Yesterday, I did my NFC Training Camp preview and today you get the AFC Edition...
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Will EJ Manuel follow in the footsteps of RG3, Andrew Luck, and Russell Wilson?
YES! I think EJ Manuel will have an amazing year and prove the haters wrong. It will be the most interesting thing to watch in camp. Do not be surprised if the Bills win the AFC East this year. You heard it here first.
Miami Dolphins
Will the Dolphins do anything about Pouncey?
Mike Pouncey and his brother who plays with the Steelers were spotted recently wearing Free Hernandez attire. Seriously. Why would you want to bring up Aaron Hernandez?
New England Patriots
Will the Patriots implode?
The New England Patriots are a complete and total mess with this off the field stuff. It has finally caught up to them. Eventually, this will end the Patriots reign at the top, not sure if it is this year, but the Patriots are done in the near future.
New York Jets
Will Geno Smith drop his attitude?
Besides the fact that EJ Manuel is a better football player that projects better to the NFL, Geno Smith dropped in the draft because of his attitude. Apparently Smith was texting during his interviews with NFL teams. That won't fly in a team meeting. It will be interesting to see if Smith begins to take his pro career seriously.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Who will be the Ravens #2 WR?
With Anquan Boldin in San Francisco there is a clear void in the Ravens starting lineup for WR. You would have to assume that Jacoby Jones will take that role, but that may affect his ability to return kicks. Seeing how Jones will respond to an increased role in training camp is an interesting story to follow.
Cincinnati Bengals
How will the team respond to being on Hard Knocks?
Hard Knocks may be the best show on television, but its always interesting to see how a team responds to being on the show. With the Bengals on this year again, it will be intriguing to see the effect.
Cleveland Browns
Will Trent Richardson become elite?
Trent Richardson is a great football player, but he was drafted #3 overall. He needs to take the next step to justify that #3 pick. When I saw him in the Top 100 I could not believe it. Richardson was the #3 rookie back last year, and to me at least he needs to pass up Doug Martin and Alfred Morris in production to justify being #3.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Can Lawrence Timmons become a true leader?
The Steelers are publicly looking for Lawrence Timmons to be more of a leader on an aging defense. With some of the old guard either getting older or leaving, such as James Harrison, Timmons needs to step up and lead this defense if they are going anywhere.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Will Greg Jones make an impact for the Texans?
For FSU fans there are few current NFL players more beloved than Greg Jones. We love the guy. We remember when he ran over Sean Taylor and Dexter Reid in college. Once he got to the pros he was converted to fullback and hasn't made as big of an impact. However, Jones is finally out of the Jacksonville Jaguar system and could make an impact on a contending team in the Texans.
Indianapolis Colts
Will Andrew Luck suffer through a sophomore slump?
If you recall my thoughts around draft time, you remember that I rated several QBs in Luck's class closely. I didn't actually grade them, but I thought Luck, RG3, Russell Wilson, and Kirk Cousins would have similar success. I did not expect it to be that level of success right away though admittedly. As impressed as I was with last year's group, I think there may be a sophomore slump or two headed our way. The guy I expect most to have a dropoff is Andrew Luck.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Will Lonnie Pryor make the Jaguars roster?
Easily my favorite Seminole of the past few years. This guy did all of the little things and I am happy to see him get his shot. I believe he will make the Jaguars roster and make an impact.
Tennessee Titans
Can Kamerion Wimbley get back into the double digits in sacks for 2013?
The Titans surely need it and need a great pass rush going against Houston and Indy. The need Wimbley to lead that rush. This is unfortunately one of the worst teams in football and they desperately need help somewhere. If any team needs an American Ninja Warrior it is the Tennessee Titans.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Does Champ Bailey have anything left?
My guess is this is the last good year from Champ Bailey. He has lost a step, but he is still effective. After this year and maybe even with this year I don't think that will be the case. It will be interesting to see what one of the greatest of all time is still able to do for the super bowl frontrunner.
Kansas City Chiefs
Will the Chiefs finally play Rodney Hudson?
Rodney Hudson is an absolute beast. He was the best player on Florida State for 4 straight years. He started every game as a Seminole in his career. However, he gets to one of the worst teams in the NFL and rides the bench. The guy only got three starts last year and the team went 1-2 in those starts, one of the losses coming to Atlanta. Kansas City went 1-12 in games that Rodney Hudson didn't start. I know there are other factors, but the Chiefs have to let this guy play. He can play anywhere on the line. He can be guard or center, just get him in there.
Oakland Raiders
Is Sebastian Janikowski getting better?
Janikowski made over 90% of his field goals last year and again had a few over 50 yards. Two seasons ago he hit a 63 yarder. This guy seems to be getting even better. One of the few bright spots returning in Oakland. He is still an odd guy though.
