NFL Capsules - AFC: Wayne and Mathis all business as Colts get started
ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) — The Colts can finally get down to business.
First-round pick Jerry Hughes signed his contract Monday. Robert Mathis put on the pads and Reggie Wayne apologized to his teammates.
Yes, it's starting to look like a Colts training camp.
"I thought about it (holding out), but it's bigger than me," Wayne said. "I had already let my teammates down once."
The contrite Pro Bowler wasn't going to let that happen again.
Wayne, who was beaten to the ball that Tracy Porter picked off and returned for the game-sealing touchdown in the Colts' Super Bowl loss to New Orleans, said he wrestled with the decision to come to camp or hold out. When he woke up Sunday morning, he thought back to the practice tapes he had been watching all summer.
"I thought it was weird not seeing No. 87 out there," Wayne said, drawing laughter. "Yes, I understand the picture, I understand all of the pictures. But I want you to understand my picture. It is what it is, and the fact is I'm still under contract. I've got two years left, and I'm going to go do my job."
That's all the Colts can ask now that their three biggest questions heading into camp have been resolved.
Mathis, like Wayne, wanted to redo the final two years on his deal. He also skipped Indy's offseason activities, including a mandatory three-day minicamp in June. But the Pro Bowl defensive end said Monday that he's content to play under his current deal.
"After a certain point, you don't let it be a distraction. You come in and take care of business," Mathis said. "I never really thought about not coming (to camp). In the end, it was about my teammates."
Hughes' situation was different.
Drafted No. 31 overall, the rookie defensive end from TCU spent most of the weekend waiting for his agent and team president Bill Polian to finish haggling over the final details of a five-year deal.
After the morning practice, coach Jim Caldwell said he expected to see Hughes in the afternoon. Hughes barely made it, arriving in time for the final 30 minutes.
"It's done," Hughes said. "All I've got to do now is look forward to playing football and helping the Colts win."
Hughes could have a big impact in this defense.
Like Mathis and Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney, Hughes is a speedy pass rusher and he could play linebacker in the scheme defensive coordinator Larry Coyer introduced last season. If the Colts find a way to put all three on the field at the same time, quarterbacks had best beware.
The Colts also got more good news.
Receiver Anthony Gonzalez and safety Bob Sanders both practiced Monday after missing almost all of last season because of injuries. For Sanders, it marked only the second time since 2006 he did not start the year on the physically unable to perform list. The other year was 2007, when he was named the NFL's defensive player of the year.
"I think the guys did a great job stepping into my place last year. They played great and it's a great team," Sanders said. "But it feels good to be back."
Especially for Wayne, who has big plans for this training camp.
"I had something planned," Wayne said when asked about how he intended to arrive at camp Sunday. "I'm not saying what it was because I may still do something. Stay tuned."
To make room for Hughes on the roster, the Colts put tight end Tom Santi on the waived-injured list.
Irsay ready to make Peyton highest-paid player
ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) — Jim Irsay won't let Peyton Manning walk away from the Colts next season — no matter the cost.
Indy's owner reiterated Monday that he intends to make Manning the NFL's highest-paid player even if it takes the prohibitive franchise tag to keep the only four-time MVP in league history in blue and white.
"The bottom line is we'll get something done and when it happens just depends," Irsay said during the Colts' first training camp practice. "I said he'd be the highest-paid player and he may already be if we go with the tag. I'd love to see him be here and break all those records as a Colt."
Irsay has never been shy about paying top dollar for his best players.
Manning signed his current deal worth $98 million in 2004. Seven other Colts — receiver Reggie Wayne, tight end Dallas Clark, defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, cornerback Kelvin Hayden and safeties Bob Sanders and Antoine Bethea — have deals worth $27 million or more.
None of those contracts will be as expensive as Manning's next, and likely last, big NFL payday.
The 34-year-old quarterback already owns a record number of MVP awards, one Super Bowl ring and one Super Bowl MVP Award. He is one of four players to throw for more than 50,000 yards, is third all-time in career TD passes with 366 and holds all of the Colts' career passing records despite playing in 14 games fewer than the previous career leader, John Unitas.
Irsay said Manning's agent, Tom Condon, and team president Bill Polian have discussed a contract extension, but the biggest obstacle so far has been the lack of a collective bargaining agreement.
"It's not going to be easy because there's probably going to be something that goes back and captures something from the uncapped year," Irsay said, referring to how this year's deals could affect future salary cap space.
There's also no guarantee that a cap or a franchise tag will be included in the next CBA, which is still being negotiated.
Irsay's hopes hit another potential pothole this week when No. 1 draft pick Sam Bradford signed a six-year, $78 million contract with St. Louis that includes a record $50 million in guaranteed money. Manning received a then-record $34.5 million signing bonus in 2004 after winning his second MVP Award.
