Seattle the final test in battle for Raiders QB job
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
SEATTLE -- Maybe he's just fortunate, but Mike Holmgren has never faced the situation in front of first-year Oakland coach Lane Kiffin.
In his long career, from being an assistant in San Francisco to his head coaching days in Green Bay and Seattle, Holmgren has always gone into the final preseason game set on his starting quarterback.
Lucky?
''I prefer fine coaching,'' Holmgren cracked.
The quarterback debate is at the forefront for Kiffin, who will use Thursday night's preseason finale between the Oakland Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks as the final test for who will get the starting nod when Oakland opens the regular season against Detroit on Sept. 9.
The competition that began with three QBs - all who had starting experience in the NFL - is now down to Josh McCown and Daunte Culpepper. Kiffin said Tuesday that Andrew Walter, who started eight games last season for the Raiders, would be the No. 3 quarterback.
''We're both still relatively new to this thing, as is everybody, for that matter, but at the same time, I just go out and work,'' McCown said of him and Culpepper. ''I don't put any chips on my shoulder or make myself get going like I am the underdog.''
McCown will get the start against the Seahawks, with Culpepper getting about an equal number of snaps, although Kiffin didn't say how long either will play. Other than the quarterback position, Kiffin intends on pulling most of his starters after the first series or two.
A quarterback competition of this extent likely could have been avoided if there wasn't a contentious, ongoing contract dispute between the Raiders and No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell, a holdout all summer. Kiffin's hopes of tutoring Russell in his offense, then handing him the reins vanished after Russell missed the opening days of training camp.
If Oakland cannot sign Russell by the 10th week of the regular season, Russell will not be able to play in 2007. If he's not signed by next April's draft, Russell will go back into the draft pool.
''I know that players even better than coaches understand the professional side of it,'' Kiffin said about Russell.
Culpepper, who signed with the Raiders on July 31 after being cut in Miami, is making a strong push to be the starter, despite missing offseason minicamps and finding himself well behind McCown and Walter in learning Kiffin's system.
His best outing came in Oakland's second preseason game against San Francisco. Culpepper went 6-for-8 for 75 yards, threw for a pair of touchdowns and showed there was still some mobility left in his reconstructed knee.
''We signed Daunte to compete to be the starting quarterback and that's exactly what he's done. If he's the starter, he's the starter,'' Kiffin said.
''That's the first conversation I had before we ever signed him, making sure he understood he's going to get a great shot at being the starting quarterback. He may not be the starter, he may be the backup, and I needed to know how he was going to handle that, and he was great.''
McCown, acquired in a trade with Detroit, followed up with a strong outing last week against St. Louis: 6-for-9 for 138 yards.
''I felt like this last game, in particular, I came out and threw the ball better, accurately, like I expect myself to throw,'' McCown said. ''So from those standpoints, yeah, I think I've continued to improve and get to the point where I want to be at throwing the football.''
Along with the quarterback debate, the Raiders are still deciding who will be their offensive line anchor at center. Former San Francisco center Jeremy Newberry has been dominant when on the field, but the Raiders are being cautious with his aging knees.
Meanwhile, most questions in the Seahawks lineup already are settled, with most of the competitions now surrounding reserves at safety, tight end and linebacker.
Nate Burleson and D.J. Hackett are still competing to start opposite Deion Branch at wide receiver, and Darryl Tapp appears to have moved ahead of Bryce Fisher at defensive end. But in both cases, the Seahawks rotate multiple players at those positions.
Most of Seattle's starters are likely to play sparingly Thursday.
''I hear players around the league say that there's too many preseason games,'' Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said. ''It sort of bothers me when I hear them say that because if it wasn't for these preseason games, I wouldn't be in the NFL. I wouldn't even ever had a chance.''
Broncos starters will sit out exhibition finale despite problems
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
DENVER -- Mike Shanahan isn't going to deviate from his plan to rest his starters in the final exhibition tuneup against Arizona.
Despite a dismal defensive showing in the preseason and an offense that never had all its parts working together, Shanahan won't alter his strategy.
''No change in philosophy,'' said the Denver Broncos coach who prefers to use the last preseason game as a job interview for the final half-dozen or so roster spots.
New Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt is going to make his starters earn their time off Thursday night.
''We're going to go one, maybe two series,'' Whisenhunt said. ''If they play extremely well in the first series, maybe they'll be out.''
The most notable newcomer to the Cardinals' starting lineup is cornerback Rod Hood, who has supplanted Antrel Rolle, their first-round pick in 2005.
Arizona's second-year quarterback Matt Leinart has looked sharp, completing 17 of 23 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in his last two games. But the Cardinals are still harping on him to improve his footwork.
''It's a constant battle,'' Whisenhunt said. ''He's been in some bad habits that are hard to break, and he's working hard to get out of those habits.''
Leinart said he just has ''to get in a groove and get comfortable.''
But not too comfortable because he'll be in a baseball cap by the time the first quarter is over - just like fellow 2006 draftee Jay Cutler, who has spent all preseason working behind a makeshift line, handing off to a patchwork backfield and throwing to an improvised cast of receivers.
The Broncos' top three wide receivers - Javon Walker, Brandon Marshall, Brandon Stokley - have all missed time, along with tight end Tony Scheffler. Rod Smith has yet to practice as he continues his recovery from offseason hip surgery that will sideline him through the first six weeks of the season at minimum.
