taken on a joint leadership role on the defense with fellow free-agent newcomers Will Witherspoon and Corey Chavous. A big part of that role is helping to groom Kennedy, a newcomer on the nose replacing the departed Ryan Pickett.
Rookie to watch: New Rams head coach Scott Linehan's offenses have always counted a great deal on tight ends, which was never the case in the previous regime under Mike Martz. That's why second-round pick Joe Klopfenstein, who has been the starter from the get-go this offseason, is a rookie worth watching. Intent on developing a strong intermediate passing attack, Linehan would like 40-plus catches from Klopfenstein, who also has to show he can block effectively at the pro level.
Injury update: The Rams had remained amazingly healthy approaching the preseason's halfway point. The only injury victims of note are OG Claude Terrell, whose nagging wrist ailment had him in limbo at this writing, and FB Madison Hedgecock, who could be out 2-6 weeks with a high-ankle sprain.
Strongest position: The same as it has been since 1999: wide receiver. No. 1 WR Torry Holt is a Pro Bowler in his prime, veteran No. 2 WR Isaac Bruce has had a strong camp, and a case can be made for fleet-footed Kevin Curtis as the best No. 3 wideout in the league. Shifty No. 4 WR Shaun McDonald, reliable No. 5 WR Dane Looker, ex-Colt Brad Pyatt and impressive-looking youngsters Dominique Thompson and Marques Hagans fill out a very deep and talented WR corps.
Weakest position: The most unproven position on the roster: tight end. Behind the rookie Klopfenstein are Aaron Walker, who has only six career starts and was released by an awful 49ers team, and third-round draft pick Dominique Byrd, who so far has struggled more often than not.

San Francisco 49ers

Veteran to watch: Fifth-year pro Brandon Moore has been put on the spot as the team's starting left outside linebacker, a position widely perceived as a weak link heading into camp, and so far he has responded well. In the preseason opener against Chicago, the Bears opted to run away from the right side occupied by first-round pick Manny Lawson and right at Moore, who more than held his own after primarily playing inside prior to this season. But can he keep it up?
Rookie to watch: Lawson, considered to be the key to any pass rush the Niners might be able to muster, has yet to really distinguish himself. Even though the Bears ran away from him in the preseason opener, Lawson was noticeably overmatched by Bears OLT John Tait. In Lawson's defense, he's being asked to play a very complicated position in the Niners' defensive scheme, and it's expected to take him awhile to get comfortable. There's no denying Lawson's speed, but he needs to show more explosiveness off the ball.
Injury update: Veteran C Jeremy Newberry was placed on injured reserve following surgery to his left knee. CB Shawntae Spencer (hamstring) and rookie DE-OLB Parys Haralson (sprained foot) were sidelined at presstime. Spencer is expected to be out until at least the start of the season, while Haralson could remain out a tad longer. WR Arnaz Battle has chronic knee problems and practices on a limited basis.
Strongest position: The Niners had such a well-stocked RB corps that they felt comfortable in trading away sixth-year pro Kevin Barlow for a draft choice. Up-and-coming second-year pro Frank Gore, who always picks up positive yardage, has won the starting job by default now that Barlow is gone. Elusive Maurice Hicks, who seems to take advantage of most of his playing opportunities, good-looking rookies Michael Robinson and Delanie Walker and special-teams savant Terry Jackson offer quality depth.
Weakest position: Outside of newcomer Antonio Bryant, who has drawn rave reviews as the team's new featured wideout, the Niners have very little in the way of established talent at wide receiver. Battle has talent but can't stay healthy, Bryan Gilmore is the epitome of an NFL journeyman pass catcher, and rookie Brandon Williams and second-year pros Marcus Maxwell and Rasheed Marshall are greener than Kermit the Frog.

Seattle Seahawks

Veteran to watch: Free-agent addition Mike Green had been getting nearly all the first-team reps at strong safety with incumbent Michael Boulware recovering from knee surgery. Boulware is getting healthier and is starting to practice, but Green, who led Seattle's defense with five first-half tackles in the preseason opener against Dallas, won't relinquish the starting job without a fight. Stay tuned.
Rookie to watch: Ben Obomanu, only a seventh-round pick, is the prohibitive favorite to lock down the Seahawks' sixth and probably final WR spot, unless the team opts to keep only five this year. Obomanu has an NFL body, but he just didn't get much experience in a pro-style passing game while at Auburn. He's not flashy, just very consistent. And his upside is evident.
Injury update: TE Jerramy Stevens will be out for at least six weeks after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee in one of the final training-camp practices. He underwent surgery the day after the injury. Veteran C Robbie Tobeck was expected to miss 7-10 days after undergoing surgery to remove bone fragments from his left elbow. DT Russell Davis might miss the rest of the preseason with a torn plantar fascia in his right foot. Starting OLG Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack was continuing to nurse a hamstring injury at presstime, while WR Darrell Jackson and DT Marcus Tubbs had yet to make an appearance this season following offseason knee and foot surgery, respectively. Jackson was expected to be ready by the third preseason game.
Strongest position: Assuming everybody stays healthy, it would have to be linebacker. Second-year pros Lofa Tatupu and LeRoy Hill and versatile free-agent addition Julian Peterson, a former Pro Bowler with the Niners, make for a mighty potent 1-2-3 punch. Certainly linebacker is the most talented position. If you're looking for the deepest position, it might be the offensive line or defensive tackle, even with some of the injury issues at both positions.
Weakest position: The DE position drops off sharply after the first three guys on the depth chart -- Grant Wistrom, Bryce Fisher and second-round draft pick Darryl Tapp. Tapp has shown promise, but the Hawks really need Wistrom, who missed much of camp recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and Fisher to stay healthy. Joe Tafoya and Kemp Rasmussen are adequate backups, but there really aren't more than two starting-caliber players at the position. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Updated: Aug. 24, 2006
Training camp closure: AFC East

Pro Football Weekly

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
The fine-tuning has just about reached the final stages.
In just a couple of weeks, the 2006 NFL regular season will be officially under way -- and, as usual, unpredictability is likely to abound, with lots of unheralded newcomers providing surprising impacts, while an equal number of established players raise our eyebrows with their surprising inability to live up to expectations.
In Pro Football Weekly's final leaguewide rundown of this year's training camp action, we provide more than a few clues about what to expect from every team in the mix this season -- for better or worse.
In the following AFC East report, we pick a veteran player and a rookie player from each team who deserves special notice, in addition to identifying each team's strongest and weakest positions and providing a comprehensive injury update of every roster through the first two weeks of the '06 preseason.<OFFER>

? AFC North | AFC South | AFC West
? NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West

Buffalo Bills

Veteran to watch: LB Takeo Spikes. Coming off a torn Achilles that cost him 13? games last season, Spikes has been limited in training camp with the goal of ensuring his health for Week 1. He only participates in 7-on-7 drills and won't play in any preseason games. Because Angelo Crowell played so well in his absence last year, Spikes has been moved to the strong side. How he performs will dictate how much the Bills' defense rises after ranking a dismal 29th overall last year.
Rookie to watch: S Donte Whitner has looked good since reporting after holding out in a contract dispute and missing the first 12 practices. Buffalo's No. 1 pick has been the unintentional beneficiary of a set of circumstances in which Coy Wire missed practice with lower back/rib problems and Matt Bowen suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason opener. Whitner is getting double the reps and is picking things up very well. The Bills want him to start, and he's certainly on pace to do so.
Injury update: The Bills have been fortunate that nothing serious has happened thus far. The biggest concern is Spikes' recovery from his Achilles injury. Backup QB Craig Nall hurt his hamstring early in camp and missed a couple of weeks, including the first preseason game, setting him back further in the battle for the starting QB job. We've already mentioned Bowen and Wire. DT Tim Anderson sprained the acromioclavicular joint in his shoulder, and WR Roscoe Parrish has a mild groin strain.
Strongest position: Defensive backfield. The draft energized an aging group, particularly at safety, where rookies Whitner and Ko Simpson have looked good. The Bills have been impressed with Simpson's ball skills, which they say are better-developed than expected, and he has been a playmaker, with a fumble recovery vs. the Panthers. Troy Vincent adds leadership, and Rashad Baker is still on the rise. The CB tandem of Nate Clements and Terrence McGee is one of the better duos in the league. Rookie Ashton Youboty has done well and is pushing Eric King for the dime corner spot. Promising Jabari Greer is locked in as the nickel corner.
Weakest position: The offensive line is a big concern. ORT Jason Peters is talented but still learning and really was exposed in limited plays vs. Julius Peppers in the preseason opener. C Melvin Fowler has been solid, but OLT Mike Gandy, OLG Tutan Reyes and ORG Chris Villarrial have been mediocre at best, which could make life difficult for Willis McGahee and the running game.

Miami Dolphins

Veteran to watch: The long-rumored deal that brought NT Dan Wilkinson to Miami finally transpired, and the Dolphins may have gotten a pretty good player at a bargain price. "Big Daddy," who stands to make $1.3 million this season, showed up in pretty good shape and with a great attitude. He could win the starting spot over aging Keith Traylor or, at the least, fill a regular role in a NT rotation. The Dolphins also boast a fearsome goal-line defense of Wilkinson, Traylor, Vonnie Holliday and Kevin Carter, which will be tough for opposing offenses to penetrate.
Rookie to watch: NT Fred Evans. The seventh-round pick has been a pleasant surprise, displaying good use of his hands and leverage. He flashed his potential in the preseason opener vs. the Jaguars when he had a sack and tackled Greg Jones for a loss after beating veteran C Brad Meester. He is vying for a spot in the NT rotation.
Injury update: Pro Bowl DE Jason Taylor missed a week of practice and the first preseason game with a sore back but is back at practice and doing well. ORG Seth McKinney had neck surgery and is out three months. The team has yet to decide if he'll go on injured reserve (costing him the season) or on the physically unable to perform list (potentially getting him back later in the season). CB Travis Daniels has missed a couple of weeks with a Grade 2 ankle sprain but is expected back in time to play again this preseason. CB Will Poole reinjured the knee that forced him to miss all of last season and was placed on IR. Rookie OG Joe Toledo injured a knee in practice and will miss an undetermined length of time. He had impressed the coaches with his versatility as an interior lineman before he got hurt. WR Kelly Campbell (quadriceps) has been out since early in camp, and it may cost him a roster spot if he can't get back on the field soon.
Strongest position: Following the Wilkinson signing, the defensive line looks outstanding. Even with the loss of young NT Manuel Wright and rookie DT Rodrique Wright, who's out for the year after shoulder surgery, the line is loaded. The biggest negative is the age of key contributors Wilkinson, Traylor, Taylor, Carter and Holliday. Can they stay healthy for the entire season?
Weakest position: Running back. For one thing, Ronnie Brown isn't a proven commodity. He had only two 100-yard games last year, and it's no sure thing he'll stay healthy the entire season. Secondly, there are concerns about the depth behind Brown. Sammy Morris, a special-teams ace, is the top backup, and no youngsters have really distinguished themselves. The team will likely be in the market to add a veteran before the preseason ends.

New England Patriots

Veteran to watch: S Rodney Harrison is the key figure on the Patriots' defense. The team gets its defensive personality, along with its confidence and intimidation factor, from the fiery Harrison and Tedy Bruschi. When Harrison went down for the season last year, the secondary really lagged. He's back at age 33, practicing following surgery last September that repaired major ligament damage in his knee. He has been running hard but hasn't appeared in full pads yet. He's expected back for the start of the season. Observers say every practice he spends on the field, the team gets better.
Rookies to watch: RB Laurence Maroney has been terrific so far, but that's to be expected from the team's first-round pick. Seventh-rounder Willie Andrews was brought in to return punts and kickoffs, as the team decided to let go of Tim Dwight and Bethel Johnson. The shifty, sure-handed Andrews' decision-making has been excellent. If he keeps it up, he'll handle the return duties, keeping valuable veterans Troy Brown and Kevin Faulk out of harm's way on returns. Andrews has also seen some action at wide receiver.
Injury update: Bruschi broke the scaphoid bone in his wrist early in camp and is out for the preseason and possibly longer. Fellow ILB Monty Beisel has missed several practices with a hand injury and could be moved to a reserve role upon his return. Those injuries led to the signing of veteran LB Junior Seau. S Tebucky Jones and DB Chad Scott also have suffered hand injuries that have hampered them in camp. Rookie WR Chad Jackson has barely practiced due to a hamstring injury, and that has been a huge setback in his development. OT Nick Kaczur (shoulder) and FB Patrick Pass (ankle) are still on the physically unable to perform list.
Strongest position: Running back. Veteran Corey Dillon has looked great in camp and will fill his role as a punishing, hard-charging runner. It looks like the quicker Maroney will be a nice complement who's very adept at turning the corner. He's got great speed and the toughness to run over and through tacklers. Faulk is a catalyst for the team. When he comes onto the field, he makes opponents pay attention to him as a receiving threat or an adept draw runner.
Weakest position: Wide receiver. With Deion Branch holding out, the top two receivers look to be Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown. Caldwell has done well in camp but made a glaring drop in the first preseason game, and his ability to consistently produce is still a question mark. Brown is a trusted and dependable veteran, but his hands aren't what they used to be. No-names like Bam Childress, John Stone and Kelvin Kight are also in the mix for an alarmingly thin WR corps.

New York Jets

Veteran to watch: QB Chad Pennington. So far, so good, when it comes to Pennington's recovery from two surgeries on his throwing shoulder. The Jets held their collective breath in the first preseason game when Pennington's throwing arm was hit awkwardly on a blitz, but he practiced the next day and apparently has passed the first test. He has taken control of the starting job with his leadership, accuracy and intangibles, though his arm strength is still less than ideal.
Rookie to watch: OLT D'Brickashaw Ferguson took over the starting spot from the get-go and has done well, though he's still learning. His athletic gifts have been on display, and his hardworking, studious nature is serving him well as he adjusts to the NFL. He more than held his own vs. Simeon Rice in the first preseason game, allowing Rice one batted pass.
Injury update: RB Curtis Martin has yet to practice, and there are serious doubts whether the 33-year-old's surgically repaired knee will allow him to play again. NT Sione Pouha injured his right knee the first week of camp and was forced to undergo season-ending surgery. CB David Barrett missed a couple of weeks of camp with a leg injury but recently returned to the practice field.
Strongest position: Special teams. P Ben Graham had a solid rookie year and is poised to have a better second season. PK Mike Nugent got better as his rookie season wore on. So did CB-KR Justin Miller, who returned a kickoff for a touchdown vs. the Bills in Week 17. Veteran Tim Dwight isn't spectacular, but he is dependable as a punt returner and has the speed and instincts to break a long one.
Weakest position: Nose tackle. The Jets lost Monsanto Pope early in camp when he left the team for personal reasons. Then, Pouha suffered a season-ending knee injury. Plus, Dewayne Robertson, who is undersized to play the nose, is being asked to play end more often, moving DE Kimo von Oelhoffen inside at those times. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Updated: Aug. 24, 2006
Training-camp closure: AFC South

Pro Football Weekly

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The fine-tuning has just about reached the final stages.
In just a couple of weeks, the 2006 NFL regular season will be officially under way, and as usual, unpredictability is likely to abound, with lots of unheralded newcomers providing surprising impacts, while an equal number of established players raise our eyebrows with their surprising inability to live up to expectations.
In Pro Football Weekly's final league-wide rundown of this year's training-camp action, we provide more than a few clues on what to expect from every team in the mix this season -- for better or worse.
In the following AFC South report, we pick a veteran player and a rookie player from each team who deserves special notice, in addition to identifying each team's strongest and weakest positions and providing a comprehensive injury update of every roster through the first two weeks of the '06 preseason. <OFFER>

? AFC East | AFC North | AFC West
? NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West

Houston Texans

Veteran to watch: All eyes are on RB Domanick Davis, who has been limited by a knee injury since the final weeks of the '05 season. With Davis out, the Texans' other tailbacks have had an opportunity to get more practice reps, and rookie Wali Lundy is among those who have done the most with their opportunity. Ideally, Davis, who's suffering from a bruised left knee, will get some playing time before the end of the preseason. Rookie to watch: DE Mario Williams has practiced well, and his talent is ample and obvious, but the No. 1 overall pick didn't show much in his preseason debut vs. Kansas City. Chalk his performance up to rookie jitters, but more will be expected from him in the weeks to come.
Injury update: Davis hadn't returned to practice at this writing, and the Texans were unsure when he would rejoin the lineup. CB Phillip Buchanon (hamstring) missed the preseason opener, and he's fallen behind Lewis Sanders on the depth chart for the moment. LB Wali Rainer (ankle) is out for the season. Rainer had been expected to provide depth. CB DeMarcus ***gins (foot) will miss at least the start of the regular season, as will KR-WR Jerome Mathis (foot). LB Kailee Wong (knee) is questionable for Week 1.
Strongest position: Wide receiver was once a position of weakness for the Texans, but the addition of Eric Moulds and Kevin Walter gives Houston two complementary receivers who can take some of the pressure off Andre Johnson. The group will be that much stronger once Mathis returns to the fold.
Weakest positions: The team's OT depth is questionable, and Seth Wand must make the most of another shot on the left side for the offensive line to rebound after a tough '05 season. The team's CB depth is also being put to the test with the loss of ***gins and with Buchanon, such a disappointment a season ago, being asked to be more consistent.

