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In this
edition of

Volume XXIII
No. 6

CREATORS & FOUNDERS

Arthur Arkush, Robert Drazkowski

and Joel Buchsbaum

ALSO:

Giants, Patriots
... revisited

Publisher/Editor Hub Arkush

General manager Mike Waters
Editor-in-chief Keith Schleiden
Art director Bob Peters
Managing editor Mike Holbrook
Executive editors Dan Arkush
Neil Warner
Senior editors Nolan Nawrocki
Eric Edholm
Mike Wilkening

Production assistant Matt Quinnan

Distribution manager Arthur Arkush

Subscription manager Kristine Carlsson

ADVERTISING SALES
VP, Marketing Phil Hornthal
AD SALES OFFICE: 1-847-940-1100

COLUMNISTS
Ron Borges, Jim Campbell, Bob Carroll,
Glenn Dickey, Barry Jackson,
Jerry Magee, Bill Wallace
AFC REPORTERS
Baltimore Ravens Jamison Hensley
Buffalo Bills Chuck Pollock
Cincinnati Bengals Mark Curnutte
Cleveland Browns Tony Grossi
Denver Broncos Frank Schwab
Houston Texans Megan Manfull
Indianapolis Colts Tom James
Jacksonville Jaguars Vito Stellino
Kansas City Chiefs Rick Dean
Miami Dolphins Harvey Fialkov
New England Patriots John Tomase
New York Jets Andrew Gross
Oakland Raiders Michael Wagaman
Pittsburgh Steelers Jim Wexell
San Diego Chargers Jay Posner
Tennessee Titans Jim Wyatt
NFC REPORTERS
Arizona Cardinals Kent Somers
Atlanta Falcons Steve Wyche
Carolina Panthers Charles Chandler
Chicago Bears Bob LeGere
Dallas Cowboys Mickey Spagnola
Detroit Lions Nicholas J. Cotsonika
Green Bay Packers Bob McGinn
Minnesota Vikings Sean Jensen
New Orleans Saints Mike Triplett
New York Giants Paul Schwartz
Philadelphia Eagles Dave Weinberg
St. Louis Rams Jim Thomas
San Francisco 49ers Kevin Lynch
Seattle Seahawks Dave Boling
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Katherine Smith
Washington Redskins John Keim
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tom Danyluk, Matt Duffy, Art Edelstein,
Pat Fitzmaurice, Court E. Mann, Rick Matsumoto
STATISTICIANS
Rick Arkush, Daryl Arkush
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COVER STORY

Training-camp
reports
As the 2008 NFL season officially
gets under way with the opening of
training camps, we take a tour around
the league to bring you each teams
juiciest story line, biggest questions
and most important battle to watch.

18

Fantasy football

22

Tom Brady

Eli Manning

DEPARTMENTS

Once your bronze bust

is unveiled in Canton,
you are destined to
forever be remembered
as an NFL great.
We profile the Pro Football
Hall of Fame class of 2008.

Get the latest and the

greatest news, scoops
and rumors in this issues
edition of the Fantasy Buzz.

KEITH RANDOLPH

The Way We Hear It ..........................Pg. 2

Training-camp sites, reporting dates ..Pg. 8
Power rankings ..................................Pg. 9
Fantasy football draft board ............Pg. 24
ArenaBowl preview ..........................Pg. 25
Canadian Football League ..............Pg. 26
Audibles ............................................Pg. 28
NFL preseason schedule ................Pg. 29
First-rounders signing chart;
NFL transactions ........................Pg. 30
PFW Slant with Dan Arkush ............Pg. 31

COLUMNISTS
Matt Sohn; Jerry Magee ..................Pg. 20
Barry Jackson; Bob Carroll..............Pg. 21

NEXT ISSUE
Get a leg up on the competition as you prepare for this summers draft by reading our speical fantasy football insert, which will feature
IDP player rankings, Ask the Fantasy Doctor, a
mock draft and much, much more.

TO COMMENT ON ANY OF THE STORIES OR COLUMNS IN THIS ISSUE, E-MAIL PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY AT

editors @ pfwmedia.com

CAUGHT IN A BIND:

NFL can ill afford to lose Rooney family as owners

HUB ARKUSH

PUBLISHERS PEN

Business manager Christine Klimusko

Network support tech. Bob Boklewski

They were the last two

teams left standing in the
2007 season. We poke
around each club to see
if they have what it takes
to return as conference
champs in 08.

The NFLs path

to immortality

Associate editors Matt Sohn

Dan Parr
Michael Blunda

NEW MEDIA
Publisher Sue Nemitz
Web developer Tom OBrien

AUGUST 2008

TOM BERG

HARRY SCULL, JR.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

ere is a very simple fact. Since the

National Football League and the American Football League merged in 1966, no
franchise has been more stable or more successful than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Only the
Cowboys and 49ers can match Pittsburghs
five Super Bowl championships; no team has
developed anywhere near as many Hall of
Fame players; and the organization has had
only four head coaches since the merger
Bill Austin, Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and
Mike Tomlin, with Noll and Cowher coaching the team from 1969 through 2006.
Among clubs competing since 1966, the
Broncos, Dolphins and Cowboys are tied for
second-least coaching turnover, each having
employed seven head coaches. During the
tenures of Noll and Cowher, Miami had five,
and Dallas and Denver six.
It should surprise no one, then, that the
Steelers have also had only one owner and
one boss since 1967. Dan Rooney, the oldest
of Art Rooney Sr.s five sons, has been the
boss, and he and his brothers have been the
principal owners, with each owning 16 percent of the team. The other 20 percent is
owned by the McGinley family, whose patriarch Barney was a friend and confidant of
Rooney Sr.
That is just one of the reasons that the
recent revelations of the struggles going on
within the Rooney family, and for majority
control of the Steelers, trouble me and
should trouble not just Steelers fans but all
NFL fans so deeply.
Along with the McCaskey/Halas family,
the Maras and the Bidwills, the Rooneys are
all thats left of the pioneering families that
founded and nurtured the NFL in the 20s
and 30s and are still represented in the game
today. And of those groups it was Art Rooney
Sr. who most often had the adjective

beloved attached to his name. The man

couldnt build a winner to save his soul, but
as a patron saint, he was exactly what the
game needed.
The old mans failures as an NFL executive
prompted him to put oldest son Dan in charge
at the time of the merger, and the rest, as they
say, is history. But history is about yesterday,
whereas todays world of big-time sports
in particular, the NFL is about what have
you done for me lately.
There is an NFL rule, targeted mainly at
avoiding corporate ownership, that requires
the principal owner of a club to own at least
30 percent of the team. Dan Rooney, along
with his brothers Art Jr., Timothy, Patrick and
John, each owns 16 percent. Another NFL
rule prohibits any NFL ownership group from
being connected to gambling in any way, and
the Rooney family fortune comes from the
horse racing industry, including several successful tracks the younger brothers continue
to operate, which now also include slot
machines and video poker. The Rooneys have
been protected from these rules until now,
having been grandfathered in, but the addition
of the non-horse-related gambling activities
has made the other owners uncomfortable.
But that is not the main reason for the
Rooneys troubles. All five brothers are now
in their 70s, and each of their 16 percent
interests in the Steelers is valued at approximately $160 million. They have 30 living
children among them and dozens more grandchildren. Should one or more of the Rooney
brothers die, the inheritance tax on their interest in the team could be as high as 45 percent, a tab their heirs will be hard-pressed to
meet. While Dan Rooney wants very much to
retain majority control of the team and
acquire at least the additional 14 percent he
needs to do so under todays league rules, its

time for the other brothers to get out. While

Rooney and his son, Art II, work feverishly to
find an answer that meets everyones requirements, the putt just keeps getting longer and
trickier because the club is not allowed to
carry more than $150 million in debt due to
another league rule, and thats hardly enough
cash to satisfy all four of his brothers needs.
And now, to the part of this saga that disturbs me the most, other than the fact that
Dan Rooney is one of the kindest, most
respectful and brilliant NFL executives Ive
ever met and I absolutely hate the fact he
may not be able to keep control of the Steelers in the end. As the National Football
League approaches by far the greatest challenge it has faced in its long and storied history the need to put a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in place prior to allowing
2010 to become an uncapped season
there is no single NFL owner more accomplished or respected on league issues, and in
particular on labor issues, on either side of
the table than Dan Rooney.
While it is unlikely that any new owner
would be foolish enough to force Dan
Rooney out (multibillionaire Stanley Druckenmiller, who is rumored to be the favorite to
acquire the team, has already said hed want
Rooney to continue to run it), when youre
not the boss anymore, the simple truth is you
no longer swing the weight you once did. In
many respects Dan Rooney is our last link to
the sacrifice for the greater good mentality
that he, Halas, Paul Brown, Lamar Hunt, the
Maras, Pete Rozelle and others used to make
the NFL what it is today.
Keep an eye on this story, folks, because
not only do Steelers fans desperately hope
Dan Rooney will maintain ownership of their
favorite club, the rest of us NFL fans need
him even more.

AUGUST 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

WAY
WE

By DAN ARKUSH

Despite the fact that Bills WR

Lee Evans contract is up after the
season and OLT Jason Peters
was a no-show in the teams offseason program, we hear that a
holdout from either one in training
camp is unlikely. Although Evans
and the team would like to
finalize a long-term deal,
we hear that its perhaps
even more important for the
team to do something
quickly, as Evans realizes
hell be paid handsomely by somebody be it the Bills or another
team if he somehow reaches
the open market in 2009. But the
Bills wont allow that to happen, as
a deal will be struck, even if it
doesnt happen until during, or
even after, the upcoming season.
Peters, whose deal is up after

SPORTPICS

New Dolphins coach Tony

Sparano has a definitive plan for
the way his team will be run and
organized. But that doesnt mean
hes going to be stepping on the
toes of his assistants when it
comes to the Xs and Os. According to a source close to the club,
Sparano isnt going to be
meddling in either the
offensive play-calling of
coordinator Dan Henning
or the defensive play-calling
of coordinator Paul
Pasqualoni. The defense, in fact,
will be almost co-coordinated by
assistant head coach/secondary
Todd Bowles, whom some see as
the defensive coordinator-in-waiting. The one area where Sparano
will be asserting a good deal of his
authority is on the offensive line.
While trying to oversee but not
interfere with the operation of the
entire team, the former OL coach
has admitted that he naturally
gravitates toward the big guys in
the trenches.

Dont fret: Bills OLT Jason Peters is

expected to show up at training camp
2010, realizes that he has no
leverage in his bid for a new deal,
and theres talk around Buffalo that
his push for a new contract is
being orchestrated by his agent,
Vincent Taylor. Peters is a teamfirst, quiet guy who is not the type
to be raising a stink about his deal,
especially three years before its
due to expire.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Unlike the case in 2007, the
Patriots are counting on members
of their rookie class to
make an immediate impact
on the field. Specifically,
theyre harboring high
expectations for first-round
ILB Jerod Mayo, secondround CB Terrence Wheatley and

Looking for clues to what will unfold in the latest chapter of Favregate?
Considering that not even the main character
in this multilayered potboiler, which has dominated the pro football scene for the last month,
really seems to know exactly what he wants to do
from one day to the next, league insiders have
been challenged to the max in their quest to
unearth any pertinent insights on Brett Favres
Changing face: Brett Favres fan base is increasingly conflicted
immediate future.
The Packers, meanwhile, have made their
to be that the Packers would be better off with Favre
stance much clearer, increasing the likelihood that Favre
wont be returning to the team he quarterbacked so
returning under center instead of his longtime heir
masterfully for 16 seasons, with the recent filing of a tamapparent, Aaron Rodgers, who league insiders agree
pering charge against the division-rival Vikings, which
has handled himself with the utmost class in the last
only figures to intensify the irreconcilable differences
month, his ill-advised remark in a recent well-publicized
that, according to more than one observer close to the
Sports Illustrated interview notwithstanding.
scene, currently exist between Favre and Packers GM
But the way we keep hearing it, a lot more Packers
Ted Thompson.
could be in Rodgers corner than one might think.
While stressing the possibility that anything could hapSaid one daily team observer: Right after Favre
pen in what has been at times a very strange and unpreannounced his retirement in March, every player on the
dictable saga, the prevailing feeling among PFWs
team either spoke directly to Rodgers or sent him a text
sources is that the most feasible solution to an increas(message) to let him know they were behind him, and it
ingly messy situation is for Thompson and Favre to somewas very genuine.
how agree to a trade with a mutually acceptable partner.
A lot of the younger players, especially, would probThere is precedent for this scenario: Thompsons
ably prefer to move on under Rodgers.
decision in 2005 to unload disgruntled WR Javon WalkAs for Packers nation, Favres well-documented fliper to the Broncos.
flopping really seems to be creating conflicting emotions
But actually finding a mutually acceptable partner
like never before.
could be very rough indeed.
On the one hand, there will always be the adulation
Thompson has made it pretty clear that every team
that was on display at the Packers Hall of Fame induction
on the 2008 schedule should be ruled out, including
ceremony the night of July 19, Favres first public appearTampa Bay (a widely rumored landing spot), one team
ance in Green Bay since his July 3 disclosure that he was
insider told PFW. And he also appears to be ruling out
seriously thinking about ending his retirement.
any teams that are contenders.
Deftly avoiding any references to his situation with the
There just arent a lot of choices left.
Packers he sat two tables away from Thompson, who
Foremost in Thompsons mind when he traded Walker
was sitting with McCarthy and former Packers GM Ron
a few years back was the fear of a potentially cancerous
Wolf Favre was treated warmly by the crowd and at
situation that would have developed had Walker
one point received a standing ovation for winning the
remained with the team.
2007 MillerCoors MVP award.
The way we hear it, that same fear now threatens to
But on the other hand, there are many longtime local
become a reality the longer the Favre situation remains
loyalists who appear to have had their fill of his obviousup in the air.
ly conflicted mind games.
There is the real risk of irreparable damage, the
The negative e-mails that keep growing daily dont
insider said. And were talking about what has been a
lie, said one local media member. Theres always been
really tight group. Last year (head coach Mike)
nothing but unconditional love for him, through the bouts
McCarthy made some unprecedented demands, startwith Vicodin the alcoholism the 29-interception
ing the offseason program earlier than ever, and there
season. For the first time, people are bringing back up
was greater than 90 percent attendance.
old Favre quotes, calling him a traitor.
Its hard to say if that kind of bunker mentality could
And that isnt likely to change any time soon.
continue.
The national medias overwhelming sentiment seems
DAN ARKUSH
SCOTT WALLEM / PROCASE

it...

A F C lE A S T
Sparano wont
be overextending
his authority in Miami

BUFFALO BILLS

threatens to shred team fabric

MICHAEL BLUNDA ERIC EDHOLM NOLAN NAWROCKI

DA N PA R R M AT T S O H N M I K E W I L K E N I N G

http://www.profootballweekly.com

Tension
mountsPackers
Favres growing rift with

THE

HEAR
HEAR

fourth-round CB Jonathan
Wilhite. All are expected to compete for serious playing time, and
likely a starting job, from Day One.
This comes as a complete reversal
from what the Pats had anticipated
from their previous rookie class.
With such a veteran and talented
roster already in place, the 07

draftees faced long odds of

becoming valued members of the
club. The fact that just one of their
nine draftees from a year ago,
first-round DB Brandon Meriweather, is still on the team is
only a mild surprise.

NEW YORK JETS

Most of the talk about the outlook for the Jets defensive line
begins (and ends) with new NT
Kris Jenkins, acquired via trade

from Carolina. Yet the word were

hearing out of New York is that his
backup, Sione Pouha, will
play a more significant role
than many figured. Pouha
came on strong in the second half of 2007, and at 63, 325 pounds, he has the
size to hold up as a two-gapping
nose tackle. Part of the problem for
Jenkins, whos immensely talented

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Expect Cowboys DL coach Todd

Grantham to make Marcus Spears
one of his pet projects this summer
and fall. The team has yet to get full
return on its big investment in Spears,
a 2005 first-round draft choice who
has started for three seasons but hasnt shown consistency or fire in his
play. Grantham is considered a good

motivator and coach who might be

able to make a difference in Spears
progression.
Its looking more and more as if
Giants WR David Tyree, the Super
Bowl hero who had knee surgery in
March, will be a strong candidate for
the physically-unable-to-perform list,
which either could limit his chances of

SPORTPICS

W H I S P E R S

David Tyree

getting on the field or even making

the club altogether. The Giants WR
situation is very crowded now with the
emergence of Steve Smith and the
drafting of Mario Manningham.
Its not terribly sexy, but the Redskins should have a very good battle
at punter. They drafted Durant
Brooks in Round Five, the first punter

the team has drafted in 15 years, and

they think his strong leg could give
him the edge over Derrick Frost.
Special-teams coordinator Danny
Smith, however, requires his punters
to be good directional and pooch
punters, too, so Brooks will have to

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 2008

W H I S P E R S
show touch.
In the Cardinals minicamps and
OTAs leading up to training camp,
team sources tell us QB Matt
Leinarts arm strength appeared to
be very close to what it was before he
suffered his 2007 season-ending fractured collarbone. But they also said
Leinart, the designated starter heading into 08, didnt look nearly as
sharp as backup QB Kurt Warner,
who seemed to be right on the
money with every pass he threw.
Daily team observers maintain that
Warners passing has improved significantly since he decided to don
gloves to improve his grip on the ball
last year. Every pass is a tight spiral,
one team insider said. The flutter
balls he used to throw are gone.
Niners team insiders tell us RB
Thomas Clayton the teams
sixth-round draft pick last year, who
spent the entire 2007 season on the
practice squad after leading the team
in rushing during the exhibition season displayed very impressive
quickness in this years OTAs and
minicamps.
We hear the rift that surfaced
between Niners WR Ashley Lelie
and perfectionist WR coach Jerry
Sullivan last season over Lelies farfrom-perfect route-running has
cooled down, with Lelie reportedly
much more in sync with Sullivan so
far this offseason.
Our Seahawks sources will be
anxious to see if newly acquired RB
Julius Jones picks up where he left
off in the final minicamp as far as hitting holes quickly. So far, were told,
Jones has made a very positive
impression.
With no progress toward a contract extension expected for C Matt
Birk, who can hit free agency in
2009, the Vikings are likely to take
long looks at young OLs Dan Mozes
and John Sullivan as possible
replacements. The Vikings typically
are aggressive in re-signing their
core players well in advance, so the
lack of concrete progress on a deal
for Birk is quite telling.
Bears insiders tell us third-round
draft pick Marcus Harrison, who is
being widely projected as the teams
fourth defensive tackle, at times displayed the type of speed in the teams
minicamps that had some experts
suggesting he was a first-round-caliber performer.
How much did the addition of RB
Kevin Jones actually cost the Bears?
Not much at all, we hear, with our
sources informing us he signed a
one-year deal worth just over
$600,000, with no incentives.
We hear Packers QB Aaron
Rodgers really likes to throw the ball
to third-year WR Ruvell Martin,
who could turn out to be a very
intriguing sleeper this coming season.
Our Packers sources tell us the
coaching staff is pleased with the way
second-year DT Daniel Muir has
improved his counter moves after
opposing offensive linemen get their
hands on him.
Dont pencil Stephen Peterman
into the Lions starting ORG spot just
yet. Though Peterman ended last season starting there and played fairly
well, he will get competition from

Manny Ramirez and Frank Davis.

Bucs defensive coordinator
Monte Kiffin has been known to
make his voice heard when one of his
defenders is in the midst of a contract
dispute, and he may get involved on
behalf of DE Greg White, the way we
hear it. White has been jockeying for
a long-term contract throughout the
offseason, but the Bucs have offered
him only a one-year deal. White
doesnt have much leverage, since
hes an exclusive-rights free agent,
meaning he can play for Tampa or not
play at all this season. Kiffin is highly
respected within the organization and
does have some leverage, but its still
very unlikely that the longtime coach
can get GM Bruce Allen, a tough
negotiator, to back down and risk
overpaying for White, who led the
team in sacks last season after coming over from the Arena Football
League.
We hear Falcons rookie RB
Thomas Brown, a sixth-round pick,
could become the teams kickoff
returner if RB Jerious Norwood is
pulled from the special-teams unit. A
close observer of the team likened
Brown to Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw, a seventh-round pick in 07
who had a 151-yard game against the
Bills and a strong postseason for the
defending Super Bowl champs.
Although theres no new development in the Philadelphia gunfire incident that Colts WR Marvin Harrison is allegedly connected with, that
doesnt mean the issue is dead.
Rather, the Philadelphia police are
being eerily quiet on the matter, not
willing to divulge hardly any information.
Ideally, Jaguars coach Jack Del
Rio would like to stage an open competition for the starting SS job
between converted CB Brian
Williams, Jamaal Fudge and Gerald Sensabaugh. In reality, the latter
two have little chance of beating out
Williams. The reason? Money.
Williams signed a six-year, $32 million deal in 2006, and a team insider
tells us Del Rio will be reluctant to
have that highly paid a player come
off the bench, despite his inexperience at the position.
The Texans arent expected to
have any competition for P Matt
Turk and PK Kris Brown in training
camp, so keeping their legs fresh will
be a priority. A source close to the
club expects the team to use kicking
machines to limit the wear and tear
on Turk and Brown.
A source close to the Titans notes
that reserve DE Jacob Ford had a
strong offseason after missing his
rookie campaign because of an
Achilles injury and will be in the mix
for a reserve role at right end.
The way we hear it, Titans fourthyear CB Eric King will push nickel
back Vincent Fuller for his job in
training camp. Fuller scored a pair of
touchdowns last season and comes
off a good season, but King has had a
productive offseason.
The Bills raised some eyebrows
recently when they gave DT Kyle
Williams a three-year, $14.5 million
contract extension. After Buffalo had
fortified the position with Pro Bowlcaliber Marcus Stroud and
Spencer Johnson earlier in the offseason, the prevailing thought was
that the position was in good enough

shape as it was, and that the money

couldve been spent on a greater priority, such as an extension for OLT
Jason Peters or WR Lee Evans. As
one team insider put it, Kyles a highcharacter, maximum-effort guy, but
take him away from this team, and
you wouldnt see much of a difference.
Patriots WR Kelley Washington
is itching to prove hes more than just
a special-teams ace. The way we hear
it, its doubtful hell be afforded that
opportunity. Washington is likely to be
the fifth wideout in the Pats WR pecking order, and his contributions likely
will be confined to the kicking game
once again.
The Steelers are expected to give
WR Santonio Holmes a look as a
punt returner, the way we hear it.
Rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall
and veteran Mewelde Moore will
be in the mix to return kickoffs, with
second-year RB Gary Russell
another potential option if the Steelers
want to employ a bigger returner the
way they occasionally did with the
departed Najeh Davenport. Pittsburgh will have a new look at those
positions after releasing RS Allen
Rossum in the offseason.
The way we hear it, Ravens rookie LB Tavares Gooden could play a
major role on special teams in his first
season as he learns the defense.
Gooden has exceptional speed for
the position, and he could be an asset
on kick and punt coverage. In the
long term, Gooden will compete for a
starting spot at inside linebacker;
both of Baltimores starters (Ray
Lewis and Bart Scott) are expected
to enter free agency after the season.
Word from Pittsburgh is that the
Steelers have been pleased with the
development of reserve DE Ryan
McBean, who played in only one
game as a rookie and missed spring
workouts with a foot injury. If he can
return to health, theres hope he can
provide capable help off the bench in
his second NFL season.
One of the most interesting roster
decisions the Browns will have to
make, the way we hear it, is whether
to keep three tight ends and two fullbacks or four tight ends and just one
fullback, starter Lawrence Vickers.
If the Raiders hire veteran assistant coach Paul Hackett as an offensive consultant, as Al Davis is reportedly considering, it might be the most
critical move of their offseason,
according to sources in Oakland.
Hackett is widely regarded as one of
the best developers of quarterbacks
around, and he might work wonders
with JaMarcus Russell, who begins
his first season as the Raiders starter.
Although underachieving DT
Dewayne Robertson failed a physical earlier this offseason, which
stopped him from being traded to the
Bengals, we hear the Broncos, who
later acquired him in a swap with the
Jets, dont seem too worried about the
bone-on-bone condition in his knee.
Sources say head coach Mike
Shanahan is well aware of the fragile
knee and will likely lighten Robertsons training-camp workload to help
him stay fresh for the season. Robertsons ability to stay on the field will be
important to Denvers defense this
year the interior of its defensive line
struggled last season, and the Broncos
ranked 30th in run defense.

WWHI
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
but inconsistent, is that he has
often been out of shape and could
get worn down, and Pouhas presence will allow Jenkins requisite
rest. However, the hope is that
incentives written in Jenkins contract for keeping his weight down
will serve as enough motivation to
keep him from ballooning.

A F C lN O R T H
Ravens could have
their work cut out for
them next offseason
The Ravens inability to reach a
long-term contract with OLB-DE
Terrell Suggs, the recipient of the
teams franchise tag, means they
cannot sign him to a new contract
until after the season. Whether
they will be able to do so is another issue altogether. Suggs is one
of three high-profile Ravens
defenders whose contracts
expire at seasons end.
ILBs Ray Lewis and Bart
Scott will also be in need
of new deals, and getting
all three players back in the
fold will take a considerable financial commitment by the Ravens.
Suggs, who is only 25 and a legitimate pass-rush threat in a league
where such talents are hard to
come by, would likely draw the
most demand and command
the highest price on the open
market. The Ravens have the
option of giving Suggs the franchise tag once again next year, but
its more likely that both sides
would try to strike a long-term,
salary-cap-friendly deal that would
give Suggs a hefty up-front bonus
that could be prorated over the life
of the contract.

CINCINNATI BENGALS
With RB Rudi Johnson returning to full strength after having

fought a hamstring injury last season and Chris Perry back in the
fold after missing the 07 campaign
with an ankle injury, the Bengals
have the makings of a deep, talented backfield. And they will also
have reason to put the ball
in the air a little less this
season, the way we hear it.
Among AFC teams, only
pass-happy New England
threw more than Cincinnati
did last season. The Bengals can
still air it out when necessary, but
more of an emphasis on the
ground game is expected. You can
expect the backs to be active in
the passing game, too, especially
Perry and Kenny Watson, both of
whom catch the ball exceptionally
well.

CLEVELAND BROWNS
With WR Joe Jurevicius a
strong candidate to begin the season on the physically-unable-toperform list, and with the CB depth
in need of bolstering, we hear the
Browns are expected to be working the phones throughout
training camp, looking to
strike a deal. A source
close to the club notes the
teams preference would be
to make a player-for-player
trade; the Browns dealt away a
pair of 2009 draft picks (Rounds
Three and Five) in April. Cornerback is the more pressing position
of need at the moment. The
Browns would like to find a veteran
who can come off the bench and
cover receivers on the outside
when opponents employ sets with
three or more wide receivers.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Steelers observers will be keeping an eye on the number of reps
that second-year ILB Lawrence
Timmons will be getting with the
first-team defense in training
camp. It has been widely assumed
that Timmons will likely push Larry
Foote out of the starting lineup,
but as a source close to the club

JEFF FISHBEIN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

A Raven forever more? Terrell Suggs long-term future remains uncertain

AUGUST 2008

A F C lS O U T H
Jaguars extend Spicer
to help DE corps, rookie
contract negotiations
By granting DE Paul Spicer a
two-year contract extension, the
Jaguars sent out a notice that
theyre not yet ready to have rookies Derrick Harvey and Quentin
Groves take over as the leading
men on the outside. Despite the
rookies immense potential, Spicer
remains the most proven
commodity at the position,
especially considering that
2007 starter Reggie Hayward faces an uphill battle
to come back from an
Achilles injury and top 07 reserve
Bobby McCray is now earning his
keep in New Orleans. Spicers
extension also gives them a bit
more leverage or insurance,
depending on your perspective
in dealing with the potential of a
lengthy holdout by Harvey, which
one team insider says is a strong
possibility. The Jaguars are particularly frugal when it comes to bigmoney contracts, and Harvey
knows how much hes worth to the
club after the Jags traded up to
grab him at the eighth slot in the
draft.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The news that Peyton Manning
is expected to be sidelined 4-6
weeks after undergoing surgery to
remove an infected bursa sac in
his knee will have a significant
effect on the Colts training-camp
structure. Throughout his career,
Manning has taken almost
all the reps in camp and in
practices, contrary to the
practice followed by most
teams, which give backup
quarterbacks many practice
repetitions. Now, Jim Sorgi, who
has been little more than a practice dummy throughout his fouryear career, will be thrust under
center and asked to take the lions
share of snaps, though untested
Josh Betts and undrafted rookie
Adam Tafralis will also get some
opportunities. However, if Manning
takes longer than expected to
recover, the team would likely take
a look at a veteran quarterback
whos still available on the open
market. According to a source
close to the club, Manning would
have to be expected to miss at
least 3-4 games before the Colts
would sign an outsider.

HOUSTON TEXANS
The way we hear it, second-year
WR Jacoby Jones has his work
cut out for him when it comes to
earning more playing time on

http://www.profootballweekly.com

Proven commodity: DE Paul Spicer

is still a leading man for the Jaguars
offense. Jones had an electrifying
first training camp with the Texans
last year but could not sustain that
progress in the regular season,
catching only 15 passes for
149 yards in 14 games. As
it stands, Jones could
struggle to be more than
the clubs No. 4 receiver
behind starters Andre
Johnson and Kevin Walter and
highly paid No. 3 receiver Andr
Davis. A source close to the club
says Jones hasnt matured quite
as quickly as the team had hoped.
That said, Jones has flashed
impressive talent in his brief NFL
career, and he could develop into
a game-breaker on special teams
in the interim as his all-around
game develops.

TENNESSEE TITANS
Jevon Kearse has not posted
double-digit sacks since 2001,
which was also the last time he
played a 16-game season. So
what Kearse, who will be 32 as of
Week One, can still bring to the
Titans defense is a matter of
debate. Nevertheless, he will get
first run at the starting DLE
job, one shared by Antwan
Odom and Travis LaBoy a
season ago. That tandem
combined for 14 sacks a
season ago, but both players left via free agency. Kearse,
back for a second stint in Tennessee after a disappointing fouryear stay in Philadelphia, will be
spelled by rookie William Hayes,
a fourth-round pick out of Winston-Salem (N.C.) State. The
Titans hope is that Kearse can
recapture his old form and that
the leap from college to the pros
wont be too much for Hayes, 23.
The way we hear it, secondround pick Jason Jones is also
expected to get a handful of
snaps at left end, but the plan is
for Kearse and Hayes to get most
of the work outside.

