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Like last year, the Packers will start off the pre-season against the Cleveland Browns. Last year, the talk of the town was the new 3-4 defense.
This year, with serious Super Bowl aspirations, it’s about filling in the loose ends and adding depth.
The defense however, is still a huge point of interest this pre-season.
You won’t see much of Charles Woodson or even Tramon Williams and Nick Collins in this first game, but you will see alot from guys like Morgan Burnett, Brandon Underwood, and Sam Shields.
Also watch Brandon chillar at OLB, as well as Desmond Bishop who’s playing for a chance to start in the regular season.
BJ Raji and Mike Neal are going to be very important this season and both are players to watch on Saturday.
Bryan Bulaga could start this year at LG and is the future at LT. He should see a good amount of playing time against the Browns.
Mason Crosby hasn’t been connecting on alot of kicks this training camp and will be important to watch this pre-season.
Punters Tim Masthay and Chris Bryan will make or break their career with Green Bay by their stats in these 4 games. They are both players to watch on Saturday.
The Packers are super deep at positions like LB, WR, and TE, and I expect those players to take advantage of a weak Browns Team.
Colt McCoy should play alot in this game, but with little around him on the 3rd team offense, expect the Packers to get the better of him.
In last years showdown, the Packers blanked the Browns 17-0. I expect something similar to that this time around or maybe even better.
The final isn’t important though, what does matter is how certain players perform. That’s what I’ll be looking for when this games is shown later in the week on NFL Network, which by the way, does anyone know when that is? If so just post it in a comment.
It should be pretty exciting, still can’t wait for September 12th in Philadelphia. The road to Dallas begins here!
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1. How long will Kyle Orton be the Broncos starting QB in 2010?
These kinds of questions always have to be answered with the caveat “barring injury.” He’s better than the fans and media give him credit for, but it seems like he’s just missing something.
The Broncos brought in Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow this offseason. Quinn failed in Cleveland and Tebow will take time. Orton is the best bet the Broncos have, lets hope head coach Josh McDaniels realizes that. I’m not sure what Orton is missing, but he can never satisfy anybody.
2. Is Knowshon Moreno ready to be a Pro Bowler?
He was amazing at Georgia, that’s for sure. He led all rookies in rushing yards in 2009. I don’t know that he is a Pro Bowler just yet. Look at the AFC’s running backs: Chris Johnson, Ray Rice, Maurice Jones-Drew, Jamaal Charles. Can he beat out some of those guys? Not this year, maybe in a year or two.
3. Who will fill the voids left by Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler?
The Broncos aren’t going to just replace Brandon Marshall. Eddie Royal will step in to the No. 1 slot and he’s good, but not Brandon Marshall.
At tight end Daniel Graham is capable of things other than just blocking. I also really like Richard Quinn out of North Carolina, watch out for him Broncos fans.
4. Which Broncos defense will we see: 2009′s start or 2008′s finish?
They brought in some good veterans but without Elvis Dumervil, I don’t see this as an elite defense. Middle of the pack at best, maybe worse.
5. Record?
7-9, tied for third in the AFC West
This idea originated from ESPN’s Mike & Mike. To check out their opinion on the Broncos, click here. Later today, I will preview the New York Giants.
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The Bears held a training camp practice at Solider Field this past Friday night and thousands of fans were in attendance to see just how far the Bears have progressed. These events are always fun for the fans and really give them a close up and personal look at the Chicago Bears.
The following includes some highlights from the family night practice along with a full injury report and some observations from the past week.
Injury Update
Chris Harris was back in the lineup on Friday after missing almost every practice with an injury. In limited action, he looked pretty good but still has some work to do.
Both tight ends, Kellen Davis and Brandon Manumaleuna, were out on Friday night.
Passing Fancy
The Bears passing game continues to be quite impressive, and on Friday night Cutler found tight end Greg Olsen several times (eight), making it seem as if the Bears are going to make the tight ends part of their passing game in 2010.
Hopefully the Bears will be able to take advantage of their tight ends this year and throw the ball to them more often than has been alluded to. We shall soon see how things work out for them in the offense.
The next hottest receiver in the passing game was wide receiver Johnny Knox. Cutler threw to his running backs, Matt Forte and Chester Taylor, as well.
