NFL Nation: Brian Leonard
Winfield pushes up Minnesota's defense
Tom Dahlin/Getty ImagesAntoine Winfield picked up where he left off as the NFL's best tackler.MINNEAPOLIS -- A few minutes passed Sunday before Antoine Winfield arrived at his moment of truth. It had been two months since he last attempted a tackle, a gap caused by a slow-healing sprained foot. So on a third-down play during Cincinnati’s second series, Winfield saw a screen play coming his way.
“I’ve pretty much perfected the art of tackling,” Winfield said. “I wrap up. Usually when I hit you, you’ll go down.”
But no one knew if that would be the case when the Vikings’ Pro Bowl cornerback finally returned to the field. Would he pick up where he left off as the NFL’s best tackler? Would he be rusty? Would the foot hamper his movement?
Winfield answered those questions and much more as Minnesota clinched a playoff berth with a 30-10 victory over Cincinnati. After catching the screen pass, Bengals tailback Brian Leonard attempted to jump over a pile of potential tacklers. Winfield grabbed his leg and pulled him down for no gain. The play was the first of Winfield’s nine solo tackles in the game, the key part of a defensive effort that harassed the Bengals' offense into its worst game of the season.
The Vikings’ defense has played winning football without Winfield. But Sunday, there was little doubt about how he elevates it to another level. As you can see in the chart below, the Bengals managed only 36 yards on the nine plays where Winfield made the tackle. He stopped the ball carrier short of a first down on seven of those plays.
Perhaps the most significant instance came just before halftime, when Winfield upended Leonard on another pass and forced a fumble. The Vikings recovered in time for Ryan Longwell to kick a 44-yard field goal, giving Minnesota a 16-7 lead at halftime and permanently swinging the momentum of the game.
“When you lose a key guy like Antoine, there is just a void on your team,” defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. “You can’t fill those voids. There are intangibles that guys bring to the position that you can’t see on paper. You might have another guy in there, but he can’t make the kind of splash plays that an Antoine Winfield can make. It has a domino effect and makes everybody better.”
Indeed, Winfield helped the Vikings hold what has been a potent Cincinnati attack to a season-low 210 yards. Minnesota also dramatically improved its perimeter run defense with Winfield in the lineup.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Vikings entered Week 14 allowing the second-highest average per rush (4.8) outside the numbers of the field this season. Although Bengals tailback Cedric Benson rushed for 96 yards on 16 carries, most of the damage came in the middle of the field. The Bengals averaged 2.7 yards outside the numbers.
“Those are the kinds of things you miss from him,” Vikings coach Brad Childress said. “Those splash plays that happen on the edge when he approaches a sweep, usually those are lost yardage plays. It has a tendency to elevate the rest of the defensive guys.”
That seemed to occur even in the passing game, where the Bengals smartly schemed themselves away from Winfield. But fellow cornerback Cedric Griffin limited receiver Chad Ochocinco to three receptions for 27 yards while also teaming with Winfield for two key plays early in the fourth quarter.
The Bengals were threatening to make it a one-score game after getting a first-and-goal at the 8. Winfield diagnosed their second-down play, abandoning coverage on a tight end to stop Benson for a 5-yard gain. On third down, Griffin knocked away a pass intended for Ochocinco in the end zone.
“Antoine is just an exciting player,” Griffin said. “We feed off of him and his intensity.”
Winfield, in fact, said he hoped to bring “energy” to the defense after watching from the sidelines as it got steamrolled last week in Arizona.
“Last week,” he said, “we didn’t really feel it and came out and got our butts whupped. Today was different.”
Although Winfield’s injury isn’t likely to heal completely until after the season, there’s little doubt he brought the Vikings a big lift at the lowest point of their season. Defensive end Jared Allen, for one, said the Vikings have “so much confidence” when Winfield is on the field and defending the perimeter.
They also have a few more laughs.
Winfield had everyone smiling in the second quarter when he dropped an easy interception at midfield. After watching the replay on the Metrodome video board, Winfield dropped to the ground and performed 10 pushups. A sellout crowd of 63,854 roared in approval.
“That’s the thing I just automatically thought to do,” he said. “In practice, when you drop a ball, you go down and get your 10 pushups in. I mean, the ball hit me right in the chest.”
It was his only mistake during an otherwise glistening return. There was no doubt Sunday. Winfield is back.
Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker
Biggest surprise: Although I suggested this strategy as a possible solution earlier this week, I was still surprised to see the Bengals take my advice and cut two fullbacks in order to keep both DeDe Dorsey and Brian Leonard. Cincinnati now has four active tailbacks with Dorsey and Leonard to go along with starter Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott. All four have been solid in the preseason. Jeremi Johnson is the only fullback on the roster as the team cut both Chris Pressley and draft pick Fui Vakapuna. But Leonard is versatile and has the ability to be the backup at both fullback and tailback, which factored into the final decision.
No-brainers: Safety Marvin White had some potential, but coming off a major knee injury he got off to a slow start this year and fell behind a deep group of safeties in Cincinnati. Former 2008 draft pick Corey Lynch certainly wasn’t a no-brainer, but it was pretty clear that rookie free-agent safety Tom Nelson beat him out for one of the last roster spots. Receivers such as Freddie Brown and Maurice Purify never had a chance in Cincinnati, because the Bengals are just too deep at that position.
What’s next: With first-round pick Andre Smith recovering from a broken bone in his foot, the Bengals may scan the wires to see if an intriguing prospect or two surfaces on the offensive line, particularly at tackle. Cincinnati also wouldn't mind retaining some of its younger players on the practice squad, such as Vakapuna and Pressley. Otherwise, the Bengals are set at most positions and shouldn’t have a lot of turnover before the start of the regular season.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
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Campfires: Coach Ken Whisenhunt isn't afraid to make first-round draft choices earn their starting jobs. He benched Matt Leinart coming out of camp last season, then made talented rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie wait until near midseason before becoming a full-time starter. The trend could continue this summer as rookie first-round choice Beanie Wells practices with the Cardinals for the first time.
Wells projects as the long-term replacement for Edgerrin James at running back, but Ohio State's late graduation prevented him from participating in minicamps and organized team activities. That means the adjustment period for Wells could take a little longer. Expect Tim Hightower to enter camp as the tentative starter.
Meanwhile, the situation at tight end remains a mystery. Arizona is carrying six tight ends on its roster, one behind the league high. Ben Patrick, the player coaches have tried to develop as a player versatile enough to help as a receiver and blocker, faces a four-game suspension to start the season. That could open the door for Anthony Becht, Leonard Pope or Stephen Spach to seize the starting job. I don't see a clear favorite, particularly with Patrick serving a suspension and Spach coming off knee surgery.
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| Jeff Mills/Icon SMI | |
| Will Beanie Wells be able to avoid the injuries that plagued him in college? |
Camp will be a downer if ... Wells doesn't immediately prove he can avoid the long list of injuries that affected him in college. Arizona needs a more dynamic runner to run its offense the way Whisenhunt and offensive line coach/running game coordinator Russ Grimm want to run it. Wells has the physical ability to provide that missing element. Can he stay on the field and will he fight through some of the ailments that await every running back in the NFL?
The preferred scenario would include Wells breaking a few long runs during the preseason, setting up the play-action passing game that worked so well for Arizona when the team showed more balance in the playoffs last season.
Camp will be a success if ... the reconfigured coaching staff takes control of the team and helps Arizona build on the momentum from its Super Bowl season.Whisenhunt has stressed continuity during the first two years of his tenure. He kept the same five starters on the offensive line even though right guard Deuce Lutui had penalty problems and center Lyle Sendlein sometimes struggled while playing through a shoulder injury. While the approach worked, continuity wasn't an option for the coaching staff once the Chiefs hired offensive coordinator Todd Haley head coach.
Whisenhunt's decision to fire quarterbacks coach Jeff Rutledge and defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast shook up the staff considerably more.
Warner will miss the rapport he enjoyed with Haley. The two appeared inseparable at times and the relationship seemed to benefit Warner on the field. Can the newly configured staff fill the void or otherwise find ways to keep Warner and the offense rolling?
Money men: Key players Karlos Dansby, Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett want lucrative long-term deals.
Franchise player rules will force Dansby to wait, and he should be content "settling" for a one-year franchise deal worth nearly $9.7 million. The volatile Dockett has also committed to letting his play do the talking, a good sign for the team.
While Boldin put aside his concerns to produce last season, his situation bears monitoring. Another year without a new contract probably equates to a higher frustration level. Boldin, generally the consummate pro, might have a harder time dealing with the situation -- particularly if the team fails to meet expectations.