A F C lW E S T
The Chargers: Moving
to a city near you?
The Chargers are one of the
leagues best franchises, but that
alone might not be enough to keep
them in San Diego past this season. Their current home, Qualcomm Stadium, is quickly becoming one of the NFLs most
obsolete facilities, and the
club has an option to get
out of its deal there in January. The city has balked at
funding a new stadium,
which could cost more than $1 billion, and has severely limited the
locations at which a new field
could be built. In fact, Mark Fabiani, head of new stadium issues
for the team, recently told the San
Diego Union-Tribune that they are
down to one possible site for a
new park bayfront property in
nearby Chula Vista. A lot would
have to happen before ground
could be broken at this location,
though, and nothing is on the horizon. Leaving San Diego would
cost owner Alex Spanos roughly
$56 million the debt owed to the
city from Qualcomms expansion

SPORTPICS

notes, Foote got most of the snaps

with the first-team base defense in
the summer. Timmons, the Steelers first-round pick in 2007,
is all but assured of having
an expanded role in passing situations this season,
but its no sure thing that
hell take the bulk of the
snaps in the base D. Timmons
has better speed than Foote, but
the latter has a reputation as a
strong run stuffer and has a significant edge in experience. In
short, dont be surprised if theres
room for both players to have key
roles in the defense.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

but the benefits of a new facility

could recoup that money. Fabiani
said the Chargers need to
increase revenue if they hope to
re-sign their top talent, and that a
move might be the only way to
accomplish that. Rumored destinations include Los Angeles, San
Antonio and Las Vegas.

rookie. The team is also banking

on second-year D-line hybrid Turk
McBride to take a big leap forward
and contribute. Finally, look for the
Chiefs to incorporate more blitzing
linebackers into their game plan,
especially with the active Derrick
Johnson.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Sources in Oakland say dont

be surprised if Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha holds out from the
first couple of weeks of training
camp to express disappointment
with his contract situation. The
Raiders failed to work out a longterm extension for their star corner prior to the July 15
deadline for franchise players to sign contracts longer
than one year. The parties
cannot resume negotiations until after the season,
and Asomugha has yet to sign his
tender of just under $10 million.
Word is Asomugha, widely
regarded as one of the best man
corners in the league, has
received no assurances that he
wont be tagged again next offseason, much to his dismay. We
hear Asomugha might have
agreed to play for the league minimum base salary this season, had
he been given a long-term deal
with a lucrative bonus, just so he
could have some security in the
future. There is a sense in Oakland that the Raiders dropped the
ball on this one and that Asomugha will be looking for a way

The Chiefs werent good in

many areas last season, but one
category in which they excelled
was sacks per pass play. Their
defense ranked third in the league
in that stat, trailing only Super
Bowl participants New England
and the Giants. Finishing that high
again isnt likely, however, after the
team traded away 2007 NFL sack
leader Jared Allen, whose departure leaves K.C. with a gaping hole
in its pass rush. The Chiefs added
a huge force in DT Glenn
Dorsey, but he alone can
only do so much damage.
DRE Tamba Hali has
proven very capable of getting to the QB and should
anchor one side of the line, but the
other side is seriously lacking a
sack specialist, with Alfonso
Boone slated to start there after
having moved from tackle. The way
we hear it, though, Kansas City
really likes what it has seen in seventh-round pick Brian Johnston.
The defensive end has already
drawn comparisons to Allen, and a
good training camp could mean
immediate playing time for the

OAKLAND RAIDERS

out of town after the season.

DENVER BRONCOS
The Broncos will be living dangerously on special teams this
season with an inexperienced tandem handling the punting and kicking duties. Matt Prater, who has
played in four career games and is
1-for-4 on field-goal attempts, will
be the teams kicker. The punting
battle is between Sam
Paulescu, who is the
favorite to win the job even
though he has played in just
one NFL game, and
undrafted rookie Brett
Kern. Their lack of experience is
striking, but the Broncos have
resisted the urge to add a veteran
who could compete for a job, and
sources say they seem to have a
lot of faith that Prater and Paulescu wont become major
headaches. Prater missed the last
few sessions of offseason workouts with a sore groin, but he told
sources that he made every fieldgoal kick during the live portions of
practice while he was healthy. We
hear the groin problem shouldnt
linger into training camp.

N F C lE A S T
Giants will take close
look at other QBs
behind Manning
Eli Mannings job as starting
quarterback is secure following the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 2008

The Giants have the

talent to get back to the
Super Bowl, and the
monkey is off Eli Manning,
but questions remain
By

PAUL SCHWARTZ
FIVE REASONS WHY THE GIANTS
WILL MAKE IT BACK TO THE SUPER BOWL:

t has been nearly six months since Super

Bowl Sunday, a day that changed the power
structure in the NFL dramatically. Or did it? Despite the
Giants big win that day, youre more likely to find people
backing the Patriots to win it all than the defending champs.
Were here to examine both sides, offering five reasons apiece to
explain what each Super Bowl XLII team must do to get back to
the title game and what might prevent them from repeating as
conference champs.

1. Feel the rush: Michael Strahan is retired, but he didnt

take the entire pass rush with him. Not by a long shot. The
two most prolific sack artists from last season (Osi Umenyiora, who had 13, and Justin Tuck, who had 10) return and form
perhaps the best DE tandem in the league. Also back from
injury is Mathias Kiwanuka, a linebacker in name but a pass
rusher by nature. The Giants led the NFL with 53 sacks and,
thanks to a combination of personnel and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolos fertile imagination, have the goods
to come close to doing it again.
2. Believe in Eli: Take a look at the playoff run and you
will see the Giants directed by a quarterback who has everything it takes to be a star. Poise. Arm. Smarts. Toughness. Eli
Mannings development may have taken longer than many
Giants fans wanted, but he certainly arrived with a resounding flourish, and he outplayed Jeff Garcia, Tony Romo, Brett
Favre and finally Tom Brady en route to taking home the
MVP award in Super Bowl XLII. Mannings work ethic and
low-key demeanor make it unlikely that the success will go
to his head. In fact, it is more likely that the championship
will empower him and inject the confidence he needs to take
his game up another notch.
3. Tom Terrific: Tom Coughlin is an acquired taste and
the Giants have come back for seconds. No one ever really
questioned Coughlins coaching acumen; it was his personality that caused players to chafe under his command. At the
request or demand of ownership, he lightened his
touch, and the results last season were spectacular. The
reward was a new four-year contract extension this offseason,
providing Coughlin with security and completely blowing

HARRY SCULL, JR. (MAYO) / SCOTT WALLEM-PROCASE (MANNING)

The Patriots are hoping the return of a

record-breaking offense and some fresh blood
at linebacker will offset other defensive concerns
By

MATT SOHN
FIVE REASONS WHY THE PATRIOTS
WILL MAKE IT BACK TO THE SUPER BOWL:

Key
ingredient:
Rookie Jerod
Mayo could
bolster an
aging LB
group

1. Dandy Randy: Hyperbole is often used to drive home

points, but in the case of Randy Moss, its tough to overexaggerate how critical it was for the Patriots to cough up the cash
to keep him in Foxborough. Among the most gifted wide
receivers to ever play the game, combining Moss with precision
passer Tom Brady takes this offense from good to outstanding.
The attention he commands from the defense also opens things
up for Wes Welker and Jabar Gaffney to pile up numbers underneath.
2. Bolstered backing corps: As good as their veteran linebackers were a season ago, they tended to wear down late in
games due to their age and the poor depth behind them. Enter
touted rookie Jerod Mayo and free-agent pickup Victor Hobson,
and concern of that occurring again is significantly lessened.
Both will play major roles on the inside, with Mayo sporting an
ability to rush the passer that coach Bill Belichick hasnt had in
an inside linebacker since coming to New England. With more
bodies come fresher legs for Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and
Adalius Thomas to run on late in contests.

3. Hungrier than ever: Crushing losses, such as the one the

Patriots suffered in the Super Bowl, have crippling effects on
most teams momentum. The Patriots arent most teams. Just
flip the calendar back a year as evidence. After blowing an 18point lead in a gut-wrenching loss to the Colts in the 2006 AFC
Championship game, the Pats were inspired to rid themselves of
the bitterness. A perfect regular season and a litany of broken
records later, mission accomplished. But when the Giants
improbable victory shattered their ultimate goal, the fire was
only stoked for 08.
4. Phony Maroney no longer: As evidenced by the tear he
ended his 2007 campaign on gashing four of the Pats last six
opponents for at least 100 yards rushing New Englands top
draftee of 06 is poised to progress from talented role player to
accomplished star. Those final games served notice that when
unburdened by injuries, Maroney has the skill package to do
things at the RB position not seen in New England since Curtis
Martins heyday. Now viewed as a legitimate threat out of the
backfield, defenses will be unable to sell out against the pass.
5. Schedule heaven: Considering that the NFL prides itself on
fostering competitive balance, its almost comical to think that a
team as loaded as the Patriots could be presented with the leagues
easiest schedule, based on their opponents win-loss records from
2007. The opening four-game stretch is particularly fortuitous.

AUGUST 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

away the negative speculation that often has marked his time
in New York.
4. The young guns: Seemingly out of nowhere, this roster
is loaded with young talent about to burst through. The RB
stable has bruising Brandon Jacobs and elusive Ahmad Bradshaw. WR Steve Smith made huge strides during the playoff
run. CB Aaron Ross, as a rookie, offered evidence that he
might be a future star, and Corey Webster appears to have
turned the corner on his career. Tuck is a stud on the defensive line, and TE Kevin Boss should be a solid pass catcher
for years to come. The Giants rated Kenny Phillips out of
Miami (Fla.) as the top safety in the entire draft and expect
him to make a quick impact. The upside for all these players
is immense.
5. Internal fortitude: You think its easy to become the
first team in NFL history to win 10 consecutive games in one
season as a visiting team? Only two previous teams (1985
Patriots and 2005 Steelers) ever crashed the Super Bowl party
after winning three road playoff games. The role of the
underdog forced to play in hostile environments is a duty the
Giants relish, making this a battle-tested club that is mentally, as well as physically, tough. Players thrived upon hearing
they werent good enough, and guess what? The Giants, as
defending Super Bowl champions, should not be lacking for
motivation, as they arent even favored this season to win
their own division.

FIVE REASONS WHY THE GIANTS

WONT MAKE IT BACK:
1. Repeat offenders: The Patriots (2003 and 04 seasons)
and Broncos (1997 and 98 seasons) have done it, but successfully defending a Super Bowl title is extremely difficult
and usually reserved for teams that fit into the dynasty
class. The Giants hardly dominated during the 07 season and
were never viewed as a team with overwhelming talent. The
Super Bowl hangover presents real and present danger and
after such an incredibly emotional and inspirational playoff
run and Super Bowl upset, some sort of letdown is almost a
forgone conclusion.
2. Stray no more: You dont replace a Michael Strahan.
Not after he spent 15 years playing for the same team, putting
together a Hall of Fame career, breaking franchise sack
records and establishing himself as one of the best two-way
defensive ends of his generation. In addition to his fearsome
pass rushing and superb work in stopping the run, Strahan
was the unquestioned team leader in many regards. His presence on the field and in the locker room, especially with his
younger teammates, cannot be duplicated. Justin Tuck is a
wonderful replacement as the starting left end, but Strahan is
one of a kind and his retirement leaves a void.
3. Defensive absenteeism: In addition to the loss of Stra-

The Chiefs, Jets, Dolphins and 49ers went a collective 14-50 a

season ago, meaning the Patriots will be able to kick-start their
journey back to the Super Bowl immediately. And as Sir Isaac
Newton taught us, objects in motion tend to stay in motion.

FIVE REASONS WHY THE PATRIOTS

WONT MAKE IT BACK:
1. Complacent Brady: Has Tom Brady lost his fire? It seems
incredulous to even suggest so much, but the simple reality is
that Brady spent the offseason partaking in a host of more
leisurely activities than hes accustomed to. The winner of the
teams offseason conditioning program every previous year hes
been with the Patriots, Brady went jet-setting around the world
with supermodel girlfriend Gisele Bndchen in 2008, showing
up at venues such as European fashion shows, and missed some
of the clubs offseason workouts. If Bradys legendary work
ethic is what propelled him to the top, then going on easy street
may bring him down.
2. Leaky pass D: A pass defense doesnt get better, or even
tread water, by seeing its star cornerback bolt for the big dollars.
With Asante Samuel now earning his paycheck in Eagles green,
a serious void is left in the Pats secondary. And its not exactly
like incumbent starter Ellis Hobbs is mistaken for Elmers glue.
New England reeled in such ho-hum veterans as Fernando
Bryant and Jason Webster, but its a serious stretch to think any
combination of guys will offset the loss of Samuel, one of the
leagues top cover men. Rookies Terrence Wheatley and
Jonathan Wilhite may have long-term potential, but its never a
good thing to be reliant on rookies.
3. Right side all wrong: A pillar of stability throughout the
2007 season, the offensive line was abused by the quickness of
the Giants front four in the Super Bowl, and that began a string
of events which now has some questioning its potency, espe-

http://www.profootballweekly.com

han, gone via free agency from the defense the unit that
carried the Giants to their upset of the Patriots in Super Bowl
XLII are FS Gibril Wilson and LB Kawika Mitchell. Do
not underestimate the importance of both players. The Giants
are banking on the development of Gerris Wilkinson to offset
the loss of Mitchell, but thats hardly a sure thing, and the
backup plan veteran newcomer Danny Clark is not
overly inspiring. The coaching staff hopes first-round pick
Kenny Phillips can emerge quickly
enough to replace the very steady
Wilson, but entrusting a rookie to
roam the back end of the defense
often turns into a high-wire act. If
Phillips isnt ready, second-year S
Michael Johnson will be forced onto
the field as a starter.
4. The Manning factor: Call it sacrilege to suggest that Eli Manning is
not the real deal; his work in the
playoffs and in the Super Bowl
was indeed bordering on the
spectacular. Does that
mean he finally has
arrived? This is a
quarterback who
during the regular season barely
completed
56
percent of his
passes, fired 20
interceptions and had
a passer rating (73.9)
that put him in the lower
echelon of the league among
starters. Those stats are not indicting, but they also do not indicate greatness, at least not yet.
5. Shock value: The disgruntlement of TE
Jeremy Shockey was merely the loudest warning
of unrest following the traditional post-Super
Bowl money grab. Players lined up to request
or demand pay raises, and the results leave the
Giants richer but not hungrier. Shockey, at odds
with the front office and perhaps with his own
mental demons, could become a real distraction, especially if he drops a few passes and
starts hearing jeers from fans he once owned
but who now are skeptical of his worth and
loyalty to the team.
Paul Schwartz covers the Giants for the
New York Post.

cially at right guard and right tackle. During

the Super Bowl, ORG Stephen Neal left
with a knee injury, and his health continues to be an issue heading into camp. The
units season-long weak link, ORT Nick
Kaczur, dabbled inside at guard during
OTAs, but if hes moved inside, that
would create a void at tackle.
4. Seeing less Seymour: Just a couple
seasons ago, DRE Richard Seymour was
viewed as one of the dominating defensive
linemen in the league and a possible future
inductee into the Hall of Fame. But a knee
injury that earned him a spot on the physically-unable-to-perform list to start last season
rendered him a shell of his former self, and
theres reason to be concerned whether hell
regain his form. If he cant be a pass-rushing force
off the edge, Belichick will be forced to blitz more
than hed like to generate pressure.
5. Living dangerously: Admittedly, Belichick has
complete control over this one, but if the Pats choose to
run up the score again, theyll be subjecting their star players to the possibility of injury. The Pats were incredibly fortunate to avoid any major injuries in 2007, with a mid-season foot ailment suffered by solid but unspectacular OLB
Rosevelt Colvin the only significant medical hardship they
incurred. Its doubtful theyll be so lucky again, especially if
they keep Brady firing passes when leading by 25 points in
the fourth quarter.
PFW associate editor Matt Sohn can be reached at
msohn@pfwmedia.com.

Dr. Eli and

Mr. Manning:
Which QB will
we see the
regular-season
or the postseason
version?

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 2008

Summer
jobs

TEAMS, PLAYERS
SET TO HIT
TRAINING CAMP

acation is over and its back to work. For coaches and players, two-a-days mean long, hot and exhausting work. For the
rest of us, it just means our favorite sport is back in action.
And even though that action doesnt count toward the
standings, it doesnt mean its not important. Rookies and
free agents who have changed teams will be suiting up for
the first time in earnest with their new clubs. Battles will be
waged and won or lost. Coaches will start to feel the heat of expectations for the upcoming season.
So well go leaguewide and tell you where and when to look for the
hottest stories around the NFL and what teams should be concerned
and which should be in good shape heading into training camp. In the
first of a two-part series, Pro Football Weekly goes inside every NFL
training camp to pose the questions you have about the competition,
as well as providing some answers.

Buffalo Bills
Key veteran additions: CB William

James, DT Spencer Johnson, OLB Kawika

Mitchell, DT Marcus Stroud.
Key veteran departures: TE Michael
Gaines, WR Peerless Price, RB Anthony
Thomas, DT Larry Tripplett, CB Jason
Webster, LB Coy Wire.
Juiciest story line: New offensive coordinator Turk Schonert wants to implement an
up-tempo offense to keep defenses off-balance and bring a sense of purpose to what
was an unimaginative unit last season. The
key word there is that he wants to do that.
Second-year QB Trent Edwards is wise
beyond his years, but how quickly he picks
up the nuances of the system will determine
how practical the scheme can be.
Burning questions: Will WR Lee Evans
and OT Jason Peters get contract extensions in time, or will we see two high-profile holdouts? How quickly can the
team regroup after numerous players spent
the offseason making headlines for all the

wrong reasons? Does rookie WR James

Hardy have the goods to step immediately
into a starting role (which the team desperately needs)? Will coveted newcomer Marcus Stroud be a dominant force at
defensive tackle, or will he struggle with
the injuries and inconsistencies that
plagued his star-crossed tenure in Jacksonville?
Battle to watch: There are big question
marks over who will get starting nods at
free safety and cornerback. There are great
expectations for heralded rookie CB
Leodis McKelvin, who has the skill to
develop into a top-flight talent. Converted
receiver George Wilson and Ko Simpson,
who spent 2007 on injured reserve, are the
uninspiring combatants in the FS mix. As
improved as the front seven is, the fortifications could all be for naught if the secondary doesnt tighten up.
Fearless prediction: Disgruntled backup
QB J.P. Losman will make a few incredible plays that will give the coaches pause
as to whether they made the right decision
in handing the keys of the offense over to
Edwards. Then hell throw a boneheaded

AFC TRAINING CAMPS

AFC TEAM

SITE

LOCATION

BALTIMORE
BUFFALO
CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND
DENVER
HOUSTON
INDIANAPOLIS
JACKSONVILLE
KANSAS CITY
MIAMI
NEW ENGLAND
N.Y. JETS
OAKLAND
PITTSBURGH
SAN DIEGO
TENNESSEE

McDaniel College
St. John Fisher College
Georgetown College
Browns Training Facility
Broncos Headquarters at Dove Valley
Texans Practice Facility
Rose-Hulman Institute
Municipal Stadium
Univ. of Wisconsin-River Falls
Nova Southeastern Univ. training center
Gillette Stadium
Hofstra University
Napa Valley Marriott
Saint Vincent College
Chargers Park
Baptist Sports Park

Westminster, Md.
Pittsford, N.Y.
Georgetown, Ky.
Berea, Ohio
Englewood, Colo.
Houston
Terre Haute, Ind.
Jacksonville, Fla.
River Falls, Wis.
Davie, Fla.
Foxborough, Mass.
Hempstead, N.Y.
Napa, Calif.
Latrobe, Pa.
San Diego
Nashville, Tenn.

HARRY SCULL JR.

TRAINING-CAMP REPORTS

2008 PRESEASON

Starting over: Bill Belichicks biggest job is to eliminate lingering effects from the Super Bowl loss

interception, and theyll be re-reminded of

why they demoted him.

Miami Dolphins
Key veteran additions: LB Akin Ayo-

dele, TE Anthony Fasano, DT Jason Ferguson, QB Josh McCown, OG Justin Smiley, DT Randy Starks, LB Reggie Torbor,
WR Ernest Wilford.
Key veteran departures: RB Lorenzo
Booker, WR Marty Booker, RB Jesse
Chatman, QB Trent Green, OG Rex Hadnot, QB Cleo Lemon, OG Chris Liwienski, OT L.J. Shelton, LB Donnie Spragan,
DE Jason Taylor, LB Zach Thomas, NT
Keith Traylor.
Juiciest story line: The teams fan base
was buzzing with excitement when Bill
Parcells was introduced as executive V.P.
of football operations, and justifiably so.

Almost peerless in NFL annals in reversing the fortunes of moribund clubs, Parcells was viewed as a savior who would
restore the luster to a proud franchise.
Only one problem: At all his previous
stops, Parcells served as the coach, and in
Miami hes merely a front-office executive. Or is he? Parcells insists that coach
Tony Sparano and GM Jeff Ireland have
ultimate control when it comes to on-field
strategy and player personnel, but it
remains to be seen whether he can resist
the urge to interject his two cents on particular situations. If and when he does, at
what point does it start undermining the
authority of the those he appointed?
Burning questions: How will Tony
Sparano make the adjustment from position coach to head coach? How much
will Ronnie Brown participate, given that
hes only nine months removed from his

NFC TRAINING CAMPS

ROOKIES

VETERANS

July 21
July 24
July 27
July 22
July 24
July 25
July 24
July 25
July 24
July 25
July 21
July 16
July 24
July 27
July 20
July 25

July 23
July 24
July 27
July 22
July 24
July 25
July 24
July 25
July 24
July 25
July 23
July 23
July 24
July 27
July 24
July 25

AFC TEAM

SITE

LOCATION

ARIZONA
ATLANTA
CAROLINA
CHICAGO
DALLAS
DETROIT
GREEN BAY
MINNESOTA
NEW ORLEANS
N.Y. GIANTS
PHILADELPHIA
ST. LOUIS
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
TAMPA BAY
WASHINGTON

Northern Arizona University

Falcons Training Facility
Wofford College
Olivet Nazarene University
Oxnard Marriott
Lions Training Facility
St. Norbert College/Lambeau Field
Minnesota State University
Millsaps College
University at Albany
Lehigh University
Concordia University
49ers Complex
Seahawks Kirkland Headquarters
Disney Wide World of Sports
Redskins Park

Flagstaff, Ariz.
Flowery Branch, Ga.
Spartanburg, S.C.
Bourbonnais, Ill.
Oxnard, Calif.
Allen Park, Mich.
Green Bay, Wis.
Mankato, Minn.
Jackson, Miss.
Albany, N.Y.
Bethlehem, Pa.
Mequon, Wis.
Santa Clara, Calif.
Kirkland, Wash.
Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Ashburn, Va.

ROOKIES

VETERANS

July 23
July 25
July 25
July 22
July 24
July 23
July 27
July 24
July 23
July 24
July 21
July 24
July 24
July 22
July 25
July 19

July 23
July 25
July 25
July 22
July 24
July 23
July 27
July 24
July 23
July 24
July 24
July 24
July 24
July 24
July 25
July 19

ACL tear? Are they fully committed to

going to the 3-4 defense, or are they going
to keep some of the 4-3 scheme?
Battle to watch: Its anyones guess as to
who gets the nod at quarterback. The team
nabbed John Beck in the second round in
2007 to presumably be their quarterback
of the future, but that pick was made by
the ousted regime. Josh McCown is more
experienced, has a better track record and
probably gives Miami the better chance to
win now, but he suffered a cut on the index
finger of his throwing hand that required
stitches this summer, which could set him
back. Theres also second-round rookie
Chad Henne, who faces an uphill challenge in getting the Week One nod but certainly will be in the thick of things.
Fearless prediction: Ricky Williams,
refocused on football after being left for
dead by many, will remind everyone why
he once led the league in rushing. Lighter
and quicker than he had been in years,
hell enable Brown to make a gradual
return to the lineup.

New England Patriots

Key veteran additions: CB Fernando
Bryant, LB Victor Hobson, CB Jason Webster, SS Tank Williams.
Key veteran departures: TE Kyle Brady,
OLB Rosevelt Colvin, CB Randall Gay,
CB Asante Samuel, WR Dont Stallworth,
DB Eugene Wilson.
Juiciest story line: Will the Patriots customary focus and fire still be there? Its a
legitimate question after their gut-wrenching Super Bowl loss. Already, weve seen
Tom Brady skip voluntary workouts in
favor of touring around the world with his
girlfriend, which surprised many, considering his unrivaled work ethic. The players
are saying theyre hungrier than ever, but
words are cheap. We want to see how it
actually plays out.
Burning questions: Will Junior Seau
come back for one more season and one
more chance to earn a ring? Will ORT
Nick Kaczur, entangled in his involvement
as a DEA informant, relinquish his job to
Ryan OCallaghan? Who will win the
CB job vacated by Asante Samuel? Will
rookie Kevin OConnell supplant Matt
Cassel as Bradys backup? Can injurycursed WR Chad Jackson stay healthy and
finally showcase his talent? How quickly will rookie Jerod Mayo pick up the
nuances of playing linebacker in Bill
Belichicks complex defense?
Battle to watch: Theres open competition at not only Samuels CB spot, but on
the other side as well, as Ellis Hobbs didnt exactly shine a season ago. The Patriots
reeled in a host of new bodies to fortify the
position, but no stars. Rookies Terrence
Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite will be
firmly in the mix, as will veteran newcomers Fernando Bryant and Jason Webster.
The wild card is S Brandon Meriweather,
who dabbled at corner last season and
might be the best athlete of the bunch.
Fearless prediction: Belichick, deciding
that a jolt of youthful energy will help
revitalize the team, opts against offering
Seau, whos not under contract, a new
deal. Instead, he inserts Mayo into the
starting lineup, utilizing a trial-by-fire
method he seldom employs.

New York Jets

Key veteran additions: RB Jesse Chat-

man, OG Alan Faneca, TE Bubba Franks,

NT Kris Jenkins, OLB Calvin Pace, FB
Tony Richardson, OT Damien Woody.
Key veteran departures: OT Anthony
Clement, S Erik Coleman, LB Victor Hob-

son, WR Justin McCareins, NT Dewayne

Robertson, TE Sean Ryan, LB Jonathan
Vilma.
Juiciest story line: Its rare that an offensive line poses such intrigue, but this Oline has a chance to be really special or
an utter disaster. Four former firstrounders comprise the starting unit:
holdovers OLT DBrickashaw Ferguson
and C Nick Mangold, and newcomers
OLG Alan Faneca and ORT Damien
Woody. However, Ferguson and Mangold
have yet to live up to their lofty billing,
and the Jets forked over a kings ransom
for the other two, despite the fact that
Fanecas on the downside of his career and
Woody has played all of five career games
at tackle.
Burning questions: Can new NT Kris
Jenkins keep his weight down and his
motor up? Will the Jets allow ultra-athletic but raw rookie OLB Vernon Gholston
to compete for a starting job immediately?
Will disgruntled TE Chris Baker and
management reach an amicable resolution? Will Leon Washington emerge as
more than just a change-of-pace running
back? Will athletically gifted CB Justin
Miller prove healthy enough to warrant a
starting job?
Battle to watch: The battle between
Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens for
the QB job will be analyzed, scrutinized
and dissected by the coaches, fans and
media. Its a true toss-up entering camp,
with each offering something different.
The more polished Pennington would be
the safer choice and would help the Jets
win the turnover battle, while Clemens
superior arm strength would open up more
of the playbook.
Fearless prediction: Coach Eric Mangini tires of Thomas Jones plodding forward
for two-yard gains and names Washington
the starting back. Due to the new role,
Mangini takes Washington off the puntand kickoff-return teams, despite the fact
that Washington was among the league
leaders in return yardage in 2007.

Baltimore Ravens
Key veteran additions: LB Brendon
Ayanbadejo, CB Frank Walker.
Key veteran departures: QB Steve
McNair, OT Jonathan Ogden.
Juiciest story line: Will the Ravens,
known for their strong veteran leadership,
buy into head coach John Harbaughs system? The early returns suggest Harbaugh
has been received positively, but will
things change during what promises to be
a tougher, more physically taxing training
camp than the ones predecessor Brian Billick oversaw? The Ravens cannot endure
widespread dissension and hope to compete in the AFC North.
Burning questions: Will LB Ray Lewis
sign a contact extension with the Ravens
or play out the final year of his contract
and hit free agency? Will owner Steve
Bisciotti, a Lewis fan, make the venerable
linebacker an offer he cant refuse, one
that gives him one last payday and allows
him to retire a Raven? Can Fabian
Washington take CB Samari Rolles starting spot? Is Jared Gaither ready to
replace Jonathan Ogden at left tackle?
Who wins the battle for the QB job: Kyle
Boller, Joe Flacco or Troy Smith?
Battle to watch: Its at quarterback,
where Boller, Flacco and Smith will get a
shot at the job, but its believed that the
competition likely will come down to
Flacco and Smith. Flacco, the Ravens
(Continued on Page 10)

http://www.profootballweekly.com

PRESEASON

POWER RANKINGS
SB ODDS *

RANK / TEAM

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

NEW ENGLAND

THE SKINNY

3-1
Zach Thomas addition could make a good defense
COWBOYS 11-2 great.
SAN DIEGO
No team can boast its depth, even with veteran
CHARGERS 11-2 losses.
INDIANAPOLIS
Peyton Mannings injury, questions about Marvin
13-2 Harrison have some fans freaked.
COLTS
NEW YORK
ey is likely to be fanning the flames.
12-1 Albany is guaranteed to be hot, and Jeremy ShockGIANTS
JACKSONVILLE
David Garrard gets the chance to show hes among
8-1 the elite quarterbacks now.
JAGUARS
GREEN BAY
the Brett Favre saga?
10-1 What is going through the other players minds over
PACKERS
CLEVELAND
22 starters
thinking about Tampa
15-1 Dont laugh: Return ofin February. has some fans
BROWNS
PITTSBURGH
great,
offensive
protect him.
10-1 Big Ben isline canbut you still have to wonder if the
STEELERS
MINNESOTA
Tarvaris Jackson ... so far.
10-1 Brad Childress has thrown his support behind
VIKINGS
SEATTLE
Will Mike Holmgren coach as if he has nothing to
SEAHAWKS 12-1 lose in his swan-song season?
PHILADELPHIA
Andy Reid
Eagles miss the
15-1 Dont bet againstplayoffs. a season after the
EAGLES
NEW ORLEANS
defense?
18-1 Did the team do enough to fill the holes on that
SAINTS
CAROLINA
Underrated offseason moves could make them an
PANTHERS 35-1 NFC dark horse.
TENNESSEE
Heimerdingers success will
well
45-1 Mikehe works with Vince Young. be judged on how
TITANS
ARIZONA
Matt Leinart says he needs to grow up, but he also
CARDINALS 45-1 must fend off Kurt Warner.
HOUSTON
be an improved defense.
40-1 Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans headline what could
TEXANS
WASHINGTON
Players are responding well to less-tense atmosREDSKINS 28-1 phere under Jim Zorn.
TAMPA BAY
If you have six quarterbacks, you might as well
BUCCANEERS 24-1 have none.
BUFFALO
should be a plucky defense.
50-1 Paul Posluszny could be a nice upgrade on what
BILLS
NEW YORK
acquisitions
also raise
20-1 Free-agentstakes. make them talented but
JETS
CINCINNATI
down to it, Chad
The defense is
40-1 When it comes another matter. Johnson will play.
BENGALS
DENVER
The teams asking a lot of rookie Ryan Clady to
BRONCOS 25-1 anchor the left side, keep Jay Cutler healthy.
BALTIMORE
are
rookies Joe Flacco,
Rice.
30-1 Observers, coachesRay raving about potential of
RAVENS
ST. LOUIS
this season.
50-1 Steven Jackson starts his run for free-agent money
RAMS
CHICAGO
be
competition, but
a very
shot to
15-1 It mightgoodan open win the QB job. Kyle Orton has
BEARS
OAKLAND
a
one that lost
of the past
games.
35-1 Overspending10aside, this is 12better team than the
RAIDERS
SAN FRANCISCO
Smith
dence his
50-1 MovinginJustinsigning. around doesnt instill confi49ERS
DETROIT
make big step forward.
60-1 There awill be a lot of pressure on Calvin Johnson to
LIONS
MIAMI
Ricky Williams says he thinks the team will win at
DOLPHINS 50-1 least nine games.
KANSAS CITY
was
in rough
80-1 Draft haulshape.nice, but quarterback, O-line are still
CHIEFS
ATLANTA
gate.
125-1 The youth auxiliary team might struggle out of the
FALCONS
PATRIOTS

Fewer signs of Super Bowl hangover than troubled

Giants.

