The Final Chapter: Willie McGinest and His Mom

You’ve seen the commercial. Willie McGinest, the sagacious outside linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, is speaking winsomely into a cell phone: “I know, I made a mistake.”
Electric strings from Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit in the Sky whine behind him. The video jumps to McGinest facing the camera, as he explains “I listen to my mom but just not on the football field all the time.”
That mom is Joyce McGinest, the woman who, as the commercial says, signed up the second of her three children––her only boy––for Pop Warner Football when he was seven years old. She viewed football as a means to keeping her Long Beach son busy and productive. Lo and behold, it did just that….for thirty years.
“Willie always said that he wanted to be a professional football player,” says Joyce. “So what is the best time to start? When you’re small, to give you the fundamentals.”
You know the cliff-notes to the rest of the Willie McGinest story: Part of the 55 Club at USC, a pioneer at the now ubiquitous hybrid rush-linebacker position early on with the Patriots, later a staple in New England’s three Super Bowl titles and now, a revered veteran leader for the burgeoning Browns. A cut below Hall of Fame caliber, McGinest nevertheless epitomizes everything that is right about the game. And he’ll long be remembered because of that. Alas, he will go down as a rare rock-solid piece to a dynastic puzzle––much like a Robert Horry or a Jorge Posada.

Click to continue

Andy Benoit
www.NFLTouchdown.com

FFS Cheat Sheets and 101 Player Ranking Updated!

Check out our updated Cheat Sheets and 101 player rankings. It is our final updating of the season for the cheat sheets, but the player rankings will be updated up until the start of the season. Check them out.

101 Top Ranking

2008 Cheat Sheets

No Curtis, Check Out Rookie DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson has already made an impact with the Eagles and McNabb with 12 preseason catches for 122 yards.

WSe drafted him as a sleeper this season and with Curtis going down he is the Eagles best receiving option. Donovan McNabb and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg both are warning against high expectations and adjusting to the NFL has always been tough for rookiw WRs, but with Curtis's injury and missing up to seven weeks of the season, Jackson figures to get allot of looks in the passing game.

Dolphins RB Brown likely sidelined for exhibition

From Yahoo.com

DAVIE, Fla. (AP)—Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown will likely miss Saturday’s exhibition against the Kansas City Chiefs with a strained right thumb.

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Thursday that Brown is not expected to play.

Brown, who was injured in Saturday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been wearing a wrap around his thumb and has not participated in contact drills this week.

“It’s nothing major. It just hurts a little when I try to make catches and stuff,” Brown said earlier in the week. “I’ll be fine when the regular season rolls around.”

Last year, Brown was on pace for a career year before he tore a ligament in his right knee and had season-ending surgery.

Ricky Williams has been Miami’s best offensive option in the preseason, leading the team in rushing through the first two games.

Rams RB Jackson signs 6-year, $44 million deal

By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer
3 hours, 18 minutes ago


AP - Aug 20, 5:45 pm EDT 1 of 5 NFL Gallery ST. LOUIS (AP)—Steven Jackson signed a six-year, $44 million contract, ended a 27-day holdout, and was on the field for practice with the St. Louis Rams on Thursday.

And all was forgiven.

Coach Scott Linehan, who conducted a month of practices without the centerpiece of the offense, joked that he gave Jackson “a big hug” and then asked for a loan. Offensive tackle Orlando Pace, no stranger to holdouts, said he was happy “big time, big time” to see the bruising runner. Defensive tackle La’Roi Glover said simply, “Things are pretty good at Rams Park right now.”

The 235-pound running back had been entering the final season of a five-year, $7 million deal he signed as a first-round pick in 2004. Linehan said he understood the business end of the game after Jackson got a deal that includes more than $20 million in bonuses and puts him third on the salary scale on the team, trailing only quarterback Marc Bulger and Pace and fifth among NFL running backs.

“It was great to see him,” Linehan said. “There’s no up side to being adversarial in these kind of deals. You’ve just got to stay positive and you’ve got to focus on who’s here, and have trust and faith in the people that are working on getting everything done.”


Jackson, 25, said both sides compromised during negotiations that stayed underground and generally cordial. Gregarious by nature, he kept silent publicly while getting frequent text-message updates from teammates and Linehan, and then flew from his home in Las Vegas to St. Louis on Wednesday when the deal was imminent.

After doing individual drills and a bit of team work in his opening practice, he said he hoped to retire as a Ram. He also pledged to be ready for full duty in the Sept. 7 opener at Philadelphia.

“No one gets 100 percent of what they would like to happen, but me and my agent are happy,” Jackson said. “Of course, there were heated debates on the phone but no one attacked publicly. I still feel the same way about this organization as I did last year the last game of the season.”

It won’t be all roses. Jackson expects a rude welcome from Rams fans after he criticized them last year for a lack of commitment. The Rams failed to sell out three games and the Edward Jones Dome had a healthy dose of Packers and Steelers fans for late-season games.

“You definitely expect mixed reviews,” Jackson said. “When you’re talking about this kind of money a lot of people can’t really understand why would you turn your back on a contract? Business is business.”

It’ll be at least a week before he gets his first preseason carry. Linehan said Jackson would be in uniform Saturday night against the Ravens but would not play while he conditions his body for football.

The team plans to get Jackson plenty of extra work and will even use the warm-up time before the preseason game to help him get up to speed. Jackson spent 20 minutes on a treadmill after practice, catching up on his cardio work.

“Really, you can’t simulate the game,” Linehan said. “It’s more the conditioning factor of starting and stopping, and getting in the huddle and doing all that. We have plans to do some extra things with him, even when we’re not practicing.”

Jackson, coming off his third consecutive 1,000-yard season despite missing four games with injuries, justified his holdout while still under contract because of the lack of guaranteed money in the NFL. He based his decision to stay away instead of reporting to camp and continuing talks on the risks of playing his position.

The Rams cut off negotiations on the first day of training camp until Jackson showed up, after the running back turned down a deal the team said would have put him in the upper echelon of running backs.

“Taking a lot of hits, you never know if you can jeopardize it,” he said. “The only safe bet to not signing a new deal right away is staying out of harm’s way.”

Backing up that point, Jackson missed four games with a groin injury and part of a fifth with a bulging disc last season. The Rams lost all five games while going 3-13.

Former teammate Marshall Faulk criticized Jackson’s durability and second-guessed whether he deserved a big contract in a recent radio interview.

Jackson declined an opportunity to fire back.

“All things are forgiven,” he said. “Some people don’t agree and some people do agree and that’s just what it boils down to during a holdout. Before I made the decision to hold out I took that into consideration.”

The Rams had made signing Jackson to an extension an offseason priority and approached Jackson’s agent not after the season, but negotiations stalled when Jackson switched representatives and signed with Eugene Parker in late June. Jackson said the death of owner Georgia Frontiere last January also held up talks.

Jackson has averaged 115.7 yards from scrimmage since his rookie year, fourth best in the NFL. He led the NFL with 2,334 yards rushing and receiving in 2006 and his 90 receptions in 2006 is sixth-best by a running back in league history.

Team Report New York Jets

New York Jets
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 2nd
2007 Record: 4-12 (3rd AFC East)
Head Coach: Eric Mangini (3rd year)

****Brett Favre was traded shortly after this report was published. Most of the Jets content, surprisingly, remains the same. But to read the Favre analysis, click here****

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Chad Pennington Wet noodle for an arm, but at least he’s accurate and smart.
RB: Thomas Jones Disappointing in his New York debut last season. But should have 1,300 yards behind this O-line in ’08.
FB: Tony Richardson** Estimable veteran leader. Has lost a step at 36, but is still a good addition to the ground game.
WR: Laveranues Coles Can be petulant when upset, but he deserves to be listened to. Admirable character and toughness.
WR: Jerricho Cotchery Has surpassed Coles as the preeminent possession receiver on this team.
TE: Chris Baker Days in New York could be numbered after he ripped the organization throughout the offseason.
LT: D’Brickashaw Ferguson Is developing better than people think. Very lithe, but that’s not always what you want in an OT. Must improve his strength and knee-bend.
LG: Alan Faneca** His five-year, $40 million deal is the richest contract both in team history and NFL offensive linemen history.
C: Nick Mangold In just his third season is one of the upper-echelon centers in the game. Superb run-blocker and adequate in pass protection.
RG: Brandon Moore Not a shimmering starter, but can get the job done just about anywhere inside.
RT: Damien Woody** Was a Pro Bowler early in his career, but work ethic and output tapered off when he went to Detroit. Boom or bust addition.
--------------------------
QB: Kellen Clemens No way this is what the Jets thought they were getting when they drafted him in Round Two. Average tools, questionable football IQ and inconsistent overall.
RB: Leon Washington Needs to get more touches in 2008, as he’s one of just two key offensive players who has any speed.
WR: Brad Smith The other speedy player. QB in college who is still learning the WR position. Jets love to call on him in gadget plays.
WR: Wallace Wright Joined the Jets as an undrafted rookie in ’06. Has worked his way up from special teams but will have to hold off 6th-round rookie Marcus Henry.
TE: Dustin Keller* Has turned some heads and been compared to Dallas Clark.
OL: Will Montgomery Utility presence inside who at least has some, albeit minor, starting experience to his name.

Defense
LDE: Shaun Ellis Not a great fit in a 3-4. And, judging by his vacillating intensity level, he knows it.
NT: Kris Jenkins** A behemoth force, but has never had to play two gaps. Will he remain motivated with so many blockers draped over him?
RDE: Kenyon Coleman When he gets a jump, he dictates the action and devours the run. Needs to get a jump more often in 2008.
LOLB: Bryan Thomas Former DE, has settled into his outside role okay. But not okay enough to discourage the team from signing Calvin Pace and drafting Vernon Gholston.
LILB: Eric Barton Offers excellent strength in high-traffic areas. Over-aggression can be a problem at times.
RILB: David Harris Started as a rookie midway through the ’07 season and went from iffy to okay, to decent, to solid, to good, to great. Big things are in store.
ROLB: Calvin Pace** Fine athlete who found his niche as a 3-4 OLB. But $22 million guaranteed for a guy coming off a 6.5-sack season?
CB: Darrelle Revis Second-year stud who is already one of the top 10 CB’s in football. Will have a chance to return punts and kicks, and establish himself as a star in ’08.
SS: Kerry Rhodes Team leader who possesses tremendous range and big-play instincts. Signed a well-deserved five-year, $33 million contract over the offseason.
FS: Abram Elam Very good tackler but doesn’t quite match challenging backup Eric Smith’s grasp of Mangini’s complex scheme.
CB: Justin Miller Missed all of last season with a torn ACL. If he’s healthy (and more mature), he can be an above average corner. Worth taking a chance with.
--------------------------------
DL: Sione Pouha Jets gave him a three-year extension because his 325-pound size makes him an excellent clogger up front.
LB: Vernon Gholston* No. 6 overall pick who must prove he can play with consistent energy and adapt to a two-point stance.
NB: David Barrett Shaky at times, but one of the few players in the league who gets away with face guarding.

Key Players Acquired
CB Ahmad Carroll (FA)
RB Jesse Chatman (Mia)
G Alan Faneca (Pit)
TE Bubba Franks (GB)
DT Kris Jenkins (Car)
LB Calvin Pace (Ari)
FB Tony Richardson (Min)
RB Musa Smith (Bal)
OL Damien Woody (Det)

Key Players Lost
G Adrien Clarke (Bal)
OT Anthony Clement
FS Erik Coleman (Atl)
CB Andre Dyson
LB Victor Hobson (NE)
WR Justin McCareins (Ten)
DT Dewayne Robertson (Den)
TE Sean Ryan (Mia)
OL Wade Smith (KC)
QB Marques Tuiasosopo (Oak)

Not exactly pleased about going 4-12, the Jets brought in immediate reinforcements. Faneca is a great addition no matter which way you spin it. At 31, he still has a few years left being the best G in the game. Jenkins is another great player, but they gave up two draft picks as well as $20 million in guarantees just to get him. Considering his history of injuries and disgruntlement, and his inexperience with the NT position, that’s a substantial risk. It’s a gamble to guarantee Pace $22 million. The ex-Cardinal never lived up to his first-round status until his contract year. The hope is that his move to OLB was what prompted his outbreak. Woody could thrive or flounder here, depending on his effort. Richardson is old but not washed up. Franks is younger but definitely washed up. All of New York’s departures have either been adequately replaced or weren’t needed inbeing with.

