Camp Notes for the opening weekend from inside sources in California.... Quarterback * Bledsoe has looked decent, but he's a vet. Not much to report yet. * Henson looked very uncomfortable. Not good so far. * Romo, on the other hand, has looked incredibly well. Always accurate, he seems to have better arm strength this year too. He is making plays all over the place. Running Back * Julius Jones is making some ankle-breaking jukes and cuts to fake out defenders. * USFA Tyson Thompson continues to be the star of the camp. Tyson is just ripping off some really nice runs, and when he turns it on, he's super fast. He probably needs to make an impact on special teams to secure a spot behind Jones, A-train, and Barber. Just before 11-on-11 began, however, coach Bill Parcells asked Thompson what his assignment would be. He did not know and thereby was sent on a sprint to the fences. Offensive Line * Big scare with Larry Allen. He was held out of practice because he was the only one to fail Big Bill's physical. This was odd considering he was working out harder than any other year. Supposedly, he was in the best shape. As it turns out, he didn't pass a certain part of the test where they are supposed to run three 300-yard sprints back to back in a certain time. Further digging indicates that Parcells held him out on this technicality just to see what else he has (probably Peterman) behind Allen on the chart. Sounds like no big worry after all. * Rogers at RT has looked nice so far. * Gurode will try out at Center to compete with Al Johnson. Wide Receiver * Not much news here, but Glenn has looked good as always. * Merritt made a couple nice catches Defensive Line * Ware and Spears missed the first practice but finally got signed and into the workouts. Spears will step right in, as will Canty (who is just huge). Ware will require a transition due to position change. Defensive Backs * Aaron Glenn looks smooth * Rookie safety Justin Beriault does not pass what is kindly known in the NFL as the "eye test." He is a little on the skinny side and does not look capable of "going Roy Williams" on somebody. So watching Beriault completely level a few players during 11-on-11 turned a few heads. He is a long shot to win the starting safety spot beside Williams, but days like Sunday can help. Coach * Parcells is very impressive at running the practices - lots of teaching from the asst. coaches - a lot of time, Tuna would just sit back and observe and let them do their job. * Parcells line of the day: Asked about former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann's statement that a "bus driver" quarterback couldn't lead his team to a Super Bowl, Parcells said, "Joe needs to remember that he had that Mack truck behind him," referring to running back John Riggins. "Joe was doing a little Ralph Kramden himself back there." For those of you who never watched the classic TV show, The Honeymooners, Ralph Kramden was the bus driver played by legendary actor Jackie Gleason.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Bleedblk&gld)</div><div class='quotemain'>Awesome. Keep em coming. I'm anxious to see how the Boy's pan out this year.</div> For a little more "local flavor", Spears looked good in his initial practices and has been keeping his weight where it needs to be. The coaching staff is excited about him. Bradie James is still iffy. He's kind of floating around the LB positions, which isn't a good sign as far as starting. His best bet might be to beat out Singleton for the other inside position.
Well, Spears will be a knockout for the Boys, while Bradie James is still iffy to me. He was really good at LSU, but i never thought of him as a NFL caliber player, but he could prove me wrong. Thanks 71
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (panthersare#1)</div><div class='quotemain'>how is Ware looking?</div> I was a little more concerned about Ware than Spears because Ware not only has to learn the 3-4, but he is also switching positions. The first practice or two, they did more drills with him than anything. However, last night's practice, he got more involved, flipping between the first team and second team. On 11-on-11 drills, he got a couple sacks and showed good pass rushing skills. In coverage, which I am most concerned about, he ran stride for stride (on the route anyway) with the fastest RB on the team. So far so good, but I'll continue to keep a close eye on him. If he and Burnett can make a big impact this year right away, it will be key to a decent season.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (panthersare#1)</div><div class='quotemain'>Ware is gonna be a good rush OLB. He reminds me of Suggs and Frenney. Hes gonna get a lot of sacks</div> I think Ware is overrated. One of those Combine Chumps. Thats just me though. I like Marcus Spears though. He is gonna be a monster in this league. He has all the tools to be at least.
