Neck burning and optimism. That’s what NFL training camp is all about. While sunscreen helps with the neck problem, not much is stopping teams from feeling good about their players this time of year. The players are in the best shape of their lives. They want 1,500 yards or double-digit sacks. And the coaches and front office officials hope they get it.
All of this is easy to process when the NFL is a collective 0-0. What’s great about touring a reporter’s training camp is that you can take a team at face value, getting first-hand observations of what a roster might be. You talk to players, coaches and general managers in relaxed settings, when there’s time to reflect — and dream.
That’s why we hopped on four different planes and drove 1,600 miles in a rental car to bring you the goods. The days of uninspired video conference interviews due to COVID-19 protocols are over. We even walked into an NFL locker room for the first time in two years (thanks, Cincinnati).
So here’s a sizable notebook of what I’ve learned in camps for the Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, including how each team looks in the early going. his and fantasy tips to know. Let’s start in the Valley.
