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Another Sunday, another Fantasy Notebook. ... With off-season conditioning programs around the NFL cranking up, we're starting to see how some of this year's coaching changes might impact the offensive schemes involved.

We're also getting a feel for the kind of adjustments other teams might have in mind to better utilize personnel already on hand and implement emerging or newly-acquired talent this fall.

We'll get the ball rolling in Miami, where it recently became official: Head coach Cam Cameron won't just be calling the shots for the Dolphins next season. He will call the plays as well.

This after Cameron announced the completion of his staff without naming an offensive coordinator.

Although he won't be the only head coach to play an active role in play calling, Miami Herald staffer Jeff Darlington notes that Cameron will be the only one to serve as his own offensive coordinator.

In other words, the execution of his offense will be a product of his own schemes and strategies.

Of course, Cameron served as offensive coordinator of the Chargers the last five seasons, helping build one of the league's better offenses. San Diego averaged a league-leading 30.8 points last season en route to a franchise-best 14-2 record.

Now, Cameron will look to rejuvenate a Miami team which finished in last place in the AFC East with a 6-10 mark.

Although he will undertake play-calling duties, Cameron has surrounded himself with an experienced offensive staff that includes former head coaches Mike Mularkey and Terry Robiskie. He also has one of the league's top offensive assistants in offensive line coach Hudson Houck.

Aside from having an impressive supporting cast of offensive assistants, Darlington points out another aspect of the team's staff makes this decision possible: Former head coach Dom Capers is the defensive coordinator; he can take charge of the defense without needing Cameron's help.

"I think we have assembled one of the strongest coaching staffs in the league," Cameron said. "Our offensive staff, which includes a number of former head coaches and coordinators in the NFL as well as head coaches at the major college level, will work closely with me in formulating and implementing our game plan."

That game plan likely will center on third-year running back Ronnie Brown, who rushed for 1,008 yards and five touchdowns in his second season.

Cameron will be hoping to have a healthy quarterback after three-time Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper was limited to just four games in 2006 while rehabilitating a major knee surgery. At this point, Culpepper is by no means a lock opening day roster.

In fact, general manager Randy Mueller told WQAM Radio last week that the Dolphins are taking a "wait-and-see approach" toward the future of Culpepper, who the franchise says is still recovering from knee problems.

Indeed, Culpepper said he won't fully participate in the team's first 2007 mini-camp next weekend as his rehabilitation continues.

Culpepper, though, remains optimistic about regaining the form that made him one of the NFL's best quarterbacks in 2004 even though his future with the Dolphins remains in question as the team considers other options at the position.

"When I'm healthy it won't matter," Culpepper said after a recent workout. "Without a doubt, [I'm still the man]. I definitely want to be the [Dolphins'] quarterback and that's what I'm working hard to be.

"Like I said, when I'm healthy, it's no issue."

We'll see about that. Mueller said the Dolphins want to select a QB and they are also working on a possible trade for Kansas City's Trent Green.

Given the team's desire to add up to two QBs, it's hard to imagine Culpepper's future in Miami is bright. ...

Meanwhile, as Darlington suggested, Cameron will need to be careful of not burning himself out too early in his head coaching career.

Darlington went on to explain: "Calling plays is one thing. But an offensive coordinator is also often available as a person to deal with smaller issues throughout the week pertaining to the game plan while the coach is making bigger, more general decisions about the day-to-day operations of his team. ..."

Meanwhile, in another Dolphins-related item. ... Ricky Williams, who has applied for reinstatement to the NFL, told ESPN Radio on Friday that he hasn't gotten high on drugs "in maybe three years" and has no need to resume using marijuana because yoga has eased his stress.

As Herald staffer Barry Jackson reminded readers, Williams was suspended for one year last April 26 after violating the league's drug policy. He said reinstatement involves sending a hand-written letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and going for a clinical evaluation.

"For the most part, as long as you follow the rules, you have a pretty good shot to be reinstated," Williams said. "Half of it is testing and the other half is you have to talk to someone on a weekly basis."

Asked by host Dan Patrick the last time he was tested, Williams said "two minutes ago." Patrick asked if he passed. "Sure, yeah," he said.

Williams said he hasn't spoken to Cameron. Patrick asked him what would happen if the Dolphins don't want to keep him. "Then I'm sure. ... They'll send me somewhere else," he said.

And would he be fine with that? "I'm fine with whatever happens," he said.

The Dolphins haven't said if they plan to keep Williams, but Miami appears to need him to complement Brown after losing both of their veteran backups -- Sammy Morris and Travis Minor -- in free agency. The team hasn't signed replacements.

