NFC East Training Camp

NFC East


This Division should have its own Reality Show...new QB's in Philly and Washington...constant drama in Dallas...a Giants team that was the defending Champs last year only to have a 8-8 season




Dallas
Super Bowl XLV will be played at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011...the Cowboys are looking to have Training Camp be their jump-off point to try and put together a season that will see them have a home game in the Super Bowl

On Offense the man running the show is QB Tony Romo...Romo is coming off of a terrific 2009 campaign...Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett will be using Training Camp to further develop Romo, but also to bring along 2nd year QB Stephen McGee, plus undrafted rookie Matt Nichols (Eastern Washington) to back-up Romo...Jon Kitna is also in Training Camp trying to show that he can still be an NFL back-up

Only the NFL Champs New Orleans had a better overall Offense than the 'Boys in '09...the running game features a trio of skilled RB's who will use Training Camp to sort out who is the featured back?...who is the short-yardage back?...who is the 3rd-down back?  to answer any of those questions the 'Boys have a lot of talent to work with...Marion Barber led the attack previously, but 3rd year RB's Felix Jones and Tashard Choice each showed that they were capable of handling an increased workload...each will be looking to improve further during Training Camp

Dez Bryant has STUD WR potential

The passing game, like the running game, was Top 10 in the NFL in '09...they add stud WR Dez Bryant (1st round OK State) to the mix...Dez's Training Camp is on hold currently as he suffered a high ankle sprain recently that will have him out for a few weeks, possibly the entire 2010 Training Camp...I consider this a huge blow as Romo and Bryant needed to use Camp as the stage to get their rhythm/timing together...the loss of Dez means that WR Roy Williams is back to being the #1 WR on this team...I am a believer that Williams is a significantly overrated WR...he is often injured and does not produce...witness his #'s with Dallas - in 2008 and 2009 Williams averaged 37 catches for 513 yards and 4 TD's, yet has a 6 year $54 million contract extension with the 'Boys(?)...that leaves veterans like Miles Austin and the disgruntled Patrick Crayton to pick up the slack until Bryant can return to show his skills...ask Toronto Raptors fans how things worked out with Reggie Evans' high ankle sprain...it took forever for Evans to return as that injury is such a tough injury to treat, and tough to accurately predict a timetable for a return to action...one constant for Dallas is the pass-and-catch combo of Romo to TE Jason Witten

The 2009 Dallas Cowboys Defense was also a Top 10 unit...only the Jets allowed fewer points in '09

On the D-Line Training Camp will be used by Wade Phillips (Defensive Coordinator playing a Head Coach on TV) to further develop guys like Igor Olshansky, Jason Hatcher, and Stephen Bowen...rookie Sean Lissemore (7th round William & Mary) will also try to get in the mix

The LB unit will be using Training Camp to continue the development of guys like Anthony Spencer, Victor Butler, and rookie Sean Lee (2nd round from OK State)

In the Secondary Training Camp will be used to try to improve this unit that ranked #20 last season vs the pass...rookie CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (4th round from IUP...Division II) and rookie Jamar Wall (6th round from Texas Tech) will join guys like Terence Newman,  Mike Jenkins, and Orlando Scandrick on this unit that tries to improve on just 11 INT's in 2009

On Special Teams it looks like 2nd year K David Buehler will be given the chance to be the guy in Training Camp...his career FG stats are zero made...zero attempted...hey good luck with that

New York
Hard to believe that the Giants are actually a tad under the radar this Training Camp...with all the press about the Cowboys, plus the whole Donovan McNabb going from Philly to Washington, the other 3 teams in the NFC East are hogging the sports chatter, but this Giants team has there own issues to concern themselves with

2009 was still a Top 10 year for this offense but it certainly took steps backwards from the 2008 Super Bowl unit

QB Eli Manning's #'s were better then ever, but he continues to struggle in the Red Zone...Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride must use Training Camp to add some plays, and a few wrinkles for Eli in goal-to-go situations...at back-up QB the Giants have signed Peyton Manning's long time understudy Jim Sorgi, plus also have 2nd year QB Rhett Bomar in Camp

RB Brandon Jacobs was hardly the Thunder we knew him as in '08...his 3.7 yards per carry was significantly lower than his 5.0 in 2007, and 2008...his TD's dropped from 15 in 2008 to just 5 last season...Ahmad Bradshaw returns from a trio of ankle surgeries to use Training Camp as his first test on that ankle...Danny Ware also looks to get healthy, as does 2nd year RB Andre Brown...a TON of talent here, but all of them have health concerns

WR Steve Smith

The WR spot looks to be in good hands...perhaps underrated hands...Steve Smith is your quantity guy (his 107 catches last year is more than any Giants player ever) then throw in young talent like Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, and 6'6" Ramses Barden...again we say a TON of talent here...between these guys and TE Kevin Boss someone will have to step up as a reliable go-to threat for Eli in the Red Zone



On Defense the new Coordinator is former Head Coach of Toronto's own Buffalo Bills Perry Fewell...

There is work to done in Training Camp for this D...middle-of-the-pack unit last year which got worse-and-worse as the season progressed...only 2 teams in the entire NFL allowed more points in '09

sack for Jason Pierre-Paul

The pass rush that was instrumental in the 2008 Super Bowl run was non-existent in 2009...Fewell will need to light a fire under the D-Line and use Training Camp to develop a guy like rookie Jason Pierre-Paul (1st rounder from South Florida)...Pierre-Paul joins a group of talent that is looking to get healthy in 2010...guys like Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Jay Alford, Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard, and Mathias Kiwanuka all looking for increased playing time and increased effectiveness by getting back on track health-wise

 The LB crew also is in need of health...gone is Antonio Pierce meaning more of an opportunity to lead the D for LB Michael Boley if he can be healthy consistently...

