Here is a look at key questions (and maybe an answer or two) facing each team in the NFC North midway through training camp.
CHICAGO
Questions: Will they miss RB Thomas Jones? Is Rex Grossman a help or hindrance in the Bears' quest to return to the Super Bowl?
Answers: The thinking here is RB Cedric Benson is injury prone and would be helped by having a tough runner such as Jones to share the load with. Neither wanted that even though it would have helped the Bears and their own career longevity, so the younger Benson stayed. If Grossman can reduce his mistakes, that will be a big positive. I'm undecided if he can be a franchise QB, however.
DETROIT
Questions: Is this the year the Lions' offense takes off under coordinator Mike Martz? Can the defense keep up or at least make enough plays to keep them in games?
Answers: Adding WR Calvin Johnson increases the chances of the offense soaring, but they need RB Kevin Jones healthy, which is not a guarantee yet. The Lions' D appears solid on the line and features a rising star in LB Ernie Sims, beyond that, the back seven has some issues.
GREEN BAY
Questions: Who will run the football for the Packers? Who will catch the football for the Packers?
Answers: Rookie Brandon Jackson and third-down back Noah Herron are the front-runners until Vernand Morency gets healthy. Donald Driver has been Brett Favre's go-to receiver, but look for second-year man Greg Jennings, Ruvell Martin and rookie James Jones to make impacts.
MINNESOTA
Questions: Will they forget the passing game entirely and just run every play? Can the pass defense get any worse?
Answers: It wouldn't be a bad idea with rookie Adrian Peterson and veteran Chester Taylor to hand off to. Peterson has looked good in preseason. QB Tavaris Jackson is green, and he has few, if any, reliable targets. No, the pass defense was awful last season despite having CB Antoine Winfield and S Darren Sharper, both of whom are Pro Bowl caliber. Beyond them, the Vikings are hurting.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Camping in the NFC East
Here is a look at key questions (and maybe an answer or two) facing each team in the NFC East midway through training camp.
DALLAS
Questions: How will QB Tony Romo respond to being the man from the get go? How long until WR Terrell Owens erupts? What changes can we look for under Coach Wade Phillips?
Answers: Romo has to play well for the Cowboys to make a deep playoff run. It will be interesting to watch how opponents adjust now that there is a book on him. If Owens hasn't erupted already, it probably won't take long. Phillips will help the defense rise to the next level - dominant. How he handles Owens could be another story.
NEW YORK
Questions: How much will they miss RB Tiki Barber? What if DE Michael Strahan retires?
Answers: Barber is irreplaceable, but the Giants will go with massive Brandon Jacobs and nearly as punishing Reuben Droughes at running back. Far more power, far less versatility. DE Osi Umenyiora will discover how hard it is when you're double-teamed every play. He has the tools to excel, but if Strahan follows through on his threat to retire, it will hurt.
PHILADELPHIA
Questions: Will QB Donovan McNabb stay healthy all season? Can the defense solve its problems vs. the run?
Answers: McNabb's health is the storyline of the summer in Philadelphia. He's sustained significant injuries in four of the past five seasons and has missed half of the Eagles' games the past two. If former first-round picks Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson play like first-round picks, that will go a long way toward addressing the Eagles' run-stopping deficiencies.
WASHINGTON
Questions: What happens if QB Jason Campbell misses an extended period of time because of an injury sustained in Week 2 of the exhibition season? Will the team play up to its talent?
Answers: Mark Brunell will take over for Campbell, which means the Redskins likely will run the ball even more as Brunell lacks the arm for any sort of vertical passing game. The team has a lot of players who have been injured or underachieved in the past few years - Clinton Portis, WRs Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randal El, S Sean Taylor and CB Carlos Rogers. It's tough to see Coach Joe Gibbs tolerating much more.
DALLAS
Questions: How will QB Tony Romo respond to being the man from the get go? How long until WR Terrell Owens erupts? What changes can we look for under Coach Wade Phillips?
Answers: Romo has to play well for the Cowboys to make a deep playoff run. It will be interesting to watch how opponents adjust now that there is a book on him. If Owens hasn't erupted already, it probably won't take long. Phillips will help the defense rise to the next level - dominant. How he handles Owens could be another story.
NEW YORK
Questions: How much will they miss RB Tiki Barber? What if DE Michael Strahan retires?
