As training camps open around the National Football League, questions linger everywhere. Can Green Bay repeat? How will New England be without coach Bill Parcells? How many games can the Jets win, even with him? Can Mike Ditka turn around the Saints? The answers will begin to take shape in training camp. Tribune NFL reporter Don Pierson takes a team-by-team look at the issues teams are facing as they prepare for regular season openers Labor Day weekend.
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EAST
ARIZONA CARDINALS
1996 Record: 7-9.
Coach: Vince Tobin
Training site: Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Ariz.
Veterans report: July 17.
Key additions: TE Chris Gedney, No. 1 draft choice CB Tom Knight, rookie QB Jake Plummer.
Key subtractions: QB Boomer Esiason, offensive coordinator Jim Fassel.
Comment: Popular selection of Plummer threatens to backfire as Plummer received two years probation on a sexual abuse case. Tobin must come up with better defense than one that gave up more points than any other team in division. Can Kent Graham justify release of Esiason?
DALLAS COWBOYS
1996 Record: 10-6
Coach: Barry Switzer
Training site: St. Edward’s University, Austin, Texas.
Veterans report: July 18.
Key additions: WR Anthony Miller, No. 1 draft choice tight end David LaFleur.
Key subtractions: PK Chris Boniol, P John Jett, S George Teague, LB Darrin Smith, LB Godfrey Myles, LB Jim Schwantz.
Comment: Circus atmosphere of past training camps is expected to wane as Cowboys get serious about regaining lost glory. But distractions still lurk. Michael Irvin claims he wants a trade. Deion Sanders is still playing baseball. Free agent attrition continues and Charles Haley and Jay Novacek appear lost to injury, putting heavier load than ever on Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman.
NEW YORK GIANTS
1996 Record: 6-10.
Coach: Jim Fassel.
Training site: State University at Albany, Albany, N.Y.
Veteran report: July 17.
Key additions: Fassel, No. 1 draft pick WR Ike Hilliard.
Key subtractions: WR Lawrence Dawsey, DT Ray Agnew.
Comment: Fassel has his work cut out for him in development of QB Dave Brown, lowest-rated passer in NFC. Giants had 30th-ranked offense in NFL even though they have spent 10 of last 11 first draft picks on offense. Training camp question: can Fassel get name in paper working same town as Bill Parcells?
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
1996 Record: 10-6
Coach: Ray Rhodes
Training site: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.
Veterans report: July 19.
Key additions: PK Chris Boniol, LB Darrin Smith, C Steve Everitt, WR Michael Timpson, G Ian Beckles, WR Russell Copeland.
Key subtractions: DE William Fuller, G Lester Holmes, C Raleigh McKenzie, PK Gary Anderson.
Comment: Rodney Peete beat out Ty Detmer last training camp, then got hurt. Can he do it again? Signing Boniol and Smith from Cowboys is latest ploy in trying to catch nemesis.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
1996 Record: 9-7
Coach: Norv Turner
Training site: Frostburg State, Frostburg, Md.
Veterans report: July 18.
Key additions: Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, CB Cris Dishman, QB Jeff Hostetler, S Jesse Campbell, DE Chris Mims, WR Alvin Harper.
Key subtractions: CB Tom Carter, DE Sterling Palmer.
Comment: Redskins claim their defense is better off with Dishman instead of Carter, a sentiment the Bears don’t share. New defensive plans under ex-Giant Nolan depends on unhappy underachiever Sean Gilbert and two rookies, Kenard Lang and Greg Jones.
CENTRAL
CHICAGO BEARS
1996 Record: 7-9
Coach: Dave Wannstedt
Training site: University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, Wis.
Veterans report: July 16.
Key additions: QB Rick Mirer, CB Tom Carter, WR Ricky Proehl, KR Tyrone Hughes, offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh.
Key subtractions: C Jerry Fontenot, S Mark Carrier, CB Donnell Woolford, RB Robert Green, WR Michael Timpson, LB Joe Cain, DE Albert Fontenot.
Comment: Few teams experience greater turnover. Avoiding injury epidemic, developing Mirer, rebuilding defense, and choosing between tailbacks Rashaan Salaam and Raymont Harris are on Wannstedt’s summer agenda.
DETROIT LIONS
1996 Record: 5-11
Coach: Bobby Ross
Training site: Saginaw Valley State, Saginaw, Mich.
Veterans report: July 17.
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Key additions: Ross, QB Frank Reich, P John Jett, S Mark Carrier.
Key subtractions: Coach Wayne Fontes, LB Pepper Johnson, S Bennie Blades, OT Zefross Moss, WR Brett Perriman, DT Henry Thomas.
