2018 NFL Preseason Thread

[Don Wassall]

Dylan Cantrell Turns Heads on Day 2 of Training Camp

Hayley Elwood
TEAM REPORTER

While the wide receivers as a whole have been impressive since the start of camp, one who really showed out on Sunday was Dylan Cantrell.

The Texas Tech product made a number of highlight reel catches on the day, showing just why the Bolts took the 6-3, 226-pound receiver in the sixth round of this year’s draft.

However, Cantrell is more focused on using this time to grow despite how good it feels when the crowd elicits cheers.

“I’m trying to get a groove and get a feel for it,” Cantrell said post-practice. “I’m still just trying to learn and get the offense down as best I can and not have to think as much out there. It’s definitely coming (along), getting easier and slowing down out there. But today was good. Getting a couple passes and getting a couple balls, having the crowd hype you up, it makes you feel good (and) makes you feel confident.”

After minicamp ended, Wide Receivers Coach Phil McGeoghan mentioned Cantrell had the most reps of any receiver during the spring. According to Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn, that work the wideout put in during OTAs is showing right now.

“Out of all the receivers, he probably improved the most this offseason,” Lynn said. “He started out slow but got better each and every day. That’s kind of how this camp is going so far. Yesterday, he started out a little slow. Today, he looked a little better.”

So how does Cantrell parlay those reps to the preseason?

Well, it starts in practice. But additionally, it continues by building a rapport with the guy under center.

While he’s looking forward to getting as many reps with Philip Rivers as possible, he’s soaking up all he can from the consummate professional. Even though they don’t play the same position, Cantrell cites Rivers as a huge source of inspiration, and someone he wants to emulate as he continues along his career path.

“He’s awesome,” Cantrell continued. “He’s a really good guy overall. More than a football player, he’s just a better guy. It’s incredible seeing his level of experience. Not only can he make all the throws, but just his knowledge of the game, that’s something I’ve got to follow. I’ve got to look at it and watch how he does things. Anytime you’re playing and going into your 15th year, you’re doing something right. Even though we don’t play the same position, I’m trying to soak up all that I can.”

https://www.chargers.com/news/dylan-cantrell-turns-heads-on-day-2-of-training-camp

 

[Leonardfan]

This is a nice little jab at Khalil Mack from Gruden:

“We weren’t very good last year on defense with Khalil Mack,” Gruden said. “We didn’t have an interception, I think, all year. I don’t know if we intercepted a pass until Week 14. We’ve got to get a better pass rush, we’ve got to play better defense, period. And we hope Khalil gets here, but in the time being, we’ve got plenty of guys who need work.”

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.c...e-wasnt-good-last-year-even-with-khalil-mack/

 

[IRONGUARD]

Cole Beasley is on my sleeper list for this year with the Cowboys.

He is finally getting some recognition. Check this article out. There are several clips of him from camp in the article.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/201...separation-were-buzzwords-for-receiver-revamp

This is a twitter feed from camp on Cole.
https://twitter.com/BabeLaufenberg/...separation-were-buzzwords-for-receiver-revamp

All you high school receivers out there. Watch Cole Beasley sink his hips at the top of this route. Try to emulate that. Working on Jordan Lewis

 

[Don Wassall]

Cole Beasley is on my sleeper list for this year with the Cowboys.

He is finally getting some recognition. Check this article out. There are several clips of him from camp in the article.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/201...separation-were-buzzwords-for-receiver-revamp

This is a twitter feed from camp on Cole.
https://twitter.com/BabeLaufenberg/status/1023722932952948736?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1023722932952948736&ref_url=https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/7/31/17634684/cole-beasley-allen-hurns-showing-why-technique-and-separation-were-buzzwords-for-receiver-revamp

All you high school receivers out there. Watch Cole Beasley sink his hips at the top of this route. Try to emulate that. Working on Jordan Lewis

I remember two or three years ago, there was talk that Beasley was going to be used heavily ala Wes Welker, but that never came close to materializing. But this season it may given that Prescott likes to make a ton of short throws and Jason Witten is retired with no one of any known quantity to replace him at TE. And if Beasley is also used outside in addition to being a safety valve, so much the better. With his speed, quickness and smarts he should be a natural if Prescott can get him the ball down the field. The Dallas receiving corps is pretty much unknown at this point, except that the perpetually mediocre Terrance Williams somehow remains a starter, so just maybe Beasley can have a big year.

 

[Don Wassall]

This is good news for Eric Decker if New England signs him, and for Berrios and McCarren. On the bad news front, Jake Ryan has a torn ACL and is done for the season. Note the gratuitous dig at Decker, one of the most productive receivers in the NFL over the past half dozen years, by Weenieworld.

