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A quarterback controversy can overshadow all of the other position battles on a team.
Take the Raiders. Incumbent center Jake Grove is battling free agent Jeremy Newberry in a neck-and-neck competition for the starting job. In the secondary, veteran Donovan Darius is clawing his way up a depth chart that features talented youngsters Michael Huff and Stuart Schweigert. At running back, LaMont Jordan is the starter, but there's a pitched battle underway for the change-up role. Adimchinobe Echemandu may beat Justin Fargis and Dominic Rhodes for the right to spell Jordan. Echemandu played under the name Joey Echu at Cal, but he changed his name because a.) he's proud of his Nigerian heritage and b.) he hates copy editors.
These are all important competitions that will shape the Raiders season, but all you hear about is "quarterback, quarterback, quarterback." Hey, that's how we roll in the mainstream media. And let's face it, if the Raiders bumble through another season with the likes of Josh McCown under center, it won't matter who is snapping him the ball.
Luckily, McCown probably won't be the opening day starter for the Raiders. Daunte Culpepper played the entire first half on Friday night and looked much sharper than his 4-of-8 for 47 yards would indicate. Two of his passes bounced off Jerry Porter's hands, and Mike Williams dropped another Culpepper pass. Johnny Lee Higgins caught a Culpepper bomb with one foot out of bounds, but he drew a pass interference penalty that set up Ronald Curry's touchdown catch. Culpepper doesn't yet have crisp timing with his targets, but his deep passes had zip and his short passes were on the money. He even scrambled three times, though he's clearly a step slower than he was two years ago.
Lane Kiffin didn't name Culpepper the starter, but he was happy to see Culpepper working to master the Raiders' new system. "I know this about Daunte - he's buying into what we need, and I don't think that's what he's used to," Kiffin said on Saturday. The Raiders don't need a scramble-happy freewheeler. They need a strong-armed veteran who can keep the offense competitive while Kiffin assembles more pieces. Culpepper looks like the man.
Oh, and for the record: Grove looked pretty good at center on Friday, Echemandu definitely earned a roster spot, and Darius will probably be limited to nickel duty, where he could serve as a hybrid safety/linebacker.
Teams around the NFL are starting to resolve their position battles, so we'll do away with the "odds" format we used the last two weeks. If you are still betting on Brooks Bollinger or Brodie Croyle to win a starting job, please stop by the Football Outsiders offices for our Tuesday poker game. We need a sucker.
Browns - Quarterback
Charlie Frye vs. Derek Anderson vs. Brady Quinn
They say that the third preseason game is the one that matters most. Frye and Anderson must really believe it. After Quinn's impressive debut last week, both veterans stepped up their games on Saturday night. Frye started the game and engineered an 11-play, 80-yard opening drive. He completed a deep pass to Braylon Edwards and a couple of short passes to Joe Jurevicius and Steve Heiden, and he scrambled for a first down. Not to be outdone, Anderson entered the game in the second quarter and started out a perfect 6-for-6 for 63 yards. Unfortunately, he was sacked at the Broncos' three-yard line. After the sack, Anderson looked rattled. He suffered two more sacks on the next drive and was limping when he left the field.
Quinn earned one series with the starters and went 5-for-5 and nearly threw a touchdown to Jurevicius, who couldn't get both feet down. Quinn later threw a touchdown pass to Josh Cribbs against the Broncos backups. It was a very strong follow-up to his cleanup time effort last week.
Romeo Crennel speculated last week that he might not name a starter before the opener; instead, he would force the Steelers to prepare for both Frye and Anderson, which no doubt has Mike Tomlin shaking in his shoes. After Saturday, Frye has a slight edge on Anderson. Crennel keeps throwing ice water on fans and analysts who are stoking the Quinn bonfire (guilty), but Quinn is making a strong case to start, if not against the Steelers, then by Halloween.