Answers: Barber is irreplaceable, but the Giants will go with massive Brandon Jacobs and nearly as punishing Reuben Droughes at running back. Far more power, far less versatility. DE Osi Umenyiora will discover how hard it is when you're double-teamed every play. He has the tools to excel, but if Strahan follows through on his threat to retire, it will hurt.
PHILADELPHIA
Questions: Will QB Donovan McNabb stay healthy all season? Can the defense solve its problems vs. the run?
Answers: McNabb's health is the storyline of the summer in Philadelphia. He's sustained significant injuries in four of the past five seasons and has missed half of the Eagles' games the past two. If former first-round picks Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson play like first-round picks, that will go a long way toward addressing the Eagles' run-stopping deficiencies.
WASHINGTON
Questions: What happens if QB Jason Campbell misses an extended period of time because of an injury sustained in Week 2 of the exhibition season? Will the team play up to its talent?
Answers: Mark Brunell will take over for Campbell, which means the Redskins likely will run the ball even more as Brunell lacks the arm for any sort of vertical passing game. The team has a lot of players who have been injured or underachieved in the past few years - Clinton Portis, WRs Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randal El, S Sean Taylor and CB Carlos Rogers. It's tough to see Coach Joe Gibbs tolerating much more.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Camping in the AFC West
Here is a look at key questions (and maybe an answer or two) facing each team in the AFC West midway through training camp.
DENVER
Questions: How will all the new talent integrate on offense? How much will LB Al Wilson be missed?
Answers: The Broncos should have one of the most explosive offenses in the league because RB Travis Henry is an ideal fit for their scheme, TE Daniel Graham was underutilized as a receiver in New England, WR Brandon Marshall is a rising star and QB David Cutler will be A LOT better in his second season. DJ Williams will replace Wilson on the field and offers even more explosiveness in the middle, but Wilson's leadership will be tough to replace.
KANSAS CITY
Questions: How much will RB Larry Johnson's hold-out affect the team? Who will be the starting QB?
Answers: Regardless of whether Priest Holmes comes back or not, the Chiefs are toast if they don't have Johnson. Regardless of whether Brodie Croyle (likely) or Damon Huard (possibly) starts at QB, they need the threat of Johnson to keep defenses honest.
OAKLAND
Questions: Who will quarterback the team? Who will catch passes? Is coach Lane Kiffin a punching bag for owner Al Davis?
Answers: Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper (if healthy), Andrew Walter (if he's recovered from the beating he took last season), but probably not No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell - he's missed too much of camp and the Raiders O-line is subpar so it would be a gigantic risk to expose Russell. Kiffin is a talented, up-and-coming coach, but has anyone else noticed Davis picks young coaches almost exclusively? Either it's vision or control.
SAN DIEGO
Questions: Is Norv Turner the coach to get the Chargers over the hump and deep into the playoffs? Are there holes on this team?
Answers: The offense should continue to hum under Turner, who will maximize RB LaDainian Tomlinson, TE Antonio Gates and QB Philip Rivers. If a WR steps up (remember the name Vincent Jackson), look out. I don't see any holes other than an elite receiver. The Bolts are physical, talented and deep at most positions. Other than Rivers or Tomlinson, the guy they can least afford to lose is NT Jamal Williams, who is the real key to their D.
DENVER
Questions: How will all the new talent integrate on offense? How much will LB Al Wilson be missed?
Answers: The Broncos should have one of the most explosive offenses in the league because RB Travis Henry is an ideal fit for their scheme, TE Daniel Graham was underutilized as a receiver in New England, WR Brandon Marshall is a rising star and QB David Cutler will be A LOT better in his second season. DJ Williams will replace Wilson on the field and offers even more explosiveness in the middle, but Wilson's leadership will be tough to replace.
KANSAS CITY
Questions: How much will RB Larry Johnson's hold-out affect the team? Who will be the starting QB?
Answers: Regardless of whether Priest Holmes comes back or not, the Chiefs are toast if they don't have Johnson. Regardless of whether Brodie Croyle (likely) or Damon Huard (possibly) starts at QB, they need the threat of Johnson to keep defenses honest.
OAKLAND
Questions: Who will quarterback the team? Who will catch passes? Is coach Lane Kiffin a punching bag for owner Al Davis?
