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Training Camp Update
Volume 9, Issue 1 – 8/6/14

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 Peyton Manning and Jamaal Charles are great. You know that.

Read our weekly updates to get the inside scoop on how the Browns running backs are practicing and which player is the best bet for your draft. Or the Jaguars WR corps. Or which Seattle receivers are 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 2014 season,

Joe Bryant and David Dodds
Owners, Footballguys.com


Arizona Cardinals

QB:Carson Palmer should be the Week 1 starter, while Drew Stanton will expect to be the primary backup. There is a wild card among this bunch though, as fourth round draft pick Logan Thomas is incredibly talented. Thomas has all the physical tools to be a starting quarterback, but he struggled with his consistency in college. Bruce Arians has a good track record with quarterbacks so Thomas will be interesting to watch, if not for this year then the 2015 season.

RB:Getting the ball in Andre Ellington's hands as much as possible seems like a good idea, but it seemed like a good idea last year too when the Cardinals favored Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall is now retired, leaving the door open for Ellington to be more heavily featured in the offense. If the Cardinals prefer not to rely on him too much, then Stepfan Taylor should be the favorite to be the between-the-tackles runner. Taylor may not be as explosive as free agent addition Jonathan Dwyer, but he has much better vision and consistency. Dwyer too often looks to initiate contact and that's a major concern behind an offensive line that projects to only be average.

WR:John Brown has been the talk of the offseason in Arizona. Brown could follow in the footsteps of T.Y. Hilton and be an immediate impact player in Arians’ scheme, but the third round pick will have to compete with veteran Ted Ginn for his snaps. Ginn has had a disappointing career, but he enjoyed his most impressive season with the Carolina Panthers and Cam Newton last year. The third receiver spot is the main focus with this offense as Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd are penciled in as the starters atop the depth chart.

TE:Rob Housler is clearly the best receiving option on this depth chart, but he is also not the kind of tight end that Bruce Arians prefers. Arians got one of those tight ends in the second round of this year's draft when he took Troy Niklas. Niklas has potential as a receiver, but he primarily blocked at Notre Dame and he will likely get very few opportunities in Arians’ offense. The Cardinals’ tight end depth chart is a wasteland for potential fantasy football production unless Housler is used as a receiver.

Defense:Losing both Daryl Washington and Karlos Dansby in one offseason is massively important for the Cardinals defense. Both were key players because of their athleticism and versatility. The middle of the field focus now shifts to Deone Bucannon, the team's first draft pick this year, and Kevin Minter, a second-year player who barely played as a rookie. One of the main areas of focus in training camp will be watching Tyrann Mathieu and how effective he is as he returns from the torn ACL he suffered last season. Mathieu's importance to this defense is set to be huge because of the loss of athleticism at linebacker. Furthermore, Antonio Cromartie is a veteran cornerback who appeared to have lost a step for the New York Jets last year. Watching how effective Cromartie can be in camp and preseason will be important for judging this unit. The Cardinals have some youth and spots where players could emerge as contributors, but they are mostly reliant on proven veterans at this stage.

K/P:It was a three-way kicking competition in minicamps and OTAs between veteran Jay Feely, Danny Hrapmann and rookie Chandler Catanzaro. It’s now down to two, as Hrapmann was released last week. Catanzaro has adjusted to kicking in the desert. “The ball flies off my foot out here. It was a little hot for me at first, but I’ve gotten used to it.” Feely plans to keep on kicking “until nobody wants me, and until I’m not one of the best guys and don’t perform, that’s when I’ll be done. But I still think I’ve got a lot left in me.”