San Francisco 49ers
Training camp site: 49ers headquarters (Santa Clara, Calif.)
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| Kyle Terada/US Presswire | |
| Can Shaun Hill distinguish himself to claim the starting QB job? |
Campfires: The 49ers have quite a few position battles for a team that finished strong and feels good about its chances for contending within the division.
The quarterback race will rightfully command the most attention. Coach Mike Singletary said the players will know whether Shaun Hill or Alex Smith should be the starter, at which point Singletary will merely affirm what they know. That means Smith's status as the No. 1 overall draft choice in 2005 will not afford him any advantage in the competition. Hill's 7-3 record as the 49ers' starter over the last two seasons gives him the edge.
On defense, Dashon Goldson would have to flop or suffer another injury for the older and less athletic Mark Roman to take back his job at free safety. Dre Bly has the edge over Tarell Brown at right corner. Kentwan Balmer, the 49ers' first-round choice in 2008, could push for a starting job at left defensive end.
Camp will be a downer if ... both quarterbacks flounder and veteran Damon Huard appears to be the best option. Unlikely? Perhaps. But the scenario isn't as laughable as it should be. Neither Hill nor Smith distinguished himself during the competition a year ago. Even if Mike Martz was playing favorites when he installed J.T. O'Sullivan as the starter, the fact remains that O'Sullivan enjoyed the strongest preseason of the three.The new offensive system should better suit Hill in particular, and the 49ers have declared this quarterback race a two-man affair, ruling out Huard as a contender. Still, after years of backing up Trent Green, Tom Brady and Dan Marino, Huard wound up starting three of the first five games in Kansas City last season when the unaccomplished Brodie Croyle and Tyler Thigpen were his primary competitors.
Camp will be a success if ... Hill validates his 7-3 record as the 49ers' starter, right tackle Marvel Smith makes it through training camp healthy and the push toward a full-time 3-4 defense validates Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson as promising pass-rushers.Hitting on all three of those might be asking a bit much, but getting two of them right might be enough, particularly if the 49ers feel good about the quarterback situation.
On the receiving end: It's a little surprising to see the 49ers emerge with their deepest group of receivers in years after committing to Singletary's smashmouth approach. The change to Singletary and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye was all about making smarter use of the players general manager Scot McCloughan and former coach Mike Nolan had acquired in recent years.
That meant -- and still means -- forging an identity in the ground game. Yet, while receivers Michael Crabtree, Isaac Bruce, Brandon Jones and Josh Morgan will not be battling Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin for Pro Bowl berths this season, they do give the 49ers better potential than they've enjoyed recently.
Singletary's smashmouth roots should not and likely will not dissuade the 49ers from making frequent use of those receivers.
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| Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/US Presswire | |
| The Seahawks must get Matt Hasselbeck through training camp unscathed. |
Training camp site: Seahawks headquarters (Renton, Wash.)
Campfires: The Seahawks weren't going to pretend that first-round choice Aaron Curry would have to prove himself in camp to earn a starting job. They put the fourth overall choice in the lineup from the beginning. No suspense there.
Most positions in Seattle appear settled. The situation at receiver should produce intrigue with Nate Burleson, Deion Branch and rookie burner Deon Butler fighting to get on the field with T.J. Houshmandzadeh and tight end John Carlson. Injuries will probably help sort out the situation. Burleson is returning from ACL surgery. Branch is entering his first full season since undergoing his own ACL procedure.
Don't be surprised if rookie second-round choice Max Unger pushes for playing time somewhere in the interior of the offensive line. He projects as the long-term starter at center if Chris Spencer plays out his contract and leaves following this season.
If Spencer holds the job, Unger figures to find his way onto the field in one of the guard spots, perhaps this year.
Camp will be a downer if ... quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's back injury flares up at any point along the way. Hasselbeck and the Seahawks say the quarterback has long since overcome the problems that helped limit him to seven starts last season. They didn't know the extent of the problem a year ago when they assured fans that Hasselbeck would be fine for the regular season. The issue is under control now, they say, but the very nature of back injuries should raise at least some concern heading into a pivotal season for the organization.
Camp will be a success if ... Hasselbeck, left tackle Walter Jones and defensive end Patrick Kerney put to rest concerns about their long-term health. Beyond the obvious injury storylines, this camp becomes a success for Seattle if Curry validates coach Jim Mora's opinion that the linebacker's pass-rushing abilities are indeed far stronger than anticipated on draft day.
