Dallas Cowboys

Link: http://www.dallascowboys.com/camp_home.cfm
Location: Marriott Residence Inn (Oxnard, CA)
Dates: July 31 - August 20
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

1. The Quarterback Battle - Bill Parcells has reunited with Vinny Testaverde, although he's said nothing publicly to suggest that Quincy Carter won't be the team's starter. Drew Henson, considered the potential franchise QB of the future also figures in the mix, but probably not in 2004. Which QB will emerge as the starter? While we believe it's Carter's job to lose , Testaverde still feels he can be an effective starter. Stay tuned.



2. Julius Jones or Eddie George…or both? - Many assumed rookie Julius Jones would get every opportunity to carry the fulltime workload in Big D after Parcells waived Troy Hambrick. However, the subsequent signing of Eddie George suggests the team may have other plans in mind. One has to believe George didn't sign to be a backup, but does George have enough left in the tank? Will Jones and George split carries, or is George the workhorse until proven otherwise?



3. Does Antonio Bryant have a place on the team? - At the last minicamp, mercurial WR Antonio Bryant got into a tirade with Parcells and was escorted out of camp. He has since returned to the Dallas area and trained on his own, but is due to meet with team officials on Monday, July 26. It's expected that Bryant will be allowed to return to the team. Cowboys' fans want to know; does Bryant have the mentality and skill to figure into the Cowboys plans? Certainly it wouldn't be out of the question to see Bryant earn a starting spot ahead of Terry Glenn this year; but don't count on it.



4. Is the offensive line improved? - The offensive line must improve if the Cowboys are going to match last year's record; the team allowed 37 sacks and was woeful as a run blocking unit (3.88 YPC). The offensive line has quite a few question marks starting with All Pro Larry Allen. Recent reports have Allen in good shape, and if he can remain healthy, the left side is set. But questions on the right side will be a hot button issue in camp. The coaching staff will be evaluating a collection of players including Matt Lehr, Torrin Tucker, Andre Gurode, Jacob Rogers, and Stephen Peterman for two spots on the line.



5. (IDP) Who starts at weakside linebacker? - Dexter Coakley, the incumbent, will face competition from Bradie James in training camp. Although Coakley has an edge by virtue of his starting experience, we wouldn't be surprised to see James win the battle. Our IDP team currently projects Coakley as the winner but neither are considered difference makers for fantasy purposes.



6. (IDP) Who starts at right corner? - The team let Mario Edwards walk this offseason and failed to acquire a replacement from arguably the strongest free agent crop of corners in history. Pete Hunter is currently projected to start opposite Terence Newman, but some believe the team will pursue a veteran corner via trade or waivers depending on how Hunter and the other corners progress in early camp sessions.

New York Giants

Link: http://www.albany.edu/sports/giants.html
Location: University of Albany (Albany, NY)
Dates: July 30 - August 25
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

1. Will the team play for Tom Coughlin? - Tom Coughlin, the new head coach, is known for his militant demeanor; which is what many pundits believe is necessary for a team that became complacent under former HC Jim Fassel. However, the team has already shown signs of dissension, as a handful of players protested being overworked in minicamp to the league office. This is a veteran team for the most part, and how they take to Coughlin's methods is critical to whether the Giants have hope of improving on their dismal showing last year.



2. Manning or Warner? - The Giants paid a considerable price to acquire Eli Manning and obviously view him as the cornerstone of the franchise for many years to come; yet this is otherwise a veteran laden team that seemed less than enthused about the prospect of playing with a rookie under center. Enter Kurt Warner, the 2-time MVP and Rams cast-off, who has been brought onboard presumably to keep the seat warm for Manning for the next season, at least. Is Warner healthy? Can he survive behind a suspect offensive line given his problems the last few seasons? Is Tom Coughlin committed to Warner or, as some speculate, could Manning win the job in camp? We currently project Warner to start the season, but believe both QBs will see considerable time.



3. Jeremy Shockey's recovery from foot surgery - TE Jeremy Shockey underwent surgery in June to correct a chronic foot injury. His recovery is expected to extend into training camp, although he's forecast to participate in the latter portion of camp and be healthy for the regular season. Should Shockey's recovery extend beyond initial expectations, the development of the new offense will be impeded.



4. Development of an unproven offensive line - Horrendous line play derailed the Giants 2003 season, yet the team did little to address the situation this offseason. Newly acquired Shaun O'Hara and Barry Stokes were marginally effective for the Browns. Will rookie Chris Snee displace G David Diehl? Can this unit gel enough to keep the new QBs off their backs and open holes for Tiki Barber?



5. (IDP) Complete reconstruction of the defense - The Giants need a major overhaul on defense; they yielded 5,622 yards (26th in the NFL) and 387 points (29th) last year. New coordinator Tim Lewis must mold three new starting linebackers (Griesen, Green & Emmons) along with three new starters on the defensive line (Robbins, Umenyiora, and Joseph) into an attacking unit. Can Griesen handle the middle? Will CBs Will Allen and Will Peterson stay healthy and emerge as shutdown corners? Do DT Norman Hand, Keith Washington, and Martin Chase offer the team enough depth to keep the D-Line fresh? Will anyone create pressure on the QB besides Michael Strahan?

