Camp wrap: A 13-camp journey with delicious highlights
By Clark Judge | CBSSports.com Senior Writer Follow ClarkNow that training camps are over, it's on to the box scores -- and that's where our story begins.
Five weeks on the road gave me a pretty good idea of who's going where, how they're getting there and what's to see along the way. If I couldn't tell you then, I can now ... only with one very important caveat: Observations are based on the 13 clubs I visited.
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| The Packers could be good enough to give their fans a wild ride this fall. (US Presswire) |
The games don't begin until we're finished, and if you're ready so am I.
Five teams that could be really, really good
Green Bay: The Pack was 6-10 a year ago, but that was before Mike McCarthy got smart and hired Dom Capers to run a 3-4. Now they're perfectly poised to ruin another Brett Favre comeback. When people ask me for this year's darkhorse, this is the first club I mention. Minnesota, beware.
New York Giants: Their offensive line has played together for years. Their defensive line is loaded, provided everyone gets healthy. Their secondary is solid. There's Eli Manning and Brandon Jacobs and Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. I think you get the idea. Yes, they have a new defensive coordinator, but so what? They have better players. Anyway, give them a playmaker at wide receiver, then put them at the top of the NFC East.
Baltimore: The Ravens went to the conference championship game a year ago with a rookie quarterback and no playmaker on offense. Now running back Ray Rice is poised to have a breakout year, Willis McGahee is in the best shape of his career and Joe Flacco is a year older, wiser and more experienced. If I'm Pittsburgh, I look over my shoulder.
San Diego: So the Bolts were one of the league's biggest underachievers a year ago. They still made the playoffs and won a game there. Shawne Merriman returns to Ron Rivera's defense, and don't tell me that shouldn't wake up offensive coordinators. The Chargers are the only team of consequence in the AFC West and should go 6-0 there. If they split the remainder of their games they're 11-5, but I think 12-4 is more like it.
Philadelphia: The loss of linebacker Stewart Bradley hurts, but if Joe Mays is as good as the Eagles believe they'll survive ... maybe even flourish. What I like about this club is that it has speed everywhere on offense. LeSean McCoy. Jeremy Maclin. DeSean Jackson. Michael Vick. Donovan McNabb wanted weapons, and the club listened. My only question is the offensive line. The Andrews brothers make me nervous.
Five guys who could disappoint
Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota: He stunk down the stretch a year ago, and he'll struggle again this season. First of all, he's 40. Second, he is a cinch to get hurt again. Third, check out the Vikings' final six games: Chicago (twice), Arizona, Cincinnati, Carolina and the Giants. Fortunately, Favre has Adrian Peterson to make him look good, but not even A.P. can keep Brett from fading.
Mark Sanchez, QB, N.Y. Jets: He has one year of starting experience, and I'm talking about Southern California. Now, he's supposed to make the Jets better overnight? I don't think so. Sanchez looked dreadful against the Ravens, and he will look dreadful again. That's what happens to rookie quarterbacks. The question is: When will he start to feel comfortable in an offense that was too complicated for Favre? I would give him at least a season. Jets fans won't be so forgiving.
Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City: A year ago he had Wes Welker and Randy Moss as his wide receivers. Now it's Dwayne Bowe and Amani Toomer and Bobby Engram and Ashley Leslie. Geez, it's a wonder they didn't call Otis Taylor out of retirement. Good luck, Matt. You'll need it.
Terrell Owens, WR, Buffalo: Tell me how he produces big numbers in this offense and in this city. In Dallas, weather wasn't much of a factor in November and December. Here it is. That's why the Bills run the ball, and that's why Owens won't like it. Trent Edwards, look out.
Antwaan Randle El, WR, Washington: The Redskins have a slew of good young receivers and it will be hard to keep them down. Randle El is the slot receiver and no better than their third- or fourth-best wideout. Look for Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas to make an impact and push Randle El to the back of the class.
Five rookies to watch
Brian Orakpo, LB, Washington: He was so far ahead of everybody when I was at Redskins camp that I made him the frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay: So he showed up for work late. Did you see him last week? He tossed around anyone in his way.
Michael Oher, OT, Baltimore: With him and Jared Gaither as bookend tackles the Ravens' blocking takes a step forward. Good news for Baltimore's backs.
Ramses Barden, WR, N.Y. Giants: He's the front-runner to replace Plaxico Burress as a red-zone threat, but proceed with caution: He was a terror in college, with 50 touchdown receptions, but makes a big move up in competition.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia: It might have been good for the Eagles to play a summer without Brian Westbrook because A) it saved his legs; and B) it gave the Eagles a chance to find out what they have in McCoy. And what they have is someone who can do just about everything that Westbrook does.