Answers: Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper (if healthy), Andrew Walter (if he's recovered from the beating he took last season), but probably not No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell - he's missed too much of camp and the Raiders O-line is subpar so it would be a gigantic risk to expose Russell. Kiffin is a talented, up-and-coming coach, but has anyone else noticed Davis picks young coaches almost exclusively? Either it's vision or control.
SAN DIEGO
Questions: Is Norv Turner the coach to get the Chargers over the hump and deep into the playoffs? Are there holes on this team?
Answers: The offense should continue to hum under Turner, who will maximize RB LaDainian Tomlinson, TE Antonio Gates and QB Philip Rivers. If a WR steps up (remember the name Vincent Jackson), look out. I don't see any holes other than an elite receiver. The Bolts are physical, talented and deep at most positions. Other than Rivers or Tomlinson, the guy they can least afford to lose is NT Jamal Williams, who is the real key to their D.
Camping in the AFC South
Here is a look at key questions (and maybe an answer or two) facing each team in the AFC South midway through training camp.
HOUSTON
Questions: Will Matt Schaub be an upgrade over David Carr at QB? Can two other problems areas - the pass rush and protecting the QB - be resolved.
Answers: Schaub seems to have better decision-making skills and poise than Carr, but in fairness to Carr, he got no protection during his time in Houston. There is little to indicate the line will be better, so Schaub must hope RB Ahman Green has something left to keep opposing defenses off balance. The D-line should be better if only because DE Mario Williams, DT Anthony Maddox have more experience and rookie Amobi Okoye joins the mix.
INDIANAPOLIS
Questions: Will there be a Super Bowl hangover in Indy? How much will the defense, which was hit pretty hard in free agency, be affected by its personnel losses?
Answers: It's unlikely QB Peyton Manning and crew will have too much of a letdown, but every team will have something to prove against the Colts so it's possible they'll be just as good as last season and have a worse record. Losing DT Anthony McFarland to a knee injury two weeks ago is a far bigger hit than losing LB Cato June, S Mike Doss and CBs Jason David and Nick Harper in free agency. The Colts will fast, but small again, a formula Coach Tony Dungy seems to prefer.
JACKSONVILLE
Questions: Is Bryon Leftwich the answer at QB? Does he or David Garrard have anyone to throw to?
Answers: I'm convinced he's a good, but not great, QB. Health, accuracy, and since Jimmy Smith retired - competent receivers to throw to have been his main hurdles to overcome.
TENNESSEE
Questions: Who will QB Vince Young hand off to or throw to? How much will the Pacman Jones situation affect this young team?
Answers: Either LenDale White or rookie Chris Henry will be the RB. WR Brandon Jones and TE Ben Troupe are the best options at this point in the passing game. Jones' year-long suspension hurts the Titans ON the field as well as off. Jones is an up-and-coming cornerback and an elite punt returner.
HOUSTON
Questions: Will Matt Schaub be an upgrade over David Carr at QB? Can two other problems areas - the pass rush and protecting the QB - be resolved.
Answers: Schaub seems to have better decision-making skills and poise than Carr, but in fairness to Carr, he got no protection during his time in Houston. There is little to indicate the line will be better, so Schaub must hope RB Ahman Green has something left to keep opposing defenses off balance. The D-line should be better if only because DE Mario Williams, DT Anthony Maddox have more experience and rookie Amobi Okoye joins the mix.
INDIANAPOLIS
Questions: Will there be a Super Bowl hangover in Indy? How much will the defense, which was hit pretty hard in free agency, be affected by its personnel losses?
Answers: It's unlikely QB Peyton Manning and crew will have too much of a letdown, but every team will have something to prove against the Colts so it's possible they'll be just as good as last season and have a worse record. Losing DT Anthony McFarland to a knee injury two weeks ago is a far bigger hit than losing LB Cato June, S Mike Doss and CBs Jason David and Nick Harper in free agency. The Colts will fast, but small again, a formula Coach Tony Dungy seems to prefer.
JACKSONVILLE
Questions: Is Bryon Leftwich the answer at QB? Does he or David Garrard have anyone to throw to?
Answers: I'm convinced he's a good, but not great, QB. Health, accuracy, and since Jimmy Smith retired - competent receivers to throw to have been his main hurdles to overcome.
TENNESSEE
Questions: Who will QB Vince Young hand off to or throw to? How much will the Pacman Jones situation affect this young team?