At this point, Williams doesn't know if he'll get a ruling from the commissioner before the draft April 28-29.

"If the Dolphins are planning to do something with me, I'm sure they'll make sure it happens before the draft. If they're going to keep me, then they're not going to push it and it will just happen whenever it happens."

Asked why he wants to return to the NFL, Williams said, "For me, it's a test to see if all this work I've done is really worth something.

"If I can go to the NFL and have success, that would speak a lot for yoga and what I've learned and offer a lot of people who have dealt with the same issues I have a way out."

For the record, Cameron refuses to publicly discuss or speak with Williams until the running back is reinstated.

As South Florida Sun-Sentinel beat man Alex Marvez noted last week, Cameron's approach is opposite that of predecessor Nick Saban, who made courting Williams' return from a season-long retirement one of his priorities after being named Dolphins coach in January 2005.

Marvez went on to suggest that had Saban taken the same hard-line stance as Cameron, a then-fickle Williams might not have returned to the Dolphins or even the NFL.

But according to agent Leigh Steinberg, Cameron's silence hasn't lessened Williams' desire to play for him in 2007. Steinberg added that his client is in fantastic shape, both physically and psychologically, from his yoga studies.

"He's probably the clearest and most motivated he's been in the years we've worked together," Steinberg said. "Yoga and his new spirituality have replaced whatever desire he had in a previous lifetime for substance abuse.

"The Dolphins will be getting a re-energized, excited and motivated player."

As Marvez summed up: "Those are words that Cameron should love to hear. ..."

Getting back to the scheme-related items. ...

In Carolina. ... Charlotte Observer staffer Pat Yasinskas recently advised readers the 2007 Panthers might look more like the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos of recent years.

This after head coach John Fox revealed that the Panthers will begin using zone-blocking schemes in their offense, a dramatic change for a system that's been built around a power-running style. Fox said new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson will begin installing zone blocking by the offensive line at mini-camps and organized team activities this spring.

We have not been much of a zone-blocking team," Fox said. "Yet, we're kind of set up that way, to be real honest with you. That's something [Davidson] has a belief in, and I think he has the presence to get it across."

In a zone-blocking scheme, linemen are responsible for blocking any defender who appears in their zone, instead of focusing on one defender. The Broncos and Falcons have had success with the system, which features smaller, more athletic offensive linemen and can create running lanes on the inside and outside.

That system could fit Carolina's personnel better than the power running system Fox had used under former coordinator Dan Henning. Running backs DeAngelo Williams and DeShaun Foster might be better suited to run the stretch plays that go with zone-blocking schemes than to pound away between the tackles.

However, Fox said the change is due more to the talents of the offensive line than the running backs.

Jordan Gross, Travelle Wharton and Mike Wahle fit the profile of athletic linemen who excel in a zone-blocking scheme.

"If you're an athletic offensive line, it makes the defense honest," Fox said. "That's the key. It's about keeping the opponent off-balance and creating good matchups."

Fox said he doesn't expect the transition to be difficult.

"Some of your blocking schemes in trap systems are harder to read and harder to maneuver than zone blocking," he said. ...

In a couple of related notes. ... Fox might have tipped his hand a bit when asked about trends he anticipates in the league next season.

"I think one of the trends you'll see this year is a little bit more of that no-huddle (offense)," Fox said. "There's been success with it. Cincinnati had it. Indianapolis has been having it. The Jets did it. It's just another way of dictating tempo, which is not all bad."

Will the Panthers use it?

"We could do some of it," Fox said, laughing. ...

Also according to Yasinskas, Eric Shelton either will get a fresh start or a final chance with Davidson.

Shelton's lack of attention to detail got him off to a bad start with Henning, and the coaching staff was hesitant to play the former second-round draft pick.

Shelton does have raw talent and may get a chance to show it because neither Williams nor Foster is firmly established as the feature back.

Davidson wants to run the ball more effectively than last year, so there could be a role for Shelton. He's the only running back the team has with good size (6-2, 245) and he could emerge as a power runner.

But Yasinskas added that Shelton needs to use the off-season program and training camp to show a better work ethic and earn Davidson's trust. At the least, the team would like to be able to use Shelton as a short-yardage rusher. ...

Pro Football Weekly agreed with that assessment, suggesting this week that the Panthers have no plans to bolster the position in free agency or in the draft.

In fact, PFW went on to suggest the Panthers believe their Foster and Williams -- with an increased workload for Shelton -- is a strength. ...