Comment: Under Fontes, the Lions had a much easier training camp experience than they expect under Ross. Whether this culture shock will revive or kill players is the question of training camp.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
1996 Record: 13-3
Coach: Mike Holmgren
Training site: St. Norbert University, DePere, Wis.
Veterans report: July 11.
Key additions: S Brad Edwards, WR Qadry Ismail, S Derrick Hoskins, QB Steve Bono.
Key subtractions: KR Desmond Howard, TE Keith Jackson, WR Andre Rison, DE Sean Jones, QB Jim McMahon, LB Ron Cox.
Comment: Distractions should be at a minimum as Packers try to become the seventh team to repeat as Super Bowl champs. However, replacing offensive contributors Howard, Jackson, and Rison puts extra burden on two-time MVP Brett Favre.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
1996 Record: 9-7
Coach: Dennis Green
Training site: Mankato State, Mankato, Minn.
Veterans report: July 15.
Key additions: QB Randall Cunningham.
Key subtractions: QB Warren Moon, DE Martin Harrison, WR Qadry Ismail.
Comment: Green survived personal scrutiny and continuing turnover at quarterback to make playoffs for fourth time in five years. The development of a young defense is the key to success this year. They will try to get the ball more to David Palmer.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
1996 Record: 6-10
Coach: Tony Dungy
Training site: University of Tampa.
Veterans report: July 20.
Key additions: No. 1 draft choices RB Warrick Dunn and WR Reidel Anthony, LB Rufus Porter, QB Steve Walsh.
Key subtractions: LB Lonnie Marts, WR Courtney Hawkins, G Ian Beckles, WR Alvin Harper.
Comment: How rapid Dungy develops seven No. 1 draft choices over the last four years will tell whether Bucs are ready. Dunn and Anthony need to provide immediate spark for lowest-scoring offense.
WEST
ATLANTA FALCONS
1996 Record: 3-13
Coach: Dan Reeves
Training site: Falcons Complex, Suwanee, Ga.
Veteran report: July 16.
Key additions: Reeves, QB Chris Chandler, CB Ray Buchanan, S William White, WR Michael Haynes.
Key subtractions: FB Craig Heyward, WR Eric Metcalf, S Patrick Bates.
Comment: Reeves jumps from 30th offense with Giants to 29th defense with Falcons. A modest goal will be to beat buddy Mike Ditka and his Saints out of last place in the division.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
1996 Record: 12-4
Coach: Dom Capers
Training site: Wofford College, Spartanburg, S.C.
Veterans report: July 18.
Key additions: LB Micheal-THAT’S CORRECT SPELLING- Barrow, WR Ernie Mills, DE Ray Seals, DT Ray Agnew.
Key subtractions: FB Howard Griffith, WR Willie Green.
Comment: The injury rehabilitation of last year’s top draft choices, RB Tshimanga Biakabutuka and WR Muhsin Muhammad, should provide a huge boost for a team that needs only a slight nudge.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
1996 Record: 3-13
Coach: Mike Ditka
Training site: University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, LaCrosse, Wis.
Veterans report: July 18.
Key additions: Ditka, QB Heath Shuler, WR Andre Hastings, WR Randal Hill, C Jerry Fontenot.
Key subtractions: QB Jim Everett, WR Michael Haynes, WR Torrance Small, FB Lorenzo Neal, LB Rufus Porter, KR Tyrone Hughes, CB Mark McMillian, DE Fred Stokes, WR Haywood Jeffires, S Sean Lumpkin, S Derrick Hoskins, TE Henry Lusk.
Comment: After four years away, Ditka has stirred the pot but promises to stay calm on the sidelines. Quarterbacks have been his downfall. Can either Shuler or Da Coach save a floundering team?
ST. LOUIS RAMS
1996 Record: 6-10
Coach: Dick Vermeil
Training site: Western Illinois University, Macomb, Ill.
Veterans report: July 17.
Key additions: Vermeil, No. 1 draft choice OT Orlando Pace, FB Craig Heyward, PK Jeff Wilkins, OT Ernest Dye, WR Torrance Small.
Key subtractions: OT Leo Goeas, QB Steve Walsh, LB Carlos Jenkins, G Dwayne White.
Comment: Vermeil has more talent at his disposal than most new coaches and a track record of getting the most out of his players. Whether he can salvage last year’s top draft choice, RB Lawrence Phillips, will bear watching.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
1996 Record: 12-4
Coach: Steve Mariucci
Training site: Sierra Community College, Rocklin, Calif.
