NFL training camp previews: 3 things to know
From detailing the key moves to roster spot battles, we cover all 32 teams
Ray Stubblebine / ReutersEli Manning will miss Plaxico Burress this season, but he'll spend training camp looking for a new go-to receiver. But that's just one key training camp tidbit to know. We detail the crucial aspects for each team.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
1. The acquisition of future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez gives Matt Ryan a legitimate second option in the passing game. In retrospect, its remarkable Ryan performed so exceptionally as a rookie with only Roddy White to throw to. Gonzalez will replace White as the “hot” receiver that Ryan looks to on many plays over the middle. Gonzalez, 33, laughs at traditional career arcs. He’s coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the first time in his career.
2. Gonzalez should help Atlanta balance their offense. The 2008 Falcons were one of the five most run-heavy teams of the last decade. Look for offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey to open up the playbook in Ryan’s second year. This will lessen the burden on running back Michael Turner, who is coming off a league high 376 carries.
3. The Falcons took seven defenders out of eight draft picks, including first-round defensive tackle Peria Jerry. Coach Mike Smith recognizes the defense lacks championship-level talent, especially in the secondary. If the rookies pan out, the Falcons could record consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history.
Carolina Panthers
1. Quarterback Jake Delhomme surprisingly doesn’t have to worry about job security. When we last saw Delhomme, he was throwing six excruciating interceptions in a playoff loss to the Cardinals. Instead of questioning Delhomme, the Panthers rewarded him. They handed Delhomme $20 million in guarantees in a contract extension that also provided cap relief. This franchise will sink or swim with Delhomme.
2. Defensive end Julius Peppers is one reason the Panthers needed cap relief. Carolina stared down their star defensive end’s trade “demand,” and retained him with the franchise tag. The only problem: they owe him a whopping $16.7 million this season. At least Carolina knows Peppers will be motivated. He could be the league’s richest player if he hits free agency next offseason.
3. Carolina has a solid chance to defend their NFC South crown because they may own football's best offensive line. Carolina re-signed stalwart left tackle Jordan Gross this offseason. Youngsters Ryan Kalil, their center, and right tackle Jeff Otah are potential Pro Bowlers. The group will continue to blast open holes for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. It'll be an explosive running game, again.
New Orleans Saints
1. Reggie Bush is not the man to replace Deuce McAllister. Bush will concentrate on returns and catching passes out of the backfield. He’s a valuable piece to the puzzle, but the Saints just hope he can avoid his chronic knee problems. He’s not a workhorse back. Perhaps Pierre Thomas, the former undrafted free agent, should lead New Orleans in carries. He’s a potential breakout star.
2. The Saints are expected to be without starting defensive linemen Charles Grant and Will Smith while they serve four game suspensions. When they return, the Saints will count on new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to inspire improved play from the duo. Williams brings an attacking style to a defense that has underachieved for years. The defensive personnel have improved with a deeper secondary.
3. Drew Brees has led the NFL in pass attempts two straight years and is a good bet to do so again. Consider that Brees threw for over 5,000 yards last season despite losing Marques Colston, Reggie Bush, and Jeremy Shockey for big chunks of the season. When everyone is healthy, Brees has more weapons to throw to than anyone.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. At 32, Raheem Morris is the youngest coach in the NFL. He brings an energetic style and a defensive background to the team. He’s a popular figure among his players, but has his work cut out for him. Long-time defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin is gone, and Tampa’s defense collapsed down the stretch last year.
2. The Bucs don’t know who their quarterback is. Luke McCown got a nice contract from the team’s new GM, but then they signed Byron Leftwich after watching McCown practice. (Not a good sign.) Rookie Josh Freeman is the future, but he is the least pro ready of the first-round quarterbacks. The projected winner of this battle changes every week. Look for Freeman to take over once the Bucs fall out of playoff contention.
3. Tampa’s offense will transform drastically with Jon Gruden gone. Former Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski, the team’s new coordinator, is installing a zone-blocking scheme for the running game. The team will also throw vertically more. Look for a run-heavy approach, led by a nasty young offensive line. Free agent import Derrick Ward (from the Giants) and Earnest Graham provide a solid backfield.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
1. Despite all the trade rumors, Anquan Boldin isn’t going anywhere. He didn’t get the contract extension he wanted, but he wasn’t alone. Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett and linebacker Karlos Dansby can sympathize. Coming off their Super Bowl season, the Cardinals will have to be careful that individual concerns don’t overshadow team goals.
2. Coach Ken Whisenhunt boldly replaced defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast despite the team’s playoff run. The move makes sense. Arizona’s defense was not consistent and sometimes overly complex. New defensive coordinator Bill Davis has a lot of talent to worth with, starting with safety Adrian Wilson. Look for Davis to simplify things.
3. Edgerrin James and J.J. Arrington were the key running backs in the Super Bowl, but they are gone. Rookie Chris “Beanie” Wells and holdover Tim Hightower will handle the duties. Wells is a rugged back who can bowl over opponents. He could make the Cardinals very difficult to defend.
St. Louis Rams
1. The Rams may not be better in 2009 (though it would be hard to be worse), but they will be nastier. Center Jason Brown, acquired from the Ravens, is a mauler. No. 2 overall pick Jason Smith plays with an edge and will start his career at right tackle. New coach Steve Spagnuolo promises a run-first approach built around Steven Jackson.
2. Marc Bulger remains the quarterback despite a disastrous ’08 campaign. Only Kyle Boller is around to push him. Bulger has struggled recently with his pocket presence, appearing to fear the pass rush. The Rams could help him by throwing short passes, but he doesn’t have many options.
3. Spagnuolo will bring an attacking style to the Rams' defense, which has lacked an identity since Lovie Smith left. Rookie James Laurinaitis is expected to start from day one at middle linebacker. The Rams need a big year from ‘08 second overall pick Chris Long. He is coming off a solid rookie year.
San Francisco 49ers
1. The quarterback job remains Shaun Hill’s to lose. But the re-emergence of former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith bodes well for the franchise. He reportedly outshined Hill with fantastic offseason practices. His shoulder is fully recovered from multiple surgeries. Look for Smith to wind up starting some games for the 49ers this season.
2. The 49ers roster is more talented than it has been in the last five years, but there are still holes. Signing free agent cornerback Dre Bly was a desperation move after the team lost Walt Harris for the season in OTAs. If Bly starts, it won’t end well for the defense.
3. On paper, the 49ers look better on offense than they do on defense, which is certainly a change. The receiver position is much deeper than recent years with No. 10 overall pick Michael Crabtree and potential star Josh Morgan. Veteran Isaac Bruce is also back, and the team’s offensive line reflects coach Mike Singletary’s attitude — ornery.
Seattle Seahawks
1. New coach Jim Mora will bring a much different philosophy than Mike Holmgren on offense. The Seahawks plan to be a run-heavy team that uses a zone-blocking scheme. They don’t have very good running backs (Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett), but offensive coordinator Greg Knapp has enjoyed success with his system everywhere he’s gone.
2. Matt Hasselbeck suffered through chronic back problems last year, but looked healthy in minicamps. Of course, he wasn’t taking hits then. If Hasselbeck stays upright, the Seahawks have a chance to bounce back all the way to a division championship. Free agent acquisition T.J. Houshmandzadeh may have been overpaid, but he’ll help the team move the chains.
3. Rookie linebacker Aaron Curry was perhaps the draft's safest bet. He will step right into the starting lineup to fill out a talented linebacker group that includes Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill, who signed a big contract in the offseason.
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