Awake in America
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"Perennial Bourbonnais all-star Ryan Nall"
Perennial? It's his second training camp.
Perennial? It's his second training camp.
NFL News, Rumors and Musings
- Thread starter Leonardfan
- Start date
Jacob Hollister continuing to make a nice impression for the Seahawks:
Russell Wilson calls Seattle’s new tight end acquired from New England this spring in an overlooked trade “quick as a cat.” A wildcat, apparently—because coach Pete Carroll calls Hollister “feisty.” Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer calls Hollister a “terrific acquisition.”
Showing versatility to play all over any offensive formation, Hollister is quickly growing into one of the Seattle’s more intriguing weapons on that side of the ball, and at a position of sudden need for Seattle. “We’re really fired up that we got Jacob,” Carroll said. “He’s different. This is a different dimension receiver at the tight-end spot. He’s feisty and aggressive and sticks his head in there.”
Hollister has been making a move into the Seahawks’ plans for 2019 by showing effectiveness in multiple positions. Until he was sidelined for Monday’s ninth practice of training camp by a sore groin, Hollister has been showing speed and reliable hands as an inside slot receiver, as an end tight on the line and as an outside receiver on each flank. “The speed element is awesome,” Schottenheimer said. “Really good route-runner. A lot like Tyler (Lockett) in terms of the instincts, just the ability to get open. He has a great feel for coverages, man and zone, things like that. He has been a great acquisition. He really has.”
And he’s moving up the depth chart.
full article: https://tdn.com/sports/born-from-to...cle_4ad63aef-a778-5323-940e-b67ff1a534a3.html
Russell Wilson calls Seattle’s new tight end acquired from New England this spring in an overlooked trade “quick as a cat.” A wildcat, apparently—because coach Pete Carroll calls Hollister “feisty.” Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer calls Hollister a “terrific acquisition.”
Showing versatility to play all over any offensive formation, Hollister is quickly growing into one of the Seattle’s more intriguing weapons on that side of the ball, and at a position of sudden need for Seattle. “We’re really fired up that we got Jacob,” Carroll said. “He’s different. This is a different dimension receiver at the tight-end spot. He’s feisty and aggressive and sticks his head in there.”
Hollister has been making a move into the Seahawks’ plans for 2019 by showing effectiveness in multiple positions. Until he was sidelined for Monday’s ninth practice of training camp by a sore groin, Hollister has been showing speed and reliable hands as an inside slot receiver, as an end tight on the line and as an outside receiver on each flank. “The speed element is awesome,” Schottenheimer said. “Really good route-runner. A lot like Tyler (Lockett) in terms of the instincts, just the ability to get open. He has a great feel for coverages, man and zone, things like that. He has been a great acquisition. He really has.”
And he’s moving up the depth chart.
full article: https://tdn.com/sports/born-from-to...cle_4ad63aef-a778-5323-940e-b67ff1a534a3.html
Aaron Rodgers continues to praise Jake Kumerow, and now also Dan Vitale. It would be great to see Vitale finally get to contribute as something other than a blocker. Up through the '70s and into the early '80s he would have been used as an NFL power running back, or a fullback who ran and caught a lot.
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers impressed with WR Jake Kumerow, FB Danny Vitale
One play from the Green Bay Packers’ Family Night Scrimmage showcased why quarterback Aaron Rodgers is so fond of receiver Jake Kumerow. A full training camp’s worth of plays has sold Rodgers on fullback Danny Vitale’s place on the roster.
The two keep impressing the Packers quarterback.
Kumerow keeps doing all the little things right. Rodgers was specifically impressed with the way Kumerow hauled in a deep pass against Jaire Alexander’s coverage on Friday night at Lambeau Field.
“The thing you look for, the throw I hit him on Family Night, against Jaire, was his late hands. That’s just hard to teach,” Rodgers said after Tuesday’s practice. “The trust to wait until the last second to put your hands out there against a great defender who is basically playing his hands and not seeing for the football. You can’t teach that.”
Rodgers said he saw that same ability in Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, James Jones and Greg Jennings.
“To run full speed, and then at the last second put their hands up,” Rodgers said.
Kumerow also made a back-shoulder catch from Rodgers on third down in the two-minute drill and completed a tumbling, out-stretched catch from Tim Boyle.
A pinky injury that he reinjured during the first of two joint practices with the Houston Texans didn’t cause him to miss any time. Kumerow, who caught eight passes after returning from a significant shoulder injury last season, played the majority of his snaps in team drills with Rodgers and the first-team offense on Monday and Tuesday.
