Training camp is an exciting time for the entire NFL fan community. Mainly because it is the start of actual football again, and it also means the NFL season is just a few weeks away. In this article, I am going to focus on some of the biggest news and notes around the NFL community for the first couple weeks of training camps.
Injuries
One of the common themes to most NFL Training Camps is the amount of injuries. Part of this is unfortunately due to the sad reality of players spending 6 weeks off from football following mini camps and OTA’s, and immediately beginning contact and physical football with little adjustment period.
The other part of it is just unfortunate timing and circumstances and a lot of physical football amongst 2nd and 3rd teamers trying to make an NFL roster. We’ve seen serious injuries to multiple rookies including two offensive lineman that were looking to make valuable contributions early on in their NFL careers. The first is Forrest Lamp from the San Diego Chargers, and the other is Nico Siragusa from the Baltimore Ravens. Both are going to miss the entire season. There’s been a few more minor ones that thankfully don’t look too troubling. But in this article let’s focus on some of the other things around the NFL.
Deshaun Watson looks like the real deal
Bill O’Brien coming out and saying that Watson is the best rookie QB he’s ever seen is saying something. Take it from a guy whose been around quite a few QB’s in his day. Watson has been impressing throughout every practice and has already won over his teammates and coaches. It’s beginning to look more and more likely that Watson might be starting a lot sooner then was originally expected.
Laquon Treadwell and Josh Doctson look like they might have bounce back year.
Many tv personalities have already exclaimed Laquon Treadwell and Josh Doctson to be busts because of their limited play time in their rookie seasons. Both 2nd year WR’s have thoroughly impressed their coaching staffs this year throughout camp, and look like they’ve come night and day from their rookie years. As long as both guys stay healthy, it’s possible they both make a very valuable contribution early on in year 2.
Dak Prescott will not have a sophomore slump.
Beat writers following the Cowboys have had nothing but praise for the 2nd year QB. With many fearing that he would have a sophomore slump in his second full year following guys like RG3 and Colin Kaepernick, all signs point the opposite direction. Dak has been impressing everyone with his ability to make throws all over the football field. Many have even exclaimed Dak as being the best player in Cowboys training camp, surprisingly because last year he had an ‘OK’ camp.
Broncos might not have a QB.
With both Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian struggling early on in camp, it is obvious that the Broncos might struggle a bit early on this year and have some growing pains with whatever QB they end up going with. Preseason ultimately is going to be the biggest test for both guys, but it appears both of them are having serious turnovers issues throughout practices. The games will ultimately be the separation between who ends up starting.
Derek Carr, Marshawn Lynch and the Raiders look ready.
With Derek Carr back into the fold and a healthy Marshawn Lynch, the Raiders are looking and talking like a team that is ready to make some serious noise this year. Lynch is bringing a new dimension of toughness and nastiness to their offense, and they look to be amongst the most serious candidates to upset and challenge the Patriots in the AFC this year.
These are just a few of the major storylines in the first couple weeks of training camps. We will obviously have a lot more in the coming week as preseason games get going. Are you as excited as me?