Bradford hasn't even taken an NFL snap yet.
"It's hard to believe," Irsay said.
Manning declined to comment about his negotiations or Bradford's contract on Sunday.
But what the Colts really need Manning's next deal to provide is financial flexibility — and that may not be possible until the Colts know what they're dealing with in the CBA.
Manning has helped the Colts several times over his first 12 NFL seasons by redoing his deal to clear cap room so Polian could sign some of Manning's teammates.
So while Irsay insists he'll do whatever it takes to keep his franchise quarterback, he also knows that the best deal he could make is something that allows Manning to keep vying for Super Bowl rings.
"It (Manning's deal) is something that could get done sooner or later, but it's about making sure we can succeed and putting Peyton with the best players we can," Irsay said. "We've spent tens of millions of dollars, $50 million probably, over the cap. The bottom line is the money gets paid, but it's important to be able to keep this team together."
-- Michael Marot
Get ready, C.J. still wants Dickerson's mark, MVP
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Chris Johnson has his sights set on making NFL history.
So what if Eric Dickerson couldn't do it. Neither could O.J. Simpson, Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis nor Jamal Lewis.
That doesn't bother the Tennessee Titans running back.
Johnson missed out on Dickerson's all-time NFL rushing mark in 2009 and fell short of being named the league's MVP.
However, Johnson did become the sixth man to run for at least 2,000 yards, and he's back wanting even more history still looking for Dickerson's record of 2,105 yards rushing, MVP and to become the first man ever to run for 2,000 yards more than once.
Missing out last year has simply made the man who says he's the NFL's best running back want more.
"I'm shooting for 2,500, but I'll be happy with anything over the record," Johnson said.
Johnson wasn't very happy back in January when he didn't even receive a vote for MVP. Every All vote was split among four quarterbacks. He was voted The Associated Press' 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, but Johnson believes he can force the vote by running his way past Dickerson.
"A player never did it twice, back-to-back," Johnson said of topping 2,000 yards rushing. "I don't think they would have a choice."
Not only has a running back never run for 2,000 twice in a career, the other five to top that mark never even came close the next season. Sanders came closest in 1998, running for 1,491 yards on eight more carries than in 1997. Dickerson played two fewer games in 1985 than he did in 1984 in setting the rushing record. Davis' season ended in 1999 after four games.
The Titans have designed a few plays to take advantage of having Johnson in the same backfield with Vince Young, something that only happened in the final 10 games last season. But aren't defenses going to be more prepared for Johnson?
"It's hard to get faster," coach Jeff Fisher said.
Johnson is working with a new position coach after Kennedy Pola left July 24 for Southern California, leaving Fisher to promote Craig Johnson from quarterbacks coach to assistant head coach and running backs assistant.
The assistant coach compares Johnson's situation to the late Steve McNair trying to improve after leading the Titans to the AFC championship game after the 2002 season. McNair wound up sharing the MVP award with Peyton Manning in 2003. The coach sees room for improvement from the 5-foot-11, 191-pound Johnson because film study showed he missed more big runs in 2009.
"Maybe if he made a quicker cut here or a slower cut there. Again, we're being critical. When you get to the level he is at, you're talking about the small things, but the small things make a big difference. That is my charge for him ... to find those small things, and even if it's 2 percent better, that will make a difference," Craig Johnson said.
Johnson stayed away from the Titans this offseason wanting a long-term deal bringing him at least $30 million in guaranteed money. With the NFL in the final year of the current labor deal, the Titans wouldn't do that. They did shuffle some money due in 2012 that Johnson already had earned with his play into his paycheck for 2010.
That made him happy enough to report on time for camp.
Receiver Nate Washington, who stayed in contact with Johnson during the offseason, said the running back expects perfection from himself.
"He's not complacent with his season last year or any success he's had in the past. He wants to continue building off it. His personal success is what it is, but he's looking forward to a Super Bowl just like everybody else in this locker room is," Washington said.
Some credit for Johnson dreaming big goes to an unusual person: Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson. He insists he's the better running back, but he shared his thoughts with Johnson.
"I view myself as the best running back and the best player that's going to play this game. I told him to be able to accomplish those things you have to envision (and believe) in yourself, or it's not going to happen," Peterson said.
Johnson watched Peterson in the playoffs and calls himself a fan who's glued to the TV whenever the Vikings running back plays. But the man who fumbled only three times on a combined 408 carries or catches calls himself the NFL's top rusher and is determined to cut back even on those mistakes to avoid hurting his team more than he helps.
Fisher noted people scoffed a bit a year ago when Johnson first announced he wanted to run for 2,000 yards and win the MVP award. Not that Fisher is worried about getting Johnson to 2,000 again this year.