It's worth noting the Panthers aren't the only team looking to make a switch to zone-blocking schemes. ...

In Oakland. ... Add the Raiders to the growing list of offenses making the switch. Not surprisingly, Raiders owner Al Davis was reluctant to use the hated Broncos' run-game scheme, but has relented because of the Raiders' personnel.

More specifically, running backs LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes fit the system.

In case you haven't been paying attention, Denver is the team best known for zone blocking.

Since Mike Shanahan arrived as coach in 1995, the Broncos have led the NFL in rushing (141.5 yards per game) and scoring (24.8 points), often using unheralded runners.

But can the Raiders run it?

According to PFW, a couple of NFL scouts were somewhat baffled by the Raiders' decision to sign Rhodes in free agency without first addressing an offensive line with plenty of holes.

"Jordan had nowhere to go last year," the scout told PFW. "Nowhere. ... You have to fix what's wrong up front first. You have to. I don't care if you have LaDainian Tomlinson back there; it's not going to make a difference.

"(The line) got beat every which way last year, and you've got to improve that situation because Jordan is a solid, solid back, and they're wasting him."

So, even though Rhodes and Jordan might have the skills necessary to excel in a zone-blocking scheme, there's still some question whether Oakland's line has what it takes to get the job done. ...

One last zone blocking-related item. ...

In New England. ... PFW reported this week the Patriots are also considering changing to more of a zone-blocking scheme to take advantage of Laurence Maroney's cutback ability.

Last year's blocking scheme was better-suited to Corey Dillon's straight-line, off-tackle running style. ...

Moving on to other scheme-related notes. ...

In Baltimore. ... Soon after the draft, new Ravens offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel will begin tinkering with the offense. According to Baltimore Sun beat writer Mike Preston, Neuheisel wants to find a way to develop explosive plays.

"We need bigger plays, more explosive plays," Neuheisel told Preston. "Demetrius Williams developed into a big-play weapon for us at the end of the season; and Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton are big-play receivers.

"That might mean getting four receivers on or up close to the line of scrimmage, but somehow we have to create bigger plays downfield."

According to Neuheisel, the offense won't change much even though it might appear that way.

With the Ravens losing free-agent fullback Ovie Mughelli to the Falcons, the Ravens will probably use more two tight-end formations and a single back.

As of now, Preston notes, the options are unlimited.

"Using more three-receiver sets would be a natural conclusion, but ideally you want a 50/50 ratio with run versus the pass," Neuheisel said. "But if you do that, does that take away your ability to run? I think we want more explosive plays, but also that ability to run with power that we've had for years, which goes along with outstanding defense."

Preston went on to advise readers that Neuheisel has spent a lot of time watching one player in particular: Newly-acquired running back Willis McGahee.

"We're still looking, seeing what he has done well in the past, and what we might want to change in our offense to make all of us better," Neuheisel said.

According to the Buffalo News, the Ravens have designs on McGahee being an all-purpose threat.

"One of the things that drew us to Willis McGahee was the versatility that he represents in both stretch runs, running downhill and catching out of the backfield," head coach Brian Billick recently said. "Anytime you have a player who is that multiple, that's a positive."

Of course, some would argue that McGahee was primarily a one-dimensional back during his time in Buffalo.

He did not factor much in the passing game the past two years -- although in his defense, he worked under two different coaching staffs. In offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild's system this past season he recorded a career low 18 receptions. He also ranked 25th among running backs in all-purpose yardage in 2006.

Fortunately, Billick and Neuheisel believe the former Bill capable of more. Let's hope the coaches follow through on that.

Of course, McGahee isn't the only weapon they hope to exploit.

"We'd like to get tight ends, running backs, quarterbacks, receivers and the offensive line all on the same page so we can take advantage of as many of them as we can," Neuheisel said.

"Right now, there is not a play we're not looking at. ..."

In Chicago. ... According to chicagobears.com staffer Larry Mayer, offensive coordinator Ron Turner revealed last Sunday that the Bears will implement a little bit more of the shotgun in 2007.

Turner made the decision after spending countless hours reviewing tape of Rex Grossman, from the quarterback's first NFL start as a rookie in 2003 to every snap he took this past season for the NFC champions.

"I went back and looked at all our tape by myself before we met as an offensive staff," Turner said. "I watched all our games and all the passes and everything Rex did. I also went back and looked at every play that he had in the NFL prior to this year just to see if I could pick up anything that's going to help.

