Philadelphia Eagles
Where: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., July 29.
Key newcomers: S Blaine Bishop (Titans), LB Shawn Barber (Redskins), RB Dorsey Levens (Packers).
Top rookies: CB Lito Sheppard, S Michael Lewis.
Challenges: After falling one game short of the Super Bowl, coach Andy Reid needs to remind players they have to start over from the bottom. To take the next step, they need to stop the run better despite the loss of LB Jeremiah Trotter.
Washington Redskins
Where: Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., July 22.
Key newcomers: QB Danny Wuerffel (Texans-Bears), QB Shane Matthews (Bears), LB Jessie Armstead (Giants), DE Renaldo Wynn (Jaguars), WR Jacquez Green (Buccaneers), WR Reidel Anthony (Buccaneers), G-T Rod Jones (Rams), LB Jeremiah Trotter (Eagles), DT Santana Dotson (Packers), Carl Powell (Bears).
Top rookies: QB Patrick Ramsey, RB Ladell Betts.
Challenges: Coach Steve Spurrier will try to adapt his college style to the pros with owner Daniel Snyder looking over his shoulder. Ex-Bears Matthews and Wuerffel are reunited with ex-Florida coach. Snyder again paid big money for big-name free agents, led by linebackers Armstead and Trotter. He also hired Ravens defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis.
Dallas Cowboys
Where: Alamodome, San Antonio, July 26.
Key newcomers: QB Chad Hutchinson (baseball), DT La’Roi Glover (Saints), CB Bryant Westbrook (Lions), LB Kevin Hardy (Jaguars), TE Tony McGee (Bengals), TE Jeff Robinson (Rams).
Top rookies: S Roy Williams, C-G Andre Gurode, WR Antonio Bryant, CB Derek Ross.
Challenges: New offensive coordinator Bruce Coslet takes over 29th-ranked unit and is looking for second-year QB Quincy Carter to step up. Coach Dave Campo and owner Jerry Jones might decide baseball’s Chad Hutchinson, former Stanford star, should get a shot.
New York Giants
Where: State University of New York at Albany, July 24.
Key newcomers: None.
Top rookies: TE Jeremy Shockey, WR Tim Carter.
Challenges: Coach Jim Fassel will be paying close attention to locker-room camaraderie after losing LB Jessie Armstead, OT Lomas Brown, FB Greg Comella, WR Joe Jurevicius and others and listening to RB Tiki Barber criticize DE Michael Strahan after Strahan refused to restructure his contract. New defensive coordinator Johnny Lynn replaces new Carolina head coach John Fox.
