proCanes.com Update

Aug/15/07 07:00 AM

Dear Fans,

proCanes.com will unfortunately go on hiatus till the middle of October because I will travelling extensively from now until then and will not be able to update the site. Expect in October more wallpapers, all the highlight videos from the first 5 weeks of the NFL season and some new features! Please don't forget about our site, and we apologize for going on hiatus during the most important time of the year, but we had no other choice. Thank you for your support and see you in a few short weeks!

From all of us here at proCanes.com

Relaxed Reggie expects more after Pro Bowl, championship season

Aug/15/07 07:00 AM Filed in: Reggie Wayne

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) -- Receiver Reggie Wayne could have come to training camp bragging about his first Pro Bowl trip or flashing that brand new Super Bowl ring.

Instead, he showed up ready to hunt.

Wayne, now in his seventh season with the Indianapolis Colts, even dressed the part, wearing a camouflage outfit and mask to symbolize the increased expectations he has for 2007.

"I could be 10 times better," he said. "There's always something in there that gets you to work on your game, and I'm always looking for a glitch that I can improve on."

Don't count out Edge

Aug/15/07 07:00 AM Filed in: Edgerrin James

While surfing through a piece on ESPN's Web site in which the authors predict which 50 active NFL players will ultimately end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, The Heat Index was stunned to find Edgerrin James ranked all the way down at No. 37.

So was James, when THI caught up with the Cardinals running back in Flagstaff on Monday.

"I saw it. I saw it," James said, nodding as he walked off the practice field. "It's a joke. But it's OK. In the end, it's all going to show up."

Beason settling in

Aug/15/07 07:00 AM Filed in: Jon Beason

Jon Beason’s first action as a Carolina Panther was productive, as his stat line of eight tackles (in three quarters of play) and a game-clinching forced fumble might suggest. It was also exhilarating. And fun. but above all, it was a relief.

“Going into it, with it being my first game and all, I just wanted to make sure it was a good one,” said the Panthers first-round draft choice, who came into the game with just one week of training camp under his belt. “It was going to be something I would remember for a long time so I just wanted to go out there and play with a lot of energy and it all went well for me.”

He made his first NFL tackle (preseason variety) five minutes and 34 seconds into the second quarter when he and Curtis Deloatch brought down running back Reuben Droughns after a seven-yard gain in Giants territory.

Kareem Brown Update

Aug/15/07 07:00 AM Filed in: Kareem Brown

Kareem Brown steps it up. Fourth-round draft choice Kareem Brown was bumped up to the second unit at left defensive end. In the preseason opener, that spot was occupied by veteran Kenny Smith. Like Mike Richardson, it will be interesting to watch if Brown gets a chance to play against some top competition in the second preseason game Friday night against the Titans.

(boston.com)

Carey hurting, but expects to play

Aug/15/07 06:57 AM Filed in: Vernon Carey

DAVIE — Left tackle Vernon Carey said he still doesn't feel 100 percent healthy since he tweaked his knee and left the Miami Dolphins' exhibition game Saturday.
Carey said he felt his right knee grind and heard a "crunchy noise" when he came out of his stance to pull around the end and lead a running play.

"It felt kind of weak when I made contact coming around the corner," he said Tuesday. "I just kind of stayed down and wanted to see what the doctor said."

Carey, a third-year player and one of Miami's most experienced offensive linemen, said doctors said he had a bone bruise that night. He said his knee felt weak when he tried to get into his three-point stance or ride a bike.

He expects to play Thursday at Kansas City, but might not be at full speed.

"I wouldn't say it's fine," he said. "But it's football and you have to play through some pain."

(palmbeachpost.com)

James Jones and Blake get a jump start

Aug/15/07 06:54 AM Filed in: James Jones

It may well be the dog days of summer in the NBA and a good time for a little rest and relaxation, but don’t tell that to Trail Blazers James Jones and Steve Blake. Both Jones and Blake are working out together this week at the Trail Blazers practice facility in Tualatin.