Seattle badly needs to restore its pass rush to better compete against the Cardinals' passing game in a broader effort to overtake Arizona in the division. Kerney is the key, but the Seahawks are also counting on pressure from other sources: Brandon Mebane, Cory Redding, Lawrence Jackson, Darryl Tapp and possibly Leroy Hill. Significant pass-rush help from Curry would offset Julian Peterson's departure while making it easier for the Seahawks to justify having drafted a linebacker fourth overall.
Learning curve: By all accounts, the two years Mora spent in the background watching Mike Holmgren operate should leave him better prepared to handle his second head-coaching job. The way Holmgren handled everything from players to the media differed quite a bit from the more freewheeling approach Mora displayed with the Falcons.
Lessons learned? Yes, but it will be interesting to see how the Seahawks' leadership -- operating without Holmgren for the first time since 1998 -- will respond under pressure if things go wrong early.
St. Louis Rams
Training camp site: Rams Park (Earth City, Mo.)
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| Will Marc Bulger be able to regain his old form behind a revamped offensive line? |
Campfires: The Rams need to figure out what they have at receiver, linebacker and left cornerback after overhauling their roster.
Torry Holt, Orlando Pace, Drew Bennett, Trent Green, Anthony Becht, Corey Chavous, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Brian Leonard, Gary Stills, Jason Craft, Ricky Manning, Fakhir Brown, La'Roi Glover, Dane Looker, Travis Minor, Dante Hall, Nick Leckey and Brett Romberg were among the former starters and role players cast aside in the makeover.
None was irreplaceable. Getting rid of them was the easy part. Identifying and developing adequate replacements will take time.
Camp will be a downer if ... top draft choices Jason Smith and James Laurinaitis aren't ready to contribute right away. Coach Steve Spagnuolo has taken it slowly with both rookies, but he likely will not have that luxury once the regular season gets going. Smith and Laurinaitis probably must play and play well for the Rams to avoid trouble.
Laurinaitis' development is critical because the Rams appear so thin at linebacker after releasing Tinoisamoa. Even if Laurinaitis plays well, the Rams' depth at linebacker could betray them.
Camp will be a success if ... quarterback Marc Bulger finds comfort behind an upgraded offensive line. Bulger can be a highly accurate passer when opposing defensive linemen aren't pounding the confidence out of him. The player who topped 4,300 yards passing with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions three years ago hasn't resembled even remotely the scared soul seen under center for the Rams too often over the last two seasons.
The Rams' should start to regain some swagger on the line with 320-pounder Jason Brown taking over at center and the personably intense Smith at tackle. Right guard Richie Incognito won't be the only starter with some snarl, in other words. That should help provide improved protection for Bulger and leadership for the offense.
Fantasy spin: Running back Steven Jackson should not hurt for opportunities now that the Rams have landed a 320-pound center (Brown, free agent from the Ravens) and a 258-pound fullback (Mike Karney, late of the Saints). The Rams will try to develop their young receivers, but rarely should any of them represent a more formidable option than Jackson. And if he gets some luck with injuries, look out.
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
CINCINNATI -- At some point this summer, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and his staff will have to sit down and make some tough decisions on the 53-man roster. And several of those tough calls will be at running back.
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| Nelson Chenault/US Presswire | |
| Cedric Benson is Cincinnati's clear-cut starter, but the pecking order behind him is still unclear. |
Currently there is a crowded field behind starter Cedric Benson, who is one of the few locks at the position to make the team. After Benson, tailbacks such as James Johnson, DeDe Dorsey, Kenny Watson and Bernard Scott all will be vying for carries and roster spots this season.
In addition, Brian Leonard is versatile enough to split time at fullback and tailback to take reps away from the aforementioned group, making for an even tighter competition.
"It's a lot of guys and a lot of competition," Lewis said. "I think it's going to be exciting to watch how it shakes out."
This week's mandatory minicamp will begin to provide some clarity. Not everything can be determined for running backs without pads. But the players who show the most potential on the practice field over this three-day session likely will earn a majority of the early reps entering training camp, as those players will remain fresh on the coaches' minds.
As a team, the Bengals are in need of two things at running back: A home-run hitter and a third-down option. Benson is more of a grinder who averaged just 3.5 yards per carry in 2008.