2008 - New York Jets
Rd Sel # Player Position School
1 6 Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State
1 30 Dustin Keller TE Purdue
4 113 Dwight Lowery CB San Jose State
5 162 Erik Ainge QB Tennessee
6 171 Marcus Henry WR Kansas
7 211 Nate Garner T Arkansas

Gholston can be a prototypical 3-4 pass-rusher, but he’ll have to get comfortable with a move to OLB. Keller is a converted WR, though some scouts believe he has only mediocre hands. The Jets ask their tight ends to block a lot, so Keller may have a slow insertion into the starting lineup. New York’s third-round pick was sent to Carolina as part of the Kris Jenkins deal. Many question Lowery’s speed, but the Jets play enough zone coverage to offset those concerns. Ainge comes from a high-profile sports family; his uncle is Boston Celtic GM Danny Ainge.



New York Jets 2008 Preview Report
Well that didn’t last long. Eric Mangini’s reign as God, that is. After being canonized for leading what was thought to be a moribund franchise to a 10-6 record in his first year as head coach, “Mangenius” quickly fell from Einstein to Frankenstein during his team’s 4-12 ’07 campaign.
Now, Mangini––and GM Mike Tannenbaum, for that matter––is subject to questioning as he enters his third season as a head coach. Does his chilly Belichick-esque demeanor really get through to players? Are his practices too tough? His rules too draconian? What about his game plan? Too conservative offensively? Too complicated defensively?
Sure, it’s somewhat impetuous to raise these questions only one year after awarding a guy the unconditional benefit of the doubt. But Mangini understands––he’s probably asked himself the same thing.
After all, look at the personnel changes made during the offseason. The Jets are a portrait of a team that’s bent on winning now. They signed 31-year-old guard Alan Faneca to the richest contract in offensive lineman history (five years, $40 million, $23 million of it guaranteed). Faneca is still the crème de la crème at his position, but not even the Steeler team that he’d been with for over a decade was willing to consider such hefty compensation.
New York didn’t stop there. Breaking away from the Patriot model that this organization is built around, Mangini and Tannenbaum shipped their third-and fifth-round draft choices to Carolina for discontented defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. They signed the eighth-year pro to a new five-year, $35 million contract upon arrival.
When healthy and happy, Jenkins is one of the best players in the NFL. However, he missed virtually all of the ’04 and ’05 seasons with injury, during which time he battled alcoholism and depression. Commendably, he’s regained his status as an elite interior D-lineman. However, he’s never played in a 3-4. Furthermore, Jenkins’ contract includes weight clause incentives––something you never like to see in a deal flux with $20 million worth of guarantees.
Wanting to bolster their pass-rush, the Jets signed Arizona free agent Calvin Pace to a six-year, $42 million deal, with $22 million guaranteed. Last year, the former first-round pick moved to outside linebacker after four disappointing seasons at defensive end. Praise was heaped all over Pace when he set a career high in sacks…with 6.5. The guy soared from bad to decent, yet the Jets paid him record-setting money as if he were great. Maybe he is. Or, maybe he was in a contract year. Only time will tell. But would the Patriots have done this?
New York wasn’t done there. Needing a better return on their running game investment than Thomas Jones’s 3.6 yards per carry, they signed 36-year-old fullback Tony Richardson. The hope is that he can remain an elite lead-blocker for another year or two. They also signed serial underachiever Damien Woody. Once a Pro Bowl force for New England, Woody started just 13 games the past two seasons in Detroit because of injury and weight issues. The Jets also signed tight end Bubba Franks, a blocking presence who runs like he’s wearing snow boots.
None of these are terrible moves. But, aside from Faneca, they’re all riskier than riding shotgun next to Lindsay Lohan. What’s more, the front office’s munificence towards free agents has irked some of the players at home. After finally receiving a new five-year, $33 million contract, fourth-year safety Kerry Rhodes admitted that a few of the veterans had been miffed by management’s reluctance to reward its own.
Venerable veteran wide receiver Laveranues Coles––who played through a concussion and high ankle sprain despite the team’s rudderless season last year––flat-out called the front office liars during dilatory negotiations for the new contract Coles says he was promised. The two sides finally agreed to a deal in March.
No harmony has been found with Chris Baker. With the arrival of first-round pick Dustin Keller (drafted 30th overall) and the addition of Franks, Baker, a starter, is the team’s third-highest paid tight end. Claiming he’d been promised a new deal last year, Baker spent the offseason avoiding all voluntary activities and ripping the organization at every turn. At one point, he asked reporters if they thought Mangini would be happy being the third-highest paid coach on the staff. Interesting angle.
Baker compared his saga to the Pete Kendall ordeal from a year ago. Also claiming to have been victimized by a broken promise about a new contract, the 13th-year guard publicly aired his grievances last season. Eyes rolled and heads shook when the coaching staff flippantly demoted the veteran who, a year earlier, had helped save New York’s season. Shortly before the season opener, the Jets dealt Kendall to Washington, leaving a gaping hole at left guard that helped kill the run game.
No doubt, the Jets front office and coaching staff operate staunchly. Iron fists can rule if they bring forth prosperity. But unless a head coach has won a Super Bowl––like a Parcells or a Belichick––he had better at least be somewhat malleable in dealing with his players.
Also, Mangini and Tannenbaum want to accelerate to the top, but they must not turn their back on the construction of this franchise’s long-term foundation. There are some really good pieces in place here.
Third-year offensive linemen D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold are developing well. Fourth-year safety Kerry Rhodes is a star. Second-year linebacker David Harris is fast becoming one, if he isn’t already. Same goes for second-year cornerback Darrelle Revis. And this year, sixth-overall pick Vernon Gholston arrives at outside linebacker.
The Jets have a system in place. Stocking it with young talent must be the top priority. As the Bills have noticed, this is especially true considering New England’s utter dominance in the AFC East. (Of course, never in a million years would Mangini or Tannenbaum bow down to the Patriots.)
Yes, with Faneca, the offensive line is now one of the best in the AFC. And the defense is almost a lock to improve it’s ranking of 18. Overall, the Jets had a productive offseason. But in spending $140 million on risky free agents, they created a bubble. Not to mention, after Brett Favre refused to speak with them, they settled for a third edition of the humdrum quarterback competition that has almost stagnated them. The term Wild Card applies to this club in every way.

Offense
It’s as bland as a quarterback competition in New York could possibly be. And it’s almost getting old. For as long as Eric Mangini has been with the Jets, Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens have been vying for the starting job. The fact that there even is a competition says everything about Clemens.
Pennington is a known commodity. The only question about him is Can he stay healthy? As long as he’s on the field, the Jets know they’ll have an accurate but weak-armed game manager who will be a leader and protect the football. That’s not entirely bad (Minnesota would kill for such a player right now). But if you don’t have a stifling defense and dynamic rushing attack, conservative quarterbacking is not great.
Clemens wasn’t considered to be NFL-ready coming out of Oregon. But he was considered the future of the franchise. Clemens went 3-5 in eight uninspiring starts last year. He threw 10 interceptions and just five touchdowns, and didn’t show off his heralded mobility when defenders regularly converged on him in the backfield. His decision-making and poise were spotty at best, and aside from a nice deep ball or two, his arm strength was closer to trifling than striking.
At this point, the bigger question is not whether the 25-year-old Clemens is ready to be The Guy in 2008, but whether he’s capable of ever being The Guy. Pennington––who is still only 32––does not have an NFL arm, but with slow-footed receivers like Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has no reason to call for many deep passes anyway.
Coles and Cotchery are both laudable possession receivers. The former is one of the most courageous men in football, and the latter is coming off a breakout season in which he caught 82 balls for 1,130 yards. Still, the Jets desperately need someone who can stretch the field. The hope is that third-year pro Brad Smith can emerge as a serviceable slot receiver in ’08. A quarterback at Missouri, Smith has been utilized as a gadget weapon his first two seasons. Though rough around the edges, he’s a shifty runner who can conjure up big plays with the ball in his hand.
The Jets don’t have any other serviceable receivers, which is why the tight end position needs to become integrated more into the passing game. Judging by how they traded back into the first round to snag Purdue’s Dustin Keller, Tannenbaum and Mangini agree. Keller is a former wide receiver who has enough speed to extend routes down the seams. He’s an unpolished blocker, though, which is why Chris Baker, and perhaps even Bubba Franks, could get snaps ahead of him early on.
With the arrival of fullback Tony Richardson and the upgrades on the offensive line, the Jets may not require their tight ends to block quite as often in 2008. The hope is that they’ll rarely have to ask tight ends to block on the left side. That’s where third-year tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson resides. Drafted fourth overall as an underclassman from Virginia, Ferguson has endured trials and triumphs through his first two seasons as a pro. But if he continues down his current path, he’ll sprout significantly toward the end of this season and be in full bloom sometime in 2009. Ferguson is extremely athletic, and his technique, while still inconsistent in terms of hand placement and timing in pass protection, is improving. Staying above 300 pounds and playing with leverage are ongoing challenges for him.
Ferguson is not as far along as fellow third-year pro Nick Mangold. Calling the protections his first two years, Mangold has quickly matured and is poised for a Pro Bowl campaign. He’s a superb tactician who can play with power and get to the second level on a regular basis.
Helping both third-year gems on the left side is Alan Faneca lining up between them. He’ll bring great mobility to the ground game. And he’s a wall in pass blocking.
The guard on the right side will be Brandon Moore, a reliable sixth-year pro with decent power. Moore can play guard or center, just like his new partner at tackle, Damien Woody. The Lions were bothered by Woody’s poor conditioning, though they begged him to stay and be their right tackle this past offseason. They didn’t beg him to the tune of $11 million guaranteed though.
Depth is a major concern along the front five. Assuming the linemen stay healthy, New York should see an improvement in sacks allowed (the Jets gave up the third most per play last season) and rushing output (they ranked 29th a year ago). Though he was the featured ballcarrier on a Bears team that reached the Super Bowl, Thomas Jones is not a top-notch running back. Given that he’ll be 30 on opening day and possesses mediocre speed with only intermittent tackle-breaking abilities, there are more than 20 runners in the league who are more threatening than Jones. But most will not run behind a lead-blocker like Tony Richardson.
Leon Washington needs to see his touches at least double in 2008. He had only 71 carries and 36 receptions last year. Though his 5’8”, 202-pound size caps his availability, Washington offers the speed and quickness that are absent from this offense. Free agent pickups Jesse Chatman and Musa Smith bring nothing the Jets don’t have already.

