Posts Tagged ‘Friday’
James’ return to Cleveland to be Dec. 2 (AP)
August 11th, 2010Jets owner not optimistic on Revis deal (AP)
August 10th, 2010Haynesworth works first full practice (AP)
August 10th, 2010Chicago Bears Training Camp: Weekend Fun
August 10th, 2010The Bears held a training camp practice at Solider Field this past Friday night and thousands of fans were in attendance to see just how far the Bears have progressed. These events are always fun for the fans and really give them a close up and personal look at the Chicago Bears.
The following includes some highlights from the family night practice along with a full injury report and some observations from the past week.
Injury Update
Chris Harris was back in the lineup on Friday after missing almost every practice with an injury. In limited action, he looked pretty good but still has some work to do.
Both tight ends, Kellen Davis and Brandon Manumaleuna, were out on Friday night.
Passing Fancy
The Bears passing game continues to be quite impressive, and on Friday night Cutler found tight end Greg Olsen several times (eight), making it seem as if the Bears are going to make the tight ends part of their passing game in 2010.
Hopefully the Bears will be able to take advantage of their tight ends this year and throw the ball to them more often than has been alluded to. We shall soon see how things work out for them in the offense.
The next hottest receiver in the passing game was wide receiver Johnny Knox. Cutler threw to his running backs, Matt Forte and Chester Taylor, as well.
Almost everyone got a decent workout Friday night and fans were excited to see the Bears passing game. Fans hope that what they saw on the field will translate into success when the season starts. Let’s hope that happens.
At Sunday’s practice Olsen had another big showing, catching five touchdown passes in drills with Cutler. Perhaps the tight end isn’t going to be out of this offense after all.
One other interesting thing was that Cutler didn’t throw a single interception during Friday night’s practice and hasn’t thrown one since last Wednesday. He did end up throwing one in Sunday’s practice.
On Guard
The Bears did a little switching up at the guard positions on Friday night, setting Lance Louis at right guard while putting Roberto Garza over at the left guard spot.
This combination has apparently been pretty popular in training camp and the Bears feel that this could possibly be the combination that they start out with heading into the 2010 season. Let’s see how this works out for the rest of training camp.
Catch and Release
The Bears released quarterback Mike Teel and signed wide receiver Zeke Markshausen, formerly of the Northwestern Wildcats.
Teel hasn’t been much of a factor for the Bears during training camp, as he hasn’t seen that much time throwing the ball thanks to a hamstring injury. If anything, Markshausen gives them some additional depth at the wide receiver position and could give them a candidate to stick on the practice squad and develop over time.
Who Replaces Michael Jenkins at Atlanta Falcons Training Camp?
August 9th, 2010There are two major goals for every NFL team during training camp.
Get your offense, defense, and special teams in rhythm; and stay healthy.
Up until now, the Atlanta Falcons were able to manage both goals successfully. The offense was clicking, and the young players on defense were making their names known in two-a-days.
However, one Friday night scrimmage later and Atlanta has to reset their offense. WR Michael Jenkins injured his shoulder and will require surgery, which will keep him out for four to six weeks.
Granted, this will prevent him from playing in any of the Falcons four preseason games and for the opener on Sept. 12 against Pittsburgh.
What will this mean for the rest of the Falcons' offense? Although Jenkins hasn't lived up to his status as a first-round pick, he still created a presence that opposing defenses had to recognize instead of double teaming Pro Bowlers Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez.
Who will replace him for the time being? Let's take a quick look at the participants ready to line up:
Harry Douglas—This is the favorite to play the WR #2 spot with Jenkins down and out. Douglas was electrifying in his rookie season in 2008, showing he can score on both special teams and on end around plays.
His 2009 season ended in training camp last summer when he injured his knee. He has been healthy and productive since returning and will get a chance to show that he can be a consistent offensive weapon.
Eric Weems—Weems only had six catches last year, but played the WR number three role in 2009 by playing in the slot position and playing on special teams as well. He hasn't played much with the first team in training camp, but may get his chance when Atlanta hosts Jacksonville for their first preseason game on Friday.
Marty Booker—The veteran receiver didn't produce much on the field in 2009, having only 16 catches and one TD, but wasn't counted upon to do much. Due to his experience, he might get an edge over Weems for the number three slot, but it remains to be seen if he will make defenses pay for doubling White.
Brian Finneran—Another veteran of the Falcons, Finneran had just 11 catches in 2009. He is used more in the red zone on fade passes due to his height, but I don't expect him to supplant Douglas as the number two receiver during preseason.
The biggest question is whether the number two receiver will get a chance to see the ball thrown his way much while Jenkins recovers. Atlanta has a three-headed rushing attack and a great air attack with Gonzalez and White. Expect coach Mike Smith to make the proper adjustments by Friday's game against the Jaguars.
