The Start

Today is the start of training camp.  Players report and two-a-days start tomorrow.  A time for optimism and a time for new hope.  A time to realize this hot summer will finally be over soon (hot in this part of the US at least).

Football is upon us, and finally I can stop constantly praying that George Bush loses in November.  I just wish the Jets will not be losing much in November.

Let's get started:

Wayne Chrebet and (what a shock) John Abraham may be limited during most, if not all, of two a days during this training camp.  Chrebet is coming off very bad concussion problems and Abraham off groin surgery.  (Let's hope that surgery didn't involve an implant).  Anyway, Chrebet is telling everyone that he is healthy but "doesn't want to end his career on the practice field".  If he believes he is that close to losing his career, than maybe Wayne should think about calling it a career.  But I don't want to get in the habit of telling players when and when not to retire.

Brooks Bollinger and Ricky Ray will start training camp as Pennington's backup.  Those two have names that sound like they should be in a boy band somewhere.  Remember 1999, Parcells took a big gamble going into the season without a capable backup, and it hurt the team in the long run.  If you don't learn from history, you are destined to repeat it.

My favorite pick, Jerricho Cotchery, is getting ready to report to camp.  I will try to update you on his progress this training camp.  I'm optimistic that he can make the team and contribute.

I'm always skeptical of coaches that change their demeanor or way of doing things in the middle of their run with a team.  It screams to me as desperation sometimes.  This is from Rich Cimini today:

According to several players, Edwards is more business-like than ever, showing a more authoritative side. They expect a more intense camp than the previous three, if not a more physically demanding one. "This," Edwards said, "will be the best camp we've had competition-wise."