Yeeeeeehaw. Football is here.
The offseason didn’t feel quite as long as normal, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup filling my schedule with outstanding sporting experiences. But, man, I’m excited for the NFL season to get underway. And even if we’re still a long way away from the regular season, there might not be any better time of year than training camp. If you’ve never attended a practice, I’d strongly recommend dropping into your favorite team’s camp. It’s a whole different side to the sport.
Speaking of which — I want to dig into that a little bit, especially because every camp will be underway by the end of the week.
But first, give me the chance to welcome you back. If you’re returning, I appreciate you for checking back in. If you’re new, thanks for coming to the party. This is my weekly column that runs every Monday. Yup, this is Sound Smart, where I try to spin forward, dive deeper, think outside the box and read between the lines.
1.
Training camp is the beginning. It’s the time of year when players begin to earn — or begin to lose — their jobs. It’s the time of year when coaches earn — or don’t earn — their salaries. It’s the time of year when champions decide that this is their year.
This is really their year.
There are times when training camp is just another football practice, a distant relative of what you’d see at your local high school. But most practices are not like that, because no one has lost a game yet. Everyone’s job is on the line. And there’s a sense of optimism — both for the downtrodden franchises and the ones that will actually compete for a title.
Training camp is the beginning — a beginning full of hope for every team.
The season is about building game plans and devising specific paths to victory. But training camp is about building out the playbook, building out the fundamentals and developing identity.
And coincidentally, Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay took folks behind the scenes — albeit unintentionally — of what training camp will be like for the Super Bowl favorites. Ahead of camp, there were two examples of McVay’s coaching style that went viral on social media.
Both informed what it will be like for Rams players when they begin training camp on Monday.
The first was an interview with the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast when McVay spoke about the type of players he wants on his 90-man camp roster. He said there are “non-negotiables” when he searches for players. Obviously, they have to have NFL-level talent. But beyond that, McVay looks for guys who have a history of overcoming adversity.
“If [adversity] shapes you and callouses you the correct method, development calls for that discomfort,” McVay stated.
He added: “I believe that greater than something, particularly due to a few of the issues I’ve gone by way of the place I look again and say, ‘Man, I didn’t just like the type of chief or the caliber of particular person I used to be.’ I used to be fragile. I wasn’t resilient. … The sport honors toughness, however I believe life and the sport honor toughness, each mentally and bodily. What number of other ways can we measure that psychological resilience? What have they been by way of, and the way did that form who they’ve turn into within the midst of the journey?”
Sean McVay youngsters round with two-time All-Professional cornerback Trent McDuffie, one of many Rams’ key offseason acquisitions. (Photograph by Kevin Terrell/Getty Photos)
So there’s a shared id from one Rams participant to the following. And that helps them carry that id to the sphere and to the assembly room.
You possibly can see the work they put collectively on the sphere. That’s the fantastic thing about coaching camp: It permits followers and media to observe the crew observe brazenly. What we seldom see is what the groups appear like in conferences — and definitely not when the coach is actively educating his gamers a couple of play.
In order that brings us to the following piece of social media that circulated, which was a video of McVay working by way of a easy however spectacular run play. He broke it all the way down to the effective particulars to assist folks perceive why the play succeeded.
The video seems to be a public occasion from the 2024 offseason, with McVay breaking down a 28-yard landing run by Kyren Williams in L.A.’s 26-25 win over the New York Giants in 2023. He known as it “certainly one of my favourite performs of the yr.”
“If you see gamers do little stuff like this, man, it simply makes you’re feeling appreciated. It makes them really feel appreciated, which they deserve. And I admire a whole lot of the little issues proper right here,” he stated. “[Receiver Cooper] Kupp normally comes again [to the left of the formation] on this play, however he’s going to test the slot strain earlier than he does that. … He’s capable of acknowledge that they’re blitzing off the slot, so he’s capable of safe this off the sting. Now, superior job by a wideout to have the ability to do this.”
McVay then went on to interrupt down the footwork of proper deal with Rob Havenstein after which the downfield blocking by guard Kevin Dotson and heart Coleman Shelton. “That will get the play began. However then what does it appear like to see receivers compete with out the soccer?” McVay asks. He went on to notice receivers Tutu Atwell and Puka Nacua charging downfield into the second stage to get their palms on defenders.
“That may be a nice run [by Williams], however that’s some nice s— by the gamers to know the intent of the play,” McVay stated.
So should you surprise what gamers imply once they speak concerning the “effective particulars,” effectively, that’s most likely solely just the start.
2.
Getting into camp, there are a handful of beginning NFL quarterbacks who, frankly, is not going to have their jobs in 2027. You most likely know who I’m considering of. Las Vegas Raiders import Kirk Cousins serves as a transparent instance, simply filling the hole till No. 1 general choose Fernando Mendoza is able to take the reins.
That’s its personal type of strain, however it’s not precisely a sizzling seat. Then there are guys who face strain to carry out, however it will be a protracted shot to suppose they’re going anyplace. Assume: Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels.
Then there’s the group of starters whose standing is but to be decided for 2027. These seven QBs are successfully enjoying their method right into a long-term job — or out of it.
The Panthers introduced they have been choosing up Younger’s fifth-year possibility, however that’s not precisely a dedication that he’ll be their QB subsequent yr. There was an unlimited quantity of dialog about subsequent yr’s crop of QB draft prospects, and so it’s straightforward to think about the Panthers trying to improve if Younger can’t proceed to ascend.
This isn’t to say he gained’t ascend. Third-year coach Dave Canales has been affected person and devoted — two uncommon traits within the QB growth course of. Younger has trended upward in a linear-enough style in his first three NFL seasons. But when his 2026 season doesn’t look higher than final yr, he is perhaps trying to find a brand new crew subsequent yr.