Almost everyone got a decent workout Friday night and fans were excited to see the Bears passing game. Fans hope that what they saw on the field will translate into success when the season starts. Let’s hope that happens.
At Sunday’s practice Olsen had another big showing, catching five touchdown passes in drills with Cutler. Perhaps the tight end isn’t going to be out of this offense after all.
One other interesting thing was that Cutler didn’t throw a single interception during Friday night’s practice and hasn’t thrown one since last Wednesday. He did end up throwing one in Sunday’s practice.
On Guard
The Bears did a little switching up at the guard positions on Friday night, setting Lance Louis at right guard while putting Roberto Garza over at the left guard spot.
This combination has apparently been pretty popular in training camp and the Bears feel that this could possibly be the combination that they start out with heading into the 2010 season. Let’s see how this works out for the rest of training camp.
Catch and Release
The Bears released quarterback Mike Teel and signed wide receiver Zeke Markshausen, formerly of the Northwestern Wildcats.
Teel hasn’t been much of a factor for the Bears during training camp, as he hasn’t seen that much time throwing the ball thanks to a hamstring injury. If anything, Markshausen gives them some additional depth at the wide receiver position and could give them a candidate to stick on the practice squad and develop over time.
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Yes, I’m beginning to believe that San Diego Chargers general manager, A.J. Smith is actually Leonardo DiCaprio is disguise. If you have seen the latest hit movie, “Inception”, you may know what I mean. Follow my logic and tell me if you think that Leo is filling in for A.J.
As you know, the Chargers have several key players who haven’t signed their tender this season. Not just some third string tight end, but rather a starting left tackle (Marcus McNeil), a starting linebacker (Shawne Merriman), and a number one receiver (Vincent Jackson). Yep, that is three potential pro bowl players who are currently missing camp and have talk about lengthy hold outs.
Just in case you missed it, here are the players complaints, in a nut shell. Let’s begin with McNeil, the Chargers Pro Bowl left tackle. It seems that he would like a long term deal for an amount worthy of a person who is paid to protect the $92 million investment at quarterback. The Chargers want him to sign his one year tender of about $3.5 million and get his large butt into camp. At this point, McNeil is talking about sitting all of camp and the first 10 games of the season. OUCH! That being said, I do believe there is hope in McNeil’s case. I’ll get back to that later.
Vincent Jackson would also like top dollar and several years, much like teammate Antonio Gates recently received. Smith is telling him the same thing that he told McNeil. Sign your tender and come into camp! Jackson is also holding out and my not be back until after Week 10. The reason Jackson doesn’t have as much hope as McNeil is that he is not the professional that McNeil seems to be.
Jackson has had two D.U.I. arrest and was actually cuffed and sited for driving on a suspended licence and blaring his car stereo, the morning of the Chargers/Jets playoff game last season. Not to mention that during the game, Jackson was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and cost the Chargers critical yards. When asked about his behavior during the game, his response was, “I think it’s comedical.” Yes, I think that says it all.
Then there is Merriman who, in my humble opinion, should just sign and get into camp to prove that he is healthy and is able to return to his old form. He needs to become the player from before the three major injuries and the suspension for PED’s. As Steve Martin, or John Belushi would say…”But noooooo!” Merriman says he wants to be assured that he will not have to worry about being traded during the season. Apparently, he forgot that he is a professional football player, not a short order cook somewhere.
Merriman claims to have abandonment issues that stem from when he was a child. Personally, I feel badly for Merriman, but I think he needs to sign and get into camp. He can use his millions to get some help for his problems. Okay, I don’t feel that bad.
Now, why is A.J. Smith actually DiCaprio is disguise? The way he is using the media is much like DiCaprio attempts inception during the movie. “Inception” is planting a thought in someone else’s mind is hopes that they will do what you want them to do. You want it to seem like their idea, so they don’t resent you. Smith is trying hard to achieve inception with his prodigal players.
Here is Smith’s work in a nut shell:
1. Now that camp is open, the media has been reporting on how individuals look for the upcoming season. Much has been made about the Chargers moving offensive lineman, Brandon Dombrowski to left tackle (McNeil’s position). The Chargers brass was talking him up and sharing how he is a natural on the left side of the line, and they really don’t think he is much of a step back from McNeil.