Denver's top two running backs, Travis Henry (knee) and Mike Bell (hip) were hurt at Dallas two weeks ago and won't return until the opener Sept. 9 at Buffalo.
Left guard Ben Hamilton has been slow to recover from a concussion early in camp. He was expected to practice this week, but became nauseated doing some drills and his return was put off indefinitely.
''He's seeing specialists, seeing the best in the world, and when he's ready to come back, he'll come back,'' Shanahan said. ''Hopefully, it's sooner rather than later.''
The Broncos assembled a roster in the offseason that would have made any fantasy player proud.
They added Henry, Stokley and tight end Daniel Graham on offense, cornerback Dre' Bly and tackle Sam Adams on defense and Todd Sauerbrun and Paul Smith on special teams. Then, they drafted Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder and Marcus Thomas to plug the middle and pressure the passer.
But all three rookies have seen their development stunted by injury, Sauerbrun had a mediocre camp and Cutler never really has lined up with the front-line unit. Denver's biggest worry, however, is on defense, where the starters have allowed 44 points in roughly six quarters.
The Broncos have been slow to adapt to new boss Jim Bates' system and sorely miss the leadership and play of middle linebacker Al Wilson, their captain and leading tackler last year whose neck injury and high salary led to his release in the offseason.
D.J. Williams is trying to replace him, but all three of Denver's preseason opponents have exploited his inexperience and completed big plays over a wide-open middle. Denver's strong secondary had been the lone bright spot before the Browns repeatedly burned Bly last week.
Shanahan blamed the defensive doldrums on a mixture of new personnel and a new scheme. Still, he figures he's seen enough of the starters and things can get ironed out in practice.
''Well, if I needed to see more, they'd be playing'' Thursday night, Shanahan said. ''We've done this every year since I've been here, so this is no different than any other year.''
Final preseason game meaningful for some Lions and Bills
August 29, 2007
DETROIT (AP) -Edwin Mulitalo is well aware the NFL's final preseason games are regarded as meaningless.
Entering his ninth season in the league and first with the Detroit Lions, Mulitalo doesn't agree with the popular notion.
To the guard, much is at stake Thursday night when Detroit hosts the Buffalo Bills in the last exhibition for both teams.
``It's important for us because we're still piecing guys together on the offensive line,'' Mulitalo insisted. ``The offensive line is a unique position group because we have to be cohesive to play well. That only happens by playing together in games because you can't simulate everything in practice.
``Have we jelled yet? I'm not sure. But have we come a long ways? Yes.''
The Lions need their reshaped offensive line to improve because last year quarterback Jon Kitna was sacked an NFL-high 63 times, and they averaged a league-low 71 yards rushing per game.
Detroit can't expect Kitna to take every snap, as he did last season, if he gets hit that many times - or to win consistently if the running game stays grounded.
Mulitalo, who started 102 games for Baltimore from 1999-2006, was signed as a free agent. Tackle George Foster was acquired in a trade, along with running back Tatum Bell from Denver for cornerback Dre' Bly, after starting all but three games the past three seasons for the Broncos.
The Lions hope those two experienced newcomers will bolster a line with holdovers Jeff Backus, Dominic Raiola and Damien Woody.
``This is the best I've felt about our line since I've been here,'' said Raiola, who was drafted in 2001 and started every game the last five seasons. ``We might've had 15 different combinations last year because of injuries, so hopefully we can stay healthy and help this offense be as good as it can be.
``Even though this is the last preseason game, we can't just go out there and dodge bullets hoping to stay healthy. We need to fly around and hit people.''
At least a pair of Bills likely will be playing with a reckless abandon, too.
Rookie Paul Posluszny and John DiGiorgio still are competing for a chance to be Buffalo's starting middle linebacker when the season opens Sept. 9 at home against Denver.
``They'll both play a good deal and then we'll talk it over and see where it goes,'' said Bills coach Dick Jauron, who coached the Lions for five games during the 2005 season. ``I like both of those guys. Both of them will also contribute on special teams.
``Depending who our starter is, then the other guy will get more special teams time.''
Posluszny said early in training camp that he and DiGiorgio were told they would alternate starts and that plan would put him with the first group at Detroit.
``I just think it's another chance for us to prove ourselves,'' Posluszny said. ``Final audition? I'm not sure.''
Just as the final preseason game seems to be dismissed, the one before it usually is perceived as relatively important, with the starters getting more time on the field than in other exhibitions.
Detroit (2-1) and Buffalo (1-2) both lost those games. Tennessee topped the Bills 28-17. The Colts beat the Lions 37-10, but Raiola said a tweak here or there could've made the difference.
``As bad as it looked on the outside, we weren't discouraged after watching the film,'' he said.
Buffalo plans to use starters, such as quarterback J.P. Losman, for about two series on Thursday.
The Lions do not expect Kitna to play, giving him a chance to rest his back and providing extensive playing time for backup J.T. O'Sullivan.
``He is going to get another full game,'' Detroit coach Rod Marinelli said. ``This is invaluable experience for him.''
The Lions scheduled running back Kevin Jones for an evaluation Thursday on his surgically repaired foot, which has kept him out this preseason and might lead to him missing the first six weeks of the season on the physically unable to perform list.
``We've got to be smart,'' Marinelli said. ``Hopefully, we'll get some information and see where we're at.''