DALLAS

* Odds to win SB XLIII as of July 18, courtesy of MGM Mirage

For our UPDATED POWER RANKINGS

THROUGHOUT THE SEASON log on to:

2008 PRESEASON

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

TRAINING-CAMP REPORTS

AUGUST 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

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AUGUST 2008

(Continued from Page 9)

first-round pick, has the strongest arm, but
Smith has an experience edge, and he has
shown consistent improvement in the two
seasons he has been with the Ravens. The
wild card is Boller, who has 42 career
starts but has to cut down on his mistakes
to have a chance.
Fearless prediction: The Ravens were
16th in rushing in 2007, but the pieces are
in place for a run at the top 10 in this category in 08. New C Jason Brown could be
an excellent fit as the fulcrum of the line,
and OLG Ben Grubbs has Pro Bowl potential. The Ravens have an above-average
starting running back in Willis McGahee
and improved their backfield depth with
the selection of Rutgers Ray Rice in
Round Two of the 08 draft. Rice will spell
McGahee and could force his way into an
important role in his first NFL season.

Cincinnati Bengals
Key veteran additions: LB Darryl Blackstock, DE Antwan Odom, TE Ben Utecht.
Key veteran departures: WR Chris
Henry, LB Landon Johnson.
Juiciest story line: What will be Chad
Johnsons mood throughout training
camp? Will he sulk, or will he bury the
hatchet with the Bengals? The Bengals
need him to be at his best to entertain any
playoff hopes, and any drama whatsoever
has to be too much from Cincinnatis perspective, considering how he spent the offseason demanding a trade. The Bengals
refused to move him, and like the rest of
us, they have to wonder how hell react
with the regular season in plain sight.
Burning questions: Can RB Rudi Johnson bounce back from a forgettable 2007
season? If not, do the Bengals turn to
Chris Perry or Kenny Watson? Will the
Bengals be able to re-sign WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who will be a free agent at
seasons end? Will DE Antwan Odom
be an adequate replacement or an
upgrade over the departed Justin
Smith? Can new defensive coordinator
Mike Zimmer fix a defense that has been
leaky for far too long?
Battle to watch: Rashad Jeanty and
Ahmad Brooks will compete to start at
strong-side linebacker. Brooks may be
more talented than Jeanty, but he missed
most of last season with a groin injury.
Jeanty has more NFL starting experience
than Brooks and has made the most of his
opportunities since coming over from the
Canadian Football League. The loser of
this competition figures to see plenty of
playing time in sub packages.
Fearless prediction: The Bengals will
field one of the leagues youngest secondaries. CB Johnathan Joseph is entering his
third NFL season, but he could be the most
experienced defensive back Cincinnati puts
in the starting lineup. CB Leon Hall and FS
Marvin White, both second-year players,
are expected to start, and second-year SS
Chinedum Ndukwe will push Dexter Jackson for a starting job. The Bengals are
banking on talent outweighing a lack of
experience in the back end of the defense.

Cleveland Browns
Key veteran additions: CB Terry Cousin,
DL Shaun Rogers, WR Dont Stallworth,
DL Corey Williams.
Key veteran departures: C LeCharles
Bentley, CB Leigh Bodden, DE Orpheus
Roye, LB Chaun Thompson.
Juiciest story line: How will the Browns
handle high expectations? They arent
sneaking up on anyone this season, not

MARK LYONS / GETTY IMAGES

TRAINING-CAMP REPORTS

2008 PRESEASON

10

Lightning rod: Coming off ankle surgery and following a trade demand, Chad Johnson will be closely watched in a crucial training camp for the Bengals

after winning 10 games in 2007. On paper,

this team is even better than last years edition, and there wont be the distraction of
a QB competition as there was last summer. The Browns are deep at most positions and should boast an improved
defense. Its easy to make a case for them
as the AFC North favorites. But can they
live up to the hype?
Burning questions: Can the secondary
which appears to be the weak link of
the defense hold its own? Will all of
the knee surgeries TE Kellen Winslow has
endured finally catch up to him? Will
D-linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey
Williams fit seamlessly into the defense?
Will WR Joe Jurevicius be ready for the
start of the season after undergoing four
surgeries to combat a knee injury and a
subsequent staph infection? Will WR
Braylon Edwards drop fewer passes this
season, correcting one of the few weaknesses in his game?
Battle to watch: Second-year CB Brandon McDonald will try to hold off Terry
Cousin for a starting job. McDonald was a
revelation as a rookie, defending 10 passes
and making two interceptions after garnering a role in the Browns sub packages.
However, he doesnt turn 23 until late
August, and much more is expected from
him this season. Cousin is tough and savvy
and will bolster the Browns depth at the
very least.
Fearless prediction: The Browns LB
corps will be the primary beneficiary of
the beefed-up defensive line. OLB Kame-

rion Wimbley is a rising star, and ILB

DQwell Jackson has quietly racked up 90
tackles or more in his first two NFL campaigns. The Browns other inside linebackers, Andra Davis and Leon Williams, are
strong scheme fits who will be all the more
effective if allowed to run free and hit.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Key veteran additions: LB Keyaron Fox,
C Justin Hartwig, RB Mewelde Moore.
Key veteran departures: OG Alan
Faneca, LB Clark Haggans, RS Allen
Rossum, TE Jerame Tuman.
Juiciest story line: Can the Steelers
offensive line thrive without Faneca, its
best player in the trenches for much of this
decade? Chris Kemoeatu gets the first
crack to start at left guard. No one is
expecting him to be the second coming of
Faneca, but if he struggles, the line will
unquestionably be compromised. The
Steelers had problems in pass protection
even with Faneca in the mix last season, so
theres little question why this is the most
scrutinized position group entering training camp.
Burning questions: Is Santonio Holmes
ready to become the Steelers go-to receiver, or will Hines Ward hold that distinction
for another season? How many touches
will rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall get
per game? Can a defensive line thats
getting up in age and lacking in depth hold
up for an entire season? Will SS Troy
Polamalu return to form after a disappoint-

ing, injury-plagued 2007 campaign?

Battle to watch: Justin Hartwig and Sean
Mahan will compete to start at center, with
the loser likely serving as a backup center
and guard. Hartwig is coming off a disappointing two-year stint in Carolina, but if
he replicates his best form from his time
with the Titans from 2002-05, hell be
tough to beat. Mahan did not fare well
against stronger interior linemen in his
first season with the Steelers.
Fearless prediction: LaMarr Woodley
and James Harrison will team to give the
Steelers an OLB tandem as productive as
the duo of Joey Porter and Clark Haggans.
Woodley came on strong at the end of his
rookie season. Hell take the LOLB position vacated by Haggans, who signed with
Arizona. Harrison, who replaced Porter
last season, made the Pro Bowl in his first
campaign as a starter. Getting a strong
rush from the outside linebackers is key to
the success of any 3-4 defense, and the
Steelers are likely to get just that from
Woodley and Harrison.

Houston Texans
Key veteran additions: RB Chris Brown,
LB Rosevelt Colvin, S Nick Ferguson, C
Chris Myers, CB Jacques Reeves, LB
Chaun Thompson.
Key veteran departures: LB Charlie
Anderson. LB Shawn Barber, LB Danny
Clark, C Mike Flanagan, S Von Hutchins,

Indianapolis Colts
Key veteran additions: RB Dominic

Rhodes.
Key veteran departures: LB Rocky
Boiman, DT Dan Klecko, DT Anthony
McFarland, OLB Rob Morris, OG Jake
Scott, TE Ben Utecht.
Juiciest story line: With all the stars dotting the Colts roster, it stands to reason
that all eyes will be focused on Jim
Sorgi? It sounds almost comical, but with

Peyton Manning sitting out training camp

while recuperating from knee surgery,
Sorgi, a career backup, will be taking the
first-team reps. Not only has Sorgi never
been a No. 1 quarterback, he rarely had
been granted meaningful practice reps.
Burning questions: Will head-coach-inwaiting Jim Caldwell assume a more
active role? How many fans will come
out to watch with Manning, Dwight
Freeney and Bob Sanders all sitting out?
Will Marvin Harrison prove hes over
his knee problems? Who will emerge as
the bookend tight end to Dallas Clark?
How much will Dominic Rhodes eat into
Joseph Addais reps at running back?
Battle to watch: With SLB Tyjuan
Hagler out while nursing a pectoral tear,
the LB corps could be a mix-and-match
affair considering theres not another good
option to plug in on the strong side. Rookie MLB Philip Wheeler could gain some
reps outside, but coach Tony Dungy will
be hesitant to have a rookie learn more
than one position. Second-year OLB Clint
Session has great athletic ability, but hes
better-suited to operate in space.
Fearless prediction: The Colts become
wary that Mannings knee will keep him
out longer than expected, and they coax
Kelly Holcomb out of retirement to be
their interim starter. Holcomb started his
career in Indianapolis and has a good feel
for the offense, so hed be a logical choice
to come in and contribute immediately.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Key veteran additions: CB Drayton Flo-

rence, QB Cleo Lemon, WR Jerry Porter,

WR Troy Williamson.
Key veteran departures: QB Quinn
Gray, CB Aaron Glenn, SS Sammy
Knight, DE Bobby McCray, OG Chris
Naeole, DT Marcus Stroud, WR Ernest
Wilford.
Juiciest story line: Might Jacksonville,
known for its deliberate, methodical running game, actually start opening up the
offense and winging it downfield?
Although its doubtful the Jaguars are
going to go Fun & Gun on us overnight,
they should be adding more vertical elements to their offense. In his second season as coordinator, Dirk Koetter is looking
for the offense to resemble the high-flying
units he directed at Boise State and Arizona State, and with a more experienced
David Garrard under center and a beefedup WR corps with the addition of Jerry

http://www.profootballweekly.com

Porter, he has the tools to do so.

Burning questions: Is Rob Meier capable of filling the DT void left by Marcus
Strouds relocation to Buffalo? How
will Porters hamstring injury, expected to
sideline him for all of the preseason,
impact his involvement in the offense?
Can Troy Williamson resurrect his disaster
of a career? Can Brian Williams make a
seamless transition from cornerback to
safety? Will OG Maurice Williams justify the massive contract he signed?
Will undersized but ultra-quick rookie DE
Quentin Groves be able to hold up against
bigger offensive tackles in the running
game? Will ageless RB Fred Taylor
continue to defy Mother Nature?
Battle to watch: The coaches like thirdyear pro Clint Ingram at weak-side linebacker, as hes a reliable, sure tackler they
can count on. Problem is, they love the
playmaking skills of second-year pro
Justin Durant, but hes a bit of a loose cannon both on and off the field. Its the classic case of the sure thing vs. the wild thing,
the risk vs. the reward. Regardless of who
wins the starting nod, each should earn
significant playing time.
Fearless prediction: Reggie Williams
will prove capable of handling No. 1
receiver duties while Porters sidelined,
and Williamson will be so bad he wont
even make the final roster. However, the
team will find its deep-threat wideout in
second-year pro John Broussard, who
teased with his potential by hauling in a
47-yard touchdown in his first pro game in
2007 but didnt do much of anything else
the rest of the season.

Tennessee Titans
Key veteran additions: CB-RS Chris

Carr, TE Alge Crumpler, DE Jevon

Kearse, WR Justin McCareins, OG Jake
Scott.
Key veteran departures: OG Jacob Bell,
CB Chris Brown, WR David Givens, TE
Ben Hartsock, DE Travis LaBoy, DE
Antwan Odom, OG Benji Olson, DT
Randy Starks, TE Ben Troupe.
Juiciest story line: Keep an eye on QB
Vince Youngs development in Mike
Heimerdingers offense. Heimerdinger,
whose work with Steve McNair helped
transform the Titans offense earlier this
decade, has returned to Tennessee with the
charge of helping Young reach his potential. Young isnt a textbook-quality passer,
but hes more mobile than McNair, and

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for the 2009 NFL draft
for the 2008 NFL draft

AUTHORED BY NOLAN NAWROCKI

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V.Y.: QB Vince Young is learning a new offense

hes a strong leader. Rapid improvement

could be around the corner if he takes to
Heimerdingers attack.
Burning questions: Will DT Albert
Haynesworth play as well as he did last
season, or will he revert to the inconsistent
performer he was earlier in his career?
Does DE Jevon Kearse have anything left?
If not, who steps up to provide a pass-rush
threat opposite Kyle Vanden Bosch?
How much work will rookie RB Chris
Johnson get? Will RB Chris Henry have
much, if any, of a role in the offense?
Will the lack of a No. 1 wide receiver hamstring the offense?
Battle to watch: WR Justin McCareins
will compete with Roydell Williams for a
starting spot. McCareins is comfortable in
Heimerdingers offense and helped himself with his play in the offseason.
Williams missed offseason workouts as he
recovered from a broken right ankle, and
he is going to have to quickly get up to
speed to have a chance to beat out
McCareins. The loser of the McCareinsWilliams battle will be in the mix for a
reserve role, and the competition for those
(Continued on Page 12)

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2008 PRESEASON

KR Jerome Mathis, TE Jeb Putzier.

Juiciest story line: No one is saying QB
Matt Schaubs starting job is in jeopardy.
But even the most ardent Schaub supporter would acknowledge that the pressure is
on the ex-Falcons passer after backup
Sage Rosenfels performed well in his
absence last season. A poor training camp
and preseason from Schaub would mean
the pesky QB controversy whispers
would only grow louder. But if Schaub
plays like he did early last season, when
Houston got off to a quick start, such talk
will die down.
Burning questions: Can RB Ahman
Green hold up for 16 games? If not, whos
next in line to replace him: Chris Brown,
Steve Slaton or Chris Taylor? Will WR
Andre Johnson show any ill effects from
offseason knee surgery? Is Mario
Williams going to be even better than he
was last season? Thats how it appeared in
offseason workouts, but will it carry over?
Can ex-Cowboys CB Jacques Reeves
hold down a starting spot while Dunta
Robinson recovers from a knee injury?
Battle to watch: First-round pick Duane
Brown is favored to beat out veteran
Ephraim Salaam at left tackle, but will he
be able to win the job? The Texans see
Brown as the long-term solution at this
important position, but hell have to be a
quick learner to secure the job. Salaam is
an experienced, serviceable starter but not
quite as good a fit in the Texans zone
blocking scheme as the athletic Brown.
Fearless prediction: The Texans will
likely need a key contribution from one of
their younger backs, Taylor or Slaton, at
some point. Both Green and Brown have a
history of injuries, and depending upon
either for a full season is a tough proposition to take. Look for Slaton, a third-round
pick out of West Virginia, to earn immediate playing time as a change-of-pace back.
The coaching staff also likes Taylor, who
missed last season with a knee injury.

TRAINING-CAMP REPORTS

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

TIM SADLON

AUGUST 2008

250 college players,

plus features, player
rankings, past draft

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FORMAT!
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(Continued from Page 11)

spots will be fierce.
Fearless prediction: If Kearse has something left, defensive coordinator coach Jim
Schwartz will get it out of him. Also, while
some have lamented the losses of Antwan
Odom and Travis LaBoy in free agency,
the Titans still have as good a right side of
the defensive line as any in the game with
Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch. In short,
dont be surprised if the Titans approach
the 40 sacks they posted last season.

Denver Broncos
Key veteran additions: SLB Boss Bailey,
WR Keary Colbert, WR Darrell Jackson,
MLB Niko Koutouvides, S Marlon
McCree, WR Samie Parker, RB Michael
Pittman, DT Dewayne Robertson, C Casey
Wiegmann.
Key veteran departures: PK Jason Elam,
S Nick Ferguson, LB Ian Gold, RB Travis
Henry, C Chris Myers, WR Javon Walker.
Juiciest story line: Jay Cutler seemed to
embrace more of a leadership role in the
offseason, and it will be interesting to see
if he takes a more authoritative approach
in training camp. He called out WR Brandon Marshall after Marshall severely
injured his arm while wrestling with his
brother in March. Marshall, who will stand
trial for drunken driving on Sept. 16, needs
to show some maturity, and Cutler seems a
bit fed up with his talented but troubled

http://www.profootballweekly.com

teammate. The interaction between those

two will be worth keeping a close eye on.
Burning questions: Who will become
the teams starting running back? Will
Marshall stay out of trouble, and can he
avoid any setbacks following his serious
arm injury? Who will win the open
competition to become the No. 2 receiver?
How will rookie OLT Ryan Clady fare
in his adjustment to the NFL? Is Niko
Koutouvides the answer at middle linebacker? Can the Broncos get by while
relying on an inexperienced kicker and
punter? Will this be a breakthrough season for Cutler?
Battle to watch: There already was
going to be a competition for the No. 1 RB
spot in Denver, but the June release of
Travis Henry blew the battle wide open.
Selvin Young, Michael Pittman and rookie
Ryan Torain each has a shot to rise to the
top spot on the depth chart. Young and
Pittman have an edge based on their experience, but head coach Mike Shanahan has
never shied away from playing young
backs and he is said to think very highly of
Torain, a fifth-round pick out of Arizona
State. Shanahan has said that he doesnt
think Young, who led the club in rushing
last season with 729 yards, is built to withstand the wear and tear that comes with
20-25 carries per game.
Fearless prediction: Rookie WR Eddie
Royal makes an immediate impact on special teams, bringing a new level of excitement to the Broncos return game, which
has been sorely lacking in recent years. He
returns a kick for a touchdown in the first

AUGUST 2008

preseason game, and the Devin Hester

comparisons begin, although they are
extremely premature.

Kansas City Chiefs

Key veteran additions: OT Anthony

Alabi, WR Devard Darling, FB Oliver

Hoyte, DE Trevor Johnson, KR B.J. Sams,
OLB Demorrio Williams.
Key veteran departures: TE Jason Dunn,
FB Boomer Grigsby, WR Eddie Kennison,
CB Benny Sapp, OT Kyle Turley, OG John
Welbourn, C Casey Wiegmann, DE Jimmy
Wilkerson, FB-TE Kris Wilson.
Juiciest story line: Just as it is with most
teams, the spotlight in Kansas City will be
brightest on QB Brodie Croyle, but will
the Chiefs give him the weapons and protection to have a fighting chance? Croyle
will be surrounded by a makeshift O-line
and a suspect receiving corps not exactly the recipe for success. The QB might be
written off if he fails this season, but
theres a good possibility it wont be completely his fault.
Burning questions: Is RB Larry Johnson
fully recovered from his broken foot?
Do the Chiefs have enough viable pass
catchers? Is Croyle ready to lead an
NFL franchise? How will the defense
replace departed DE Jared Allen? Will
the team have a legitimate placekicker by
Week One? Is success possible with so
many rookies in the starting lineup?
Could this be GM Carl Petersons last goaround in K.C.?
Battle to watch: The Chiefs tightest battle will be the three-way dance for the No.
2 WR spot. No true favorite exists among
newcomer Devard Darling, third-year
wideout Jeff Webb and rookie Will
Franklin. Darling is talented but has just
20 career catches, Webb showed flashes
last season while playing with Croyle, and
Franklin has enticing tools but no experience. Whoever emerges from this contest
must prove to be at least a serviceable target to take pressure off WR Dwayne
Bowe.
Fearless prediction: Undrafted rookie
Connor Barth will be the Chiefs Week
One placekicker. Barth, a North Carolina
product, has a powerful, accurate leg and
holds Tar Heel records in made field goals
(54) and consecutive field goals converted
(19). He currently has only journeyman
Nick Novak, who isnt much in the way of
competition, to beat out for the job.

Oakland Raiders
Key veteran additions: WR Drew Carter,

KEITH RANDOLPH

TRAINING-CAMP REPORTS

2008 PRESEASON

12

Target practice: JaMarcus Russell must improve, but the Raiders WR corps could be limited in camp

DE Kalimba Edwards, CB DeAngelo Hall,

OT Kwame Harris, DT William Joseph,
DE Greg Spires, QB Marques Tuiasosopo,
C John Wade, WR Javon Walker, S Gibril
Wilson.
Key veteran departures: DE Tyler Brayton, CB Chris Carr, SLB Chris Clemons,
QB Josh McCown, WR Jerry Porter, RB
Dominic Rhodes, DT Warren Sapp, S Stuart Schweigert, CB Fabian Washington.
Juiciest story line: A major concern
heading into training camp is whether QB
JaMarcus Russell will have much of a
receiving corps to throw to. Reports indicate that WR Javon Walker suffered a fractured orbital bone when he was beaten and
left on a Las Vegas side street in June. If
thats true, its hard to believe Walker will
be at full strength when camp opens. The
front-runner for the No. 2 slot, Ronald
Curry, is coming off foot surgery and
might be slowed early on. Aside from
Drew Carter, who had a strong round of
OTAs, no other receiver has more than a
year of experience. The Raiders arent

making it easy on Russell in his first year

as a starter, and a weak receiving corps
could emerge as a major problem.
Burning questions: Is Russell prepared
to be a full-time starter? Is Walker completely healed? What role will rookie
RB Darren McFadden play in the teams
offense? Will the Raiders find any willing trade partner for RB LaMont Jordan?
Who will be the starter at center?
Has DT Tommy Kelly completed his rehab
from a torn ACL, and can he live up to a
mind-boggling seven-year, $50.5 million
contract? Who will be the starting right
defensive end? Will CB Nnamdi Asomugha show up at camp on time after the
team failed to sign him to a long-term deal
before the leagues July 15 deadline for
inking franchise players?
Battle to watch: A sound offensive line
may be an even bigger help to Russell, but
the situation at center still is unsettled.
John Wade, Chris Morris and Jake Grove
are in the running to become the squads
No. 1 snapper. Grove, however, who might
have the most upside of the three, has been
limited by a knee injury. Morris might be
the least talented of the trio, but he has a
good sense of Oaklands blocking schemes
and is able to execute them with precision.
Wade, in his 11th NFL season, is a solid,
intelligent leader, which head coach Lane
Kiffin might be attracted to since his
offense is so young.
Fearless prediction: Despite persistent
rumors that Kiffin might be replaced as
head coach before the season, he survives
training camp, and owner Al Davis makes
a commitment to stick with Kiffin for the
season. A major distraction is eliminated,
and the Raiders are able to focus on football matters rather than front-office squabbles for at least a few months.

San Diego Chargers

Key veteran additions: WR-RS Mark
Jones, C-OG Jeremy Newberry, OT L.J.
Shelton, LB Derek Smith.
Key veteran departures: CB Drayton
Florence, S Marlon McCree, FB Lorenzo
Neal, OT Shane Olivea, RB Michael Turner.
Juiciest story line: With expectations so
high, the recovery of the Chargers injured
offensive stars will be watched closely. RB
LaDainian Tomlinsons knee is expected
to be fine, and the All-Pro likely will play
with a chip on his shoulder after many
questioned his toughness following Januarys playoff loss to the Patriots. QB Philip
Rivers (torn ACL) also should be ready to
go, but the same cant be said for star TE
Antonio Gates, whose toe injury may
linger into the regular season.
Burning questions: When will Gates and
C Nick Hardwick (foot) return to health?
Have the Chargers sufficiently replaced
RB Michael Turner? Will Rivers take
the next step toward developing into an
elite QB? Will the teams weakness at
inside linebacker be exposed? Can the
defense possibly match its 48 takeaways
from 07? Is this the year San Diego
finally lives up to its potential and gets
back to the Super Bowl?
Battle to watch: The Chargers will have
very few position battles during training
camp, but one spot that will be up for
grabs is the nickel corner. First-round
rookie Antoine Cason will square off
against second-year man Paul Oliver to see
wholl be the third cornerback on passing
downs. Both players are extremely talented but will need time to learn the system.
Fearless prediction: Anthony Waters
will emerge as a force at inside linebacker.
The 07 third-rounder from Clemson has

Dallas Cowboys
Key veteran additions: CB-RS Adam

Pacman Jones, LB Zach Thomas.

Key veteran departures: LB Akin Ayodele, S Keith Davis, TE Anthony Fasano,
NT Jason Ferguson, RB Julius Jones, CB
Jacques Reeves.
Juiciest story line: With aspirations sitting at no less than a Super Bowl, the clock
might be ticking for head coach Wade
Phillips. Some have speculated that this
could be his last season if he doesnt win
the big game, even if the team wins 13 regular-season games. Assistant head
coach/offensive coordinator Jason Garrett,
who is paid more than some head coaches,
turned down some other head-coaching
offers this offseason and has all but been
named as Phillips successor whenever
that might be.
Burning questions: Once hes fully reinstated by the league, how will Adam Jones
fit in with his new teammates? Is there
a receiver who can step up if Terrell Owens
goes down? Will Zach Thomas turn a
good defense into a great one? Is Roy
Williams on the same page as the coaching
staff and his teammates? Can Marion
Barber stand up to more carries with his
bruising running style? How much will
the two first-round picks, Felix Jones and
Mike Jenkins, contribute as rookies?
Battle to watch: Some believe this battle
is over before it has started, but everyone
wants to know if Jones will start ahead of
Anthony Henry, last years starting right
cornerback who led the team in interceptions with six. Based on upside, Jones is
the better player, but he hasnt taken a
snap of significance since December
2006.
Fearless prediction: Thomas takes over
a role as one of the defensive leaders from
the outset in camp, despite much of this
starting unit having played more than one
season together in Dallas. His work ethic,
commitment to film study and rare
instincts will be one of the stories of the

13

New York Giants

Key veteran additions: QB David Carr,
LB Danny Clark, S Sammy Knight, DE
Renaldo Wynn.
Key veteran departures: DT William
Joseph, LB Kawika Mitchell, DE Michael
Strahan, LB Reggie Torbor, S Gibril Wilson, DT Manny Wright.
Juiciest story line: The Jeremy Shockey
saga will rage on when Shockey and the
Giants report to camp on July 24. He
reportedly is unhappy with his role on the
team and got into a verbal fight with GM
Jerry Reese, the man who might have tried
to trade Shockey in the offseason. This
story could dominate the first week of
camp, but if its not resolved quickly and
properly, it could linger into the season.
Burning questions: Will the team make
Plaxico Burress, a potential holdout candidate, a happy man with a new deal?
Forget Michael Strahans football talents
for a minute who will replace his personality and leadership in the locker
room? Is Eli Manning ready to turn the
corner now that he has a Super Bowl ring?
Can Steve Spagnuolo weave some
more magic with a lot of defensive
turnover? Is either candidate to start at
weak-side linebacker Gerris Wilkinson
or Danny Clark any good?
Battle to watch: There could be as many
as four new starters on defense, but the
position people should watch most closely
is safety. Gibril Wilson signed for $39 million in Oakland, and the team responded
by drafting Kenny Phillips in Round One.
If Phillips doesnt start, Michael Johnson
might have to be pushed into the lineup.
Although James Butler is expected to earn
the other safety job, he must become a
more sure tackler and show better range.
Fearless prediction: The fans are on
Elis side for now. But unless he helps
the team win more at home, with three of
the first four games at Giants Stadium,
those same fans could turn. The Giants
have lost their last four at home dating
back to last season.

EVAN PINKUS / GETTY IMAGES

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early going.

Sticky spot: Jeremy Shockey had a tumultuous offseason, damaging his relationship with the Giants

Philadelphia Eagles
Key veteran additions: LB Rocky
Boiman, RB Lorenzo Booker, DE Chris
Clemons, DT Dan Klecko, FB Luke Lawton, CB Asante Samuel, TE Kris Wilson.
JAMES D. SMITH

impressed in offseason workouts and has

the coaches singing his praise. With
Stephen Cooper suspended for the first
four games and little else at ILB, Waters
should have numerous opportunities to
prove himself early in the season and earn
an increased role.

2008 PRESEASON

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

Key veteran departures: CB William

James, DE Jevon Kearse, FB Thomas
Tapeh, LB Takeo Spikes.
Juiciest story line: There is a feeling
around Philadelphia that the team is gearing
up for one more run at the Super Bowl
before the veteran core is broken up.
Rumors of Donovan McNabb and Andy
Reid not having the same relationship anymore have led some to believe that Kevin
Kolbs number could be called soon if
McNabb cant lead the team back to the
NFL title game. Reid shut McNabb down in
the final minicamp with a sore shoulder, so
McNabbs health will be monitored closely.
Burning questions: Is this McNabbs
final season in Philly? What about
Brian Dawkins? Will the big-money
defensive signings live up to their major
billing? Can Lorenzo Booker contribute enough to the offense to take some
heat off Brian Westbrook? Will the
young linebackers jell? Can Lito Sheppard stay happy as a nickel back? Will
the receivers and TE L.J. Smith step up to
give McNabb some playmakers again?
Battle to watch: He might not be happy,
but Sheppard could unseat RCB Sheldon
Brown with a good camp. Brown opens as
the starter and is the more physical of the
two players, but Sheppard has better ball
skills and footwork, provided he can stay
healthy and content.
Fearless prediction: Dont be surprised
if Samuel isnt the lockdown corner everyone expects him to be right away. He
played his best ball in New England in
cover-2, a defense that Jim Johnson
doesnt use nearly as much as many of his
colleagues around the league do.