UPDATE: Matthews has been released

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Jordan Matthews' hamstring injury is "significant." Matthews was injured in one-on-one drills at Sunday's practice. Unfortunately for Matthews, injuries and ineffectiveness have been the story of his career the past 2-3 years. Consider him week-to-week for now. The Patriots might now be desperate enough to sign free agent Eric Decker.

 

[northwinds]

If the Patriots do sign Decker they will remain the ‘best looking team’ in the NFL.......

 

[northwinds]

Jordan Matthews has been cut by the Patriots........so it’s looking good for Decker:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndic...ificant-injury-amid-eric-decker-buzz.amp.html

 

[IRONGUARD]

I remember two or three years ago, there was talk that Beasley was going to be used heavily ala Wes Welker, but that never came close to materializing. But this season it may given that Prescott likes to make a ton of short throws and Jason Witten is retired with no one of any known quantity to replace him at TE. And if Beasley is also used outside in addition to being a safety valve, so much the better. With his speed, quickness and smarts he should be a natural if Prescott can get him the ball down the field. The Dallas receiving corps is pretty much unknown at this point, except that the perpetually mediocre Terrance Williams somehow remains a starter, so just maybe Beasley can have a big year.

This is exactly what I am hoping for. With so many questions at receiver, Cole may have his best chance to show what he can do. By all accounts he has been impressive in camp. Of course it takes a situation like this for any of our guys to get a fair shake. I hope he makes the best of it. Prescott is going to be another in a long line of busts, but I hope he gets Cole the ball often enough.

I intend to draft Beasley late in my fantasy league. Funny thing, I am almost always in the playoffs in my league every year, and part of my success is because other FF managers undervalue white receivers and players.

 

[Bucky]

Jake Kumerow flashing with GB. Running with number 1 offense.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/dairyl...kers-training-camp-standout-jake-kumerow/amp/

While Kumerow failed to receive an invite to the NFL scouting combine, the University of Wisconsin invited him to their pro day where he shined. At six-foot-four, Kumerow runs an impressive 4.54-second 40-yard dash. This, to go along with a 6.9-second three-cone drill.

 

[northwinds]

This is exactly what I am hoping for. With so many questions at receiver, Cole may have his best chance to show what he can do. By all accounts he has been impressive in camp. Of course it takes a situation like this for any of our guys to get a fair shake. I hope he makes the best of it. Prescott is going to be another in a long line of busts, but I hope he gets Cole the ball often enough.

I intend to draft Beasley late in my fantasy league. Funny thing, I am almost always in the playoffs in my league every year, and part of my success is because other FF managers undervalue white receivers and players.

Exactly, I draft an all-White FF most years. Came in 2nd last year and had everybody grumbling ‘you’re not getting that Minnesota WR late next year’ (they can’t even remember Theilen’s name)........Sure enough he is ranked 24th overall this year on ESPN. But, yes White players are generally undervalued

 

[IRONGUARD]

Jake Kumerow flashing with GB. Running with number 1 offense.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/dairyl...kers-training-camp-standout-jake-kumerow/amp/

Wow, this is great news!

But lets hope he does not get the Jeff Janis treatment. Janis should have been utilized far more than he has been.

 

[Bucky]

Wow, this is great news!

But lets hope he does not get the Jeff Janis treatment. Janis should have been utilized far more than he has been.

No doubt Janis is a tragedy. His performance against AZ in playoffs was legendary! Always remember that game!

Kumerow is still facing an uphill battle as GB drafted 3 upsiders at WR. Let's hope he stays healthy and continute to out perform the draftees.

 

[Leonardfan]

Bryan Broaddus of the Cowboys' website believes Blake Jarwin has been "the most impressive" tight end at training camp.

The Cowboys have puffed up Jarwin as their Witten replacement. Geoff Swaim is Dallas' best in-line blocker, but Jarwin is the favorite to open the year in a starting role. With targets up for grabs in the Cowboys' offense, Jarwin's pass game role is worth monitoring.

 

[Leonardfan]

I have heard plenty of veiled criticism thrown at the Bills for turning over their roster (especially at QB) after their first playoff appearance since 1999. However I have yet to hear anything but praise, excuses and hype around the Chiefs and their decision to jettison Alex Smith (his 50-26 record and 4 post season berths in 5 years) for the black quarterback Mahomes.

Any white QB would be roundly criticized for having such a terrible practice - just go back to Jared Goff last season. The Chiefs went from having arguably the best QB in the division to the worst. They have to face Rivers, Carr and Keenum 6 times this year.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24255909/kansas-city-chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-plagued-mistakes

 

[Heretic]

WR Brandon Reilly impressing coach Sean McDermott

Classic Caste-speak by McDermott though in the last sentence, wtf!? Ha!

