Post by John on May 19, 2006 9:57:06 GMT -4
5/19 Updates
IND - RBs Rhodes And Addai Ready To Compete
Source: Michael Marot, Associated Press via SFGate.com
RB Dominic Rhodes will finally have the opportunity to become the starting RB for the Colts this year with the departure of RB Edgerrin James. Rhodes has the early advantage because he's proven he can play well when called upon, and knows the system but his injury history is a concern for the team. He will have some serious competition from rookie RB Joseph Addai who is bigger than Rhodes and is considered to be more of a James clone.
MIA - Teammates Think QB Culpepper Will Be Ready For Opener
Source: Greg A. Bedard, Palm Beach Post
To his teammates, QB Daunte Culpepper appears well on his way to starting the season opener Sept. 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. "I'm expecting him to be out there when the season opens," said CB/S Renaldo Hill. "You didn't see any limp. He's been looking good."
HOU - RB Davis Cautious After Knee Surgery
Source: Megan Manfull, The Houston Chronicle
The Texans are still being cautious as RB Domanick Davis tries to rebound from knee problems that sidelined him for five games last year. Inflammation in his left knee led to arthroscopic surgery in late December, and he is just now starting to run. Davis still hopes to be able to go full tilt with his teammates when the first minicamp begins June 7. He could be ready sooner, but the Texans are wary of putting him out there too early since Davis has a history of injury problems.
NYJ - QB Competition Wide Open?
Source: MostValuableNetwork.com
Jets QB Chad Pennington's rehab seems to be on schedule and hopes to be the opening day starter. Although pleased with Pennington's progress and attitude, HC Eric Mangini says all four QBs on the roster will be competing for the starting position. "Chad (Pennington), Patrick (Ramsey), Brooks (Bollinger), Kellen (Clemens), they're all in the mix," Mangini said. "They all need to compete. Whoever does the best job, that's the guy who's going to play."
KC - Q&A With Carl Peterson
Source: Kcchiefs.com
Q: What do you expect out of Larry Johnson and the offense this year?
PETERSON: "I would hope a repeat performance of what he did the second half of the 2005 season. It would be hard to sustain what he did averaging 140-150 yards per game rushing. It's time for Larry to step up and he's done that every time we've asked him to step up. He's performed and he's performed very, very well. It's terrific that Herm Edwards has said that he is the guy. He's following a great running back in Priest Holmes and we'll know more about Priest when we gets to training camp about what his physical condition is. I'm obviously very proud of Larry Johnson, he's been a very good performer here on and off the field. Early on he had a couple of problems, but he has rectified those. I think he's excited about his position of being a leader on this team. We're looking for big things from Larry."
Q: Is there any update on Priest and his future?
PETERSON: "Not right now. He's making progress, but like I've said before a number of times, if we had to start right now the doctors are still concerned about contact. We don't have to play today, this is May 19th and our season really doesn't start until September 9th for us. Certainly in the next couple of months we'll know more."
Q: With the Pro Bowlers on offense and Herm now as your Head Coach, how much do you think you are going to be stressing on defense this year?
KC - RB Holmes Has Not Passed Physical
Source: Kcchiefs.com
From Herman Edwards Q & A
Q: Is there a Priest Holmes update?
EDWARDS: "Right now if he had to play, he couldn't play. He hasn't passed the physical or whatever it may be."
TEN - QB Volek Preparing To Be Starter
Source: Brad Willis, TitansRadio.com
Getting reps as the number one quarterback in practice is nothing new to Billy Volek. However, with Steve McNair's future with the Titans uncertain, Volek is approaching the team's OTAs with the attitude of an NFL starter. "I want to go out there and be the best quarterback I can be," Volek said. "Even when Steve was starting, I wanted to be the starter, and I approached it that way. When you want something so bad, and you finally have it, it's kind of overwhelming."