Washington Redskins
Key veteran additions: DE Erasmus

James, FS Stuart Schweigert, DE Jason

New game: Adam Jones has ditched Pacman,

but can he revive his sticky coverage skills?

Taylor.
Key veteran departures: QB Mark
Brunell, WR Reche Caldwell, WR Brandon Lloyd, CB David Macklin.
Juiciest story line: This camp might not
be quite as juicy, even with a head-coaching change, but the story could end up
being the quarterbacks. Jason Campbell is
the starter for now, but consistency is an
issue and hes learning his seventh offense
in eight seasons going back to Auburn.
Todd Collins late-season magic wont be
forgotten soon, and if Campbell struggles
and Collins flourishes in training camp
and the preseason, Jim Zorn might have a
tough choice to make.
Burning questions: How will ex-Dolphins DE Jason Taylor fit into the Redskins defense? After Phillip Daniels was
lost for the season on the first day of training camp to a knee injury, the Skins traded
for Taylor, who will be asked to switch to
left end after playing on the right side in
Miami. How will the offensive players
adapt to a new system? Will Zorn and
Sherman Smith, neither of whom has
called plays before, be able to run this
group efficiently? Can Greg Blache
keep the defense playing at a playoff level
with Gregg Williams gone? Will there
be a quality pass rush? How much time
will young WRs Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly get? Can the offensive line
return to being the group it once was?
When will starting CB Carlos Rogers
return from a knee injury?
Battle to watch: The battle at strong
safety should be an interesting one, with
holdover Reed Doughty battling newcomer Stuart Schweigert. Doughty is tough
and can play in the box, but Schweigert is
a smart, heady center fielder, and if the
coaches choose to put Landry closer to the
line of scrimmage, Schweigert could be
the choice.
Fearless prediction: Collins will be a
factor at some point, either by having a
strong preseason or by Campbell struggling with his consistency. It could be the
kind of move that completely changes the
(Continued on Page 14)

TRAINING-CAMP REPORTS

AUGUST 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

N
R

T
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Chicago Bears

Key veteran additions: WR Marty Booker, RB Kevin Jones, WR Brandon Lloyd.

Key veteran departures: S Adam
Archuleta, LB Brendon Ayanbadejo, RB
Cedric Benson, WR Bernard Berrian, OG
Ruben Brown, QB Brian Griese, OT Fred
Miller, WR Muhsin Muhammad, DT Darwin Walker.
Juiciest story line: It wont be as juicy as
the scintillating Subway Series story
line the Windy Citys major-league baseball teams are in the process of serving up,
but the wide-open battle for the starting
QB job between Rex Grossman and Kyle
Orton still will generate its share of headlines.
Burning questions: Who will end up
under center: Grossman, the former firstround draft pick whose Good Rex, Bad
Rex swings in performance make Dr.
Jekyll look like an Ordinary Joe, or Orton,
the less-heralded former fourth-round
draft pick who has been a lot more consistent than his challenger, albeit far from
spectacular, when given an opportunity to
start? Can rookies OLT Chris Williams
and RB Matt Fort make instant impacts
as starters? Can the Bears offensive
line rebound after taking a major step
backward in 07? Can return specialist
extraordinaire Devin Hester develop into
the dangerous No. 1 receiver the Bears
think he can become? With the benefit
of much healthier personnel heading into
the 08 season, can Bob Babichs disappointing defense make the same kind of
dramatic rebound the O-line needs to
make?
Battles to watch: In addition to the titillating QB tango, it will be worth keeping a
close eye on the brewing battle to replace
Ruben Brown at left guard. Seventh-year
journeyman Terrence Metcalf would
appear to have the upper hand heading into
camp, but he could get a stiff challenge

Detroit Lions
Key veteran additions: CB Leigh

Bodden, DT Chuck Darby, TE Michael

Gaines, CB Brian Kelly, S Kalvin Pearson,
S Dwight Smith.
Key veteran departures: LB Boss
Bailey, CB Fernando Bryant, RB T.J.
Duckett, DE Kalimba Edwards, RB Kevin
Jones, S Kenoy Kennedy, LB Teddy
Lehman, DT Shaun Rogers, OT-OG
Damien Woody.
Juiciest story line: It could be a relatively quiet camp as the season approaches
and expectations again are low in Detroit.
But the biggest move of the offseason
dealing Shaun Rogers raises the biggest
issue: Can the defensive line, or more
aptly the front seven, raise its game without its biggest and most talented player?
Four of the seven spots up front could feature new starters.
Burning questions: Will the offensive
line respond to a more physical brand of
ball? Can the backs on the roster carry
the load in the running game? Will the
remade secondary be worth the investment? Can Jon Kitna mesh his style
with new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto? Can rookie Jordon Dizon win the
MLB job? Are there quality options at
both returner spots? Will rookie Caleb
Campbell get to play football or will he
have to serve in the Army?
Battle to watch: The RB battle is the one
with the most riding on it, but it could end
up being a committee approach. Tatum
Bell, despite being benched for most of
last season, is the starter for now, and he
had success in a zone running scheme with
the Broncos. Rookie Kevin Smith will be
in play early, and he has familiarity with
the zone schemes from college. And its

Back to the future: Rex Grossman (left) must fend off Kyle Orton (right) to keep the Bears QB job

Minnesota Vikings

SPORTPICS

AUGUST 2008

Brandon Chillar is expected to give incumbent Brady Poppinga a real run for his
money; at free safety, where incumbent
Nick Collins could have a hard time holding off promising second-year player
Aaron Rouse; and at both guard spots,
where 07 starters Jason Spitz (right side)
and Daryn Colledge (left side) will be
challenged by another promising sophomore in Allen Barbre, as well as athletic
but injury-prone Junius Coston.
Fearless prediction: Thompson happily
trades Favre, and rookie QB Brian Brohm
ends up starting at least two games in
place of an injured Rodgers.

Man in the middle: Aaron Rodgers has been

dealt a bad hand in the ongoing Brett Favre saga

the same system Brian Calhoun ran in college. But can these guys get the job done?
That remains to be seen.
Fearless prediction: By the time camp
breaks, the teams top five draft picks
Gosder Cherilus, Dizon, Smith, Andre
Fluellen and Cliff Avril will be playing
key roles, if not starting, then working in a
rotation. Kenneth Moore and Jerome Felton, the two fifth-rounders, also could find
roles on special teams.

Green Bay Packers

Key veteran addition: LB Brandon

Chillar.

JONATHAN DANIEL / GETTY IMAGES

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from versatile John St. Clair, who played

the final three games at left guard last season, and possibly second-year player Josh
Beekman, who primarily has been backing
up C Olin Kreutz so far this offseason.
Fearless prediction: Hester, who currently figures as the No. 3 receiver, makes
major strides and earns a starting role by
no later than midseason.

(Continued from Page 13)

outlook of the team for this season.

SCOTT WALLEM / PRO CASE

TRAINING-CAMP REPORTS

2008 PRESEASON

14

Key veteran departures: TE Bubba

Franks, CB Frank Walker, DT Corey
Williams.
Juiciest story line: Its the hottest story
in the NFL: Brett Favres return or
maybe not to Green Bay, where the
Packers seem intent on holding him
hostage in the hope he changes his mind
again and retires once and for all.
Burning questions: Is it actually possible
Favre will be a $12 million backup to former first-round draft pick Aaron Rodgers,
or is it more likely GM Ted Thompson will
try hard to work a trade if Favre decides to
come back to the team? Will Rodgers
prove worthy of the Packers faith in his
ability to take over under center and avoid
the injuries that have earmarked his pro
career up to now? Will RB Ryan Grant,
who came out of nowhere last season, sign
a long-term deal that will enable him to
report to camp? Will a shaky situation
at defensive tackle due to injuries become
even shakier in the wake of the felony drug
charges facing Johnny Jolly? Will the
Packers defense feature more blitzes from
its back seven? Will a consistent, quality No. 3 corner emerge behind aging
starters Charles Woodson and Al Harris?
Battles to watch: Obviously, Rodgers
vs. Favre couldnt be more compelling,
provided Favre returns. But the Packers
have a few other real humdingers at
strong-side linebacker, where newcomer

Key veteran additions: DE Jared Allen,

WR Bernard Berrian, S Michael Boulware, QB Gus Frerotte, S Madieu
Williams, DT Ellis Wyms.
Key veteran departures: QB Kelly Holcomb, DE Erasmus James, DT Spencer
Johnson, RB Mewelde Moore, FB Tony
Richardson, S Dwight Smith, LB Dontarrious Thomas, WR Troy Williamson.
Juiciest story line: Sure, Jared Allen
could provide a huge difference for this
team, but for the Vikings to reach the
Super Bowl, QB Tarvaris Jackson must
play well. His 8-4 record as a starter belies
some painful growth moments last season,
but the coaching staff believes in his
upside and sees some Donovan McNabb
in him. Jackson has the tools to be good,
but his consistency, his work under pressure and his confidence all will be closely
watched and highly scrutinized.
Burning questions: Will Allen help turn
around a sluggish pass rush and poor pass
defense? Has Adrian Peterson made
enough strides in pass protection to
become a complete back? Can Bernard
Berrian and perhaps Aundrae Allison provide the deep threats that Jackson needs?
Will Cedric Griffin step up as a solid
corner opposite Antoine Winfield? Will
the return game be productive?
Battle to watch: All signs point to Ray
Edwards starting at left end, so there are
not a lot of starting jobs open. An interesting one to watch will be the nickel CB
spot, where Charles Gordon, Marcus
McCauley and Bennie Sapp figure to slug
it out. McCauley might be better-known
by fans, but Gordon had some moments
down the stretch and might be the most
comfortable playing in the slot.
Fearless prediction: Jackson will
emerge from camp as the unquestioned
starter and will earn praise and respect
from teammates and coaches alike, even if
hes prone to the occasional youthful mistake.

Atlanta Falcons
Key veteran additions: S Erik Coleman,
PK Jason Elam, TE Ben Hartsock, CB-S
Von Hutchins, DT Kindal Moorehead, C
Alex Stepanovich, RB Michael Turner.
Key veteran departures: DT Rod Coleman, S Chris Crocker, TE Alge Crumpler,
RB Warrick Dunn, OT Wayne Gandy, CB
DeAngelo Hall, QB Byron Leftwich, CB
Lewis Sanders, LB Demorrio Williams,
FS Jimmy Williams.
Juiciest story line: After going through
one of the most devastating seasons of any
professional sports team in recent memory, the Falcons, led by rookie QB Matt
Ryan, open their rebuilding period.
Sources have raved about head coach
Mike Smiths ability to affect the culture in

Carolina Panthers
Key veteran additions: DE Tyler Bray-

ton, OG Milford Brown, CB Ricardo Colclough, WR D.J. Hackett, FS Terrence

Holt, LB Landon Johnson, WR Muhsin
Muhammad, DT Ian Scott, RB LaBrandon
Toefield, DT Darwin Walker.
Key veteran departures: QB David Carr,
WR Drew Carter, WR Keary Colbert, RB
DeShaun Foster, C Justin Hartwig, DT
Kris Jenkins, MLB Dan Morgan, DE Mike
Rucker, OG Mike Wahle.
Juiciest story line: As Julius Peppers
enters his contract year, the Panthers are
facing a potentially franchise-changing
decision of whether to offer a lucrative
contract extension to him and get a deal
done before the season, or let him begin
the campaign without a new agreement.
Sources have said negotiations between
Peppers and the Panthers are ongoing, but
he could be eyeing a new contract that
pays him the kind of money given to Will
Smith or Jared Allen, meaning a six-year
deal in the $75 million range with close to
$30 million guaranteed. Is Carolina willing to offer that for a defensive end coming off a dreadful 212-sack season?
Burning questions: Can Jake Delhommes body, his surgically repaired
elbow in particular, hold up? Will
Jonathan Stewart erase any doubts that he
should handle the load over DeAngelo
Williams? Is Peppers able to rebound
from perhaps his worst season as a pro?
Will a beefed-up offensive line be able to
do a better job of protecting Delhomme
and clear lanes for Stewart and Williams as
Carolina tries to re-establish a power running game? Will head coach John Fox

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Critical season: Coming off a tough year, Julius

Peppers needs a strong effort to stay in Carolina

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

show any signs of urgency as he faces
another season on the hot seat if the team
gets off to a slow start?
Battle to watch: Tyler Brayton is the
favorite to win the starting DRE job, but he
will field competition from Charles Johnson and Stanley McClover. The Panthers
were unable to get much production last
season out of the spot vacated by the nowretired Mike Rucker, and Peppers could
use some pass-rushing help from the other
side. Carolina likes Braytons ability to
move inside and get pressure up the middle, so they could turn to Johnson,
McClover or rookie Hilee Taylor as a
third-down specialist.
Fearless prediction: DeAngelo Williams
continues to look like the teams best
option at running back, as he did for most
of last season, but he is forced to remain in
a supporting, change-of-pace role behind
rookie Jonathan Stewart.

Key veteran additions: WR Antonio

Bryant, DE Marques Douglas, RB Warrick

Dunn, C Jeff Faine, QB Brian Griese, TE
Ben Troupe, CB-S Eugene Wilson.
Key veteran departures: QB Bruce
Gradkowski, CB Brian Kelly, C-OG Matt
Lehr, S Kalvin Pearson, DE Greg Spires,
C John Wade.
Juiciest story line: Jeff Garcia and the
Bucs have bickered throughout the offsea-

son as the two sides negotiated over a contract extension for the 38-year-old. Garcia
is asking for more than Tampa Bay is willing to give up, and he has hinted that he
may hold out if he doesnt get what he
considers to be fair compensation. Garcia
has his skeptics, who believe hell report to
camp on time regardless of his contract situation. It would be a major setback to the
teams preparation if he were to miss a significant amount of time, but GM Bruce
Allen is a tough negotiator and hes
unlikely to give in. Garcia and the Bucs
looked like a perfect match as he helped
them go from worst to first in the NFC
South last season, but much of the love has
been lost over the past few months.
Burning questions: Will Garcia hold
out? Will RB Cadillac Williams be
ready to participate, or will he have to
open the season on the PUP list as he continues to rehab from a torn patellar tendon
in his knee? Can anyone challenge Ike
Hilliard for the No. 2 receiver spot?
Will Luke Petitgout beat out Donald Penn
to re-take his old job as the teams starting
left tackle? How will first-round pick
Aqib Talib fare in his first NFL training
camp? Will QB Chris Simms be traded
before camp starts?
Battle to watch: The Bucs enter camp
with a question mark at one of the most
important spots on the field, left tackle.
Penn and Petitgout, who is coming off a
torn ACL he suffered in Week Four last
season, will battle to become Garcias
blind-side protector. Penn, who had
bounced around practice squads prior to
last season, started 12 games in 07 and
was a pleasant surprise as a serviceable
fill-in, although he struggled a bit late in
the season.
Fearless prediction: The Bucs situation
at quarterback clears up in a hurry as Chris
Simms is dealt to the Bears for a conditional sixth-round draft pick just days
before training camp and Garcia shows up
(Continued on Page 16)

New Orleans Saints

Key veteran additions: QB Mark

Brunell, CB Randall Gay, CB Aaron

Glenn, C-OG Matt Lehr, DE Bobby
McCray, MLB Jonathan Vilma.
Key veteran departures: C Jeff Faine,
PK Olindo Mare, LB Brian Simmons.
Juiciest story line: The Saints focused
their offseason on improving a woeful
defense that ranked 26th overall and 30th
against the pass last season. MLB Jonathan
Vilma is the centerpiece to the rebuilding
plan, and all eyes will be on him as he
attempts to return from knee surgery.
Training camp will be his first time participating in full-contact drills since he went
down with the knee injury in Week Seven
last season. If he suffers any setbacks, the
Saints hopes for a quick turnaround on
D will be dashed. However, if he returns
to the Pro Bowl form he displayed early in
his career, New Orleans quickly could
ascend to the top of the NFC South.
Burning questions: Can RB Deuce
McAllister return to form after tearing an
ACL and undergoing microfracture

Traffic jam: Cadillac Williams, derailed by injuries, might not be ready to start the season healthy

2008 PRESEASON

surgery on his knee? Who will emerge

as a starting cornerback alongside Mike
McKenzie? Will Robert Meachem beat
out Devery Henderson for the No. 3
receiver spot? Will rookie DT Sedrick
Ellis miss any part of training camp
because of a contract holdout? Who
will win the battle to become the teams
kicker? Can Vilma be the difference
maker in the linebacking corps that the
Saints desperately need?
Battle to watch: Two of the bigger disappointments on offense from last season
Henderson and Meachem will battle
to become the Saints No. 3 receiver. Henderson is the Saints best deep option
because of his blazing speed, but he struggled with drops last season and saw his
role decrease in the offense. If Meachem,
who spent his rookie season on the sideline in what amounted to a redshirt year, is
able to show a better understanding of the
offense and do a better job with fundamentals than Henderson, he could capture
the No. 3 WR job.
Fearless prediction: The Saints porous
secondary doesnt show much improvement despite the additions of Randall Gay
and rookie Tracy Porter, and its hindered
by the absence of No. 1 CB Mike McKenzie, who is unable to start training camp on
time as he recovers from a torn ACL he
suffered late last season.

15

DOUG BENC / GETTY IMAGES

Atlanta and make positive changes after an

extremely trying year in which Bobby
Petrino quit 13 games into his tenure as the
teams coach. No sensible observer is
expecting the new attitude to lead to an
immediate jump in terms of wins and losses, but there is probably no other team in
the league that has undergone such drastic
changes in this short a period of time.
Burning questions: How does Mike
Smith conduct his first training camp ever
as a head coach? Will Ryan, the No. 3
overall draft pick, become the starter at
quarterback from Day One? Will disgruntled WR Joe Horn be traded or
released before Week One? How does
RB Michael Turner fare in his first camp
as a full-time starter? Can WR Roddy
White pick up where he left off following
a breakout season? Who will win the
battle to fill the vacancy left by CB DeAngelo Hall? Can rookie OLT Sam Baker
overcome some doubters and become a
sound protector of the quarterbacks blind
side?
Battle to watch: Practice-squad staple
Harvey Dahl looks to unseat longtime
starter Kynan Forney as the teams No. 1
right guard. In one of the biggest surprises of Atlantas offseason, Dahl has
emerged as a favorite of the new coaching
staff. He has a nasty demeanor, which the
new regime loves, and its hoping hell set
the tone for the rest of the O-linemen. Forney, a three-time Pro Bowler, hasnt
adjusted well to the post-Michael Vick era
and is in danger of becoming a backup for
the first time since his rookie year.
Fearless prediction: Ryan struggles to
assert himself as the new face of the franchise, despite managements hope that he
instantly would become a leader. He falters at times in preseason games but shows
steady improvement and is named the
starter over Chris Redman before the
squad breaks camp.

TRAINING-CAMP REPORTS

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

SPORTPICS

AUGUST 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

Arizona Cardinals
Key veteran additions: LB Clark Hag-

gans, P Dirk Johnson, OLB-DE Travis

LaBoy.
Key veteran departures: OLB Darryl
Blackstock, DL Chris Cooper, FS Terrence
Holt, WR Bryant Johnson, OLB Calvin
Pace, OT Oliver Ross, OG Keydrick Vincent.
Juiciest story line: All eyes once again
will be riveted on third-year QB Matt
Leinart, who became an unwilling Internet
celebrity early in the offseason when photos of him partying in a hot tub and doing
beer bongs with a coed rekindled concerns
about his commitment to his craft.
Burning questions: With veteran backup
Kurt Warner peering over his surgically
repaired throwing shoulder, will Leinart
stay healthy and blossom into a consistent
starting force under center? Can the talented but uneven right side of the O-line
(OT Levi Brown and OG Deuce Lutui)
also be more consistent? Can former
first-round pick Antrel Rolle make a successful conversion from cornerback to free
safety? Can Gabe Watson and/or Alan
Branch turn it up a notch at nose tackle
and enable DL Darnell Dockett to make
more impact plays?
Battles to watch: Aside from the QB
duel between Leinart, the anointed starter
heading into camp, and Warner, the battle
at left outside linebacker between Chike
Okeafor and free-agent addition Clark
Haggans should be especially fun to watch.
Okeafor was widely considered the teams
top defender in the second half of the 2006
season, and he figures to be champing at
the bit after missing the entire 07 season
due to a torn biceps tendon. But Haggans,
an ex-Steeler, is a seasoned 3-4 veteran
who figures to command his fair share of
playing time, whether he starts or not.
Fearless prediction: Leinart has the
breakout season the Cardinals have been
hoping for the past two seasons and earns

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 2008

a well-deserved Pro Bowl invite.

St. Louis Rams

Key veteran additions: TE Anthony
Becht, OG Jacob Bell, PK Josh Brown,
WR Reche Caldwell, QB Trent Green, CB
David Macklin.
Key veteran departures: OG Milford
Brown, WR Isaac Bruce, OLB Brandon
Chillar, QB Gus Frerotte, C Andy McCollum, TE Aaron Walker.
Juiciest story line: Theres no denying
the short rope head coach Scott Linehan
will be clinging to entering camp after
one of the most forgettable and painful
seasons in franchise history. A second
straight poor start to the season could
send him packing before the 08 campaigns halfway point.
Burning questions: Will new coordinator Al Saunders revamped offense be
worthy of all the positive buzz it has
received so far this offseason? Which
Marc Bulger will we see the quarterback who had a career year in 06 that
earned him a hefty new contract, or the
quarterback who was so disappointing and
tentative in 07? Will undisputed offensive centerpiece Steven Jackson receive
his own hefty new contract before the start
of the regular season? Will rookie WRs
Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton pick up
the slack created by veteran Isaac Bruces
departure? Will first-round DE Chris
Long be ready for prime time from the
get-go? Can two key vets on opposite
sides of the ball OLT Orlando Pace and
DLE Leonard Little successfully
bounce back from serious season-ending
injuries?
Battle to watch: An open competition at
center figures to be the center of attention
in camp, with undersized incumbent Brett
Romberg trying to hold off Richie Incognito and Mark Setterstrom, both of whom
could end up back at their natural guard
spots. Incognito offers the most physical
presence of the three challengers.
Fearless prediction: Little, who turns 34
in October, shows that he still has plenty of

OTTO GREULE JR. / GETTY IMAGES

(Continued from Page 15)

on time, although without a new contract.

Committee member: Julius Jones is part of a new Seattle backfield looking to ramp up the run game

gas left in the tank with a double-digit sack

campaign.

San Francisco 49ers

Key veteran additions: WR Isaac Bruce,

NORM HALL

TRAINING-CAMP REPORTS

2008 PRESEASON

16

RB DeShaun Foster, WR Bryant Johnson,

QB J.T. OSullivan, CB-RS Allen Rossum,
DE Justin Smith, LB Dontarrious Thomas.
Key veteran departures: QB Trent Dilfer, DE Marques Douglas, OT Kwame
Harris, RB Maurice Hicks, WR Darrell
Jackson, OG Justin Smiley, LB Derek
Smith.
Juiciest story line: By all accounts, former first-round draft pick Alex Smith
couldnt be more excited about new coordinator Mike Martzs new offense. The
party line suggests that Smith, whose tense
relationship last season with head coach
Mike Nolan supposedly has been patched
up, will enter camp in a dead heat with
Shaun Hill and J.T. OSullivan for the
starting QB job, but daily team observers
have a hard time believing Smith wont be
Martzs first choice in a system similar to
the one in which he thrived under Urban
Meyer at Utah.
Burning questions: Can Smith live up to
his first-round potential in his fourth season and help Nolan remain gainfully
employed? Can Bryant Johnson beat
out fellow newcomer Isaac Bruce for the
No. 1 receiver job? Can 2007 firstround pick Joe Staley make a successful
conversion from right to left tackle in his
second season? Will Jonas Jennings
hold up both physically and mentally at
right tackle? Will expensive free-agent
addition Justin Smith become the consistent pass-rushing force the team has been
lacking for years? Can ILB Patrick
Willis possibly be as magnificent as he
was in his rookie season?
Battle to watch: Assuming the supposed
battle for the starting QB job is the smokescreen most team insiders suspect, the
most interesting battle could be for the
starting ILB spot alongside Willis. A host
of challengers include savvy veteran Jeff
Ulbrich, the underappreciated Brandon
Moore, free-agent addition Dontarrious
Thomas and a very intriguing long shot
Over his shoulder: Arizonas Matt Leinart must
answer maturity questions and battle Kurt Warner

seventh-round draft pick Larry Grant.

Fearless prediction: Alex Smith blossoms under Martzs direction and throws
twice as many touchdowns as interceptions.

Seattle Seahawks
Key veteran additions: DE Chris Cooper, RB T.J. Duckett, RB Julius Jones, LB
D.D. Lewis, PK Olindo Mare, TE Jeb
Putzier, OG Mike Wahle.
Key veteran departures: LB Kevin Bentley, PK Josh Brown, DT Chuck Darby,
WR D.J. Hackett, LB Niko Koutouvides,
DT Ellis Wyms.
Juiciest story line: In an effort to make
head coach Mike Holmgrens last hurrah
leave a lasting impression, the Seahawks
have concentrated heavily this offseason on
upgrading their declining ground game. Say
goodbye to the Shaun Alexander era and
hello to an intriguing, new RB-by-committee
approach, as well as a very highly regarded
new O-line coach in Mike Solari.
Burning questions: Can free-agent additions Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett and Mike
Wahle deliver the same kind of dramatic
upgrade to the teams running game as the
one that 07 free-agent additions Patrick Kerney, Deon Grant and Brian Russell delivered
to the teams defense last season? Can
Solari do what his predecessor, Bill
Laveroni, was unable to do and get young Olinemen Chris Spencer and Rob Sims to play
up to their considerable potential? Can a
host of young receivers pick up the slack created by the departure of D.J. Hackett and
Deion Branchs six-month rehab stretch after
tearing up his knee in the playoff loss at
Green Bay? Will the run defense, which
got gashed big-time by the Packers in the
playoffs, be more consistent? Can rookies
Lawrence Jackson and Red Bryant and a
healthy Marcus Tubbs further fortify the Dline?
Battle to watch: Its not very sexy, but the
battle between veteran free-agent addition
Olindo Mare and seventh-round rookie
Brandon Coutu for the starting PK job previously held down by the strong-legged Josh
Brown should be watched very closely on a
team with all kinds of special-teams issues.
Fearless prediction: Julius Jones gains
1,000 yards rushing, and the teams yardsper-carry average improves by at least half a
yard.

COMING IN AUGUST!

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

18

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AUGUST 2008

Pro Football Hall of Fame

CLASS
OF

2008

PFW ARCHIVES

HARRY SCULL JR.

PFW ARCHIVES

PFW ARCHIVES

PFW ARCHIVES

PFW ARCHIVES

On Saturday, Aug. 2, the 2008 class will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
The six-member class will bring the total number of pro football heroes enshrined in the Hall of Fame to 247.

FRED

DARRELL

ART

EMMITT

ANDRE

GARY

DEFENSIVE END

CORNERBACK

WIDE RECEIVER

CORNERBACK

LINEBACKER

O F F E N S I V E TA C K L E

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1975-1981

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 1981-1985

WASHINGTON REDSKINS 1983-2002

WASHINGTON REDSKINS 1980-1993

NEW YORK JETS 1994
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 1995

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

1966-1978

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 1982-1993

THE FACTS: Born June 3,

1943, in Angleton, Texas. ...
Standout football player at
Bishop College in Dallas, he
went undrafted and signed with
the Chiefs as a free agent. ...
Had 58 interceptions in his
career, an all-time Chiefs
record. ... Returned those 58
interceptions for 937 yards and
five touchdowns. ... When he
retired, he was ranked fifth alltime in interceptions and is still
fourth best among true cornerbacks. ... Intercepted a pass
every year except his rookie
season and led the American
Football League in interceptions with nine in 1969. ... One
of the best cornerbacks of his
generation and added a second interception title in 1974
with a career-high 12, only two
short of the NFL record. ... In
his terrific 1974 season, two of
his interceptions were returned
for touchdowns. ... His first, a
38-yard score, help seal an
opening day victory against the
Jets and the second was a 73yard touchdown in the final
game of the season against
Minnesota. ... Was a key cog in
the Chiefs defenses that
helped win AFL titles in 1966
and 1969. ... Had an interception in each of the Chiefs playoff games during the 1969
postseason, including two in
the AFL title game against the
Raiders and one in the Super
Bowl IV win against the
Vikings. ... Led the Chiefs in
interceptions five times. ... Was
a first- or second-team AllAFL/AFC player five times and
first- or-second team All-NFL
player three times. ... Also
selected to five Pro Bowls. ...
Following his illustrious playing
career, he became a college
coach and eventually an assistant coach in the NFL. ... Was
named the Falcons interim
head coach in December 2007
and remains the assistant head
coach and secondary coach.

THE FACTS: Native of

Birmingham, Ala., he attended Ellsworth Junior College in
Iowa before attending the
University of Iowa. ... Drafted
by New England in the second round of the 1982 NFL
draft. ... His rookie season
was spent mostly on special
teams during the strike-shortened season in 1982. ...
Became a starter at linebacker during the 1983 season and had a terrific sophomore year by posting a teamleading 812 sacks. ... In 1984
he had one of the best individual seasons by a linebacker in NFL history with
1812 sacks, a Patriots team
record, earning a berth to his
first Pro Bowl. ... Helped lead
the Patriots to the Super Bowl
for the first time in their history in 1985 by contributing 1612
sacks (second in the NFL),
three forced fumbles and
three fumble recoveries. ...
Rewarded for his terrific 1985
season by being named to
the Pro Bowl, named an AllPro and capturing the AFC
Defensive Player of the Year
award. ... Injuries derailed his
1986, 1988 and 1989 (missed
the entire year) seasons, but
he still managed to play extraordinarily when on the field,
posting 1212 sacks in 1987,
which was second in the NFL.
... Made five consecutive Pro
Bowls from 1985-1989. ...
Upon retiring, held Patriots
team records with 100 career
sacks, 1812 sacks in a season
and 17 opponent fumble
recoveries. ... A five-time AllAFC selection, he was named
to the NFLs All-Decade Team
of the 1980s. ... After playing
his entire career with the
Patriots, remains with the
team today as executive
director of community affairs.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS 1986-1992

DENVER BRONCOS 1993-1997

DEAN
THE FACTS: Native of Arcadia, La., stayed close to home
and played his collegiate football at Louisiana Tech, where
he was an All-Southland Conference linebacker. ... Drafted
in the second round of the
1975 NFL draft by the Chargers and was immediately
moved to the defensive line. ...
His impressive combination of
speed, quickness and strength
allowed him to become one of
the most feared pass rushers
in the NFL. ... Dean had a terrific rookie season in 1975,
compiling 93 tackles, seven
sacks and four fumble recoveries. ... From 1978-1980, he
totaled 35 sacks while helping
lead the Chargers to back-toback AFC Western Division
championships in 1979 and
1980. ... Traded to the 49ers
early in the 1981 season. ...
Had two sacks in his 49ers
debut after having only two
days of practice with his new
team and was an integral part
in the 49ers first Super Bowl
title, contributing 12 sacks in
just 11 games. ... In 1983,
Dean had one of the best seasons ever by a defensive lineman with 1712 sacks. ... He
also set a then-NFL record
with six sacks in one game in a
shutout win against the New
Orleans Saints in 1983. ...
Unofficial career sack total
approaches 100, but sacks
were not an official statistic
until 1982. ... Played for five
division winners, in three NFC
championship games and won
two Super Bowls (XVI and
XIX). ... Earned all-conference
honors four times twice with
the Chargers and twice with
the 49ers. ... Named to four
Pro Bowls (1980-82, 1984)
and was named an All-Pro
twice (1980-81).

