With NFL Training Camps set to open in a mere three weeks, let’s take a look at some of the developing stories as we head into this exciting time.
– First and foremost, it’s about time. Yes, the news might still be trickling in a bit slowly, but when the calendar turns from June to July, football fans really start to feel the itch. The allure of Training Camp is on the horizon, hardcore fans are full-swing in fantasy football preparations, and it feels like things are starting to pick up. With each passing day, you’re going to feel the anticipation building for what is to come. The official NFL season may still be a ways off, but there will be enough going on to keep fans on the edge of their seats. You waited a long time, football fans. You’re almost there.
– Rob Gronkowski appears to be on track to play in the Patriots opener, and that’s music to the ears of Tom Brady and Pats fans everywhere. Anyone who watched this team last years will tell you that they were a different offense when Gronk was healthy. He’s a legitimate difference-making talent. The question of whether he can shed the injury-prone label he’s picked up will linger as the season progresses, but right now all indications are that there will be plenty of “Gronk Spikes” to go around in September. (SIA Profile)
-Speaking of difference-making tight ends, and arbitrator has ruled that Jimmy Graham is… well, a difference-making tight end, and not a wide receiver as Graham’s wallet would have preferred. It’s a murky situation, especially when one considers what type of impact Graham makes a a pass-catcher, and it’s unfortunate that it inhibits his earning potential. It doesn’t feel like this issue is over however, as the NFL is starting to see an influx of athletic tight ends who contribute much more as pass-catchers than blockers.
-The summer of Johnny Manziel just won’t end. His name is on everyone’s lips, he’s constantly in the news, and he’s become one of the most notorious figures in the game. Oh yeah, and he’s done all of this without taking a single snap in the NFL. Manziel is a serious talent, and could give the Browns the boost at quarterback they’ve been looking for, but this is probably not what the organization was hoping for when they drafted him. It will be interesting to see what kind of and impact Manziel makes in year one however, as winning tends to quiet all of the concerns.
-While we’re on the subject of the Browns, let’s lay off Josh Gordon a little bit. He’s had a tumultuous off-season to be sure, but ripping him to shreds and forecasting the downfall of his career is a lousy thing to do. If he has his issues, he has his issues and let’s hope he can work through them. I for one, look forward to seeing him back in an NFL uniform once all of these issues are sorted out. Best of luck to you, Josh.
Thanks for reading, everyone.
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