Trail Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams put Jones and Blake through a number of drills that were primarily focused on outside shooting and if Tuesday’s workout was any indication Portland’s perimeter game could see significant improvement this coming NBA season. Despite being the off-season, both players impressed and at one point during the morning workout Jones hit 16 three-pointers in a row, missed one, and then sank another five straight.

Jones, 26, is excited about his new opportunity here in Portland, and as you’ll learn in this podcast interview with TrailBlazers.com’s Jim Taylor, he’s putting in the extra time now in hopes of making it a smooth transition to Rip City.

(nba.com/blazers)

Tillman’s a hit with Hester

Aug/15/07 06:52 AM Filed in: Devin Hester

BOURBONNAIS — Charles Tillman is a physical cornerback, even in training-camp practices, which can sometimes rub a teammate the wrong way.

But if the 6-foot-1, 196-pound Tillman occasionally roughs up 5-foot-11, 186-pound wide receiver Devin Hester, it’s only helping him transition to his new position.

“When I feel my opponent wants to get physical, I’m the type of player that (says), ‘Let’s play physical,’æ” Hester said. “If you want to play this type of game, I can play right along with you. That’s the type of player I am.

“I’m out here trying to get better, and I know Charles Tillman is one of the great players on our defense and he’s an aggressive corner. You know when you go against him you’re going to have to fasten up your chinstrap and get ready to play football.”

Hester knows he’s going to face similar strong-arm tactics during the season as opponents try to jam him at the line of scrimmage and neutralize his ability to stretch the field.

Beason's First

Aug/14/07 11:37 AM Filed in: Jon Beason

The Panthers got a long look at first-round pick Jon Beason on Saturday against the Giants.

Six days after he ended his holdout, the outside linebacker played the final three quarters with the second and third teams. He forced Ahmad Bradshaw's fumble in the final minute to preserve Carolina's win.

"It was a lot of fun," Beason said. "I loved the atmosphere. Putting on that uniform for the first time was a lot of fun and I played pretty consistent, so I was happy with it."

Beason was credited with a team-high eight tackles.

(newsobserver.com)

Dolphins' Carey back practicing

Aug/14/07 08:46 AM Filed in: Vernon Carey

Left tackle Vernon Carey was back on the practice field after leaving Saturday's game with what apparently turned out to be a very minor injury to his right knee. Carey didn't appear to be held out of any drills although he did have ice on his knee in the locker room Monday morning.

Carey had a brace on his knee, but didn't appear to be limited in any way.

(miamiherald.com)

D.J. now manning middle

Aug/14/07 08:46 AM Filed in: DJ Williams

With Jim Bates leading the defense, should Broncos fans expect to see D.J. Williams in the top five in the league in tackles? If this happens, do you think D.J. would make the Pro Bowl? -- Mike, Englewood

Mike - Yes and yes. The Jim Bates defense is made for middle linebackers. When Bates ran Miami's defense from 2000-04, Zach Thomas finished among the league's top four tackle leaders in four consecutive seasons. In Bates' lone season of running Green Bay's defense in 2005, Nick Barnett had a career year in tackles. And there isn't a scout out there who would argue Thomas or Barnett can match Williams' skill package.

The primary reason why Bates' system is so middle-linebacker friendly is he plays not one, but two gargantuan players at the defensive-tackle positions. This year, 350-pound Sam Adams, 330-pound Gerard Warren and 320-pound Jimmy Kennedy will rotate among the two tackle spots. They will eat up multiple blockers while Williams will be left free to tackle his way all the way to Hawaii.

(denverpost.com)

TE Franks on thin ice

Aug/14/07 08:46 AM Filed in: Bubba Franks

At this point, 2½ weeks into training camp, the chances of Bubba Franks regaining his starting tight end job appear to be next to nil.

