Chad Johnson looks like the best wide receiver in Miami Dolphins training camp thus far, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. In related news, he wasn't one of the New England Patriots' best six receivers.
It's also a reminder what an uphill climb the Dolphins' offense has this year. No matter who wins the quarterback job, this just isn't that talented of a group at the skill positions.
A New Era
No one knows if Jahvid Best will play football again. There is a lot of hope. There is a different source of optimism regarding Best's future every day. There is no medical clearance, however, nine months after Best's last concussion.
The Lions are waiting for more information from a team of medical experts. They are starting to make alternate plans, moving returner Stefan Logan to running back.
"If this was four or five years ago," Best said, via the Detroit News. "I probably would have played last season. Now that everything's under a microscope, it takes a lot longer."
He's probably right. If it wasn't four to five years ago, Jaguars linebacker Clint Session's career wouldn't be up in the air. But these are different times.
The Lions said all offseason Best would be cleared for camp. The reality is they just don't know anymore. No one does.
Position Battling
- Russell Wilson took the majority of the first-team snaps with the Seattle Seahawks on Monday and reportedly looked sharp. Seahawks coach Pete Caroll is taking this three-way competition thing seriously.
- Vincent Brown might be the odd man out of the San Diego Chargers' wideout competition. Brown likely will sit and wait for either Malcom Floyd, Robert Meachem or Eddie Royal to get hurt before seeing the field.
- The good news: Kevin Kolb was listed as the Arizona Cardinals' starter on their first official depth chart. The bad news: He left practice with a thigh injury, however, after a scrimmage in which the team's offense looked sloppy.
Aggressive Jim Harbaugh Quote
"I don't even know what that means. What do you mean by one constant?" Harbaugh responded when asked if Frank Gore was the one constant in the San Francisco 49ers' backfield.
A Good Day for ...
- Darren McFadden built on a strong OTA season with an impressive first full practice at Oakland Raiders training camp. He's the key to the Raiders' season.
- Based on multiple reports, Greg Salas is the early riser in the Rams' battle royale at wide receiver. Danario Alexander is hurt and might be running out of time.
Unlucky Team of the Day
A year ago at this time, New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas was one of the most underrated and well-respected cornerbacks in the NFL. He was entering a contract year. Two anterior cruciate ligament injuries later, Thomas' 2012 season and career are in question. He signed with the Giants before this year, but that deal contained just $1 million guaranteed.
Last year's first-round draft pick, Prince Amukamara, and 2012 third-rounder Jayron Hosley will be asked to step up. If you are looking for a weakness on the Giants, it might be on the back end which features a lack of cornerback depth and overrated Antrel Rolle.
Not a Good Day for ...
- The Jacksonville Jaguarspaid Laurent Robinson like a No. 1 receiver instead of a journeyman. Perhaps the pressure is getting to him. Coach Mike Mularkey called Robinson out on Sunday for drops, and the receivers continued to struggle to get open Monday.
- Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta looks questionable for the season opener after breaking his hand.
- As one of the last people left who still thinks Felix Jones could put together a breakout season, I was disappointed to see he failed his conditioning test to start Dallas Cowboys camp Monday. It was not terribly surprising.
- Michael Crabtree missed his third straight day at 49ers camp. Crabtree remains dead last among all qualifiers in camp-practice percentage over the last three years. (Note: That's not a real stat.)
