Whispers 8-3-08

[THE SIX KINGS]

Aug. 3, 2008

 

 

AFC East

 

The Bills sent a message to training-camp holdout Jason Peters this week when they switched ORT Langston Walker from the right side to the left side. The message was that the team is willing to forge ahead without Peters if he continues his holdout, despite how valuable the All-Pro left tackle is to the team’s outlook. At this point, it would be shocking if the Bills caved in and granted Peters an extension if he continues his holdout, but the team may engage in discussions if and when he reports.

 

Jerod Mayo has looked exceptional in Patriots camp, and he may be the most athletic inside linebacker that Bill Belichick has coached in New England. Just a rookie, he has kept up with the running backs in numerous one-on-one drills.

 

One Dolphins source says that training camp under Tony Sparano is far more demanding than it was under Cam Cameron, but not quite as grueling as it was when Nick Saban was orchestrating it. One big difference between Sparano’s camp and Saban’s is the amount of teaching Sparano’s crew is doing. Saban had his players constantly on the move, but there wasn’t much individual instruction.

 

We hear that Vonnie Holliday has been among the more inspiring players in Dolphins camp. Holliday has been a force on the defensive line but has been earning reps at outside linebacker, too, where he’s flourished.

 

CB Ashton Youboty, whose soft play has been a thorn in the Bills’ side since his rookie season of 2006, is no certainty to make the team.

 

Word out of New York is that rookie Vernon Gholston has been slow in adjusting to linebacker after playing his college ball at defensive end, but that his speed off the edge has been readily apparent. He offers a defensive element the Jets haven’t had in years.

 

AFC South

 

Word out of Jacksonville is that it may still be awhile before first-round DE Derrick Harvey signs, judging by coach Jack Del Rio’s assertion that the players drafted ahead of him — the Saints’ Sedrick Ellis and the Jets’ Vernon Gholston — signed “outrageous” contracts. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that second-round DE Quentin Groves has been a hit in his first training camp. Epitomizing his strong camp was his domination of veteran OT Khalif Barnes in the Oklahoma drill.

 

The Colts LB corps is hurting. Although Tyjuan Hagler is the only one who is expected to be out for the start of the regular season, there are enough bumps and bruises that coach Tony Dungy is considering re-signing Robert Morris — whom they cut after an injury-shortened 2007 — for depth purposes.

 

With Peyton Manning on the mend, sources in Terre Haute, Ind., tell us Jim Sorgi has looked sharp. Among the recently added quarterbacks, Jared Lorenzen looked to be the best early in camp, but Quinn Gray has come on strong recently.

 

A source close to the Texans has noted how the team’s offensive linemen hang on Alex Gibbs’ every word. There is little doubt that the Texans’ assistant head coach commands tremendous respect and is viewed as someone who can help the team tremendously.

 

The Texans would like rookie OLT Duane Brown to drop about 10 pounds to improve his quickness and conditioning. While he has much to learn, and while his conditioning early in camp wasn’t exceptional, we’re hearing he’s going to be tough to push out of the starting lineup, given the ability he has flashed early in camp.

 

Titans WR Brandon Jones, in a fight for his job, is off to a good start in camp, and we’re hearing he has a shot to be the No. 3 receiver.

 

Day by day, Titans DT Albert Haynesworth is working himself back into shape, and he is making visible progress, the way we hear it.

 

AFC North

 

The competition for the Steelers’ ORT job may already be over, with Willie Colon appearing to hold a clear edge over Max Starks, who we hear has not gotten off to a good start in camp. Steelers OL coach Larry Zierlein has said the line, with the exception of center, where Justin Hartwig and Sean Mahan are competing, is “pretty well set.”

 

The word from Cincinnati is Bengals RB Chris Perry, if healthy, has the edge to be the primary backup to starter Rudi Johnson, with Kenny Watson still getting plenty of work on special teams and a few touches as the No. 3 back.

 

The ankle injury suffered by Bengals DE Antwan Odom early in camp gave third-year DE Frostee Rucker a shot at more playing time. We’re hearing Rucker had a good offseason and could develop into a contributor after two disappointing seasons to begin his NFL career.

 

Browns head coach Romeo Crennel has erred on the side of caution when it comes to resting players who are showing signs of starting to wear down as training camp goes on.