Philadelphia Eagles

Link: http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/trainingcamp.jsp
Location: Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) & NovaCare Complex (Philadelphia, PA)
Dates: July 27 - August 12 (Lehigh)
Open to the public? - YES (with a few exceptions, check website)

1. Will Owens and McNabb build an immediate rapport? - As many fantasy footballers know, it's often tough for a receiver who changes teams to make an impact in his first year with his new squad. Yet, we expect Owens will be an exception to the rule. Few if any receivers of Owens' talent have changed teams while still in their primes, and the offensive systems in San Francisco (his old team) and Philadelphia are quite similar; both offshoots of the vaunted Bill Walsh West Coast Offense.



2. How will Reid use Westbrook and Buckhalter? - With Duce Staley gone to Pittsburgh, youngsters Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter will split carries this year. Westbrook, who finished as the 20th ranked fantasy back last year despite having just 154 touches from scrimmage, is currently projected as the better fantasy prospect. But Buckhalter, who had 9 touchdowns last year in limited action, will also see plenty of work. We currently expect both to finish in the top 30. Pay special attention to whether Westbrook is used in special teams during camp; if he's held out of return duties that signals a commitment to use him more as the primary ball carrier.



3. Is L.J. Smith ready to displace Chad Lewis in the starting lineup? - TE L.J. Smith will get every opportunity to earn the starting role this year. While unquestionably talented, Smith lost the team's confidence with some early season drops last year and failed to make a major impact. But Chad Lewis has lost a step and Smith would add a two way versatility that Lewis once offered.



4. (IDP) Are Sheppard and Brown ready to play full time? - The Eagles let both CB Bobby Taylor and CB Troy Vincent depart in free agency, turning the secondary over to two 3rd year players, Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown. This will be their first training camp as starters, and they must prove themselves capable locking down opposing receivers; don't rule out the Eagles making a move for a veteran later in camp if either struggle.



5. (IDP) Can Jevon Kearse make an impact? - Kearse was a surprise signing this offseason, but the Eagles spent major $$$ to secure the best free agent pass rusher. When Kearse is healthy, he's a pass rushing force with few peers; unfortunately he hasn't played a full season since 2001. If Kearse is healthy, the Eagles' defense should resemble the fantasy force from 2002 much more than the opportunistic yet beatable unit from last season.



6. (IDP) Does Jeremiah Trotter have anything left in the tank? - Two years ago Jeremiah Trotter left the Eagles for the rival Redskins amid some controversy. Trotter, a 2-time Pro Bowler with Philly and team defensive MVP, felt he deserved to be among the highest paid LBs; and got his wish in D.C. Despite leading the Redskins in tackles last season, Trotter was let go because his effectiveness has been hampered by a major knee injury two years ago. Improbably, Trotter returns to the Eagles for a veteran minimum contract and no guarantees. If healthy, a big if, Trotter is the perfect fit at middle linebacker for Jim Johnson's attacking defense. The team would love Trotter to play well enough to earn a starting spot, allowing incumbent MLB Mark Simoneau to compete with Nate Wayne on the outside.

Washington Redskins

Link: http://www.redskins.com/news/trainingCampDetail.jsp?id=1820
Location: Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) & NovaCare Complex (Philadelphia, PA)
Dates: July 31 - August 12
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge, closed on the 12th)

1. Will Ramsey get a chance to win the starting job? - When Joe Gibbs signed Mark Brunell this offseason, Patrick Ramsey was relegated in most people's minds to the bench. But coaches haven't officially declared Brunell the starter and theoretically, the competition is open in camp. While the situation bears watching, we full expect Brunell to be the starter this year; his contract terms and Joe Gibbs' "win now" mentality lend credence to that viewpoint. In any event, whoever starts for the Redskins will have plenty of weapons at his disposal; and assuming it's Brunell, we expect him to put up very respectable fantasy numbers.



2. Can 'Papa Hog' Joe Bugel whip the offensive line into shape? - Clinton Portis ran behind an excellent line in Denver; Mark Brunell when productive was behind a solid line in Jacksonville. Offensive line coach Joe Bugel has sworn improvement out of the most disappointing unit from last year's Redskins. The unit, which includes Chris Samuels, Jon Jansen and Randy Thomas, doesn't lack talent, but were put in position to fail last year by Steve Spurrier's refusal to keep anyone else in as blockers. That won't be the case this year, Gibbs won't be afraid to send two receivers out if that's what it takes to keep the quarterback healthy.



3. How is Laveranues Coles' foot? - Laveranues Coles is one of the better young receivers in the NFL, and he currently is projected to finish among the top 10 fantasy receivers yet he's dealing with substantial pain from a stress fracture in his toe; an injury he suffered in Week 3 last season. The health of his toe bears close scrutiny in training camp, as he'll be learning a new offensive system and catching on with a 3rd QB in 3 seasons; should he miss a large chunk of camp healing, it could negatively impact his early season production.



4. (IDP) Is Sean Taylor the real deal? - Sean Taylor was arguably the most coveted safety to be drafted in modern football history. It's not often someone refers to a rookie safety as a potential difference maker, yet that's exactly what the Redskins expect Taylor will bring to a unit that allowed 25 passing touchdowns and only caught 11 interceptions last year. Footballguys IDP team expects Taylor to make an immediate impact, projecting him as the 8th best defensive back.



5. (IDP) Can DC Gregg Williams create a defensive line from the scraps on hand? - Few NFL pundits understood why the Redskins were in such a rush to pay DT Cornelius Griffin big dollars in free agency, yet when the dust settled Griffin looks like the best player on the Redskins defensive line. Gregg Williams is a talented defensive coordinator, but will he be able to generate a pass rush and stop the run with a unit that will field the likes of Griffin, Jermaine Haley, Renaldo Wynn, Phillip Daniels and Brandon Noble?