NFL camp capsules

Discussion in 'NFL General Discussion' started by TDJets72027, Jul 17, 2007.

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    ARIZONA CARDINALS


    2006 RECORD: 5-11 (last in NFC West)

    CAMP OPENS: July 27 (rookies and veterans)




    WHERE: Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Ariz.

    HELLO: DT Alan Branch (2nd round/Michigan), OT Levi Brown (1st round/Penn State), OT Mike Gandy (FA/Buffalo), CB Roderick Hood (FA/Philadelphia), C Al Johnson (FA/Dallas).

    GOODBYE: NT Kendrick Clancy, OT Leonard Davis, CB David Macklin.

    THE BUZZ: New coach Ken Whisenhunt, who took over for fired Dennis Green, was offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, where he relied on a solid ground game. With the Cardinals, he inherits a rushing attack that has been terminally terrible (30th in 06), even with the $15 million acquisition of Edgerrin James last season. Whisenhunt brought line coach Russ Grimm with him to the desert and vowed to beef things up; hence the selection of Brown with the No. 5 overall pick. There's a lot of work to be done on defense, too, as the Cards ranked 29th overall last season.

    ATLANTA FALCONS


    2006 RECORD: 7-9 (third in NFC South)

    CAMP OPENS: July 25 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Falcons Training Facility, Flowery Branch, Ga.

    HELLO: DE Jamaal Anderson (1st round/Arkansas), QB Joey Harrington (released/Miami), WR Joe Horn (released/New Orleans), FB Ovie Mughelli (FA/Baltimore), LB Marcus Wilkins (FA/Cincinnati).

    GOODBYE: LB Ed Hartwell, DE Patrick Kerney, G Matt Lehr, WR Ashley Lelie, LB Ike Reese, QB Matt Schaub.

    THE BUZZ: Unfortunately for the Falcons, the buzz from camp-at least initially-will focus on the investigation into QB Michael Vick's ties to dogfighting in Virginia. In the meantime, new Coach Bobby Petrino will look to find a way to make Atlanta's offense (first in rushing, last in passing) more balanced. Petrino's aerial assault at Louisville was highly effective, but Vick is hardly a dropback passer. Anderson, the No.8 overall pick, brings youth and speed to a defense that gave up nearly 230 yards passing per game last season.

    BALTIMORE RAVENS


    2006 RECORD: 13-3 (first in AFC North; lost to Indianapolis in divisional round)

    WHEN: July 29 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: McDaniel College, Westminster, Md.

    HELLO: G Ben Grubbs (1st round/Auburn), RB Willis McGahee (trade/Buffalo).

    GOODBYE: RB Jamal Lewis, FB Ovie Mughelli, G Edwin Mulitalo, OT Tony Pashos, LB Adalius Thomas.

    THE BUZZ: The Ravens boosted the credibility of their offense by adding QB Steve McNair to the mix last season, but the unit's dismal showing in a home playoff loss to Indianapolis sent team brass scrambling. Enter McGahee, 25, a two-time 1,000-yard rusher. He replaces Lewis, whose workhorse ways led to too much wear and tear. By adding McGahee and Grubbs, the top-rated guard in the draft, Baltimore should improve on its No. 25 rushing attack. On defense, the Ravens ranked first overall last season, but that unit is aging and will miss Thomas, now with New England.

    BUFFALO BILLS


    2006 RECORD: 7-9 (third in AFC East)

    WHEN: July 26 (rookie and veterans).

    WHERE: St. John Fisher College, Pittsford, N.Y.

    HELLO: G Derrick Dockery (FA/Washington), RB Marshawn Lynch (1st round/California), LB Paul Posluszny (2nd round/Penn State), DT Darwin Walker (trade/Philadelphia), OT Langston Walker (FA/Oakland).

    GOODBYE: CB Nate Clements, LB London Fletcher-Baker, OT Mike Gandy, RB Willis McGahee, LB Takeo Spikes.

    THE BUZZ: Some of the roster's biggest names are gone, as the Bills have gone all in with their commitment to QB J.P. Losman. Though Buffalo's offense ranked better than just two teams last season, Losman had something of a breakout season in hitting 62.5 percent of his throws for 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. WR Lee Evans is a superstar in the making, and team brass hopes Lynch steps in and gives the unit more on the ground (including effort) than McGahee. Spikes, Fletcher-Baker and Clements are major hits on a defense that is in a youth movement a year after losing five games by three points or less.



    CAROLINA PANTHERS


    2006 RECORD: 8-8 (second in NFC South)

    WHEN: July 27 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Wofford College, Spartanburg, S.C.

    HELLO: LB Jon Beason (1st round/Miami), QB David Carr (released/Houston), S Deke Cooper (FA/San Francisco), WR Dwayne Jarrett (2nd round/USC).

    GOODBYE: LB Chris Draft, WR Keyshawn Johnson, TE Kris Mangum, DE Al Wallace, QB Chris Weinke.