Chiefs - Quarterback
Brodie Croyle vs. Damon Huard
Herm Edwards named Huard the starter on Saturday. Huard missed the Chiefs 30-7 loss to the Saints with a minor calf injury, leaving all of the first-team snaps to Croyle. Croyle had a miserable game: 5-of-17, 45 yards, one interception. He overthrew several receivers and made plenty of mistakes, though his receivers made matters worse by dropping several passes. "He struggled some, but he didn't get any help, either," Edwards said. Huard won't get much help, even with Larry Johnson back in the fold. It's going to be a long season for the Chiefs offense.
Vikings - Quarterback
Tarvaris Jackson vs. Brooks Bollinger
Jackson will be the starter unless something unusual happens. He lost a fumble on his first play on Saturday, then collected himself and led several productive drives, one of which ended with a missed Ryan Longwell field goal. Jackson completed a few deep passes, but he had trouble reading blitzes and tended to lock on to his primary receiver. It was an unexcitingly average performance, but it was enough to solidify his hold on the starting job.
The receiving situation is also coming together. Troy Williamson and Bobby Wade will be the starters. Jackson looked for Wade early and often on Saturday as a deep threat. Sidney Rice worked out of the slot early in the game, but new acquisition Robert Ferguson also saw some action with the first team and caught a first quarter pass. Ferguson may ease into a role as the slot receiver while Rice adjusts to NFL life.
Titans - Running Back
LenDale White vs. Chris Brown
White missed several practices last week with ankle and knee injuries, but he returned to the lineup in time to start on Friday against the Bills. He played well, gaining 51 yards on 11 carries and catching three passes for 23 yards. Two of the passes were screens, and White showed a great mix of quickness and patience in the open field. He still tiptoes up to the line and gets stuffed for no gain too often for a big back. Chris Brown saw some action as a third down back in the first half, then rushed six times for 42 yards against the Bills backups. Brown isn't a great receiver, so he's an odd fit as a third down back. He may still win the starting job, but look for the backs to share carries. Rookie Chris Henry, who showed promise in the first preseason game, has fallen behind the pack.
The Titans also appear to have sorted out their depth chart at wide receiver. Veteran Eric Moulds, who has had an excellent camp, is one starter. Roydell Williams, fresh off a four-catch effort against the Bills, is the other. Williams is a better deep threat than Brandon Jones, who will see plenty of action as a possession receiver on third downs.
Packers - Running Back
Vernand Morency vs. Brandon Jackson
Jackson won this battle by default; Morency has been sidelined for nearly all of camp with a knee injury and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy isn't confident that Morency will be ready for the opener. "Confident is probably too strong a word. We don't know. But he's doing very well," McCarthy said. Jackson played poorly against the tough Jaguars defensive line, carrying 11 times for just 20 yards. He scored on a one-yard plunge and caught four passes, but he didn't do much with the ball in the open field and was easily bull-rushed on a play that led to a sack. Noah Herron will get the call on third downs. If Morency is sidelined at the start of the season, power back Corey White could be an option after gaining 51 yards against the Packers subs. He could even replace Morency; let's face it, Morency isn't exactly Eric Dickerson.
Giants - Kicker
Lawrence Tynes vs. Josh Huston
It has been two weeks since we updated you on the saga of Tynes, ex-Chiefs kicker and proud papa of baby twins, vs. Huston, the big-legged kid from Ohio State. Last Monday night, Huston nailed two field goals, including a 50-yarder, and boomed two kickoffs 72 yards each (though both kicks were returned for substantial gains). Tynes only handled an extra point and a few kickoffs in that game. On Saturday, Tynes got more opportunities, but he couldn't capitalize, missing a 40-yard attempt wide right and a 43-yarder wide left (on average, he was perfect). Tynes' kickoffs have been acceptable, but Huston recorded a touchback on his first attempt on Saturday night. He then muddied the waters by missing a 42-yarder of his own.
Huston has the slight edge here. Hopefully, Tynes can latch on with another team so he doesn't have to pull diaper duty for the next six months.