Veterans report: July 19.
Key additions: Mariucci, RB Garrison Hearst, G Kevin Gogan, LB Jim Schwantz, PK Gary Anderson.
Key subtractions: Coach George Seifert, QB Elvis Grbac, PK Jeff Wilkins.
Comment: A retooling of the offensive line is designed to keep QB Steve Young healthier. Hearst is supposed to finally replace Ricky Watters. Mariucci has huge shoes to fill and won’t get much time to grow into them.
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EAST
BUFFALO BILLS
1996 Record: 10-6
Coach: Marv Levy
Training site: Fredonia State, Fredonia N.Y.
Veterans report: July 11.
Key additions: QB Billy Joe Hobert, No. 1 draft choice RB Antowain Smith.
Key subtractions: QB Jim Kelly, LB Mark Maddox, WR Russell Copeland.
Comment: The post-Kelly era already is off to a rocky start, with season ticket sales plummeting to a 10-year low. Levy, 72 in August, will try to pick up the pieces as the oldest coach since George Halas.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
1996 Record: 9-7
Coach: Lindy Infante
Training site: Anderson College, Anderson, IN.
Veterans report: July 17.
Key additions: CB Carlton Gray, DE Albert Fontenot, No. 1 draft pick OT Tarik Glenn, S Robert Blackmon.
Key subtractions: CB Ray Buchanan, DT Tony Siragusa.
Comment: Shoring up an offensive line that was injured and left QB Jim Harbaugh vulnerable is the priority this summer. Rookies must produce. Replacing Buchanan is a challenge.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
1996 Record: 8-8
Coach: Jimmy Johnson
Training site: Nova University, Davie, Fla.
Veterans report: July 11.
Key additions: S George Teague, CB Corey Harris, WR Lawrence Dawsey, No. 1 draft pick WR Yatil Green.
Key subtractions: WR Randal Hill, S Louis Oliver, CB J.B. Brown.
Comment: Johnson promises improvement after disappointing debut. Dan Marino’s health approaching age 36 is now an annual concern. Johnson wants to simplify playbook.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
1996 Record: 11-5
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Coach: Pete Carroll
Training site: Bryant College, Smithfield, R.I.
Veterans report: July 16.
Key additions: Carroll, No. 1 draft choice CB Chris Canty, OT Zefross Moss, CB Steve Israel, DT Henry Thomas.
Key subtractions: Coach Bill Parcells.
Comment: Parcells got a lot of credit for taking the Patriots to the Super Bowl last year. The Patriots are liable to set out to prove he got more credit than he deserved. Carroll must improve Parcells’ specialty, defense.
NEW YORK JETS
1996 Record: 1-15
Coach: Bill Parcells
Training site: Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y.
Veterans report: July 18.
Key additions: Parcells, FB Lorenzo Neal, LB Pepper Johnson.
Key subtractions: PK Nick Lowery, S Lonnie Young, QB Frank Reich, RB Ron Moore.
Comment: Parcells should be able to win one or two games just by standing on sideline. Neil O’Donnell must come through at QB and receivers Keyshawn Johnson and Wayne Chrebet must either get along or Chrebet will be moving along.
CENTRAL
BALTIMORE RAVENS
1996 Record: 4-12
Coach: Ted Marchibroda
Training site: Western Maryland College, Westminster, Md.
Veterans report: July 18.
Key additions: DE Michael McCrary, DT Tony Siragusa, No. 1 draft pick LB Peter Boulware.
Key subtractions: OT Tony Jones, C Steve Everitt, S Eric Turner.
Comment: Improving the 30th-ranked defense is first priority of Marchibroda, who worked his offensive magic by turning Vinny Testaverde into quarterback of third-ranked offense.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
1996 Record: 8-8
Coach: Bruce Coslet
Training site: Georgetown College, Georgetown, Ky.
Veteran report: July 17.
Key additions: QB Boomer Esiason, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.
Key subtractions: RB Garrison Hearst.
Comment: Expectations are high after Coslet’s 7-2 finish. The arrival of LeBeau from Pittsburgh to revamp the 25th-ranked defense is a welcome sight. Can Ki-Jana Carter finally live up to billing?
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
1996 Record: 9-7
Coach: Tom Coughlin
Training site: ALLTEL Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.
Veterans report: July 18.
Key additions: CB Deon Figures, No. 1 draft choice DT Renaldo Wynn.
Key subtractions: Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, CB Mickey Washington.
