| Not getting the emails yet? - Just enter your email in the box to the left and hit enter. Yahoo will send you a confirmation email. Simply hit the reply button to this email and you will start getting the emails like everyone else. |
Email Update 6/28/02 Volume 3 Issue # 14
Each Friday the Sporting News releases notes about all of their
teams. There are always some good nuggets of info, so we will start
recapping these in the newsletter. Today we will clip the highlights
starting alphabetically going from Arizona through Kansas City.
Clipped from various reports from Sporting News:
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Arizona Cardinals - With plenty of money under the salary cap, the
club was a major player in free agency, shoring up weaknesses with
the signings of cornerback Duane Starks and tight end Freddie Jones.
But the failure to acquire a proven pass rusher could haunt the team
throughout the season. Defensive tackle Wendell Bryant was a wise
choice with the 12th overall pick, but the team had the cap space to
make a run at a veteran defensive end but didn't.
Arizona Cardinals - With the lack of a premier pass rusher, coach
Dave McGinnis and defensive coordinator Larry Marmie will have to
scheme their way to a rush. The lack of a rush last year forced the
club to be conservative in its pass coverages, using mostly zones
designed not to give up big plays.
Arizona Cardinals - Quarterback Jake Plummer made better decisions
last season, but he did make mistakes in the red zone early in the
year. Play calling became more conservative and the team often seemed
content to settle for field goals. That won't work this season, given
the move to the NFC West.
Arizona Cardinals - No player will have more pressure on him in this
camp than running back Thomas Jones. After two disappointing seasons,
the seventh overall pick in the 2000 draft has to prove he was worthy
of that selection. He was handed the starting job in each of his
first two years, only to lose it to Michael Pittman. But Pittman has
departed through free agency, and the job belongs to Jones.
Atlanta Falcons - At quarterback, the release of Chris Chandler
leaves Vick and his 4.2 speed as a new concern for opposing defenses.
On defense, a switch to a 3-4 scheme will utilize the speed of such
players as Keith Brooking, Patrick Kerney, Mark Simoneau and Chris
Draft. Even on the offensive line, the addition of right tackle Todd
Weiner reflects a move toward quickness over bulk.
Atlanta Falcons - There seems to be no question that Dunn will open
the season as the starter, but the real competition here will be for
carries. A strong showing by Duckett in camp could leave Dunn
fighting the same battles for lead exposure than he fought in Tampa
Bay. For Dunn, carrying the role of starter would not be enough if he
were given only about 60 percent of the carries.
Atlanta Falcons - Cornerback Ray Buchanan looks lighter, faster and
thrilled to be playing for Phillips. With less responsibility against
the run, Buchanan -- who was second on the team in tackles last year -
- feels liberated. He was making big plays from the first day of
passing camp.
Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens had one of the worst off seasons in
recent NFL history. Because of salary cap concerns, the team lost
seven starters on the best defense in the league the last two
seasons, their two top pass receivers and one of the game's top
return specialists. The Ravens failed to add an impact player via
free agency, and the only new addition of significance was
quarterback Jeff Blake, who is expected to backup starter Chris
Redman.
Baltimore Ravens - Redman has solid arm strength, and can throw the
routes -- the 12- to 15-yard comeback, the quick outs to the wide
side of the field and touch passes -- needed to succeed in the NFL.
He knows the Ravens' offense, but still takes a little too long to
get rid of the ball.
Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens need to be able to stop the run with
their front seven. Defensive tackles Tony Siragusa and Sam Adams are
gone, and the Ravens have three new starters on the defensive line.
Most of the team's money is invested in Pro Bowl linebackers Ray
Lewis and Peter Boulware, so the Ravens need to find the right
chemistry up front.
Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens need to find a backup running back
since starter Jamal Lewis hasn't proved he is fully recovered from
knee surgery a year ago. Salary cap issues didn't allow the Ravens to
pursue proven backups such as Jamal Anderson or James Stewart, so the
Ravens are left to find a backup from either rookies Sean Gregory,
Dameon Hunter, Chester Taylor or second-year players Derek Homer or
Morgan Kane.
Baltimore Ravens - Most likely it will be Taylor who has been
impressive running as well as catching passes out of the backfield.
Taylor needs to improve on pass blocking. Whoever fills the role will
play more than usual for a backup because the Ravens don't want to
push Lewis, especially early in the season. Last year's top backup,
Jason Brookins, was waived during the offseason because of weight and
off-the-field problems.
Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens want to play smash-mouth football out
of a two-tight end set. They already have one proven tight end in
second-year player Todd Heap, but another player who has to come up
big is rookie tight end Terry Jones Jr. Heap will be used more as a
receiver and Jones as a blocker.