Indianapolis Colts

Veteran to watch: Memo to all the offensive linemen who will be facing the Colts this year: Three-time Pro Bowl DE Dwight Freeney could be better than ever in his fifth season. Freeney was having an outstanding camp, looking like a man playing against boys, before missing four practices with a sore left shoulder that isn't expected to be a major concern. Already having established himself as one of the league's toughest ends to block, Freeney has added some new moves to his arsenal, which could make him even more difficult to handle.
Rookie to watch: Even though Dominic Rhodes is expected to see a lot more action as the Colts' starting running back early in the season, first-round pick Joseph Addai may be pushing Rhodes hard for playing time sooner than later. Addai has proven himself to be more than just a big, powerful back. He has shown a great deal of quickness and a nice ability to get outside, and he has caught the ball extremely well, displaying the footwork of a receiver. Addai may not turn out to be a great back, but he already looks like a very good back in every facet of his position.
Injury update: Although the Colts' injury list is as long as any in the league, the vast majority of their injuries appear to be of the nagging variety. Brandon Stokley, the team's No. 3 wideout who missed the entire 2005 preseason with a dislocated shoulder, has a sprained left ankle that could sideline him the entire '06 preseason and force him to possibly miss the season opener against the Giants. Starting DLT Corey Simon remains out indefinitely with a left knee injury that may require surgery and force him to miss a couple of games. Starting OLG Ryan Lilja (knee) is expected to be ready for the Colts' third preseason game, as is backup DT Montae Reagor (knee) and CB Jason David (groin). Others continuing to nurse injuries at presstime were: PK Adam Vinatieri (left ankle), P Hunter Smith (strained groin), FS Mike Doss (calf), S Dexter Reid (dislocated shoulder), CB Tim Jennings (ankle), LB Freddie Keiaho (knee), DE Jonathan Welsh (knee), TE Ben Hartsock (hamstring), backup QB Jim Sorgi (right shoulder) and RS T.J. Rushing (leg).
Strongest position: At tight end, the Colts are deeper than a novel by Joseph Conrad, with starter Dallas Clark, Bryan Fletcher, Ben Utecht, Hartsock (when he's healthy) and 6-foot-9 NFL Europe stud Joey Hawkins collectively having a great deal to offer. Clark is big, fast and dangerous. Fletcher is a smaller version of former Colt Marcus Pollard. Utecht (6-6, 251) has the potential to be a big-time player before he's through.
Weakest position: Probably linebacker. The starters (ROLB Cato June, MLB Gary Brackett and LOLB Gilbert Gardner) are all quite capable, but just about all the 'backers behind them on the depth chart are very young and inexperienced.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Veteran to watch: RB Fred Taylor. He's being challenged for a starting job by Greg Jones, who seems to have finally overcome the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in his junior year at Florida State and is flashing the form he had before the injury. The last three years, Taylor has carried just 17 times in the preseason, four last year. But he was the automatic starter. Now he's got to do something in the preseason to keep his job.
Rookie to watch: RB Maurice Drew. The diminutive Drew took a short pass against the Dolphins in his first preseason game and turned it into a 55-yard touchdown, showing his explosive running ability in the open field. He could be the Jaguars' third-down back. Although Drew has had some trouble catching punts, the Jaguars also like him as a punt returner and kickoff returner.
Injury update: Two key players, rookie TE Marcedes Lewis and S Gerald Sensabaugh, have high-ankle sprains. The Jaguars hope to have them back by the start of the regular season, but with high ankle sprains, you never know. They hope Lewis will be a weapon as a pass-catching tight end, and they need Sensabaugh for depth at safety because Donovin Darius is coming back from a torn ACL.
Strongest position: Defensive line. DTs Marcus Stroud and John Henderson are the twin towers in the middle, and they use their massive frames and immense strength to break through most offensive lines. DE Reggie Hayward is a good pass rusher who led the team in sacks last season. DE Paul Spicer is more like a tackle playing on the end, which really helps the Jaguars against the run. DT Rob Meier and DE Bobby McCray give the Jaguars depth.
Weakest position: Wide receivers. With the retirement of Jimmy Smith in the spring, the Jaguars were left without a No. 1 receiver. Matt Jones is the most likely candidate to replace Smith, but he has only one year at wide receiver under his belt after playing quarterback in college. Reggie Williams has all the physical skills but hasn't been able to put it all together, and he was demoted to No. 3. Ernest Wilford made some nice plays last year, but he is slow and inconsistent. The big question is whether the Jaguars will bring in a veteran.

Tennessee Titans

Veteran to watch: Most observers, along with the coaching staff, were clear to note that this was a pivotal camp for third-year WR Tyrone Calico. But so far he has missed several practices with three nagging injuries and has done little when he has been on the field. So far, especially in recent practices, rookie Jonathan Orr has upstaged Calico, and the veteran now has to be considered seventh on the WR totem pole on a team that might not keep six wideouts.
Rookie to watch: RB LenDale White hasn't gotten off to a stellar start with the team, having been suspended for the first preseason game after getting into a fight and spitting in the face of teammate Donnie Nickey. That incident again raised questions about White's maturity, questions that had helped cause his draft stock to fall. White also has been the most impressive back at times in practice, according to observers, who say that he gets to the line of scrimmage faster than starter Chris Brown or backup Travis Henry, and that White appears to have an innate knack for finding holes and making something out of nothing. The final few weeks of the preseason will be critical in determining White's early-season role in a crowded backfield.
Injury update: TE Erron Kinney told PFW he's close to returning following arthroscopic knee surgery, but team sources are a little more bearish, saying he is starting to look a bit old for a seventh-year vet. OLG Zach Piller has a rib/chest injury that could linger and cause the team to do some shuffling up front. Most of the other injuries have been of the day-to-day variety, but DT Albert Haynesworth's back, DE Travis LaBoy's foot and WR Brandon Jones' knee are worth keeping an eye on.
Strongest position: The starting LB trio of Keith Bulluck, possibly the team's best all-around player, free-agent addition David Thornton and Peter Sirmon might be the most solid unit on the team now that it appears Sirmon is making a smooth transition from outside to the middle. Thornton has been as good as advertised, and the staff is excited about his potential. The depth here is pretty strong, too: Rookies Stephen Tulloch and Terna Nande have made impressions, and Cody Spencer is a valued veteran, especially on special teams. QB-turned-safety Marcus Randall has a third position -- outside 'backer -- but he must show something quickly to make the club.
Weakest position: Overall, cornerback has to be the shakiest spot, considering there are two second-year starters and little depth in tow. Though Pacman Jones appears much improved, and Reynaldo Hill has been OK so far, the reserves have yet to provide much in the way of insurance. Right now, seventh-round rookie Cortland Finnegan appears to be running third at corner, and he hasn't been outstanding. That doesn't say much about the futures of Andre Woolfolk and Rich Gardner, both one-time first-day draft picks who have underachieved, though Woolfolk has rebounded recently after a slow start. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Updated: Aug. 24, 2006
Training camp closure: AFC North

Pro Football Weekly

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
The fine-tuning has just about reached the final stages.
In just a couple of weeks, the 2006 NFL regular season will be officially under way -- and, as usual, unpredictability is likely to abound, with lots of unheralded newcomers providing surprising impacts, while an equal number of established players raise our eyebrows with their surprising inability to live up to expectations.
In Pro Football Weekly's final leaguewide rundown of this year's training camp action, we provide more than a few clues about what to expect from every team in the mix this season -- for better or worse. In the following AFC North report, we pick a veteran player and a rookie player from each team who deserves special notice, in addition to identifying each team's strongest and weakest positions and providing a comprehensive injury update of every roster through the first two weeks of the '06 preseason. <OFFER>

? AFC East | AFC South | AFC West
? NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West

Baltimore Ravens

Veteran to watch: RB Jamal Lewis impressed in the preseason opener vs. the Giants, gaining 34 yards on six carries. However, he's expected to miss Baltimore's last two preseason games while resting a hip injury. The Ravens expect Lewis to be ready for Week 1, but will this be an injury that lingers? Stay tuned.
Rookie to watch: WR Demetrius Williams has opened eyes with his play in camp and preseason games. Williams, a fourth-round pick from Oregon, has a chance to win the No. 3 WR job because of his talent and a lack of other qualified candidates for the position.
Injury update: Lewis (hip) is out for the rest of the preseason. WR Mark Clayton (hamstring) is practicing, but the Ravens worry about this injury following him into the regular season. OG Brian Rimpf has also been bothered by a hamstring injury. Rimpf is expected to be a key reserve along the interior of the offensive line. No. 1 pick Haloti Ngata missed the preseason opener with a knee injury, but he returned for the second game. WR Clarence Moore (hernia) is back practicing, but his role is uncertain. Finally, rookie David Pittman, expected to compete for the No. 3 CB role, was slowed by a hamstring injury early in camp, and he has fallen to fifth on the depth chart.
Strongest position: The Ravens like their depth at running back. Lewis, the starter, is three seasons removed from rushing for more than 2,000 yards. Former Broncos RB Mike Anderson, who may also see some time at fullback, could start for other teams. Also, the Ravens have been impressed with third-stringer Musa Smith, whose career has been marked by injuries.
Weakest position: Will a punter emerge in the battle between rookie Sam Koch and veteran Leo Araguz? It's thought that Koch holds an edge on the job, but he hasn't taken the job and run with it. That said, Araguz has been far from impressive.

Cincinnati Bengals

Veteran to watch: QB Carson Palmer is taking the majority of the practice snaps, and he has healed remarkably well, considering the serious knee injury he sustained in January. But will he be ready for Week 1? Palmer missed the Bengals' first two preseason games but targeted Cincinnati's third preseason game at Green Bay for a return.
Rookie to watch: Reserve LB Rashad Jeanty started the preseason opener, with strongside starter David Pollack slowed by an ankle injury, and the former CFL standout made the most of his opportunity, notching four tackles and a half-sack. Jeanty can also put his hand down and rush the passer, and his versatility will help his case to earn playing time in the coming weeks.
Injury update: Head coach Marvin Lewis won't rush Palmer back, but if the quarterback wants to play in the regular-season opener, he must play in the preseason. Other starters, like Pollack, OLT Levi Jones (ankle) and CB Deltha O'Neal (knee), have endured minor injuries. Reserve safeties Anthony Mitchell (foot) and Kevin Kaesviharn (back) have missed practice time. And oft-injured RB Chris Perry is battling an ankle injury. CB Rashad Bauman could be out for the season after suffering a knee injury in the second preseason game.
Strongest position: Even with Odell Thurman missing the first four weeks because of an NFL suspension, the team's LB corps boasts strong depth. Rookie Ahmad Brooks looks to have a bright NFL future, and Jeanty has been a pleasant surprise. Pollack appears ready to take a big step forward on the strong side, and fellow starters Brian Simmons and Landon Johnson are steady performers.
Weakest position: The Bengals' top two tight ends, Reggie Kelly and Tony Stewart, are not consistent pass-catching threats, and there is little depth behind them. Of course, any worries at tight end would be completely overshadowed if Palmer missed the start of the season, forcing backup Anthony Wright into the lineup.

Cleveland Browns

Veteran to watch: QB Charlie Frye has all of five career starts to his credit, but that's enough to give him veteran status. Frye's progress will determine how the Cleveland offense fares. With major questions about the offensive line, and with no dependable backup quarterback on the roster, there is much pressure on Frye's shoulders.
Rookie to watch: OLB Kamerion Wimbley has the ability to push for a major role as a rookie, and he could very well push veteran Matt Stewart for a starting position at some point. Wimbley played well in the preseason opener vs. Philadelphia, and it's hoped he can provide a consistent rush off the edge.
Injury update: Injuries have been the dominant story since C LeCharles Bentley suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first full training-camp practice. Unfortunately for Cleveland, Bentley wasn't the only starter to go down. CBs Gary Baxter (pectoral) and Daylon McCutcheon (knee) are also questionable for Week 1, as is ORT Ryan Tucker (knee). WR Braylon Edwards (knee) is practicing more and getting more work, but it's unclear whether he will be ready for the regular-season opener. Finally, OLB Willie McGinest is battling an elbow injury that isn't regarded as serious.
Strongest position: You could have made a case for center before Bentley's injury and Bob Hallen's retirement. Cornerback could also have drawn some consideration, but yet another pectoral injury for Baxter weakens that position. For now, the vote goes to tight end, a position bolstered by the return of Kellen Winslow and boasting strong depth in Steve Heiden and Darnell Dinkins.
Weakest position: Center, by a landslide. Losing Bentley was bad enough, but Hallen's decision to quit stunned the Browns. The team moved Alonzo Ephraim into the starting job for the preseason opener, and he fared well ? until word surfaced that he would be suspended four games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Former Patriots backup Ross Tucker is the starter for the moment, though you can bet GM Phil Savage is looking at other options.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Veteran to watch: RB Willie Parker has opened eyes at camp. Parker is a stronger, more patient runner than a season ago, and he's catching the ball better than he did in his first season as a starter. We already know about his excellent speed, but he has worked to become more than just a home-run hitter.
Rookie to watch: FS Anthony Smith picked off a pair of passes in his first preseason game. In addition to his ball-hawking ability, Smith has been strong vs. the run. Veterans Ryan Clark and Tyrone Carter have the edge to start, ahead of Smith, because of their experience -- the Steelers ask so much of their free safety -- but Smith could be tough to keep off the field if he keeps playing this well.
Injury update: Compared to some of their divisional rivals, the Steelers have had a relatively pain-free camp. WR Hines Ward is fighting a hamstring injury, but it's nothing serious. OLB Joey Porter, back from knee surgery, looks to be in good form. QB Ben Roethlisberger suffered a sprained ligament in his right thumb in preseason after having received head and facial injuries in a June motorcycle accident, but the thumb injury appears minor. He played in Pittsburgh's Aug. 19 game vs. Minnesota. Veteran reserve C Chukky Okobi (herniated disc in neck) will miss the start of the season.
Strongest position: The Steelers like their depth at safety. Clark, Carter and Smith give the team three different looks at free safety, and we've yet to talk about SS Troy Polamalu. Polamalu's top backup, Mike Logan, has had a nice camp. Also, the Steelers like what they've seen from undrafted free agents Mike Lorello and Zach Baker.
Weakest position: Running back could be a problem if Parker were lost for more than a couple of games. Verron Haynes has yet to prove he can be a dependable backup for an entire season, and Duce Staley hasn't had a strong camp. Nor has rookie Cedric Humes, whose fumbling woes have hurt his chances of contributing. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Updated: Aug. 24, 2006
Training-camp closure: AFC West

Pro Football Weekly

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
The fine-tuning has just about reached the final stages.
In just a couple of weeks, the 2006 NFL regular season will be officially under way, and as usual, unpredictability is likely to abound, with lots of unheralded newcomers providing surprising impacts, while an equal number of established players raise our eyebrows with their surprising inability to live up to expectations.
In Pro Football Weekly's final league-wide rundown of this year's training-camp action, we provide more than a few clues on what to expect from every team in the mix this season -- for better or worse.
In the following AFC West report, we pick a veteran player and a rookie player from each team who deserves special notice, in addition to identifying each team's strongest and weakest positions and providing a comprehensive injury update of every roster through the first two weeks of the '06 preseason. <OFFER>

? AFC East | AFC South | AFC North
? NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West

Denver Broncos

Veteran to watch: The Broncos are extremely excited about new addition Javon Walker, but they are not going to press him and his surgically repaired knee into extended action until games actually mean something. He adds a playmaking, downfield element to an already solid offense and has been sharp thus far in camp.
Rookie to watch: TE Tony Scheffler will have a significant role in the offense from the outset, at the very least on passing downs and in two-TE sets with Stephen Alexander. He has looked good in the preseason, and his size and ability to earn extra yards after the catch make for an enticing target for Jake Plummer.
Injury update: Starting DLs Courtney Brown (knee surgery) and Gerard Warren (dislocated big toe) will miss the remainder of the preseason but should be fine for Week 1. Walker (knee) is being brought along slowly but is being counted on for the opener. Rookie WR Brandon Marshall should be back from knee problems in a couple of weeks.
Strongest position: The CB position looks strong, but there is no denying perhaps the best LB corps in the business. Al Wilson, Ian Gold and D.J. Williams are fast, versatile and aggressive, not to mention capable of covering up mistakes made elsewhere defensively. Depth at linebacker is not what it once was, but the starters are in the elite category.
Weakest position: At defensive end, the Broncos have a bunch of journeymen who are adequate but do nothing to truly stand out. If speedy rookie Elvis Dumervil becomes a factor, it would help provide a spark to an otherwise average bunch.

