Buy the MVP heat. There's a wealth of riches on offense, and the honeymoon is in full bloom. There's also reason to believe the defense has improved, especially with a second-round addition who's already impressing.
— What to expect now that is signed: more aggressive play-calling from Matt LaFleur, who admitted to me that he was too conservative entering last year. The deep wide receiver room, and a legit 1-2 punch in the backfield with and , should help. With a greatly improved offensive line (if healthy) and depth in the backfield, could have the best running game of his Rams tenure at his disposal.
That should make the offense more balanced and difficult to defend. While that might not equate to Stafford putting up a career year in numbers, it may very well be the change that keeps him in the NFL for a few more seasons. I raised an eyebrow when took a long pause, then said: “I’m gonna say it.
I want to be here, but when you look [it] up, all the other quarterbacks that I watched played for other teams [than their first]. ..
. That’s not something to fear.” Also: Team owner Jerry Jones opening his media conference by answering a question about a paternity suit was .
.. wild.
Cowboys, baby. The Bears named their starter months ago. That’s instantly allowed him to command the offense.
Williams’ creative arm angles and scramble drills look fluid – but he’s not escaping the pocket too soon. CB told me this isn’t a case of happy feet. Williams has been more patient in the pocket than his reputation might suggest.
A lot is riding on defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who has the trust from Harbaugh to shape his scheme and personnel. His role-specific system has similarities to Brandon Staley’s in that there’s a lot going on with post-snap disguising. Minter will have to simplify roles but retain scheme complexity.
He’s well regarded by the staff, where he worked prior to Michigan. Time will tell if he can ascend as an NFL coordinator, too. isn’t just cleared from shoulder surgery to throw.
He’s also cleared by team ownership to run. “We know his feet can be dangerous and pick up critical yards at critical times,” Jim Irsay said during practice Sunday. “One of the reasons we drafted him is because of his size and strength.
” More from Colts camp: This rookie class is going to contribute heavily. We may look back a few years from now and see a whopping 5-6 starters. The staff buzz beyond the obvious names: tight end .
He’s a better receiver than what was showcased at Illinois. And he’s already an adept in-line blocker. Explosive plays are also on the Bengals defense's mind after allowing the second-most plays of 20+ yards last season.
They signed veteran safeties and this season to elevate defensive communication they’ll need to thwart a tough slate of AFC quarterbacks. started Tuesday sharp, hitting beautiful throws that had him humming. Then he finished the day with four interceptions.
It could have been five if not for a drop. Sometimes a cause for concern, I think Purdy was intentionally pushing the practice envelope, trying to see what he could pull off with his arm. As the limit in his return from a calf injury, ’ opportunities to make his case as QB1 continue.
Fields showcased accuracy and athleticism in practices I watched, eluding defenders on keepers and downfield passes alike. Add in Fields’ attention to mechanics — he looked better than he felt, he said — and he's doing all he can to challenge Wilson. The QB competition has simmered down to rookie vs.
. For now, the staff wants Nix to continue to feel the element of competition. But he’s doing what he needs to be the opening day starter, steadily improving as he goes.
So long as that continues, Nix will be one of three rookie QB starters in Week 1, joining the ’ and the ’ . Surprised the Lions doubled up on corners with their first two draft picks? Don’t let first-rounder overshadow 61st overall pick out of Missouri. Rakestraw jumped a route to intercept in Thursday’s practice and swiped on Friday in red-zone work.
How long until he’s giving opposing quarterbacks the same headache? Rookie is on a traditional rookie roller coaster, with positive days and setbacks. But it’s clear there is a seriousness about handling his development carefully. had a strong camp practice on Friday, and the better he plays, the more patient Minnesota can be with McCarthy.
Embrace that as a good thing. In terms of touches, I don’t get the sense there’s a true No. 1 running back between and .
They both do some similar things, so it could be a hot hand or situational opportunities that set them apart. Clearly, both will get plenty of looks. It just doesn’t seem like one has a dominant edge over the other right now.
has been cleared from his 2023 shoulder surgery, participating in all practice drills when not scheduled for a rest day. Head coach Kevin Stefanski told me Watson’s “multitude of throws” and arm strength are strong, while his accuracy “looks exactly how it did previously.” That will serve the Browns’ offensive rebuild well, as they install a system that they believe better accentuates his skill set of RPOs and drop-back passing.
Health permitting, this will be the season puts a dent into the massive expectations that followed him into the NFL. His touches are expected to be far more consistent from game to game as the Falcons strive for balance. Having a steady at the controls will also enhance his value as both a runner and receiver.
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