Working to be Better

Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson has high hopes for what the addition of wide receiver Percy Harvin will do for the Vikings offense and him. With the multi-talented Harvin joining the Vikings, there is a good chance defenses are going to have to stay honest, or at least pick their poison. As far as his early impressions of Harvin, Peterson admits he needs more time to watch his new teammate. Harvin did not sign his contract until two days into training camp. Harvin in the mix, and perhaps with an eye on keeping Taylor on the field more often, it appears Peterson could find himself lining up as a receiver at times.

Despite the focus on Peterson, he led the NFL in rushing last season and has established himself as one of the league’s best running backs. But that doesn’t mean the coaching staff is taking it easy on him during training camp. Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy has been doing plenty of work with Peterson on foot work, pass routes and pass blocking. In the first few days of camp, Peterson was involved in plenty of pass plays and at times struggled to hold onto the ball. Peterson said, “Passing, even my foot work. It can sound crazy sometimes, you’re be like, ‘OK, I led the league in rushing last year but every time I take the wrong step my coach is harping on me to make sure I get that step right.’ Those are the little things that he keeps in my mind. It goes from foot work to pass protection to running the correct route with the right distance and width and certain things like that. We’re just coming out here trying to execute everything

Other news, wide receiver Aundrae Allison was placed on waivers on Tuesday.

Highest Paid

Eli Manning has agreed to a new six-year, $97 million contract extension with the Giants that will make him the highest paid player in the NFL with an average salary of roughly $15.3 million. Manning is guaranteed $35 million under the deal, which will keep him with the Giants through the 2015 season. Why does this guy make more than his brother? I could not tell you but at least the next few seasons he will be getting paid.

Starter by 3rd Preseason

After Wednesday morning's practice, Rex Ryan revealed his timetable for the first time for naming the Jets opening day starting quarterback. "Obviously, you want to make that decision as fast as you can," Ryan said. "Because now that guy gets all the work with the first group. But we're not there yet. I'm not ready to do that. ... Ideally, you like to have a pretty good idea going into that third preseason game who the guy is." Translation: Ryan hopes to have a definitive starter heading into the Jets' Aug. 29 game against the Giants. Neither quarterback has set himself apart through the first six days of training camp. Rookie Mark Sanchez, who was 6 of 13 this morning, took more first-team snaps in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Kellen Clemens completed 6 of 10 passes and didn't throw an interception for his second consecutive practice. Not surprisingly, Clemens, the four-year pro has slightly outplayed Sanchez to this point. Expect to see Sanchez to get more reps with the first team moving forward.

Fined

The NBA has fined three teams an undisclosed amount for leaking details of their schedules before the league released them. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves were penalized, an official with knowledge of the decisions told The Associated Press on Monday. The official requested anonymity because the fines weren't publicly announced. The NBA will release its 2009-10 schedule on Tuesday afternoon. The league forbids teams to release any details before then.

Motivation

There's a friendly competition going on for the No. 1 running back spot at Steelers training camp. Willie Parker is motivated because as of now, he does not have a contract beyond this season.For last year's No. 1 pick Rashard Mendenhall, motivation comes from the need to prove himself after being knocked out the entire season because of an injury. Mendenhall's not worried about playing time. "There's enough games and … most of the teams in the league [use a] two [or] three back system so I'm sure that's the same thing that's been going on here with me, Willie and Mewelde, you know what I mean … as camp goes on, we'll see … we're all going to compete and it'll be fun," he said.

Bowen Lookin to the [b]East

Milwaukee Bucks requested waivers on Bowen who they acquired from San Antonio in mid-June as part of a three-team trade along with Detroit. Everybody assumed he'd return to the franchise where'd he'd spent the last eight seasons. Yet in the coming week, either the Boston Celtics or the Cleveland Cavs will sign him. The C's are said to be holding off on signing free agent Marquis Daniels of the Indiana Pacers until they the all the details. I do not understand how the C's and the Cavs can sign all these players like they getting ready to build and army. But with Bowen it's about where he can go win another championship.

C's Sign Another

Shelden Williams has agreed to a one-year contract with the Celtics, according to an NBA source. It was first reported that he would sign with the Lakers [that was before Odom signed] . Williams is expected to sign a deal worth the veteran's minimum salary. He was a first-team All-American in 2006 and graduated as the program's all-time leader in blocked shots and rebounds. The 6-foot-9-inch, 250-pound Williams has struggled in the NBA; while he plays with an aggressive style, he's undersized for a power forward and not quick enough to play small forward. Williams's greatest claim to fame is that he is married to WNBA superstar Candace Parker.

European Star

Olympiacos offered a two-year contract worth $10 million to Iverson, the exact same deal that Nate Robinson turned down. Olympiacos presents a very lucrative and interesting option for Iverson, who hasn't been treated well by free agency so far. Few teams have been open to the idea of signing Iverson and those who are aren't willing to make a major commitment. Olympiacos may be the best place for him. Not only are they bringing more money and years to the table, but with them he'd also be a star. Iverson would undoubtedly start for the team. What AI does not understand is everyone reaches a point in their career where they have to adjust and change and for Iverson this is it if he wants to be remembered as one of the best.

Ricky Finally Speaks

Translation:
* I told my agents that I wanted to come to the European, and just be thinking in the European and not be thinking in where I'm going to go play...but well, I think if I've taken this too fast and hasty it could be bad choice for my future. I haven't decided but, almost decided, and well now I'm just thinking in the European.
* The NBA I see it a bit difficult more than anything because they can't pay the buyout, I would have to pay it myself. As for Joventut I have a contract with them and if I can stay there then I will stay there. In two to three days I was intending to do something I have spend most of my summer trying to fix but well, now wearing this jersey I'm only going to think in winning the European and give the best I possibly can.

LeSean Learning

The running part of being a running back, McCoy seems to have a pretty good take on. The pass-catching part, important when you play for the Eagles, he looks even more smooth at that. But the blocking part, well, that's kinda new. McCoy said a few times he felt he tried to do too much, carrying the ball, often with the first unit, with Brian Westbrook sidelined following ankle surgery. One other adjustment: McCoy slipped after taking a handoff, touched a knee down, and stopped, as you would in college, where a ballcarrier is down if his knee is down. Defensive end Chris Clemons did not stop, this being the NFL. McCoy was blasted. Eckel said, protectively. "He's improving, he's going to improve, and he wants to improve."