Kansas City Chiefs

Veteran to watch: Kyle Turley hasn't played football in two years because of back trouble, is some 25-30 pounds lighter than his prior playing weight and is being asked to step into the enormous shoes left by future Hall of Famer Willie Roaf at left tackle. Do you think his play will be under the microscope at all?
Rookie to watch: Safeties Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page have made some plays thus far in camp and will have roles, but an instant impact in the pass rush is expected out of DE Tamba Hali, who has been dinged up but will start opposite Jared Allen and shift inside on passing downs.
Injury update: CB Lenny Walls (hamstring) and rookie QB Brodie Croyle (shoulder) haven't practiced since early in camp. New RB Michael Bennett (hamstring) hasn't practiced since being acquired from the Saints. OG Brian Waters' foot problems are a concern, and Hali (ribs) and DTs John Browning (back) and Junior Siavii (knee) have missed a lot of time. RB Priest Holmes (head, neck) is expected to start the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list.
Strongest position: Even with the uncertainty surrounding Holmes' future, we're going with running back, where Larry Johnson has skyrocketed to superstardom with an impressive blend of speed, power and attitude, and Bennett was added to provide some experience and game-breaking speed.
Weakest position: Defensive tackle. The Chiefs have some potential brewing outside with Jared Allen and the rookie Hali, but the interior is more about unfulfilled promise with early-round busts such as Siavii and Ryan Sims, an aging veteran in Browning and journeymen such as Lional Dalton and Ron Edwards. The position is truly lacking a difference-maker.

Oakland Raiders

Veteran to watch: PK Sebastian Janikowski is coming off his worst season as a pro and looked shaky early in camp, but since then, he's been stellar. If the Raiders' offense continues to sputter, Janikowski and his big leg could get plenty of long-range chances in 2006.
Rookie to watch: OLB Thomas Howard, taken in the second round, is going to be a key to whether the Raiders will be able to utilize a base 4-3 scheme more often defensively as opposed to the predominant 4-2-5 look shown last season. His speed has been phenomenal, but he remains a work in progress.
Injury update: Disgruntled WR Jerry Porter continues to nurse a strained calf but figures to get back in the mix soon. WR Ronald Curry is being brought along slowly, coming off a second Achilles injury in as many years, but he should be ready for the opener.
Strongest position: The WR corps has the makings of something special if everything comes together for the offense. But that's a mighty big "if," judging by what we've seen thus far. Trotting Randy Moss, Porter (provided he's focused and healthy), Curry, Doug Gabriel and other talented youngsters out there is enough to make a lot of defensive coordinators a little queasy, no matter who the quarterback is.
Weakest position: The whole offensive line, across the board. Former first-round pick Robert Gallery is struggling, as are the rest of the starters, and Oakland doesn't have much in the way of depth it can rely on. Overall, the cohesiveness is hurting offensively, and the line has been a primary culprit.

San Diego Chargers

Veteran to watch: Veteran OLT Roman Oben, in a bid to return to action after two offseason foot surgeries. He had only just begun running as of presstime, and it remains unknown whether he'll be ready for the opener. The Chargers' offense lost more than a step without him in the lineup last year.
Rookie to watch: Mammoth second-round pick Marcus McNeill could become a household name in San Diego if Oben's not ready. Leander Jordan is second on the depth chart at left tackle, but he's not considered a long-term answer. Don't be surprised if McNeill is worked into a rotation if Oben can't go.
Injury update: Oben's return is uncertain. Veteran LB Donnie Edwards was said to be close to returning from a bad back at presstime, but the team was being coy about his progress. Return man and backup RB Darren Sproles is done for the year with a broken leg. WR Vincent Jackson was hospitalized with a chest injury after the preseason opener but is OK. WR Eric Parker has been sidelined by a sprained thumb, and backup TE Aaron Shea hasn't played in the first two preseason games because of a back injury.
Strongest positions: Linebacker or running back, take your pick. At running back, San Diego boasts one of the league's best players in LaDainian Tomlinson and a backup who might be able to start on a lot of other teams in Michael Turner, who averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season. The Chargers' starting LB corps of Edwards, Steve Foley, Randall Godfrey and budding star Shawne Merriman is outstanding, and they potentially go eight or nine deep with players they feel like they can rely on if called to duty.
Weakest position: The safety position is considered a bit worse than the O-line at this point. Some combination of Marlon McCree, Terrence Kiel, Bhawoh Jue and Clinton Hart will start, but no one has done anything to stand out to this point. The Chargers need a playmaker back deep, but they have yet to find one. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Ravens backfield is loaded

posted: Thursday, August 24, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Baltimore Ravens

Despite losing Chester Taylor to the Vikings this offseason, the Baltimore Ravens have a logjam of good, powerful running backs.

Smith

Musa Smith missed the majority of last season with a broken leg and has fought injuries for much of his career, but the Ravens saw glimpses of his ability and have stuck with him through his setbacks. Well, he is certainly healthy now and hs looked great in camp and in the preseason games thus far. Smith made some big plays against the Eagles and is running with passion. He has a very good burst for such a big runner. He keeps his feet moving on contact and is very quick to get north and south. He has a great body and is very strong while still showing some niftiness and light feet. Smith stands out this year and is running like he has something to prove.

Presently, Smith is third on Baltimore's depth chart behind Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson, but it is conceivable that if he keeps it up, he could surpass Anderson as Lewis' backup. Lewis will not play the rest of the preseason due to a hip problem, but he has looked good, as well, and surely will enter the season as the starter. He could be primed for a big year himself, especially with an enhanced Ravens' passing game to pull defenders out of the box.
The Ravens also drafted P.J. Daniels from Georgia Tech in the fourth round. Where he fits in is unclear, but he is clearly fourth on the depth chart. Daniels had a history of injuries in college and had two fumbles against the Giants. He could be on the outside looking in. There are quite a few teams -- Eagles, Giants, Texans, Bills, Dolphins, Raiders and maybe now the Falcons and 49ers -- that could benefit from adding a power runner to their backfield. Baltimore certainly doesn't have to rush to make a move and may choose not to, but it could get very good trade value at this point for one of their running backs. If they do make a move, Anderson might be the most likely candidate to leave town, as it looks as though Smith is now a more than capable backup for Lewis.

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Saints 'O' must help the 'D'

posted: Thursday, August 24, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Each week during the regular season I will try to answer some of your NFL questions. Thanks for writing in, and enjoy a great weekend of preseason football starting tonight with the Miami Dolphins and the Carolina Panthers.

Jim, Laredo, Texas: It looked to me like the Saints-Cowboys game was closer than the score, with the Saints going fourth-and-goal twice and missing. Also, we didn't get a look at Deuce [McAllister] and Reggie [Bush] in backfield together. Do you think they will wait for the regular season before showing their cards with that set?
Keith: Hey, Jim: Preseason games are used to implement your offensive and defensive systems and evaluate personnel. Teams try to be as basic as they can during the preseason in order to a good job of evaluating their own team. Teams don't usually game plan until the third preseason game and usually don't show any new wrinkles (personnel groupings or schemes) until the bullets get live in the first regular-season games. I don't anticipate seeing Bush and McAllister in the same backfield until Week One against the Browns.
Nick, New Orleans, La.: I have been a huge Saints fan all my life, and I have lived in huge disappointment my whole life regarding my team. Reggie Bush is an amazing athlete, but if anybody could ruin something so great, it would be the Saints. I realize our offense may be electrifying and all, but how are they suppose to score points when the other team takes 15 plays and almost 10-minute drives? We could not stop the run if we were playing a playground team (I honestly believe that). The game against Dallas only confirmed our worst fears: We will get slaughtered if our offense doesn't score on almost every possession. My question is, basically, do the Saints have the worst defense this year (especially the linebacking corp)?
Keith: Thanks for the question Nick. Unfortunately in the NFL, you can't fix all your problems in one offseason. However, defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs is going to have his hands full installing his defensive game plans on a week-to-week basis. With the lack of impact playmakers at the linebacker and defensive tackle positions, the Saints are going to struggle throughout the year against the run.
Head coach Sean Peyton and his offensive staff are going to have to do a good job of creating ways to extend drives and shorten the game on offense in order to keep the defensive personnel off the field as much as possible. Special teams will be critical, too. Hopefully, they can get it figured out and win some ball games this year.
Seth Kidd, Austin, Texas: Keith, do you think Chris Simms will lead the Buccaneers to a playoff spot, or do you think he will fall victim to the same big-game letdowns the plagued him during his years at the University of Texas? Keith: Hey, nephew. I hope you're doing well at the University of Texas. If you remember last season, Simms replaced the injured Brian Griese in Week 7 and led his team to the divisional title. Head coach Jon Gruden is one of the best teachers in the NFL when developing and working with quarterbacks. Simms has a very good upside to develop into a solid starting quarterback in the NFL. With that said, I do think Simms can lead his team back to the playoffs in 2006

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Seahawks vulnerable at tight end

posted: Thursday, August 24, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams

Seattle: Tight end woes
As reported by the Tacoma News Tribune, Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens is out six weeks with a torn meniscus in his left knee that will require surgery, and TE Itula Mili is nursing injuries dating back to the 2005 season that include intestinal blockage, a sore Achilles tendon and back issues. This leaves Seattle particularly vulnerable at the TE position and puts fourth-year pro Will Heller in a position to be a strong contributor in the Seahawks' offense. Heller has 15 career receptions for 114 yards and three career touchdowns. Not stellar stats, but not shabby for his amount of playing time. Seattle fans should not be too concerned, but if the injuries to Mili and Stevens persist, that could mean trouble for the running game.

San Francisco: Go west young man
Sources tell us that 49ers wide receivers coach Jerry Sullivan may have been very influential in the trade of wide receiver Taylor Jacobs for free safety Mike Rumph. Sullivan and 49ers head coach Mike Nolan are very close with Nolan valuing the opinion of Sullivan. During the 2003 NFL Draft, in Sullivan's first and only year as offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, he heavily campaigned for the Cardinals to take Jacobs in the first round over WR Bryant Johnson.
It seems both the Redskins and Cardinals were wrong with their respective first picks at wide receiver. Johnson was drafted with the 17th overall pick by the Cardinals, Jacobs was drafted in the second round by the Redskins with the 46th overall pick, and [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6390"]Anquan Boldin[/URL] was drafted after both players by the Cardinals with the 54th overall pick in the second round. In three years, Jacobs has 30 receptions for 315 yards and one touchdown and Johnson has 124 receptions for 1,407 yards with three touchdowns. The player both teams missed on is Boldin, who has 259 receptions for 3,402 yards and 16 touchdowns with NFL Rookie of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection to his credit. Sullivan is considered one of the best and most respected WR coaches in the NFL. Hopefully he can polish off the tarnish of Jacobs and bring out his gold with the 49ers.
Arizona: Out of the doghouse?
With fourth-year pro [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6354"]Calvin Pace[/URL] showing his versatility at both defensive end and linebacker, he may have found a way to resurrect himself from the doghouse of Cardinals head coach Dennis Green. Pace has never quite lived up to his first-round draft status from 2003 and it did not help matters last year when the team placed him on the reserve non-football injury list after Pace suffered a lacerated forearm by falling into a glass window during the team's bye week, which left skeptics to question his commitment to the game.
Pace has taken on his role at strongside linebacker quite well and has secured the position from incumbent LB Karlos Dansby, who has been nursing a recent toe injury that is threatening his career. With Pace showing such progress, do not be surprised if he has forced a battle at the will (weak) linebacker spot between Dansby and Orlando Huff. This may ultimately be a better fit for Dansby since he has such tremendous athletic ability that can be utilized even more effectively allowing him to play more freely in space and not having to play the TE in coverage. St. Louis: Are things too good in St. Louis?
Where is the drama in St. Louis this year? Head coach Scott Linehan seems to have everyone happy and smiling in St. Louis. Wide receiver Torry Holt and quarterback [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5197"]Marc Bulger[/URL] are urging patience to everyone despite the first-team not scoring any touchdowns in the first two preseason games. They have had only seven series of offense together. This weekend's game against the intra-state rival Kansas City Chiefs should give the offense a good half of work to start the jelling process since most of the starters will rest again in Week 4 of the preseason.

Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Rams making move
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
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<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Thursday, August 24</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Stephen Davis
Panthers
</TD><TD>Eagles?
Redskins?
</TD><TD>Rams making move
<Aug. 24> After meeting with the Eagles on Monday, Davis worked out with the Rams on Wednesday, the St. Louis Dispatch reports. Infact, league sources said Davis received a contract offer.
Davis, 32, was released by Carolina on March 1 in a salary-cap move, but also because of chronic knee problems. It is believed Monday's session with the Eagles was the first meeting Davis had with a team since his release. With Clinton Portis sidelined with a shoulder injury, the Redskins are believed to be one of those teams. Davis played his first seven NFL seasons in Washington.

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Hache Man · Aug 24, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. (5 New Articles Added 8/23/06)

Henson's release inevitable

| Print Entry
filed under: NFL, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, Terrell Owens

The only reason Drew Henson wasn't cut Wednesday was because the Cowboys wanted to check out his trade value. Considering his base salaries are guaranteed, don't expect any team to make a trade. That means he could be released as early as Thursday. It's pretty clear Henson never thrilled Bill Parcells -- and he controls who plays and who doesn't play in Dallas. Jerry Jones traded for Henson and thought he found his quarterback of the future. Parcells favored Tony Romo as his backup and wasted no time trying to convince Jones to sign Drew Bledsoe to try to take them to the playoffs. In the past couple years, for whatever reason, Henson got worse in Dallas instead of better.

Push comes to shove in Dallas: The strange part of Terrell Owens' stand on not practicing unless he's 100 percent healed from his hamstring injury is his insistence that Parcells need only look over his 10 years of game tape to see what he can do as a player. Parcells knows Owens is one of the most talented receivers in the league, but he would be looking at tape of a player who had been working in a West Coast offense. Parcells doesn't run the West Coast offense. Owens said he wasn't pressured to practice, but clearly he was. Parcells wanted to see him on the field last week. After Owens pushed to train on his own away from the Cowboys facility, Owens left himself vulnerable to a push by Parcells. Clearly, if Parcells and Owens are back together again next season -- which probably won't happen -- Parcells will probably insist Owens train in Dallas the entire offseason. Whatever Owens did for training didn't prevent him from pulling a hamstring. Owens' comment that he was on the field too long running too many routes last week was a clear shot at Parcells. What's that leave for Parcells? He can hold back playing time and a starting job if he doesn't see Owens on the field. Ah, the drama.
Falcons fill shopping cart: Grady Jackson was a good addition for the Falcons for several reasons. They have an undersized defense, and Jackson, who weighed in around 357 pounds, is an immovable force at the point of attack and should help a run defense that has been pushed around during the preseason. Jackson has also played with defensive tackle Roderick Coleman in Oakland. After picking up Jackson and wide receiver Ashley Lelie, the Falcons need only find a third safety to complete their pre-regular-season shopping list. T.O.'s time out: Back to T.O. for a second. Don't you think it's becoming clear Owens won't play 16 regular-season games for the Cowboys this season? He's missed 14 games in the past four seasons and he's had only one season during his entire career in which he stayed healthy and started 16 games. That year was 2001. With a hamstring injury that Owens doesn't think is getting better, you'd have to figure he's in for his usual 14-game season.

