Official Other Teams Training Camp Thread

[Fritz]

Happily, outside of one year, the Pack was not saddled with top of the draft contracts from that stupid era. The big contracts you talk about are a third and second contract, when the players got their value. The Pack could probably afford to splurge on a player if they thought they saw someone worth it. The teams that are hurting are the Cleveland and Detroit's of the league, who may have some good players, but never had a period of time where they were outplaying their contracts.

That's true. On the other hand, with its longing for parity the NFL has rewarded lousy teams with its draft system, and I would argue they try to tilt the scale even more by tending to award lousy teams (plus the Dallas Cowboys) better compensatory picks.

So I'm okay that sucky teams had to suffer for their suckiness.

As to the Lions' training camp, they are all pretty healthy and the team is optimistic. If you're looking for a GM to contrast with Thompson, it might be the Lions' GM, Martin Mayhew. He saw holes at RB, DE, kicker, and safety, and filled them all with free agents - Reggie Bush, Idonaje (sp?), David Akers, and Quin Glover. He's still looking for more veteran help in the defensive trenches. One of his starting LB's is a free agent acquisition, as is his #2 receiver.

So we'll see how that all plays out. The Lions are feeling good about themselves right now.

On the other hand, the Lions' future salary cap looks a mess. Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Suh all have mega contracts that don't necessarily look like Ted Thompson pay-as-you-go contracts. So we'll see if this short-term attempt to win gets it done for Mayhew and The Schvantz.

[Joemailman]

Nick Barnett signs with the Redskins. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100...ee-to-contract

He will visit Lambeau Field on September 15.

[pbmax]

That's true. On the other hand, with its longing for parity the NFL has rewarded lousy teams with its draft system, and I would argue they try to tilt the scale even more by tending to award lousy teams (plus the Dallas Cowboys) better compensatory picks.

Great job Fritz.

[Iron Mike]

Wish I had some bad news to report on Vikings and Bears. Have to be patient.

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4684315/bears-two-significant-injuries-this-morning

[denverYooper]

9ers Willis has possible slight hand fracture and Bowman has a groin.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/01/niners-fear-slight-fracture-in-hand-for-patrick-willis/

[Fritz]

9ers Willis has possible slight hand fracture and Bowman has a groin.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...atrick-willis/

Hey, I have a groin, too!

[Guiness]

Hey, I have a groin, too!

But your isn't worth $10 million a year.

[Fritz]

Here's a link to a Detroit News article by Chris McClosky. He's a pretty reputable writer. The article points up what happens to GM's and coaches when they think they have to win this year, right now:

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130731/SPORTS0101/307310085

So again, I would posit that people who don't like Ted's youth-oriented, contract-conscious, slow-moving style ought to keep an eye on the Lions this year as they seem to be the polar opposite (a nod to old poster Tank there). They've filled lots of holes with veteran free agents, pushed the future sal cap to its very limits, and seem committed to keeping vets over raw rooks.

We'll see how it plays out, this year, and in the next five, too.

[pbmax]

Here's a link to a Detroit News article by Chris McClosky. He's a pretty reputable writer. The article points up what happens to GM's and coaches when they think they have to win this year, right now:

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130731/SPORTS0101/307310085

So again, I would posit that people who don't like Ted's youth-oriented, contract-conscious, slow-moving style ought to keep an eye on the Lions this year as they seem to be the polar opposite (a nod to old poster Tank there). They've filled lots of holes with veteran free agents, pushed the future sal cap to its very limits, and seem committed to keeping vets over raw rooks.

We'll see how it plays out, this year, and in the next five, too.

Ian Rapapport and and others are singing the Leo's praises as they watch them practice. Compare D Line to a basketball team and love Reggie Bush running screens, draws and flexing outside to the slot.

[Fritz]

Ian Rapapport and and others are singing the Leo's praises as they watch them practice. Compare D Line to a basketball team and love Reggie Bush running screens, draws and flexing outside to the slot.

That could be an ugly game at Ford Field on Thanksgiving. The Packer O-line better get their shit together, and the defense needs to play disciplined football.

[run pMc]

That could be an ugly game at Ford Field on Thanksgiving. The Packer O-line better get their shit together, and the defense needs to play disciplined football.

Agree...the Lions aren't pushovers. If the Packers can actually have a respectable running game this year then they can play ball control and wear out that defense. By the 4Q they might not be so excited to see Eddie Lacy, who I can just picture playing for that Turkey Leg award John Madden gives out.

Either way, if the Lions are mortgaging their future it's quite a gamble...I could see them having a bounce back year and pushing for a playoff spot, but IMO there are too many other strong contenders in the NFC.

[pbmax]

49ers having an injury outbreak of their own.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/01/report-49ers-cornerback-chris-culliver-suffers-torn-acl/

I think they and the Eagles are running away with the torn ACL in camp contest.

[Guiness]

49ers having an injury outbreak of their own.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/01/report-49ers-cornerback-chris-culliver-suffers-torn-acl/

I think they and the Eagles are running away with the torn ACL in camp contest.

Didn't they have the lowest number of injuries, by a pretty good margin last year?

[Upnorth]

Didn't they have the lowest number of injuries, by a pretty good margin last year?

Yes they list one starter if I remember right, Alex smith. Also since we are talking niners, 579

[Freak Out]

How about that Riley Cooper! Way to go man!