If Cincinnati can find a quicker, speedy tailback to provide a change of pace and catch consistently out of the backfield, that will add another dimension to the offense.
Watson, an eight-year veteran, showed plenty of that in the past. But he is now 31 and coming off an injury-plagued season. Dorsey also has been unable to stay healthy recently and Johnson and Scott are even more unproven, which is why this summer is so important.
"I think it gives us an opportunity to really take a good look at those guys early in training camp and early in the preseason, and see what guys will end up sticking with us," Lewis added about his running backs.
Benson getting a full season under his belt and the possible development of these backups will be key in Cincinnati's success, as the Bengals are trying to become a more physical team in an ultra-physical AFC North division.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Jim Moore of seattlepi.com says Seahawks second-round choice Max Unger was once a "gangly ninth-grader who had never played football." Why hadn't Unger played to that point? Moore: "Unger wanted to play, but his local Pop Warner league wouldn't let him because he was too big and would've crushed kids his age -- his dad said he was 5-10 and 200 pounds in the 6th grade." Unger's line coach at Oregon compared him to Gary Zimmerman. I like Unger's chances of earning a starting job.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks have not signed any of the nine players who participated in post-draft camps on a tryout basis. Those players helped the Seahwaks conduct practices while others rehabilitated injuries.
Also from O'Neil: Linemen Rob Sims and Chris Spencer face pivotal seasons in 2009.
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says T.J. Duckett hopes his role in the Seahawks' offense grows as much as the running back's beard. Teammates are calling him Kimbo Slice and the comparison holds up from what I've seen at post-draft practices.
Also from Williams: Matt Hasselbeck is getting comfortable.
John Morgan of Field Gulls heaps praise upon Seahawks president Tim Ruskell for striking a "sweetheart deal" with linebacker Leroy Hill. No doubt, this deal came out in the Seahawks' favor. Instead of paying $8.3 million to Hill for one season or much more on a lucrative long-term deal, Seattle could pay as little as $13 million over two seasons before escaping the deal without negative salary-cap ramifications.
Michael Steffes of Seahawk Addicts likes what he sees from John Clayton, who graded the Seahawks' offseason as the best in the league.
Jason LaCanfora of the Washington Post checks in with former Seahwaks coach Mike Holmgren, who says the Redskins should be patient with quarterback Jason Campbell. Holmgren was in Washington as Zorn's guest to see off his wife and daughter to Africa, where they plan to continue mission work. Anything Holmgren says publicly about the Redskins' quarterback situation on the matter would dovetail with Zorn's wishes.
David Fucillo of Niners Nation sizes up the 49ers' defensive line, placing Ray McDonald on the bubble for a roster spot. Justin Smith is very good. Aubrayo Franklin finished strong last season. As for the rest of the line? We need to see more. Fucillo: "I'd imagine the one that will draw the most contention is Ray McDonald. I'm pretty sure he'll make the 53-man, but his reconstructive knee surgery moves him temporarily to the bubble watch. One thing that does have me curious is the potential roster battle between McDonald and Ricky Jean-Francois."
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the Cardinals will release players before training camp. The team is carrying 84 players, counting unsigned draft choices. Teams can carry no more than 80 signed players at this point in the offseason.
Revenge of the Birds' Hawkwind quotes Mike Lombardi on the Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett situations. Lombardi: "I have covered the Boldin trade situation and his contract at length and the fact is clear, the market will not satisfy him or the Cards. As for Dockett, he is very well thought of in the NFL, but he is not going anywhere. They cannot afford to trade him for several reasons."
Kathleen Nelson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams gained depth on their defensive line in the Brian Leonard trade. We'll see if Orien Harris earns a roster spot. Leonard might be the winner in this deal after landing in Cincinnati. Agent Mike McCartney: "This is a great trade for Brian. I give the Rams credit for putting him in a great situation ... where he can be a running back." Also, the Rams released tackle David Oswald.
Around the NFC West: Haslett gets tough
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Jim Haslett isn't just talking a good game. The coach's hit on a Redskins player revealed the new coach as putting money and mouth in the same place.
Jeff Gordon of stltoday.com says Rams guard Richie Incognito was fortunate the team overcame Incognito's inexplicable fourth-quarter penalty Sunday.
Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams will lose fullback Brian Leonard for the season. Receiver Dane Looker has resumed practicing. Kicker Josh Brown has accounted for more than half the Rams' points this season.
Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat hits on issues ranging from Incognito to Cowboys quarterback Brad Johnson.
Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers will not make lineup changes on defense. Former linebacker Gary Plummer, now part of the 49ers' radio team, would shake up things if he were coach. Also, Nolan rolls on safety Dashon Goldson in defending his decision to stick with veteran Mark Roman. Ouch.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee quotes Nolan as saying the 49ers simply need to become more consistent (as opposed to making changes). Another version of this here.
Also from Barrows: Eagles fans made themselves heard at Candlestick Park, a bad sign.
John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle has a tough time finding likely victories on the 49ers' upcoming schedule, no matter what Nolan says.
Gwen Knapp of the San Francisco Chronicle thinks the 49ers' coaches should turn to players for potential answers to what ails the team.
Ann Killion of the San Jose Mercury News explains why, in her view, Nolan should be fired. She points to alleged incompetence, lack of accountability, defensive collapses, offensive problems and window dressing.
Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News points to J.T. O'Sullivan's fourth-quarter passer rating (48.1) as one reason for the 49ers' problems.
Also from Brown: A look at everything from replay challenges to Nolan's game-day attire.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Kurt Warner will use the Cardinals' bye week to recover from injuries. His hands remain a problem.
Paola Boivin of the Arizona Republic measures Steve Breaston's contributions to the Cardinals' offense. She thinks his emergence affects long-term thinking on Anquan Boldin.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals will try to break through on the road in the coming weeks. Three of their next four games are away from home.
Bob Young of the Arizona Republic explains why it's safe to jump on the Cardinals' bandwagon this season (as opposed to past seasons).
Clare Farnsworth of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer tries to make sense of Matt Hasselbeck's injury situation. Good luck. Also, Mike Holmgren disputed the holding call that wiped out Julius Jones' 51-yard touchdown run. The coach also singled out several players for performing well against the Packers: defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, defensive end Patrick Kerney, safeties Deon Grant and Brian Russell, tight end John Carlson, receiver Koren Robinson and guard Mike Wahle.
Also from Farnsworth: A power outage at Seahawks headquarters seemed fitting.
Greg Johns of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer says the odds are against any team that loses four of its first five games. The Seahawks are no different.
Frank Hughes of the Tacoma News Tribune sees a "complex backdrop of misinformation" in the Seahawks' previous comments about Hasselbeck's back.
Jose Romero of the Seattle Times says Holmgren is keeping his message optimistic. A coach can beat up on his team only so much. Also, the coach might give Maurice Morris additional playing time.
Around the NFC West: Gore thinks big
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says Frank Gore has his eye on the NFL rushing title. I think 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz wouldn't mind adding a rushing champion to his pass-oriented resume, particularly after the Lions said they wanted a coordinator more committed to the ground game.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says cornerback Allen Rossum filled the role of the small, quick receiver Martz covets.
Also from Barrows: Gore's new approach includes letting the game come to him.
Tom FitzGerald of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers have come to appreciate "Cowboy" Justin Smith, a difference maker on their defense. I've watched Smith closely in the first three games and would say he's better than I anticipated.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic ties up loose ends from the Cardinals' defeat at Washington. Receiver Larry Fitzgerald laments missing a chance for another touchdown. Cornerback Rod Hood thought the defense let down the offense. And receiver Anquan Boldin won't forget Shawn Springs' declaration about their matchup.
Also from Somers: Coach Ken Whisenhunt explains why he elected to punt with 2:46 remaining against the Redskins. Also, nose tackle Gabe Watson might miss another game.
Mike Tulumello of the East Valley Tribune says the Cardinals still must prove they're not the same old Cardinals.
Scott Bordow of the East Valley Tribune says Edgerrin James has become an afterthought in Arizona, playing a secondary role to Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. I've always viewed James as a solid and consistent player, never a spectacular one.
Clare Farnsworth of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer says the Seahawks will hold informal workouts today, Wednesday and Thursday before taking off for the bye weekend.
Also from Farnsworth: Seattle's ground game gives opponents something new to worry about.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks have some choices to make following their bye week given the expected return of injured players, notably Maurice Morris, Bobby Engram and Deion Branch.