    THE BUZZ: The Panthers remain almost intact from last season, save the pseudo-surprising offseason release of Johnson. The biggest move was firing offensive coordinator Dan Henning and replacing him with former Cleveland offensive line coach Jeff Davidson. What little the club did to improve the offense on the field may not show up until a few games into the season. That's if Coach John Fox deems Carr-a franchise quarterback with a sad franchise-an alternative to Jake Delhomme, who was the league's worst third-down passer (55.5) last year. The defense, led by E Julius Peppers, should have another fine season.



    CHICAGO BEARS


    2006 RECORD: 13-3 (first in NFC North; lost to Indianapolis in Super Bowl XLI)

    WHEN: July 26 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, Ill.

    HELLO: DT Anthony Adams (FA/San Francisco), S Adam Archuleta (trade/Washington), TE Greg Olsen (1st round/Miami).

    GOODBYE: WR Justin Gage, DT Tank Johnson, RB Thomas Jones, DT Ian Scott, WR Bobby Wade.

    THE BUZZ: The reigning NFC champions get DT Tommie Harris and S Mike Brown back from season-ending injuries, but uncertainty looms with LB Lance Briggs' trade demand. Besides the Briggs watch, all eyes will be on QB Rex Grossman and whether he can develop some consistency. The trade of Jones (which wasn't overly popular with some players) makes Cedric Benson the feature back in an offense that ranked 15th last season.



    CINCINNATI BENGALS


    2006 RECORD: 8-8 (tied for second in AFC North)

    WHEN: July 26 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Georgetown College, Georgetown, Ky.

    HELLO: CB Leon Hall (1st round/Michigan), LB Ed Hartwell (released/Atlanta), RB Kenny Irons (2nd round/Auburn), DT Michael Myers (released/Denver).

    GOODBYE: DT Sam Adams, CB Tory James, S Kevin Kaesviharn, G Eric Steinbach, LB Brian Simmons, QB Anthony Wright.

    THE BUZZ: The Bengals took a step backward last season, and not because of any lingering effects from QB Carson Palmer's knee injury. The Bengals' 30th-ranked defense wilted-especially through the air-and the team lost three in a row to end the regular season. Hall should make an immediate impact, but the roster remains top-heavy with offensive talent. It's also top-heavy with bad character guys; WR Chris Henry is suspended for the first eight games for a number of off-field incidents, and four more players were arrested during the offseason. That makes 10 Bengals arrested in the past 15 months. Georgetown campus police are nervous.

    CLEVELAND BROWNS


    2006 RECORD: 4-12 (last in AFC North)

    WHEN: July 22 (rookies); July 26 (veterans)

    WHERE: Browns Training Facility, Berea, Ohio

    HELLO: WR Tim Carter (trade/N.Y. Giants), RB Jamal Lewis (released/Baltimore), C Seth McKinney (released/Miami), QB Brady Quinn (1st round/Notre Dame), DT Robaire Smith (FA/Tennessee), G Eric Steinbach (FA/Cincinnati), OT Joe Thomas (1st round/Wisconsin), CB Kenny Wright (FA/Washington).

    GOODBYE: C Joe Andruzzi, RB Reuben Droughns, CB Daylon McCutcheon, WR Dennis Northcutt, S Brian Russell.

    THE BUZZ: Normally, a fan base would be ecstatic with the kind of haul the Browns got on draft day. They got Thomas, the top offensive-line prospect in the pool, and traded up to get Quinn. But these are the Browns, who have the market cornered on big-name draft busts. Cleveland, with just one winning season since re-entering the league as an expansion club in 99, has a long way to go on both sides of the ball (31st in offense, 27th in defense), and Coach Romeo Crennel (third season) is on the hot seat.



    DALLAS COWBOYS


    2006 RECORD: 9-7 (second in NFC East; lost at Seattle in wild-card round).

    WHEN: July 24 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Alamodome, San Antonio

    HELLO: OT Leonard Davis (FA/Arizona), S Ken Hamlin (FA/Seattle), QB Brad Johnson (released/Minnesota), DE Anthony Spencer (1st round/Purdue).

    GOODBYE: QB Drew Bledsoe, C Al Johnson, G Marco Rivera.

    THE BUZZ: The Cowboys are being talked about as a trendy pick in the NFC, but that's putting a lot of faith in QB Tony Romo-and even more on retread Coach Wade Phillips. In four previous stops (two as a head coach, two as an interim head coach), Phillips went 48-42. Not bad, but he didn't have Terrell Owens around to undermine his authority, either. Truth be told, the Cowboys don't have many glaring weaknesses heading to camp, but the smallest of distractions or hints of dissension could throw off this bunch.

    DENVER BRONCOS


    2006 RECORD: 9-7 (tied for second in AFC West)

    WHEN: July 28 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Centre, Englewood, Colo.