Rodgers said he looks even more comfortable to start 2019.
“He’s just a very mature route runner,” Rodgers said. “I think he’s faster than a lot of guys who line up over him give him credit for, until they get beat over the top. He had (Texans cornerback) Johnathan Joseph on a stop route that he just beat him off the line and converted it. Had I been looking that way, I would have thrown the ball to him on that play. He’s just a very smart guy, cerebral guy, you know I love playing with those kind of guys.”
Fullback Danny Vitale (45) catches a pass over Linebacker James Crawford (54) during Green Bay Packers training camp at Ray Nitschke Field Friday, July 26, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis.
Rodgers is also starting to like playing with Vitale, the do-it-all fullback who keeps making big plays in the passing game.
During Monday’s practice with the Texans, Vitale produced one of the best plays of camp when he skied over a linebacker and made an impressive catch of a deep ball from Rodgers.
“He’s been very impressive,” Rodgers said. “He’s made multiple plays where you’ve been, ‘Wow, he’s going to be on the team.'”
Vitale hasn’t just been a receiver. He handled the first running play during team drills on Tuesday and has earned reps as the lead blocker in two-back sets and the primary pass protector in singleback looks. It’s increasingly clear Vitale has carved out a real place in the offense, and that Rodgers and coach Matt LaFleur trust him to play a variety of roles.
Vitale might have a muscle-packed, 240-pound frame, but Rodgers has been impressed with everything else he brings to the table, both physically and mentally.
“In a non-disrespectful way, he’s surprised all of us with his athleticism. You look at him sometimes, you think, meathead, weight-room guy. But you realize he can run, he can catch, he can read coverages,” Rodgers said.
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...pressed-with-wr-jake-kumerow-fb-danny-vitale/
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers impressed with WR Jake Kumerow, FB Danny Vitale
One play from the Green Bay Packers’ Family Night Scrimmage showcased why quarterback Aaron Rodgers is so fond of receiver Jake Kumerow. A full training camp’s worth of plays has sold Rodgers on fullback Danny Vitale’s place on the roster.
The two keep impressing the Packers quarterback.
Kumerow keeps doing all the little things right. Rodgers was specifically impressed with the way Kumerow hauled in a deep pass against Jaire Alexander’s coverage on Friday night at Lambeau Field.
“The thing you look for, the throw I hit him on Family Night, against Jaire, was his late hands. That’s just hard to teach,” Rodgers said after Tuesday’s practice. “The trust to wait until the last second to put your hands out there against a great defender who is basically playing his hands and not seeing for the football. You can’t teach that.”
Rodgers said he saw that same ability in Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, James Jones and Greg Jennings.
“To run full speed, and then at the last second put their hands up,” Rodgers said.
Kumerow also made a back-shoulder catch from Rodgers on third down in the two-minute drill and completed a tumbling, out-stretched catch from Tim Boyle.
A pinky injury that he reinjured during the first of two joint practices with the Houston Texans didn’t cause him to miss any time. Kumerow, who caught eight passes after returning from a significant shoulder injury last season, played the majority of his snaps in team drills with Rodgers and the first-team offense on Monday and Tuesday.
Rodgers said he looks even more comfortable to start 2019.
“He’s just a very mature route runner,” Rodgers said. “I think he’s faster than a lot of guys who line up over him give him credit for, until they get beat over the top. He had (Texans cornerback) Johnathan Joseph on a stop route that he just beat him off the line and converted it. Had I been looking that way, I would have thrown the ball to him on that play. He’s just a very smart guy, cerebral guy, you know I love playing with those kind of guys.”
Fullback Danny Vitale (45) catches a pass over Linebacker James Crawford (54) during Green Bay Packers training camp at Ray Nitschke Field Friday, July 26, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis.
Rodgers is also starting to like playing with Vitale, the do-it-all fullback who keeps making big plays in the passing game.
During Monday’s practice with the Texans, Vitale produced one of the best plays of camp when he skied over a linebacker and made an impressive catch of a deep ball from Rodgers.
“He’s been very impressive,” Rodgers said. “He’s made multiple plays where you’ve been, ‘Wow, he’s going to be on the team.'”
Vitale hasn’t just been a receiver. He handled the first running play during team drills on Tuesday and has earned reps as the lead blocker in two-back sets and the primary pass protector in singleback looks. It’s increasingly clear Vitale has carved out a real place in the offense, and that Rodgers and coach Matt LaFleur trust him to play a variety of roles.
