NFC East team reports
Source: www.sportingnews.com
Each week, Sporting News correspondents provide insight and analysis on every NFL team. Here's a sample of what you'll find in the latest NFC [East] team reports.
East Division
Dallas Cowboys
Mike Jenkins, one of the team's two first-round picks this year, made a positive impression in the first rookie minicamp. He showed fluid footwork and good instincts, which is one of the reasons the Cowboys thought he was the cornerback most ready to contribute this season. The Cowboys expect Jenkins to play quite a bit this year whether Pacman Jones is on the team or not. The Cowboys can line up Jenkins outside and have Terence Newman cover the slot. Or they can use him the dime. Or they can move Anthony Henry to safety in some nickel and dime schemes and let Jenkins play his spot on the outside.
New York Giants
The drafting of wide receiver Mario Manningham in the third round puts heat squarely on Sinorice Moss, who has not developed as expected in his first two years in the NFL. Moss was a second-round pick out of Miami and was supposed to provide a big-play threat to the offense with his speed, cutting ability and elusiveness. But he struggled through an injury-filled rookie year and needed injuries to others just to get on the field last season. He performed decently when given the chance although he was more of a possession receiver than the Giants envisioned. More injury problems kept him out of the playoff run and suddenly there are two younger receivers, Manningham and second-year Steve Smith, vying for the time Moss was once supposed to get. Moss was able to excel in college despite standing barely 5-8, but he has had difficulty getting open consistently in action for the Giants. As a result, his roster spot is not secure for the 2008 season. Moss likely will be given a look as a punt returner, which could be an area where has an opportunity to establish himself as someone who deserves a uniform each week.
Philadelphia Eagles
The club traded a fourth-round draft pick for former Dolphins running back Lorenzo Booker because Booker is a poor man's Brian Westbrook. Like Westbrook, Booker brings a two-way dimension to the offense as a rusher and receiver. Last year with Miami he had the same number of receptions (28) as rushes in his rookie season, and Booker plans to show he can also be effective as a slot receiver. He should also bring some speed and athleticism to special teams. The team needs a backup to Westbrook with a similar skill set. Booker must quickly learn the team's intricate West Coast offense and also show he can protect the quarterback in blitz pickup to emerge as Westbrook's prime backup.
Washington Redskins
Quarterback Jason Campbell has so many things to think about when he comes to the line that you almost can see his brain whirring as he crouches under center. Campbell not only has a new offense to learn, he also needs to focus on his footwork and stance coming away from center. New head coach Jim Zorn is a stickler for the proper footwork. Zorn wants Campbell throwing on time, so on most plays, he wants Campbell's back foot to hit after three or five steps, and the ball to come out. Zorn also wants to compress Campbell's stance. He wants Campbell's knees flexed slightly so Campbell will have better lateral mobility. The result is that Campbell is thinking through every play instead of running every play as if it is second nature. Campbell's adjustment to Zorn's offense will take some time.
Each week, Sporting News correspondents provide insight and analysis on every NFL team. Here's a sample of what you'll find in the latest NFC [East] team reports.
East Division
Dallas Cowboys
Mike Jenkins, one of the team's two first-round picks this year, made a positive impression in the first rookie minicamp. He showed fluid footwork and good instincts, which is one of the reasons the Cowboys thought he was the cornerback most ready to contribute this season. The Cowboys expect Jenkins to play quite a bit this year whether Pacman Jones is on the team or not. The Cowboys can line up Jenkins outside and have Terence Newman cover the slot. Or they can use him the dime. Or they can move Anthony Henry to safety in some nickel and dime schemes and let Jenkins play his spot on the outside.
New York Giants
The drafting of wide receiver Mario Manningham in the third round puts heat squarely on Sinorice Moss, who has not developed as expected in his first two years in the NFL. Moss was a second-round pick out of Miami and was supposed to provide a big-play threat to the offense with his speed, cutting ability and elusiveness. But he struggled through an injury-filled rookie year and needed injuries to others just to get on the field last season. He performed decently when given the chance although he was more of a possession receiver than the Giants envisioned. More injury problems kept him out of the playoff run and suddenly there are two younger receivers, Manningham and second-year Steve Smith, vying for the time Moss was once supposed to get. Moss was able to excel in college despite standing barely 5-8, but he has had difficulty getting open consistently in action for the Giants. As a result, his roster spot is not secure for the 2008 season. Moss likely will be given a look as a punt returner, which could be an area where has an opportunity to establish himself as someone who deserves a uniform each week.
Philadelphia Eagles
The club traded a fourth-round draft pick for former Dolphins running back Lorenzo Booker because Booker is a poor man's Brian Westbrook. Like Westbrook, Booker brings a two-way dimension to the offense as a rusher and receiver. Last year with Miami he had the same number of receptions (28) as rushes in his rookie season, and Booker plans to show he can also be effective as a slot receiver. He should also bring some speed and athleticism to special teams. The team needs a backup to Westbrook with a similar skill set. Booker must quickly learn the team's intricate West Coast offense and also show he can protect the quarterback in blitz pickup to emerge as Westbrook's prime backup.
Washington Redskins
Quarterback Jason Campbell has so many things to think about when he comes to the line that you almost can see his brain whirring as he crouches under center. Campbell not only has a new offense to learn, he also needs to focus on his footwork and stance coming away from center. New head coach Jim Zorn is a stickler for the proper footwork. Zorn wants Campbell throwing on time, so on most plays, he wants Campbell's back foot to hit after three or five steps, and the ball to come out. Zorn also wants to compress Campbell's stance. He wants Campbell's knees flexed slightly so Campbell will have better lateral mobility. The result is that Campbell is thinking through every play instead of running every play as if it is second nature. Campbell's adjustment to Zorn's offense will take some time.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:06 PM
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