Articles:
Kenny Pickett absolutely deserves to be Pittsburgh's Week 1 starter; a quirky camp changeup in Detroit (Lions' player-run practice: savvy or cute?
Second-year Detroit coach Dan Campbell took a different approach to training camp earlier this week. On Monday, the Lions conducted a player-led practice with team leaders guiding their teammates through a series of individual drills and team periods. There were no assistant coaches on the field, with Campbell simply observing from the sidelines. Although the practice schedule and scripts were provided by the coaching staff, team leaders were responsible for overseeing the drills and making sure everyone performed up to the standard. "Well, he told us this morning that the players were gonna go out there and run their own practice," Lions veteran left tackle Taylor Decker said on Monday, via MLive.com. " 'Here's the team scenarios that we want to get done and you guys are gonna go out there and run the show.' I think it's awesome to do. Because honestly, on a game day, we're out there, we gotta communicate, we have to be accountable to one another." This kind of unique arrangement fosters the commitment, accountability and trust between players and coaches that is needed to perform at a high level. Moreover, it forces players to master their leadership and communication skills. Given how today's society often communicates via text or various social media channels, coaches should to spend more time teaching their players how to talk to each other between the lines. In addition, the player-led sessions challenged the team leaders to be very clear and direct with their instructions and expectations. "He just told us, he was like, 'This is what the practice -- these are the periods we want to practice and the coaches won't be out there.' That's pretty much it," Decker said. "Just left it at that. So, OK. Like I said, we come out here and we work every day. It doesn't matter if the coaches are out here or not. We know what to do and how to do it. Obviously, we need coaches. But we shouldn't need them out here to be able to get good work in. Because we're professionals. I don't need a cheerleader to get me to go. Pretty cool. I've never seen anything like it, so it was fun to get out here." 'Hard Knocks': Dan Campbell pleads with Lions to finish close games - Keep in mind that the Lions' coaching staff is loaded with former NFL players with winning pedigrees (SEE: Duce Staley, Aaron Glenn, Mark Brunell, Antwaan Randle El, Aubrey Pleasant, Kelvin Sheppard and J.T. Barrett), and they have certainly leaned into their playing experience to help them become more effective coaches. As natural leaders back in their playing days, they would take charge of respective position groups to run extra film sessions or individual periods to help their young teammates master the nuances of the game. On winning teams, these player-led study sessions are part of the culture. Campbell is undoubtedly attempting to create a championship environment by teaching his young players how to study, prepare and practice with purpose. While this method is a little unorthodox, the Lions' coaching staff is attempting to empower its leaders to take control of the team while also teaching them the championship habits that lead to consistent success on the field. If the Lions continue to heed the messages while taking greater ownership of the squad, these perennial cellar-dwellers could make a surge up the standings this season.): https://www.nfl.com/news/kenny-pickett-absolutely-deserves-to-be-pittsburgh-s-week-1-starter-a-quirky-cam
Ranking the NFL's best backup QBs of 2022 (The leftovers -
These guys make up the majority of the backup QBs in the NFL and, to be frank, aren't separated by much. Sure, you can make the case for one over the other, but at the end of the day, you're especially hopeful they don't have to see extended action. They are listed roughly in order of preference: Drew Lock/Geno Smith (Seahawks), Sam Darnold (Panthers), Chad Henne (Chiefs), Joe Flacco (Jets), Chase Daniel (Chargers), Nick Mullens (Vikings), C.J. Beathard (Jaguars), Brandon Allen (Bengals), Josh Johnson (Broncos), Kyle Allen (Texans), Blaine Gabbert (Buccaneers), Trevor Siemian (Bears), Brian Hoyer (Patriots), Jarrett Stidham (Raiders), Cooper Rush (Cowboys), John Wolford (Rams), Tim Boyle (Lions)): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-the-best-backup-nfl-qbs-of-2022-nick-foles-teddy-bridgewater-among-top-veteran-reserves/
2023 NFL Draft:
