Post by John on May 8, 2006 9:34:11 GMT -4
5/7 Updates
TEN - Defending RB White
Source: John McClain, Houston Chronicle
Tennessee offensive coordinator Norm Chow coached running back LenDale White, the Titans' second-round pick, at USC. White, who didn't lose a fumble last season, rushed for 3,159 yards and scored 52 touchdowns for the Trojans but lasted until the second round because of questions about his attitude, work ethic and a torn hamstring that kept him from working out before the draft. "He takes a pounding, and he holds on to the ball," Chow said. "In the Rose Bowl (against Texas), when (USC) needed a play, Reggie Bush wasn't playing, but LenDale White was. That should tell you a lot." Once White has recovered from his injury, the Titans expect to get the best from him. "Right now, I'm working with a 31-team chip on my shoulder," White said. "Every team that has passed me up, every team that didn't give me a shot, I'm coming for them."
SF - TE Battle Between Johnson And Rookie Davis Looming
Source: AP, SportsIllustrated.com
Eric Johnson and rookie Vernon Davis will battle it out at the tight end position this year, which promises to upgrade an offense and passing game that both finished last in the 2005 NFL rankings. Johnson wasn't pleased with the 49ers drafting Davis but both understand that the competition will bring out the best in each of them. "There's a lot of competition. It's about who's working, who really wants it. I guess the rest of it will be on the coaches to decide," Davis said.
OAK - Head Coach Shell Sets New Attitude In Oakland
Source: Steve Corkran, Knight Ridder, Mercury News
Raiders new Head Coach Art Shell has already put his stamp on the team. "Attitudes and things like that will have to be changed somewhat," Shell said. "I have to set the tone. I know how to win. I know how to lead. I expect that we will have the kind of success that this organization deserves." Barry Sims, a veteran on the offensive line said "The last few years it seemed a little too loose. Now everybody's held accountable for our actions and what we do"
SF - Rookie TE Davis Inspiration To Fellow Rookie TE
Source: Kevin Lynch, San Francisco Chronicle
First-round pick TE Vernon Davis already has a protege on the 49ers as he is serving as a mentor for Onye Ibekwe who played basketball at Long Beach State and hasn't played football since high school. Davis was in the same class at Maryland as Ibekwe's younger brother, Ekene, a forward on the Terrapins' basketball team. Davis "It just so happened that San Francisco was the one most interested (in signing me)," Ibekwe said. "Being somebody who hasn't played since the 10th grade, I'm looking at him for guidance. I'm learning a lot."
MIA - Rookie QB Vick May Not Last Past Weekend
Source: Armando Salguero, Miami Herald
Rookie quarterback Marcus Vick who is in camp as an unsigned tryout player has been inconsistent during the first two days of the Dolphins' minicamp and, barring a stellar day on Sunday, seems unlikely to get a contract offer from the team. Vick, the former Virginia Tech star, did complete a 50-yard throw to receiver Fred Gibson for Saturday's most notable throw by a quarterback. But he has been wild high and wide on many of his middle-distance throws the past two days.
MIA - Searching For RB Williams' Replacement
Source: Jason Cole, Miami Herald
Running back Gerald Riggs Jr. darted left, then right, and then accelerated. A few plays later, fellow running back Kay-Jay Harris broke past the line, was 1-on-1 with a linebacker and then tried to fake his way into a bigger run. But the question at the end of the day is whether either player has made much progress toward getting a chance to fill the job that was opened by Ricky Williams' suspension of at least one year.
GB - HC McCarthy Winning Over Players
Source: Dylan B. Tomlinson, PackersNews.com
"I really felt like he was believable. Now, it just has to be done," quarterback Brett Favre said. "I think the tough thing for a head coach is getting 53 guys to believe in one thing and not stray off after two games. They have to buy into that, and I think a big part of that is the type of guys you have. I think, for the most part, what was said (Friday), guys have heard it before elsewhere - maybe in college or with other teams - but did they believe it" I can't speak for every guy in this building, but to me, it was believable."
