2007 NFC Training Camp Previews

Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Lance Briggs and Asante Samuel want the world to feel sympathy for their plight.

Both the Bears linebacker and Patriots corner have been slapped with the hated "franchise" tag, and neither of their teams appear willing to negotiate the type of lucrative, long-term deals that both feel they deserve. In turn, the disgruntled players have threatened to sit out all of training camp.

And while there are undoubtedly those that feel sorry for the likes of Briggs and Samuel, with the dog days of summer nigh, you won't count many of their NFL brethren among that group.

You see, Briggs and Samuel will get to spend most of their summer reclining in the air conditioned climes of their comfortable homes. No long afternoons spent in the August heat, no freight train-like collisions with spastic rookies trying hard to make an impression on irritable coaches, no time spent patching up those inevitable bumps and bruises in the training room.

When faced with their respective teams' unflinching positions on contract status, the linebacker and the cornerback are far from happy. But in the short term, Briggs and Samuel have to be quietly pleased that they won't, at least for one summer, be slaves to the training camp grind.

Below we take a capsule look at the training camp missions of the 16 teams of the National Football Conference, with reporting dates and sites included for your perusal. AFC training camp previews can be found here:

Arizona

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 27th

SITE: Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Ken Whisenhunt's initial camp in the desert will be a busy one, as the new head coach and his staff attempt to employ new schemes while integrating a number of new faces into their program. Offensively, Whisenhunt's biggest task will be shaping the line, which was among the worst in the league in 2006 and is expected to feature new starters in center Al Johnson (ex-Cowboys) and first-round draft choice and tackle Levi Brown (Penn State). Those additions, along with that of former Saints and Browns fullback Terrelle Smith, were initiated in order to aid a long-dormant run game. On defense, the team is expected to move from a 4-3 scheme to the 3-4 favored during Whisenhunt's tenure in Pittsburgh. How players that seem best-suited for the 4-3, such as ends Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor along with linebackers Karlos Dansby and Darryl Blackstock, will adjust will be worth watching. Whisenhunt and defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast must also inspire good things out of a secondary that added cornerback Roderick Hood (ex-Eagles) and safety Terrence Holt (ex-Lions) to the mix.

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Atlanta

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 25th, Veterans July 25th

SITE: Atlanta Falcons Training Facility, Flowery Branch, GA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: The first training camp of the Bobby Petrino era figures to be something of a zoo, as the recent indictment handed down against Michael Vick will likely cast a pall over the sessions. Atlanta will operate under the assumption that Vick is going to play a full season in 2007, though Petrino is also going to have to seriously prepare a backup in the event that Vick is suspended by the league or is forced to miss time due to criminal proceedings. The Falcons' backups entering camp are veterans Joey Harrington and Chris Redman along with second-year-pro D.J. Shockley, and it is conceivable that the team could make a play at the recently-released Daunte Culpepper. Whoever takes the snaps will be attempting to learn Petrino's scheme on the fly, and will be throwing to a receiving group upgraded in the offseason with the addition of Joe Horn. There is uncertainty throughout the defense, both in terms of injured players attempting to return (tackle Rod Coleman and linebacker Demorrio Williams could miss a large stretch of camp) and in rookies attempting to make a quick adjustment to the league (end Jamaal Anderson and cornerback Chris Houston could both make starting bids). Questions linger in the kicking game as well, with the team hoping that one of two journeymen - Billy Cundiff or Aaron Elling - can rise to the occasion.

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Carolina

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 27th

SITE: Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Things have changed within the Carolina offense, where coordinator Dan Henning is history and ex-Browns offensive head Jeff Davidson is in. Davidson will try to ignite the underachieving running game by employing a zone-blocking scheme, which the team will try to perfect throughout camp. Among the other issues for Davidson and head coach John Fox is the No. 2 receiver slot, where rookie Dwayne Jarrett is expected to take over for the departed Keyshawn Johnson. Defensively, the Panthers need much greater things from a linebacking corps that was a mess throughout the 2006 campaign. All three of the projected starters - middle man Dan Morgan (history of concussions), strong side candidate Thomas Davis (a former first-round pick and college safety who has yet to become a notable playmaker as a pro), and potential weak side leader Jon Beason (a rookie) are question marks, however. Improved play from the front seven should help the secondary, which needs to re-gain its confidence in the summer after struggling to make plays a year ago.

