Tag: Camp

Jun 9, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) participates in minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers’ Diontae Johnson sued over youth camp no-show

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The organizers of the Diontae Johnson Youth Football Camp sued the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver over his failure to show up for the one-day event.

FlexWork Sports Management LLC contracted with Johnson to lend his name and make an appearance at the May 22 camp in Pittsburgh, and they contend they are out thousands in refunds and camp-related fees, plus damage to its reputation, because he wasn’t there.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Johnson’s representatives told the organizers 13 minutes before the starting time of the camp that Johnson’s flight to Pittsburgh from Florida on May 21 had been canceled due to weather and he would show up later on camp day. A second set of messages, according to the report, said Johnson left the airport because he didn’t want to wait for another flight.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and seeks unspecified damages. The Steelers were not affiliated with the camp.

The families of campers paid $125 and were to receive a “team photo” with Johnson, a T-shirt and other items. Additional chances to interact with Johnson were offered for an extra fee.

According to the report, Johnson, 26, and the organizers had an agreement that he would pay a fee of $2,250 if he were to cancel after April 5 as well as all expenses incurred by FlexWork.

The organizers said they refunded just shy of $37,000 in registration fees, as well as an equal amount of credit toward a future camp. They also paid more than $10,000 in expenses for things that included staff payroll and photographer fees.

If Johnson is found liable for any of the camp costs, he should be able to afford it. Last week, he signed a two-year contract extension that will run through the 2024 season and is worth up to $39.5 million, with incentives, and includes $27 million in guaranteed money, ESPN reported.

–Field Level Media

Jun 15, 2022; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans head coach Lovie Smith looks on during drills at minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Going Camping: Houston Texans

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When the Houston Texans report to training camp Tuesday, they may be forgiven for breathing a sigh of relief, regardless of how their 2022 season turns out.

The team not only managed to turn the page on the controversial Deshaun Watson era, it also netted a king’s ransom in return, setting the team up to rebound quicker than observers might normally expect when discarding a franchise QB.

Training camp location: Houston
Houston Methodist Training Center
Rookie report date: July 24
Veteran report date: July 26

Key acquisitions: CB Steven Nelson, G A.J. Cann, DE Mario Addison, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB Kamu Grugier-Hill
Key losses: QB Deshaun Watson, S Justin Reid, LB Jake Martin, QB Tyrod Taylor

This is a rebuilding situation, and that’s not the worst idea in the world for a team fresh off a pair of four-win seasons. Watson is the biggest headline grabber, but the team also let Justin Reid leave for Kansas City and top backup passer Tyrod Taylor leave for New York. The Texans will rally around second-year quarterback Davis Mills and a strong rookie class, which has the potential to build the foundation for this franchise for the next decade. Derek Stingley Jr., Kenyon Green, Jalen Pitre and John Mitchie III are all names to watch in particular.

Brandin Cooks has been the subject of trade rumors and will likely continue to be so, but he’s an asset on the field until that happens. The same is true of returnees Laremy Tunsil, Eric Murray and Maliek Collins. Again, this team is in a rebuild. But the talent level is rising, the team has turned the page on the Watson chapter and there are lots of reasons for optimism as a new training camp opens.

–WEEK 1 IN FOCUS:
Colts at Texans, 1 p.m. ET
Line: Colts -8 (FanDuel)
Total: 44 points

The Colts have controlled this series, both historically (32-9) and recently (9-2). The Colts have won the last four, including a pair of lopsided scores – 31-3, 31-0 – in 2021. Reason for hope? New Colts starting QB Matt Ryan is just 1-2 vs. Houston in his career.

–A MANAGEABLE SCHEDULE?
A pair of games against the more hapless Jacksonville Jaguars are on the docket, as are games against losing squads Denver, Chicago, the New York Giants, Washington and Cleveland. With a few sportsbooks setting the over/under at 3.5, the over really doesn’t look unreasonable for a team that has won four games each of the last two seasons.

–Field Level Media

Oct 10, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Chicago Bears inside linebacker Roquan Smith (58) tackles Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during a game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Bears LB Roquan Smith won’t report to camp

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Inside linebacker Roquan Smith will not report to Chicago Bears training camp Tuesday as he looks for a contract extension from the team, NFL Network reported Monday.