 

Don’t expect Ravens OLB-DE Terrell Suggs to report to sign his one-year tender as the club’s franchise player until after the end of training camp, the way we hear it. The hope is Suggs signs in time to get a little work in the preseason, but it’s unclear whether that will happen.

 

A source close to the Browns believes seventh-round pick Alex Hall, an outside linebacker from Saint Augustine’s College (N.C.), is likely to make the roster because of his upside.

 

Ravens S Haruki Nakamura, a sixth-round pick from Cincinnati, has impressed early in training camp with his instincts and playmaking ability as he tries to make the club. When FS Ed Reed missed the opening of camp with a shoulder injury, Nakamura, not third-round pick Tom Zbikowski, got the opportunity to work with the first-team defense.

 

AFC West

 

The Chiefs might have a surprise starter at middle linebacker come Week One. Disenchanted with the play of Napoleon Harris during training camp, defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham has demoted him in favor of Pat Thomas, a relative unknown whom the team signed last season.

 

After watching the first week of practice, close observers of the Raiders wondered if the team’s offensive game plan for its tight ends would be affected by the poor play of the offensive tackles. Sources said second-year TE Zach Miller has Pro Bowl potential, but his chances for a big year are likely limited since he’ll often have to be kept in on passing downs to help a weak crop of offensive tackles block the pass rushers.

 

As he awaits an announcement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on whether he’ll be suspended, Broncos WR Brandon Marshall has been very inconsistent in the early part of training camp, the way we hear it. It’s not clear whether the looming suspension is to blame for the up-and-down performance, but it’s clear he’s not at his best after a tumultuous offseason, which included a severe arm injury he suffered after putting it through a television during a wrestling match with his brother.

 

We hear Broncos RB Michael Pittman is getting double duty in training camp, taking reps at running back and fullback. This isn’t the first time coaches have thrust the 11th-year veteran into a dual role. Pittman worked in at both positions for the Bucs early last season until B.J. Askew took over as the full-time fullback. Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan likes Pittman’s versatility, and he’s an underrated receiver out of the backfield.

 

The prevailing attitude at Chargers camp thus far has been one of calmness and confidence. When a 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck Southern California last week, many players, including LB Shawne Merriman, were unfazed, sleeping right through the incident.

 

NFC East

 

The Cowboys are experimenting with using both Marion Barber and Felix Jones in the same backfield — one formation that has Barber as a fullback and Jones lined up behind him, and another where Barber is in a one-back formation and Jones flexes out. The Cowboys hope to create matchup problems and confuse defenses with these formations.

 

Cowboys SS Roy Williams is starting to play with his old swagger and aggressiveness, per secondary coach Dave Campo. Williams admitted this offseason that he didn’t feel comfortable in the team’s defensive scheme, but he appears to be playing with more confidence thus far in camp.

 

With all of the Giants’ injuries at wideout, Michael Jennings — considered a long shot to make the roster — has been terrific and could find his way onto the team. He has made more than one spectacular catch in practice and can help out as a returner.

 

So far, the Redskins are more than tickled with DE Jason Taylor’s play. Despite skipping all of the Dolphins’ offseason workouts, Taylor reportedly is in top condition and has impressed coaches and teammates alike with his work ethic.

 

NFC North

 

According to our Packers sources, the key to second-year pro Aaron Rouse having a shot at taking over as the starting free safety over incumbent Nick Collins will be his ability to make more tackles in space. Rouse already rates an edge over Collins as a playmaker after a very active rookie season.

 

Dan Orlovsky maintains an edge for the backup QB job in Detroit over Drew Stanton, but neither guy has been outstanding thus far. At this point, the coaches trust Orlovsky not to make mistakes more than they trust Stanton.

 

Vikings rookie DT Letroy Guion is showing some good quickness and strength and may become the team’s third tackle, a role that was vacated when Spencer Johnson left via free agency.

 

Most daily Bears observers believe it’s only a matter of time before the team releases sixth-year CB Ricky Manning Jr. — including Manning himself. Recognizing the team’s preference so far in training camp to give more practice time to youngsters Corey Graham, Trumaine McBride and Zackary Bowman at his expense, Manning confronted head coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Bob Babich about his diminishing status after a recent practice, we’re told.