In the Secondary DB's like Antrel Rolle, Kenny Phillips, Bruce Johnson, Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, Terrell Thomas, John Busing, Deon Grant, Michael Johnson, plus rookie Chad Jones (3rd round LSU)

On Special Teams Matt Dodge was drafted in the 7th round from East Carolina and will look to win the Punting job in Training Camp

Philadelphia
For years the Eagles offense was Donovan McNabb throwing to decent, at best, WR's...entering the 2010 Training Camp this team is flush with young/explosive talent at the WR position, but McNabb has been jettisoned to Washington...DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Macklin are both young stud WR's...Jackson is already a Pro Bowl player who had 8 TD's of 50+ yards in '09...young TE Brent Celek is also a stud...Jason Avant and Mr Kendra Wilkinson aka Hank Baskett will also look to add to this unit...same goes for rookie WR Riley Cooper (5th round Florida)

 The QB entrusted in running this offense is QB Kevin Kolb...Kolb takes over after serving as capable back-up to McNabb for the last 3 years...he set NFL passing records in his first 2 starts with Philly last season...overall career #'s of 4 TD's and 7 INT's are certainly underwhelming though...to have Michael Vick as your #2 QB is a major swing-and-a-miss...when Vick was tossed from the NFL several years ago you would not have wanted him running your offense then...and that was in a controlled environment like the Dome in Hotlanta...now years later he is back, in a horrible climate for his skills and likely 5 years beyond being able to be an NFL QB...in a specific formation like the Wildcat perhaps you can still get Vick a few snaps, but to have him be your #2 guy on the depth chart is bad...I will be watching Training Camp to see if rookie QB Mike Kafka (4th round Northwestern) can climb the depth chart and surpass Vick...as it is entirely possible that Philly has completely mis-managed/mis-evaluated the QB position I will also wonder if Kafka can surpass Kolb at some point

RB LeSean McCoy plays catch me if you can

While I have my doubts on Andy Reid's ability to evaluate QB's, I certainly can appreciate the talent he has provided to the RB position going forward...2nd year player LeSean McCoy looks like the real McCoy...BIG future for this speedster...in Training Camp he will be teamed with free agent Mike Bell and outstanding FB Leonard Weaver to form Philly's 2010 rushing attack...rookie RB Charles Scott (6th round LSU) will try to throw his helmet in the mix too...

To protect everyone mentioned above will be an Offensive Line looking to gel much better than they did in 2009...guys like Jason Peters, Stacy Andrews, Winston Justice, Nick Cole, Mike McGlynn, and A.Q. Shipley will all have a chance to fit into the O-Line rotation...

On Defence the Eagles have a lot of work to do in Training Camp...there are a lot of young players to look at here...Andy Reid is always great at dialing up a vaunted pass rush...he drafts, and coaches to it...it is a priority for him...2010 draft was no exception...witness the talent he has incoming through the draft...DE Brandon Graham (1st round Michigan) DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim (3rd round Washington) DE Ricky Sapp (goooood player - a steal in the 5th round out of Clemson) DT Jeff Owens (7th round Georgia) with LB`s Keenan Clayton (4th round Oklahoma) and Jamar Chaney (7th round Mississippi State)...all that talent, plus in the Secondary guys like Nate Allen (2nd round Safety from South Florida) and Trevard Lindley (4th round CB from Kentucky)...a TON of potential here...guys that will be contributing to the Eagles long after the Andy Reid era has concluded

Training Camp is also an opportunity for guys like LB Stewart Bradley to return from injury...Bradley showed in '08 that he is a beast...LB's Omar Gathier and Akeem Jordan will be using Training Camp to try to return to full health...also LB Moise Fokou will need to continue his development

In the Secondary we looked at the rookies added to the mix, but guys like Macho Harris will have to continue to improve...also Ellis Hobbs returns from injury...look for Marlin Jackson and Quentin Demps to use Training Camp to show their worth too

Kick Returner is a lock with stud DeSean Jackson stealing the show

Washington

new coach Mike Shanahan with new QB McNabb

No team in this Division has more to gain through Training Camp than this Redskins team...everything is new...coaches, players etc...

QB Jason Campbell is gone...good riddance say `Skins fans...in 52 games started by Campbell was the winning QB only 20 times vs 32 losses...QB Donovan McNabb is in...McNabb was a Pro Bowl QB in 2009 for the 6th time in his career vs 0 for Campbell...McNabb has 161 more TD`s than Campbell...where I am going with this is that the 'Skins made a major upgrade at this position...reminds us of Favre with Minny in 2009...reminds us of Rich Gannon going to the Raiders...Training Camp is the first look for Donovan at his new targets on offense

TE Chris Cooley returns from injury (stud)...he will be paired at TE with up-and-comer Fred Davis and the two should provide McNabb with goal line targets...

New Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan will use Training Camp to figure how to better utilize WR's like Santana Moss, Devin Thomas, and Malcolm Kelly...plus vets like Joey Galloway, Mike Furrey, and Bobby Wade (all were free-agent signings)...Training Camp will also be our first look at 2010 7th round pick Terrence Austin (UCLA)

If the running game can dial up the ol' time machine then this unit is spectacular...Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, and Fast Willie Parker were all at their best, and amongst NFL elite a few years ago...now Shanahan and Sons are hoping the trio can provide a nice RB-by-committee attack...only a hand full of teams ran the ball worse than Washington in 2009...1st round stud OT Trent Williams (#4 overall from Oklahoma and a sure-fire stud) will certainly go a long way in helping the running game (and of course in protected McNabb)

B I G Trent Williams

Rookies Eric Cook (7th round New Mexico) and Selvish Capers (also 7th round - West Va) will try to show in Training Camp that they, along with Williams, can be added to the O-Line to improve the depth...the 'Skins have struggled mightily to protect the QB for a while now...if Shanahan could improve just 1 area in Training Camp I bet he would choose the O-Line...we know Shanahan wants very specific things from his O-Line...he loves a running game where the O-Line sets up cutback lanes for his RB's...a lot of Zone blocking too...remember in Denver it did not matter who the RB was, it was the O-Line that really did the work and set-up the running game's success


On D the 'Skins join the Buffalo Bills as the 2 teams using Training Camp to implement new schemes...Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett will be switching the unit from a 4-3 base D to a 3-4 base D...we know this has already caused an issue with the Incredible Sulk aka Albert Haynesworth...when Fat Albert cashed a $21 million cheque a few weeks ago he had no problem with the transformation, but he sure does now...what a joke this guy is turning into...let's move on shall we...the new 3-4 is a nice fit for rookie LB Perry Riley who may have been a nice pick for Washington in the 4th round...

