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DHNF · 07-20-2006, 11:33 AM

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/football/15081075.htm

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It's 1st & 10 again
By CHAREAN WILLIAMS
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Indianapolis' loss turned out to be Arizona's gain: Edgerrin James signed a four-year, $30 million deal with the Cardinals in the off-season.
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Indianapolis' loss turned out to be Arizona's gain: Edgerrin James signed a four-year, $30 million deal with the Cardinals in the off-season.

It's that time of year again. Time for NFL teams to report to training camp, and time for NFL fans to speculate on the upcoming season.

The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets open camp today, followed by the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on Sunday. By July 30, all 32 teams will be encamped.

Staff writer Charean Williams evaluates the teams and ranks them heading into camp:

1. Colts

The Colts couldn't afford to keep RB Edgerrin James, who left for Arizona. A running back-by-committee will try to replace James' 1,506 rushing yards and 337 receiving yards. Dominic Rhodes will start, with James Mungro and first-round draft pick Joseph Addai spelling him. Indianapolis was the best team in the NFL during the regular season, starting 13-0 and finishing with a 14-2 record before being upset by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round of the playoffs. Tony Dungy, who is in his fifth season in Indianapolis, will be under pressure to win it all this season.

2. Panthers

The Panthers' running game ranked only 19th, which is why they released Stephen Davis, tabbed DeShaun Foster the starter and drafted DeAngelo Williams with their first-round pick. Since Foster has had major injuries in three of his four seasons, Williams is much-needed insurance. The Panthers went to the Super Bowl after the 2003 season and reached the NFC Championship Game last season.

3. Seahawks

The Seahawks re-signed rushing champion Shaun Alexander to an eight-year, $62 million deal, and coach Mike Holmgren extended his contract through 2008. Seattle, though, couldn't afford to keep left guard Steve Hutchinson, who left for Minnesota, leaving Floyd Womack to try to replace the perennial Pro Bowler. The past five Super Bowl losers had a losing record the following season. Seattle should avoid that fate, but duplicating last season's 13-3 finish will be a challenge.

4. Steelers

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger underwent seven hours of facial reconstruction surgery June 12 after he was involved in an accident on his motorcycle. The Steelers have not given a timetable for Roethlisberger's return, but they hope he will be ready for the Sept. 7 opener against the Dolphins. The Steelers lost free safety Chris Hope, wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and defensive tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen during the off-season. But the biggest loss would be Roethlisberger if he does not fully recover from his injuries.

5. Patriots

During his 10-year career with the Patriots, kicker Adam Vinatieri made 19 game-winning field goals. Four came in the postseason, including two in Super Bowls. But New England couldn't afford to keep Vinatieri, who signed with the Colts. The Patriots, who signed veteran Martin Gramatica and drafted Memphis' Stephen Gostkowski, might miss Vinatieri more than they realize. Other than Vinatieri, the Patriots also lost outside linebacker Willie McGinest and wide receiver David Givens. Tom Brady threw for a league-high 4,110 yards last season and will get help in the running game this season from first-round draft pick Laurence Maroney.

6. Dolphins

The Dolphins have had seven quarterbacks since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season. Finally, they might have found Marino's replacement, trading a second-round pick to Minnesota for Daunte Culpepper. But the three-time Pro Bowler is coming off major surgery on his right knee. The Dolphins won their final six games last season to finish 9-7.

7. Bengals

On the second play of last season's playoff loss to the Steelers, quarterback Carson Palmer tore two ligaments in his left knee. The Sept. 10 season opener marks the eight-month anniversary of the injury. Palmer will miss part of the season, but how much will determine the Bengals' fate. The Bengals went 5-1 against AFC North opponents, including the Super Bowl champions, to win the division. But they allowed 31 points per game over the last eight games of the season. That prompted the signings of safety Dexter Jackson and defensive tackle Sam Adams and the drafting of cornerback Johnathan Joseph.

8. Broncos

Jake Plummer earned his first Pro Bowl berth with 18 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, but he unraveled in the AFC Championship Game with four turnovers that led to 21 of the Steelers' points. It is not a coincidence, then, that Denver used its 11th overall draft choice on Jay Cutler. By 2007, Cutler is expected to be competing for Plummer's job. The Broncos parted ways with leading rusher Mike Anderson, leaving Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne to share the job.