Two defensive stars likely to miss game as preseason concludes
August 29, 2007
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -Asante Samuel is back with the Patriots and preparing for the regular season. Michael Strahan remains away from the Giants and may never play again.
While their teammates wrap up the exhibition season against each other Thursday night, the two defensive stars who held out of training camp almost certainly will be on the sidelines.
Samuel, who shared the NFL lead with 10 interceptions last season, signed a one-year, $7.79 million contract on Tuesday for his fifth season with New England and has been given a roster exemption.
Strahan, a seven-time Pro Bowl player and the league's all-time sacks leader, has been mulling retirement and has missed New York's entire camp. He spoke Tuesday morning with Giants general manager Jerry Reese and a decision is expected late this week.
Justin Tuck has filled in well in place of Strahan at left end and the defensive line has played solidly in the last two games. Mathias Kiwanuka has moved from defensive line to strongside linebacker.
Samuel's return would send Randall Gay, who has been filling in, back to a role in the nickel defense.
``I've never been in a situation like that,'' Samuel said of missing so much practice time. ``It's new for me and I'm ready for the challenge, though. Hopefully, I'll overcome it.''
He could be in the starting lineup for the Patriots' season opener Sept. 9 at the New York Jets. The Giants begin the season that night at Dallas.
``I just don't think you can prepare your team for the season by just focusing it totally on your preseason opponents,'' New England coach Bill Belichick said. ``There are going to be things that are going to come up during the year where we just want to cover it ... and then we allocate time to our preseason opponents.''
Many starters play sparingly or not at all in the last exhibition game.
``I don't know how much we are going to play,'' said Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who has been playing well. ``What is really our goal is to go down there and get one good drive and try to get a score. That probably would be it. Run the ball, get some first downs and go down and get a touchdown or a field goal. We want to stay sharp and in tune.''
New York (1-2) has been hit hard by injuries during the exhibition season. In last Saturday's 20-12 loss to the Jets, weakside linebacker Kawika Mitchell pulled a groin muscle.
``The whistle is still going to blow. The ball is going to be kicked off,'' said Reggie Torbor, who is expected to start for Mitchell. ``That's the way you have to look at it. When the guys can get back, they will get back. We just have to hold it down.''
The place-kicking job appears to be the only one still open on the Giants. Veteran Lawrence Tynes and free agent Josh Huston are competing for it.
For the Patriots (1-2), Tom Brady started and played midway through the third quarter of their 24-7 win at Carolina last Friday. Last season, he didn't play at all in the last exhibition game.
Randy Moss could miss his fourth straight game with a hamstring injury that Belichick said is improving, leaving another newcomer, Donte' Stallworth, as the top wide receiver.
``There's still a lot of things I've got to work on,'' Stallworth said. ``I missed the early part of camp'' for physical reasons.
The Patriots and Giants meet again this year in what should be a much more important game - the last one of the regular season.
``It's good to go against a player you will see later in the year,'' New York guard Chris Snee said. ``Obviously, he is going to watch the film and make adjustments to you.''
But so much can happen between then and now: the loss of key players to injuries, the improvement of young players, the return of star players.
``Certainly, we play close attention to the Giants because they're on our schedule this year, but then again, it is the last game,'' Belichick said. ``It's so far away that there's going to be a lot of changes.''
2007 NFL Preseason Notes
NFL clubs trimmed their rosters to 75 players by Aug. 28. The final cutdown to 53 players is Sept. 1.
THURSDAY'S GAMES 8/30/07
Buffalo Bills - QB Rotation: J.P. Losman (1-2 series), Craig Nall (1-2 series), rookie Trent Edwards (will finish the game).
Coach Dick Jauron said that QB J.P. Losman and the rest of the veteran starters would play two series "at the most." Jauron said Craig Nall would relieve Losman at quarterback and play a series or two, depending on how the game goes. Rookie Trent Edwards then would play the rest of the game.
Cornerback Terrence McGee will not play due to the concussion he suffered against Tennessee Friday. WR Lee Evans (sore calf) is very likely to sit out.
Secondary hurting: Backup cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas is expected to play in the preseason finale despite dislocating a finger on his left hand Monday. Buffalo will play without starting cornerback Terrence McGee, who is recovering from a concussion last week.
Jauron said that even with the opening game against Denver just two weeks away, he hasn't decided who the team's starting right guard will be.
The offensive line is starting to get hit with some injuries. Second-year man Brad Butler, who was involved in the competition at right guard, has been out almost a week with a hamstring injury, and as he continues to limp. Now second-year man Aaron Merz is sitting out with a shoulder injury.
The Bills plan to use more three-and four-receiver formations because they know they must involve WRs Reed and Parrish.
Cornerback depth a concern: They dealt Nate Clements in the offseason, and 8-year veteran CB Jason Webster has missed two practices with a leg injury. Other CB options are Kiwaukee Thomas, Ashton Youboty and Jabari Greer. "Webster is ahead of those guys, but we need depth at that position," Bills defensive backs coach George Catavolos said.
Detroit Lions - QB Rotation: J.T. O'Sullivan, Jon Kitna, Dan Orlovsky, Phil Horvath (see below).
Lions QB Jon Kitna practiced Tuesday and said his back is feeling healthy enough to play, but he still might sit out Thursday. If Kitna plays, it likely will be for one or two series. QB Dan Orlovsky didn't practice or play last week because of turf toe.
