ALBANY -- When Sinorice Moss played for Carol City High in Miami, he spent much time running down the field and jogging back to the huddle without touching the football. His team ran far more often than it passed.

When he played for the University of Miami, Moss started only 12 games in four years. College stars like Kevin Beard and future NFL standout Andre Johnson played in front of him.

"Whenever I got opportunities, I knew I had to make plays," Moss said.

Here may be opportunity, staring Moss in the face.

Tonight in the Giants' preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, at least four receivers figure to be sidelined by injury. That may offer Moss, a third-year player and former second-round draft pick, a chance -- perhaps his last -- to make an impression.

"I'm sure I will have some opportunities to go out there and do some things and make some plays for this team," Moss said. "When I look at this year, I'm just saying, 'Stay healthy, do what I have to do and make plays.' I know I'm capable of making plays. It's just about staying healthy and being out on the field doing it."

Indeed, injuries sidetracked Moss' first two seasons. He missed almost all of his rookie year with a quad injury and sat out the postseason a year ago with a hip problem. He caught just 26 passes in two seasons.

The Giants stuck with Moss in part because he packs big-play potential into his 5-foot-8, 185-pound frame. But given the emergence of several young wide receivers and the Giants' depth at the position, Moss may need a strong preseason to secure his roster spot.

Moss may even start against the Lions because of the Giants' injury woes at receiver. Plaxico Burress (ankle), Mario Manningham (quad), Steve Smith (groin) and David Tyree (knee) all expect to sit. Brandon London, a training-camp standout, also could be out with a hip flexor.

"When you see guys down and they're injured, you want them to be practicing, you want them to be on the field," Moss said. "But it also gives me and the younger receivers an opportunity to get some more reps and get some more passes in, show the coaches what we can do."

During the off-season, Moss sidestepped much of the Super Bowl celebration circuit to work out near his home in Miami. He met a martial-arts trainer who introduced him to kick-boxing, which he said helped his balance, coordination and explosiveness.

"I have a newfound respect for the guys who do that stuff," Moss said.

Moss said he talked about kick-boxing with fellow receiver Amani Toomer, who also uses martial arts as a means of training for the season.
There's also this similarity: Toomer endured injury-related struggles early in his career -- a torn knee ligament as a rookie forced Toomer to miss half a season. He caught just 17 balls his first two seasons combined.

"It's a very similar story," Toomer said. "I think that he has a lot of potential, and I think that he's working real hard. Personally, I think that he is going to pan out."

The first preseason game may offer Moss his best chance yet to prove as much to the Giants. At least a few of the injuries at the receiver position appear to be short-term, meaning Moss' time may be more limited later in the preseason.

"Whenever my chances come, whether it's this game or down the line, I'm just going to go out there and make some plays," Moss said. "That's what I'm here for."

(timesunion.com)

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Any lingering aggravation from Jonathan Vilma's difficult final season in New York is confined to the intermittent soreness in his surgically repaired right knee.

There's no hint of bitterness when the former Pro Bowl linebacker and two-time defensive captain discusses how and why his value to the Jets plummeted after Eric Mangini took over as head coach two years ago.

"It ended up working out better for both sides, me coming here," Vilma said after a recent training camp practice with his new team, the New Orleans Saints. "I don't have any regrets."

Vilma was the Jets' first-round draft pick in 2004 and became an immediate star. After making 118 tackles and three interceptions in his first season, he was named the Associated Press defensive rookie of the year. The next season, he was in on 187 tackles and was selected for the Pro Bowl.

In 2006, however, Mangini was hired and replaced the Jets' three-linebacker scheme with a four-linebacker formation that he knew from his time as an assistant with New England.

"Mangini came in and that's what he was accustomed to," said Vilma, who had never played in a 3-4 defense. "He had won Super Bowls in that defense, so you can't fault him for wanting to go with that."

The switch required Vilma, who is 6-foot-1, 230-pounds, to take on blocks from offensive linemen who easily outweighed him. What he lacked in size he sought to make up in quickness. Still, he wasn't the dominant linebacker he had been when he played behind four down linemen, who ate up more blockers at the line of scrimmage.

Vilma's tackle total fell to 116 in his third season, slightly lower than in his rookie year. Last year, a serious knee injury forced him to miss the last nine weeks of the season.

Vilma sensed he needed a change, and asked the Jets for permission to seek a trade. The Jets agreed, and Vilma lobbied for a deal with the Saints, who use the 4-3 alignment in which Vilma had thrived both in college at Miami and in his first two pro seasons.

New York accommodated Vilma, trading him to the Saints for a fourth-round pick and the possibility of a second- or third-round pick in 2009 if Vilma reaches certain playing incentives and signs an extension with New Orleans after this season.

The Saints saw Vilma as a player whose combination of talent and intelligence could help on the field and in the locker room.

Vilma has been limited in practice during the early days of training camp and he won't play in the Saints' first exhibition game Thursday night in Arizona.

(heraldstandard.com)

Linebacker Jon Beason will likely miss Saturday night’s preseason opener against Indianapolis.  Beason injured his ankle during Monday’s practice and is listed as day-to-day.  Beason told reporters he would probable play if this were a regular-season game. 


(panthersgab.com)

BALTIMORE -- Comebacks can be found in the strangest of places. Aubrey Huff will freely admit that his confidence was in freefall for the last few years, spiraling downward with no relief in sight. Baltimore's designated hitter found his swing during a winter in which he was too hurt to work out and mentally conflicted about his life and his future in baseball.

Paradoxically, Huff's path back to stardom started when he was too dispirited to worry about it. The veteran was coming off a trying season with a new team and a sports hernia that kept him from picking up a bat over the offseason, but perspective in the form of impending fatherhood and the passing of a former teammate helped him snap back to reality.

"I wasn't sure anymore. My numbers had gone down for two seasons before last season, and then I had that year. It was pretty much the lowest season I've ever had," he said of 2007. "My swing hadn't felt the same for three years. I'm starting to think, 'What happened? I'm 30. It's not like I'm 40.' I think, more than anything, it was a confidence thing. 'What's going on, and why is this happening?' Before you know it, your mind gets in the way. It just got more and more miserable.

"It got tough to even think about the game. It was just so frustrating that I couldn't get anything going. But this year, I just came in and said, 'I'd better have a good year or I won't have much more of a chance to do it again.'

Things had gotten that desperate for Huff, who spent the first six years of his career in Tampa Bay and described himself as "beaten down mentally" by the end of his tenure there. He had seen personal success -- four straight seasons of 20 or more home runs -- devalued by his team's losing records.

Huff's career had gotten stale at the ripe old age of 28, and then came a trade to Houston which saw his fortunes briefly revived and a free-agent contract with the Orioles that led to his worst season and the revival of all his doubts. That's where Huff was this winter when close friend and former teammate Joe Kennedy passed away from heart disease.

All of a sudden, his mind was transported from his professional despair and onto something more important.

"I just realized how short life is and why worry about things," Huff said of Kennedy's untimely passing. "You play a kid's game and ultimately, this is third in life for me behind God and my family. There's no need to come in here and stress out about a kid's game. I think about [Kennedy] every day, and it reminds me every time I put that jersey on. The guy was 28 years old when he died. He had a lot of life left. He had a baby on the way and he already had a 1-year-old.

"I know he's in a better place, but I just feel for his wife and kids. It's funny, because he reminded me a lot of myself. He'd give the media a hard time, but it was a sarcastic hard time. And he was the same with the boys in the clubhouse. He was just a genuinely sweet guy. And if he met you once, he'd know your name again in a year."

Against that backdrop, Huff found it hard to rededicate himself. He had a hernia injury that took him six weeks to rehabilitate, and when that didn't fix the problem, he had surgery and had to sit out another six weeks to recover. He came to Spring Training without having picked up a bat all winter, but he found that his second season in Baltimore just clicked.

Hitting coach Terry Crowley, who had helped Huff find a flaw in his swing late last season, said that things were better from the first day. He could tell Huff was more relaxed and prepared to resume hurting baseballs on a regular basis.

"I think he's maybe a little more happy-go-lucky. I know he's a little more comfortable with his surroundings," said Crowley, who had a 15-year playing career of his own. "Anytime a player -- whether it's a young guy or a 20-year veteran -- changes teams, it's a very different feeling when you go to the ballpark. It happened to me a couple times in my career. When you don't know your teammates, psychologically, you feel like you have to produce every day. 'These guys don't know I can hit, and I've got to show them every day.' And when that doesn't happen, you have a tendency to put pressure on yourself."

And when all of that evaporated, Huff and Crowley could just work on the basics. The pair found last season that Huff hit better from a more upright stance, and that combined with his newfound mental clarity to give him a needed boost. All of a sudden, Huff went right back to the metronomic slugger who could be counted on to fill out the middle of a lineup.

The 6-foot-4, 235-pound left-handed hitter has bounced back with a big season, batting .302 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs after a 2007 season in which he hit .280 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs.

"I think it was physical, and then when he got the feel -- 'I can see the ball better from this position, and when I get my pitch it's easier for me to drive it' -- it allowed everything to fall into place," Crowley said. "Consequently, this year, he's been a much better offspeed hitter without sacrificing anything at all on the fastball. Some guys, when they become a little better offspeed hitters, all of a sudden they're late on the heater. That's not the case with Aubrey. He's right on every fastball."

"I don't know if he looks more relaxed, because he always looks the same to me," added manager Dave Trembley. "I know he's in much better shape, it would appear. He doesn't take himself too seriously. He hits the ball the other way. He's just been a very good, consistent No. 4 hitter for us. I'm sure any time somebody comes in the organization the first year, they put a lot of expectations on themselves. That's kind of a good quality because that means they want to do well and they care. But I think after a while, they adjust, they kind of get comfortable. It's probably best for everybody that way."

Huff's success has bred more of the same, and he's helped frame Baltimore's lineup by protecting Nick Markakis and getting on base for guys like Kevin Millar and Luke Scott. He's gone from the new guy to one of the most popular players in the clubhouse, and Huff said that knowing that his wife, Barbara, is expecting has given him something new to play for.

"That's another thing. I feel good about saying, 'I know I'm going to have a little one,' and it changes my perspective on baseball," said Huff of becoming a parent. "When I was going good in 2003 and '04, I came to the field and thought, 'If I get some hits, great. If I don't, I'm not going to let it bother me.'

"I was coming in here, working hard early and thinking about my swing too much, studying more video. And I never used to do that. I kind of got back to that this year, where I'm not studying too much video and not doing too much early work," he said. "I'm just taking my batting practice and trying to make things as simple as possible. The fact that I'm going to have a little one on the way has made it much less stressful at the ballpark."

(mlb.com)

ST. LOUIS -- Even though he looked dominant on Wednesday night, Chris Perez is "no Bruce Sutter, yet."

And despite the many issues for the Cardinals' bullpen this year, manager Tony La Russa is not ready to name Perez the closer, though the rookie was lights out against the Dodgers.

"The worst thing we can do right now is heap on expectations on Perez -- anointing him the closer -- mostly because he's not ready for it," La Russa said. "Just let him take his assignments and once in a while, he's closing."

Entering the game with a runner on second base on Wednesday, Perez retired five of the six batters he faced. Possessing a blazing fastball and slider with bite, Perez has the potential to close.