GREEN
THE FACTS: Born in Houston, he became a football and
track and field star at Texas
A&I University (now Texas
A&M-Kingsville), where he set
numerous conference records
in track and gained fame as
one of the fastest men in the
world. ... Drafted in the first
round of the 1983 NFL draft by
the Redskins, who wanted to
utilize his speed as a returner
in addition to playing cornerback. ... Enjoyed immediate
success, returning a punt for a
61-yard touchdown the first
time he touched the football in
his NFL career. ... He started
all 16 games in his rookie season, finishing with 109 tackles
(a team-leading 79 solo
stops), and was runner-up for
the Associated Press NFL
Rookie of the Year Award. ...
One of the premier cornerbacks in the league, Green
intercepted a pass in a record
19 straight seasons (19832001). ... Intercepted 54 passes in his career for 621 yards
with six touchdowns. ... Additional
two
interceptions
returned for touchdowns in the
postseason. ... Holds the Redskins team record with a 78yard fumble recovery for a
touchdown against the Colts in
1993. ... Played in four NFC
Championship games and
three Super Bowls, with two
wins coming in Super Bowl
XXII and XXVI. ... In the 1987
NFC Championship game, he
jarred the ball loose from Minnesota receiver Darrin Nelson
on a pivotal fourth-down pass
play that helped propel the
team into Super Bowl XXII,
which it eventually won. ...
Named to seven Pro Bowls
and named All-Pro four times
(1986-1987, 1990-1991). ...
Also a member of the NFLs
All-Decade Team of the 1990s.

MONK
THE FACTS: The native of
White Plains, N.Y., stayed instate and attended Syracuse.
... First-round pick by the
Redskins, who wanted to utilize his big body as a possession receiver that didnt fear
crossing the middle of the
field for a reception, in 1980.
... At 6-3, 210 pounds during
his playing days, considered
a prototype for todays bigger
and stronger receivers. ...
Had a very successful rookie
season, catching a Redskins
rookie record 58 passes. ... In
1984, Monk had his finest
season as a pro, catching
106 passes for 1,372 yards
and seven touchdowns,
which helped earn him his
first Pro Bowl selection. ...
Had more than 1,000 yards
receiving and 70 receptions
the next two seasons. ... Integral part of the dominant
Redskins teams during the
80s that won three Super
Bowls (XVII, XXII and XXVI)
and had only three losing
seasons. ... Nine times during
his 16-season career he had
more than 50 receptions and
five times gained more than
1,000 yards receiving. ... Set
other then-NFL records of
183 straight games with a
reception and 940 career
pass receptions. ... Hall of
Fame head coach Joe Gibbs
called Monk the strongest
outside receiver hed ever
coached and noted his effectiveness in catching balls in
the middle of the field. ...
Gibbs said, Hes big, hes
strong, hes intelligent, he
has everything. ... Named
All-Pro and All-NFC choice in
1984 and 1985 and selected
to play in three Pro Bowls
(1984-86).

THOMAS

TIPPETT

ZIMMERMAN
THE FACTS: Born Dec. 13,
1961, in Fullerton, Calif. ...
Was a standout offensive
lineman at the University of
Oregon. ... Drafted with the
third overall pick in the 1984
NFL Supplemental Draft by
the Giants. ... His signing
rights were then traded to the
Vikings for two second-round
picks in the 1986 draft. ... Also
drafted by the Los Angeles
Express of the United States
Football League and spent
two seasons with the Express
before reporting to the
Vikings in 1986. ... In Minnesota, Zimmerman paved
the way to help the Vikings
lead the conference in rushing in 1991 and the conference in passing in 1986 and
1988. ... Traded to the Broncos prior to a preseason
game in 1993. ... Anchoring
the line in Denver, he helped
them lead the conference in
total yards in 1995 and lead
the NFL in 1996 and 1997. ...
Proving he could pass block
as well as run block, Broncos
quarterbacks led their conference in passing in 1993 and
1996 while the team led the
NFL in rushing in 1996. ... He
was voted to play in seven
Pro Bowls and was named
either first- or second-team
All-Pro eight times. ... Noted
for his incredible desire and
willingness to play through
pain and injury, he started
169 consecutive games. ...
His streak ended in 1996
when shoulder surgery forced
him to miss the last two
games of the season. ... He
was voted to the NFLs AllDecade Team in 1980s and
the 1990s despite just playing
in four seasons during the
80s. His toughness has
earned the admiration of both
teammates and opponents.

AUGUST 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

19

Common
bond

REDSKINS TEAMMATES DARRELL GREEN

AND ART MONK ARE GOING INTO THE
HALL OF FAME TOGETHER, BUT THEY
ARE NOT JUST LIVING IN THE PAST
By

JOHN KEIM

he celebration started in February tears flowing here;

standing ovations there and
hasnt stopped. One minute
Darrell Green and Art Monk
turn serious, bestowing thankyous to whatever crowd they
face; the next they opt for laughter, rehashing stories and, perhaps, embellishing them
just a tad. Not that anyone minds.
And the next minute theyre cashing in on
their new status, raising money for their
respective charities.
But, if youll notice, theyre doing it one
way: together.
They became linked as Redskins, starting
in the early 1980s, and their lives arced in
similar fashion, men of faith doing charitable
work while being devoted to their families.
They also symbolized an era. Monk, as his
last name would suggest, preferred silence
while setting records. Green was the little
underdog, a mix of extraordinary talent and
resolve. He provided some flash for a team
that showcased more grit.
So it was fitting that Green and Monk will
be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of
Fame the same year, shining a light on the
Redskins greatest stretch. Until now, the
only members voted to the Hall of Fame
from those teams, which won three Super
Bowls in 10 seasons, were head coach Joe
Gibbs and RB John Riggins.
Its very possible that Green, in his first
year of eligibility, and Monk, in his eighth,
will be the last players from those teams to
reach Canton. Another member who worked
with both, former Redskins secondary coach
Emmitt Thomas, will be inducted Aug. 2 as
well.
The championships and records speak for
(themselves), said Charley Casserly, an
assistant GM at the start of the Redskins
1980s run and the boss by the end of it. The
single most important person during that
period was (Gibbs), and he was already in.
The Redskins were a series of great teams
with a lot of very, very good players. The
Hall of Fame is not an exact science. Winning championships, theres no question
about the validity of that.
(But) its a great moment for the fran-

chise. Both are very deserving of the honor.

That era, I took such great pride in being
a part of that, Gibbs said. You hope well
have others who will be honored.
Regardless, Green and Monk are happy to
share the honor. Theyve parlayed it into an
opportunity to raise money, appearing at a
series of events together where they have
been joined by former teammates. They
dubbed the road to Canton the Route 281
Tour, a hybrid of their uniform numbers (28
and 81) to help their charities the Darrell
Green Youth Life Foundation and Monks
Good Samaritan Foundation.
And both players shared another idea:
Theyll be presented by their sons, Jared
Green and James Monk.
My son is my best friend, said Green,
who also has three daughters. We talk every
day of his life, even in college. It was a nobrainer. Anyone who knows me knew that it
would be him.
Its going to be fantastic to have (James),
Monk said. Hes excited about me making
the Hall of Fame, but hes even more excited
to participate. Its very special to have my
own flesh and blood stand up and speak on
my behalf. Its going to be a great moment.
Theyll also be joined by the current Redskins, who play Indianapolis the following
day, in the Hall of Fame game. And at least a
few ex-Redskins likely will be in attendance
Casserly and Gibbs will be there. Many
others were invited to join, but it was uncertain in mid-July who would attend. The Redskins donated $200,000 to fund celebrations
in Canton for Green and Monk, as well as
benefiting their respective charities.
Green befriended owner Dan Snyder from
the start. Snyder was with Green when he
received news of Canton, screaming as loud as
he could. He patted Green on the back when
the former cornerback spoke with his sister,
who prompted tears by recalling their parents.
Monk opted not to be in Arizona for the
announcement. But he did attend a party in
his honor later that night in Washington,
where he received a standing ovation upon
entering.
I have never seen two people who have
been loved so much, said former teammate,
ex-Redskins WR Gary Clark. It comes from
how they played and what they did and do in
the community. There were a lot of guys

PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME (MONK) / HARRY SCULL, JR. (GREEN)

who played extremely hard by their side

but never achieved the kind of respect
they deserve, because of the way they lived
their life and the way that they played the
game.
They are a tribute to the Redskins legacy.
In the past year, Redskins fans endured
tragedy (the death of Sean Taylor) and, on a
much lower level, heartbreak (playoff loss
and Gibbs departure). They also sat through
an extended coaching search punctuated by
the surprise hiring of Jim Zorn. The future of
the franchise in terms of success is uncertain.
The past is not.
Green and Monk represent what the franchise meant.
So former players and current employees
gathered in February for a press-conferenceturned-love-fest. Green took fun swipes at
those in attendance, from ex-Redskins end
Dexter Manley to Hall of Famer and Redskins broadcaster, Sam Huff.
Sam Huff came close to causing me not
to be a Hall of Famer, Green said. He tried
to teach me how to tackle. When I went out
the way he said, I broke my arm.
And this:
I remember when I came in, Dexter said,
You all drafted this little guy? Green said.
I say to my man Dexter, because hes my
homeboy, How do you like me now?
Even the normally reticent Monk took his
turn. He recalled when he discovered just
how much the fans appreciated him.
I remember one moment against the St.
Louis Cardinals. I was running a go pattern
down the right sideline and had my defenders beat by five yards ... as usual ... just being
honest, he said as former teammates in
attendance laughed. Joe (Theismann) threw

me a great pass. It was a beautiful arc pass

right into my hands and I dropped it. It
would have been a touchdown, a 60-yard
score. I just collapsed to the ground. Laying
there for two seconds, it seemed like forever,
there was dead silence in the stadium. When
I stood up to go back to the huddle with my
head down, they began to applaud. That just
did something to me.
Both players reached this pinnacle with
different obstacles, but by working the same
way. The 5-foot-8 Green heard about his size
his whole life. No corner in NFL history
played longer or appeared in more games.
It goes back to my dad who said, Boy,
you could really play that ball, Green said.
His voice eventually prevailed. Early on (as
a kid), I was struggling to stand up out there
and face guys on a daily basis; I was a little
guy and I was scared.
Monk started off in high school as a lineman before ending as a running back, the
same spot he played at Syracuse as a freshman. Eventually, coaches moved him to his
natural position at receiver. When his playing career ended, no receiver had caught
more passes.
For both players, their induction does
more than punctuate their career. Its served
as a springboard to better things, just as they
viewed their intertwined careers.
Its a responsibility, Monk said. Its not
just a title anymore. Its meant a lot to us.
Playing a game was just something we love
to do. So when I think of what (the Hall of
Fame) really means, its more than a title.
Its humbling.
John Keim covers the Redskins for The
Washington Examiner.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

20

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 2008

DRAINING CAMP:

Preseason practices provide little benefit to NFL veterans

JERRY MAGEE

raining camps are a concept that has

run its course. Away with them, I say.
Once, they represented a beginning.
Fat men would show up in them. They
were glorious creatures. For them, the preseason was a period in which they would
work a winters worth of beer out of their
bones, reshaping themselves while preparing for the trials to come.
Now, rather than a start, the camps constitute a continuation of drills that began
weeks ago. There are no fat men, or precious few. Most players are finely conditioned when the procedures get under way.
The preseason is for sharpening, and for fitting rookies into a teams scheme. It is not
in any way as meaningful as it was in another time.
Further, it is too long. Teams do not
require four exhibition appearances to ready
themselves for the games that count. Two
would be sufficient. Nevertheless, clubs still
charge regular-season prices for what are
nothing more than practices. Read: Rip-off.
More franchises ought to approach the
preseason as former Vikings coach Bud
Grant did. Grant kept the nip-ups as brief as
he could. He preferred being out in field and
stream to being in a training camp. Under
Grant, the Vikings would not gather their
athletes together until their peers were well
into their procedures. Grant could do this;
he had veteran squads, and he did not load
them with candidates not apt to be around

when the real racing began.

One year, the Vikes were parties to the
Hall of Fame affair in Canton only about a
week after putting on pads for the first time.
They won, too, if I recall correctly, which I
believe I do.
The reason training camps start when
they do is because coaches cant wait to
start coaching, Bud would say. He could
not be counted among those coaches. Bully
for him.
This idea of taking grown men and cooping them up for an extended period away
from their families is dehumanizing. Properly, many clubs are getting away from it,
with more and more franchises conducting
their exercises either in their own facilities
or in ones nearby. The day and age when
camps would be in the cornlands of Hiram,
Ohio, and Rensselaer, Ind., is past. Some
teams continue to venture into the hinterlands, but every summer they become fewer,
for which players should be thankful.
One other thing has to be appealing to the
athletes. Two-a-days, those ordeals when
they are required to practice twice daily, are
going to be less frequent. Teams no longer
are going to have the guys to engage in such
tortures, not when they cannot exclude players from NFL Europe. The player limit for
training camps has become a hard 80, which
is going to limit the number of practices
appreciably, one can suspect.
Please do not infer that I consider what

happens in July and August of no consequence. Training camps, I long have

thought, are about rookies. We know what
veterans can do; lets find out about the
newgrounders.
While were doing it, we have the Brett
Favre situation to fix on. I dont know what
is going to occur here, but I know this:
Favres agent, Bus Cook, is mistaken when
he says the next move is the Green Bay
clubs. The next move is Favres. Unless he
shows up in Green Bay, the Packers can just
sit there and proceed with their plans to
invest their offense in Aaron Rodgers.
Only if Favre swallows his pride and presents himself in Green Bay are the Packers
apt to trade him. Even then, I am being told,
dealing him would not be easy. Its that
reported $25 million he is due in the final
two years of his contract. Thats a bunch for
a fellow who is, after all, 38.
As Favre has, John Unitas had played 17
years when the Chargers acquired him prior
to the 1973 season. Unitas had been hard
used. He had knees that bent both ways, as
one of Harland Svares coaching lieutenants
put it. Unitas could do little for the Southern
California club. He no longer was around
when the team concluded its season. Favre
is more fit than Unitas was, but 38 is 38.
About those rookies. I observed them
when they came to the La Costa Resort and
Spa in Carlsbad for the NFLs rookie symposium. A fine group of young men, Im

sure. On the afternoon I looked in on these

hearties, they were working with a gaggle of
youngsters from Camp Pendleton families
who had been invited to a clinic. Players
drafted by the Colts would work with one
group, players drafted by the Saints with
another, and so on. The clinics format represented an opportunity to assess each
teams choices from the standpoints of size
and maturity.
The group that most impressed me had
the Bears logo on their visors. The Bears
had a bountiful draft, naming 12 collegians,
and their choices run to size, which is a
good thing. There also did not appear to be
any callow youths in this group.
To me, Darren McFadden, the Arkansas
running back whom the Raiders selected in
the first round despite some red flags relating to his conduct, appeared one of the most
joyous fellows on the grounds. I expected
LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, the first selection of
the Chiefs, to be bigger. Jake Long is a
pleasant fellow, but the offensive tackle
from Michigan who has been made
immensely wealthy by the Dolphins seemed
to me to be very young.
Just observations. The validity of them is
to be tested during the training regimen. It is
good for something.
Jerry Magee has covered pro football for
the San Diego Union-Tribune since 1961
and for PFW since its inception in 1967.

LOSING ITS LUSTER:

Golden age of the deep touchdown pass is long gone

BOB CARROLL

PRO FOOTBALL HISTORIAN

ouchdown passes arent as much fun as they used to be.

When someone says those magic words touchdown
pass, what do you think of? Ill bet in your mind you
see a perfect spiral gracefully arcing far downfield to
be snagged at the 5-yard line by a glue-fingered receiver who
romps merrily into the endzone. You definitely dont imagine
a tiny toss you might throw a little kid whos just learning to
catch.
In 1948 as a little kid, I fell in love with pro football by listening to Cleveland Browns games on the radio. Television
was a newfangled invention meant for families with more
money to waste on frills than mine. I had to reconstruct the
game action in my mind from occasional photos in monthly
magazines and Monday-morning newspapers, but mostly
from the radio. The announcers must have been good
because, by the end of the season, I was certain I knew everything there was to know about how football should be played.
For instance, I knew that the quickest way to get from one
end of the field to the other was to have Otto Graham throw
a pass to Mac Speedie or Dante Lavelli.
And I knew when my team moved inside the enemys 10yard line, the ball should be handed to Marion Motley or
Edgar Special Delivery Jones and a touchdown would
ensue. I also knew in that situation, the worst thing to do was
risk a pass. My team should never get that close and then
blow it with an interception.
So naturally, I was absolutely staggered on those very rare
occasions when Graham would actually culminate a drive
with a four- or five-yard touchdown pass. Coach Paul Brown
sent in all the plays from the sideline via messenger guards. I
decided he must be an undisciplined risk-taker who sometimes wildly threw caution to the wind.
My No-Pass Lesson was well learned. Twenty-five years
later, my loyalty had migrated to Pittsburgh where Chuck
Noll reigned. The television set in my living room was a
necessity in tracing four Super Bowl journeys. One thing
hadnt changed. When the Steelers got in close and Terry
Bradshaw faked a handoff and then lofted a little pass, my

stomach turned over. I inevitably screamed, Ter-reee!

Despite my plaintive wail, that boneheaded play almost
always seemed to bring a touchdown to the Steelers. For that
matter, our opponents often scored when they pulled it on us.
I comforted myself by deciding it was the surprise element
that made it effective. Oddly, it seemed to be happening
much more often than when I was a kid.
Today, of course, passing from inside the 10-yard line is standard procedure. How can the play everyone in the stadium
expects be a surprise? A team can reach the 4-yard line and then
throw three short incompletions before it gives up and kicks a
field goal. I dont scream at the screen anymore. I yawn.
Ive seen the little flip touchdown too often. Been there,
done that. What used to be an exciting surprise has become a
repetitious dissemblance. Id trade my Terrible Towel for a
good old-fashioned plunge up the middle by a fullback.
Dont get me wrong. Im not one of those purists who
wants to bring back the old days of high-cut shoes and low
scores. Generally, I believe todays games are more fun to
watch than those of 50 years ago. But I also think those silly
little touchdown passes are a pox. They inflate statistics and
reduce suspense.
A coach could no doubt prove that the little lobs are effective, but nobody watches football to check its effectiveness;
they watch it to get excitement. I know those little tosses for
touchdowns take skill. And there is an inevitable flash whenever your team scores no matter how. A short touchdown
pass ranks higher than a chip-shot field goal on the thrill
scale. But the difference is that viewing a tiny-toss touchdown is like monitoring surgery; a long bomb is like watching a sword fight.
I did a little research. From 1950-54, the average touchdown pass in the NFL was 28.7 yards. Out of 1,043 touchdown passes thrown from 1950-54, 205 were for fewer than
10 yards almost 20 percent.
In those five years, my hero Otto Graham threw 73 touchdown passes; only eight were for less than 10 yards about
11 percent. Norm Van Brocklin threw nine shorties out of 77

touchdown passes for 11.7 percent. With 15 short TDs,

Bobby Layne had a 16.5 percentage for 91 TDs. Oddly, Y.A.
Tittle, whose reputation was as a great long passer, threw 20
of his 56 touchdown passes 35.7 percent for fewer
than 10 yards. A statistician friend says Tittles sample was
too small to prove anything and I shouldnt mention it. Still,
I might never get another chance to tattle on Tittles total.
I wanted to check five recent years for comparison, but Im
not a math major. When I have to add long strings of numbers, my mind wanders (Hmmm plus six, plus four
hey, plus-fours are golfing trousers, hmm, plus uh?). Then
I have to start over. I was afraid I couldnt finish by Christmas, so I settled for three seasons 2002, 04, and 06.
There were 2,074 touchdown passes in my modern threeyear sample, compared to only 1,043 for the five 1950s years.
Although a lot of that difference is because the NFL had only
12 teams playing 12-game schedules in the 1950s, I had a
hunch that some of the glut is because there are more short
touchdown passes now. Today, touchdown passes average 19.3
yards almost 10 fewer yards per pass than in the 1950s.
In the three modern years I looked at, Peyton Manning
tossed 107 touchdowns with 39.3 percent less than 10 yards.
Brett Favre threw 41.3 percent of his touchdown passes
under 10 yards; Tom Brady threw 51.3 percent.
Of the 2,074 touchdown passes in our three recent years, 835
a whopping 40.3 percent were shorties. The likelihood
of a touchdown pass being shorter than the trek from your
breakfast table to your kitchen sink has more than doubled in
the years Ive been following pro football.
Thats not going to change. The short touchdown pass
might have become as common as walkers at the old folks
home, but those silly NFL coaches are more intent on winning games than on having an entertaining team. As long as
they keep scoring touchdowns with those itty-bitty passes,
the coaches will keep calling for them.
They never listen to me.
Bob Carroll is a football historian who has written several
books about pro football and helped edit Total Football.

AUGUST 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

21

PARALYSIS BY ANALYSIS:

QB battles should be decided with immediacy in mind

MATT SOHN

GETTY IMAGES

ifes not easy for quarterbacks entangled in trainingcamp competitions. Its a worrisome, nerve-wracking
and tense month and a half when those competing for
the starting gig dont just have to worry about
their own performance they have to be concerned about what their competitor is doing as
well. Short-hop a pass in a 7-on-7 drill, and
hell feel like its a forgone conclusion hell be
planted on the pine in Week One. Throw an
interception on a misread and hell feel as
though hell be lucky to sniff playing time for
the duration of the season.
But for as much pressure as the quarterbacks embroiled in the throes of a
heated competition for starting honors
feel, just as much of a burden, if not
more of one, is placed on the shoulders of the those who are ultimately
making the decision on who wins the
QB derby the head coaches.
For many coaches in the league,
making the right call on the quarterback is not just the difference between
forging into January and taking an
early vacation, it can be the difference
between job security and scouring the
classifieds at the end of the season. At
the defining position on the field, the
coachs QB anointment can be the most
MATT
critical decision hell make until Aprils
RYAN
draft.
Entering training camps in 2008, a
host of teams has finding its quarterback as priority
No. 1 on its to-do list. By my estimation, six teams
the Dolphins, Jets, Ravens, Bears, Falcons and
49ers will stage an honest QB battle in
camp, and you can bump that number up to

eight depending on how the Brett Favre soap opera in Green

Bay unfolds and whether the Jeff Garcia contract conundrum
in Tampa Bay persists in gridlock.
But while the coaches on each of these squads share the
similarity of having to make a critical call before kickoff
in their opening game, there are fundamental differences in the decision-making process each coach goes
through. Some coaches, such as John Harbaugh in
Baltimore and Mike Smith in Atlanta, may decide
its best to keep his promising first-round pick (Joe
Flacco and Matt Ryan) on the bench for at least a few
weeks if not the bulk of the season for fear
of stunting his development if thrown to the
wolves too quickly.
Others, such as Mike Nolan in San Francisco, may feel hes not ready to give up
on a one-time elite prospect (Alex
Smith), thinking that just maybe this
year will finally be the year when talent
translates into production. This is
equivalent to the notion that highersalaried passers deserve the benefit of
the doubt.
Still others, such as Jon Gruden
in Tampa Bay, may decide that
hes not willing to put up with
the contract bickering of the
player whos clearly the most
qualified (Jeff Garcia), and
instead go with a less-established gunslinger to avoid
setting a precedent.
However, in light of
every possible reason that a
coach may opt for one
passer over the other, the
quarterback most prepared to

help his team win right now should trump all else. The reality is that theres so much uncertainty in the NFL from one
week to the next, as well as one season to the next, that
forecasting the future success of the club at the expense of
the present is a luxury coaches in the NFL today cannot
afford.
This isnt to suggest that rookies should be barred from
being a legitimate opening week option. Sometimes, he may
be the best option. Anyone who saw Kyle Boller or Joey
Harrington trudge through the motions of yet another disappointing season in 07 knows that the situation cant get all
that worse for their clubs at the position. And because both
Flacco and Ryan signed their deals prior to camp, the two
touted rookies should be well-versed enough in the playbook
to at least adequately navigate the playbook, unlike the situation last year in Oakland where JaMarcus Russells lengthy
holdout all but prevented him from consideration until late in
the season.
Although every coach preaches the one game at a time
mantra, in actuality, they often make their QB decisions from
a more macro perspective. Theyll think back to how they
viewed the quarterbacks college tape during the draft evaluation process. Theyll envision the ridicule from fans and the
media if they give up on a guy who was once considered the
future franchise quarterback. Theyll think about subjecting a
young quarterback to the physical and mental rigors of the
NFL too soon. Essentially, theyll overanalyze the issue to
the point that one quarterback will have to obliterate his
competition in camp in order to render the peripheral factors
moot.
When it comes to choosing a quarterback, the NFL
shouldnt be about what have you done for me lately? Neither should it be what will you do for me tomorrow? It
ought to be what will you do for me now?
PFW associate editor Matt Sohn can be reached via e-mail
at msohn@pfwmedia.com.

THE MORE THE MERRIER:

Fox doesnt think Strahan will be a fifth wheel on the set

BARRY JACKSON

RADIO-TV

oxs hiring of Michael Strahan should

add spark and a more contemporary
feel to its pregame show, which has
missed likeable James Brown since he
moved to CBS two years ago. But one concern exists: These guys interrupted each
other when it was a four-man set. So how
will they behave with a fifth person?
Terry Bradshaw holds the key. If he stops
acting like the class clown and engages Strahan in serious analysis instead of inside
jokes, this combination could work. Strahans
whimsical diaries for Fox last year were generally underwhelming, but Fox executives
were convinced he was the right fit.
In fact, Fox honchos said this was the first
time they seriously considering adding a
fifth person on the main set. He has the personality we felt fit with our guys, Fox
Sports president Ed Goren said of Strahan.
Ex-Giants RB Tiki Barber criticized Eli
Manning when Barber joined NBC last year,
but Strahan said he has no agenda against his
former team. My situation is different (than
Barbers), he said.
And in general, I dont worry about giving my opinion, Strahan said. Half the
people dont like me anyway. Its a good
thing Strahan doesnt seem worried about
that. The best analysts Cris Collinsworth,
for instance criticize without fear of
repercussions.
CBS already went to a five-man set last
year when it hired Bill Cowher, and that
worked out about as well as anyone could

have expected. Cowher, though, could return

to coaching in 2009.

MARINO WONT GO INSIDE

CBS made the right call by hiring host
James Brown, Cris Collinsworth and Phil
Simms to serve as commentators on Inside
the NFL when it moves from HBO to
Showtime this season.
CBS is producing the program for Showtime and retained only Collinsworth from
the HBO cast. Bob Costas, who does other
work for HBO (a Showtime rival), and Cris
Carter, who took a job at ESPN, werent
realistic options. Dan Marino would have
welcomed the job but was passed over. He
will keep his job in CBS studio, however.
We wanted to have some connection to
the HBO show (with Collinsworth), CBS
Sports president Sean McManus said. We
wanted to have some CBS presence, but we
didnt want it to be a CBS show in its entirety. Dan has a really important role with CBS
Sports. It was more of a numbers game. It
wasnt so much we didnt want Dan on the
show. I think Dan understands that.
Inside the NFL will add a fourth commentator either a permanent analyst, analysts on a rotation basis or current players on
bye weeks. Foxs Howie Long also has
received consideration.
NFL Network hired Giants radio
announcer Bob Papa as Bryant Gumbels
replacement on play-by-play of eight
November/December games. Papa, who also

announces boxing for HBO, will team with

the ubiquitous Collinsworth.
There were certainly bigger names available NBCs Tom Hammond and CBS
Dick Enberg among them but NFL Network preferred a young voice whose career
is on the ascent. At least that was the strategy after NBCs Al Michaels turned down the
job.
Tough break for Hammond, who previously worked with Collinsworth on NBC and
filled in for Gumbel on a game last season.
NFL Network is developing several
series that will air this fall. Starting 11 will
be a weekly countdown show highlighting 11
points of the interest for the coming weeks
games. Sounds of the Game will feature
audio clips from players miked during games
and classic sound bites from NFL Films
archives. Americas Game will return Sept.
3 with an episode on the Giants.
Though NFL Network president Steve
Bornstein has been adamant that he wont
allow his network to be placed on a sports
tier, its clear the NFL must do something to
get the channel in more households. (More
than 60 percent of the country doesnt get
NFL Network.) Comcast already has placed
NFL Network on a tier in two million homes
without NFL Networks approval and
the matter will go to arbitration.
Thats why it would be prudent for the
NFL to continue speaking with ESPN about
a joint relationship. The Wall Street Journal
has reported discussions of merging NFL

Network with ESPN Classic, which is in far

more homes. Or the NFL could place more
pressure on cable operators such as TimeWarner to add the channel on a basic service
by carrying 17 regular-season games, not
just eight. Whatever the approach, the NFL
clearly needs to change its strategy.
Only Don Imus knows if he was telling
the truth when he said his latest on-air
remarks about race were misunderstood. But
in giving his explanation/damage control, it
was transparently disingenuous verging
on laughable for Imus to refer to suspended Cowboys CB Adam Jones as a
lovely kid, considering Imus obviously
knew nothing about him.
Imus, if you missed it, asked Jones
color during a discussion of his run-ins
with the law and, when told he is black,
Imus said, There you go. Now we know.
WABC-radio management did not discipline
Imus, who insists he was calling attention to
the unfair treatment of blacks. Jones was dismayed by the remarks and said he would
pray for Imus.
Why did Brett Favre give his publicized
mid-July interview to Fox News and not
ESPN? Favre assuredly knew he would have
a sympathetic interviewer in Greta Van Susteren, a Packers fan and shareholder. And
Favres wife, Deana, pitched the interview
by e-mailing Van Susteren.
Barry Jackson covers sports broadcasting
for the Miami Herald.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

22

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 2008

The Buzz

THE

FANTASY

BUZZ
BUZZ

PFW TAKES A LOOK AT FANTASY NEWS AND NOTES

FROM AROUND THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
By DAN ARKUSH

MATT SOHN

ERIC EDHOLM
MIKE WILKENING
DAN PARR
MICHAEL BLUNDA

to become their go-to guy in the

red zone. A well-built 6-4, 218
pounds, Wilford has sticky hands
and can outmuscle many defensive
backs in jump-ball situations.
For as much raw talent as he possesses, and for as dominant an
offense as he plays on, it may be
difficult for Patriots TE Ben Watson
to put up impressive numbers. His
inability to stay healthy is cause for
particular concern, but so is Tom
Bradys tendency to locate his
wideouts more often than his tight
ends, especially near the goal line.
If youre looking for a sleeper
defense, look no further than the
Jets, which improved significantly
down the 07 stretch and brought in
a host of newcomers capable of
racking up the sacks. The problem,
however, is that it will be awfully
difficult to justify playing the
defense early. After a Week One
matchup with the Dolphins, the
Jets play the high-powered offenses of New England, San Diego,
Arizona and Cincinnati in their next
four games.

ith training camps fast

approaching and the
2008 season just
around the corner, the
PFW staff has been
hard at work collecting the
hottest fantasy-related rumors
and player news from around
the NFL.

