Teams, players, coaches and issues that bear close
monitoring
Football is back.
After a frenetic offseason — highlighted by coaching
changes, record-setting player contracts and the never-ending debate involving
social justice and patriotism — the on-field work at last begins in earnest as
30 of the NFL’s 32 teams report for training camp this week.
Against that backdrop, here are five compelling story lines
across the league.
IMPACT ROOKIES
The 2018 draft featured a deep crop of quarterback talent,
but it’s no lock that Baker Mayfield (Browns), San Darnold (Jets), Josh Allen
(Bills) or Josh Rosen (Cardinals) start right away. Lamar Jackson (Ravens) and
Mason Rudolph (Steelers) are expected to wait at least a year to contend for
starting jobs. However, great buzz surrounds second overall pick Saquon Barkley
as the running back looks to make an immediate impact for the Giants. Other
potential instant stars include Broncos pass rusher Bradley Chubb, Dolphins
defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, Bears linebacker Roquan Smith, Buccaneers
defensive tackle Vita Vea and Chargers safety Derwin James.
NEW CHAPTERS
Seven teams hired new coaches. Jon Gruden landed a fully
guaranteed, $100 million deal to return to Oakland and thus shoulders the
weightiest expectations. But Pat Shurmur seems to have the best shot at a quick
turnaround as he inherits a Giants team with plenty of veteran talent. Rookie
head coaches Patricia (Detroit), Frank Reich (Indianapolis), Mike Vrabel
(Tennessee), Steve Wilks (Arizona) and Matt Nagy (Chicago) prepare to direct
their first training camps.
Elsewhere, a frenzied quarterback carousel spun Kirk Cousins
off to Minnesota, Case Keenum to Denver and Sam Bradford to Arizona. Teddy
Bridgewater (Jets), Tyrod Taylor (Cleveland), Alex Smith (Washington) and AJ
McCarron (Buffalo) also found new homes. Cousins assumes the burden of putting
an already formidable Vikings squad over the top. Meanwhile, Keenum and Smith
must turn struggling teams into contenders. Bradford, Taylor, Bridgewater and
McCarron could serve as bridges to promising youngsters.
HOLDOUTS
A large number of big-name players skipped
offseason practices, unhappy with their contract situations. The
list includes Raiders pass rusher Khalil Mack, Rams defensive lineman Aaron
Donald, Seahawks safety Earl Thomas and Falcons receiver Julio Jones. Their
standoffs could extend into camp. Another guy expected to extend his
summer vacation: Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. He and the team failed to
reach a deal by last week’s deadline, meaning he will play on the franchise tag
for a second year in a row and likely won’t report until September.
COMEBACK PLAYERS
Last season proved unkind to some marquee players. Wentz,
who had a remarkable sophomore season before tearing knee ligaments in
December, remains on track to come back soon (he’s hoping Week 1, but time will
tell). Fellow quarterbacks Andrew Luck (Indianapolis), Deshaun Watson
(Houston), Ryan Tannehill (Miami) and Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) also return. Elsewhere,
the Giants struggled mightily without Odell Beckham Jr. last season, and the
same goes for a Texans defense without J.J. Watt. Neither received the green
light to participate in spring practices; however, their clearances could soon
come.
ANTHEM POLICY
In May, NFL owners rushed to implement a policy they
expected to end player protests against social and racial injustices during the
national anthem. In reality, they created a bigger mess because not even the
teams could agree on uniform rules or enforcement.
With confusion and criticism rampant, the league hit
the pause button last week, agreeing to meet with the NFL Players
Association.
Officials want to see if the union’s leaders can help find
an improved remedy. However, it’s believed the NFLPA is pushing for the
elimination of the policy altogether.
Thus far, the two sides have managed to keep their
discussions quiet, and there’s no timeline for a resolution.
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