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RB: No longer mired in a competition for the lead role, Lamar Miller has entered training camp with more confidence and more muscle (up to 225 lbs. from 218 lbs.) this year. He’s even indicated a desire for more carries. Historically, Head Coach Joe Philbin has favored a committee approach, but he conceded that, “if one person can help us [score points] and giving him [22] carries a game to get 350 carries, I have no problem doing that.” Jay Ajayi has failed to impress coaches, falling behind Damien Williams and LaMichael James on the depth chart. His chances of making an impact as a rookie are slipping away. Williams is the clubhouse leader for the No. 2 role, although James is receiving consistent praise from Philbin and is a formidable challenger. WR: Jarvis Landry continues to buzz and is entrenched as the No. 1 target, but Philbin anticipates him being relegated to the slot despite flashing the ability to play more downfield. First round pick DeVante Parker remains sidelined following foot surgery and it’s unclear if he’ll play at all in the preseason. Fellow wideout Kenny Stills has missed recent practices while recovering from a calf injury. Their absences have allowed Rishard Matthews to get time with the starters, although he’s failed to impress. Veteran Greg Jennings has been relatively quiet in camp too, although he impressed Tannehill with savvy route-running early on – his spot on the depth chart is unclear. Michael Preston, who is fighting for a roster spot, adds size (6’5” 220 lbs.) to a relatively small receiving corps and has shown well as a deep threat so far. TE: During the early part of training camp, the tight end unit has focused heavily on blocking as opposed to receiving. Jordan Cameron is onboard, describing the tight end’s role as “whatever we can do to help this team.” Cameron did catch two touchdowns in the Friday scrimmage, but his share of the passing game is still unclear. Philbin has also praised Dion Sims and offered assurances that there will be plenty of two-tight end packages. Defense: Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has looked every bit as dominant as the Dolphins could have hoped for when they signed him to a monster free agent contract. He joins Pro-Bowl end Cameron Wake to anchor what will be one of the NFL’s premier defensive lines. Wake and Olivier Vernon both had sacks in the Friday scrimmage – the pass rush has consistently disrupted all intrasquad drills and scrimmages. Veteran tackle C.J. Mosley has been a non-factor; his chances at a roster spot are slowly fading away. Rookie Jordan Phillips is currently in line to play behind Suh and Earl Mitchell. Koa Misi has seen the majority of snaps at middle linebacker, but has moved to the strongside at times to allow snaps for Kelvin Sheppard in the middle. Jelani Jenkins seems to have a strong grip on weakside linebacker. Sheppard has an early lead on Chris McCain for the third starting spot. Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes continues to shine, but the search continues for his starting counterpart; both Jamar Taylor and Will Davis have struggled at times. Davis has also missed time with a knee injury. Brice McCain, who was originally locked in as the starting nickel, has now been practicing outside and is a contender. Strong safety Louis Delmas continues to be handled with care after last season’s knee surgery, but free safety Reshad Jones has seen regular snaps and has shown well as a reliable tackler. PK: Caleb Sturgis is embroiled in a battle with rookie Andrew Franks after suffering an injury in a kickball game in the offseason and struggling with accuracy so far in his career, coming in under 80 percent in each of his first two seasons. Both kickers were 3-for-3 in the first scrimmage. Early reports say neither kicker has stood out and the competition has been more about limiting mistakes to this point. Avoid Sturgis in drafts even if he wins this competition as he is clearly on shaky ground. Dolphins Depth Chart QB: Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Josh Freeman RB: Lamar Miller, Damien Williams, Jay Ajayi, LaMichael James, Mike Gillislee, Demetrius