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Training Camp Update
Volume 12, Issue 2 – 8/16/17
We say it all the time because it's true: Things change fast in the NFL. And they never change faster than they do in August. And nobody covers those changes and team situations more comprehensively than Footballguys.com. Our Training Camp Updates come out once a week in August and our staff covers everything you need to know about every NFL team. This is the deep stuff that gives you an edge. We're not going to rave that Cam Newton,Antonio Brownor even David Johnson is great. You already know that.
Read our weekly updates to get the inside scoop on how the Bears running backs are practicing and which player is the best bet for your draft. Or the Saints WR corps. Or which Browns receiver is shining in practice. It's the kind of information that will put you over the edge and on the way to dominating your draft.
Happy reading and let's have a great 2017 season,
Joe Bryant and David Dodds
Owners, Footballguys.com
Arizona Cardinals
QB: After sitting out the Hall of Fame game, Carson Palmer finally saw game action against the Raiders in the second preseason game. The Cardinals are limiting the amount of preseason action for the aging quarterback. Palmer completed 4-of-8 passes for 39 yards and a touchdown. The 37-year old passer hinted at retirement during the offseason, but it was never serious. Palmer told NFL Network’s Kurt Warner that it was just a matter of taking a little bit of time to confirm his body was capable of playing. A week ago it looked like Blaine Gabbert was going to make a serious push to unseat Drew Stanton as the team's backup quarterback. Stanton fought back with a solid showing against the Raiders completing 11-of-15 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. Gabbert was just 5-for-9 passing for 53 yards. Bruce Arians praised Stanton, “It’s what I see in practice every day.He was dynamite in OTAs and has been throughout the training camp."
RB: David Johnson committed to becoming a better pass protector this preseason. Johnson told ESPN, “That’s probably my weakest attribute as a running back.” Last season, Carson Palmer noticed that Johnson had one “go-to” move in pass-protection, and opposing pass rushers could figure it out and know what was coming. This year Johnson has been using a more diverse arsenal of blocks. “I think he’s more multiple now,” Palmer said. “I think he’s tried a bunch of different ways to pick up a blitz from wherever it may be coming from. I think he’s got more weapons in his quiver.” It is hard to find fault in Johnson’s game, but last season Coach Arians thought that he missed too many blitz pickups. Johnson has been spending hours watching film of various pass-rushers and blitzes, trying to identify the types of moves they use on running backs. “I know who I have,” Johnson said. “It comes down to blocking them. Guys have their favorite moves, obviously. I think it comes down to a lot of film study and then drills, technique, going against the ones, going against those guys that are good edge rushers and good blitzers.”
WR: Larry Fitzgerald continues to get the veteran treatment and will see minimal preseason action. John Brown finally returned to practice on Tuesday, August 15 after missing most of camp with a sore quadriceps. Backup Brittan Golden caught a 12-yard touchdown and finished with three catches for 44 yards against the Raiders, solidifying his roster spot.
TE: Jermaine Gresham has already proven himself as a starting tight end and reserves Ifeanyi Momah and Hakeem Valles have stepped in when needed. “But they aren’t 6-7, 270 and (Troy) has special talent,” Arians insisted. “He’s just had some freaky injuries.” Troy Niklas only played three games last year before suffering a season-ending wrist injury. “I like to try and take ownership of it,” Niklas said. “That’s the only way I can overcome it for myself. All the injuries, all that time not spent on the field, regardless of how you look at it, it’s on me. I’m not doing my job.” Although Niklas only has eight career catches in three seasons, he’s very comfortable in the offense, understanding all facets. Arians is in his corner, “Love him. Great guy, he’s a dawn to dusk worker. You’re pulling for those guys.” Niklas helped his case against the Raiders with a 7-yard touchdown reception.
Defense: Cornerback Patrick Peterson is having the best camp of his six-year career. “This is the best I’ve seen him,” Palmer said. “I told him that the other day. He’s just had great practice after great practice,” Palmer said. “He’s contested every single ball. Not that he’s broken up every pass, but he’s right on top of it.” “He’s in fantastic condition,” Arians said. Trying to keep up with the speedy J.J. Nelson has helped that process. But Peterson also covers Larry Fitzgerald, giving him experience against a bigger, more physical receiver.