"Help us win more games would be very realistic," Fisher said.
A playoff berth would be a good substitute for that CJ2k again goal.
"I come up short and we make the playoffs, it's no problem."
Titans add CB to add depth, give away Bulluck's 53
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans added a healthy cornerback and released one who had been on the physically unable to perform list to help get through training camp.
They also gave out a very important jersey number.
Rookie linebacker Rennie Curran hit the field Monday afternoon wearing No. 53, the number worn for 10 years by Keith Bulluck. But Bulluck signed with the New York Giants a week ago as an unrestricted free agent. With the other roster moves Monday, Curran woke up from a nap to find 53 hanging in his locker.
"Well it's the only 50s number we've got available, and we try to get the linebackers in the 50s," coach Jeff Fisher said.
Will Witherspoon has been wearing No. 4, and Fisher said they're going to have an issue getting him into a linebacker number. Witherspoon did get Bulluck's locker, relocating just before training camp. The Titans already had given the 93 worn by end Kyle Vanden Bosch to end Jason Babin earlier this year.
"Rennie was more than willing to do the best he could to carry on with the legacy because that number has been on our practice field and game field fairly consistently the last 10 years," Fisher said.
Curran had asked for No. 53 as an inversion of the No. 35 he wore in college at Georgia. But since that number had been worn by Bulluck, who started 127 straight games, Curran didn't think he would get that jersey.
"I kind of mentioned it to the equipment guy," Curran said of switching. "He said he was going to talk to Fish. I really didn't, to tell the truth, wasn't expecting to get it just hearing the kind of man he was and hearing the kind of legacy that he left when I got here. They didn't even tell me. I just looked up and saw 53 and was like, 'Wow.'"
The Titans were so thin Sunday that Vincent Fuller, who usually plays as the fifth defensive back in passing situations or at safety, lined up at outside cornerback.
Jamar Love had been on the PUP list. He was waived-injured Monday, and the Titans worked out four cornerbacks Monday before signing Pete Ittersagen to improve numbers at the position. Ittersagen also can return punts, and he immediately started working there as well.
Cornerback Tye Hill has been sidelined the first couple days by a tight hamstring.
"Typically we're at least six, maybe seven for training camp, and we got down to four healthy ones so we just need the legs for the reps. There's an attrition factor. When the numbers start to go, they really go. If at all possible, you want to avoid adjusting practice because of your numbers," Fisher said.
NOTES: The Titans wore shoulder pads Monday for the first time in camp. The first full-padded practice will be Wednesday night, a conveniently timed practice with temperatures forecast to hit 100 degrees that day. ... Rookie Alterraun Verner got his chance Monday to work opposite Cortland Finnegan with the first-team defense. Finnegan made a nice play near the goal line to pick off Vince Young in a seven-on-seven passing drill.
-- Teresa M. Walker
NFL commissioner says Jaguars fans need to step up
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Roger Goodell's message was subtle, yet stern.
The NFL commissioner met with Jacksonville business leaders, local politicians, team officials and players Monday, getting a firsthand look at one of the league's struggling franchises. He expressed support for the small-market Jaguars, but also hinted that fans need to do more to keep the team in town.
"This is a great opportunity for this community to demonstrate their passion for this team and their passion for football," Goodell said.
Goodell's stop in Jacksonville was his latest on a tour taking him to eight NFL cities in six days. It may have been his most pointed, especially since the Jaguars blacked out nine of 10 homes games last season and became a target for potential relocation.
"We want this team to be successful and we want it to be here," Goodell said. "We just want to make sure that we're playing in front of large audiences and hopefully sold-out audiences because that's what we do expect in the NFL."
The Jaguars are hoping to turn things around this year. They sold naming rights to the stadium for the first time in three years, getting a five-year, $16 million commitment from EverBank. They sold naming right to the practice fields for the first time ever, signing a deal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida.
Although neither deal directly leads to ticket sales, the Jaguars insist its a positive sign to have local businesses backing the team.
Nonetheless, the Jaguars have significantly boosted ticket sales. They need to sell about 5,000 more season tickets to avoid more blackouts. They have an additional 5,000 tickets remaining for group sales or single-game tickets, as well as about 2,000 premium seats available.
"I think we're going to get there and we're going to erase the word 'blackout' in our community," owner Wayne Weaver said.
Although Weaver acknowledges he needs an "exit strategy" as he nears his 76th birthday, he insists he has no plans to sell or move the team. But he also realizes attendance has to improve to keep the franchise viable in one of the league's smallest markets.
The Jaguars have tried just about everything.
