When I asked Jim Haslett about the problems the offense had at critical times last year communicating from the sideline to the huddle, he told me they are working on a new “clock� this year, attempting to get to the line of scrimmage with twenty seconds on the play clock rather than eighteen. They will have to break the huddle quicker because the plan is to feature a one back offense that requires Aaron to read the safeties and run through the “check with me� signals prior to the snap. Boo Williams and Ernie Conwell will see a lot of tandem action this year without a fullback routinely in the lineup. And all of this will be directed by Mile McCarthy from the press box rather than the sidelines! Haslett told me that McCarthy will be in the booth during the preseason with the expectation that the offense will be better called from above.

The defense will revert back to a “70’s� style with narrower gaps to help contain the run. The focus of the offseason was getting better against the run. Haslett believes the addition of Bryan Young and the development of Johnathan Sullivan, Willie Whitehead and Kenny Smith will make for an improved defensive interior.

Overall, Haslett claims that this is the most competitive training camp since his arrival with only Deuce and Joe Horn assured of a starting role. The point being, in my opinion, that the team can withstand injuries a lot better than in years past. I think this is probably true at every position but cornerback, where we will need three viable starters for each and every game to defend the spread offense that has become the predominant formation across the league.