Secondary thin: Daniel Bullocks, whose range and tackling had upgraded the free safety position, is out for the season because of a knee injury sustained Saturday. Idrees Bashir and rookie Gerald Alexander will compete for the job.
The Lions have increased the amount of game-plan preparation for the last two exhibition games, but the emphasis is still on how they perform, not the opponent.
NY Giants - QB Rotation: Eli Manning (1-2 series), Jared Lorenzen, Anthony Wright, Tim Hasselbeck.
It's a cameo appearance by the starters in the preseason finale in New England. QB Eli Manning figures to play no more than one or two series. Tom Coughlin said Reuben Droughns will play both FB and RB against New England.
LB Kawika Mitchell, who strained his groin on Saturday is likely out and LB Gerris Wilkinson is recovering from a knee injury suffered early in camp. LB Reggie Torbor will be the starter on the weak side for now.
Cornerback Sam Madison, who pulled his hamstring, will probably be out. Safety Will Demps is expected to miss two weeks with a dislocated right elbow. At corner, Madison's absence will most likely be filled by Corey Webster, the team's second-round pick in 2005. The other options are rookie Aaron Ross and second-year corner Kevin Dockery.
WRs thin. Plaxico Burress has back trouble and spent the entire practice session getting treatment inside the Giants' locker room. With so many injured players already to deal with, coach Tom Coughlin admitted that it's troubling not to have his No. 1 wide receiver on the field for the final practice before the preseason finale. WR Sinorice Moss (ankle) is hurting along with WR David Tyree (out). WR Michael Jennings is out for the season. WR Amani Toomer is still testing his reconstructed knee. TE Jeremy Shockey is experiencing "tightness" in his hamstring.
HC Tom Coughlin brought in Chris Palmer as QB coach and moved Kevin Gilbride over to offensive coordinator.
New England Patriots - QB Rotation: Tom Brady, Matt Cassel, Vinnie Testaverde, rookie Matt Gutierrez.
WRs thin: Jabar Gaffney was sidelined for the second day in a row with what appeared to be a leg injury, while Randy Moss remained out of practice, as he has since pulling up Aug. 1
NY Jets - QB Rotation: Chad Pennington, Kellen Clemens, Marques Tuiasosopo, rookie Brett Ratliff.
The final preseason game should go a long way in clearing up the backup QB situation. Kellen Clemens has solidified the No. 2 spot, but either Marques Tuiasosopo or Brad Smith could be named third-string.
QB Chad Pennington, who has led the Jets to just one TD and two field goals in 14 series this preseason, insisted he's not worried about the offense. Coach Eric Mangini said he's undecided on whether the starters will play vs. the Eagles. He said he'll likely decide on a "case-by-case" basis.
RB Thomas Jones (leg) is still ailing and won't play. RB Leon Washington has been starting, but the Jets are looking for a third back, and rookie free agent Danny Ware could be their guy. Rookie free agent Alvin Banks and veteran Tony Hollings are also in the mix.
With Pete Kendall traded late last week to the Redskins, the offensive line, which strives on chemistry and continuity, has become a significant question mark after weeks of rotating left guards in and out of the lineup.
They will turn over the left-guard job to rookie Jacob Bender or Adrien Clarke, whose NFL resume consists of only 13 games and four starts, all with the Eagles in 2005. Clarke started the first two preseason games, but Bender, a sixth-round pick from Nicholls State, is working with the regulars this week. The Jets have brought back retired offensive lineman Lomas Brown to work with D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
The offense is in the second year of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's high-tech scheme that features an array of shifts and motions.
Philadelphia Eagles - QB Rotation: A.J. Feeley (will start), Donovan McNabb, rookie Kevin Kolb (see below).
A.J. Feeley will be the starting quarterback. The majority of the projected opening-day starters will be on the sideline.
Last week, it was an emotional one for the Eagles, as LB Jeremiah Trotter, one of the more popular players in team history and a four-time Pro Bowler, was released in a surprising move. Following an emotionally charged 20 hours that culminated with a tearful meeting with his former teammates and coaches, Trotter agreed that the decision made by head coach Andy Reid to let him go was the correct one. "This one hit me like a ton of bricks," Brian Dawkins said. "I was shocked," QB McNabb said.
Defensive line thin: DTs Montae Reagor and Ian Scott continue to miss practice time with knee injuries.
Washington Redskins - QB Rotation: Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Mark Brunell, rookie Jordan Palmer (see below).
After injuring his left knee in the Washington Redskins' second preseason game on Aug. 18, QB Jason Campbell is set to start.Campbell said he hopes to get into a "quick rhythm" against the Jaguars and does not expect to play too long.
Tailback Clinton Portis, who has missed nearly all of training camp with tendinitis in his right knee, returned for Tuesday's practice and also could play. Joe Gibbs said that Portis ideally would be able to get four or five. carries
Left tackle Chris Samuels (knee sprain) still is not practicing fully and will not play, while left guard Pete Kendall, acquired from the Jets last week, practiced with the Redskins for the first time and will play with the starters. Cornerback Shawn Springs (Achilles' tendon) expects to be back for the game, while LB Marcus Washington (dislocated elbow) returned to practice but will not play in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Rotation: Byron Leftwich, David Garrard, Quinn Gray, Lester Ricard (see below).
Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said No. 3 QB Quinn Gray will take the majority of the snaps Thursday.
