Training Camp Preview: NFC East

2012-07-23 10:55:06
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
RealTime Fantasy Sports

Romo under some pressure

This is the fifth of eight training camp previews that will be released before the start of camps. We'll give you a team-by-team look at some things to watch as camps get ready to open.

Eagles

The Eagles took a bit of a step backwards last season, failing to live up to very high expectations. The expectations aren't nearly as high this season, which could be a good thing. The talent is there, especially on the offensive side of the ball, for big things with this squad. Philadelphia looks to right the ship for 2012 starting July 23 at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Penn.

Position battle: The Eagles have some receiver spots to sort out after their two starters, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. There are three guys competing for playing times - Jason Avant, Riley Cooper and rookie Marvin McNutt. How that shakes out on the depth chart could be something to watch for fantasy teams in this pass-first offense. The No. 3 and 4 receiver could get a lot of targets for the Eagles. Avant is likely to have one of those spots but it should be a good competition between Cooper and McNutt for that last spot.

Injury watch: Michael Vick isn't hurt but his health is always something to watch as he takes a beating more so than your normal quarterback. Vick can be a fantasy force when healthy, though, so he should be closely monitored. The Eagles likely will play it safe with Vick until the start of the season, limiting his reps in preseason action.

Giants

The defending Super Bowl champs will have a big bull's eye on their chests this season as teams look to knock them down from their throne. The return much of the core team that won it all, so things are looking good for the Giants in 2012. But as you all know, it is no easy task to repeat in the NFL. New York will have their work cut out for them to win another title. The Giants start their quest for another Super Bowl on July 27 at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, N.Y.

Position battle: With Brandon Jacobs gone, the Giants are looking for a backup running back for Ahmad Bradshaw. And with the injury history of Bradshaw, the backup carries plenty of value for fantasy teams. The two candidates for the job are rookie David Wilson and Danny Ware. Wilson is the favorite for the job but the rookie won't be handed anything. He'll have to earn the job by beating out Ware, who has plenty of experience in the offense.

Injury watch: Hakeem Nicks broke his foot during offseason workouts. He might not be healthy enough for the start of the season but the Giants aren't ruling him out just yet. There is a chance Nicks could be ready for Week 1. Either way, he isn't going to miss an extended period of time because of the injury. Just be prepared for him to start a little slow because of the injury, so his numbers could suffer some early.

Cowboys

Dallas is always a team that carries a ton of interest, which is why they'll be closely monitored by many during training camp. This might be a make or break year for the current coaching staff as well as starting quarterback, Tony Romo. Big things are expected from the Cowboys - as always - so the pressure is on for the Cowboys not only to make the playoffs but make a run to the Super Bowl. Dallas begins camp July 30 at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Position battle: With Laurent Robinson gone, the Cowboys have a big opening at the No. 3 receiver spot. Competing for that job are Kevin Ogletree, Dwayne Harris and Danny Coale. The job is pretty wide open so it is anyone's guess who will win the job. Ogletree might have the upperhand for the job but he won't be handed anything based off experience.

Injury watch: Tony Romo isn't returning from major injury but missed some time last year and could be in a make or break year for him with the Cowboys. There is a lot of pressure on Romo to take his team to another level. Romo will need to make sure he is on his game and ready to play at a high level for the coming season. He'll need to make sure his health isn't an issue going into the year.

Redskins

The Redskins are an interesting team for the coming season. They have a new franchise quarterback in place (Robert Griffin III) and plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. The big issue might be getting this team to come together for 2012 with so many new faces and rookies expected to play a big role with the Redskins. Coach Mike Shanahan might have his work cut out for him to get this team ready to compete for a playoff spot. Shanahan gets a look at his squad, beginning July 26 at Redskins Parkin Ashburn, Va.

Position battle: Roy Helu really took over down the stretch and performed at a high level for the Redskins in a starting role his rookie season. But the Redskins aren't just handing him the starter's job for 2012. The brought back Tim Hightower as competition for the starting job. Hightower played well before tearing his ACL last season and seemed a pretty good fit for the offense. Helu has a ton more upside, though, so it makes much more sense for him to start.

Injury watch: Tim Hightower is another player returning from a torn ACL. He was hurt early last year and has a good chance to be 100 percent for the start of the season. Hightower should be ready for camp but you'll want to track his progress to make sure he doesn't have any setbacks. He'll compete for the starting job with Roy Helu.

If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com

Fantasy Football Player Notes RSS FeedPLAYER NOTES

Dwayne HarrisMay 23 10:14a

Dallas Cowboys WR Dwayne Harris is considered the front-runner for the No. 3 wide receiver job behind WRs Miles Austin and Dez Bryant, and it is believed WR Terrance [ More ]

Andy DaltonMay 23 10:04a

Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton has, during organized team activities, been focusing on improving the trajectory and accuracy of his throws while working with quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese. Dalton [ More ]

Louis MurphyMay 23 10:03a

New York Giants WR Rueben Randle is listed as the No. 3 receiver on the depth chart over WR Louis Murphy.

Jerrel JerniganMay 23 09:54a

New York Giants WR Jerrel Jernigan has shown progress as Victor Cruz remains absent from OTAs. WR Hakeem Nicks said his teammate has been adjusting well to the slot [ More ]

Thaddeus LewisMay 23 09:23a

The Cleveland Browns signed free-agent WR Tori Gurley (Ravens) and waived QB Thaddeus Lewis.