    HELLO: DT Sam Adams (FA/Cincinnati), CB Dre Bly (trade/Detroit), DE Tim Crowder (2nd round/Texas), TE Daniel Graham (FA/New England), RB Travis Henry (released/Tennessee), DT Jimmy Kennedy (trade/St. Louis), DE Jarvis Moss (1st round/Florida), QB Patrick Ramsey (released/N.Y. Jets), P Todd Sauerbrun (FA/New England), WR Brandon Stokley (FA/Indianapolis).

    GOODBYE: RB Tatum Bell, DE Courtney Brown, OL Cooper Carlisle, OT George Foster, DT Michael Myers, QB Jake Plummer, LB Al Wilson.

    THE BUZZ: Another season of zany turnover in the Rockies. But the biggest move took place in midseason last fall, when the Broncos benched Plummer in favor of rookie Jay Cutler, who goes to camp as the unquestioned No. 1. Cutler had his moments (59.1 percent, 1,001 yards, nine TDs, five picks, 88.5 rating), both good and bad, as the Broncos finished 25th in passing last season. If the passing game is to pick up, Henry will be the latest featured tailback to help the cause. On defense, Jim Bates replaces fall-guy coordinator Larry Coyer. Bates must improve a unit that was 21st against the pass and lost CB Darrent Williams in a drive-by murder.

    DETROIT LIONS


    2006 RECORD: 3-13 (last in NFC North)

    WHEN: July 25 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Lions Training Facility, Allen Park, Mich.

    HELLO: RB Tatum Bell (trade/Denver), RB T.J. Duckett (FA/Washington), CB Travis Fisher (FA/St. Louis), OT George Foster (trade/Denver), WR Calvin Johnson (1st round/Georgia Tech), WR Shaun McDonald (FA/St. Louis), G Edwin Mulitalo (released/Baltimore), QB Drew Stanton (2nd round/Michigan State), DE Dewayne White (FA/Tampa Bay).

    GOODBYE: CB Dre Bly, CB Jamar Fletcher, DE James Hall, TE Marcus Pollard, WR Mike Williams.

    THE BUZZ: Rod Marinelli got an all-too-vivid understanding in his first season of how far the Lions have to go-not only to become competitive, but to ditch the collective-losers attitude that has prevailed during the Matt Millen era. Since Millen, the in-over-his-head team president, took over in 2001, the Lions are 24-72, with six consecutive double-digit losing seasons. Marinelli hopes his first two drafts, which landed LB Ernie Sims in 06 and maybe the best player of 07 in Johnson, are the foundation of better things. Bell hopefully gives offensive coordinator Mike Martz a running game better than last season's dead-last attack of 70.6 yards per game.

    GREEN BAY PACKERS


    2006 RECORD: 8-8 (second in NFC North)

    WHEN: July 27 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: St. Norbert College, De Pere, Wis.

    HELLO: DT Justin Harrell (1st round/Tennessee), RB Brandon Jackson (2nd round/Nebraska).

    GOODBYE: RB Ahman Green, TE David Martin, FB William Henderson.

    THE BUZZ: Not much changed about the roster-the youngest in the league last season-during the offseason, which might reflect how General Manager Ted Thompson felt about the four consecutive victories to end 06. Franchise icon Brett Favre (18 TDs, 18 picks, 72.7 passer rating) is back for a 17th season, but he can't be happy about the lack of upgrades to an offense that finished ninth overall despite a running game that was in the league's bottom third. Jackson will challenge-and needs to beat out-Vernand Morency for the tailback spot. Green Bay's defense (12th in 06) will be led by E Aaron Kampman and second-year LB A.J. Hawk.



    HOUSTON TEXANS


    2006 RECORD: 6-10 (last in AFC South)

    WHEN: July 26 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Texans Practice Facility, Houston

    HELLO: LB Shawn Barber (FA/Philadelphia), OT Jordan Black (FA/Kansas City), CB Jamar Fletcher (FA/Detroit), RB Ahman Green (FA/Green Bay), WR Bethel Johnson (FA/Minnesota), DT Amobi Okoye (1st round/Louisville), QB Matt Schaub (trade/Atlanta), DT Jeff Zgonina (FA/Miami).

    GOODBYE: QB David Carr, WR Eric Moulds, DL Seth Payne, OL Zach Wiegert, RB Dominic Williams, LB Kailee Wong.

    THE BUZZ: The franchise quarterback has changed, but the philosophy in Houston hasn't. The Texans still refuse to make the kind of splash moves to help the guy under center. Carr was the victim before, suffering 40-plus sacks in each of his five seasons. Enter Schaub, the former Falcon who looked good at times in relief of Michael Vick. Schaub, though, must make chicken salad out of a running game led by the high-mileage Green and a receiving corps that features WR Andre Johnson (103 catches, 1,147 yards, five TDs) and little else. But, hey, at least the Texans have DE Mario Williams, who notched 4 1/2 sacks last season after being drafted No. 1 overall. Hopefully for Houston, Okoye, the 20-year-old w 1/2uumlau 3/4nderkind, can surpass that productivity.

    INDIANAPOLIS COLTS


    2006 RECORD: 12-4 (first in AFC South; defeated Chicago in Super Bowl XLI)

    WHEN: July 29 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, Ind.