Hache Man · Aug 25, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 13 New Articles Added 8/24/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 13 New Articles Added 8/24/06)

TE could be impact position in East

posted: Friday, August 25, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins

Coaching on the defensive side of the ball for 15 years gives you a great appreciation for outstanding tight ends. You can gameplan much differently if there is not a threat in the passing game from the tight end position -- double-team wide receivers, cover the tight end with a linebacker, rather having to sub with a nickel back, etc.

Tight ends like Tony Gonzales (78 catches, 11.6 yard average), Todd Heap (75, 11.4) and Jeremy Shockey (65, 13.7) are the kind of weapons that give a defense nightmares. In fact, any player who cna average more than 10 yards per reception is dangerous. These players impact the game just by being on the field.
Lets take a look at the AFC East tight ends. I scouted most of these players in college and have studied them during their time in the league:
Buffalo Bills: The top two tight ends are Robert Royal and Kevin Everett. If used correctly, Kevin has a chance to be that impact player, but the previous Buffalo staff used the tight end position sparingly. New coach Dick Jauron's staff hasn't done much to exploit defenses thus far in the preseason, so the jury is still out where the Buffalo roam.
New York Jets: This is another new staff that might exploit defenses more in 2006, but they haven't shown it yet. The Jets have a couple of nice athletes who did a very solid job in 2005 in Doug Jolley (29 catches, 11 yard average) and Chris Baker (18 catches, 15 yard average). It will be interesting to see how coach Eric Mangini develops that position.
Miami Dolphins: Starter Randy McMichael is somewhat undersized and was an average blocker coming out of Georgia (though his blocking has improved since entering the league), but he can stretch the field in the passing game. Adding more talent on offense (especially quarterback Daunte Culpepper), may let McMichael shine in 2006.
New England Patriots: This team has the best trio of tight ends in the division in Ben Watson (29 catches, 15 yard average), Daniel Graham (16 catches, 14.7), and David Thomas (4 catches, 13 yard average). Remember, any average over 10 is very solid. All three players can hurt you, and QB Tom Brady has taken advantage of that so far in the preseason due to the lack of depth at the wide receiver position. The trio has combined for 10 catches for 145 yards in two games thus far. Keep an eye on this trend for the Pats, as they have flexibility in both the running and passing games with multiple tight-end packages.

Hache Man · Aug 25, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 13 New Articles Added 8/24/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 13 New Articles Added 8/24/06)

<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Collins still available
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
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and have access to this premium feature.
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<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Friday, August 25</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Kerry Collins
Raiders
</TD><TD>Chargers?
Colts?
Titans?
</TD><TD>Collins still available
<Aug. 25> There continues to be considerable buzz surrounding the possibility that someone will yet make a move to sign Collins, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports.
There were whispers that Indianapolis officials, while awaiting the results of the MRI on Jim Sorgi?s shoulder earlier this week, kicked around Collins? name. Colts president Bill Polian, while the general manager in Carolina, chose Collins in the first round of the 1995 draft.
There continue to be rumblings that Tennessee, where some staffers simply don?t feel that career backup Billy Volek is the answer as even the short-term successor to Steve McNair, might think about Collins as well. And even a team like San Diego, where neither A.J. Feeley nor Charlie Whitehurst has played well enough during the preseason to cement the No. 2 spot behind first-year starter Philip Rivers, might take a look.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Jerry Porter
Raiders
</TD><TD>Trade
</TD><TD>Porter in limbo
<Aug. 25> Despite the contentions two weeks ago that the Raiders would not trade Porter, there remains a decent shot the veteran wide receiver will be dealt before the start of the season, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports. There are too many teams that need wideouts and one of them figures to step up and make a deal. Plus, the relationship between Porter and coach Art Shell isn?t going to get any better
It's unknown what the Raiders want in compensation, but they have been presented several trade proposals and have nixed every one. Porter can opt out of the five-year contract extension he signed before last season after the 2007 season.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 25, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 13 New Articles Added 8/24/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 13 New Articles Added 8/24/06)

Five burning questions

posted: Friday, August 25, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry

This is the closest we're going to get to Opening Day right here: Week 3 of the preseason. (See, when training camp has been nauseatingly going since July 20, you appreciate the little things.)

Here are five questions that I'd like to see answered in games this weekend:
(No, I didn't plan for most of them to mostly be about quarterbacks, it just sort of happened that way. What can I say? It's a quarterback-driven league.)
1) What is Carson Palmer going to look like?
He hasn't sounded sure about playing in a game until recently. "I'm going to play," he told reporters about Monday night's game against the Packers. "We set out this date a while back and everything has been on schedule."
I'm sure there will be some rust. The degree of rust is what I'll focus on. Cincy needs Palmer at his '05 level this year, which was darn-near best QB in the league status. Considering we don't know how much time Palmer will get between Monday night's game and the opener at Kansas City, the MNF game will be telling if Palmer struggles badly.
2) How does Drew Brees look?
Brees is 12-of-21 for 127 yards so far in the preseason. Does that matter? Not at all. What does matter is how he's looked, and many scouts use this word: tentative. That's not Brees, not when he's healthy anyway. He knows how to keep the chains moving but he likes throwing downfield. I'd like to see Brees and coach Sean Payton approach this game against Indy as if the Saints had to win, and had to throw the ball aggressively in doing so. In three quarters of watching Brees we'll get a sense of his confidence level.
3) How will Jason Campbell play?
I've heard from Redskins insiders that Campbell in practice occasionally looks like he's ready to start and other times looks totally lost. It's up to Al Saunders to put Campbell in regular season-like situations this weekend against the Pats to see how he handles it because of the questions regarding Mark Brunell's ability to stay healthy - and effective - over 16 games.
4) Will the Cardinals offensive line - and offense - get its act together?
There are a lot of high hopes in Arizona, with the star power this team has the hype is justified. But the Cardinals aren't going anywhere unless this offensive line can block better. I'm not considering Edgerrin James' lousy preseason stats as an indicator, rather what I saw in this unit against the Pats last week. The offense didn't look very inspiring to say the least. The good news? The Cardinals open the regular season against the 49ers. 5) Will Houston be able to run the ball this year?
Yes - at least better than it has in previous years. But a test will come against the Broncos this weekend. Nobody knows how to stuff up Denver's stretch scheme like the Broncos' own defense. We'll see if Houston's line - which right now has only two guaranteed starters -- can keep up its terrific preseason stats, as calculated by the Houston Chronicle: 158 yards rushing on average and only one sack allowed.

Random stuff

? What did I tell you? Sometimes Kevan Barlow will say something that'll leave you scratching your head. Didn't take long, did it? Obviously, Barlow was completely out of line in comparing Mike Nolan to Hitler. Barlow is just lucky he didn't say it to the cameras, otherwise that'd be a "I'm a #*&$-ing solider!" level of airtime.

? I'm with profootballtalk.com in drawing this conclusion from Deion Branch's most recent statement that "everything's going to work out" in his contract dispute: Branch might be folding.
? I'm butting heads with Mort on this one, but I'm hearing that Drew Bledsoe isn't as close to losing his job to Tony Romo as reported - and it has nothing to do with Bledsoe's terrific performance the other night. My reasoning why? My source: "Because Parcells wants to win now. Putting in a new quarterback midway through the season won't help."
I can see my source's point. But I also can read a lot into "Parcells wants to win now." That tells me that if Bledsoe struggles a move could happen, seeing as how Parcells knows Bledsoe as well as any coach and must realize that Drew hasn't led a team to the playoffs in quite awhile. Bill Belichick realized that in 2001, and Bledsoe hasn't done much since to make his old coach look foolish. ? For appreciations' sake, Peyton Manning has thrown 106 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in his last 48 games.

Hache Man · Aug 25, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 8/25/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 8/25/06)

Palmer debut still just preseason

posted: Friday, August 25, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers

First a few programming notes: I will be hosting a weekly chat every Tuesday at 1 p.m. starting Aug. 29. Please be sure to stop by -- it will give you something to do to kill an hour at the office.

Also, please feel free to submit questions, comments, criticisms, ideas, money orders, etc., via the feedback link just below the headline on this page, and I promise to address several of them each week.
Now, let's discuss the Cincinnati Bengals' upcoming Monday nighter against the Packers:
? Bengals fans are surely on pins and needles while waiting to see what exactly Carson Palmer looks like in his 2006 debut. Of course, it's a pretty major step in his recovery, and Bengals fans have to be watching the speedy recoveries of Daunte Culpepper and Drew Brees and thinking, "What about our boy, Carson?"
All I want to say about this game, regardless of how many snaps Palmer takes, is don't read too much into this isolated event. If he slips a pass rusher, makes a nifty, athletic move in the pocket and rolls to his left and delivers a bullet right into Chad Johnson's numbers, that doesn't necessarily mean he is out of the woods. In the same vein, if he plays two series and goes 3-for-8 for 22 yards, calls it a day and is seen on the sidelines with ice on his knee, that isn't reason enough to think he'll never be the same. Remember, this is a preseason game. Don't lose perspective with what you see on Monday night.
? This is a grand opportunity for Cincinnati's defensive line to gain some momentum against the three marginal starters who make up Green Bay's interior offensive line. The Bengals obviously had a very difficult time stopping the run last season, and for them to compete, their defensive front absolutely must play better.
? Take a peek at linebacker Ahmad Brooks during this game. He's a specimen.
? Chris Perry's injury is becoming quite concerning. Rudi Johnson is a fine player who brings a lot to this offense, but Perry is important in his own right. Not only is he a very good backup for Johnson, spelling him for a series here and there and taking over the load in case of injury, but his contributions on throwing downs are a fine complement to Cincinnati's other dangerous weapons.
One more prominent AFC North note: Do not expect to see Hines Ward the rest of the preseason, as his hamstring continues to hinder him. It is not even a sure bet he will be at full strength or even active for Pittsburgh's opener against the Dolphins. Ward is a big-time tough guy, and my money is on him playing and playing well.
But remember: After the opener, the Steelers will have a long week to prepare for Week 2 -- which could be interpreted two ways. If his health is still in question, the Steelers could play Ward in the Thursday game, then give him the long week to mend any problems. Or, they could decide to give Ward all that extra time to recover without risking further injury in the opener. Bill Cowher understands as well as any coach in the league that the season is a marathon and not a sprint. Stay tuned.

Hache Man · Aug 26, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/25/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/25/06)

Updated: Aug. 26, 2006
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No end in sight to Branch holdout

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Archive

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One wide receiver impasse was settled this week when the Denver Broncos shipped the disgruntled Ashley Lelie to the Atlanta Falcons as part of a three-team trade.
Don't expect the league's other holdout involving a wide receiver to be so readily resolved.
Even with Friday afternoon's announcement that the Patriots have granted Deion Branch permission through Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. to speak to other teams about a trade, and to negotiate a contract, there are no guarantees of movement in a mess that has very quietly grown increasingly contentious. The move by the Pats on Friday means Branch can reach a contract accord with another franchise. But step two is that New England has to come to terms with another team on compensation.
And, as has been the case in their dealings with Branch, the Pats will drive a hard bargain.
Despite the suggestion this week by Branch to a local TV station that he is "pretty sure" things will eventually work out between him and the Patriots, both sides appear well-entrenched in their respective stances. The move by the Pats on Friday notwithstanding, there are no guarantees that a deal will be consummated. It essentially means that Branch has one week to accomplish what hasn't been possible in the seven months since the 2005 season concluded.
If anything, in fact, the maneuver by the Pats, while surprising, simply reflects the stalemated state of negotiations and, apparently, the belief by New England management that it cannot strike a deal with Branch at this point. It is believed that neither Branch nor his representatives actively sought permission to seek a deal elsewhere.
Branch, entering the final season of his original five-year rookie contract with the team and intent on having his deal upgraded, hasn't inched any closer to reporting to camp, even though he is being fined at the rate of $14,000 per day during his holdout. And the Patriots haven't made any recent contract proposals to the Super Bowl XXXIX Most Valuable Player.
There has been, in fact, virtually no dialogue in recent weeks.
Other than Branch's fairly generic remarks this week, neither he nor agent Jason Chayut has said much of anything publicly. And the unwavering public pronouncements by Patriots coach Bill Belichick have been that he will work with and discuss only those players in camp.
On paper, and to some extent on the field, it would seem the Patriots have gained some edge in the battle of wits. The New England offense has moved the ball, quarterback Tom Brady has completed 75 percent of his passes, and 17 different players have at least one reception through two preseason games. The Patriots creatively have used their large complement of tight ends, arguably one of the best groups in the league, to compensate for their lack of depth at wide receiver.
That said, New England is going to need better production from the wideout position once the regular season begins, and Brady knows it. Branch might not be a top-10 receiver in the league, but he remains without question New England's top performer at the position and one of the team's top players overall. The prospect of his not reporting until late in the season, when he can play in the six games necessary to accrue a year toward the pension and qualify for unrestricted free agency next spring, can't be an appealing one for a team that could face heightened competition from Miami in the division this year.
It's been reported that the Patriots offered Branch two proposals -- a three-year, $18.75 million extension with $8 million in guarantees, and a five-year, $31 million deal with $11 million in bonuses. Whether those reports are accurate isn't certain. What is now more certain than ever is that neither side, in terms of their dealings with one another, is budging. While some might construe Friday's actions by the Patriots as tantamount to blinking in a standoff, it's more a commentary on how stalemated the two parties remain.

Around the league

? Has there been, in recent NFL history, a more ill-conceived or botched strategy than Lelie's holdout? It is going to cost the four-year veteran somewhere in the range of $1 million to pay off the fines and penalties he accrued during his boycott of the Denver offseason program and training camp. And the end result is that a player who claimed he wanted to be a No. 1 receiver somewhere actually made a lateral move. His lot in Atlanta, where he is the No. 3 wideout behind starters Roddy White and Michael Jenkins, isn't much better than what he faced had he remained with the Broncos for another year. In fact, in many ways, he is actually worse off. Had he stayed in Denver and participated in all the activities in the offseason, Lelie would have banked $700,000 in 2006, and been eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring. He might still go into free agency, if the Falcons don't offer him an extension during the season, but penalties that he amassed mean Lelie is going into the red financially for this season.
Denver coach Mike Shanahan suggested on Thursday that Lelie got some bad advice during his holdout. We don't often agree with Shanahan, but it's tough to disagree this time. About the only thing more amazing than the manner in which Lelie butchered his holdout is that some media people, who openly suggested that Reggie Bush fire his agent after the Southern California tailback wasn't the first overall choice in the draft, haven't questioned the counsel that Lelie received during his disastrous holdout.