Not only is Perez young and relatively inexperienced, La Russa has other reasons for hesitating with the rookie. He is in his second stint in the Majors this season. The Cardinals sent Perez back down to Triple-A Memphis on July 18 with a mission: work on the slider.

"There's a reason he got sent down," La Russa said. "He lost an edge there. ... He had a problem. Command of his fastball was good, not great. Command on his breaking ball was not as nice. If he improves both of those things, like yesterday, he does that a lot -- just let him baby step, baby step, baby step."

After Jason Isringhausen struggled on Tuesday, the Cardinals announced they would operate by a closer "by committee." La Russa said that includes anyone that is available.

In a perfect world, La Russa would rather have Perez grow into the role over the course of the year -- much like Kyle McClellan is preparing for next year and Adam Wainwright did in 2006.

"The best is if you can give him a whole year in the Major Leagues and you can groom him, groom him, groom him," La Russa said. "Then the next year, it bears fruit."

(mlb.com)

One to watch: Darnell Jenkins, Receiver
An undrafted rookie, Darnell Jenkins is intriguing the Texans with his speed at the receiver position.

He bounced back from a torn ACL in 2006 to finish with 31 catches for 619 yards and two touchdowns as a senior for the Miami Hurricanes. Jenkins had three 100-yard receiving games in his final year.

The Texans have four solid receivers, but if a newcomer can impress on special teams and fit well into the offense, he could earn his way onto the team.

Jenkins also will be eligible for the practice squad.

Along with playing football, Jenkins was a member of Miami's indoor track and field team. He graduated in December 2006 with a degree in liberal arts and is pursuing a second degree in sociology.

(chron.com)

Texans starting center Chris Myers took the path less chosen when he began his journey into professional football. Unlike most players, who didn't start playing at the Pop Warner level, Myers began in the 10th grade.

But it wasn’t his idea.

“It wasn’t my choice — it was my parent’s choice,” Myers said. “My parents wouldn’t let me play (because) I was a little bigger when I was growing up. They thought I’d be playing with guys three-years older than me and getting hurt. They didn’t want to risk it.”

So Myers patiently waited until he started high school to play the sport he loved.

“I was a football fan all my life,” Myers said. “My grandfather refereed in the NFL for over 30 years, and my uncle played for the University of Miami.”

After earning all-state honors in high school in Florida, he took his talents to his uncle’s alma mater.

“It was like a dream come true,” Myers said. “I had a great time there for five year (and) won a national championship.”

Miami connection
Myers was a three-year starter at Miami, playing in 45 games and starting 38. But he began to notice something as he played more and was drafted into the NFL by the Denver Broncos in 2005.

“Once I got to playing football, I was under the realization that I was always the smallest guy on the offensive line,” Myers said. “My first year starting in college, I weighed 265 pounds, (and) I was definitely the lightest guy on the line.”

That hasn’t changed. Now 293 pounds, the 6-foot Myers, who was traded to the Texans in the offseason, hasn’t let his relative light weight in a position populated by 300-pounders deter him from getting on the field.

“It just goes to show you that it’s as much up here as (anything),” offensive line coach John Benton said as he pointed to his head. “Chris isn’t the biggest guy, but he’s definitely not small, either.”

As the communicator of the offensive line, Myers is expected to help his teammates with the zone running schemes, and it starts with trust. Benton says the system calls for his teammates to have confidence in what blocking schemes he calls during the game.

“It all starts with what the center tells (the line) to do,” Benton said. “They have to trust him and what he sees initially.”

Help from his friends
Trust takes time to build, but fortunately for Myers, he has had a little help in the adjustment phase.

“It’s funny how things work out,” said tackle Eric Winston, who played with Myers at Miami. “I’m happy to have him here — an extra buddy. We’ve got such a great nucleus of guys on the team. He’s a great addition.”

He may be the “new guy” on the line, but Myers is ready to help it reach its full potential.

“I’m looking to help them out with the zone running scheme,” Myers said. “So far, we’re having fun with it. …We’re going to do some big things this season. I can’t wait to get to regular-season games.”

(chron.com)

The final leg of our NFC North tour would have made the Chicago Bears a lot happier if we had stopped in Mankato and kidnapped Bernard Berrian.

"If you see Bernard up there, tell him I said hello and I miss him," said Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner, referring to the former Chicago receiver and current member of the rival Vikings.

"I was crushed when he left, to be honest with you. He was a great football player in his prime and getting ready to play better. It was a huge loss for us, and he's going to have a huge impact in Minnesota. With that running game they have, and Bernard on the outside ..."

The NFC North tour caught the Bears in the early stages of training camp Wednesday. But it still seemed later than usual to find an NFL team still so unsettled at key positions such as left tackle, where rookie first-round draft pick Chris Williams has been injured; running back, where second-round draft pick Matt Forte is showing promise; quarterback, where Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton are rotating days with the starting unit; and receiver, where Berrian left via free agency to sign a six-year, $42 million deal with the Vikings and Muhsin Muhammad was released.

The candidates to help replace Berrian's team-leading 71 catches and 951 yards include Marty Booker, Brandon Lloyd, Mark Bradley, Rashied Davis, third-round pick Earl Bennett and last but definitely not least Devin Hester, the league's best return man.

"We definitely think Devin Hester can be a No. 1 receiver for us," coach Lovie Smith said.

This year? With no career starts and only 20 catches? And having never played receiver on a regular basis since, well, ever?

"Definitely so," Smith said. "I wouldn't doubt anything that Devin Hester could do. Whether it's returning punts, taking a couple of snaps at quarterback, playing cornerback. I think he'll be able to figure it out."

(startribune.com)

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- The whispers finally should have been silenced last year.

In his mind, Reggie Wayne used the 2007 season to quiet any skeptics who thought his emergence in the Indianapolis Colts offense was due in large part because he was Marvin Harrison's sidekick.

Last season, Harrison, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a future Hall of Famer, was not around for 11 games. Wayne was, and generated a career-best 104 receptions for a league-high 1,510 yards and 10 touchdowns.

"That was an opportunity for me to shut everybody the hell up because there was still people out there saying I'm in Marv's shadow and I'm just doing all this because of Marv," Wayne said Tuesday as he relaxed in a golf cart during a break in training camp at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. "That was my opportunity to slap them in the face.

"I still hear it. And that's cool because that motivates me. I'm driven to prove everybody wrong."

Year after year.

First it was the University of Florida, where his speed and potential as a deep threat were questioned despite a stellar prep career at New Orleans' John Ehret High School. Spurned by the Gators, he became a record-setter at Miami.

Then local fans wondered why the Colts would take another receiver in the first round of the 2001 draft when the team's defense needed help.

"I'm driven to prove everybody wrong," Wayne said. "It's personal."

Even after he made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2006, many stuck to the notion he owed much of his success to Harrison's magnetic on-field presence that routinely drew extra defensive coverage.

"Hey, I'll take that," Wayne said. "I'm glad I've got a Hall of Famer on the other side. Helps me out."

But when Harrison suffered a left knee injury against Denver in last season's fourth game, the focus immediately shifted squarely to Wayne.

He embraced the challenge.

"I wanted to prove to everybody last year that I can be a top dog in this league," Wayne said.

The result was one of the best single seasons by a receiver in club history, arguably one that rivaled Harrison's league-record 143-catch output in 2002. That year, Harrison averaged 12 yards per catch and ranked second in the league with 14 receptions for at least 25 yards. Last season, Wayne averaged 14.5 yards per catch and led the league with 16 catches of at least 25 yards.

Coach Tony Dungy said the Colts have had "two No. 1 receivers" the past four or five seasons. His appreciation of Wayne is rooted in year-after-year progress and consistency. Wayne has been a 16-game starter each of the past five seasons and can become the first player in NFL history to increase his receptions total in eight straight seasons.

"He is one of those guys you don't worry about," Dungy said. "You kind of pencil in 85 to 90 catches and 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. That's what we expect and that's what he's delivered."

For much of '07, Wayne delivered without Harrison, or any other established receiver support. When the Colts dropped a 23-21 decision at San Diego, Wayne had 10 receptions for 140 yards. Harrison was injured. So were tight end Dallas Clark and rookie receiver Anthony Gonzalez. Wayne's supporting cast included tight end Bryan Fletcher and receivers Craphonso Thorpe and Aaron Moorehead. None currently is on an active roster.

"It's a little like a guy that hit 25 home runs for five years and drove in 95 runs," team president Bill Polian said, "and then all of a sudden the guy that hits in front of him isn't there and he hits 40 home runs and drives in 125 runs.

"Is he any different (a) player? Not really. He's just getting more opportunity."

So, has Wayne not only silenced a group he sarcastically labels "my doubters," but also supplanted Harrison as the Colts' No. 1 receiver?
Wayne smiled, and laughed.

"I don't buy into that. Marv's still O.G. (Original Gangster), man. Marv's still the Don. Marv's a Hall of Famer. Check his stats. He's been there and done that. I'm trying to get where he's at."

(indystar.com)

MANKATO -- Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie faces plenty of unknowns as he prepares for his seventh NFL season.

He faces four charges, including one felony, stemming from a brawl outside a Miami nightclub in February, and he is scheduled for a Sept. 24 court date. (He does not need to appear.) That incident also made McKinnie a repeat offender of the league's conduct policy, meaning he could face a multi-game suspension from the NFL.

McKinnie, who met with Commissioner Roger Goodell in June, said Wednesday he has not heard from the league and isn't worrying about things at this point. "I actually have been focused on football," he said. "I feel like some of the stuff that happened in the offseason has been my motivation to play well this season. I've been pretty focused."

There is good reason for this. In March, Vikings coach Brad Childress admitted to reporters that he faced a potentially "difficult" decision on McKinnie's future. Childress' message almost certainly was conveyed in a face-to-face discussion with McKinnie, who received a seven-year contract extension worth $48.5 million in 2006. McKinnie said Childress and the Vikings have been supportive throughout this process.

McKinnie isn't in a situation to talk about his case -- his Florida-based attorney has asked the state to allow McKinnie to enter a pre-trial diversion program that could lead to the charges being dismissed -- but said he's confident things will work out.

"People may not know the whole story," McKinnie said. "Sometimes it might get portrayed as one way when that might not be the case. ... I guess when everything is done and over with then you could possibly talk about it. It depends on how everything goes."

Meanwhile, McKinnie is spending much of camp locked in one-on-one battles with Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen, who led the NFL with 15.5 sacks last season. That experience should be very valuable considering McKinnie's goal is to improve his pass blocking.

(startribune.com)

ALBANY, N.Y. - With no other kickers in the New York Giants' training camp, Jeff Feagles and Lawrence Tynes can enjoy some job security.

But even job security has a down side. For the Super Bowl champion punter and place-kicker, that means competing against themselves.

Of course, that's something both have done before.

Feagles has punted only a few times in the first two weeks of camp. Most of the time, he will take snaps from Zak DeOssie, take a few steps forward and then stop as a machine behind him sends a football downfield in a perfect spiral for the returners to handle.

"Right now, the machine is a lot better than I am. He can kick all day," said the 42-year-old Feagles, entering his 21st NFL season.

When the team practices twice a day at the University at Albany, he spends the mornings inside the gym, stretching, swimming and doing little drills that he has done for years.

