PACK 53 ROSTER: POSTCUTS ANALYSIS & WAIVERS DAY MOVES

[TopHat]

While on a speaker's tour in the middle western states, TOP HAT came across the Holy Grail Turtle at a mystic river near a green bay under a golden sun. The Turtle looked up seeing a "reflection" in the waters. He smiled asking TOP HAT, "Gee, things are getting pretty dull...You know how it is....I know you are now a major contributor to a Packer blog, but Bretsky, MP, Zool, GreenBay007, packers11, Rastak, GBRulz, Woodbuck, Ziggy, Packnut, Packerblues, HarveyWallbangers, CaliforniaCheez, JustinHarrell, Deputy "Mind bottling" Nutz, etc. are wondering about the final roster & postcuts moves, especially Sunday, updates...?" TOP HAT said, "I know... little bandaids for two major wounds analogy...HMMM, I will post them for the Packer Rats...." The Holy Grail Turtle smiled, looked away at a rising "lady of the lake" holding a "golden dark green hat" mysteriously appearing in the flowing river, and returned seeing TOP HAT gone.
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http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070902/PKR01/709020686/1989

Analysis: Packers' trade likely not last move...

Though the Green Bay Packers traded for running back Ryan Grant on Saturday while also cutting their roster to the regular-season limit of 53 players, they could add and release a player at that shaky position this weekend. General Manager Ted Thompson and his scouting staff were busy Saturday night watching videotape of players released by other teams, most notably looking for running backs, tight ends fullbacks and linebackers. Thompson did not make himself available for comment Saturday and won't meet with reporters to discuss his roster until 1:30 p.m. today.

That contingency means the Packers could release [Grant] at no cost if they claim a running back on waivers today they like better. They no doubt looked hard at available running backs Saturday night — they have until 11 a.m. today to make any waiver claims — because of the uncertain status of their top three halfbacks....However, there's a chance the Packers will find a halfback on waivers they like better than Grant. One potentially intriguing running back available was Antonio Pittman, a fourth-round pick out of Ohio State who was cut by running-back deep New Orleans on Saturday. Another possibility is Mike Bell of Denver [& FB Johnson]. The Broncos are considering moving the second-year pro to fullback and did not release him on final cuts, but if he balks at the move, the team could end up trading or cutting him. He has the added attractive quality of playing in the same zone-blocking run system in Denver that the Packers use. Korey Hall is the only fullback the Packers kept on their roster after they cut Brandon Miree, and the Packers could add a player at that position as well.

Here's a look at the rest of the Packers' roster after the cut to 53 players Saturday, though there likely will be at least a change or two today.

Tight ends (2)

Players kept: Donald Lee, Bubba Franks. Comment: It's almost a given Thompson will add a third tight end via the waiver wire today. The Packers liked Zac Alcorn's hands as a receiver and talked highly of him in the offseason but were disappointed he never rose up and seized a job. Seventh-round draft pick Clark Harris never played well and doesn't appear to be a strong candidate for the practice squad.


Quarterbacks (2)

Players kept: Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers. Comment: Favre's durability makes it an easy decision for Thompson to go with only two quarterbacks instead of three. Undrafted rookie Paul Thompson remains extremely raw but is a practice-squad candidate, because he has size (6-foot-4), a good arm and good mobility. Ingle Martin is practice-squad eligible but might not have made a big enough jump from his rookie season to warrant signing to the practice squad.


Offensive line (9)

Players kept: Chad Clifton, Daryn Colledge, Scott Wells, Jason Spitz, Mark Tauscher, Tony Moll, Junius Coston, Allen Barbre, Tony Palmer. Comment: No surprises here or changes likely. Moll, a backup tackle and guard, has a neck-shoulder stinger that has sidelined him since Aug. 7, and the date for his return is uncertain. Palmer has a hamstring injury and also is expected to return soon. With Tyson Walter landing on injured reserve because of a foot injury sustained in the exhibition finale, Spitz becomes the top backup for center Scott Wells.

