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NFL Focus: Comeback stories to watch in 2005
Posted: 18 hours ago
Here are seven players who will be key comeback stories for each of their respective teams in 2005 ...
Lenny Walls, Broncos
Broncos CB Lenny Walls
A foot injury and a dislocated shoulder wiped out most of cornerback Lenny Walls' 2004 season. Yet the Broncos are so sure he's going to be a star they allowed cornerback Kelly Herndon, a starter last season, to sign with the Seahawks.
Walls (6-4, 192) has a body that allows him to match up well with big, athletic receivers, and with Randy Moss and Jerry Porter playing for the division rival Raiders, the Broncos need Walls to perform at a high level. If he does, cornerback Champ Bailey will be able to take more risks. Walls has worked hard on his footwork and has decent speed.
Anthony McFarland, Buccaneers
Bucs DT Anthony McFarland
The Buccaneers expect defensive tackle Anthony McFarland (triceps) to participate fully in their offseason workout program and be 100 percent healthy when camp opens in July.
McFarland's best attribute is his quickness, so the injury shouldn't keep him from regaining top form.
However, he must spend the remainder of the offseason building up arm strength so he can shed blocks and make solid tackles.
Tim Bowens, Dolphins
Dolphins DT Tim Bowens
Dolphins defensive tackle Tim Bowens decided to return for his 12th season after missing almost all of last season with a back injury. Bowens felt much better after resting, but he must watch his weight more carefully than ever if he wants to have a productive year.
Given that defensive tackle Larry Chester is coming back from a season-ending knee injury, the Dolphins need Bowens in top form if they're going to be effective stopping the run.
Mark Campbell, Bills
Bills TE Mark Campbell
Several weeks into his rehab from reconstructive knee surgery, tight end Mark Campbell is progressing so well that the Bills believe he might be healthy enough to play early in training camp. They're counting on a healthy Campbell to be a key part of the offense. He's a solid run blocker with the size (6-6, 255), strength and leverage to hold his own at the line.
The sure-handed Campbell also could be a dependable receiving option for quarterback J.P. Losman.
Marcel Shipp, Cardinals
Cardinals RB Marcel Shipp
Cardinals running back Marcel Shipp missed all of last season after a gruesome leg injury in training camp, but he hopes to be 100 percent for minicamps. He has worked diligently this offseason, and his car often has been in the team facility parking lot in the early-morning hours.
For now, he's the team's starting running back, but his lack of breakaway speed makes his hold on the job tenuous. Even if Shipp is replaced in the lineup by a high draft pick, he could play a big role because he's a tough runner with good agility.
Reche Caldwell, Cardinals
Chargers WR Reche Caldwell
Chargers wide receiver Reche Caldwell is on pace to make a full recovery from surgery to repair a torn knee ligament. After struggling in his first two seasons, Caldwell appeared to be turning the corner last season before suffering the injury in Week 6. He had displayed improved route running, more consistent hands and greater confidence.
With his excellent quickness and fearless attitude about working the middle of the field, Caldwell is expected to start opposite Keenan McCardell but still has to improve at beating press coverage. Caldwell's participation in minicamps and coaching sessions likely will be limited to ensure he's ready for training camp.
Mike Flanagan, Packers
Packers C Mike Flanagan
Packers center Mike Flanagan was fortunate to avoid blowing out a knee tendon last season; he had surgery to repair damage before it gave way. He is on pace to be ready for training camp, but the team will proceed cautiously because Flanagan is a vital cog in the line, especially now that both of last season's starting guards -- Marco Rivera (Cowboys) and Mike Wahle (Panthers) -- are gone.
The Packers won't move Flanagan to guard because it believes he has Pro Bowl ability at center and that a move would only reduce his effectiveness. If the knee continues to bother him, there's no question his outstanding ability to pull and block on the second level will be affected.
Sporting News' NFL correspondents contributed to this report.
Posted: 18 hours ago
Here are seven players who will be key comeback stories for each of their respective teams in 2005 ...
Lenny Walls, Broncos
Broncos CB Lenny Walls
A foot injury and a dislocated shoulder wiped out most of cornerback Lenny Walls' 2004 season. Yet the Broncos are so sure he's going to be a star they allowed cornerback Kelly Herndon, a starter last season, to sign with the Seahawks.
Walls (6-4, 192) has a body that allows him to match up well with big, athletic receivers, and with Randy Moss and Jerry Porter playing for the division rival Raiders, the Broncos need Walls to perform at a high level. If he does, cornerback Champ Bailey will be able to take more risks. Walls has worked hard on his footwork and has decent speed.
Anthony McFarland, Buccaneers
Bucs DT Anthony McFarland
The Buccaneers expect defensive tackle Anthony McFarland (triceps) to participate fully in their offseason workout program and be 100 percent healthy when camp opens in July.
McFarland's best attribute is his quickness, so the injury shouldn't keep him from regaining top form.
However, he must spend the remainder of the offseason building up arm strength so he can shed blocks and make solid tackles.
Tim Bowens, Dolphins
Dolphins DT Tim Bowens
Dolphins defensive tackle Tim Bowens decided to return for his 12th season after missing almost all of last season with a back injury. Bowens felt much better after resting, but he must watch his weight more carefully than ever if he wants to have a productive year.
Given that defensive tackle Larry Chester is coming back from a season-ending knee injury, the Dolphins need Bowens in top form if they're going to be effective stopping the run.
Mark Campbell, Bills
Bills TE Mark Campbell
Several weeks into his rehab from reconstructive knee surgery, tight end Mark Campbell is progressing so well that the Bills believe he might be healthy enough to play early in training camp. They're counting on a healthy Campbell to be a key part of the offense. He's a solid run blocker with the size (6-6, 255), strength and leverage to hold his own at the line.
The sure-handed Campbell also could be a dependable receiving option for quarterback J.P. Losman.
Marcel Shipp, Cardinals
Cardinals RB Marcel Shipp
Cardinals running back Marcel Shipp missed all of last season after a gruesome leg injury in training camp, but he hopes to be 100 percent for minicamps. He has worked diligently this offseason, and his car often has been in the team facility parking lot in the early-morning hours.
For now, he's the team's starting running back, but his lack of breakaway speed makes his hold on the job tenuous. Even if Shipp is replaced in the lineup by a high draft pick, he could play a big role because he's a tough runner with good agility.
Reche Caldwell, Cardinals
Chargers WR Reche Caldwell
Chargers wide receiver Reche Caldwell is on pace to make a full recovery from surgery to repair a torn knee ligament. After struggling in his first two seasons, Caldwell appeared to be turning the corner last season before suffering the injury in Week 6. He had displayed improved route running, more consistent hands and greater confidence.
With his excellent quickness and fearless attitude about working the middle of the field, Caldwell is expected to start opposite Keenan McCardell but still has to improve at beating press coverage. Caldwell's participation in minicamps and coaching sessions likely will be limited to ensure he's ready for training camp.
Mike Flanagan, Packers
Packers C Mike Flanagan
Packers center Mike Flanagan was fortunate to avoid blowing out a knee tendon last season; he had surgery to repair damage before it gave way. He is on pace to be ready for training camp, but the team will proceed cautiously because Flanagan is a vital cog in the line, especially now that both of last season's starting guards -- Marco Rivera (Cowboys) and Mike Wahle (Panthers) -- are gone.
The Packers won't move Flanagan to guard because it believes he has Pro Bowl ability at center and that a move would only reduce his effectiveness. If the knee continues to bother him, there's no question his outstanding ability to pull and block on the second level will be affected.
Sporting News' NFL correspondents contributed to this report.