A F C l

E A S T

New Bills offensive coordinator

Turk Schonert appears intent on
featuring RB Marshawn Lynch
more often in the passing game. In
his rookie season of 2007, Lynch
caught only 18 balls, as the coaches wanted him to concentrate more
on his blocking than his receiving.
It wouldnt be much of a surprise at
all if Lynch doubles his reception
total in 08. Even with a deep
cast of tight ends, the Dolphins are
expecting new WR Ernest Wilford

ROBERT WATROBA

A F C l

Dual threat: Marshawn Lynch should

be a frequent target for the Bills in 08

N O R T H

If youre looking to handcuff

Bengals RB Rudi Johnson, veteran Kenny Watson should be atop
your list. Watson rushed for a
career-high 763 yards and seven
touchdowns last season. He also
caught 52 passes, also a careerbest. The return of Chris Perry to
the Bengals lineup could affect
Watsons workload somewhat, but
Perry hasnt been able to stay
healthy in four prior NFL seasons.
Monitor his progress in training
camp before changing your draftboard. For now, he is a candidate
to be plucked off the waiver wire
and nothing more. The way we
hear it, the competition for the
Browns No. 3 receiver job may
come down to Travis Wilson and
journeyman Kevin Kasper.
Joshua Cribbs is also in the mix,
but his value on special teams
and his rawness as a receiver
are factors that work against him.
Wilson, a third-round pick of the
Browns two seasons ago, had a

SPORTPICS

strong offseason, as did Kasper,

who has played for Denver, Seattle, Arizona, New England and
Detroit. Steelers veteran Nate
Washington is expected to hold
off rookie Limas Sweed for the No.
3 WR job. Washington caught five
TD passes last season. However,
Sweed is the better pick in keeper
leagues, and he might be worth a
flier in big leagues with more roster
spots than average. With the
exception of established veterans
WR Derrick Mason and TE Todd
Heap, it may be best to take a
wait-and-see approach with Baltimores pass catchers until you get
a sense of how they are taking to
Cam Camerons offense.

A F C l

S O U T H

The news that Peyton Manning will miss extended time

recovering from knee surgery
should eliminate all thoughts that
he should be taken ahead of Tom
Brady. Its not a given that hell
be back for the season opener,
and missing the preseason work
with his receivers could mean that
it will take some time for Manning

Wounded Colt: Peyton Manning

could be a question mark for Week One
to be hitting on all cylinders.
With the Jaguars expecting to
implement more of a vertical
passing game, the biggest beneficiary could be TE Marcedes
Lewis. The former first-round pick
is at his best when running free
down the field, as he has the athleticism to make things happen in
space, but lacks the strength to
muscle out yards after contact in
traffic. Keep an eye on the
progress of Titans WR Biren
Ealy, who impressed in offseason
workouts and has a strong
chance at winning the No. 3
receiver job, especially if Roydell
Williams (ankle) is slow to return
to action. If Ealy keeps playing
well, the pressure on the other
Titans receivers trying to grab a
roster spot is dialed up that much
more. If waiting to select a
kicker until the final round, you
could do worse than the Texans
Kris Brown, who quietly hit 25-of29 field goals last year and hit all
40 extra-point attempts. The Tex-

ans offense can be potent, and

Brown has one of the leagues
strongest legs.

A F C l

W E S T

With word that new Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan Gailey

plans to use a lot of two-TE sets
this season, rookie Brad Cottam
could wind up on your fantasy
radar. A third-round pick out of Tennessee, Cottam will be deployed
mainly as blocker, but dont be surprised if he starts catching passes
as defenses focus on Tony Gonzalez. Its worth keeping an eye on
the 6-foot-7 Cottam during preseason action. The Chargers
offense lost a key piece this offseason when free-agent RB Michael
Turner bolted for Atlanta. Left without a true No. 2 RB, San Diego
traded up on draft day to grab
Jacob Hester in the third round,
and now Hester appears in line to
be LaDainian Tomlinsons new
backup. A viable ballcarrier while at
LSU, Hester would have huge fantasy value if injury hits L.T. Hes
definitely someone to target late in
your draft. Broncos WR Bran-

AUGUST 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL
don Marshall rocketed up draft
boards after a breakout 2007 season in which he had 102 receptions and 1,325 yards (both the
fifth-best marks in the league). But
the buzz on Marshall is fading as
he approaches a Sept. 16 court
date in which he will face DUI
charges. If Marshall is found guilty,
there is speculation that he will be
suspended, perhaps for a significant amount of time, since he has
compiled a long list of arrests and
citations over the past few years. If
hes on the field, hes a fantasy
stud, but there appears to be much
risk involved with the selection of
Marshall. The Raiders Zach
Miller is beginning to look like a
very good option for fantasy owners in search of a sleeper at tight
end. Miller had a solid rookie
season in 07, grabbing 44
catches for 444 yards
and three touchdowns,
but he should have an
even bigger role in the
offense this year. Oaklands receiving corps
is very thin behind
Javon Walker, Ronald
Curry and Drew Carter, and
both Walker (knee, fractured
orbital) and Curry (foot) have
potential health problems. Miller
could become QB JaMarcus Russells favorite target in the passing
game, since Russell may not have
many good options at receiver and
will likely look to the bulky 6-5,
255-pound tight end to bail him out
when under pressure.

N F C l

E A S T

Expect the Redskins to use RB

Ladell Betts far more than they did
last year. Head coach Jim Zorn
likely will have to rely on his rushing game early in the season until
the passing game gets wings, but
he also doesnt want to wear down
Clinton Portis, who led the NFL in
carries and looked overworked at
times a year ago. Betts, meanwhile,
was a forgotten man with only 114
touches in 2007. Those numbers
should increase. ... Cowboys RB
Marion Barber hasnt been a true
featured back since high school.
But we hear he is more than up to
the challenge of increasing his
workload, despite a punishing running style that some fear will lead
to injuries. Remember, the Cowboys drafted not only Felix Jones
to back up Barber and take carries
but also Tashard Choice, who has
impressed Cowboys coaches. Barber should be fine with more work.
... With all 11 starters returning in
New York, the Giants are expected
to have a lot of offensive continuity.
But insiders feel WR Steve Smith
will be featured more in the offense
than he even was in the playoffs,
when he was the Giants third-leading receiver. ... Eagles QB
Donovan McNabbs shoulder is a
concern for the Eagles, who shut
him down during the end of the
final veterans minicamp. But
reports out of Arizona, where McNabb trains away from the team,
are that he is throwing and doing

http://www.profootballweekly.com

23

The Buzz

well heading into camp.

N F C l

N O R T H

It didnt take long for Bears insiders to start wondering whether

newly acquired Kevin Jones, who
scored a career-high eight touchdowns for the Lions last season
before tearing his ACL in late
December, will get a legitimate
shot at challenging
Featured
rookie Matt Fort for
back: Marthe teams starting RB
ion Barber
job. The way we hear
is no longer
it, the Bears could
sharing the
spotlight
strongly consider a
two-back system featuring Fort and Jones if Jones is
fully healthy. But team sources
cautioned that the ex-Lions physical condition remains a huge if.
Although Jones says he is
well ahead of schedule in
his recovery from an
injury that was supposed to take a year to
completely heal, we
hear it will probably be
well into training camp,
if even then, before hes
really ready to start strutting
his stuff. Jones injury problems
in each of the last three seasons
could be a red flag worth noting.
Dont be shocked if Packers WR
James Jones, who displayed a
few sparkling fantasy flashes last
season, becomes more of a fantasy factor this season and shares a
lot more of the TD load with fellow
WR Greg Jennings and TE Donald Lee, who combined for 18 TDs
in 07. Daily team observers tell us
Jones has had an excellent offseason up to now and is keeping
sharp by working out in California
with QB Aaron Rodgers and
Packers rookie WR Brett Swain. ...
Tatum Bell will open Lions camp
as the starting running back, and
he had his moments in Denver running in a similar zone scheme. But
we hear the Lions coaches believe
what the Broncos coaches did:
that Bell has to be put on a pitch
count, or his productivity drops off
precipitously. It might not be long
before rookie Kevin Smith, a
workhorse in college running both
inside and outside zones, takes
over. ... Vikings WR Sidney Rice
quietly has had a nice offseason in
the coaches eyes and is expected
to step up as the starting spilt end.
Dont be surprised if he doubles
his rookie totals of 31 receptions
and four TDs.

N F C l

S O U T H

With word of Colts QB Peyton

Mannings surgery, the fantasy
stock of Saints QB Drew Brees
should be rising. Manning is
expected to be out through most of
the preseason while he recovers
from surgery to correct an infected
bursa sac in his left knee, but with
any complications, that time will be
extended, perhaps significantly.
For fantasy owners looking for an
elite quarterback, Brees may move
up a few spots on the draft board
and could warrant first-round consideration. Brees threw for nearly
400 more yards than Manning last

JAMES D. SMITH

season and only three fewer

touchdowns and is as healthy as
hes been in years. Panthers
WR Steve Smiths receiving
yards, average yards per catch
and touchdowns have declined in
each of the past two seasons after
a monster 2005 campaign in which
he racked up 1,563 yards and 12
touchdowns. His production has
been hindered by injuries to QB
Jake Delhomme and a relatively
unimaginative, conservative
offense. Smith, however, could be
ready to get back to his 05 levels.
He will be aided by the return of
Delhomme, who is back from
Tommy John surgery and reportedly looked as good as ever in
minicamp, and also by an upgraded offensive line and receiving
corps, which should be bolstered
by the additions of D.J. Hackett
and Muhsin Muhammad. There
will be less pressure on Smith to
do it all this year, and that in turn
could lead to a resurgent season
for him and Carolina. There was
some concern about RB Earnest
Graham holding out of training
camp over a contract dispute with
the Bucs, but fantasy owners fear
not he agreed to a contract
extension on June 29. That said,
Graham is still far from a household name, and though he posted
impressive numbers in 10 starts
last season, he may be available
surprisingly late in drafts. Graham
scored 10 touchdowns while grabbing a stunning 49 catches for 324
yards last season and averaged
4.0 yards per carry during 10
games as Tampas starter. Those
numbers vaulted him into the top
20 for fantasy backs, and he could
be a major bargain if he falls to the
fourth or fifth round of drafts, which
is a good possibility since he
remains relatively unknown. The
buzz around Falcons RB Jerious
Norwood has been building

throughout the offseason as the

new regime in Atlanta looks to
define his role in the offense. Word
is head coach Mike Smith and
offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey are set on getting the explosively fast Norwood more involved
in the passing game in an effort to
get him out into open space where
he can create. Norwood became a
fantasy sleeper after he showed
some big-play ability as a rookie,
but those who drafted him last
year were disappointed when his
numbers didnt make an anticipated jump. He remains a fantasy
option with a lot of upside, but he
probably belongs no higher than a
No. 3 or No. 4 back, especially with
Michael Turner on board as the
Falcons clear No. 1 option out of
the backfield.

N F C l

W E S T

The buzz is positive regarding

the health of the two Rams players
who are again expected to be the
teams most coveted in fantasy circles this coming season RB
Steven Jackson and WR Torry
Holt. Jackson created a bit of a stir
when he suffered a slight groin
injury and twisted an ankle during
offseason workouts, but the Rams
offensive centerpiece recently told
team insiders that he expects to
be 100 percent healthy by the start
of training camp. As for Holt, we
hear his chronically tender right
knee feels much better than it did
a year ago at this time. We also
hear that, although Holt continues
to have misgivings over the departure of his longtime partner-incrime Isaac Bruce, who quickly
signed up with the division-rival
Niners after getting released, he
has also been invigorated by new
Rams offensive coordinator Al
Saunders inventive playbook.
While Bruce is widely considered

the Niners No. 1 receiver heading

into training camp, our Bay Area
sources tell us the team wouldnt
mind at all if the younger, stronger,
more explosive Bryant Johnson
is filling the teams No. 1 WR role
by the end of camp. We hear
hopes are high that Johnson, who
never fulfilled his first-round expectations in Arizona stuck behind
Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan
Boldin, will blossom in a starting
role under the coach that drafted
him, Jerry Sullivan. The word in
the desert is that the Cardinals are
planning on another significant
workload for featured RB Edgerrin
James in the neighborhood of 2025 carries per game. Ideally,
James will regularly be in a position to be the teams workhorse
late in games, with the offense
pulling out to comfortable leads.
The likelihood that James numbers will be similar to his 2007 output of seven TDs and 1,222 yards
rushing is strong, although fifthround RB Tim Hightower is considered an intriguing X-factor by
team insiders heading into training
camp. We hear James appeared to
be in excellent shape in the OTAs
that he attended. Get ready to
see a lot more of Seahawks second-round rookie TE John Carlson, who has been very limited up
to now due mainly to a nagging
hamstring injury. Encouraged by
Carlsons work ethic and desire to
fully absorb the teams playbook
even while sidelined we hear he
was one of the first players to
arrive and one of the last players
to leave on a regular basis during
the teams minicamps and OTAs
the consensus is that the Seahawks are ready to make the
Notre Dame product their starting
tight end, although both Will
Heller and newcomer Jeb Putzier
are expected to get their share of
touches (especially Putzier).

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

24

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 2008

2008 draft board

Based on a standard performance system (six points for TD runs/catches, four points for TD passes and yardage bonuses). As of July 20.

Quarterbacks
RK.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.

PLAYER / TEAM
BYE
Tom Brady / Patriots
4
Peyton Manning / Colts
4
Tony Romo / Cowboys
10
Drew Brees / Saints
9
Carson Palmer / Bengals
8
Derek Anderson / Browns 5
Ben Roethlisberger / Steelers 6
Donovan McNabb / Eagles 7
Matt Hasselbeck / Seahawks 4
Jay Cutler / Broncos
8
Marc Bulger / Rams
5
Eli Manning / Giants
4
David Garrard / Jaguars
7
Jake Delhomme / Panthers 9
Matt Schaub / Texans
8
Jason Campbell / Redskins 10
Philip Rivers / Chargers
9
Aaron Rodgers / Packers
8
Jon Kitna / Lions
4
Jeff Garcia / Buccaneers 10
Brett Favre / Packers
8
Vince Young / Titans
6
Matt Leinart / Cardinals
7
JaMarcus Russell / Raiders 5
Trent Edwards / Bills
6
Kurt Warner / Cardinals
7
Tarvaris Jackson / Vikings 8
Rex Grossman / Bears
8
Brodie Croyle / Chiefs
6
Kyle Boller / Ravens
10
Alex Smith / 49ers
9
Kellen Clemens / Jets
5
Josh McCown / Dolphins
4
Matt Ryan / Falcons
7
Shaun Hill / 49ers
9
Chad Pennington / Jets
5
Chris Redman / Falcons
7
Joe Flacco / Ravens
10
Kyle Orton / Bears
8
Sage Rosenfels / Texans
8
Billy Volek / Chargers
9
Damon Huard / Chiefs
6
Gus Frerotte / Vikings
8
J.P. Losman / Bills
6
Cleo Lemon / Jaguars
7
John Beck / Dolphins
4
Kerry Collins / Titans
6
Joey Harrington / Falcons 7
Brady Quinn / Browns
5
Kevin Kolb / Eagles
7
Trent Green / Rams
5
Todd Collins / Redskins
10
Seneca Wallace / Seahawks 4
Chad Henne / Dolphins
4
Matt Moore / Panthers
9
Charlie Batch / Steelers
6
Brian Griese / Buccaneers 10
Tyler Thigpen / Chiefs
6
Brad Johnson / Cowboys 10
Patrick Ramsey / Broncos 8

Running backs
RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

BYE

LaDainian Tomlinson / Chargers 9

Brian Westbrook / Eagles 7
Adrian Peterson / Vikings 8
Steven Jackson / Rams
5
Joseph Addai / Colts
4
Clinton Portis / Redskins 10
Frank Gore / 49ers
9
Marshawn Lynch / Bills
6
Larry Johnson / Chiefs
6
Ryan Grant / Packers
8
Willis McGahee / Ravens 10
Marion Barber / Cowboys 10
Maurice Jones-Drew / Jaguars 7
Jamal Lewis / Browns
5
Laurence Maroney / Patriots 4
Julius Jones / Seahawks
4
Earnest Graham / Buccaneers 10
Brandon Jacobs / Giants
4

19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.

Rudi Johnson / Bengals

8
Edgerrin James / Cardinals 7
LenDale White / Titans
6
Reggie Bush / Saints
9
Willie Parker / Steelers
6
Thomas Jones / Jets
5
Michael Turner / Falcons
7
Darren McFadden / Raiders 5
Ronnie Brown / Dolphins
4
Jonathan Stewart / Panthers 9
Fred Taylor / Jaguars
7
Chester Taylor / Vikings
8
Selvin Young / Broncos
8
Ahman Green / Texans
8
DeAngelo Williams / Panthers 9
Matt Fort / Bears
8
Deuce McAllister / Saints
9
Kevin Smith / Lions
4
Rashard Mendenhall / Steelers 6
Justin Fargas / Raiders
5
Jerious Norwood / Falcons 7
Tatum Bell / Lions
4
Felix Jones / Cowboys
10
Leon Washington / Jets
5
Ahmad Bradshaw / Giants 4
Chris Johnson / Titans
6
Chris Brown / Texans
8
Warrick Dunn / Buccaneers 10
Ricky Williams / Dolphins
4
DeShaun Foster / 49ers
9
Dominic Rhodes / Colts
4
Kevin Jones / Bears
8
Kevin Faulk / Patriots
4
Sammy Morris / Patriots
4
Ryan Torain / Broncos
8
T.J. Duckett / Seahawks
4
Fred Jackson / Bills
6
Ray Rice / Ravens
10
Ladell Betts / Redskins
10
Brandon Jackson / Packers 8
Jason Wright / Browns
5
Shaun Alexander / free agent
Steve Slaton / Texans
8
Jacob Hester / Chargers
9
Aaron Stecker / Saints
9
Maurice Morris / Seahawks 4
Lorenzo Booker / Eagles
7
Darren Sproles / Chargers 9
DeShawn Wynn / Packers 8
Cadillac Williams / Buccaneers 10
Derrick Ward / Giants
4
J.J. Arrington / Cardinals
7
Brian Leonard / Rams
5
Mike Hart / Colts
4
Kenny Watson / Bengals
8
Correll Buckhalter / Eagles 7
Kolby Smith / Chiefs
6
Tashard Choice / Cowboys 10
Jamaal Charles / Chiefs
6
Michael Bush / Raiders
5
Cedric Benson / free agent
Adrian Peterson / Bears
8
Mewelde Moore / Steelers 6
Jesse Chatman / Jets
5
Chris Henry / Titans
6
Pierre Thomas / Saints
9
Chris Perry / Bengals
8
Greg Jones / Jaguars
7
Travis Henry / free agent
Kenton Keith / Colts
4
Tony Hunt / Eagles
7
Chris Taylor / Texans
8

Wide receivers
RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

BYE

Randy Moss / Patriots

4
Terrell Owens / Cowboys 10
Braylon Edwards / Browns 5
Larry Fitzgerald / Cardinals 7
Reggie Wayne / Colts
4
Andre Johnson / Texans
8
Marques Colston / Saints 9
Steve Smith / Panthers
9

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh / Bengals 8

Chad Johnson / Bengals
8
Torry Holt / Rams
5
Plaxico Burress / Giants
4
Wes Welker / Patriots
4
Anquan Boldin / Cardinals 7
Brandon Marshall / Broncos 8
Roy Williams / Lions
4
Greg Jennings / Packers
8
Marvin Harrison / Colts
4
Santonio Holmes / Steelers 6
Hines Ward / Steelers
6
Dwayne Bowe / Chiefs
6
Calvin Johnson / Lions
4
Bernard Berrian / Vikings
8
Chris Chambers / Chargers 9
Lee Evans / Bills
6
Joey Galloway / Buccaneers 10
Roddy White / Falcons
7
Laveranues Coles / Jets
5
Santana Moss / Redskins 10
Donald Driver / Packers
8
Jerricho Cotchery / Jets
5
Bobby Engram / Seahawks 4
Dont Stallworth / Browns 5
Kevin Curtis / Eagles
7
Javon Walker / Raiders
5
Patrick Crayton / Cowboys 10
Nate Burleson / Seahawks 4
Anthony Gonzalez / Colts 4
Jerry Porter / Jaguars
7
Sidney Rice / Vikings
8
Ronald Curry / Raiders
5
James Hardy / Bills
6
Bryant Johnson / 49ers
9
Derrick Mason / Ravens 10
Marty Booker / Bears
8
Isaac Bruce / 49ers
9
Mark Clayton / Ravens
10
Justin Gage / Titans
6
Vincent Jackson / Chargers 9
Reggie Brown / Eagles
7
Jabar Gaffney / Patriots
4
Laurent Robinson / Falcons 7
Drew Bennett / Rams
5
DeSean Jackson / Eagles 7
Reggie Williams / Jaguars 7
Ted Ginn Jr. / Dolphins
4
Kevin Walter / Texans
8
Deion Branch / Seahawks 4
Amani Toomer / Giants
4
Muhsin Muhammad / Panthers 9
Ernest Wilford / Dolphins
4
D.J. Hackett / Panthers
9
Devin Thomas / Redskins 10
Darrell Jackson / Broncos 8
Donnie Avery / Rams
5
Limas Sweed / Steelers
6
Earl Bennett / Bears
8
Antwaan Randle El / Redskins 10
Steve Smith / Giants
4
Andr Davis / Texans
8
Shaun McDonald / Lions
4
Bobby Wade / Vikings
8
Brandon Stokley / Broncos 8
Jerome Simpson / Bengals 8
Robert Meachem / Saints 9
Roscoe Parrish / Bills
6
Devin Hester / Bears
8
Michael Jenkins / Falcons 7
Drew Carter / Raiders
5
Dennis Northcutt / Jaguars 7
James Jones / Packers
8
Arnaz Battle / 49ers
9
David Patten / Saints
9
Buster Davis / Chargers
9
Nate Washington / Steelers 6
Mike Furrey / Lions
4
Brandon Lloyd / Bears
8
Joe Jurevicius / Browns
5
Ike Hilliard / Buccaneers 10

90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.
102.
103.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.

Derek Hagan / Dolphins

4
Justin McCareins / Titans 6
Keary Colbert / Broncos
8
Reche Caldwell / Rams
5
Troy Williamson / Jaguars 7
Roydell Williams / Titans
6
Brad Smith / Jets
5
Matt Jones / Jaguars
7
Jeff Webb / Chiefs
6
Robert Ferguson / Vikings 8
Terry Glenn / Cowboys
10
Demetrius Williams / Ravens 10
Ben Obomanu / Seahawks 4
Jerheme Urban / Cardinals 7
Maurice Stovall / Buccaneers 10
Sam Hurd / Cowboys
10
Joe Horn / Falcons
7
Jacoby Jones / Texans
8
Devery Henderson / Saints 9
Steve Breaston / Cardinals 7
Jason Avant / Eagles
7

Tight ends
RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.

BYE

Jason Witten / Cowboys 10

Antonio Gates / Chargers 9
Kellen Winslow / Browns
5
Tony Gonzalez / Chiefs
6
Chris Cooley / Redskins 10
Dallas Clark / Colts
4
Todd Heap / Ravens
10
Heath Miller / Steelers
6
Vernon Davis / 49ers
9
Owen Daniels / Texans
8
Tony Scheffler / Broncos
8
Jeremy Shockey / Giants
4
Alge Crumpler / Titans
6
Donald Lee / Packers
8
Greg Olsen / Bears
8
L.J. Smith / Eagles
7
Ben Watson / Patriots
4
Zach Miller / Raiders
5
Ben Utecht / Bengals
8
Randy McMichael / Rams 5
Leonard Pope / Cardinals 7
Dustin Keller / Jets
5
Desmond Clark / Bears
8
Marcedes Lewis / Jaguars 7
Alex Smith / Buccaneers 10
John Carlson / Seahawks 4
Anthony Fasano / Dolphins 4
Robert Royal / Bills
6
Kevin Boss / Giants
4
Visanthe Shiancoe / Vikings 8
Chris Baker / Jets
5
David Martin / Dolphins
4
Jeff King / Panthers
9
Eric Johnson / Saints
9
Marcus Pollard / Patriots
4
Brent Celek / Eagles
7
Bo Scaife / Titans
6
Dante Rosario / Panthers 9
Ben Troupe / Buccaneers 10
Kris Wilson / Eagles
7
Ben Hartsock / Falcons
7
Billy Miller / Saints
9
Jermichael Finley / Packers 8
Matt Spaeth / Steelers
6
Fred Davis / Redskins
10

Placekickers
RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

BYE

Stephen Gostkowski / Patriots 4

Nick Folk / Cowboys
10
Josh Brown / Rams
5
Phil Dawson / Browns
5
Shayne Graham / Bengals 8
Adam Vinatieri / Colts
4
Nate Kaeding / Chargers
9
Rob Bironas / Titans
6
Mason Crosby / Packers
8
Neil Rackers / Cardinals
7

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11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

Kris Brown / Texans

8
David Akers / Eagles
7
Josh Scobee / Jaguars
7
John Kasay / Panthers
9
Shaun Suisham / Redskins 10
Olindo Mare / Seahawks
4
Jason Hanson / Lions
4
Jeff Reed / Steelers
6
Jason Elam / Falcons
7
Matt Bryant / Buccaneers 10
Martin Gramatica / Saints 9
Ryan Longwell / Vikings
8
Robbie Gould / Bears
8
Mike Nugent / Jets
5
Matt Stover / Ravens
10
Lawrence Tynes / Giants
4
Sebastian Janikowski / Raiders 5
Joe Nedney / 49ers
9
Rian Lindell / Bills
6
Jay Feely / Dolphins
4
Matt Prater / Broncos
8
Chiefs placekicker
6

Defenses/
special teams
RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
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25.
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27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

Minnesota Vikings
San Diego Chargers
New York Giants
Dallas Cowboys
Chicago Bears
Jacksonville Jaguars
Pittsburgh Steelers
New England Patriots
Seattle Seahawks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baltimore Ravens
Green Bay Packers
Philadelphia Eagles
Buffalo Bills
Oakland Raiders
Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans
Washington Redskins
Houston Texans
New York Jets
San Francisco 49ers
Cleveland Browns
Denver Broncos
Arizona Cardinals
Carolina Panthers
Miami Dolphins
Detroit Lions
Kansas City Chiefs
St. Louis Rams
New Orleans Saints
Cincinnati Bengals
Atlanta Falcons

BYE

8
9
4
10
8
7
6
4
4
10
10
8
7
6
5
4
6
10
8
5
9
5
8
7
9
4
4
6
5
9
8
7

Top 100 overall

RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
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15.
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18.
19.
20.
21.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson / Chargers

RB Brian Westbrook / Eagles
RB Adrian Peterson / Vikings
RB Steven Jackson / Rams
QB Tom Brady / Patriots
RB Joseph Addai / Colts
RB Clinton Portis / Redskins
RB Frank Gore / 49ers
RB Marshawn Lynch / Bills
RB Larry Johnson / Chiefs
WR Randy Moss / Patriots
QB Peyton Manning / Colts
RB Ryan Grant / Packers
RB Willis McGahee / Ravens
WR Terrell Owens / Cowboys
RB Marion Barber / Cowboys
WR Braylon Edwards / Browns
WR Larry Fitzgerald / Cardinals
WR Reggie Wayne / Colts
RB Maurice Jones-Drew / Jaguars
WR Andre Johnson / Texans

22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
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36.
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98.
99.
100.