Wide receivers (5)

Players kept: Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Ruvell Martin, Carlyle Holiday. Comment: Though the Packers practice today and Monday, they probably won't know until Wednesday at the earliest whether Driver's sprained foot has healed enough to allow him to play this week. Holiday made the team in part because he's a special-teams core player, and he's also the emergency quarterback after playing that position in college at Notre Dame.

Defensive line (11)

Players kept: Aaron Kampman, Ryan Pickett, Corey Williams, Cullen Jenkins, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Johnny Jolly, Justin Harrell, Michael Montgomery, Daniel Muir, Colin Cole, Jason Hunter. Comment: Thompson went unusually heavy at this position, where teams usually keep nine or 10 players. He kept six defensive tackles, including Muir, who was the only undrafted rookie to make the roster and showed versatility late in camp by playing some defensive end. That glut leaves open at least an outside possibility for a trade. Perhaps more likely, they'll have to release a defensive lineman or defensive back if they add a tight end or perhaps linebacker. Though Muir would appear to be a candidate for release, he might have shown enough promise to keep ahead of third-year pro Colin Cole. Hunter made the roster over another interesting undrafted rookie, Larry Birdine. With Montgomery out for probably several more weeks while recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his knee, Hunter is the No. 4 defensive end. He's also a special-teams regular. Birdine is a strong practice-squad candidate.

Linebackers (5)

Players kept: Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk, Brady Poppinga, Desmond Bishop, Tracy White. Comment: The Packers went light at this position, where they usually carry six players. It's difficult to envision them going all year with only five, so this is another position they could add a player, either today or early in the season. White is a special-teams core player who can play any of the three linebacker spots in a pinch. Bishop mainly is a middle linebacker. Undrafted rookie Rory Johnson never played well after returning from a strained abdomen and was cut. He might be a practice-squad candidate. Versatile Spencer Havner was a mildly surprising cut, though he had a back injury that kept him out of the preseason finale.

Defensive backs (10)

Players kept: Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Nick Collins, Atari Bigby, Jarrett Bush, Frank Walker, Will Blackmon, Aaron Rouse, Charlie Peprah, Tramon Williams. Comment: Thompson went a little heavy here also by keeping Williams as a sixth cornerback. He's a potential release after the Packers pick up any waiver claims today. Walker, Thompson's only free-agent signing of the offseason, made the roster with a strong close in the preseason. Bigby's emergence as the starting safety opposite Collins made former starter Marquand Manuel expendable. Peprah beat out Tyrone Culver for the final safety spot.

Specialists (3)

Players kept: Jon Ryan, Mason Crosby, Rob Davis. Comment: The Packers tried to trade kicker Dave Rayner but couldn't find any takers. Crosby, a sixth-round draft pick, beat him out, because he showed a little more natural talent with his compact swing and comparable leg strength.
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http://www.railbirdcentral.com/2007/09/packers-not-done-yet.html#links

Packers not done yet

The Green Bay Packers currently have 53 men on their roster, but this is not going to be the same 53 that you see next Sunday. The Packers definitely need to do some maneuvering. The biggest need? They only have two tight ends on the roster. At the very least, the Packers will bring a tight end off the waiver wire today. Bringing in any player means the Packers have to cut someone else to make room. So who's likely to go? The Packers have the most depth at defensive line and secondary where they kept 11 and 10 players respectively. Cornerback Tramon Williams and defensive tackle Daniel Muir seem like the most expendable.

It's also highly likely that the Packers will bring in another running back. And if they do, newcomer Ryan Grant is sure to be shown the door. The Packers currently have only one true fullback on their roster in Korey Hall. The Packers also are going into the season short handed at both quarterback and linebacker. They only have two quarterbacks and five linebackers right now. But that may remain the status quo depending on what they do with waivers today. More trades are a possibility. Colin Cole and Corey Williams are the biggest trade bait. We won't have to wait long. Ted Thompson has a press conference scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

[TopHat]

http://www.packersnews.com/includes/newspaper/blogs/insider/index.shtml

Expect more moves by Packers

Though the Green Bay Packers traded for running back Ryan Grant on Saturday while also cutting their roster to the regular-season limit of 53 players, they still could add and release a player at that shaky position this weekend. General Manager Ted Thompson and his scouting staff were busy Saturday night watching videotape of players released by other teams, most notably looking for running backs, tight ends fullbacks and linebackers. Thompson did not make himself available for comment Saturday and won’t meet with reporters to discuss his roster until 1:30 p.m. today.

