As the summer break draws to an end, the NFL is abuzz with activity as teams transition into the crucial phase of training camps. While veterans get back into the grind, most rookies are set to report this week, eager to prove their worth on the professional stage.
Houston Texans Kick Off
The Houston Texans commenced their training camp on a Wednesday, marking a new beginning for the team and its rookies. With fresh talent ready to report, the Texans aim to build a cohesive unit as they look forward to the upcoming season.
Jalen Hurts: A Focal Point
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts remains a central figure in NFL discussions. Hurts, who clinched a record-breaking $255 million deal a year ago, showcased his prowess by standing toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl two years back. One year after landing the substantial deal, Cody Benjamin highlighted Hurts' journey: "One year after landing a then-record $255 million deal, and two years after going toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl, Hurts isn't going anywhere."
Hurts' influence extends beyond his on-field performance. His mercurial follow-up to 2022's breakout season played a pivotal role in facilitating Kellen Moore's arrival as the new offensive coordinator. "That starts with Hurts, whose more mercurial follow-up to 2022's breakout helped facilitate Kellen Moore's arrival as the new offensive coordinator. Hurts' trajectory in the new system could determine the fate of coach Nick Sirianni as well," Benjamin noted. Indeed, the trajectory of Hurts could very well shape Nick Sirianni's future with the Eagles.
Devin White: Passion Beyond Football
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White is not only known for his defensive prowess but also for his unique passion for horse riding. "Growing up in rural Louisiana, White learned to ride horses at an early age and has had a passion for it ever since," Josh Edwards mentioned. White's love for equestrian activities is evident, with the linebacker owning several horses and a property to house them.
Gable Steveson's Transition
Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson brings a unique pedigree to the NFL. Steveson, who clinched a gold medal in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, has successfully transitioned from a celebrated wrestling career to the NFL. "Steveson is the only gold medalist on this list. He won the medal in the 125kg weight class as part of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics," said Edwards. Now, Steveson leverages his wrestling background to deconstruct blocks on the football field, a testament to his versatility and athletic prowess.
Adam Thielen: A Multi-Talented Athlete
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen continues to impress, not just on the football field but also in golf. Thielen, a standout in pro-am golf tournaments, recently finished seventh at the American Century Championship. Reflecting on his golfing skills, Edwards commented, "It is often the quarterbacks that find the most success playing golf, but Thielen is well-documented as being a great golfer. One report stated that his handicap is a 0.6."
Tom Brady's Impact in Tampa Bay
Tom Brady's arrival in Tampa Bay had a transformative effect on the Buccaneers. His presence was a magnet for several free agents, ultimately contributing to their Super Bowl LV victory. Intriguingly, every point scored by the Buccaneers in that triumph came from players who weren't on the team the year prior. However, not everyone found favor with Brady. Terrell Owens voiced his frustrations: "Tom Brady ignored me. The year that AB went crazy ... they just needed somebody to fill some holes with AB leaving at the receiver position. I reached out to him through Randy [Moss] and some other people, just to come in and play third down and red zone situations. This dude ignored me."
The Ravens' Offensive Line Challenges
The Baltimore Ravens face significant challenges with the departure of key offensive linemen Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson. Jared Dubin provided insight, stating, "The Ravens seemingly always figure things out up front; but with Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson leaving, and Ronnie Stanley both experiencing lingering effects of his knee issues and not playing at as high a level as he once did, there are a lot of balls up in the air."
Bengals' Backfield Shakeup
The Cincinnati Bengals are navigating a new landscape in their backfield after parting ways with Joe Mixon. The team is now looking to Zack Moss to fill the void. Dubin elaborated, "The Bengals moved on from Joe Mixon and are looking to replace him with Zack Moss... There's a lot of uncertainty there." In addition, the Cleveland Browns face a critical juncture with Deshaun Watson's performance under scrutiny. "Deshaun Watson hasn't been good since 2020. It is wholly unreasonable to count on him being good this year. Can the Browns keep winning if he keeps disappointing?" Dubin questioned.
Similarly, the Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with the absence of Diontae Johnson, a key target for their quarterbacks. As they count on potential rebounds from their QB options, Dubin voiced concerns: "The Steelers both no longer have Diontae Johnson to soak up targets, and are counting on either a Russell Wilson bounce-back or Justin Fields taking a significant step."
UFL's College Draft Highlights
In other football news, the United Football League (UFL) held its 2024 UFL College Draft on a Wednesday, selecting a total of six quarterbacks. Among the top picks were Jason Bean, who was selected No. 1 overall and John Rhys Plumlee at No. 3. Notably, two Colts quarterbacks, Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis, found new homes through this draft, signifying a reshuffling of talents in the league.
As teams gear up for the new season, storylines from training camps to draft picks offer a preview of the drama and excitement that lies ahead in the world of football.