Comment: Coughlin figures another year of maturity for young AFC finalists will put his team squarely in the thick of things. They had the league’s top passing offense. Wynn should help the pass rush.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
1996 Record: 10-6
Coach: Bill Cowher
Training site: St. Vincent College, Latrobe. Pa.
Veterans report: July 17.
Key additions: CB Donnell Woolford, CB J.B. Brown, DT Nolan Harrison, WR Courtney Hawkins.
Key subtractions: LB Chad Brown, CB Willie Williams, CB Deon Figures, CB Rod Woodson, DE Ray Seals, WR Ernie Mills, WR Andre Hastings, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.
Comment: No team was hit harder by free agent losses. Cowher has not made Kordell Stewart his official No. 1 QB yet, but he will have to play himself out of the position in preseason.
TENNESSEE OILERS
1996 Record: 8-8
Coach: Jeff Fisher
Training site: Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tenn.
Veterans report: July 18.
Key additions: LB Lonnie Marts, QB David Krieg.
Key subtractions: LB Micheal Barrow, CB Chris Dishman, QB Chris Chandler, offensive coordinator Jerry Rhome.
Comment: The long-awaited debut of QB Steve McNair is the story of the summer for the Oilers. Fisher will try to get running backs Eddie George and Rodney Thomas in the same backfield.
WEST
DENVER BRONCOS
1996 Record: 13-3
Coach: Mike Shanahan
Training site: Northern Colorado University, Greeley, Colo.
Veterans report: July 16.
Key additions: OT Tony Jones, OT Harry Swayne, DE Neil Smith, FB Howard Griffith, WR Willie Green, LB Godfrey Myles, CB Darrien Gordon, Flipper Anderson.
Key subtractions: WR Anthony Miller, OT Gary Zimmerman.
Comment: Extremely active in free agency, Broncos are determined to pick up where they left off after disappointing first-round playoff loss to Jacksonville. QB John Elway is 37.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
1996 Record: 9-7
Coach: Marty Schottenheimer
Training site: University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, Wis.
Veterans report: July 18.
Key additions: QB Elvis Grbac, LB Terry Wooden, No. 1 draft choice TE Tony Gonzales, WR Brett Perriman, S Kevin Ross.
Key subtractions: DE Neil Smith, S William White, QB Steve Bono, S Mark Collins, S Brian Washington.
Comment: Yet another 49er quarterback will try to get the Chiefs over the hump after Joe Montana and Steve Bono did their best. The loss of Smith changes pass rush role for Derrick Thomas.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
1996 Record: 7-9.
Coach: Joe Bugel.
Training site: Napa Valley Marriott, Napa, Calif.
Veterans report: July 19.
Key additions: QB Jeff George, WR Desmond Howard, S Eric Turner, G Lester Holmes, No. 1 draft choice DE Derrick Russell.
Key subtractions: QB Billy Joe Hobert, QB Jeff Hostetler, G Kevin Gogan, LB Mike Jones, DT Nolan Harrison.
Comment: High profile additions George and Howard lend pizazz to recently dull team. George is supposed to revive the “vertical passing game,” but Howard failed as a receiver with three other teams.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
1996 Record: 7-9
Coach: Dennis Erickson
Training site: Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Wash.
Veterans report: July 15.
Key additions: LB Chad Brown, CB Willie Williams, S Bennie Blades, QB Warren Moon, LB Joe Cain, CB Jeremy Lincoln, DT Marc Spindler, S Tim Hauck, DE Martin Harrison, No. 1 draft picks CB Ron Springs and OT Walter Jones.
Key subtractions: QB Rick Mirer, CB Carlton Gray, LB Terry Wooden, CB Corey Harris, WR Ricky Proehl, DE Michael McCrary, S Robert Blackmon.
Comment: This team made the most dramatic changes of the offseason, landing the top free agent in Chad Brown and two of the first six draft picks in Springs and Jones. Much of it was thanks to the Bears, who paid a No. 1 for Mirer. Stay tuned.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
1996 Record: 8-8
Coach: Kevin Gilbride.
Training site: University of California-San Diego, LaJolla, Calif.
Veterans report: July 18.
Key additions: DE William Fuller, C Raleigh McKenzie, WR Eric Metcalf, QB Jim Everett.
Key subtractions: Coach Bobby Ross, C Courtney Hall, CB Darrien Gordon, OT Harry Swayne, QB Sean Salisbury, DE Chris Mims.
Comment: Gilbride brings reputation for explosive offense to 26th-ranked offense. Metcalf will help, but the team is still searching for a replacement for RB Natrone Means, who ironically helped Gilbride in Jacksonville.
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