Cowboys - Kicker
Nick Folk vs. Martin Gramatica
Two kicker battles? Our cup runneth over. Rookie Nick Folk once hit a 62-yard field goal in a spring game and handled both the place kicking and punting chores at Arizona, so he has plenty of leg. So far in preseason, he has nailed a 52-yard field goal and a couple of shorter attempts. Gramatica missed a 52-yarder against the Broncos then made a critical mistake on Saturday night: he missed an extra point. Both players have been adequate on kickoffs. Folk appears to have the edge. Maybe the Cowboys should give Tynes a look if he doesn't stick in New York. Wide right of somewhere, Mike Vanderjagt is chuckling.
Jaguars - Free Safety
Reggie Nelson vs. Various Warm Bodies
Good news, Jaguars fans: Nelson's ankle injury isn't serious. He'll be out for the rest of the preseason, but he should be ready for the opener. In Nelson's absence, the Jaguars moved Gerald Sensabaugh from strong to free safety and plugged the charred remains of Sammy Knight in at free safety. Knight made several tackles: after a 15-yard gain, a 20-yard gain, a 23-yard gain, and so on. Sensabaugh, who is better off at strong safety, didn't fare much better. Look for Nelson to be in the starting lineup against the Titans on September 9.
Bengals - Middle Linebacker
Ahmad Brooks vs. Ed Hartwell
Brooks turned heads as a rookie, and while the 255-pounder doesn't fit the Cover-2 prototype, his run-stuffing ability and athleticism seemed to suit the Bengals well. But Brooks struggled early in camp, and coaches moved Hartwell from the weak side to the middle to challenge him. Hartwell is smaller, quicker, and has more experience than Brooks, and he's far less likely to make mental errors. Defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan insists that he is happy with Brooks' progress; "It has nothing to do with Ahmad; it has everything to do with finding out about Eddie Hartwell," he said last week. But the Bengals are clearly trying to minimize mistakes on defense. Brooks may stick as the starter, but Hartwell may earn a role a nickel backer, and nickel players see almost as much playing time as the starters.
49ers - Inside Linebacker
Patrick Willis vs. Brandon Moore
Willis, the rookie from Ole' Miss, has been so impressive in camp that Mike Nolan shuffled his entire linebacker rotation. Willis earned a starting job as the Mike linebacker. Veteran Derek Smith, who calls the defensive signals, will move to the Ted position in Nolan's 3-4 scheme. Moore will back up Smith, while Jeff Ulbrich (who used to back up Smith) will back up Willis. Just to clarify: Patrick is Mike instead of Derek, Derek is Ted instead of Brandon, Jeff now backs up Patrick at Mike instead of Derek. We won't try to work Tully into this.
Willis entered the draft as one of the nation's best linebackers, and he hasn't disappointed anyone in camp. "He's a guy who has a chance to be a superstar," Smith said. Moore, who possesses a great size-speed combination, should still contribute on special teams and could play a role in blitz packages.
Commanders - Backup Quarterback
Todd Collins vs. Mark Brunell
Starter Jason Campbell suffered a nasty hit last week and might not play until the season opener. His injury gave Joe Gibbs a chance to look at his backups. Collins, who goes back so far that he was once the heir apparent to Jim Kelly, got the start against the Ravens. He completed a deep pass to Santana Moss to start the game, then spent the rest of the evening looking like a rickety 35-year-old who never sees meaningful action and should probably be the offensive coordinator at a Division I-AA school at this stage in his career.
Brunell took the field in the second half and threw two passes. Then, lightning struck. Officials delayed the start of the game for an hour when an electrical storm howled through the region, and they called it off when a new storm started to threaten. Gibbs lost a chance to evaluate Brunell and several other subs. "There's still a lot of things that we're off on," Gibbs said. "We've got a long ways to go."
The lightning was clearly a message from the Higher Power, who is miffed that a team with the Commanders' payroll is still trying to pass off Todd Collins as a starting NFL quarterback. If the Commanders don't grab a Kelly Holcomb-type off the waiver wire before the season starts, the capital may be in for the 40 days and 40 nights treatment
LINK
A quarterback controversy can overshadow all of the other position battles on a team.
