More to come tomorrow (hopefully).
1. [Vikings Players to Watch] TE: Blake Bell – A versatile player at the position, Bell’s absence was felt down the stretch and in the playoffs last season. Block, catch, run, special teams…Bell can do a lot of things to help.
2. [Cowboys DE] Charles Tapper was able to force a quick pass from Cooper Rush on the boot to his side. Tapper wasn’t fooled on the play and was able to stay just wide enough to make Rush have to throw it over the top of him. Justin March-Lillard was also in great shape on the play by running down Rico Gathers in the flat to keep the gain a small one.
3. [Standout players of Giants training camp] JOHN SCHMEELK: In my opinion, there have been two clear top performers so far: wide receiver Sterling Shepard and edge rusher Olivier Vernon. The soon to be proud papa Dan Salomone has Vernon covered below, so I’ll focus on Shepard. Last year, Shepard was having a great offseason, and heading into his second year all signs pointed to a breakout season. An ankle injury and a flood of subsequent injuries all over the offense washed away those aspirations.
The breakout looks like it was only delayed. Shepard has been unstoppable in camp. In one-on-one situations, defensive backs have been unable to stay with him. His route running is right there with Odell Beckham Jr. as the most advanced on the team. Combined with his quickness coming out of breaks at the top of the route, he is very difficult to stay with for any defensive back. Even more encouraging for the coaching staff is he has been just as effective as both an inside and outside receiver.
4. [Giants] Quarterback Eli Manning was very sharp throughout practice. He did a great job reading the blitz, getting the ball out, and being accurate with his passes. On one such play on the goal line he read a double blitz coming up the middle. He got the ball out to wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who ran an out from the slot. It was a tough angle and there was not a lot of room, but Manning zipped it in and Shepard would have scored the touchdown.
5. [Giants #2] Quarterback Davis Webb hit Shepard on a perfect corner fade during red zone WR/DB one-on-ones, putting the ball right over the head of cornerback Janoris Jenkins.
6. [Skins DL Stacy] McGee had a career year, tallying 44 tackles and playing in all 16 games, but suffered a groin injury recently. Head coach Jay Gruden hopes he’ll be back for training camp.
7. Update: Details on Daryl Williams' knee injury
Bryan Strickland
SENIOR WRITER
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Right tackle Daryl Williams said he’s never experienced the type of pain he endured when he injured his right knee during Saturday morning’s practice, but after returning to Charlotte for further testing, his spirits are high all things considered.
“Daryl Williams dislocated his right patella and tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in this morning’s practice,” head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion said in a statement. “We are beginning the early stages of rehabilitation, and there is currently no timetable for his return.”
Midway through practice, Williams suffered the injury when he set up to pass block, falling to the turf and screaming in pain. After being attended to by trainers and consoled by teammates, Williams was carted off the field.
“I just remember my foot getting stuck in the ground and kind of buckling,” Williams said in a phone conversation, adding that he had “not ever” experienced that level of pain in his life. “I feel way better than when I did it, and I’m definitely in good spirits.
“God has a plan, and it could have been worse.”
After the practice, head coach Ron Rivera said that Taylor Moton, a second-round draft choice in 2017, would be the next man up if Williams were sidelined. Moton expressed confidence in his ability to fill in for Williams, named a second-team All-Pro last season. Moton also expressed his heartfelt concern for Williams, something many of his teammates did and something that will help fuel him as he begins his rehab.
“It means a lot,” Williams said. “Everybody on the team came up to me, told me they’re praying for me and wanting to make sure I’m OK. It means a lot, how they showed that they care for me.
“I definitely know what it takes. I’m going to hit it hard and do what I can, do my best.”
8. As promised, first-string quarterback Sam Bradford got a lot of work. He took all the first-team reps for most of practice, although rookie Josh Rosen did get some near the end of the session. Bradford looked sharp, and moved around well.
9. Sunday, Jul 29, 2018 11:56 AM
Josh Rosen Impressed By “Unbelievable” Sam Bradford
Kyle Odegard
AZCARDINALS.COM
Josh Rosen thought it was a mistake when three quarterbacks went before him in April’s draft.
A day after watching Sam Bradford let it rip to begin training camp, the Cardinals’ first-round pick has no qualms about sitting No. 2 on the depth chart.
While both quarterbacks are in their first years with the Cardinals, Bradford’s NFL experience shined through during a sharp practice session on Saturday. Coach Steve Wilks has anointed Bradford his starter unless he loses the job, and Rosen understands the uphill climb it would take to unseat him.
“I think people forget how good he is,” Rosen said. “He’s unbelievable. He’s just unbelievably quick and decisive with everything he does. The ball just doesn’t touch the ground. He’s very quick and light on his feet in the pocket. The ball goes where it needs to go. It’s his first year in this offense, too, and it seems like it’s been his fourth.”
