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2002 camp battles: WRs airing it out

The Cardinals love MarTay Jenkins' reported sub-4.3-second speed in the 40. AP

By Bob Harris, Special to CNNSI.com

The third of a five-part series previewing some of this year's more interesting training camp battles -- both traditional and non-traditional -- from a fantasy perspective. This week: wide receivers.

Arizona Cardinals: MarTay Jenkins vs. Frank Sanders
With Rob Moore no longer in the picture and Frank Sanders showing signs of slowing down, Jenkins heads into camp this year with an excellent opportunity to win the starting job opposite David Boston.

Jenkins made the most of his chances last year by making several big plays while Sanders was slowed by hamstring injuries.

According to those who follow the team closely, the Cardinals love his speed; Jenkins is reportedly capable of covering 40 yards in well under 4.3 seconds.

Throw in the fact he's been working diligently with receivers coach Jerry Sullivan -- considered by many to be the best teacher in the business -- in order to improve his route running and concentration this offseason and it's hard not to like Jenkins.

By the way ... Jenkins has reportedly been amazing onlookers in training camp with his soft hands. "Whatever his past was supposed to be means nothing," Sullivan told the Arizona Republic. "He's playing like he's possessed."

Carolina Panthers: Isaac Byrd vs. Steve Smith
The Panthers' receiving corps remains a huge question mark. Muhsin Muhammad, two years removed from the Pro Bowl, will start at one spot, but with Patrick Jeffers still hampered by injuries the starting spot opposite Muhammad is likely to come down to a battle between Isaac Byrd and Steve Smith.

Byrd, a solid backup, has never been a full-time starter. Smith, who excelled as a rookie return man last year, insists he'll emerge as a significant offensive contributor if given the chance.

One note here: Although he recently agreed to take a $1 million cut in pay, there's no guarantee Jeffers, who has gone under the knife five times during his pro career, will remain with the team this year. If his knees don't improve, he could be released or retire.

Chicago Bears: Marcus Robinson vs. "A Series Of Major Injuries"
Although he's been the Bears' most dangerous playmaker and consistent scoring threat when healthy, Robinson hasn't made it through a full season since 1999. He missed five games in 2000, including the final four because of a lower-back injury that required surgery in July after conservative offseason treatment. That procedure sidelined the former South Carolina star all summer. Robinson was then limited to just six regular season appearances after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee.

This brings us the present. Robinson is listed at No. 4 on the depth chart and reportedly still favoring his surgically repaired knee. That surgery was performed to repair torn ACL and MCL suffered against Cincinnati in the fifth week of the season -- and less than a year after back problems limited him to 11 regular season appearances in 2000.

The good news?

Robinson practiced on consecutive days for the first time Tuesday and told the Chicago Sun-Times that his surgically repaired left knee felt fine. The veteran wideout is still limited to a Monday-Wednesday-Friday practice schedule and his goal at this point is to be ready for the team's Aug. 23 preseason game against Jacksonville.

In the meantime, Marty Booker comes off a 100-catch, breakout season in which he not only established himself as Chicago's top receiving threat, but in which he also emerged as one of the toughest players at his position in the league.

Meaning those of you wondering if Robinson's return -- not to mention the continuing development of David Terrell -- will cut into Booker's totals should quit worrying.

Booker can't outrun his speedier teammates, but the fact he caught 55 more passes than any other Chicago receiver last season makes it hard to envision anybody threatening his "go-to" status this year.

One last note here: Dez White opened camp as the starter opposite Booker with head coach Dick Jauron telling reporters: "Right now Dez is our starting end and Marty would be our flanker."

Cincinnati Bengals: T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Chad Johnson
Who vs. whom? But seriously, folks. According to Cincinnati Post staffer Kevin Goheen, Houshmandzadeh has been the most consistent wide receiver at training camp, and he will be rewarded with a start tonight. He'll line up at flanker opposite Peter Warrick at split end.

Chad Johnson and Ron Dugans also will play a lot, rotating in for the two starters and seeing action when the Bengals go to three- and four-wideout sets.

"We may keep Chad in there in the third quarter and have him do a few things,'' said Mooshagian. "Chad would play the whole game if you didn't pull him out.''

The bottom line? According to the Columbus Dispatch, Houshmandzadeh has moved ahead his old college teammate Johnson, a second round draft pick.

Denver Broncos: Kevin Kasper vs. Ashley Lelie (vs. "A Lack Of Toughness")
Despite the impressive totals posted regularly posted by starters Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey in recent seasons, the Broncos have not had a No. 3 wideout catch more than 20 passes since 1996. That should change this year with second-year man Kasper and Lelie, this year's first-round draft pick competing for the third spot.

I have Kasper penciled in as the early favorite to win the job.

Why? Because I'm having a hard time getting past the fact that Lelie's hamstrings are wound tighter than Bill Romanowski five minutes before kickoff.