Bronson WR: Jarvis Landry (KR/PR), Kenny Stills, DeVante Parker (inj), Greg Jennings, Rishard Matthews, Matt Hazel, Michael Preston, Tyler McDonald, LaRon Byrd, Damarr Aultman, Tommy Streeter, Kevin Cone, Cobi Hamilton TE: Jordan Cameron, Dion Sims, Arthur Lynch, Gerrell Robinson, Jake Stoneburner, Tim Semisch LT: Branden Albert, Jason Fox LG: Dallas Thomas, Jacques McClendon, Jamil Douglas C: Mike Pouncey, JD Walton, Sam Brenner RG: Billy Turner, Jeff Linkenbach RT: JaWuan James, Donald Hawkins K: Caleb Sturgis (inj), Andrew Franks DT: Ndamukong Suh, Earl Mitchell, Jordan Phillips, C.J. Mosley, A.J. Francis, Anthony Johnson, DeAndre Coleman DE: Cameron Wake, Olivier Vernon, Derrick Shelby, Terrence Fede, Kendall Montgomery, Emmanuel Dieke, Ray Drew, Dion Jordan (susp) MLB: Kelvin Sheppard, Koa Misi, Jeff Luc, Mike Hull OLB: Jelani Jenkins (W) , Chris McCain (S), Jordan Tripp (W),Spencer Paysinger (S), Neville Hewitt, Zach Vigil CB: Brent Grimes, Jamar Taylor, Brice McCain, Bobby McCain, Tony Lippett, Will Davis, Zackary Bowman, Sammy Seamster S: Reshad Jones (SS), Louis Delmas (FS), Walt Aikens (FS), Jordan Kovacs (FS), Cedric Thompson, Don Jones (SS), Shamiel Gary (FS),Michael Thomas (SS), Phillip Thomas Minnesota Vikings QB: Teddy Bridgewater played well in the team’s first preseason game completing five of six passes for 44 yards and running once for another 6 yards. Bridgewater looked to have some chemistry with Kyle Rudolph right from the start connecting with each other twice for 22 yards and picking up 1st downs both times. Mike Kafka relieved Bridgewater and did a nice job completing 7 of 10 passes for 66 yards which included a 34-yard touchdown pass to rookie MyCole Pruitt. Underrated rookie Taylor Heinicke also saw some game action passing for 51 yards while throwing an interception. Shaun Hill still remains the unchallenged QB2 but was rested in this game so the coaching staff could give looks to the younger guys in Kafka and Heinicke. RB: Adrian Peterson didn’t play in the Hall of Fame game and isn’t expected to play at all during any of the Vikings preseason games. This will give opportunities to the backup running backs Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata to battle it out for any carries behind Peterson when the time comes. McKinnon had three touches in the game, rushing twice for 2 yards and catching a screen pass for a 13-yard gain. Asiata on the other hand ran six times for 30 yards and caught a pass for five yards. It was Joe Banyard who punched in a one-yard touchdown run following the 62-yard punt return from Stefon Diggs. Peterson did get some praise from Vikings center, John Sullivan who said, “He looks awesome. On the first play (in 11-on-11s on Tuesday), we ran a zone read to the left, and if it had been an actual game, he would have taken it to the house. It was awesome." WR: Rookie Stefon Diggs returned a punt 62 yards to the Steelers 1-yard line, coming up just short of stretching the ball across the goal line. Diggs continues to be electric in the return game and is putting some pressure on fellow returner Marcus Sherels. Vikings WR coach George Stewart recently called Diggs a “more athletic” version of one talented former Viking. “He’s very similar to Percy Harvin when Percy came out,” Stewart said. “Same type of athlete but more athletic.” Mike Wallace lost a yard on a reverse and dropped another pass in his first action with the Vikings. It was reported that Wallace has been catching everything thrown his way from Teddy Bridgewater in practices. Most of the passes coming Wallace’s way are quick slants as opposed to the deep routes that he has been best known for. Charles Johnson continues to develop his connection with Bridgewater as he has been the main target during practices and drew the loudest fan reaction by stretching for an over-the-middle grab. TE: 5th round rookie MyCole Pruitt got some work with the first-team offense as he caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Mike Kafka and showed some skill as a blocker also, setting a nice block on a screen pass to Jerick McKinnon. Pruitt finished the game with 4 catches for 51 yards and received some praise from coach Mike