We took a tour of the new practice facility this afternoon and it is P-L-U-S-H.

It is not quite done, they are still doing the finishing touches, but the fields are painted and look good and the indoor field is huge and incredible. No more smelly bubble that seems like at any moment it will blow over, this is more like an airplane hangar. The outdoor fields have a large berm close to I-405 that can allow fans to sit and watch practice, or block out anybody trying to get a peek.

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Buffalo running back Marshawn Lynch will not be suspended by the league for his hit-and-run accident, meaning he will be playing in the season opener against the Seahawks. Here is the link to the story.

This afternoon's practice was an hour-long special teams practice run by Bruce DeHaven, who looked smashing in a fishing hat.

I can tell you who you won't see returning punts: Michael Bumpus. He and Ben Obomanu were back fielding punts and he dropped not one, not two, not three but four balls. After the third, Big Show half-heartedly yells, "Catch the ball." After the fourth, Holmgren just laughed. Obomanu did OK, though he fielded one over his head like he was trying to catch a pass and appeared to hurt his fingers.

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After two weeks scrambling around in the Sierra Nevadas, it's good to be back to work watching some football. This morning started out under cloudy skies but gave way to sunny and cool, which the players certainly prefer.

Today's practice was much more positive and business-like than yesterday's, when Mike Holmgren blew his lid because of inconsistencies from the offense. Holmgren said he had a long talk with himself before camp and wanted to stay in control, but when the players are messing up the basics rather than intricacies he can't take it any longer -- hence the venting.

Before we get into details from practice, I will point out that Holmgren said that Patrick Kerney is going to shut it down for a while. Kerney strained his calf in practice yesterday and was wearing an ice pack on it today, but the doctors decided that rather than risk it they are going to allow him to rest and get better rather than risk further injury.

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Man, I wish you could have been here this morning. The second morning in pads featured some great contact. Traditionally one of the best ... and often most lopisded ... drills of training camp is when the running backs are asked to go one-on-one blocking against the linebackers.

In the past, only Mack Strong had much luck. The drill this year was a real eye-opener. Leonard Weaver stonewalled Lofa Tatupu, and then absolutely flat-backed Leroy Hill. I know, I know ... you don't believe it. Brothers and sisters, I saw it with my own eyes.

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