Returners: The Cardinals confirmed that Kerwynn Williams is the most likely replacement for T.J. Logan; Logan is on his way to injured reserve with the possibility to return at midseason. Despite never fielding a punt at the professional level, Williams was listed atop the newly-released depth chart at both kickoff and punt returner.
OL:The first team offensive line provided aclean pocketfor starting quarterback Carson Palmer in their preseason win over the Oakland Raiders. It was not a difficult test as the Raiders rested their starters. John Wetzel played left tackle in place of D.J. Humphries and did a good job. Wetzel is a second-year player from Boston College who started eight games last season. Humphries (hamstring) should be healthy soon, but Wetzel has momentum and could steal this job. Backup tackleWill Holden, a second year player out of Vanderbilt, struggled during the game. Holden was beaten cleanly on several occasions and was called for two penalties. Overall, the line grades out as an above average unit in the latest rankings.
Cardinals Depth Chart
QB:Carson Palmer,Drew Stanton,Blaine Gabbert,Trevor Knight
RB:David Johnson,Chris Johnson,Kerwynn Williams,Andre Ellington,Elijhaa Penny,James Summers,T.J. Logan (IR)
WR:Larry Fitzgerald,John Brown (PR),J.J. Nelson,Jaron Brown,Chad Williams,Brittan Golden,Aaron Dobson,Marquis Bundy,Krishawn Hogan,Chris Hubert,Ricky Seals-Jones,Marvin Hall,Larry Clark
TE:Jermaine Gresham,Troy Niklas,Hakeem Valles,Ifeanyi Momah
LT:DJ Humphries,John Wetzel
LG:Mike Iupati,Cole Toner
C:A.Q. Shipley,Taylor Boggs
RG:Evan Boehm,Dorian Johnson
RT:Jared Veldheer,Will Holden
K:Phil Dawson
NT:Corey Peters,Rodney Gunter,Xavier Williams,Olsen Pierre
DE:Frostee Rucker,Robert Nkemdiche,Josh Mauro,Ed Stinson,Nordly Capi
ILB:Deone Bucannon (inj),Karlos Dansby,Haason Reddick (O),Scooby Wright,Zaviar Gooden,Philip Wheeler,Gabe Martin,Alani Fua
OLB:Chandler Jones,Markus Golden,Jarvis Jones,Kareem Martin
CB:Patrick Peterson (PR),Justin Bethel,Brandon Williams,Harlan Miller,Elie Bouka,Tramon Williams,Ronald Zamort(inj)
S:Tyrann Mathieu (FS),Antoine Bethea (SS),Tyvon Branch,Budda Baker,Rudy Ford,Christian Bryant,Trevon Hartfield
Coaches:
Head Coach:Bruce Arians, Off Coord:Harold Goodwin, QB Coach:Byron Leftwich, RB Coach:Freddie Kitchens, WR Coach:Darryl Drake, TE Coach:Rick Christophel, SpecTm Coach:Amos Jones, Def Coord:James Bettcher, DL Coach:Brentson Buckner, LB Coach:Bob Sanders, LB Coach:Larry Foote, DB Coach:Kevin Ross, DB Coach:Nick Rapone
Atlanta Falcons
QB: Matt Ryan and the Falcons defense have exchanged highlights at the expense of the other. While Ryan had some strong plays two weeks ago, the defense has countered with multiple interceptions at Ryan’s expense this week. One of the biggest thorns in Ryan’s side has been Robert Alford. The cornerback has jumped multiple routes for interceptions during practices. Matt Schaub appears locked into the backup role despite some iffy red zone decisions. Matt Simms and Alex Torgersen are competing for the third job. Torgersen has been responsible for multiple turnovers during camp. He has more impressive physical tools than Simms, but Simms has more experience and makes fewer mistakes.