Vitale might have a muscle-packed, 240-pound frame, but Rodgers has been impressed with everything else he brings to the table, both physically and mentally.
“In a non-disrespectful way, he’s surprised all of us with his athleticism. You look at him sometimes, you think, meathead, weight-room guy. But you realize he can run, he can catch, he can read coverages,” Rodgers said.
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...pressed-with-wr-jake-kumerow-fb-danny-vitale/
Leonardfan
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Vitale fits the mold for a power running back much like Nall. He has more than enough speed to be a serviceable RB. It's great to hear Rodgers praise both Kumerow and Vitale.
CrazyFinn
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Let’s see, “smart”, “cerebral”, “faster than he gets credit for”, “not to be disrespectful, but surprised us with his athleticism”, a few of the gems used by Rodgers to “praise” both players.
I suppose it’s better than throwing them under the bus, but for once, I’d like to hear a white skill player praised without any disclaimers or caste-speak. Rodgers has played with his share of athletic and skilled white players on both sides of the ball throughout his career, so he should know better. But it seems as though just like every TV commercial must have blacks in it, every white athlete must always be described with a series of backhanded compliments.
I suppose it’s better than throwing them under the bus, but for once, I’d like to hear a white skill player praised without any disclaimers or caste-speak. Rodgers has played with his share of athletic and skilled white players on both sides of the ball throughout his career, so he should know better. But it seems as though just like every TV commercial must have blacks in it, every white athlete must always be described with a series of backhanded compliments.
Bucky
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It will be interesting to see how Kumerow and Vitale's seasons shape out. Fingers crossed they're as involved in the offense as indicated.
Looks like Mike Vrabel has moved Iowa Standout DE Parker Hesse to TE.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/nflmoc...e-titans-experimenting-udfa-parker-hesse/amp/
Looks like Mike Vrabel has moved Iowa Standout DE Parker Hesse to TE.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/nflmoc...e-titans-experimenting-udfa-parker-hesse/amp/
Sean89
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Will Compton a free agent still ? Can't make a team at this point !! F me
Leonardfan
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Mayock and Gruden's huge mistake already causing them headaches. Unreal how coaches and personnel people can be so easily duped. I also saw Browns WR Antonio Callaway who has had 4 or 5 chances in college and the pros just got suspended too. Just a couple of black privilege bozos.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Antonio Brown has told the Raiders he will "not play football again" if the league does not allow him to wear his preferred helmet.
Brown has reportedly played hooky from the team since late last week. It was believed he had left to seek a second opinion on his injured feet (he's dealing with severe frostbite from a cryotherapy mishap in France), but apparently the real reason for his absence is that Brown is unhappy over the league's new helmet requirements, a sticking point that has led to a "disconnect" between AB and his bewildered teammates. According to Schefter, Brown feels other helmets impede his vision and has flatly rejected any of the alternatives the Raiders have offered him. The seven-time Pro Bowler filed a grievance over the league's new helmet policy—which was heard during a two-hour phone call on Friday—with a resolution likely coming next week. Brown is a ticking time bomb right now.
NFL suspended Browns WR Antonio Callaway four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
"I take full responsibility for my actions," said Callaway in a statement released shortly after the suspension was announced. "I know there's nothing I can say to regain trust; it will be about my actions." Callaway has been running with the backups at Browns training camp, likely in anticipation of this ban. The league upheld his suspension on appeal, meaning he won't see the field until Cleveland travels to San Francisco for Monday Night Football in Week 5. Callaway's absence should afford Rashard Higgins more snaps opposite Odell Beckham with Jarvis Landry operating as the Browns' primary slot receiver.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Antonio Brown has told the Raiders he will "not play football again" if the league does not allow him to wear his preferred helmet.
Brown has reportedly played hooky from the team since late last week. It was believed he had left to seek a second opinion on his injured feet (he's dealing with severe frostbite from a cryotherapy mishap in France), but apparently the real reason for his absence is that Brown is unhappy over the league's new helmet requirements, a sticking point that has led to a "disconnect" between AB and his bewildered teammates. According to Schefter, Brown feels other helmets impede his vision and has flatly rejected any of the alternatives the Raiders have offered him. The seven-time Pro Bowler filed a grievance over the league's new helmet policy—which was heard during a two-hour phone call on Friday—with a resolution likely coming next week. Brown is a ticking time bomb right now.
