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This
Brew Crew Corner edition features a few more writers and heads down to the South.
Note: Players and situations may have changed since the writing of this article.
AFC NORTH
Carolina
Panthers
– Training camp starts July 28
Players being drafted from the Panthers:
Steve Smith
Car/7
DeAngelo Williams
Car/7
De’shaun Foster
Car/7
Jake Delhomme
Car/7
Carolina
Panthers
Car/7
Dwayne Jarrett
Car/7 (Rookie)
Drew Carter
Car/7
Carolina
Panther
– Steve Reed
Columnist for the
Gaston Gazette
Ten Questions:
1.
How will Dan Morgan hold up?
Morgan has been cleared to play by some of the finest concussion specialists in the country, but everyone is proceeding with caution — except possibly Morgan himself, who will likely approach the team’s first contact drills with his normal reckless disregard for personal safety. If the Panthers have their way Morgan will start at middle linebacker. But with five known career concussions you have to wonder if a sixth and perhaps career-ending concussion isn’t far behind. Fans will be anxious, perhaps even fearful, when Morgan goes head-to-head with a running back for the first time.
2. What will happen at strong safety?
If there’s one position completely up for grabs it’s strong safety, where
3. When will Mike Rucker rejoin the team?
The 32-year-old defensive end is less than nine months removed from major surgery on his knee for a torn ACL and MCL, but there’s some talk he might be ready to go early in training camp. If that’s the case, don’t expect Rucker to do much and remain out of contact drills. (Frankly, Rucker knows the defensive system inside and out, and there’s no reason to risk further injury in practice). I suspect Rucker will be ready to start the season, but the big question if he can return to a superior level of play.
4. Is Kris Jenkins happy or ticked – and what’s his weight?
This will be a big story early in camp. Jenkins skipped all of the team’s voluntary June minicamp but his agent Tony Paige said Thursday his client will attend training camp and is in “outstanding shape.” It will be interesting to hear if Jenkins is content to remain with the Panthers or if he’s eager to be traded since the team didn’t restructure his contract.
5. Who wins the job at receiver and running back?
Two skill position spots remain up for grabs with Drew Carter and rookie Dwayne Jarrett competing for the No. 2 receiver spot opposite Steve Smith and DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams going head-to-head at running back. My guess is Carter and Foster are the opening day starters, but both could be replaced at some point during the season.
6. Can Ryne Robinson upgrade a stagnant return game?
One of the problems that didn’t get much attention last season was
7. How will Jake Delhomme handle the pressure of David Carr?
So far, Delhomme has done well, but clearly the Panthers have a better option behind him this year in Carr. Delhomme isn’t the type to get spooked by a little competition, so I don’t think it will be a huge factor. However, it will be interesting to see how he handles some criticism because clearly there will be some people outside the organization doubting his ability and calling for Carr.
8. What is the status of head coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney?
There’s plenty of Internet speculation that Panthers owner Jerry Richardson might shake things up this off-season if the team doesn’t make the playoffs. It’s possible a bad season could cost both men their jobs. The speculation is that Bill Cowher, who now lives in
9. Will Jeff Davidson’s offensive scheme succeed?
The Panthers brought in Davidson to jumpstart a lackluster offense that averaged fewer than 18 points per game last season. There have been changes. The Panthers will throw more to their tight ends and backs. They will run more stretch plays. They will use a zone-blocking scheme. The big question is how well the players adapt to the changes on offense.
10. Will there be any holdouts?
As of early Thursday night
Atlanta
Falcons
– Training camp starts July 26
Players being drafted from the Falcons:
Jerious
Atl/8
Warrick Dunn
Atl/8
Alge Crumpler
Atl/8
Joe Horn
Atl/8 (New Team)
Michael Jenkins
Atl/8
Atlanta
Falcons
Atl/8
Michael Vick*
Atl/8 (His value depends on the outcome of his case, someone may still draft him)
Atlanta
Falcons
–
The Falcons offseason has been under the microscope more than any other team. The Vick saga will play out through training camp and maybe throughout the year. Still it may seem that Vick will never play with the Falcons again if he avoids conviction and returns to football. The
Brian Brohm watch has officially begun. Joey Harrington will take over the starting job unless they bring in a veteran to compete. The Falcons indicated they did not want Daunte Culpepper who later signed with Oakland but have also mentioned Mark Brunell. Still passing wise Harrington had the same stats as Vick but without the running ability to keep defenses off balance, the team will struggle offensively.
Jerious
Some of the blame for the offensive let down the last few years has been on the receiving corp. With let downs such as Peerless Price and Ashley Lelie, the team signed Joe Horn. Horn is not the elite receive he was in the past due to age and injuries but he is still solid.
Roddy White and Michael Jenkins
will be competing to start opposite Horn. The receivers have played with Vick who is a left handed QB and also has a tendency to run often. Petrino will implement a new style of offense and it should help the receivers. The health of Alge Crumpler will help Harrington when plays break down.
Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will look to blitz more. The team lost defensive end Patrick Kerney but added Jamaal Anderson in the 1st round of the draft and will use him opposite John Abraham. The secondary should be solid but Lawyer Milloy is entering his 12th season.
Tampa
Bay Buccaneers
– Training camp starts July 27
Players being drafted from the Buccaneers:
Cadillac Williams
TB/10
Joey Galloway
TB/10
Jeff Garcia
TB/10 (New Team)
Michael Clayton
TB/10
Michael Pittman
TB/10
Tampa
Buccaneers
TB/10
Jerramy Stevens
TB/10 (New Team)
Alex Smith
TB/10
Tampa
Buccaneers
–
The Bucs tough season started with the injury to Chris Simms against the Panthers. After winning the division the year before the Bucs took a step back and struggled all season. Simms is back but has not regained his mechanics. The team signed veteran Jeff Garcia and Gruden likes to roll with the older QBs. Bruce Gradkowsi is 3rd on the team and they keep some hope alive that Jake Plummer will not retire.
Cadillac
Williams had a poor year which was due to a bad offensive line and nagging injuries. Some improvements have been made such as the addition of Luke
Petitgout at left tackle and rookie Aaron Sears. The Bucs have a lot of faith that Williams will rebound because they have not added anyone significant to the roster. They still have Michael Pittman and Mike Alstott backing him up.
Joey Galloway is a consistent target and will be the security blanket for which ever QB starts. The question that remains is if Michael Clayton can produce like he did in 2004. Many feel that Maurice Stovall will challenge him for the starting roll. The 4th receiver will be Ike Hilliard.
The
New
– Training camp starts July 26
Players being drafted from the Saints:
Reggie Bush
NO/4
Drew Brees
NO/4
Deuce McAllister
NO/4
Marques Colston
NO/4
Devery Henderson
NO/4
Robert Meachem
NO/4 (Rookie)
Eric Johnson
NO/4 (New Team)
Olindo Mare
NO/4 (New Team)
New Orleans
Saints
NO/4
Antonio Pittman
NO/4 (Rookie)
New Orleans
Saints
–
The Saints were the talk of the season last year as they lucked into getting Reggie Bush in the draft and then surprised everyone by making it to the NFC Championship game. One of the keys to that run was the acquisition of Drew Brees, who might have signed with
Reggie Bush was another contributor to the rebuilding of the Saints and the City. Bush fell into the Saints lap and provided the 1-2 punch with teammate Deuce McAllister. McAllister is now two years removed from knee surgery and looks to return with Bush to provide the 1-2 combo that was effective for the Saints last year. The team selected Antonio Pittman who many believe will replace Deuce after this year.
Joe Horn is now in
The Saints defense is an up and coming unit that played well last year and is improving. Bush played special teams last year but the team may elect to have someone else return kicks to prevent an injury.
AFC SOUTH
Houston
Texans
– Training camp starts July 27
Players being drafted from the Texans:
Andre Johnson
Hou/10
Ahman Green
Hou/10 (New Team)
Matt Schaub
Hou/10 (New Team)
Ron Dayne
Hou/10
Owen Daniels
Hou/10
Houston
Texans-
by Megan Manfull
Columnist for the
The Texans have a number of issues heading into training camp, including finding out who their left tackle will be. The Texans are still unsure if Charles Spencer will return to the job he started at until the was injured in Week 2 of his rookie season last year. The Texans are hopeful that he can overcome the career-threatening injury but are prepared to start veteran Ephraim Salaam in Spencer’s place. Spencer hasn’t stepped on the field since he was hurt, but he will be thrown into practice to see how his knee reacts once camp opens.
The Texans also must find out how well Matt Schaub grasps the offense. After an offseason of studying, Schaub must try to translate everything he’s learned in the classroom onto the field. The Texans have had to alter their offense to accommodate him. Schaub is slightly less mobile than David Carr was, meaning there will be less rolling out to the left and right. Schaub has more composure in the pocket, however, so he should be able to make plays down field that Carr struggled with.
The Texans must find out who their No. 2 receiver is going to be. The job is Kevin Walter’s to lose, but his inexperience has those behind him clamoring to take over the job. Walter is a solid player who simply hasn’t had opportunities in the past. The Texans are hopeful that pressure could be taken off Walter if tight end Owen Daniels can stay healthy. He had a strong start to last season as a rookie before injuries slowed him. It wouldn’t be surprising if he would wind up with the second-most receptions on the team this season. However, he does appear to be injury prone at times. Walter has good speed, a good understanding of the offense and is hungry to prove he can be a go-to guy.