RB: Devonta Freeman signed his contract extension week and started for the Falcons in the opening preseason game. He scored on a misdirection pass play that has been a staple in the offensive playbook throughout the preseason. Third-stringer Terron Ward and rookie Brian Hill are competing for time behind Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Ward outperformed Hill statistically against the Dolphins and earned compliments about his vision from head coach Dan Quinn. Hill, who carried nine times for 10 yards, received a balanced critique from Quinn. “I want to see more of that finish from Hill,” Quinn said to AJC.com’s D. Orlando Ledbetter. “We know he has that kind of toughness, that kind of background. Where he really shined for us last night was on special teams.”
WR: Julio Jones returned to practice on a limited basis at the end of last week. This week, the Falcons upped the practice time. Jones will earn more plays per day and should see his first action in the third preseason game. With Taylor Gabriel still limited, Reggie Davis and Marvin Hall continue to impress. Davis had a big play called back due to an Eric Saubert holding penalty during the preseason matchup, showing off his speed and vision. Hall is also making plays on special teams, covering and returning kicks. However, veteran Andre Roberts also showed off his return prowess during the game. While Justin Hardy has made plays in the red zone during practice, defenders have victimized Matt Ryan multiple times when Hardy was the target. Davis, Hall, and Roberts all have special team skills that could potentially threaten Hardy’s roster spot.
TE: Austin Hooper has impressed Quinn during camp as a starter and mentor. AJC.com’s D. Orlando Ledbetter notes that Hooper and linebacker DeVondre Campbell have been pushing each other during practice and also working together on their own time. Quinn also credits Hooper for helping rookie Eric Saubert. Saubert has been a camp standout, according to Falcoholics beat writer Jeanna Thomas. The youngster is waging a real battle against second-year Josh Perkins for the #3 role. “Hooper’s been a nice connection for [Saubert]. Both of them are football junkies,” Quinn said. “If you walk past the tight end room, you ‘ll see them in there watching other guys, studying other notes, doing this, and making cuts…We’ve been impressed by Saubert so far. I think he has a role on this team based on his speed. We’re throwing a lot at him and he keeps coming at it.”
K: Matt Bryant missed a 47-yarder against the Dolphins, and rookie Mike Meyer nailed a 53-yarder.
Defense: Vaughn McClure notes, “Robert Alford has made plays throughout camp as he continues to refine his technique. You can see he has the desire to be mentioned among the top cornerbacks.” Alford flashed elite ability when covering Odell Beckham, Jr. in the past. Ra’Shede Hagemen is having a strong camp. “I’m very encouraged by him so far,” Quinn told Falcaholics on Sunday. “He can move like a lighter player, but he plays at 320 pounds. He has the movement of a much lighter guy.” Hagemen could help the Falcons rotation immensely as a rotational player behind free agent acquisition Dontari Poe. Quinn says De’Vondre Campell’s arrow is pointing up, as well, following a move to strongside linebacker. Rookie Takkarist McKinley has repeatedly bullied opponents in one-on-one drills. According to McClure, “McKinley lined up 1-on-1 against tight end Levine Toilolo in drills and absolutely obliterated Toilolo, who has
Returners: Journeyman receiver Andre Roberts remains the frontrunner to win the returner job, and his play in the first preseason game did nothing to diminish that. Lurking on his heels is former undrafted free agent Marvin Hall, an exciting but unproven player trying to make it at a position where risk-adverse coaches typically prefer boring and proven.
OL:Ben Garlandstarted at right guard against the Miami Dolphins. Both he andWes Schweitzer played well, repeatedly standing up to star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh at the point of attack. Both appear to be pass protection upgrades over Chris Chester, who had difficulty blocking Suh. It’s not yet clear who will start at the position once we get to the regular season. Garland slid over to backup center when Schweitzer entered the game. RookieSean Harlowremains in the right guard mix but will likely start the season as a backup, or perhaps even a practice squad player. Second string offensivetackles D.J. Tialavea, and Daniel Brunskilldid not have good games, and each had problems blocking the Dolphins’ backups. Fan favoriteAndreas Knappesaw reps at tackle with the third team. Overall the first team line looks solid, but the team’s search for a swing tackle continues. The line grades out as a top-tier unit.