NFL suspended Browns WR Antonio Callaway four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
"I take full responsibility for my actions," said Callaway in a statement released shortly after the suspension was announced. "I know there's nothing I can say to regain trust; it will be about my actions." Callaway has been running with the backups at Browns training camp, likely in anticipation of this ban. The league upheld his suspension on appeal, meaning he won't see the field until Cleveland travels to San Francisco for Monday Night Football in Week 5. Callaway's absence should afford Rashard Higgins more snaps opposite Odell Beckham with Jarvis Landry operating as the Browns' primary slot receiver.
All the news about Cole Holcomb continues to be very positive:
Rob Ryan: Cole Holcomb's 'gonna surprise a lot of people'
by Chris Lingebach
Rob Ryan singled out one specific player to watch in the Redskins' preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday: Cole Holcomb.
Asked in an interview with Chad Dukes on 106.7 The Fan this week who, in his position group, will surprise fans this season, Ryan replied, "I tell ya what, I think it'll start early in camp. I think this Cole Holcomb's gonna surprise a lot of people."
The Redskins selected 23-year-old Holcomb 173rd overall out of North Carolina, where he was a three-year starter with 100-plus tackles two out of three of those seasons. Holcomb, who stands at 6-foot-1, 240 pounds, recorded 104 tackles – eight for loss – and one sack during his senior season.
Despite his standout senior season, Holcomb did not receive an invite to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. But he went on to impress at UNC's pro day, clocking a 4.48 40-yard dash time and recording an 11-foot broad jump. Asked why he thinks he was snubbed by the combine, Holcomb told 106.7 The Fan's Craig Hoffman he didn't have a great answer.
"Being able to go to the combine is a tremendous opportunity," Holcomb said. "The guys that got to go, I was happy for 'em, I was excited for 'em. Training with a lot of them that ended up going, you wish the best for those guys and, yeah, it stunk that I wasn't able to get there and be able to show off, because I think it would have helped me out a lot throughout the process. But just put a little more emphasis on pro day and that's the way we looked at it."
It won't take long, Ryan says, for fans to realize the Redskins got a real steal in the draft.
"He's a young guy we drafted in the fifth-round, but he's a much more physical player than anybody really thought," Ryan said. "And he's very smart, and he's tough, he's fast. I think he's gonna do some great things and I think it'll be pretty obvious from Thursday on that we got a heck of a draft pick here."
Get to know Holcomb better in his 16-minute sitdown with Craig Hoffman:
https://thefandc.radio.com/rob-ryan-cole-holcomb-gonna-surprise-a-lot-of-people
Rob Ryan: Cole Holcomb's 'gonna surprise a lot of people'
by Chris Lingebach
Rob Ryan singled out one specific player to watch in the Redskins' preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday: Cole Holcomb.
Asked in an interview with Chad Dukes on 106.7 The Fan this week who, in his position group, will surprise fans this season, Ryan replied, "I tell ya what, I think it'll start early in camp. I think this Cole Holcomb's gonna surprise a lot of people."
The Redskins selected 23-year-old Holcomb 173rd overall out of North Carolina, where he was a three-year starter with 100-plus tackles two out of three of those seasons. Holcomb, who stands at 6-foot-1, 240 pounds, recorded 104 tackles – eight for loss – and one sack during his senior season.
Despite his standout senior season, Holcomb did not receive an invite to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. But he went on to impress at UNC's pro day, clocking a 4.48 40-yard dash time and recording an 11-foot broad jump. Asked why he thinks he was snubbed by the combine, Holcomb told 106.7 The Fan's Craig Hoffman he didn't have a great answer.
"Being able to go to the combine is a tremendous opportunity," Holcomb said. "The guys that got to go, I was happy for 'em, I was excited for 'em. Training with a lot of them that ended up going, you wish the best for those guys and, yeah, it stunk that I wasn't able to get there and be able to show off, because I think it would have helped me out a lot throughout the process. But just put a little more emphasis on pro day and that's the way we looked at it."
It won't take long, Ryan says, for fans to realize the Redskins got a real steal in the draft.
"He's a young guy we drafted in the fifth-round, but he's a much more physical player than anybody really thought," Ryan said. "And he's very smart, and he's tough, he's fast. I think he's gonna do some great things and I think it'll be pretty obvious from Thursday on that we got a heck of a draft pick here."
