NFL Capsules – NFC: Jones ready for feature role with Cowboys

August 20th, 2011 by

NFL Capsules NFC: Jones ready for feature role with Cowboys

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) — Panthers wide receiver Legedu Naanee’s decision to sign with Carolina was an easy one.

Not only was he familiar with the Panthers offense having worked under offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski the past two seasons with the San Diego Chargers, but the Panthers were also willing to give him an opportunity to win the No. 2 wide receiver spot opposite four-time Pro Bowl selection Steve Smith.

The Panthers signed Naanee as an unrestricted free agent late last week because second-year wide receivers Brandon LaFell, David Gettis and Armanti Edwards haven’t done enough to convince coach Ron Rivera they deserve the job.

“First of all we’re looking for a guy who’s going to make plays and willing to come in and block, and for a guy that can ascend and become that guy who’s going to take over at that position,” Rivera said. “I think the biggest thing right now is we’ve had nobody step the forefront.

“With a guy like Legedu Naanee, who has been a No. 2 receiver in certain situations in San Diego and knows the system, we thought this would be a good opportunity to bring in a guy who has that potential and ability.”

Naanee, entering his fifth NFL season, started just one game in his first three seasons prior to be thrust into a starting role last year with the Chargers. He started nine games in 2010 but had fairly pedestrian numbers for a guy playing in the league’s top-ranked offense, catching 23 passes for 371 yards and one touchdown.

Those don’t match up to what Gettis and LaFell did as rookies.

Gettis caught 37 passes for 508 yards and three touchdowns in 15 starts last season while LaFell had 38 catches for 468 yards and scored once despite starting just one game.

But clearly Gettis and LaFell have struggled picking up Chudzinski’s new offense and it doesn’t help both have missed valuable practice time with hamstring injuries. Gettis is expected to return to practice Monday night while LaFell might miss a couple of more days, Rivera said.

“We’re not giving up on anybody by any means,” Rivera said of the other receivers in camp. “We really believe that the other guys have the opportunity to ascend as well and we’ll make that judgment come September 11.”

That’s when the Panthers open the regular season against the Arizona Cardinals.

A lot can happen between now and then.

Legedu has said he’ll help out the younger receivers, but made it pretty clear he’s here to fight for a starting job opposite Smith.

“Definitely, especially with the other receivers not really knowing what’s going on and me being able to help out and kind of knowing the nuances of the offense,” Legedu said. “So I’m looking to take advantage of that and have a big year.”

Chudzinski spent the last two seasons in San Diego as the Chargers offensive coordinator and brought a similar system to Carolina.

“It’s helped me a lot having (Chudzinski) here, just knowing mentally where to line up and knowing the concepts of what’s going on,” Legedu said. “It’s a similar system. Obviously coach Chud(zinski) does a couple of variations — terminology-wise he’s changed up a couple of things up — but as far as the system it’s the same as what we ran in San Diego.”

NOTES: The Panthers said defensive tackle Ron Edwards will have surgery this week to repair a torn triceps, but haven’t decided whether or not to place him on injured reserve. Edwards said he tore the triceps during last Thursday night’s practice but didn’t realize the extent of the injury and didn’t inform trainers until Friday. … The Panthers claimed offensive lineman Bryant Browning off waivers from St. Louis and waived linebacker Kelvin Smith. … Rivera said fourth-string quarterback Tony Pike is still nursing a shoulder injury which is why he hasn’t been participating in team drills.

Arizona’s Wilson has torn biceps tendon

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson has a torn right biceps tendon and will try to rehabilitate the injury to avoid surgery that would sideline him for a longer period.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt would give no timetable for Wilson’s return other than to say he expects the four-time Pro Bowler to play this season.

“That’s one thing that is encouraging,” Whisenhunt said. “It’s just going to be a matter of how his body responds to the rehab. So far it’s been very good.”

Wilson, in a sometimes playful post-practice session with reporters Monday afternoon, wasn’t making any promises but is targeting a return in time for the team’s season opener Sept. 11 against Carolina.

“I would love to be out there the first game. I would love to do that,” he said. “That would be great. I’ve got a roster bonus coming up. I’ve got some things that depend on that, so I’d love to be out there the first game.”

The 31-year-old safety, who has played all 10 of his NFL seasons with Arizona, was injured in Saturday’s scrimmage while attempting to tackle running back Beanie Wells. He didn’t even want to talk about the surgery option.

“No, no surgery,” he said. “That’s negative. I’m dealing with positives right now. That’s a negative statement.”

The Cardinals have re-signed safety Matt Ware and waived injured tackle Brad Thorson (foot).

Whisenhunt said he didn’t know how long the Cardinals would give the rehab process before deciding whether surgery would be necessary.