The first-team offense's opportunities to continue testing the new plays have been virtually eliminated. Against the Redskins, the first-team offense will see little action.
Del Rio said that the players that missed last week's game at Green Bay will not play on Thursday.
Inconsistent and struggling appears to be the current state of the club's first-team offense. The Jaguars are averaging 348 yards per game, with 242.3 coming from the passing game so far this preseason. But Leftwich's completion percentage (50 percent) and 77.3 passer rating have drawn scrutiny, especially when comparing his numbers to those of backup David Garrard, who is completing 78.4 percent of his passes and has a 118.4 passer rating.
Jacksonville has a new offensive coordinator in Dirk Koetter, the former Boise State and Arizona State pass-happy coach.
DE Paul Spicer will sit out of Thursday's preseason finale because of recurring back spasms.
Rookie safety Reggie Nelson has been hurting. Second-year player Jamaal Fudge and veteran Sammy Knight have replaced him.
Jaguars center Brad Meester broke a bone in his right foot and will be sidelined at least 7 weeks. Meester has started 108 games for Jacksonville in seven years.
Cleveland Browns - QB Rotation: Charlie Frye (1-2 series), Derek Anderson (will follow), rookie Brady Quinn (extra playing time), Ken Dorsey (see below).
Coach Romeo Crennel said Charlie Frye will start in Chicago and Derek Anderson will come in next. Because the starters usually only play a series or two, Brady Quinn might get a fair amount of playing time.
Rob Chudzinski is the Browns new offensive coordinator.
Browns center LeCharles Bentley was placed Tuesday on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, meaning he will have at least the first six weeks of the season. Starting left guard Eric Steinbach (knee) is back at practice but not 100%.
The O-line has been in flux with right tackle Ryan Tucker getting suspended the first four games of the season because of steroid use. That bumped rookie Joe Thomas up to the starting job at left tackle and moved Kevin Shaffer from left to right. Backup guard/center Lennie Friedman has worked in Steinbach's place.
Browns DE Orpheus Roye, a 12-year pro, will undergo arthroscopic on his right knee and be lost for the rest of the preseason. It's a blow to their 3-4 defense. While Roye is out, four players will try out in his place: backup NT Shaun Smith, J'Vonne Parker, Simon Fraser and Orien Harris.
Chicago Bears - QB Rotation: Rex Grossman (2-3 series), Brian Griese, Kyle Orton, rookie Chris Leak (see below).
Lovie Smith said starters will play a quarter at the most, and don't be surprised if their workload is less than that. His strategy for this game is that it's more about evaluating the back end of the roster.
The Bears have remained mostly healthy through the first three games and figure to use this game as a measuring stick for one or two final cuts and decisions about the practice squad. The roster must be cut to 53 by Saturday.
Love Smith likes the depth: "It's the deepest team we've had. We have to see how it turns out, but we talk a lot about getting our 53-man roster as strong as we could. I would definitely say that is the case. We have good backups."
Dallas Cowboys - QB Rotation: Tony Romo, Brad Johnson, Richard Bartel and Matt Moore (see below).
QB Tony Romo and the rest of the starters won't play much in the preseason finale at Minnesota. Wade Phillips wants to give several players who are fighting for roster spots an opportunity to prove themselves. QB Matt Moore is one of those players who could use one more game of extended time.
Secondary thin: Cornerback was already a concern, and made worse by CB Terence Newman nursing an acute plantar fascia injury. Saturday's game exposed nickel corner Aaron Glenn, who was trying to replace Newman, for what he is: an aging, undersized corner who can't cover the bigger, more physical receivers. And Jacques Reeves, Joey Thomas and Alan Ball still look raw and unpolished.
Look for more blitzing: The Cowboys were a read-and-react defensive scheme under Bill Parcells, but Phillips and new DC Brian Stewart bring in more of an attacking, disruptive philosophy. They also want defensive players to take third-down conversions personally.
Phillips has tweaked the 3-4 defensive scheme, moving strong safety Roy Williams closer to the line of scrimmage and allowing outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware, and when healthy, Greg Ellis to blitz more.
Wade Phillips is the new coach (Chargers' defensive coordinator in 2006).
Minnesota Vikings - QB Rotation: Tarvaris Jackson (one series), Brooks Bollinger, Kelly Holcomb, Tyrus Thigpen (see below).
QB Jackson is expected to play only the first series with the other starters. The rest of the reps will be split by Holcomb and Bollinger, who played his way out of the competition with Jackson with a 30.4 passer rating, including two interceptions at Seattle on Saturday.
Safeties Mike Doss (calf) and Tank Williams (unknown) and receiver Bobby Wade (ankle) might sit out the preseason finale on Thursday. Linebacker Vinny Ciuricu (finger) is expected to return after missing a game.
QB Brooks Bollinger played four series last week and completed six of 11 passes for 52 yards with two interceptions and one sack. Bollinger appeared indecisive, a major no-no in a scheme that stresses quick decision-making, and posted a dismal 27.7 quarterback rating.
The Vikings acquired veteran QB Kelly Holcomb in a trade with the Eagles on Monday. Holcomb, 34, is entering his 12th season and has 21 career starts, nearly twice as many as the other three quarterbacks on the Vikings' roster combined.
The Vikings have a new defensive coordinator in Leslie Frazier.
Green Bay Packers - QB Rotation: Brett Favre (2-3 series), Aaron Rodgers, rookie Paul Thompson.