 

Bears rookie TE Kellen Davis has continued to make his imposing (6-7, 262 pounds) presence felt with his soft hands and downfield receiving skills. But with Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark ahead of him on the depth chart, team insiders contend that Davis will have to earn his keep this season primarily with his blocking, which, unlike the player he has replaced on the depth chart (the departed John Gilmore), is far from his specialty.

 

At the beginning of the Packers’ camp on the special-teams front, we hear backup CBs Tramon Williams and Will Blackmon were considered neck and neck as the team’s primary kick returners, while rookie free agent J.J. Jansen apparently had won the job as long-snapper over “street” free agent Thomas Gafford, who was cut Sunday to make room for just-signed holdout RB Ryan Grant. Gafford had previously opened eyes during a monthlong tryout at the Packers’ 2006 training camp.

 

NFC West

 

Even though the amount he owes the Rams in fines had surpassed the $100,000 mark heading into the weekend, our sources in St. Louis still believe the team isn’t panicking yet over the contract holdout of featured RB Steven Jackson. At this writing, the hang-up in negotiations for a new long-term contract that reportedly would put Jackson among the top five NFL running backs in the payroll department is the amount of guaranteed money the team is willing to pay. Team insiders say Jackson is looking for at least $20 million in guaranteed money, while the Rams have their sights set a bit lower.

 

Benefiting from an increased number of reps because Rams veteran CB Fakhir Brown is riding the pine with a slightly torn rotator cuff, fourth-round rookie CB Justin King has a good shot at leaping over second-year CB Jonathan Wade on the depth chart. Team insiders tell us King has impressed coaches with his speed and aggressiveness.

 

We hear Rams P Donnie Jones, who did a nice job last season after being picked up as a free agent, has been filling the Wisconsin skies with booming punts since the start of training camp. Word is he’s launched a few bombs that have traveled about 75 yards in the air.

 

Unlike last season, word is the Cardinals figure to keep three quarterbacks this season for more reasons than the durability issues that both Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner possess. We hear the team has been genuinely impressed with current No. 3 QB Brian St. Pierre, a free agent from the Steelers who has displayed a strong arm so far in camp and is familiar with head coach Ken Whisenhunt’s offensive system.

 

The word out of Seattle is that free-agent addition T.J. Duckett could end up on the bubble, as even head coach Mike Holmgren has admitted that he’s not sure just how to use the burly running back. If the Seahawks decide to keep five backs, team insiders believe Duckett will probably be safe. However, if they opt to keep only four backs, either Duckett or fifth-round rookie FB Owen Schmitt could be in trouble.

 

Don’t look now, but Seahawks WR Deion Branch just might be bouncing back much quicker than expected from the serious knee injury he suffered in the playoff loss to the Packers. Team insiders believe head coach Mike Holmgren has been overly optimistic with his consistent contention that Branch will be ready for the regular-season opener. Yet, they do admit Branch was looking very good running sprints and performing in agility drills one week into training camp.

 

Our Niners insiders tell us TE Billy Bajema, normally known for his blocking, has been a big surprise in training camp so far as a receiver,

 

Although the rumors that Niners veteran OLG Larry Allen might return for yet another season haven’t faded away completely, we hear the longer he stays away, the more likely he doesn’t figure in the team’s plans. We also hear that another veteran, free-agent LB Takeo Spikes, remains on the team’s radar, but from a very long distance.

 

NFC South

 

Falcons quarterbacks may be looking away from the TE tandem of Ben Hartsock and Martrez Milner on passing downs this season. Observers of the team’s training camp said the pair might be the worst group of tight ends in the league. They don’t have good hands and have dropped passes frequently, although we hear they have shown some ability as blockers.

 

Sources in Carolina have been impressed with the performance of Panthers rookie OT Geoff Schwartz and say he has the look of a seventh-round steal. Schwartz, an Oregon product, has been working at right tackle with the third-term offense but has stood out in one-on-one pass-blocking drills.

 

Although WR Robert Meachem and, to a larger extent, seventh-round rookie WR Adrian Arrington have shined the brightest early in Saints training camp, don’t count Devery Henderson out of the running to make the team just yet. It’s unlikely that New Orleans will keep all three receivers, since none of them contributes on special teams. However, Henderson always seems to find a way onto the roster, according to sources close to the team, and he’s still the Saints’ best deep threat.