Frank Hughes of the Tacoma News Tribune says the Seahawks haven't decided whether to put Sean Locklear back in the lineup at right tackle. Ray Willis gives the team a "physical presence" on that side of the line, coach Mike Holmgren said.
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch calls the Rams hopeless and the worst team in the history of football in St. Louis. He thinks firing coach Scott Linehan would be the most humane course of action in the short term.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams weren't competitive in Seattle even though they improved in a few key areas offensively.
Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams running back Brian Leonard will finally become active for a game now that an injury has knocked out Antonio Pittman.
Also from Coats: No big news from the Rams despite threats from ownership.
Around the NFC West: Rams bench Hill
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams have benched cornerback Tye Hill. Hill and Fakhir Brown were the starting corners heading into the season. Hill has struggled. Ron Bartell became a starter when Brown rested a shoulder injury. Brown is back this week. Bartell will remain in the lineup. Hill is the odd man out, but he could play plenty because Seattle uses three-receiver personnel groupings regularly.
Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat checks in with Rams receiver Torry Holt on a range of subjects, from the receiver's spectacular 45-yard touchdown catch to the offensive line's inability to protect Marc Bulger so far.
Also from Korte: Second-year Rams fullback Brian Leonard started seven games last season, but he is having a hard time getting on the field.
Tom FitzGerald of the San Francisco Chronicle says Takeo Spikes is becoming more comfortable in the 49ers' defense. Spikes signed with the 49ers after visiting Detroit. He gets a close-up look at the Lions this week.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says 49ers receiver Isaac Bruce pays attention to the little things, particularly when it comes to keeping his 35-year-old body in playing shape. Younger receivers are paying attention.
Also from Barrows: Fox announcer Brian Baldinger was one of the few people to predict J.T. O'Sullivan would win the starting job at quarterback for the 49ers. Baldinger based his prediction on experience watching O'Sullivan in NFL Europe.
Matt Maiocco of Instant 49ers answers reader questions after providing an update from 49ers practice. The team remains concerned about Shawntae Spencer's injured knee.
Paul Woody of the Richmond Times-Dispatch assesses Tim Hightower's impact as a rookie running back for the Cardinals. Woody: "Hightower graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in religion and politics. He also played a little football there. When Hightower finished at UR, he had the school record for rushing yards (3,712) and touchdowns (39)."
Tom Kowalski of mlive.com says the Lions must limit the 49ers' big plays in Week 3.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals aren't getting ahead of themselves after two victories. They're happy with Kurt Warner's solid play, but it's only two games, coach Ken Whisenhunt points out.
Frank Hughes of the Tacoma News Tribune says Keary Colbert and Billy McMullen are the likely starting receivers for Seattle in Week 3.
Clare Farnsworth of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer says the Seahawks' secondary remains embarrassed about its most recent performance while vowing to play better against the Rams.
Jose Romero of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks are still waiting for Courtney Taylor to produce as a receiver. Taylor has impressed in practice over the last year or so, but he has struggled in games. Also, Sean Locklear participated fully in practice. The incumbent right tackle could be available Sunday. Ray Willis has played well enough for Seattle to take its time with Locklear's injury.
Avery, Leonard among inactives for Rams
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Rams listed fullback Brian Leonard and receiver Donnie Avery among their inactive players against the Eagles today.
Leonard was active for all 16 games last season. He started seven of them. The Rams had listed Leonard as probable with a shoulder injury. Avery, a rookie receiver, had been questionable, but his inclusion on the list of inactive players had been expected.
Other inactive players for the Rams: safety Brannon Condren, linebacker David Vobora, offensive lineman Roy Schuening, offensive lineman John Greco and defensive lineman Eric Moore. Brock Berlin is the third quarterback.
The Rams are listing Dan Kreider as the starting fullback, but offensive coordinator Al Saunders uses the position situationally. He also leans hard on tight ends for blocking.
Around the NFC West: LaBoy beats out Berry?
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic identifies key developments and memorable moments from Cardinals training camp. Kurt Warner's kindness to fans stood out. Somers: "Every day. For everyone. After practice one day, I did a couple of interviews, loitered around the field, walked a quarter mile to my car and then drove by the practice field. Warner was still there signing."
Also from Somers: Though depth charts have not yet solidified, Travis LaBoy appears to have overtaken Bertrand Berry on the Cardinals' depth chart. No surprise there. LaBoy has enjoyed an outstanding camp. He had two sacks against the Chiefs in a recent exhibition game.