Coach Mike McCarthy said QB Brett Favre would play two and possibly three series in Tennessee. He had considered not using him at all.
RB Noah Herron would start at running back for injured Brandon Jackson, backed by rookie DeSahwn Wynn and Corey White. Vernand Morency, who has been sidelined since July 28 with a patellar strain, has hopes of playing against the Eagles. He was trying to simulate the actions of a running back Monday in practice.
The Packers lost Pro Bowl WR Donald Driver to a foot sprain. James Jones will start at flanker for injured Donald Driver. When the Packers use three wide receivers, Greg Jennings will replace Driver in the slot and Ruvell Martin will work at split end.
Coach Mike McCarthy's decision to withhold starters Al Harris and Charles Woodson against the Titans means Jarrett Bush and Will Blackmon will start and the others will play even more than usual.
Cornerback Tramon Williams will return punts Thursday in Tennessee. On kickoffs, Stock said he'd go with David Clowney, Noah Herron and DeShawn Wynn against the Titans.
Out of the Tennessee game are wide receivers Donald Driver (foot) and Shaun Bodiford (knee), tackle Tony Moll (stinger), guards Jason Spitz (calf) and Tony Palmer (hamstring), running backs Vernand Morency (knee) and Jackson, defensive ends Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) and Montgomery, linebackers Spencer Havner (back) and (knee), and rookie Aaron Rouse.
Tennessee Titans - QB Rotation: Vince Young (first half and into the 3rd Q), Kerry Collins, Tim Rattay (see below).
Jeff Fisher said except for a few players, the starters will play through at least one series in the third quarter against the Packers.
RB Chris Henry (hamstring) and defensive end Antwan Odom (hip flexor) did not practice Tuesday, but Fisher said they have a chance to play Thursday night in the preseason finale against the Packers.
Fisher added about the defense: "We are limited. We have 60 minutes and probably 70 defensive plays and we are going to play a lot of people."
With the emergence of Michael Griffin and Cortland Finnegan, it's almost certain the Titans will have two new starting cornerbacks in the regular season opener. That would end Reynaldo Hill's run of two years as a starter. He missed a significant portion of training camp with a groin injury. Nick Harper is the starter on the left side and Griffin's recent play could have the rookie in line to start on the right side.
Defensive line thin: Needing depth for a unit hit hard by injuries, the Titans claimed former Panthers defensive end Jason Hall off waivers. The Titans have lost two rookie defensive linemen for the season: end Jacob Ford with a torn Achilles and tackle Antonio Johnson with an ACL injury.
Houston Texans - QB Rotation: Matt Schaub, Sage Rosenfels, rookie Jared Zabransky (see below).
Because QBs Quinton Porter and Bradlee Van Pelt were waived Sunday, rookie Jared Zabransky is going to get extensive playing time against the Buccaneers. Matt Schaub isn't expected to play against the Buccaneers. Kubiak said, "It's obvious we're going to play Zabransky a great deal. How much Sage Rosenfels plays, I'll let you know."
30-year old RB Ahman Green hasn't played much. The bulk of the carries has been split between Wali Lundy and Samkon Gado, who are battling for the No. 3 job.
Secondary thin: Secondary coach Jon Hoke is taking volunteers to play safety in practice. Starters C.C. Brown and Jason Simmons suffered bruised shoulders against Dallas. Rookie Brandon Harrison suffered a concussion. The Texans have lost starting strong safety Glenn Earl for the entire 2007 season.
New offensive coordinator Mike Sherman is putting in a plan for more balance to the offense this fall.
Tampa Bay Bucs - QB Rotation: Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown, Bruce Gradkowski, Chris Simms.
Chris Simms will get more playing time against Houston.
Offensive line problems: Rookie left guard Arron Sears is on crutches and out 10 days. Reserve guard Jeb Terry suffered an ankle injury against Jacksonville and center John Wade was overcome by the stifling conditions at the Buccaneers' complex last weel.
Jeff Garcia's presence has prompted Coach Jon Gruden to consider the shotgun as a legitimate option for his version of the West Coast attack. Gruden is eager to expand his playbook in terms of rollouts and bootlegs to capitalize on Garcia's mobility.
Defensively, the Bucs are considering new packages in an effort to disrupt timing and generate more heat on opposing quarterbacks. Last season, QBs feasted against Tampa Bay's defense, posting a cumulative 91.0 rating.
Don't be surprised if new MLB Jerry Mackey sees substantial playing time in the final preseason game. Mackey, 22, was reacquired in a trade with the Jets on Tuesday, three days after Antoine Cash suffered a season-ending knee injury at Jacksonville.
Gruden has been preaching for an aggressive team. "We've got to be a more physical football team," Gruden said. "That was an area that got away from us a bit last year. This year, I want to see us hit in most every practice. And I want us to hit hard."
K.C. Chiefs - QB Rotation: Damon Huard, Brodie Croyle, Casey Printers, rookie Jeff Terrell.
Damon Huard, who is nursing a sore calf, went through a full workout with his teammates Monday. But he still isn.5?t sure whether he'll play in the preseason finale at St. Louis. Herm Edwards has named Huard the starting quarterback over Brodie Croyle.
RB Larry Johnson said he intends to play in Thursday's preseason finale against St. Louis. The more likely scenario, coach Herm Edwards hinted, is that Johnson will only be in for a few series.