Take the Raiders. Incumbent center Jake Grove is battling free agent Jeremy Newberry in a neck-and-neck competition for the starting job. In the secondary, veteran Donovan Darius is clawing his way up a depth chart that features talented youngsters Michael Huff and Stuart Schweigert. At running back, LaMont Jordan is the starter, but there's a pitched battle underway for the change-up role. Adimchinobe Echemandu may beat Justin Fargis and Dominic Rhodes for the right to spell Jordan. Echemandu played under the name Joey Echu at Cal, but he changed his name because a.) he's proud of his Nigerian heritage and b.) he hates copy editors.
These are all important competitions that will shape the Raiders season, but all you hear about is "quarterback, quarterback, quarterback." Hey, that's how we roll in the mainstream media. And let's face it, if the Raiders bumble through another season with the likes of Josh McCown under center, it won't matter who is snapping him the ball.
Luckily, McCown probably won't be the opening day starter for the Raiders. Daunte Culpepper played the entire first half on Friday night and looked much sharper than his 4-of-8 for 47 yards would indicate. Two of his passes bounced off Jerry Porter's hands, and Mike Williams dropped another Culpepper pass. Johnny Lee Higgins caught a Culpepper bomb with one foot out of bounds, but he drew a pass interference penalty that set up Ronald Curry's touchdown catch. Culpepper doesn't yet have crisp timing with his targets, but his deep passes had zip and his short passes were on the money. He even scrambled three times, though he's clearly a step slower than he was two years ago.
Lane Kiffin didn't name Culpepper the starter, but he was happy to see Culpepper working to master the Raiders' new system. "I know this about Daunte - he's buying into what we need, and I don't think that's what he's used to," Kiffin said on Saturday. The Raiders don't need a scramble-happy freewheeler. They need a strong-armed veteran who can keep the offense competitive while Kiffin assembles more pieces. Culpepper looks like the man.
Oh, and for the record: Grove looked pretty good at center on Friday, Echemandu definitely earned a roster spot, and Darius will probably be limited to nickel duty, where he could serve as a hybrid safety/linebacker.
Teams around the NFL are starting to resolve their position battles, so we'll do away with the "odds" format we used the last two weeks. If you are still betting on Brooks Bollinger or Brodie Croyle to win a starting job, please stop by the Football Outsiders offices for our Tuesday poker game. We need a sucker.
Browns - Quarterback
Charlie Frye vs. Derek Anderson vs. Brady Quinn
They say that the third preseason game is the one that matters most. Frye and Anderson must really believe it. After Quinn's impressive debut last week, both veterans stepped up their games on Saturday night. Frye started the game and engineered an 11-play, 80-yard opening drive. He completed a deep pass to Braylon Edwards and a couple of short passes to Joe Jurevicius and Steve Heiden, and he scrambled for a first down. Not to be outdone, Anderson entered the game in the second quarter and started out a perfect 6-for-6 for 63 yards. Unfortunately, he was sacked at the Broncos' three-yard line. After the sack, Anderson looked rattled. He suffered two more sacks on the next drive and was limping when he left the field.
Quinn earned one series with the starters and went 5-for-5 and nearly threw a touchdown to Jurevicius, who couldn't get both feet down. Quinn later threw a touchdown pass to Josh Cribbs against the Broncos backups. It was a very strong follow-up to his cleanup time effort last week.
Romeo Crennel speculated last week that he might not name a starter before the opener; instead, he would force the Steelers to prepare for both Frye and Anderson, which no doubt has Mike Tomlin shaking in his shoes. After Saturday, Frye has a slight edge on Anderson. Crennel keeps throwing ice water on fans and analysts who are stoking the Quinn bonfire (guilty), but Quinn is making a strong case to start, if not against the Steelers, then by Halloween.