9. Cowboys

The Cowboys spent more than $40 million in signing bonuses to add some high-profile players, none bigger than wide receiver Terrell Owens. Owens, who signed a three-year, $25 million deal, instantly becomes the biggest name in Dallas. Bill Parcells has playmakers on offense in Owens, wide receiver Terry Glenn, tight end Jason Witten and running back Julius Jones, a veteran quarterback in Drew Bledsoe and an aggressive 3-4 defense with potential stars in second-year players Marcus Spears and DeMarcus Ware. The Cowboys are planning on winning now in what could be Parcells' final season.

10. Redskins

No one outspends Daniel Snyder. He kept defensive coordinator Gregg Williams for $2.6 million a year and enticed offensive coordinator Al Saunders from Kansas City for $2 million a year. Safety Adam Archuleta, wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, tight end Christian Fauria and defensive end Andre Carter were signed as free agents, and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd was acquired in a trade. Mark Brunell, 35, still is Washington's quarterback, but remember, Joe Gibbs won Super Bowls with Joe Theismann, Doug Williams and Mark Rypien.

11. Chargers

After Drew Brees had shoulder surgery, the Chargers weren't willing to gamble millions on him. Instead, they're gambling that Philip Rivers is ready after sitting for two seasons. Rivers has thrown only 30 NFL passes. The Chargers have arguably the best player in the NFL in LaDainian Tomlinson, a rising star in linebacker Shawne Merriman -- who made the Pro Bowl last year as a rookie -- and the best tight end in the league in Antonio Gates. That's why Tomlinson recently compared Rivers to Ben Roethlisberger: Rivers, like Roethlisberger, won't have to win games, just not lose them.

12. Chiefs

Dick Vermeil retired after the Chiefs finished 10-6 but failed to reach the playoffs. Herman Edwards left the Jets to take over for his mentor. Edwards led the Jets to three playoff appearances in five seasons. The former NFL defensive back has put an emphasis on upgrading the Chiefs' 25th-ranked defense. Kansas City is likely to play more conservatively on offense, centering it around running back Larry Johnson. Trent Green passed for 4,014 yards last season in earning Pro Bowl honors. But his 17 touchdowns last season were his fewest since 2001, and he recently turned 36 years old.

13. Bears

In his three-year career, former first-round pick Rex Grossman has played in only eight games. The Bears finally wised up and signed a veteran quarterback, Brian Griese, after having to start rookie Kyle Orton last season because of Grossman's broken left ankle. Griese was 5-1 as the Bucs' starter before season-ending knee surgery. He is with his fourth team in five years. The good news: The Bears return all 22 starters from last season's division championship team. The bad news: That includes all 11 from an offense that ranked 29th in points and yards last season.

14. Cardinals

Arizona signed Edgerrin James to fix its league-worst running game, which averaged all of 71.1 yards per game. The Cardinals have had only three backs gain more than 1,000 yards since the team moved to Arizona in 1988. The Cardinals ranked eighth overall in offense and defense, the only team in the NFL to finish in the top 10 on both sides of the ball. And that was before they signed James to a four-year, $30 million deal.

15. Giants

Linebacker LaVar Arrington, a three-time Pro Bowler, signed a seven-year, $49 million deal after leaving the Redskins in the off-season. He will start at strongside linebacker for the Giants, who lost all three starting linebackers to injuries late last season. In the first half of last season, the Giants went 6-2 as Eli Manning managed two fourth-quarter comebacks. But in Manning's last six starts, he was intercepted 10 times and threw for four touchdowns.