However there’s a chance the Packers will find a halfback on waivers they like better than Grant. One potentially intriguing running back available was Antonio Pittman, a fourth-round pick out of Ohio State who was cut by running-back deep New Orleans on Saturday. Another possibility is Mike Bell of Denver. The Broncos are considering moving the second-year pro to fullback and did not release him on final cuts, but if he balks at the move the team could end up trading or cutting him. He has the added attractive quality of playing in the same zone-blocking run system in Denver that the Packers use. Korey Hall is the only fullback the Packers kept on their roster – they cut Brandon Miree – and the Packers could add a player at that position as well.

[Bretsky]

All great stuff TH; thanks for posting

I'm at least glad to hear TT isns't sitting tight with the talent we have

[Harlan Huckleby]

Birdine is a strong practice-squad candidate.
ya, but not for the Packers. He will be on a regular roster somewhere, or on a practice squad for a team where he has a good chance of getting promoted to the regular roster. I could be wrong, but I think he's too good to languish at the end of the Packer's long line.


The Packers went light at this position, where they usually carry six players. It's difficult to envision them going all year with only five, so this is another position they could add a player, either today or early in the season. White is a special-teams core player who can play any of the three linebacker spots in a pinch. Bishop mainly is a middle linebacker.
I won't be surprised by anything. They could drop Bishop. They could open a slot for a sixth linebacker, and keep bringing new linebackers in for auditions on special teams. Also, I think if the Packers do make a trade, it will be for a LB.

This is the disaster area, FEMA territory. I'll get nervous if I hear the president of the TT Fanclub say, "You're doing a heck of a job, Teddy."

[Lurker64]

The Packers went light at this position, where they usually carry six players. It's difficult to envision them going all year with only five, so this is another position they could add a player, either today or early in the season. White is a special-teams core player who can play any of the three linebacker spots in a pinch. Bishop mainly is a middle linebacker.
I won't be surprised by anything. They could drop Bishop. They could open a slot for a sixth linebacker, and keep bringing new linebackers in for auditions on special teams. Also, I think if the Packers do make a trade, it will be for a LB.

In an absolute emergency situation, they could probably put Rouse in at LB, he does have experience playing there and he does have good size for an LB (since he was extraordinary size for a safety.) He'd get picked on, but who could we put in at the 6th LB that wouldn't?

[Rastak]

from PFT.com, some waiver pickups...



Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Moses, who as the first pick of the third round was the highest-drafted player to be released yesterday, has been claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals. That gives the Cardinals another team's high third-round pick after they got rid of their own high third-round pick, linebacker Buster Davis.

Schefter also reports that guard Kevin Boothe, who started 14 games for the Raiders as a rookie last season but was waived yesterday, has been claimed by the Giants. And safety Eric Frampton, the Raiders' fifth-round pick out of Washington State, has been claimed by the Lions.



Is that Peter's kid Eric? :)


and



EAGLES SIGN VON OELHOFFEN by Michael David Smith

ESPN is reporting that the Philadelphia Eagles have signed defensive lineman Kimo von Oelhoffen to a one-year contract, a day after the Jets released him.

Von Oelhoffen is a 14-year veteran who played just one disappointing season with the Jets after spending six years with the Steelers and six before that with the Bengals.

For most of his career von Oelhoffen has been a 3-4 defensive end, but he's likely to play as a 4-3 defensive tackle in Philadelphia.

Sports Network is reporting that the Eagles will release defensive tackle Ian Scott to make room for von Oelhoffen on the roster.