Speaking of LB's Rocky McIntosh, Brian Orakpo, H.B. Blades, Lorenzo Alexander, Chris Draft, Robert Henson, London Fletcher, Chris Wilson will all be given an opportunity in Camp to show that they can contribute to this unit

The Secondary needs work...Haslett is hoping that a 3-4 will provide the DB's a better opportunity to sit in a zone and pick-off passes...only a few teams had fewer INT's than this unit in '09...newcomer Phillip Buchanon should get a chance in Camp to show that he can contribute...Carlos Rogers and DeAngelo Hall will have to improve too...'Skins also have young DB's like Justin Tryon and Byron Westbrook looking to improve through Training Camp too

On Special Teams new Punter Josh Bidwell returns to the NFL after an injury-filled 2009...the Kick Returner duties may go to rookie Terrence Austin (Austin runs a 4.38 40-yard dash)

NFC North, and all AFC Divisions are below...scroll down...NFC South and West en route...send me your thoughts at craig.ballard@hotmail.com

NFC North Training Camp preview

NFC North


The Black and Blue Division appears to be back folks...who, what, where, and why of Training Camp's looked at here...
The NFC North will be as physical and tough as ever


 This Division had 2 play-off teams in 2009 (Vikings and Packers) and the other two (Lions and Bears) made strides to improve in the off-season




Minnesota
Stop me if you have heard this before...QB Brett Favre may play one more year...QB Brett Favre may retire...we may have seen the last of the future Hall-Of-Famer...but we may see one more year of the gunslinger...


THIS JUST IN Brett Favre has reportedly informed the Vikings that he will not be returning for the 2010 season...now are you like me and still anticipate more to come as we get closer to the end of Training Camp?  Brett says he is done but I will believe that when the entire 2010 season has played out and there really is no #4


Favre is still recovering from ankle surgery...one school of thought is that he really is recovering and will wait to see what the ankle feels like...another school of thought is that #4 is using an excuse to not have to participate in the vigorous nature of Training Camp...either way we are all left playing the annual Brett Favre - will he/won't he?!?!...again just want to mention that Favre says he is done...but his word on the subject on Aug 1 may be different than his word on the retirement subject come Aug 31


As annoying as Favre is every off-season we still do need to pay attention as if he does return for one more year then the Vikings are once again a very real contender...a certain play-off team with Favre at the helm...

Sidney Rice TD

Minny was 9-0 at home last year with the Dome providing perfect weather for Favre to throw to WR's Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, and Bernard Berrian...This Training Camp Rice and Harvin both have injury concerns, and if it really is Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels at QB this Vikes team could be in for a real turn for the worse this Training Camp...no chance to repeat the 2009 success without Favre...IMO no chance at the play-offs sans Favre

The running game has the amazing All Day Adrian Peterson who was a TD machine in '09, but did have his lowest yards per game average (4.4 yards per carry and 18 TD's is pretty damn good though)...seems like the continuing story of All Day is that Peterson is a Top 3 talent who does put the ball on the ground far too often...Vikes will take a look in Training Camp at rookie 2nd rounder RB Toby Gerhart (Stanford) to pair with All-Day...these two plus TE Visanthe Shiancoe will be asked to continue to carry the day at the Goal line regardless of who the QB is


On Defense this unit was outstanding in '09...#1 sack team and #2 vs the rush...Training Camp will be a chance for rookie Everson Griffin (4th round USC) plus Brian Robison, and Ray Edwards, to show that they can play along the D-Line with veterans like Pat Williams and Kevin Williams (no relation) plus of course mad-man/sack-maniac Jared Allen

CB Chris Cook

At the LB position E.J. Henderson is returning from injury for the 2nd straight Training Camp...rookies Nate Triplett (5th round Minnesota) and Ryan D'Imperio (7th round Rutgers) plus a guy like young Jasper Brinkley will all get a look at LB

The Secondary welcomes rookie CB Chris Cook (2nd round Virginia)...at 6'2" Cook will be given the opportunity to cover some of the bigger WR's in this Division...Vikes were in the bottom half of the NFL vs the pass in '09...other young Defensive Backs like Asher Allen, Husain Abdullah, and Safety Tyrell Johnson will all get a chance in Training Camp to earn increased playing time on this unit


On Special Teams Rys Lloyd is in as the new Kick Off guy...he is pretty good at booming kicks into, and through the End Zone for Touchbacks


Green Bay

Cheesehead

The future is bright in Cheesehead land...this team has been very young for a few years, and with double-digit wins in 2 of the last 3 years this team seems to be on the verge of being a perennial contender in the tough NFC North


QB Aaron Rodgers has been very good since taking over for Brett Favre...2 years as a starter has seen him throw 58 TD's vs only 20 INT's...the cupboard is bare IMO if Rodgers does go down due to injury...backup QB's Matt Flynn and Graham Harrell have 9 NFL completions and 0 TD's between them


To protect Rodgers better in 2010 will be a main issue in Training Camp for the offense...this unit struggled last year with injuries and inconsistencies...QB Rogers was sacked 50 times (YIKES) not to mention the numerous times he was dropped after he got the throw off...looks like everyone is entering Training Camp healthy, plus the additions of rookies Bryan Bulaga (1st round out of Iowa - stud) and Marshall Newhouse (TCU 5th round)

TE Jermichael Finley

The WR unit has several young players who are already very good and using Training Camp to improve...guys like Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones...plus TE Jermichael Finley looks to continue his development...he could be really good

The Defense is a Top 5 unit...no unit was better vs the run, and no unit was better at Interceptions than the 2009 Green Bay Packers defense...the majority of the 2010 draft was spent on offensive players, but GB did add 2nd round draft pick DT Mike Neal (Purdue) to the mix...2nd year up-and-comer LB Clay Matthews will be using Training Camp to continue his development as he has the to be a beast on this D going forward

In the Secondary CB's Pat Lee and Will Blackmon, plus 2nd year player Brandon Underwood will look to use Training Camp to show that they can be combined with veteran CB's Charles Woodson (NFL Defensive player of the year in '09) and Al Harris to add depth to this impressive unit

The Special Teams unit may have issues...Training Camp will be an audition for the likes of Tim Masthay and rookie Chris Bryan at Punter...neither has ever made a punt in this League...the Kick Returner position should also be an open audition