Defense
The Jets employ the same Byzantine 3-4 scheme that Mangini learned while coaching in New England. It aims to confuse offenses with a multitude of pre-snap movements, blitzes and deceptive zone coverages.
There are three key new components in the New York front seven, plus two second-year players who figure to make a deeper impact. The new central figure is Kris Jenkins who, as the nose tackle, is responsible for leading the all-important fights in the trenches. Though Jenkins has played a three technique throughout his career, he is potentially the first true blocker-eater that Mangini has had in New York. Previous nose tackle Dewayne Robertson lacked the necessary size (6’1”, 308) to clog the interior. The 6’4” Jenkins outweighs Robertson by at least 30 pounds. There was a noticeable difference in New York’s front line in times when 325-pound Sione Pouha subbed for Robertson last year. This past offseason, Pouha was given a three-year contract extension to return as the No. 2 nose tackle.
If Pouha had a little more quickness, he could be the formidable run-stopping end needed to push Shaun Ellis. Ellis is a good pass-rusher (from 2003-04 he notched 23.5 sacks), but this scheme rarely asks him to pressure the quarterback. He has recorded only five sacks in each of his two seasons under Mangini. At times, Ellis looks disinterested in playing the run. He doesn’t have the ideal strength to anchor, but he’s athletic enough to get movement and do damage, much like a Ty Warren for the Patriots. This is what Mangini and defensive line coach Dan Quinn need to coax out of the ninth-year veteran.
Kenyon Coleman is the other end. He didn’t quite live up to his huge contract last season, though he has the tools to thrive in this system. With C.J. Mosley and Kareem Brown being the only other options up front, the Jets need Coleman to prosper.
Sixth overall pick Vernon Gholston was a defensive end at Ohio State, but the Jets have followed through on plans to convert him to outside linebacker. At 6’4”, 264, this is a natural fit for the rookie. Gholston will begin the season in the reserve pass-rushing role that 10th-year veteran David Bowens has occupied. (Bowens in turn could challenge backup inside linebacker Brad Kassell for his job.)
When Gholston matures as a pro––which could be right away, sometime around Halloween, sometime next season or, according to those skeptical of his motives and motor, never––he’ll replace 2002 first-round pick Bryant Thomas in the starting lineup. Thomas, a longtime defensive end, has recently gotten comfortable making reads in space. But he’s not a playmaker. Calvin Pace will handle the outside duties on the right.
Mangini and defensive coordinator Bob Sutton do not send pressure only from the edges. Last season, standout rookie inside linebacker David Harris posted a team-high five sacks, all of them coming after Week 7. Harris’s week-to-week improvements were enthralling to Jets fans. He was an okay backup, then made 17 tackles in his October 28 starting debut against Buffalo. He followed that with a 24-tackle performance against Washington. A lot of those tackles, however, came downfield (Clinton Portis torched New York for 196 of his team’s 296 yards rushing that day).
As the season wore on, Harris improved his diagnostics and became a greater presence near the line of scrimmage. Now semi-experienced playing in a 3-4 alongside acceptable starter Eric Barton, Harris should ascend to Pro Bowl status in the very near future.
Remarkably, Harris might not be New York’s most impressive sophomore. Cornerback Darrelle Revis has thus far exceeded his first-round billing. Always game for facing the opposing team’s best receiver, Revis has the shadow skills of an elite cover corner. He surrenders virtually no room in short-area coverage and has dangerous playmaking abilities in zone. Part of the reason Revis finished second on the team with 87 tackles last year was he did give up a few catches––mainly early on. That will change in 2008, as the former Pitt Panther has proven to learn quickly from his youthful mistakes.
Mangini was Hank Poteat’s secondary coach in New England. New York’s zone coverage assignments are second nature to the soon-to-be 31-year-old, which is why he has started 15 games the past two seasons (and why he was given another one-year deal worth the veteran minimum, $750,000, over the offseason). Poteat has never been dazzling; his two interceptions last season were a career high.
Thus, the Jets are hoping that Justin Miller can mature into a solid starter in his fourth year. Miller missed all of ’07 with a torn ACL, but he was able to partake in most of this year’s offseason activities. He has a terrific skill set. But off-field issues have been his vice. Another deviation from the right path could make Miller the next Ahmad Carroll (who, by the way, is on the roster and hoping to capitalize on a fortuitous last chance).
David Barrett has proven too inconsistent to start, but he should beat out Drew Coleman and Dwight Lowery for the nickel back job. If Poteat doesn’t start, he’ll likely push for dime duties, as he’s not a great fit as a nickel in the slot.
With his close friend Jonathan Vilma being traded, strong safety Kerry Rhodes becomes the vocal leader of this Jets defense. Rhodes is cut from the Troy Polamalu/Adrian Wilson model. He’s an effective tackler, viable blitzer and, more than anything, rangy pass defender. He’ll shoulder a lion’s share of the load from whoever starts next to him at free safety, whether it be the more productive Abram Elam or the more reliable Eric Smith.

Special teams
For the most part, Mike Nugent has fulfilled the promise that made him a second-round pick in 2005. He’s improved his leg strength but was only 1/4 from 50-yards-out last season. Ben Graham netted an acceptable 37.2 yards per punt in ’07.
Leon Washington is a superb return artist. He averaged 27.5 yards per kick return and scored three touchdowns last year. That said, Darrelle Revis is electrifying in the return game. He got a lot of return reps during the offseason. The Jets could put Revis back on punts (where Washington caught 14 of the 34 balls he fielded, and failed to break a return longer than 33 yards). Revis could also line up as the No. 2 option on kick returns, which may discourage teams from avoiding Washington.

Bottom Line
Any team would improve after bringing in $140 million worth of new veteran talent. The hope is that the newcomers and youngsters on defense can pick up the scheme, and an upgraded front five can compensate for the offense’s lack of speed. The Jets are good enough to contend for a Wild Card in 2008.


Myth Buster
Thomas Jones is an elite running back
Thomas Jones is effective, but so are most of the starting running backs around the league. No one will argue that the 10th-year veteran is in the top stable of NFL ballcarriers with guys like LaDainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson, Adrian Peterson, Joseph Addai, Larry Johnson and maybe Frank Gore.
In the second tier, players like Marion Barber, Jamal Lewis and Clinton Portis are more proficient workhorses than Jones. Willie Parker, Fred Taylor and Brian Westbrook are all greater homerun threats.
Jones still doesn’t rank high after that. There is a slew of young backs that any smart coach would prefer over a 30-year-old runner on his fourth team. Names like Marshawn Lynch, Brandon Jacobs and Ryan Grant come to mind. Heck, even unconventional weapons like Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew and Reggie Bush are better choices.
Players who are similar to Jones in terms of style are Willis McGahee, Ernest Graham, Ronnie Brown and Laurence Maroney. All are younger and more dynamic.
What we can say about Jones is that he’s still a little better than his younger brother, Julius, and he’ll always be a lot better than Cedric Benson.

Open Thought
Laveranues Coles did something a few years ago that the sports world did not adequately recognize: he disclosed to the New York Times and on Oprah that he was a victim of sexual abuse growing up. His stepfather––whose name Coles chose not to reveal––spent nearly 10 years in prison for the crime.
Coles’s reason for sharing his deeply personal trauma was that "If it gets one kid to come out and say, 'Look, this is happening to me,' ... I think it's right." This brave act of selflessness overrides the machismo that defines the football culture––a culture Coles has spent most of his life in. It shows true character on his part.

Team Report Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 3rd
2007 Record: 7-9 (2nd AFC East)
Head Coach: Dick Jauron (third year)

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Trent Edwards Has accumulated some admirers but has plenty to prove. Added 15 pounds of strength over the offseason. Will be given more audibling freedom in ’08.
RB: Marshawn Lynch Runs with Marion Barber-esque tenacity, and shows subtle elusiveness at times. Needs to do a better job at letting his holes develop.
FB: Darian Barnes Will be used as a traditional lead-blocker now that new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert has done away with the H-back position.
WR: Lee Evans In the final year of his contract. Buffalo needs to lock this guy up––he’s easily one of the top 10 WR’s in the game.
WR: James Hardy* Tallest player ever drafted by the Bills (6’7”). Also has a 39-inch vertical and 10-inch hands. Think he might help the red zone offense?
TE: Robert Royal Veteran leader who dropped his body fat percentage from 18 to 8.2. Coming off knee surgery, but blocking prowess should allow him to maintain a starting job.
LT: Jason Peters Holding out, and rightfully so. One of the best LT’s in football. But, under his original RT contract, he’s only the team’s third-highest paid O-lineman.
LG: Derrick Dockery Classic B-grade player (A is great, C is average). Held down by the shoddy starters to his right.
C: Melvin Fowler Competes hard, but has a dire lack of power. Couldn’t get to the second level to save his life.
RG: Brad Butler Fowler x2.
RT: Langston Walker Doesn’t have the quickest feet, but solid technique and 6’8”, 366-pound size allow him to consistently square up on defenders.
-----------------------------
QB: J.P. Losman Has remained a team player since demotion, but wants to be traded. Problem is, wherever he goes, he’d likely be a backup there as well.
RB: Fred Jackson Second-year player from Coe College. Averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season, but saw just 58 attempts.
WR: Josh Reed Only serviceable as a possession receiver out of the slot.
WR: Roscoe Parrish Punt returning magician who doesn’t make a profound impact on offense. That’s fine.
TE: Derek Schouman Rising second-year player who impressed coaches during the offseason. Could push for a starting job, though is likely to come off the bench in ’08.
OL: Kirk Chambers Might fill in at LT if Jason Peters is out.

Defense
LDE: Chris Kelsay Plays with energy, but frankly, doesn’t contribute a whole lot. Not a frightening pass-rusher, and can’t hold ground against the run.
DT: Marcus Stroud** Brought in for a third-and fifth-round draft pick. Still looking to regain his Pro Bowl form after serious ankle surgery in ’06.
DT: Kyle Williams Fringe starter who needs to show more power against the run. Given three-year, $14.5 million contract extension. Why?
RDE: Aaron Schobel Became the highest-paid Bill in history last year (though not if you count Al Gore’s electric bill). Sack totals dropped, but he still pressured passers.
SLB: Angelo Crowell Fourth in the AFC in tackles in ’07, but Buffalo ranked 25th against the run in part because he doesn’t always shed blocks or take smart angles to the ball.
MLB: Paul Posluszny One of the best college linebackers of all time. Rookie season was lost when he broke his arm in Week 3. Many expect him to ignite the front seven in ’08.
WLB: Kawika Mitchell Always exceeds expectations. Will have to really thrive to do so this year, as he brings valuable Super Bowl experience from New York.
CB: Terrence McGee Playmaker who devours slower opponents. Ranks somewhere in the second echelon of cornerbacks.
SS: Donte Whitner Plays the game 100 mph; his best work actually comes when he’s operating in traffic near the line of scrimmage.
FS: Ko Simpson Coming back from a broken ankle. Factor in his minimal experience, and the ’06 fourth-rounder becomes a fairly big question mark.
CB: Leodis McKelvin* Widely considered the best CB in this year’s draft. Played in middling Sun Belt Conference, but is said to have the technique and raw skills to thrive right away.
------------------------------
DL: Ryan Denney Adequate backup who is essentially another version of Chris Kelsay.
LB: John DiGiorgio Started because of injuries last season. Is a much better fit in a utility backup role.
NB: Jabari Greer Coming off a fantastic ’07 campaign that was worthy of casual Pro Bowl consideration. Can clamp down on a wide receiver.

Key Players Acquired
Te Courtney Anderson (Atl)
CB William James (Phi)
DT Spencer Johnson (Min)
LB Kawika Mitchell (NYG)
LB Donnie Spragan (Mia)
DT Marcus Stroud (Jax)

Key Players Lost
WR Sam Aiken (NE)
CB Jerametrius Butler (NO)
TE Michael Gaines (Det)
LB Mario Haggans
DE Anthony Hargrove (suspended)
LB Leon Joe (TB)
S Jim Leonhard (Bal)
WR Peerless Price
LB Josh Stamer (Ten)
RB Anthony Thomas
CB Kiwaukee Thomas
DT Larry Tripplett (Sea)
CB Jason Webster (NE)
LB Coy Wire

It’s always a positive sign when a team can dump this many veteran contributors and not have to replace them. That means the young players are developing. Absolutely none of these departures will be missed. Some were valuable in kick and punt coverage, but special teams mastermind Bobby April will figure out a way to fill their void. Of the players brought in, Mitchell is the most significant, though Stroud is the most recognized. The former brings great playoff experience and the latter is a three-time Pro Bowler (though he must prove he’s still formidable after his ’06 microfracture ankle surgery). Johnson can help the run defense. James will be a very good dime back.


2008 - Buffalo Bills
Rd Sel # Player Position School
1 11 Leodis McKelvin
CB Troy State
2 41 James Hardy
WR Indiana
3 72 Chris Ellis
DE Virginia Tech
4 114 Reggie Corner
DB Akron
4 132 Derek Fine
TE Kansas
5 147 Alvin Bowen
OLB Iowa State
6 179 Xavier Omon
RB Northwest Missouri State
7 219 Demetrius Bell
T Northwestern State-Louisiana
7 224 Steve Johnson
WR Kentucky
7 251 Kennard Cox
CB Pittsburgh

McKelvin is a playmaker (4.38 speed) who is said to possess tremendous man-to-man abilities. Hardy could prove to be a monster. At 6’7” and with a 39-inch vertical, he’ll at least improve the moribund red zone offense. Ellis was a productive pass-rusher in the ACC; a lot of 3-4 teams considered him a potential OLB. Corner is a solid corner (think anyone has ever made that play on words?) who brings depth. But he won’t play much in ’08. Aside from special teams, neither will the rest of these rookies.



Buffalo Bills 2008 Preview Report
It’s both inspiring and heartbreaking. The Buffalo Bills are like a scrawny, small town middle schooler who privately busts his tail everyday in hopes of somehow capturing the 12th spot on the basketball team. He’ll be given a chance, but considering he must beat out the fleet-footed, high-jumping, six-foot-something monster from New England, you know he won’t actually have a chance.
Hailing from the tiny Western New York market, the Bills are the closest thing the NFL has to an underdog. Their legacy is that they once lost four consecutive Super Bowls. Currently, their eight-year playoff drought is the longest in the AFC. Their last postseason showing was the ’99 Wild Card round, when they were victimized by the Music City Miracle.
Yet, despite their struggles, the Bills are stampeding on. And owner Ralph Wilson Jr., along with the remade front office and head coach Dick Jauron, are doing things the right way. They’re drafting and developing players, tweaking and solidifying schemes and reaching out to fans both old (Orchard Park) and new (Toronto). The Bills are pining to be winners.
Buffalo GM Marv Levy retired for good following the ’07 season. During his two-year start, Levy drafted seven starters and a slew of significant backups. He also hired Jauron in ’06, establishing the team with a firm Cover 2, ball-control identity to carry into the future. This past offseason, Jauron worked closely with Levy’s replacement, CEO Russ Brandon, as well as influential vice presidents Tom Modrak and John Guy, to maintain the club’s ascension. Aside from not addressing the feebleness of the interior offensive line, they did a great job.
Needing to invigorate a run defense that ranked 25th last year, the Bills traded for Jacksonville’s three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Marcus Stroud. They also signed Minnesota’s underrated run-stopper Spencer Johnson. The healthy return of second-year middle linebacker Paul Posluszny will help, as will the addition of rock-solid outside linebacker Kawika Mitchell. Mitchell devoured Buffalo when the Giants visited town in Week 16 last year. His leadership and playmaking prowess will be valuable.
Looking to buckle down against the pass, the Bills drafted highly-touted cornerback Leodis McKelvin 11th overall. They also added depth by signing William James. With free safety Ko Simpson healthy, Buffalo is expected to improve its 29th-ranked pass defense.
Offensively, the Bills are carefully developing second-year talents Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch. Both showed some promise as rookie starters last season. They’ll be playing for former quarterbacks coach Turk Schonert, who replaces the banal Steve Fairchild as the offensive coordinator and play caller. Schonert expects to bring a greater emphasis on the short passing game, expanded audibling options for the quarterback and offer more creativity overall (though which new play caller isn’t expected to be more creative?).
Overall, the Bills are building a system. Ralph Wilson and the men in suits are also making great strides from a business standpoint. Needing to generate more revenue in order to avoid relocation, the Bills orchestrated a deal with Rogers Communications to play eight home games over the next five years at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. The NFL approved this unconventional marketing ploy, and the Canadian people validated it. There is a waiting list of 180,000 just to enter the ticket pool for Buffalo’s games north of the border. And the average ticket costs $183, which more than doubles the average price of the NFL’s most expensive ticket (New England). All this has produced around $8 million in additional annual revenue for the Bills.
But this is the part where you remember that as every glimmer of hope pops up in Buffalo, the Patriot mallet is there to bop it back down.
Even the success of the Bills’ Canadian venture doesn’t shine next to New England. After all, the Patriots don’t need to outsource their fan base. They hail from the sports-crazed Boston market and are a fixture on national TV. They’re so prosperous that owners and fans actually grumble when the team is awarded a primetime game (makes for a late night). When the Bills returned to Monday Night Football last October, it was a red letter day in Western New York. And when the Bills were flexed into a Sunday night game in Week 11, the region went nuts. Until the Patriots came in and won 56-10.
The Patriots are always quashing the Bills’ hopes. For example, Bills quarterback Trent Edwards had a great offseason, adding 15 pounds of muscle and devouring the more complex playbook. The Patriots’ quarterback had a great offseason––he came out of it and was still Tom Brady.
Speedy Bills receiver Lee Evans is an unheralded stud who can stretch the field and also make unexpected big plays over the middle. He’s in the final year of his contract and eager to sign a well-deserved top-dollar extension. The Patriots have Randy Moss.
Running back Marshawn Lynch is a rising star coming off a 1,115-yard rookie season. The Patriots don’t really need to run the ball. But if they did, you can bet Laurence Maroney would match Lynch stride for stride.
Buffalo finally invested in its offensive line last season, signing guard Derrick Dockery and right tackle Langston Walker to nearly $75 million worth of long-term contracts. Plus, budding left tackle Jason Peterson (who held out for a new contract), went to his first Pro Bowl. The Patriots sent three offensive linemen to Hawaii last season. Oh, and all of their players showed up for training camp.
The Bills have an improved front seven, led by last year’s second-round linebacker Paul Posluszny and Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end Aaron Schobel. The Patriots like the direction of their front seven now that 10th-overall pick Jerod Mayo has arrived. They’re also pretty high on future Hall of Fame defensive end Richard Seymour.
Under the guidance of renowned assistant coach Bobby April, the Bills have the NFL’s finest special teams. Okay, the Pats are mediocre on special teams. Oh, but they did have the first-and fourth-ranked regular teams last year.
The Bills have fortified their coaching staff under Dick Jauron, posting surprising 7-9 records each of the past two years. The Patriots are led by Bill Belichick. They’re 28-4 the last two years..
Well, uh…the Bills are more likeable. They’re a blue-collar organization that exemplifies the integrity of the game. They’d never run up the score get entangled in a controversy like Spygate or be aloof toward opponents and reporters. The Patriots don’t give a damn.

Offense
Let’s get one thing clear: there is no quarterback controversy in Buffalo. Trent Edwards is the starter, J.P. Losman is the backup. This is justice. Despite the fact that Edwards was drafted in the third round, and Losman in the first, there is a noticeable pro-Edwards discrepancy between the two. Even with a mildly unorthodox throwing motion, Edwards is the more refined passer. Losman is known for his mobility, but Edwards is comparable in this sense. On top of athletic skills, Edwards is the more mature decision-maker. Losman can be a spark off the bench, but only if Edwards gets hurt.
The Bills will ask their second-year passer to open things up a bit in ’08. Edwards’s quarterbacks coach, Turk Schonert, is calling the plays as the coordinator. Schonert has expanded the passing game and bestowed more audibling freedom for the young signalcaller.
Aiding Edwards’s efforts is the arrival of James Hardy, a desperately-needed No. 2 receiver who will complement Lee Evans. Hardy––drafted 41st overall out of Indiana––has the size and leaping ability of an NBA small forward. His 4.49 speed makes him a weapon downfield, and it goes without saying that he can be a possession option in high-traffic areas (like, say, the red zone, where Buffalo’s 30th-ranked offense ranked, whatdaya know, 30th last year).
Evans will still be option numero uno in 2008. Out of the media spotlight and playing for a team with a wavering passing attack (thanks in part to the gales of Ralph Wilson Stadium), the fifth-year pro might be the most overlooked wideout in the game. Evans has posted more prolific receiving numbers through the first four years to start a career than any Bill in history. His five touchdowns of 70-plus yards tie Chad Johnson for the most in the NFL since 2000 (and Evans wasn’t even drafted until the first round in ’04).
There is a caveat with both wideouts: Hardy was up and down in college, and Evans has been known to go missing every few Sundays. It’s important that Hardy and Evans curtail the inconsistency that flecks their good names. The Bills do not have a lot of options outside these two. Seventh-year pro Josh Reed is an adequate slot receiver, though he’s only effective in short yardage. Roscoe Parrish can fly in the return game, but it’s a different story when he’s with the mainstream offense.
Tight end Robert Royal is a pragmatic run-blocker who offers virtually nothing as a receiver. That’s why second-year pro Derek Schouman is pushing him for playing time.
Schonert wisely wants to get running back Marshawn Lynch more involved in the passing attack in 2008. Lynch is alert in space and capable of snagging balls on the fly. He must, however, make significant strides in blitz pickup (especially considering that neither Edwards nor Losman have proven capable of withstanding big hits). If Lynch struggles in this sense, the Bills have only Fred Jackson and Dwayne Wright to turn to.
Lynch’s signature is his tenacity. He gained 1,115 yards on the ground last season––seemingly all of them on a second effort. Lynch runs with power and elusiveness, but his career won’t take off until he becomes more patient. Too often he will crowd his blockers and attack a hole that hasn’t developed. Incorporating a classic fullback like Darian Barnes into the offense could help calm Lynch. Barnes is not a road-grader, but he’s at least someone to follow.
In Lynch’s defense, the holes in front of him don’t always develop. Such is going to be the case when Melvin Fowler is at center and Brad Butler at right guard. Both are intelligent players, but both lack the necessary power to survive inside. Neither gets a push or reaches the second level. This puts serious limits on how the Bills can use left guard Derrick Dockery, and it also stunts the impact of punishing left tackle Jason Peters.
Peters is an animal in space, possessing a deer’s fluidity and a grizzly bear’s force. He is understandably unhappy about his contract, as he entered training camp (or rather, didn’t enter training camp) as the team’s third-highest paid lineman. Formerly an undrafted tight end, the 27-year-old Pro Bowler has three years remaining on a deal he originally signed as a right tackle.
The contract that Langston Walker signed as a right tackle last season is worth $5 million a year. So far, Walker has earned his check. Should Peters miss significant time in ’08, Walker would or the Bills could turn to Kirk Chambers to protect Edwards’s blind side. Chambers may not be able to survive even in short spurts, but Buffalo has few options off the bench. The rest of the front line depth is relegated to guard, namely in unpolished Duke Preston (who should be starting ahead of Butler) or oft-injured Jason Whittle (coming back from a severe groin tear).

Defense
The Bills ranked 31st in yards allowed last season, but because they were stout in the red zone, they gave up only the 18th most points. Nevertheless, Dick Jauron and coordinator Perry Fewell are focused on making significant strides in 2008. Any progress will derive from the middle, where the Bills feature a different defensive tackle (Marcus Stroud), middle linebacker (Paul Posluszny) and free safety (Ko Simpson) than last season. All three are upgrades over their predecessors/fill-ins.
Stroud could be the first Bills interior lineman to draw consistent double teams since Pat Williams. Though a serious ankle injury has hampered him the past two years, Stroud is only 30 and capable of finding a second wind. He plays with great leverage and quickness for a 306-pounder.
Paul Posluszny has only completed two NFL games, but he could be the type of linebacker worth protecting with blocker-eating linemen. The famed Nittany Lion is fast and assertive, and he’s going to be a very industrious tackler once he learns to take more proficient angles in pursuit. He’ll almost certainly be better than utility backup John DiGiorgio was filling in last season.
Ko Simpson is not a star, but it’s either him, George Wilson or Bryan Scott. Considering he has a brighter future and makes good enough reads, the Bills will take their chances with the developing former fourth-round pick.
All defensive players seem to get better when the four linemen in front of them are causing a stir. Buffalo employs a Cover 2, which means they ask their interior linemen to shoot the gaps. But the Bills are not the Colts; the defensive tackles Buffalo has––Stroud, along with Kyle Williams and Spencer Johnson––are more equipped to tie up space than gain penetration. 2006 first-round draft pick John McCargo shows fleeting bursts of quickness off the snap, but not often enough to compensate for the liability he poses against the run. Expect McCargo to fight with run-defending specialist Johnson for top backup duties behind Williams.
Improvement from the defensive tackles will benefit the familiar faces on the edges. Last season, Aaron Schobel––who has more sacks since 2003 than anyone in football other than Jason Taylor––reached the quarterback only 6.5 times. Though he had signed a bank-breaking long-term contract prior to training camp, his motor did not sputter. Schobel simply finished fewer plays in ’07. He was still a constant nuisance in the backfield––and he’ll be that again in ’08.
Schobel has never had great players opposite him. Chris Kelsay is as average as they come, and Ryan Denney is simply Kelsay in a different jersey. The Bills would love to see third-round rookie Chris Ellis step in on third downs and infuse the left side with the pass-rushing energy that’s long been lacking.
With Posluszny in the middle, less will be demanded of the linebackers on the outside. Strongside guy Angelo Crowell made 126 stops last season, though only two behind the line of scrimmage. Crowell is athletic, but he must do a better job at unshackling from blocks. He’s proven his commitment to his craft: over the offseason, he postponed his honeymoon just so he would not miss team workouts.
Kawika Mitchell will be a huge addition on the weak side. For one, his presence could prompt third-year pro Keith Ellison to regain the form he showed as an emergency starter in ’06. For two, the Super Bowl XLII champion is one of the few players on this team who has won something at the pro level. Mitchell is an intelligent leader who elevates his game in crucial situations.
In addition to Ko Simpson, the Bills feature another third-year pro at safety: Donte Whitner. The undersized but over-caffeinated first-round pick loves to play fast and furious. Whitner will recklessly throw his weight into a tackle, even though he lacks the strength to do serious damage. He’s actually more effective lining up in the box.
The Bills don’t ask for much from their safeties in coverage. That’s okay considering Buffalo’s trio of cornerbacks. First-round rookie Leodis McKelvin is expected to be a star right away. Scouts rave about McKelvin’s natural coverage and playmaking skills.
The Troy product won’t have to match up against No. 1 receivers on a weekly basis. Those chores fall to Terrence McGee. While less aggressive when facing speedy opponents, McGee is a gambling route jumper who has a big-play mindset. He broke up an NFL-high 21 passes last season and also snatched four interceptions.
Undrafted fifth-year pro Jabari Greer did not get enough praise for the job he did in 2007. Greer hovered near shutdown status as a stifling man-defender. In nickel packages, the Bills may want to consider playing him on the outside and sliding McGee into the slot. The depth behind Greer is first-rate. Williams James is an able defender who brings starting experience from the NFC East. Fourth-round rookie Reggie Corner will be a project, though the Bills remember him as the guy who held James Hardy to two catches in the Akron-Indiana game last year.

Special Teams
Assistant coach Bobby April is the NFL’s sultan of special teams. April routinely has some of the league’s best coverage and return units. Last season, the Bills were No. 1 in both punt coverage and return. Roscoe Parrish set an NFL record with 440 punt return yards en route to posting a league-leading 16.3 average. He also averaged 240 yards on kick returns, and had one of his two touchdown returns.
Brian Moorman averaged only 40.8 yards per punt, but that was by design. His net of 37.6 tells you what kind of coverage he got. Rian Lindell has been the league’s most accurate kicker over the past two seasons, successfully converting 47/52 field goal attempts. That’s not easy when you play your home games in Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Bottom Line
The Bills are making strides; an appropriate goal would be to reach the postseason for the first time this decade. If everyone stays healthy, they’ll be in the running. At the same time, it’s important that Buffalo keep preparing to peek in a few years.


Myth Buster
J.P. Losman is a much better scrambler than Trent Edwards
It’s almost a neck and neck tie. Losman may have the slightest edge, but as you’re about to read, it’s academic. There are two reasons people think Losman appears to be the better running quarterback: one, he is smaller (6’2”, vs. 6’4”), which makes him look quicker; two, when he scrambles, he often tucks the ball. When Edwards scrambling, he maintains his throwing posture and keeps his eyes downfield. This allows him to be a dual threat, as opposed to just a runner.
How important is all this? Not very. Losman ran 20 times for 110 yards (5.5 average) last year. He fumbled twice (one of which was lost). Edwards ran 14 times for 49 yards (3.5 average). He had one fumble that Buffalo recovered.

Open Thought
I think Thomas Friedman is right––the world really is flattening. Because of this, I don’t mind globalization. Why fight the inevitable?
However, when it comes to football leaving our U.S. borders, I do mind. I’m as fearful of this change as Ann Coulter is of any change. Simply put, I don’t want football sneaking outside our country. Sure, on the bright side, globalized football could, in the very long run, spell the demise of soccer (there’s no way any culture can fully understand both sports and not agree that Real Man’s Football is superior). But that’s not worth it.
There’s a deep sense of Americanism to our game. I’d like to keep it that way.

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Team Report: Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 4th
2007 Record: 1-15 (4th AFC East)
Head Coach: Tony Sparano (1st year)

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Josh McCown** His starting experience gives him a mild edge over John Beck and Chad Henne in the quarterback competition. Not a long-term option though.
RB: Ronnie Brown Was leading the league in yards from scrimmage before tearing his ACL last October. Speedy recovery, but must regain trust in his knee.
FB: Reagan Mauia His 270-pound weight gives him power, but he’s still learning the position. Fortunately for him, so is backup Boomer Grigsby.
WR: Ernest Wilford** Parcells and offensive coordinator Chad Henning love big, strong WR’s––even those without first-rate athleticism.
WR: Ted Ginn Jr. Did not quiet the critics last season. But this is a new year with a new quarterback, new coaching staff and new playbook.
TE: Anthony Fasano** Not as good as the South Florida media is making him out to be (constricted as a receiver). Still, a serviceable blocker.
LT: Jake Long* The only other OT ever drafted No. 1 is Orlando Pace. Dolphins would be thrilled if their guy reached that level.
LG: Justin Smiley** Was signed the second free agency began. Offers solid strength and mobility, but must prove that his shoulder is healthy and his skills are suitable for the left side.
C: Samson Satele Second-year player who still has a few seasons left in his development process. Capable of starting in the meantime, but needs plenty of support.
RG: Donald Thomas* Didn’t even play football in high school. Has been a huge surprise in camp, which is why he’s on track to beat out higher-drafted rookie Shawn Murphy.
RT: Vernon Carey Miscast at LT last season, though did okay. Plays the game a lot like Jabba the Hut might play (not meant as an insult).
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QB: John Beck Best case scenario is he makes a career as a solid No. 2 QB. Too jittery to tinker with in the starting lineup and, at 27, too old to have great “potential.”
RB: Ricky Williams In the final year of his NFL-mandated minimum salary contract. Was smoking hot in the offseason activities. Should have a fairly prominent role in 2008.
WR: Derek Hagan Doesn’t drop passes like he used to. Limited speed and 6’2”, 203-pound size make him a possession receiver.
WR: Greg Camarillo A poor man’s––very poor man’s––Wes Welker. Doubtful he’ll be able to beat out undrafted rookie Davone Bess.
TE: David Martin Struggled mightily last season, in part because the Dolphins asked him to block so much.
OL: Steve McKinney** Can play G or C, but with this season being a long-term rebuilding project, there’s no point in starting an average 11th-year veteran.

Defense
LDE: Vonnie Holliday Playing time dropped dramatically last season. Considering he’s 32 and surrounded by rising prospects, could see more of the same in ’08.
NT: Jason Ferguson** Was with Parcells in New York (Jets) and Dallas. Somewhat undersized for NT and coming off a torn triceps, but overall, not a terrible option.
RDE: Phillip Merling* Drafted 32nd overall; scouts love his motor. Experienced at a multitude of D-line positions.
LOLB: Charlie Anderson** Special teams stalwart who has three sacks in his four-year career. The man he’s replacing had 117 career sacks.
LILB: Akin Ayodele** Played for this coaching staff in Big D, which gives him a mild advantage over Reggie Torbor in starting competition. Can be stout against the run.
RILB: Channing Crowder Fluid athlete, but taking over for Zach Thomas does not make him the next Zach Thomas.
ROLB: Joey Porter Expected to perform better now that he’ll be used in a more natural freelance role. Still, double digit sack total is highly unlikely.
CB: Will Allen Not a playmaker, but very solid man defender who really understands how to play the CB position.
SS: Yeremiah Bell Compelling talent who has been plagued by injuries throughout his four-year career. Coming off blown Achilles and trying to prove himself in a one-year deal.
FS: Jason Allen Nice speed and serviceable run-stopping ability. Starting job is not a lock, though he’s all but guaranteed a role in nickel packages.
CB: Michael Lehan High-character veteran who survives despite questionable hip swivel.
--------------------------
DL: Randy Starks** Never lived up to potential in Tennessee. Why would he flourish here now that he’s been paid?
LB: Reggie Torbor** Should have been given more opportunities with the Giants. His inexperience in a 3-4 could hinder him early on.
NB: Andre Goodman Decent veteran, but isn’t going to make any QB think twice.

Key Players Acquired
LB Charlie Anderson (Hou)
LB Akin Ayodele (Dal)
S Chris Crocker (Atl)
S Keith Davis (Dal)
TE Anthony Fasano (Dal)
FB Boomer Grigsby (Mia)
NT Jason Ferguson (Dal)
CB Nate Jones (Dal)
QB Josh McCown (Oak)
OL Steve McKinney (Hou)
WR Tab Perry (Cin)
TE Sean Ryan (NYJ)
G Justin Smiley (SF)
DT Randy Starks (Ten)
LB Reggie Torbor (NYG)
WR Ernest Wilford (Jax)

Key Players Lost
RB Lorenzo Booker (Phi)
WR Marty Booker (Chi)
RB Jesse Chatman (NYJ)
G Rex Hadnot (Cle)
OL Cory Lekkerkerker (Dal)
QB Cleo Lemon (Jax)
LB Derrick Pope (Min)
OT L.J. Shelton (SD)
LB Zach Thomas (Dal)
DE Jason Taylor (Was)
OL Joe Toledo (SF)
DT Keith Traylor
S Cameron Worrell (NYJ)

Bill Parcells does not mess around. He prefers players whom he’s familiar with, which is why six of Miami’s acquisitions have played for him before. Of the players brought in, only three are clear-cut starters: Ferguson, Smiley and Wilford. However, as many as 13 of these guys could push for serious playing time. Of the players lost, obviously Thomas and Taylor are the big names. Both had something left, but there’s no sense in forcing them into what is obviously a substantial rebuilding project.


2008 - Miami Dolphins
Rd Sel # Player Position School
1 1 Jake Long T Michigan
2 32 Phillip Merling DE Clemson
2 57 Chad Henne QB Michigan
3 66 Kendall Langford DE Hampton
4 110 Shawn Murphy T Utah State
6 176 Jalen Parmele RB Toledo
6 195 Donald Thomas G Connecticut
6 204 Lex Hilliard RB Montana
7 245 Lionel Dotson DT Arizona


Every No. 1 pick is expected to be a superstar. However, not all of them materialize. Even the OT position can generate high-drafted disappointments (Oakland’s Robert Gallery or Buffalo’s Mike Williams, for example). The spotlight’s on Long. Merling is an intriguing prospect because he’s a great fit for a 3-4 DE job. Henne had four years of starting experience in the Big Ten but still must improve his decision-making if he wants to succeed in the NFL. Expect him to start before the season is over. Langford is a run-stopper who could be molded into a developmental DT. He’ll have to put on weight though. Murphy figured to start at G very soon, but Thomas has outperformed him thus far. The rest of the rookies figure to add depth.