IND - QB Manning Plans On 8 More Seasons
Source: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star
Now that he has joined the thirtysomething crowd, it's Peyton Manning's desire to stick around for another eight seasons. That would take him through the 2013 season and culminate in a 16-year career. That's the number -- 16 -- that always has popped into Manning's head whenever anyone has asked how long he intends to play. His father, Archie, played for 15 seasons. Denver's John Elway played for 16 seasons and Miami's Dan Marino for 17. "I've just always picked 16 years for myself," Manning said, "so I've just finished the halfway point.'
DET - QB Orlovsky Believes He Can Start
Source: Chrissie Zavicar, Detroitlions.com
In looking at the way Dan Orlovsky approaches his NFL career, it would be hard to tell whether he is a starter or a backup, simply because he has a veteran-like football mentality. While his NFL experience is currently two games and he would obviously like to add to that resume, his first priority is to win, and he will do whatever it takes to see that happen for the Lions.
"It was a good experience to get out there versus some live game action and there are some things I look back on that I did well and some things I did stupid," he said. "It's just going to grow experience-wise and hopefully I continue to get more and more and more [experience] and eventually develop into a good starter ... a great starter. I want to be great."
GB - RB A.Green On Late August Timetable
Source: Pete Dougherty, PackersNews.com
McCarthy mentioned only one player who won't attend, halfback Ahman Green, because of a charity commitment. Green is recovering from a torn quadriceps tendon and won't be ready to practice until late August anyway.
Hello Samkon Gado. Green's health status will be determined later this summer as he works his way back. In the meantime, his absence opens the doors for players like Gado.
CAR - RB Shelton To See Goal Line Work?
Source: Charles Chandler, Charlotteobserver.com
As for Eric Shelton, the Panthers' 2005 second-round pick who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, offensive coordinator Dan Henning said the team still hopes he can fit into the rotation as a short-yardage, goal-line back. He said Shelton also could be used to pound the ball at the defense at the end of games.
Henning minced no words on DeShaun Foster: "We all love Deshaun Foster, but Deshaun Foster has not been able to fulfill a whole year for us," said Henning. The team is extremely excited about drafting DeAngelo Williams in the first round. But it looks like Shelton might be the guy that handles the goal line work.
TB - RB C.Williams Primed For More
Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.com
RB Cadillac Williams' three-game, 434-yard explosion at the beginning of his rookie season - the highest rushing total ever by an NFL player in his first three games - led to a 1,183-yard season overall. It was, all in all, a satisfying season for the former Auburn star, but only because it confirmed his belief that he is capable of much, much more. Williams plans to prove that in 2006. Williams proved that he is a complete, every-down runner, capable of succeeding between the tackles or on the edges. Now he wants to show that he is a complete player.
DEN - WR Lelie Clueless Or Getting Bad Advice?
Source: FOXSports.com
It should be noted that former Broncos OC Gary Kubiak turned down a draft-day trade to pick up WR Ashley Lelie, his former receiver. It was also telling when Eagles GM Tom Heckert told us last week the club had interest in both WR Eric Moulds and WR Javon Walker, but none in Lelie. Lelie is either clueless or getting horrible advice. When you have underachieved in your career, you don't stay away from your team because you want to be the No. 1 receiver. You come into camp and fight.
For what it's worth, Adam Schefter from the NFL Network is reporting that four teams have expressed an interest in a possible trade for Lelie: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
MIN - WR K.Robinson Is A Happy Man
Source: FOXSports.com
After receiving a contract extension for Minnesota this off-season, WR Koren Robinson believes this will be a huge year for him as a wide out. "I can't wait," Robinson said. "I just look at HC Childress' system and I am the perfect fit. I have experience in this offense in Seattle. I cannot wait for the season. We are going to catch a lot of balls this year."
BUF - QB Holcomb The Better Quarterback?
Source: FOXSports.com
In a very revealing chat with Bills LB London Fletcher, we gained insight into what went wrong for the Bills last season. In discussing the quarterback situation from a year ago, Fletcher said: "We felt QB Kelly Holcomb was the better quarterback in August and should've been the starter. Everyone needs to earn a job, not be given a position where you were drafted. I think that really hurt QB J.P. Losman." This new coaching staff and Bills hierarchy doesn't have any connection to Losman.