Edwards wants to see plenty of QB Brodie Croyle. "Brodie's going to get more snaps in the preseason," Edwards said. "Because he's a young quarterback, and Damon's a veteran. He doesn't need as many snaps."
Cornerback depth a concern. Veteran starters Ty Law and Patrick Surtain are fine, but the pickings are slim after that.
St. Louis Rams - QB Rotation: Marc Bulger, Gus Frerotte, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brock Berlin.
Many of the starters expected to sit out the exhibition finale against Kansas City. The starting offense has yet to score a touchdown in the preseason.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered a cracked rib and is unlikely to play. Brock Berlin gets another opportunity to impress the bosses.
RB Brian Leonard got in "just a couple of plays" at fullback vs. the Raiders. Leonard, who bruised both hands in the game, skipped contact drills Sunday. RB Steven Jackson has suited up, taken the field for the opening series, and then exited after one play in each of the past two exhibition games.
The Rams plan to use more two-tight end sets this season.
WR Torry Holt admits he isn't completely healthy. Holt had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. Six months later, he says the joint is "about 70, 80 percent."
They have a revamped defensive front with Leonard Little at left end; former Detroit Lion James Hall at right end; La'Roi Glover and rookie Adam Carriker at tackle.
Pittsburgh Steelers - QB Rotation: Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Brian St. Pierre, Bryan Randall.
Mike Tomlin will stick with the same starting lineup as the one that opened Sunday's game against Philadelphia. That means the offensive line with Willie Colon at right tackle and Sean Mahan at center and the secondary with Deshea Townsend at cornerback and Ryan Clark at free safety.
WR Hines Ward has a broken nose and is likely out. Tight ends Heath Miller (shoulder) and Jerame Tuman (back) are hurting.
Fifth game for the Steelers, after opening in the Hall of Fame Game (8/5).
HC Mike Tomlin, the former defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, was hired by the Steelers. He is just their third coach in 38 years.
The Steelers plan to zone block more often this season.
Carolina Panthers - QB Rotation: Jake Delhomme, Dalton Bell, David Carr (see below).
Undrafted rookie QB Dalton Bell from West Texas A&M will likely get most of the snaps Thursday. Bell has had a lot more work the past two practices as the Panthers have lost Brett Basanez (wrist) for the season. Bell's quarterback coach last year at West Texas A&M was Ryan Leaf.
QB Brett Basanez suffered ligament damage in his right wrist and will sit out the season. Backup QB David Carr is playing with a broken small toe on his right foot.
The Panthers are using zone-blocking schemes this season, a dramatic change for a system that's been built around a power-running style.
Offensive line shuffling. Fox has been saying since the start of camp he wanted to experiment with different combinations. Former second-teamer Geoff Hangartner slid into the first team at right guard, with Justin Hartwig moving back to center. Right tackle Jordan Gross, left guard Mike Wahle and left tackle Travelle Wharton stayed in the spots they've been in most of camp. But it's clear the Panthers haven't made any long-term decisions at center and right guard.
They opened camp with Jeremy Bridges working with the first team at right guard and Hartwig at center, but Bridges has been suspended for the first two games of the season. They put rookie Ryan Kalil at center and shifted Hartwig to right guard.
They have a new offensive coordinator in Jeff Davidson, who is revamping the Carolina offense from a year ago, when it was run by Dan Henning.
Miami Dolphins - QB Rotation: Trent Green, Cleo Lemon, rookie John Beck, Gibran Hamdan.
Although Cameron said last week he won't use any starters in the final preseason game against the Saints, he said there's a chance some could get in the game. Just don't expect any of them to be players like QB Trent Green or defensive end Jason Taylor.
Instead, the playing time could be reserved for guys who still are fighting for first-team jobs. "If any, very few will play," Cam Cameron said. "What we're going to do Thursday is predicated on how we practice Wednesday. We're still an improving team, and if we go out and shut it down for two days, there'll be a lot more guys playing Thursday night than we would anticipate."
They have a revamped offensive line.
Cam Cameron is the Dolphins new head coach, after being offensive coordinator of the Chargers in 2006.
Dolphins outside linebacker Joey Porter underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. He should miss all the preseason.
New Orleans Saints - QB Rotation: Drew Brees, Jamie Martin, Matt Baker, rookie Tyler Palko, Jason Fife (see below).
Drew Brees won't play. Sean Payton said it's likely he'll keep other front-line players on the sideline as well. "I'm probably going to start Jamie Martin and give him a good half's worth of work, and go with Tyler Palko in the second half," Payton said. "There's a good chance I'll sit a number of guys."
Fifth game for the Saints, after opening in the Hall of Fame Game (8/5).
WRs thin: Saints WR Marques Colston (sore right knee) has missed two straight games and Devery Henderson (hamstring) is ailing.
First round pick WR Robert Meachem appears tentative. His progress during camp has been slow. Meachem has gotten his share of first-team reps, but he can't seem to make a breakthrough. When Devery Henderson and David Patten were out with injuries at the beginning of last week, Moore was running with the first group. Don't look for much from Meachem this season.
Arizona Cardinals - QB Rotation: Matt Leinart, Kurt Warner, Shane Boyd, Lang Campbell.
Ken Whisenhunt revealed said that the three biggest jobs up for grabs have been awarded: free-agent signee Roderick Hood will start at one corner opposite Eric Green; Calvin Pace will start as the strong side outside LB in place of injured Chike Okeafor; and another free-agent signee, Terrence Holt, will start at deep safety alongside Pro Bowl strong safety Adrian Wilson.