16. Jaguars

Wide receiver Jimmy Smith was coming off a 70-catch, 1,023-yard season when he called it quits in May. The Jags would love for one of their former first-round picks, either Matt Jones or Reggie Williams, to become Byron Leftwich's go-to target. But it might end up being Ernest Wilford, who, despite his lack of speed, has shown a knack for big plays. Jack Del Rio remains behind Leftwich, even after backup David Garrard went 4-1 in Leftwich's absence last year.[/b]

DHNF · 07-20-2006, 11:34 AM

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17. Buccaneers

Chris Simms has started 12 games in three seasons, but this marks the first time he goes into training camp as the Bucs' starter. After Brian Griese blew out his knee, Simms completed 61 percent of his passes, but the Bucs went only 6-5, including a playoff loss to the Redskins. As a safety net, the Bucs signed Jay Fiedler after trading for Tim Rattay last season. The Bucs finished first in the league in total defense, but eventually, age has to take its toll. Derrick Brooks is 34, Simeon Rice 33 and Ronde Barber 32.

18. Falcons

The Falcons traded a first-round pick to acquire Jets defensive end John Abraham in a three-team deal. Abraham, who has 53.5 sacks in six seasons, will help a defense that ranked 22nd overall, including 26th against the run. The Falcons have led the league in rushing the past two seasons, with quarterback Michael Vick averaging 50 rushing yards per game, while completing only 55.8 percent of his passes.

19. Eagles

The Eagles divorced wide receiver Terrell Owens, who made 124 catches for 1,963 yards and 20 touchdowns in 21 regular-season games for them but tore apart their locker room. Andy Reid has been to four NFC Championship Games, winning one, in his seven seasons. But a 6-10 finish last season has him under pressure. He needs a return to form from his defense, which was 23rd last season, and his quarterback, Donovan McNabb, who was hurt by both a sports hernia and Owens' insults.

20. Ravens

The Ravens traded for Steve McNair, who, despite being 33, is an upgrade over Kyle Boller. In 11 seasons, McNair has passed for 27,141 yards and 156 touchdowns. In three seasons, Boller has completed only 55.6 percent of his passes for 5,618 yards with 31 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. Brian Billick, who lost control of his team last year, will see how much he can squeeze out of McNair, Ray Lewis and company.

21. Vikings

New coach Brad Childress quickly tired of Daunte Culpepper's attitude, and shipped the disgruntled quarterback to Miami. That handed the job to Brad Johnson, who led the Vikings to a 7-2 finish last year. In the past two off-seasons, the Vikings have traded Randy Moss and Culpepper. The Vikings intend to run the ball, and the addition of running back Chester Taylor, fullback Tony Richardson and left guard Steve Hutchinson instantly improve the league's 27th-ranked rushing team from last season.

22. Browns

Trent Dilfer's relationship with offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon soured to the point that Dilfer was shipped to the 49ers for Ken Dorsey. Thus, second-year quarterback Charlie Frye won't have Dilfer as a mentor, but he will have tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. and wide receiver Braylon Edwards, both of whom were injured last season, and free-agent signee Joe Jurevicius. The Browns also brought in center LeCharles Bentley, left tackle Kevin Shaffer, outside linebacker Willie McGinest and nose tackle Ted Washington. Cleveland's season, though, rests on the arm of Frye.

23. Saints

No team had a busier off-season than the Saints, who announced they were returning to New Orleans, hired coach Sean Payton, signed quarterback Drew Brees and drafted running back Reggie Bush. The Hurricane Katrina-ravaged city can't wait for the home opener Sept. 25. The Texans' decision to draft Mario Williams first overall left Bush to fall to the Saints with the second choice. Payton now has the enviable task of figuring out how best to utilize Deuce McAllister and Bush.

24. 49ers

Larry Allen's best years are behind him, but at 34 he remains a Pro Bowler. Allen was named to his 10th all-star game last season, but the Cowboys couldn't afford to keep him. So he will spend this season helping the young 49ers get a "nasty streak." The 49ers ranked 32nd in total offense last season. But quarterback Alex Smith will be in his second season and will have Norv Turner as his offensive coordinator, Trent Dilfer as his mentor and tight end Vernon Davis as his top target. San Francisco, though, might have a harder time improving its 32nd-ranked defense.

25. Lions

New coach Rod Marinelli quickly decided former first-round pick Joey Harrington was not his quarterback of the present, so the Lions shipped Harrington to Miami. That leaves Jon Kitna, Josh McCown and Shaun King to drive the Lions' bus. The Lions have won one playoff game in the Super Bowl era, and that was in 1991. Since 2001, Detroit has averaged four wins per season. They probably will have another losing record, but since they play in the NFC North, a division title is not out of the question.

