What it’s essential learn about place battles, accidents and extra

August 22, 2022

10) It is good to see Titans 2021 first-round choose Caleb Farley wholesome and taking part in soccer once more. The quantity of soccer he is performed within the preseason signifies he is behind rookie Roger McCreary, making Farley fourth on the depth chart. He seems just a little stiff. The Titans’ younger corners — their high 4 gamers on the place had been all drafted within the first three rounds since 2020 — may make or break their protection.

11) Former Eagle Matt Pryor is about to take over the Colts’ beginning left sort out job. Together with questions at proper guard and an total lack of depth, this group is clearly inferior to the one which Philip Rivers bought to play behind two years in the past.

13) Mack Hollins has emerged because the Raiders’ No. 3 receiver. He isn’t fairly a fantasy sleeper, however it’s spectacular how Hollins took maintain of a job in a deep group.

14) Antonio Gibson didn’t have a particular groups position in Ron Rivera’s first two seasons as Washington coach. Gibson returned the opening kickoff Saturday, moments earlier than rookie Brian Robinson began the sport at working again. Gibson had two carries and three catches within the sport, largely taking part in with backups. Whereas I do not suppose the 2 runners have flipped roles, Rivera flatly mentioned final week he’s going to go along with the recent hand at working again and that Gibson must “run more durable.” After Gibson acquired 206 touches as a rookie and 300 final season, it is protected to anticipate a lowered workload from the 24-year-old.

15) Earlier than Malcolm Rodriguez stole America’s coronary heart on Exhausting Knocks, he bought a vital stamp of approval on this column two weeks in the past. This isn’t a manufactured storyline, however a shock place battle consequence being documented in actual time. Rodrigo’s rise may additionally say quite a bit in regards to the Lions’ still-lacking linebacker depth chart, the place Derrick Barnes and Jarrad Davis are additionally vying for snaps. I really like the Lions’ defensive teaching workers, however there are a whole lot of questions for this group at linebacker and cornerback.

16) In a modest shock, 2020 No. 3 total choose Jeff Okudah is trending towards profitable a beginning job reverse Amani Oruwariye, per Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. Whereas that is not less than partly based mostly on the up-and-down play of Will Harris, it must be a welcome growth for the Lions.

17) It is cool to see a younger participant understand a lifelong dream in actual time. USFL MVP KaVontae Turpin returned a punt and kickoff for touchdowns throughout the Cowboys’ win Saturday night time. By the second half of the sport, he was requested to take his shoulder pads off, and Dallas coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Turpin will likely be their returner to begin the season. Contemplating how skinny the Cowboys are at wideout, do not be stunned to see Turpin labored into the combination as a gadget participant.

(The Chargers particular groups, in the meantime, is clearly in midseason kind giving up two touchdowns in a single half.)

18) Based on Nick Eastman on the Cowboys’ workforce web site, 2021 second-round choose Kelvin Joseph will not be a lock to make the ultimate roster. That may be a shock, however he clearly hasn’t cracked the highest rotation of Cowboys corners: Trevon Diggs, Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis. With Lewis (hamstring) presumably out for Week 1, fifth-round rookie DaRon Bland could also be subsequent in line after getting love all through camp.

19) A Sunday headline from the OG website Pewter Report: “Bucs’ (Kyle) Trask Experiment Is All However Over.” Whereas that feels harsh, Trask possible sunk his likelihood to be the Bucs’ backup QB this season with a tough outing towards the Titans. Tom Brady, who returned to follow on Monday, must be backed up by Blaine Gabbert once more.