    HELLO: G Rick DeMulling (FA/Detroit), WR Anthony Gonzalez (1st round/Ohio State), QB John Navarre (FA/Arizona).

    GOODBYE: CB Jason David, S Mike Doss, CB Nick Harper, LB Cato June, DT Montae Reagor, RB Dominic Rhodes, WR Brandon Stokley, WR Terrence Wilkins.

    THE BUZZ: It's great to be king . . . even if some members of the esteemed court no longer are around. The defections of Rhodes, June and Harper will hurt the defending Super Bowl champions, but the Colts still have Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and the core of a defense that made a miraculous turnaround in the postseason. After being gutted for a league-worst 173 rushing yards through 16 regular-season games, Indy allowed an average of 83 rushing yards and 16 points in four postseason victories. That is probably why the Colts took another receiver with their first-round pick. Without the specter of "can't win the big one" hovering over his head, Manning could be even better. Then again, he said pressure never has bothered him. Maybe it didn't.



    JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS


    2006 RECORD: 8-8 (Third in AFC South)

    WHEN: July 27 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium

    HELLO: LB Justin Durant (2nd round/Hampton), FS Reggie Nelson (1st round/Florida), WR Dennis Northcutt (FA/Cleveland), OT Tony Pashos (FA/Baltimore), WR Mike Walker (3rd round/UCF), TE Jermaine Wiggins (released/Minnesota).

    GOODBYE: TE Kyle Brady, SS Donovin Darius, FS Deon Grant, P Chris Hanson.

    THE BUZZ: Coach Jack Del Rio announced at the Scouting Combine in February that he was committed to Leftwich as his starting quarterback. Just how successful Leftwich is this season likely will determine the Jags' commitment to Del Rio, who is 34-31 in four seasons. The three-game meltdown to end last season cast a pall over the offseason. With virtually the entire team returning intact, owner Wayne Weaver is expecting better things, which is why Del Rio shook up his staff by firing offensive coordinator Carl Smith and bringing in former Arizona State coach Dirk Koetter and his vertical passing scheme. Maybe Koetter will get the underachieving receivers to provide the sort of lift RBs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew give the offense. It's time for Matt Jones and Reggie Williams to prove they were worth first-round picks. The front four, anchored by DTs Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, paces a defense that added a playmaker in Nelson, who should provide big plays in a secondary that already features one of the game's blossoming young playmakers, CB Rashean Mathis. Nelson was a big-play machine at Florida last season.

    KANSAS CITY CHIEFS


    2006 RECORD: 9-7 (tied for second in AFC West; lost at Indianapolis in wild-card round)

    WHEN: July 26 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: University of Wisconsin-River Falls

    HELLO: WR Dwayne Bowe (1st round/LSU), LB Donnie Edwards (released/San Diego), LB Napoleon Harris (released/Minnesota), OT Damion McIntosh (released/Miami).

    GOODBYE: QT Jordan Black, QB Trent Green, WR Dante Hall, S Sammy Knight, LB Kawika Mitchell, DT Ryan Sims.

    THE BUZZ: How smoothly Coach Herman Edwards' second camp with the Chiefs goes depends on whether RB Larry Johnson, who wants a new contract, is there when first-day roll is called. After logging an NFL-record 416 carries for 1,789 yards and 17 TDs, he deserves one. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, there will be more questions about the offense, starting with the commitment to 34-year-old Damon Huard, who looked good (11 TDs, one pick, 98.0 rating) in replacing an injured Green for 10 games last season. It doesn't say much that the Chiefs hope second-year pro Brodie Croyle challenges Huard, though. Bowe is the latest stab by the team at finding its first great receiving threat since, oh, Otis Taylor. At this point, they might settle for an Elmo Wright.



    MIAMI DOLPHINS


    2006 RECORD: 6-10 (Last in AFC East)

    WHEN: July 22 (rookies), July 27 (veterans)

    WHERE: Dolphins Training Center, Davie, Fla.

    HELLO: QB John Beck (2nd round/BYU), K Jay Feely (FA/N.Y. Giants), WR Ted Ginn Jr. (1st round/Ohio State), QB Trent Green (trade/Kansas City), LB Joey Porter (released/Pittsburgh).

    GOODBYE: FB Darian Barnes, DE David Bowens, DL Kevin Carter, DT Fred Evans, QB Joey Harrington, G Jeno James, P Donnie Jones, K Olindo Mare, OT Damion McIntosh, G Seth McKinney, TE Randy McMichael, RB Sammy Morris, WR Wes Welker, DT Dan Wilkinson, DT Jeff Zgonina.

    THE BUZZ: New Coach Cam Cameron developed quite the reputation as an offensive coordinator, but he didn't get his quarterback in Miami until last month, when Green arrived. Since Dan Marino retired in 2000, the Dolphins have used nine draft choices to acquire quarterbacks. The defense finished No. 4 overall last season and added a potential havoc-wreaker in Porter. Some veterans on that side definitely didn't appreciate the team selecting Ginn (complete with an injured left foot) with the ninth overall choice. Whatever animosity still lingers needs to be ironed out in camp quickly. Though many players are gone from last season, this remains a veteran team, one with leaders but not much outside expectations. That's a good thing.