Buffalo Bills - The biggest move was the draft-day trade for Drew
Bledsoe, who gives the Bills the true franchise quarterback they have
lacked since Jim Kelly retired. Bledsoe and new coordinator Kevin
Gilbride will give the offense a major boost.
Buffalo Bills - The Bills also were successful in free agency,
landing defensive starters in middle linebacker London Fletcher,
outside linebacker Eddie Robinson and strong safety Billy Jenkins.
Left tackle Trey Teague might be an upgrade over released veteran
John Fina. Tight end Dave Moore will challenge Jay Riemersma's hold
on the starting job. Kicker Mike Hollis and return specialist Charlie
Rogers addressed two major weak spots. Receiver Charles Johnson adds
depth.
Buffalo Bills - A solid draft included first-round pick Mike
Williams, a massive right tackle who should bring a physical presence
to the offensive line. Receiver Josh Reed and defensive end Ryan
Denney are second-round picks who could see considerable playing
time. Strong safety Coy Wire, a third-round selection and defensive
tackle Justin Bannan (fourth round) have looked good.
Buffalo Bills - The No. 1 running back spot will be hotly contested.
Travis Henry is the projected starter after his strong rookie season,
but the signing of free agent Richard Huntley clouds the situation.
Huntley is a bigger back with more elusiveness, better hands and more
knowledge of the offense after playing in Gilbride's system in
Pittsburgh. The smart money remains on Henry, who is a tough inside
runner with great balance and vision. But he'll have to earn it.
Buffalo Bills - Gilbride is installing a passing game that will force
opponents to defend the entire field. Bledsoe's strong arm and the
speed of receivers Eric Moulds and Peerless Price will allow the
Bills to attack defenses vertically. That should create opportunities
for other receivers on short and intermediate routes.
Carolina Panthers - With a steady on the salary cap, the team did a
solid job of filling a bunch of holes with role players, such as
running back Lamar Smith, linebacker Mark Fields, defensive tackle
Shane Burton and cornerback Terry Cousin. The team also didn't lose
much in free agency and did a good job of unloading some high-priced
veterans that will prevent future cap problems.
Carolina Panthers - The team is outwardly calm about its wide
receiver situation, but there is legitimate reason for concern.
Patrick Jeffers, who has been a non-factor because of knee problems
the last two seasons, hasn't been able to do much in the offseason
and it remains to be seen if he'll ever be close to the same level he
was at before the injuries began. If Jeffers doesn't recover, there's
no other clear-cut starter opposite Muhsin Muhammad.
Carolina Panthers - The team will give return specialist Steve Smith
a shot at the job, but it's more likely he'll be used on the outside
in three-receiver sets. It's more likely veteran Isaac Byrd will end
up as a starter. Byrd never has been spectacular, but he's a solid
possession receiver and could fit perfectly into the new offense.
Carolina Panthers - Walls remains well ahead of schedule in his
recovery from knee surgery and should be close to 100 percent by the
start of camp. Walls likely wouldn't have returned if coach George
Seifert stayed, but he'll be a huge part of Henning's offense. Weinke
needs a reliable go-to receiver and Walls is the most likely
candidate to fill that role.
Chicago Bears - The chief goal for GM Jerry Angelo was keeping core
players set. Keys were getting underrated lynchpin QB Jim Miller
signed, then spending big for Pro Bowl center Olin Kreutz, and
finishing with a restructure to keep receiver Marcus Robinson plus
getting No. 1 receiver Marty Booker done for 7 years.
Chicago Bears - Bringing in Chris Chandler to back up Miller, Keith
McKenzie to challenge for a rush-end role, Damion Moore as a likely
starter, and Mike Caldwell as a starter-grade backup at either
outside linebacker spot gives the Bears proven talent on the depth
chart.
Chicago Bears - Robinson, coming off a torn ACL, is an unknown in the
passing game. He is a leader and a natural pure deep threat, but his
injury history brought about a contract restructuring.
Chicago Bears - Has David Terrell matured enough to finally play in
the NFL after a disappointing rookie season that had too much sizzle
and not enough steak? Terrell was involved in an offseason incident
at a nightclub but had impressed insiders with his workout program
and hopefully he understands that if quarterbacks don't believe in
you, you won't see the ball no matter how much raw talent you have.
Cincinnati Bengals - By strengthening the league's ninth-ranked
defense with secondary help, beefing up the offensive line with first-
round pick left tackle Levi Jones and stabilizing the quarterback
position with the addition of Gus Frerotte, the Bengals are in
position to make a serious run at the playoffs.
Cincinnati Bengals - Free-agent cornerback Jeff Burris and ball-
hawking rookie free safety Lamont Thompson will trigger more
interceptions, creating opportunities for the offense.