DEN - QB Cutler 'In Same Category' as Young and Leinart
Source: Arnie Stapleton, AP
Cutler was the last of the "Big Three" quarterbacks chosen in the first round of the NFL draft, going to Denver at No. 11, one slot after Southern Cal's Leinart went to Arizona. Young, who led Texas to the national championship, went third to Tennessee. "I think I'm in the same category as those guys," Cutler said Sunday upon his first visit to Broncos headquarters. "I think I can play with them any day of the week."
CLE - Crennel: 'Not Necessarily' Looking for Veteran Backup QB
Source: Mary Kay Cabot, Plain Dealer Reporter
Crennel, when asked Saturday if he wants another veteran, said: "Not necessarily. We just signed a guy and we're going to see what he can do. If he falls flat on his face, then I'll be looking for a backup. But if he comes in here and lights it up, then I have a backup."
CAR - RB Foster '100 Percent, No Soreness'
Source: Pat Yasinskas, Charlotte Observer
DeShaun Foster uttered a statement he hasn't always been able to make. "It's 100 percent, no soreness," Foster said of the surgically repaired ankle he injured in a playoff game in Chicago in January. Foster isn't taking part in team drills during this weekend's mini-camp for the Carolina Panthers, but that's cautionary. "I'm running and everything," Foster said. "Everything's going well." Foster said he had been able to cut and run at full speed for about two weeks, but the Panthers aren't going to rush him or take any chances with the player they expect to be their featured running back this season.
DAL - Parcells Says He's Done Talking About Owens Until Camp
Source: AP
Bill Parcells says he's finished talking about Terrell Owens -- until the Dallas Cowboys get to training camp in July. "I answered 35 questions on him the other day," Parcells said Sunday. "That will be the last on him until we get on the field at practice in training camp. You won't hear anything else from me on that subject. Go to the tape."
STL - Denzel Washington's Son Signed As RB
Source: Steve Korte, News-Democrat
Morehouse College running back John David Washington, the son of Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington, was one of 10 undrafted rookie free agents signed by the St. Louis Rams. Washington set Morehouse's single-game (242 yards), single-season (1,198 yards) and career rushing records (3,699 yards) in four years playing for the Division II school.
DEN - QB Cutler Drawing On Tough Experiences
Source: Bryan Mullen, Rocky Mountain News
His college life was one of vicious hits, nauseating losses and constant criticism regarding Vanderbilt's football program and its chances to ever be successful. His physical appearance was a symbol of such criticism. He was a walking walk-in clinic during Sunday practices. It was common to see Cutler walk achingly onto the practice field with black eyes, thick lacerations on his arms, scratches on his neck, a bruised sternum and dislocated fingers. It was equally common to hear Cutler downplay the injuries, and laugh about them. "It's no big deal" was Cutler's standard line after pointing out an injury. Vanderbilt coaches said one of Cutler's strengths was his on-field emotions. It was a mix of composure and fire. He would get into the face of a Tennessee linebacker, in front of 106,000 at Neyland Stadium, then would get into the face of one of his offensive linemen if an assignment were missed. Cutler also was the first guy to praise a teammate after a good play. His off-the-field emotions were tested 17 months ago when he and his teammates suffered a tragic loss. Running back Kwane Doster was shot and killed during Christmas break while visiting family in Tampa, Fla. Doster spent three seasons in the backfield with Cutler, and the two were close. Doster's death proved to be a major reason why Cutler returned for his senior season instead of entering the NFL draft. "We all went down to the funeral and it made this team closer," Cutler said during the off-season. "It made me realize how much Vanderbilt really means to me." Cutler already was the point man of the Commodores program and spoke at length with the media the day Doster was killed. He took control and spoke for his teammates. Many of his teammates were too distraught to comment. "It was a tough situation that I think taught us all a great deal," Johnson said.
