Tag: training camp

Jul 12, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Mahomes touts No. 1 ranking in early arrival to KC camp

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Patrick Mahomes wore white-framed shades, a backpack, rolled two knee-high suitcases and brought a No. 1-ranked show to Chiefs training camp.

“I told you there was a lot of cussing,” Mahomes said with a wry smile, touting “Quarterback,” the smash documentary series on Netflix.

Mahomes reported along with other quarterbacks and rookies Tuesday to begin training camp at Missouri Western State in St. Joseph, Mo., where Kansas City begins defense of its Super Bowl title. To remain the NFL’s top-ranked show, the Chiefs have a lot of boxes to check over the next several months.

While Mahomes was part of a whirlwind offseason that includes golf tournament appearances and ESPY Award wins, head coach Andy Reid was plotting how to return to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas.

“Some people read novels, I look at plays,” Reid said Tuesday.

The Chiefs appeared in three of the past four Super Bowls, but legacy has become a buzzword for Mahomes, the 2022 NFL MVP.

“The theme this year is how can we keep building? You want to continue and build, not be satisfied with what we did last year and see if we can take that next step,” he said.

Mahomes isn’t worried about resting on his laurels because of what he anticipates Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy might have up their sleeves. Reid works overtime, he admits, to keep Mahomes on his toes and offers curveballs in practice and game film to prevent establishing a routine as “normal” preparation.

Mahomes said he’s “in a good spot” physically, fully recovered from the ankle injury that dogged him during the playoffs.

“We have a special group that can kind of carry out a legacy,” Mahomes said. “We’ve got the right guys, we’ve just got to go out there and do it.”

–Field Level Media

Florham Park, NJ May 31, 2023 -- Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers during the Jets OTA.

Reports: Jets selected for ‘Hard Knocks’

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Cameras are ready to roll when the New York Jets report to training camp on July 19.

The NFL selected the Jets as the featured team for HBO’s football docu-series “Hard Knocks,” which chronicles the personalities, drama and competition of training camp each summer.

With four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers in his first camp with the Jets following a trade from the Green Bay Packers, interest in the team is high despite last appearing in the playoffs after the 2010 season.

Head coach Robert Saleh was pulling for the other eligible teams — Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and Washington Commanders — to get the nod from NFL Films.

“I know there are several teams that would love ‘Hard Knocks’ to be in their building. We’re just not one of them,” Saleh said in June.

Cameras are permitted access to practice and meetings. Often the release of players and other tense interactions are recorded, and Saleh didn’t want any part of the massive viewership of the popular HBO show.

Bears chairman George McCaskey didn’t want his team on the show, nor did Saints head coach Dennis Allen.

Washington was considered a strong possibility based on the ownership drama and uncertainty at quarterback.

–Field Level Media

Aug 14, 2021; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton (77) laughs during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jets activate OT Mekhi Becton, DE Carl Lawson, TE C.J. Uzomah

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The New York Jets activated tackle Mekhi Becton, defensive end Carl Lawson and tight end C.J. Uzomah from the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday as they opened camp in Florham Park, N.J.

The trio had been placed on the PUP list last week, but Tuesday’s move signals they are ready to go at the start of camp.

Becton sustained a dislocated right kneecap and MCL sprain in Week 1 of the 2021 season. He struggled to recover and it ultimately ended his season.

The 11th pick of the 2021 draft reportedly ballooned to nearly 400 pounds while injured. But the Jets listed him at 363 pounds in a news release Tuesday and NFL Network reported that the team was pleased with his fitness when he reported to camp.

Becton, 23, was the Jets’ starting left tackle before his injury and could return to the role this season.

Lawson, 27, signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Jets before the 2021 season but has yet to play a snap for them after sustaining a torn Achilles tendon during joint practices with the Green Bay Packers in August 2021.

Before that setback, Lawson tallied 20 sacks in his first four NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals (2017-20).

Uzomah, 29, went to the Super Bowl with the Bengals last season but was playing hurt after he sustained an MCL sprain during the AFC Championship Game. Uzomah signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Jets in free agency.

Offensive tackle George Fant (knee) remains on the PUP list, and running back Tevin Coleman was placed on the active/non-football injury list.

The Jets also signed quarterback Chris Streveler, wide receiver/returner Rashard Davis and offensive lineman Isaiah Williams. They also released receiver DJ Montgomery, cornerback Craig James and offensive lineman Dru Samia on Tuesday.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) makes one-handed catches as Kadarius Toney (89) looks on during organized team activities (OTAs) at the training center in East Rutherford on Thursday, May 19, 2022. Nfl Ny Giants Practice

Giants WR Sterling Shepard (Achilles) begins camp on PUP

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Wide receiver Sterling Shepard is one of three members of the New York Giants who began training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

Center Nick Gates (leg) and tackle Matt Peart (knee) also were placed on the PUP list as Giants camp opened Tuesday, and outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (hamstring) is on the non-football injury list.