OL:As of July 29, starting center Kyle Sendlein was diagnosed with a calf injury and the team announced he’d be out for three weeks. This could be an issue to watch, as Sendlein is an underrated player and the Cardinals lack interior depth. The team really needs him for Week 1. Head coach Bruce Arians publicly challenged left guard Jonathan Cooper in a post-practice press conference. Cooper admits he must improve, and was briefly demoted to second team for several series during practice. His starting job appears to be safe for now, but the team is sending a message to the young player to get his act together. In better news, Jared Veldheer has been awesome for the team in preseason practices, and should be a long term solution at left tackle. Paul Fanaika appears to be leading in the right guard competition against Earl Watford. In addition, veteran Max Starks was signed to a short term deal. Starks could provide an option if Bobby Massie washes out at right tackle.

Cardinals Depth Chart
QB:Carson Palmer,Drew Stanton,Logan Thomas,Ryan Lindley
RB:Andre Ellington,Stepfan Taylor,Jonathan Dwyer,Robert Hughes,Zach Bauman,Tim Cornett
WR:Larry Fitzgerald,Michael Floyd,Ted Ginn (KR/PR),John Brown,Jaron Brown,Walt Powell,Brittan Golden,Dan Buckner,Teddy Williams
TE:John Carlson,Jake Ballard,Rob Housler,Troy Niklas (inj),Darren Fells,Andre Hardy
LT:Jared Veldheer,Bradley Sowell
LG:Jonathan Cooper,Christian Johnson
C:Lyle Sendlein,Ted Larsen,Phillip Blake,John Estes
RG:Paul Fanaika,Earl Watford
RT:Bobby Massie,Max Starks,Nate Potter
K:Jay Feely,Danny Hrapmann
DT:Dan Williams,Alameda Ta′amu,Anthony McCloud,Everette Thompson
DE:Calais Campbell,Darnell Dockett (DT),Frostee Rucker (DT),Ronald Talley,Kareem Martin,Ed Stinson
ILB:Kevin Minter,Larry Foote,Lorenzo Alexander,Kenny Demens,Ernie Sims,JoJo Dickson,Daryl Washington (susp)
OLB:Matt Shaughnessy (W),John Abraham (W),Marcus Benard,Sam Acho,Adrian Tracy,Alex Okafor,Trevardo William,Keenan Clayton
CB:Patrick Peterson (PR),Antonio Cromartie,Jerraud Powers,Justin Bethel,Bryan McCann,LeQuan Lewis
S:Tyrann Mathieu (FS),Deone Bucannon (SS),Tony Jefferson (SS),Rashad Johnson (FS),Orhian Johnson,Anthony Walters (SS),Curtis Taylor

Atlanta Falcons

QB: "Matt has been a leader of our team really since day one," head coach Mike Smith said on Tuesday, July 29. "He identifies things he feels will make us a better football team, and he believes and I believe he needs to have a voice in what we're doing offensively... He's done a very good job throughout the entire offseason working with the team." Ryan indicated that during spring OTAs (with Julio Jones and Roddy White out due to injury rehabs and Tony Gonzalez retired) he stressed fundamentals. "I think back to basics in teaching was huge this offseason. It was a lot of new guys in there and young guys in there and so it was back to basics. I think that's been good for us. Work on our craft and make sure those guys understand what we are at our core."

RB: As of July 31, coach Smith had no update on Steven Jackson's status - Jackson continues to miss practices since injuring his left hamstring on July 28. There is no "immediate timetable" for Jackson to return, according to the Falcons, though the team expects him back in time for Week 1. While Jackson has been out, rookie Devonta Freeman has been toting the rock – reports out of camp indicate that Freeman has shown “flashes” of ability as an all-around back and that running backs coach Gerald Brown stated Freeman “is going to be a really good receiver for us”.

WR: Julio Jones commented on his rehabilitation from foot surgery on Thursday, July 31: "What we're doing now is taking every step, every little procedure to get there so that I'm healthy and don't have any doubts about my ability to go out there and make plays." Jones added: "I got off to a great start last year, but now I just have to focus on this year and stay healthy." Jones reportedly burned Desmond Trufant for a 40-yard pass from Ryan at the end of Thursday's practice, showing that his speed is not impaired by his most recent foot surgery.

