Tag: OTAs

Younger Seahawks players benefited from extra offseason attention

With most veterans opting out of the voluntary OTAs, the Seattle Seahawks’ young players benefited greatly from extra offseason attention.

The Seattle Seahawks rookies and younger players weren’t granted any extra practice time this offseason; however, they did get a lot more attention from the coaching staff during the workouts without the veteran players on the field.

“An incredible benefit,” coach Pete Carroll said during his final press conference of minicamp. “Last year at this time they had done nothing, they hadn’t done anything, hadn’t been here for anything . . . So this is the best group we’ve ever had as far as being ready for football.”

The majority of Seattle’s veterans participated in only the virtual portion of the offseason programming, opting to skip the voluntary, in-person sessions out of concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic. With the veterans off the field, the newer players were able to capitalize on all the extra coaching attention.

“They’ve been smart, they’ve been strong, they’ve been consistent, they’ve been active, they’ve been juiced up, and they know they know a lot of football right now,” Carroll continued. “I don’t know what that’s going to mean as we put the team together in preseason and all that, but when those guys go in the game, man we aren’t going to hesitate, we won’t worry about them at all, they’re going to be ready to go, if—and let me send this message out—if they do a good job in the next six weeks staying in shape don’t screw it up.

“We kind of hammered them a little bit and want them to take care of business and come back to camp ready to go.”

With minicamp in the books, the Seahawks players won’t report back to the VMAC until the end of July when training camp kicks off the start of the new season.

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Cowboys RB Tony Pollard on prepping with Elliott this offseason: ‘We both are locked in’

The ‘two’ in the Cowboys’ one-two rushing attack says he and former rushing champ Ezekiel Elliott are more ready in 2021, thanks to OTAs.

Dak Prescott and his three-headed wide receiver monster get all the attention heading into 2021, and rightly so. Even without a proper offseason program, they came out of the blocks firing last year and were on a record-setting pace with their air assault before Prescott was lost for the season.

The Cowboys’ run game was not able to pick up enough of the slack, due to a combination of factors, like a piecemealed offensive line and backup passers who didn’t pose much of a threat to defenses. The team rushed for 1,788 yards in 2020, putting them squarely in the middle of the pack among teams leaguewide.

For the ’21 Cowboys to go further than last year, the ground attack has to improve. Running back Tony Pollard, the backup to two-time rushing champ Ezekiel Elliott, says simply getting the team together for OTAs- something they couldn’t do last summer- is a step in the right direction.

“It’s big,” Pollard told media members during minicamp. “There’s nothing [you can do] to simulate playing football other than playing football. There’s nothing that can simulate being out there with the guys you’re going to go to war with on Sunday and just getting that timing down, that chemistry down.”

Much of that chemistry boils down to a balancing act between Pollard and Elliott. Elliott is the well-paid workhorse, but 2020 saw him turn in the poorest numbers of his career. There are a variety of well-documented reasons, but the results on the field were unmistakable, ultimately leading to Pollard getting increasingly more action.

In 2019, Elliott played on 83.59% of the offense’s snaps, according to Pro Football Reference. Pollard, conversely, was on the field for just 17.75%. Over the course of 2020, though, those numbers changed significantly: Pollard’s snap count surged to 31.65%; Elliott’s dropped to 68.79%.

The team has praised Pollard’s electrifying playmaking abilities ever since drafting him out of Memphis, and is reportedly (still) looking for new ways to get him involved in the Cowboys offense. The versatile six-footer even saw reps at wide receiver during minicamp, but that may have been more a product of personnel availability than a sneak peek of some wild new play package.

Pollard and Elliott comprise what Pro Football Focus calls the second-best rushing duo in the NFL. Both will both have to be major contributors in whatever role they’re assigned for the Cowboys to find success this season. And the third-year back echoes something Prescott himself said recently, that Elliott looks to be on track to return to his former self.

“He’s definitely been locked in,” Pollard said of his backfield mate. “I can tell he took the right steps forward this offseason, getting his body right, getting in shape. Me and him, we also worked out together a lot of times during the offseason. We both are locked in this offseason, getting ready.”

Pollard credits running backs guru Josh Hicks with helping him and Elliott through a series of offseason workouts, videos of which have made their way to social media.

“It just helps a lot, especially the drills that he does,” Pollard explained. “It’s not a lot of drills that don’t happen in a game; it’s a lot of realistic drills. It may be, like, a cone drill or you have to dodge a barrel that’d be like an O-lineman or a linebacker blitzing. You just have to make some adjustments and cut based off of the drill he has. He does a good job of making it realistic so we can prepare for real-game situations.”

