Archives for August 3, 2000

‘Haddad has learned during the first two weeks of training camp that the seams in the secondary are much smaller in the NFL. The cornerbacks and linebackers are bigger and faster. The defenses are more complex. The offense takes more mental preparation off the field and quicker instincts are needed after the ball is snapped. So the 5-foot-11, 184-pound Haddad has a difficult task ahead, and that calls for drastic measures. He’s throwing himself in front of the proverbial train, which is to say he’s trying to win a job in the NFL by returning punts. He’s also involved in an air-tight battle for one of the few jobs at wide receiver.’

‘Starter Rob Johnson will likely open the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Alex Van Pelt likely will follow Johnson, and Mike Cawley and Phil Stambaugh also should receive some reps. Phillips said he would decide on the rotation and playing time during meetings Wednesday night. The Bills were scheduled for a light workout starting at 9:30 a.m. today before traveling to Orchard Park for the game.’

‘The Dolphins brought in Thurman Thomas for a multitude of reasons. Even at 34, the Dolphins believe there is enough left for him to be a change-of-pace third-down back and even the occasional starter if there are injuries. But it’s no coincidence Thomas is Johnson’s roommate. "We thought Thurman would be a positive influence on James," coach Dave Wannstedt said. "All he’s got to do is watch how Thurman prepares himself for the season. I don’t think Thurman Thomas has to say anything to him. Thurman does it the right way. If you watch practice, watch him in meetings, listen to the questions he asks, it’s clear why he’s a Hall of Fame candidate."’

‘An examination of a typical day in camp for a player reveals the clock is his best friend and his worst enemy. From sunup until sundown, players have less than four hours of free time a day. The rest of the time is spent eating meals, lifting weights, rehabilitating injuries, practicing, conducting interviews with the media, signing autographs, attending meetings and studying playbooks. In Irvin’s room, three playbooks are stacked on a table, one each for defense, special teams and league and team rules. Some fun. What happened to the dancing girls? "It’s like a boot camp, certainly," says coach Wade Phillips, who has been to camp with five different teams during his 24 NFL seasons. "Most training camps I think are similar in that you have to monopolize somebody’s time to learn all the things they need to, that quickly. You have a captive audience, so to speak."’

‘With Bruce Smith and Sean Moran gone, and Marcellus Wiley recovering from back surgery, Price will play even more downs within the rotation system on the defensive line. "I’ve been waiting for this for a long time," Price said of his enhanced role.’

‘Second-year pro Keion Carpenter, who is making a strong bid to win the open free safety job, split open the middle finger on his right hand at the first joint during a punt blocking drill. The finger, which needed five stitches, was heavily taped and padded yesterday but Carpenter won’t miss tomorrow’s first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘Steve Tasker always was a special special teams player for the Buffalo Bills. Now we know how special. He is among the 27 players on the NFL’s All-Time Team. "Without a doubt, this is the greatest honor I’ve received as a football player," Tasker said yesterday from his home in Buffalo. "It’s even better than being MVP of a Pro Bowl (in 1992)."’