QB Tony Romo / Cowboys

RB Jamal Lewis / Browns
WR Marques Colston / Saints
WR Steve Smith / Panthers
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh / Bengals
RB Laurence Maroney / Patriots
WR Chad Johnson / Bengals
QB Drew Brees / Saints
RB Julius Jones / Seahawks
RB Earnest Graham / Buccaneers
RB Brandon Jacobs / Giants
WR Torry Holt / Rams
QB Carson Palmer / Bengals
RB Rudi Johnson / Bengals
WR Plaxico Burress / Giants
WR Wes Welker / Patriots
WR Anquan Boldin / Cardinals
WR Brandon Marshall / Broncos
QB Derek Anderson / Browns
RB Edgerrin James / Cardinals
TE Jason Witten / Cowboys
RB LenDale White / Titans
RB Reggie Bush / Saints
QB Ben Roethlisberger / Steelers
WR Roy Williams / Lions
RB Willie Parker / Steelers
RB Thomas Jones / Jets
RB Michael Turner / Falcons
WR Greg Jennings / Packers
TE Antonio Gates / Chargers
RB Darren McFadden / Raiders
TE Kellen Winslow / Browns
WR Marvin Harrison / Colts
WR Santonio Holmes / Steelers
WR Hines Ward / Steelers
RB Ronnie Brown / Dolphins
QB Donovan McNabb / Eagles
RB Jonathan Stewart / Panthers
TE Tony Gonzalez / Chiefs
QB Matt Hasselbeck / Seahawks
WR Dwayne Bowe / Chiefs
TE Chris Cooley / Redskins
QB Jay Cutler / Broncos
WR Calvin Johnson / Lions
RB Fred Taylor / Jaguars
TE Dallas Clark / Colts
QB Marc Bulger / Rams
WR Bernard Berrian / Vikings
WR Chris Chambers / Chargers
WR Lee Evans / Bills
WR Joey Galloway / Buccaneers
WR Roddy White / Falcons
QB Eli Manning / Giants
WR Laveranues Coles / Jets
WR Santana Moss / Redskins
WR Donald Driver / Packers
WR Jerricho Cotchery / Jets
RB Chester Taylor / Vikings
WR Bobby Engram / Seahawks
WR Dont Stallworth / Browns
RB Selvin Young / Broncos
RB Ahman Green / Texans
TE Todd Heap / Ravens
RB DeAngelo Williams / Panthers
WR Kevin Curtis / Eagles
RB Matt Fort / Bears
WR Javon Walker / Raiders
RB Deuce McAllister / Saints
RB Kevin Smith / Lions
QB David Garrard / Jaguars
WR Patrick Crayton / Cowboys
DST Vikings
WR Nate Burleson / Seahawks
QB Jake Delhomme / Panthers
RB Rashard Mendenhall / Steelers
WR Anthony Gonzalez / Colts
TE Heath Miller / Steelers
RB Justin Fargas / Raiders
TE Vernon Davis / 49ers

AUGUST 2008

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http://www.profootballweekly.com

25

Sabercats vs. Soul a fitting finish

By MARK ANDERSON
The teams are remarkably similar, coming
off nearly identical dominant performances
in their respective conference championship
games and they already played an Arena
Football League classic during the regular
season.
Finally, the AFLs premier game will feature two teams that truly deserve to be in the
ArenaBowl.
The Philadelphia Soul was the leagues
strongest team during the regular season,
going 13-3. Philadelphia, making its first ArenaBowl appearance, faces a San Jose SaberCats team in the July 27 championship in New Orleans that is
the AFLs model franchise.
It should be a hell of a football game, Soul coach Bret Munsey said. I
feel for the first time in a few years, these are
the two best teams.
The Chicago Rush might argue differently, but the Grand Rapids Rampage knocked
out the No. 1 seed in the American Conference in the divisional round. Still, its difficult to argue against the defending AFL
champion SaberCats, who went 11-5 in the
regular season, deserving a spot in the
ArenaBowl.
Its not like last year when San Jose beat a
Columbus Destroyers club that went 7-9 in
the regular season. Or in 2006, when Chicago also finished 7-9 before rolling through
the postseason to defeat the Orlando Predators for the AFL title.
The last time the ArenaBowl hosted a
marquee matchup was in 05, when the John
Elway-co-owned Colorado Crush (10-6 in
the regular season) defeated the Doug Plank-

coached Georgia Force (11-5) with a 20yard field goal on the final play.
Parity has made it difficult to guarantee a
championship game between the leagues
best teams, which makes what the SaberCats
are trying to accomplish even more remarkable.
Orlando, in 1999, was the last champion
to simply appear in the ArenaBowl the following season. San Jose, which has won
three championships in six years, is trying to
become the first club since the Tampa Bay
Storm in 1996 to repeat.
You have to look at the
whole thing here, SaberCats
coach Darren Arbet said. We
have a system with the Sabercats, and our ownership does a
tremendous job allowing us to
do what we do.
Now, though, Philadelphia has the chance
to do the SaberCats one better.
Soul QB Matt DOrazio has been in this
position. He was behind center when the
Rush pulled off that improbable ArenaBowl
victory two years ago. Back surgery ended
his days in Chicago, but DOrazio didnt just
play like his old self when given the chance
in Philadelphia he probably performed
even better.
He led the Arena league with a 131.3 rating, completing an AFL-best 72.4 percent of
his passes for 3,331 yards with an astounding touchdown-to-interception ratio of 72to-4.
Hes got an air of confidence about him,
Munsey said. He brings that to the huddle,
and some of the young guys see that.
DOrazio certainly didnt panic when the
Soul found itself trailing 33-7 on April 12 at
San Jose. He led Philadelphia back for a

ARENA
FOOTBALL

If you want

ANALYSIS

stunning 58-57 statement-making victory to

establish the Soul as a top contender.
When you can come back in a game like
that all the way across the country and beat
a great team, a great organization, it was a
special time in the locker room, Munsey
said. But weve been on the other side. We
lost a game in Georgia that was similar to
that. Its part of the game, part of arena football. Its never over until the horn blows. We
know its a different team. Its a different
game.
DOrazio agreed.
After that, deep down I was hoping we
wouldnt have to play those guys again
knowing how good they are and feeling like
we got away with one, DOrazio said. At
the same time, we knew wed have to face
the best, and they are the best.
That April game highlighted how little difference there is between these clubs. Their
respective conference championships made
that point even clearer.
Both teams routed their opponents
Philadelphia beat the Cleveland Gladiators
70-35, and San Jose defeated Grand Rapids
81-55.
Both teams received superb play from
their quarterbacks each threw eight
touchdown passes.
And both teams relied on outstanding
defenses each made seven stops. Soul DB
Eddie Moten intercepted two passes, including one in the endzone on the final play. The
SaberCats Omarr Smith had three of San
Joses five interceptions, with Jason
Geathers picking off the final one for a
game-ending touchdown.
Each coach agreed the team that makes
the fewest turnovers would win, so a key
play by Moten or Smith could make the dif-

ference. Dont discount Soul DB Mike

Brown, either.
Brown, who returned a kickoff for a
touchdown against Cleveland, missed five
games with an injured hamstring, and all
three of the Souls losses occurred during
that time.
He brings energy, Munsey said. The
guy goes 100 mph. He bangs around and
does everything he can. Hes a fan favorite, a
coachs favorite, a teammates favorite. I
love to have him out there. If we can have a
lot of Mike Browns, Id love that.
San Jose doesnt lack for key players,
either, and would receive a major boost if
WR James Roe returns from a sprained left
knee.
Talk about guys who are selfless, San
Jose QB Mark Grieb said. He might have
five touchdowns one game and two catches
the next, and you wouldnt hear him complain. Hes a huge part of what we do on the
field, and to have him in the lineup would be
big.
Of course, the SaberCats probably can
handle just about anything thrown their way.
Thats what championship teams do. They
learn to adjust, to do whatever is necessary
to win.
Thats why theyre working on a dynasty.
The bottom line is they have the right
organization, coaches, owners and players,
Munsey said They do it right and take care
of their people. Thats what were striving to
do, to find ways to win championships. They
definitely have a nice model for how to do
that.
Mark Anderson covers football for the Las
Vegas Review-Journal and is the executive
director of the AFL Writers Association.

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26

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AUGUST 2008

Ex-NFL players making their mark in CFL

By RICK MATSUMOTO
The first time Willie Middlebrooks found
himself rushing back onto the field after the
Toronto Argonauts offense had been forced
to punt following two ineffective plays, his
reaction was, Oh, OK.
The Argos defense similarly held the
Winnipeg Blue Bombers offense to two
plays and a punt, and Middlebrooks
returned to the sideline for a rest. But three
plays later, he found himself back on the
field. He recalled shrugging and
once again saying, Alright.
But when it happened a third con- INSIDE
secutive time, he was bewildered.
I was like, whats going on?
said the cornerback, who is among a
number of one-time NFL players making
their CFL debuts this season. It was like
rapid fire. There was no time to rest.
Welcome to three-down football.
Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman said the biggest adjustment hes found for players who have grown
up with the four downs of the U.S. game is
having to adjust to the faster tempo of the
Canadian game.
Given the smaller rosters, the size of the
field, the 20-second (play) clock, the fact
some starters have to play on special teams,
in all, adds up to a faster pace, he said. That
means the important factor is conditioning.
Guys who have played a multi-number
of years in the NFL are dying in the third
quarter up here. Theyre not used to the
tempo. This game is not one of size, but
rather athleticism and conditioning.
Middlebrooks, who was the 24th overall

pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2001

draft, got off to an auspicious CFL start
when he earned Defensive Player of the
Week honors in Week One after making
nine tackles and intercepting a pass in
Torontos victory vs. the Blue Bombers.
Aside from the quick pace of the Canadian game, Middlebrooks found out that
because of the smaller, 42-man game roster,
he had to be prepared to play a position
other than cornerback if an injury occurred.
In the NFL, you just pay attention to
your spot and what you have to do
THE there, he said. Here you almost
have to know what everybody does
because if someone goes down, you
may not have ever played that spot
and you may have to go in there for
a few plays or even a quarter.
The biggest name ex-NFL player to
come to the CFL this season was former Pro
Bowl WR David Boston, who also signed
with the Argos. However, he played in just
one game the season opener, when he
caught two passes for 16 yards before
undergoing surgery to correct a stress fracture in his right foot, which had plagued him
since his arrival at training camp in June.
Hell possibly be out for the season.
The Argos have three other players with
significant NFL experience, including WR
Bethel Johnson, who won two Super Bowls
with the New England Patriots, mainly as a
kick returner; ex-Oakland Raiders WR Johnnie Morant; and ex-Carolina Panthers and
San Francisco 49ers RB Jamal Robertson.
Johnson, like Middlebrooks, missed Torontos second and third games with injuries.
Morant made his first start in Game Three

CFL

and caught a touchdown pass, while Robertson has seen limited playing time in the past
two games after starting in the season opener and scoring a pair of touchdowns.
Argos general manager Adam Rita said
ex-NFL players come to the CFL for many
reasons. Some have been cut adrift because
of off-field indiscretions. Others never fully
secured a starters position, and as they
approached the NFLs veteran players
salary rate and became eligible for a pension, were replaced by younger, less costly
players.
But in the end most come up here
because they want to keep playing football,
said Rita. Like David Boston; hed play for
free. He didnt worry about the contract.
Rita said the inability of some players to
function outside what he calls the NFL culture can lead to a former NFL players failure in the Canadian game.
In the NFL they have a coach for every
position, he said. Here you have to rely
more on your own knowledge. You also
have to have greater self-discipline. Youre
not supervised both on and off the field.
Edmonton Eskimos WR Kelly Campbell
has been the most successful of the exNFLers making their CFL debut this season.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder, who spent
five years south of the border with the
Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings,
turned in an electrifying performance in the
Eskimos second game of the season and
first victory when he hauled in eight passes
for 158 yards and two TDs against the Calgary Stampeders.
The Eskimos are hopeful that Campbell
will cause opposing defenses to pay more

attention to him in the future, thus preventing them from constantly putting double
defenders on the teams star receiver, Jason
Tucker.
While Campbell was attracting accolades,
another former NFLer, RB Damien Anderson, appears to have lost his starting running
back spot to rookie A.J. Harris.
In Calgary, former Chiefs DT Eddie Freeman is getting a new start with the Stampeders. Also looking for a much-needed
rebirth is Montreal Alouettes backup QB
Adrian McPherson, who is temporarily the
backup behind veteran starter Anthony
Calvillo while regular second-stringer Marcus Brady is injured. McPhersons promising career at Florida State ended when he
was implicated in a forged check incident
and also faced allegations that he gambled
on sports. McPherson pled no contest to
theft and gambling charges in July 2003. In
2005, he was drafted by the New Orleans
Saints and made it just a single season with
the club.
McPhersons not the only athlete who
made a mistake and is getting a second
chance in the CFL.
Former Oklahoma State star WR Adarius
Bowman was tabbed as a sure-fire 2008
NFL draft pick. However, two marijuana
arrests one less than a month before the
draft played a role in him going undrafted, and he signed with the Saskatchewan
Roughriders.
Hes promised to make good with his second chance, and hes off to a good start,
catching 11 passes for 160 yards and a
touchdown as the Riders got off to a 4-0
start for the first time since 1970.

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27

WWHI
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Take your pick: Bears QBs Rex

Grossman and Kyle Orton are considered
on totally equal footing heading into camp

Giants Super Bowl win. But what

about the other QB spots? Following the release of Jared
Lorenzen, the team has four QBs
on the roster: The other three are
David Carr, who arrived from Carolina via Houston; Anthony
Wright, last years backup down
the stretch; and Andre Woodson,
this years sixth-round pick.
Carr gained a reputation as
a 9-to-5 guy who perhaps
didnt put in as much work
as he needed to, and he
struggled in his one season
with the Panthers. But he rejoins
Giants QB coach Chris Palmer,
who coached Carr during his first
NFL season in Houston, and could
win the job with his overall experience. Wright has done little wrong
since joining the Giants, and he
has limited starting experience in
the league, but the Giants might
want to upgrade. Woodson, it
would appear, will be the third
quarterback. Though some felt he
would be drafted higher than the
sixth round, his mechanics need
tightening, and he must adapt to a
different style of offense than what
he ran at Kentucky.

coming off elbow surgery, hes

expected to be ready to go at the
start of camp. Free-agent addition
Michael Gaines arrives with a reputation as a good blocker, but he
has spoken often about his ability
to catch the ball and should get a
chance to do so in a scheme that
will involve more passing routes
than former coordinator Mike
Martz chose to utilize. Casey
FitzSimmons and Sean McHugh
are more H-back types (they
played fullback in Martzs offense
but are considered tight ends
now), and neither is an outstanding blocker, but they can catch the
ball. Also in the mix is John
Owens, but the team is not likely
to keep more than four at this position.

CHICAGO BEARS

When the Raiders signed former

Giants FS Gibril Wilson to a sixyear, $39 million deal back in
March, the Cowboys knew what
they were up against when it came
to keeping their own free-agent
safety, Ken Hamlin. The team
decided that the wise move was to
franchise Hamlin first and then
take care of would-be freeagent OLT Flozell Adams,
along with getting key
extensions for CB Terence
Newman, WR Terrell
Owens and RB Marion
Barber. On Tuesday, Hamlin got
what he was looking for an
extension that nearly mirrored Wilsons deal (though Hamlin, it
appears, accepted slightly less in
guaranteed money: $15 million,
including a $9 million signing
bonus, to Wilsons $16 million).
The Cowboys next orders of business include finishing off the signings of draft picks, along with considering an extension for DE Chris
Canty, the next-most logical player
the team would like to lock up.
Canty, who signed his restricted
free-agent tender this offseason,
might be on the verge of a breakout season and a big payday.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Quintin Mikell finished last season as the starter at strong safety,
replacing an injured Sean Considine, and he played admirably
well. Mikell was a regular in the
Eagles sub-packages, but he
played with good stamina
and handled most of his
duties fairly well. Considine
had been the starter before
that, but he wore down at
the end of the 2006 season, dropping below 200 pounds
and raising concerns about his
ability to last a full season and play
physically enough. Now Mikell
enters camp as the de facto
starter, but Considine should have
a chance to win back the job. It
might not be the most compelling

DAVID DRAPKIN / GETTY IMAGES

DALLAS COWBOYS

battle to watch in camp, because

the two could rotate snaps relatively easily. But Considine will have to
show that he can be more consistent and not just make an occasional big play, which he did often
early in the 06 season before
wearing down. Mikells lack of size
also raises the question as to
whether he can hold up long term,
but his play did not level off it
actually got better as the season
wore on.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS
As it stands now, coming off a
knee injury and entering a crowded DE situation, Erasmus James
the failed former first-round pick
of the Vikings who was traded to
Washington for a conditional seventh-round draft pick is far from
guaranteed a roster spot. The
team hopes that James, coming
off ACL surgery last season, can be in shape to
contribute at some point
this preseason. The cautiously optimistic hope is
that he can be ready to play
in the final two preseason games,
which would give him a chance to
show he can contribute and make
the roster. But with projected
starters Jason Taylor (acquired in
a trade after Phillip Daniels was
lost for the season with a torn
ACL, suffered on the first day of
training camp) and Andre Carter,
plus backups Chris Wilson and
Demetric Evans, two players

whom last years coaching staff

liked, James must be impressive
and hope that the team will keep
five defensive ends on the 53-man
roster, which is not far-fetched.
One thing that could help James
rediscover his college effectiveness is a return to the weight he
played at with Wisconsin (where
current Redskins DL coach John
Palermo worked with him). He was
in the 255- to 260-pound range
there but bulked up to 275 pounds
or more with the Vikings, and new
Redskins defensive coordinator
Greg Blache is a proponent of
having James drop the weight, as
opposed to former coordinator
Gregg Williams, who liked his
ends to be bigger.

N F C lN O R T H
No news is good news
in the cases of
Packers Jolly, Grant
A noteworthy byproduct of the
continuing Brett Favre saga is
how completely it has been overshadowing other potentially serious team issues most
notably the felony drug-possession charges recently
levied against DT Johnny
Jolly and the uncertain
contract status of RB Ryan
Grant, a possible no-show in training came if he doesnt, at the
least, sign a one-year, $370,000
tender offer as an exclusive-rights

free agent. Wish I could help you,

a frustrated team observer told
PFW regarding the tight lid the
Packers organization has put on
media relations as of late. Its all
Brett, all the time right now. Team
sources have thought for some
time now that a long-term deal for
Grant could involve some pretty
delicate negotiations, considering
that his emergence at the pro level
is primarily based on only one
half-season in a starting role. That
said, although it could go right
down to the wire, the smart money
is on Grant securing a new deal
before camp opens. Meanwhile,
the suddenly uncertain status of
Jolly who could face up to 20
years in prison and a $10,000 fine,
if convicted, for possession of
codeine syrup makes an interior defensive line already decimated by a host of injuries (including
Jollys shoulder) an even bigger
cause for concern.

DETROIT LIONS
The new design of the Lions
offense should have the TE position contributing more than it did
last season, when it was an afterthought in the passing
game (a league-low 19
receptions by true tight
ends) and little-used in run
blocking because the Lions
chose to throw so often.
The return of Dan Campbell
should be a big boost. Hes a firstclass run blocker, and though hes

The way we hear it, neither Rex

Grossman nor Kyle Orton did
anything in the Bears minicamps
and OTAs to gain any kind of edge
in their battle for the starting QB
job this coming season. There are
people in both camps, a veteran
team insider told PFW. Grossman
might have looked a little better
physically, but nobody really knows
how things are going to pan out.
Bears offensive coordinator Ron
Turner recently told the teams
Web site that the Bears plan to
continue the same kind of rotating
evaluation process they used in
the teams offseason practice sessions up to now, with
Grossman and Orton taking
turns on a daily basis
directing the first-team unit
once training camp opens.
Turner also made a point of
acknowledging Grossmans
improved focus "Hes been
locked in, really keyed in, Turner
said as well as Ortons
improved accuracy, touch and
comfort zone. Meanwhile, rumors
persist that a third challenger
might enter the mix before too long
disgruntled Buccaneers QB
Chris Simms, who has asked for
his release by Tampa Bay. We hear
its unlikely the Bears could consider a trade for Simms but that they
might be one of the first teams in
line if Simms is given his outright
release. Bears GM Jerry Angelo,
the former director of player personnel in Tampa, has had his
share of dealings with his old team
in recent times. In addition to trading QB Brian Griese to Tampa
Bay for a draft pick earlier this offseason, Angelo also pulled off a
trade with the Bucs during the
draft to obtain fourth-round S
Craig Steltz.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
OLT Bryant McKinnies hearing
for a criminal case, in which he
faces four separate charges related
to a fight outside a Miami
nightclub, was continued
back in June and is scheduled for a court date of
Sept. 24 three days after
the Vikings face the Panthers in Minnesota during Week
Three of the season. The team is
aware of the situation and knows

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

28

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Working hard: Falcons DE Jamaal

Anderson is determined to make strides

that McKinnie, should he be found

guilty, could face punishment by
the league. In fact, McKinnie
already has met with commissioner
Roger Goodell on the matter, so a
punishment for violation of the
NFLs personal conduct policy
could come down swiftly in this
case, especially because McKinnie
would be a repeat offender if found
guilty. In that case, the Vikings
would be left to replace one of their
better run blockers, and there is no
natural replacement on the roster
who possesses McKinnies mass
or talent. Artis Hicks is a jack-ofall-trades who has played left tack-

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

After a disappointing rookie season, Falcons DE Jamaal Anderson

is determined to get better in Year

Much of the attention this offseason has gone to the Panthers

retooling of their receiving corps
and running game, but a capable
trio of tight ends could make up
one of the more improved
positions for Carolinas
offense in 2008, the way we
hear it. The team hasnt had
much of a threat at the
position since Wesley
Walls left after the 02 season, but
last year Jeff King became the
first Panthers tight end to surpass
40 catches and 400 receiving
yards since Walls did it in 01. TE

Saints TE Eric Johnson is a

strong candidate for a bounce-back
year after a disappointing debut
season in New Orleans, the way
we hear it. Sources say hes bound
to be better this time after scuffling
through 07 while battling a case of
the drops, which went against the
reputation he had built during the
six previous seasons with the
49ers. Word is Johnson
looked more comfortable in
the Saints offense during
OTAs and is working on
carving out a more defined
role in the passing game.
The Saints clearly think he has
more to offer than what he showed
last season, since they re-signed
him to a one-year deal in March.
Nevertheless, Johnson will share
snaps with Billy Miller and Mark
Campbell, who missed all of 07
with a back injury. Campbells
return could relieve Johnson of
some pressure hes the teams
best run-blocking tight end and will
likely allow Johnson to focus more

He will persevere. Hes as good as

there is in the business.
Every pre-draft meeting in Green
Bay for the last five years has started
with one question Is Brett (Favre)
coming back? Its ridiculous that its
still an issue. (Favre) has been toying
with the organization. How do you plan
to move forward when your quarterback situation is up in the air. Thats
why Aaron Rodgers was drafted. If it
were my decision, I would trade
(Favre). I would get what I can for him.
Then its over. Its definitive. I would
want it known that the Packers have
officially moved on.
Aaron Rodgers had a lot of
audacity to tell fans, Get on board or
shut the hell up. He has not won a
game in the NFL! You want to talk about
an ironic situation to be in. (Mike)
McCarthy was the lead proponent of
drafting (Alex) Smith over (Aaron)
Rodgers when he was in San Francisco (as the offensive coordinator). Now
hes in Green Bay, going into the season with Rodgers being the guy.
McCarthy did not like Rodgers personality at all, did not think he was a
leader. He thought he was too into
himself. I think thats why Favre never
warmed up to him and has never liked
him because of those qualities.
Youd be surprised how many
coaches hate their own personnel
guys. They want to tell their guys to
shove it so they look good. So they will
call around talk to their buddies
around the league. They cant communicate with their own people. You

wouldnt believe how many calls I get

from coaches and scouts wanting to
know what I think. Thats the way the
league works. And the beauty of it is
do you think Im going to be honest all
the time?
When you look at coaches on the
rise, you still have to think the young
kid (Josh McDaniel) in New England
is going to get a lot of interest. Your
roots mean a lot in this league, and for
as much as the Patriots may have come
under attack last season, there has
been no one better than Bill
Belichick when it comes to training
and developing coaches.
Marshawn Lynch is a study in
contradictions. He has a great sense of
humor, and he can be very kind and
considerate, but he is a byproduct of
his upbringing, and Oakland is tough,
tough.
Thomas Jones will be 30 in
August. Hes not over the hill not
with the way he takes care of his body.
Hes a good football player. If you go
back and look at the trade the Jets
made, they look like geniuses. That
was a no-brainer. There was a lot of talk
about the Jets taking Darren McFadden in the draft, but after the Raiders
took him, they didnt even come back
around and take a running back. What
does that tell you? They are happy with
what they have. With the way they
invested in their offensive line, Thomas
Jones could have a breakout year.
I think (Mike) Ditka might have
been right when he traded his draft for
Ricky Williams. They were turning it

around. He was a helluva football player. I think people are going to be

pleasantly surprised with him this year.
If he is half as good as he was when he
was at his best, hell still be better than
a lot of starters. I think hed start for us
with the way Ive heard hes looked.
The 49ers have the talent defensively to be competitive, but their
offense needs to step up. The offensive
line has a lot of question marks right
now. And I see a very average group of
receivers, especially from a playmaking standpoint. Frank Gore can rush
for 130 yards on 25 carries, but hes not
special and hes injury-prone. There
are too many questions on offense.
Everyone who has helped build
the media machine against (Bill)
Belichick being a cheater all the
guys slinging the arrows in his back
are the very same guys who are out
tampering in free agency and talking
to other teams about contracts and
they are all doing it. Its collusion its
a big problem in the league. The commissioner sits up in his ivory tower, trying to pretend all 32 teams are operating on an equal playing field. The reality is, teams have been ignoring rules
for so long that the rulebook does not
mean a whole lot, not in a competitive
league like we are in. I wish it were not
that way because we try to operate
within the rules, but its not easy to survive when the rest of the league is
operating one way and you are playing
by the rules. Thats the predicament
everyone is in.
There has been very little

HARRY SCULL, JR.

WWHI
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Two and has put a lot of work into

improving this offseason, the way
we hear it. Anderson, the eighth
overall pick in the 2007 draft, was
unable to get a sack last season,
but the coaching staff remained
patient with him and he started all
16 games. Sources say
some of Andersons problems stem from being a long
strider, which makes it easy
for blockers to knock him off
his course. Hell need to do
a better job of taking short, choppy
steps and has to use his hands
more to gain leverage, as well.
Close observers of his in Atlanta
say he wants to be good and has a
solid foundation of teachers in head
coach Mike Smith and DL coach
Ray Hamilton, who served in the
same position with the Jaguars for
the past five years while Smith
worked as Jacksonvilles defensive
coordinator.

Dante Rosario was added to the

mix as a rookie last season and
showed some eye-opening flashes
in limited duty, grabbing six receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie TE Gary Barnidge,
a fifth-round pick, signed his contract in mid-July, and some scouts
believe he could be an instantimpact player, particularly in the
red zone, because of his great
hands and 6-foot-5 frame. There is
no standout in the group, but they
give the team some depth, and
their talents should allow offensive
coordinator Jeff Davidson to get
creative with how he utilizes them
in the passing game.

le sparingly before (in Philadelphia,

when Brad Childress was the
Eagles offensive coordinator) and
could play there in a pinch. But
dont be surprised if either Marcus
Johnson or Chase Johnson gets
a chance there. Marcus Johnson
has more experience and has
shown improvement, but dont rule
out the massive Chase Johnson
(6-8, 331 pounds) possibly being a
strong option.

N F C lS O U T H
Small strides could
bolster game of
Falcons DE Anderson

CAROLINA PANTHERS

AUGUST 2008

on his pass-catching duties.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Although the Bucs have given
unceremonious dismissals to a few
of their all-time greats, such as
John Lynch and Simeon Rice, in
recent years, we hear theyre
going to let WLB Derrick Brooks,
a 14th-year veteran, go out
on his own terms. His playing time has been trimmed
a bit, as hes replaced on
passing downs, and SLB
Cato June is viewed as his
heir apparent on the weak side. Yet
Brooks, who missed the Pro Bowl
for the first time in 11 years last
season, wont get a surprise pink
slip in training camp, as Rice did a
year ago. Brooks still is able to
make an impact on the field, and
hes a valuable resource for MLB
Barrett Ruud when it comes to
understanding defensive coordinator Monte Kiffins Tampa-2
scheme. Brooks has two years
remaining on his contract, but
there is a sense from sources in
Tampa that he may be eyeing
retirement after this season.

N F C lW E S T
Sale rumors regarding
Rams arent expected
to go away soon
Contrary to a report in the
SportsBusiness Journal citing
unidentified sources, Rams owner
Chip Rosenbloom told the St.
Louis Post-Dispatch early last
week that he wasnt actively seeking prospective buyers for the
team. Rosenbloom did confirm that
the Rams have hired a Baltimorebased firm (Moag & Co.) that spe-

A U D I B L E S
The following quotes are from NFL
scouts, coaches and front-office personnel, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The misinformation out there
about the rookie salary cap is out of
control. You hear all about how much
the rookies make, but outside of the top
four or five rookie contracts, most rookie deals are cap-friendly. Thats why no
one wants a top-five pick anymore, but
the owners do not want the rookie
structure to go away. No one talks about
Devin Hester and Marques Colston
and all the rookies that have outplayed
their contracts that are stuck making
the minimum. Anyone who looks at the
numbers will see it clearly just look
at where the money goes. Only 3.7 percent of the salary cap is going to rookies. The owners problem is a distribution issue. Its not a rookie issue.
The Bucs have changed their
philosophy. They have gone from one
of the oldest teams in the league to one
of the youngest. They are going to have
$70 million to spend next year. A lot of
that has to do with the way (Bucs GM)
Bruce Allen handles the cap. He
knows how to play the game.
All the action is in Green Bay
right now. There is not much of anything happening elsewhere. I dont
think it was handled well by Ted
(Thompson) and (Mike) McCarthy
initially, and I think its been handled
poorly by Brett (Favre). But Ted will
figure it out and live with the decision
he makes and move on. Thats all he
can do. Hes excellent at what he does.

movement in front offices, and even

when there is, everyone has their
own short lists. I wouldnt hire anyone
I havent worked with or dont know.
Thats just me. ...What surprised me
is that the Saints, who are known for
being notoriously cheap, actually
fired some guys still under contract.
The owner there rarely has done that.
I think they are starting to listen to the
head coach more, as they should.
The coaches were the ones responsible for overhauling that roster. Sean
Payton is in line for a big contract,
especially if they get it going again
this year after solidifying the middle
of their defense (through the draft).
That was a big problem for them last
year.
I cannot believe the NFL will not
try to step in on behalf of the best
ownership group in the league at
some point and keep the Rooney
family in control. The NFL does not
want to lose that, at least they shouldnt. Whats tough is that they are the
ones that pushed it, that tried to get
gambling out of the family and it
was the right move. Its a delicate balance (the NFL has) to strike, but the
Rooneys are too important to the NFL
to lose. They are the model for everyone else to follow its so stable.
They are very consistent. I just visited with the team, and old man (Dan)
Rooney is looking old, but they said
he comes in every day and is very
active. The people in the organization
love him. He treats everyone great.
They love him.