"That was one of the things I have in my notes; that we do need to implement (the) shotgun; that is something that would help him a little bit. It won't be a drastic change to what we do offensively, but we will go to some shotgun, especially more in the third down situations. You will see more of that."

Studying the tape, Turner discovered that Grossman's well-documented struggles came primarily when he retreated and threw off his back foot. Earlier in the season when he was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month in September, Grossman consistently stepped up to deliver the ball.

"When he got back in the pocket and he didn't like what he saw right away or his No. 1 read wasn't open, instead of stepping up in the pocket, he got in the habit of bailing out," Turner said.

According to Mayer, stepping up in the pocket also should make it easier for Grossman to scramble for positive yards when his receivers are covered, something that the quarterback appeared reluctant to do last season.

"That's an area that Rex and I talked about in the offseason and actually during the season," Turner said. "He started to do a little bit more of that as the season went on. That's something that he's got to do.

"If he steps up in the pocket, he'll see those lanes, he'll feel those lanes and he'll be able to pull it down and run. A two-, three- or four-yard run is better than forcing the ball or holding onto the ball and taking a sack.

"That's an area that I think as Rex gets more experience, he'll get better at being able to tuck the ball and go and get some positive yards when nothing's there. Then all of a sudden the linebackers have to worry about that and that's going to open up some other things."

One thing opposing linebackers and pass rushers won't have to worry about is Thomas Jones.

Consider Grossman among those likely to miss the veteran running back most.

The quarterback told reporters last month that he owes a debt of gratitude to Jones, who was dealt to the Jets.

"As a young quarterback, the hardest thing to pick up are protections and protection responsibilities, and he's just done an amazing job to help my development and clean up some of the mistakes and blocking some of the guys he's not supposed to block," Grossman said. "Not only that, but just being a tough, physical runner and having an emotional attitude in the huddle, he was a great leader."

As for Cedric Benson, who will inherit Jones' starting job, Grossman said, "He's an amazing talent who could very well be a perennial Pro Bowler and rush for 2,000 yards and do a lot of the things that are expected out of Chicago Bears running backs."

Of course, Grossman's up-and-down effort last season continues to draw as much attention this offseason as it did criticism last year.

Fortunately, Grossman formed a healthy perspective: You are rarely as good as people say you are or as bad as they say either.

"In some games, I was bad," Grossman conceded. "I had 13 or 14 games I'm extremely proud of and five or six that were really bad. The swings of criticism were much bigger than swings in my play."

One last note here. ... According to Chicago Sun-Times staffer Brad Biggs, the wait-and-see approach team officials took with head coach Lovie Smith also will apply to their quarterback.

Team president Ted Phillips wanted to see more from Smith last season before rewarding him with a rich contract extension, and it appears Grossman will get the same treatment.

As Grossman put it: "They are waiting for me to take that next step, and I am waiting for myself to take that next step. And hopefully we meet after that."

The amount of time Grossman missed with injuries in 2004 and 2005 prevented him from triggering major escalators in his contract that would have increased his salary. As it stands, he is set to earn base pay of $2.035 million in 2007 as he looks to establish himself as an elite passer.

"[The contract situation] is [a motivating factor], but not so much that it is a distraction," Grossman said. "Every year is critical. This just happens to be a little more so."

Asked about his goals for this season, Grossman said, "I want to have at least half of the amount of interceptions [20] that I had [in 2006]. So my goal is to have single-digit interceptions and 30 touchdowns and go from there."

Assuming he can meet those goals, agent Eugene Parker said he and Grossman are happy to wait to do a deal, certain that the price tag only will increase.

And it will. As long as Grossman has more highs than lows this time around. ...

In St. Louis. ... Entering the 2007 season with an offense that has added more and more weapons to an already potent group, Marc Bulger faces the enviable task of finding ways to keep everyone happy.

So, what if the expected happens and Bulger has players from every position telling him they were open after every play?

"I have heard guards tell me they've been open before so there's nothing I haven't heard," Bulger said.

As StLouisRams.com insider Nick Wagoner noted last week, after the emergence of Steven Jackson as one of the best running backs in the league last season, it became clear that the Rams once again had one of the most talented offenses in the league.

But that didn't stop them from making some additions -- including receiver Drew Bennett and tight end Randy McMichael.

Bennett gives the team a big downfield threat with the ability to go over the middle and fill in with Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt in the slot. McMichael is equally adept at pass catching and blocking.

Those additions have taken the Rams offense from talented to downright loaded, on paper at least. And nobody could be happier about it than Bulger, who believes the changes made to the offense, could put the Rams offense among the best in the league and, potentially, the best he has played with.