Miami Dolphins 2008 Preview Report
Only Bill Parcells could be retired, move to South Florida and undertake a laborious NFL rebuilding effort. The soon-to-be 69-year-old left Dallas in ’07 and went all of one year without feeding his football addiction. To his credit, he did not jump back into the coaching ranks.
So here we go again––another Parcells reclamation project. This is the fifth one. With Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga having no ego and being in the process of turning the team over to Stephen Ross, it’s clearly the Big Tuna’s show in Miami. Nothing about this is new. This isn’t even the first time that the future Hall of Famer has inherited a 1-15 AFC East team. You may remember, Parcells took over the hapless Jets in 1997. He made them a nine-win club right away, then led them to the AFC championship the following year.
Of course, that AFC East division did not feature a dynastic Patriots franchise (which, by the way, given Bill Belichick’s NFL upbringing, is something the Big Tuna had a slight hand in as well). Nine wins is simply unrealistic for these Dolphins. In fact, any numerical expectations for 2008 seem almost pointless. The bottom line is, Parcells builds winners––which is exactly what the Miami Dolphins will be once he’s done.
So how does he do it?
For starters, he uses his own Rolodex. Parcells favors the familiar. He hired former Cowboys VP of scouting Jeff Ireland to be his GM (aka right hand man). Then, he brought in his offensive line coach and one-time play-caller in Dallas, Tony Sparano, to replace Cam Cameron. Sparano is a Parcells yes man––which, in this case, is a good thing. (If you’re working for Parcells, it means you inherently think like him anyway.)
Sparano’s coaching staff is rich with former Cowboys assistants. There are five in all, including defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni. The offensive coordinator is Dan Henning. Henning’s ties to Parcells date back to 1970, when the two were young New Yorkers working as assistant coaches at Florida State. They were last together for a brief stint with the Jets.
After Parcells entrenches a like-minded coaching staff, he implements the game plan. Almost always, it involves a ball-control offense (which Sparano and Henning run) and an over-sized 3-4 defense.
Strategy in place, the Big Tuna then conducts the roster purge. In this case, there were no boundaries (a one-win season can be very emetic). Seemingly, the longer a player had been with the Dolphins organization, the more expendable he was (hence the removal of Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor). Parcells does not like dealing with longtime veterans he has no history with––such players are too hard to remold.
After dumping roughly one-fourth of the roster, Parcells begins to fill the holes. This is where it gets interesting. His predilection for the familiar also persists when he’s acquiring players. You may have noticed that six of his former Cowboys were brought in (cornerback Nate Jones, free safety Keith Davis, linebacker Akin Ayodele, nose tackle Jason Ferguson––who also played for Parcells as a Jet––tight end Sean Ryan––who was in Dallas in ’06––and tight end Anthony Fasano).
Parcells will also install younger free agents who haven’t played for him but could possibly find a modest role within his paradigm. This year’s crop includes guard Justin Smiley, defensive tackle Randy Starks, linebacker Reggie Torbor, quarterback Josh McCown and receiver Ernest Wilford.
Understand that none of these players are building blocks. Rather, they’re merely bivouacs in place while the general reconfigures his infantry through the draft. Parcells’s damage is done during his reconnaissance across college campuses. He’s one of the great talent evaluators of this era, and he’s a master at getting what he wants on Draft Day.
This year, he had the luxury of picking first overall. Unimpressed by the skill players at the top of the ’08 rookie class, Parcells chose a guy he expects to be a “10-year left tackle”: Jake Long. The Michigan product arrives NFL-ready, though he may experience some mild growing pains with the speed of the pro game.
After Long, Parcells plucked a prototypical 3-4 defensive end––Clemson’s Phillip Merling––to be the cornerstone of his front seven. Expect Merling to be the first of five new front seven defenders brought in by Parcells over the next two or three years.
As great as last year’s second-round pick John Beck has looked taking sacks and dumping the ball off underneath, Parcells reckoned he needed a quarterback. Oddly enough, he does not have a model for this position. With the Giants, Parcells won Super Bowls with superstar Phil Simms and backup Jeff Hostetler. In New England, he had No. 1 overall pick Drew Bledsoe. With the Jets, he had veteran Vinny Testaverde (a former No. 1 pick but career-long game manager). In Dallas, Parcells reached the playoffs with developmental project Quincy Carter, brought back Testaverde and Bledsoe, then ultimately hung his hat on undrafted Tony Romo.
All Parcells wants in a signalcaller is dependability. He liked Michigan’s Chad Henne enough to draft him in Round Two. Henne was a four-year starter for the Wolverines and possesses classic NFL pocket passing tools. He’ll be given every opportunity to win the first string job, even if he begins the season behind placeholder Josh McCown.
Very revealing is the fact that, aside from guard Shawn Murphy, all of Miami’s other rookies are developmental projects. There’s defensive lineman Kendall Langford from Hampton. There are running backs Jalen Parmele from the Mid-American Conference and Lex Hilliard from the 1-AA ranks. Sixth-round guard Donald Thomas was once a walk-on at Connecticut; he didn’t even play football in high school.
Building from seemingly below the ground up––and realizing that although roughly 25 percent of the roster has been overhauled, at least another 60 percent still needs to be replaced––one might think that Miami’s return to prosperity won’t arrive until shortly after hover cars hit the market. But Parcells works quickly. At all four of his previous NFL stops, his team had registered a winning record by the end of his second year.
Of course, at all four of those stops, the acerbic coach didn’t sit in a suite on Sundays.

Offense
It’s never a good sign when there’s a three-way competition for the starting quarterback job. Parcells is famous for saying that if you have two quarterbacks who can play, it means you don’t have one. In this sense, his team has negative one.
Three-way quarterback competitions usually involve two guys dueling for the job and one guy being given P.C. reps by the coaching staff. That does not appear to be the case here. Josh McCown, John Beck and Chad Henne really are all in contention. Each brings a different wrinkle to the formula.
In McCown, the Dolphins have a guy well-versed in holding down the fort under center. McCown was a fringe starter at times in Arizona and Oakland (he also had a one-year stint as a benchwarmer in Detroit). He is athletic enough to bootleg outside, though he scares no one. If Miami wants a player who can execute the offense and give them a chance to eke out immediate wins, they’ll go with him.
Beck’s chances of starting could be tied to the fact that it’s hard to give up on a second-round pick who has only been in the league for one year. After all, the BYU product is jittery in the pocket and, despite being 27, callow in his reads. But the new coaching staff has been impressed with Beck’s work ethic. Quarterbacks coach David Lee tinkered with Beck’s throwing motion and was encouraged with the results.
Still, it is highly unlikely that Miami would choose the previous regime’s second-round passer over their own. For this reason, Henne is favored to assume the long-term reins for the Dolphins. Henne shows good leadership skills but must first solidify his grasp of Tony Sparano and Chad Henning’s playbook. Considering his mediocre decision-making at Michigan, Henne seems likely to learn from the sidelines early in the season.
Not helping whoever is under center is Miami’s putrid receiving corps. Interstate-95 pickup Ernest Wilford started 37 games in his four years at Jacksonville, including 26 over ’06 and ’07. However, he has never caught more than 45 passes in a season. Wilford has the Keyshawn Johnson-like size that Henning and Parcells covet. But, also like Keyshawn, he has limited spring in his step. Keyshawn survived on polished route running; Wilford is average in and out of his breaks.
He’s still a better route runner than second-year pro Ted Ginn Jr. Burdened with high expectations as the 10th overall pick, Ginn did not set South Beach on fire as a rookie. He had only one catch over 40 yards. Dolphin fans must be patient with the electrifying ex-Buckeye. Ginn has the speed and elusiveness to make defenders miss––he just needs time to learn the nuances of the game. Of course, there’s no guarantee he will.
Logic says that Ginn should be constricted to the slot in 2008. However, with the only experienced receivers on the roster being Greg Camarillo, David Kircus and Derek Hagan, Miami’s hands are tied. Camarillo can make the occasional big play, but he’s a bubble guy. So is Kircus. Hagan, a third-round pick in ’06, shows some promise, but not enough to warrant a starting job. Besides, he’s a more limited possession receiver than Wilford.
Ginn can slide into the slot in three-receiver sets, though don’t be shocked if he stays outside in order to make room for undrafted rookie Davone Bess. The prolific lightning bolt from Hawaii has sticky hands and superb quickness.
The Dolphins will receive minimal contributions from their tight ends in the passing game. Former Cowboy Anthony Fasano, a second-round pick by Parcells in ’06, figures to replace struggling David Martin in the starting lineup. Fasano is a standout blocker, but he lacks finesse with the ball in his hands. Martin is simply too inconsistent.
The questions with the aerial attack reaffirm Sparano and Henning’s commitment to running the ball. The Dolphins will be a rock-pounding club in 2008, which is why they’re monitoring Ronnie Brown closely. The fourth-year pro is coming off ACL surgery. He ran with more assertiveness in 2007, and prior to going down last October, Brown was leading the NFL in total offense, However, playing on a mended knee, Brown will have to rediscover his confidence. This could be an issue, especially early on.
Who would have ever thought that Miami would be relying heavily on a 31-year-old Ricky Williams? Indeed, the mercurial former Heisman Trophy winner is looking to prove himself in the final year of his contract. Drug use and a torn pectoral muscle last year have limited Williams to just three starts over the last four seasons. He’s only carried the ball six times since 2005. That said, Williams was reportedly the most impressive Dolphin offensive player in minicamps and OTA’s.
Brown and Williams will have plenty of escorts on the ground this year. The Dolphins will incorporate Fasano and 270-pound fullback Reagan Mauia (or former Chiefs fullback Boomer Grigsby) into many of their run-blocking schemes. Expect most of the runs to travel left. That’s where No. 1 overall pick Jake Long (tackle) and free agent headliner Justin Smiley (guard) reside. Smiley is a natural right guard, but Sparano––an offensive line connoisseur––wants the fifth-year pro to help ease Long’s transition to the pro game.
This leaves a spot open at right guard. Ideally, fourth-round rookie Shawn Murphy will fill it. Murphy is a resolute competitor, but he played defensive line until his junior season at Utah State. Because he’s still learning the guard position, Miami considered going with tackle Trey Darilek, a former backup for Sparano in Dallas. However, sixth-round rookie Donald Thomas showed such great power early on that he appears to have the inside track. There’s also Steve McKinney, though the Dolphins see no point in giving reps to an 11th-year veteran at this point.
Center Samson Satele earned a passing grade as a second-round rookie in his 16 starts last season. Having played in a spread offense at Hawaii, there are still concerns about Satele’s ability to hold up as an NFL run-blocker. He struggles when defenders line up directly over him. But Satele has the mobility to lead-block in space, and his elevated awareness and partnership with the fairly-athletic Smiley should lead to noticeable improvements in 2008.
Former first-round pick Vernon Carey is back in his home at right tackle. Carey is somewhat lethargic, thought that’s just part of being a 335-pounder. He is overpowering in a phone booth and will punish defenders who come at him off balance.

Defense
This was a diarrheic defense last season, which is to say, it couldn’t stop the run. Miami surrendered a league-worst 153.5 yards per game on the ground. Ostensibly, having four new front seven starters will bring about change––and given where this group was last year, any change figures to be in a forward direction. Then again, one of the new starters––likely Charlie Anderson––will be replacing future Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.
Anderson is a career-long special teamer. He’ll end up back on the bench if converted defensive end Quentin Moses develops. Moses was a third-round draft choice of the Raiders last year but got cut prior to the season (something bizarre must have happened there). The 260-pounder is a splendid athlete. He improved throughout the season in ’07 but needs to develop more comfort in space.
Playing at right outside linebacker is Joey Porter, who is eager to rebound from a tepid first year in Miami. At 31, Porter has lost a bit of his oomph, though he’s still capable of posting a few sacks.
Miami’s linebacking strength is inside. Parcells loves Channing Crowder. The pliant fourth-year pro will almost certainly lead the team in tackles in ’08, but he must take better angles to the ball. Akin Ayodele has great size (6’2’, 250) to fill against the run. His familiarity with this scheme from his stint in Dallas should give him the edge over underappreciated ex-Giant Reggie Torbor.
Miami won’t need to have linebackers putting their hands in the dirt again this season. The team drafted Phillip Merling in the second round, plus they still have Vonnie Holliday and Matt Roth. Both Holliday and Roth are on thin ice––the former because he’s 32 and the latter because he’s a defensive lineman-linebacker tweener but not of the pass-rushing ilk. If third-year pro Rodrique Wright can ever stay healthy, Holliday or Roth could be forgotten.
Third-round rookie Kendall Langford is a developmental project from Hampton. He’s expected to provide run-stopping prowess, perhaps even at the tackle position. He’ll have to expand his 282-pound frame to play the nose though. Currently, Miami has veteran Jason Ferguson slated to line up over center. Ferguson turns 34 in November and missed 15 games with a torn triceps in ’07. Still, he’s a Parcells guy.
The Dolphins don’t have a lot of other options inside. Randy Starks was signed from Tennessee, but he’s never found an identity at the pro level (some believe an inconsistent motor could be to blame). Last year’s fourth-round pick Paul Soliai was a major disappointment. Considering the new regime’s fondness for undrafted rookie Anthony Toribio, Soliai could be shown the door in the very near future.
The Dolphins secondary is littered with decent-but-not-outstanding players. Cornerback Will Allen is the best of the bunch, though he’ll never get the credit he deserves, simply because he doesn’t make a lot of interceptions. Instead, Allen focuses on doing exactly what a corner is supposed to do: stopping wide receivers. He has a good feel for playing man coverage, and he rarely gets burned.
If Michael Lehan is healthy, he’s likely the No. 2. But Lehan, like fellow corner Andre Goodman, lacks the quickness and technique to make sudden plays on the ball. Both men will compete with inconsistent extraordinaires Travis Daniels and Nate Jones.
There are five players vying for two starting safety jobs. The front runner has to be Jason Allen on the grounds that he was a first-round pick in 2006 and finally alighted on his comfort zone last season. Allen is a superb athlete who can play cornerback in nickel and dime packages. In those instances, former Falcon Chris Crocker would line up at free safety. Crocker is a ho-hum run-defender, but he’s capable of picking off the deep ball.
Technically, Renaldo Hill is the incumbent starter at free safety. He manned the position in ’06 before blowing out his knee in October ’07. Hill faces an arduous task of reclaiming his job, but he’s always managed to exceed expectations in his eight-year career.
Yeremiah Bell would be an upper echelon strong safety if not for his vulnerability to the injury bug. It bit hard last September when he tore his left Achilles in the season opener. That is a difficult injury to bounce back from, but Bell is favored to beat out hard-hitting ex-Cowboy Keith Davis.