Zimmer, “He’s very fast, He’s had great hands all camp and that showed up a couple of times.” Kyle Rudolph looked healthy in his first game action in a while and had an instant connection with Teddy Bridgewater as the two connected twice for 22 yards and two first downs. Defense: Audie Cole was the star of the defense during the Vikings first preseason game as he recorded 3 tackles in his short duty in the first half and forced a fumble while doing so. “Audie knows where to be (around the ball),” Zimmer said. “He shows up.” The 11th overall pick in this year’s draft, cornerback Trae Waynes was quick on Sunday night but also made some typical rookie mistakes. He was beaten down the field and was flagged twice once for a pass interference penalty and the other for defensive holding. Second-round pick Eric Kendricks entered the game on 3rd-and-9 in a nickel package after the likes of Audie Cole, Gerald Hodges and Brandon Watts got some time on the field. Kendricks rushed the quarterback on a bunch of plays, helping to force a punt as the result of his quarterback pressure. Second year linebacker Gerald Hodges was all over the field on Sunday night making tackles and stopping plays at the line of scrimmage. He finished the night with 3 solo tackles. Vikings Depth Chart QB: Teddy Bridgewater, Shaun Hill, Mike Kafka, Taylor Heinicke RB: Adrian Peterson, Jerick McKinnon, Matt Asiata, Joe Banyard, DuJuan Harris FB: Zach Line WR: , Charles Johnson, Mike Wallace, Jarius Wright, Cordarrelle Patterson (KR), Stefon Diggs (PR), Adam Thielen, Donte Foster, Ryan Whalen, DaVaris Daniels (inj) TE: Kyle Rudolph, MyCole Pruitt, Rhett Ellison, Chase Ford, Brandon Bostick, Ryan Otten LT: Matt Kalil, Tyrus Thompson LG: Brandon Fusco, David Yankey C: John Sullivan, Joe Berger RG: Mike Harris, Austin Shepherd RT: Phil Loadholt, TJ Clemmings K: Blair Walsh DT: Linval Joseph (NT), Sharrif Floyd, Tom Johnson, Chigbo Anunoby, Shamar Stephen (inj) DE: Brian Robison, Everson Griffen, Scott Crichton, Danielle Hunter, Justin Trattou, B.J. Dubose, Leon Mackey, Caesar Rayford MLB: Audie Cole, Eric Kendricks, Michael Mauti, Justin Anderson,Casey Matthews (IR) OLB: Anthony Barr (S), Chad Greenway (W) , Gerald Hodges (W),Brandon Watts (S), Edmond Robinson, Josh Kaddu (S), Brian Peters(W) CB: Xavier Rhodes, Terence Newman, Captain Munnerlyn, Trae Waynes, Josh Robinson (inj), Marcus Sherels (PR), Jabari Price, Josh Thomas S: Harrison Smith (FS), Robert Blanton (SS), Andrew Sendejo (SS),Ahmad Dixon (FS), Antone Exum (SS), Anthony Harris, Jalil Carter New England Patriots QB: The Tom Brady ‘Deflategate’ controversy may never end. It leaves the Patriots in an uncomfortable spot. Brady has taken plenty of snaps in training camp, but Jimmy Garoppolo is also being given his fair share. Garoppolo was even given the majority of first team reps during one practice, but he failed to impress, struggling with his consistency. The injured Matt Flynn was waived and Ryan Lindley was added to the mix. RB: It appeared that the New England Patriots had a clear starter with LeGarrette Blount atop the depth chart. However, Blount suffered a sprained MCL that is going to keep him out of training camp and the preseason. Blount was going to enter the season under a 1-game suspension either way, but this is an unwelcome injury to a potentially key player. Jonas Gray is now in position to become a feature back and has been impressive early on. The Patriots also have Tyler Gaffney to challenge Gray, but he needs to get on the field to prove himself. Travaris Cadet is leading the chase for a primary receiving 3rd down receiving role, but he also has health question marks to overcome. James White will have opportunities to prove his ability as a receiver, but he has struggled thus far. Dion Lewis and Brandon Bolden are closer to known commodities so it's no surprise they've quietly gone about their business during camp so far. WR: Julian Edelman has been sidelined for a couple of days because of an ankle injury that isn't considered serious. Edelman's absence has pushed Danny Amendola back into the fold. Aaron Dobson has failed to overcome both health and performance issues throughout his career. Dobson made an early