[TopHat]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7180864?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=5

From A-Z, the highlights of NFL roster cuts

From Adams (Titus) to Zabransky (Jared), here is a quick division-by-division look at the major player cuts made Friday and Saturday as NFL teams pared their rosters to 53 players entering the 2007 regular season:

AFC EAST

BUFFALO BILLS

Biggest name: Trent Edwards has proven so impressive as a 2007 third-round pick that he is now Buffalo's backup quarterback behind J.P. Losman following Craig Nall's release.

Biggest surprise: Terrance Pennington, who entered camp projected to serve as a swing backup at tackle, was beaten out for that role by Kirk Chambers.

One preseason observation: With only four healthy ends on the roster, Buffalo's injury problems along its defensive line could prove an early-season weakness.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Biggest name: Being released by a team hurting for quality depth at wide receiver is proof that Az-Zahir Hakim's nine-year NFL career is basically over.

Biggest surprise: One year after signing and releasing Fred Beasley during the preseason, Miami struck out again on another over-the-hill free-agent signing at fullback after releasing former Detroit Lions starter Cory Schlesinger.

One preseason observation: A preseason of curious media statements and decisions by coach Cam Cameron reached its zenith in Thursday's preseason finale against New Orleans. Stating he wanted to have the opportunity to better evaluate players, Cameron surrendered the head coaching duties to defensive coordinator Dom Capers and let tight ends coach Mike Mularkey and linebackers coach George Edwards handle Miami's offensive and defensive play-calling respectively. Why do I get the feeling Cameron might ultimately fall under the category of successful assistants who were ill-suited for head coaching roles?

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Biggest name: Not every oldie-but-goodie can make New England's opening-game roster as quarterback Vinny Testaverde and linebacker Chad Brown were released. Testaverde could be re-signed after the first week of the season when his entire 2007 salary wouldn't be guaranteed.

Biggest surprise: The rumors that surfaced about New England potentially releasing wide receiver Randy Moss because of concerns about his durability as well as the quality depth the Patriots have at the position. My feeling is New England won't cut bait on a potential impact player like Moss only a few months after acquiring him from Oakland for a fourth-round draft choice.

One preseason observation: An 18-play, 90-yard drive in the first half of New England's third preseason game against Carolina could be a harbinger of success to come for the Patriots offense.

NEW YORK JETS

Biggest name: As a former member of the Bengals, defensive end Kimo Von Oelhoffen will always be remembered for the hit that destroyed Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer's knee in a 2005 playoff game when he played for Pittsburgh. Von Oelhoffen now has the chance to return if the Bengals are interested following his Jets release.

Biggest surprise: It's not that Andre Wadsworth was cut but that the defensive end-turned-linebacker survived as long as he did this preseason despite not having played since the 2000 season because of major knee problems.

One preseason observation: Quarterback Chad Pennington should be looking over his shoulder at Kellen Clemens, who rebounded from a poor off-season to push for a starting spot. Pennington has a better grasp of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's system, but Clemens' superior arm strength makes him a more attractive long-term option.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON TEXANS

Biggest name: The Texans should have known Keenan McCardell had little left in the tank when Cameron — who worked with him as San Diego's offensive coordinator the past three seasons — didn't show any interest in adding the 37-year-old to a suspect wide receiver corps during the off-season.

Biggest surprise: Chad Stanley — the only punter in franchise history — couldn't withstand the challenge of 39-year-old journeyman Matt Turk for a roster spot.

One preseason observation: I'm hearing rumblings that defensive end Mario Williams continues to show no signs of being a more worthy selection with the No. 1 pick in the 2006 draft than running back Reggie Bush (New Orleans) or quarterback Vince Young (Tennessee).

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Biggest name: De De Dorsey entered the preseason touted as a potential backup to running back Joseph Addai but he lost that job — and his roster spot — to Canadian Football League alumnus Kenton Keith.