DEF - MIA - Rookie DB Allen Working At Safety
Source: Armando Salguero, Miami Herald
First-round pick Jason Allen, who played cornerback the past two seasons at Tennessee, is being used exclusively as a free safety during this minicamp when Miami is in its base defense. Allen also is getting snaps at nickel cornerback in pass situations, and Saban has said he wants the rookie to master those two spots first.
DEF - DAL - HC Parcells Excited About Rookie LB Carpenter
Source: AP, SportsIllustrated.com
Head coach Bill Parcells enjoyed what he watched of Carpenter during minicamp, who had eight sacks as an Ohio State senior and played a huge role in a run defense that yielded just 73 yards per game. That versatility should help him to have an immediate impact in Dallas' 3-4 defense. "I like the player as an athlete," Parcells said. "He's a real pure linebacker. You could see him do everything you wanted to see."
DEF - OAK - DB Huff Already Impressing Raiders' Veterans
Source: AP
Michael Huff is making a good first impression. The Raiders' first round choice (seventh overall pick) in the recent draft, is dazzling some of his new teammates during this weekend's minicamp at the team's practice facility. "He has to be one of the best cover safeties in the league right now, without even playing a game," veteran Raider defensive back Jarrod Cooper said Saturday. "And that's just after watching him practicing two days."
5/6 Updates
DAL - HC Parcells on T.O. - 'In this offense, you're not going to catch 100 balls'
Source: Bill Parcells Press conference
Said Bill Parcells at his press conference when speaking of Terrell Owens. "In this offense, you're not going to catch 100 balls. It just isn't going to happen".
MIA - QB Culpepper Doing Better
Source: Jeff Darlington, Palm beach Post
QB Daunte Culpepper recently received an grade of A-plus from Dr. James Andrews, who evaluated his surgically repaired right knee, Saban said. "He has already participated in just about everything that we do in our off-season program," said Saban, who noted that Culpepper wears a knee brace. "His straight-line running is fine. He's throwing the ball. He's dropping back. He runs the plays and does the handoffs." Saban said he would not predict when Culpepper would be game-ready.
SF - QB Dilfer To Be More Than 'Mentor' To QB Smith
Source: 49ers Notebook, Contra Costa Times
Mentoring second-year quarterback Alex Smith characterizes a major aspect of Trent Dilfer's task with the 49ers, but it's not the only one. Coach Mike Nolan said it's also about the playing and that Dilfer played in eleven games in 2005 and is competent if called upon "The approach that I take, whether I was the starter or the backup, is you do whatever it takes to help your team win games," Dilfer said. "I will come in here and perform to the best of my ability. I'll work my tail off, like I always have, and by doing that, that will be mentoring Alex in itself."
TEN - Rookie RB White Familiar With Offense - Comments On Weight Concerns
Source: Paul Kuharsky and Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
RB LenDale White had this to say on his weight which many say was the reason he lasted until the 45th pick at the NFL Draft. "Coach (Jeff) Fisher told me I played in the Rose Bowl at 250 and I did great, so I guess whatever I can produce at and feel best at and can stay healthy at is where I can play," White said. "Now I'm down to 239 and I feel good at this weight. I think in my career, every game I played I didn't feel my best until that Texas game, and that's when I was the heaviest." He's also benefiting from familiarity with offensive coordinator Norm Chow and his offense: "It helps a lot," White said. "Coming in, I didn't really know if I would know the offense that well. Now just going through it and looking over everything, it seems like the stuff I've been running the last three years. "It's just a little different terminology. But I've been picking up on it real easy and I feel comfortable about it. I wouldn't say it's like riding a bike, but it's close."
