Jenkins New Postion: Goal-Setter

Defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins came into training camp with a few simple goals. The two biggest? Outperform his new four-year, $16 million contract, and shut up his brother.

After what he the did in the Green Bay Packers’ 13-9 preseason-opening victory Saturday night at Pittsburgh, Jenkins is off to a good start on both fronts.

Against the Steelers, Jenkins recorded two sacks — on the first, he forced and recovered a Ben Roethlisberger fumble as he stripped the quarterback just as he was about to throw — and also stuffed former Packers halfback Najeh Davenport for no gain on a third-and-1 play on Pittsburgh’s second offensive series. He also added one quarterback hurry.

Full Story: Jenkins has new position - Goal-setter - [Wisconsin State Journal]

Tomlin: His Own Brand of Steel

When I go to a training camp practice, I approach it pretty much the same way you do. You’re talking and watching and watching and talking and mentally taking notes, jotting a few things down.

And that’s how I was doing things at the Steelers’ practice at St. Vincent’s College the other day. All the while, I was scanning the field for Mike Tomlin, the Steelers’ new head coach. And I was having a hard time locating the man.

The since-departed Coach Spittle Chin was not hard to find in any circumstance. Not with the lantern jaw and the voice and the ability to exude an Al Haig “I’m in charge here,” vibe. But I wasn’t able to locate the Steelers newly minted 34-year-old head man.

Full Story: Tomlin quickly making his own brand of steel - [NBCsports.com]

Tubbs takes big step in return to Hawks

All eyes should have been on Marcus Tubbs’ left knee at Seahawks training camp Tuesday morning when the wide-bodied defensive tackle practiced for the first time.

Leave it to the former first-round draft choice to come up with a diversionary tactic.

Gone were the dreadlocks that had been his signature look during an on-going rehab from having microfracture surgery in November; replaced by a Mohawk — ala Clubber Lang, the Mr. T character from the “Rocky” series.

“It was too much maintenance, so I just wanted to go with a different look,” Tubbs said, turning to display the tapered tuft on the back of his head. “I can’t say that I’m a big Clubber Lang fan, but I like the Mohawk.”

Full Story: Tubbs takes big step in return to Hawks - [Seattle Post-Intelligencer]

Related: Seahawks DT Tubbs back on field in return from debated knee surgery - [Sporting News]

Q&A with Marcus Freeman

Tight end Marcus Freeman is a rookie free agent from Notre Dame trying to make a good impression on the Ravens coaching staff. He took center stage when he tangled with linebacker Jarret Johnson during an 11-on-11, goal-line drill that ignited the first fight of training camp.

On how the fisticuffs began: “I was scruffing with No. 95 [Johnson], and I felt a bunch of people jump on my back,” Freeman said. “I got up and I saw all these purple shirts [the defense wore purple, while the offense wore white]. I was like, ‘Where are all my teammates at?’ But it was all in fun. Nothing serious.”

Was the fight related to the hot, humid conditions that seemed to envelop McDaniel College in Westminster? “Probably a lot,” Freeman said. “Everybody gets a little ornery and tired. There’s a lot of testosterone around here, so people just get to flailing and things happen.”

Finally, I asked him to describe his development thus far in camp. “I have a long way to go, but I think I’m improving every day,” Freeman said. “It’s going well, I believe. But you definitely want to make some plays on the field and be recognized for that.”

Jenkins Impressive in Preseason Opener

Cullen Jenkins’ contract extension this offseason is starting to look like money well spent.

The Green Bay Packers’ defensive lineman, who received a four-year, $16 million deal in February, started the preseason with a flurry.

The fourth-year pro easily was the most impressive of any starter — either on offense or defense — during Saturday’s preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. In a continuation of what has been a strong training camp, the 6-foot-2, 303-pounder made three big plays, including a pair of sacks, during the limited playing time the No. 1 defense received.

Full Story: Jenkins Impressive in Preseason Opener - [PackerNews.com]

Jenkins Charges Ahead

If Cullen Jenkins were to turn to fellow defensive end Aaron Kampman for some tips on playing his relatively new position, he could count on some sage advice.

But the best guidance Jenkins has received from Kampman may have come off the field, after Jenkins signed a new multi-year contract with Green Bay in the offseason.

Set to become an unrestricted free agent this past March, Jenkins was in line for a significant pay increase, and other teams surely would have inquired. His move from defensive tackle to defensive end for the final four games last season provided a spark to the defense - including a three-sack game from Jenkins against Detroit - and that unit’s play fueled the four-game winning streak in December.

Full Story: New Deal Behind Him, Jenkins Charges Ahead - [Packers.com]

Lee Makes Bid to Start at Tight End

Nothing that Donald Lee has done in his first extended opportunity to become a starting tight end in the National Football League has disappointed the Green Bay Packers.

Some scouts might not think Green Bay has even one desirable tight end. But when the Packers’ coaches sit around each night evaluating what they do have, not one has advocated going to general manager Ted Thompson begging for another tight end.

Full Story: Breakthrough Opportunity - [Milwauke Journal Sentinel]

Dockery Back on the Field

Last week, Kevin Dockery had headaches so painful that he was kept inside his dormitory room for days and he needed to wear sunglasses because he was sensitive to light. On Monday morning he was on the practice field in pads and a helmet, chasing after receivers and diving for balls with the same fervor as before.

It took a little more than a week for Dockery, a second-year cornerback for the Giants, to recover from what a team physician called “a mild traumatic brain injury,” or a concussion.

“I don’t think we’re going to have tackling practice with him,” Coach Tom Coughlin said. “I’d like to keep his head out of the contact for a little bit, but he feels good.”

Full Story: Giants Cornerback Eager to Go Back to Work After Concussion - [New York Times]

Curry Quite a Catch

Rookie coach Lane Kiffin is challenging Ronald Curry to take his game to another level of consistency.

The Oakland Raiders’ flanker is taking the boss’ request to heart.

“I think he’s a great coach. He doesn’t take slouching from anybody,” said Curry. “He holds everybody accountable the same way, regardless of who you are. I think he brings what we’ve been needing here for the last four years.”

Full Story: Curry Quite a Catch - [Napa Valley Register]

Two Minute Drill: Sammy Joseph

Q: Growing up, what were your parents most strict about?
A: School

Q: Name the NFL receiver past or present you’d most like to compete against.
A: Tim Brown

Q: Favorite thing to pig out on?
A: Pizza

Q: What’s the best thing you did during your five weeks off before camp?
A: Ate seafood in New Orleans, LA

Full Story: Two Minute Drill: Sammy Joseph - [49ers.com]

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