Detroit
9 straight losing seasons in the Motor City...in those 9 years the avg record for the Lions is 4-12, and the last 2 seasons Detroit has stunk to the tune of a 2-30 record...we can see that there is a lot of work to do in Detroit's Training Camp

rookie RB Jahvid Best

I loved what the Lions was able to accomplish in the 2010 NFL draft...on Offense RB Jahvid Best (1st round out of California) will use Training Camp to show that he is the guy to carry the mail for Detroit...he is a big-play guy who can develop with young QB Matt Stafford to provide sparks to an Offense that ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in every category...3rd year RB Kevin Jones took a step back last year so he will be using Training Camp to get back on track...could provide a nice duo for the Ford Field faithful


Veteran's WR Nate Burleson and TE Tony Scheffler joined the team as free agents in the off-season...4th year WR Calvin Johnson took a step back last year, but this guy is a stud-in-the-making at WR...it is likely that the teams overall struggle on Offense played a part in his #'s, but expect big plays and big things from Calvin Johnson


The 2009 Detroit Lions Defense was the NFL's worst...unfortunately for long time suffering Lions fans that makes 2007,2008,2009 as the NFL's worst Defense...in are the likes of free agent veterans DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, DT Corey Williams, LB Landon Johnson to try to contribute to this sorry unit...plus the return on veteran Jared DeVries from injury...young players like Andre Fluellen, Jason Hunter, Cliff Avril, and Landon Cohen join rookie Ndamukong Suh (#2 overall from Nebraska) as guys playing on the Defensive Line trying to improve the Lions pass-rush...

Ndamukong Suh sack

If you don't already know Suh you certainly will...Training Camp is our first chance to see him vs pro-competition as in College it was more like man vs boy where Suh was concerned...I believe this guy is a Stud and will be a terror in Motown for years to come



The Secondary needs much work too...veteran DB Dante Wesley joins newcomers Jonathan Wade and Chris Houston, plus rookie Amari Spievey (3rd round Iowa) to try to add to this unit...at Safety 2nd year man Louis Delmas looks like he will be a stud on this unit...


On Special Teams the Lions P Nick Harris and K Jason Hanson will be the kickers for the millionth straight year...Training Camp will provide an open audition for Kick Returners


Chicago
Detroit is about to take positive strides forward...the Packers are on the verge of being a Super Bowl contender...the Vikings get all the attention due to the Brett Favre annual retirement watch...not a lot of attention left in this Division to give to the Bears...but for me this is a team of interest


On Offense this team really struggled in 2009...one of the worst running games in the NFL...a passing game that saw new QB Jay Cutler throw 27 TD's (very nice) but 26 INT's (yikes)


But this unit just got VERY interesting with the naming of Mike Martz as Offensive Coordinator...Martz once led the Greatest Show On Turf in St Louis...recent unsuccessful stints as Offensive Coordinator in Detroit and San Francisco have lowered his stock...Chicago does not exactly offer the same easy-going climate as the dome in St Louis, the dome in Detroit, or sunny San Francisco so the choice of Martz for Chicago is very interesting...

Jay Cutler and Mike Martz

Martz and Cutler are both looking to get back on the map as being amongst the best at what they do...they will need each other big time...let's see in Training Camp the new strategy to get WR's Devin Hester and 2nd year guy Johnny Knox more involved...WR's Devin Aromashodu and Earl Bennett will also get a chance in Training Camp to show Martz that they can be utilized on this unit...we know Martz also wants to involve his RB's Matt Forté and free agent RB Chester Taylor in the passing game...


Speaking of Forté and Taylor they will have the running game in their hands...Forté did suffer from the Sophomore Slump as his carries, yards, yards per carry, TD's all took a step back in 2009...the addition of free agent Chester Taylor should help bring more stability to the position


Forté, Taylor, and the Offensive Line will have to improve on short-yard situations for the Bears...in 2009 Chicago really struggled in situations which called for a high level of physicality on the line-of-scrimmage...Martz will need to add his schemes and strategies to improve the O-Line


On Defense the 2009 Bears were unrecognizable...middle-of-the-pack vs the pass, and lower third of the NFL vs the run...not the vaunted Bears D that units of the past have been...the writing was likely on the wall in week 1 as they lost the middle of the D in LB Brian Urlacher (Training Camp will tell the story of Urlacher...is he back at 100%?!?!)

Julius Peppers

The D-Line improves greatly with the addition of free agent Julius Peppers...6 of his 8 NFL seasons have produced at least 10.5 sacks - he should work well with DT's Tommie Harris and rookie Corey Wootton (4th round Northwestern) to improve the Bears D-Line...


Of course Urlacher's return is the #1 priority for the LB group, but Training Camp also gives new Defensive Coordinator Rod Marinelli (Head Coach of the 2008 0-16 Detroit Lions...he was a fellow coach with Lovie Smith for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Tony Dungy era in TB) a chance to further develop LB's Pisa Tinoisamoa, and find ways to use the outstanding Lance Briggs

Marinelli will also need to improve the Secondary during Training Camp...the continued development of 3rd year man Zackary Bowman, plus Safety's Josh Bullocks and rookie Major Wright (3rd round Florida) will be key...Chris Harris is back and he will have fellow DB's Charles Tillman, Danieal Manning, Corey Graham, Zack Bowman, and Tim Jennings (free agent from the Colts) competing in Training Camp for playing time

Special Teams is a strength on this team...between guys like Hester, Knox, Manning there is a lot of talent here

The other 3 NFC Divisions will follow soon...to check out the AFC previews scroll down, or use the Blog Archive to the right... craig.ballard@hotmail.com

AFC North Training Camp

AFC North Training Camp's...who? what? where? maybe why? the "when" being Training Camp...let's have a look...