2. Boy, has Buster Davis looked great in camp!!! Wow, you would think this is the second coming of John Jefferson or Charlie Joiner, the way they have been pumping him up. The fact is that he has never made it through a season healthy and I find it hard to believe that the Chargers are counting on him now.
And 3. Larry English is a beast this year! By all accounts, English is reeking havoc this preseason and spending most of his time in Philip River’s space.
Well, there is the evidence. Three messages going out of one reason and one reason alone…to make McNeil, Jackson, and Merriman feel like they have no leverage and that they are in danger of losing their positions and a lot of money. With Smith’s reputation of being a hard head, they have to already be worried that he would rather lose games on the field than lose them in negotiations.
Now, as I stated earlier, McNeil has hope. For one, he is an upstanding citizen. For two, he is a fine left tackle and keeps Rivers on his feet. Most importantly, if English is prospering, then Dombrowski is struggling and there is really no one else to play the position. Let’s face it, if English is blowing away Dombrowski, imagine what other top pass rushers will do to him. It’s not a pretty picture.
So with all the facts in, I believe that Merriman will sign after sitting out at least half of camp, because he has no leverage. Jackson will sit out and try to make up more words like comedical, because he is not the sharpest tool in the shed. Finally, McNeil will get a new contract and get to play football in 2010, because even A.J. Smith will have to admit that his back is against the wall and he needs a stud at left tackle.
Enjoy the season!
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So it’s the third go-around for the Miami Dolphins and their little three-headed no-so-scary monster. The three heads belong to Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and Tony Sparano. After a ten-game turnaround in 2008, the Dolphins answered 2009 with a season that wasn’t as successful. With the up-and-coming New York Jets and the always-successful New England Patriots in the division, I’d be surprised if they finished higher than third in 2010. If they want to make some noise this year in the AFC, they need to learn how to put more into their passing offense and how to stop the pass.
Offensive Coordinator Dan Henning and quarterbacks coach David Lee did a nice job last season at molding Chad Henne into a legit starting quarterback. Now with Brandon Marshall as the main piece in the Dolphins offense, things might go a little bit smoother for Henne. The Dolphins can also get advice on how to handle Marshall from new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, who replaces Paul Pasqualoni and should bring more of an attacking style.
Quarterbacks
When Chad Pennington tore up his shoulder in Week 3 last season, Chad Henne took over and went 7-6 the rest of the way, even while getting hardly any support from his defense and playing with pedestrian complementary players. Chad Henne does have lots of positives and a few negatives to his game. He’s got the size, arm and confidence to be a legit quality NFL quarterback. He also a few negative issues to his game such as pocket awareness and touch.
Chad Pennington decided to take the number 3 role this season and become more of a mentor to Henne and backup QBs Pat White and Tyler Thigpen. Thigpen has proven that he can play well in the NFL, while Pat White has yet to have that opportunity. He looked overmatched as a rookie, even in specially designed Wildcat packages.
Running backs
There really isn’t an issue with the RB situation or the depth chart. The Dolphins look like they will continue to use the two-man system with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. But a key question is if Ronnie Brown can stay healthy for once. He’s very physical, and versatile. But he did miss the final seven games of 2009 with a fractured foot. This came two years after missing the final nine games with a knee injury. He’s the only man on the roster who can run the Wildcat plays to full effect, and he takes the burden off his close friend Ricky Williams.
I’m not so sure if Ricky can be counted on during a 16-game season. While Brown was on the shelf, Ricky ripped off four 100-yard rushing performances in the first five games but was not as effective down the stretch. His workloard consisted of 241 carries, which was more than he’d had the previous three seasons combined and his most since 2003. If Patrick Cobbs returns from his knee injury, he could take some of the load off Williams’ back. He’s a guy I’ve been wanting to see more of because he can catch well, run from scrimmage, and return kicks. Fullback Lousaka Polite is automatic as a short-yardage rusher and has greatly improved his blocking.
Wide Receivers
I’m expecting the Dolphins’ passing yardage number to increase a little more in 2010. There is one reason for this. HINT: It starts with Brandon and end with Marshall. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up with about 90 catches this season, if he stays healthy and consistent. Oh, and he has to keep his cool off the field as well. But overall, the Dolphins front office did a great job at picking up this guy if they want to improve on the passing game. The Dolphins only scored six touchdowns by their four primary receivers in 2009. Brandon Marshall has averaged 7.7 touchdowns and 109 catches over the past three seasons. He’s not a burner, but he definitely is a premium possession receiver and will make Chad Henne look a little better. His presence should also allow other wideouts to fit into their roles a little bit more comfortably.
