2023-08-15 09:21:00
The NFL preseason is in full swing. In the training camps, new coaches get to know their new players. During the preparatory games, the rookies in particular want to stand out and make their mark. In NFL Training Camp Inside on sport.de there is all the information and background information about the highlights and bitter injuries from the NFL.
The rookie quarterbacks made their NFL debut. Other players could draw attention to themselves. There are also updates on the injury status of Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford and the Dallas Cowboys. And then there is movement in the player market among the free agents in the NFL.
Houston Texans: Already Panic After CJ Stroud Opener?
NFL fans have been looking forward to their rookie quarterback’s first game from the moment their new savior is drafted in late April. Houston Texans supporters couldn’t wait to see CJ Stroud on the field ahead of the preseason game against the New England Patriots. But after the former Ohio State Buckeyes playmaker completed his first drive with an interception, early supporters panicked.
The first pass to Nico Collins was completed directly for eight yards of space gain. Stroud was then sacked, then threw an interception on Jalen Mills on 3rd and 21. The loss of possession gave the Patriots an early 3-0 lead and dampened anticipation for the rookie quarterback’s first game.
However, the Texans are now in the preseason and it was the first drive in the first preseason game. In addition, Patriots coach Bill Belichick is known for making it very difficult, especially for rookie quarterbacks in the NFL. He gave the young quarterback a lot of tricky formations that made it difficult for Stroud to read where the pass rush would come from.
It was therefore an important experience for Stroud that the NFL is different than college and that he has to keep working on observing what the opponent is doing on defense even after the snap. However, there is still no reason to panic. The Texans will continue to build their quarterback from game to game, and there will be more moments in the regular season when the rookie will be overwhelmed.
Minnesota Vikings: Who Gets Second Running Back Role?
After Dalvin Cook did not get a new contract with the Minnesota Vikings, Alexander Mattison will take over the backfield in an important role in the future. But the offense was already known for regularly swapping running backs last year. A reason why Cook is no longer there. Now, however, the question is who will stand out as number two in the squad?
Ty Chandler is currently hinting at taking on that role. He got the most snaps in the first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks and also made the most of his opportunities, becoming the team’s only running back for more than three yards per streak. He also excelled as a pass receiver, which is a not to be underestimated part of the job of a modern NFL running back.
Buffalo Bills: Dalton Kincaid surprised
Dawson Knox has been a solid pass for quarterback Josh Allen at tight end for the past several years. But it wasn’t just since the last NFL draft that the Buffalo Bills were looking for a reinforcement in his position. With first round pick Dalton Kincaid they now seem to have found it. The start of training for the rookie from Utah is still surprising, since an inexperienced player was not capable of having an impact on the game so early.
He breaks away from tight man markrs and finds the gaps in defense. There is already a certain trust in the interaction with quarterback Allen. Even head coach Sean McDermott is very convinced of the young tight end and let him play with the starting lineup from the second day of training. While he didn’t throw up once in the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, it’s a strong indicator of Dalton Kincaid’s remarkable debut with the Bills.
Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford is back in full training
Head coach Sean McVay is known to rest his starters during the preseason and only uses them in the last game. With his quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has been struggling with an elbow injury for a long time, special caution is required anyway. But the good news from the Los Angeles Rams’ training camp is: Matthew Stafford can throw again without restrictions.
That doesn’t make the Rams a Super Bowl contender just yet, as they are in the midst of an upheaval. But the return of the offense leader to the field is the best news from the former champion’s training camp.
New York Jets: Dalvin Cook is to come
Aaron Rodgers had his contract restructured and that freed up some money for this year’s squad planning. Over the weekend, the New York Jets met for the second time during the preseason with running back Dalvin Cook, who is quite pleased with the changed atmosphere at the Jets. And on Tuesday, several US media then reported execution. Cook is set to sign a one-year deal with the Jets.
Although Israel Abanikanda again showed a strong game on running back against the Carolina Panthers, but also made a big blunder with a fumble. It’s safe to assume that quarterback Rodgers won’t put the fate of the season into the skills of a 20-year-old rookie when there’s a top-notch veteran on the market who knows blocking schemes and other requirements in his sleep. Cook would therefore be a safe alternative until Breece Hall returns and maybe even beyond. His commitment should be announced in the next few days.
Kansas City Chiefs: Young wide receivers attract attention
The Kansas City Chiefs Receiving Corps is very young and inexperienced. Only two passport recipients in the current squad are over 24 years old. This structure triggers a special atmosphere in the training camp, which was also noticeable in the first preseason game. The rookies and fledgling receivers are looking to make the starting XI on the best offense in the NFL, and they’re going to give it their all.
Rashee Rice, this year’s second-round pick, caught the eye in early practice and was used at all levels of the field against the New Orleans Saints. He was sent on vertical routes and attacked the center. Even running moves were made with the rookie. And in the special teams, the receiver also recommended himself as a gunner with an important tackle.
As if that weren’t enough, Justyn Ross finally seems to be healthy and close to his actual performance level. Even at college, the tall receiver was always suffering from his spine, which severely restricted his game and, above all, his resilience due to a misalignment. In the first preseason game, Ross scored a touchdown and the Chiefs hope he stays fit for a long time to come.
Dallas Cowboys: Donovan Wilson will be out for several weeks
Meanwhile, there is bad news from the Dallas Cowboys training camp. Donovan Wilson, the most effective tackler (101 tackles) of the past season, is out on defense for several weeks and even threatens to miss the start of the regular season. A calf injury means that the safety will definitely not come back in the pre-season.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow Injury Update
When quarterback Joe Burrow fell to the ground at the start of practice and was wheeled off the field, the remaining players and coaches looked nervously at their most important player. The diagnosis, a hamstring tear, meant Burrow would only be out for a few weeks. But will he be fit again for the start of the season?
A clear answer to this is difficult to give without precise insight into the severity of the muscle injury. But former San Diego Chargers team doctor and known on social media as ProFootballDoc Dr. Chao tried to assess the current status. In his view, the Cincinnati Bengals would have to choose one of two paths. One would be to use Burrow in the first game of the regular season and accept that the quarterback will have to deal with the injury all year. Or you can wait two to three more weeks for your first game so that you can then play completely healed.
Certainly the decision will also involve the question of how high one estimates the chances of winning with another quarterback. So far, neither Trevor Siemian nor Jake Browning have excelled. It can therefore currently be assumed that Burrow will play in week one.
Philip Forstner
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