Cincinnati Bengals - Throw a blanket over tight ends Matt Schobel,
Sean Brewer, Kirk McMullen and Chris Edmonds. That's how close the
race is for the starting job at the team's most inexperienced and
wide-open position.
Cincinnati Bengals - The offense looks much improved because of the
progress of wide receivers Chad Johnson, Peter Warrick, Danny Farmer,
Houshmandzadeh and Ron Dugans.
Cincinnati Bengals - Look for Johnson to emerge as the deep threat.
His blazing speed and ability to read coverages will put pressure on
defenses because he's difficult to cover one-on-one.
Cincinnati Bengals - Rookie kicker Travis Dorsch has the tools to
dethrone erratic Rackers. Dorsch's accuracy, distance and ability to
get the ball up quickly are impressive. If he can show consistency,
he'll win the job.
Cleveland Browns - The Browns desperately needed a go-to running back
and used their first-round draft pick to get William Green. They
drafted a big, speedy wideout who also can be a returner in Andre
Davis. They also drafted a quality offensive lineman to groom in
Melvin Fowler and depth at linebacker in Ben Taylor, Kevin Bentley
and Andra Davis.
Cleveland Browns - They signed a physical right tackle in Ryan
Tucker, a veteran wideout in Chris Sanders, a run-stopping middle
linebacker in Earl Holmes and a big-hitting safety in Robert
Griffith.
Cleveland Browns - JaJuan Dawson could emerge as the third wide
receiver. He is big and strong, and now he is faster. That makes him
better for a passing game predicated on running after the catch.
Cleveland Browns - Don't be surprised if Josh Booty really pushes
Kelly Holcomb for the No. 2 quarterback spot. He is more athletic
than Holcomb and has a better arm. He just lacks experience, and
he'll get that -- plenty of it -- in the preseason.
Cleveland Browns - It is unlikely that J.J. Johnson will pan out at
fullback, so the Browns will have to go with a two-tight end set
often. But to make that work, Rickey Dudley has to get 100 percent
healthy and stay that way. That is something he did not do last year,
and it really hurt the offense.
Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys had their best offseason in years. They
signed La'Roi Glover, the best pass-rushing tackle available in free
agency, and they added cornerback Bryant Westbrook and linebacker
Kevin Hardy. Each was slowed last season by injury, but the Cowboys
believe they can be more-than-solid contributors. In the draft, the
team added three players it had labeled as first-round talents in
safety Roy Williams, center Andre Gurode and receiver Antonio Bryant.
Each will play a big role on the team this season.
Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys will go as far as quarterback Quincy
Carter will take them this season. He struggled in his first two
starts of the season but played solidly in the last six games after
missing seven weeks with an injury.
Dallas Cowboys - Emmitt Smith needs 540 yards to become the NFL's all-
time leading rusher, which should probably take him six or seven
games. After that, expect the Cowboys to phase him out of the offense
because they have to know whether Troy Hambrick's performance in 2001
was the real deal or a fluke.
Denver Broncos - Mission No. 1 is to restore quarterback Brian
Griese's confidence -- in himself and his teammates. He already
trusts favored targets Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey, but he needs to
make a connection with the team's other receivers. That includes
Sharpe, second-year wide receiver Kevin Kasper and Lelie.
Denver Broncos - While the offseason focus has been on the health of
Davis, Gary has quietly got himself ready to play. If Davis falters,
Gary could be the starter, despite a torn ACL in 2000 and a broken
leg in 2001.
Denver Broncos - Steve Beuerlein goes into camp with the backup QB
job in his grasp. His performance at the June minicamp seemed to
answer questions about his surgically repaired throwing elbow, but
now he must make it through an entire training camp, and use the
preseason games to show he can move the team.
Detroit Lions - The Lions came up woefully short on fulfilling their
long list of needs, including safety, cornerback, tight end,
linebacker and defensive end. Although the team managed to fill the
gaps at safety and defensive line, it failed to pick up any veteran
help at cornerback or tight end, relying instead on draft picks to
contribute immediately. The team also failed to acquire a playmaking
outside linebacker, leaving the pass defense in poor shape.
Detroit Lions - James Stewart took a pay cut to stay with the team,
but he might also be looking at a cut in playing time. The Lions want
more speed and versatility out of the backfield, so look for Aveion
Cason and rookie Luke Staley to get a lot of looks in camp,
especially in third-down and passing situations.
Detroit Lions - Mikhael Ricks will have the starting job at tight
end -- if he can prove he can block. The Lions know Ricks will never
be a dominating blocker, but the converted receiver must show the can
handle the dirty work. Otherwise, Ricks will be giving up playing
time to rookie John Owens and, possibly, rookie Matt Murphy.