Losman definitely has to worry about the new coaching staff. Coaches naturally want to give their high draft picks every benefit of the doubt. With a new staff in place, Losman loses that advantage this year.
DEN - Versatile Rookie WR Marshall Hopes To Stick At WR
Source: Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com
At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, rookie WR Brandon Marshall is an inch taller and 15 pounds heavier than any other receiver on the Broncos' roster. "We think he has the flexibility to play on the outside and inside," Head Coach Mike Shanahan said soon after the team drafted Marshall. "He could be an H-back, TE (or) WR ... We think he's a good athlete." But Marshall isn't looking in to swapping positions anytime soon.
5/18 Updates
MIA - RB Brown Set To Carry More Of The Load
Source: Ronnie Brown Q&A
(On if he is trying to get ready for more carries this year) - Ronnie Brown: "Yeah, I have been working hard in the offseason. I have that in the back of my mind that I will have to take on the duty of carrying the load a little bit more, but I am excited about it."
(On if he gets tired of getting asked if he can carry the load) - Ronnie Brown: "A little bit, but I am excited about it. Like I said, it's the first time that I actually get the opportunity to start the season off with having to carry the load. I did it one season in college, but I don't think you can compare that to this level. "
(On how this year is different than last year) - Ronnie Brown: "I think last year, just talking to Coach Saban, he pretty much told me before the season he was going to work me in and help me to adjust. I think we did a great job last year. This year going in to it, I think there is a little bit more asked of me to do as far as being a second-year guy, getting a feel for it and having to take on that role of being the main guy."
(On if the team needs to acquire another backup running back) - Ronnie Brown: "I don't think so. I think we a few guys that are capable of doing it - Sammy Morris, we have Gerald Riggs this year, Kay-Jay Harris, Travis Minor. I think between the group of us, we can do a good job."
WAS - TE Cooley Has No Problem With New Position
Source: Gary Fitzgerald, Redskins.com
Given his production, it would seem odd that Redskins coaches would want Chris Cooley to undergo a position change this offseason. But in 2006, Cooley will play a more traditional tight end role, as opposed to the H-back position he played last year.
To hear Cooley tell it, the position change is not really a change at all.
He says the only significant change is one letter: Cooley is now a "Y" in offensive sets instead of an "H." The "Y" is often used as a standard description for tight ends in play formations.
DAL - RB Jones To Benefit From Two-Tight End Sets
Source: Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Parcells made a very interesting point about why his Cowboys selected tight end Anthony Fasano (Notre Dame) in the second round. The Cowboys, like every other NFL team, has multiple needs. And unlike many other teams, the Cowboys already have an elite tight end in Jason Witten. Parcells said, "There are more favorable matchups right now in the NFL when you can come out in two-tight end sets than there are when you come out in three-wide receiver sets." It is a very powerful statement about NFL offenses and defenses. I thought I would break down the matchup possibilities and discuss them with coaches around the league.
DEN - QB Van Pelt Gets Serious
Source: AP
Bradlee Van Pelt said he decided to get serious long before draft day, when the Broncos selected Cutler with the 11th pick, and that his trip to the barber shop had nothing to do wanting to separate himself from the shaggy-haired, bushy-bearded Plummer.
Van Pelt, the son of former New York Giants linebacker Brad Van Pelt, had long fostered a reputation as a fun-loving, free-spirited, counterculture kid after transferring from his dad's alma mater, Michigan State, to Colorado State after his freshman season.
Now, he's Mr. Serious.
"It's just your life in general. How you treat yourself as a professional, how you go out and conduct yourself," Van Pelt said. "It's getting proper sleep. I used to think coming out of college, probably like anyone, that I could sleep four hours, three, five, whatever it was and I could charge through the day. Your body doesn't allow you to do it and your head's not as focused."
MIA - QB Harrington Embraces Fresh Start
Source: AP
"It is honestly a complete fresh slate, and I love it," Joey Harrington said Thursday at the Dolphins' practice facility. "My drop, they're coaching differently, which I love. I'm getting back to the things I used to do. All the things that they changed in Detroit, we're changing again. But we're changing it back to things that I was really comfortable with."