The real games are fast approaching, and Pollard believes the preparation he, Elliott, and the rest of the Cowboys offense are undertaking now will end up paying off.

“Our whole goal here is to win it all,” he offered. “If you’re not doing that, you’re falling short. That means there’s room for improvement all around.”

For the Cowboys rushing attack, that means putting themselves back in the upper echelon of the league’s ground games. And that will require both Elliott and Pollard to take what they’ve started, in their private workouts and OTAs, and step up their individual games and live up to their billing on Sundays this fall.

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J.C. Tretter sees positives for players OTA negotiations

Cleveland Browns center and NFLPA president J.C. Tretter sees it as a positive that players were able to negotiate changes in OTAs.

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The Cleveland Browns and center J.C. Tretter are in a unique position together. Tretter the player is focused on what is best for the team, working together to beat every other team in the NFL. As the NFL Players’ Association president, Tretter is focused on what is best for all the players in the league.

Those two roles could come into conflict behind the scenes and lead to questioning from the media. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has already taken multiple questions related to Tretter and his roles and now, with mandatory minicamp starting, the player/president himself stepped up to answer questions.

One area that Tretter was asked about was what many deemed as “OTA boycotts” this offseason. “Again, I will say language is important. We never used the word ‘boycott,’” Tretter responded. “That was kind of used by other people. I do not think you can boycott a voluntary program.”

Tretter also noted that he sees it as a positive that the players were able to negotiate with their teams to see changes to offseason training activities that they wanted.

“I think you see that when these teams agreed to walkthroughs only, sandals for walkthroughs, no helmets, no competitive periods, less time on the field, no meetings, less meetings or canceled minicamps, those are all positive things for players,” he said. “I would say that is a win. The fact that over two-thirds of coaches kind of agreed that the normal offseason program was not necessary and they were willing to cancel weeks or change the tempo,” Tretter finished that statement talking about what he believed that meant about what the coaches thought as well.

As the Browns, and the NFL, move forward from OTAs, it will be interesting if Tretter’s two roles come into focus once again. For now, Tretter and the team are moving forward toward their goal of competing for a Super Bowl.

Trevor Lawrence ends minicamp on an impressive note

Lawrence ended his first NFL minicamp in impressive fashion and showcased his skills in the red zone during the Jags’ Tuesday practice.

After starting his first minicamp session as a limited participant due to a minor hamstring injury on Monday, rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence seemingly used his “frustration” as fuel Tuesday to end the two-day period. In fact, the 2021 No. 1 overall pick appeared to be the star of Tuesday’s practice as the Jags slightly increased his reps, catching the eyes of many in attendance.

Per Mark Long of the Associated Press, Lawrence had his best day in the red-zone (where the offense struggled at times during OTAs). ESPN’s Michael DiRocco added that Lawrence’s ball placement and decision-making was solid on the day as the rookie’s hamstring appears to be getting better.

Jags fans couldn’t ask for a better ending to minicamp as Lawrence’s day is positive news for his stock report. Per Hays Carlyon of 1010XL and Jaguars reporter J.P. Shadrick, the two most notable passes everyone was raving about went to speedster Phillip Dorsett. One was in tight coverage and the other was a back-shoulder throw.

Lawrence’s day is a testament to what the coaches have been saying about his ability to bounce back and not get too high or low. It also speaks volumes about the coaching he’s receiving from coordinator Darrell Bevell and passing game assistant Brian Schottenheimer, both of whom he spoke on Monday.

“[The learning process with them] has been great. Obviously [they’re] two great offensive minds that have been able to work together and come up with a great scheme,” Lawrence said on Monday. “I think the best thing about the offense is it gives the quarterback a lot of answers. So, you have a lot of tools, you just have to know how to use them.

“That’s something for me, now that I pretty much know most of system, it’s figuring out how to put us in the best situation because Coach Bev[ell] and Coach Schotty give us answers. [It’s] just being able to use them, like I said, and that’s something that takes a little bit of practice and reps. It’s something that I’m not really that used to in college, so I think that we’re making great progress there.”

Now, it will be on Lawrence and his coaches to transfer their success to training camp when the pads go on. With that set to take place in late July, the young quarterback should be fully healed and ready to go for the phase of the offseason that will be the most important for him.

Trevor Lawrence ends minicamp on an impressive note

Lawrence ended his first NFL minicamp in impressive fashion and showcased his skills in the red zone during the Jags’ Tuesday practice.

After starting his first minicamp session as a limited participant due to a minor hamstring injury on Monday, rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence seemingly used his “frustration” as fuel Tuesday to end the two-day period. In fact, the 2021 No. 1 overall pick appeared to be the star of Tuesday’s practice as the Jags slightly increased his reps, catching the eyes of many in attendance.