Green Bay Packers - It is doubtful any other team addressed its needs
more. In his first offseason as general manager, Mike Sherman
retooled the wide receiver position with the athletic Terry Glenn and
Javon Walker, added instant impact on defense with veteran free
agents Joe Johnson and Hardy Nickerson and created heated competition
behind Ahman Green with the additions of Ki-Jana Carter and Jason
Brookins.
Green Bay Packers - Glenn is at his best when he can make a sharp cut
and have the ball thrown just ahead of him. Favre will have to get
used to that kind of technique because he hasn't played with it in
some time.
Green Bay Packers - It is a given that Glenn will be the starting
flanker, but the subsequent roll call will be determined in camp.
Ferguson comes in as the starting split end, but Walker, Driver and
Charles Lee all will be fighting to crack the lineup.
Houston Texans - The Texans have remained consistent in their plan to
build around young players, assembling a roster that consists of just
two players -- quarterback Kent Graham (33) and offensive tackle Max
Lane (31) -- over the age of 30.
Houston Texans - The original plan was to get Carr ready as soon as
possible, although most thought he would play behind Graham for the
first three or four weeks of the season. However, Graham has been
unimpressive in offseason workouts, slipping from first to third on
the depth chart behind Carr and Mike Quinn.
Houston Texans - If there is one free agent the Texans' are counting
on to have a breakout season, it's receiver Corey Bradford. The
Texans don't have a proven No. 1 receiver, but they believe Bradford
can be that type of receiver if he gets the opportunity, something he
never had in Green Bay where he was the third receiver.
Houston Texans - Bradford and Carr are developing a good rapport, and
if rookie Jabar Gaffney lives up to expectations, the Texans
eventually could have a dangerous vertical passing attack.
Indianapolis Colts - A defense that was wholly unreliable during the
2001 regular season deserved, and received, the brunt of the
attention. Seven of the team's eight draft picks, including the first
six, delivered help for the defense.
Indianapolis Colts - Until James makes a full recovery from the knee
injury that forced him to miss the final half of the 2001 season,
Rhodes will see extensive work with the No. 1 offense. But once James
regains his confidence and game, he will return as the feature back.
Moore has gone almost exclusively with a one-back set the past four
seasons and that won't change in 2002. James excels under a heavy
workload.
Indianapolis Colts - Marcus Pollard is on the verge of becoming one
of the NFL's top pass-catching tight ends, but the No. 2 spot is
uncertain. Moore is likely to maximize the abilities of Harrison,
Wayne and Ismail. Harrison and Ismail represent deep-striking threats
on the outside, which should leave the middle of the field open for
either Wayne, Pollard or James.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Defying huge odds, the Jaguars somehow got
their salary cap in order, filled holes in the draft and -- taking
their cue from the New England Patriots -- signed a host of
inexpensive but hungry veterans. The club also kept its core of
offensive talent intact and can't be counted out if Mark Brunell,
Jimmy Smith and especially Fred Taylor stay healthy. The Jaguars are
hoping a weak AFC South race will speed up their rebuilding process.
Jacksonville Jaguars - The club signed young veterans Patrick Johnson
(Ravens) and Bobby Shaw (Steelers) to compete for McCardell's job as
the No. 2 receiver, and the newcomers already have held a spirited
competition during offseason minicamps.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Johnson is faster and appears to have the
early edge for the job, but he has been injury-prone during his short
NFL career. The feisty Shaw can't be counted out thanks to his smarts
and desire. The battle has been intense because the drop-off between
the Jaguars' No. 2 and No. 3 receiving roles is steep. Last year's
third receiver, Sean Dawkins, caught just 20 passes -- 73 fewer than
McCardell.
Kansas City Chiefs - They wanted to upgrade at two positions. One is
wide receiver, where they signed Johnnie Morton. But his addition
alone may not be enough. The Chiefs are still thin at the position.
Kansas City Chiefs - They also wanted improvement at defensive tackle
and appear to have solved the problem by drafting North Carolina's
Ryan Sims in the first round.
Kansas City - If Morton is the player the Chiefs envisioned, that
leaves Eddie Kennison, Marvin Minnis and the other wide receivers as
role players, something they are best suited for. If Morton fails to
live up to expectations, the Chiefs may again be forced to scale back
plans for their passing game.
Kansas City - Warfield, a talented but inconsistent player in his
first four NFL seasons, received a lucrative long-term contract that
indicates the Chiefs expect him to become a shutdown cornerback. It
remains to be seen whether Warfield will become that player or
continue his up and down play.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
That is all for now folks. We will recap the other 16 team reports
from the Sporting News in tonight's email update.
David Dodds
Missed an issue? Email Update Archives