Biggest surprise: Despite losing Anthony McFarland to a season-ending knee injury, Colts President Bill Polian told me Friday night that he is confident Indianapolis has enough depth to compensate for the defensive tackle's absence. Who am I to question the man who constructed Indianapolis' Super Bowl-winning roster?

One preseason observation: The NFL shouldn't have scheduled Indianapolis' final preseason contest just six days before its regular-season opener against New Orleans, which has an entire week between games to prepare.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Biggest surprise: I am stunned by the release of quarterback Byron Leftwich. Those I spoke to in the Jaguars organization during training camp were raving about how sharp Leftwich looked with a new offensive coordinator (Dirk Koetter) and a surgically repaired ankle. I get the feeling this cut stemmed from a tempestuous relationship with coach Jack Del Rio rather than Leftwich's up-and-down preseason showing.

One preseason observation: The return of linebacker Mike Peterson and defensive end Reggie Heyward from season-ending injuries in 2006 will bolster a potentially dominating defense and make the Jaguars a legitimate playoff contender despite the current turmoil on offene.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Biggest name: Tim Rattay, an 18-game starter during his eight-year NFL career, wasn't impressive enough to convince Tennessee to carry a third quarterback or beat out backup Kerry Collins.

Biggest surprise: Three-year starter Lamont Thompson was released after losing his starting free safety spot to Calvin Lowry.

One preseason observation: Unless some unproven players at Tennessee's skill positions begin to emerge, don't be surprised if Titans quarterback Vince Young experiences the dreaded sophomore slump.

AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Biggest name: After a strong rookie season in 2004, wide receiver Clarence Moore's gradual slide ended with his being cut.

Biggest surprise: Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith survived the final roster cuts despite looking raw during preseason games.

One preseason observation: Nose tackle Haloti Ngata — all 340 pounds of him — being deployed as a blitzing middle linebacker in some pass-rush packages? Pray for opposing quarterbacks who hold onto the football too long.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Biggest name: A prized free-agent signing by Atlanta in 2005, Ed Hartwell's release shows how far the linebacker has fallen after two injury-plagued seasons.

Biggest surprise: The Bengals are thin at defensive tackle but seven-year NFL veteran Kendrick Allen still failed to survive final roster cuts.

One preseason observation: After watching Doug Johnson's two-interception outing in Friday's preseason finale against Indianapolis, I blogged that the Bengals should inquire about Leftwich. Instead, Cincinnati released Johnson on Saturday and traded with St. Louis to acquire Ryan Fitzpatrick as a potential backup to starting quarterback Carson Palmer.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Biggest name: Because he played under offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski at the University of Miami, I thought Ken Dorsey had a better chance of sticking as Cleveland's third-string quarterback than Derek Anderson.

Biggest surprise: Although he didn't play in the preseason, safety Gary Baxter will be given a chance to become only the second player in NFL history to return after suffering two torn patella tendons on the same play.

One preseason observation: I understand coach Romeo Crennel's decision to start third-year veteran Charlie Frye ahead of ballyhooed rookie quarterback Brady Quinn with the Browns facing four of the NFL's nine top-ranked defenses from 2006 (Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New England and Miami) in their first six games.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Biggest name: Chukky Okobi entered training camp as Pittsburgh's starting center and left with a pink slip as Sean Mahan has won the job.

Biggest surprise: The Steelers are struggling so badly to find a returner that the franchise traded a 2008 conditional draft pick to Atlanta for declining safety Allen Rossum.

One preseason observation: The transition from head coach Bill Cowher to replacement Mike Tomlin has seemingly gone more smoothly than anyone in Steelers management could have hoped.

AFC WEST

DENVER BRONCOS

Biggest name: Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy, the former first-round draft pick who was acquired in an off-season trade with St. Louis, continues to disappoint and was released after failing to land a starting spot.

Biggest surprise: Kyle Johnson won't be returning for a fourth season as Denver's starting fullback.

