DEFENSIVE "PACK"FIELD: At a recent June minicamp, the two-time defending NFC champion Green Bay Packers welcomed old and new faces to their starting defensive backfield. Cornerback CRAIG NEWSOME, who missed almost the entire 1997 season, returned and looked like his old self. In addition, second-year safety DARREN SHARPER looked ready to take over the starting free safety role.

Newsome was the Packers’ top corner in 1996. He led the team with 23 passes defensed and did not incur a pass interference or illegal contact penalty in the regular season. But in last year’s season-opener against Chicago, Newsome injured his left knee and missed the rest of the year. Green Bay defensive backs coach BOB VALESENTE was excited to see him back on the field at minicamp.

''Craig Newsome is a unique guy. He's a special individual,'' said Valesente. ''He's got a great attitude. Whatever happened to him, he has adjusted to it. He came back very strong in practice. I see the same old Craig Newsome running around out there, diving, trying to make plays.''

As a rookie playing mostly in dime packages, Sharper displayed big-play ability by tying HERB ADDERLY’s club season record (1965) of three defensive touchdowns, two on interceptions and one on a fumble return.

''When I see Darren Sharper, I see him making an awful lot of plays out there,'' Valesente said. ''He controls the defense very well and he does an excellent job with everything we're asking him to do."

Newsome will replace DOUG EVANS, who signed with the Carolina Panthers, at left cornerback, while Sharper takes over for EUGENE ROBINSON, now with the Atlanta Falcons. They join third-year cornerback TYRONE WILLIAMS and two-time Pro Bowl strong safety LE ROY BUTLER in the defensive backfield.

NEDNEY LEARNS FROM THE BEST: Arizona Cardinals head coach VINCE TOBIN likes kicker JOE NEDNEY’s potential. So much so that he persuaded Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker JAN STENERUD to come to minicamp to tutor the three-year veteran on the fundamentals of the position. Stenerud so mastered those fundamentals during his 19-year NFL career that he became the first pure placekicker to be inducted into the Hall (1991).

"If you can’t learn something from a Hall of Fame kicker, than you’re not listening," says Nedney.

Stenerud, who works for Kansas City-based architectural firm HNTB, a leader in stadium architecture, stressed preparation to Nedney and to treat every kick, whether in practice or in a game, like a game winner.

"It’s concentration. You have to make every kick as important as you can," said Stenerud. "You want to get as close to that pressure as you can – the nervousness and the packed stadium – so when that happens on Sunday, you expect it."

WARREN WARMS TO ’BOYS: CHRIS WARREN has joined the Dallas Cowboys after eight productive years with the Seattle Seahawks, including three trips to the Pro Bowl. Warren is excited about being with the Cowboys, the possibility of his first trip to the postseason, and playing with six-time Pro Bowl running back EMMITT SMITH.

"There's a championship atmosphere around here," said Warren after a recent minicamp. "The stars work just as hard as the rookies. Seeing that puts pressure on new guys like me. It brings out the best in you, too."

Although he saw less playing time last year than during his four 1,000-yard seasons, Warren still averaged 4.2 yards per carry in ’97 and says he has never felt better physically.

"The way I look at it, I didn't play much the past two years and played only on special teams my first two years," said the 30-year old. "So I've still got a lot left in me."

How does Warren feel about backing up Smith? "I know what I'm here for," he says. "Emmitt and I have been fine. It's a situation that's going to help the team." And perhaps help Warren get to the playoffs.

PANTHERS ADJUST TO NEW TALENT: Carolina Panthers head coach DOM CAPERS experimented at a recent minicamp with new defensive line formations to accommodate the team’s change in talent. Mike Fox lined up at nose tackle instead of defensive end where he has played for three years with the team. He was flanked by new free-agent acquisition Sean Gilbert at right end and four-year veteran Shawn King at left end. The nose-tackle position was left vacant by the retirement of GREG KRAGEN.

Although Capers says it is too early to tell who will end up with the starting jobs on Kickoff ’98 Weekend, many coaches wish they had his defensive line "problems" with four rookies, including first-round pick JASON PETER, and veterans LES MILLER and Tim Morabito competing for starting jobs and providing depth.

SHOTGUN SHAKEUP: Not only will defenses have to defend against the new shotgun offense implemented by the Cowboys this season, they can also expect to see the formation from the Packers.

"I like it. I think it can be useful to us," said quarterback BRETT FAVRE. "We watched some film of Denver and it definitely helped Elway. It enables you to look at the defense from a different point of view." Giving Favre, the only quarterback in league history with four consecutive 30-touchdown seasons, another weapon could be a frightening thought for NFL defensive coordinators.