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08-24-2006, 10:12 PM
oto Wire Message Board NFL in español Updated: Aug. 24, 2006
Training camp closure: NFC NorthPro Football Weekly
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 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.
• 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 2. 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 5 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 at 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. Jackson was already 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 -- Kevin Williams and DEs Erasmus James and Kenechi Udeze -- 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.
Material from Pro Football Weekly.
Visit the PFW Web site at http://www.profootballweekly.com
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ESPN WebHot ESPN Searches: College FB preseason rankings | Madden '07 | WNBA playoffs
Hot Multimedia Searches: The Contender highlights | LLWS highlights | Fantasy Football updatesNFL Training Camp 2006 Headlines
• Bengals QB Palmer to play against Packers Monday
• T.O. a Cowboy in name, but not in practice Thursday
• If Broncos demand all that's due, Lelie may pay to play
• No surgery for Raiders' Grove, still out 3-4 weeks
• Always a 49er: Rice retires | Pitches reality show
ESPN's Top Headlines
• Scott leads at Bridgestone after 7-under first round
• ChiSox salvage series split | Thome out vs. Twins?
• Taveras extends hit streak in Astros' loss to Pirates
Most Sent Stories
1. Forde: At Florida, the ring is the thing
2. Maisel: Alabama QB making West Virginia White hot
3. Pearlman: Dear Barry ...
More...
ESPN.com: Help | Media Kit | Report a Bug | Contact Us | Site Map | Tools | Jobs at ESPN | Supplier Information | Copyright ©2006 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use for our Site, Terms of Use for ESPN Motion and Privacy Policy and Safety Information/Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. All rights reserved.
Training camp closure: NFC NorthPro Football Weekly
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 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.
• 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 2. 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 5 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 at 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. Jackson was already 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 -- Kevin Williams and DEs Erasmus James and Kenechi Udeze -- 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.
Material from Pro Football Weekly.
Visit the PFW Web site at http://www.profootballweekly.com
Adjust Font Size:
Chicago Bear Jerseys - HomeTeams.com
Chicago Bears jerseys and memorabillia at great prices delivered to your doorstep. Visit us today to see our huge selection of sports apparel, merchandise and more. (www.hometeams.com)
Chicago Bears NFL Products
Find Chicago Bears NFL jerseys, t-shirts, collectibles, memorabilia, and more at FansEdge. We carry thousands of sports products at everyday low prices and with $4.99 shipping. (www.fansedge.com)
ESPN WebHot ESPN Searches: College FB preseason rankings | Madden '07 | WNBA playoffs
Hot Multimedia Searches: The Contender highlights | LLWS highlights | Fantasy Football updatesNFL Training Camp 2006 Headlines
• Bengals QB Palmer to play against Packers Monday
• T.O. a Cowboy in name, but not in practice Thursday
• If Broncos demand all that's due, Lelie may pay to play
• No surgery for Raiders' Grove, still out 3-4 weeks
• Always a 49er: Rice retires | Pitches reality show
ESPN's Top Headlines
• Scott leads at Bridgestone after 7-under first round
• ChiSox salvage series split | Thome out vs. Twins?
• Taveras extends hit streak in Astros' loss to Pirates
Most Sent Stories
1. Forde: At Florida, the ring is the thing
2. Maisel: Alabama QB making West Virginia White hot
3. Pearlman: Dear Barry ...
More...
ESPN.com: Help | Media Kit | Report a Bug | Contact Us | Site Map | Tools | Jobs at ESPN | Supplier Information | Copyright ©2006 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use for our Site, Terms of Use for ESPN Motion and Privacy Policy and Safety Information/Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. All rights reserved.