Welcome back to another edition of Henschke's Quick Hitters. I've been able to get the vibe surrounding fall camp with a healthy mix of padded and non-padded practices thrown in from the last few days.
Let's get started.
- The quarterback battle continues to be just that, a battle. To save everyone from the sunshine and rainbows report about everything being great, both quarterbacks have had their moments and both quarterbacks have had their struggles. To play it down the middle, Cade McNamara found himself short on a few deep passes and a few 'uncharacteristic' missed throws. J.J. McCarthy has also had his ups and downs with one play explained to me as a 'Brett Favre throw,' a bad interception thrown across his body in practice just tonight. While some view McCarthy's talent ceiling as being higher, the two quarterbacks continue to duke it out on the field and reps continue to be split down the middle.
- Overall team health continues to be good but a handful of players have missed some time due to some soft tissue issues. Muscular stuff that shouldn't sideline anyone for a lengthy period of time. You saw similar things happen during spring when the reps intensified as people adjust.
- We are told that Alex Orji has some packages that are being catered to his abilities. He has also taken reps at running back with our source viewing him as a 'physical freak.'
- Kalel Mullings is the 'real deal' at running back according to someone I spoke with tonight. The third running back spot is still considered a toss-up between him, Tavierre Dunlap and Leon Franklin but our source considers Mulling the 'sexier' pick to get RB3 reps. Some guys believe that he could see time both ways this season.
- The defense has been 'very good' so far in camp. Three names that have been singled out as having solid camps so far are Mike Morris, Mazi Smith and Junior Colson. All three have been great in the early stages.
- Lots of reps are being handed out to the edge players, so plenty of guys will get an opportunity to see the field.
- I always like to include stories about which walk-on players are turning heads in camp because they're always cool stories. The latest player to catch the eye of those in camp is wide receiver Peyton O'Leary. Reports out of camp are suggesting that he's outplaying a handful of the current receivers but will find it hard to see the field considering how deep the depth chart is currently. Still, solid scout team contributors are invaluable to a team.
That's all I have for now. Will report back when I have more.
Let's get started.
- The quarterback battle continues to be just that, a battle. To save everyone from the sunshine and rainbows report about everything being great, both quarterbacks have had their moments and both quarterbacks have had their struggles. To play it down the middle, Cade McNamara found himself short on a few deep passes and a few 'uncharacteristic' missed throws. J.J. McCarthy has also had his ups and downs with one play explained to me as a 'Brett Favre throw,' a bad interception thrown across his body in practice just tonight. While some view McCarthy's talent ceiling as being higher, the two quarterbacks continue to duke it out on the field and reps continue to be split down the middle.
- Overall team health continues to be good but a handful of players have missed some time due to some soft tissue issues. Muscular stuff that shouldn't sideline anyone for a lengthy period of time. You saw similar things happen during spring when the reps intensified as people adjust.
- We are told that Alex Orji has some packages that are being catered to his abilities. He has also taken reps at running back with our source viewing him as a 'physical freak.'
- Kalel Mullings is the 'real deal' at running back according to someone I spoke with tonight. The third running back spot is still considered a toss-up between him, Tavierre Dunlap and Leon Franklin but our source considers Mulling the 'sexier' pick to get RB3 reps. Some guys believe that he could see time both ways this season.
- The defense has been 'very good' so far in camp. Three names that have been singled out as having solid camps so far are Mike Morris, Mazi Smith and Junior Colson. All three have been great in the early stages.
- Lots of reps are being handed out to the edge players, so plenty of guys will get an opportunity to see the field.
- I always like to include stories about which walk-on players are turning heads in camp because they're always cool stories. The latest player to catch the eye of those in camp is wide receiver Peyton O'Leary. Reports out of camp are suggesting that he's outplaying a handful of the current receivers but will find it hard to see the field considering how deep the depth chart is currently. Still, solid scout team contributors are invaluable to a team.
That's all I have for now. Will report back when I have more.