This Division gets a shot in the arm as far as WR go...We know the T.O. Show has popcorn business booming in Ohio...but of course great WR Anquan Boldin joins Baltimore, and in Pittsburgh Santonio Holmes is out, but lets watch the progression of 2nd year Steelers WR Mike Wallace...I think Wallace is a 1,000 yard WR...all the while the Browns counter with CB Joe Haden (#7 overall pick from Florida) to shut down all of these guys, and then some (Joe Haden is good)


Cincinnati

rookie TE Jermaine Gresham

From Day 1 I thought T.O. to Buffalo was a huge mistake...wrong Offensive Line to protect the wrong QB on wrong plays called by the wrong Head Coach in the wrong climate is sure to equal little-to-no production from an aging WR like Owens...ever notice how there are stretches of time where it appears almost awkward as his QB's seemingly feel the need to try to get the ball to T.O. even when that means forcing the ball to T.O.?  I mean in every single stop, but especially the recent stops like Dallas and Buffalo, but Cincy may be different...this is a QB who welcomes T.O. and was instrumental in getting T.O. a 2nd look with the Bengals...remember Cincy wondered who to sign between Owens and Antonio Bryant a few months ago...they went with Bryant at 4 yrs $28 million, and now get an unwanted Owens for 1 year $2 million...

Let's see what Training Camp brings with this new WR group in Cincinnati looking to improve a pass offense that was terrible in 2009...there is a ton of talent here for QB Carson Palmer in 2010...Terrell Owens joins Chad Ochocinco...plus Bryant...plus talented rookie TE Jermaine Gresham (1st rounder out of Oklahoma - hoping to return to 100% health)...add 3rd year WR Andre Caldwell...oh yeah, also rookie WR's Jordan Shipley (3rd round out of Texas) and Dezmon Briscoe (6th round Kansas)...throw in 2nd year TE Chase Coffman (from Peculiar Missouri)...a wild-card for me is WR Matt Jones...6'6" Jones is one of numerous reclamation projects in Cincinnati this season and I have always liked his upside...if he could just find consistency his skills are there... runs a 4.40 40 yard dash when in his proper shape/conditioning which he should be this year after being out of the NFL in 2009 (multiple arrests, plus suspensions have soured the League on Jones)...this guy should be ready/motivated and we will see in Training Camp what sort of QB/WR chemistry (if any) will blossom here, but I do think that Palmer may really get to like Matt Jones...

Speaking of reclamation projects how about what RB Cedric Benson has been able to do as a member of Who Day?!?!  The running game is Top Ten and Cedric is the workhorse here...as the kids say Cedric is on his grind son...only 5 RB's in the entire NFL carried the ball more than Cedric in '09...Training Camp will be an opportunity for 2nd year RB Bernard Scott to show that he can take on an increased workload


On the Offensive line lets watch 2nd year Tackle Andre Smith...Smith was taken #6 overall a year ago...Training Camp is our first look at him on his surgically repaired left foot...big time ability and upside


On Defense a much simpler story...the ol' Keep on Truckin' applies here...under Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer this team is a Top 5 Defense...just keep doing what you've been doing...2nd year beast Antwan Odom returns from season ending surgery after week 6 of 2009...he will be a key in Training Camp to watch as the injury was an Achilles injury...still under 1 year ago so there is likely no guarantee that the explosive nature he was showing in his rookie season will be able to continue...this month will also be a chance to further develop 2nd year LB Ray Maualuga (USC) and 3rd year LB Keith Rivers (also USC)...same goes for DE Michael Johnson


The Bengals also will be using Training Camp to develop their rookies on D like DE Carlos Dunlap (2nd round Florida) and DT Geno Adkins (4th round Georgia) plus LB Roddrick Muckelroy (4th round - Jordan Shipley teammate at Texas)


This organization is in terrific hands at the CB spot for many years to come...CB Leon Hall and CB Johnathan Joseph are really good...rookie CB Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest Demon Deacons) will get a shot at adding depth in the secondary, while Adam "Pacman" Jones gets another chance to earn a living as an NFL player...as we said before Cincinnati and Marvin Lewis have taken on several reclamation projects in the hopes that things work out...


On Special Teams look for Jordan Shipley to have a chance to win the Kick Returner job

Pittsburgh

Mike Wallace

Training Camp is a time to prepare the likes of Dennis Dixon, Charlie Batch, and newcomer Byron Leftwich to get a ton of playing time games 1 through 6...Big Ben Roethlisberger will be out for the beginning of the season due to NFL suspension...if NFL Comissioner Roger Goodell sees fit he can reduce the suspension all the way down to 4 games...in this Division the Steelers will have to get production from one of these QB's to hold down the fort until the return of Roethlisberger...cannot just lolly-gag out to a 1-3 start with the Bengals and Ravens in your Division...    

WR Mike Wallace seems like a 1,000 yard type of reciever to me...2nd year player is sure to suffer on some level from losing WR Santonio Holmes, but Training Camp is a chance for Wallace to show that he can be more involved in the offense...big play guy on an offense with not many...we will also get a look at rookie WR Emmanuel Sanders (3rd round SMU - also a big play guy)

At the RB spot Fast Willie Parker is out and Training Camp will show us who the RB group will be...surely Rashard Mendenhall will get the bulk of the carries, but young RB's like Stefan Logan (former BC Lion), Isaac Redman, and rookie Jonathan Dwyer (6th round Ramblin' Wreck of Georgia Tech) will be given an opportunity this month to show that they can contribute too

On Defense the Steel Curtain will be looking at a few key players during Training Camp...the continued development of  LB Lawrence Timmons will be something to watch...as will the health of DE Aaron Smith...there are a lot of talented rookies on Defense in Training Camp for Pitt...LB's Jason Worilds (2nd round Va Tech) and Stevenson Sylvester (5th round Utah Utes) plus CB Crezdon Butler (5th round Clemson) will have a chance to add depth right away

Stefan Logan set a franchise record last year for Kick Return Yards but did not take one to the house

Baltimore

Good news / Bad news to start the 2010 Baltimore Ravens campaign...Good news - WR Anquan Boldin is in...Bad news is we will have to wait to see rookie LB Sergio Kindle (pictured here) as he is out for a little while at least with a head injury suffered in a fall down 2 flights of stairs


On Offense let's watch the development of QB Joe Flacco and WR Boldin...the 6'1" 225 stud is a real-deal WR...he can make the physical catches required in this Division...Ravens also add fast WR Donte' Stallworth fresh off a March 2009 Manslaughter...NFL Commish Roger Goodell suspended Stallworth for the 2009 season...the TE spot has 2 rookies in the mix with Ed Dickson (3rd round Oregon Duck) and Dennis Pitta (BYU - 4th round)

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The running game is in great hands with guys like RB's Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, plus FB Le'Ron McClain
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On Defense the team will look forward to seeing Kindle, and fellow rookie DT Terrence Cody (2nd round Alabama)...Mount Cody is 6'4" 360 and has potential as a very good run-stuffer in this league
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Young LB's like Jason Phillips, Danelle Ellerby, and Tavares Gooden will all get a shot in Training Camp to prove they can become part of the LB rotation going forward...