TB - Bucs Build Offensive Line
Source: Chris Harry, The Orlando Sentinel
Offensive line reconstruction for the Bucs began Friday with their three day minicamp for rookies and free agents. That meant working all the prospects including the club's top two draft choices Oklahoma guard Davin Joseph and Boston College tackle Jeremy Trueblood. The Bucs re-signed right tackle Kenyatta Walker and right guard Sean Mahan, securing that all five starters would be back, plus backups Chris Colmer and Jeb Terry. The team also brought in restricted free agent Torrin Tucker and guard Toniu Fononti.
GB - Coach Mike McCarthy Era Begins
Source: CBS Sportsline - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The world got a sneek peak of the Mike McCarthy era in Green Bay on Friday. McCarthy walked around a little during practice but for the most part his time was spent with the offense. Before each play, the quarterback walked up to McCarthy and received the play after the play they'd often talk again. Offensive Coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski says, "Mike is not a gray-area guy. He doesn't mince words."
SF - QB Smith And WR Bryant Working On Chemistry
Source: 49ers Notebook, Contra Costa Times
Free-agent wide receiver Antonio Bryant who was brought in from the Cleveland Browns this off-season has been working with Smith on a daily basis since signing with the 49ers two months ago. They have been regulars on the practice field at 49ers headquarters after offseason workouts. "We've hung out and done some things," Bryant said. "It's gotten better every week, just running the routes and understanding where the quarterback wants you to be. I think with camp, it's going to come into the full swing of things."
MIA - Dolphins Develop Training Regimen For RB R. Williams
Source: Associated Press, via ESPN.com
The Miami Dolphins have recently developed a training regimen for suspended running back Ricky Williams in effort to get him ready for a return to the NFL in 2007. "He can work out in India or California or wherever he wants to go, as long as we develop a plan," head coach Nick Saban said. "Working out and doing what we ask him to do has never been an issue."
GB - Favre Back For More Than One Season?
Source: Chris Jenkins, AP
Despite comments earlier in the offseason that there was "no doubt" the upcoming season would be his last, Favre said Saturday that he wasn't so sure. "I know I said that," Favre said Saturday, in his first public comments since telling the Green Bay Packers he would return for another year. "But I hope you guys will respect me. I'm going to play this year, give it my best and not talk about it. And I'm sure that it will come up from somewhere else at some point, but it's been a distraction not only for me but for I think the guys I played with in the past, and I'm not going to talk about it this year."
FA - RB O. Smith To Be Eligible For Reinstatement In October
Source: Sean Jensen, St. Paul Pioneer Press, via GrandForksHerald.com
Former Minnesota Vikings running back Onterrio Smith will be eligible for reinstatement into the National Football League in October, according to Smith's agent, Doug Hendrickson. "I'm very confident he will be reinstated in October," Hendrickson said. "But we also realize that's in the middle of the season in the NFL, so the stars have to be aligned correctly for him to land on a team."
HOU - Texans Taking A Serious Look At RB Smith
Source: Megan Manfull, Houston Chronicle
The Texans' search for depth at running back likely will end early next week. The team is in talks to sign free-agent Antowain Smith, a former University of Houston standout. The Texans are in need of an experienced backup. Domanick Davis returns as their starter, but he has missed time in each of his three NFL seasons with injuries.
CAR - RB Foster Ready For Feature Role
Source: SportsIllustrated.com
RB DeShaun Foster will finally get a shot at taking over the starting role for the Carolina Panthers after backing up Stephen Davis over the past couple of seasons. "It's exciting," said Foster at Carolina's rookie minicamp Saturday. "Anytime you've got a shot to be the featured back you're excited and ready to go. I'm looking forward to the challenge, and I'm going to step up and play my game."
CAR - WR Johnson On QB: 'He's Cool'
Source: Brett Borden, Panthers.com
Friday's mini camp practice was Johnson's first time on the field with his new teammates. For the first time, he lined up, ran a route and caught a pass from Jake Delhomme. Delhomme's demeanor impressed Johnson very much. "He's cool," said Johnson. "He's fun. I like guys like that. I like guys that take their job seriously when they are playing football but at the same time try to have a little bit of fun and relax the environment. I think that he brings that to the table at the quarterback position."