San Diego Chargers
Does Richard Goodman get some action at wide receiver?
Richard Goodman has been a solid kick returner for the Chargers. Could he morph into a role similar to that which Jacoby Jones held last season for the Ravens. Goodman's skill set lends itself toward such an increased role and QB Phillip Rivers could be helped by Goodman in the passing game.
-Noland
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Showing posts with label NFL Training Camp 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL Training Camp 2013. Show all posts
7.23.2013
7.22.2013
Getting Ready For Each NFL Training Camp (NFC Edition)
So it has been a while since I have posted on here and so much has happened. The MLB season is halfway done, the Spurs lost a thrilling 7 game series to the Heat, a record number of Seminoles were picked in the NFL and so much more. No story is more interesting than the fact that football once again is around the corner. With NFL training camp starting this week, I get you ready with my most relevant question (for this blog) for each NFL training camp.
Today I look at the NFC Teams. Tomorrow, will be our AFC Edition.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Is Tony Romo worth all that money?
Short answer is no. Romo is not worth that money, but it will be the story all training camp long and into the season.
New York Giants
Honestly this is the camp that probably means the least to us here at RAN (not a good or bad thing), but there still are some interesting things happening at Giants camp.
Will the Giants secondary look improved?
If not, it could be a long season for big blue.
Philadelphia Eagles
Will Ed Wang make the Eagles?
Friend of the blog, Ed Wang, signed with the Eagles in the offseason. We obviously are rooting for him and think he will make it and will be closely monitoring the story.
Washington Redskins
Will Brandon Jenkins end up looking like the steal of the draft?
I know what you are thinking; everyone else is talking about RG3 so why aren't you Noland?
1) I want you to get something different out of this blog
2) Brandon Jenkins is a blog favorite
3) With a heavy FSU following, the people want Brandon Jenkins
4) RG3 will be RG3 and there is nothing more to it
5) Brandon Jenkins is a 1st round talent that fell due to injury
Lots of intrigue here. Should be fun to see what Jenkins can do for the Skins.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Can the Bears replace Urlacher?
Brian Urlacher was another favorite of this blog. He was an impact player and a leader. While I thought he was a bit overrated, I understood the value he brought especially to that team. Eventhough he was old, he will not be that easy to replace. If they can replace Urlacher effectively it will be a huge benefit to the Bears because of how injury prone the middle linebacker was.
Detroit Lions
Does Chris Hope have anything left?
Hope hasn't started a full schedule in two years, but he is a former Super Bowl Champ. He is coming into his 12th NFL season and could be a great addition to a terrible defense. If Hope can replicate his 2010 production Detroit will have a vastly improved secondary.
Green Bay Packers
Will Andrew Datko see the field?
The former 4 yr starter at FSU could help upgrade that line, but how many chances will he get to do so?
Minnesota Vikings
What can we expect from Christian Ponder?
Ponder was hurt for the playoffs last year, but had a great finish to the season other than that. If Ponder can duplicate that success across the whole season, it will quiet the doubters. The former FSU QB can and will have a productive season in my opinion. With the additions of Greg Jennings and Patterson, Ponder has much better weapons this season.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
If Jackson goes down who is the running back?
With Steven Jackson's injury history, it will be very interesting to see who the #2 back is for the Falcons. Maybe it is former FSU RB Antone Smith. If Smith gets the opportunity this could be his breakout year.
Carolina Panthers
Will Graham Gano transition to elite kicker?
Gano was the best kicker in the country at Florida State, but hasn't had the most success in the pros. He could take that next step this season.
New Orleans Saints
Will Broderick Bunkley finally break out?
Bunkley has been one of the most disappointing FSU draft picks in recent memory. He was once considered on par with Haloti Ngata and has yet to make a serious impact. Could this finally be his year? If not he may not be in the league much longer.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Can Josh Freeman hold off Mike Glennon?
It seems like Josh Freeman will get this year to prove himself, but what if he struggles heading into his final year? Could the coaches go with Glennon and try to work toward the future if they realize Freeman isn't their guy? I think this is a lot more of a QB battle than most people think.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Can Arians work his magic in a tough division?
We all saw the amazing coaching job that Bruce Arians did with the Colts last year. Can he replicate that magic with the Cardinals in the best division in football. If he does it will make for some disappointed NFC West fans. We may not find out during training camp, but we could find out.
St. Louis Rams
Can Bradford lead the Rams to the playoffs?
I am high on Sam Bradford and always have been. He is a good Christian man and an effective leader. He lead the Rams to the best record against NFC West opponents. Look for him to build on last year's success and lead the Rams to the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers
Where does Anquan Boldin fit?
Anquan Boldin is one of my favorite football player and he got traded to one of my least favorite teams. It will be interesting to see how the 49ers use him with Crabtree and Davis in the fold. He makes the 49ers offense a joy to watch, that is for sure.