Answers: Either LenDale White or rookie Chris Henry will be the RB. WR Brandon Jones and TE Ben Troupe are the best options at this point in the passing game. Jones' year-long suspension hurts the Titans ON the field as well as off. Jones is an up-and-coming cornerback and an elite punt returner.
Camping in the AFC East
Here is a look at key questions (and maybe an answer or two) facing each team in the AFC East midway through training camp.
BUFFALO
Questions: How far can QB JP Losman lead the Bills? What sort of impact will the additions of RB Marshawn Lynch and several new offensive lineman have? Can they overcome massive free-agency defections on defense?
Answers: Losman is improving, but I question whether he will become an elite QB. Solid starter, yes. Expect Lynch to have a big season. He'll play a lot and should be an asset in the running and passing game. ... The losses of LBs London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes and particularly CB Nate Clements in free agency will hurt. The defense has talent, but it's a lot younger.
MIAMI
Questions: Can QB Trent Green direct the offense to enough points to keep up with what again should be a very good defense? Is this the year age catches up with key defenders?
Answers: Green manages a game well and does not make many mistakes. His arrival is good news for WR Chris Chambers. LB Joey Porter has a knee injury and MLB Zach Thomas has shown signs of wearing down, still, the defense should have enough for this season to stay in the top 10.
NEW ENGLAND
Questions: How will the offseason change in philosophy (sign/trade for big-name players such as WRs Donte' Stallworth and Randy Moss and LB Adalius Thomas) affect a team that has been a textbook example of chemistry? Can RB Lawrence Maroney handle an every-down load?
Answers: There are enough strong leaders on this team - particularly QB Tom Brady, LB Teddy Bruschi and S Rodney Harrison, that even bad apples such as Moss and rookie safety Brandon Meriweather, shouldn't rock the boat too much. The real problem will be contract jealousy among veterans, particularly CB Asante Samuel. Kevin Faulk will replace Maroney on third downs, but Maroney is out any length of time because of an injury, the Pats are in trouble.
NEW YORK
Questions: How much of an impact will RB Thomas Jones have? Can the run defense improve at all?
Answers: Jones will find himself sharing time with the much more explosive Leon Washington, but Jones will help the offense. The defensive personnel seems better suited to a 4-3 than the 3-4 coach Eric Mangini insists on playing, so much improvement seems unlikely.
BUFFALO
Questions: How far can QB JP Losman lead the Bills? What sort of impact will the additions of RB Marshawn Lynch and several new offensive lineman have? Can they overcome massive free-agency defections on defense?
Answers: Losman is improving, but I question whether he will become an elite QB. Solid starter, yes. Expect Lynch to have a big season. He'll play a lot and should be an asset in the running and passing game. ... The losses of LBs London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes and particularly CB Nate Clements in free agency will hurt. The defense has talent, but it's a lot younger.
MIAMI
Questions: Can QB Trent Green direct the offense to enough points to keep up with what again should be a very good defense? Is this the year age catches up with key defenders?
Answers: Green manages a game well and does not make many mistakes. His arrival is good news for WR Chris Chambers. LB Joey Porter has a knee injury and MLB Zach Thomas has shown signs of wearing down, still, the defense should have enough for this season to stay in the top 10.
NEW ENGLAND
Questions: How will the offseason change in philosophy (sign/trade for big-name players such as WRs Donte' Stallworth and Randy Moss and LB Adalius Thomas) affect a team that has been a textbook example of chemistry? Can RB Lawrence Maroney handle an every-down load?
Answers: There are enough strong leaders on this team - particularly QB Tom Brady, LB Teddy Bruschi and S Rodney Harrison, that even bad apples such as Moss and rookie safety Brandon Meriweather, shouldn't rock the boat too much. The real problem will be contract jealousy among veterans, particularly CB Asante Samuel. Kevin Faulk will replace Maroney on third downs, but Maroney is out any length of time because of an injury, the Pats are in trouble.
NEW YORK
Questions: How much of an impact will RB Thomas Jones have? Can the run defense improve at all?
Answers: Jones will find himself sharing time with the much more explosive Leon Washington, but Jones will help the offense. The defensive personnel seems better suited to a 4-3 than the 3-4 coach Eric Mangini insists on playing, so much improvement seems unlikely.
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