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1999 Ad
Sporting News, The, July 19, 1999
KEEP AN EYE ON: The team's offense will resemble Jacksonville's up-tempo game. The defense will be an attacking style similar to Chicago's. There aren't enough eyes to keep dose tabs on this new team. Definer and Couch will be exciting to watch. RB Terry Kirby is in his first season as a feature back. Rookie Kevin Johnson is one of the fastest players in the league, but he's green at the receiver position. Cocky veteran WR Leslie Shepherd has a one-year deal, a go-to guarantee from Palmer and a burning desire to prove he's worth the big-time contracts the league's elite receivers are getting.... Spielman is the best story on the team. The former Massillon High and Ohio State star returns to the field in Northeast Ohio after a year and a half off because of a broken neck and his wife's battle with breast cancer If Spielman, an 11-year veteran, makes it back, he's a lock for Comeback Player of the Year.... OLB Jamir Miller, one of the best players in the league, will be fired up by a one-year contract CB Antonio tangham returns to the city where he won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors five years ago. Marquez Pope moves to free safety for the first time since college.... Also keep an eye on rookie free agent Ronnie Powell, the fastest player on the team. If he makes the squad, he could surprise everyone.
--Mark Craig
CAMP FACTS
Where: Browns training facility; Berea, Ohio
Rookies report: July 21
Veterans report: July 24
Denver
CAMP PHILOSOPHY: The Broncos don't run full-scale scrimmages. In fact, it's rare to see a player take a direct hit The team works hard, but Mike Shanahan figures less wear and tear during July means fewer injuries in December. So far, he has been right, as the Broncos avoided crippling injuries in '97 and '98. Workouts on the field are strenuous, but the classroom work is even more intense. The club generally runs two practice sessions a day, usually in full pads in the morning, followed by workouts in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts in the afternoon. That means the trench work gets done early, leaving the fine touches for the afternoon. Players like the routine, especially the veterans. In the past, older players practiced once a day. Shanahan is likely to continue the same arrangement this summer for veterans such as S Tyrone Braxton and OT Tony Jones.
PRESEASON PRIORITY: During training camp, Bubby Brister must prove he has the personality and ability to replace John Elway. Brister is a rah-rah guy, but he must prove he's a leader in other ways. During the team's minicamps, Brister was a patient teacher for the young guys and a buddy to the veterans. Now he must become the king of camp. Brister must earn respect through hard work and by proving he knows the offense better than anyone else, save Shanahan.
KEY COMPETITION: The team still hasn't settled on a starting strong safety. Eric Brown has moved to free safety to replace Steve Atwater, and that leaves George Coghill, converted CB Darrius Johnson and Braxton to compete for the spot. Braxton, who is coming off shoulder surgery, provides leadership and smarts but is slowing down and is not the big hitter the club wants at the position. Coghill is speedy but unproven. Johnson looks to be the best bet, but he must prove he can make the transition. He has good speed and is a big hitter, but he might not be big enough (5-9, 185) to tangle with the AFC's top deep receivers. Still, he probably will get the nod. If Johnson delivers, the defense, which added CB Dale Carter, could be the best of the Shanahan era.