Smith is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. No offer to date for Smith has brought him close to a new deal, the report said.

The eighth overall selection of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Georgia, Smith has amassed 524 tackles, 14 sacks and five interceptions over his first four NFL seasons (61 games).

Smith started all 33 games of the past two regular seasons for Chicago and earned second-team All-Pro honors both years. He posted a career-high 163 tackles in 2021, which ranked fifth in the league.

–Field Level Media

Jun 9, 2022; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) participates in mandatory mini camp at AdventHealth Training Center Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Going Camping: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take another shot at winning a Super Bowl title with Tom Brady once again under center in 2022 when they begin training camp Tuesday.

Brady’s near retirement could have caused a major reboot in Tampa, but instead the team is correctly leaning into continuity under former assistant Todd Bowles who takes over for previous head coach Bruce Arians this fall.

Training camp location: Tampa, Florida
AdventHealth Training Center
Rookie report date: July 23
Veteran report date: July 26

Key acquisitions: G Shaquille Mason, WR Russell Gage, S Logan Ryan, DL Akiem Hicks
Key losses: G Ali Marpet, G Alex Cappa, S Jordan Whitehead, WR Justin Watson

Shaquille Mason and Russell Gage are quality additions for an offense that ultimately didn’t need a lot of help once Brady decided to come back for a 23rd NFL season. The future Hall of Famer has had two of his best season statistically with the Buccaneers, throwing for 40-plus touchdowns for just the second and third time in his career.

The team added talent along both lines early in the draft with Logan Hall on defense and Luke Goedeke on offense, which along with the signings of Mason and veteran defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, shows a commitment to two position groups that had a lot to do with 2020-21’s title run.

The rest of the roster remains stacked.

Tristan Wirfs, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Vita Vea, Devin White and Carlton Davis, among others, provide a rare stock of talent that few others teams in the league can match. The biggest question mark on the team might be Bowles, because although he coordinated the team’s defense expertly the last three years, he’s still unproven as a head coach, compiling a 26-41 overall record as the top guy with the New York Jets and an interim for the Miami Dolphins.

–WEEK 1 IN FOCUS:
Buccaneers at Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. ET
Line: Buccaneers -2.5 (FanDuel)
Total: 51.5 points

The Buccaneers trail the all-time series 15-5, though they have won two of the last four, including last season’s 31-29 win in Tampa Bay. Brady is 6-0 in his career vs. Dallas.

–SCORE SOME MORE
In two seasons with Brady at quarterback, the Buccaneers finished in the top three in the NFL in scoring twice. Most sportsbooks have the Buccaneers at +800 to score the most points this fall, which given the recent track record and returning talent sounds like a one in three proposition.

–Field Level Media

Jun 8, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule during Carolina Panthers minicamp at Bank of America Stadium Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Going Camping: Carolina Panthers

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Rookies and veterans report Tuesday for the Carolina Panthers, who hope a few key changes on the roster can lead to a more successful third year for head coach Matt Rhule.

Rhule, who has won five games each of his first two seasons, might be feeling some heat, as evidenced by his decision to turn to another option at quarterback, newly traded for Baker Mayfield. Fortunately, Mayfield provides upside for an organization desperate for improvement.

Training camp location: Spartanburg, SC
Wofford College
Rookie report date: July 26
Veteran report date: July 26

Key acquisitions: QB Baker Mayfield, S Xavier Woods, RB D’Onta Foreman, OL Austin Corbett, OL Bradley Bozeman
Key losses: QB Cam Newton, CB Stephon Gilmore, DT DaQuan Jones, LB Haason Reddick

By nearly every measure, Mayfield has outperformed previous starter Sam Darnold in the NFL to date, so looking to him to upgrade the offense seems a safe bet.

A bigger question for the Panthers might be how much help they can provide Mayfield.

D.J. Moore has been a steady performer on the outside, but he too often has had to go it alone as Christian McCaffrey has battled a variety of injuries.

D’Onta Foreman can be expected to help, and the offensive line was boosted in the draft and in free agency (no small thing). The health and durability of McCaffrey still looms large.

The defense, with impact players like Brian Burns, Shaq Thompson and Derrick Brown, is probably good enough to give the team a fighting chance. Now it’s the offense’s turn to improve.

