motife
05-09-2008, 02:36 PM
Forté makes strong early impression
With just one minicamp under his belt, Bears second-round RB Matt Forté had many camp observers convinced that it would be only a matter of time before the Tulane product replaced Cedric Benson as the team’s featured back. With Benson’s status now clouded by his weekend arrest on charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest, the gap between Benson and Forté might be closing fast, although Benson is still expected to be listed first on the depth chart heading into training camp. “It’s obvious this guy (Forté) is not a complementary, change-of-pace back to Benson,” one team insider told PFW. “He looks more like a replacement. Forté just seems like a much more complete three-down back than Benson. I can easily see him becoming the starter, with Benson being used in the same kind of role he had behind Thomas Jones in the Bears’ Super Bowl year.” The Bears were particularly pleased with Forté’s pass-catching ability out of the backfield over the weekend. One red flag about Forte worth noting: We hear the team is more than a little concerned about the fumbling problems he had at Tulane.
other opinions :
What were the Bears doing? I don’t know how you could pass on (OG-OT) Branden Albert for (OT) Chris Williams. And I’m not sure they realized how many times (RB) Matt Forté put the ball on the ground at Tulane. I was shocked they took both of those players where they did, but I’m not complaining. It just pushed more good players to us.”
Detroit
May 9, 2008
Smith making big first impression on Lions
So far, Lions coaches are tickled with rookie RB Kevin Smith, who not only could start as a rookie from Day One but could be the first-year player who makes the biggest immediate impact. Yes, first-round OT Gosder Cherilus figures to get every chance to start at right tackle, and second-round LB Jordon Dizon will get the same crack to earn the starting “Mike” LB spot. But Smith appears a great fit in the Lions’ new zone-blocking scheme, and with a serious need at the position — only Tatum Bell figures to challenge Smith for a starting role — there are many who feel he could put up very strong numbers as a rookie. New coordinator Jim Colletto figures to run the ball more as he has said he wants better balance in an offense that was way too slanted toward the pass under former coordinator Mike Martz. The biggest adjustments for Smith likely will be third-down duty; whether or not he can learn to catch the ball and pass-protect likely will determine whether the coaches will give him full-time duty or have him split time with Bell or others.
Green Bay
May 9, 2008
Punting battle may be brewing
With none of the Packers’ 2008 draft picks expected to make a major impact right away, we hear the newcomer most likely to quickly make his presence felt could be undrafted free-agent P Ken DeBauche, who was signed to a contract after an impressive early-April workout in Green Bay. Word is DeBauche, who has been working to improve his craft under the direction of former NFL special-teams coach and Milwaukee native Gary Zauner, has looked good enough to mount a serious challenge of incumbent Jon Ryan for the starting punting job. Ryan actually had a pretty solid season in 2007 (his 37.6 net average ranked 12th in the NFL), but a few late-season meltdowns, particularly a wretched effort against the Bears in Chicago in Week 16, might have put him on notice. Two other factors that we hear might help DeBauche’s cause: (1) He also excels as a holder; and (2) He’s a local kid who played three sports at Bay Port High School, just outside of Green Bay, and would figure to be a big fan favorite.
Minnesota
May 9, 2008
Robison, Edwards look to battle for DLE spot
Given that the Vikings’ vacant DLE position is considered their “power end” spot, it might be natural to pencil in Ray Edwards as the likely starter over second-year DE Brian Robison. After all, Edwards outweighs Robison, is three inches taller and played the run better of the two last season. But team sources say don’t overlook the desire of Robison, who could make a push to be a starter. He did wear down late last season and has acknowledged that he needs to be stronger to take the rigors of a full season. But with Robison’s natural pass-rush technique and desire, he could gain an edge on Edwards, who has flashed ability but angered the coaching staff with his four-game suspension late last season and hasn’t always been consistent.
With just one minicamp under his belt, Bears second-round RB Matt Forté had many camp observers convinced that it would be only a matter of time before the Tulane product replaced Cedric Benson as the team’s featured back. With Benson’s status now clouded by his weekend arrest on charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest, the gap between Benson and Forté might be closing fast, although Benson is still expected to be listed first on the depth chart heading into training camp. “It’s obvious this guy (Forté) is not a complementary, change-of-pace back to Benson,” one team insider told PFW. “He looks more like a replacement. Forté just seems like a much more complete three-down back than Benson. I can easily see him becoming the starter, with Benson being used in the same kind of role he had behind Thomas Jones in the Bears’ Super Bowl year.” The Bears were particularly pleased with Forté’s pass-catching ability out of the backfield over the weekend. One red flag about Forte worth noting: We hear the team is more than a little concerned about the fumbling problems he had at Tulane.
other opinions :
What were the Bears doing? I don’t know how you could pass on (OG-OT) Branden Albert for (OT) Chris Williams. And I’m not sure they realized how many times (RB) Matt Forté put the ball on the ground at Tulane. I was shocked they took both of those players where they did, but I’m not complaining. It just pushed more good players to us.”
Detroit
May 9, 2008
Smith making big first impression on Lions
So far, Lions coaches are tickled with rookie RB Kevin Smith, who not only could start as a rookie from Day One but could be the first-year player who makes the biggest immediate impact. Yes, first-round OT Gosder Cherilus figures to get every chance to start at right tackle, and second-round LB Jordon Dizon will get the same crack to earn the starting “Mike” LB spot. But Smith appears a great fit in the Lions’ new zone-blocking scheme, and with a serious need at the position — only Tatum Bell figures to challenge Smith for a starting role — there are many who feel he could put up very strong numbers as a rookie. New coordinator Jim Colletto figures to run the ball more as he has said he wants better balance in an offense that was way too slanted toward the pass under former coordinator Mike Martz. The biggest adjustments for Smith likely will be third-down duty; whether or not he can learn to catch the ball and pass-protect likely will determine whether the coaches will give him full-time duty or have him split time with Bell or others.
Green Bay
May 9, 2008
Punting battle may be brewing
With none of the Packers’ 2008 draft picks expected to make a major impact right away, we hear the newcomer most likely to quickly make his presence felt could be undrafted free-agent P Ken DeBauche, who was signed to a contract after an impressive early-April workout in Green Bay. Word is DeBauche, who has been working to improve his craft under the direction of former NFL special-teams coach and Milwaukee native Gary Zauner, has looked good enough to mount a serious challenge of incumbent Jon Ryan for the starting punting job. Ryan actually had a pretty solid season in 2007 (his 37.6 net average ranked 12th in the NFL), but a few late-season meltdowns, particularly a wretched effort against the Bears in Chicago in Week 16, might have put him on notice. Two other factors that we hear might help DeBauche’s cause: (1) He also excels as a holder; and (2) He’s a local kid who played three sports at Bay Port High School, just outside of Green Bay, and would figure to be a big fan favorite.
Minnesota
May 9, 2008
Robison, Edwards look to battle for DLE spot
Given that the Vikings’ vacant DLE position is considered their “power end” spot, it might be natural to pencil in Ray Edwards as the likely starter over second-year DE Brian Robison. After all, Edwards outweighs Robison, is three inches taller and played the run better of the two last season. But team sources say don’t overlook the desire of Robison, who could make a push to be a starter. He did wear down late last season and has acknowledged that he needs to be stronger to take the rigors of a full season. But with Robison’s natural pass-rush technique and desire, he could gain an edge on Edwards, who has flashed ability but angered the coaching staff with his four-game suspension late last season and hasn’t always been consistent.