The issue is whether or not he’ll even be on the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster when they’re preparing for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Donald Lee seemingly entrenched as the starting tight end, Franks didn’t help his situation when he dropped an easy pass in Saturday’s preseason opener at Pittsburgh. The drop was a drive killer. He whiffed on a third-and-8 play from the 50 that stalled what had been a productive series by the second-string offense. “Hopefully, he can rebound from that,” Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie said on Monday. “I think he’s having a solid camp. He hasn’t been dropping a whole bunch of balls, so hopefully that doesn’t become an issue. Hopefully, he’s not pressing. You don’t need to press.”

Magic Benton Update

Aug/14/07 08:45 AM Filed in: Magic Benton

Magic Benton was named to the 2007 arenafootball2 all-National Conference 1st team for the second straight season. Congrats to Magic!

Jerome McDougle Update

Aug/14/07 08:44 AM Filed in: Jerome McDougle

Defensive end Jerome McDougle suffered a triceps strain and will undergo an MRI today.

(phillyburbs.com)

Portis on the right track with rehab

Aug/14/07 08:40 AM Filed in: Clinton Portis

Gary Fitzgerald, of Redskins.com, reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis (knee) is "on the right tack" in his rehabilitation from knee tendonitis, according to head coach Joe Gibbs. Portis was re-evaluated by Dr. James Andrews, the team's senior orthopedic consultant. "The report back to me was that they think [Portis's knee] is getting better for sure. They think we are doing the right things [in terms of Portis's rehab]," Gibbs said.

Everett's journey with Bills is just beginning

Aug/13/07 06:45 AM Filed in: Kevin Everett

(August 13, 2007) — PITTSFORD — It has already been quite a journey for Kevin Everett, but for the 25-year-old Bills tight end, it's a journey that has really only just begun.

"He's come a million miles, but I always follow that up with there's a million more miles to go," said Buffalo's tight ends coach, Charlie Coiner. In other words, as Everett works out day to day in training camp at St. John Fisher College, he is finally starting to resemble the player the Bills thought they were getting in the third round of the 2005 draft.

However, he is far from a polished product and still has a lot to learn if he hopes to contribute to the Bills this season, or, as some have suggested, simply make the team.

Portis remains cautious

Aug/13/07 04:42 AM Filed in: Clinton Portis

Earlier in his career, even last year, Clinton Portis would have tried to rush back from an injury to play, risking the chance of a setback.

But choosing discretion over valor is Portis' strategy this August, meaning he won't practice and certainly won't play for the Washington Redskins until the tendinitis in his knee has become manageable.

"Last year, I wanted to be on the field, wanted to do this, wanted to do that, wanted to be a part of things," he said yesterday at Redskin Park. "But when I was out there, I wasn't the No. 26 of old and all of a sudden, I was written off like I [stink].

McGahee, Ravens eager to rejuvenate rushing attack

Aug/13/07 03:46 AM Filed in: Willis McGahee

When the Ravens open their preseason tomorrow night against the Philadelphia Eagles, the first player introduced at M&T Bank Stadium will be new running back Willis McGahee. The Ravens are hoping tonight will mark the first steps toward revitalizing a once-proud running attack. But McGahee is more focused on his footing with his fan base.

"I need to feel the love," McGahee said about coming out of the tunnel first. "I want it noisy and loud. If I feel the love, I can go out there and do what I got to do."

Chris Myers Update

Aug/13/07 03:45 AM Filed in: Chris Myers

Chris Myers is currently starting at left guard for the Denver Broncos this preseason.

(gazzette.com)

Give quarterbacks time, Kosar says

Aug/13/07 03:44 AM Filed in: Bernie Kosar

CLEVELAND: One preseason game is not enough.

That's the opinion of former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, now a member of the preseason broadcast team.

Fans and the players involved might be eager for coach Romeo Crennel to name a starting quarterback, but Kosar hopes that doesn't happen this week. Three-year veteran Charlie Frye won the supposed coin flip to start the preseason opener Saturday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, with Derek Anderson playing on alternating possessions.