Special Teams
Kicker Jay Feely is a highly-respected veteran who shows solid accuracy. He reportedly improved his range over the offseason. The Dolphins ranked 30th in kick coverage last year, so kickoff depth will be a priority.
Brandon Fields averaged a decent 43.2 yards per punt as a seventh-round rookie in ’07. He had only 10 punts fall inside the 20, though in fairness to him, he was not often kicking from optimum field position.
Ted Ginn Jr. was drafted for his return prowess more than anything. After one year, the jury’s still deliberating. We know he’s good––the question is, do teams fear him? Ginn took a punt 87 yards to the house last season. But, as was the case in his kick returns, he tended to dance too much.

Bottom Line
A paucity of talent at the skill positions really plagued this team last year. Having Ronnie Brown healthy and someone new under center helps, but not enough. No biggie––the rest of the roster is under construction anyway. Parcells knows this….he’ll take care of it.


Myth Buster
Matt Roth is no good
Roth is a fine player who is miscast in a 3-4 scheme. He was worthy of his second-round draft status coming out of Iowa, though it didn’t make sense for Nick Saban to bring him here. That’s the Saban era for ya.
Roth is a high-energy player who shows an excellent combination of quickness and strength. The problem is, he is a short-armed 272-pounder with 6’4” height, making him too small to play defensive end and too big to play linebacker.
Roth’s offseason arrest in Iowa for public intoxication irritated the team, though if he were a better fit in this scheme, it wouldn’t jeopardize his roster spot. If Roth gets cut, it will be because he was misused. It will also mean that a very good 4-3 defensive end will be available at a reduced price.

Open Thought
The Dolphins have to be the most nondescript classic franchise in the NFL. Think about it: a prominent team at the time of the 1970 merger, authors of the only undefeated season, five Super Bowl appearances, 12 division titles and quarterbacking legend Dan Marino. The Dolphins are rich with NFL history.
Yet, when people think of classic NFL clubs, when does this one come to mind? Usually after the Packers, Bears, 49ers, Cowboys, Steelers, and Giants. And maybe even Colts. The chimes of Sam Spence’s NFL Films music rarely evoke thoughts of the Dolphins. There’s little football purity associated with this team.
This could be because Miami is not a classic American town. It’s a tropical climate city that features a lot of Latin American culture. And it’s located on the southern edge of the continental U.S.

Team Report: New England Patroits

New England Patriots
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 1st
2007 Record: 16-0 (1st AFC East)
Head Coach: Bill Belichick (9th year)

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Tom Brady Can win Super Bowls, post big numbers, sell your product, whatever. The greatest QB of this generation.
RB: Laurence Maroney Most think he’s primed for a breakout season. He’s certainly good enough. But are there enough touches for him in this offense?
WR: Randy Moss Attitude problems? Effort issues? Ha!
WR: Chad Jackson Was a lauded second-round pick in ’06; career has been grounded with injuries. If he’s healthy, you’ll quickly learn a lot about him.
WR: Wes Welker Just guessing, but his league-leading 112 receptions last season has to be some sort of record for a “No. 3 WR.”
TE: Ben Watson Coming off ankle surgery though should be more effective in 2008. Capable of 70 catches if not for the number of stars around him.
LT: Matt Light Tom Brady makes this B- blocker look like an A+.
LG: Logan Mankins Moves extremely well and packs a powerful punch, especially at the second level.
C: Dan Koppen Steadying force inside who is coming off his first Pro Bowl.
RG: Steve Neal Underrated mobility, and experience as a wrestler explains his power in the phone booth.
RT: Nick Kaczur Involved in a drug sting over the offseason. This, coupled with his slow feet in pass protection, could jeopardize his job security.
-----------------------
QB: Matt Cassel Has plateaud after three years––or at least that’s what they tell us. Third-round rookie Kevin O’Connell will likely become the No. 2 next season.
RB: Kevin Faulk Has embodied the true Patriot for the past decade. Versatile, unselfish and always a little better than you expect.
FB: Heath Evans Capable lead-blocker and short-yardage runner when called upon.
WR: Jabar Gaffney Has nice chemistry with Brady. Could step into a No. 2 role, if need be.
TE: David Thomas Coming off a broken foot that took forever to heal. Must improve his blocking if he wants a job.
OL: Ryan O’Callaghan Has toiled between starter and backup his first two years. Given his power and Kaczur’s situation, don’t expect anything to change in Year Three.

Defense
LDE: Ty Warren Sixth-year veteran who has long been one of the most overlooked players in the game. Terrific in all phases.
NT: Vince Wilfork Stunning power, as long as he’s not having to slide too far east and west.
RDE: Richard Seymour Only 29 and already Canton-bound. Masterful leverage and strength make him nearly impossible to run against.
LOLB: Mike Vrabel Struggles to get off blocks, but it hasn’t mattered yet. Recorded 12.5 sacks last season and has been a solidifying force at virtually every LB spot.
LILB: Victor Hobson** Has experience playing in a 3-4, but won’t beat out Jerod Mayo in the long haul. In fact, may not even beat out converted SS Tank Williams in the short haul.
RILB: Tedy Bruschi Yes, he’s lost a step. But given how callous this organization has been to declining veterans, do you really think he’d still be starting if he couldn’t play?
ROLB: Adalius Thomas Dynamic utility weapon who needs to be featured more in 2008.
CB: Ellis Hobbs Feisty and fast, but must overcome the stigma of being the guy who gave up the game-winning TD in Super Bowl XLII. Also coming off groin and shoulder surgery.
SS: Rodney Harrison Regarded throughout the league as the game’s dirtiest player. Turns 36 in December but hasn’t hit a wall. Keep your fingers crossed, New England.
FS: James Sanders Like rice: you can serve him with everything and he’ll cover your bases without standing out.
CB: Fernando Bryant History with secondary coach Dom Capers will likely afford him the first crack at filling the abyss at left cornerback.
----------------------------
DL: Jarvis Green One-gap ace who can operate anywhere along the defensive line. Could start for most teams.
LB: Jerod Mayo* Eager eyes are fixed on this 10th overall pick. Can play every LB position but must first learn the league’s most complex defensive scheme.
NB: Jason Webster Has been solid as a starter at times in his career. Though for some reason, teams are always quick to get rid of him.


Key Players Acquired
WR Sam Aiken (Buf)
CB Fernando Bryant (Det)
LB Victor Hobson (NYJ)
TE Marcus Pollard (Sea)
OL Oliver Ross (Ari)
CB Lewis Sanders (Atl)
CB Jason Webster (Buf)
S/LB Tank Williams (Min)

Key Players Lost
TE Kyle Brady
LB Rosevelt Colvin (Hou)
CB Randall Gay (NO)
DL Rashad Moore (Atl)
CB Asante Samuel (Phi)
WR Donte’ Stallworth (Cle)
DB Eugene Wilson (TB)

The Patriots defensive backfield got rocked over the offseason. It shows a certain level of hubris for this club to think they can simply let Samuel walk away. He made opponents think twice before attacking the left side of the field. Had Gay stayed, he would have been the No. 1 CB. Instead, journeymen Bryant, Webster and Sanders will compete for the job. New England might really miss Wilson––especially if one of the safeties gets hurt. Hobson can be plugged in at ILB, but he might not be a long-term solution. Surprisingly, Williams––a career-long SS––could end up starting at ILB. Stallworth was great for this offense, but they’ll have no problem replacing him internally.

2008 - New England Patriots
Rd
Sel #
Player
Position
School
1
10
Jerod Mayo
OLB
Tennessee
2
62
Terrence Wheatley
CB
Colorado
3
78
Shawn Crable
OLB
Michigan
3
94
Kevin O'Connell
QB
San Diego State
4
129
Jonathan Wilhite
CB
Auburn
5
153
Matt Slater
WR
UCLA
6
197
Bo Ruud
LB
Nebraska

Mayo was a versatile star for the Volunteers. The Patriots are giddy about him––and when the Patriots are giddy, pundits take notice. Wheatley figures to start at some point, though 2008 may be a bit soon. He’s admired for his toughness. Crable made regular appearances in the backfield as a Wolverine; now, he’ll study under renowned Buckeye Mike Vrabel. O’Connell was brought in to replace Matt Cassel as Tom Brady’s long-term backup. Wilhite lacks size and playmaking abilities. Slater’s dad is Hall of Fame lineman Jackie Slater. Ruud also has NFL bloodlines: his brother is the starting MLB in Tampa Bay.



New England Patriots 2008 Preview Report
After his team’s stunning 17-14 Super Bowl XLII loss to the New York Giants, the illustrious quarterback stood behind a podium in front of an inordinately rabid, callous media and spoke wistfully about going for a title again next year. Fortunately for Tom Brady, none of the bloodhound reporters were smart (or cruel) enough to ask this question:
Tom, you guys came into this game with the best record in NFL history. Over 18 weeks, you obliterated teams early in the season, took care of other elite clubs at all stops and thrived in every adverse, high-pressure situation. You personally, a three-time world champion, led a prolific offense that shattered virtually every significant NFL single season record. Your team’s defense allowed the fourth fewest points in the league and featured three Pro Bowlers (not to mention at least three other star veterans who could end up in the Hall of Fame). Your special teams were sharp, and the consensus was that your head coach was the closest in the business to reaching Vince Lombardi’s pedestal. If you couldn’t win it all this year, how will you EVER win it all?
Brady would have had as tough a time responding to that as he did New York’s interior blitz.
Surely you have heard of the Super Bowl hangover. You know, the supernatural force that has caused six of the last seven Super Bowl losers to miss the playoffs the following season? If those six teams’ Super Bowl hangover felt like the result of downing a few too many Keystone Lights the night before, you can imagine New England’s must feel like the aftermath of pounding a few too many shots of Everclear (after overdoing it on the El Dorado).
We’ve always been able to offer advice to the Super Bowl loser. Chicago Bears? Improve your quarterback play. Seattle Seahawks? Upgrade your secondary. Philadelphia Eagles? Establish more of a run game. Carolina Panthers? Build on your experience, and maybe think about adding another playmaker or two.
But what do we tell the Patriots?
You gave up five sacks in the Super Bowl, so upgrade your offensive line? They already had three Pro Bowlers up front.
You got burned by Eli Manning in the fourth quarter, so revamp your secondary? Well, Asante Samuel (now an Eagle) was a first-team All-Pro. Rodney Harrison was a feared force. And, if you want to look ahead, Brandon Meriweather was an ascending ’07 first-round pick. Not to mention, if Giants special teams ace David Tyree doesn’t miraculously trap the ball against his helmet after Manning miraculously escapes a sure-fire sack on third-down-and-five, we’re probably marveling at how the Pats D held New York to just 10 points.
A lot of people are eager to tell the Patriots that they need to infuse more youth at the linebacker position. There’s some validity to this (hence the drafting of Jerod Mayo in the first round). But still, realize that the veteran linebackers last season weren’t a problem. Mike Vrabel recorded 12.5 sacks. Tedy Bruschi led the team in tackles. Junior Seau routinely made big plays down the stretch. And free agent pickup Adalius Thomas earned every bit of the $20 million Robert Kraft guaranteed him.
The Patriots don’t have any true weaknesses to correct––that’s why they went into the final game undefeated. Thus, no Super Bowl loser has ever felt as little elasticity in trying to bounce back as this team will. The Pats are being asked to rebound their own three-point rim-out. Impossible? Just about.
Suppose New England comes out and wins every game this fall. Not only will they still fail to assuage the criticism and decrease the doubts––they’ll actually exacerbate them. After all, what the Patriots themselves said all season long proved to be true: winning every game doesn’t mean anything if you can’t win the last. In other words, this loss will follow them.
Of course, let’s not over analyze here. Stiff as New England’s bounce back may be, they’re at least under the direction of one Bill Belichick. And that wistful quarterback from behind the podium isn’t too bad either. Belichick and Brady suffered their first postseason defeat together in 2005 (divisional round at Denver). They bounced back by leading an otherwise average Patriots club to the AFC championship in ’06. In that game New England gave up an 18-point second half lead in a crushing loss to the rival Colts. Belichick, Brady and company rebounded again by winning their first 18 games in 2007.
As the losses become more painful, the Patriots seem to get stronger. The kidney-blow from the Giants would bring most franchises to their knees. But with Belichick and Brady, are we really going to classify the Patriots with “most franchises”?