TEN - Defending RB White
Source: John McClain, Houston Chronicle
Tennessee offensive coordinator Norm Chow coached running back LenDale White, the Titans' second-round pick, at USC. White, who didn't lose a fumble last season, rushed for 3,159 yards and scored 52 touchdowns for the Trojans but lasted until the second round because of questions about his attitude, work ethic and a torn hamstring that kept him from working out before the draft. "He takes a pounding, and he holds on to the ball," Chow said. "In the Rose Bowl (against Texas), when (USC) needed a play, Reggie Bush wasn't playing, but LenDale White was. That should tell you a lot." Once White has recovered from his injury, the Titans expect to get the best from him. "Right now, I'm working with a 31-team chip on my shoulder," White said. "Every team that has passed me up, every team that didn't give me a shot, I'm coming for them."
SF - TE Battle Between Johnson And Rookie Davis Looming
Source: AP, SportsIllustrated.com
Eric Johnson and rookie Vernon Davis will battle it out at the tight end position this year, which promises to upgrade an offense and passing game that both finished last in the 2005 NFL rankings. Johnson wasn't pleased with the 49ers drafting Davis but both understand that the competition will bring out the best in each of them. "There's a lot of competition. It's about who's working, who really wants it. I guess the rest of it will be on the coaches to decide," Davis said.
OAK - Head Coach Shell Sets New Attitude In Oakland
Source: Steve Corkran, Knight Ridder, Mercury News
Raiders new Head Coach Art Shell has already put his stamp on the team. "Attitudes and things like that will have to be changed somewhat," Shell said. "I have to set the tone. I know how to win. I know how to lead. I expect that we will have the kind of success that this organization deserves." Barry Sims, a veteran on the offensive line said "The last few years it seemed a little too loose. Now everybody's held accountable for our actions and what we do"
SF - Rookie TE Davis Inspiration To Fellow Rookie TE
Source: Kevin Lynch, San Francisco Chronicle
First-round pick TE Vernon Davis already has a protege on the 49ers as he is serving as a mentor for Onye Ibekwe who played basketball at Long Beach State and hasn't played football since high school. Davis was in the same class at Maryland as Ibekwe's younger brother, Ekene, a forward on the Terrapins' basketball team. Davis "It just so happened that San Francisco was the one most interested (in signing me)," Ibekwe said. "Being somebody who hasn't played since the 10th grade, I'm looking at him for guidance. I'm learning a lot."
MIA - Rookie QB Vick May Not Last Past Weekend
Source: Armando Salguero, Miami Herald
Rookie quarterback Marcus Vick who is in camp as an unsigned tryout player has been inconsistent during the first two days of the Dolphins' minicamp and, barring a stellar day on Sunday, seems unlikely to get a contract offer from the team. Vick, the former Virginia Tech star, did complete a 50-yard throw to receiver Fred Gibson for Saturday's most notable throw by a quarterback. But he has been wild high and wide on many of his middle-distance throws the past two days.
MIA - Searching For RB Williams' Replacement
Source: Jason Cole, Miami Herald
Running back Gerald Riggs Jr. darted left, then right, and then accelerated. A few plays later, fellow running back Kay-Jay Harris broke past the line, was 1-on-1 with a linebacker and then tried to fake his way into a bigger run. But the question at the end of the day is whether either player has made much progress toward getting a chance to fill the job that was opened by Ricky Williams' suspension of at least one year.
GB - HC McCarthy Winning Over Players
Source: Dylan B. Tomlinson, PackersNews.com
"I really felt like he was believable. Now, it just has to be done," quarterback Brett Favre said. "I think the tough thing for a head coach is getting 53 guys to believe in one thing and not stray off after two games. They have to buy into that, and I think a big part of that is the type of guys you have. I think, for the most part, what was said (Friday), guys have heard it before elsewhere - maybe in college or with other teams - but did they believe it" I can't speak for every guy in this building, but to me, it was believable."