"I just have to maintain what I've developed up to this point," he said as the Giants prepared for their preseason opener against the Lions in Detroit on Thursday. "For me I'm ready to go."

Tynes isn't as fortunate. The 30-year-old, who is in his fifth year, is on the field for both practices. He usually kicks off about 10 times a day and attempts at least eight field goals.

But during the morning sessions, he usually works by himself.

"It's just me out there," Tynes said. "It's boring. I don't have a snapper or a punter to hang out with."

Fifty to 60 times a day, Tynes will retrace the steps he will take on a field goal attempt and then swing his leg through an imaginary ball.

Of course, every kick is down the middle, splitting the uprights, like the one in overtime in Green Bay in January that sent the Giants to the Super Bowl and set up their stunning win over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots.

"It was a great memory for me but I want to move on. As great as that was, I still have room to improve," said Tynes, who missed two other game-winning field goal attempts in the NFC title game before converting.

Since last season ended, Tynes has been adjusting his kicking motion toward more explosive kickoffs and field goals. He said the changes are subtle, but there has been more pop to his kicks.

His accuracy is better than in camp a year ago when he was pushed for the place-kicking job by Josh Huston; this year, Tynes hit his first 19 field goal attempts.

However, there is also another reason for the improvement this year , Tynes got a chance to prepare for camp.

A year ago, his wife had a difficult pregnancy and delivered twins the day Tynes was leaving for camp. He struggled early, but made the team and hit 23 of 27 field goals attempts during the season. The game winner against Green Bay was his only game winner of the year.

"People say what a difference a year makes, and they are right," Tynes said.

During training camp, the thrill for Tynes and Feagles comes in little competitions, like the one coach Tom Coughlin set up last Friday.
Feagles represented the defense and Tynes the offense. The winning group got an extended curfew that night.

Feagles' goal was to punt inside the 10-yard line. Tynes had to make 40-something-yard field goals. Both missed on their first three tries.

Feagles got one down at the 5-yard line on his fourth, leaving Tynes with a make-or-come-home-early kick.

With curfew at stake, Feagles , the holder for Tynes , considered his options.

"I was thinking of Charlie Browning him on one," Feagles quipped. "But he was representing the offense and they would've probably piled me on."
Feagles didn't pull the ball away from Tynes on his last kick and it went through the uprights. Everyone got an extra hour added to their curfew, which made Tynes and Feagles popular with everyone.

"It was a good time," Feagles said.

(philly.com)

The tax man is trying to sack Bernie Kosar, former Hurricane and NFL star. The Internal Revenue Service filed a $228,806.21 lien -- income tax owed for 2006, according to Broward County records. Kosar is also delinquent on his 2007 property tax for his Weston home, on Paddock Road in Windmill Ranch Estates. He failed to pay $52,724.95 due last March 31 and now owes $59,881.49 with penalties, interest and other charges.

Kosar -- developer, restaurateur, Arena Football team president, and Florida Panthers limited partner -- says the tax bills fell through the cracks. ''I just found out about it.'' He intends to make good.

Kosar, who played for the Browns, Cowboys and Dolphins, went through a contentious split from wife Babette that became final in December. He says some of the tax notices went to his old address. ``When you go through a divorce and you have to switch all the names and all of the paper and all of the accounts, this stuff happens.''

Also, he says, he was busy with the Cleveland Gladiators -- he owns a piece of the team with attorney Jim Ferraro, majority owner and CEO. And Kosar runs Bernie Kosar's Steakhouse in South Miami, amid a battle over money with Dan Harri, his former chef and partner.

Harri says he loaned Kosar and the business $142,612.62, according to a letter to Kosar from Harri's attorney, Timothy Perenich. Harri declared bankruptcy in January.

Kosar says Harri owes him money. They've had terse e-mail exchanges over the past few months.

Harri: ''I have to do what I have to do . . . '' Kosar: ``I trusted and gave you 10 extra chances and still haven't asked what happened with all the early yrs money when we were over 100K per month.''

Harri: ''Kosar Hospitality owes me . . . I have kept very low profile on this.'' Kosar: ``I went way above what I should to help you and you haven't even repaid one thing let alone all the mess and crimes I am cleaning up from you.''

Harri: ''Am available . . . if you would like to discuss.'' Kosar: ``U ungrateful stupid idiot . . . You can rot in hell . . . You aren't even close to professional.''

Kosar's Cleveland lawyer, John Climaco, says Harri and Jacob Kreuzer, a Houston collection agency investigator, are using strongarm tactics. Climaco cites an e-mail that Kreuzer sent to a Kosar assistant, saying Harri planned to ''air a lot of dirty laundry about Bernie's personal life'' to media outlets including ESPN.

Climaco wrote Kreuzer and Perenich: ''Such extortionary threats are not taken lightly'' and warned that Harri could face a defamation suit if he discusses his ''unfounded claims'' with the media.

Harri is now business development director for a Tampa-area plumbing company.

(miamiherald.com)

(On working on his hands to catch balls better) “I would like to rate my hands to be one of the best hands on the team, I always tell all of the players that. When it comes to plays like that, I like to make those plays. Sometimes I can’t but I will keep working on it.”

(On his knowledge of the defensive system) “I am just playing, I am just playing football, and I think I am just playing. I don’t know how good of a camp I am really having, I know I am breaking some balls up, but I am just playing the game of football that I love. What [Defensive Coordinator] Monte Kiffin tells me, and what Raheem tells me, I am still learning, and Ronde is still teaching me, so I am learning from him. I am also learning from other players in certain things that they do. I am enjoying myself to the best of my ability, and I am playing the game of football, something I love. I am just going to keep on working hard, and keep pushing myself.”

(On what he looks to work on in the first preseason game) “Just work on timing and just trying to make the right fits and just trying to get back into the game process and everything. [I am] just taking it step-by-step. I am going to go out there and just build off of some of the things I did last year and then try to fix some things so I will be ready before the opening game at the New Orleans Saints.”

(On improving his tackling skills) “I would say a better environment. I never figured myself to have a problem with tackling anyway. I think the situation that I was put in, it was down, a lot of losing, a lot of stuff going on behind closed doors that people don’t really know about it, it was kind of depressing. At the same time, I just came here with the mindset of me just coming out here playing. It is just the environment, they respect you, they make you feel like a man, and at certain places they never really make you feel that way. They have a great deal of respect here and that is one thing that I love about playing in Tampa.”

(On the need to be able to tackle in the secondary) “Being here, we take pride [in our tackling]. When you watch Ronde and Derrick Brooks, and all these other veteran players, they lead by example. So if you don’t fall in line, you are going to be left behind. It is real simple to just fall in line. I like the way that they approach practice, the way they approach the game. They study and they are just on top of things. They are never perfect, you can never be perfect, but you can try to be perfect and that is Ronde’s and Derrick Brooks’ motto.”

(On where the defense can improve) “You can always improve every year, because we were number two so we want to be number one, so we can improve in that area. If we can improve on making more impact plays, to help our offense, to give our offense some more [yards] and put them in a better situation, because Tampa’s defense prides itself on getting turnovers and scoring with them, so that was always the whole implication once I first got here. So if we can emphasize more on that, and being more physical, stripping the balls, and trying to get the ball back and scoring with it, not just turning the ball over but scoring with it. That is more of the improvement that I see, that we can make a big improvement on. As far as that, just having fun and everybody just showing effort and hustling.”

(tampablab.com)

Jonathan Vilma has taken a step back and practiced only once per day recently. Head coach Sean Payton informs the New Orleans Times-Picayune that Vilma is "one of those guys you've got to pull back because they're not going to pull back themselves." The linebacker is recovering from left knee surgery.

(nooffseason.com)

The Arizona Republic reports Cardinals HC Ken Whisenhunt was asked Tuesday if FS Antrel Rolle would return some punts in the preseason. He noted that Rolle returned four interceptions for touchdowns last year, although one was nullified by penalty. "The answer to that would be yes," Whisenhunt. "I would like to look at him in that role and see what he can do."

(ffmastermind.com)

Not much going on in Santa Clara Tuesday, just a single special teams practice in the late afternoon. So, with all the negativity surrounding the 49ers' offense and their passing game, we thought we might try to lift some spirits and turn to Frank Gore.

This is the the best shape I've seen him in. He said he dropped 10 pounds and he said he weighs about 214. He's never had the cut physique of a Vernon Davis, but gone is last year's baby fat. I don't blame him for that. Last year was one of the toughest of his life. He lost his mother, Liz, in September and then good friend Sean Taylor later in the season. He wanted to gain over 2,000 yards and he barely made half of that with 1,102 yards. He also saw his yards per carry drop from 5.4 in 2006 to 4.2 last year. He battled through a sprained ankle for most of the season and had to watch opportunities disappear while the offense put together the most three-and-outs of any team in the league.

Gore has the type of personality where he blames much of last year's offensive woes upon himself. So this year he decided to take a different approach. He's doing everything future Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk is telling him to do.

"I talked to him three of four times," Gore said. "Before training camp he told me some things."

The first was to get down to 212 pounds, the same weight Faulk was when he was the centerpiece of the Rams' offense under Mike Martz. He told Gore to run after practice every day. Gore does that. And he said to pepper Martz with questions and Gore is complying there too.

The mimick of Faulk is going well. Gore looks like a more polished receiver and he's darting into holes with razor-like cuts.

Martz is likely to use Gore differently than Faulk - more running and less pass receiving. Martz is also likely to do everything he can to get defenses from loading up against Gore by using three- and four-receiver sets and lots of motion.

Maybe Gore does rush for 2,000 yards, just a year later than he anticipated.

(sfgate.com)

The Carroll County Times reports Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee (left knee) will definitely be out for Thursday night's preseason opener against the New England Patriots with a left knee injury. "We decided to take about a week and work the knee, strengthen it, get the swelling down and get him back after the game," Ravens HC John Harbaugh said. Rookie RB Ray Rice, who has been one of the stars of training camp, will start in his place. "He's a rookie, but, gosh, he's had a lot of carries his whole career," Harbaugh said. "As a running back, he's a veteran. It will be new for him playing against an NFL defense, particularly that defense, and it will be interesting to see how he'll do. But I'd be surprised if he's not up to the task." When McGahee returns, the Ravens envision Rice operating as a complementary presence in the backfield. "Willis is our back, no question about it," Harbaugh said. "You need at least two good backs to get through an NFL season. Most offenses would prefer to have an explosive weapon like Ray to throw in there, no question." Added Rice: "I'm looking forward to his return to see how good a duo we could be."

(ffmastermind.com)

The Houston Chronicle reports Texans WR Andre Johnson was held out of practice Monday and may not make an appearance in the first preseason game against the Broncos. Johnson tweaked his hamstring during practice Saturday. “Andre is doing well,” HC Gary Kubiak said. “I think we're very fortunate with Andre, but I think we're going to take the cautious approach. We're going to make sure we get him 120 percent back before he comes back out here. We'll try to keep his condition level up, but I think we're very fortunate that it wasn't worse.”

(ffmastermind.com)

When CB Phillip Buchanon joined the Bucs in 2006, he had developed a reputation as an indifferent tackler in stops at Oakland and Houston.

Buchanon has shown a willingness to be more physical in Tampa's scheme, which calls for defensive backs to play a key role in stopping the run and wrapping up receivers after the catch.