Tennessee
Titans
– Training camp starts July 28
Players being drafted from the Titans:
Vince Young
Ten/4
Chris Brown
Ten/4
LenDale White
Ten/4
Chris Henry
Ten/4 (Rookie)
Brandon Jones
Ten/4
Ben Troupe
Ten/4
Tennessee
Titans
by
Paul Kuharsky Columnist for the Tennessean.com
The Titans have all sorts of questions heading into camp. While the big finish last season — 8-8 after an 0-5 start — provided a lot of reasons to be encouraged,
Their strategy at four positions of major concern – receiver, running back, cornerback and defensive end – is to give themselves a lot of options and hope someone emerges in training camp.
Receiver – Brandon Jones went into the offseason as most likely to emerge as the top guy and came out of minicamps with Roydell Williams, Courtney Roby and Justin Gage all challenging him. There is a ton to sort out and also in the mix are second-year man Jonathan Orr and three draft picks – Paul Williams, Chris Davis and Joel Filani. Way too early to project starters and roles.
Running back – They kissed and made up with Chris Brown when neither side could find a better deal. Ideally, LenDale White will seize the bulk of the work, but he’s got to prove he can be consistently productive at practice and stay healthy. This year’s second round pick can be an explosive changeup. Brown could have limited work if those two pan out. If they don’t, it could be 2004 again for him. Whoever carries will be working behind an offensive line that is the Titans’ strength.
Defensive end – Some combination of Travis LaBoy, Antwan Odom, Jacob Ford and Tony Brown needs to eat up a lot of snaps and alleviate pressure on Kyle Vanden Bosch to a) play all the time and b) fight double teams all the time.
Cornerback – Another spot where they have a lot of options, but none better than the missing ingredient – Pacman had turned into quite a cover corner. Nick Harper and Reynaldo Hill are both better in zone than man, which could influence how the Titans play. Kelly Herndon is a physical nickel type, where Cortland Finnegan is more a finesse guy in the job. And who knows if Michael Griffin will be a corner or a safety come opening day?
Jacksonville
Jaguars
– Training camp starts July 28
Players being drafted from the Jaguars:
Maurice Jones-Drew
Jac/4
Fred Taylor
Jac/4
Matt Jones
Jac/4
Jacksonville
Jaguars
Jac/4
Reggie Williams
Jac/4
Byron Leftwich
Jac/4
Josh Scobee
Jac/4
Ernest Wilford
Jac/4
Marcedes Lewis
Jac/4
Jacksonville
Jaguars-
Byron Leftwich enters camp as the starter. Leftwich has the support of his teammates but I’m not sure if he has the support of Jack Del Rio. Injuries have plagued his career but many feel he can still be an elite QB. David Garrard and Quinn Gray are capable back ups.
Will Jones-Drew be the starter or is this still Fred Taylor’s team? Both produced well last year with Jones-Drew being one of the biggest rookie surprises. This will be one of the training camp battles many will be watching. Taylor who had trouble staying healthy, played all year and seam to play better after splitting time with Jones-Drew. Greg Jones is coming back from his ACL injury and he could factor in goal line touches or the team can have him resume his FB duties. LaBrandon Toefield and Derrick Wimbush are also competing for a spot.
As the training camp starts, Matt Jones and Reggie Williams are in Del Rios dog house.
Wrighster, Marcedes
Lewis and Jermaine Wiggins.
The Jaguars are good defensively and if the offense can be consistent it will keep the defense from wearing down by the end of the game. The team has a huge defensive line that makes it difficult for teams to run on them. They let Donovin Darius and Deon Grant go which were leaders in the locker room and on the field. The secondary will be a concern going into the season.
Indianapolis
Colts
– Training camp starts July 30
Players being drafted from the Colts:
Joseph Addai
Ind/6
Peyton Manning
Ind/6
Marvin Harrison
Ind/6
Reggie Wayne
Ind/6
Adam Vinatieri
Ind/6
Dallas
Clark
Ind/6
Anthony Gonzalez
Ind/6 (Rookie)
DeDe Dorsey
Ind/6 (Rookie)
Indianapolis
Colts
Ind/6
Indianapolis
Colts
–
Payton Manning and Tony Dungy finally took that step everyone knew they could make by winning the Super Bowl. Manning returns and will look to repeat this year. He has all of his weapons still in place and will be one of the top QBs in the league.
Dominic Rhodes performed well last year and during the Super Bowl as Joseph Addai was not 100%. Rhodes has moved on to
The duo of Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison are the best in the league hands down. Teams can not afford to double team one because the other will make you pay. You should know by now what to expect production wise from these two and they will produce again in 2007. The team drafted Anthony Gonzales in the 1st round and he will take over where Brandon Stokley played if he can beat out Aaron Moorehead for the job.
The Colts defense has lost a few players through free agency. They must address the run defense problem they had last year to prevent teams from running all day on them. The secondary has been completely changed and must play well for the Colts to be successful.
Can you feel the excitment of the new season? Stay tuned for the last segment of the Camp tour as we set in the West.
