Time for summer camp -- Five stories to ponder

NFL Training camps are set to start their engines come mid-to-late July.

In preparation for the start...

... First round picks are opening their checking accounts and visiting car dealerships as they sign their inaugural contracts.

... Coaches are finalizing their welcome speeches and still vying for another definition of the word "focus."

... Tom Coughlin is trying to determine how to transition two-a-day workouts into three-a-day's without upsetting Gene Upshaw.

... Marty Schottenheimer is praying someone comes to camp in better shape than 41-year old Doug Flutie. Several years back the 5'9-3/4" QB arrived in camp with less than three-percent body fat.

... Bill Parcells is figuring out how to get under Drew Henson's skin. Players have different pre-camp agendas though.

... Terrell Owens is putting the final touches on his memoirs and finding new members for his fan club (www.terrellowens.com).

... Jeff Garcia and Kurt Warner are spending a lot of time at various Real Estate firms.

... Joe Horn is still trying to "Get More" with T-Mobile.

As the coaches and players gear up for what should be a fantastic 2004 season, fans are on the lookout for what should be the interesting story lines.

Let's tackle the top five right now.

1. Will Dallas be able to duplicate or improve on their darling 2003 campaign?

Many feel this franchise is one Jerry Jones management decision away from heading back to the 5-11 doldrums versus winning playoff games. The Boys decision to stay clear of RB's Kevin Jones and Stephen Jackson in the draft was as puzzling as The Tuna's diet plan. "How about them Cowboys?" Not really sure.

2. Is Robert Gallery just what the Doctor ordered for new coach Norv Turner and the Raiders?

In my opinion this pick was just about the best thing that could have happened to the Raider following. Management didn't go for the glitzy QB or fancy WR. The massive OL could be the cornerstone of this franchise for the next 10-15 years. You should plan on seeing the Raiders back in the mix just from the help of one 6'7", 320 lb. behemoth.

3. Will Eli Manning emerge as a genuine starting QB in the NFL and lead the New York Football Giants to the promised (Meadow) land?

The bloodline is there and the personnel brain trust sure paid the piper for it. The fact that they brought in a veteran QB is a good sign although Peyton started right away. Is Eli not living up to expectations already?

4. Can Detroit finally turn it around?

Since the Bobby Ross era the Lions have gone 2-14, 3-13, and 5-11. That kind of improvement might be OK for an expansion team, but with Joey Harrington getting some good OJT over the past couple years and the addition of WR's Charles Rodgers and Roy Williams the time is now. FA Center Damian Woody should bring some veteran leadership under second year Head Coach Steve Mariucci, which is desperately needed.

5. Can Joe Gibbs turn around the storied Redskin franchise?

Washington has tried everything from Deion Sanders to Colonel Sanders (Spurrier chicken reference) to become an NFL player again. Joe brings back instant credibility, along with season ticket renewals. A long time skin die-hard who happens to be my brother-in-law calls this "drinking the cool-aid." They've heard it all before but this season I'll put my money on Sean Taylor and Clinton Portis making the biggest difference in the W column.

There you have the top five stories heading into training camp.

Honorable mentions go to...

* Indianapolis -- Can they get over the hump?

* New England -- Improve on 14-2?

* Philadelphia -- Can they win an NFC Championship game at home, finally? I'm sure there will be many more as we approach training camp openings and the exhibition season.

Stay tuned!

Comments? Email me at jpsqwe@comcast.net