“I can’t say if it’s a week, two weeks, three weeks. I can’t tell you what that is,” Whisenhunt said, “because I don’t know. I know this. My No. 1 concern is the health of Adrian. I know he’s a very tough player and he’d go out there with one arm if he could. So we have to obviously make sure that his body is healing correctly before we allow him to play.”

Rashad Johnson, a third-round draft pick out of Alabama in his third season with Arizona, moves up to Wilson’s place on the depth chart.

“Listen, this business is all about the next guy being able to step in and play,” Whisenhunt said. “Rashad’s been here working very hard for a couple of years and if he gets this opportunity, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he does a very good job with it.”

Wilson immediately began rehab exercises once an MRI showed the extent of the injury, including work on the field while the team practiced.

“As you saw today, he’s going to work as much as he possibly can to get back as quickly as he can,” Whisenhunt said. “I’ve learned in this business you can’t ever rule somebody out or say for sure somebody’s going to play. You’ve got to see how everybody responds differently.”

Although he made the Pro Bowl, Wilson considered last year a subpar season. Although he would not use it as an excuse, he was bothered by an abdominal injury much of the way.

“I can play hurt,” Wilson said last week. “Regardless of what happens to me on the field, it’s my responsibility to the team to be a leader, to be out there and show those young guys that even though you’re hurt, you can still play through things like that. Really, that’s my whole message.”

A team captain, Wilson is the longest-serving member of the Cardinals. He endured the years of losing before the stunning turnaround that led to the Super Bowl appearance in the 2008 season and an NFC West title the following year.

“I know what type of player that I am,” he said last week. “I know I’m a top 50 player in this league. So I’m just going to go out there and do my thing and let my play speak.”

In another injury development, backup cornerback Michael Adams underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. No timetable was set for his return, either.

Branch key part of defensive line overhaul

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Alan Branch was looking for an opportunity to start. The Seattle Seahawks were happy to oblige.

Seattle targeted Branch as someone they wanted to acquire as early as the draft in April. When the lockout was lifted, the Seahawks followed through by signing Branch during the free agency frenzy of a week ago.

“I didn’t really find that out until after because of the lockout and everything,” Branch said. “Being a backup on a different team and knowing that another team wants you, that’s a really good feeling to have in your back pocket.”

Branch was quickly tabbed the starter at the team’s pass rushing defensive tackle position alongside the re-signed Brandon Mebane.

With Colin Cole on the physically unable to perform list and weeks away from getting back on the field, Mebane has added more weight for a move from pass rushing tackle to nose tackle. Branch will take Mebane’s old spot and will be asked to penetrate and get upfield to disrupt the passing game.

“I’m just a little bit more aggressive,” Branch said. “That’s the main thing. I’m still kind of reading, but mostly it’s just aggression. I’m just trying to get in the backfield as much as possible in this defense. That’s the way I kind of like it.”

The Seahawks’ coaching staff loves his athleticism. At 6-foot-6 and 300-plus pounds in high school, Branch returned kickoffs and punts for Cibola High School in Albuquerque, N.M., where he had three returns for touchdowns.

He’s got really good lateral movement for a big man, and his change of direction is good,” defensive line coach Todd Wash said. “We aren’t going to allow him to return any punts here, obviously, but we’re excited about him right now. He continues to improve every day he comes out and competes.”

The Seahawks have signed six players along the defensive line since the start of free agency. Branch, along with defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson and defensive tackle Ryan Sims are new additions to a defensive line that fell apart when beset by injuries last year.

After five games in 2010, the Seahawks’ run defense was ranked second in the NFL. Two weeks later, defensive end Red Bryant was lost for the season to a knee sprain, and Cole sustained a high ankle sprain that caused him to miss the next six games.

Seattle didn’t have the depth along the defensive line to handle the losses.

While Branch will mostly play inside, he has the ability to bounce out to the end position and back up Bryant if necessary.

“He’s really played all around,” coach Pete Carroll said. “We’ve had a chance to see him do all of the things, so we’re not going to ask him to do anything he can’t do. I want to see him do it all the time. That’s really what he’s come here to do.”

49ers agree on contract with Goldson

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Dashon Goldson is back with the San Francisco 49ers after all — despite all his tweets to the contrary.

The free agent safety agreed to terms on a one-year contract Monday to rejoin the Niners. Coach Jim Harbaugh discussed the addition of Goldson after Monday’s practice in Santa Clara, but said he wasn’t sure whether Goldson would be on the practice field for the first time Tuesday morning, an open workout for fans.

“We’ll see,” Harbaugh said.

While the team hadn’t formally announced Goldson’s signing, the Niners did say they signed tight end Chris Blohm to a three-year deal. A San Francisco native, Blohm had 27 catches for 270 yards and two touchdowns last year at Yale.

Goldson played his first four NFL seasons with the 49ers, finishing with 80 tackles, one sack and an interception in 2010 — but said last week via his Twitter account that he didn’t expect to be back after watching his team sign others who play his same position.