Frye, a third-round pick out of the University of Akron, has started 18 games in his career, Anderson three. First-round pick Brady Quinn of Notre Dame and five-year veteran Ken Dorsey are also waiting in the wings.

''I think you need two good games for both these guys because it's been that close,'' Kosar said.

Irvin's Hall of Fame Speech Saves Lives

Aug/13/07 03:43 AM Filed in: Michael Irvin

Man, there's nothing like an inspirational Hall of Fame speech to revive a tarnished image. Two weeks ago, Michael Irvin was better known as the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver who had a fondness for coke and hookers, and a one-time ESPN bobblehead who specialized in yelling inanities during the Sunday morning pregame show.

Now, after a rousing, emotional induction speech at Canton, Irvin is, overnight, a new man. At least in the eyes of potential employers, anyway.

And then there's this:
Michael Irvin's Hall of Fame speech was so stirring that it drew calls or text messages from Charles Barkley, Vivica A. Fox, Chris Rock and Kenyon Martin, among others. But the text message that pleased Irvin the most came from a man in New Mexico who once drove him to an appearance.

The man had considered ending his life, but after hearing Irvin, drove to church instead.

(aolsportsblog.com)

Hester Watch

Aug/13/07 03:42 AM Filed in: Devin Hester

For all the hype that converted wide receiver Devin Hester has created in camp, his debut on offense went quietly. He was in for only one play with the first team, a handoff to Cedric Benson. He played more with backup Brian Griese and caught his first pass in the second quarter, a 12-yard gain. He also was used as a decoy on a fake end-around when Griese handed off to Adrian Peterson.

(suntimes.com)

Former Rebels Winston, Benson meet as opponents

Aug/13/07 03:41 AM Filed in: Eric Winston

HOUSTON -- It's been almost seven years since Cedric Benson and Eric Winston were on the same football field. And that last time was when they were hoisting a state championship trophy at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium in Austin.

Back in December of 2000 both had NFL dreams but their college careers were their immediate concern. Saturday night, though, these two stalwarts of Lee's state title run were back on the same field, playing for different teams, and living those NFL dreams as starters.

Benson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft by Chicago, started Saturday night's game against the Texans as the Bears' featured back and looked much like the back many Bears fans wanted to see from the beginning.

Meanwhile, Winston returned to start for Houston's offensive line at right tackle and showed that his experience last year is paying off.

Lineman Carey injured against Jaguars

Aug/13/07 03:40 AM Filed in: Vernon Carey

Miami's offensive line had a scary moment early in Saturday's preseason opener against Jacksonville at Dolphin Stadium.

Vernon Carey, who was switched from right tackle to left tackle during the offseason, sustained an undisclosed right knee injury -- one not considered to be serious -- with 5:40 remaining in the first quarter.

Carey sustained the injury on a sweep by Ronnie Brown to the left in a two-tight end formation. Brown gained 6 yards on the carry.

Carey was helped off the field and was quickly examined. Moments after getting on a table, Carey stood up under his own power and headed to a stationary bike. Carey did not return to the game.

(miamiherald.com)

Clinton Portis Update

Aug/13/07 03:40 AM Filed in: Clinton Portis

Running back Clinton Portis (knee) made the trip but missed his fourth straight preseason game dating back to last summer. Gibbs said that Dr. James Andrews and the team doctors said Portis "is on the right track ... to where [the swelling] will calm down and go away.

(washingtontimes.com)

Braun's late-inning muscle lifts Brewers over Astros

Aug/13/07 03:38 AM Filed in: Ryan Braun

Houston, TX - Ryan Braun hit a two-out, three-run home run in the ninth off Astros closer Brad Lidge to give the Brewers the lead, as Milwaukee rallied late to beat Houston, 7-4, in the middle contest of a three- game set at Minute Maid Park.

After six shutout innings by Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez, Milwaukee, trailing 4-0, scratched out a run in the seventh on a double play groundout and then scored two more runs in the eighth off Astros reliever Chad Qualls.