impact, but missed time later in the week. The Patriots have plenty of receivers missing time with Edelman, Brandon LaFell(PUP), Dobson and Josh Tyms all missing multiple practices. Brandon Gibson has been the benefactor, getting more opportunities to impress while racking up receptions. The Patriots need their top options to get healthy before they can figure out what their depth chart is going to look like. TE: Rob Gronkowski survived the offseason unscathed. A contract restructuring is about the only notable aspect of Gronkowski's training camp to this point. The Patriots only need him to stay healthy through camp and the preseason. Scott Chandler has dealt with some health issues, missing at least one practice while icing his knee during another. Any ambiguity in the Patriots tight end depth chart was erased when the team moved on from Tim Wright. Michael Hoomanawanui should be safe as the third option. Jake Bequette is still on the roster after converting to tight end, which bodes well for him moving forward. He needs to have a huge preseason to force his way onto the final roster though. Defense: The defense looks weak at cornerback, so the early play of Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler will come as a reassurance for fans. Christopher Price writes, “Butler has been the one who has made the most of his opportunities to this point in the summer...At this point, he’s been the best and most consistent cornerback in camp for the Patriots.” It's still unclear who will start across from Butler, but Logan Ryan is the favorite with veteran Tarrell Brown pushing him. Price also points out that rookie safety Jordan Richards has impressed enough that he should earn playing time during the regular season. He isn't pushing for Patrick Chung's starting job just yet, but it sounds inevitable. Jabaal Sheard is the other defender that Price highlights and he's not alone in praising the former Brown. The defensive line and secondary is where the Patriots question marks are, but the return to full health of Jerod Mayo at linebacker is also big news. Patriots Depth Chart QB: Tom Brady (susp), Jimmy Garoppolo, Ryan Lindley RB: LeGarrette Blount (susp) (inj), Jonas Gray (SD), Brandon Bolden (3RB), Tarvaris Cadet (3RB), James White (3RB), Tyler Gaffney, Dion Lewis FB: James Develin WR: Julian Edelman (PR), Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola (KR),Aaron Dobson, Brandon Gibson, Josh Boyce, Bryan Tyms, Matt Slater, Jonathan Krause TE: Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui (FB), Jake Bequette (DE), Jimmy Mundine, A.J. Derby (IR) LT: Nate Solder, Marcus Cannon LG: Tre Jackson, Jordan Devey, Chris Barker C: Bryan Stork RG: Ryan Wendell, Josh Kline, Shaquille Mason RT: Sebastian Vollmer, Cameron Fleming K: Stephen Gostkowski NT: Alan Branch, Sealver Siliga, Malcom Brown, Dominique Easley, Joe Vellano, Antonio Johnson, Chris Jones (inj) DE: Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Trey Flowers, Jabaal Sheard, Zach Moore, Geneo Grissom MLB: Jerod Mayo, Dane Fletcher, Eric Martin, Matt Wells OLB: Jamie Collins (S), Dont′a Hightower (W), Dekoda Watson (W),Jonathan Freeny (S), Chris White (W), Darius Fleming (S), Xzavier Dickson, Rufus Johnson CB: , Malcolm Butler, Bradley Fletcher, Logan Ryan, Robert McClain, Darryl Roberts, Justin Green S: Devin McCourty (FS), Patrick Chung (SS), Duron Harmon (SS),Jordan Richards (SS), Tavon Wilson (FS), Nate Ebner (SS), Dax Swanson New Orleans Saints QB: Drew Brees wasn't excited by the performance of the Saints during Friday night's scrimmage – "A little sloppy. Any time you transition from practice to a game-like scenario where it's move the chains, you've got to get up and get lined up correctly, you've got to be sharp – there's just a lot more tempo and quick transition that happens in a move-the-chains type of period or scrimmage, as opposed to practice where you can stop it and make certain adjustments. So that part of it, I think, might have surprised some guys. So we weren't as sharp as we need to be. I think there were some good individual efforts – as we watch the tape, all that stuff will kind of show itself. But it just shows we've got a lot of work to do.” |