? Arguably the worst-kept secret in the league is that third-year veteran J.P. Losman, a first-round pick in 2004, has won the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback job. In fact, those who have watched the alleged competition between Losman and journeyman Kelly Holcomb up close insist that it wasn't even close. A somewhat controversial pick in 2004, Losman has demonstrated more maturity, and might yet vindicate the decision of deposed general manager Tom Donahoe to choose him with the 22nd overall selection in '04.
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Quarterback
Buffalo Bills

Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Cmp</TD><TD width="17%">Att</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">Pct</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>113</TD><TD>228</TD><TD>1340</TD><TD>49.6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
It will be interesting to see how the Bills handle Holcomb's situation. There are several teams still hoping to shore up their backup situation before the season starts, who view Holcomb as a good fit, and who likely would part with a low-round draft choice to acquire him. The Indianapolis Colts snooped around Holcomb earlier in the spring and, if the shoulder problems that plagued No. 2 quarterback Jim Sorgi throughout the offseason linger a while longer, might take another look at him. Dealing the much-traveled 10th-year veteran, however, would leave the Bills perilously shy of talent, with Craig Nall and Kliff Kingsbury the likely backups to Losman. New (but very old) general manager Marv Levy probably isn't inclined to trade Holcomb, but he might have more than a few suitors for him in the next week or so.
? Granted, it's a little late in the preseason to be thinking about bringing in a fresh quarterback, but there continues to be considerable buzz surrounding the possibility that someone will yet make a move to sign free agent Kerry Collins, who must be looking pretty good to those frustrated Oakland Raiders receivers right about now, huh? There were whispers that Indianapolis officials, while awaiting the results of the MRI on Sorgi's shoulder earlier this week, kicked around Collins' name. Colts president Bill Polian, while the general manager in Carolina, chose Collins in the first round of the 1995 draft. There continue to be rumblings that Tennessee, where some staffers simply don't feel that career backup Billy Volek is the answer as even the short-term successor to Steve McNair, might think about Collins as well. And even a team such as San Diego, where neither A.J. Feeley nor Charlie Whitehurst has played well enough during the preseason to cement the No. 2 spot behind first-year starter Philip Rivers, might take a look.
? No team is going to claim Drew Henson, officially released by the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday but cut in the mind of coach Bill Parcells long ago, off the waiver wire. Doing so would mean a team would have to assume Henson's contract and, with his base salaries guaranteed through the 2011 season, it simply isn't going to happen. That's not to say that, once Henson clears waivers, he won't generate some interest. The guy is still only 26-years-old and he's got to be as good as some of the players holding down No. 3 jobs on depth charts around the league.
The problems with Henson seem at least twofold: First, his arm strength isn't nearly as good as advertised. Second, he plays tentatively, holds the ball too long, and isn't a quick decision-maker. Watching him during the NFL Europe League training camp in February, it was obvious the ball just doesn't come out quickly enough and that his mind is too cluttered. It seemed to be the classic case of a player who has been over-coached and whose game was too programmed. The staff of the Rhein Fire noted that it wanted Henson to have more fun, to play with some recklessness, but that never seemed to be the case. Indeed, there were times during the training camp in Tampa when former Hawaii star Timmy Chang, who is in camp with Philadelphia, was the much purer passer of the two. Henson is a terrific kid, a guy who forfeited $12 million of the six-year, $17 million baseball contract he signed with the New York Yankees to return to football, so here's hoping he gets a chance somewhere. Henson has the option of taking a lump-sum payment of about $2.6 million from the Cowboys or just collecting checks on an annual basis, with the salaries totaling close to $3.5 million.
? Hard to say what should be more worrisome to Chicago Bears officials: The fact that second-year tailback Cedric Benson breached coach Lovie Smith's team rules by leaving the sideline during last Friday night's preseason game, and watching part of the contest in the equipment room. Or that so many teammates were so eager to rat Benson out. Players don't have to be friends for a team to succeed. What's more important is that there is chemistry on a roster, and not one necessarily born over mixed drinks and appetizers. But the chemistry between Benson and some of his Bears colleagues seems to be a bit toxic. Before the latest story, in which several Chicago players were eager to squeal on the team's first-round pick in the '05 draft, there was this suggestion: Benson, projected by many to supplant the obviously more popular Thomas Jones as the starting tailback, suffered an early camp shoulder injury that sidelined him for more than two weeks, because some Bears defenders were purposely overzealous in laying the wood to him during a practice drill.
Apparently, some of the veterans are still upset at Benson's prolonged rookie-year contract impasse that kept him out of training camp. If that's the case, those veterans must have selective amnesia, because Jones skipped most of this spring's offseason conditioning program, seeking to upgrade the final two years of his current contract. Management said this week that the incidents involving Benson will not affect the team. Don't tell that to Benson, who must walk through the locker room with his head on a swivel.
"I just think it [stinks]," said Benson, referring to the manner in which his teammates ran to the coaching staff about his absence from the sideline last week. "I was talking to Lovie once and he said, 'I know you don't trust people. But you should let your guard down a little, because there are people you can trust.' But damn. I'm afraid to let my guard down, because the moment I do is the moment that someone will ? you know what I mean?"
? Much has been made in the offseason about the "contract" that Tampa Bay wide receiver Michael Clayton signed with head coach Jon Gruden this spring, a pact that held the third-year veteran accountable for his offseason workout regimen. But the 2004 first-round choice has another written bond as well, the journal that he keeps for his daughter, Madison, who lives with her mother in Louisiana. Every day, without fail, Clayton pens a journal entry. Why so?
"Because given that we're apart, that she lives in Louisiana with her mother, I want my daughter to have a way of knowing me," Clayton said. "Who I am, what I'm about, what my life is like away from her. I always worried, because of the circumstances between me and her mother, that I might not get to see her very much. I wanted her to know she has a father who loves her and thinks about her, and a little bit about him. So I started keeping the journal in college and I still add something to it every day for her."
? As noted here in the past, the guard position seems always to get short shrift among offensive linemen, and that isn't apt to change anytime soon. But this year's rookie class features some intriguing guards, at least four of whom figure to start on opening day, and the quality of the first-year players at the position runs into the late rounds of the draft. The four rookie guards currently projected as starters are Davin Joseph of Tampa Bay, Oakland's Paul McQuistan and Jason Spitz and Tony Moll of Green Bay. Of that group, only Joseph is a first-rounder. Two other rookie guards who won't start immediately, but who have made favorable impressions are Seattle's Rob Sims and Denver's Chris Kuper.
It isn't often that the guard class outshines the other line positions, but that could be the case in 2006. It looks like there will be only two starting rookie tackles, D'Brickashaw Ferguson of the New York Jets and New England's Ryan O'Callaghan. There are three other tackles -- Marcus McNeill of San Diego, Charles Spencer of Houston and New Orleans' Zach Strief -- who have a chance to crack the lineup before opening day. McNeill was making a big-time run for the starting left tackle job with the Chargers, but suffered a setback this week when he had to undergo minor surgery for a broken bone in his hand, and will be sidelined for a week. The lone rookie who will start at center is Nick Mangold of the Jets.
? With the trade for journeyman offensive lineman Lennie Friedman on Thursday morning, the star-crossed Cleveland Browns have now acquired eight different centers since the end of last season: LeCharles Bentley (unrestricted free agent), Bob Hallen (unrestricted free agent), Alonzo Ephraim (unrestricted free agent), Rob Smith (undrafted college free agent), Todd Washington ("street" free agent), Mike Mabry ("street" free agent), Ross Tucker (trade) and Friedman (trade). Bentley was lost for the season when he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon on the first day of camp. Hallen and Washington retired. Smith is battling through a high-ankle sprain. Ephraim has been suspended for the first four games of the season because of a repeat violation of the NFL substance abuse policy. Mabry was released after the Browns added Friedman to the roster. The Browns traded last year's starter, former first-round choice Jeff Faine, to New Orleans during the draft, because the signing of Bentley made him extraneous. Or so they thought.
? Even with an 85-yard runback, the longest in the NFL last season, Antonio Chatman still averaged just 8.5 yards per punt return in 2005. Take away the 85-yarder and Chatman's average plummets to an anemic 6.7 yards. So it's hard to quibble with the decision of Green Bay first-year coach Mike McCarthy to release Chatman early in the spring and to seek an upgrade. The problem is, less than three weeks before the first game of the season, the Packers still haven't found a dependable replacement for Chatman, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals after his release. Green Bay invested a fourth-round pick in return specialist Cory Rodgers, who set a record at TCU for career kickoff return yards and total return yards, but the rookie has struggled to catch the ball in camp, let alone run with it.
There's an outside chance that Rodgers won't even make the roster. Which means that the Packers' punt return man for the regular season, at least for now, will be Charles Woodson. Yeah, that Charles Woodson, who since leaving the University of Michigan toting a Heisman Trophy, has returned a dozen punts for 77 yards in eight NFL seasons. Despite the puny 6.4-yard average Woodson has posted in the NFL, with a 16-yard runback his longest, McCarthy termed him "a weapon" this week. We'll see.
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Linebacker
Carolina Panthers

Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=5>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>31</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
? The knee injury suffered by Carolina weakside linebacker Na'il Diggs in Thursday night's preseason game isn't believed to involve his anterior cruciate ligament. But if the injury sidelines Diggs for even a few weeks, it could have an impact on the fate of fellow weakside 'backer Keith Adams on the roster. Signed by the Panthers as a free agent, after the longtime special teams ace became a starter in Philadelphia last season, Adams has been a major disappointment to the Carolina coaches.
There was a pretty good chance, before Diggs' knee injury, that Adams would not make the roster. There was supposed to have been competition between the two for the starting weakside job that became vacant when Will Witherspoon departed to St. Louis in free agency, but it wasn't long into camp that Diggs claimed the No. 1 spot. On the flip side, the Panthers' coaches are thrilled by the preseason performance of second-year veteran Adam Seward, a fifth-round draft pick in 2005 who was limited by injuries to just five appearances as a rookie.
Stat of the week: They're doing a pretty good job in San Francisco of rendering Terry Donahue persona non grata in the team's history books. Between 1999 and 2004, a stretch that coincides with Donahue's tenure as director of personnel (1999-2000) and general manager (2001-2004), the 49ers drafted 54 players, essentially enough to fill a regular-season roster. From that group, only a dozen players remain on the current San Francisco roster. The only drafts over which Donahue presided, and from which there are still more than two players remaining are the 2004 (four of 10 players) and 2003 (three of seven picks) lotteries. San Francisco chose seven first-rounders -- defensive linemen Reggie McGrew (1999) and Andre Carter (2001), cornerbacks Ahmed Plummer (2000) and Mike Rumph (2002), offensive tackle Kwame Harris (2002), linebacker Julian Peterson (2000) and wide receiver Rashaun Woods (2004) -- during the Donahue Era. The only one still with the team is Harris. The 49ers had 20 first-day selections 1999-2004, a group that should represent the nucleus of the roster, and just five remain.
The list: Unless something changes between now and Kickoff Weekend, this will be the first season since 1978 in which the Oakland Raiders' roster did not feature at least one Heisman Trophy winner. The list of Heisman winners in that 27-season stretch: Jim Plunkett (1979-86), Marcus Allen (1982-1992), Bo Jackson (1987-1990), Tim Brown (1988-2003), Desmond Howard (1997-98) and Woodson (1998-2005).
Punts: The Arizona Cardinals, who traded for New England tackle and part-time starter Brandon Gorin this week, might not be done trying to add reinforcements to their offensive line. Line coach Steve Loney, who was at Minnesota the past four seasons, is monitoring a pair of Vikings linemen, Mike Rosenthal and Adam Goldberg, who could be on the bubble when roster reductions are made. ? It might not happen next week, when teams are mandated to reduce their rosters to 75, but no one should be surprised if there are a few "name" players released by New Orleans before the start of the season. Saints coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis seem to understand there is no quick-fix for the team, and that rebuilding the roster is going to be a process. ? In the spring, it appeared that Ron Dayne would go to camp as the No. 1 tailback in Denver. A few months later, and Dayne is fighting for his roster life, with youngsters such as Mike Bell, Tatum Bell, Damien Nash and Cedric Cobbs perhaps pushing him out the door. ? Despite the contentions two weeks ago that the Raiders would not trade Jerry Porter, there remains a decent shot that the veteran wide receiver will still be dealt before the start of the season. There are too many teams that need wideouts and one of them figures to step up and make a deal. Plus, the relationship between Porter and coach Art Shell isn't going to get any better. ? The biggest beneficiary in the departure of tailback T.J. Duckett from the Atlanta depth chart via trade actually might be fullback Justin Griffith, a Pro Bowl-caliber player who doesn't get much credit. Known more for his skills as a lead blocker, Griffith is also an excellent receiver, and he might get the chance to net some carries now, too, in short-yardage situations. Griffith, who has played a major role as the Falcons led the league in rushing each of the last two years, is entering the final season of his contract, and reaching an extension with him is a priority for the team. ? Despite an offensive tackle depth chart thinned by injuries, Tampa Bay isn't likely to jump at the chance to bring two-time Pro Bowl blocker Lincoln Kennedy out of retirement. Kennedy auditioned for the Bucs on Thursday, perhaps hoping that his former Oakland Raiders bosses, general manager Bruce Allen and coach Jon Gruden, might have a job for him. But like his earlier visits in Dallas and Washington, the audition did not bring a job offer. Kennedy was said to be out of shape, even though he claims to have recently dropped about 40 pounds, and there was no job offer. He failed his physical in Washington, in part because team officials there were leery about his rapid weight loss. ? Pay little heed to broadcast reports that the Kansas City Chiefs are close to a contract extension with tight end Tony Gonzalez. While something could get done before the end of the season, there has been little dialogue between the two sides lately. ? New England has taken a wide receiver, Troy Brown, and turned him into a part-time defensive back. Now, the Patriots are trying to take a defensive back, seventh-round draft choice Willie Andrews, and transform him into a part-time wide receiver. The rookie from Baylor, who figures to be involved in the return game for the Pats, has demonstrated some pass-catching skills, and the coaches will continue to provide him some work as a receiver. The last word: "[Mike] Nolan doesn't know what he's doing. He's a first-time head coach with too much power. He has too much power as a first-time head coach. He walks around with a chip on his shoulder, like he's a dictator, like he's Hitler. People are scared of him. If it ain't Nolan's way, it's the highway." -- Tailback Kevan Barlow, who later offered a tepid apology for the remarks which followed his trade from San Francisco to the New York Jets, on his former 49ers head coach
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Hache Man · Aug 26, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/25/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/25/06)

Updated: Aug. 26, 2006, 4:15 PM ET6
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Quarterbacks can be victims

By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive

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One of the greatest statistical inequities in the NFL is how quarterbacks are charged for interceptions no matter who was to blame for the turnover. For example, if the quarterback throws a perfect pass and the receiver lets the defender rip the ball away from him for the pick, the quarterback is still charged with an interception.
This lack of accountability led me to split interceptions into two types. The first type is what I call at-fault interceptions. These are interceptions caused by the quarterback either forcing a pass into coverage or throwing an inaccurate pass.
The second type I call not-at-fault interceptions. These are interceptions that occur for reasons other than bad decisions or inaccurate passes. The most common reasons for these interceptions are the following:
1. Passes tipped by a defender, either at the line of scrimmage or downfield.
2. Passes dropped by a receiver, then intercepted.
3. Hail Mary passes.
4. Inaccurate passes that happen because the quarterback gets hit while throwing the ball.
So, who were the best and worst quarterbacks in 2005 in these categories? Let's start by reviewing the top-10 list of quarterbacks with the most "not-at-fault" interceptions in 2005:
1. Brett Favre -- 11
2. Drew Brees -- 8
T3. Tom Brady -- 7
T3. David Carr -- 7
T5. Steve McNair -- 6
T5. Mark Brunell -- 6
T5. Joey Harrington -- 6
T5. Drew Bledsoe -- 6
T9. Michael Vick -- 5
T9. Josh McCown -- 5
T9. Eli Manning -- 5
T9. Donovan McNabb -- 5
T9. Aaron Brooks -- 5
The surprising thing about this list is that the not-at-fault interceptions often can account for a very high percentage of a quarterback's total interceptions. For example, Drew Brees had 15 total interceptions last year, yet eight of them were not the fault of his passing. In fact, not-at-fault interceptions account for at least half the total interceptions for Brees, Brady, Carr, McNair, Brunell, Harrington and McNabb.
The at-fault interceptions are broken down into two categories -- inaccurate pass interceptions and bad decision percentages. Here are the quarterbacks who had the highest number of inaccurate pass interceptions:
1. Eli Manning -- 9
T2. Kyle Orton -- 6
T2. Drew Bledsoe -- 6
4. Kelly Holcomb -- 5
T5. Trent Green -- 4
T5. Tom Brady -- 4
T5. Peyton Manning -- 4
T5. Kurt Warner -- 4
T5. Kerry Collins -- 4
T5. Gus Frerotte -- 4
T5. Drew Brees -- 4
T5. Alex Smith -- 4
It should come as no surprise that Eli Manning tops this list. I often get accused of bashing Manning unnecessarily, but these types of metrics make me question his upside. His inaccuracy doesn't just lead to a lower completion percentage but also leads to more turnovers.
Here are the quarterbacks who had the most bad decision interceptions:
1. Brett Favre -- 15
2. Jake Delhomme -- 11
3. Carson Palmer -- 10
T4. Daunte Culpepper -- 9
T4. Aaron Brooks -- 9
T6. Kyle Boller -- 7
T6. Kerry Collins -- 7
T6. Ben Roethlisberger -- 7
T9. Matt Hasselbeck -- 6
T9. Gus Frerotte -- 6
T9. Anthony Wright -- 6
The final list is for the most combined at-fault interceptions:
1. Brett Favre -- 18
2. Jake Delhomme -- 14
T3. Eli Manning -- 12
T3. Daunte Culpepper -- 12
T3. Aaron Brooks -- 12
T6. Kyle Orton -- 11
T6. Kerry Collins -- 11
T6. Drew Bledsoe -- 11
T9. Gus Frerotte -- 10
T9. Carson Palmer -- 10 The most interesting thing about these last two lists is that there are very good and very bad quarterbacks on both lists. This just goes to show that some quarterbacks can overcome at-fault interceptions with good overall play (e.g. Delhomme, Palmer, Roethlisberger, etc.).
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Hache Man · Aug 28, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/26/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/26/06)