Five guys under the radar
John Sullivan, C, Minnesota: He takes over for former Pro Bowl center Matt Birk and makes the line calls for Favre. I'm not sure which is tougher.
Joe Mays, LB, Philadelphia: He replaces Bradley in the middle of the Eagles defense, and nobody seems all that concerned. "He's instinctive, super tough and a good football player," said GM Tom Heckert. Works for me.
Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore: When I asked for a list of offensive playmakers, this was the first name I got. Good reason: He's poised for a huge season. Keep that in mind, Fantasy Football hounds.
Jermichael Finley, TE, Green Bay: All I know is he caught everything thrown to him when I was there, and he was a favorite of Aaron Rodgers near the goal line. "We have another weapon to add to the repertoire," said Rodgers.
Demetrius Bell, T, Buffalo: There is no way to measure how enamored the Bills are with Bell. They would like him to develop but might not be able to wait. Remember Jason Peters? The Bills have him again in Demetrius Bell.
Five of My favorite interviews
Scott Pioli, GM, Kansas City: I went in looking for 10 minutes. I left over an hour later. I don't know how he will make the Chiefs into a contender, but I'm willing to listen.
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle: He might be the best interview in any sport. Not only does he know what you're looking for, he's willing to fill in all the blanks. With some guys you're on the clock; not with Hasselbeck. He's smart, he's articulate and he's a damned good quarterback. Somewhere there is a network salivating over the guy when he retires.
Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego: For the life of me, I don't get why people knock this guy. He's passionate about his job. He's outstanding at it, throwing 34 touchdown passes a year ago. And he wins. The guy has been a starter for three years, and three years the Chargers have been in the playoffs. Plus, he's a terrific interview. When I want to talk to quarterbacks, I go straight for Hasselbeck, Rivers and Kurt Warner.
Jason Campbell, QB, Washington: The weight of the world is on his shoulders, but Campbell doesn't seem to notice. It takes a strong man to pull that off, and Campbell has an inner strength a lot of guys in his profession do not. When the Redskins talked about trading for Jay Cutler he shrugged it off. When they talked about drafting Sanchez he shrugged it off. I like that in a quarterback. Now I hope he proves something with his play.
Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland: It's rare to find anyone in this business who is as smart, welcoming and conversational as the Raiders cornerback. It's also rare to find someone as accomplished. I first met him when he took a group of Bay Area kids to New York for a week on the town, and I was impressed. Then I met him in uniform, and, yep, that was just as impressive. Nobody throws to his side, and there's good reason: He might be the best cornerback anywhere. It's not easy covering the Raiders, but Asomugha makes it a worthwhile experience.
Five guys I hope rebound
Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco: Nice guy, beaten-up quarterback. He has spent a career working through injuries, offensive coordinators, bad reviews and losses. Now he waits his next turn. Here's hoping he gets it.
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego: I know, he ran for over 1,100 yards and 12 TDs. Those are big numbers for most backs, but not this back. Tomlinson's numbers were down everywhere, with his rushing total the lowest of his career, and because he's 30 the obituary notices are getting prepared. I think I might wait, people. He seems ready to prove all of us wrong.
Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo: The Bills took a flyer on Owens partly because of his talent and mostly because they think he can open up things for Evans. Evans is the premier receiver here, not T.O. He had an OK year last season, not a great one, and it's time he moves to the next level -- which means it's time he scores more than three times. Evans is one of my favorite interviews, someone who is always there when you need him. I hope he serves the same purpose for Trent Edwards.
David Tyree, WR, N.Y. Giants: The Super Bowl hero probably has to change addresses to get a chance, and that's too bad. He always will be linked to the Giants and one remarkable catch. Anyway, Tyree has fought through injuries to get back on the field, but the Giants seem to have too much depth at wide receiver for him to make it. I hope I'm wrong.
Dick Jauron, head coach, Buffalo: Nobody has a more difficult task ahead of him. He plays in the same division with Tom Brady. He coaches a team with Terrell Owens. He must win, and he must win now. Say a prayer for him. He deserves a lot better.
My five of the most intriguing starts
Look at Minnesota's first five games -- if the Vikings don't emerge with at least four wins I'll be shocked. There isn't a winning team in there, with their five opponents a combined 19-61 in 2008. No wonder Brett Favre wanted to return. OK, so the Packers are in there, and they're my pick to win the NFC North; but the Vikes get them at home. When Favre is 5-0 or 4-1, people will say he's the reason Minnesota is at the top. Not so fast, people. It's all about the schedule.