 

Bucs S Sabby Piscitelli has been making big plays in camp as he returns from a season-ending broken foot that ended his year in Week Three of ’07. He has almost no shot at cracking the starting lineup, with Jermaine Phillips and Tanard Jackson — who are emerging as one of the league’s best safety tandems — already in place. Piscitelli could, however, gain a good chunk of playing time as a backup, spelling the starters to keep them fresh late into games.

[Avernus]

good info here

[BigTen]

Damn you Kings! Every time I try and read your posts I somehow get distracted.

[YoungBob]

Damn you Kings! Every time I try and read your posts I somehow get distracted.

There was a post?

[Avernus]

There was a post?

 

yeah it was about some smokin hawt blond asian

[peepinmofo]

Heh. She got the axe.

[Randall]

Aug. 3, 2008

 

 

 

We hear that Vonnie Holliday has been among the more inspiring players in Dolphins camp. Holliday has been a force on the defensive line but has been earning reps at outside linebacker, too, where he’s flourished.

 

 

 

From a Dolphins blog on the scrimmage

 

Vonnie Holliday is moving all over the place. On one play he is not only playing OLB, but he is WAY outside the hashmarks, lining up almost as a DB. Then on the next play, he’s got his hand in the dirt, lining up as a nose tackle.

 

 

 

If he is listed as a DT but spends time at DE/LB he could be a sleeper this year. If he stays healthy.

[The Wolf]

Heh. She got the axe.

 

 

She was THAT hot??? Cannot believe I missed it....

[BigTen]

Heh. She got the axe.

 

 

She was THAT hot??? Cannot believe I missed it....

 

(.)(.) Yeah!

[MrTed46]

 

 

 

( . Y . ) Yeah!

 

 

Fixed

[BigTen]

Fixed

[YoungBob]

Heh. She got the axe.

[BeeR]

With Peyton Manning on the mend, sources in Terre Haute, Ind., tell us Jim Sorgi has looked sharp.

Sources may want to reconsider after watching the HOF game.

 

The word from Cincinnati is Bengals RB Chris Perry, if healthy, has the edge to be the primary backup to starter Rudi Johnson, with Kenny Watson still getting plenty of work on special teams and a few touches as the No. 3 back.

? This surprises me. Watson did very well in backup duties last year both running and catching. Perry must be really out-doing him in camp.

 

As he awaits an announcement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on whether he'll be suspended, Broncos WR Brandon Marshall has been very inconsistent in the early part of training camp, the way we hear it. It's not clear whether the looming suspension is to blame for the up-and-down performance, but it's clear he's not at his best after a tumultuous offseason, which included a severe arm injury he suffered after putting it through a television during a wrestling match with his brother.

Marshall: rocket scientist.

 

 

The Cowboys are experimenting with using both Marion Barber and Felix Jones in the same backfield — one formation that has Barber as a fullback and Jones lined up behind him, and another where Barber is in a one-back formation and Jones flexes out. The Cowboys hope to create matchup problems and confuse defenses with these formations.

We hear this every year from a team or 2 and it almost never happens. Edited August 6, 2008 by BeeR

[BeeR]

According to our Packers sources, the key to second-year pro Aaron Rouse having a shot at taking over as the starting free safety over incumbent Nick Collins will be his ability to make more tackles in space. Rouse already rates an edge over Collins as a playmaker after a very active rookie season.

??? Who cares about the rest of the team....where the hell is the latest Favre tidbit??

 

 

The word out of Seattle is that free-agent addition T.J. Duckett could end up on the bubble, as even head coach Mike Holmgren has admitted that he's not sure just how to use the burly running back. If the Seahawks decide to keep five backs, team insiders believe Duckett will probably be safe. However, if they opt to keep only four backs, either Duckett or fifth-round rookie FB Owen Schmitt could be in trouble.

?? You're kidding - I wasn't excpecting much out of Duckett but will be very surprised if he can't even make the team - it's not like SEA is loaded at RB.

 

 

Although WR Robert Meachem and, to a larger extent, seventh-round rookie WR Adrian Arrington have shined the brightest early in Saints training camp, don't count Devery Henderson out of the running to make the team just yet. It's unlikely that New Orleans will keep all three receivers, since none of them contributes on special teams. However, Henderson always seems to find a way onto the roster, according to sources close to the team, and he's still the Saints' best deep threat.

? on this too - I thought Henderson was still WR2 or at least "2b" - ??