DEN - QB Cutler 'In Same Category' as Young and Leinart
Source: Arnie Stapleton, AP
Cutler was the last of the "Big Three" quarterbacks chosen in the first round of the NFL draft, going to Denver at No. 11, one slot after Southern Cal's Leinart went to Arizona. Young, who led Texas to the national championship, went third to Tennessee. "I think I'm in the same category as those guys," Cutler said Sunday upon his first visit to Broncos headquarters. "I think I can play with them any day of the week."
CLE - Crennel: 'Not Necessarily' Looking for Veteran Backup QB
Source: Mary Kay Cabot, Plain Dealer Reporter
Crennel, when asked Saturday if he wants another veteran, said: "Not necessarily. We just signed a guy and we're going to see what he can do. If he falls flat on his face, then I'll be looking for a backup. But if he comes in here and lights it up, then I have a backup."
CAR - RB Foster '100 Percent, No Soreness'
Source: Pat Yasinskas, Charlotte Observer
DeShaun Foster uttered a statement he hasn't always been able to make. "It's 100 percent, no soreness," Foster said of the surgically repaired ankle he injured in a playoff game in Chicago in January. Foster isn't taking part in team drills during this weekend's mini-camp for the Carolina Panthers, but that's cautionary. "I'm running and everything," Foster said. "Everything's going well." Foster said he had been able to cut and run at full speed for about two weeks, but the Panthers aren't going to rush him or take any chances with the player they expect to be their featured running back this season.
DAL - Parcells Says He's Done Talking About Owens Until Camp
Source: AP
Bill Parcells says he's finished talking about Terrell Owens -- until the Dallas Cowboys get to training camp in July. "I answered 35 questions on him the other day," Parcells said Sunday. "That will be the last on him until we get on the field at practice in training camp. You won't hear anything else from me on that subject. Go to the tape."
STL - Denzel Washington's Son Signed As RB
Source: Steve Korte, News-Democrat
Morehouse College running back John David Washington, the son of Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington, was one of 10 undrafted rookie free agents signed by the St. Louis Rams. Washington set Morehouse's single-game (242 yards), single-season (1,198 yards) and career rushing records (3,699 yards) in four years playing for the Division II school.
DEN - QB Cutler Drawing On Tough Experiences
Source: Bryan Mullen, Rocky Mountain News
His college life was one of vicious hits, nauseating losses and constant criticism regarding Vanderbilt's football program and its chances to ever be successful. His physical appearance was a symbol of such criticism. He was a walking walk-in clinic during Sunday practices. It was common to see Cutler walk achingly onto the practice field with black eyes, thick lacerations on his arms, scratches on his neck, a bruised sternum and dislocated fingers. It was equally common to hear Cutler downplay the injuries, and laugh about them. "It's no big deal" was Cutler's standard line after pointing out an injury. Vanderbilt coaches said one of Cutler's strengths was his on-field emotions. It was a mix of composure and fire. He would get into the face of a Tennessee linebacker, in front of 106,000 at Neyland Stadium, then would get into the face of one of his offensive linemen if an assignment were missed. Cutler also was the first guy to praise a teammate after a good play. His off-the-field emotions were tested 17 months ago when he and his teammates suffered a tragic loss. Running back Kwane Doster was shot and killed during Christmas break while visiting family in Tampa, Fla. Doster spent three seasons in the backfield with Cutler, and the two were close. Doster's death proved to be a major reason why Cutler returned for his senior season instead of entering the NFL draft. "We all went down to the funeral and it made this team closer," Cutler said during the off-season. "It made me realize how much Vanderbilt really means to me." Cutler already was the point man of the Commodores program and spoke at length with the media the day Doster was killed. He took control and spoke for his teammates. Many of his teammates were too distraught to comment. "It was a tough situation that I think taught us all a great deal," Johnson said.
