“Theme of 2021: Jerry Jeudy torching DBs”
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Now let’s get to the headlines!
News & Notes:
Carson Wentz trending to open the season as the starter with All-Pro G Quenton Nelson on same path after foot surgeries.
Bills and Josh Allen have reached agreement on a 6-year, $258M extension, locking him in through 2028. $150M guaranteed.
Ravens rookie WR Rashod Bateman suffered a “somewhat significant” groin injury. Has a chance to be ready for Week 1.
D'Andre Swift has missed "significant practice time while nursing a sore groin" during training camp.
DJ Chark Jr. had a minor break on his hand, and underwent surgery. Urban Meyer says he will be back by Week 1.
Coachspeak and Beat Reports:
The Jerry Jeudy hype has been gaining a lot of steam in recent weeks. I’m seeing these kinds of quotes from almost all the Denver beat writers consistently:
“Theme of 2021: Jerry Jeudy torching DBs.”
“It almost seems unfair at this point to ask anyone to guard Jerry Jeudy one on one.”
“Jerry Jeudy has quite literally been open every single time he’s out there. Whether it is by his route running or something else he’s always open.”
“Jerry Jeudy: Good against other corners other than his own. Burning Minnesota dudes.” Video evidence #1, and #2.
“I don’t think it’s a stretch to say Jerry Jeudy looks like the best player in camp right now for Denver.”
Antonio Brown has also been a hot topic lately:
“Brady and AB are lighting it up. Putting on a clinic this morning.”
“Bruce Arians said WR Antonio Brown is playing at a speed he was at 4-5 years ago.”
“Antonio Brown is not only one of the more impressive receivers in training camp this year, he’s been one of the most impressive players on the entire team”
Denzel Mims went from sounding like he was on the roster bubble, to getting a ton of buzz this week “Denzel Mims has been best receiver in camp last 4 days. Was getting limited reps because he was very sick in June (lost 15 pounds)”
"Valdes-Scantling’s hands have been noticeably better so far in camp ... If he keeps this up, he’s the clear-cut No. 2 wideout behind Davante Adams. Valdes-Scantling isn’t just a deep-ball threat anymore ..."
On Chargers 23 year old former XFL TE Donald Parham Jr.: “The 6-foot-8 second-year tight end has been a favorite target of quarterback Justin Herbert in training camp”
“Something I’ve noticed in camp is that Jalen Hurts has heavily targeted Ertz and Goedert.”
49ers rookie RB Trey Sermon: “is smoothly absorbing the complex new playbook. That’s why Sermon has enjoyed extensive time with the first-team offense.”
“Tua Tagovailoa, in 11 on 11 work, has more than five times as many touchdown passes as interceptions (three), though many of the TDs have come in red zone drills. His velocity and accuracy - both on intermediate and deep routes - is clearly better than a year ago.”
“Confirmation in here that Terrace Marshall is the favorite to win CAR's No. 3 WR job aka the Big Slot role. Marshall also stepped in when Robby Anderson (personal) missed practice.”
“Jared Goff and T.J. Hockenson have been dialed in as a duo all training camp long. Goff went to Hockenson early and often in the 11-on-11 scrimmage portion of practice, including two of Goff's three touchdown passes on the day.”
“Saints WR Marquez Callaway continues to be one of the biggest standouts in camp.” … “Marquez Callaway is taking "ownership of being the top dog at receiver" for the Saints.”
Coach Matt Nagy says Darnell Mooney is “on fire with his route running”
Damien Harris continues to look like the clear starting RB for the Patriots.
Zack Moss has "consistently been the best running back" at Bills camp.
“James Robinson is unequivocally the starting running back of the Jacksonville Jaguars.”
“James Robinson looks much faster than he was a year ago”
“Albert Wilson listed first-team on the Dolphins’ depth chart tells you how good he’s been this spring and summer”
“he's shown a connection with both Wentz and Eason, and he's been more involved than T.Y. Hilton. If [Michael] Pittman really is set to become the Colts' WR1 at some point this year, what's gone down in training camp so far appears to be evidence.”
"Before training camp, it seemed like [Justin] Jackson was the odd man out in the running back room, but that is furthest from the truth. Jackson has been taking a lot of the higher-up reps. ... If he stays healthy, he will be second in command behind Austin Ekeler."
This one is silly, but I’ll allow it: “Jon Gruden said on NFL Network Bryan Edwards has been looking like Terrell Owens, but he’s looking more like Randy Moss to me. He’s been catching balls with corners draped over him all Training Camp.”
“Jakobi Meyers looking like the most consistent receiver at training camp”
On Rams rookie RB Xavier Jones: Jones is “going to carve out a role for himself” & someone the Rams are “expecting to count on throughout the season.”
Analysis & Hype:
Travis Kelce has played 110-of-112 possible regular season games since 2014. The two games he missed -- Week 17 games with the AFC West clinched.
Rookie wide receivers since the late '90s with 10 or more total touchdowns scored: Calvin Ridley, Tyreek Hill, Odell Beckham, Mike Evans, Mike Williams, Randy Moss... Chase Claypool.
Interesting Twitter thread: “You may be drafting Javonte Williams and Trey Sermon for roles they most certainly do not have.”
“By the end of this season we’re going be talking about Brandon Aiyuk the same way we talk about Davante Adams”
These historical comps to Chase Claypool & Tee Higgins.
Part Three of the Ultimate Tight End Draft Guide.
Deep (Mostly Dynasty) Sleepers:
“Fans who were at the Eagles' public practice last night saw what reporters have seen from [Eagles QB turned TE] Tyree Jackson all summer.” … “Jackson has been one of the biggest surprises on the roster. The 6-foot-7, 249-pound former quarterback stands out because of his size but he’s beginning to stand out because of his play too.”
"Rookie tight ends don't always make an immediate impact, but [Kylen] Granson has been the Colts' most impressive tight end so far. Jack Doyle has been fine, as has Mo Alie-Cox considering some drops, but Granson looks like he could be a playmaker."
“Lawrence truly shined. Lawrence continues to show a knack for being able to put the ball wherever he wants to on the football field. Lawrence’s go-to receiver was Collin Johnson. The 6-5 receiver had a big day bringing in two touchdowns from Lawrence during practice.”
"(Josh Palmer) looks like a steal so far in practice. The ball rarely has, if ever, touched the ground when thrown to the receiver wearing a single digit. Tyron Johnson and Jalen Guyton have missed practice, which has opened the door for people to watch Palmer perform."
Cold Water:
“Rough day for the rookie. Zach Wilson was 11-24 for 112 yards with 2 interceptions ((unofficially)). Took a few sacks (some weren’t his fault) but looked indecisive at times, threw some inaccurate passes some were high and others low. Even had some passes die on him.”
“Can’t say Jalen Hurts has done anything in camp to dissuade the Eagles from looking for a QB upgrade.”
"...as a runner, [Miles] Sanders is having a very good camp. He looks quick, explosive and agile. But he’s had far too many drops and also fumbled on Day Eight of practice. The drops are what are very concerning....Last season, he had eight drops, so this is a problem he needs to correct."
The Fun Stuff:
“Tom Brady and Tony Dungy looking like they poisoned your food and are waiting for you to eat it”
Lions rookie WR Amon-Ra St. Brown already taking souls.
Jalen Reagor with a beautiful one-handed grab.
“All joking aside... are we going to talk about the font Michael Thomas used?”
A reminder of just how different Calvin Johnson was.
Jameis Winston not taking himself too seriously.
Not many QBs throw as pretty of a spiral as T-Law.
Aaron Rodgers accurate anywhere.
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