Training Camp Part 2

I tried to unload as much as I could about NFL Training Camp in my last post. So much more is about to transpire that I needed to add to what I’m looking for as camps open around the NFL this week:

Get Familiar... with Brandon Marshall

Denver QB Jay Cutler was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes this past offseason. Brandon Marshall, the Bronco’s breakout #1 WR last season, crashed through a glass table, was arrested for misdemeanor battery (charges mending) and a traffic violation. So if Cutler can step up in his third year now that he is getting proper treatment and Marshall can put all distractions aside (maybe they stem from his ’small’ contract?), then these Broncos may be ready to emerge out of the AFC West. Then again if their chemistry is off because Cutler hasn’t gotten over his displeasure with Marshall, then things might head south. This in addition to the RB battle, there should be enough fireworks in Englewood, Colorado to last through the end of summer.

The interception of the year from 2007

The San Diego Chargers came close last year to the top, but injuries slowed them in the playoffs. Now that Rivers has had the offseason to heal and develop a relationship with WR’s Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson, things should improve in San Diego. Legedu Naanee should step into the WR3 position nicely and Antonio Gates should make it back for week 1. If these guys can gel, watch out. On the defensive side of the ball, ILB Brandon Siler looks to fill in for suspended LB Stephan Cooper, along with Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips and newcomer Anthony Waters they make up a terrifying corps. The defensive backfield is strong with breakout DB Antonio Cromartie and Quintin Jammer, but the Chargers still felt compelled to spend a 2nd round pick on DB Antoine Cason. If a few extra players step up during camp, then the Chargers should be excellent on both sides of the ball.

The oft-injured Shockey looks to begin anew in New Orleans

So Drew Brees threw over 650 passes last season (over 40 a game) and nearly 4,500 yards in New Orleans, but to who? Ok so Marques Colston is an unquestioned #1, but David Patten is aging, Lance Moore and Devery Henderson are on thin ice and someone has to step up. Enter Reggie Bush, Robert Meachem and recently traded Jeremy Shockey. Bush caught a remarkable 73 balls last year and looks to have a continued role in that capacity this year. Robert Meachem is looking to have a great camp after missing all of last year and looks to find his way to the #2 role. Shockey should be motivated on his new team, after feeling left out of the Super Bowl team and displeased with management. If he can control himself he could also contribute to a career year for the Pro Bowler Brees. Let’s not forget about Deuce McCalister coming off his 2nd ACL injury. The Saint’s camp will be one more to watch.

Training Camp Begins!

Ahhh, we finally have some football to watch, even if it is just the start of training camps across the nation this week. There are plenty of unanswered questions, injuries waiting to happen and breakout players set to emerge. The drama of training camp, stunningly documented in HBO’s “Hard Knocks” last summer, is definitely worth paying attention to, if not attending in person. Here are some of the most interesting story lines (not named Brett Farve) this summer:

Gonzo can make a name for himself this season

Will the Colts be able to return to form with Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Dwight Freeny and Bob Sanders coming off injuries? While none of these guys will be in training camp, other players will need to step up to fill the void. Enter 2nd year WR Anthony Gonzalez. He proved last year that his precise route running and quick burst can be a load for defenses to cover. If he can improve upon last years numbers, the Colts will be deadly on offense. As for the D, the Colts just need to come out of camp healthy and they will be just fine this season with Freeny and Sanders expected to be ready for the season opener.

Raiders fans hope there isnt a curse for NCAA 2009

Can a promising handful of rookie RB’s step into the fray as consistent contributors? Immediately Darren McFadden comes to mind in Oakland, where he will be relied upon to deliver the woeful Raiders back to their winning ways. Other than him a number of RB’s should get a good long look in train camps this summer. Jonathan Stewart is expected to challenge DeAngelo Williams in Carolina, Kevin Smith can win the job over Tatum Bell in Mo-town, Ryan Torain might emerge in RB heaven in Denver, and Matt Forte might have to battle newly signed Kevin Jones in Chicago. Other rookie RB’s looking to make an impact are Felix Jones of the Cowboys and Rashard Mendenhall of the Steelers. While both have quality starters ahead of them, they look to get 10-12 touches a game this season. This years class of RB’s should be fun to watch.

Beer-bongs have become synonymous with Mr. Leinart

Whats training camp without a few QB battles? This summer a number of teams head into the 2008 season without a starting signal caller solidified in the lineup. Non-playoff teams such as the Jets (Clemmens vs. Pennington), Ravens (Boller vs. Smith vs. Flacco) and Dolphins (Beck vs. Henne vs. Mcknown) all have QB issues to settle. This decisions can make or break the franchise and will all play out over the next few weeks. Perhaps most intriguing QB issue is how beer-bonging legend Matt Leinhart responds to the pressure of his 3rd season in the NFL. Its time for him to step up or step off, as the weapons in the Cardinals offense should not go to waste.

Early Fantasy Football Surpirses

Many so called "experts" have AP as #2 overall on their draft boards

As football season is right around the corner, I would like to comment on some of the player rankings I have seen thus far. Things change year to year, players retire, change teams and make amazing turnarounds. A few names that have caught me offgaurd on various website’s rankings are as follows:

QB’s
Ben Rothlisberger: despite a run heavy offense in past years, new coach Mike Tomlin proved his commitment to the pass last year and that was reflected in Big Ben’s numbers. Many sites have him as a top 5 QB this year.

Jay Cutler: the Bronco’s signal caller has put up ok numbers the past few years, but many are predicting big things out of this third year QB. He is ranked in the top 10 on many lists.

RB’s
Adrian Peterson: I guess its not that surprising that last year’s runaway offensive ROY is ranked only behind LT on virtually everyone’s draft board. Still, for a second year player, the expectations created by last year’s amazing rookie campaign is quite the shock.

Frank Gore: Why is this guy still rated so high? Many sites have him as a top 5 or top 10 back, despite an injury riddled and unproductive season last year. I am just not buying the value of a guy on such an awful team.

Jamal Lewis: I’m not sure how this guy is rated consistently behind rookie Darren McFadden (who has not even played an NFL snap), Michael Turner (not only on a new team, but one of the worst) and Willie Parker/Rashard Mendenhall. Ok so the guy is old, but didn’t he look fresh last year for the surprising Browns? Keep in mind that a potent offense will get him lots of goalline touches and at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 10 scores.

WR’s
Steve Smith: The #1 rated WR going into last year surely left many owners disappointed. His offense lacked any cohesion and Jake Delhomme showed his age. So why, after nothing really changed on the Panther offense, is Mr. Smith still a top 7 or 8 WR?

The Colt’s Wideouts: With Peyton Manning under center, you can expect the WR’s in Indy to thrive. The inconsistency shown by fantasy sites in rating Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez and Marvin Harrison is remarkable. Some have Wayne as high as #2, Harrison as low as #45 and Gonzalez anywhere in between. It may be hard to predict who is going to emerge, but your better off trusting your gut.

Santonio Holmes: During his second season with the Steelers last year, Holmes broke out for a big year in only 13 games. This year, many have him in the top 15 of WR’s expecting him to build on last years success. Quite a rise for the guy out of The Ohio State University.

NFL Training Camp is right around the corner

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