Rosen’s start to camp was more of a mixed bag, something expected for a rookie still learning his way in the NFL. Coach Steve Wilks liked one of his seam passes enough to highlight it in a team meeting, but said there are times when Rosen’s decision-making is an issue.
“We’ve got to make sure we shore that up,” Wilks said. “But for the most part, we can see the arm strength as well as the accuracy.”
Rosen took second-team snaps to open training camp, the latest sign that the Cardinals are priming to get him up to speed quickly. (He did get a few first-team reps late in the session as Bradford took a couple plays off.) Rosen said he’s still thinking a lot on the field and once that calms down, his talent will begin to shine through.
“Sometimes you’re so worried about getting the ball out and not getting sacked, you might put the ball in a sketchy situation,” said Rosen, who threw an interception in a seven-on-seven drill on Saturday. “The way I’m going to go about fixing that is mastering the playbook. When you walk up to the huddle (and) the only thing you have to worry about is the defense and not what you’re doing, it makes all of your decision-making a lot easier, quicker and more deliberate.”
Bradford’s skillset has never been his downfall, but his health. While Rosen seems unlikely to wrest away the starting job heading into the season, he pledges to be fully prepared if an injury strikes.
“Football is a very violent sport, particularly over any other sport,” Rosen said. “Injury rates are basically at 100 percent throughout a career. Even if (Wilks) said, ‘Josh, you’re 100 percent the backup,’ I’m still going to practice like the starter because I very well could be in there, and vice-versa with whoever is starting.”
If the Cardinals didn’t have a player with Bradford’s talent on the roster, there would be a clearer path for Rosen to play immediately. Even so, Rosen is happy with the arrangement.
“I’m very fortunate that that is the standard I get to see coming into the NFL,” Rosen said. “I’m not competing with someone who was a career backup and was maybe getting their shot here. … He’s unbelievable, and I’m going to try and top that, whether now, later, whenever. I’m just very fortunate that that’s the standard that I get to go see when I step foot in the NFL. He’s a really, really good quarterback and I think a lot of people are sleeping on him.”
10. As [Rams] head coach Sean McVay announced in his Tuesday morning press conference, defensive lineman Dominique Easley and outside linebacker Obo Okoronkwo will begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Easley is still rehabbing from tearing his ACL during training camp a year ago. Okoronkwo suffered a foot injury that required surgery during the offseason program.
McVay said he expects Okoronkwo to be off the list sooner than later.
1. [Vikings Players to Watch] TE: Blake Bell – A versatile player at the position, Bell’s absence was felt down the stretch and in the playoffs last season. Block, catch, run, special teams…Bell can do a lot of things to help.
2. [Cowboys DE] Charles Tapper was able to force a quick pass from Cooper Rush on the boot to his side. Tapper wasn’t fooled on the play and was able to stay just wide enough to make Rush have to throw it over the top of him. Justin March-Lillard was also in great shape on the play by running down Rico Gathers in the flat to keep the gain a small one.
3. [Standout players of Giants training camp] JOHN SCHMEELK: In my opinion, there have been two clear top performers so far: wide receiver Sterling Shepard and edge rusher Olivier Vernon. The soon to be proud papa Dan Salomone has Vernon covered below, so I’ll focus on Shepard. Last year, Shepard was having a great offseason, and heading into his second year all signs pointed to a breakout season. An ankle injury and a flood of subsequent injuries all over the offense washed away those aspirations.
The breakout looks like it was only delayed. Shepard has been unstoppable in camp. In one-on-one situations, defensive backs have been unable to stay with him. His route running is right there with Odell Beckham Jr. as the most advanced on the team. Combined with his quickness coming out of breaks at the top of the route, he is very difficult to stay with for any defensive back. Even more encouraging for the coaching staff is he has been just as effective as both an inside and outside receiver.
4. [Giants] Quarterback Eli Manning was very sharp throughout practice. He did a great job reading the blitz, getting the ball out, and being accurate with his passes. On one such play on the goal line he read a double blitz coming up the middle. He got the ball out to wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who ran an out from the slot. It was a tough angle and there was not a lot of room, but Manning zipped it in and Shepard would have scored the touchdown.
5. [Giants #2] Quarterback Davis Webb hit Shepard on a perfect corner fade during red zone WR/DB one-on-ones, putting the ball right over the head of cornerback Janoris Jenkins.
6. [Skins DL Stacy] McGee had a career year, tallying 44 tackles and playing in all 16 games, but suffered a groin injury recently. Head coach Jay Gruden hopes he’ll be back for training camp.
7. Update: Details on Daryl Williams' knee injury
Bryan Strickland
SENIOR WRITER
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Right tackle Daryl Williams said he’s never experienced the type of pain he endured when he injured his right knee during Saturday morning’s practice, but after returning to Charlotte for further testing, his spirits are high all things considered.