They didn't raise ticket prices for the third consecutive year and even cut prices in January for some seats. They offered payment plans that gave season-ticket buyers eight months to pay without any interest. They allowed fans to lock in 2010 prices for three years and make equal payments for those 30 games over 30 consecutive months, with no interest and no deposit.
They created value meals at concession stands. They offered season-ticket packages for half the games and introduced a "flex pack," which allows fans to buy tickets to any three games and save $30.
A civic group called "Touchdown Jacksonville" also stepped in and began a ticket-selling campaign to generate buzz and end speculation about the team relocating or playing games in London.
Still, they have come up short.
Weaver asked Goodell to visit in hopes of making a final push.
"I had an opportunity to talk to some of the business and political leaders this morning, talking about how I know how important this franchise is to this community and how much we appreciate their leadership in addressing tickets sales issues in an aggressive fashion," Goodell said. "And thanking them for that, but also encouraging them and challenging them that we still have a ways to go and we've got to get there."
Goodell made it clear the NFL has no plans to change its blackout policy for small-market teams and added that Los Angeles remains a desirable spot for a franchise.
"We've always said that we would like to get back to Los Angeles on the right basis, but we have to do it correctly and we have to get a stadium built," he said. "That's the challenge for us, particularly in this economy. ... We have to figure out the right solution on the stadium."
Before NFL owners approved an expansion team in Jacksonville, Goodell was one of the league officials who signed off on the River City. He said he hasn't second-guessed his decision, even though the Jaguars have blacked out 26 regular-season games since 2001.
Jacksonville had seven of the league's 20 regular-season blackouts in 2009.
"I think the team is going to continue to be successful here," Goodell said.
-- Mark Long
Third stint with Jets will be last stop for Coles
CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP) — The third time will be the final stop for Laveranues Coles.
The 32-year-old wide receiver, back with the New York Jets after two previous stints, will retire whenever this one is over — whether it's in the preseason or with a Super Bowl victory.
"This is it," Coles said Monday after the Jets' first training camp practice. "This is the last hurrah. The boat stops here, trust me."
Coles, entering his 11th season, signed a one-year contract last Friday with the team he began his career with in 2000. But both he and coach Rex Ryan acknowledged that it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be with the team even beyond training camp.
"He could get cut," Ryan said. "He could make the Pro Bowl. But I was up front with him."
Coles, who spent last season with Cincinnati after leaving New York as a free agent, will serve as insurance for Santonio Holmes — if he lasts beyond camp. Holmes was suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
"I'm a realist," Coles said. "I look at things the way it is. Of course they have a great core without me. The circumstances call for them to bring somebody else in like myself, a veteran guy, to try and help out while he's gone."
Coles signed a four-year, $28 million deal with the Bengals and then struggled, catching 43 passes for 514 yards and five touchdowns. Cincinnati released him in March, making him a free agent.
"We know at the end of the day with L.C., there is no guarantee that he makes it," Ryan said. "He may go in and have an unbelievable season where it's impossible to keep him off the field. But, I'm also realistic enough to know that Holmes comes back in Week 5, and Santonio Holmes is here. ... It's just an opportunity for us."
Coles was a fan favorite and popular presence in the locker room in his previous stints with the Jets. His jersey No. 87 — now worn by David Clowney; Coles has No. 19 after switching from No. 85 in the morning — is still seen among fans at Jets home games.
He ranks fourth in team history behind Don Maynard (627), Wayne Chrebet (580) and Al Toon (517) with 459 catches. Coles is also 35th on the NFL's career list for receptions.
"They got a chance at a trophy," Coles said. "That was one of the big things for me — being a part of a team where I can go home and I know they have a chance to win. Again, I know right now we're thinking short-term, but while I am here I'm going to give my 110 percent, and trust me, it's going to be fun."
-- Dennis Waszak Jr.
Jets take field for training camp without Revis
CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP) — Super Bowl or bust? Well, the New York Jets' big hopes might hinge upon the one player not at training camp.
And, unless a major resolution occurs soon, it could be a while before they see Darrelle Revis on the field. The All-Pro cornerback sat out the first two practices of camp Monday, locked in a contract dispute.
"We've got to get who we have ready to go," coach Rex Ryan said. "If Darrelle's not here, then we're going to move on. We won't make excuses. ... We think we'll have a great defense anyway, and I know we will. It's just a lot easier if Revis is out there."
Revis has been hailed by his coach as the best cornerback he has ever coached. He is now looking to become the highest-paid in the league at his position, seeking a deal higher than the three-year, $45.3 million extension Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha signed last offseason.
"Am I disappointed? Yes," owner Woody Johnson said. "I would like everything to be clear sailing right to the Super Bowl and we win that. Boom, boom, we're done."