In the Secondary just about everyone had off-season surgery on something and will be using Training Camp as their first test to the surgically repaired body parts...too many CB and Safety combinations to mention...who will show that he is healthy and can take on the NFL 16 game season as a healthy contributor? The guys we are talking about are guys like Ed Reed, Fabian Washington, Lardarius Webb, Chris Carr, Domonique Foxworth, Carey Williams, Tom Zbikowski, Travis Fisher, Haruki Nakamura, Dawan Landry

It should be an open audition for starting Kick Returners...not a lot to choose from so Baltimore hoping to see someone step up in Training Camp

Cleveland

For a franchise that has been so bad lately there sure is room for optimism for the initial Training Camp of the Mike Holmgren era in Cleveland...

On Offense out with the old and in with the new...the old being QB's Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn...the new being QB's Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace...those 2 will be asked to lead the offense until such time as 3rd round rookie Colt McCoy (Texas) is ready to run the show...

Young WR's Mohammed Massaquoi and Brian Robiske, along with WR's like Chansi Stuckey, Syndric Steptoe and Jake Allen, plus rookie Carlton Mitchell (6th round South Florida) and of course explosive Josh Cribbs will all have an opportunity in Training Camp to show that they can help turn around the absolute worst passing offense in the 2009 NFL season

Add free agent Benjamin Watson as a new Red Zone threat for the Browns

rookie RB Montario Hardesty

The running game is actually a Top 10 success...RB Jerome Harrison will be looking for a backfield mate as Jamal Lewis is gone...Training Camp will give RB's like Chris Jennings and rookie Montario Hardesty (2nd round Tennessee) a chance to show that they can be the #2 guy

On Defense Holmgren used his first Browns draft picks to try to upgrade a terrible Defense with CB Joe Haden (#7 overall from Florida) and Safety T.J.Ward (2nd round Oregon)...Haden is a real-deal CB...add veteran CB Sheldon own to the mix, plus CB Eric Wright and there is some talent there...the unit will need to use Training Camp to develop chemistry

Last years Sack leader Kamerion Wimbley (6.5 Sacks led the team in '09) is in Oakland's Training Camp now leaving...Browns have a need here to find a new pass-rusher amongst the likes of young DT's Brian Schaefering and Ahtyba Rubin to go with veterans like Shaun Rogers and Kenyon Coleman...11 year vet Robaire Smith is in the mix too...all-in-all fairly slim pickings here...

On Special Teams we know no mystery in Training Camp here...Josh Cribbs is simply as good as it gets in the NFL

The rest of the AFC Divisions are below...scroll down, trust me they are there...if your fav team is in the NFC then you are up next...questions? comments? concerns? drop me an email - craig.ballard@hotmail.com

AFC South Training Camp preview

AFC South Training Camp preview...


AFC South...man this one is an interesting Division...Tennessee, Houston, and Jacksonville all trying to slay the Dragon that is the Indy Colts...




Indianapolis
You wouldn't think that the defending AFC Champs would need to do too much in Training Camp to get ready for another deep run in 2010...but the Colts are actually looking to get better (scary) this Training Camp...

Austin Collie TD

On Offense Clyde Christensen is the new Offensive Coordinator...Training Camp will be his chance to continue to develop young WR's Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon, plus welcome #2 WR Anthony Gonzalez back from injury...even with their trusted Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore now in a different role with the organization there will not be any sense of panic, or worry, as there is sooo much talent on this team to catch the ball...

The running game however will need improvement...no team in the NFL had a worse running game then the Colts...the duo of Joseph Addai and Donald Brown, both former 1st round draft picks, have the potential to be a nice tandem...Mike Hart and undrafted Javarris James (Miami) will have a chance in Training Camp to show their skills in an attempt to add depth to this underachieving RB unit...


In the 2010 draft the Colts when heavy on defense...Training Camp will be a chance for Jerry Hughes (1st round Linebacker out of TCU) and Pat Angerer (2nd round - also a Linebacker out of Iowa) plus other rookies like CB Kevin Thomas (USC) and a trio of 7th rounders in Ricardo Matthews (DT from Cincinnati) Kavell Conner (another Linebacker - Clemson) and Ray Fisher (CB from Indiana) to show that they can add to this defense...Training Camp will also be a chance for 2nd year player Jacob Lacey to show that he can continue to be an asset in the Secondary...the Colts were an average to below-average defense in 2009


The Kick and Punt Returner spots are wide open and up for grabs in Training Camp...Rookies Ray Fisher and Brandon James will get an opportunity, as will 2nd year WR Sam Giguere and likely CB Jerraud Powers


Tennessee
Titans are looking to use Training Camp to build on the 8-2 finish to their 2009 season...the reins were handed back to Vince Young and the team flourished...the Defense was also a unit that did better and better as the season progressed...


The Offense will be using Training Camp to continue the development of 2nd year RB Javon Ringer...Ringer needs to show that he can provide a good option to give amazing RB Chris Johnson a rest here-and-there...

TE Jared Cook

Vince Young will use this time to further his developing relationship with 2nd year WR Kenny Britt...the Titans also drafted Damian Williams (3rd round out of USC) and he is solid...Young also has another up-and-coming threat in TE Jared Cook...Cook will pair with TE Bo Scaife to add to this Offense


On Defense 2nd year Defensive Coordinator Chuck Cecil will use Training Camp to try to improve the likes of DT Jason Jones, 2nd year player Sen'Drick Marks plus youngster William Hayes...it will also be the first look at draft picks Derrick Morgan ((#16 overall from Georgia Tech) and Rennie Curran (Linebacker taken in the 3rd round out of Georgia) who could both be contributors right away


The long search for a gifted Kick Returner may end in Training Camp where Damian Williams should be given a chance to be the guy


Jacksonville
The Organization will have their eyes on QB David Garrard as he is expected to improve on back-to-back 15 TD passes seasons...that # has to go up and the turnovers (Garrard throws picks and fumbles a lot) have to go down...


