August 3rd, 2022 - Let's take a look at the early stories out of each 3GML training camp.
HOUSTON - The defending champions started camp last week and there are a number of stories we're paying attention to.
1. Did the Texans do enough this offseason to repeat? - One of the biggest stories in the NFL was the massive talent acquisition that occurred throughout the AFC. From Russell Wilson to Davante Adams to Khalil Mack, the AFC became much deeper and as a result, the path for Houston to get back to the Super Bowl became that much tougher. The Texans added some key players in Donte Jackson, Grady Jarrett, Jesse Bates and La'el Collins; but were these pieces enough? Time will tell. Complicating matters is the schedule. Houston has to run through the AFC West this season, which is easily the toughest division in all of football.
2. What will Houston do at quarterback? - Houston got a combined MVP effort out of Andy Dalton and Gardner Minshew last season. Their two quarterback system surprisingly worked as each QB was able to hide the other's flaws. The Texans likely realized they caught lightning in a bottle and drafted the electric Malik Willis in the second round of this year's draft. What will Houston do this year? Early reps out of camp seem to be split between Wills and Minshew with Dalton seeing only 2nd team snaps. When asked about the starting quarterback job, coach David Shaw was coy, only stating he has three quarterbacks he trusts.
SAN FRANCISCO - The 49ers were runners up last season and are looking to take that one last step this year. Here is what we're monitoring out of camp.
1. What is going to happen with Alvin Kamara? - The all everything running back for the Niners was involved in a fight at a Vegas night club this offseason and is awaiting his trial. The NFL is monitoring the situation closely and it's very possible a suspension is on the table. If he ends up missing significant time, his absence will obviously be felt by this run first offense. GM CD likely read the writing on the wall and signed JD McKissic in the event Kamara misses time.
2. Will Justin Fields take a leap in year two? - The co-MVP definitely showed what he was capable of last season, carrying his team to the Super Bowl in his first year. However, Fields also showed his inexperience with a three interception performance in that game. This team was most effective when the run game was clicking. When Fields was asked to carry the load himself, they struggled. Where will things go? Most coaches will agree that year two is where you see a big leap for NFL QBs. If that pattern holds true for Fields, San Francisco fans will be in for another deep playoff run.
GREEN BAY - After their quest to repeat as champions was soundly put to bed by a playoff thrashing, the Packers look to regroup and bring the Lombardi back home. Here's the top two questions coming out of training camp.
1. Did Green Bay really fix its weaknesses at offensive tackle? - The Packers O-line unit struggled to protect its young quarterback last year and the team ultimately paid the price for it. As a result GM SD spent a significant amount of money to bring in tackles Terron Armstead and Trent Brown. On paper these are significant upgrades. However, the injury history of both could leave the Packers in the same exact spot they were last year. If both can stay healthy, Green Bay looks to run away with the NFC North. If not, we never get to see what Tua Tagovailoa could become.
2. Will Tua Tagovailoa develop into a franchise quarterback? - No quarterback elicits such polarizing opinions as the Green Bay signal caller. You either think he's a bust or talented young player who just hasn't had the protection needed to thrive. Either way, we're going to find out this season. Best case scenario, Tagovailoa thrives in year three and Green Bay makes a run at a title. Worst case? Tua's struggles continue even with a better supporting cast and GM SD uses his three first round picks to try and find the next franchise QB.