"Being here, we take pride in tackling," Buchanon said. "When you watch CB Ronde Barber and LB Derrick Brooks and all these other veteran players, they lead by example. If you don't fall in line, you are going to be left behind."

(tbo.com)

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Roscoe Parrish has already demonstrated that he’s proficient in the West Coast offense, sort of. Specifically, his most prominent knack, namely the ability to juke gunners on punt returns and then race downfield, is similar to the offensive system’s reliance on yards after catches. While he’s been most spectacular on kicking plays and not out of a traditional formation, the man who has too often been left idling could finally be energy efficient in the Bills’ 2008 system, especially considering that he’s already made himself mildly noticeable at training camp.

While offensive coordinator Turk Schonert seems intent on installing a scheme using Bill Walsh’s principles and not the late genius’ wholesale structure, it’s still apparent that the Bills will be inclined to use quick drop backs, brief routes, and plenty of targets. The primary beneficiary should be quarterback Trent Edwards, as his penchant for delivering accurately thrown short passes and capacity to supervise are good skills for quarterbacks mentally residing on the West Coast.

But Parrish could get a payoff from the new philosophy, too. He’s only compiled 73 receptions over his three campaigns, and the Miami product’s career average of 11.2 yards gained per catch isn’t overwhelming, either. A bit of math leads to an outcome of 820 career yards gained on offense, a threadbare total even for a specialist who isn’t counted upon to be a top two receiver.

So what could change his fringe status in the offense? The key is the same as it’s been his first three seasons, namely finding a way to use what he does well. Lawfully, Parrish must be referred to as a “speedster” in any piece about him, and it’s for good reason: His fleetness is his defining characteristic as a footballer, even though he’s also showing an uncommon toughness for his frame by absorbing licks at recent practices to complement his displays of velocity. But he can’t use said pace without first making a reception.

The fact that coaches have failed to get the ball in his hands to begin with has impeded Parrish from becoming a kinetic threat, as his potential remains bottled. It’s like watching an American-produced Jackie Chan film and seeing the star’s talent go to waste, as people who have no idea what to do with an individual’s skill set nonetheless get to misuse the poor soul.

But the good news for the Bills is that former offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild is now preparing to bore a college team (Colorado State) to death by leading it to a wretched performance, and new boss Schonert is sympathetic toward concepts that should benefit frustrated yet dynamic components such as Parrish.

Quick throws in his direction will allow him to send prospective tacklers out of position before racing downfield, especially if the staff uses Parrish on slants where he could jet past cover men either before, during, or just after making a catch. If it helps him visualize success, he can pretend that he’s just fielded a punt.

With Parrish, it’s not a matter of sending him long; rather, it’s sending him short and then letting him sprint away after the reception. A style of offense utilizing rapid connections will allow Parrish to do his best work, specifically by schooling secondary members the same way he’s already embarrassed so many special teams foes.

(realfootball365.com)

Danny O'Neil, of The Seattle Times, reports Seattle Seahawks DL Baraka Atkins (undisclosed) appeared to be injured in goal-line drills. Atkins was slow to get up and was being looked at by team trainers.



(kffl.com)

Standing on the practice field in a San Francisco 49ers football uniform at Redwood Middle School Monday, Kyle Wright must have felt like his life had come full circle.

From St. Helena to Napa to Danville to Miami to Minneapolis to Santa Clara and now back to the Napa Valley, Wright looked around after a joint practice with the Oakland Raiders during training camp and noticed a lot of familiar surroundings.

“It’s good to be out here,” he said. “It’s been a humbling experience. It’s surreal.”

“I practiced with the Napa Saints right out there on those fields, from when I was about 9 until I was 13,” Wright said, looking north. “I played middle school basketball in this Redwood gym here. That’s where we were getting taped.”

Wright, a rookie from the University of Miami, is one of four quarterbacks on the Niners roster. The team had two practices against the Raiders yesterday before returning to their facility in Santa Clara.

“I’m just happy to be in a new situation and have a new opportunity and just kind of turn the page from that,” he said.

The 49ers claimed Wright, a former Napa resident, off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings last month. Wright, who played a year of junior varsity football at Vintage High School before transferring to Monte Vista-Danville, was signed by Minnesota as an undrafted free agent in April following the NFL Draft. He was waived by the Vikings on July 2.

He played four years of college football at Miami and finished his final season by passing for 1,747 yards with 12 touchdowns and rushing for 66 yards and three touchdowns for the Hurricanes.

Wright was Miami’s starting quarterback for much of the past three seasons. In 10 games in 2007, he completed 141 of 241 passes.

Wright threw 38 touchdown passes with 31 interceptions in 33 games at Miami. He played for the Hurricanes from 2004 to 2007.

“The last couple of years at Miami were tough,” he said. “That’s kind of the product of not winning games.”

In 2005, his first season as a starter, Wright tied a school record by throwing five touchdown passes in a 47-17 victory against Wake Forest. He led the ACC in touchdown passes (18), was second in pass efficiency to Virginia Tech’s Marcus Vick, and was the only Honorable Mention All-ACC selection at quarterback.

He was selected as the quarterback on the Preseason All-ACC team and finished second in balloting for the ACC Preseason Player of the Year in 2006. Wright was also named to the Maxwell Award watchlist and was projected as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

Wright was widely regarded as the nation’s top high school quarterback for the 2002-2003 season, during which he was named the Gatorade National High School Football Player of the Year and SuperPrep National Player of the Year, as well as being ranked the fifth best overall player in the nation by Scout recruiting magazine. He played in the 2003 U.S. Army All-American Bowl game.

Additionally, Wright was ranked as the best pro-style quarterback in the class of 2003 by rivals.com.

He is playing behind Shaun Hill, Alex Smith and J.T. O’Sullivan, the three candidates to be the 49ers’ starting quarterback. He is also working with offensive  coordinator Mike Martz and quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner.

“When my agent called me and told me I was going to San Francisco, I was really happy,” said Wright, who grew up a Niners fan. “It was a cool deal. I’m just trying to take my opportunities one step at a time. I’m learning a lot from coach Tollner and coach Martz.

“It’s hard coming in late in the game like I did. I’ve really only been in the offense for about a week. Coach (Mike) Nolan’s slogan this year is ‘one step at a time.’ And that’s how I’m approaching it.

“Coach Martz demands a lot. He and coach Tollner are great teachers and I’m just trying to absorb all that.”

Wright said he hasn’t been getting many reps because he joined the team late.

“Honestly, it’s nice to be in a situation where I can sit back and learn — that’s pretty much what I anticipate this year,” he said.

Wright attended St. Helena Catholic School from the third grade through sixth grade and played in the St. Helena Little League program. His father, Ken, works for the city of Napa.

“I used to go up to the Vets Home, as my dad was a baseball coach. I was a bat-boy up there, summer after summer.”

(napavalleyregister.com)

Don Markus, of the Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday, Aug. 5, that RB Willis McGahee (knee) would be out for about a week, but he might make a quicker recovery if RB Ray Rice has a big debut Thursday, Aug. 7.


(kffl.com)

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun has been named the National League Player of the Month for July.

The right-handed hitter completed the month with nine homers, 23 RBI, six doubles, three triples and a .366 batting average. He posted 10 multi-hit games and on six occasions drove in two or more runs.

Braun had a career-best five RBI at San Francisco on July 20, then collected four hits in back-to-back contests on July 23 and 24 at St. Louis, only the fifth player in Brewers history to accomplish the feat.

In addition, Braun's power was on display in three consecutive games from July 26-28, when he homered in three consecutive games -- twice against Houston and once against Chicago.

The Miami-Florida product took home NL monthly honors for the second straight July. He has put together a stellar season thus far, with 29 homers and 82 RBI while batting .296 in 109 games.

(sportsnetwork.com)

Righthander Chris Perez was recalled from Memphis today and outfielder Nick Stavinoha was optioned to the Triple-A club. Perez, who was 2-0 with a 4.18 earned-run average in a previous trial with the Cardinals, was the closer at Memphis. Given the Cardinals’ closer issues here, will he be the ninth-inning man at the major-league level?

Maybe. Maybe not.

Manager Tony La Russa, for the moment, is adopting the closer-by-committee approach. He said Perez was coming up anyway, even before the ninth-inning problems experienced by Jason Isringhausen in Tuesday’s 6-4 win in 11 innings.

"I’m going to look at the guys available and piece it together to the best of my ability," said La Russa, who proceeded to say the same thing in different words three or four times this afternoon.

"There isn’t anybody in that bullpen that couldn’t pitch the ninth inning, in my opinion," La Russa said. "Mix and match the best I can. Just watch the game. That’s the best way to describe it. That way you don’t get too specific and have to come back and explain it."

Righthander Ryan Franklin, trying to clean up Isringhausen’s mess, actually got credit, if that’s the word, for the Cardinals’ 27th blown save of the season on Tuesday. La Russa said that Franklin would pitch late innings when available but he also said he thought Isringhausen, whose confidence has been an issue nearly all season, was salvageable.

"I definitely do," La Russa said. "I think he’s got a lot he can offer us."

La Russa said the format he will use for at least a while wasn’t ideal. "But we’re having our struggles," he said. "It’s not ideal but I think it’s the reality of the circumstances we’re in."

(stltoday.com)

The Houston Chronicle reports Texans ORT Eric Winston is getting more and more comfortable at right tackle, and people around the NFL are taking notice. The Texans are happy with the player he has developed into over the past three years. "He's a lot like WR Kevin Walter," HC Gary Kubiak said. "He's turned into a pro, busts his tail every day. Good kid, good technician, should play out there for a long, long time. He's got a lot of respect around this league, and I think the future is very bright for him." Winston, who is starting his third season, says the game has slowed down a lot for him since his rookie season. He took over at right tackle last season when an injury forced OT Zach Wiegert to the sidelines. Winston then started the final seven games and never relinquished the job. "I feel like my first year here, I was kind of all over the place. And then when I got my chance, I took the most of it," Winston said. "Last year, I think I took a big sophomore step in proving myself and solidifying my spot and what I can do there. Now I'm really able to come out here and do something special."

(ffmastermind.com)

BOURBONNAIS - The question of whether or not Devin Hester is good enough to be a starting wide receiver this year, and maybe even a No. 1, may already have been answered.

In Sunday's practice, Hester caught 7 of Rex Grossman's 20 completions, beating both starting cornerbacks, Nate Vasher and Charles "Peanut" Tillman, who form one of the more talented tandems in the NFL.

"Peanut is probably one of the best corners in the league because he's very physical," Hester said. "You know once you go against Peanut, you're going to have to be prepared to fight. Peanut is an aggressive corner; he's going to get his hands on you. Receivers don't like corners getting their hands on them. Going against a corner that's real aggressive, you've got to step up and play big."

Opponents who try to jam Hester at the line of scrimmage will suffer the consequences if he gets a clean break.

"He's a mismatch for a lot of people speed-wise," Grossman said. "So, if they want to come up and play press, man-to-man coverage with no safety help, they're going to get burned. We're excited about that matchup all season."

Hopes fading: The hope was that first-round pick Chris Williams would be back at practice when the Bears returned to Olivet Nazarene University on Sunday. But the offensive tackle didn't appear any closer to returning to the field than he has since July 24, the second day of camp, when he suffered a strained back.