One preseason observation: Rod Smith's hip problems are worse than what he had initially let on, which raises questions about whether one of the most prolific wide receivers in Broncos history can sufficiently recover at age 37. Smith will open the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Biggest name: He wasn't released, but running back Priest Holmes will open the season on Kansas City's reserve/non-football injury list as he struggles to make a comeback from a chronic neck ailment.

Biggest surprise: Third-string quarterback Casey Printers had a higher preseason quarterback rating (73.4) than Brodie Croyle (34.5) and seemed more comfortable operating Kansas City's offense, albeit against reserves as opposed to starters. But the Chiefs will enter the season carrying only two quarterbacks as Printers was waived on Saturday.

One preseason observation: Chiefs trainers — Get the Monday morning ice tub ready. The only way Kansas City wins this season is if running back Larry Johnson receives 25-plus touches a game.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Biggest name: Safety Donovin Darius was a ballyhooed signing late in the off-season stemming from his standout career in Jacksonville. But a source said Darius ran afoul of Raiders owner Al Davis, which led to his release.

Biggest surprise: Pass-rushers are at a premium in the NFL yet the Raiders waived defensive end Quentin Moses, a 2007 third-round draft choice.

One preseason observation: Considering the breadth of media covering the NFL, I can't see how Oakland coach Lane Kiffin expects to keep under wraps whether Daunte Culpepper or Josh McCown will be his starting quarterback for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener against Detroit.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Biggest name: Safety Bhawoh Jue, a six-year NFL veteran, was the only notable name on San Diego's cut list.

Biggest surprise: Nothing worth mentioning from one of the NFL's most talent-stacked teams.

One preseason observation: Even though he was rested throughout the preseason, LaDainian Tomlinson has earned heavy praise from first-year Chargers coach Norv Turner, who was the running back's first NFL offensive coordinator in 2001.

"I've coached against him the past five years whether I was in Miami, Oakland or San Francisco so I know how good he is," Turner told FOXSports.com. "But until you're back with a guy, you truly forget how good a player he is. He's one of a kind."

NFC EAST

DALLAS COWBOYS

Biggest name: After starting the final three preseason games in place of the injured Terrence Newman, Aaron Glenn showed so little that he was released despite the lack of a proven replacement as Dallas' nickel cornerback.

Biggest surprise: All eight 2007 draft picks made a roster already chock full of young talent.

One preseason observation: Keep a close eye on rookie kicker Nick Folk, who is being given a chance to prove himself with Martin Gramatica (hamstring) being placed on injured reserve Saturday.


The only Hasselbeck left in New York is Tim's wife, Elisabeth, co-star on The View. (Jim Rogash / Getty Images)

NEW YORK GIANTS

Biggest name: Tim Hasselbeck. Well, the quarterback's wife is Elisabeth Hasselbeck of The View fame.

Biggest surprise: The Giants could have avoided sending a conditional draft pick to Kansas City by releasing kicker Lawrence Tynes, an off-season acquisition who had a so-so preseason. Instead, the Giants kept Tynes and released a player (Josh Huston) who had a better field-goal percentage and showed a stronger leg on kickoffs.

One preseason observation: The Giants should be thrilled that defensive end Michael Strahan decided to return after considering retirement. A shaky Giants secondary, which will probably play more press coverage under new coordinator Steve Spagnulo than in 2006, should benefit from the quarterback pressure provided by Strahan, fellow end Osi Umenyiora and outside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka. Had Strahan not returned, New York may have been forced to return Kiwanuka to the end position he played as a rookie in 2006.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Biggest name: Dirk Johnson had proven an effective punter the past four seasons when it came to net average but the Eagles see more upside in former Australian Rules specialist Sav Rocca.

Biggest surprise: Jeremy Bloom proved better on the slopes than on the gridiron. A 2006 fifth-round pick who spent all of his rookie season on injured reserve, Bloom's athleticism as a two-time Olympic skier failed to transfer in his attempts to become Philadelphia's primary returner.

In his defense, Bloom suffered a toe injury in the preseason opener and could return to Philadelphia's practice squad if he clears waivers. Wide receiver Greg Lewis is the frontrunner to handle return duties.