San Diego has a reputation for slow starts, and the Chargers might have trouble getting off to something better than 2-2 the first four weeks. But so what? They follow with three division games, and hallelujah: The Bolts would've circled the AFC West a year ago were it not for Ed Hochuli. They'll circle it this year, but it's not the AFC West that is the issue here; it's Baltimore and Pittsburgh, and San Diego plays them two of the first four games. My guess? The Chargers start 3-1, losing only to Pittsburgh.
So the New York Jets start Mark Sanchez and cross their fingers that he's ready. Good luck, folks. Not only isn't there a losing opponent among their first five games, there are three road starts, two division winners and the New England Patriots. It's not inconceivable to think Sanchez could open 0-5. All I know is when I canvassed the Baltimore locker room following last week's meltdown, players said they thought Sanchez had talent but needed time. "The game's too fast for him," one said. Remember that when he's dodging pass rushers in Houston.
No one runs a tougher camp than San Francisco coach Mike Singletary, and now we get the results. Of his first five games, three are against division winners, including NFC West champ Arizona. The 49ers should beat St. Louis and could beat Seattle, and I'll take 2-3. One problem: Look what follows. They go to Houston and Indianapolis before returning home against Tennessee and Chicago and then hitting the road for Green Bay. The 49ers never had much contact work in the past, with guys like Bill Walsh and George Seifert wanting to save players' legs for the stretch run. Let's see how Singletary's approach works early. I think I know how it will affect them late.
Philadelphia opens at Carolina, and that's the bad news. Now the good: The Eagles follow with New Orleans, Kansas City and Tampa Bay -- all at home -- then go to Oakland. I see nothing worse than 4-1; Eagles fans think they run the table. All I know is the schedule is favorable before they get into playing the NFC East.
Five best places on the planet to pig out
Graney's, Albany, N.Y.: The New York Giants' contract with the University of Albany expired this summer, and people here wonder if the team will return. You gotta be kidding me. And pass on another summer at Graney's? OK, so owner Mike Graney likes to parade around in a "Tony Romo for President" T-shirt and makes no bones about his love for the Cowboys. Big deal. He also has the coziest, coolest and most accommodating sports bar on the planet. There are 36 TV screens, including two outside, but who's looking when Barb, Nicky, Aubrey and MacKenzie are taking orders. MacKenzie just got married, and if the groom was smart he had Todd Brittell cater the reception. Brittell has been Graney's cook forever and in one year served up over 16,000 wings and 6,000 burgers. Forget anywhere else. This is the place to be, provided, of course, you can find a table. I have yet to eat anything ... anything ... I wouldn't order again. In fact, I'm having Todd cook my last meal and MacKenzie serve it. "We should turn this place into a reality TV show," someone said. Sign me up and tell me where I pay my PSL.
Tav on the Ave, Mankato, Minn.: I was trying to describe this place to a friend of mine when one of the regulars helped me out. "Basically," he said, "it's comfortable." Perfect. The Tav is bigger than Graney's, more spacious and, yeah, very, very comfortable. So they don't have MacKenzie, Barb and Nicky. I'll take Jen and Heather and bat them cleanup in any lineup. The people here are friendly. The wait staff is professional. And the food is exactly what you want. Try the chicken wings and burgers. They're can't-miss favorites. I took a leap and went for the Oriental chicken salad instead. Smart move. I know, it doesn't sound right at a sports bar, but it sure tasted right. I think I'll do my post-grad work here after finishing up at U of Albany. The place is that good. It's not the Vikings that keep me coming back to Mankato; it's the Tav.
Big Dipper Bar-B-Q, Apalachin, N.Y.: Introducing the Holy Grail of chicken. You can find it off Exit 66 in Apalachin. I accidentally discovered this place two years ago and went back four times this summer. It's that good. It's also on the way to the Bills' camp in Pittsford and relatively close to the Jets' camp in Cortland. So Cortland is 45 minutes away. I'd drive the three-plus hours from New York City to sit at a picnic bench here. Apparently, I'm not alone. Every time I've been here there's at least one big rig ditched by the road, with the driver running in for a chicken dinner -- which is half a chicken and two sides. The cost: Try $7.50. If you're running late call ahead and they'll save a dinner for you. I did. And I saved two. Now the special added attraction: When you're finished you can walk across the parking lot for ice cream.
The Coal Tower, Pittsford, N.Y.: Now I know why they call it the Empire State. Three of my top four spots are in New York. The Coal Tower has been a favorite for years, with the blueberry pancakes at the top of my list. There is absolutely no way I can articulate what a marvelous experience this is. Just go. People here are friendly, the service is quick and the food is as good as it is inexpensive. If I lived in the area, I would live here. Good thing for my waistline I don't.