Williams was being counted on as the opening-day left tackle, but that possibility now seems remote.

"It hurts him each day he misses," coach Lovie Smith said. "But I've seen players miss a lot of time and come back and still be successful. That's what we're hoping will happen with Chris."

Williams, who isn't even jogging on the side at practices yet, could not provide a timetable for his return.

"I have no idea," he said.

"I hope it's not too much longer."

(dailyherald.com)

Day 4: Improving each and every day what the interior offensive lineman lacks in physical ability, Morse has shown a solid work ethic and decent tools. Today for example the guard displayed his strong hands and the ability to really entangle a defender at the point of attack, plus enough athletic ability to get his head across and cut off his assignment backside. What he lacked during the day was patience. Morse was simply unable to sit back and wait to land his punch but would rather attack a defender and maul. As a late addition to the roster, the Hurricane product has an uphill battle but he continues to work hard show some promise.

Day 3: Strong when delivering his initial blow, the Hurricane product displayed dead feet during the day.   Early indications as an in-the-box blocker, Morse needs to pump the feet to drive opponents off the ball.

Day 2: Looked solid in the box, but struggled when asked to move in space and handling more talented defensive linemen.

(cle.scout.com)

FOXBOROUGH - There has been a new sound emanating from the Patriots' defense this year, one that has caught the ears of everyone from coach Bill Belichick to linebacker Tedy Bruschi to safety Rodney Harrison.

It is coming from Brandon Meriweather, who has been shouting instructions from the secondary with confidence and authority.

Off the field, the second-year safety has a soft-spoken timbre. He's polite, unassuming, and almost timid, but on the field his teammates have noticed a difference both in Meriweather's communication skills and his play. The 24-year-old, who struggled to be heard from at times during his rookie year, has been making noise in training camp - both literally and figuratively - emerging as one of the team's breakout players after the first week.

With the contracts of Harrison and safety James Sanders set to expire after this season, Meriweather finding both his voice and his place in the secondary couldn't come at a better time for Belichick and vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli.

"I think he made a lot of improvement last year during the course of the year," said Belichick. "He had a good offseason. He had a good spring. I think he's much better than he was last year at this time, as you would expect, and he continues to improve on a regular basis."

Meriweather has not only become a better communicator; he's become a better interceptor. The 5-foot-11-inch, 200-pounder watched balls clank off his hands last year, including one that could have potentially clinched a victory in the Super Bowl.

In response, he spent the offseason catching passes fired by defensive line coach Pepper Johnson and catapulted from a JUGS machine, and doing reaction drills he learned from former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel, to improve his hands.

The difference has been noticeable, as Meriweather has intercepted two passes already in camp, including a juggling effort Wednesday.

"Every one you catch you get a little bit more confidence in yourself, and you start to put stuff behind you," said Meriweather. "So, every one that I get to put my hands on that I actually come up with, it's just going to be that much more of a confidence booster."

Confidence was something Meriweather lacked for much of last season as he tried to get acclimated to the NFL. After being selected with the 24th overall pick in the draft, the former University of Miami star was miscast as a cornerback. With Samuel refusing to sign his franchise tender at this time last year, Meriweather was projected as his potential replacement.

That seemed to stunt his growth, as he had trouble learning the cornerback, slot corner, and safety positions in the playbook. However, Meriweather came on down the stretch last season, when he was employed in more of a safety role as a nickel (five defensive backs) or dime (six defensive backs) defender. He finished the season with 16 tackles and three passes defended and earned his first career start in the Super Bowl.
Belichick said that with Meriweather's increased confidence, he is playing faster. Returning to safety, the position he primarily played at Miami, seems to have brought out the best in him.

"To be honest, I just play whatever my coaches ask me to. It's not really a comfort level with safety," said Meriweather. "It's more of me just knowing what to do and how to do it."

And now he's letting everybody know it. In fact, sometimes Meriweather has been too boisterous.

"I even had to tell him to shut up because he was trying to tell me how to do my job," joked Harrison. "It's nice to see [from] Brandon. Obviously, he's a very talented young man. He's worked extremely hard this last year, and as he gets older and his role increases, he's going . . . to become more vocal, and he's definitely becoming a leader out there."

Where has Meriweather's newfound talkativeness come from?

"Being confident," said Meriweather. "Confidence in your playbook and confidence in the players around you. Having confidence in and knowing that what you're saying is right."

Meriweather feels he has something to prove after a less-than-riveting rookie season. His career will always be followed closely because the draft pick the Patriots used to select him was acquired when they shipped wide receiver Deion Branch to the Seattle Seahawks.

Meriweather spent part of the offseason picking the brain of another former Hurricanes safety who went 24th overall, Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Ed Reed.

"Just to talk to him is a blessing. Ed Reed is a good friend and everything I can learn from him, I am," said Meriweather.

Meriweather may never reach the level of play of Reed or Harrison, two of the biggest talkers and best safeties in the game, but he's no longer afraid to speak up.

But as vociferous as Meriweather has become on the field, he was at a loss for words to explain how different this training camp feels from his rookie year.

"I can't put that into words. It's a totally different Brandon right now," he said.

(boston.com)

ALBANY, NY - Sinorice Moss’ first two NFL seasons were marked by a disconnect between his potential and his production. Blessed with speed, explosion, quickness and sure hands, Moss has only 26 receptions in 19 NFL games. But he remains confident that he has the ability to be a big-time NFL receiver. The Giants believe the third-year pro has the skills to be a big contributor in their passing game.

And the parties agree on what Moss must do to realize his potential and boost the Giants’ offense.

“I just have to be consistent,” Moss said today.

“I’d like to see consistency,” coach Tom Coughlin said.

Moss has worked hard to establish that elusive commodity in the Giants’ training camp at the University at Albany. Unlike fellow wideouts Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Steve Smith, David Tyree and Mario Manningham, Moss has not missed a practice. He has caught just about every ball thrown his way and – yes – been perhaps the most consistent receiver on the field.

“I have to keep the same frame of mind I’ve had since I walked into this organization and stay positive while being consistent while making plays day-in and day-out,” was Moss’ not-so-succinct description of the challenge he faces. “There are a lot of reps out there to be given and with any opportunity anybody can step up and make the plays. With those guys down it has given us a chance to go out there and make some plays for the team and show the coach what we are capable of doing.”

Moss has tried to do that since arriving as a second-round draft choice from the University of Miami in 2006. But as a rookie two years ago, a quad injury forced him to miss virtually all of training camp. He played in only six games and caught five passes. Last season, he played in 13 games with two starts and had 21 receptions for 225 yards. He also averaged 19.4 yards on 10 kickoff returns. But Moss was inactive, initially due to a hip injury, for the final two regular season games and the Giants’ four-game postseason championship run. He has yet to score an NFL touchdown.

“He certainly has had times in his career (shown) flashes,” Coughlin said. “Consistency would be a big factor here, and also the ability to contribute, whether it is as a punt returner or the opportunity to get the label as a big play guy. That would be something that would really help our team, having a guy that could show us that capability of making the big play.”

Moss demonstrated that at Miami, where he averaged 17.3 yards a catch as a senior. The Giants selected him with the 44th pick in the draft, but Moss has been unable to approach his collegiate production in the NFL.

“It’s been very frustrating,” Moss said. “I wanted to go out there and help the team, contribute and perform but injuries have slowed me down. But my opportunity is here now and it’s time for me to show up.”

He started doing that in the offseason, when Moss was a regular participant in the team’s offseason conditioning program. That dedication, and Moss’ natural talent, is a reason the coaches remain excited about his potential, even after two subpar seasons.

“Sinorice has a speed and explosiveness that is unique and that is special,” wide receivers coach Mike Sullivan said when camp opened. “Obviously, he has had some injury setbacks, he’s had some things that have been disappointing for him, I’m sure, and disappointing for us. He had a strong minicamp and OTAs and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do coming into this setting as we start the 2008 season. As we have said time and again, there is great competition at the position and we’re anxious to see how that plays itself out. With his third year being in the scheme, I think he has a little better feel for the assignments and what we’re trying to do and being versatile and move around and play some different positions. That will certainly suit him well.”

Because of his injuries, lack of production and their deep pool of receivers, the Giants could have cast Moss aside. He’s glad they didn’t.

“I think it’s a blessing to still be here and play football,” he said. “Knowing that these coaches haven’t given up on me and know what I’m capable of doing for this organization…sometimes it takes time for guys and sometimes it doesn’t. So in my case I’ll keep the same positive attitude I’ve had since I got here. Also, I’ll continue to work hard because hard work pays off.”

What he won’t do is follow the lead of many observers not connected with the team and call this a make-or-break camp for him. While he knows a good camp and preseason will give his career a tremendous boost, Moss believes a performance that doesn’t match the expectations of him or the coaches won’t necessarily have a long-term adverse effect on his football fortunes.

“I don’t feel any pressure at all,” Moss said. “I feel confident and very positive about the situation that I’m in and going out there every day to compete and make some plays for the team.”

Moss had a frustrating practice this afternoon, when a couple of long passes flew just past his outstretched hands. If he does get down, Moss has plenty of understanding listeners he can turn to for counsel. Close by are his veteran teammates, Toomer and Burress. And Moss often speaks by phone with his brother, Santana, an outstanding receiver with the Washington Redskins.

“I call my brother about a lot of different things,” Moss said. “Having Plax and Amani here you can talk to so many different guys about so many different things, because guys start off in the NFL differently. Some have injuries and don’t get off to as good a start as others. So getting different pointers and staying positive is the main thing. I can’t get down on myself, I just have to keep working day-in and day-out.”

If he keeps doing that, Moss might become that reliable receiver the Giants thought they drafted two years ago.

(nygiants.com)

One undrafted receiver always seems to catch the eye of coaches and fans. This year, that player is Lance Leggett. He has been outrunning cornerbacks and diving to come up with the catch. He ended practice Saturday with a one-handed grab of a ball thrown behind him.


(cle.scout.com)

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Antrel Rolle finally seems to have found his home in the NFL.

The Arizona Cardinals shifted him from cornerback to free safety this season, and it's a job that he's taken to naturally.

"It's coming pretty easy to me right now," he said.

Rolle was supposed to be the Cardinals' cover cornerback when Arizona drafted him out of Miami in 2005 as the No. 8 pick overall. But he struggled at the position. Lacking speed to keep up with receivers who went deep, he would play far off the line of scrimmage, leaving wide-open opponents in front of him.

Last year, under new coach Ken Whisenhunt, Rolle lost his starting cornerback spot. But he became the inside or "slot" player when Arizona went to a five defensive-back "nickel" defense.

And there he thrived. He became one of only 22 NFL players to return three interceptions for touchdowns in a season. He took two back for scores against Cincinnati, becoming one of 24 to do that in league history. He returned a third for a score in that game but it was called back because of a penalty.

Rolle's duties in the slot were similar to those of a free safety, and Arizona's coaches began thinking about moving Rolle.

"The light bulb kind of went on and we said 'Hey, this guy might be pretty good at that,'" Whisenhunt said.

The talkative Rolle said there's "three times" more information to learn about playing free safety than cornerback. That's meant a lot of studying before and after practice in training camp.

"I might have to be in there all day every day," he said. "I'm going to do whatever it takes for me to not miss a beat. I want to go in there and play confident and play comfortable and just not think so much."