DEF - MIA - Rookie DB Allen Working At Safety
Source: Armando Salguero, Miami Herald
First-round pick Jason Allen, who played cornerback the past two seasons at Tennessee, is being used exclusively as a free safety during this minicamp when Miami is in its base defense. Allen also is getting snaps at nickel cornerback in pass situations, and Saban has said he wants the rookie to master those two spots first.
DEF - DAL - HC Parcells Excited About Rookie LB Carpenter
Source: AP, SportsIllustrated.com
Head coach Bill Parcells enjoyed what he watched of Carpenter during minicamp, who had eight sacks as an Ohio State senior and played a huge role in a run defense that yielded just 73 yards per game. That versatility should help him to have an immediate impact in Dallas' 3-4 defense. "I like the player as an athlete," Parcells said. "He's a real pure linebacker. You could see him do everything you wanted to see."
DEF - OAK - DB Huff Already Impressing Raiders' Veterans
Source: AP
Michael Huff is making a good first impression. The Raiders' first round choice (seventh overall pick) in the recent draft, is dazzling some of his new teammates during this weekend's minicamp at the team's practice facility. "He has to be one of the best cover safeties in the league right now, without even playing a game," veteran Raider defensive back Jarrod Cooper said Saturday. "And that's just after watching him practicing two days."
5/6 Updates
DAL - HC Parcells on T.O. - 'In this offense, you're not going to catch 100 balls'
Source: Bill Parcells Press conference
Said Bill Parcells at his press conference when speaking of Terrell Owens. "In this offense, you're not going to catch 100 balls. It just isn't going to happen".
MIA - QB Culpepper Doing Better
Source: Jeff Darlington, Palm beach Post
QB Daunte Culpepper recently received an grade of A-plus from Dr. James Andrews, who evaluated his surgically repaired right knee, Saban said. "He has already participated in just about everything that we do in our off-season program," said Saban, who noted that Culpepper wears a knee brace. "His straight-line running is fine. He's throwing the ball. He's dropping back. He runs the plays and does the handoffs." Saban said he would not predict when Culpepper would be game-ready.
SF - QB Dilfer To Be More Than 'Mentor' To QB Smith
Source: 49ers Notebook, Contra Costa Times
Mentoring second-year quarterback Alex Smith characterizes a major aspect of Trent Dilfer's task with the 49ers, but it's not the only one. Coach Mike Nolan said it's also about the playing and that Dilfer played in eleven games in 2005 and is competent if called upon "The approach that I take, whether I was the starter or the backup, is you do whatever it takes to help your team win games," Dilfer said. "I will come in here and perform to the best of my ability. I'll work my tail off, like I always have, and by doing that, that will be mentoring Alex in itself."
TEN - Rookie RB White Familiar With Offense - Comments On Weight Concerns
Source: Paul Kuharsky and Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
RB LenDale White had this to say on his weight which many say was the reason he lasted until the 45th pick at the NFL Draft. "Coach (Jeff) Fisher told me I played in the Rose Bowl at 250 and I did great, so I guess whatever I can produce at and feel best at and can stay healthy at is where I can play," White said. "Now I'm down to 239 and I feel good at this weight. I think in my career, every game I played I didn't feel my best until that Texas game, and that's when I was the heaviest." He's also benefiting from familiarity with offensive coordinator Norm Chow and his offense: "It helps a lot," White said. "Coming in, I didn't really know if I would know the offense that well. Now just going through it and looking over everything, it seems like the stuff I've been running the last three years. "It's just a little different terminology. But I've been picking up on it real easy and I feel comfortable about it. I wouldn't say it's like riding a bike, but it's close."
TB - Bucs Build Offensive Line
Source: Chris Harry, The Orlando Sentinel
Offensive line reconstruction for the Bucs began Friday with their three day minicamp for rookies and free agents. That meant working all the prospects including the club's top two draft choices Oklahoma guard Davin Joseph and Boston College tackle Jeremy Trueblood. The Bucs re-signed right tackle Kenyatta Walker and right guard Sean Mahan, securing that all five starters would be back, plus backups Chris Colmer and Jeb Terry. The team also brought in restricted free agent Torrin Tucker and guard Toniu Fononti.