Falcons Depth Chart
QB:Matt Ryan,Matt Schaub,Matt Simms,Alex Torgersen
RB:Devonta Freeman (inj),Tevin Coleman (KR),Terron Ward,Brian Hill,B.J. Daniels,Kelvin Taylor
FB:Derrick Coleman,Tyler Renew
WR:Julio Jones,Mohamed Sanu,Taylor Gabriel,Justin Hardy,Andre Roberts (KR/PR),Nick Williams,Reggie Davis,Anthony Dable,Marvin Hall,Deante Burton,Josh Magee,Reginald Davis III,Devin Fuller (IR)
TE:Austin Hooper,Levine Toilolo,Joshua Perkins,D.J. Tialavea,Eric Saubert,Darion Griswold
LT:Jake Matthews,Kevin Graf
LG:Andy Levitre
C:Alex Mack,Trevor Robinson
RG:Wes Schweitzer,Ben Garland,Sean Harlow
RT:Ryan Schraeder,Andreas Knappe
K:Matt Bryant
DT:Grady Jarrett (NT),Dontari Poe,Ra′Shede Hageman,Courtney Upshaw,Joe Vellano,Taniela Tupou
DE:Brooks Reed (S),Adrian Clayborn,Jack Crawford,Takkarist McKinley,Derrick Shelby,Chris Odom,Martin Ifedi
MLB:Deion Jones,LaRoy Reynolds,Josh Keyes
OLB:Vic Beasley (S/DE),De′Vondre Campbell (S),Kemal Ishmael,Duke Riley,Jack Lynn,Jermaine Grace,J′Terius Jones
CB:Desmond Trufant,Robert Alford,Jalen Collins (susp),C.J. Goodwin,Blidi Wreh-Wilson,Damontae Kazee,Akeem King,Deji Olatoye,Janor Jones,Quincy Mauger,Taylor Reynolds
S:Keanu Neal (SS),Ricardo Allen (FS),Brian Poole,Sharrod Neasman,Jordan Moore,Marcelis Branch,Deron Washington
Coaches:
Head Coach:Dan Quinn, Off Coord:Steve Sarkisian, QB Coach:Bush Hamdan, RB Coach:Keith Carter, WR Coach:Raheem Morris, TE Coach:Wade Harman, OL Coach:Chris Morgan, SpecTm Coach:Keith Armstrong, Def Coord:Marquand Manuel, DL Coach:Brian Young, LB Coach:Jeff Ulbrich, DB Coach:Doug Mallory
Baltimore Ravens
QB: The biggest story in Baltimore is the health of Joe Flacco. As discussed in last week’s report, initial reports were not good for Flacco’s disk injury, but they got better as more information became available. As it stands, Flacco is expected to miss the entire preseason game schedule, but he’ll return to preseason practice and start Week 1 against Cincinnati. Then again, the team said he would need one week of rest before returning to practice, but that was over two weeks ago. The news appears positive, but nothing is assured until Flacco is back to full-go in practice. Ryan Mallett has been working with the first team but has struggled. He was downright bad in Thursday night’s game, but his coach stood behind him. The Colin Kaepernick drumbeat persists, but if Flacco will be ready for the regular season, there isn’t much reason to bring in the controversial free agent.
RB: Terrance West will handle early-down work as the coaches have hinted they’ll be more committed to the run this season. West has lost 12 pounds, worked hard on his pass blocking, and took tips on his route-running from Danny Woodhead. He wants to be the Frank Gore of Greg Roman’s previous offenses in San Francisco. However, Roman is just the tight ends coach. The offensive coordinator is Marty Mornhinweg, who is notoriously pass-happy. Woodhead will certainly have a role, but West seems to have done what it takes to be at least a two-down player. West’s self-confidence led to his offering advice to prospective fantasy owners: “Y’all be smart to grab me. That’s the smart way to do it,” he said. “Why’s that? You’ll see.” West and Woodhead should handle most of the work, but keep an eye on Javorius Allen. Allen is a good pass blocker and capable receiver. Bobby Rainey is also in the mix for early-down depth.