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Chicago

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 26th, Veterans July 26th

SITE: Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Just one year removed from a dominating defensive performance that culminated in a Super Bowl appearance, the Bears have major questions in their area of expertise as camp begins. With Lance Briggs not likely to wear a Chicago uniform again, the Bears might be looking at throwing rookie Michael Okwo (Stanford) in to the fire at one of the outside linebacker slots. On the interior line, Tommie Harris returns from a hamstring injury that prematurely ended his 2006 season, and with Tank Johnson having been released and backups Alfonso Boone (Chiefs) and Ian Scott (Eagles) both gone, the inexperienced Dusty Dvoracek will be counted on to make an impact. The secondary has question marks too, with the woeful Adam Archuleta or the injury-plagued Mike Brown competing for a starting job at strong safety. Rex Grossman's job appears safe at quarterback, and he will have to use camp to get acquainted with tight end and first-round draft choice Greg Olsen (Miami-Florida) along with Devin Hester, who is expected to see significant snaps at wide receiver. Elsewhere in the backfield, Cedric Benson enters camp as the unquestioned No. 1 back for the first time, with either rookie Garrett Wolfe (Northern Illinois) or special teams ace Adrian Peterson trying to win the backup job.

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Dallas

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 24th, Veterans July 24th

SITE: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Instead of being uptight in California, toiling under Bill Parcells, the Cowboys will spend this year's training camp relaxed in San Antonio with new coach Wade Phillips. Whether Phillips' more laid-back camp approach inspires more wins remains to be seen, however. The offense is basically the same one that started in last year's playoff game against the Seahawks, though Leonard Davis (ex-Cardinals) was paid handsomely to come in and fill the right guard slot and new coordinator Jason Garrett will be the man calling the offensive shots. More than anything else, Phillips will be expected to craft a strong defense out of last year's underachieving unit, albeit with few new players apart from first-round draft choice Anthony Spencer (Purdue) and former Seahawks safety Ken Hamlin. Spencer, a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid, projects as a situational pass rusher at first, while Hamlin figures to be penciled in at free safety next to the coverage- challenged Roy Williams. Finding a way to accentuate Williams' skills will be one of Phillips' most important training camp objectives. As usual, the Cowboys will also have to find a reliable kicker, with the hope being that sixth-round draft choice Nick Folk (Arizona) can beat out Martin Gramatica.

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Detroit

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 25th, Veterans July 25th

SITE: Detroit Lions Training Facility, Allen Park, MI

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Though fans will be interested to see just how coordinator Mike Martz plans to distribute the football in an offense that now includes wide receivers Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, and Mike Furrey along with running backs Kevin Jones and Tatum Bell, the real key to Detroit's season rests on the defensive side of the ball. To that end, defensive-minded head coach Rod Marinelli and his new coordinator, Joe Barry, need to pull a lot of the right strings during camp. Gone are the team's best cover corner, Dre' Bly (Broncos), its most recognizable safety, Terrence Holt (Cardinals), and its most consistent pass rusher, James Hall (Rams), with the pressure to step into those voids being heaped mainly on former backups or rookies. Last year's pass rush was particularly ineffective, meaning the likes of free agent pickup Dewayne White (ex-Buccaneers) and second-round draft choice Ikaika Alama- Francis (Hawaii) will have to generate an impact. One year after setting an NFL record for fewest team rushes in a 16-game season, the Lions brought in the likes of Bell, tackle George Foster (ex-Broncos), and guard Edwin Mulitalo (ex-Ravens) to help augment the running game. Perhaps, during training camp, we'll learn if Martz actually has any rushes in his playbook.