    MINNESOTA VIKINGS


    2006 RECORD: 6-10 (third in NFC North)

    WHEN: July 25 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minn.

    HELLO: S Mike Doss (FA/Indianapolis), QB Drew Henson (FA), RB Adrian Peterson (1st round/Oklahoma), WR Sidney Rice (2nd round/South Carolina), WR Bobby Wade (FA/Chicago).

    GOODBYE: LB Napoleon Harris, WR Bethel Johnson, QB Brad Johnson, OT Mike Rosenthal, CB Fred Smoot, TE Jermaine Wiggins.

    THE BUZZ: The Vikings were one of the teams that passed on drafting QB Brady Quinn. Instead, second-year Coach Brad Childress is banking-or is it gambling? - on second-year pro Tarvaris Jackson, who struggled (two TDs, four picks, 62.5 rating) in his four games (two starts) late last season. This is Jackson's camp. Period. Credit the Vikes for using the draft to upgrade around their unproven quarterback, with Peterson a potential superstar and Rice an immediate upgrade for one of the league's worst receiving corps. New defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, by way of Chicago, will be out for balance after Minnesota finished first against the run but tied for last against the pass last season.



    NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS


    2006 RECORD: 12-4 (first in AFC East; lost at Indianapolis in AFC title game)

    WHEN: July 27 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mbutt.

    HELLO: TE Kyle Brady (FA/Jacksonville), CB Tory James (FA/Cincinnati), S Brandon Meriweather (1st round/Miami), RB Sammy Morris (FA/Miami), WR Randy Moss (trade/Oakland), WR Donte Stallworth (FA/Philadelphia), LB Adalius Thomas (FA/Baltimore), WR Kelley Washington (FA/Cincinnati), WR Wes Welker (trade/Miami).

    GOODBYE: LB Tully Banta-Cain, RB Corey Dillon, TE Daniel Graham, P Todd Sauerbrun.

    THE BUZZ: New England looked to be on its way to cementing its dynasty status further in January; then the second half of the AFC title game changed everything. The Patriots have had six months to digest losing in the biggest rally in conference championship history. Training camp will be about Moss, Thomas, Stallworth, Welker and the transition of the league's best offseason haul. In doing the quick-fix/Dan Snyder thing, Coach Bill Belichick and General Manager Scott Pioli are going against the franchise grain. They're banking that the big-name new guys will buy in like Dillon did a few Super Bowls back. Team history says they will. Plus, Tom Brady is still around, not to mention the bulk of a good defense. If another team represents the AFC in February, it will be an upset.



    NEW ORLEANS SAINTS


    2006 RECORD: 10-6 (first in NFC South; lost at Chicago in NFC championship game)

    WHEN: July 25 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Millsaps College, Jackson, Miss.

    HELLO: DT Kendrick Clancy (released/Arizona), CB Jason David (FA/Indianapolis); P Chris Hanson (released/Jacksonville), TE Eric Johnson (FA/San Francisco), S Kevin Kaesviharn (FA/Cincinnati), K Olindo Mare (trade/Miami); Robert Meachem (1st round/Tennessee), WR David Patten (released/Washington), LB Brian Simmons (FA/Cincinnati).

    GOODBYE: K John Carney, TE Ernie Conwell, WR Joe Horn, WR/KR Michael Lewis, S Bryan Scott, DB Omar Stoutmire, DE Willie Whitehead.

    THE BUZZ: The Saints are the latest poster boys for NFL parity. They went 3-13 in 05, then advanced to the NFC title game for the first team in franchise history last season. Not a bad debut for Coach Sean Payton, but even he'd throw the bulk of the credit in the direction of QB Drew Brees, who oversaw an offense and a passing game that ranked No. 1 in the NFL. All but one starter (Horn) is back from that unit, so the Saints should be explosive again. Emphasis during camp will be on bulking up a run defense that was 23rd last year. Simmons, a longtime fixture with the Bengals, should help.



    NEW YORK GIANTS


    2006 RECORD: 8-8 (third in NFC East; lost at Philadelphia in wild-card round).

    WHEN: July 27 (rookies and veterans).

    WHERE: University at Albany, Albany, N.Y.

    HELLO: RB Reuben Droughns (trade/Cleveland), LB Kawika Mitchell (FA/Kansas City), G Zach Piller (released/Tennessee), CB Aaron Ross (1st round/Texas), WR Steve Smith (2nd round/USC), QB Anthony Wright (FA/Cincinnati).

    GOODBYE: LB LaVar Arrington, RB Tiki Barber, WR Tim Carter, LB Carlos Emmons, K Jay Feely, FB Jim Finn, OT Luke Petitgout.