Getting a contract done with Revis has turned out to be far more complicated. He is scheduled to make $1 million in the fourth year of his six-year rookie deal, which general manager Mike Tannenbaum has acknowledged Revis has outplayed. Agents Neil Schwartz and Jon Feinsod said Revis was very deliberate with the decision-making process, and his actions would speak louder than words.
By sitting out, Revis is being fined $16,523 for each day he's not with the team. He also waived a clause in his contract which would have guaranteed him $20 million over the last two years of his deal. The sticking point, both Johnson and Tannenbaum said, is the amount of total compensation — not fully guaranteed money.
"We love Darrelle," Johnson said. "We want to give him something that he's comfortable with, but also something that we are comfortable with."
Tannenbaum said Sunday that the team made three offers in the 72 hours leading up to training camp: a long-term deal that would keep him with the Jets for life, a short-term deal and a face-to-face meeting — and all were denied.
"We're going to keep trying," Johnson said. "We're going to try until we can't try anymore."
The team said Johnson told Tannenbaum to reach out to Revis' agents Monday night to reiterate their willingness to talk. Johnson again offered to be a part of any future meeting.
Dwight Lowery worked mostly with the first-team defense Monday alongside Antonio Cromartie, who was moved from right cornerback to Revis' normal left-side spot.
"We'll adjust as we go along," Lowery said. "I mean, only Darrelle can answer when he's going to be here. If he's not, we've just got to do what we need to do until he comes. It's not like he's going to be out all 17 weeks of the season."
Cromartie, acquired from San Diego in the offseason, said it was a bit strange playing on the left side of the field.
"I got comfortable with it today," he said. "It only takes about a day or two to get used to it."
Good thing, since he might be practicing there a while. But Cromartie is looking forward to teaming with Revis — at some point.
"All I can say is best of luck to all the receivers we face," he said. "We're really going to be the best tandem in NFL history, hands down, that's our goal."
Ryan added that whenever Revis returns, he'll slide right into his usual spot.
"If he signs a contract one day before the first game, Darrelle would be starting," he said. "It's as simple as that. I'd love to get him here."
Meanwhile, quarterback Mark Sanchez was a full participant in both practices, saying he's a full-go after being limited in the offseason following surgery on his left knee to repair the patella-stabilizing ligament.
"My knee feels good," he said.
Ryan is already impressed with how Sanchez looks in camp.
"He's got a command of this offense like he never had last year, even in the playoffs," Ryan said. "All that is, and you've got to tip your cap to him, the work ethic that he showed in the offseason and rehabbing himself."
NOTES: DT Kris Jenkins (hamstring) and QB Kellen Clemens (left calf) did not practice, as expected. LB-DE Jason Taylor was a full participant after not fully practicing in minicamp following offseason surgery on his right shoulder. ... Ryan was impressed by fullback John Conner, the team's fifth-round draft pick. "He took the breath out of three linebackers today," he said. "This kid's the thumper we think he is."
-- Dennis Waszak Jr.
Despite huge finish, Harrison must prove self
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — So Jerome Harrison leads the Cleveland Browns to wins in their final four games last year, breaking rushing records held by the iconic Jim Brown while gaining 286 yards in one game.
And what does he get when he returns to preseason camp? He's faced with doubts, cynics, questions and a battle for his starting job.
In the offseason, the Browns drafted a running back and also traded for one.
"I'm still not respected. That's fine with me," Harrison said in the August heat after one of the Browns' first workouts. "You just have to prove it every year. Anybody can have one good game or two good games. The goal is to put them back-to-back-to-back and just keep having them."
In just seven starts last season, the fifth-year back out of Washington State had 862 yards on 194 carries and scored five touchdowns. He was the No. 1 reason the Browns went from an offense that didn't run for a touchdown until the 13th game to the NFL's best rushing attack over the last four.
Harrison's running mate at fullback, Lawrence Vickers, was asked what calls clicked during the final month.
"Everything," he said with a laugh. "Everything they ran worked, for some reason. Maybe it was luck, maybe it was just us hitting our stride."
After gaining only 9 yards in a 13-6 win over Pittsburgh on Dec. 10, Harrison piled up 286 yards (breaking Brown's franchise mark by 49 yards) on 34 carries and scored on runs of 71, 8 and 28 yards in a 41-34 victory at Kansas City. A week later, he picked up 138 yards and a TD on a club-record 39 carries as the Browns beat Oakland 23-9. Then he closed out the season with 127 yards on 33 carries and another score in a 23-17 win over Jacksonville.
That gave Harrison 561 yards rushing over the last three games. The only NFL backs to gain more over a similar span are O.J. Simpson (twice), Walter Payton, Ricky Williams, Mike Anderson and Earl Campbell (twice).
