AccessMyLibrary provides FREE access to over 30 million articles from top publications available through your library.
Create a link to this page
Copy and paste this link tag into your Web page or blog:
The 49ERS' Mike Rumph, who was converted to safety this season, will return to cornerback in 2006. Rumph got beat deep too often at safety because he struggled with the angles and timing required of the position. His speed and aggressiveness make him a better fit at corner. He'll compete for playing time against Derrick Johnson, Mike Adams and Bruce Thornton. ... FALCONS LB Jordan Beck missed all of the 2005 season with a foot injury, but it shouldn't cost him any speed, which is one of his primary assets. If he proves capable of beating blocks and playing the run, Beck could vie for snaps with starting SLB Michael Boley. ... Although BUCCANEERS CB Jumn Belden lacks ideal coverage skills, he is strong at the point of attack, and his ability to play right corner in nickel situations allows CB Ronde Barber to blitz from the slot. If Belden isn't re-signed, the team might have to re-sign FS Dexter Jackson se Will Allen can serve as a nickel back. ... REDSKINS FB Mike Sellers was effective in a limited role as a receiver in the red zone this season, and new coordinator Al Saunders might utilize Sellers more in the passing game to open things up for WR Santana Moss and RB Clinton Portis. Sellers (6-3, 260) can win matchups with linebackers and has the speed to make yards after the catch. ...
SEAHAWKS CB Marcus Trufant always has had impressive natural skills--including a fluid hip turn and explosiveness out of his backpedal--but his overall improvement this season can be traced to his greater emphasis on technique work and studying more video. ... New LIONS coach Rod Marinelli was a strong believer in a four-man pass rush while he was with the Bucs, but he's expected to make some strategic changes after hiring Donnie Henderson as coordinator. When he was with the Jets, Henderson favored a blitzing, high-pressure defense. ... The PANTHERS will make an effort to re-sign C Jeff Mitchell, but he's showing some signs of wear and tear. C Geoff Hangartner barely played as a rookie this season, but the coaches liked his toughness and the way he picked up the blocking scheme. ... The PACKERS want aggressive linebackers for the scheme of new coordinator Bob Sanders. MLB Nick Barnett fits the mold, but OLB Na'il Diggs probably fits better in a system in which he can line up against the tight end. Look for the team to sign a fast linebacker as a free agent or draft one. ... New SAINTS coach Sean Payton will call his own plays and serve as the passing game coordinator. New offensive coordinator/line coach Dug Marrone will coordinate the running game; he has a reputation for developing young offensive linemen. The team is expected to stick with a 4-3 defense under new coordinator Gary Gibbs. ... The ...