TE: Ryan is reportedly working extra with Levine Toilolo early in training camp, helping Toilolo adjust to his starting role in the offense this season. Ryan did note on July 29 that Toilolo has gained strength entering his second pro season, but also that: "I don't think it's one guy replacing what Tony did. Certainly he had a unique skill set really in the history of the NFL. I think we'll have a combination of guys fill in for the skill set he had and certainly schematically you've got to change some of the things that you do..."

Defense:Defensive tackle Peria Jerry retired abruptly on July 31, leaving the Falcons amidst speculation that he wouldn't make the final 53-man roster. The Falcons added undrafted rookie prospect Theo Agnew (Georgia State) to the defensive tackle corps on Friday, August 1 to replace Jerry on the training camp roster. “He [Agnew] looks like he’s in good shape,” coach Smith said on Saturday, August 2. “He’s kept working at it and waiting for an opportunity.” Also on July 31, Smith indicated that newly signed LB Pat Angerer has entered the NFL's concussion protocol and will be held out the next few days. Rookie free safety Dezmen Southward is probably going to miss about a week of practice due to an unspecified knee injury. Smith said the injury is "nothing serious" and that "we anticipate he'll be ready to go" for preseason games. Southward had been pushing free agent signee Dwight Lowery for the starting free safety position in the practices prior to his knee injury. On Saturday, August 2 coach Smith confirmed that Lowery is now in the concussion protocol: "Dwight, as I said last night, he had an injury to his head, and he is in the concussion protocol. We don't think it's very serious. But that's where he is right now." This concussion was Lowery's fourth since joining the pro ranks, so he may be out a significant period of time.Safety Zeke Motta is also sidelined due to a neck injury – the Falcon's safety position is thin after one week of practices. On Monday, July 28 the Falcons practiced in pads for the first time, and they also had a full-contact/tackle-to-the-ground practice. Coach Smith explained why the Falcons were doing more tackling in camp this year: “But in terms of being physical, we’ve got to be a more physical football team. That has been what we’ve been talking about since the very beginning of this offseason and the end of last season is being a more resilient football team. And you just don’t turn it on when you go out on the field when you play a game. You’ve got to work on it on the practice field and make sure everybody understands what we are trying to get done.” Also on Monday, Prince Shembo was praised by fellow inside linebacker Paul Worrilow: "Prince is fitting in real good. We do a lot of work together. Just watching him play, he's a natural at inside." Finding another capable inside linebacker is a priority for the Falcons' defense as they lost Sean Weatherspoon to a torn Achilles tendon this summer. ESPN reported on Thursday, July 31 that Joplo Bartu is starting across from Worrilow at inside linebacker – he and Shembo are competing for the spot. This year Mike Nolan’s defense is planning to mix 3-4 and their traditional 4-3 alignments in hopes of keeping opponents guessing. One 3-4 alignment has Tyson Jackson, Paul Soliai and Jonathan Babineaux as the down linemen, with Kroy Biermann and Jonathan Massaquoi as hybrid outside linebackers-ends. One 4-3 alignment for passing situations reportedly uses traditional ends Biermann, Mallicah Goodman and Osi Umenyiora as down linemen alongside Babineaux.

K/P:The Falcons entered camp with all three returning starters at the specialists positions - kicker Matt Bryant, long snapper Josh Harris and holder/punter/kickoff-specialist Matt Bosher. The only one backed up by a camp leg is Bryant, who will be spelled by rookie Sergio Castillo. Rookie punter Matt Yoklic had been signed after the draft, but was released in June.

OL:The Falcons gave the HBO cameras a show when they ran the infamous Oklahoma drill. The predictable fighting ensued. Starting center Joe Hawley mixed it up with rookie Jacques Smith and backup tackle Gabe Carimi was involved in a practice-halting scuffle against defender Stansly Maponga. The team’s first round draft pick, Jake Matthews, has been impressive at right tackle and appears to be on the fast track to success. Head coach Mike Smith reportedly instructed starting left tackle Sam Baker to bulk up in the offseason, and he stood out in pass protection drills. Peter Konz also did well in the same drills, but Terren Jones and Mike Johnson struggled. In general the Falcons are emphasizing physicality in their practices and this is good news for their offensive line play.