Because of the uncertain status of Daunte Culpepper, who is recovering from a severe knee injury, there's a possibility Harrington could be Miami's starter when the regular season begins at Pittsburgh.
But Harrington -- who threw for 10,242 yards, with 60 touchdowns and 62 interceptions in 58 games over four often-tumultuous seasons in Detroit -- said he's prepared to accept a backup role if Culpepper is ready.
"Of course, I want to be out there on the field as a competitor, but as a teammate I'm going to do everything I can to be ready for this team," Harrington said. "And if that means sitting for a season or two, then I'm prepared to do that."
TEN - QB Young Makes Good Impression With Veterans
Source: Jim Wyatt, Nashville Tennessean
New Titans QB Vince Young arrived in town with plenty of fanfare last month, but on Wednesday he was just another rookie hoping to get a few reps. He practiced with the veterans for the first time. He took a back seat to QB Billy Volek, who worked primarily with the first team, but Young still made a good impression on his older teammates. Young, who worked primarily in the shotgun in college, had troubles with the center-to-quarterback exchange on Wednesday, but he completed some nice passes during the practice. Young and QB Matt Mauck took 25 percent of the reps each, while Volek handled 50 percent.
Coach Jeff Fisher was pretty coy with the praise: "I thought he was fine,'' Fisher said of Young. "He handled himself well. He is a football player.''
DET - WR Mike Williams Down 10 Pounds, Feels Difference
Source: Mike O'Hara, Detroit News
WR Mike Williams already is about 10 pounds less than his rookie playing weight of 234 pounds. Williams said he has changed his eating habits and been more concerned with conditioning. He feels better at a lower weight. "Heck yeah, definitely," Williams said. "You cut better. You're more fluid."
DAL - New Set Of Goals For RB J.Jones
Source: Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Unlike last year, when RB Julius Jones set a goal of rushing for 1,700 yards, his expectations are high this season, but re-directed. "I just want to make it through 16 games," Jones said. "If I can make it through 16 games, I'll be fine." Injuries, including a high ankle sprain last season, have limited Jones to 21 games in his two-year career. He believes he will rush for 1,000 yards this season. He finished with 993 yards last season.
NYG - Giants RB R. Grant Out For Season With Injury
Source: Vinny DiTrani, Bergen Record
The New York Giants announced on Thursday that they have placed running back Ryan Grant on the non-football injury list after Grant cut his hand and wrist in an off-the-field accident.
TEN - Titans To Consider Option Package With Young
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
Since the NFL draft wrapped up, the Titans have begun studying various option formations, with the intent of making some a limited part of their playbook this season for their first-round pick, Vince Young.
Now, the Titans are planning on installing a "Vince Young Package," one that would include the option and force opposing defenses to have to prepare for more than just Tennessee's basic offensive attack.
JAX - Workout Several WRs
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL Network
There was a flurry of wide receiver workouts in Florida on Thursday. Jacksonville, which lost wide receiver Jimmy Smith to retirement last week, worked out three veteran wide receivers: former Jaguar Troy Edwards, former Bear Dez White and former Raven Randy Hymes.
PHI - MIN - Eagles And Vikings Swap WRs
Source: Bob Kent, PhiladelphiaEagles.com
The Eagles swapped receivers with the Vikings on Thursday, acquiring rookie Hank Baskett in exchange for veteran Billy McMullen.
TEN - Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher In Final Year With Team?
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL Network, via NFL.com
According to reports, the Tennessee Titans and head coach Jeff Fisher have had no talks about the team extending his contract or having the team pick up an option year which would extend Fisher's tenure with the team. Fisher has one year remaining on his current agreement, and the costs of picking up that extension are apparently prohibitive, fueling speculation that Fisher's tenure with the Titans may be ending following the 2006 season.
TB - Bucs Work Out WR David Boston
Source: Jim Flynn, pewterreport.com
The Bucs also auditioned former Arizona, San Diego and Miami wide receiver David Boston, according to The Tampa Tribune. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Boston, who has 315 career catches for 4,699 yards and 25 touchdowns, has played in just five games over the past two seasons due to knee injuries.