One preseason observation: Just having quarterback Donovan McNabb look so sharp after suffering a major knee injury last season made Philadelphia's preseason a success.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Biggest name: Renaldo Wynn, a versatile veteran defensive lineman, had his six-year tenure with the Redskins end.

Biggest surprise: Mark Brunell hasn't gotten traded yet, although Leftwich may have surpassed him as the NFL's top option for a team seeking a backup quarterback.

One preseason observation: After being outscored 104-27 with an 0-4 record in the 2006 preseason, Washington finished this year's exhibition campaign with a 2-2 mark while only being outscored 56-51. That includes quarterback Jason Campbell receiving only limited action because of a bruised knee.

NFC NORTH

CHICAGO BEARS

Biggest name: Although he led the University of Florida to a national championship as a senior, quarterback Chris Leak couldn't beat out Kyle Orton or Brian Griese for a roster spot.

Biggest surprise: I thought working with a new quarterbacks coach (Pep Hamilton) who stresses fundamentals would make a difference for Rex Grossman, who remained far too erratic in his preseason play.

One preseason observation: By running away after crashing his Lamborghini on a Chicago-area highway, Bears linebacker Lance Briggs may have affected his stock as a free agent in 2008. If I were a general manager interested in Briggs, I would make sure my big-money offer contains specific protective language that allows for the recoupment of signing bonus in case of an off-field incident.

DETROIT LIONS

Biggest name: Barry Stokes is on the road again, as he was released from his seventh different team despite being an 11-game starter at guard in 2006.

Biggest surprise: Chicago cut quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan in June after believing he had no chance of making their final roster. But one team's trash is another's treasure, as O'Sullivan has seemingly bypassed Dan Orlovsky for a backup role behind Jon Kitna.

One preseason observation: The Lions have to hope that a secondary now missing starting free safety Daniel Bullocks (knee/injured reserve) will improve after being embarrassed during their third preseason game against Indianapolis. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning systematically picked apart Detroit's cover-two scheme by completing 23 of 27 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Biggest name: Fantasy football players should note that Green Bay is sticking with rookie Mason Crosby as its kicker after releasing Dave Rayner, who probably won't be out of work for long.

Biggest surprise: After some shaky moments in his first two NFL preseasons, Aaron Rodgers finally looks like a potential heir apparent to quarterback Brett Favre.

One preseason observation: The second-to-last preseason game is usually a dress rehearsal for the regular season, which is why I was alarmed to see the Packers rush for only 10 yards on nine carries in a 21-13 loss to Jacksonville. The Packers can't expect to lean on Brett Favre heavily and have consistent success at this point in his storied career.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Biggest name: Running back Ciatrick Fason, a 2005 fourth-round draft choice, failed to expand upon his short-yardage role as a rookie and was released.

Biggest surprise: Billy McMullen had career highs in catches (23), yards (307) and touchdowns (two) in 2006 but the four-year veteran wasn't able to crack a roster sorely lacking veteran depth at wide receiver.

One preseason thought: The Vikings were wise to add a veteran presence behind unproven quarterback Tarvaris Jackson when acquiring Kelly Holcomb from Philadelphia via trade.

NFC SOUTH

ATLANTA FALCONS

Biggest name: The revolving door at kicker in Atlanta continues with Matt Prater beating out Billy Cundiff for the job.

Biggest surprise: The Falcons haven't made a move yet to acquire a veteran backup behind new starting quarterback Joey Harrington.

One preseason thought: No team should cherish a 3-1 preseason more than Atlanta, which was grasping for any positive news in light of the Michael Vick scandal.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Biggest name: Kenyatta Walker didn't find his professional career unfold any better with the Panthers than he did as a first-round draft bust at Tampa Bay.

Biggest surprise: The Panthers finally cut ties with running back Eric Shelton, who was a major disappointment as a 2005 second-round pick.