Falcons Depth Chart
QB:Matt Ryan,T.J. Yates,Sean Renfree,Jeff Mathews
RB:Steven Jackson,Devonta Freeman,Jacquizz Rodgers (KR),Antone Smith,Josh Vaughn
FB:Bradie Ewing,Patrick DiMarco
WR:Julio Jones (inj),Roddy White,Harry Douglas (PR),Drew Davis (inj),Darius Johnson,Devin Hester (KR/PR),Kevin Cone,Geraldo Boldewijn,Bernard Reedy,Courtney Roby,Jeremy Ebert
TE:Levine Toilolo,Andrew Szczerba,Mickey Shuler,Jacob Pederson
LT:Sam Baker,Lamar Holmes,Ryan Schraeder
LG:Justin Blalock,Harland Gunn
C:Joe Hawley,Peter Konz
RG:Jon Asamoah
RT:Jake Matthews,Gabe Carimi,Terren Jones
K:Matt Bryant
NT:Paul Soliai,Travian Robertson,Donte Rumph
DE:Tyson Jackson,Jonathan Babineaux,Ra′Shede Hageman (inj),Osi Umenyiora,Jonathan Massaquoi,Stansly Maponga,Malliciah Goodman (inj),Corey Peters (inj),Cliff Matthews,Adam Replogle
ILB:Paul Worrilow,Tim Dobbins,Marquis Spruill,Yawin Smallwood,Pat Angerer,Sean Weatherspoon (IR)
OLB:Joplo Bartu (W/S),Prince Shembo,Kroy Biermann,Tyler Starr,Brenden Daley,Jacques Smith
CB:Desmond Trufant,Robert Alford,Josh Wilson,Robert McClain,Javier Arenas (PR/KR),Ricardo Allen,Jordan Mabin
S:William Moore (SS),Dezmen Southward (FS) (inj),Kemal Ishmael (SS),Zeke Mota (SS),Tyrell Johnson (FS),Sean Baker(FS), Dwight Lowery (FS) (inj)

Baltimore Ravens

QB: Joe Flacco struggled early in camp with some turnovers. As camp has progressed, Flacco has concentrated on safer, high percentage throws underneath. The offense will focus on getting the ball out quicker to minimize sacks and new offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak has place a huge emphasis on limiting turnovers and improving the run game. Kubiak noted that the Ravens could be a very good screen team due to the athleticism of the guards. Tyrod Taylor has impressed Kubiak with his arm strength, athleticism and competitive nature. Taylor is in the final year of his rookie contract and expected to be an attractive free agent target next spring for teams looking to invest in a strong backup quarterback. Worries about the ability to afford Taylor after this season were a key factor in the decision to draft Keith Wenning. Wenning has received only limited third team reps but has been trying to take as many mental reps as possible. Those mental exercises help with what Kubiak said was the biggest challenge for Wenning, who he called very talented. "It's a huge system change for Keith, verbiage-wise," Kubiak said. "That's the toughest part. But the talent's there, so we're trying to catch him up."

RB: Ravens running backs have been in the news for all of the wrong reasons recently as Ray Rice earned a two-game suspension for domestic abuse and Lorenzo Taliaferro was arrested for destruction of property. On the field, Rice has slimmed down from nearly 225 pounds all the way to 207. Rice is entrenched as the Ravens starter and looks improved over last season. Bernard Pierce is the primary backup and expected to take over the starting job for the two games Rice will miss. “I’ve never looked at myself as a No 2 back or a backup,” Pierce said. “If my number is called, I’m gonna perform. I’m gonna show up.”Running back Justin Forsett has showed off his impressive burst. He flashed his speed early in camp as he took a short slant the distance, beating four defenders. Forsett is competing with the rookie Taliaferro for the third running back role.