IND - RBs Rhodes And Addai Ready To Compete
Source: Michael Marot, Associated Press via SFGate.com
RB Dominic Rhodes will finally have the opportunity to become the starting RB for the Colts this year with the departure of RB Edgerrin James. Rhodes has the early advantage because he's proven he can play well when called upon, and knows the system but his injury history is a concern for the team. He will have some serious competition from rookie RB Joseph Addai who is bigger than Rhodes and is considered to be more of a James clone.
MIA - Teammates Think QB Culpepper Will Be Ready For Opener
Source: Greg A. Bedard, Palm Beach Post
To his teammates, QB Daunte Culpepper appears well on his way to starting the season opener Sept. 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. "I'm expecting him to be out there when the season opens," said CB/S Renaldo Hill. "You didn't see any limp. He's been looking good."
HOU - RB Davis Cautious After Knee Surgery
Source: Megan Manfull, The Houston Chronicle
The Texans are still being cautious as RB Domanick Davis tries to rebound from knee problems that sidelined him for five games last year. Inflammation in his left knee led to arthroscopic surgery in late December, and he is just now starting to run. Davis still hopes to be able to go full tilt with his teammates when the first minicamp begins June 7. He could be ready sooner, but the Texans are wary of putting him out there too early since Davis has a history of injury problems.
NYJ - QB Competition Wide Open?
Source: MostValuableNetwork.com
Jets QB Chad Pennington's rehab seems to be on schedule and hopes to be the opening day starter. Although pleased with Pennington's progress and attitude, HC Eric Mangini says all four QBs on the roster will be competing for the starting position. "Chad (Pennington), Patrick (Ramsey), Brooks (Bollinger), Kellen (Clemens), they're all in the mix," Mangini said. "They all need to compete. Whoever does the best job, that's the guy who's going to play."
KC - Q&A With Carl Peterson
Source: Kcchiefs.com
Q: What do you expect out of Larry Johnson and the offense this year?
PETERSON: "I would hope a repeat performance of what he did the second half of the 2005 season. It would be hard to sustain what he did averaging 140-150 yards per game rushing. It's time for Larry to step up and he's done that every time we've asked him to step up. He's performed and he's performed very, very well. It's terrific that Herm Edwards has said that he is the guy. He's following a great running back in Priest Holmes and we'll know more about Priest when we gets to training camp about what his physical condition is. I'm obviously very proud of Larry Johnson, he's been a very good performer here on and off the field. Early on he had a couple of problems, but he has rectified those. I think he's excited about his position of being a leader on this team. We're looking for big things from Larry."
Q: Is there any update on Priest and his future?
PETERSON: "Not right now. He's making progress, but like I've said before a number of times, if we had to start right now the doctors are still concerned about contact. We don't have to play today, this is May 19th and our season really doesn't start until September 9th for us. Certainly in the next couple of months we'll know more."
Q: With the Pro Bowlers on offense and Herm now as your Head Coach, how much do you think you are going to be stressing on defense this year?
KC - RB Holmes Has Not Passed Physical
Source: Kcchiefs.com
From Herman Edwards Q & A
Q: Is there a Priest Holmes update?
EDWARDS: "Right now if he had to play, he couldn't play. He hasn't passed the physical or whatever it may be."
TEN - QB Volek Preparing To Be Starter
Source: Brad Willis, TitansRadio.com
Getting reps as the number one quarterback in practice is nothing new to Billy Volek. However, with Steve McNair's future with the Titans uncertain, Volek is approaching the team's OTAs with the attitude of an NFL starter. "I want to go out there and be the best quarterback I can be," Volek said. "Even when Steve was starting, I wanted to be the starter, and I approached it that way. When you want something so bad, and you finally have it, it's kind of overwhelming."
IND - QB Manning Plans On 8 More Seasons
Source: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star
Now that he has joined the thirtysomething crowd, it's Peyton Manning's desire to stick around for another eight seasons. That would take him through the 2013 season and culminate in a 16-year career. That's the number -- 16 -- that always has popped into Manning's head whenever anyone has asked how long he intends to play. His father, Archie, played for 15 seasons. Denver's John Elway played for 16 seasons and Miami's Dan Marino for 17. "I've just always picked 16 years for myself," Manning said, "so I've just finished the halfway point.'