The running game is in good hands with Maurice Jones-Drew but Training Camp will be an opportunity for 2nd year RB Rashad Jennings to continue to improve and earn more playing time...rookie Deji Karim runs a 4.37 40-yard dash and will get a look in Training Camp as well


Training Camp will also be a chance for the continued development of WR Mike Sims-Walker who showed last year that he may be a #1 WR going forward for this organization...the Jags will also be using Training Camp to see if WR Troy Williamson can play to his potential for the first time since coming over from Minny in 2008...a key will also be the continued development of 2nd year WR Mike Thomas and perhaps Jarett Dillard

Tyson Alualu

On Defense Head Coach Jack Del Rio (certainly on the hot-seat) will be taking over play calling duties...that transition starts in Training Camp...Del Rio will need to use Training Camp as the starting point to improve the Jags horrid pass rush from 2009...this team averaged under 1 sack per game (yikes)...free agent Aaron Campman (Green Bay) will team with young DE Derrick Harvey, plus rookies Tyson Alualu (DE...#10 overall from Cal) D'Anthony Smith (3rd round DT from Louisiana Tech) and Austen Lane (DE...5th round from Murray State) will try to improve this poor unit...tackle-machine Linebacker Kirk Morrison (free agent from Oakland - in 5 years Morrison's lowest tackle total was his rookie year in '05 when he had 116) is a very consistent tackler and he is certain to upgrade the D...


In the Secondary 2nd year starter Derek Cox will be using his 2nd Training Camp to further develop his already impressive skills...any of Reggie Nelson, Gerald Alexander, Sean Considine, and likely Anthony Smith will get a chance to win starting Safety jobs...


On Special Teams rookie Deji Karim will be given an opportunity in Training Camp to win the starting Returner job with Jarett Dillard likely in the mix too...


Houston
For about the 3rd or fourth year in a row now beat writers for the Texans have been doing the ol' copy-and-paste from last season's Training Camp Preview to use for the current preview...story remains that this team is in the middle of the pack, and with a break here-and-there will finally earn their first playoff appearance...no lucky breaks in their favour will have them in their customary 7-9 win range...


New Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison will be using Training Camp to improve one of the worst running attacks in 2009...now this unit did experience a few key injuries on the Offensive Line, plus a step-back season for RB Steve Slaton...but the band is back together (healthy O-Line) and Slaton will be pushed this season by 2nd year RB Arian Foster, plus rookie Ben Tate (Auburn...Tate has some work to do to continue to sharpen his moves but he has a chance to be productive for Houston)...2nd year RB Jeremiah Johnson will also be in the Training Camp mix looking to earn playing time...


The passing game yielded a TON of success in 2009...to the tune of 291 passing yards per game - tops in the NFL...QB Matt Schaub (Pro Bowl in `09) was healthy and played a full season for the first time in a while...Schaub has a deep unit of WR`s to throw to...we know that Andre Johnson is a beast - top 3 WR in the NFL...plus veterans like Kevin Walter, David Anderson, and Jacoby Jones make this a deep unit...Houston also drafted WR Trindon Holliday (LSU) in the 6th round


With so many options to throw to the Texans will be using Training Camp to prepare QB Dan Orlovsky as he will be the back-up for Schaub if Matt goes down to injury...also in camp will be former USC QB John David Booty

Mario Williams

The Defense finished the season pretty well in `09...2nd year Defensive Coordinator Frank Bush will be using this Training Camp to try and further develop this unit...the key to this unit will be the health of DE Mario Williams...remember back to the 2006 draft when the Texans took Williams #1 overall instead of Reggie Bush...they said that if you are going to compete in this Division you need to able to put pressure on Peyton Manning or he will lead the Colts passed you every time...while a 9 sack 2009 would have been huge for some players, it was actually a step back for Mario...let`s see in Training Camp if he is back on the attack as a healthy leader for this unit...


In the Secondary the Texans will use Training Camp to see how best to utilize rookies CB Kareem Jackson (#20 overall from Alabama)and CB Sherrick McManis (5th round out of Northwestern)...Training Camp will also provide an opportunity for 2nd year CB Glover Quin to continue to sharpen his already impressive skills...young Brice McCain will also be looking to impress and earn more playing time...


On Special Teams a guy like rookie Trindon Holliday should get a chance to impress as a Kick Returner


Check out the AFC West and AFC East Training Camp previews (below)...soon to come is the AFC North preview, and then of course our look at the NFC Divisions...


send me your thoughts...mailto:thoughts...craig.ballard@hotmail.com

AFC West Training Camp preview

a look at the AFC West Training Camp's




San Diego
Is there any other place to start than the Sand Diego SuperChargers?!?!  AFC Title contenders...certain Division winners...the class of the AFC West

Ryan Mattews

Face-of-the-Franchise LaDanian Tomlinson is now in New York...that leaves Training Camp as the stage for 2010 1st round draft pick RB Ryan Matthews (Fresno State) to show his stuff...Matthews has a great skill-set and will likely prove to be a more than adequate replacement for Tomlinson at RB...currently Matthews has not signed a contract, but that actually puts him in the majority as far as the 2010 first round draft picks go...only a few have signed so far, but those dominoes will start to fall and NFL franchises will begin their Training Camps with most, if not all of their pieces in place...when that happens for Matthews I think he is really going to excite the Chargers fan base...Training Camp will show if he is going to get 200 touches, or closer to 300 this season...

QB Philip Rivers has tall, skilled players to throw to with Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd, and great TE Antonio Gates...add Buster Davis and Legedu Naanee to that list, they both will have to improve during this Training Camp to try to compete for playing time on this deep unit

On Defense the Chargers will be giving 2010 5th round draft pick Cam Thomas (North Carolina) a serious look as they hope he can fit in as a run-stuffing Defensive Tackle on this unit...