–WEEK 1 IN FOCUS:
Browns at Panthers, 1 p.m. ET
Line: Browns -1 (FanDuel)
Total: 42.5 points

It’s perfect that Mayfield’s first game with the Panthers will be a game against his former team, the Cleveland Browns. Do you think Mayfield, who has a history of being a fiery guy, might be a little jacked for that one? Historically, the Panthers have the advantage in the series 4-2, though the Browns won most recently, 26-20 in December of 2018.

–WILD CARD OR BUST

Most over/under bets currently hover around seven wins and pay out +105 to +230 or so. If you believe Mayfield can turn around the Panthers’ fortunes in a make-or-break year for Rhule, why not jump on the team making the wild card as a prop bet instead? Last year’s wild card required just nine wins and if the Panthers can get to nine and sneak into the wild card, that pays out at +750 (MGM).

–Field Level Media

Jun 2, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints Jameis Winston (2) works on passing drills during organized team activities at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Going Camping: New Orleans Saints

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The New Orleans Saints begin their first season post-Sean Payton when veterans report on Tuesday.

Most of the names and faces will be familiar, bringing the chance to lean into continuity in 2022 with new coach Dennis Allen, whose previous head coaching tenure with a shaky roster in Oakland was less than successful.

Training camp location: Metairie, La.
Ochsner Sports Performance Center
Rookie report date: July 19
Veteran report date: July 26

Key acquisitions: DB Tyrann Mathieu, WR Jarvis Landry, S Marcus Maye
Key losses: S Marcus Williams, T Terron Armstead, S Malcolm Jenkins

The Saints offense was a mess of injuries and inconsistency in ‘21 in the wake of Drew Brees’ retirement. The team leaned into the running game, as well it should have, given the absence of Brees and eventually Jameis Winston (following an ACL tear), not to mention lead wideout Michael Thomas, who sat out the entire season. Now Thomas and Winston are back, and the Saints added Jarvis Landry in free agency to go along with Chris Olave in the first round of the draft. Clearly, there are reasons for optimism surrounding the passing game that weren’t around a year ago. The two biggest offseason losses, Marcus Williams and Terron Armstead, were addressed in free agency (Marcus Maye) and the draft (Trevor Penning), respectively.

Elite players like Alvin Kamara, Marshon Lattimore, Demario Davis, Cam Jordan and Ryan Ramczyk all return, giving Allen a tremendous foundation (though Kamara could be facing a suspension).

–WEEK 1 IN FOCUS:
Saints at Falcons, 1 p.m. ET
Line: Saints -5.5 (FanDuel)
Total: 41.5 points

Atlanta sprang a 27-25 upset in New Orleans on Nov. 7, but the Saints rebounded to win 30-20 in the season finale in Atlanta Jan. 9, and the Falcons are now entering the post-Matt Ryan era with significant quarterback uncertainty.

–EIGHT IS GREAT
The Saints have finished above .500 for five straight seasons, a run which was proceeded by three straight 7-9 seasons. Last year — even with Brees’ retirement, all of the injuries and a five-game losing streak — still resulted in a 9-8 finish. Allen adds an element of risk to the equation, but this roster, when healthy, is double-digit win quality. Draft Kings’ over-under of 8 represents the best option for believers in the over as most other services have the line at 8.5 or 9.5.

–Field Level Media

Feb 11, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and running back Joe Mixon (28) do a mock interview following media availabilty for Super Bowl LVI at Drake Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Going Camping: Cincinnati Bengals

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The top of the AFC was a maddening jumble for much of last year, until the Cincinnati Bengals cut through the noise, rolled through the playoffs and made their first Super Bowl since the 1988 season.

Most of the band is back together for another run at glory, but the Bengals won’t be taking anyone by surprise this time around.

Training camp location: Cincinnati
Paul Brown Stadium
Rookie report date: July 23
Veteran report date: July 26

Key Acquisitions: OT La’el Collins, G Alex Cappa, C Ted Karras, TE Hayden Hurst, CB Eli Apple
Key Losses: TE C.J. Uzomah

The Bengals didn’t go spend or trade crazy, opting instead to try to keep the previous roster mostly intact. At first glance, that seems prudent given the team is fresh off a Super Bowl appearance. On the other hand, now might be the time to slide all the chips into the center of the table. At least the Bengals addressed their offensive line, which is something that absolutely had to happen, so they deserve a fair amount of credit for that.

