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Here's what the folks at Pro Football Weekly have been hearing around the league:
Can Steelers wide receivers Troy Edwards and Plaxico Burress peacefully coexist? After Burress' spectacular preseason debut, Edwards complained that he wasn't getting enough attention, both in the offense and in the media, and stated that he'd reassert himself as Pittsburgh's No. 1 receiver. We hear that was a case of Edwards simply being Edwards -- he is inherently mouthy, cocky and prideful -- and that if the pressure's on anyone, it's the Steelers' quarterbacks, who must make everyone happy by spreading the ball around.
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| Glenn |
Wide receiver Terry Glenn, whose attitude has come into question in the past, has been one of the hardest workers in Patriots camp, earning the praise of head coach Bill Belichick.
The Redskins have to like the way rookie offensive tackle Chris Samuels has handled himself in battles with defensive end Bruce Smith. Also, the Skins are excited that Samuels is lifting weights more regularly. Because of a back injury in college, Samuels was hesitant to lift, as he feared aggravating his back condition.
The No. 1 overall draft pick, defensive end Courtney Brown, has often looked like the best player on the field in Browns practices.
Browns rookie running back Travis Prentice has been very impressive so far, and head coach Chris Palmer wants to see how he works with the first-team offensive line. As for Errict Rhett, Palmer is a little worried that his No. 1 running back may be training a bit too hard. Because of some concerns about Rhett's knees, the veteran has been given several practices off so he does not get worn down. But instead of resting, the high-tempo Rhett has been spotted doing drills or running when he should be taking it easy.
While there has been a lot of bad news along the Jaguars' offensive line because of injuries, we hear the team has been very impressed with second-round pick Brad Meester. He has wrapped up the starting left guard job.
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| Toomer |
The best battles to watch in Giants camp have been between wide receiver Amani Toomer and cornerback Jason Sehorn. They have been pushing each other hard. Toomer looks as though he's ready to have a Pro Bowl season, while Sehorn has been jumping on the ball and making big plays.
Even though the Redskins maintain that QB Brad Johnson is entrenched as the starting quarterback, Jeff George has been taking snaps with the first team.
The Lions have been very happy with top free-agent additions Kurt Schulz and James Stewart. Schulz, they believe, gives them a more physical presence at free safety than Mark Carrier did. Stewart has been quick through the hole and has shown more elusiveness than the team expected.
The Packers believe free safety Darren Sharper, who is in the final year of his contract, has established himself enough to merit an extension. Preliminary talks have begun.
Heading into the preseason opener, Harold Morrow was being given the nod as the Vikings' top short-yardage runner in place of Leroy Hoard. But we hear an eye should be kept on rookie Doug Chapman, a talented rusher who is playing with confidence.
Strong safety John Lynch is next in line in Tampa Bay to have his contract extended.
The Buccaneers are going to play Anthony McFarland more in the defensive tackle rotation. He's had a very good early camp.
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| Walker |
Cornerback Donald Mitchell's season-ending knee injury was a major blow to the Titans, who thought the second-year player would beat out Denard Walker for a starting job. Tennessee thought it had four very good corners (Walker, Samari Rolle, Dainon Sidney and Mitchell) to play on passing downs, but Mitchell's loss has changed that. The Titans have since signed former Cardinals and Bengals cornerback Ty Howard, and they like what they've seen so far.
Retired wide receiver Robert Brooks, formerly with the Packers, is considering a return to the game with either the Eagles or Raiders.
Although Raymont Harris and Kevin Faulk have had moments of brilliance in early preseason action, rookie J.R. Redmond isn't dead yet in the Patriots' running back race. We hear Redmond, who fell behind because of a holdout, still will get every opportunity to win the job.
With Jerome Bettis and Richard Huntley both out with minor injuries, backup running backs Amos Zereoue and Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala have had a chance to strut their stuff. Both have shown flashes, though running backs coach Dick Hoak wants Zereoue to give a more consistent effort in practice, and Fuamatu-Ma'afala has had a tough time swinging between tailback and fullback.
Jets rookie wide receiver Laveranues Coles has shown more than just the pure speed he was known for at Florida State. Coles has done a nice job of adjusting to the ball. The Jets' No. 3 wide receiver job remains up in the air. Coles is a strong contender, and recent acquisition Yatil Green is back in the race after a slow start.
Cowboys right tackle Erik Williams remained a holdout as of presstime. In fact, we hear the earliest he will return is Aug. 7, after the Cowboys return from Tokyo. Meanwhile, threats to retire are not to be believed. Williams would forfeit salaries of $1.9 million in 2000 and 2001, and team owner Jerry Jones has indicated he would go after a prorated portion of Williams' signing bonus, which would amount to about $3 million. That means if Williams retired, he would be giving up nearly $7 million -- which is highly unlikely.
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| Watters |
Seahawks running back Ricky Watters on the progress of rookie running back Shaun Alexander: "People say guys are prima donnas and used to being 'the man' in college, and he's not acting like that at all. Every play he comes back, he asks me a question about how he did, how he looks, is he doing it right. I enjoy working with players who want to get better. That's not only going to help him be a better player, but it's also going to help us be a better team because you're only as strong as your weakest link."
Raiders rookie wide receiver Jerry Porter has been putting on a show in training camp lately with a variety of acrobatic, one-handed catches.
Chargers offensive line coach Joe Bugel was sold on rookie tackle Damion McIntosh despite the fact McIntosh spent only one full year on offense in college. Thus far, McIntosh is way ahead of schedule, according to those close to the Chargers, and he could have a legitimate shot at starting when the season opens.
The Chiefs' battle to replace the departed Reggie Tongue at strong safety has switched to more of a one-sided affair as of late. Second-year player Larry Atkins, who at 230 pounds is not afraid to mix it up vs. the run, has moved ahead of third-round pick Greg Wesley. Atkins has improved his coverage skills enough to assume the top spot on the depth chart, and it looks as if Wesley could work his way into a permanent role as a nickel back when the Chiefs go to their five-DB defense.
We hear Rams officials were livid over the hit administered by Titans cornerback George McCullough on Rams first-round running back Trung Canidate in the teams' late-July scrimmage. As a result, Canidate suffered a high-ankle sprain that is expected to keep him on the sideline at least a month.
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| Williams |
While the Panthers are very happy with the way defensive end Reggie White is rounding into shape, we hear they're starting to really worry about the condition of Chuck Smith's knees, as well as the lingering hamstring problems of fellow defensive end Jason Peter. Our sources tell us Jay Williams is looking more and more like a starter over Peter with every passing day.
The Falcons are extremely pleased with rookie linebacker Mark Simoneau, whose impressive speed could make the third-round pick a star on special teams.
Initial indications are that Rick Mirer raised his stock after impressively directing four scoring drives in the Niners' preseason game with the Chargers.
It appears the Niners are growing increasingly disenchanted with defensive tackle Reggie McGrew, who is now being tabbed solely as a run-stopping role player after initially being projected as the next Dana Stubblefield. McGrew showed up late to camp and has been hampered by knee and elbow problems.
Material from Pro Football Weekly.
Visit PFW's web site at http://www.profootballweekly.com
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