DET - QB Orlovsky Believes He Can Start
Source: Chrissie Zavicar, Detroitlions.com
In looking at the way Dan Orlovsky approaches his NFL career, it would be hard to tell whether he is a starter or a backup, simply because he has a veteran-like football mentality. While his NFL experience is currently two games and he would obviously like to add to that resume, his first priority is to win, and he will do whatever it takes to see that happen for the Lions.
"It was a good experience to get out there versus some live game action and there are some things I look back on that I did well and some things I did stupid," he said. "It's just going to grow experience-wise and hopefully I continue to get more and more and more [experience] and eventually develop into a good starter ... a great starter. I want to be great."
GB - RB A.Green On Late August Timetable
Source: Pete Dougherty, PackersNews.com
McCarthy mentioned only one player who won't attend, halfback Ahman Green, because of a charity commitment. Green is recovering from a torn quadriceps tendon and won't be ready to practice until late August anyway.
Hello Samkon Gado. Green's health status will be determined later this summer as he works his way back. In the meantime, his absence opens the doors for players like Gado.
CAR - RB Shelton To See Goal Line Work?
Source: Charles Chandler, Charlotteobserver.com
As for Eric Shelton, the Panthers' 2005 second-round pick who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, offensive coordinator Dan Henning said the team still hopes he can fit into the rotation as a short-yardage, goal-line back. He said Shelton also could be used to pound the ball at the defense at the end of games.
Henning minced no words on DeShaun Foster: "We all love Deshaun Foster, but Deshaun Foster has not been able to fulfill a whole year for us," said Henning. The team is extremely excited about drafting DeAngelo Williams in the first round. But it looks like Shelton might be the guy that handles the goal line work.
TB - RB C.Williams Primed For More
Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.com
RB Cadillac Williams' three-game, 434-yard explosion at the beginning of his rookie season - the highest rushing total ever by an NFL player in his first three games - led to a 1,183-yard season overall. It was, all in all, a satisfying season for the former Auburn star, but only because it confirmed his belief that he is capable of much, much more. Williams plans to prove that in 2006. Williams proved that he is a complete, every-down runner, capable of succeeding between the tackles or on the edges. Now he wants to show that he is a complete player.
DEN - WR Lelie Clueless Or Getting Bad Advice?
Source: FOXSports.com
It should be noted that former Broncos OC Gary Kubiak turned down a draft-day trade to pick up WR Ashley Lelie, his former receiver. It was also telling when Eagles GM Tom Heckert told us last week the club had interest in both WR Eric Moulds and WR Javon Walker, but none in Lelie. Lelie is either clueless or getting horrible advice. When you have underachieved in your career, you don't stay away from your team because you want to be the No. 1 receiver. You come into camp and fight.
For what it's worth, Adam Schefter from the NFL Network is reporting that four teams have expressed an interest in a possible trade for Lelie: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
MIN - WR K.Robinson Is A Happy Man
Source: FOXSports.com
After receiving a contract extension for Minnesota this off-season, WR Koren Robinson believes this will be a huge year for him as a wide out. "I can't wait," Robinson said. "I just look at HC Childress' system and I am the perfect fit. I have experience in this offense in Seattle. I cannot wait for the season. We are going to catch a lot of balls this year."
BUF - QB Holcomb The Better Quarterback?
Source: FOXSports.com
In a very revealing chat with Bills LB London Fletcher, we gained insight into what went wrong for the Bills last season. In discussing the quarterback situation from a year ago, Fletcher said: "We felt QB Kelly Holcomb was the better quarterback in August and should've been the starter. Everyone needs to earn a job, not be given a position where you were drafted. I think that really hurt QB J.P. Losman." This new coaching staff and Bills hierarchy doesn't have any connection to Losman.
Losman definitely has to worry about the new coaching staff. Coaches naturally want to give their high draft picks every benefit of the doubt. With a new staff in place, Losman loses that advantage this year.