Updated: Aug. 28, 2006, 1:25 PM ET
Building depth key to success in NFL

By Jeremy Green
Scouts Inc.
Archive

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You hear the word mentioned often when coaches are sitting around talking after practice. It is one of the most commonly used terms in personnel meetings. What is "it"? Depth.
You look across the board in the NFL, and every team has a few superstar players. Some teams have more superstars than others, but every team has some form of star potential.
What you also notice around the NFL is that even the teams with star power don't always have enough depth to get them through certain injury situations.
When I look at NFL depth charts right now and formulate who is going to be making 53-man rosters, I don't see one team that will have depth at every position.
Teams such as Denver and Carolina are extremely deep across the defensive line. But on the other side of the ball, both are a bad injury on the offensive line away from having some serious issues.
When I asked a veteran pro personnel director in the AFC about depth, he told me, "My GM might not agree with me on this, but I would trade away any one of our star or A-type players for five B and C players." As he pointed out, "When injuries occur, I am the one that has to beat the bushes to find guys that can fit our system. Depth is the key to winning consistently in this league because everyone is going to eventually get hit with the injury bug. You almost breathe a sigh of relief when injuries do occur and you know you have a backup that can step in and get the job done for you at or near the same level."
So what are the keys to finding quality depth? First and foremost, it should be built through the draft. If you look at rosters around the NFL, you will see that much of their depth comes either from draft picks or from quality undrafted free agents who make the roster. The cost of doing business in free agency is very expensive, so not much depth will be built that way.
The second and most important way a team can acquire quality depth has less to do with the players you add and more to do with the guys you have coaching those players. You need to have a solid understanding of what the coaches want to do offensively and defensively. When a player hits the waiver wire, as a personnel evaluator you want to know if he has ever played for anyone on your staff somewhere else or if he has ever played in a similar system. In a lot of instances you might be able to upgrade the back end of your roster (players 40-53) with guys who know your system. These are guys that the personnel staff and coaching staff would feel comfortable going into a game with because of their knowledge of the scheme.
Usually, your depth is going to amount to a group of very average backup players. Having players who are smart and know your system gives you a slight advantage if injuries occur.
Over the last five years, I think the New England Patriots are one of the best examples of a team that does an outstanding job of finding depth. I would not say it is always quality depth, either. The fact that head coach Bill Belichick and VP of player personnel Scott Pioli have such a great working relationship allows them to do an outstanding job of finding the right players to fit their system. Pioli understands what Belichick wants on the offensive and defensive sides, which makes it easier to find the right type of player.
As I've talked to people around the league about who has quality depth, some of the same teams keep coming up. The Patriots are one. Others are the Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos. It should come as no surprise that those five teams have long-tenured coaches who have been mainstays with their organizations.
Having the same offensive and defensive schemes in place for a long period allows you to have continuity.
When I was with the Cleveland Browns we had too much change. We went through too many head coaches and too many coordinators. When you do that, it is hard to find quality starters, let alone quality depth. Over the long haul, having continuity within the organization is the No. 1 factor in building depth within your football team.
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Hache Man · Aug 28, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/26/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/26/06)

Is NFC East overrated?

posted: Monday, August 28, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry

Longtime readers know that I often talk football with my friend Steve. I fielded his call Sunday afternoon as I was mid-order at Chipolte and asked what was on his mind.

"What do you think about all this talk that the NFC East is the toughest division in football?" he asked. "I don't buy it because I don't think the Eagles are a playoff contender."
I agree - on the Eagles part. This team seems pretty far removed from its Super Bowl team two years ago and didn't do anything in the offseason to make me believe it's a threat to win the East. Donovan McNabb needs weapons, and his best weapon right now is Brian Westbrook, who can't be trusted to stay healthy for 25 touches a game over 16 weekends. Steve mentioned that the Eagles' continued neglect in upgrading their receivers isn't helping, either. One of the wideouts Philly could be relying on is Hank Baskett, an undrafted free agent from New Mexico who, Steve pointed out, isn't going to scare defenses despite ripping through our Missouri Tigers last year for 10 catches totaling 209 yards and three touchdowns.
Even with the Eagles, I'm not sure that the NFC East is better than the NFC South. The NFC East has potentially scary teams but large questions. The Giants are a Super Bowl contender if Eli Manning can be the QB he was through the first half of '05 and not the second half. I've watched Eli live in two preseason games and I think it's a stretch to assume he's made all the strides he needed to. The Redskins just lost 41-0 to the Pats. Preseason or not, no playoff team should get whipped that badly. And while the Cowboys look great right now, there's a lot of time for T.O. to rip that team apart if he so chooses. The $9,500 fine he received over the weekend for missing a meeting and a rehab session - is it not very alarming that he missed a rehab session? - might be the just the beginning.
(As an aside, one of the pads T.O. regularly falls on when making excuses for his bizarre behavior is that no one can ever say he's not in shape or ready to play. That may be true physically, but T.O. is learning a brand-new offense and he's never been known as a film junky. In fact, one former teammate told me numerous stories about how T.O. constantly fell asleep in film sessions, so much so that teammates joked about it.)
My point: Don't assume that when T.O.'s hamstring heals Dallas' offense will be ready to go.
So where does the NFC East rank among the league's toughest divisions?
Second, behind the NFC South. I just see more consistency out of the Panthers, Bucs and Falcons than I do the Giants, Cowboys and Redskins. As far as the Eagles and Saints go, Philly is probably a better team but it wouldn't surprise me if the Saints make pretty big strides under Sean Payton with Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush, Joe Horn and Donte' Stallworth. The Saints for sure have a star-power edge. Right now, my list of toughest divisions in football goes:
1) NFC South
2) NFC East
3) AFC North
Why: The defending champs (Steelers), possibly the best offense around (Cincy), a dangerous wild-card contender (Ravens) and a young team loaded with offensive potential (Browns).
4) AFC South
Why: Maybe the best team in the NFL (Indy), with a 12-game winner from '05 (Jags) and two younger teams on the rise.
5) AFC West
Why: Denver should be an 11-win team, and San Diego should contend for a wildcard. K.C. has the No. 1 fantasy pick.
6) NFC West
Why: The defending conference champ coupled with an upgraded Cardinals team and the possible nine-win Rams.
7) AFC East
Why: New England might be the best team in the league, but the rest of the division looks shaky. I'm not ready to bust out my "In Daunte I Trust" T-shirt. 8) NFC North
Why: There's Chicago, and after that a bunch of teams that won't scare anyone

Hache Man · Aug 28, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/26/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/26/06)

NFC South weekend review

posted: Monday, August 28, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons

You know you love the NFL when you're watching preseason games that start at 11 p.m. ET on Saturday night. But maybe that's just me. Nonetheless, let's take a quick look around the NFC South from this past weekend's games.

[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=atl"]Atlanta Falcons[/URL] One of the major concerns heading into the regular season has been the Falcons' run defense. The Falcons got positive results Saturday night that their run defense could be much improved in 2006. Atlanta limited the Titans to 20 yards on eight attempts before giving way to their backup players in the second half. Led by Keith Brooking, [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3572"]Lawyer Milloy[/URL] and the return of Ed Hartwell, the run defense was very impressive throughout the first half. Offensively, the Falcons, who led the lead in rushing the last two seasons, looked like they where in midseason form. They finished the night with 262 rushing yards on 42 attempts. Quarterback [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5448"]Michael Vick[/URL] was 7-for-14 for 48 yards and one touchdown. However, for the Falcons to make a run at the divisional title Vick will really need to improve his accuracy as a passer.
Impressive rookie of the night: Backup running back [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7828"]Jerious Norwood[/URL] and his explosive 62-yard run for a touchdown right before the end of the first quarter against the Titans first defensive unit. Norwood finished the game with 104 yards on nine attempts.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=car"]Carolina Panthers[/URL] Carolina is still the team to beat in the NFC South, even with the struggles on offense and the inconsistencies of quarterback [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4555"]Jake Delhomme[/URL] against an impressive Dolphin defense last Thursday night. Delhomme was 6-for-15 for 58 yards and never seemed to be real sharp or in rhythm, struggling with his overall accuracy in the short and intermediate areas. The Panthers running game struggled to get on track against a fast aggressive front seven led by [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3569"]Zach Thomas[/URL]. With the expected return of wide receiver [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5521"]Steve Smith[/URL] in week one of the regular season the Panthers offense should get back on track. The good news in my opinion for Panthers fans is a deep and talented defense that should be able carry this team throughout the regular season until the offense gets back on track.
Impressive rookie of the night: Backup running back [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7776"]DeAngelo Williams[/URL] looked very impressive in the return game with his 98-yard kickoff return, along with his ability to carry the rock as a change-of-pace back opposite [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5920"]DeShaun Foster[/URL]. Williams is an explosive one cut runner that showed breakaway speed as he ran to daylight in the second quarter.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nor"]New Orleans Saints[/URL] The Saints continue to struggle in all three phases of the game. Their performance Saturday night against the [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=ind"]Indianapolis Colts[/URL] was full of mistakes and critical turnovers. Quarterback [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4256"]Peyton Manning[/URL] threw for 125 yards and one touchdown in the first half. Again, the defense struggled by allowing three early scoring drives and was down 17-0 early in the second quarter. Offensively, QB [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5479"]Drew Brees[/URL] is starting to play with more confidence within the offense, even though he threw two costly interceptions in the second quarter. One bright spot for the Saints was the performance of running back Duece McAlister. McAlister finished the night with 62 yards on six attempts and one touchdown.
Impressive rookie of the night: Wide receiver [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=8001"]Marques Colston[/URL] continues to be impressive in the preseason and finished the night with three receptions for 32 yards and one touchdown.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=tam"]Tampa Bay Buccaneers[/URL] The Buccaneers first unit defense dominated the [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=jac"]Jacksonville Jaguars[/URL]. In the Jaguars first seven possessions on offense the Bucs' defense allowed two first downs, recorded four sacks on quarterback [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6343"]Byron Leftwich[/URL] and one forced turnover which resulted in points for the Tamps Bay offense. The Buccaneers pass rush was relentless during the first half. Offensively, the first team unit scored 11 points in the first half but struggled throughout the game with inconsistencies. QB Chris Sims was 9-for-14 for 77 yards, but was sacked three times in the first quarter. The Buccaneers finished the game with 221 total yards on offense. The biggest concern as we gear toward the regular season is the play of the Buccaneers offensive line. Impressive rookie of the night: With the injury to [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3578"]Juran Bolden[/URL], fourth round pick Alan Zematitis replaced [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6541"]Torrie Cox[/URL] inside in the Buccaneers nickle and packages. Cox moved outside in sub, while Zematitis aligned as the "Star" vs. the Jaguars multiple spread sets. Zematitis is a tall, athletic corner that is technically sound for the position. He showed the ability to fill hard against the run and finished the game with three total tackles.

Hache Man · Aug 28, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/26/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/26/06)

<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Branch drawing interest
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
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<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Monday, August 28</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Deion Branch
Patriots
</TD><TD>Vikings?
Bears?
</TD><TD>Branch drawing interest
<Aug. 28> Branch has been given permission from the Pats to seek a trade and, not suprisingly, the wideout is generating plenty of interest. Chicago has interest in Branch but isn't willing to part with a high draft pick, according to Pro Football Weekly. After missing out on Ashley Lelie, a player they coveted, the Bears are still looking for a quality receiver opposite Muhsin Muhammad. According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Vikings may inquire about Branch, especially after cutting ties with Koren Robinson.

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Hache Man · Aug 28, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

Updated: Aug. 28, 2006, 11:03 AM ET
Packers looking to test youngsters

By Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.
Archive

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After watching a lot of film on both the Packers and Bengals, talking to coaches and scouts, and following preseason practices, here are some key things to watch in their game on Monday (ESPN 8 p.m. ET).
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=gnb"]Green Bay Packers[/URL]

? The Packers seem excited about their new zone blocking scheme for their offensive line. It's a proven system that was perfected by Alex Gibbs in Kansas City, Denver and Atlanta, and is now being implemented by offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski and head coach Mike McCarthy, both Gibbs disciples. They believe it will lead to less mental mistakes, provide good running lanes for their one-cut backs and possibly cover up the deficiencies of their interior OL.
? Speaking of the interior offensive line, there has been a revolving door at OG ever since the Packers let veterans Mark Wahle and Marco Rivera go. They have tried 10 different guys in the last couple of years and still can't get it right. They could have two rookie starters at OG on opening day -- LG Mark Spitz and RG Tony Moll. Brett Favre cannot feel great about his inside protection and we know when he is flushed out of the pocket and forced to throw on the run, Favre can make some mistakes.
? A rookie who may develop into a star is second-round pick Greg Jennings. The wideout has had a great camp and will likely play in at least the nickel package, and could be the punt returner on opening day. The organization knew Jennings had good physical skills when they drafted him, but the biggest surprise is how well he prepares. He already knows this West Coast offense and can line up at either the X or Y position. The coaches are much more comfortable with him on the field than they would be with most rookies.
? Ex-Raider Charles Woodson is really playing well and seems to have regained his quickness and playmaking ability. He and Al Harris give the Packers two big and physical press corners. Woodson could have a big year.
? The Packers lost eight games by seven points or less and five games by three points or less, and now they are going into the season with an untested placekicker in Dave Rayner. Also, 23 of the Packers' 29 interceptions happened when they were playing from behind and many came late in games. When you watch Favre on film, you can see him take chances with passes into coverage when he is trying to get his team back into games. Head coach Mike McCarthy is determined to give Favre easier throws in the West Coast offense and cut down on mistakesm but can Favre adjust to a more conservative style, especially with marginal playmaking talent around him?
? The Packers are really rolling the dice in their kicking game. They cut veteran PK Billy Cundiff and incumbent punter B.J. Sander. The new punter will be Jon Ryan, who poroved in the Canadian Football league he is capable of producing in poor weather conditions. Rayner will be the placekicker because he has a stronger leg than Cundiff and has youth on his side. Neither one of these guys are a lock to give Green Bay solid production. On a team that may play in several close games, having this little experience in the kicking game is cause for concern. The front office may keep its eye on the waiver wire in the next two weeks.
? While WR Donald Driver has had a very consistent training camp and is Favre's favorite target, the concern is that the lack of a true No. 2 receiver wll allow defenses to roll their coverages towards Driver, giving him a lot of double team looks. He is excellent on crossing routes, and is physical and tough in traffic. He is the best option the Packers have on third downs, but where is the vertical threat on this team that opens up the underneath routes?
? Monday nigth will be a good chance to look at he Packers run game, with Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport getting significant carries. Both are coming off serious injuries. Playing now is important to let them get quality work behind an offensive line that is implementing a new zone blocking scheme.
? Rookie first-round pick A.J. Hawk is really starting to settle in as the starter at WOLB. He struggled at times in coverage situations early in camp, but he's made huge strides in the last 10 days and is showing he can cover tight ends or running backs in man-to-man or zone situations. The problem for the coaches is that if their upfront pass rush is not very productive, they will be tempted to blitz more. Hawk could be their best pass rushing LB, but they would lose him in coverage.
? Neither Jagodzinski, defensive coordinator Bob Sanders or McCarthy have ever held their current positions before. There will be an adjustment time for coaches as well as players. It will be interesting to see whether this staff can control and gain the respect of the veteran players.
? The Packers' version of the west coast offense will feature a lot of safe routes and low risk passing plays. Look for quick slants and crossing routes designed to produce yards after the catch. We wont' see as many vertical passes, which should cut down on the number of turnovers. Driver is a perfect fit in this scheme and could have a huge year, but will Favre buy into a conservative passing game? ? The key to the Packers' run game is the health and durability of Green. The 29-year old is coming off a serious torn quadriceps tendon injury, but has two things going for him -- his running style really fits in the new zone blocking scheme and he is a free agent after this season, so he should be motivated to have a big year. Davenport and Samkon Gado can't be counted on to carry the run game, but they are quality backups.

