As summer break winds down, the world of NFL stirs back to life with the kickoff of training camps. Teams across the league are gearing up for another highly anticipated season, with no shortage of intriguing storylines and player movements.
Texans Begin Their Journey
The Houston Texans were among the first to start their camp, opening on a Wednesday. This move sets the stage for the arrival of rookies, who are also set to report this week, injecting fresh talent and hope into the roster.
Philadelphia Eagles: Spotlight on Jalen Hurts
Over in Philadelphia, quarterback Jalen Hurts remains a focal point. A year has passed since Hurts inked a then-record $255 million deal, and two years since he went toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes in a memorable Super Bowl clash. According to Cody Benjamin, "Hurts isn't going anywhere. That starts with Hurts, whose more mercurial follow-up to 2022's breakout helped facilitate Kellen Moore's arrival as the new offensive coordinator." The trajectory of Hurts in this new system could be pivotal in determining the fate of head coach Nick Sirianni.
Aman of Many Talents: Devin White
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White isn't just making headlines on the field. Off the field, he’s passionate about horse riding, a skill he honed from a young age in rural Louisiana. White owns several horses and a property to house them, showcasing his deep connection to equestrian pursuits. "Growing up in rural Louisiana, White learned to ride horses at an early age and has had a passion for it ever since," noted Josh Edwards. This unique hobby highlights the multifaceted lives of NFL players beyond football.
A Golden Achievement: Gable Steveson
Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson brings a different kind of gold to the gridiron. Steveson clinched a gold medal in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics and was a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota. Josh Edwards remarked, "Steveson was a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota and is now using his leverage exposure to deconstruct blocks in the NFL."
Adam Thielen: A Dual-Sport Star
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen isn't just a force in football; he's also made his mark in golf. Thielen recently finished seventh at the American Century Championship, underscoring his prowess in pro-am golf tournaments. "It is often the quarterbacks that find the most success playing golf, but Thielen is well-documented as being a great golfer," commented Edwards. His handicap of 0.6 is a testament to his skill on the links.
Ravens Face Offensive Line Challenges
The Baltimore Ravens are entering the season with significant concerns on the offensive line. The departures of Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson have left voids that need to be filled. Additionally, Ronnie Stanley is battling lingering knee issues, affecting his performance. "The Ravens seemingly always figure things out up front," shared Jared Dubin. "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 and Browns Adjustments
Meanwhile, the Bengals are making adjustments in their backfield, moving on from Joe Mixon and seeking to replace him with Zack Moss. Deshaun Watson, on the other hand, hasn't been able to replicate his 2020 form, presenting challenges for the Cleveland Browns. "Deshaun Watson hasn't been good since 2020. It is wholly unreasonable to count on him being good this year," observed Dubin. This uncertainty looms large as the Browns navigate their path forward.
UFL College Draft Developments
Moving to the United Football League (UFL), the 2024 UFL College Draft saw six quarterbacks selected on a Wednesday. The top pick was Jason Bean, while John Rhys Plumlee was selected third overall. Notably, two Colts quarterbacks, Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis, found new homes through this draft, adding another layer of interest to the UFL landscape.
As NFL training camps commence, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how these storylines unfold. From rookie arrivals to seasoned veterans adapting to new roles, the forthcoming season promises to be filled with excitement, challenges, and the ever-present pursuit of glory.