Offense
Turns out, it could be stopped. In the 11th hour of the ’07 season, the New York Giants created the blueprint for slowing down a Patriots offense that had scored an NFL-record 589 points during the regular season. New York’s performance was so impressive that Football America seems to have almost forgotten about Tom Brady’s mind-boggling 50 touchdown passes and 117 rating, or Randy Moss’s unreal 23 touchdown receptions.
Instead, the focus is on the flaws of New England’s offense that were exposed in Arizona. After seeing Brady pick apart Jacksonville’s conservative three-man pass-rush in the Wild Card round, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo predicated his Super Bowl game plan on pressuring the passer. Indeed, virtually every quarterback struggles with defenders in his face––and Brady is no exception. While courageous and poised in the pocket, the ninth-year veteran does not have an innately rocket arm like a Carson Palmer or a Brett Favre. Brady’s precision and velocity derive from his textbook mechanics––which can’t be executed with defenders invading his space.
To get pressure on Brady, Spagnuolo overloaded New York’s pass-rush up the middle. Not only did this obstruct Brady’s vision and rattle the cages of Patriot guards Logan Mankins and Steve Neal, as well as center Dan Koppen, it also forced New England running backs to direct their pass-blocking help inside. This left Patriots tackles Matt Light and Nick Kaczur on an island, where they were manhandled by Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan.
Light was an All-Pro last season, but that was simply a case of the uninformed media voters buying into the Patriot hype. What the Giants knew was that the 305-pounder is dexterous in run-blocking but rickety against speed-rushers like Umenyiora. Kaczur shows good power in the ground game, but he doesn’t begin to have the agility to shadow fluid pass-rushers like Strahan. Throughout the entire ’07 season, a mastery of the offense and intrinsic awareness dropping back had allowed Brady to simply step up whenever his pocket would collapse. However, against the Giants, Brady stepped up into the clogged middle. And there’s your blueprint.
So how do Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and his men counter now that Pandora’s box has been opened? Contrary to initial beliefs, a change in front five personnel is not needed. Light is a fine left tackle overall, and Mankins’s power and mobility make him one of the league’s best young guards. Koppen has been nearly flawless for much of his six-year career, and Neal is on a similar level. New England’s interior line also has adequate backups in Russ Hochstein (a strong run-blocker who started in Super Bowl XXXVIII) and Billy Yates (a fifth-year pro who understands the system). Right tackle Nick Kaczur is replaceable, with powerful Ryan O’Callaghan being a worthy option.
The Patriots shifting their focus a little more toward the run could mitigate some of their explosiveness, but at the same time, give opponents more to prepare for. The Giants weren’t too concerned about Laurence Maroney, which is a waste considering Maroney is a fast and punishing young runner. If Maroney can stay healthy for all 16 games (something he hasn’t done yet), he could produce the breakout season that most of Boston is expecting.
However, given that Sammy Morris is fully recovered from the chest injury that ended his ’07 campaign last October, there may not be enough carries for Maroney to get too far past 1,000 yards. Tenth-year pro Kevin Faulk is still an exquisite third-down back, plus the Patriots may refer to fullback Heath Evans or newcomer LaMont Jordan in short-yardage situations.
You may have noticed that New England’s receivers are fairly decent. Ready as Maroney is, Brady and McDaniels will continue to spread the field and air it out. Randy Moss has proven to be the perfect Patriot. He should finish somewhere near his 100-catch, 1,500-yard numbers of a year ago. However, it’s unfair to expect any player to catch more than 15 touchdowns––let alone 23.
Wes Welker is option No. 2, though his inside position makes him a No. 3 on paper. And his production (NFL-leading 112 catches in ’07) suggests he’s actually a No. 1. Welker––whose quickness underneath makes him tailor-made for the slot––undoubtedly benefits from defenses rolling coverage to Moss. Also benefiting this season will be third-year wideout Chad Jackson. Copious injuries have prevented the once-heralded Gator from having a substantial impact through his first two seasons. But with long-striding speed and an improved understanding of the offense, Jackson could emerge as an unexpected weapon in Donte’ Stallworth’s old role. If he doesn’t, there’s always Jabar Gaffney.
Not to be forgotten is athletic tight end Ben Watson. He’s coming off ankle surgery but should be in top form September 7. Backup David Thomas is more of a question mark. He must rebound from the broken foot that has plagued him for the past year. If he does, he then must elevate his blocking, as that’s the only way he’ll get on the field.

Defense
Cynics the world over are carping that the Patriots aging defense is on the brink of destruction. Not quite.
Yes, the final chapters are approaching for a few of New England’s players––most notably 35-year-olds Tedy Bruschi (inside linebacker) and Rodney Harrison (strong safety). But this is a defense that finished fourth in yardage and scoring last season, thanks to Bill Belichick’s elaborate 3-4 scheme. Older veterans can survive here because this zone-heavy system rarely puts defenders in one-on-one situations.
That being said, more speed at inside linebacker would be a huge plus for New England. Recognizing this, Belichick and GM Scott Pioli uncharacteristically drafted a linebacker in the first round: Jerod Mayo of Tennessee. Though injuries hindered him at times in college, Mayo has the athleticism, intelligence and football charisma that the Patriots covet. He played all three linebacker positions as a Volunteer and projects as Bruschi’s heir apparent.
New England would love for Mayo to be able to start right away––but that’s a tall order. Longtime Jet Victor Hobson played in virtually this same scheme under Eric Mangini the past two seasons and could be a serviceable option in the short term. Hobson, however, has only moderate agility and struggles to get off blocks.
One name to consider is Tank Williams. He’s been a mediocre strong safety throughout his seven-year career, but after joining the Patriots this past offseason, he shifted to inside linebacker. Williams, a Stanford product, is intelligent enough to handle the task, and Belichick has always had a fondness for aggressive safeties in the box. Don’t be shocked to see Williams lining up with the first unit on opening day.
Veterans Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas can play inside as well, though both are at their best near the edges. Vrabel, the consummate linebacker for this system, is coming off his first Pro Bowl after notching a career-high 12.5 sacks. He’ll turn 33 in August but, like longtime Patriot Willie McGinest (now in Cleveland), he should be effective in his outside role for another few years.
Thomas’s role needs to expand. New England paid him $20 million in guarantees to come aboard last season. He fit in perfectly but only reached the quarterback 6.5 times (he did have a team-high six tackles for a loss). Part of the issue was that Thomas often had to line up inside. This season, playing the part of Rosevelt Colvin, he should vie for Pro Bowl consideration.
The linebacker depth across the board is solid, especially if Junior Seau decides to come back. Eric Alexander is a coverage specialist. Third-round rookie Shawn Crable was a potent pass-rusher at Michigan. Even special teams maven Larry Izzo can handle a few snaps from time to time.
Amplifying the linebackers is a three-man line that, for many years, has been the class of the NFL. Rarely do blockers reach the second level against New England. Nose tackle Vince Wilfork is a ravenous road barrier inside. Ferocious off the snap, the 325-pounder (likely 345-pounder) has the quickness to collapse any interior offensive line. Wilfork’s stamina is good for a nose tackle, as he does not cede many snaps to backup Mike Wright.
Right defensive end Richard Seymour is ready to take over the world in 2008. Fully healthy for the first time in ages (chronic knee problems have hindered Seymour), the soon-to-be 29-year-old has dropped 10 pounds from his 6’6” frame. Being the most vociferous run-stopping end in football this year is a given for Seymour; surpassing his career-high of eight sacks (set back in ’03) is a possibility.
Left defensive end Ty Warren is another stalwart run-defender capable of reaching the quarterback. First-class backup Jarvis Green is a formidable one-gap penetrater in nickel situations. Green––who can play the run as well––has also proven to be more than adequate as a starter when called upon.
For years, the Patriots and their secondary have been like your old college buddy who never seemed to have any food in his cupboards yet somehow never went hungry. Injuries in New England’s defensive backfield have become commonplace. So have the departures of longtime starters (Lawyer Milloy, Ty Law, Tyrone Poole, etc.).
If not for memories of wide receiver Troy Brown keeping the defense afloat as a nickel back, one might declare this to be the year that the Patriots have over-pushed their luck with secondary personnel. During the offseason, New England said goodbye to three capable starters, including Pro Bowler Asante Samuel. However, Belichick believes that the arrival of special assistant coach Dom Capers can mollify things.
Capers must establish his cornerback rotation. Ellis Hobbs is the only clear-cut starter at this point, and considering he has been benched at times during his four-year career and still isn’t fully recovered from surgery on a torn left shoulder labrum, this is a somewhat liberal use of the term “clear cut.”
The candidates for the other starting cornerback job are Fernando Bryant, Jason Webster, Lewis Sanders, Terrence Wheatley and Brandon Meriweather. Bryant is the most familiar with Capers and the scheme, but he tends to get picked on. Then again, so does Webster. Sanders has great awareness and patience, but he lacks playmaking prowess and physicality. Wheatley is a mature second-round pick who has 4.29 speed, but that still might not be enough for him to acclimate right away. Meriweather, a first-rounder a year ago, is the most gifted of the bunch, but the Patriots would prefer to use him at free safety.
As long as James Sanders is healthy, Meriweather likely won’t crack the starting lineup in ’08. Sanders is not flashy, but he consistently holds down the fort in centerfield.
Rodney Harrison has lost some of his speed, which can be a problem considering he’s never taken the best angles to the ball. Still, the 15th-year veteran is a proficient force, particularly as a head hunter over the middle. Should Harrison get hurt––he’s missed 17 games over the past three seasons––Sanders could slide down in the box, or the Patriots could call on Tank Williams.

Special Teams
Stephen Gostkowski has done well as Adam Vinatieri’s replacement, but not everyone believes he’s earned the full trust of Belichick. In the Super Bowl, Belichick opted to go for it on fourth-and-13, rather than kick a 49-yard field goal. In fairness to Gostkowski, the Patriots’ prolific offense had prevented them from attempting any field goals of that length during the regular season, which may explain Belichick’s reluctance.
New England does not prioritize the return game, which is why you occasionally see the heavy-footed but sure-handed Kevin Faulk on run backs. Faulk is utilized because he doesn’t fumble. Generally, reliable Wes Welker handles punt returns. Ellis Hobbs, when called upon, can be electrifying returning kicks.
By the way, not that it matters, but New England’s punter is Chris Hanson.

Bottom Line
Seeing how this team responds to the devastating conclusion of what had been the greatest season in NFL history––and perhaps professional sports history––is one of the most fascinating NFL storylines of 2008. For most clubs, a bounce back would be impossible. But Belichick and Brady lend legitimacy to New England’s chances. Final forecast: Patriots season ends with an AFC championship loss to the Colts.


Myth Buster
Peyton Manning is better than Tom Brady
Yes, Brady’s invincibility and Manning’s vulnerability in big games have evaporated. But let’s not allow this to cloud the bigger picture. Brady leads Manning 3-1 in Super Bowls. For people who truly believe that football is all about winning––and you’d be surprised how few people are really like this––the debate ends here.
For pontificating armchair quarterbacks who marvel at Manning’s command of the Indy offense, understand that Brady has essentially the same power in New England. He just doesn’t use it on every down. What’s more, up until last year, Brady had been doing more with less. Aside from Corey Dillon in ’05, Brady never had a dominant rushing attack behind him. And he didn’t have two superstar receivers like Reggie Wayne or Marvin Harrison to throw to. Once Brady did get those weapons, he obliterated the record books.
This, by the way, pulled the plug on the argument made by all the fantasy geeks who, for years, have blabbered about how Brady’s numbers are dwarfed by Manning’s.


Open Thought
I like the way Bill Belichick handles the media. Reporters who vilify the guy because of his unshakable ambiguity and guardedness are simply getting the treatment they deserve. One of the biggest problems in our country is that the cut-throat media industry is so profit-driven that seemingly every story we hear is sensationalized or misrepresented.
Belichick knows this––and he knows that nine out of ten reporters would screw his team in exchange for a hot headline. Not to mention, a majority of reporters who question experts like Belichick barely have a tyro’s understanding of the game.
Because Belichick doesn’t march to the media’s beat, his team has survived distractions such as Spygate (largely a media-driven controversy, by the way), having high-profile superstars (i.e. Tom Brady, who, you may have heard, is dating Giselle Bundchen) and player movement (take your pick).