Rickie Weeks greeted Qualls with a double and scored on Corey Hart's triple. Braun followed with an infield single that plated Hart and brought Milwaukee within 4-3.
After a Prince Fielder strike out, Craig Counsell hit a pinch-hit single and Kevin Mench followed with a base-hit to right. Braun was thrown out at home trying to score Mench's single, but it didn't matter as Milwaukee continued to pour on the offense with back-to-back singles by J.J. Hardy and Joe Dillon to start the ninth.

Hester, Olsen give Bears' offense a different look

Aug/13/07 03:38 AM Filed in: The U

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Former University of Miami coach Larry Coker on Wednesday paid a visit to some old Hurricanes at Bears training camp.
Someone should have considered giving him the key to training camp.

Coker had a hand in the development of both Devin Hester and Greg Olsen, the two matinee idols in Bears camp. Whenever either player touches the football, it sounds like John, Paul, George and Ringo have taken the stage -- shrieking replaces applause.

The two new parts to the Bears' offense will attempt to show they can do more than practice when preseason opens Saturday night at 7 in Houston against the Texans.

Devin Hester Update

Aug/13/07 03:37 AM Filed in: Devin Hester

Devin Hester is making fans utter such expressions of admiration as "ooh" and "aah." However, he's been bugged by a hamstring, and David Haugh recently issued the following warning: "Remember, Hester didn't return kickoffs full-time last year until the 12th game of the season against Minnesota so he could focus solely on punt returns. Now he has three jobs. He might do them all exceptionally well. But if the added responsibilities and attention start to affect Hester physically or mentally, the Bears eventually could decide it makes sense for him to give one up. That's not part of the discussion yet but good to remember as the hype around Hester continues to snowball."

(chicagosports.chicagotribune.com)

Greg Olsen Update

Aug/13/07 03:36 AM Filed in: Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen has been hauling in just about everything. More Haugh: "Turner can pair Olsen in a double-tight-end formation with [Desmond] Clark, who is coming off a career year, and force defenses to make a decision. If teams view Olsen as a receiving threat and insert an extra defensive back, that opens up opportunities for the Bears' running game."

So picture this, if you will. Olsen and Clark as tight ends, Muhsin Muhammad and any one of Bernard Berrian, Mark Bradley or Hester split out wide and Cedric Benson as the lone setback. If the defense reads the run and brings an extra man in the box, which they would be insane to do, the Bears are already in a max-protect scheme and can keep Clark and Benson back while letting Olsen, Muhammad and the speed receiver run wild for Grossman. If they bring in a nickel back, who is already a mismatch with either Olsen or Clark, then they can just ram Benson up the middle for eight, nine yards.

(chicagosports.chicagotribune.com)

For Giants' Feagles, it's all about the snap

Aug/13/07 03:35 AM Filed in: Jeff Feagles

Saturday night marks Jeff Feagles' 20th preseason opener. The Giants' punter has long since forgotten the butterflies of playing in a big stadium for the first time or about the stress of having to win a job in the preseason. Still, Feagles, 41, is approaching the game against the Panthers with something more than his usual approach. That's because he'll have two new snappers delivering him the ball. Ryan Kuehl, Feagles' snapper for punts and field goals (Feagles is the Giants' holder) the last three seasons, is out for a significant stretch with a partially torn calf muscle. So Feagles will be receiving the ball from rookie linebacker Zak DeOssie for punts and rookie defensive tackle Jay Alford on field goals and extra-point attempts.

Brett Romberg Update

Aug/13/07 03:35 AM Filed in: Brett Romberg

On offense, starting center Brett Romberg did a nice job against the Vikings' standout defensive tackle, Pat Williams. In a mild surprise, Romberg started ahead of veteran Andy McCollum. But Linehan said McCollum would start Game 2 of the exhibition season Saturday against San Diego and said it was too early to name a frontrunner for the starting job.

(stltoday.com)

Ed Reed Update

Aug/13/07 03:33 AM Filed in: Ed Reed

The Ravens were missing half of their secondary as cornerback Samari Rolle and safety Ed Reed were held out of practice. Reed tweaked his ankle.

