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Hump day!
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2011 Pressure Plays, Defense
With training camps about to start, the 2012 season is just around the corner, so it's time to finish up our series of posts detailing noteworthy charting stats from 2011. This week's topic: pass pressure. We'll start with defenses, and look at quarterbacks in a few days. These and all the other stats we've discussed this offseason appear in the statistical appendix of Football Outsiders Almanac 2012, which is on sale both in print and as a PDF file.
NFL Network Is Running A Nine-Hour Block Of Training Camp Coverage | Kissing Suzy Kolber
And I couldn’t be more excited. The Saints training camp starts today. The Cardinals’ camp is already underway. The Falcons, Ravens, Bears, Broncos, Packers and Patriots begin tomorrow. Ooooooooh yes, this is really happening.
Which backup QBs will get a shot in 2012? | Audibles
Last week, Bills GM Buddy Nix said that "probably the stiffest competition from what we’ve seen" during his team’s early offseason workouts was the battle for the backup QB role between Tyler Thigpen and Vince Young.
ProFootballWeekly.com - Biggest regrets: These 2012 moves will be rued
You could argue that the Saints will look back and regret they didn’t give Drew Brees his $20 million per year sooner. Enveloped in the Bounty scandal, this franchise badly needed its rudder this offseason. It’s good that the two sides got together, and Brees can do his best to help the healing process. In the end, there will be no long-term lament with this deal. The Saints got their guy, and Brees got paid. Done and done. All sides — counting the flummoxed and irritated fans as the third rail in this equation — win with this deal.
Watters, now suing NFL, was a gamer - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Running back Ricky Watters, then with the Philadelphia Eagles, suffered a mild concussion against Indianapolis during a 1996 game. Nothing unusual
Was paycut impetus to Chris Clemons' agreement on a new deal? | Seahawks Blog | The Seattle Times
What we know: Defensive end Chris Clemons reached an agreement with the Seahawks on a multi-year extension. Neither side would specify the length of the deal, but it is believed to run through the 2014 season.
Seahawks 2012: Running backs
As good as Marshawn Lynch and Michael Robinson were last season, the Seahawks are expecting even more from their Pro Bowl tandem this season because the line is healthier and Robert Turbin has been added to the mix.
St. Louis Rams have fierce battle at receiver position - NFL.com
A league-leading 10 wideouts are competing to make the St. Louis Rams 53-man roster. According to Brian MyIntyre, Brian Quick and Chris Givens, both Top 100 draft picks are a lock for the job.
Rams Camp Watch - NFC West Blog - ESPN
One thing I'm certain of: The offensive line will remain a work in progress. The Rams feel good about new line coach Paul T. Boudreau. They think he can help tackle Jason Smith and other young linemen realize more of their potential. Adding Pro Bowl center Scott Wells in free agency also should help.
Cardinals Camp Watch - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Three thoughts as training camps open around the NFL:
NFL Power Rankings 2012: Packers Head Into Training Camp No. 1 - SBNation.com
NFL training camps begin this week, which means it is time to assess where each team is heading into the 2012 season. We compiled the average power rankings from our NFL bloggers.
For most rookies, special teams are the ticket | National Football Post
Want to make an NFL club? Then find a role on teams.
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt says of his QB controversy: "We’ll see one of the guys separate himself" - NFL.com
Last week, we spoke with Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt about his quarterback battle during training camp. It was something he sounded like he was really looking forward to. While there was a post containing some comments from him, I wanted to do a separate one on the QB situation… since it’s so interesting. It’s Kevin Kolb vs. John Skelton. How will it break down?
Earl Bennett in for battle with Chicago Bears receivers - NFL.com
The Chicago Bears know that Brandon Marshall will be an opening day starter at receiver. But who will join him in the lineup? Earl Bennett faces stiff competition in Devin Hester and Alshon Jeffery.
LaRon Landry and 10 other safety battles - NFL.com
Around the league safeties are battling for their jobs. LaRon Landry is just trying to overcome his own health issues while others like Quinton Carter and Rahim Moore are push each other on the field.
A.J. Jenkins: I've 'made long strides' in conditioning - NFL.com
A.J. Jenkins had a rough summer. The San Francisco 49ers rookie showed up to his first minicamp out of shape and was met with some negative press. Now that training camp has arrived, Jenkins says he's better prepared.
Prison tag? Franchise designation has changed over the years - NFL.com
Wes Welker clearly isn't the Patriots' "franchise player." So why does he have the franchise tag? Albert Breer examines how the franchise tag has evolved over 20 years, for better or for worse.
NFL: Dan Pompei power rankings - chicagotribune.com
Packers No. 1 heading into preseason
A Leap of Faith - Football Daily Dose - Rotoworld.com
Remember last year? Everyone had their own explanation for Chris Johnson's career-worst season. Early on, Titans coaches went so far as to openly blame themselves for not getting him enough carries.
Greg Schiano: LeGarrette Blount has always been on time for me | ProFootballTalk
Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount was late so often during his two years playing for head coach Raheem Morris that the team had to arrange for him to hire a car service to get him out of bed and to practice on time. That has led to speculation that Blount won’t last with Greg Schiano, a more demanding coach than Morris.
Janoris Jenkins, Rams agree to terms on contract | ProFootballTalk
One of the more contentious contract negotiations of the 2012 draft class has come to an end.
Welcome Back: 2011's Returning Injured | ProFootballFocus.com
Life in the NFL is tough on teams and tough on players. Khaled Elsayed notes 10 players who are coming back from injury and being counted on to return to form in 2012.
Spread Punt Protection: Theory and Practice | Smart Football
In the elaborate math problem that is a football game, each side continually seeks to create a two on one or other favorable numerical matchup; one on ones are not enough. A major reason for this is that, given disparities in size and speed, all "ones" are not necessarily made of the same stuff.
Random Perspective On: The 2012 Cincinnati Bengals
How often does the best rookie receiver end up being the best wide receiver from his class?
How turnover differentials can predict the future | National Football Post
Five teams to keep an eye on in 2012 based on some interesting historical data.
Adrian Wilson, Arizona Cardinals finish new contract - NFL.com
Adrian Wilson, the Arizona Cardinals' star strong safety, will remain under contract through 2015, thanks to a new deal that provides the team with much-needed salary-cap relief.
Randy Moss battles 49ers teammates, Father Time - NFL.com
His teammates are the only ones Randy Moss might be fighting for a secure spot on the San Francisco 49ers' roster. Time might have already taken too much of its toll on the aging receiver.
Kevin Kolb eager for Arizona Cardinals QB competition - NFL.com
Kevin Kolb is ready to battle with John Skelton for the keys to the Cardinals' offense. After all, Kolb has been in this same spot before, and it's something he relishes.