In the Secondary 4th rounder Darrell Stuckey (Kansas) will be given a chance to compete for a starting Strong Safety job in Training Camp...he will be competing with Steve Gregory and perhaps Paul Oliver

Denver Broncos
Training Camp #2 for Head Coach Josh McDaniels...since taking over the helm in early 2009 McDaniels has done everything under the sun to put his fingerprints on this franchise...gone are Top 10 QB Jay Cutler and Top Ten WR Brandon Marshall...gone is the once successful Broncos rushing game...all that led to the type of inconsistency that saw this team start 6-0 out of Training Camp, but the Broncos also suffered through a pair of 4-game losing streaks in 2009

Demaryius Thomas

2010 Broncos Training Camp will have a lot of eyes watching...McDaniels and management surprised everyone when they traded up in the draft to get QB Tim Tebow (Florida)...for me I understand the want to replace Cutler with a Franchise QB so I applaud the idea, but I am no fan of Tim Tebow's ability to lead an NFL offense...we will see in Training Camp Denver's version of the Wildcat offense and Tebow could certainly contribute to a specialized formation like that...I do however doubt his ability to be a drop back passer in this league...Denver also added WR's Demaryius Thomas (Ramblin' Wreck of Georgia Tech) and Eric Decker (Minnesota) through the 2010 draft...both will have a chance to play on this team going forward, and I like the potential that Thomas has...the Tebow surprise pick was 3 draft picks after Thomas, but Tebow got all the press

Knowshon Moreno had a decent rookie season but much will have to improve...he has the talent to be a 1,000 yard rusher with double-digit TD's in his second season...McDaniels has made strides to overhaul the Offensive Line...rookie 2nd round pick Zane Beadles (6'5" 310 pound Guard from Utah) and rookie 3rd rounder J.D. Walton (6'3" 300 pound Center out of Baylor) will get a chance to develop and earn playing time during this Training Camp...those 2 plus talent and beef like Tackle Ryan Clady (6'6" 325) and Ryan Harris (6'5" 300) are more along the lines of how McDaniels wants to operate his running game...less cut-back's and more straight ahead blocks - that is what McDaniels will try to have the running game look like

On Defense Denver will again have a new man at the Defensive Coordinator helm...Don Martindale replaces Mike Nolan and will have a veteran group to coach led by Elvis Dumervil and his new contract extension...Training Camp is an opportunity for young Cornerbacks like Alphonso Smith and Tony Carter, plus rookies like Perrish Cox and Syd'Quan Thompson to add depth along with veterans like Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman...Safeties Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill bring 25 years of NFL experience into Training Camp with them...

Special Teams is of interest in Training Camp for Denver as they have 2nd year punter Britton Colquitt hoping to prove that he is an NFL punter...as far as kick return players go this roster has a lot to try out and choose from in Training Camp...JJ Arrington, Eddie Royal, Alphonso Smith, Perrish Cox for example...

Kansas City
This team experienced serious growing pains last season...2nd year coach Todd Haley will be looking to improve this team in many areas...I am optimistic about the improvements this off-season...but this team went 1-7 in Kansas City last year, and overall endured two 5 game losing streaks (yikes)

Much to do in Training Camp...the 2009 Defense was as bad as any in the NFL...the Offense was bolstered by the emergence of RB Jamaal Charles (1,100 rushing yards with 8 overall TD's) and will add Thomas Jones from the Jets...Jones has rushed for over 1,100+ yards in 5 straight seasons...in 6 of the last 7 seasons he has averaged at least 4.0 yards per carry...plus 27 TD's in the last 2 seasons...he teamed with Shonn Greene to run all the way to the AFC Title game (a game the Jets led at halftime) but fell just short...in KC he gets a chance to duo with Jamaal Charles and this two-some has a lot of potential...Jones is very consistent and Charles is explosive...

Dexter McCluster

The Offense is lead in Training Camp for the first time by new Coordinator Charlie Weis...Weis will have the running backs plus other receiving weapons to work with...I am a big fan of WR Dwayne Bowe, and this is the first full season for WR Chris Chambers...those 2 plus RB/WR Dexter McCluster (#36 overall in 2010 draft out of Ole Miss) and veteran WR Jerheme Urban will give QB Matt Cassel, and Head Coach Todd Haley plus Weis, an opportunity to improve on the poor passing performance of the 2009 Chiefs...Training Camp will be the opportunity for 3rd round TE Tony Moeaki to show that he can contribute too...KC will also look at Leonard Pope and Brad Cottam to play TE

Defensively the 2009 Chiefs had no alibi - they u-g-l-y...new Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel will have Training Camp to begin to develop 2010 1st round draft pick Eric Berry (Safety from Tennessee) and Strong Safety Jarrad Page returns from injury to anchor the Secondary...

On Special Teams rookies Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas are athletic enough to compete for the Kick Returner, and Punt Returner starting spots

Oakland
Where to start...the Raiders have lost at least 11 games in 7 straight seasons - an NFL record for futility...the Owner Al Davis looks like he died some time ago and no one has had the courtesy to tell him...the franchise decisions in the past several years with Davis ruling the organization have been brutal...the choice of Tom Cable as Head Coach is under whelming and poor...

First year Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson will have new QB Jason Campbell (ex-Redskin)...Cable is an Offensive Line coach playing a Head Coach on TV yet the Offensive Line has struggled for multiple years...Coach Jackson will use Training Camp to try and get improved play from young WR's like Darrius Heyward-Bey, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Chaz Schilens, and rookie Jacoby Ford (Clemson)...

Rolando McClain attacks

On the other side of the ball the Raider Nation welcome rookie Rolando McClain (#8 overall from Alabama) and Training Camp should provide an opportunity for 2nd round pick Lamarr Houston (6'3" 305 pound from Texas - Defensive Tackle) to show his worth going forward...

One certain area of strength for Oakland is the Secondary...Nnamdi Asomugha (Cornerback) is a Top 3 CB in the entire NFL...Chris Johnson is good on the other side at CB...Michael Huff is solid at Free Safety...the Raiders need to add to the depth in the Secondary and will use Training Camp to get a look at rookies Walter McFadden (Auburn) and Jeremy Ware (Michigan State)

On the Defensive Line the 2010 Training Camp will have Raiders coaches looking at guys like Jay Richardson, Matt Shaughnessy, and Desmond Bryant

Oakland had a revolving door at Kick Returner in '09...Jacoby Ford should get a chance to join the fun in Training Camp...at a horrible 12 points per game last year the Raiders are in desperate need of their Special Teams to put immediate points on the board, and set up the offense in good field positions...

The AFC East Training Camp blog preceded this entry, and AFC North and AFC South will follow...check for them in the Blog Archive section...

craig.ballard@hotmail.com