“I think if you polled a majority of our players, they’d tell you that he has a lot of respect around the locker room from the way he approaches his life, the game, every day his work ethic,” said McDermott. “You’ve seen him out here and he’s done a good job in camp up to this point. (He) doesn’t look fancy, doesn’t have flashy towels hanging off his belt, but he gets the job done.”

 

[northwinds]

Packers Jake Ryan out for the season with torn ACL.........

 

[IRONGUARD]

Decker is a Patriot! This makes the Patriots the most stacked team in the NFL.

Edelman
Hogan
Decker
Burkhead
Gronkowski
Brady.

Some news on another one of our guys Jacob Hollister

https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliver...iots-tight-end-has-great-future/#2f822014228d

The only thing they need to start doing is getting some great players on defense. The coal black D will fail them every time.

 

[Rocky B]

Nall is in.
3 carries, 3 yards

5 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter.....
Hopefully he’ll get a few series......
Cunningham had a 30 yard run early on a broken play....

 

[TwentyTwo]

Tanner Gentry nice run after catch for TD on hitch route...play was reversed; knee down? Gets it back for an 11 yard TD catch; nope Chrissy he didn't push off!

Tyler Bray looking solid as Trubinsky's possible back-up!

Nall had a nice run earlier! 4th & 1 where he was stuffed was too predictable & bad blocking/O-Line got pushed back.

 

[Rocky B]

Gentry got it anyway.....despite the reversal....
Didn’t see the Nall run.....
Just a bunch of dust....,
I’d love to see him in early, not with the third team.....

 

[Tannehill17]

Lamar Jackson sucked as we all here predicted only completing 40% of his passes. Of course he'll get a pass from the DWF's saying he needs to learn the NFL game. But the thing is, the guy is a mental midget! He couldn't even throw the ball in college so what makes people think he'll be able to do so at the NFL level?

 

[Extra Point]

Tanner Gentry nice run after catch for TD on hitch route...play was reversed; knee down? Gets it back for an 11 yard TD catch; nope Chrissy he didn't push off!

Whenever a white man has a long gain running or receiving I automatically expect it to be called back. It seems to happen a lot more to whites than to blacks.

 

[Don Wassall]

Ryan Nall had no holes to run through except for one decent run inside the ten that he might have been able to turn into more. It looked to be mostly (third-string) sumos blocking for him. But his pass protection looked very good, and he was getting open with ease on pass plays as the Bears were trying to tie the score near the end of the game though Bray was throwing further downfield rather than to Ryan. For his first game he looked pretty comfortable, but he's going to need to break off some big plays to solidify a roster spot.

 

[white is right]

Ryan Nall had no holes to run through except for one decent run inside the ten that he might have been able to turn into more. It looked to be mostly (third-string) sumos blocking for him. But his pass protection looked very good, and he was getting open with ease on pass plays as the Bears were trying to tie the score near the end of the game though Bray was throwing further downfield rather than to Ryan. For his first game he looked pretty comfortable, but he's going to need to break off some big plays to solidify a roster spot.

Yes I saw a few of his runs and he looked like he had quick hitter calls, but these were standard calls, but the line blocking was non existent.

I was at a gym so I couldn't tell if Rabbi Al or Chrissy had anything to say but I'm not expecting anything positive from either of them....

 

[Shadowlight]

The Hall Of Fame ceremonies are Saturday and of course Brian Urlacher ranks as one of the most important players due to the fact he was a pummeling ball in an era of deep caste, especially the WR position as compared to today.

But I want to take a moment to mention Guard Jerry Kramer one of the lynchpins of the Packer dynasty. I was too young to remember much although I do recall watching the Ice Bowl in 1967 where Kramer's goal line winning TD block is perhaps the most block in NFL history. I was a small child.

Kramer was an undersized but very quick and alert Guard known, along with Fuzzy Thornton, for leading the vaunted "Packer Sweep."

But he is also very important off the field too. Perhaps the first book I ever read was "Instant Replay." Even though I was the top of my class in my earlier years (that would change after I hit puberty and was distracted by the girls) I never wanted to read anything except the sports pages. Lo and behold the one book that finally interested me enough to read was Kramer's book and it really did change the perception of fans about football players. Kramer came across as very intelligent and witty and it was such a fun book at the time.

One of the iconic pictures in NFL lore is Jerry hoisting up Coach Lombardi after winning another NFL title.

Just a reminder that the history of the "glory boys" meaning mainly black RB's and WR's over the past few decades was made possible by white QB's and white offensive linemen( doing all the thankless dirty work in the trenches.)

White men giving it all for the team so the black stars can lap up all the glory. This has been a constant in modern football.

The burning question over the next five to ten years will be can black teammates put out just as hard for their white teammates? Will black QB's ever develop a close successful bond with white WR's? Will black players try for and help out a white RB who is not shielded by having a black QB--think Newton and CM? These are important questions that have not been answered in the affirmative for at least so far.