Duke Tobin brought in three solid contributors in La’el Collins (three years, $21 million), Alex Cappa (four years, $35 million) and Ted Karras (three years, $18 million).

Will Karras be up to the job of starting regularly? Will Collins be healthy? The point is there are still questions there, and the offensive line will be
a likely culprit if Cincinnati takes a step back.

But it’s also hard to fault the team for attempting to surround Joe Burrow with more protection, especially when it comes in the form of three players with
extensive starting experience. The team addressed a different position group through the draft, selecting defensive backs Dax Hill, Cam Taylor-Britt and Tycen Anderson to go along with the re-signing of Eli Apple (one year, $3.75 million).

–WEEK 1 IN FOCUS:
Steelers at Bengals, 1 p.m. ET
Line: Bengals -6.5 (FanDuel)
Total: 44.5 points

What used to be a good-old-fashioned Steeler stomping has turned the other way, as evidenced by FanDuel’s line. Cincinnati gets to host Pittsburgh’s first game of the post-Ben Roethlisberger era, but the question remains whether Kenny Pickett or Mitch Trubisky will start under center.

–BURROWING FOR SAFETY

A few dark horses like the Raiders’ Derek Carr and the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott could lead the NFL in passing yards, but don’t count out Joe Burrow (+1200 at DraftKings) either. Burrow sat out the season finale and was sixth in total yards last season but first in yards per attempt at 8.9, with receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s game-breaking YAC ability a major factor.

–Field Level Media

Jun 6, 2022; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes the ball during OTA workouts at the UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Going Camping: Denver Broncos

Posted on | by Field Level Media

John Elway finally has his quarterback. After 10 seasons and one Super Bowl in Seattle, Russell Wilson is getting a fresh start with the Denver Broncos.

On paper, quarterback was always the missing piece for this team, which already possessed one of the league’s best defenses and some young talent at running back and wide receiver. Only problem: They play in what’s now become the toughest division in football.

Training camp location: Englewood, Colo.
UCHealth Training Center
Rookie report date: July 26
Veteran report date: July 26

Key acquisitions: EDGE Nik Bonitto, DL D.J. Jones, QB Russell Wilson
Key losses: QB Teddy Bridgewater, TE Noah Fant, DL Shelby Harris, QB Drew Lock

With less of a draft arsenal than usual, GM George Paton targeted help in the secondary and a replacement for Fant in UCLA’s Greg Dulcich. Of course, Paton’s stockpile of picks was thinned making what could be a franchise-altering move in trading for Russell Wilson.

Wilson, 33, took the Seahawks to a pair of Super Bowls and beat the Broncos in New Jersey. He’ll have a better line and a sneaky good group of receivers.

Landing Oklahoma edge Nik Bonnito and signing Randy Gregory are big for a defense that opens a season without Von Miller for the first time since 2010. A secondary that showed signs of growth might approach special if second-year corner Patrick Surtain II gets enough help.

–WEEK 1 IN FOCUS:
Broncos at Seahawks, Monday Sept. 12, 8:15 p.m. ET
Line: Broncos -5.5 (FanDuel)
Total: 42.5 points

The NFL couldn’t wait to schedule Wilson’s return to Seattle, so this primetime affair will be a big to-do at the end of Week 1 even though the QB has barely been gone long enough to be missed. The Broncos are rightly favored against a team that looks to be entering a rebuild.

–SHORT OF MILE-HIGH EXPECTATIONS
A 10-7 finish seems possible for the Broncos, but at press time, the over/under was set at exactly 10 with no half-win. The under (+100 at DraftKings) holds the longer odds, but 9-8 might be more reasonable than 11-6 when considering the two games against the Chiefs, the Chargers and the bulked-up Raiders. Denver’s nonconference slate is no cakewalk, featuring the NFC West (Rams, etc.) and trips to Tennessee and Baltimore.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and quarterback Daniel Jones (8) talk during voluntary minicamp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Nfl Ny Giants Coach And Gm Talk Nfl Draft

Going Camping: New York Giants

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After less than two years of Ben McAdoo, two years of Pat Shurmur and two years of Joe Judge, it’s Brian Daboll’s turn with the Big Blue.