None of the decisions really came as a surprise. CB Antrel Rolle, the former first-round draft pick, has looked lackadaisical a little too often and his play have not impressed the new coaching staff.
Potential season-ending injuries to two starters have moved first-round draft pick Levi Brown into Arizona's starting lineup and triggered a battle for the outside linebacker job. Offensive right tackle Oliver Ross and outside LB Chike Okeafor were hurt and both might require surgery. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Brown, the No. 5 pick overall in this year's draft, would move to Ross' spot, with Darryl Blackstock and Calvin Pace competing for Okeafor's job.
After an impressive performance in the first preseason game, the Cardinals defense has yielded more than 400 yards and 30 points combined in the first halves of the past two preseason games.
Ken Whisenhunt, the 2006 Steelers offensive coordinator, is the new Cardinals head coach. Whisenhunt is going to call plays.
The new coach wants the Cardinals to be more of a run-oriented team.
Denver Broncos - QB Rotation: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey, Preston Parsons.
The first team is not expected to play in the preseason finale.
RBs thin: RB Travis Henry has a sprained left knee and backup RB Mike Bell strained his left hip. Henry was able to walk without help to the locker room, and the MRI revealed he should return before Bell. Tests on Bell's hip delivered news he will be out two weeks, the rest of the preseason. Denver signed tailback Cedric Cobbs last week.
The Broncos have proved to be a running machine regardless of whether Chris Myers or Ben Hamilton is at left guard, Erik Pears or Chad Mustard is at right tackle, or Travis Henry or Selvin Young is at tailback.
Four of Cutler's projected top five receivers - Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, Brandon Stokley and Rod Smith - are banged up. Rod Smith is coming off hip surgery and out. The Broncos expect the No. 2 WR Brandon Marshall to play, but No. 3 WR Brandon Stokley continues to be bothered by a thigh injury.
Offensive line thin. Left guard Ben Hamilton has missed significant time with a concussion. Left tackle Matt Lepsis has been out with a pulled groin. Right guard Chris Kuper was replaced on the first-team by Montrae Holland.
Starting LB Ebenezer Ekuban suffered a torn Achilles tendon and is out for the season. That means more work for first-round draft pick Jarvis Moss.
Mike Shanahan fired most of the defensive staff in the offseason, including DC Larry Coyer, and hired Jim Bates, whose M.O. is forcing turnovers by getting pressure on the quarterback.
San Fran 49ers - QB Rotation: Alex Smith (12 snaps), Trent Dilfer, Shaun Hill (see below).
Mike Nolan said his first units will play "12 snaps or the first quarter, whichever comes first."
Pro Bowl RB Frank Gore (broken right hand) will not play.
That has meant running backs Michael Robinson, Maurice Hicks and Thomas Clayton have carried the load throughout the preseason.
RTs Kwame Harris and rookie Joe Staley will rotate every second series once again as the 49ers Thursday in San Diego.
The 49ers haven't sacked a starting quarterback this summer, and against the Bears the pass coverage was horrendous.
Starting NT Aubrayo Franklin (knee) will miss the entire preseason. He is the centerpiece of Nolan's three-year scheme to install a true 3-4 defense in San Francisco. Isaac Sopoaga and rookie Joe Cohen will get the first chance to replace Franklin.
The first-team defense, still playing without starting nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin and left end Bryant Young, surrendered all 31 points in the first half last week.
San Diego Chargers - QB Rotation: Philip Rivers (10 plays), Billy Volek (one quarter), Charlie Whitehurst (see below).
The starters will be in for about 10 plays. QB Billy Volek again will follow Philip Rivers at quarterback, but only for about a quarter, leaving the rest of the game to Charlie Whitehurst.
RBs thin: LaDainian Tomlinson will not play in Thursday's exhibition finale. Michael Turner would have carried a few times but now will not play. Turner suffered a high ankle sprain Saturday, though they injury was not major.
Norv Turner is the new head coach. He was the 49ers OC last year.
The Chargers will be without starting WR Eric Parker for as many as six games (toe surgery).
Oakland Raiders - QB Rotation: Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper, Andrew Walter, JaMarcus Russell (see below).
QBs Josh McCown and Daunte Culpepper will continue to split reps with the Raiders' first offense in practice. Both will also share time in Thursday's preseason finale, with McCown starting and Culpepper coming in as his backup. The rest of the starters will play about one series.
"It's become a two-man race," HC Lane Kiffin said. "We'll let both guys play in this game. I don't have the exact reps (but) we'll play it by ear. We're still going to evaluate the two of them for the starting job."
The Raiders traded for Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren on last week.
Former USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, 31, is the Raiders new head coach.
Seattle Seahawks - QB Rotation: Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, David Greene, rookie Derek Devine.
The starters should play just one series. The starting lineups on offense and defense are set for the Seahawks, so the emphasis in the last two exhibition games is determining who will round out the depth chart on the 53-man regular-season roster.
"We have some very competitive battles for the depth positions on the team, and in games three and four [of exhibition play] it's absolutely essential that we allow those young guys to play, to allow them to try and make the team," coach Mike Holmgren said last week. "That's my number one thing in games three and four."
Defensive coordinator John Marshall is devising more blitz schemes, involving more players.
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