Brian Hartline showed promise as a rookie with his terrific route running and occasionally broke out on big plays. Greg Camarillo returns another year removed. He’s one of the more reliable receivers in the league, considering he didn’t drop a single pass last season. Devone Bess remains crafty in the slot. All they really need is a speedster and a dynamic tight end. They no longer have a speedy guy going down the field now that they decided to let go of Ted Ginn Jr. But at tight end the teams hopes Anthony Fasano bounces back from a disappointing year to help Marshall and Bess work the middle of the field.
Offensive Linemen
The O-line starts with Jake Long, a decent run-blocker who has demonstrated that he can adjust enough to handle the speed rushers. The organization and fans shouldn’t worry about him. The other two positions are also set. Jake Grove performed well at center, and he returns along with right tackle Vernon Carey, who’s been bothered by knee and back issues. But a changing of the guards seems to be coming. Justin Smiley got hurt and didn’t finish either of his Dolphins seasons and now is with the Jaguars.
Now, Nate Garner will get a shot at left guard. He’s shown remarkable versatility, playing tackle, guard and center in a single game. Another potential left guard is Donald Thomas. The right guard spot should be going to the interesting Richie Incognito, who’s known for his more dirty play and causes a few penalties here and there. But apparently Coach Sparano likes the guy so he should be in the lineup if he stays consistent.
Defensive Linemen
Randy Starks is the most consistent guy in this bunch, considering he was practically the only one who didn’t crumble during the 2009 season. You also have Jason Ferguson and his issues as well as Paul Soliai and his issue what doctors call “a little bit of a weight problem.”
With Randy Starks most likely being shifted to the inside, that leaves three younger players that will have a chance to make a name for themselves on the outside. These guys include Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford who both have made little sparks but not enough impact plays. If Merling doesn’t improve his work ethic, Jared Odrick could end seeing more playing time at his expense.
Linebackers
Channing Crowder returns with more help inside. The Dolphins replaced Akin Ayodele with former Cardinals standout Karlos Dansby, spending lavishly to do so. Dansby has shown during his days in Arizona that he can make the big plays. Cameron Wake comes into the NFL from the Canadian Football League where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Other players worth mentioning include Quentin Moses and Charlie Anderson who haven’t really proved much to this point.
Secondary
Even though the Dolphins didn’t intend to start rookie cornerbacks in 2009, that’s exactly what happened thanks to Will Allen’s knee injury that forced Vontae Davis into the lineup with Sean Smith. Davis is known to be very spectacular at times. He also loves to talk a little trash and is a hard hitter. Then there’s Sean Smith who’s very tall, and uses his feet well but isn’t the toughest guy in the world. If ether show signs of inconsistency, the Dolphins could turn it back over to Allen.
Yeremiah Bell saw his perseverance result in his first Pro Bowl appearance, even if he didn’t have his best overall season. But at the end of the day, he is a very good playmaker. The loss of Gibril Wilson gives Chris Clemons, the very smart Tyrone Culver and rookie Reshad Jones to compete for the spot.
Special Teams
The kicking game doesn’t seem to be a problem at all. Dan Carpenter has grown to be one of the more consistent and one of my favorite kickers in the NFL. He only missed three field goals last year. Punter Brandon Fields was much more efficient than earlier in his career, forcing opponents to start 25 times inside the 20-yard line.
The return game still need some tweaking. With Ted Ginn Jr. gone to San Francisco, the Dolphins don’t have a potential game-breaker at either spot. Davone Bess, who handles punt returns, can make defenders miss but isn’t much of a breakaway guy. This might be where Pat White can put his speed to use.
Final Thoughts
Ever since the Parcells, Ireland and Sparano took over the Miami Dolphins, only 12 players from that original roster remain (so far). And only half of those guys could have a chance to start. They have a nice QB and big, physical players at pretty much every position. But it won’t be a championship team until Chad Henne takes the necessary steps from being a good quarterback to a great one. This could take a while, if at all. Finishing in 2nd place in the AFC East would be surprising to me in 2010.
FINAL PREDICTION: 3rd in AFC East Division, Misses Playoffs
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