DEN - Versatile Rookie WR Marshall Hopes To Stick At WR
Source: Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com
At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, rookie WR Brandon Marshall is an inch taller and 15 pounds heavier than any other receiver on the Broncos' roster. "We think he has the flexibility to play on the outside and inside," Head Coach Mike Shanahan said soon after the team drafted Marshall. "He could be an H-back, TE (or) WR ... We think he's a good athlete." But Marshall isn't looking in to swapping positions anytime soon.
5/18 Updates
MIA - RB Brown Set To Carry More Of The Load
Source: Ronnie Brown Q&A
(On if he is trying to get ready for more carries this year) - Ronnie Brown: "Yeah, I have been working hard in the offseason. I have that in the back of my mind that I will have to take on the duty of carrying the load a little bit more, but I am excited about it."
(On if he gets tired of getting asked if he can carry the load) - Ronnie Brown: "A little bit, but I am excited about it. Like I said, it's the first time that I actually get the opportunity to start the season off with having to carry the load. I did it one season in college, but I don't think you can compare that to this level. "
(On how this year is different than last year) - Ronnie Brown: "I think last year, just talking to Coach Saban, he pretty much told me before the season he was going to work me in and help me to adjust. I think we did a great job last year. This year going in to it, I think there is a little bit more asked of me to do as far as being a second-year guy, getting a feel for it and having to take on that role of being the main guy."
(On if the team needs to acquire another backup running back) - Ronnie Brown: "I don't think so. I think we a few guys that are capable of doing it - Sammy Morris, we have Gerald Riggs this year, Kay-Jay Harris, Travis Minor. I think between the group of us, we can do a good job."
WAS - TE Cooley Has No Problem With New Position
Source: Gary Fitzgerald, Redskins.com
Given his production, it would seem odd that Redskins coaches would want Chris Cooley to undergo a position change this offseason. But in 2006, Cooley will play a more traditional tight end role, as opposed to the H-back position he played last year.
To hear Cooley tell it, the position change is not really a change at all.
He says the only significant change is one letter: Cooley is now a "Y" in offensive sets instead of an "H." The "Y" is often used as a standard description for tight ends in play formations.
DAL - RB Jones To Benefit From Two-Tight End Sets
Source: Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Parcells made a very interesting point about why his Cowboys selected tight end Anthony Fasano (Notre Dame) in the second round. The Cowboys, like every other NFL team, has multiple needs. And unlike many other teams, the Cowboys already have an elite tight end in Jason Witten. Parcells said, "There are more favorable matchups right now in the NFL when you can come out in two-tight end sets than there are when you come out in three-wide receiver sets." It is a very powerful statement about NFL offenses and defenses. I thought I would break down the matchup possibilities and discuss them with coaches around the league.
DEN - QB Van Pelt Gets Serious
Source: AP
Bradlee Van Pelt said he decided to get serious long before draft day, when the Broncos selected Cutler with the 11th pick, and that his trip to the barber shop had nothing to do wanting to separate himself from the shaggy-haired, bushy-bearded Plummer.
Van Pelt, the son of former New York Giants linebacker Brad Van Pelt, had long fostered a reputation as a fun-loving, free-spirited, counterculture kid after transferring from his dad's alma mater, Michigan State, to Colorado State after his freshman season.
Now, he's Mr. Serious.
"It's just your life in general. How you treat yourself as a professional, how you go out and conduct yourself," Van Pelt said. "It's getting proper sleep. I used to think coming out of college, probably like anyone, that I could sleep four hours, three, five, whatever it was and I could charge through the day. Your body doesn't allow you to do it and your head's not as focused."
MIA - QB Harrington Embraces Fresh Start
Source: AP
"It is honestly a complete fresh slate, and I love it," Joey Harrington said Thursday at the Dolphins' practice facility. "My drop, they're coaching differently, which I love. I'm getting back to the things I used to do. All the things that they changed in Detroit, we're changing again. But we're changing it back to things that I was really comfortable with."