Get to know Holcomb better in his 16-minute sitdown with Craig Hoffman:
https://thefandc.radio.com/rob-ryan-cole-holcomb-gonna-surprise-a-lot-of-people
Packers LB Oren Burks suffered a torn pectoral muscle at training camp.
Penciled in as a starter alongside teammate Blake Martinez in the middle of the field, Burks' absence will surely be felt despite Green Bay's concerted effort to improve that position in the offseason. No. 226 overall pick Ty Summers will likely get the first nod over Curtis Bolton and Brady Shelton to fill the 2018 third-rounder's shoes. It's ultimately a huge setback as the Packers still lack depth on the second level of their defense, in particular up the middle.
Penciled in as a starter alongside teammate Blake Martinez in the middle of the field, Burks' absence will surely be felt despite Green Bay's concerted effort to improve that position in the offseason. No. 226 overall pick Ty Summers will likely get the first nod over Curtis Bolton and Brady Shelton to fill the 2018 third-rounder's shoes. It's ultimately a huge setback as the Packers still lack depth on the second level of their defense, in particular up the middle.
Red Raider
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Hate to see guys get injured but good to see our guys get a chance. Ty Summers is an athletic tackling machine!
Bucky
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Great news for Summers and The Packers!
I'll also be keeping on eye on Brady Shelton who was also mentioned In the above piece. Sparked my interest, did a quick search on him and he's a lanky 6'5 230 lb Middle Linebacker from Ferris State. Been on a few Practice Squads.
I'll also be keeping on eye on Brady Shelton who was also mentioned In the above piece. Sparked my interest, did a quick search on him and he's a lanky 6'5 230 lb Middle Linebacker from Ferris State. Been on a few Practice Squads.
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No surprise with Ty Summers after watching him play at TCU!
Yes indeed Bucky ...keeping my eye on Shelton too!
LB Dennis Gardeck (D-2 Sioux Falls) making the most of his Starting opportunity...looking to stay on Top of the Depth Chart for the Cardinals.
https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-gardeck-makes-most-chance-no-1-defense-233754161--nfl.html
Yes indeed Bucky ...keeping my eye on Shelton too!
LB Dennis Gardeck (D-2 Sioux Falls) making the most of his Starting opportunity...looking to stay on Top of the Depth Chart for the Cardinals.
https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-gardeck-makes-most-chance-no-1-defense-233754161--nfl.html
Yes he certainly did, making 7 tackles. But the blatantly biased PFF saw it differently:
"Dennis Gardeck needs to make plays in order to make the Cardinals 53-man roster, and he fell short of doing that in this one. He was caught out of position several times on big plays by the Chargers offense. The good news for him is that he has three more games to try to make an impact."
Right, because 7 tackles isn't making an impact in PFF's anti-White bizarro world.
Leonardfan
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The Pats traded with the Falcons for TE Eric Saubert. Saubert was a pre draft sleeper out of Drake a few years ago and has never really panned out in Atlanta. It sounds like the TE position is still very much in flux for the Pats so it will be interesting to see if Saubert sticks around.
The Sapient
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The Falcons have claimed Danny Etling QB/WR off waiver from Patriots.
Atlanta was interested in signing him after the 2018 draft but he was taken in the 7th rd by the Pats. Falcons may want to add a young developmental QB with Kurt Benkert out for the year.
Atlanta was interested in signing him after the 2018 draft but he was taken in the 7th rd by the Pats. Falcons may want to add a young developmental QB with Kurt Benkert out for the year.
PHillisFan
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There are reports Andrew Luck is announcing retirement on Sunday. It would truly be a sad ending to such a successful nfl career. I hope they are just rumors because the colts will likey make wrong decision and go with brisett thinking he can win them a season. Colts don’t know how lucky they are they got Chad Kelly on their roster.
Leonardfan
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Looks to be true - its on BSPN, Profootballtalk, NFLnetwork. Truly surprising news. The Colts will be .500 at best with Brissett. Makes sense to why they let Kelly start tonight.
I have followed Luck since his RS Freshman year at Stanford. One of the best QBs I saw in college. He elevated the Colts with his talent and ability. It sucks to see him retire at 29 years old but he got banged up over these last few years.
PHillisFan
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Yes Luck is an incredible talent that will be a huge loss for the game. Its bittersweet. A great player leaves the game while a young troubled player now gets the opportunity to take his spot.
Leonardfan
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Hopefully Allen, Mayfield and Darnold elevate their game in year 2. Luck's retirement just continues the assault on the QB position. The blind faith in Brissett is funny though.