(ravens24x7.com)

Something To Prove - Cardinals’ cornerbacks know they are under the microscope

Aug/13/07 03:31 AM Filed in: Antrel Rolle

FLAGSTAFF – Antrel Rolle has heard the talk. It’s almost impossible not to hear it.

He – like his fellow returning cornerback, Eric Green – understands the pressure staring at them heading into this season.

“We definitely have to show what we have,” Rolle said. “(The naysayers) are looking for the same things we are looking for ourselves. I am my worst critic. We have to go out and make the big plays. That’s what we need.”

The Cardinals, who also added free-agent Rod Hood in the offseason to buoy the position, hope the cornerbacks can deliver just that. It is a major key to whether the Cardinals’ defense – which fell from eighth-ranked in the NFL in 2005 to 29th last year – can succeed.

Kareem Brown Update

Aug/13/07 03:30 AM Filed in: Kareem Brown

We hear that fourth-round DL Kareem Brown won't be a Patriot for long if he doesn't take to heart the team-imposed suspension and stern lecture from veteran DE Richard Seymour that he got after violating an unspecified team rule and being forced to the sideline for the first three days of practice.

(pfw.com)

Kellen Winslow Update

Aug/13/07 03:30 AM Filed in: Kellen Winslow

The way we hear it, Browns TE Kellen Winslow isn't limping after undergoing offseason microfracture knee surgery. Winslow and RB Jamal Lewis have been the team's best offensive players in camp by a long shot, we're told.

(pfw.com)

Dan Morgan Update

Aug/13/07 03:28 AM Filed in: Dan Morgan

Word out of Panthers camp is that MLB Dan Morgan, who missed the final 15 games last season after suffering two concussions in less than a month, is wearing a new helmet and mouthpiece aimed at preventing another concussion. In addition, the Panthers are holding Morgan out of all contact drills at training camp, and we hear he won't play much, if at all, in the preseason games.

(pfw.com)

Brock Berlin Update

Aug/13/07 03:28 AM Filed in: Brock Berlin

Lovell's kick culminated a 46-yard drive in the final 2 minutes 52 seconds of play with fourth-stringer Brock Berlin at quarterback. Berlin completed five of six passes on the drive for 60 yards, overcoming a sack and a false-start penalty.

"I've seen Brock do that," coach Scott Linehan said. "He was our No. 4 at Miami ... and he just moves the team."

(stltoday.com)

Ravens Make a Run for It

Aug/13/07 03:28 AM Filed in: Willis McGahee

WESTMINSTER, Md., Aug. 10 -- The atmosphere inside the Baltimore Ravens' running backs room is a little different now that Jamal Lewis, the franchise's career rushing leader, is playing for the rival Cleveland Browns. Lewis brought a little levity to the room; he was "always funny and quick with the jokes," fellow running back Mike Anderson said.

Willis McGahee, Lewis's replacement, adds something else: "He brings that Miami ungh! That Miami swagger," Anderson said.

That swagger is welcome on the Baltimore offense, particularly in the running game, which struggled last season. The Ravens have long been known for their bruising running attack, but last season it produced just 102.3 yards per game (25th in the NFL).

PAYTON ROMPS: Jarrett Payton has the Montreal Alouettes on a nice roll.

Aug/13/07 03:28 AM Filed in: Jarrett Payton

The son of former NFL legend Walter Payton ran for 141 yards and a touchdown in Montreal's 30-18 win over Calgary on Thursday night. The victory was the Alouettes' third straight since Payton was inserted into the starting lineup.

Payton missed Montreal's first four regular season games with an ankle injury. He returned to the lineup three weeks ago and helped the Alouettes sweep a home and home series with Toronto before Thursday's game.

In three games, Payton has rushed for 301 yards and scored two touchdowns and is averaging over six yards a carry.