Because of the uncertain status of Daunte Culpepper, who is recovering from a severe knee injury, there's a possibility Harrington could be Miami's starter when the regular season begins at Pittsburgh.
But Harrington -- who threw for 10,242 yards, with 60 touchdowns and 62 interceptions in 58 games over four often-tumultuous seasons in Detroit -- said he's prepared to accept a backup role if Culpepper is ready.
"Of course, I want to be out there on the field as a competitor, but as a teammate I'm going to do everything I can to be ready for this team," Harrington said. "And if that means sitting for a season or two, then I'm prepared to do that."
TEN - QB Young Makes Good Impression With Veterans
Source: Jim Wyatt, Nashville Tennessean
New Titans QB Vince Young arrived in town with plenty of fanfare last month, but on Wednesday he was just another rookie hoping to get a few reps. He practiced with the veterans for the first time. He took a back seat to QB Billy Volek, who worked primarily with the first team, but Young still made a good impression on his older teammates. Young, who worked primarily in the shotgun in college, had troubles with the center-to-quarterback exchange on Wednesday, but he completed some nice passes during the practice. Young and QB Matt Mauck took 25 percent of the reps each, while Volek handled 50 percent.
Coach Jeff Fisher was pretty coy with the praise: "I thought he was fine,'' Fisher said of Young. "He handled himself well. He is a football player.''
DET - WR Mike Williams Down 10 Pounds, Feels Difference
Source: Mike O'Hara, Detroit News
WR Mike Williams already is about 10 pounds less than his rookie playing weight of 234 pounds. Williams said he has changed his eating habits and been more concerned with conditioning. He feels better at a lower weight. "Heck yeah, definitely," Williams said. "You cut better. You're more fluid."
DAL - New Set Of Goals For RB J.Jones
Source: Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Unlike last year, when RB Julius Jones set a goal of rushing for 1,700 yards, his expectations are high this season, but re-directed. "I just want to make it through 16 games," Jones said. "If I can make it through 16 games, I'll be fine." Injuries, including a high ankle sprain last season, have limited Jones to 21 games in his two-year career. He believes he will rush for 1,000 yards this season. He finished with 993 yards last season.
NYG - Giants RB R. Grant Out For Season With Injury
Source: Vinny DiTrani, Bergen Record
The New York Giants announced on Thursday that they have placed running back Ryan Grant on the non-football injury list after Grant cut his hand and wrist in an off-the-field accident.
TEN - Titans To Consider Option Package With Young
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
Since the NFL draft wrapped up, the Titans have begun studying various option formations, with the intent of making some a limited part of their playbook this season for their first-round pick, Vince Young.
Now, the Titans are planning on installing a "Vince Young Package," one that would include the option and force opposing defenses to have to prepare for more than just Tennessee's basic offensive attack.
JAX - Workout Several WRs
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL Network
There was a flurry of wide receiver workouts in Florida on Thursday. Jacksonville, which lost wide receiver Jimmy Smith to retirement last week, worked out three veteran wide receivers: former Jaguar Troy Edwards, former Bear Dez White and former Raven Randy Hymes.
PHI - MIN - Eagles And Vikings Swap WRs
Source: Bob Kent, PhiladelphiaEagles.com
The Eagles swapped receivers with the Vikings on Thursday, acquiring rookie Hank Baskett in exchange for veteran Billy McMullen.
TEN - Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher In Final Year With Team?
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL Network, via NFL.com
According to reports, the Tennessee Titans and head coach Jeff Fisher have had no talks about the team extending his contract or having the team pick up an option year which would extend Fisher's tenure with the team. Fisher has one year remaining on his current agreement, and the costs of picking up that extension are apparently prohibitive, fueling speculation that Fisher's tenure with the Titans may be ending following the 2006 season.
TB - Bucs Work Out WR David Boston
Source: Jim Flynn, pewterreport.com
The Bucs also auditioned former Arizona, San Diego and Miami wide receiver David Boston, according to The Tampa Tribune. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Boston, who has 315 career catches for 4,699 yards and 25 touchdowns, has played in just five games over the past two seasons due to knee injuries.