Last week, San Francisco signed safeties Madieu Williams and Donte Whitner — so, bringing back Goldson gives Harbaugh some experienced options in what is shaping up as a deep secondary that also includes safety Reggie Smith. Whitner is expected to be the strong safety.

Goldson has started 32 games over the past two seasons.

“I feel good with the talent in the secondary, and I think that really makes the competition that much better,” Harbaugh said. “Dashon’s a 49er, and I’m pleased that he’s coming back. We’ve had a couple of conversations, and I think he’s ready to get to work. Iron sharpens iron, so I’m looking forward to that. I’m excited that he wanted to continue to be a Niner.”

The 26-year-old Goldson — a fourth-round draft pick out of Washington in 2007 — had responded to San Francisco signing Williams, who spent the past three seasons with the Vikings after four in Cincinnati.

“To answer sum of the ?’S I’m not sure wht tht move by the 9ers was for, I guess to scare me … well it didn’t work. Try again,” he tweeted. “I’m definitely keepin an open mind. Meanin I won’t mind takin my talents else where to a place where I’m wanted”

San Francisco also added cornerback Carlos Rogers as the likely successor to Nate Clements, who started all 16 games at right cornerback last season but was released at the start of training camp.

The 26-year-old Goldson apparently thought he was parting ways with the Niners.

“Sorry guys thanx for all ur support but not gonna be back. See ya,” he tweeted last Thursday.

Earlier, he said, “I wanna be in San Fran and in camp jus as much as u fans want me to be but as we all experienced the last 4mnths, its a business side to it.”

49ers embracing offensive changes under Harbaugh

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — A week of strenuous three-hour practices had some San Francisco 49ers feeling that not much has changed in training camp since last year.

“We’re having some long, tough days out there,” running back Anthony Dixon said Monday, when the team returned to the field after a players’ day off. “I remember at one point, I was like, ‘Is coach Singletary out here?’ That’s what it felt like. But, you know, it’s coach Harbaugh now, and coach Harbaugh is a tough dude.”

But that’s where the similarities end between Jim Harbaugh and his predecessor as 49ers coach, Mike Singletary, who was known for conducting physical summer practices.

Harbaugh has brought some big changes to a team that has gone eight years without a winning season, and several of them are coming on the offensive side of the football.

The 49ers started a new week Monday in Harbaugh’s version of the West Coast system, a style that is quickly winning over many of his players and has them excited about its potential for the upcoming season.

“It’s making better use of the talent we have all across the board,” receiver Josh Morgan said. “It just puts everybody, even the quarterbacks, in the best position to be successful. And I mean everybody.”

The 49ers signed Harbaugh to a five-year contract in January to replace Singletary, whose expertise was on defense. Harbaugh, who played 15 NFL seasons at quarterback, built a reputation for offensive success while turning losing programs into big winners at the University of San Diego and Stanford before coming to San Francisco.

Harbaugh’s system is quickly grabbing hold of his new team, which has fielded one of the NFL’s worst offenses over the past decade.

The 49ers finished 24th in the league rankings for total offense last year during a disappointing 6-10 season, and that ranking was actually an improvement over the season before.

Despite stockpiling some quality young talent on offense in recent years, San Francisco has not finished higher than 23rd in total offense since 2003. The 49ers have finished 26th or lower five times in the past seven years.

This year promises to be different. Fullback Moran Norris has been with the 49ers since 2006, and he has yet to play in such a diversified offense since joining the team.

“I love this whole offense,” Norris said. “It suits everybody. Every role matters and I don’t think any (position) stands out more than others. It’s all in one big pot and you just mix it up together.”

The 49ers added to the mix late last week with the addition of free-agent receiver Braylon Edwards. A Pro Bowler in 2007, Edwards fills a void while Michael Crabtree, San Francisco’s No. 1 receiver, remains sidelined with a foot injury that could keep him out the rest of this month.

Edwards joins other former Pro Bowlers at the skill positions in running back Frank Gore and tight end Vernon Davis. With incumbent starting quarterback Alex Smith returning to run the offense last Thursday, the offense has picked up the pace with San Francisco’s preseason opener looming Friday at New Orleans.

“They’re executing it well, they’re learning it well, and there’s been a lot put in so far in the first eight days of meetings,” Harbaugh said. “Then, you go back and teach the parts. You put in the whole and then you put in the parts. We’ve got quite a bit in now, and I really have not noticed them hit the wall mentally, which is a good sign that bodes well for us.”

News & Notes

<a href="http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/sports/jones-129733-nfc-antonio.htmltag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/sports/jones-129733-nfc-antonio.htmlTue, 09 Aug 2011 00:18:19 GMT 00:00″>NFL Capsules – NFC: Jones ready for feature role with Cowboys