Baugher's, Westminster, Md.: Hey, the NFL has throwback uniforms, so why can't we have throwback restaurants? I guarantee Baugher's doesn't look much different today than it did when your grandparents were dating. OK, so maybe that's not a plus. The prices are. So is the food. And the milkshakes are to die for.
Best and worst of the road
Best reason to go to Green Bay other than the Packers: The Tilted Kilt. It's the Scottish version of Hooters. Let me put it this way: You don't go here for the food, if you know what I mean.
Best reason to go to Pittsford other than the Coal Tower: The Black Sheep children's clothing store. Every August the summer inventory is on sale, with most items 50 percent off. But you better hurry. You have to beat me in there.
Best reason to go to Albany other than the Giants: Barb, MacKenzie, Nicky, Aubrey ... Oh, I'm sorry, it's Graney's Irish Bar and Grill. Now I know why there's a power struggle in the state legislature. Guys have gone here to watch the Yankees. When I think of great explorers, I think of Columbus, Magellan, Hudson and Schwartz. Uh, Schwartz? Yep, that's Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, the guy who covers the Giants for the paper. That's the second best thing he does. The first? He put Graney's on the map for the rest of us.
Best deal anywhere: It's the Noon Special at Pagliai's Pizza in Mankato, Minn. For $5.50, you get a 10-inch pie cut into 16 pieces, and I dare you to find a pizza that's better. I spent two straight lunches here and would've made it three if I hadn't had to go to River Falls, Wis. Do yourself a favor: Next time you take a break from The Tav, go to lunch here. You'll thank me when you do.
Worst drive to camp: The last five miles into Ravens camp on Baltimore Blvd. from -- where else? -- Baltimore. The road is a series of traffic signals, punctuated by fast-food stops and shopping centers.
Second-best deal anywhere: Parking in River Falls, Wis., home (for the last time) of the Kansas City Chiefs. It's 12 minutes for a penny and one hour for a nickel. "You should go to the theater," one member of the Chiefs' staff told me. "It's $2, and popcorn is 25 cents." I must be dreaming.
Three worst words while driving: Road work ahead. Get ready to wait.
Best reason to go to Redskins Park: It's close to Moe's Southwest Grill in Ashburn, Va. Tool on down the road and pick up a Homewrecker. I'm serious. It's a burrito, and you won't be disappointed. If there's a knock on the place, it's getting out of the parking lot and driving east. I'll explain why next.
Worst traffic: Anything around Washington, D.C. The Redskins are located in Ashburn, Va., which used to be out in the sticks. Not anymore. The cars outnumber the cicadas. If you thought Congress was slow, try sitting on 495.
Best camp T-shirt: I saw it on a couple of guys in Green Bay, and it features an outline of the state of Wisconsin with a portrait of Brett Favre inside. It reads, "We'll Never Forget You ... Brent." Just a hunch, but you will sell more of these in Green Bay now than No. 4 jerseys.
Best camp routine: Kids shuttling players to work in Green Bay. I heard of this but never saw it until this summer. Children offer their bikes to Packers, who ride them to Ray Nitschke Field, with kids either as passengers or running escorts. The players like it, the kids like it and parents love it. Trust me, there wasn't anyone who wasn't smiling. Next year, I'm taking my daughter to Green Bay and renting a bike ... not for her but for Aaron Rodgers ... or Ryan Grant ... or A.J. Hawk ... or Donald Driver ... or ...
Best camp sight: The "J.J." that was painted outside the practice fields at Lehigh, a reminder that Jim Johnson will always be with the Eagles. There wasn't a day I was there that I didn't think about Johnson, and I wasn't alone. Sean McDermott, who replaces him as defensive coordinator, said he could feel Johnson everywhere. "I always find myself looking at the hill," he said, "and it's then I know things are in their place."
Worst camp sight: No Walter Jones in Seattle. The Seahawks have made it without him before, but I wonder what happens now. Jones is recovering from a knee operation that might be more serious than anyone thought.
Best training-camp companion: Make it Sirius Radio and turn to "Deep Tracks." I did, and driving hundreds of miles is a lot easier when you have Alvin Lee, Procol Harum, The Who and Todd along for the ride. With the 40th anniversary of Woodstock it was the best place outside of Bethel to relive the summer of '69.
Worst training-camp companion: The weather in upstate New York. I swear this summer's storms looked more like Hollywood special effects, with 360 degrees of lightning, skies the color of Oakland's home pullovers and tornado alerts that made driving more hazardous than rush-hour on the Capital Beltway.
