Training Camp – Week 1 Review
July 30, 2024
By Noonefromtampa
The first week of training camp is over, so here is a recap of what we learned about the team.
Good News – Bad News
Johnny Newton came off the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list and practiced from day one. This was somewhat of a surprise since Newton underwent another foot surgery for a Jones fracture after the draft. The bad news was that Efe Obada was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list because he is still recovering from the serious leg injury he suffered in Week 11 in the 2023 season.
Starting in the Red
Head coach Dan Quinn started the first day of practice with Red Zone offense work. New quarterback Jayden Daniels showed a deft touch in completing several touchdown passes. One throw many of the beat writers called out was an over-the-shoulder corner route to running back Brian Robinson. The coaches have been rotating the quarterback repetitions between Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel and Sam Hartman. Daniels is the key to the future, and like any other rookie he has been up and down in practices; however, the coaches like how he has been learning.
Ch-Ch-Changes
The team opened fewer practices to fans this year and also allowed fewer fans to each practice. Immediate family members of players were invited to practice, which is a departure from previous years. The old worn-out artificial turf has been removed and additional standing room space was added for fans around the fields. Beat reporters also noticed a change in how the practices are run. They reported observing a greater sense of urgency with the team, noting that players moved between various drills or practices reps very quickly with little downtime. Players also spoke about the coaching staff and the improved instruction that they are receiving over prior years.
Defense-Defense
Everyone seems to be talking about the contributions of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, but given that the team will be a 4-2-5 defense much of the time, that seems to leave a reduced role for former first round pick Jamin Davis. Ryan Kerrigan has been working with Davis to improve his pass rushing skills. At cornerback, Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. having been starting outside with second-round rookie corner Mike Sainristil inside at the slot position. Much focus was on exactly how much weight Forbes gained during the offseason, possibly either 15 or 17 pounds.
Offensive Line
The offensive line is one of the problem areas for the team. Tyler Biadasz and Sam Cosmi were the only two sure starters coming into training camp. Andrew Wylie has been held out of some the practices with “tightness”, and that has given Brandon Coleman a chance for reps at both left tackle and right tackle. Coaches have praised Coleman’s footwork in pass protection, and they believe he has the potential to start at either tackle position. This position group will be a focus of attention during training camp.
Kick Me Now
Ramiz Ahmed is the only kicker on the roster and given his uneven performance so far through camp, with a couple of upright doinks, I suspect he is not the final kicker on the regular season roster. The front office and coaching staff will be reviewing the second kickers on other teams who will likely be released during cut downs.
Week 1 Highlight
Sainristil took the microphone at Daniels’ press conference to ask if he thought LSU could have beaten Michigan last season. Daniels said it would have been a good contest.
Next Week
The team will have its first practice in pads, which always brings out increased competitiveness between the players.