AUGUST 2008

why Moag is there. Team insiders

maintain that, although Rosenbloom has said all the right things
since gaining control of the team
following the Jan. 18 death of his
mother, Georgia Frontiere, potentially massive estate taxes, coupled with an increasingly delicate
stadium issue, could possibly trigger an ownership change down
the road, with Rosenbloom returning full time to a less-taxing life as
a prosperous Los Angeles-based
film producer.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
When head coach Mike Holmgren caused more than a few
observers eyebrows to rise near
the end of the teams final minicamp with a comment that the
starting CB job opposite Pro
Bowler Marcus Trufant was up for
grabs, there was instant speculation that the previously anonymous
Kevin Hobbs could become a
serious challenger to incumbent

http://www.profootballweekly.com

Kelly Jennings. Originally signed

by Seattle as an undrafted free
agent in 2006, only to be released
after training camp, Hobbs was resigned last May and ended up
splitting time between the
active roster and the practice squad. In this years
minicamps and OTAs, however, he was singled out as
the teams most improved
defender. Said one longtime team
insider: He really looked good and
made a lot of plays. I dont see him
beating out Jennings, but I definitely see him possibly grabbing
the dime role from Josh Wilson,
whose best plays have come from
having to use his athleticism to
recover from all the plays he keeps
missing.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

We hear the winds of change
may be blowing briskly in the Niners defensive backfield, with both
RCB Walt Harris and FS Mark
NORM HALL

cializes in sports investments,

which prompted the SportsBusiness report, but added that the
firm was brought on board to
specifically monitor the numerous
sale inquiries that continue to clutter team president John
Shaws desk on a regular
basis. Will Rosenblooms
latest public comment on a
sale rumor that has been
quietly simmering since the
league owners meetings this past
April put an end to the speculation
that new ownership could materialize down the road? The way we
hear it, thats not likely to be the
case, with Rosenbloom himself
leaving the door open in his
exchange with the Post-Dispatch.
If the right person at the right time
with the right price came, I suppose that you might sell your
house, right? Rosenbloom said. If
we get a phone call today from
somebody who says the right
things, we would listen. And thats

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

Roman facing increasingly serious

challenges for the starting jobs
they held down last season with
mixed success. After a career
campaign two years ago, Harris,
who will turn 34 in August, really
started to show his age last season and is expected to be looking
over his shoulder frequently in
training camp at a host of challengers, led by third-round
draft pick Reggie Smith.
They (the Niners) wouldnt
mind a more physical presence at the CB spot opposite Nate Clements who
can stone a guy at the line of
scrimmage, with Clements continuing to play mostly man coverage,
a team insider told PFW. Smith is
an ex-safety, and if he can display
enough quickness, he could
become the starter, although my
money is still on Harris staying
conscientious enough to hang on
to the job. The insider was less
certain about Romans ability to
remain a starter, however, with
second-year pro Dashon Goldson
emerging as arguably the most
impressive defender in the teams
minicamps and OTAs. He made
big hit after big hit, with a lot of
interceptions, the insider said of
Goldson. And hes got the kind of
instincts that could make him a
star player.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals contract concerns: Adrian Wilson (left) and Karlos Dansby would prefer more lucrative long-term deals

Even after locking up star WR

Larry Fitzgerald with a four-year,
$40 million deal earlier this offseason and putting long-term
contract talks on the back burner
with ILB Karlos Dansby who
will settle for an $8.065 million
one-year tender this season after
failing to agree to a deal before
the recent deadline for franchise
players Cardinals GM Rod
Graves still has very a full plate
to deal with on the contract front.
In varying degrees, three players
WR Anquan Boldin, DL Darnell Dockett and DE Antonio
Smith have publicly voiced displeasure over their contract situations since the end of the 2007
season. But theres another
lower-profile player on the
contract front who team
insiders believe could
rapidly become a much
more high-profile concern
star S Adrian Wilson, whose
current contract is set to expire
after the 2009 season. Although
team insiders tell us the Cardinals
know what theyve got in Wilson
and feel confident he will be ready
to go full tilt in Week One, there is
a feeling in the desert that Wilson
could have been a bit more
involved in the teams minicamps
and OTAs after a heel injury put a
halt to his 2007 campaign with a
month remaining in the season.
Make no mistake, Adrian definitely wants to be paid, and you
could make a strong case that he
should now be first in line for a
new contract, a longtime team
insider told PFW. That said, hes
always been a good soldier, and
its not in his personality to be a
disruptive force in the locker
room. However, with Boldins
contract situation now widely
considered Graves most urgent
hurdle, the Cardinals had better
realize that nobody will be watching how they handle that situation
any more closely than Wilson.

29

2008 NFL PRESEASON

SCHEDULE
All times Eastern

Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

(at Canton, Ohio)
SUNDAY, AUG. 3
Indianapolis vs. Washington, 8 p.m.

Week One
THURSDAY, AUG. 7
N.Y. Giants at Detroit, 7 p.m.
N.Y. Jets at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Baltimore at New England, 7:30 p.m.
Kansas City at Chicago, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Arizona, 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 8
San Francisco at Oakland, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.
Seattle at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 9
Buffalo at Washington, 7 p.m.
Indianapolis at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Atlanta at Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m.
Denver at Houston, 8 p.m.
St. Louis at Tennessee, 8 p.m.
Dallas at San Diego, 10 p.m.
MONDAY, AUG. 11
Cincinnati at Green Bay, 8 p.m.

Week Two
THURSDAY, AUG. 14
Pittsburgh vs. Buffalo, at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.
Carolina at Philadelphia, 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 15
Oakland at Tennessee, 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 16
Washington at N.Y. Jets, 7 p.m.
Indianapolis at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Miami at Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Baltimore, 7:30 p.m.
Arizona at Kansas City, 8 p.m.
Houston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
San Diego at St. Louis, 8 p.m.
Dallas at Denver, 9 p.m.
Chicago at Seattle, 9 p.m.
Green Bay at San Francisco, 9 p.m.
SUNDAY, AUG. 17
Detroit at Cincinnati, 7:35 p.m.
New England at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m.
MONDAY, AUG. 18
Cleveland at N.Y. Giants., 8 p.m.

Week Three
THURSDAY, AUG. 21
San Francisco at Chicago, 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 22
Tennessee at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at New England, 7:30 p.m.
Houston at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Green Bay at Denver, 9 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 23
Cleveland at Detroit, 4 p.m.
N.Y. Giants at N.Y. Jets, 7 p.m.
Washington at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.
Kansas City at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Jacksonville at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
New Orleans at Cincinnati, 7:35 p.m.
Baltimore at St. Louis, 8 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Arizona at Oakland, 9 p.m.
SUNDAY, AUG. 24
Buffalo at Indianapolis, 8 p.m.
MONDAY, AUG. 25
Seattle at San Diego, 8 p.m.

Week Four
THURSDAY, AUG. 28
Detroit at Buffalo, 6:30 p.m.
N.Y. Jets at Philadelphia, 6:30 p.m.
Jacksonville at Washington, 7 p.m.
Cincinnati at Indianapolis, 7 p.m.
New England at N.Y. Giants, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at Baltimore, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Houston, 8 p.m.
Miami at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
St. Louis at Kansas City, 8 p.m.
Tennessee at Green Bay. 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 29
San Diego at San Francisco, 10 p.m.
Denver at Arizona, 10 p.m.
Oakland at Seattle, 10 p.m.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

30

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AUGUST 2008

NFL TRANSACTIONS
(As reported, June 30-July 20)

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

BALTIMORE July 18: Draft choice signed: WR Marcus Smith (4/106). Placed on waivers: TEs Scott Kuhn
(injured/knee), Quinn Sypniewski (injured/knee); LB Mike
Smith (injury settlement/shoulder).
BUFFALO July 1: Draft choice signed: OT Demetrius
Bell (7/219). Placed on waivers: FB Mike Viti. July 8: Draft
choice signed: WR Steve Johnson (7/224).
CINCINNATI July 7: Placed on waivers: DT Titus
Adams, DT Michael Marquardt; CB Jerrid Gaines. July 15:
Draft choice signed: DT Jason Shirley (5/145). July 17: Draft
choices signed: TE Matt Sherry (6/207); DE Angelo Craig
(7/244).
DENVER July 9: Draft choices signed: RB Ryan
Torain (5/139); DT Carlton Powell (5/148); LB Spencer Larsen
(6/183). July 16: Draft choice signed: FB Peyton Hillis
(7/227).
HOUSTON July 16: Draft choice signed: LB Xavier
Adibi (4/118).
JACKSONVILLE July 14: Draft choice signed: LB
Thomas Williams. July 17: Draft choice signed: CB Trae
Williams (5/159).
KANSAS CITY July 15: Draft choice signed: WR
Kevin Robinson (6/182). Placed on waivers: QB David
Greene; OG Chris McDuffie. July 16: Draft choice signed:
DE Brian Johnston (7/210). July 17: Contract terminated: S
Greg Wesley. July 18: Draft choice signed: S DaJuan Morgan (3/82).
MIAMI July 14: Draft choice signed: DE Kendall Lang-

ford.
NEW ENGLAND June 30: Draft choice signed: LB Bo
Ruud (6/197). July 1: Placed on waivers: DB Willie Andrews.
July 17: Draft choice signed: CB Jonathan Wilhite (4/129).
N.Y. JETS July 7: Placed on waivers: WR-KR Ashlan
Davis; CB Kenny Patton; RB Justin Valentine. July 16: Draft
choice signed: CB Dwight Lowery (4/113). July 17: Draft
choice signed: QB Erik Ainge (5/162). Roster addition: C
Kyle DeVan (released by Redskins 7/10). July 18: Draft
choice signed: TE Dustin Keller (1/30). Placed on waivers:
CB Jonathan Zenon.
OAKLAND July 16: Draft choice signed: DB Tyvon
Branch (4/100). Placed on waivers: FB Tony Jackson. July
17: Draft choice signed: WR Chaz Schilens (7/226). Placed
on waivers: OT Jonathan Palmer.
PITTSBURGH July 2: Placed on waivers: QB Jared
Zabransky. July 7: Draft choice signed: OT Tony Hills
(4/130). July 9: Draft choice signed: LB Bruce Davis (3/88).
July 14: Draft choices signed: QB Dennis Dixon (5/156); S
Ryan Mundy (6/194). July 15: Draft choice signed: LB Mike
Humpal (6/188).
SAN DIEGO June 30: Draft choices signed: RB Marcus Thomas (5/166); OT Corey Clark (7/234).
TENNESSEE July 17: Draft choices signed: WR
Lavelle Hawkins (4/126); LB Stanford Keglar (4/134). Placed
on waivers: CB Shirdonya Mitchell; TE Leonard Stephens.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

ARIZONA July 9: Draft choice signed: OG Brandon
Keith (7/225). July 10: Draft choice signed: LB Chris Har-

rington (6/185). July 16: Draft choice signed: WR Early

Doucet (3/81).
ATLANTA July 15: Draft choice signed: LB Robert
James (5/138). July 18: Placed on waivers: WR Tony Gonzalez.
CAROLINA July 9: Placed on waivers: QB Taylor
Tharp; P Dan Zeidman. July 10: Draft choice signed: DT
Nick Hayden (6/181). July 15: Draft choice signed: TE Gary
Barnidge (5/141). Placed on waivers: FB Breyone Evans; CB
Cortney Grixby; WR Damon Morton. July 16: Draft choice
signed: OG Mackenzy Bernadeau (7/250). Placed on
waivers: DE Anthony Harris. July 17: Draft choices signed:
LB Dan Connor (3/74); DE Hilee Taylor (7/221).
CHICAGO July 1: Draft choice signed: DT Marcus
Harrison (3/90). July 7: Draft choices signed: WR Earl Bennett (3/70); CB Zackary Bowman (5/142). July 8: Draft choice
signed: RB Matt Forte (2/44). July 15: Roster addition: RB
Kevin Jones (released failed physical by Lions 3/13).
DALLAS July 15: Franchise FA re-signed: S Ken
Hamlin.
DETROIT July 14: Draft choice signed: DE Cliff Avril.
MINNESOTA June 30: Placed on waivers: S Marcus
Griffin; CB Travis Key. July 2: Placed on waivers: QB Kyle
Wright.
NEW ORLEANS July 1: Roster additions: C Rob
Hunt (released by Chiefs 9/2; New Orleans-Arena Football
08); OG Isaiah Ross (New Orleans-Arena Football 08).
Placed on waivers: DT Marquay Love; OT Carnell Stewart.
July 15: Draft choice signed: DT DeMario Pressley (5/144).
Placed on waivers: WR Titus Ryan. July 18: Placed on
waivers: DE Jeremy Geathers; QB Travis Lulay; CB Anwar

Phillips.
N.Y. GIANTS July 15: Draft choice signed: WR Mario
Manningham (3/95).
PHILADELPHIA July 2: Draft choice signed: DE
Bryan Smith (3/80).
ST. LOUIS July 16: Draft choice signed: WR Keenan
Burton (4/128).
SAN FRANCISCO July 1: Placed on waivers: OG
John Booker; LB Shaun Richardson. July 7: Assigned on
waivers: QB Kyle Wright from Vikings. July 8: Placed on
waivers: QB Drew Olson. July 11: Draft choice signed: LB
Larry Grant (7/214). July 15: Placed on waivers: DE Melvin
Oliver. July 16: Draft choice signed: OG Chilo Rachal (2/39).
July 17: Draft choice contract disapproved: OG Chilo
Rachal (2/39).
SEATTLE July 16: Draft choice signed: FB Owen
Schmitt (5/163). July 18: Draft choice signed: DT Red
Bryant (4/121). Placed on waivers: RB Dan Curran.
TAMPA BAY July 15: ERFA re-signed: OT Donald
Penn.
WASHINGTON July 9: Placed on waivers: DE Tommy
Davis; C Kyle DeVan; QB Sam Hollenbach. July 14: Draft
choices signed: WR Malcolm Kelly (2/51); QB Colt Brennan
(6/186). Placed on waivers: DE Dorian Smith. July 15: Draft
choices signed: OT Chad Rinehart (3/96); P Durant Brooks
(6/168). July 17: Placed on waivers: TE Pete Schmitt. July
18: Draft choice signed: WR Devin Thomas (2/34).

ONLINE TRANSACTION UPDATES AT:

www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL+Zone/Transactions/default.htm

FIRST-ROUND RUNDOWN
To more accurately reflect the actual value of first-round rookie contracts, Pro Football Weekly revamped the way in which it presents that information last season. As shown in the table below for 2007 first-round picks, the four new categories (left to right) indicate: (1) contract length in years; (2) actual guaranteed money after options; (3) total five-year value based upon achieving minimum playing-time thresholds; and (4) maximum contract value if all incentives are met. The five-year value is considered a more realistic total-earning figure, given that many incentives will not be met and a rookie contract will likely be ripped up and redone prior to the final year of the deal. PFWs 08 signing list will include more detailed contract breakdowns beginning in the next issue.

2007 FIRST-ROUND
PK POS/PLAYER/TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

DATE
SIGNED

QB JaMARCUS RUSSELL / Oak.

Sept. 11
WR CALVIN JOHNSON / Det.
Aug. 3
OT JOE THOMAS / Cle.
July 26
DE GAINES ADAMS / T.B.
July 26
OT LEVI BROWN / Ari.
Aug. 2
FS LaRON LANDRY / Was.
July 30
RB ADRIAN PETERSON / Min.
July 29
DE JAMAAL ANDERSON / Atl.
July 25
WR TED GINN JR. / Mia.
July 27
DT AMOBI OKOYE / Hou.
July 27
LB PATRICK WILLIS / S.F.
July 29
RB MARSHAWN LYNCH / Buf.
July 26
DT-DE ADAM CARRIKER / St.L.
July 27
CB DARRELLE REVIS / NYJ
Aug. 15
OLB LAWRENCE TIMMONS / Pit.
July 22
DT JUSTIN HARRELL / G.B.
July 27
DE JARVIS MOSS / Den.
July 28
CB LEON HALL / Cin.
July 28
S MICHAEL GRIFFIN / Ten.
July 27
CB AARON ROSS / NYG
July 27
FS REGGIE NELSON / Jax.
July 27
QB BRADY QUINN / Cle.
Aug. 7
WR DWAYNE BOWE / K.C.
Aug. 5
CB-FS BRANDON MERIWEATHER / N.E. July 28
LB JON BEASON / Car.
Aug. 5
OLB ANTHONY SPENCER / Dal.
July 26
WR ROBERT MEACHEM / N.O.
July 24
OT JOE STALEY / S.F.
July 16
OG BEN GRUBBS / Bal.
July 27
WR CRAIG DAVIS / S.D.
July 23
TE GREG OLSEN / Chi.
July 3
July 26
WR ANTHONY GONZALEZ / Ind.

REAL
GUARANTEED
YEARS AFTER OPTIONS

6
6
5
5
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5

$32.0 mil.
$27.2 mil.
$23.0 mil.
$19.3 mil.
$22.9 mil.
$17.5 mil.
$17.0 mil.
$15.4 mil.
$14.1 mil.
$12.8 mil.
$12.0 mil.
$10.3 mil.
$9.3 mil.
$14.0 mil.
$8.3 mil.
$8.1 mil.
$8.1 mil.
$8.2 mil.
$8.2 mil.
$8.0 mil.
$7.2 mil.
$7.8 mil.
$6.5 mil.
$6.3 mil.
$6.3 mil.
$6.4 mil.
$5.7 mil.
$5.5 mil.
$5.5 mil.
$5.4 mil.
$5.4 mil.
$5.4 mil.

2008 FIRST-ROUND
5-YEAR
VALUE

MAX VALUE
W/INCENTIVES

$54.5 mil.
$36.9 mil.
$33.5 mil.
$26.0 mil.
$22.9 mil.
$22.0 mil.
$22.5 mil.
$19.2 mil.
$17.5 mil.
$15.4 mil.
$14.4 mil.
$13.3 mil.
$12.8 mil.
$21.0 mil.
$11.9 mil.
$11.8 mil.
$11.5 mil.
$11.0 mil.
$10.5 mil.
$10.0 mil.
$9.8 mil.
$9.3 mil.
$9.0 mil.
$8.8 mil.
$8.3 mil.
$9.0 mil.
$8.2 mil.
$7.9 mil.
$7.9 mil.
$7.8 mil.
$7.8 mil.
$7.5 mil.

$68.0 mil.
$64.0 mil.
$42.5 mil.
$45.0 mil.
$62.0 mil.
$41.5 mil.
$40.5 mil.
$30.9 mil.
$21.8 mil.
$17.6 mil.
$16.7 mil.
$18.9 mil.
$14.3 mil.
$36.0 mil.
$15.0 mil.
$14.5 mil.
$15.0 mil.
$13.6 mil.
$13.3 mil.
$13.5 mil.
$13.4 mil.
$30.0 mil.
$11.8 mil.
$11.5 mil.
$11.4 mil.
$9.0 mil.
$11.3 mil.
$10.7 mil.
$10.6 mil.
$11.1 mil.
$10.7 mil.
$10.3 mil.

Unofficial through Sunday, July 20

PK. TEAM

PLAYER
DATE SIGNED TERMS
OT JAKE LONG
April 21 5 yrs., up to $57.75 mil. ($30 mil. guaranteed)
DE CHRIS LONG
July 20 6 yrs., terms undisclosed
QB MATT RYAN
May 20 6 yrs., up to $72 mil. ($34.75 mil. guaranteed)
RB DARREN MCFADDEN
June 6 6 yrs., up to $60 mil. ($26 mil. guaranteed)
DT GLENN DORSEY
DE VERNON GHOLSTON
DT SEDRICK ELLIS
DE DERRICK HARVEY
OLB KEITH RIVERS
ILB JEROD MAYO
CB LEODIS MCKELVIN
OT RYAN CLADY
RB JONATHAN STEWART
OT CHRIS WILLIAMS
OG BRANDEN ALBERT
CB DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE
OT GOSDER CHERILUS
QB JOE FLACCO
July 16 5 yrs., up to $30 mil. ($8.75 mil. guaranteed)
OT JEFF OTAH
CB AQIB TALIB
OT SAM BAKER
RB FELIX JONES
RB RASHARD MENDENHALL
RB CHRIS JOHNSON
CB MIKE JENKINS
OT DUANE BROWN
CB ANTOINE CASON
DE LAWRENCE JACKSON
DT KENTWAN BALMER
TE DUSTIN KELLER
July 18 5 yrs., up to $8.5 million (about $6 mil. guaranteed)

1. Dolphins
2. Rams
3. Falcons
4. Raiders
5. Chiefs
6. Jets
7. Saints
8. Jaguars
9. Bengals
10. Patriots
11. Bills
12. Broncos
13. Panthers
14. Bears
15. Chiefs
16. Cardinals
17. Lions
18. Ravens
19. Panthers
20. Buccaneers
21. Falcons
22. Cowboys
23. Steelers
24. Titans
25. Cowboys
26. Texans
27. Chargers
28. Seahawks
29. 49ers
30. Jets
Patriots (pick forfeited)
31. Giants
SS KENNY PHILLIPS

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AUGUST 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

31

BULLPEN BREAKDOWN:

Warner No. 1 in PFWs 2008 backup QB rankings

THE SLANT

DAN ARKUSH

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Im sure youre all aware by now that Peyton Manning, whose 160 consecutive regular-season starts represent the longest streak among active quarterbacks
(unless, of course, you know who ever gets around to
officially unretiring), is on the shelf for up to six weeks
after undergoing minor surgery on his left knee.
Although the Colts appear confident Manning will be
back to full strength before the opening gun sounds for
the season, the prospect, however faint, of backup Jim
Sorgi being forced to line up under center is a scary
thought very much worth considering in a sport so largely dictated by the dreaded injury bug.
Enter PFWs exclusive 2008 backup QB ratings, an
admittedly ambitious undertaking laden with intriguing
X-factors that attempts to rank the leagues projected No.
1 relief pitchers, from best to worst.
Please note that players classified as ideal backup
fits based on recent performance (i.e., Sage Rosenfels,
Todd Collins) are as likely to get a high ranking as players who are widely considered by pro scouts to have
more pure starters potential, both this coming season
and beyond.
Comments on each player (see accompanying chart for
rankings) follow:
Kurt Warner / Cardinals A year older, but coming
off best season since league MVP campaign in 2001,
throwing the second-most TD passes in franchise history
in only 11 starts last season. If Matt Leinart falters,
offense shouldnt miss a beat.
Chad Pennington / Jets Previously a very solid
starter with top-notch field vision and intelligence.
Depleted arm strength could make him best-suited for a
backup role. A locker room leader who still commands
respect. Appears tailor-made to take the reins if need be.
Sage Rosenfels / Texans Made strong case for
starting role last season, throwing six more TD passes
than Matt Schaub in two fewer games. Gets rid of ball
quickly and hits receivers in stride. A cross between
potential starter and the backup hes always been.
Todd Collins / Redskins Made his presence felt
and opened a lot of eyes replacing Jason Campbell late
last season. Good smarts, touch and release make him an
excellent insurance policy, but it remains to be seen how
hell react to new system under Jim Zorn.
Brian Griese / Buccaneers A proven commodity in
Jon Grudens system, some evaluators think hell be
starting by years end. Luke McCown, who could be a
top backup on a lot of teams, and Josh Johnson provide
plentiful depth.
Rex Grossman / Bears Being short and slow-footed is a terrible combo, and his inconsistency is well documented. But fact he took team to Super Bowl deserves
high ranking.
J.P. Losman / Bills Based on physical tools, he
could be at the top of the list. Has stronger arm and better
speed than Trent Edwards. Leadership skills and intangibles leave a lot to be desired, but theres no denying his
talent.
Seneca Wallace / Seahawks Was 2-2 as starter in
place of injured Matt Hasselbeck in 2006. An intriguing
No. 2 option with excellent athleticism. Throws the ball
much better than people give him credit for. No. 3 Charlie Frye (19 pro starts) adds excellent extra insurance.
Billy Volek / Chargers Proved his mettle convincingly replacing Philip Rivers in playoff win over Indy.
Has never shown he could be the guy, but is extremely
well-suited for backup duty.
Matt Cassel / Patriots Very underestimated. Pats
drafted Kevin O'Connell highly because they dont think
theyll be able to keep Cassel in free agency next year.
Has everything except experience. Could be NFL starter
a la Matt Schaub in another year.
Trent Green / Rams Concussion issues keep him
from getting higher ranking. Said to now have clean bill of
health, but A natural leader who will push Marc Bulger.
Knows Al Saunders system like the back of his hand.
Shaun Hill / 49ers Ideal backup who can get
through a game but wont win a game for you. Had completion percentage near .700 and 5-1 TD-interception
ratio in last three games in 07.
Matt Moore / Panthers Carolina feels very strongly
about him; they believe hes almost like a Tony Romo in

RANKING THE RELIEVERS

EXP. 07 GP/GS
1. KURT WARNER / CARDINALS 11
14/11
2. CHAD PENNINGTON / JETS
9
9/8
3. SAGE ROSENFELS / TEXANS
8
9/5
4. TODD COLLINS / REDSKINS
13
4/3
5. BRIAN GRIESE / BUCCANEERS 11
7/6
6. REX GROSSMAN / BEARS
6
8/7
7. J.P. LOSMAN / BILLS
5
8/7
8. SENECA WALLACE / SEAHAWKS 6
9/0
9. BILLY VOLEK / CHARGERS
9
5/0
10. MATT CASSEL / PATRIOTS
4
6/0
11. TRENT GREEN / RAMS
15
5/5
12. SHAUN HILL / NINERS
7
3/2
13. MATT MOORE / PANTHERS
2
9/3
14. KERRY COLLINS / TITANS
14
6/1
15. KYLE BOLLER / RAVENS
6
12/8
16. CLEO LEMON / JAGUARS
5
9/7
17. BRADY QUINN / BROWNS
2
1/0
18. MATT RYAN / FALCONS
R
0/0
19. BRIAN BROHM / PACKERS
R
0/0
20. KEVIN KOLB / EAGLES
2
1/0
21. JOHN BECK / DOLPHINS
2
5/4
22. GUS FREROTTE / VIKINGS
15
8/3
23. DAMON HUARD / CHIEFS
12
11/10
24. CHARLIE BATCH / STEELERS 11
7/1
25. BRAD JOHNSON / COWBOYS 17
16/0
26. RYAN FITZPATRICK / BENGALS 4
1/0
27. DAVID CARR / GIANTS
7
6/4
28. PATRICK RAMSEY / BRONCOS 7
2/0
29. JIM SORGI / COLTS
5
4/0
30. ANDREW WALTER / RAIDERS
4
1/0
31. DAN ORLOVSKY / LIONS
4
0/0
32. MARK BRUNELL / SAINTS
16
0/0

DAN ARKUSH

Forks in the road

When assessing PFWs 2008 backup QB rankings,
please take into account the very real possibility of replacement parts on the following 11 teams:
ARIZONA If designated starter Matt Leinart is slow out of
the gate again this season, Kurt Warner could very quickly
regain the starting role.
N.Y. JETS Third-year pro Kellen Clemens is considered to
have only a slight edge over incumbent Chad Pennington
heading into camp.
CHICAGO PFWs projection of Kyle Orton as the starter
over Rex Grossman is based on a gut hunch as much as
anything, with the Bears having declared a dead heat entering training camp.
BUFFALO Projected starter Trent Edwards has his share
of admirers, but the more naturally talented J.P. Losman
could see early playing time if Edwards falters.
SAN FRANCISCO Even though PFW suspects differently,
the Niners keep insisting Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and even
J.T. OSullivan will be involved in a wide-open competition for
the starting role.
BALTIMORE It would hardly be a shock if the Ravens
eventually decide to ease first-rounder Joe Flacco into the
picture and let Kyle Boller start the season under center.
ATLANTA Banking on Chris Redman to start the season
is risky business, with first-rounder Matt Ryan and Joey Harrington also making their presences felt.
GREEN BAY Suffice it to say Brett Favre has created a
fluid situation with no easy answers.
PHILADELPHIA Despite the fact he threw seven interceptions in the two games Donovan McNabb missed last season, veteran A.J. Feeley could still beat out Kevin Kolb as the
backup after all is said and done.
MIAMI Erstwhile journeyman Josh McCown, who almost
cut his index finger off in a recent chainsaw accident, rates
only slight edge over John Beck. Chad Henne waits in wings.
DETROIT There are many in league circles who believe
Drew Stanton, who lost most of his rookie season to a knee
injury, was drafted too high to be the No. 3 guy behind the
forgettable Dan Orlovsky.

training. Has an elastic arm and a lot of moxie. Didnt

get any favors from O-line last season.
Kerry Collins / Titans Has stronger arm than
Vince Young and is better-equipped for vertical passing
game. Slow feet get him in trouble, but as long as he has
protection, can still do some damage.
Kyle Boller / Ravens Has first-round tools but marginal accuracy and decision-making skills. For whatever
reason, just hasnt figured it out yet at pro level. No. 3
QB Troy Smith could be intriguing wild card.
Cleo Lemon / Jaguars Ex-Dolphin is considered an
upgrade over Quinn Gray. Led Miami to only win last
year. Still developing and has a chance. Just needs to
keep seeing live bullets.
Brady Quinn / Browns Might deserve higher ranking, even though still green. The one shot he had last
year, he drove the team right down the field. More talented than Derek Anderson. All he needs is opportunity.
Matt Ryan / Falcons Would think Falcons want
Chris Redman to begin the season under center and let
new face of franchise develop less rapidly. Less-pressured backup role could serve No. 3 overall pick well,
but will not be a backup for long.
Brian Brohm / Packers Has really impressed
coaches with his accuracy and consistency heading into
training camp, in addition to how well he has taken to
tricky playbook. Has real upside.
Kevin Kolb / Eagles McNabbs heir apparent still
needs more time to groom, having come from Houstons
Fun n Gun system in the college ranks. A.J. Feeley
still could figure prominently in mix.
John Beck / Dolphins Smart guy but still a pup
with limited overall tools.
Gus Frerotte / Vikings So-so as Rams backup last

DAN ARKUSH
season, especially in five-interception, four-sack fiasco
vs. Baltimore. Could get challenge from Brooks Bollinger
and rookie John David Booty.
Damon Huard / Chiefs Declining rapidly but has
had his moments in relief role before.
Charlie Batch / Steelers Well-versed in system but
dribbled down leg last year in limited opportunity.
Brad Johnson / Cowboys Turns 40 in September.
Arm strength fading fast. No wonder Chris Simms
rumors still resonate in Big D.
Ryan Fitzpatrick / Bengals Fizzled quickly in St.
Louis, but Harvard grad has ideal intelligence and still
has upside.
David Carr / Giants Talk about fading fast. Only
reason Carr is with Giants is because of Chris Palmer.
Carolina couldnt get rid of him quickly enough. Cant
take a hit and panics under pressure. Could be challenged to even make final roster.
Patrick Ramsey / Broncos Also panics under pressure. Has never seized opportunities when hes had them,
and has yet to see much game time in Denver under Mike
Shanahan.
Jim Sorgi / Colts A system QB whos always been
just another guy. Mannings injury should enable Sorgi
to get more work in training camp, but Colts are up a
creek if he ends up having to start.
Andrew Walter / Raiders Fire-baller with limited
ability. Has not shown he could be the guy. Marques
Tuiasosopo, who has returned to Oakland after stint with
Jets, could ace Walter out.
Dan Orlovsky / Lions Considered a safer option
than Drew Stanton, Orlovsky is ordinary at best.
Mark Brunell / Saints New Orleans is no country
for old man who has lost his arm strength and mobility.

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