One preseason thought: I wouldn't be surprised if starting quarterback Jake Delhomme was on a short leash with David Carr standing on the sideline.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Biggest name: At this point, linebacker Dhani Jones is known more for his potential as an NFL analyst than a player. The seven-year veteran failed to crack a linebacker corps that, while improved this off-season with the free-agent addition of Brian Simmons (Cincinnati), won't remind anyone of the Baltimore Ravens.

Biggest surprise: Running back Antonio Pittman, a ballyhooed 2007 fourth-round pick from Ohio State, was beaten out for a roster spot by veteran Aaron Stecker and rookie free agent Pierre Thomas (Illinois).

One preseason observation: The Saints may have shown the most preseason improvement from being smoked by Pittsburgh in the Hall of Fame game to destroying Kansas City in their fourth exhibition contest.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Biggest name: Defensive tackle Ellis Wyms tied for the team lead in sacks last season with five but became a victim of a Buccaneers youth movement across their front four.

Biggest surprise: The Buccaneers are holding onto four quarterbacks, with Chris Simms managing to survive despite his struggles in coming back from a 2006 spleen injury.

One preseason observation: The Buccaneers have to hope that quarterback Jeff Garcia can compensate for a lack of playmakers at tight end and No. 2 wide receiver.

NFC WEST

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Biggest name: Punter Scott Player, whose 44.9-yard gross average in 2006 was the highest of his nine-year NFL career with the Cardinals, was released in favor of a waiver-wire acquisition (Mike Barr) who has never punted in a regular-season game

Biggest surprise: It doesn't reflect well on a team's college scouting staff when a 2007 third-round pick is cut like undersized linebacker Buster Davis was on Saturday.

One preseason thought: Don't underestimate the loss of outside linebacker Chike Okeafor (triceps) as a pass rusher in Arizona's new 3-4 scheme.

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Biggest name: James Alston, a 2006 third-round draft pick, couldn't sufficiently handle his linebacker duties in Jim Haslett's defense.

Biggest surprise: The Rams continue to court Simeon Rice despite already having two high-priced defensive ends in Leonard Little and James Hall.

One preseason thought: I know the Rams' offense was inconsistent. But when the unit finally comes together, how are defenses going to stop so much skill-position talent orchestrated by a quarterback (Marc Bulger) with a higher career completion rate than Peyton Manning?

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Biggest name: After playing his first four NFL seasons in Philadelphia, defensive lineman Sam Rayburn was unable to stick in San Francisco's 3-4 defensive scheme.

Biggest surprise: Wide receiver Bryan Gilmore — a three-game starter in 2006 — failed to make this year's roster.

One preseason thought: It was difficult to gauge the state of San Francisco's offense with running back Frank Gore sidelined for the entire preseason with a broken hand.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Biggest name: Fifth-year cornerback Pete Hunter was beaten out for a reserve spot in Seattle's secondary.

Biggest surprise: The Seahawks were able to add a player Saturday who could potentially be an impact pass-rusher when acquiring Jason Babin from Houston for Michael Boulware, who should push for a starting spot as the Texans' strong safety.

One preseason thought: If defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs (knee) didn't have bad luck, he'd have no luck at all. The absence of the oft-injured Tubbs for the entire 2007 season could adversely affect Seattle's run defense.

[Guiness]

In an absolute emergency situation, they could probably put Rouse in at LB, he does have experience playing there and he does have good size for an LB (since he was extraordinary size for a safety.) He'd get picked on, but who could we put in at the 6th LB that wouldn't?

I'm assuming they could trot Korey Hall out there as well in an emergency. Wouldn't be pretty...

[retailguy]

In an absolute emergency situation, they could probably put Rouse in at LB, he does have experience playing there and he does have good size for an LB (since he was extraordinary size for a safety.) He'd get picked on, but who could we put in at the 6th LB that wouldn't?

I'm assuming they could trot Korey Hall out there as well in an emergency. Wouldn't be pretty...

But if it got that serious, sadly, it probably wouldn't need to be pretty.