[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cin"]Cincinnati Bengals[/URL]

? QB Carson Palmer is scheduled to see his first preseason action against Green Bay.. Although he has worked very hard in his rehabilitation on his knee, he seems to be a little hesitant and tentative about live action. While the coaches want to be careful with Palmer and not rush him back, they also need to know if he will be ready for the September 10th opener at Kansas City. Most of the starters will play very little next week in the preseason finale at Indianapolis, so Palmer needs quality snaps Monday to give him confidence heading into the regular season.
? You really have to admire the offensive approach the Bengals utilize when you break them down on film. They have the personnel to attack defenses in a lot of ways. They love to come out throwing the football early in an up tempo style and if they can get a lead, they will go to a ball control run offense, which eats up a lot of the clock. They have the versatility to spread the field with multiple WR sets and love to use a no-huddle offense, but they can also use physical two-TE sets and pound the ball inside. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski is very innovative in his play calling and is not afraid to gamble.
? The Bengals tinkered in the offseason with a 3-4 defensive front, partly because they felt so good about their talent level and depth at linebacker. However, the unit took a hit when MLB Odell Thurman was suspended for the first four games of the regular season because of a failed substance abuse test. For the first month of the season, veteran Brian Simmons will be forced to move to the middle. We may not see as much of the 34 look until Thurman gets back, and they have enough depth to play the scheme.
? Cincinnati really struggled with its interior run defense a year ago and Marvin Lewis has been obsessed with getting more physical inside (the Bengals were 29th in the NFL in 2005 in average yards allowed per rush). They have a decent DT rotation right now of John Thornton, Shaun Smith, massive veteran Sam Adams and rookie Domata Peko, giving them four run stuffers. Even DEs Bryan Robinson and Justin Smith can play inside in some situations. That's much better depth than a year ago.
? This was the most opportunistic defense in the NFL a year ago, as it recovered 13 fumbles and recorded 31 interceptions for a whopping +24 turnover differential. In the last three seasons, Cincinnati is 17-1 in games in which it has more takeaways than turnovers. However, as good as they were at creating turnovers, the Bengals were also 26th in the league in passing yars allowed per game (223.1 yards). What they did is gamble and take a lot of chances, which leads to big plays, but also big mistakes. They will try to walk a fine line in 2006 by being aggressive, but still playing under control.
? As good as the Bengals' offensive line has been in recent years (OL coach Paul Alexander does a great job), four of their five starters are unrestricted free agents after the 2006 season. Keeping this group together will be a real challenge for the front office and there will be some tough decisions to make.
? A guy to watch closely is rookie fourth-round pick DT Domata Peko. He has 12 tackles and one sack in his first two preseason games, and he has the coaches really excited because of his consistency. He has the ability to play two- gap techniques well and can stack inside at the point of attack, but he can also get off blocks and penetrate. For a young player, he uses his hands really well and does not get tied up a lot. Ironically, tonight he will be matched up versus his older brother Tupe, who is a backup offensive guard for Green Bay.
? Cincinnati is starting to look like it has surprising depth at QB behind Carson Palmer. Backup Anthony Wright has a good command of this offense, and has a great ability to scramble and avoid the rush. However, the big surprise was the performance last week of No. 3 QB Doug Johnson in the win over Buffalo. Johnson generated 17 points and looked very crisp as a passer, finishing with a 113.0 rating. Both quarterbacks did a good job with the no huddle offense and their progress should make the organization a little more comfortable in case Palmer is not ready on opening day.
? Placekicker Shayne Graham worked really hard in the offseason on getting stronger and more explosive in his lower body. It seems to be working because so far in the preseason he is regularly getting his kickoffs into the end zone, which had been a problem for him the past three seasons. These touchbacks not only help the cover teams, but also put the defense in good field position.
? Don't expect the Bengals to be overly active when NFL teams cut their rosters. This is a pretty deep team and unless they can improve the bottom end of their roster with an acquisition or two, don't expect a lot of change.
? So far in the preseason, the Bengals' cover teams have done a good job. They have drafted very well over the past several seasons and because of it, they have a lot of young players competing for roster spots. The best way to make this roster is to play well on special teams. Some guys may not play a lot at their position, but their production in the kicking game will determine if they stick on this team.
? When you watch Palmer on film, his ability to read defenses is really amazing. He sees the entire field and is adept at finding his secondary receivers if his primary guy is not open. He can make every throw and has a knack for finding the weak spot in opposing defenses. He had 32 TD passes a year ago compared to only 12 interceptions. He obviously has a great command of this offense. If he is healthy, he will have a great year. He is only eight months removed from his devastating knee injury, so playing Monday and next week will be critical to deciding whether he can start in Kansas City on opening day.
? A real key to the pass protection for Palmer is the blocking of tight end Reggie Kelly. He does an excellent job on the edge versus speed rushers and has the strength and feet to adjust to the blitz. Cincinnati likes its six-man protection schemes and although Kelly can catch the ball, his blocking is what makes him so valuable.
? DT Sam Adams continues to fight weight problems and his inability to get into playing shape hurts the DT rotation. He is improving his physical conditioning and if he is ready by opening day, he will be an effective two-down run stuffer, but his endurance will be questionable at his age. ? The first four games of the season may make or break the Bengals -- at Kansas City (September 10), vs. Cleveland (September 17), at Pittsburgh (September 24) and vs. New England (October 1). A healthy and productive Palmer will be necessary to get this team through this stretch.
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Hache Man · Aug 28, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

Cardinals pleased with Pope

posted: Monday, August 28, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks

Religious prophesies? Cardinals and Pope(s)
Leonard Pope looks to be the real deal and something the Arizona Cardinals have been missing for a few years now. At 6-foot-8, Pope is a massive target who can't be missed. In 2005, the Cardinals did not have a drafted tight end on their roster. Eric Edwards and Adam Bergen combined for 40 receptions for 403 yards. The Cardinals are pleased with the selection of Pope and look for him to give them an advantage in the passing game due to his height and a physical presence in the run game, helping to secure the corners for running back Edgerrin James.

Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast was creative and aggressive against the Chicago Bears in the second half of their third preseason game, helping to lead Arizona to a 2-1 record in the preseason. This was a nice display of the creative genius from one of the more daring defensive coordinators in the NFL, and with the regular season just around the corner look for many new wrinkles from the Cardinals' defense.
Deion Branch rumors
Although he would not be needed, the addition of wide receiver Deion Branch to the Seattle would be a huge addition to the Seahawks' receiving core. With current wide receivers Bobby Engram, Darrell Jackson, Peter Warrick, Nate Burleson, and D.J. Hackett, there is seemingly no room for another outstanding receiver in this bunch. But the fact that Branch has targeted the Seahawks as a team of interest shows that he feels this is one of the favorites in the NFL to make it to the Super Bowl XLI and win. Don't get too excited about this rumor Seahawks fans, but it is worth the dream.
Time to get worried?
The St. Louis Rams have not scored a touchdown with their first-team offense in three straight preseason games. Should this be cause for concern, or is head coach Scott Linehan playing cautious? Word out of the St. Louis organization is that although it is preseason, there is a little concern that the offense has not been more productive. With one game to play in the preseason and the starters slated to get little action for this Thursday against the Dolphins, look for Linehan to open up the playbook a little more to get a spark going headed into the season. San Francisco&ouch!
I don't know how many of you saw the San Francisco/Dallas game this weekend, but one thing is for certain, the 49ers are NOT going to challenge for the Super Bowl this season. The defensive line pressure up front looked like it could not free itself from a wet paper bag. Wide receiver Terry Glenn made the 49ers' secondary look like they were playing a Pop Warner team. I am an Alex Smith fan and think he has the smarts, tools and make-up to become a solid and productive quarterback in the NFL, but the attention to the defense needs to become a priority.

Hache Man · Aug 28, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

Trench battles define this division

posted: Monday, August 28, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns

There isn't a division in the league that can match the AFC North's nose tackles for sheer bulk and power. Although only the Browns and Steelers play the true 3-4 with a true nosetackle, the Bengals' Sam Adams and the Ravens' Haloti Ngata usually will line up on the center's shoulder and be expected to push the line of scrimmage and eat up space in the middle -- similar responsibilities to nosetackles Ted Washington (Browns) and Casey Hampton (Steelers). This foursome accounts for more than 1,400 pounds of run-eating bulk, and each player's performance will be instrumental in slowing down the power running games of the teams in this division.

Hampton is far and away the best player -- and athlete -- of the bunch. He is the prototypical nosetackle who not only can anchor against multiple blockers but also can provide a little pass rush while flashing the amazing ability to track down slow-developing running plays on the sidelines.
Ngata, Baltimore's first-round pick this year, also is quite talented, but he has yet to prove that he can handle the rigors of the position for an extended period of time. He will be given every opportunity to show his stripes, but nosetackle traditionally is not an easy position to transition to for a rookie.
Speaking of stripes, the Bengals spent big money on Adams in hope he could clog the middle and shore up their porous interior run defense. Marvin Lewis has a successful history with Adams from their days together in Baltimore. Adams continues to play quite well, even though he is getting up in age and has some serious stamina issues. His value will hinge on how long he can stay on the field and stay productive.

The Browns also went out and spent money on Washington to keep pace in the division, but Washington is the oldest defensive player in the league, and his play has declined of late, as well. He has bounced around from team to team and is no longer the force in the middle he was once.
The pricey acquisitions of Ngata, Adams and Washington (and Cleveland's signing of center LeCharles Bentley to combat these behemoths) speak volumes of what it takes to play great run defense in the rugged AFC North. All three nosetackles are upgrades for their respective teams over last season at a very difficult position to fill, but none of these three -- with the possible exception of Adams, if he greatly improves his conditioning -- should approach the all-around production of Hampton in 2006.
Also demonstrating the extreme physicality of this division is that fact that, while the true lead-blocking, cement-head fullback is no longer a staple of every NFL roster, the AFC North is loaded with them. All four offenses feature an underappreciated, lead-blocking hammer who doesn't offer a whole lot as a running threat or receiver but will attack the line of scrimmage without a shred of fear and blow a linebacker into next week.
Baltimore features the nasty tandem of Justin Green and Ovie Mughelli. Cincinnati has massive road-grader Jeremi Johnson, who is just scratching the surface of his ability. Cleveland has Terrelle Smith, who has been quite good while at Cleveland and formerly in New Orleans, opening gaping holes for Deuce McAllister with an aggressive edge. The Steelers have possibly the best pure lead blocker in the game in Dan Kreider. Baltimore's duo does an OK job, but the latter three are all among the top rock-heads in the fullback business and add a nasty finisher's mentality to their offenses. Although pure lead blockers are often overlooked, and quite a few teams no longer use them, there isn't a division in the league that can compete with the linebacker-mauling power of this group.

Hache Man · Aug 28, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 4 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

Raiders' Brooks finally motivated?

posted: Monday, August 28, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Oakland Raiders

After a dismal start to the preseason, in which Aaron Brooks completed only two passes in his first two games, he has played very well over the Raiders' last two preseason games.

Brooks

In Friday's 21-3 win over Detroit, it was apparent Brooks was getting much more comfortable in the pocket and seems to be developing a much better feel for the offense.

What is more interesting, however, is that he started to produce once the words "QB controversy" surfaced in Oakland. Could second-year QB Andrew Walter be the true reason behind the improved play of Brooks in the pocket? Could it be that simple?
Well, we know this from watching Brooks: He is one of the most laid-back starting QBs in the NFL. Watching him play in New Orleans, it was tough to get a read, from his emotions, on whether he was having a good game or a tough day at the office.
Maybe that has been the problem with Brooks over the past seven years. He hasn't had anyone to challenge him. In 2000 and 2001, his competition in New Orleans was Jeff Blake. In 2002 it was a young Jake Delhomme (I'm guessing New Orleans is not thrilled right now with its decision to let Delhomme go). From 2003-2005, his backup was Todd Bouman. There was never a quality quarterback in his prime to push Brooks.

Walter

Over a six-year span in New Orleans, Brooks' job basically was handed to him on a silver platter. The Saints never used a high pick on a quarterback to come in and challenge him. What had he done in his time there to get that kind of treatment? There were never any challengers, a guy behind him that could push him or motivate him.
Well with the development of Walter, Brooks has that guy now. Maybe putting Brooks on a shorter leash is exactly what the eight-year pro needs right now. It seems to have worked well over the past two weeks.

Hache Man · Aug 29, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

Staley not helping self or Steelers

posted: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals

The Steelers' running back situation is a bit worrisome. While Willie Parker added strength and muscle over the offseason and has looked great in the preseason, the fact remains he has not yet proven he can be an every down back for 16-plus games. He has a great deal of talent and looks to have a bright future, but the Steelers would be wise not to overwork the young runner, especially early on. And, in fact, they have kept him on the sidelines for much of the preseason to preserve his legs and lessen the injury risk.

Behind Parker, the Steelers were wise to resign Verron Haynes. While not real dynamic, Haynes has value as a runner, third-down back, backup fullback and special teams player. His role as a runner is sure to expand this year, and he will handle those duties well, but he probably never will be the type of ballcarrier to instill fear in a defensive coordinator.

Staley

The other significant member of Pittsburgh's backfield is Duce Staley, who, frankly, has done very little to show he can regain his old form. He has not benefited from very good blocking up front, but he appears sluggish and hasn't shown the burst or power he once had. He merely has gotten what the blocking has given him, without making yardage on his own. Staley can get too heavy and often fights injuries, but it appears the toll of playing the position may have caught up with him.

There have been rumors Staley could be traded or released, but seventh-round pick Cedric Humes is the only other running back possibly worthy of a roster spot, and he also has been less-than-spectacular and cannot be counted on to provide the running threat Pittsburgh needs. Parker and Haynes are fine football players, but this group of running backs as a whole may be understaffed.
Ravens secondary questions being answered
When training camp opened, it appeared the Ravens' secondary was extremely thin behind the starters and had a gaping hole at the starting safety position opposite Ed Reed. But fifth-round choice Dawan Landry has exceeded expectations and probably is the leading candidate for that starting safety spot, ahead of Gerome Sapp.
While third-round pick CB David Pittman has fought a hamstring injury throughout the preseason, undrafted free agent Ronnie Prude has played very well and could unseat Corey Ivy as the nickel corner, although Ivy also has played well. Baltimore now has the luxury of not having to rely on Pittman, who is sure to have a difficult time transitioning to the NFL from tiny Northwestern. These players are young and will make their share of mental errors, but Baltimore's secondary depth and sub packages look better than originally anticipated. Browns shore up pass rush

McMillan

The Browns' pass rush last season was abysmal, but the fifth round of the 2005 draft might have yielded a player who can help on throwing downs. OLB David McMillan has been making the transition from college defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker. While he still is learning the position, he is very fast and is a natural edge pass rusher. McMillan had two sacks in the first preseason games and has flashed potential to be a contributor.

His emergence has been a much needed development. Outside linebacker should quickly go from a major weakness to a strength for the Browns with the emergence of first rounder Kamerion Wimbley, the signing of proven veteran Willie McGinnest and the depth of veteran Matt Stewart and McMillan. Colclough's last shot?

Colclough

The Steelers chose to start Ricardo Colclough over Bryant McFadden in their third preseason game while starting cornerback Deshea Townsend sat out with injury. McFadden is considered the better player at this point and likely will be the nickel back on opening day, but this was Colclough's opportunity to prove his worth.

Colclough has had a fine training camp thus far and didn't play poorly against the Eagles for the most part, but he was beaten very badly on a deep post for a touchdown, and that might be all Steelers' fans remember. He is entering his third season, but he went to school at tiny Tusculum College, and the learning curve has been substantial.
There has been talk that this preseason was Colclough's last shot at sticking with the team, but there are not a lot of quality options behind him on the depth chart, and Colclough should begin the season as Pittsburgh's fourth cornerback, a contributor on coverage teams and as a kickoff returner on special teams while he continues to learn. The physical tools are certainly there, and he is slowly progressing, but he has yet to prove he can be relied upon.
Monday night notes
Like I have been saying over and over, it is only preseason. But & that Carson Palmer character from the Bengals looked pretty impressive Monday night, and Cincinnati's defense did a pretty decent job of creating turnovers once again. The Bengals are strong. Very strong. One more note from Monday night's game: This isn't in my division, but I cannot see the Brett Favre saga ending well. It is not going to end well at all. That makes the fan in me very sad.