Coach Eric Mangini, whose job was saved by the late rushing revival, described what the running game was like in the stretch run.
"It was like a flood," he said, grinning. "That's all it was. We needed to get that dam out of the way and then it flowed."
Even though Harrison was the central figure in that flood, it didn't earn him any pats on the back.
The Browns traded up to grab second-round draft pick Montario Hardesty out of Tennessee. Some have already pegged Hardesty as the guy who will start the opener on Sept. 12 at Tampa Bay, even though that prediction took a hit when Hardesty twisted his right knee two days before camp opened. Now he's rehabbing the knee, which didn't require surgery.
The club also traded with Denver to get big back Peyton Hillis, who has been one of the brightest spots during training camp. He figures to back up Vickers at fullback, see action as a receiver out of the backfield in passing situations, and to spell Harrison and Hardesty at running back.
"At this moment, they've pretty much had me do a little bit of everything," the 6-foot-2, 250-pound Hillis said in his Arkansas drawl. "They're trying to get me adjusted to a couple of positions on the team, to see where I fit in."
Meanwhile, everyone wonders if Harrison, a 5-9, 205-pound Michigan native who seldom played much until his late heroics in 2009, can do it over the long haul.
"Quit writing it!" he yelled at reporters in jest, referring to questions about his durability. "No, I don't get tired of hearing it. It's because of my size. That's just something people write about. I don't know what the heck it means. When big running backs get hurt, it's OK, it's fine, but when a little running back gets hurt, he's injury prone and this and that. You just laugh at stuff like that because it really doesn't make any sense."
Harrison, who got married this summer, teased and laughed with reporters. But it's clear that he still chafes at all the doubts swirling around him.
"He does have a chip on his shoulder," said Vickers. "This is a year where he's coming in off an amazing last year. People want to see if he's for real or not. And he's for real."
-- Rusty Miller
Jones has first day of practice with Bengals
GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP) — Pacman Jones was a celebrated first-round draft choice whose career was sidetracked for violating the NFL's personal code of conduct.
Adam Jones is just a cornerback trying to prove to the Cincinnati Bengals that the talent of "Pacman" remains, minus the baggage.
The 26-year-old Jones is attempting a comeback after sitting out all of last season when none of the league's 32 teams would take a chance on him.
"I've got a lot to work on," said Jones, following his first day of practice with the Bengals at Georgetown College. "It was my first time playing press coverage in two years, so it was a tough first day. I was on the ground way too many times. But it's good to have a first day."
Tennessee made Jones the sixth overall pick in the 2005 draft, and he started 28 games in his first two seasons with the Titans. In the last three years, however, he has played in just nine. He missed the entire 2007 season with the first of two league-mandated suspensions.
The Titans traded Jones to Dallas before the 2008 draft, but an alcohol-related altercation with a bodyguard the Cowboys provided for him cost Jones another six games and, eventually, his job.
Two workouts during this offseason showed the Bengals enough that they signed Jones in May to a two-year contract worth the league minimum. He is battling for playing time behind starters Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall in a defensive unit that ranked fourth overall in the NFL last season in yards allowed.
He's listed No. 2 on the depth chart behind Joseph, but depth charts are nothing more than names written in pencil this time of the year.
"His transition will be to play snap-after-snap football and prove that he can do that in a competitive environment all of the time," coach Marvin Lewis said. "He needs to be a disciplined player play in and play out, and execute the techniques and things we're asking him to do."
The hoopla surrounding the acquisition and arrival of free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens last week kept the spotlight away from Jones. The players were teammates in Dallas.
"He's a lot quieter," said Owens of the difference between Adam and "Pacman."
"Everybody knows their own abilities. He's been out of football for a little bit so it's going to take him some time to get his timing back, but as training camp progresses you get your timing back. When you're drafted in the first round, that tells you about your talent level. You just have to play up to those expectations."
Adam Jones, like the rest of his new teammates, walks through a row of autograph seekers after every training camp practice. There are still shouts of "Pacman" from the crowd. They bring a wry smile to Jones' face, but it's the shouts of "Adam" that catch his attention and bring him to a halt. For those people, he'll sign.
Bailey out to prove he's still one of the best
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Even at 32, perennial Pro Bowler Champ Bailey insists he's still among the best cornerbacks in the business.
Anything that Darrelle Revis, Nnamdi Asomugha or Charles Woodson can do, the Denver Broncos standout contends he can do better — or at least just as well.
Heading into his 12th season, Bailey doesn't feel like he's lost even a hint of his superior speed or a trace of his first-rate cover skills.
All he needs is for some quarterbacks to doubt him and throw the ball his way more often.
"I still can run with the best of them," Bailey asserted. "Until I do bad, then I bump myself down."