Chiefs - Quarterback
Brodie Croyle vs. Damon Huard
Herm Edwards named Huard the starter on Saturday. Huard missed the Chiefs 30-7 loss to the Saints with a minor calf injury, leaving all of the first-team snaps to Croyle. Croyle had a miserable game: 5-of-17, 45 yards, one interception. He overthrew several receivers and made plenty of mistakes, though his receivers made matters worse by dropping several passes. "He struggled some, but he didn't get any help, either," Edwards said. Huard won't get much help, even with Larry Johnson back in the fold. It's going to be a long season for the Chiefs offense.
Vikings - Quarterback
Tarvaris Jackson vs. Brooks Bollinger
Jackson will be the starter unless something unusual happens. He lost a fumble on his first play on Saturday, then collected himself and led several productive drives, one of which ended with a missed Ryan Longwell field goal. Jackson completed a few deep passes, but he had trouble reading blitzes and tended to lock on to his primary receiver. It was an unexcitingly average performance, but it was enough to solidify his hold on the starting job.
The receiving situation is also coming together. Troy Williamson and Bobby Wade will be the starters. Jackson looked for Wade early and often on Saturday as a deep threat. Sidney Rice worked out of the slot early in the game, but new acquisition Robert Ferguson also saw some action with the first team and caught a first quarter pass. Ferguson may ease into a role as the slot receiver while Rice adjusts to NFL life.
Titans - Running Back
LenDale White vs. Chris Brown
White missed several practices last week with ankle and knee injuries, but he returned to the lineup in time to start on Friday against the Bills. He played well, gaining 51 yards on 11 carries and catching three passes for 23 yards. Two of the passes were screens, and White showed a great mix of quickness and patience in the open field. He still tiptoes up to the line and gets stuffed for no gain too often for a big back. Chris Brown saw some action as a third down back in the first half, then rushed six times for 42 yards against the Bills backups. Brown isn't a great receiver, so he's an odd fit as a third down back. He may still win the starting job, but look for the backs to share carries. Rookie Chris Henry, who showed promise in the first preseason game, has fallen behind the pack.
The Titans also appear to have sorted out their depth chart at wide receiver. Veteran Eric Moulds, who has had an excellent camp, is one starter. Roydell Williams, fresh off a four-catch effort against the Bills, is the other. Williams is a better deep threat than Brandon Jones, who will see plenty of action as a possession receiver on third downs.
Packers - Running Back
Vernand Morency vs. Brandon Jackson
Jackson won this battle by default; Morency has been sidelined for nearly all of camp with a knee injury and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy isn't confident that Morency will be ready for the opener. "Confident is probably too strong a word. We don't know. But he's doing very well," McCarthy said. Jackson played poorly against the tough Jaguars defensive line, carrying 11 times for just 20 yards. He scored on a one-yard plunge and caught four passes, but he didn't do much with the ball in the open field and was easily bull-rushed on a play that led to a sack. Noah Herron will get the call on third downs. If Morency is sidelined at the start of the season, power back Corey White could be an option after gaining 51 yards against the Packers subs. He could even replace Morency; let's face it, Morency isn't exactly Eric Dickerson.
Giants - Kicker
Lawrence Tynes vs. Josh Huston
It has been two weeks since we updated you on the saga of Tynes, ex-Chiefs kicker and proud papa of baby twins, vs. Huston, the big-legged kid from Ohio State. Last Monday night, Huston nailed two field goals, including a 50-yarder, and boomed two kickoffs 72 yards each (though both kicks were returned for substantial gains). Tynes only handled an extra point and a few kickoffs in that game. On Saturday, Tynes got more opportunities, but he couldn't capitalize, missing a 40-yard attempt wide right and a 43-yarder wide left (on average, he was perfect). Tynes' kickoffs have been acceptable, but Huston recorded a touchback on his first attempt on Saturday night. He then muddied the waters by missing a 42-yarder of his own.
Huston has the slight edge here. Hopefully, Tynes can latch on with another team so he doesn't have to pull diaper duty for the next six months.