More from Somers: Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt made a simple request to players as they left the field for the final time during training camp at Northern Arizona University: "Please, nobody trip and get hurt in the stampede leaving this field."
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com checks in with overlooked draft choice Chris Harrington, a candidate for the practice squad after a strong camp.
Also from Urban: Rookie running back Tim Hightower acknowledges but doesn't particularly like one of his nicknames. "The Bread Truck" stuck after a college announcer criticized Hightower for carrying the ball like a loaf of bread, only to praise him for running with authority on his way to a touchdown.
Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News files a report card from the 49ers' game at Chicago. Helped themselves: receiver Jason Hill, fullback Zak Keasey, running back Thomas Clayton. Hurt themselves: quarterback Alex Smith and safety Keith Lewis.
Also from Brown: The 49ers' special teams struggled. Injuries to Jeff Ulbrich and Allen Rossum will require further evaluation. Ulbrich has been trying to hold off newcomer Takeo Spikes for one of the starting jobs at inside linebacker.
Also from Brown: The QB race is looking like "J.T.O. by TKO" (with J.T. O'Sullivan posting a perfect passer rating while Smith fell short on the stat sheet and on artistic merits).
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee describes the 49ers as a confident bunch following their most recent exhibition game. The quarterback race is all but over, Barrows says.
Matt Maiocco of Instant 49ers runs a transcript from his interview with 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan, who says he won't butt into the decision on a starting quarterback. The decision has previously been framed as a group effort involving McCloughan and coaches. Also, McCloughan said he thinks Smith will become a good NFL quarterback even if he isn't the starter heading into this season.
Also from Maiocco: Tight end Vernon Davis is "dying to know" the identity of the starting quarterback for the regular season. O'Sullivan appears to be a slam-dunk choices, but Smith says he's only scratching the surface of what he can do in this offense.
More from Maiocco: After leading with a note on the 49ers' special teams, Maiocco singles out the "patchwork" offensive line for high praise. The 49ers rushed for 160 yards, and pass protection was solid.
Chrissy Mauck of sf49ers.com all but hands the quarterback job to O'Sullivan: "If the 49ers coaching staff was looking for a decisive performance before selecting their permanent starting quarterback, J.T O'Sullivan may have given it to them ..."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says newly signed running back Steven Jackson is looking for a "fresh start" with fans after holding out for big money.
Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Orlando Pace's surgically repaired shoulder suffered a "little setback" in the words of the former Pro Bowl left tackle (Pace, not Coats). Coach Scott Linehan said Pace has been suffering merely from soreness. Experience tells me we're dealing with semantics here. Pace's definition of a "setback" would not necessarily meet the medical definition for the term. Pace: "I did it when I was trying to make a tackle (after an interception). I landed on it pretty hard. I didn't even think about it ... I didn't even feel the swelling until Monday, when I came in and I couldn't raise my arm too high. That was a little concern for me." Pace still might play Saturday night.
Also from Coats: Brian Leonard is happy to get extra work at running back while Jackson gets up to speed. Also, Pace returned to practice.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Courtney Taylor is looking forward to getting a few more chances to catch passes in the Seahawks' offense.
Frank Hughes of the Tacoma News Tribune sizes up diminutive Seahawks running back Justin Forsett. Special teams coach Bruce DeHaven described Forsett this way: "There are little guys out there who are 5-8, 165 or 170 pounds. Those guy generally don't last too long. ... And then there are these guys who are 5-6, 5-7 and weigh 200 pounds. They are not little guys, they are just short guys. It's a big difference. Justin, just like [Maurice] Jones-Drew, is a short guy."
Clare Farnsworth of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer hands out training-camp awards to five Seahawks: Matt Hasselbeck (MVP), Forsett (most impressive offensive player), Josh Wilson (most impressive defensive player), Mike Wahle (best free-agent addition), Forsett again (best rookie) and Steve Vallos (biggest surprise).
Mike Tulumello of the East Valley Tribune chronicles Steve Morey's annual fight to win a roster spot with the Cardinals. Morey has been released before. Tulumello: "While out of football, he's delivered furniture, worked on a fishing boat, dug 8-foot-d
eep holes for real estate developers 'so they can test the soil ... if you hit a rock, you have to start over.' "