Head coach Mike Shanahan insists the sore hamstring -- just the latest in a series of sore hamstrings that have slowed Lelie since early this year -- now bothering the former University of Hawaii star isn't serious, but I still have my doubts.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Patrick Johnson, Bobby Shaw & Darnay Scott vs. "Ghosts Of Receiving Corps Past"
Heading into Day 16 of Jimmy Smith's contract holdout, Florida Times-Union staffer Bart Hubbuch reported that Darnay Scott's availability is in doubt after the veteran wide receiver aggravated a shoulder sprain near the end of practice yesterday afternoon.

Scott, signed last month after his release by the Bengals, fell on his shoulder while trying to run down a deep pass along the sideline. He sprained the shoulder in practice last week, forcing him to miss a day of drills.

Scott had to be assisted by three trainers yesterday and went to the locker room with his arm heavily bandaged in ice. The Jaguars said Scott is questionabthisor thsi weekend's preseason opener at Atlanta.

Smith's absence is making an already worrisome situation even bleaker. Bobby Shaw has taken Keenan McCardell's old spot while Patrick Johnson is filling Smith's role. Scott was demoted to the No. 3 spot earlier this week.

Just for the record, I believe Smith will return in plenty of time to get things together with Mark Brunell. But I'm not sure that's going to be enough to keep Smith on the list of the NFL's most productive receivers.

Miami Dolphins: Oronde Gadsden vs. James McKnight
In an article published on July 26, South Florida Sun-Sentinel staff writer Alex Marvez reported that head coach Dave Wannstedt announced that Oronde Gadsden will open training camp as the starter opposite Chris Chambers, who is slated to replace James McKnight after a sensational rookie season.

"I think if we're honest and fair with ourselves, we go into training camp with Oronde," Wannstedt explained. "He deserves to be the starter along with Chris." Gadsden has started 49 of a possible 64 regular-season games since signing with the Dolphins in 1998.

It's worth noting, however, that as recently as June, Wannstedt wasn't sure whether Gadsden or McKnight would be relegated to the No. 3 spot. The two men had almost identical statistics last season, each catching 55 passes and scoring three touchdowns. McKnight finished with 684 yards, 10 more than Gadsden. McKnight, though, struggled with consistency and finished tied for second on the team in fumbles with three. For what it's worth, Wannstedt was encouraged by the effort put forth by the wideouts during the team's four offseason mini-camps.

"I think James McKnight and Dedric Ward are going to have outstanding years," the coach said. "And you can never sell Jeff Ogden short. We've got a nice group there. That's as strong a group as we have on the team."

New Orleans Saints: Donte' Stallworth vs. Jerome Pathon
Earlier this summer, New Orleans Times-Picayune beat writer Jeff Duncan wrote that Stallworth, who should see a steady diet of slants and crossing patterns to take advantage of his awesome running ability after the catch, looks very much like the home-run threat missing the Saints have needed to complement Joe Horn in recent seasons.

But in an article published on Aug. 2, Duncan reported that Stallworth's chances of winning the starting job opposite Horn took a hit when the youngster, already behind due to a contract holdout, injured a hamstring in a passing drill. Former Colt Jerome Pathon has moved into the No. 2 spot in Stallworth's absence while veteran Jake Reed slides up to the No. 3 spot.

And as Duncan pointed out, both moves represent a step down. Pathon still is not 100 percent after missing most of 2001 because of a foot injury, and Reed's days of striking fear in the hearts of opposing defenses are well behind him.

Philadelphia Eagles: Freddie Mitchell vs. Todd Pinkston
While James Thrash clearly emerged as the Eagles' No. 1 receiver last season, we're still waiting to see whether Mitchell or Pinkston will establish himself as the No. 2 man opposite Thrash.

Despite his rather pedestrian rookie season, the Eagles were reportedly pleased with the way Mitchell came on as the season progressed; Donovan McNabb is among them. "We expect Freddie to definitely take his game up to another level because of the experience [factor]," the star QB recently said. "Freddie, we all know he's a little `Hollywood,' but here's a guy who wants to be the best at everything he does."

Mitchell is not very big and does not possess great clock speed. His strengths are his hands and his toughness. He's not afraid to mix it up in traffic to make the catch. The former UCLA star was inconsistent last year, but did show signs of being able to play and contribute in Andy Reid's complex offense.

Pinkston is tall and can run, but his slight build will always be a detriment, especially against tough press coverage. He showed some big-play ability last season, but was also very inconsistent, going stretches where you didn't know he was out there.

Washington Redskins: Fantasy Owners vs. Steve Spurrier
Wondering which Redskin receiver has the best chance to flourish in the "Fun 'N Gun"? Well ... since Steve Spurrier's scheme favors quick-hitting, precise routes, Jacquez Green, who starred while working under the same scheme at Florida, seems to be the most ideal fit.

However, second-year pro Rod Gardner is the most talented receiver on the roster and has the best chance to make a big play with his deceptive speed and strength. And confusing matters even further is the presence of Kevin Lockett, a guy the Sports XChange recently cited as the player to watch at this spot.

My suggestion would be to exercise caution. The fact is this offense is liable to use make fairly liberal use of at least four wideouts on a weekly basis.

There you have it, boys and girls. Check back next week for a preview of this year's most intense preseason battles at tight end.

Bob Harris is Editor and Webmaster of the TFL Report and Senior Editor for Fantasy Sports Publications.

 

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