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Green Bay

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 27th

SITE: St. Norbert College, De Pere, WI

CAMP OBJECTIVES: The Packers had very little turnover among their starting 22, though there will be some intriguing position battles on both sides of the football. The most interesting will come in the backfield, where head coach Mike McCarthy is seeking new blood following the departure of running back Ahman Green (Texans) and fullback William Henderson (released). Incumbent Vernand Morency will battle second-round draft pick Brandon Jackson (Nebraska) for the tailback job, while holdover Brandon Miree will have to beat out sixth-round pick and converted linebacker Korey Hall (Boise State) at fullback. The depth chart at wide receiver is uncertain behind starters Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, and veteran Robert Ferguson will have to hold off draft choice James Jones (San Jose State) and David Clowney (Virginia Tech) for playing time. The biggest training camp question marks on defense are on the interior line, where first-round draft pick Justin Harrell (Tennessee) will be given a chance to contribute, and in the secondary, where the team is seeking a replacement for strong safety Marquand Manuel. The Packers drafted kicker Mason Crosby (Colorado) with the thought that he could beat out the underwhelming Dave Rayner.

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Minnesota

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 25th, Veterans July 25th

SITE: Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Every piece of the Vikings offense will be scrutinized, from day one of training camp through the final preseason game. Is young Tarvaris Jackson really ready to take over the quarterback job, or will Brooks Bollinger outplay him and win starting duties? How will rookie Adrian Peterson and incumbent Chester Taylor co-exist in the backfield? Who in Bud Grant's name is going to play wideout or tight end on a team where the most accomplished pass-catcher is Jim Kleinsasser? Can an inconsistent offensive line hold up over the course of a season? There are fewer questions defensively, though the team did lose coordinator Mike Tomlin and failed to address a poor pass rush during the offseason. Former first-round draft pick Erasmus James, who missed 14 games with a knee injury in 2006, might not be ready for the start of training camp. Another former first-round pick who had his '06 wiped away by injury but is being counted on for big things is Chad Greenway, who is expected to emerge on the weak side with E.J. Henderson shifting back to the middle. The most significant offseason addition on defense was former Colts safety Mike Doss, who will try to beat out either Darren Sharper or Dwight Smith for a starting assignment.

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New Orleans

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 25th, Veterans July 25th

SITE: Millsaps College, Jackson, MS

CAMP OBJECTIVES: The Saints added quite a few defensive pieces in the offseason, so head coach Sean Payton and coordinator Gary Gibbs will spend much of August evaluating where guys like linebackers Brian Simmons (ex- Bengals), Dhani Jones (ex-Eagles), cornerback Jason David (ex-Colts), safety Kevin Kaesviharn (ex-Bengals), and defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy (ex- Cardinals) fit in. Simmons and Jones, who could unseat incumbents Mark Simoneau and Scott Fujita in the middle and on the strong side, respectively, have the best chance to win positions. Clancy could also get the early nod over veteran tackle Brian Young, who is expected to miss the start of camp with a foot injury. Last year's prolific offense has undergone some change, as receiver Joe Horn and tight end Ernie Conwell were released. Horn is likely to be replaced by rookie Robert Meachem (Tennessee) or holdover Devery Henderson, while the leading candidate for the tight end role is oft-injured 49er Eric Johnson. Changes are also afoot on special teams, where former Dolphin Olindo Mare takes over for John Carney (released), and a replacement must also be found for popular kick returner Michael Lewis (released).