Johnny JollyMay 23 08:22a

Green Bay Packers DE Johnny Jolly is expected to return to the team next week and begin participating in OTAs after completing a court-ordered drug treatment program.

Aaron CurryMay 22 11:53p

New York Giants LB Aaron Curry admitted that the money he earned as a high draft pick changed him and he lost his motivation, ultimately leading to his trade [ More ]

Dan ConnorMay 22 11:53p

New York Giants LBs Mark Herzlich, Spencer Paysinger and Keith Rivers were the starting linebackers during organized team activities (OTAs) Wednesday, May 22, with LBs Dan Connor, Aaron Curry [ More ]

Chris SneeMay 22 11:53p

New York Giants C David Baas (undisclosed), OG Chris Snee (hip), CB Terrell Thomas (knee) and LB Jacquian Williams (knee) did not take part in team drills during organized [ More ]

Jason FoxMay 22 11:53p

Detroit Lions OT Jason Fox served as the first-team right tackle, and OT Riley Reiff worked as the first-team left tackle, Wednesday, May 22, during organized team activities (OTAs).

Chris GreenwoodMay 22 11:53p

Detroit Lions CB Chris Greenwood (abdominal) was able to practice Wednesday, May 22, during organized team activities (OTAs). He missed last season due to an abdominal injury.

Reggie BushMay 22 11:53p

Detroit Lions RB Reggie Bush was used as a punt returner during organized team activities (OTAs) Wednesday, May 22. WR Terrence Austin, WR Patrick Edwards, RB Steven Miller, WR [ More ]

Nate BurlesonMay 22 11:53p

Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (leg) showed quickness during organized team activities (OTAs) Wednesday, May 22. He has also lost weight, dropping from 198 to 192 pounds to add speed.

Dylan GandyMay 22 11:53p

Detroit Lions C Dylan Gandy saw first-team reps during organized team activities (OTAs) Wednesday, May 22. He has a chance to replace the departed OL Stephen Peterman (Jets), but [ More ]

Hakeem NicksMay 22 10:13p

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks did not show up to practice Wednesday, May 22, because he is unhappy with his contract situation, a source indicated. Nicks did not [ More ]

Justin TuckMay 22 10:13p

New York Giants DE Justin Tuck, a free agent at season's end, said Wednesday, May 22, that he wasn't thinking about his future with the team, or how he [ More ]

Randy MossMay 22 08:33p

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said the team isn't considering re-signing WR Randy Moss after learning that WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles') tore his Achilles' Wednesday, May 22. [ More ]

Charles WoodsonMay 22 08:13p

Oakland Raiders CB Charles Woodson (collarbone) said he expects to play the same safety role he moved to with the Green Bay Packers late in his career. Also, he [ More ]

Michael VickMay 22 07:23p

Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick, who held onto the ball for an average of 3.07 seconds last year, will likely have to change in order to be successful in [ More ]

Mark SanchezMay 22 06:13p

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan said he was disappointed with QB Mark Sanchez after he threw three interceptions during organized team activities Wednesday, May 22. 'Yeah, it [ More ]

Michael CrabtreeMay 22 05:53p

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said he does not think WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles') will miss the entire 2013 regular season.

Tim TebowMay 22 05:43p

Ron Jaworski, part owner of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League, said he is serious about his interest in signing free-agent QB Tim Tebow (Jets) to his [ More ]

Brandon GibsonMay 22 05:13p

Miami Dolphins WR Brandon Gibson lined up as the slot receiver when the team used three-receiver sets during organized team activities Tuesday, May 21.

Rokevious WatkinsMay 22 05:13p

St. Louis Rams OG Rokevious Watkins has been suspended for the first game of the 2013 season for violating the NFL's policy for substances of abuse.

Brent GrimesMay 22 05:03p

Miami Dolphins WR Brian Hartline, WR Brandon Gibson and CB Brent Grimes worked as punt returners during organized team activities Tuesday, May 21. Head coach Joe Philbin did not [ More ]

Aaron WilliamsMay 22 04:33p

Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said FS Aaron Williams has done well in his transition from cornerback to safety. 'He's doing a nice job, and that's a difficult [ More ]

Michael CrabtreeMay 22 04:13p

Updating previous reports, San Francisco 49ers WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles') has undergone surgery to repair his torn Achilles' tendon.

Michael CrabtreeMay 22 04:13p

Updating a previous report, doctors believe San Francisco 49ers WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles') will miss six months because of his torn Achilles' tendon. Doctors have recommended that Crabtree undergo surgery as soon as possible.

Jameel McClainMay 22 03:53p

Baltimore Ravens LB Jameel McClain (spine) and CB Lardarius Webb (knee) were limited to individual drills during organized team activities Wednesday, May 22.

Jeremy EbertMay 22 03:53p

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed free-agent WR Jeremy Ebert (Patriots). Terms of the contract were not disclosed. In a corresponding move, the team waived DT Jeris Pendleton.

Stephen HillMay 22 03:43p

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan said WR Stephen Hill (knee) did not participate in organized team activities Wednesday, May 22, because of swelling in his knee.

Mark SanchezMay 22 03:33p

New York Jets QBs Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith both struggled during organized team activities Wednesday, May 22, with Sanchez completing only six of his 11 passes, including three [ More ]

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