“Daryl Williams dislocated his right patella and tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in this morning’s practice,” head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion said in a statement. “We are beginning the early stages of rehabilitation, and there is currently no timetable for his return.”
Midway through practice, Williams suffered the injury when he set up to pass block, falling to the turf and screaming in pain. After being attended to by trainers and consoled by teammates, Williams was carted off the field.
“I just remember my foot getting stuck in the ground and kind of buckling,” Williams said in a phone conversation, adding that he had “not ever” experienced that level of pain in his life. “I feel way better than when I did it, and I’m definitely in good spirits.
“God has a plan, and it could have been worse.”
After the practice, head coach Ron Rivera said that Taylor Moton, a second-round draft choice in 2017, would be the next man up if Williams were sidelined. Moton expressed confidence in his ability to fill in for Williams, named a second-team All-Pro last season. Moton also expressed his heartfelt concern for Williams, something many of his teammates did and something that will help fuel him as he begins his rehab.
“It means a lot,” Williams said. “Everybody on the team came up to me, told me they’re praying for me and wanting to make sure I’m OK. It means a lot, how they showed that they care for me.
“I definitely know what it takes. I’m going to hit it hard and do what I can, do my best.”
8. As promised, first-string quarterback Sam Bradford got a lot of work. He took all the first-team reps for most of practice, although rookie Josh Rosen did get some near the end of the session. Bradford looked sharp, and moved around well.
9. Sunday, Jul 29, 2018 11:56 AM
Josh Rosen Impressed By “Unbelievable” Sam Bradford
Kyle Odegard
AZCARDINALS.COM
Josh Rosen thought it was a mistake when three quarterbacks went before him in April’s draft.
A day after watching Sam Bradford let it rip to begin training camp, the Cardinals’ first-round pick has no qualms about sitting No. 2 on the depth chart.
While both quarterbacks are in their first years with the Cardinals, Bradford’s NFL experience shined through during a sharp practice session on Saturday. Coach Steve Wilks has anointed Bradford his starter unless he loses the job, and Rosen understands the uphill climb it would take to unseat him.
“I think people forget how good he is,” Rosen said. “He’s unbelievable. He’s just unbelievably quick and decisive with everything he does. The ball just doesn’t touch the ground. He’s very quick and light on his feet in the pocket. The ball goes where it needs to go. It’s his first year in this offense, too, and it seems like it’s been his fourth.”
Rosen’s start to camp was more of a mixed bag, something expected for a rookie still learning his way in the NFL. Coach Steve Wilks liked one of his seam passes enough to highlight it in a team meeting, but said there are times when Rosen’s decision-making is an issue.
“We’ve got to make sure we shore that up,” Wilks said. “But for the most part, we can see the arm strength as well as the accuracy.”
Rosen took second-team snaps to open training camp, the latest sign that the Cardinals are priming to get him up to speed quickly. (He did get a few first-team reps late in the session as Bradford took a couple plays off.) Rosen said he’s still thinking a lot on the field and once that calms down, his talent will begin to shine through.
“Sometimes you’re so worried about getting the ball out and not getting sacked, you might put the ball in a sketchy situation,” said Rosen, who threw an interception in a seven-on-seven drill on Saturday. “The way I’m going to go about fixing that is mastering the playbook. When you walk up to the huddle (and) the only thing you have to worry about is the defense and not what you’re doing, it makes all of your decision-making a lot easier, quicker and more deliberate.”
Bradford’s skillset has never been his downfall, but his health. While Rosen seems unlikely to wrest away the starting job heading into the season, he pledges to be fully prepared if an injury strikes.
“Football is a very violent sport, particularly over any other sport,” Rosen said. “Injury rates are basically at 100 percent throughout a career. Even if (Wilks) said, ‘Josh, you’re 100 percent the backup,’ I’m still going to practice like the starter because I very well could be in there, and vice-versa with whoever is starting.”
If the Cardinals didn’t have a player with Bradford’s talent on the roster, there would be a clearer path for Rosen to play immediately. Even so, Rosen is happy with the arrangement.
“I’m very fortunate that that is the standard I get to see coming into the NFL,” Rosen said. “I’m not competing with someone who was a career backup and was maybe getting their shot here. … He’s unbelievable, and I’m going to try and top that, whether now, later, whenever. I’m just very fortunate that that’s the standard that I get to go see when I step foot in the NFL. He’s a really, really good quarterback and I think a lot of people are sleeping on him.”
10. As [Rams] head coach Sean McVay announced in his Tuesday morning press conference, defensive lineman Dominique Easley and outside linebacker Obo Okoronkwo will begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Easley is still rehabbing from tearing his ACL during training camp a year ago. Okoronkwo suffered a foot injury that required surgery during the offseason program.
McVay said he expects Okoronkwo to be off the list sooner than later.