    THE BUZZ: Whatever margin for error the Giants had last season left when Barber, one of the NFL's most productive tailbacks of the past five seasons, retired to pursue a TV career. Barber made some huge plays for a middling offense, which means QB Eli Manning (57.7 percent, 3,244 yards, 24 TDs, 18 picks, 77.0 rating) has even more Big Apple pressure on his shoulders. There are some high hopes for Barber's heir, 6-foot-4, 264-pound Brandon Jacobs (423 yards, nine TDs), and, to a lesser extent, rookie Smith. Defensively, the Giants were 25th overall last year, including 28th against the pbutt. Hence the drafting of Ross, one of the top defensive backs in the draft.

    NEW YORK JETS


    2006 RECORD: 10-6 (second in AFC East; lost at New England in wild-card round)

    WHEN: July 27

    WHERE: Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y.

    HELLO: FB Darian Barnes (FA/Miami), DE David Bowens (FA/Miami), RB Thomas Jones (trade/Chicago), CB Darrelle Revis (1st round/Pittsburgh), QB Marques Tuiasosopo (FA/Oakland), DE Andre Wadsworth (out of football since 2000).

    GOODBYE: FB B.J. Askew, OT Jason Fabini, QB Patrick Ramsey.

    THE BUZZ: What the Jets accomplished in Coach Eric Mangini's first season surprised everybody-and also put expectations on the team that likely are unrealistic. An offense that ranked 25th overall needs better play from QB Chad Pennington (17 TDs, 16 picks), but he should benefit from the addition of Jones (1,210 yards, six TDs) and the maturation of a line featuring T D'Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold, two 06 first-round picks. Mangini's defense features a handful of players on the rise; Revis, maybe the best cornerback prospect in the draft, should fit in nicely.

    OAKLAND RAIDERS


    2006 RECORD: 2-14 (last in AFC West)

    WHEN: July 26 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Napa Valley (Calif.) Marriott

    HELLO: G Cooper Carlisle (FA/Denver), SS Donovin Darius (released/Jacksonville), TE Zach Miller (2nd round/Arizona State), C Jeremy Newberry (FA/San Francisco), RB Dominic Rhodes (FA/Indianapolis), QB JaMarcus Russell (1st round/LSU), WR Mike Williams (trade/Detroit).

    GOODBYE: QB Aaron Brooks, WR Randy Moss, QB Marques Tuiasosopo, OT Langston Walker.

    THE BUZZ: No one knows how the Raiders will embrace new coach Lane Kiffin, 32, who had been wide receivers coach/offensive coordinator at USC. At least he won't have Moss to contend with, but Kiffin better have veterans Warren Sapp, Derrick Burgess and Jerry Porter solidly in his corner. The additions of Russell (the first overall pick in the draft), Rhodes (113 yards, one TD in the Super Bowl) and the change-of-scenery acquisition of Williams, a former first-rounder, are keys to an offense that needed to be overhauled. Rhodes will be suspended for the first four games after testing positive for a banned substance, but he's slated to split carries with LaMont Jordan anyway. The Raiders, whose offense scored a league-low 12 touchdowns and allowed a league-high 72 sacks last season, haven't won more than five games in any of the past four seasons. The defense finished third overall last season, though.



    PHILADELPHIA EAGLES


    2006 RECORD: 10-6 (first in NFC East; lost at New Orleans in divisional round)

    WHEN: July 27 (rookies); July 30 (veterans)

    WHERE: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.

    HELLO: WR Kevin Curtis (FA/St. Louis), QB Kelly Holcomb (trade/Buffalo), WR Bethel Johnson (FA/Minnesota), QB Kevin Kolb (2nd round/Houston), DT Montae Reagor (FA/Indianapolis), DT Ian Scott (FA/Chicago), LB Takeo Spikes (trade/Buffalo).

    GOODBYE: LB Shawn Barber, QB Jeff Garcia, CB Roderick Hood, S Michael Lewis, WR Donte Stallworth, DT Darwin Walker.

    THE BUZZ: Few would question the worth of QB Donovan McNabb, who was having an MVP-caliber season (57 percent, 18 TDs, six INTs, 95.5 rating) when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in November. Yet of the past 20 games McNabb has started, the Eagles are 9-11; they're 7-5 in games he hasn't. But they've also won five of the past six NFC East titles, mostly with McNabb in command. Last season, McNabb and Garcia combined to run the league's second-best offense-with underrated RB Brian Westbrook (1,916 total yards from scrimmage) a big factor. Losing Stallworth, a long-ball threat, could be a hit. Philly's defense began to show its age and wear, especially against the run (26th). Spikes should be an inspirational leader, but it's time for DTs Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson, two former first-round picks, to assert themselves.



    PITTSBURGH STEELERS


    2006 RECORD: 8-8 (tied for second in AFC North)

    WHEN: July 23 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pa.

    HELLO: RB Kevan Barlow (FA/San Francisco), OL Sean Mahan (FA/Tampa Bay), LB Lawrence Timmons (1st round/FSU).

    GOODBYE: C Jeff Hartings, LB Joey Porter.