Hache Man · Aug 29, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 8 New Articles Added 8/28/06)

<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Branch staying put?
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
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and have access to this premium feature.
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<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Tuesday, August 29</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Deion Branch
Patriots
</TD><TD>Vikings?
Bears?
</TD><TD>Branch staying put?
<Aug. 29> According to ESPN.com's John Clayton, at least three teams are willing to give up a second-round pick for Branch, but that isn't going to be good enough to get a trade done by Friday afternoon -- the deadline the Patriots gave Branch to find a new team. If a team is willing to pay more than $6.25 million a year for Branch, the Patriots obviously won't take any less than a first-round choice for him. Don't expect anything to happen.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Curtis Martin
Jets
</TD><TD>Retirement?
</TD><TD>Martin's future unclear
<Aug. 29> The Jets have until Saturday to Martin's status for the season, the New York Daily News reports. Leave him on the physically-unable-to-perform list (meaning he would have to sit the first six games), put him on the 53-man roster or place him on season-ending injured reserve. Chances are, Martin, who agreed to a recent pay cut, dropping his salary from $2.5 million to $810,000, the veterans' minimum, will remain on the PUP list. That will give him more time to rehabilitate his surgically repaired knee and evaluate his options.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 30, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/29/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/29/06)

Updated: Aug. 30, 2006, 3:56 PM ET
Five toughest players in the NFL

By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
Archive

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Every player in the NFL considers himself tough, but certain players simply rise above the pack when it comes to toughness. These are the guys who are mentally tough, perform when the game is on the line, can be counted on by coaches and teammates, have stood the test of time and can handle the rigors of the league. These men rarely miss time due to injures and inspire those around them. Which players best fit this description? Who are the NFL's true tough guys?
Tom Brady
We all know about Brady's postseason brilliance, but a true testament to his toughness was his performance last season. He probably had the best season of his career, despite losing his starting left tackle and center for almost the entire year. The Patriots also had multiple injuries at running back and wide receiver, and Brady played hurt for much of 2005 as well. He not only orchestrated the offense and called audibles, but helped make the offensive line calls. Brady makes every player on New England's roster better and is a vocal leader. No quarterback in the league is more competitive or fearless in the pocket; Brady will step into throws with total disregard for his body, despite facing a heavy pass rush. Praising Brady can get redundant, but he is truly special and the best (and maybe the toughest) player in the league.
Derrick Brooks
Brooks has been the leader of one of the top defenses in the game for the last decade. He has stood the test of time as well as any player in recent memory. He is a bright and extremely competitive leader who teaches those around him how to be great. He is also still a top playmaker in every facet of his position. Brooks never misses a game, prepares extremely hard and is as reliable as they come. He is a fixture in the Pro Bowl and has a Super Bowl victory under his belt. They should just start forging his Hall of Fame bust now.
Byron Leftwich
He doesn't have the rings and still has his share of naysayers, but this guy is as tough as leather -- almost to a fault. The Jaguars' offense belongs to Leftwich and what he says in the huddle goes. He commands respect and never backs down from a challenge. Leftwich will run through a wall to help his team win. His teammates love him for it. This guy stands strong in the pocket and steps right into a fierce rush, often taking hits that would cripple other quarterbacks. Remember the image of those Marshall linemen carrying his abused body down the field so Leftwich could continue the drive? He is also turning into a pretty decent quarterback.
Hines Ward
With a gigantic smile on his face, Ward levels a linebacker and springs Willie Parker for a long gain. The reigning Super Bowl MVP steps his game up when it matters most and is able to produce at a high level, even when he is the only top receiving option on the field. Ward paid his dues in the league as a special teams demon and has dealt with the barrage of wide receivers the Steelers have selected in the first round since he arrived. He works hard and rises to the top. He also isn't like most wide receivers who litter NFL rosters. He is all heart and a joy to watch, not to mention as tough as they come. Walter Jones
Jones misses training camp every year, yet absolutely dominates every defensive end in the league, making it look easy. He rarely misses games, inflicts a punch better than any lineman in the game and finishes his blocks with a nasty streak. Jones ensures that Matt Hasselbeck never has to worry about getting blindsided, a nice feeling for a quarterback. On fourth and 1, everyone in the stadium knows the Seahawks are running behind Jones. There isn't an offensive lineman in the league even close to this guy
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 30, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/29/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/29/06)

<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Pinkston in purple?
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
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<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Wednesday, August 30</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Todd Pinkston
Eagles
</TD><TD>Vikings?
</TD><TD>Pinkston in purple?
<Aug. 30> According to ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli, the Vikings could be among the teams interested in Pinkston, whom was released by the Eagles in the wake of the trade that brought Donte' Stallworth to Philadelphia.
The Vikings could use a veteran wide receiver, and first-year Vikings coach Brad Childress (formerly the Eagles' offensive coordinator) is familiar with Pinkston's history. Pinkston, who missed the entire 2005 season with a torn right Achilles, has been limited for much of training camp and the preseason.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Curtis Martin
Jets
</TD><TD>Retirement?
</TD><TD>Martin's future unclear
<Aug. 30> The Jets have placed Martin on the physically-unable-to-perform list due to the running back's lingering knee injury that caused him to miss all of training camp. Despite speculation he could retire, Martin said he's going to continue his rehabilitation in hopes he'll be able to return after Week 6 -- when he's next eligible to play. Martin's 14,101 yards are the fourth-most in NFL history. The 33-year-old recently agreed to a pay cut, dropping his salary from $2.5 million to $810,000, the veterans' minimum.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Aug 30, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/29/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 2 New Articles Added 8/29/06)

Stallworth will help Philly

posted: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry

So I guess I have a question to answer: How does the acquisition of Donte' Stallworth change my previous opinion that the Eagles aren't a playoff team?

I'm answering this question because in the past 48 hours, 59 of You The Reader sent me e-mails asking it, some more kindly than others. Figures that the day I go out on a limb for the Saints having better offensive weapons than the Eagles, the two teams make a trade that afternoon.
You have to remember that I was critical of the Eagles skill players, not their offensive and defensive lines. Many Eagles fans - about, oh, 59 - forgot that. Yeah, the D-line is stacked, and their offensive line will benefit if Andy Reid calls a more even run-pass game this year. Philly's skill position players are the problem. Brian Westbrook is a threat when he's healthy, and loyal readers know that I don't have a lot of faith he can stay healthy (neither do many of the Eagles decision makers). And the Eagles' receivers have been a constant problem.
How does Stallworth change that?
Well, he doesn't make Philly the '99 Rams, but he helps. Stallworth - the first receiver picked in the '02 draft - has been inconsistent in his career, both with his hands and his health. He's never started all 16 games. The Eagles needed a threat at receiver and they got one. And they got one cheap - a fourth rounder and a linebacker (Mark Simoneau) who might not have even made the final roster.
Random Stuff
? This is a tough time for blogging because the preseason is so difficult to get a grip on. Does what we see matter or not? Can you pull out anything definitive or not? I talked to one well-respected coach yesterday who says he doesn't even gameplan for preseason games. He treats it as a practice in a packed stadium. The planning he does do is to see how certain players do in certain situations. In some ways, he sets them up to fail just to see if that's indeed what they'll do.
Then you have other coaches - especially new coaches - who try like hell to win in the preseason so that they get the fan base excited. Then you have other coaches - usually the older ones - who call each other before preseason games and explain exactly what they want: Can you blitz on third and short? Should we pull our starters in the second?
You never truly know what's going on in preseason. So at some point you have to simply say, No matter what the situation, Rex Grossman shouldn't be misfiring as much as he is, and start analyzing from there.
It's tough to watch college football's season start this weekend (even thought the score will be 66-7 for many of them) and know that in the pros we still have a week and a half before an NFL Sunday. One thing we know for sure: No one will be saying a thing about preseason in 10 days.
? The lasting thought I have from Monday Night Football isn't Carson Palmer's awesome return. It's Donald Driver calling himself an All Pro as he's announcing his team's starting lineup. Now, Packers fans, don't come after me for hating on Driver. I like Donald personally and as a player, and did a five-page feature on him three years ago for ESPN Magazine.
But best that I can tell, he's never been an All Pro. This sort of thing drives me nuts and happens often. When I do radio shows I'll often be piped into the sound for a minute before I come on and I usually hear local NFL guys pitching products as their "All Pro" selves.
? Denver's tailback job is back up for grabs and will be decided in the preseason finale. This isn't good for Mike Bell. But no matter who technically wins it this week, it's a good bet that the Broncos will have more than one starter this year at that position.
? Bob Kraft is keeping his fingers crossed that Deion Branch will return to the Pats.
"Like all the fans, I appreciate and think Deion is very special," he told the Boston Globe. "But we have to let things work their way out and we'll see what happens come Friday."
Kraft has good reason to hold out hope. I don't see anyone around the league coughing up a first-rounder plus the salary for Branch. Belichick wins again. ? Another note from Monday night: Is anyone in the NFL scared of throwing at Charles Woodson? Doesn't seem so, does it? I kept wondering if that was a nickelback the Bengals kept going after until I realized that was the former Heisman winner.

Hache Man · Aug 30, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 8/30/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 8/30/06)

Additions will help Rams' defense

posted: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks

David, New York: How do you think the Rams defense will do with their new additions up the middle? Will Witherspoon looks like a star.

Rodd: I like the addition of La'Roi Glover inside. He brings quickness and power to the pass rush in collapsing the pocket. With Anthony Hargrove and Leonard Little outside, the Rams have a good chance at creating pressure up front. My only concern for their defensive line is Jimmy Kennedy. With the 12th pick in the 2003 draft the Rams selected Kennedy who was regarded as a lazy player with a low work ethic. He has struggled early in his career and only has three sacks to show for it. When it comes to the draft, there is an unspoken theory as to the first-round. It is divided into categories, the first 16 picks and then the rest of the first round. If a team has a pick in the first 16, then they must be successful with drafting an impact player and that should not be hard to do. There are always at least 16 players that will provide an immediate impact for a team. If a team uses a top selection on a team need and reaches for a player, they have done themselves an injustice. In this case 2003 seemed to be costly for the Rams, but that was under a completely different regime. With the hiring of defensive coordinator Jim Hasslett under head coach Scott Linehan, they seem to have found a niche for Kennedy to resurrect his career and become a top-tier player.
Oh, I almost forgot, you are correct, Witherspoon is looking like a star for St. Louis. I am impressed how he as taken on the middle linebacker position thus far. He is primarily build to suit as a weakside linebacker in order to take advantage of his quickness, explosion, and athletic ability to play in space, but I think you have noticed what I have been noticing, so hopefully it continues to build momentum for the Rams.
Bryan, San Diego ,Calif.: Alright, 49ers. No. 1 pick in 07 or do we actually have a shot at 7-plus wins?

Rodd: I would not say No. 1 pick in 2007, but top five is not out of the question. There are teams like Green Bay, the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns who may be in the race for the No. 1 pick in next year's draft. To your question about 7-plus wins, I see that as a far fetched goal for the 49ers in 2006. The 49ers need to vastly improve their pass rush which has acknowledged by coach Nolan many times this preseason. They will be aggressively looking over the waiver wire when final cuts approach this Sunday. There is not enough offensive fire-power to overcome the holes they have on defense. In order to be a championship caliber team, you must be able to run the football and stop the run on defense, and the 49ers with struggle to do both in 2006.
Sean, Tempe, Ariz.: With Leinart, Fitzgerald, and Boldin, will the Cardinals be good enough to make it to the Super Bowl in 2008 at Cardinals Stadium?

Rodd: Sean, I noticed how you left former All-Pro quarterback Kurt Warner out of your scenario! Are you telling me you have already supplanted Warner with quarterback Matt Leinart? If your answer is yes, then I would have to agree with you. We still have to play 17 weeks of the 2006 season, but Leinart has been impressive in his debut, showing good poise and presence in the pocket, but look for him to struggle when he takes over for Warner (my over-under is three weeks) unless the Cardinals run game comes to light. I know everyone wants to get excited and see Leinart as the latest and greatest "savior" of the Cardinals (no pun intended), but when the game action is live and the pressure becomes more intense, he will need help from the run game as was the case for Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger his rookie year. Combined with wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, the Cardinals are very much a threat to any secondary in the NFL and should be much more poised in Leinart's second year to make a run at playing a Super Bowl in their own backyard.
Joe, Seattle: Last year the Seahawks ran extremely well out of their three wide receiver sets. I think a lot of that was due to Joe Jurevicius who blocked like a tight end. Will Seattle be able to run effectively out of their three WR sets this year with Nate Burleson? Is he a decent blocker?
Rodd: Joe, thanks for the question! I am not sure of were to start on this one but here we go. I do not think most teams run well from the three wide receiver set in an attempt to have the WRs become blockers. You must have a good blocking tight end to be effective. Jurevicius was a nice complement to the receiving core in Seattle. He was a good blocker down field and was an integral part of the success of the Seahawks in 2005. But to compare him to Burleson as a blocker is not fair. Jurevicius primarily played in the slot and shielded a lot of defenders as running back Shaun Alexander ran by. Burleson has speed and will play outside at X or Z causing defenders to run with him to serve as his block. Burleson is primed to be the number one WR where Jurevicius was at best a third in recent years. Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson and Darrell Jackson are the top three in Seattle and are not as big and physical as Jurevicius, so the Seahawks need to gain more depth in their TE position in order to sustain their effective run game, and with the tight end Will Heller filing in for injured Jerramy Stevens and Itula Mili, look for Seattle to take a good look at its tight end situation this last week of preseason

Hache Man · Aug 30, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 8/30/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 8/30/06)

No quarterback controversy in Dallas

posted: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Dallas Cowboys

Head coach Bill Parcells has been down playing the talk of a quarterback controversy that has developed with the solid play of backup QB Tony Romo this preseason.

For starters it's Drew Bledsoe's job to lose. Bledsoe is a proven veteran quarterback who has won a lot of games in his career. Bledsoe still has a strong arm, is a very accurate passer and is smart with the football. He has the confidence to stick the ball in there against tight coverage. His biggest weakness is he is about as mobile as an oak tree in the pocket. Teams know this and are going to try and come after him. But, if you have weapons like Terry Glenn, T.O. (if and when he plays) and Jason Witten to throw to defensive coordinators are going to have to roll the dice if they blitz or dog. Whether it is a zone blitz, all out blitz or just a man dog, defenses are going to single up one if not all three in one-on-one coverage. If Bledsoe can beat the pressure and get the ball off it could be a big gain. Are defenses going to take that chance? We will see early this year as the Cowboys play three big pressure teams in the first few weeks of the season.
Romo has seen a lot of playing time, probably more than any No. 2 quarterback in the NFL this preseason. Parcells gave Romo the start against Seattle in week one of the preseason because he was not confident in his offensive line and wanted to see how well they played without the immobile Bledsoe. Every hit that the Cowboys can take off Bledsoe in preseason is one more he can sustain during the year. It also gives Parcells a chance to see Romo with the first unit, a group of players that he might have to play with if he is called on to start during the year. With Romo playing early in preseason and playing well it can only be a boost to his confidence. Parcells has to be pleased, both his quarterbacks have looked good this preseason.
It's good to have a solid backup at quarterback
If Bledsoe gets injured or begins to take a beating Parcells should feel confident that the level of play will not drop off if he has to play Romo. This is an enviable position to be in for a head coach or team. The Cowboys have two solid quarterbacks, not many teams in the NFL can say that. I am sure that many head coaches would love to be in Parcell's shoes. I know because I have been there before as an assistant coach.
In 2003 our backup quarterback was Gus Frerotte and when Daunte Culpepper want down with an injury, Frerotte stepped in and our offense did not miss a beat. It occurred again in 2005 when Culpepper was lost for the season after a knee injury against the Panthers. Brad Johnson came in and took command of the offense and he pulled us out of the fire, winning seven of the last nine games, a feat that surprised most people. In both seasons, having a solid backup quarterback was the key to us remaining successful. Many teams have lost their starting quarterbacks and the backups have struggled. How many times have we seen that? I know I did not loose any sleep knowing that our offense was still going to produce with a backup QB who could be a starter on some teams. Either way the Cowboys can not lose. Only time will tell.

NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 7 New Articles Added 11/6/06

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"

"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"