NFC East: Spring preparation under way
NFC team reports: Spring preparation under way
SN correspondents
TIDBIT OF ATRICLE: East Division
Dallas Cowboys
Receiver Terrell Owens, who is recovering from surgery on his right ring finger, surprised his coaches and owner Jerry Jones by participating in the first offseason minicamp. His rehabilitation is going well, but coaches didn't expect him on the field until training camp. Ownes was cleared the day before the minicamp started and participated in all individual and team drills. First-year offensive coordinator Jason Garrett says Owens has a good grasp of the playbook, something he didn't have last season. That limited coaches' ability to move him around the formation as well as use motion to get him favorable matchups.
New York Giants
Left tackle is the lineup's biggest remaining hole, though it appears to belong to David Diehl. The team didn't draft a tackle prospect until the fifth round, and while it is touting the improvement of 2006 fourth-round pick Guy Whimper, he doesn't appear to be ready to seize the job. That leaves Diehl, who is versatile and durable. He hasn't missed a game since breaking into the NFL. He has played both guard and tackle spots, including two games at left tackle late last season. He is big and strong with enough foot quickness to be an effective pulling guard. It remains to be seen whether his feet are quick enough and his technique is good enough to allow him to effectively handle speed rushers on the outside.
Philadelphia Eagles
The return game remains unsettled. Free-agent signee Bethel Johnson and will be given a shot to return kicks. Johnson did so for the Patriots and Vikings. Jeremy Bloom, a 2006 fifth-round pick, was on injured reserve last season with a hamstring problem. He returns and will be tried on kick and punt returns. Free agent Reno Mahe, last season's return man, has not been resigned. Rod Hood, who also has returned kicks, left the team as a free agent. If Bloom doesn't make it, the team could turn to cornerback Lito Sheppard or running back Brian Westbrook, but coach Andy Reid would prefer not to use starters in return roles.
Washington Redskins
For the first time since Gregg Williams arrived to serve as Joe Gibbs' defensive guru, the team will have a free safety and a strong safety. Williams always declined to identify either starter as free or strong. Now, Sean Taylor will be the free safety and, when he gets up to speed, LaRon Landry will be the strong safety. The team wants Taylor to make more plays the defense hasn't forced turnovers well the past three seasons. The theory is, if Taylor roams the deep seconardy, he'll get more breaks on passes and, with his speed and wingspan, increase his potential for interceptions. If Taylor is taken out of run support, he also might be less inclined to bite on play fakes. Williams gives Landry a strong endorsement. Usually rookies can count on an apprenticeship that lasts a month or two before breaking into the starting lineup. But Landry's quickness, speed and explosive power at last week's rookie minicamp gave coaches confidence that he can be a starter.
SN correspondents
TIDBIT OF ATRICLE: East Division
Dallas Cowboys
Receiver Terrell Owens, who is recovering from surgery on his right ring finger, surprised his coaches and owner Jerry Jones by participating in the first offseason minicamp. His rehabilitation is going well, but coaches didn't expect him on the field until training camp. Ownes was cleared the day before the minicamp started and participated in all individual and team drills. First-year offensive coordinator Jason Garrett says Owens has a good grasp of the playbook, something he didn't have last season. That limited coaches' ability to move him around the formation as well as use motion to get him favorable matchups.
New York Giants
Left tackle is the lineup's biggest remaining hole, though it appears to belong to David Diehl. The team didn't draft a tackle prospect until the fifth round, and while it is touting the improvement of 2006 fourth-round pick Guy Whimper, he doesn't appear to be ready to seize the job. That leaves Diehl, who is versatile and durable. He hasn't missed a game since breaking into the NFL. He has played both guard and tackle spots, including two games at left tackle late last season. He is big and strong with enough foot quickness to be an effective pulling guard. It remains to be seen whether his feet are quick enough and his technique is good enough to allow him to effectively handle speed rushers on the outside.
Philadelphia Eagles
The return game remains unsettled. Free-agent signee Bethel Johnson and will be given a shot to return kicks. Johnson did so for the Patriots and Vikings. Jeremy Bloom, a 2006 fifth-round pick, was on injured reserve last season with a hamstring problem. He returns and will be tried on kick and punt returns. Free agent Reno Mahe, last season's return man, has not been resigned. Rod Hood, who also has returned kicks, left the team as a free agent. If Bloom doesn't make it, the team could turn to cornerback Lito Sheppard or running back Brian Westbrook, but coach Andy Reid would prefer not to use starters in return roles.
Washington Redskins
For the first time since Gregg Williams arrived to serve as Joe Gibbs' defensive guru, the team will have a free safety and a strong safety. Williams always declined to identify either starter as free or strong. Now, Sean Taylor will be the free safety and, when he gets up to speed, LaRon Landry will be the strong safety. The team wants Taylor to make more plays the defense hasn't forced turnovers well the past three seasons. The theory is, if Taylor roams the deep seconardy, he'll get more breaks on passes and, with his speed and wingspan, increase his potential for interceptions. If Taylor is taken out of run support, he also might be less inclined to bite on play fakes. Williams gives Landry a strong endorsement. Usually rookies can count on an apprenticeship that lasts a month or two before breaking into the starting lineup. But Landry's quickness, speed and explosive power at last week's rookie minicamp gave coaches confidence that he can be a starter.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:48 PM
<< Home