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Mosher: QB drama a theme in NFC camps
AROUND THE NFL
By GEOFF MOSHER
What's the biggest question mark surrounding the Eagles two weeks before they gather at Lehigh University for the start of training camp?
Is it the pressure facing quarterback Donovan McNabb? Is it aging safety Brian Dawkins' health? Or is it coach Andy Reid's ability to build a Super Bowl champion?
Maybe, it's all three.
The News Journal will devote plenty of newspaper space to issues surrounding the Eagles when the fun begins July 21.
For now, we'll take a look at the rest of the NFC and the most significant questions and concerns facing each team with training camp just around the corner.
Next Sunday, we'll examine the Ravens and the AFC.
NFC East
DALLAS COWBOYS: Tony Romo's rapid ascent from third-stringer to franchise quarterback -- and Jessica Simpson's main squeeze -- took a dip last season when he failed for the second time in two tries to win a playoff game. Another mishap this season won't sit well with owner Jerry Jones and Cowboys Nation.
NEW YORK GIANTS: Michael Strahan's gone. Plaxico Burress wants more cash. Jeremy Shockey wants a new team. Ahmad Bradshaw wants to avoid going back to jail. Can Big Blue stave off the Super Bowl hangover? So far, not so good.
WASHINGTON Commanders: Young gun Jason Campbell must make the transition from quarterbacking Joe Gibbs' simple, power-rushing offense to Jim Zorn's West Coast version. Good luck, Jason.
NFC North
CHICAGO BEARS: Can there truly be a "winner" of the QB faceoff between Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton?
DETROIT LIONS: They kicked offensive coordinator Mike Martz to the curb, but their lack of a running game still is holding back an offense with gifted receivers.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: A stingy defense. A budding gem in running back Ryan Grant. All that's left is someone to play quarterback: Will it be Aaron Rodgers or ... Lord Favre?
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: All that separates the Vikes from Super Bowl contention is reliable quarterback play. If Tarvaris Jackson can provide that, Minnesota could be tops in the conference.
NFC South
CAROLINA PANTHERS: All eyes are on quarterback Jake Delhomme, whose health could mean the difference between a playoff berth and another seven-win season.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Will the addition of linebacker Jonathan Vilma and rookie defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis be enough to improve the 26th overall defense?
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: No major areas of concern here -- aside from quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and coach Jon Gruden's general ability to be cordial to those who play for him.
ATLANTA FALCONS: With the money he's being paid, rookie quarterback Matt Ryan better make Joey Harrington look more like Ryan Leaf.
NFC West
ARIZONA CARDINALS: Second-year coach Ken Whisenhunt's primary plan is deciding which quarterback -- Kurt Warner or Matt Leinart -- is best equipped to lead his offense, but the Cards must improve a defense that allowed 24.9 points per game last season.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: After hitting the free-agent market hard for the second straight season, the Niners addressed some crucial areas but still have questions at an important one: quarterback.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: The Seahawks revamped their running game, ditching former MVP Shaun Alexander in favor of the Julius Jones-Maurice Morris-T.J. Duckett trio. But is Seattle strong enough defensively to send retiring coach Mike Holmgren out with another Super Bowl title?
ST. LOUIS RAMS: Locking up running back Steven Jackson with a long-term deal would be a nice start for a team with plenty of work ahead this summer.
AROUND THE NFL
By GEOFF MOSHER
What's the biggest question mark surrounding the Eagles two weeks before they gather at Lehigh University for the start of training camp?
Is it the pressure facing quarterback Donovan McNabb? Is it aging safety Brian Dawkins' health? Or is it coach Andy Reid's ability to build a Super Bowl champion?
Maybe, it's all three.
The News Journal will devote plenty of newspaper space to issues surrounding the Eagles when the fun begins July 21.
For now, we'll take a look at the rest of the NFC and the most significant questions and concerns facing each team with training camp just around the corner.
Next Sunday, we'll examine the Ravens and the AFC.
NFC East
DALLAS COWBOYS: Tony Romo's rapid ascent from third-stringer to franchise quarterback -- and Jessica Simpson's main squeeze -- took a dip last season when he failed for the second time in two tries to win a playoff game. Another mishap this season won't sit well with owner Jerry Jones and Cowboys Nation.
NEW YORK GIANTS: Michael Strahan's gone. Plaxico Burress wants more cash. Jeremy Shockey wants a new team. Ahmad Bradshaw wants to avoid going back to jail. Can Big Blue stave off the Super Bowl hangover? So far, not so good.
WASHINGTON Commanders: Young gun Jason Campbell must make the transition from quarterbacking Joe Gibbs' simple, power-rushing offense to Jim Zorn's West Coast version. Good luck, Jason.
NFC North
CHICAGO BEARS: Can there truly be a "winner" of the QB faceoff between Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton?
DETROIT LIONS: They kicked offensive coordinator Mike Martz to the curb, but their lack of a running game still is holding back an offense with gifted receivers.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: A stingy defense. A budding gem in running back Ryan Grant. All that's left is someone to play quarterback: Will it be Aaron Rodgers or ... Lord Favre?
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: All that separates the Vikes from Super Bowl contention is reliable quarterback play. If Tarvaris Jackson can provide that, Minnesota could be tops in the conference.
NFC South
CAROLINA PANTHERS: All eyes are on quarterback Jake Delhomme, whose health could mean the difference between a playoff berth and another seven-win season.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Will the addition of linebacker Jonathan Vilma and rookie defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis be enough to improve the 26th overall defense?
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: No major areas of concern here -- aside from quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and coach Jon Gruden's general ability to be cordial to those who play for him.
ATLANTA FALCONS: With the money he's being paid, rookie quarterback Matt Ryan better make Joey Harrington look more like Ryan Leaf.
NFC West
ARIZONA CARDINALS: Second-year coach Ken Whisenhunt's primary plan is deciding which quarterback -- Kurt Warner or Matt Leinart -- is best equipped to lead his offense, but the Cards must improve a defense that allowed 24.9 points per game last season.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: After hitting the free-agent market hard for the second straight season, the Niners addressed some crucial areas but still have questions at an important one: quarterback.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: The Seahawks revamped their running game, ditching former MVP Shaun Alexander in favor of the Julius Jones-Maurice Morris-T.J. Duckett trio. But is Seattle strong enough defensively to send retiring coach Mike Holmgren out with another Super Bowl title?
ST. LOUIS RAMS: Locking up running back Steven Jackson with a long-term deal would be a nice start for a team with plenty of work ahead this summer.