GB - Coach Mike McCarthy Era Begins
Source: CBS Sportsline - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The world got a sneek peak of the Mike McCarthy era in Green Bay on Friday. McCarthy walked around a little during practice but for the most part his time was spent with the offense. Before each play, the quarterback walked up to McCarthy and received the play after the play they'd often talk again. Offensive Coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski says, "Mike is not a gray-area guy. He doesn't mince words."
SF - QB Smith And WR Bryant Working On Chemistry
Source: 49ers Notebook, Contra Costa Times
Free-agent wide receiver Antonio Bryant who was brought in from the Cleveland Browns this off-season has been working with Smith on a daily basis since signing with the 49ers two months ago. They have been regulars on the practice field at 49ers headquarters after offseason workouts. "We've hung out and done some things," Bryant said. "It's gotten better every week, just running the routes and understanding where the quarterback wants you to be. I think with camp, it's going to come into the full swing of things."
MIA - Dolphins Develop Training Regimen For RB R. Williams
Source: Associated Press, via ESPN.com
The Miami Dolphins have recently developed a training regimen for suspended running back Ricky Williams in effort to get him ready for a return to the NFL in 2007. "He can work out in India or California or wherever he wants to go, as long as we develop a plan," head coach Nick Saban said. "Working out and doing what we ask him to do has never been an issue."
GB - Favre Back For More Than One Season?
Source: Chris Jenkins, AP
Despite comments earlier in the offseason that there was "no doubt" the upcoming season would be his last, Favre said Saturday that he wasn't so sure. "I know I said that," Favre said Saturday, in his first public comments since telling the Green Bay Packers he would return for another year. "But I hope you guys will respect me. I'm going to play this year, give it my best and not talk about it. And I'm sure that it will come up from somewhere else at some point, but it's been a distraction not only for me but for I think the guys I played with in the past, and I'm not going to talk about it this year."
FA - RB O. Smith To Be Eligible For Reinstatement In October
Source: Sean Jensen, St. Paul Pioneer Press, via GrandForksHerald.com
Former Minnesota Vikings running back Onterrio Smith will be eligible for reinstatement into the National Football League in October, according to Smith's agent, Doug Hendrickson. "I'm very confident he will be reinstated in October," Hendrickson said. "But we also realize that's in the middle of the season in the NFL, so the stars have to be aligned correctly for him to land on a team."
HOU - Texans Taking A Serious Look At RB Smith
Source: Megan Manfull, Houston Chronicle
The Texans' search for depth at running back likely will end early next week. The team is in talks to sign free-agent Antowain Smith, a former University of Houston standout. The Texans are in need of an experienced backup. Domanick Davis returns as their starter, but he has missed time in each of his three NFL seasons with injuries.
CAR - RB Foster Ready For Feature Role
Source: SportsIllustrated.com
RB DeShaun Foster will finally get a shot at taking over the starting role for the Carolina Panthers after backing up Stephen Davis over the past couple of seasons. "It's exciting," said Foster at Carolina's rookie minicamp Saturday. "Anytime you've got a shot to be the featured back you're excited and ready to go. I'm looking forward to the challenge, and I'm going to step up and play my game."
CAR - WR Johnson On QB: 'He's Cool'
Source: Brett Borden, Panthers.com
Friday's mini camp practice was Johnson's first time on the field with his new teammates. For the first time, he lined up, ran a route and caught a pass from Jake Delhomme. Delhomme's demeanor impressed Johnson very much. "He's cool," said Johnson. "He's fun. I like guys like that. I like guys that take their job seriously when they are playing football but at the same time try to have a little bit of fun and relax the environment. I think that he brings that to the table at the quarterback position."