And until that time, he will consider himself one of the gold standards at defensive back, the definition of a shutdown cornerback.
"Look at my track record," he said.
Bailey has amassed quite a resume since being drafted out of the University of Georgia in 1999, making three All-Pro squads, nine Pro Bowl teams and picking off 46 passes, a total second only to safety Darren Sharper (61) during that span.
And that's with quarterbacks frequently electing to challenge his counterpart on the other side of the field, which this season should again be Andre' Goodman.
Although he's entering the final year of his contract — one that will pay him $13 million — he maintains he's not motivated by his next big contract.
"I can't control that," he said.
Bailey said he didn't mind the Broncos putting their big bucks into linebacker Elvis Dumervil's bank account. Dumervil signed a five-year, $58.332 million extension last month, leading many fans to wonder if Bailey was next in line for a huge contract extension.
Given Bailey's age and price tag, the Broncos might decide to let him go in free agency after this year.
"It's not something I think about now," Bailey said. "I'm just concentrating on getting better."
When one of the best in the business wants to get even better, he pulls out footage of fellow cornerbacks around the league.
These days, his must-watch list includes defensive backs such as Revis, a holdout with the New York Jets, and Woodson of the Green Bay Packers. New to his video library is Philadelphia's Asante Samuel.
"Samuel's style is a little different from mine, but the way he plays and makes plays, that's what I try to steal from him," Bailey explained. "(Revis), I started watching him more in the second half of the season. He's got the total package. That guy can play."
Of course, Bailey is the one all the impressionable defensive backs strive to emulate around the Broncos headquarters.
His apt pupil this season is Perrish Cox, a fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma State and the cornerback who may just be his backup in 2010.
"Champ does it so smooth, makes it look so easy — until we go out there and try it," Cox said. "It's tougher than it looks."
There's a noticeable spring in Bailey's step this summer, a vigor that wasn't quite as apparent last summer. He said that's because he's not having to learn a new scheme again.
Sure, Don "Wink" Martindale is Denver's fifth defensive coordinator in as many seasons, but he's bringing the same principles to the field after serving as linebackers coach last year.
There will be no radical changes, such as in 2009, when defensive boss Mike Nolan ushered in the era of the 3-4 at Dove Valley. And a beefier defensive line should give Bailey more chances to do what he does best: pick off passes.
Martindale is hoping quarterbacks indeed decide to test Bailey.
"He's been here forever and made a lot of great plays," Martindale said. "I love it."
Bailey also arrives at camp healthy again, no lingering groin problems to hamper him like last summer.
"Now, I'm more confident," Bailey said. "More confident about what we're doing."
In the twilight of his career, he's finding an appreciation for two-a-days, no longer loathing them like he once did.
"I won't always be this positive," Bailey said, grinning. "But it's something I've tried to train myself to do, just because I know I've got to get through it to get where I want to go."
That's back to the playoffs, where the Broncos haven't been in four seasons.
The team started out 6-0 last year but finished 8-8 in coach Josh McDaniels' rookie season.
Bailey has played in just five playoff games in his career, and never reaching the Super Bowl gnaws at him.
"Get there and don't win is not good enough. Getting in the playoffs is not good enough," Bailey said. "Getting a ring is the only thing that's going to make me satisfied with my career in this league."
-- Pat Graham
Chiefs QB Matt Cassel putting pressure on himself
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Without meaning to, a crowd of autograph-seekers gave Matt Cassel a sharp reminder of why NFL quarterbacks are smart to stay humble.
The Monday morning practice had ended and Cassel was facing a battery of microphones and television cameras. He was explaining to reporters how hard he's been working and why Kansas City's offense should be improved.
But a few yards away, backup quarterback Brodie Croyle was walking toward the locker room and fans behind the rope line began to chant, "Brod-EE! Brod-EE! Brod-EE!"
They got so loud, Cassel turned around to look.
"They're screaming Brodie's name over there," he said with a big grin. "Darn it!"
Two years ago, Croyle was the designated starter and quickly became a fan favorite with his good looks and Southern drawl. But persistent injuries ruined his season, and then came new management, new coaches and a new quarterback when general manager Scott Pioli pulled off a trade with New England — his former employer — to bring in Cassel.
Until last year, Cassel had never gone into a season as the full-time starter in the NFL, college or even high school. His first year with a team that was 2-14 the season before included 16 touchdown passes, 16 interceptions and a 55 percent completion rate. But he and the rest of the team played better in the second half and now, bolstered by new blockers and impressive new weapons, the Chiefs are hoping for a quarterback breakthrough.
"Five practices in, I'm encouraged with the direction he's going," said coach Todd Haley. "I expect it's not going to be without bumps in the road because he really is not a real experienced player in the league, any way you cut it. But he gained a great deal of experience last year."