Per Mark Long of the Associated Press, Lawrence had his best day in the red-zone (where the offense struggled at times during OTAs). ESPN’s Michael DiRocco added that Lawrence’s ball placement and decision-making was solid on the day as the rookie’s hamstring appears to be getting better.

Jags fans couldn’t ask for a better ending to minicamp as Lawrence’s day is positive news for his stock report. Per Hays Carlyon of 1010XL and Jaguars reporter J.P. Shadrick, the two most notable passes everyone was raving about went to speedster Phillip Dorsett. One was in tight coverage and the other was a back-shoulder throw.

Lawrence’s day is a testament to what the coaches have been saying about his ability to bounce back and not get too high or low. It also speaks volumes about the coaching he’s receiving from coordinator Darrell Bevell and passing game assistant Brian Schottenheimer, both of whom he spoke on Monday.

“[The learning process with them] has been great. Obviously [they’re] two great offensive minds that have been able to work together and come up with a great scheme,” Lawrence said on Monday. “I think the best thing about the offense is it gives the quarterback a lot of answers. So, you have a lot of tools, you just have to know how to use them.

“That’s something for me, now that I pretty much know most of system, it’s figuring out how to put us in the best situation because Coach Bev[ell] and Coach Schotty give us answers. [It’s] just being able to use them, like I said, and that’s something that takes a little bit of practice and reps. It’s something that I’m not really that used to in college, so I think that we’re making great progress there.”

Now, it will be on Lawrence and his coaches to transfer their success to training camp when the pads go on. With that set to take place in late July, the young quarterback should be fully healed and ready to go for the phase of the offseason that will be the most important for him.

CB Shaquill Griffin impressed with Trevor Lawrence’s ‘insane’ throwing abilities

One of the Jags’ most experienced players likes what he’s seen from Trevor Lawrence so far after watching him dating back to OTAs.

If there is one player who has established himself as a leader on defense for the Jacksonville Jaguars since he was signed in March, it’s cornerback Shaquill Griffin. The veteran returned to his home state after spending time with a successful Seattle Seahawks organization and brought a wealth of knowledge with him that has been very valuable for the Jags’ young roster.

Of course, with him being a part of the secondary, Griffin has taken note of those on the defensive side with him, but he had the opportunity to speak on the offense’s most important player, Trevor Lawrence, to open minicamp — and offered high praise for the No. 1 overall pick of 2021’s draft.

“I feel like the main thing I’ve been seeing is he’s very explosive, so when the ball is out it’s out,” Griffin said. “When you see him throwing, even if I’m out on the sideline, I’m watching him throwing to different receivers. It’s just the rotation of the ball. The time. The way he’s putting it away from everybody. It’s just insane to see that so early in a quarterback. You talk about coming into the league with such high hopes, and he’s proving that.”

While there is only so much that can go into evaluations on Lawrence for now (because the pads aren’t on), Griffin’s statements still should mean a lot for those who’ve been curious about the rookie. The reason for that is because he’s a player who has lined up against the best since coming into the NFL in 2017, including Russell Wilson, who he’s practiced against countless times.

Griffin’s comments come after Lawrence’s offensive teammates have also praised him like Laviska Shenault Jr., who was asked about Lawrence last week on Good Morning Football.

“He’s great. He always wants to work, ready to learn,” Shenault said. “He wants to get the extra work in. He’s throwing passes before guys are even coming out of their route and a lot of people can’t do that. So, that’s something you’re ready to see, ready to be around for a long time.”

Last week, we explained why it sounds like Lawrence was up and down during OTAs, which should’ve been expected. However, when he’s flashed his ability, it has caught the eyes of his most talented teammates, which is huge for the rookie who will need to be the leader of the franchise for years to come.

Russell Wilson talks Seahawks offense under new coordinator Shane Waldron

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson spoke to reporters and discussed the offense under new coordinator Shane Waldron in OTAs .

The Seattle Seahawks’ offense under offensive coordinator Shane Waldron for the 2021 season is highly anticipated. Quarterback Russell Wilson spoke to reporters Thursday and discussed Waldron and the offense he has laid out in organized team activities.

“One thing that I love about him is that he really understands the game and all aspects of it,” Wilson said about Waldron. “We’ve spent a lot of time together talking ball. I’ve had great conversations with him, several conversations along the way with him during the process. And I just really believe in him.”

Wilson stated that the offense will retain some core concepts, but will also expand on what we have seen in years past, giving defenses new looks and challenges to face.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a massive departure,” Wilson said. “I think that we have a lot of the core concepts and things that we’ve done over the years that have been extremely, extremely successful. I think that we also have some nuances across the board that really challenge the defense. Like I said, using the whole field and really expanding the offense and just using everybody as much as possible with different formations and different looks and different tempos and all that.”