    THE BUZZ: At 34, Mike Tomlin is the same age as Bill Cowher when he took over the Steelers in 1992. Cowher didn't inherit a team two years removed from a Super Bowl title, either. Tomlin has a championship-tested quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger) and ferocious defense in place. Now he has to implement the philosophy on which he was weaned during his days as secondary coach with the Bucs (and took with him as defensive coordinator for one season in Minnesota). The Steelers spent the offseason transitioning from the 3-4 scheme that defined the club during Cowher's reign to the one-gap, "Tampa 2" system. A key is Timmons, whom the Steelers want to fill the Derrick Brooks-like weakside role for them. Pro Bowl G Alan Faneca's contract dispute has the potential to be a disruptive force.



    ST. LOUIS RAMS


    2006 RECORD: 8-8 (second in NFC West)

    WHEN: July 26 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Rams Park, St. Louis

    HELLO: WR Drew Bennett (FA/Tennessee), DL Adam Carriker (1st round/Nebraska), LB Chris Draft (FA/Carolina), WR Dante Hall (trade/Kansas City), DE James Hall (trade/Detroit), S Todd Johnson (FA/Chicago), P Donnie Jones (FA/Miami), FB Brian Leonard (2nd round/Rutgers), TE Randy McMichael (released/Miami).

    GOODBYE: LB Dexter Coakley, WR Kevin Curtis, RB Marshall Faulk, CB Travis Fisher, DT Jimmy Kennedy, WR Shaun McDonald, G Adam Timmerman, P Matt Turk.

    THE BUZZ: RB Stephen Jackson, with a league-high 2,334 yards from scrimmage, slid in perfectly for Faulk, who officially will retire later this summer. That wasn't a surprise. Neither was what the always-high-powered Rams accomplished behind QB Marc Bulger, who oversaw the league's sixth-ranked offense. Coach Scott Linehan seeks more balance in his second season after his defense finished 23rd overall, including 31st against the run (145.4 ypg). The Rams sought help for their front four, trading for Hall to provide a rush opposite DE Leonard Little and drafting Carriker, an end in college, with the intent of switching him to tackle. They hope his strength and quickness will help that run defense.

    SAN DIEGO CHARGERS


    2006 RECORD: 14-2 (first in AFC West; lost to New England in divisional round)

    WHEN: July 23 (rookies), July 27 (veterans)

    WHERE: Chargers Park, San Diego

    HELLO: WR Craig Davis (1st round/LSU), S Eric Weddle (2nd round/Utah).

    GOODBYE: LB Donnie Edwards, WR Keenan McCardell.

    THE BUZZ: The Chargers had the NFL's best record last season, its best player in LaDainian Tomlinson, plus a coach (Marty Schottenheimer) and offensive and defensive coordinators (Cam Cameron and Wade Phillips) who oversaw some of the best units in the league. All three coaches are gone. That's what doing so well in the regular season, but flaming out in the playoffs can do to a team. Luckily for new coach Norv Turner, that MVP guy still is around. If Turner's track record is any indication-he went 58-82-1 in previous stops with Washington and Oakland-he'll need lots of help to overcome his considerable game-day shortcomings. Defensively, new coordinator Ted Cottrell would do well to command more discipline from a unit headlined by DE/LB Shawne Merriman, who led the league with 17 sacks last season despite a four-game steroids suspension.



    SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS


    2006 RECORD: 7-9 (third in NFC West)

    WHEN: July 28 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: 49ers Complex, Santa Clara, Calif.

    HELLO: LB Tully Banta-Cain (FA/New England), CB Nate Clements (FA/Buffalo), WR Darrell Jackson (trade/Seattle), WR Ashley Lelie (FA/Atlanta), S Michael Lewis (FA/Philadelphia), OT Joe Staley (1st round/Central Michigan), LB Patrick Willis (1st round/Ole Miss).

    GOODBYE: WR Antonio Bryant, S Deke Cooper, CB Sammy Davis, TE Eric Johnson, C Jeremy Newberry.

    THE BUZZ: What just two years ago was one of the least-talented rosters in league history has been revamped into a squad good enough to challenge in the weak NFC West. Though QB Alex Smith is the face of the franchise, RB Frank Gore led the conference in rushing (1,695 yards, eight TDs) and was fourth in total yards (2,180). The Niners gave Clements an $80 million contract to upgrade the 26th-ranked pass defense, while Willis will be a centerpiece in a new 3-4 scheme under new coordinator Greg Manusky. The 49ers surrendered a league-worst 412 points last season.



    SEATTLE SEAHAWKS


    2006 RECORD: 9-7 (first in NFC West; lost at Chicago in divisional round)

    WHEN: July 26 (rookies), July 28 (veterans)

    WHERE: Seahawks Kirkland Headquarters, Kirkland, Wash.

    HELLO: FS Deon Grant (FA/Jacksonville), DE Patrick Kerney (FA/Atlanta), TE Marcus Pollard (FA/Detroit), S Brian Russell (released/Cleveland), CB Josh Wilson (2nd round/Maryland).