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N.Y. Giants

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 27th

SITE: University at Albany, Albany, NY

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Uncertainty abounds on the Giants offense as camp begins, with the new brain trust of coordinator Kevin Gilbride and quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer under a great deal of pressure to have the oft-maligned attack playing at a high level by September. In what figures to be a pivotal year for quarterback Eli Manning, there will be a new starting running back (Brandon Jacobs takes over for Tiki Barber), left tackle (David Diehl moves over from guard in place of the released Luke Petitgout), and fullback (Jim Finn was placed on injured reserve last month, and has yet to be replaced). Two of the top three receivers, Amani Toomer and Sinorice Moss, come off injury-plagued 2006 seasons, and there is little tight end depth behind starter Jeremy Shockey. In other words, Gilbride and Palmer have their work cut out for them. The defense looks to be in better shape, especially with Michael Strahan scheduled to return to an end slot and linebacker Kawika Mitchell and rookie cornerback Aaron Ross looking like upgrades to their predecessors. One interesting item on defense is the proposed move of Mathias Kiwanuka from end to strongside linebacker. In the kicking game, there is hope that either former Chief Lawrence Tynes or former Ohio State Buckeye Josh Huston can make everyone forget about Jay Feely (Dolphins).

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Philadelphia

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 30th

SITE: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: There will be much intrigue at quarterback, where Donovan McNabb attempts to return from last year's season-ending knee injury and backups A.J. Feeley, Kevin Kolb, and Kelly Holcomb battle for the other slots on the depth chart. If second-round draft choice Kolb fares well in preseason action, brace yourself for loud debate in Eagle-land. Elsewhere on offense, free agent pickup Kevin Curtis (ex-Rams) and holdovers Reggie Brown and Hank Baskett will be counted on to compensate for the defection of Donte' Stallworth (Patriots). Last year's generally poor linebacking group has been upgraded via a trade for Takeo Spikes (ex-Bills) and the selection of Stewart Bradley (Nebraska) on the first day of the draft. Philly is also looking for 2006 third-round pick Chris Gocong, who missed all of his rookie year due to injury, to push for a starting job at LB. Up front, the Birds will seek an early impact from free agent acquisitions Montae Reagor (ex-Colts) and Ian Scott (ex-Bears), as well as a return to form for oft-injured defensive end Jevon Kearse. The 2007 starting secondary will look exactly like that of 2006 as camp begins, though the team is actively searching for a replacement for the overmatched Sean Considine at strong safety. The biggest special teams story revolves around ex-Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom, who is vying for return duties after missing all of his rookie year due to injury.

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St. Louis

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 26th, Veterans July 26th

SITE: Rams Park, St. Louis, MO

CAMP OBJECTIVES: The Rams paid close attention to revamping their defense in the offseason, and head coach Scott Linehan and coordinator Jim Haslett will look for that group to come together early in camp. Rookie lineman and first- round draft pick Adam Carriker (Nebraska), former Lions end James Hall, and ex-Panthers middle linebacker Chris Draft are among the newbies slated to step into starting roles right away. Another projected starter, cornerback Fakhir Brown, will miss four games due to a drug-related NFL suspension, thus creating an opportunity for holdover Ron Bartell and former Chief and Bronco Lenny Walls. There have been some interesting tweaks to the offense as well, with former Titan Drew Bennett immediately becoming the league's most dangerous No. 3 receiver, and ex-Dolphin Randy McMichael seeking to rehabilitate his reputation at the tight end slot. Of some concern is the fact that last year's hot-and-cold offensive line was not upgraded in the offseason, meaning Linehan should be playing special attention to the work of that unit throughout camp. New to the return game is former Chiefs standout Dante Hall, who will be looking to regain his early-career magic on the other side of the Show-Me State.