26. Rams

New coach Scott Linehan spent $100 million to mold the team to his liking, adding five defensive starters, a backup quarterback, a punter and a kick returner, as well as depth. Quarterback Marc Bulger and running back Steven Jackson could thrive in Linehan's system, if they can stay healthy. Bulger has had four shoulder surgeries in two seasons, and Jackson had a rib injury and a hip pointer last season.

27. Texans

The Texans, who fired Dom Capers after last season's 2-14 finish, could have had running back Reggie Bush or quarterback Vince Young with the No. 1 overall pick. But with former first-round pick David Carr at quarterback and two-time 1,000-yard rusher Domanick Davis at running back, the Texans decided to try and fix their 31st-ranked defense by drafting defensive lineman Mario Williams. The Texans, who were 7-9 two years ago, will be better with Gary Kubiak's changes in scheme and personnel. The key will come in keeping Carr upright. He has been sacked 208 times in four seasons.

28. Titans

The Titans traded Steve McNair and drafted Vince Young. In the meantime, Billy Volek is the starting quarterback. The Titans, though, have concerns about Volek's durability, and the job could be Young's before the season is finished. The Titans were the youngest team in the NFL last season. They have added veterans in wide receiver David Givens, linebacker David Thornton and center Kevin Mawae.

29. Jets

The Jets, who had age catch up with them last season, went young in the off-season -- in the front office. They hired Eric Mangini, 35, as head coach, and Mike Tannenbaum, 37, as general manager. Mangini's only head coaching experience came on an American-rules team in Australia, while Tannenbaum is best known for his work as the team's capologist. Chad Pennington, the starting QB since 2002, took a $6 million pay cut after his second surgery on his right shoulder.

30. Packers

Brett Favre finally ended the suspense and decided to return for a 16th season. He was intercepted 29 times last season, which led the NFL. Last year, the Packers suffered their first losing season since 1991. This year, expected to be Favre's last, promises to be as bad, if not worse. There isn't much talent on the roster for first-year coach Mike McCarthy.

31. Raiders

The Raiders reached into their past to try and revive the Silver and Black. Art Shell replaced Norv Turner, but he inherits a team that has won only 13 games since its Super Bowl season of 2002. The Raiders, who ranked 21st in total offense, have gone back to Al Davis' beloved vertical passing game with Randy Moss serving as the star. Saints castoff Aaron Brooks will take over at quarterback.

32. Bills

General manager Tom Donahoe and coach Mike Mularkey are gone, replaced by Marv Levy and Dick Jauron, respectively. They quickly jettisoned veterans Eric Moulds, Mike Williams, Sam Adams and Lawyer Milloy. The Bills are unsettled at quarterback with J.P. Losman and Kelly Holcomb competing for the job, and their best defensive player, Takeo Spikes, is coming off Achilles' surgery. [/b]

Predator · 07-20-2006, 02:13 PM

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Wide receiver Jimmy Smith was coming off a 70-catch, 1,023-yard season when he called it quits in May..[/b]

List the number of drops he had. That'll tell you why he retired.

imported_Taylor#21 · 07-20-2006, 02:24 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Predator @ Jul 20th ) [snapback]1631518[/snapback]</div>

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List the number of drops he had. That'll tell you why he retired.
[/b]

6

gmen2k3 · 07-20-2006, 03:12 PM

hahaha cowboys at 8

im calling the homer flag on this guy

GoGiants98 · 07-20-2006, 03:47 PM

but its a Texas paper, whatd you expect

Predator · 07-20-2006, 03:54 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Makaveli @ Jul 20th ) [snapback]1631541[/snapback]</div>

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6

[/b]

He had more than that. Especially adding in the Patriots game.

I'd estimate about 10-12 throughout the entire season. And after watching Jimmy Smith play for so many years, it was shocking to even seen him drop 1 pass, let alone 6-12 passes.

This past season was an the average year for Jimmy. But he finally realized that his time was coming to an end, so he ended his career on a good note.