Wilson and others have only been in OTAs for about a week, but the veteran signal-caller said that things are proceeding smoothly so far.

“All of that has shown up in the three, four days we’ve been out here, and it’s been spectacular to see. So I’m excited. I know Shane’s excited too. So it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

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Cowboys scrap final minicamp practice, on break until training camp

Coach Mike McCarthy liked what he saw in limited sessions enough to turn Thursday into a “group dynamic event” before dismissing players.

School’s out for summer. Or for 40 days, anyway.

The Cowboys coaching staff has concluded 2021 OTAs and minicamp, even scratching the final day of practice on Thursday in favor of a “team-bonding activity,” according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. Players are now free to disperse and will reconvene for training camp, which is likely to be held once again in Oxnard, California starting on or around July 20.

The Cowboys held six OTAs and two minicamp practices, well below the ten OTAs and three minicamp sessions allowed under the NFL’s current collective bargaining agreement. Head coach Mike McCarthy was pleased enough with the team’s progress that he “reprogrammed” Thursday’s practice- what would have been the team’s third- into “a group dynamic event” that was closed to media.

“We took accountability for not hitting the target virtually last year as a coaching staff,” McCarthy said on Wednesday.

“I spent most of my time comparing this year’s offseason program to prior offseason programs when you have a full slate. We’re doing a much better job,” he continued. “Our learning environment is clearly, and it had to be- there’s no choice- much better than it was this time last year. I think it’s clearly reflected on what we’re getting done on the field.”

Unlike several teams who have had numerous players skipping voluntary OTAs as per NFLPA recommendations, the Cowboys’ sessions saw nearly full attendance. Only punter Hunter Niswander sat out, as he is dealing with a family medical concern regarding his pregnant wife.

Now everyone on the team has over five weeks off before training camp. Expect to see social media posts from beaches and boats, as well as a slew of personal workout videos while the players get in some rest and relaxation- and maybe a few workout reps on their own- as they prepare for the long grind of the 2021 season.

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Cowboys News: Amari Cooper’s ankle, Dak Prescott’s shoes, Micah Parsons’ versatility

Also, the real reason behind the defense’s turnover turnaround in 2020, who shined in OTAs, and the staff cancels the final day of minicamp.

Just as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott looks to “bury” his ankle injury, one report out of Dallas suggests that a teammate’s ankle injury may be hanging around. Thursday brought word that wide receiver Amari Cooper may miss the start of training camp as he recovers from an offseason procedure, but one team insider urges Cowboys fans not to over-react. Cooper’s progress is right on track, according to those in the building.

Elsewhere, things went smoothly enough that the coaching staff scrapped its final day of OTAs in favor of a team-building activity. Dak Prescott is about to cash a mammoth check- again- thanks to his new endorsement deal. Lots of defensive news, too: contracts are signed, draft picks are looking to impress, comeback seasons are taking shape, and unnoticed players are waiting to pounce. The real reason for the defense’s late-season turnover turnaround is revealed, and one outlet wonders if Dallas even needs anything above an average effort on that side of the ball. All that, plus who shined at minicamp, why a first-round rookie’s versatility may be bad news, and the surprising answer as to whether the O-line is actually better this year. News and Notes, coming right up.

Chargers’ Uchenna Nwosu on Kyler Fackrell: ‘If anything ever goes wrong, we can always count on him’

Chargers edge defender Kyler Fackrell’s experience and skillset will pay off.

The Chargers will have some new faces in the edge defender positional room. Among them is Kyler Fackrell, who was signed earlier this offseason.

Fackrell brings plenty of experience, having six seasons in the NFL under his belt, both as a starter and a rotational pass-rusher.

Expected to start opposite Joey Bosa, Uchenna Nwosu talked to the media recently about how Fackrell will benefit the group.

“He’s been in the league for six years, so he’s played a lot of ball,” Nwosu said. “He has a lot of wisdom and intelligence behind him. We know that if anything ever goes wrong, we can always count on him.

He always knows what to do and he’s always in the right positions at the right time. I just can’t wait to get on the field with him and, together, see what we can do.”

In desire for more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Fackrell is a guy that the team will be able to rely on.

Drafted by the Packers in 2016, Fackrell has 20.5 sacks in five seasons, with his most productive season coming in 2018 when he had 10.5 sacks with Green Bay.

This season, Fackrell will serve as a situational pass-rusher, barring any injury to Joey Bosa or Nwosu. On top of that, he will be a special teams ace.