(sportsnetwork.com)

Roscoe Parrish Update

Aug/13/07 03:28 AM Filed in: Roscoe Parrish

Roscoe Parrish caught three passes for 43 yards in Friday night's exhibition victory over the Saints.
Parrish beat Jason David along the sidelines on consecutive second-quarter plays. While it’s clear David is struggling to adjust from a zone defense to a man-to-man scheme, Parrish could make a move up the depth chart if he continues to produce. Peerless Price should not be locked into a starting job by any means.

(rotoworld.com)

Giants' Feagles breaks in rookie long-snappers

Aug/13/07 03:28 AM Filed in: Jeff Feagles

Saturday night marks Jeff Feagles' 20th preseason opener. The Giants' punter has long since forgotten the butterflies of playing in a big stadium for the first time or about the stress of having to win a job in the preseason. Still, Feagles, 41, is approaching the game against the Panthers with something more than his usual approach.

That's because he'll have two new snappers delivering him the ball. Ryan Kuehl, Feagles' snapper for punts and field goals (Feagles is the Giants' holder) the last three seasons, is out for a significant stretch with a partially torn calf muscle.

So Feagles will be receiving the ball from rookie linebacker Zak DeOssie for punts and rookie defensive tackle Jay Alford on field goals and extra-point attempts.

Leon Williams Update

Aug/13/07 03:28 AM Filed in: Leon Williams

The real battle will be for the two inside backer positions. Andra Davis is the seasoned vet. D'Qwell Jackson was a high second round draft pick last year and began to shine just before he went down with an injury. That injury opened the door for another rookie linebacker, Leon Williams.

Williams is arguably the most athletic defender on this Browns defense. He will be pushing both starters for not only increased playing time but also for a starting position. I could see Leon becoming a starter due to his natural instincts at playing the run while pushing Andra Davis into the role of a third down pass defender.

(browns.scout.com)

Edwards, Winslow leaving the past behind

Aug/13/07 03:28 AM Filed in: Kellen Winslow

BEREA, Ohio -- To this point in the brief but brittle professional tenures of Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow and wide receiver Braylon Edwards, their résumés have been defined as much by broken bones as game-breaking plays.

Chosen among the top six players in consecutive NFL drafts, the tandem has registered more letdowns than touchdowns. Expected to emerge as the twin playmakers for the young Cleveland offense, Edwards and Winslow instead have become conjoined by misfortune and disappointment and the dreaded stigma of potential unfulfilled.

And now, at a seeming crossroads for them and for this franchise, they are drawn together by a shared determination to relegate whatever transpired in the past to the dustbin of history.

McKinnie hears Chiefs' trash talk

Aug/13/07 03:28 AM Filed in: Bryant McKinnie

MANKATO, Minn. - After practicing against them last week, Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie suddenly can't wait until the next time he lines up opposite the Kansas City Chiefs.

During a broadcast of the HBO Series "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Kansas City Chiefs," rookie defensive end Turk McBride said to a veteran teammate,

"Their tackles are terrible. Every one is soft."

Told of the comment, McKinnie said, "Oh, please.

"That's surprising," he said. "But we get to play them again this year. So we'll see. I'm going to remember that, though."

On the show, McBride was shown beating two of the Vikings' unheralded tackles, and he had a solid pass rush on McKinnie that wasn't aired. But McKinnie is eager for the Sept. 23 game against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

"I don't know what they're going to do," McKinnie said, "but I know what I'm going to do."

William Joseph Update

Aug/13/07 03:28 AM Filed in: William Joseph

3. End of the line is just fine

Michael Strahan left a void -- a 6-foot-5, 255-pound void, to be exact -- when he decided to pass on the first two weeks of camp while contemplating retirement. Fortunately for the Giants, William Joseph, a former defensive tackle who stands the same height as Strahan and weighs another 50 pounds, is large enough to fill it.

But is Joseph fast enough? Giants coaches seem to think so. Joseph, sharing time with Justin Tuck, is playing to rave reviews.

(timesunion.com)