If hard work's the trick, there'll be no stopping Cassel.
"He came into this offseason rarin' to go," said Haley. "We had to drag him out of there a couple of times. This guy likes to work."
There's hardly a play from last year that Cassel cannot recite from memory.
"I went back and watched all the film and I worked and pushed myself hard physically and mentally this offseason," Cassel said. "I know I came into this camp as prepared as I've ever been to play well. I harped on my footwork because that puts you in a good position to throw and get going."
Early in the 2009 season was when he got sacked the most and threw the most interceptions. He often showed a tendency to hold onto the ball too long. He also would miss wide-open receivers — though, in fairness, the Chiefs did lead the NFL in dropped passes.
But in the second half, Jamaal Charles emerged as one of the league's better running backs, taking pressure off Cassel and the offensive line. A rousing 44-24 victory at Denver in the season finale sent everybody into the offseason feeling better about 2010.
In addition to adding experienced blockers in center Casey Wiegmann and guard Ryan Lilja, the Chiefs have also drafted speedy rookie receiver Dexter McCluster and signed veteran running back Thomas Jones, who gained more than 1,400 yards last season with the New York Jets.
Better blocking, more weapons and a year of valuable experience should translate into a better quarterback. Cassel is happy that everyone is counting on that because he's counting on it, too.
"I think I'm more at ease with my surroundings, my people, my own teammates," Cassel said. "I think they're more comfortable with me. It's a nice feeling to have that."
Haley does not worry about his desire.
"He likes football," said the coach. "He likes talking about football. He likes practicing football. He likes doing all the things the good quarterbacks I've been around like to do.
"Now this is his opportunity to grow."
-- Doug Tucker
Routt trying to crack Raiders' starting lineup
NAPA, Calif. (AP) — Oakland cornerback Stanford Routt is tired. Tired of losing and seeing former teammates and friends playing in the playoffs while the Raiders make vacation plans.
Mostly, he's tired of spending his career as a backup.
"I just turned 27 a couple days ago so I know I'm not getting any younger," Routt said last week. "Once you get a little bit older in this league, there's a little more wear and tear on your legs so I just want to make sure I have the same foot pattern and same foot speed. I just really got back to the basics."
A 2005 second-round draft pick who came out of college as one of the fastest players in the country, Routt's career in Oakland has at times slowed to a snail's pace.
After spot-starting during his first two seasons in the NFL, Routt was a 14-game starter in 2007 before seeing his role and playing time reduced dramatically. Last year he was the Raiders' nickel back and the primary backup to both starting cornerbacks, Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson.
For long stretches, though, Routt has been the forgotten man in Oakland's defensive secondary.
Yet he remained valuable to the Raiders. So much so that the team slapped a first- and third-round tender on Routt in the offseason when he was a restricted free agent. It was the highest tag Oakland put on any of its free agents.
"It definitely feels good to be wanted, but now I have to make it so other people see the same thing," Routt said. "I want to help us get out of this rut and into the playoffs. You see your ex-teammates and friends you got drafted with get on teams and play in the playoffs and Super Bowl, and you want to see what that feels like."
Routt has been splitting time with Johnson on the first defense during the first four days of training camp. When the two practiced in full pads for the first time Monday, though, Routt stayed exclusively with the backups.
Coach Tom Cable hinted the job is up for grabs.
"That's a pretty heated competition, actually," Cable said. "(Routt) is a guy that when he's focused, he's an outstanding talent. I really felt like when he was around in the OTAs there was a much different focus about him. I see it in camp already.
"I think he probably feels like it's time and it's his time. I'm all for that because he's definitely a talented, talented guy that could help us. It's year six, so it's time."
Johnson believes the job is his to lose.
"I look at it like I am the starter," Johnson said. "Last year really wasn't a season I can be proud of, but I went home and looked at some things and worked on some things. It's going to be a better year for me this year. I came into camp as a starter and I am going to leave as a starter."
Routt spent the offseason continuing his pursuit of a degree in kinesiology. He also altered his workout, incorporating more track and field drills into his regimen.
His teammates noticed a difference, not only in Routt's physical traits but in his approach as well.
"I think we challenged him a little bit more because we wanted to see more out of him at the nickel position with the different things that we were doing," Asomugha said. "Now we're at camp and he's playing the outside corner, if he continues to build on that, you never know how it can unfold. I do get the sense he's been playing well, but you know, year six, by now you have to have it. If he doesn't have it by now, it's like, what's going on?"
Notes: WR Chaz Schilens (foot) returned to practice in a limited role and did not take part in contact drills. WR Louis Murphy (head) was held out. ... The Raiders return to their two-a-day format Tuesday, with the morning practice likely being in pads.