Shepard tore his left Achilles during Week 15 of the 2021 season. In his sixth NFL season, all with New York, he played a career-low seven games (six starts) and caught 36 passes for 366 yards and a touchdown.

In 72 career games (70 starts), Shepard has recorded 349 receptions for 3,884 yards and 21 touchdowns. Eight of those touchdowns came in his rookie year of 2016.

Ojulari’s hamstring injury occurred while training away from the Giants’ facility, The Athletic reported, but it isn’t considered serious.

The Giants’ second-round pick of the 2021 draft had eight sacks and a forced fumble as a rookie.

–Field Level Media

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) races up the field during practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park Tuesday, June 14, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Nas Titans Mini Camp 032

Going Camping: Tennessee Titans

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The Tennessee Titans have a slightly different flavor when their veterans report for training camp on Tuesday.

Looking to save money, the Titans retooled significantly at wide receiver and along the offensive line. Those specific changes may dictate more than anything else how the Titans perform this season.

Training camp location: Nashville, Tenn.
Saint Thomas Sports Park
Rookie report date: July 23
Veteran report date: July 26

Key acquisitions: WR Robert Woods, TE Austin Hooper, T Jamarco Jones, S A.J. Moore, DE DeMarcus Walker
Key losses: WR A.J. Brown, WR Julio Jones, G Rodger Saffold, G David Quessenberry, LB Rashaan Evans, LB Jayon Brown

A.J. Brown is not irreplaceable, and the team tried to draft his clone when they took Treylon Burks in the first round of the draft, but those are still some mighty big shoes to fill. The good news here is that the Titans might have upgraded with other receiving targets Robert Woods and Austin Hooper, though that depends on Woods’ health. Still, once the front office decided not to pay Brown, this situation might represent a best possible outcome. The offensive line might be a different story. That unit struggled to keep quarterback Ryan Tannehill clean, lost two regular contributors who were know commodities and brought aboard Jamarco Jones, who was long on potential in Seattle but not long on production.

Can Derrick Henry, who got dinged up last year, get enough help on offense to stay fresh for the postseason? And can a defense short on star power continue to rank among the league’s best? The Titans are hoping for affirmative answers to those questions and a return to the playoffs.

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

The all-time series is tied 6-6, but the Titans have won six of the last seven, including the most recent meeting, 17-0 in Dec. of 2018. Tannehill is 0-1 vs. the Giants in his career.

–NINE IS FINE
While many sportsbooks have the over/under for Titans wins set at 9.5, a few books are at 8.5 or 9. Do you want to know the last time the Titans finished with fewer than 9 wins in a regular season? 2015. It’ll happen again eventually, but a lot would have to go wrong for it to happen in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Quarterbacks coach Mike McCoy talks with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterbacks Jake Luton (6), Kyle Sloter (4) , Trevor Lawrence (16) and C.J. Beathard (3) during drills at Monday morning's training camp session. The Jacksonville Jaguars held their first day of training camp Monday, July 25, 2022 at the Episcopal High School Knight Campus practice fields on Atlantic Blvd. Jki 072522 Jaguarsmondaytrainingcamp 04

Going Camping: Jacksonville Jaguars

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The disastrous Urban Meyer tenure is over, and the Jacksonville Jaguars can set their sights on a turnaround under new coach Doug Pederson.

As a former Super Bowl-winning coach and an NFL lifer, Pederson immediately commands the respect in the locker room that his predecessor never could. He’ll get everyone on the same page as the Jaguars march toward the regular season.

Training camp location: Jacksonville, Florida
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Rookie report date: July 24
Veteran report date: July 24

Key acquisitions: WR Christian Kirk, G Brandon Scherff, TE Evan Engram, LB Foyesade Oluokun, CB Darious Williams, DT Foley Fatukasi, WR Zay Jones
Key losses: LB Myles Jack, G Andrew Norwell, WR DJ Chark, G A.J. Cann, LB Damien Wilson

The Jaguars clearly weren’t happy with a roster that produced a league-low three wins in 2021, as their front office was extremely active this offseason. Many of the new additions, while they represent upgrades at their individual positions, also come at great cost in overall money and length of contract. Christian Kirk in particular opened a lot of eyes with his four-year, $72 million deal, but he also provides an explosive weapon on the outside that Trevor Lawrence just didn’t have a year ago. It’s a similar story across the roster, as the front office opened the checkbook in a big way. How much return will they get for their investment? That remains to be seen.

In the draft, the Jaguars added Georgia standout end Travon Walker with the No. 1 overall pick, and then provided him some help with linebackers Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma with two of their next three picks. Jacksonville may not be ready to contend anytime soon, but the team is much better than it was seven months ago, and that represents a major win already.

–WEEK 1 IN FOCUS:
Jaguars at Commanders, 1 p.m. ET
Line: Commanders -4 (FanDuel)
Total: 44.5 points

The Jaguars trail the overall series with the Commanders 6-1, though the teams haven’t faced off since a 16-13 Washington win in Dec. 2018. The interesting quirk in this game is that Carson Wentz now quarterbacks the Commanders. The Jaguars split against the Wentz-led Colts last year, losing 23-17 on Nov. 14 before rebounding to take the season finale 26-11 on Jan. 9.

