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- Training Camp Battles Q&A Part 2

Chris Pokorny July 30, 2006
Chris Pokorny
PFC Owner & Writer

Tell Chris your opinion.

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Training camps are now in session around the league. One of the biggest concerns heading into camp is the belief that somebody will get hurt during a time when it "doesn't count". An example of this was seen this past weekend with the Cleveland Browns, when they lost Pro Bowl center LeCharles Bentley for the entire season. On top of Bentley, players like Steve Smith, Marcus Spears, Craig Nall, and Fred Taylor have all suffered an injury of some sort already. They will not be held out for the regular season, but any injury during "practice" is one of the most frustrating things the fans and an organization has to deal with.

Besides the injuries, training camp is definitely necessary. Granted, I believe the veterans should be able to relax more than the youngsters, because there is no point in having them wear down their body if the coaches already know their capabilities. Last week, I asked you to comment on some more of the training camp issues, as well as the ongoing events in the NFL right now. You responded, and here's what you had to say (once again, my responses will be below the questions in italics):

Christopher wrote:
"Holcomb would do the best job? You have to be kidding, please see the Bills final game against the Jets last year and tell me that guy has any promise at all. It's either Losman, or Brady Quinn in the draft. Personally, I think Losman will be fine if they just play him, let him learn."
I definitely understand the case that young quarterbacks sometimes need time to develop. People like David Carr in Texas, and even Tim Couch in Cleveland were given time to develop with their team. On the other hand, Losman was forced to sit on the bench his first season. After he struggled to begin the second season, the Bills yanked him. However, the problem with Losman is that he was having almost zero success at first. Losman was struggling to pick up a first down even. When Kelly Holcomb entered the game, he did make mistakes, but he also made a lot more plays than Losman did. Holcomb is definitely not a long-term answer, but quite frankly, I'm not so sure Losman is either. I remember the final game against the Jets too, and if I'm not mistaken, two of Holcomb's interceptions came in forced situations - one bounced off the foot of the fullback, and the other was a Hail Mary type pass to end the game. Holcomb isn't the answer, but at least in terms of last season, he gave the Bills the best chance to win.

Nolan wrote:
"'Greenway has recorded 156 tackles and two sacks over his past three seasons at Iowa?' What? Those were his stats for his senior year!!! Over the last 3 years he has 401 tackles (not including 31 for a loss & 7 sacks) and 4 interceptions."
Thank you for the correction. Instead of stating "during his senior season", I made the mistake of saying "during his college career". I should have caught the error during my editing, but mistakes happen. Besides that fact, Greenway should be a solid linebacker. Months before the draft, many people considered Greenway the second-best linebacker in the draft, only behind Ohio State's A.J. Hawk. Hawk went No. 5 overall to the Green Bay Packers, but then Ernie Sims went No. 9 overall to the Detroit Lions.

Jake Hoffman wrote:
"Please sign Marcus Vick because I think he will be really good like his brother Michael! Michael Vick is my favorite player, so give Marcus a chance and he will shine."
Well, I'm not really sure which team you want Marcus Vick to sign with. The Miami Dolphins were originally interested in him, but it didn't work out. Marcus' character issues have really turned off several teams, and he is not as much of a threat in the running game as his brother Michael. We all know Michael Vick has issues when it comes to actually throwing the football, an area in which Marcus isn't the greatest in either.

Brad wrote:
"The Bbanga banger! Oh yeaaahh!"
Just a note to readers who are confused, Brad was thrilled about the Chiefs signing Tamba Hali. The Chiefs have once again made several improvements to their defense, and we'll see if those moves finally pay off.

Gregg wrote:
"I've read every report that I could get my hands on, including some fans blogs, and it looks like Nall was starting to step out from the competition. Going back to the last three day minicamp, he has been very solid and mostly mistake free. Every report I've read either said nobody stood out or that Nall had the edge. I read where he was 11 of 12 in the practice before he got hurt. Most reports have become pretty critical of Holcomb's play the last few practices. I think both Nall and Losman had already left him behind."
Thank you for the insight and the report. Nall is the wildcard in this competition, simply because he is new. However, if he looks the best, the Bills won't have any problems in starting him. When it comes to Holcomb, they should already know that he is a veteran who won't look the greatest during camps. Holcomb's best times come when he steps into a game as a backup, or makes a few spot starts in place of a starter. I would like to see him get a chance at starting for an entire season, or 14 games at least, but his health simply will not allow him. When he was named the starter a few years ago for the Browns, he went from lighting it up in the preseason to not doing anything at all until he got injured. Holcomb probably will not end up winning it in the end, but the competition is still on.

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