With Pro Bowler Adrian Wilson at strong safety, Arizona should have a tough final line of defense. But Whisenhunt cautioned that learning the free safety position takes time.

"You have to be comfortable because there are so many situations that unfold," he said, "so many changes or adjustments that you have to make to formations, to offenses and their sets."

Rolle will get his first test Thursday when the Cardinals open preseason play at home against the New Orleans Saints.

"It's going to be invaluable for him to get some experience in games so he can see some of that live action and we'll see how he adapts to that," Whisenhunt said.

Rolle can't wait.

"I'm ready, man," he said. "I mean, the game can't come fast enough. I'm definitely going to be tested and I hope I get tested. I hope I'm not out there just covering air."

Whisenhunt said he's already noticed that Rolle has slipped nicely into his new position.

"I will say this about him: He does have a good feel," Whisenhunt said. "That was evident by the way he played last year in that slot position and how he was able to see the offenses and anticipate things."

Rolle would like to get a chance to return punts, but that job belongs to Steve Breaston, who excelled as a rookie last year.

"Right now Breaston's the man back there and he's doing a great job," Rolle said, "but if he needs a breather or two, I'll take the opportunity."

For now, Rolle will have to pick off passes to show what he can do with the ball.

During Saturday's practice, he intercepted Matt Leinart's pass and headed through would-be tacklers.

"Take it to the house if that was a real game!" someone shouted from the crowd.

"Every last one of them," the new safety replied.

(kvoa.com)

ALBANY, N.Y. — When starting strong safety Gibril Wilson signed with the Oakland Raiders in the offseason, it left a gaping hole in the middle of the New York Giants' defensive backfield.

So when draft day approached, the decision was an easy one as the Giants chose Kenny Phillips, a safety out of the University of Miami. Phillips, the first safety taken in the 2008 draft, left the Hurricanes after his junior year.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin took a liking to the young safety right off the bat.

"He's been good right away," Coughlin said. "In the spring we noticed his range, and he is a physical guy. We have to make sure everyone understands the way we practice, but he's been very aggressive."

Despite high expectations, Phillips is just willing to wait and see what happens and play whatever role the Giants have for him, whether that's as the starter or something else.

"That's the goal, to be the starter," Phillips said in an interview after Wednesday morning's practice. "I'll just fit my role (on) special (teams), nickel and dime (packages), whatever it may be. I'm definitely playing for the starting job."

To that end, he's well on his way. But he still is the new guy, and even as a first-round pick, he's had to start from scratch.

"I'm still trying to learn the system and the guys are helping me out," Phillips said. "When you're the top dog, you definitely want to go out thereand do your best ... try to make as few mistakes as possible and earn the respect of the veterans."

Phillips has already earned some respect by being physical. His aggressive play put him at the top of the lists of many team's draft boards back in April, but Phillips said one of the toughest things to learn is that the NFL is more mental than physical.

"It's a lot different. Probably the biggest thing challenging me right now," Phillips said. "I'm being consistent all the time, but it's hard ... I'm used to finishing plays. Since we're not hitting, it's just trying to get in position. It's kinda weird, the ball in the air, but you can't really go get it because you just might hurt them."

One veteran, cornerback R.W. McQuarters, said he believes Phillips has the demeanor necessary to be a leader in the NFL.

"He's real quiet, you don't get cockiness at all, and he has a good head on his shoulders - he doesn't walk around like he owns the world," McQuarters said. "He doesn't walk around like he's the best thing out there, but he has a lot of confidence in himself and his ability."

Phillips has the resume to be a starter in the NFL. In 34 games with the Hurricanes, he started 33 times, making 203 tackles with seven interceptions, including three in one game against Duke.

But there's a lot of competition for playing time. Three players - Sam Madison, McQuarters and Sammy Knight - all have at least 11 years of NFL experience. Kenny Butler and Michael Johnson, among others, were key cogs in the Giants' championship run and Craig Dahl, an undrafted free agent who just re-signed with the club Wednesday after having surgery on his ACL, and Geoff Pope look to make an impact.

Phillips takes it all in stride.

"Sammy Knight, Michael Johnson are in front of me (on the depth chart). They're great guys to learn from and compete with," Phillips said. "They go hard every play, they get in position to make plays. It's gonna be tough for the coaches to make a decision."

Including all the practices in camp, he'll have at least four chances in preseason games against the Lions, Browns, Jets and Patriots until the season opener against the Redskins on Thursday, Sept. 4.

"I have to have something to stand out in the preseason games from those guys," Phillips said.

McQuarters, the former Chicago Bear and Detroit Lion, said he is pleased with Phillips' play during the first week of camp.

"He's done a great job. He's breaking on the ball well, making lots of checks," McQuarters said. "He has a huge (upside) as far as growth is concerned in learning the game."

McQuarters said he doesn't think Phillips will have far to go to make an impact on the Giants.

"Once he gets more comfortable with the defense and gets comfortable with the older players and some of the younger guys even, he'll be that much better," McQuarters said.

One player Phillips is already comfortable with is former Dolphin Madison, who is from the Miami area originally.

"He's been one of the greatest things about coming here," Phillips said. "He's been around for a long time, we're in the same area down in Miami, we connected as soon as we got here. He talks to me on and off the field. We have good camaraderie on and off the field."

Phillips said he knows it'll be tough to repeat as Super Bowl champions, but he wants to help the team return.

"I want to compete," Phillips said. "People want to beat us. They know we're Super Bowl champs, so the level of play goes up."

(benningtobanner.com)

ALBANY - Sinorice Moss is as disappointed as anyone by the way his first two NFL seasons have gone. But he's not ready to give up on himself yet. And neither are the Giants.

That's why the speedy 5-8 receiver is still at training camp at the University at Albany, despite the wealth of talent the Giants seem to have at his position. A 2006 second-round pick out of Miami, Moss is at best fourth on the depth chart, and feeling pressure from behind him.

He knows this might be his last chance to earn a spot on the team.

"It's been very frustrating," Moss said. "I wanted to go out there and help the team: contribute and perform, but injuries have slowed me down. My opportunity is here now and it's time for me to show up."

Injuries have been Moss' biggest issue. He missed much of his rookie season with a lingering quad issue, then was knocked out of the end of last season and the Giants' entire playoff run with a hip problem.

But coaches also have been frustrated by Moss' struggles to learn the offense and his inconsistency in practice. It doesn't help that the team has veterans Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, and two other promising young receivers in Mario Manningham and Steve Smith. Moss also could have less value than Dominek Hixon and David Tyree because he's failed to make his mark on special teams.

Throw in first-year pro Brandon London, who's having an excellent camp, and the situation becomes even tougher for Moss.

But he doesn't have to look far to find an example of receivers who struggle early in their careers, only to eventually put it all together. Toomer is the Giants' all-time leader in many receiving categories. But in his first two seasons, Toomer, a second-rounder in 1996, caught only 17 passes for 275 yards in 23 games.

Moss' two-year totals, in just 19 games, are 26 catches for 250 yards.

"It's a very similar story," Toomer said. "But I think he has a lot of potential, and I think that he's working real hard. Personally, I think that he is going to pan out."

"I've spoke to a couple of guys who've had problems in their early years when they first got into the NFL," Moss added. "Everything takes time. Some guys it doesn't. Some guys it does. I'll keep the same positive attitude I've had since I got here, and I'll continue to work hard, because hard work pays off."

(nydailynews.com)

Anyone who watches the Texans knows how important Andre Johnson is to the team for his receiving skills.

What most probably don't realize is everything else the sixth-year player brings to the Texans.

When Johnson missed Houston's entire offseason practice schedule after arthroscopic knee surgery, coach Gary Kubiak noticed a difference in the practice intensity. Now that he's back on the field for training camp, things are back to normal.

"He's working extremely well," Kubiak said. "He's the heart and soul of this team and that's the way he goes about his business."

Johnson isn't a loud or in your face type of leader. In fact, he's probably the most introverted and soft-spoken player on the team. His performance speaks for itself and players follow his example without him having to say a word.

That's one reason it was so difficult for him to miss seven games last season. Before that he'd sat out just three games in four seasons. Johnson said he felt helpless watching from the sidelines, knowing he couldn't help out.

He's looked good in the first week of training camp, but a scary moment came on Saturday morning. As he was running a route near the end of practice he abruptly pulled up and grabbed the top of his leg. An audible gasp came from the crowd of more than 3,000 as he hobbled off the field.

He was walking normally by the time practice ended a few minutes later and said he felt a tightness in his groin but was OK.

"I just felt it tighten up real tight on me," he said. "When I felt that, I just slowed down. I didn't feel a pop or anything like that afterward. I'll get treatment for a few days and I'll be fine."

It wasn't only the fans who were concerned about Johnson's health. Quarterback Matt Schaub rushed over to check on Johnson the second practice was over. He assured his quarterback he was fine.

Now that he's healthy, he's helping more than just the offense. Kubiak thinks covering Johnson in practice is beneficial for his cornerbacks, especially Antwaun Molden, a rookie from Eastern Kentucky.

"It's a big factor," Kubiak said. "You come from Eastern Kentucky, you don't see many Andre Johnsons. So it's great for that kid to have to line up against him. I think our guys match up well and we get some good work out of them."

Johnson's been with the Texans long enough to know that there aren't many players on the offense people outside of Houston recognize as stars.

"I think we have a lot of talent," he said. "I just think we don't have a bunch of guys with big names. We have a bunch of guys that can go out and make plays and I think that's the big thing. Just because you have big name, I don't really think that matters. If you have guys that make plays for you, that is all that matters."

Johnson had 60 receptions for a team-leading 851 yards with a career-high eight touchdowns in nine games last season. Houston's offense was potent early last season before injuries to Johnson, Schaub and Ahman Green derailed the team's progress.

If he stays healthy this season, Kubiak believes Johnson can flourish in his second year with Schaub.

"I see him getting better," Kubiak said of Johnson. "He's really honed his skills as far as route running ... and what he wants to do. I think he's in a situation with a quarterback that he really has a great relationship with. They work together and they spend extra time and that's the key to being great. There are a lot of good guys, but to be great you have to do a little more."

(dallasnews.com)

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - This is not a position of familiarity for Jerome McDougle.

He is the one the Eagles coaches are excitedly singling out. He is the one feeling sorry for others. He is the one trying to take advantage of some luck.

He is healthy.

"It's kind of weird," McDougle said. "But I feel for those guys because I know how hard it is to go through those things, to bust your butt in the off-season and then to get injured in training camp. I know how it is."

Does he ever. Entering his sixth season with the Eagles, McDougle has missed more games than he's played at defensive end. He suffered from knee and ankle injuries, an irregular heartbeat, fractured ribs and a triceps tear. In 2005, he was shot in the stomach.

Just over a week into camp, though, and McDougle is making quite an impression at a deep position that has suffered from sudden health issues - none to speak of for No. 95.

"He's stepped up," head coach Andy Reid said last week. "He looks strong and fast and quick. I think he's playing very good right now. We want him to maintain that. And, he's going against the [first-team offense]. It's a good gauge of what he's all about right now and it looks like he's doing OK."

With defensive end Victor Abiamiri in doubt following wrist surgery and Chris Clemons going in and out of drills after returning from dehydration, McDougle couldn't have dreamed for a better chance.