    GOODBYE: S Ken Hamlin, CB Kelly Herndon, WR Darrell Jackson, TE Jerramy Stevens, C Robbie Tobeck, DE Grant Wistrom.

    THE BUZZ: Seattle took a big step backward last season because of injuries that sidelined QB Matt Hasselbeck (four games) and RB Shaun Alexander (six). They easily could right the team's struggles (19th in both total offense and defense) by returning to their 05 form, when the Seahawks reached the Super Bowl. Seattle took steps to plug a leaky defense by signing Kerney, who's averaged just under nine sacks over the past six seasons, and Grant, who should be a solid last line of defense. Offensively, former first-round pick Chris Spencer replaces the retired Tobeck at center, making for a key training-camp transition.



    TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS


    2006 RECORD: 4-12 (Last in NFC South)

    WHEN: July 26 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Disney's Wide World of Sports, Fla.

    HELLO: DE Gaines Adams (1st round/Clemson), FB B.J. Askew (FA/N.Y. Jets), DL Kevin Carter (released/Miami), CB Sammy Davis (FA/San Francisco), QB Jeff Garcia (FA/Philadelphia), LB Cato June (FA/Indianapolis), G Matt Lehr (released/Atlanta), OT Luke Petitgout (released/N.Y. Giants), S Sabby Piscitelli (2nd round/Oregon State), QB Jake Plummer (trade/Denver), G Arron Sears (2nd round/Tennessee), DT Ryan Sims (trade/Kansas City), TE Jerramy Stevens (released/Seattle).

    GOODBYE: OL Sean Mahan, TE/LS Dave Moore, QB Tim Rattay, OT Kenyatta Walker, DE Dewayne White.

    THE BUZZ: Basically, all eyes will be on Garcia, who looms as the best quarterback (and best fit) Gruden has had since arriving in Tampa Bay in 02. His mobility, savvy and touch when throwing on the move are elements the Bucs haven't had. That should be good for RB Carnell Williams and a rushing attack that was the league's fifth-worst in 06. The offensive line has some young talent, but Petitgout is a huge question mark at left tackle. Defensively, the Bucs have six projected starters in their 30s. They need more pressure up front and more takeaways from the secondary after an uncharacteristically unproductive 06 season on both fronts (25 sacks, 20 forced turnovers). Safety was a glaring weakness last season; thus the drafting of two (Piscitelli and Syracuse's Tanard Jackson, a college cornerback) in the first four rounds.



    TENNESSEE TITANS


    2006 RECORD: 8-8 (tied for second in AFC South)

    WHEN: July 27 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Baptist Sports Park, Nashville

    HELLO: WR Justin Gage (FA/Chicago), DT Gilbert Gardner (released/Indianapolis), S Michael Griffin (1st round/Texas), CB Nick Harper (FA/Indianapolis), RB Chris Henry (2nd round/Arizona), S Bryan Scott (FA/New Orleans), QB Tim Rattay (FA/Tampa Bay).

    GOODBYE: WR Drew Bennett, RB Travis Henry, CB Adam "Pacman" Jones, G Zach Piller, DT Robaire Smith, WR Bobby Wade.

    THE BUZZ: The Titans have set the bar high for themselves, based on the production of 06 Offensive Rookie of the Year Vince Young (2,199 yards, 12 TDs passing; 552 yards, seven TDs rushing). The Titans won eight of their last 11 regular-season games last season. Young, though, completed just 51.5 percent of his passes and threw more interceptions (13) than touchdowns. He needs help from those around him, starting with second-year RB LenDale White, who came to camp last summer out of shape and finished with 244 yards. The Titans' defense gave up the most yards and second-most points in the league last season.



    WASHINGTON REDSKINS


    2006 RECORD: 5-11 (last in NFC East)

    WHEN: July 27 (rookies and veterans)

    WHERE: Redskins Park, Ashburn, Va.

    HELLO: CB Jerametrius Butler (released/St. Louis), OL Jason Fabini (FA/N.Y. Jets), MLB London Fletcher-Baker (FA/Buffalo), S LaRon Landry (1st round/LSU), CB David Macklin (FA/Arizona), CB Fred Smoot (released/Minnesota), S Omar Stoutmire (New Orleans).

    GOODBYE: S Adam Archuleta, G Derrick Dockery, RB T.J. Duckett, K John Hall, WR David Patten, S Kenny Wright.

    THE BUZZ: This is the summer (and season) of Jason Campbell, a third-year pro and former first-round pick. He started the final seven games last season to lukewarm reviews (53.1 percent, 10 TDs, six picks, 76.5 rating). If Campbell can put the long ball back in the offense, the Redskins will be dangerous with the return of a healthy Clinton Portis alongside Ladell Betts (1,154 yards, four TDs). The onus will be on a defense that did top-10 things in 04 and 05, then collapsed to 31st in 06. The Skins set a modern NFL record for fewest turnovers forced (12) and finished last in the league in sacks (19).

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