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San Francisco

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 28th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: San Francisco 49ers Complex, Santa Clara, CA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: The 49ers received high marks for upgrading their talent level in the offseason, but training camp will be critical in terms of getting all of those new faces to come together to form a cohesive whole. New coordinator Jim Hostler, who was promoted from quarterbacks coach following the departure of Norv Turner to the Chargers, will be looking to nurture a passing game that now includes ex-Seahawk Darrell Jackson in the top receiver slot and former Bronco and Falcon Ashley Lelie in the mix as well. Quarterback Alex Smith, who is expected to take a positive leap from year two to year three of his pro career, will seek greater involvement from tight end Vernon Davis and protection from new starting right tackle Joe Staley (Central Michigan). The Niners' defensive development under first-year coordinator Greg Manusky could be even more important. San Francisco will feature key new starters at cornerback (ex-Bill Nate Clements), inside linebacker (first-round draft choice Patrick Willis), strong safety (ex-Eagle Michael Lewis), and defensive tackle (ex-Raven Aubrayo Franklin), and the team needs to see those additions begin to pay dividends from the jump.

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Seattle

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 26th, Veterans July 28th

SITE: Seahawks Kirkland Headquarters, Kirkland, WA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Keeping everyone healthy will be a primary objective for a Seattle team that was nearly sunk by all its bumps and bruises in 2006. Seahawks fans shouldn't expect to see much of Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Deion Branch, or Walter Jones during the preseason. The offensive players to watch during camp will be at receiver, where D.J. Hackett and Nate Burleson will be fighting for a starting job opposite Branch, and at tight end, where the team is hoping that 35-year-old Marcus Pollard has something left after the club parted ways with Jerramy Stevens. Meanwhile, defensive coordinator John Marshall will be keeping a close eye on the safety slots, where free agent additions Deon Grant (ex-Jaguars) and Brian Russell (ex- Browns) are expected to take over. The Hawks will also be trying to get an early read on how former Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney, who the team signed to a $39.5 million deal back in March, will be able to impact the defense.

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Tampa Bay

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 26th, Veterans July 26th

SITE: Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, Lake Buena Vista, FL

CAMP OBJECTIVES: There was supposed to be a quarterback battle in Tampa Bay during the preseason, though head coach Jon Gruden effectively quashed it by placing free agent pickup Jeff Garcia ahead of incumbent Chris Simms prior to the start of camp. Garcia will have to show that he can learn another new offense, one that Gruden himself tweaked in the midst of last year's 4-12 horror show. The Bucs could have as many as three new starters on the offensive line, and will have to ensure that left tackle Luke Petitgout (ex- Giants), tight end Jerramy Stevens (ex-Seahawks), and rookie guard Arron Sears (Tennessee) are up to the task. Given the unsure state of the offense, the Bucs are counting heavily on their defense jelling during camp, which will require new blood like rookie end Gaines Adams (Clemson), tackle Kevin Carter (ex-Dolphins), and linebacker Cato June (ex-Colts) to be as good as advertised. On the injury front, both cornerback Brian Kelly (toe) and end Simeon Rice (shoulder) could be limited in the early stages of camp.

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Washington

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 27th

SITE: Redskins Park, Ashburn, VA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Though last year's offense was nothing to write home about, it was a Washington defense that was allergic to stopping opponents and making plays that was the major disappointment. To that end, the Redskins added immediate starters in middle linebacker London Fletcher-Baker (ex-Bills), rookie safety LaRon Landry (LSU), and prodigal cornerback Fred Smoot (ex- Vikings). Gregg Williams will need to integrate those players into his scheme during camp, and will also have to find a way for one of the league's worst pass-rushing teams to get to the opposing quarterback. The main storyline on offense has less to do with quarterback Jason Campbell, who begins his first year as the unquestioned starter, and more with how coordinator Al Saunders will divide the touches between running backs Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts. Betts, who took over starting duties when Portis was hurt last year, played extremely well and provided more of a between-the-tackles presence than the smaller Portis ever had. Saunders' other major training camp mission will be finding a reliable complement to Santana Moss in the receiving game, with Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and James Thrash the somewhat underwhelming candidates. On special teams, the Skins must evaluate whether journeyman Shaun Suisham can handle the kicking load, or whether they need to scan the free agent wire for a replacement.

July 19, 2007, at 12:19 PM ET

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