As if all the cameras and attention of Hard Knocks every day weren’t enough, we welcomed the NFL Network to Pittsford Sunday morning. The biggest crowd so far was hamming it up as expected. It was a tricky weather forecast; I chose to beat the downpour just past 11 that did not stop practice.
It was nice to see two large groups represented: young Fisher Alumni and their cute little ones, and a number of flag football teams. All four days, it’s striking how close to 50/50 male/female the crowd is every day. The most interesting jersey sighting today was an OJ Simpson USC Jersey. I still have mixed feelings, but USC does have a great color scheme.
Watching the flock of Hard Knocks cameras, Tre White will be another big storyline. Our DJ played two tributes to Ozzy Osborne, and I got as misty as “Paranoid” and “Crazy Train” allow. The whole crowd singing Happy Birthday to GM Brandon Beane was a nice touch.
Some of the high energy warm up winners today: Reggie Gilliam, Jackson Hawes, Elijah Moore, Matt Milano, Dorian Strong, and per usual, Michael Hoecht.
One interesting formation early on had three WRs left, and the slow-motion rep was designed to clear that side for Dalton Kincaid crossing. Whatever the over/under is on catches for Kincaid, get your money down on the over now. We also caught a glimpse of James Cook in a downfield pattern and see at least one dynamic catch and run from Cook and Davis and Johnson and Evans and Gore every day. I don’t remember that from the Singletary/Moss years. Later on the Bills ran a fake jet sweep and sent Cook deep.
It probably won’t be a big deal, but I have paid close attention to the battle for QB2. Both QBs have demonstrated above average running skills; Trubisky looked to have the stronger arm today on the sideline passes.
Terrel Bernard and Taron Johnson were off today, offering opportunities to Baylon Spector and Cam Lewis with the 1s. Both fared well; Spector and Lewis have been bubble players this summer. With Spector it has always been about health. Versatility is Cam Lewis’ calling card, but the role of Nickel CB 2 might be most important to keeping a roster spot. Another UB Bull that made a statement today was Ja’Marcus Ingram, with the defensive play of camp to date on a beautiful interception. The other highlight defensively was a Dorian Strong forced fumble. This draft class looks even better than advertised.
The offensive play of the day went to Keon Coleman, on a beautiful TD catch in the corner of the end zone. It was interesting listening to the observations of those who were at practice for the first time; they caught his best performance so far. I have always felt he will finish 3rd in receptions behind Kincaid and Shakir, and lead the team in TD catches, but the sheer number of available weapons takes a lot of pressure off any one player any given Sunday. Tyrell Shavers was having a nice day in the absence of Curtis Samuel but unfortunately hurt his ankle late in practice. KJ Hamler had his most catches today and still would be a valuable piece to retain on the practice squad behind Samuel, Moore, and our KR/PR.
Pads come on tomorrow! Finally a good look at the Hogmollies!
Editor’s babble: The hogmollies are the guys I’m most interested in observing, especially Deone Walker. Many thanks to Joe Reagan for making the trek to camp and finding a generous person willing to share a ticket. You can also find Joe on Xwitter @joer869.
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Joe, thanks for another great report, I’m curious to see if there will be a drop off in play from certain players once the pads go on.