"(It is) since I have been playing," Bulger said. "That first year was pretty good in '01. With Steven, even without the addition of Drew, you could say that because Steven had 90 catches and improved throughout the year. And now with the addition of McMichael, we definitely have the most talent on our side of the ball we've had since I have been playing."

Fortunately for Bulger, none of the new additions seem overly concerned with touches. The overlying theme out of McMichael and Bennett's mouths is winning; something neither has done much of at either of his previous stops.

"It's going to be fun," McMichael said. "One thing about it is you won't be able to double cover anybody. You won't be able to roll coverages. I know a lot of teams try to take Torry away from us, but we have so many weapons now that will free him up even more I think."

Indeed. Many teams did their best to take Holt out of the offense in 2006 by rolling coverages to his side of the field and forcing Bulger to take more underneath passes.

That worked out just fine for Jackson to become more involved in the passing game, but with McMichael and Bennett in the fold, the Rams would like to see Jackson with closer to 60 or 70 catches than 90.

It's worth noting that Jackson, who had 436 touches (346 carries and the above-mentioned 90 catches), admitted earlier this year that last season's workload was a bit much.

And even though he enjoys his burgeoning role as the centerpiece of the Rams' offense, Jackson isn't averse to sharing the workload a bit. "I just don't want to burn myself out too fast," he said. ...

While that's certainly not good news for Fantasy owners in point-per reception scoring systems, it shouldn't be enough to knock Jackson out of your top-5 this summer. ...

In Philadelphia. ... Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who handled the play-calling after Jeff Garcia replaced injured Donovan McNabb at quarterback last season, will continue to do the play-calling in '07.

"I'll probably let Marty call 'em this year," head coach Andy Reid confirmed. "I thought he did a nice job. I have a lot of trust in Marty. You have to remember, Marty and I go way back. I started doing that [giving up play-calling] with (former coordinator) Brad [Childress].

And then at end of year, I started doing it with Marty. I stepped back and kind of watched when he was calling [the plays]. I felt real good about it. It freed me up to see a little bit more of what was going on."

With Mornhinweg calling the shots, Philadelphia Daily News staffer Paul Domowitch suggest the Eagles will continue to run the ball as much in '07 with McNabb as they did late last year after Garcia took over.

"It will probably be very similar, yeah," Reid said. "It'll probably be very similar to how we finished the season. ..."

In a related note. ... Mornhinweg is happy with the team's new offensive additions, even though most people feel the team suffered a net loss when it saw Garcia and Donte' Stallworth walk in favor of Kelly Holcomb and Kevin Curtis.

On Curtis, Mornhinweg told PFW: "He's very consistent, very dependable. We liked that very much about him. He has had good production, and he's both fast and quick."

Mornhinweg said the offensive coaches spent considerable time watching Curtis' releases off the line -- especially when he played outside with the Rams -- and is convinced that he will be just fine.

"That's a positive element of his game, actually. He's fine there." Curtis likely will play outside in two-WR formations opposite Reggie Brown, who Mornhinweg said really turned up his game at midseason, and in the slot in three-WR alignments.

"We've got a group of (receivers) I like," Mornhinweg said. ...

And finally this week, in Cincinnati. ... Chris Henry will find out next week whether the NFL will suspend him for his series of off-field transgressions. Agent Marvin Frazier said Thursday he and Henry were given a time frame of 7-10 days during their Tuesday meeting in New York with Goodell.

"They said they would let us know then," Frazier said.

Henry, a talented but troubled third-year receiver, was arrested four times from December 2005 through June 2006. So, given his situation, you'd think Henry would take a cautious -- or at least a judicious and thoughtful -- approach when discussing his issues.

Think again.

In a live interview on the NFL Network just hours after meeting with Goodell, Rich Eisen asked Henry the following question: "Many people out there, certainly Bengals fans, are left scratching their heads over your actions, the number of arrests you've had over a very short period of time. What would you say to those fans who feel confused or wondering whether you saying this is over is, in fact, going to be the case?"

To which Henry shot back: "Well, the fans who you say are "scratching their heads" really aren't true fans, I guess. ..."

Nice. With that attitude, does anybody really believe Henry really understands what the league is going to demand of him?

More importantly, was the commissioner watching Total Access that day?

That's it for this week's Notebook. I'll check in again next Sunday. ... In the meantime, keep an eye on the News & Views section of this site for late-breaking news and other tidbits of interest. Watch the Headline News section for more in-depth reviews of current events -- including the Fantasy Notebook.