Seattle Seahawks
How disappointed will the Seahawks be with Percy Harvin?
Percy Harvin is being treated like football's greatest weapon heading to Seattle. Let's not forget that this guy has yet to get through a full NFL season. I do not see that changing anytime soon. I hope I am wrong, but don't be surprised if he is out by the end of training camp.
-Noland
Today I look at the NFC Teams. Tomorrow, will be our AFC Edition.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Is Tony Romo worth all that money?
Short answer is no. Romo is not worth that money, but it will be the story all training camp long and into the season.
New York Giants
Honestly this is the camp that probably means the least to us here at RAN (not a good or bad thing), but there still are some interesting things happening at Giants camp.
Will the Giants secondary look improved?
If not, it could be a long season for big blue.
Philadelphia Eagles
Will Ed Wang make the Eagles?
Friend of the blog, Ed Wang, signed with the Eagles in the offseason. We obviously are rooting for him and think he will make it and will be closely monitoring the story.

Washington Redskins
Will Brandon Jenkins end up looking like the steal of the draft?
I know what you are thinking; everyone else is talking about RG3 so why aren't you Noland?
1) I want you to get something different out of this blog
2) Brandon Jenkins is a blog favorite
3) With a heavy FSU following, the people want Brandon Jenkins
4) RG3 will be RG3 and there is nothing more to it
5) Brandon Jenkins is a 1st round talent that fell due to injury
Lots of intrigue here. Should be fun to see what Jenkins can do for the Skins.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Can the Bears replace Urlacher?
Brian Urlacher was another favorite of this blog. He was an impact player and a leader. While I thought he was a bit overrated, I understood the value he brought especially to that team. Eventhough he was old, he will not be that easy to replace. If they can replace Urlacher effectively it will be a huge benefit to the Bears because of how injury prone the middle linebacker was.
Detroit Lions
Does Chris Hope have anything left?
Hope hasn't started a full schedule in two years, but he is a former Super Bowl Champ. He is coming into his 12th NFL season and could be a great addition to a terrible defense. If Hope can replicate his 2010 production Detroit will have a vastly improved secondary.
Green Bay Packers
Will Andrew Datko see the field?
The former 4 yr starter at FSU could help upgrade that line, but how many chances will he get to do so?
Minnesota Vikings
What can we expect from Christian Ponder?
Ponder was hurt for the playoffs last year, but had a great finish to the season other than that. If Ponder can duplicate that success across the whole season, it will quiet the doubters. The former FSU QB can and will have a productive season in my opinion. With the additions of Greg Jennings and Patterson, Ponder has much better weapons this season.

Atlanta Falcons
If Jackson goes down who is the running back?
With Steven Jackson's injury history, it will be very interesting to see who the #2 back is for the Falcons. Maybe it is former FSU RB Antone Smith. If Smith gets the opportunity this could be his breakout year.
Carolina Panthers
Will Graham Gano transition to elite kicker?
Gano was the best kicker in the country at Florida State, but hasn't had the most success in the pros. He could take that next step this season.

New Orleans Saints
Will Broderick Bunkley finally break out?
Bunkley has been one of the most disappointing FSU draft picks in recent memory. He was once considered on par with Haloti Ngata and has yet to make a serious impact. Could this finally be his year? If not he may not be in the league much longer.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Can Josh Freeman hold off Mike Glennon?
It seems like Josh Freeman will get this year to prove himself, but what if he struggles heading into his final year? Could the coaches go with Glennon and try to work toward the future if they realize Freeman isn't their guy? I think this is a lot more of a QB battle than most people think.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Can Arians work his magic in a tough division?
We all saw the amazing coaching job that Bruce Arians did with the Colts last year. Can he replicate that magic with the Cardinals in the best division in football. If he does it will make for some disappointed NFC West fans. We may not find out during training camp, but we could find out.
St. Louis Rams
Can Bradford lead the Rams to the playoffs?
I am high on Sam Bradford and always have been. He is a good Christian man and an effective leader. He lead the Rams to the best record against NFC West opponents. Look for him to build on last year's success and lead the Rams to the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers
Where does Anquan Boldin fit?
Anquan Boldin is one of my favorite football player and he got traded to one of my least favorite teams. It will be interesting to see how the 49ers use him with Crabtree and Davis in the fold. He makes the 49ers offense a joy to watch, that is for sure.

Seattle Seahawks
How disappointed will the Seahawks be with Percy Harvin?
Percy Harvin is being treated like football's greatest weapon heading to Seattle. Let's not forget that this guy has yet to get through a full NFL season. I do not see that changing anytime soon. I hope I am wrong, but don't be surprised if he is out by the end of training camp.
-Noland
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