Cowboys - Kicker
Nick Folk vs. Martin Gramatica
Two kicker battles? Our cup runneth over. Rookie Nick Folk once hit a 62-yard field goal in a spring game and handled both the place kicking and punting chores at Arizona, so he has plenty of leg. So far in preseason, he has nailed a 52-yard field goal and a couple of shorter attempts. Gramatica missed a 52-yarder against the Broncos then made a critical mistake on Saturday night: he missed an extra point. Both players have been adequate on kickoffs. Folk appears to have the edge. Maybe the Cowboys should give Tynes a look if he doesn't stick in New York. Wide right of somewhere, Mike Vanderjagt is chuckling.
Jaguars - Free Safety
Reggie Nelson vs. Various Warm Bodies
Good news, Jaguars fans: Nelson's ankle injury isn't serious. He'll be out for the rest of the preseason, but he should be ready for the opener. In Nelson's absence, the Jaguars moved Gerald Sensabaugh from strong to free safety and plugged the charred remains of Sammy Knight in at free safety. Knight made several tackles: after a 15-yard gain, a 20-yard gain, a 23-yard gain, and so on. Sensabaugh, who is better off at strong safety, didn't fare much better. Look for Nelson to be in the starting lineup against the Titans on September 9.
Bengals - Middle Linebacker
Ahmad Brooks vs. Ed Hartwell
Brooks turned heads as a rookie, and while the 255-pounder doesn't fit the Cover-2 prototype, his run-stuffing ability and athleticism seemed to suit the Bengals well. But Brooks struggled early in camp, and coaches moved Hartwell from the weak side to the middle to challenge him. Hartwell is smaller, quicker, and has more experience than Brooks, and he's far less likely to make mental errors. Defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan insists that he is happy with Brooks' progress; "It has nothing to do with Ahmad; it has everything to do with finding out about Eddie Hartwell," he said last week. But the Bengals are clearly trying to minimize mistakes on defense. Brooks may stick as the starter, but Hartwell may earn a role a nickel backer, and nickel players see almost as much playing time as the starters.
49ers - Inside Linebacker
Patrick Willis vs. Brandon Moore
Willis, the rookie from Ole' Miss, has been so impressive in camp that Mike Nolan shuffled his entire linebacker rotation. Willis earned a starting job as the Mike linebacker. Veteran Derek Smith, who calls the defensive signals, will move to the Ted position in Nolan's 3-4 scheme. Moore will back up Smith, while Jeff Ulbrich (who used to back up Smith) will back up Willis. Just to clarify: Patrick is Mike instead of Derek, Derek is Ted instead of Brandon, Jeff now backs up Patrick at Mike instead of Derek. We won't try to work Tully into this.
Willis entered the draft as one of the nation's best linebackers, and he hasn't disappointed anyone in camp. "He's a guy who has a chance to be a superstar," Smith said. Moore, who possesses a great size-speed combination, should still contribute on special teams and could play a role in blitz packages.
Commanders - Backup Quarterback
Todd Collins vs. Mark Brunell
Starter Jason Campbell suffered a nasty hit last week and might not play until the season opener. His injury gave Joe Gibbs a chance to look at his backups. Collins, who goes back so far that he was once the heir apparent to Jim Kelly, got the start against the Ravens. He completed a deep pass to Santana Moss to start the game, then spent the rest of the evening looking like a rickety 35-year-old who never sees meaningful action and should probably be the offensive coordinator at a Division I-AA school at this stage in his career.
Brunell took the field in the second half and threw two passes. Then, lightning struck. Officials delayed the start of the game for an hour when an electrical storm howled through the region, and they called it off when a new storm started to threaten. Gibbs lost a chance to evaluate Brunell and several other subs. "There's still a lot of things that we're off on," Gibbs said. "We've got a long ways to go."
The lightning was clearly a message from the Higher Power, who is miffed that a team with the Commanders' payroll is still trying to pass off Todd Collins as a starting NFL quarterback. If the Commanders don't grab a Kelly Holcomb-type off the waiver wire before the season starts, the capital may be in for the 40 days and 40 nights treatment
LINK