–TREVOR UPPER
Fan Dual lists the over/under for Trevor Lawrence passing yards this fall at 3,800.5, a number Lawrence would need only 160 additional passing yards over his ‘21 total (3,641) to beat. With additional weapons like Kirk and returning RB Travis Etienne at his disposal, a bump over his rookie performance looks reasonably probable.

–Field Level Media

Jun 7, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich talks with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during minicamp at the Colts practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Going Camping: Indianapolis Colts

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The Matt Ryan era begins in Indianapolis on Tuesday when veterans report for Colts training camp.

Most of the rest of the names and faces should be familiar for Colts fans, which bodes well for continuity under returning head coach Frank Reich and for the team improving on its 9-8 finish last season.

Training camp location: Westfield, Ind.
Grand Park
Rookie report date: July 23
Veteran report date: July 26

Key acquisitions: QB Matt Ryan, DE Yannick Ngakoue, CB Stephon Gilmore, CB Brandon Facyson
Key losses: QB Carson Wentz, OT Eric Fisher, G Mark Glowinski, CB Xavier Rhodes, CB Rock Ya-Sin

Ryan, the longtime Falcon and four-time Pro Bowler, should stabilize the quarterback position for a team that has seen a lot of ups and downs at the position recently. Having that in your back pocket can cure a lot of ills, especially for a team that was a hair away from earning a playoff bid in 2021. The Colts didn’t rest on that one move, though. Stephon Gilmore was a big dollar addition from Carolina who should help in the secondary, and Yannick Ngakoue can provide more of a pass rush than the team was able to muster last fall.

The line took some hits in the offseason, and the wide receiving pecking order still needs to be sorted out, where the team added Alec Pierce and a pair of tight ends in the draft. Still, with playmakers like Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. returning, the team won’t lack for offensive weapons. And with the defense bringing back standout performers like Darius Leonard and Kenny Moore II, expectations are sky-high in Indianapolis this summer.

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

While Ryan holds just a 1-2 record against Houston in his career, the Colts have absolutely owned this series, holding a 32-9 edge overall and a 9-2 advantage in recent seasons. The Colts have also won the last four, including a pair of lopsided scores – 31-3, 31-0 – in 2021.

–PICK YOUR POISON

For a team that seems to be on pretty solid footing, the sports books have a pretty wide range of thoughts on what the Colts over/under for wins should be, setting it from 8.5 all the way up to 10.5. That represents an opportunity to find the right value if you already have a particular number in mind.

–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

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 14, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith on the field during Minicamp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Going Camping: Atlanta Falcons

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A year after turning the page on the Julio Jones era, the Atlanta Falcons moved on from Matt Ryan, signifying the team entered a full rebuild.

Of course, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith has his sights set higher than on a strict youth project, and the team has done some work to give him a roster to work with heading into the start of training camp Tuesday.

Ultimately, 2022 may be more about the financial reset that comes with getting Ryan’s deal off the books and general improvement.

Training camp location: Flowery Branch, Ga.
Atlanta Falcons Training Facility
Rookie report date: July 19
Veteran report date: July 26

Key acquisitions: QB Marcus Mariota, RB Damien Williams, CB Casey Hayward, DE Lorenzo Carter, LB Rashaan Evans

Key losses: QB Matt Ryan, LB Foyesade Oluokun, WR Russell Gage, TE Hayden Hurst, DE Dante Fowler, CB Fabian Moreau

By many early accounts, the Falcons might have found a keeper in the draft with third-round quarterback Desmond Ridder. But even if Ridder wins the job as a rookie, he still doesn’t expect to provide the down-to-down consistency Ryan did for 14 NFL seasons. Those are big shoes to fill.

And Atlanta doesn’t look better on paper much of anywhere else, either, as the team has fully jumped into rebuild mode now that Ryan has been traded away.
Calvin Ridley is suspended, which isn’t the best news, though that could open the door for rookie Drake London to make an immediate impact. He’ll pair with returning utility man Cordarrelle Patterson and tight end Kyle Pitts to give Atlanta juice on offense.

Deion Jones leads the defense, but he’ll need some help. Perhaps rookie linebackers Arnold Ebiketie and Troy Andersen will be ready to contribute right away.

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

The Falcons lead the all-time series 54-52, and they did win in New Orleans last season (27-25 on Nov. 7), but the Saints won the rematch on Jan. 9 and have taken seven of the last nine.

–A WINNING TREND?
The Falcons have fallen from the No. 13 scoring offense in 2019, down to No. 16 in 2020, all the way down to No. 26 last year … and that was with Ryan quarterbacking the offense. Taking a flier on Atlanta to drop all the way to last in the league with Mariota and/or Ridder taking snaps might be the kind of guess that pays off, especially with some sportsbooks offering +1300.

–Field Level Media