The New York Giants have won more than six games just once in the past eight seasons and desperately need to sort out their identity — including whether Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley should stay in town long-term.

Training camp location: East Rutherford, N.J.
Quest Diagnostics Training Facility
Rookie report date: July 19
Veteran report date: July 26

Key losses: DBs Logan Ryan and Jabrill Peppers, TE Evan Engram, Lorenzo Carter.

Key additions: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, OL Evan Neal, G Mark Glowinski, TE Ricky Seals-Jones.

But the good news is the Giants knocked it out of the park in the draft.

With two picks in the top seven and three in the top 43, the Giants landed at least three players that should be immediate starters. More importantly, they drafted the way New York used to – back when the Giants were good. Instead of using top picks to take skill-position players (like Saquan Barkley, Daniel Jones and Kadrius Toney) who have yet to pan out, the Giants went for sure things at cornerstone positions.

They drafted pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and offensive lineman Evan Neal. In the past, the Giants have had success building around pass rushers like Lawrence Taylor and Michael Strahan and a slew of very good offensive linemen. They, once again, have started moving in that direction. But it probably is going to take another draft or two before the Giants turn the corner.

–WEEK 1 IN FOCUS:
Giants at Titans, 4:25 p.m. ET
Line: Titans -6.5 (FanDuel)
Total: 43.5 points

The Giants’ first test of the season comes on the road against the two-time defending AFC South champions. Derrick Henry made it back from a foot injury in time for Tennessee’s early playoff exit last year, but after having another eight months to rest and recover, he’ll be fresh again.

–BROADWAY BUST

Seven wins for the Giants would be a “push” at DraftKings, and while the over would be more profitable if it hits, the under (-125) offers far greater likelihood. Too many Giants home games are stacked early in the season, so three of their last four are on the road. Tennessee, Green Bay and Indianapolis might already have the Giants marked down as easy non-division wins.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) throws the ball during warm ups against the Houston Texans at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Going Camping: San Francisco 49ers

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The San Francisco 49ers have made it to the NFC Championship in two of the past three seasons, but a dull offseason might just hamper their run of success.

There’s a lot of questions heading into the season regarding the quarterback situation, and San Francisco’s defense, which played a major role in its playoff success, is going to look a lot different.

Training camp location: Santa Clara, California
SAP Performance Facility
Rookie report date: July 26
Veteran report date: July 26

Key acquisitions: CB Charvarius Ward, DT Hassan Ridgeway, LB Oren Burks, TE Tyler Kroft, S George Odum
Key losses: RB Raheem Mostert, OL Laken Tomlinson, DE Arden Key, DT D.J. Jones, CB K’Waun Williams, S Jaquiski Tartt, OG Tom Compton

Losing Laken Tomlinson and Tom Compton certainly hurts the 49ers’ offensive line, which is going to need to bring its A-game to protect Trey Lance in his first season as a full-time starter. Moving Jimmy Garoppolo was among San Francisco’s top priorities this offseason, and it has yet to do so. Does this mean Garoppolo has chance to win the starting role back? Or will he just sit on the bench all season no matter how Lance performs? It seems like the front office was a bit lackadaisical this summer, but at the same time, you have to wonder what more this team actually needs to get back to the Super Bowl.

Lance’s development is obviously going to be the top storyline throughout this season, but the defense’s ability to effectively respond to the losses it suffered over the past couple of months might actually be what makes or breaks this team.

–WEEK 1 IN FOCUS
49ers at Bears, 1 p.m. ET
Line: 49ers -6.5 (FanDuel)
Total: 42

Watching Justin Fields and Trey Lance duel it out in Week 1 is going to be a nice little preview of a potentially great future matchup, but it’s expected to be a low-scoring affair. San Francisco is the heavy favorite, a sensible lean considering it has the advantage in nearly every facet of the game.

–TRUST THE MAN IN CHARGE

With so many moving pieces on the defensive side of the ball and a young quarterback taking things over, if the 49ers do end up once again making a deep playoff run, head coach Kyle Shanahan is going to look like a genius. At +2000 odds (FanDuel), he could certainly be a sleeper to win Coach of the Year ($100 bet would net $2000 profit). Of course, things have to go well for his team for him to be in that conversation, but San Francisco has had a knack for exceeding expectations over the past few seasons.

–Field Level Media