Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Mike McCall of the Florida Times-Union describes a $1,700 mouthguard that promises to improve body alignment, strength and endurance. Rams kicker Josh Brown, a 6-foot-8 high jumper when he was in high school, swears by the device. Brown: "You really notice a major difference in your longevity, energy and focus. Seeing the difference in the amount of weight you can lift is almost immediate for anyone who puts it in. I noticed it a lot on the field when I wasn't getting tired, and I felt stronger at the end of games."
Cam Inman of the Contra Costa Times was impressed with what he saw from the 49ers' new veteran receivers, even if Isaac Bruce wouldn't face him. Bruce is playing the professor's role with Bryant Johnson and other receivers less versed in the Mike Martz offense. Side note: Two lesser-known receivers, Josh Morgan and Jason Hill, have made a strong impression early in camp. Morgan will probably level off at some point because he's a rookie. Hill might be more likely to contribute when the games count.
Nancy Gay of the San Francisco Chronicle details Bruce's contributions during the receiver's first foray into 11-on-11 drills. She also has a note about first-round defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer's injury, calling it a high ankle sprain. We'll see if coach Mike Nolan can confirm that today. High ankle sprains are worse than regular ankle sprains.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic calls the Cardinals' Adrian Wilson one of the more versatile safeties in the league. Wilson adds interviews to his repertoire after some quiet time to open training camp. Wilson: "I'm more motivated just because, like I've always said, I feel like I'm the best safety in the league, arguably. It's just for me to go out there and prove that. Last year I took a step back, and now I have to kind of gain some steps to get back to where I was."
Frank Hughes of the Tacoma News Tribune takes credit for foreshadowing Seattle cornerback Josh Wilson's big day in practice. Wilson, a second-round choice in 2007, isn't a serious threat to win a starting job, but that's OK. Seattle has first-round picks on both corners: Kelly Jennings and Marcus Trufant. Hughes' blog entry also includes quarterback Matt Hasselbeck talking about a beefed-up playbook for 2008.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times explains why the Seahawks value Wilson as part of their coverage schemes. Coach Mike Holmgren put it this way: "He's really a good inside cover guy. As your nickel corner, as your third corner to move inside and work in there on the two-way guys like an Engram, that's going to be a strength of his ... That's really where he earns his money, inside."
Chris Ellsberry of the Connecticut Post gets 49ers great Steve Young to make a confession about his futile attempt to play baseball for the Clam Box Restaurant Cowboys as a 13-year-old. Young: "I think I went 1-for-40 that season. I was supposed to be this hot little kid and was going to do great things in this 13- to 15-year-old league and I got one hit. It was humiliating." The story raises awareness for Young's foundation.
The Associated Press quotes Jets linebacker Calvin Pace referring to the "dark days" he experienced while struggling in Arizona. Pace also said the Jets' defensive playbook is more complex than what he knew while with the Cardinals.
Clare Farnsworth of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer explains why Jordan Babineaux has value to the Seahawks even in a reserve role. As nickel corner, Babineaux played more than 40 percent of the defensive snaps for Seattle last season. He's also a key backup at safety. Said secondary coach Jim Mora: "He's just a really good blend -- size and strength for the safety position and quickness and speed for the corner position. You have to have guys like that."
Farnsworth also explains the race for the No. 3 receiving job in Seattle. Logan Payne and Courtney Taylor are the leaders, but different styles make them suited to different situations, even within the context of that No. 3 role.
Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News catches up with San Francisco rookie receiver Josh Morgan, which is more than some of the 49ers' defensive backs can say. Morgan is enjoying a strong camp. He'll probably level off at some point -- that's what rookies do -- but the 49ers think he has a future in the rotation at receiver. On a side note: The same goes for Jason Hill, who could contribute this season. Hill appears more comfortable in his second season, allowing his natural ability to shine through.