But people were saying the same things about the former first-round pick last year - what great shape he was in and what quickness he showed - before McDougle tore the triceps tendon in the first preseason game against Baltimore and missed the entire 2007 season.

That injury, oddly enough, earned McDougle a reprieve. He would have been a long shot to make the team, but the Eagles stashed him on injured reserve, giving him the chance this season to make the team one more time.

"It's just a lot of hard work finally paying off for me," McDougle said.

Since Abiamiri went down, McDougle has played primarily with the second-team defense, meaning he goes against the first-team offense in drills. Enjoying early success against them in camp has boosted his confidence.

"He's back healthy and that's just exciting to see that because he's been through so much," said defensive end Juqua Parker (formerly Thomas). "He's doing pretty well out there."

And that's enough to make McDougle forget the times when he was moving down the depth chart instead of up.

"It's been a blessing," he said. "A lot of guys don't make it to year six."

(philly.com)

Texans coach Gary Kubiak didn’t try to pretend he wasn’t nervous when he saw Andre Johnson pull up short while running a route. Johnson then bent over and limped off the field.

“That’s the worst nightmare for a coach,” Kubiak said. “(A) guy like him getting hurt, it’s part of football, unfortunately, and there’s not a play that you don’t hold your breath, in all honesty,” he said. “You’ve just got to keep pushing through and hope for the best and hopefully it’s our time to stay healthy. We’ve been pretty fortunate through this camp; we’ve been pretty darn good. Keep our fingers crossed with him and see what happens.”

Johnson said his groin tightened up when he was running the route, but he’s not worried it’s serious. He rejoined his teammates at the post-practice huddle, then signed autographs for fans.

“Normally, when you have a pull or something, you can tell when you’re running by the way it feels,” Johnson said. “I didn’t feel anything pop or anything like that. I just felt it tighten up real tight on me. When I felt that, I just slowed down. I didn’t feel a pop or anything like that afterward, so like I said, I’m fine. I’ll get treatment for a few days and I’ll be fine.”

(chron.com)

I don't think a lot of the fans really understand how time consuming camp is. They come out and see us for two practices a day, which we really enjoy, because it makes practice go by faster having them out there. But when they're not seeing us, we're in meetings or lifting weights or eating lunch or going to meetings again. We're basically going from about 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. straight through.

Mainly, the alarm clock is in charge of getting you up, but as the days go on, you start to hear the familiar sounds, doors opening and closing from the other dorm rooms, scooters starting to turn on, all the sounds of camp life. I'm actually a morning person, so I don't mind getting up at 6 a.m. and putting in the work, just as long as I can squeeze in a nap every day. I do love my naps. They're vital whenever you can squeeze them in. It's like a recharge for your body when you can just shut down and relax for a few minutes.

Fortunately, Coach (Sean) Payton has done a real good job of squeezing some free time into the schedule, usually around noontime. It's up to you how you want to use that. Watch TV, make phone calls. I go with the nap. I think Coach Payton has done a great job of getting the work that he wants out of us, while still giving us time for our bodies to recover. I think he understands that we have a lot of guys that come here in shape, ready to go. There would be no sense in overworking us. We work hard, though, and it's been good work, and we're excited about it.

I'm always making time to study my playbook, too, since this is my first year here. The playbook is something you'll never get in one stop. You have to keep studying it, keep reviewing it. I make sure to do that at night before bed, and maybe a little in the morning, just to make sure I understand what's going on. Coaches want to see the progress, and they don't want to have to slow down progress to explain what's going on. Bedtime is usually around 11 or 12. Some guys can handle four hours of sleep. Some guys need the full eight hours.

About half the guys have a TV in the room, half the guys don't. If you have one, you're lucky. But we have the rookies to entertain ourselves. That always makes it exciting. We always get a nice song out of them in the cafeteria, and Saturday night we had the rookie show, which is always a highlight of camp. They put on some performances for us, some singing, some making fun of the other guys on the team and the coaches. We're grooming them and breaking them in, but it's also a way to bond with them. I usually like to just sit back and let the other vets lead that. Personally, I was fortunate in my rookie year not to get it too bad, so I try not to haggle the rookies too much.

(blog.nola.com)

WESTMINSTER, Md. — It would be easy to assume that Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is not as fast as he used to be and that he does not deliver those punishing hits like he once did.

Then, a rookie running back like Ray Rice tries to pull a juke move while going up the middle at the Ravens training camp.

Wham!

Lewis makes his usual thunderous introduction.

Lewis might be 33 and heading toward the twilight of his NFL career, but he is not ready to cave in to Father Time easily.

In fact, he thinks he still has a lot of football left in his tank as he enters the final year of his contract.

“One thing I always say is that if you’re older, then there’s a lot of wisdom and a lot of knowledge, and if you take care of your body, with the longevity of this game, you can play as long as you want,” Lewis said.

There were rumblings last season that Lewis had lost a step, despite leading the team in tackles for the 10th time in his career with 120.
Lewis has a quick answer for those who believe his skills have diminished.

“All I have to do is invite them into my defense,” said Lewis, a nine-time Pro Bowl choice. “We were the only defense who didn’t see a 100-yard rusher last year. So, we are OK with that.

“So, inviting people to come see me up the middle is not a good thing to do. Most of the time, they are just trying to get away from me.”

It has been that way since the Ravens drafted Lewis out of the University of Miami in the first round in 1996, the team’s first year after moving from Cleveland.

The Ravens also drafted offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden that year. He retired after last season.

While Ogden has watched some of preseason camp from the sideline, Lewis remains in the middle of it all, imploring the Ravens defense to keep up its intensity and doing his best to confuse the three quarterbacks vying for the starting job, including former University of Delaware star Joe Flacco.

Then there are the countless lessons he teaches to young players like Rice.

“I told Ray Rice that [running] north and south wins,” Lewis said. “If you see me in that hole, bouncing [outside] sometimes works, but in this business it doesn’t. Never go east and west.

“It’s a little thing like that that you can teach these younger guys.”

John Harbaugh, in his first season as Ravens head coach, feels like he has an extra coach in the defensive huddle.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to coach a football team that Ray Lewis is on,” Harbaugh said. “Just watching practice, you see why he is one of the all-time greats, why he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer and why he believes he has a lot of football left in him. Because he does.”

Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan laughed when he thought back to the team’s first mandatory camp in May.

“It was funny; when he could have held himself [out] and wasn’t really going to practice, he was going to do individual drills [only],” Ryan said. “Then, when we called 11-on-11, he couldn’t help himself. He had to jump out there.

“I think he just wanted for all the new coaches to see that, hey, this is Ray Lewis. He made some spectacular plays, like we always have seen.” To Ryan, Lewis is a freak of nature.

“I know eventually he’s going to have to slow down,” Ryan said. “I just don’t see it happening in the near future. He looks tremendous. He is in great shape, and that age is just a number right now.”

(delawareonline.com)

It’s far from the most important competition in training camp, but the fight for the No. 3 quarterback spot between Brock Berlin and Bruce Gradkowski is entertaining nonetheless. Berlin had the job with the Rams last year, but at 25, Gradkowski is two years younger and has more regular-season NFL experience.

“It’s going very good; both guys are getting pretty much equal reps,” coach Scott Linehan said. “Both have some really nice attributes about their game. We’re going to scrimmage on Saturday, and that’ll really be the start of it . . . how they’re going to play in game-like conditions. Then they’re going to get plenty of snaps in preseason” games.”

(stltoday.com)

SANTA CLARA – Step aside, Jenny Craig. Frank Gore has a weight-loss routine that's guaranteed to shed the pounds.

If it doesn't kill you first.

The 49ers tailback, who weighed about 225 pounds during June practices, returned a month later 10 pounds lighter and looking far more fluid. His secret? It involves a truck tire, a length of rope, a steep hill and a murderous Miami summer during which the heat index sometimes soars past 110 degrees.

Kyle Wright, the 49ers' No. 4 quarterback and a former teammate of Gore's at Miami, said he and other Hurricane players would run the same hill in that city's Tropical Park to prepare for the college season.

"It's probably the tallest hill in Miami, and it's not very tall," Wright said. "But it's long and gradual. It's about 180 yards. It levels off and gets a little steeper at the end. It's tough."

While the Miami players might run the hill 14 times in a day and always run up the gradual side, Gore runs it from the opposite – and steeper – side. And he does it 25 times per session … while dragging a truck tire … that's progressively filled with weights.

He has had the same grueling summer routine since high school, and he still commandeers some of his former high school coaches to help him train.

What some people might consider torture, Gore, 25, finds therapeutic. Indeed, everything associated with football – from weight training to watching film – is welcome routine for Gore. Football is his sanctuary.

And that was the problem last season. Gore had no escape.

His terrible year began on the second day of training camp when he broke a bone in his hand. In Week 7, he twisted his ankle, an injury that slowed him for most of the remainder. In between came the hardest jolt, the death of his mother, Liz, who had been everything to him – best friend, inspiration, confidante.

Even on the football field, there was no safe haven.

Runs that Gore routinely ripped for 25-yard gains in 2006 were bottled up in 2007. The 49ers' offense was dull and unimaginative. If the 49ers needed a crucial yard, everyone – the fans, the media and especially the opponent – knew they would try to get them by sending Gore off the left guard.

He finished the season with a respectable 1,102 rushing yards. But his average run dropped to 4.2 yards from 5.4 the year before. His rushing touchdowns fell from eight to five, and he crossed the goal line only twice after Week 2.

"It was tough because, one, the situation with my mom," Gore said. "Then nothing was going right on the field. We kept losing, losing, losing. We couldn't get in a zone running the ball or passing the ball. It was like a black cloud was over us. Nothing would go right. Especially for me."

Coach Mike Nolan, who lost his father last season, sometimes would be working late at his office and find his running back at his door.

Said Nolan: "He was frustrated with his injuries, and he was frustrated with us losing as I would expect any good player to be."

This summer, there's a sense that the black cloud has lifted.

The plodding offense from 2007 is being replaced with a more wide-open attack that offensive coordinator Mike Martz is building around Gore in the same way he built his Rams offenses around Marshall Faulk.

Said Martz: "We use him everywhere we can in the running game, of course, and in the passing game, we'll use him everywhere possible – as a deep threat, as a short threat, as a crossing threat."

Perhaps the best way to illustrate the change is to look at who's leading the way for Gore.

Last year, his lead blocker was fullback Moran Norris, a 252-pounder with boulder-like shoulders who is most effective smashing things straight on. This summer, Zak Keasey – who weighs 15 pounds less than Norris – has gotten most of the first-team repetitions. Martz said Keasey is better at working his way through traffic to deliver blocks. And he's also able to stay ahead of Gore on running plays that stretch wide to the right or left.

"It's tough," Keasey said of blocking for Gore. "You've got to get out there and get off the ball quick. You definitely have to be moving out there when he's behind you."

Gore also wants to answer Martz's challenge.

He said he reported to training camp seven pounds lighter – 215 – than he did last season. And aside from the hill work, which is designed to build power and explosion, he spent hours weaving in and out of cones to improve his quickness.

He also worked on his hands.

While in Miami, he grabbed former Jaguars and Falcons quarterback Byron Leftwich, who also was working out in South Florida, and ran as many routes as he could. When that session ended, he went home and had a younger cousin throw him more passes until the sun went down.

"I've got moves. I've got power," Gore said. "I feel I have the whole package. Whatever they want me to do, I can do it. I just have to keep working."

(sacbee.com)

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester will make more than $22 million for showing up to training camp with his new contract. Hester signed a four-year extension last week and the contract maxes out at $40 million if he hits the performance-based escalators. If Hester does not play a down at wide receiver, he will still receive $22 million in new money. The contract includes a $5 million signing bonus with $10 million in roster bonuses. A $200,000 workout bonus worth $250,000 for the final four years for a $1.2 million total in workout bonuses. He is scheduled to make $750,000 in 2010, $1.5 million in 2011, $1.6 million in 2012 and $1.8 million in 2013. Hester will receive a base pay of $445,000 this season and $530,000 in 2009.

(kffl.com)

Tight end Buck Ortega took a quick pass in the seam from quarterback Mark Brunell and drilled cornerback Randall Gay, knocking him to the ground. Ortega did have the courtesy to help his teammate off the turf.



(blogs.nola.com)

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Damione Lewis got leg-whipped by an offensive lineman shortly after the Carolina Panthers started training camp, and he has been nursing a minor injury ever since.

But Lewis was back on the practice field yesterday afternoon. And regardless of how many reps he is getting these days, he's certain to be a key component on the Panthers' defensive line this season.

Lewis is slated to start at defensive tackle, filling the spot that came open when the Panthers traded Kris Jenkins to the New York Jets last spring. He won it with his play the past two seasons as a backup to Jenkins and Maake Kemoeatu.

"They have given me an opportunity, and I want to take advantage of it," Lewis said yesterday. "In this league, it's all about opportunity and being able to go through some growing pains and being able to do it on a consistent basis."

Lewis, a 6-2, 301-pounder in his eighth NFL season, shared the team lead with 3?sacks last season. In 15 games, including two as a starter, he had 32 tackles, seven quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery.

He was rewarded during the offseason with a three-year, $14-million contract.

It was the continuation of a career revival. He was the 12th pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, by the St. Louis Rams, but he never lived up to expectations with the Rams and started just 27 games in five seasons. The Rams chose not to re-sign him when his original contract expired.

He came to the Panthers as a backup in 2006, had a solid season with 30 tackles and 4?sacks in a backup role and proved to himself that he still belonged in the NFL.

"When I came here, I was just looking to do what they asked and show them I could play," Lewis said. "I knew I could play this game. I know what I went through in St. Louis, but I always knew that I could play this game. There's never been any doubt in my mind that I could play. It might be a shock to other people, but it's not a shock to me.

"It's been hard work, but I've stuck with it and continued to work. I've gotten better every minute I've played in the league, and I'm always striving to play better the next year."

Coach John Fox has had high praise for Lewis throughout offseason workouts and training camp.

"He was a guy we picked up in free agency that came in and did a good job," Fox said. "We were a little bit entrenched there with some guys we had, but we always rotate our D-line, and a good rotation is real important. He has played quite a bit for us, he just didn't jog out in the starting lineup the majority of the time.

"He's a guy who has been a starter in the league, is capable of starting, and we think he is good enough to start for us."

Lewis said he has felt comfortable from the moment he joined the Panthers.

"Everything just felt right about (the Panthers)," he said. "I liked the way the coaches dealt with players and the way the head coach interacts with players and the GM, Marty (Hurney), how he interacts with everybody. Mr. Richardson (owner Jerry Richardson) will come down to the locker room and pull guys to the side and talk to them one-on-one."

Now, the goal is to fit in and be part of a solid defense.

Jenkins' outspokenness led to friction with some teammates, and some Panthers have talked during training camp about "addition by subtraction" with the Jenkins trade. But everyone seems to get along with Lewis.

"It is what it is," Lewis said. "You know, I love Jenks. I think he's a great guy. I still talk to him. We're still good friends. He feels like he had the best thing happen to him going there, and now I want to take advantage of this opportunity.

"I'm really not looking at it like ‘Ooh, I'm a starter,' " Lewis said.

(journalnow.com)

LAKE BUENA VISTA - The chip on the shoulder is gone. The limo and the pajama suit are history.

The "Showtime" nickname? Old news.

Meet Bucs cornerback Phillip Buchanon, loving life one snap at a time since the day of his rebirth, Oct. 17, 2006, when Tampa Bay quickly signed him after the exasperated Texans called an audible and dropped him off at the nearest NFL curb.

Buchanon displays the same grin he flashed out of the University of Miami in 2002, when the Raiders selected him with the 17th overall pick.
But make no mistake, Buchanon isn't the same player. For one thing, he's willing to tackle someone.

"Phillip was a young guy when he made a couple of interceptions and Deion Sanders called him 'Showtime' on TV," said Bucs secondary coach Raheem Morris. "It kind of went to his head a little bit. Now he's a more disciplined player and he's a junkie in the film room. ... I can't ask for a better guy."

Once again, Monte Kiffin's Cover 2 has turned a career around.

"If you want to play defense in the NFL, this is the spot," said defensive tackle Chris Hovan, once labeled an unchecked free spirit in Minnesota. "If you love football, this is it because they're going to coach the heck out of you. Then it's up to you to do the rest."

Buchanon, 27, played three years with the Raiders before he was dealt to Houston for a pair of high draft picks. By the time he left Oakland, he had already forged a reputation as a prima donna.

Arriving at 2003 training camp in a limousine, sporting party pajamas, proved to be a garish fashion statement Buchanon couldn't shake.

"Phillip came into the league with the typical Hurricanes chip on his shoulder," said Tampa Bay tight ends coach Bob Casullo, who coached special teams for the Raiders when Buchanon broke into the NFL. "He goes to Houston and he's really a non-factor, then he comes here and he's been revitalized."

Buchanon started 13 games for the Bucs in 2007, and he's enjoying a standout camp, holding off first-round pick Aqib Talib at left corner.

"My whole motto now is keep pushing," Buchanon said. "Keep watching film, keep listening to coaches and keep doing the right thing. I've matured as a player, but I've always had the same personality - I always wanted to be the best."

Buchanon's quickness marked him as a dangerous punt returner for Casullo in Oakland, and he has scored seven touchdowns as a pro, bringing back four interceptions for scores.

His last trip to the end zone came in 2004, when Brad Johnson floated a pass and Buchanon brought it back 32 yards against the Bucs during a nationally televised Sunday night game in Jon Gruden's return to Oakland.

"Phillip Buchanon covers grass in a hurry, and he loves football," Gruden said. "We believe in giving guys from other teams an opportunity, and we have a group of men here who can coach anyone up."

Despite their investment in Buchanon, the Texans quickly grew disenchanted with his chronic injuries and a perceived aversion to physical play.
Within a day of Buchanon's release, Bucs GM Bruce Allen brought him to Tampa.

"We traded up to get Phillip in Oakland," said Allen, a Raiders executive from 1995-2003. "He was a little down when we got him and there were some knocks on his play, but we saw a dynamic playmaker with rare ball skills."

It didn't take long before Buchanon was having fun in pewter. As that smile returned, Buchanon's frustrations faded.

"They let me be me here," he said. "It's not one of those situations where they want me to be a robot."

Like Hovan, Simeon Rice and Greg Spires before him, Buchanon serves as a testament to Tampa Bay's coaching staff.

"Phillip tackles for me and he works hard for me," Morris said. "He said when he came here that he wanted to re-establish his identity. Having Talib here will make him better, but believe me, Phillip Buchanon was already on a mission."

(tbo.com)

There is a "possibility" that Willis McGahee could be sidelined for Thursday's preseason opener and rookie Ray Rice will start at running back, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after Sunday's practice.

McGahee has missed a large portion of training camp with a left knee injury.

"Right now, we need to get the fluid out of his knee and get that thing settled down a little bit," Harbaugh said.

(baltimoresun.com)

Running back Edgerrin James turns 30 Friday, but don't tell him or the Cardinals that's cause for concern. Whisenhunt says there are high expectations for James, who has shown more quickness than a year ago. There was a lot of speculation that the Cardinals would use a high draft choice on a running back, but that didn't happen. Instead they waited until the fifth round to take Hightower.

James' numbers were up across the board last season in his second year with the Cardinals, and the team -- and James -- expects that trend to continue this season. So far he looks spry in camp.

(cnnsi.com)

Former first-round draft choice Antrel Rolle is making the switch from cornerback to free safety, and if he can play as well as he did last year in the slot and as a part-time starter, the Cardinals could have one of the league's top safety tandems in Rolle and Wilson. Rolle picked off a career-high five passes last year, returning three for touchdowns, including two in one game. At safety he will be asked to do some of the same things he did as a slot defender last year.

He says the big adjustment for him is recognizing formations and seeing the whole field instead of focusing on one player or one part of the field. "Any move that's made by the offense can affect your alignment, your depth and your position. There's also a lot more [adjustment calls]. At corner you really don't have too many checks."

(cnnsi.com)

The question was a simple one, but not necessarily one that provides a simple answer.

Would you, if you were the Phillies, have traded Pat Burrell for Manny Ramirez straight up?

This one would drive my buddy Rock down at the Hamilton Acme nuts. An avid anti-Burrellist, Rock would ask how one could trade a future Hall of Famer (Ramirez) for a player that many regarded as a disappointment?

The stat freaks will be quick to point out that Burrell has never hit 40 homers in a season. He has but two 100-RBI seasons in his career (despite being in the middle of one of the league's most potent offenses) and as bad as Ramirez has often been on defense, Burrell is still slower in left field.

Valid points all. And yet, as I sit here receiving endless reminders of a sagging economy, the thought of tax increases and a presidential race that may become one of the most bitter in history, I can't help but take a liking to Burrell. If this were the Dow, he'd be one of the few stocks going up, whereas Ramirez is one that scares me and is going in reverse.

You never hear of Pat being Pat. He doesn't make you feel all warm and fuzzy like Cal Ripken or Arthur Ashe, but he won't embarrass you either. On a team that has already had issues with one of its stars this season (the Jimmy Rollins controversies), would a potentially volatile player like Ramirez be a good thing?

Approach-wise, Burrell isn't the same player as years back. He'll still go way over 100 strikeouts (for the ninth consecutive season), but he's also ready to go over .400 in on-base percentage, which is 30 points better than his career average.

Burrell is going to right field better now than at any time in his career and hitting in the clutch just as well. Ramirez is going the other way, which isn't to say Burrell is still his offensive equal; he's not.

But there's something positive in the devil you know being better than the one you don't; Burrell has taken more than his share of abuse from the tough fans in Philadelphia and many have come to appreciate him for the endurance. Ramirez would be immediately greeted in Philly, but what would be the next step were he to go 0-for-20?

Having seen Phils fans do the unthinkable on the last homestand and boo Chase Utley and Rollins in the same game, don't think they wouldn't boo Manny too. And don't think Manny being Manny would sell in Philly. It might be a tonic or might be a poison on a team that could make the postseason just the way it is constituted.

So to answer the question, the better player isn't always the better-for-the-situation player and I would have done just what the Phils did and stood pat with Pat.

(nj.com)

Chris Perez has earned a save in each of his past three appearances, allowing no hits, since he got blasted for four hits and five earned runs July 26 against Tacoma. In his last three innings, he has struck out six and walked one.



(bnd.com)