I hesitate to place Stroud on this listing, as a result of it will be arduous for the Texans to go on him in lots of the ways in which it was arduous for the Miami Dolphins to go on Tua Tagovailoa in 2024, when the timing demanded that he get an enormous deal.
There’s a 90 % likelihood that Stroud will get re-upped. However given what we noticed within the postseason, notably in opposition to the New England Patriots, Stroud just isn’t a lock to remain in Houston. He has not constructed off his rookie season. There are methods, in reality, the place he’s gotten worse. And there’s a non-zero likelihood that issues disintegrate for Stroud and the Texans.
It’s a contract yr, and the Buccaneers are making Mayfield play for an extension. He’s a fierce competitor — one who most likely takes it personally that the crew hasn’t dedicated to him but. As constant and regular as he’s, Mayfield nonetheless wants weapons to be a high-level operator from the pocket. And he simply misplaced Mike Evans, the very best extensive receiver in franchise historical past, in free company.
It is going to be fascinating to see what the Bucs can do with their weapons, as a result of I don’t understand how a lot fuel nine-year veteran Chris Godwin has left. Nor do I believe Emeka Egbuka is the surefire WR1 that he seemed to turn into initially of his rookie season.
I extremely doubt that both of those quarterbacks can be Cleveland’s QB1 in 2027. I actually doubt that new head coach Todd Monken may have his job in 2027. But when the Browns do the unthinkable and make the playoffs, then perhaps Cleveland’s QB — whoever it’s — might make the case to stay round.
Shedeur Sanders (2) seems to be on as Deshaun Watson runs a drill throughout veteran minicamp in April. (Photograph by Nick Cammett/Getty Photos)
It’s a matter of when (not if) he wins the QB1 job in his supposed competitors with J.J. McCarthy. However then the arduous half begins. Coach Kevin O’Connell has earned the status as a QB whisperer. However now that comes with an asterisk, after a failed experiment growing McCarthy.
O’Connell, nevertheless, retains his status for taking mid-tier veteran QBs and turning them into game-changers (Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousins). It could possibly be magic if O’Connell can do it with Murray. However the McCarthy experiment proved that it’s not a foregone conclusion.
Let the report state that I’m certainly one of Hurts’ greatest supporters. However even I can acknowledge his shortcomings as a quarterback, specifically that he has been much less keen lately to run the ball and throw over the center.
That’ll want to vary in 2026. And whereas the departure of WR1 A.J. Brown hurts, the arrival of USC All-American Makai Lemon ought to assist Hurts assault the center of the sphere.
If Hurts will get again to environment friendly working, then the Eagles’ offense ought to hum. However it wasn’t precisely a hit story final yr. And with all that expertise this yr, we would see massive adjustments if the offense flops for a second yr in a row.
With extensive receiver A.J. Brown traded to the Patriots, QB Jalen Hurts might have to hold extra weight for the Eagles’ offense in 2026. (Photograph by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos)
3.
Let’s lump three groups into the identical bucket as they put together for the 2026 NFL season: the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Denver Broncos.
Right here’s why.
All three groups made the playoffs final yr. All three had a knack for pulling out wins in shut video games. All three had second-year quarterbacks (and former first-round draft decisions) who took huge leaps ahead. All three of these quarterbacks had unstable success — that means that it stays to be seen whether or not they can maintain that success. And at last, all three groups benefited from a weak schedule. They gained’t have that very same luxurious in 2026.
Within the case of the Patriots, they’re hoping to combat off regression by enhancing their passing assault, bringing in receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs and left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
The Broncos snagged receiver Jaylen Waddle in a commerce, and I’ve little question they’ll plug and play the speedster to perfection into Sean Payton’s offense.
New Denver receiver Jaylen Waddle speaks to the media throughout Broncos OTAs in June. (Photograph by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Submit)
The Bears, in the meantime, appear to belief children like tight finish Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III to take larger roles — whereas investing of their defensive id underneath DC Dennis Allen. That meant signing security Coby Bryant and linebacker Devin Bush whereas drafting security Dillon Thieneman and cornerback Malik Muhammad.
I believe all three groups will make the playoffs once more — regardless of historical past indicating that they’re due for some unhealthy bounces (and a few robust losses). In all three cases, I just like the coach, I just like the quarterback and I just like the thought course of that went into bolstering the roster.
4. 
Misplaced My Belief, Earned My Belief
Misplaced It: Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort
The plan is murky in Arizona.
The Cardinals don’t have a beginning quarterback. The present QB1, veteran backup Jacoby Brissett, remains to be negotiating a deal for 2026, and it’s not like he’s a long-term answer. Nor, for my part, is Carson Beck, whom the crew drafted in Spherical 3 this yr.
I don’t thoughts that the Cardinals threw a dart on this yr’s QB class, however Beck was amongst my least favourite quarterbacks on this class. The QB Arizona is paying a boatload of cash, Kyler Murray, was launched and is more likely to spend the 2026 season beginning for the Vikings.
After which the Cardinals drafted Jeremiyah Love with the third-overall choose. I don’t fall within the camp of “working backs don’t matter.” However I do suppose that the Cardinals had method too many different issues for a working again to make the influence they hope he’ll make within the subsequent 4 years.
Operating backs matter whenever you’re a playoff crew. The Cardinals aren’t. And with out a plan at QB, they gained’t be for just a few years.
Third-round QB Carson Beck palms off the ball to first-round RB Jeremiyah Love throughout Cardinals rookie mincamp in Could. (Photograph by Christian Petersen/Getty Photos)
I’m simply undecided what the Cardinals are attempting to be apart from … actually unhealthy. That’s tolerable for one yr. However that’s what they have been final yr. And this yr, they solely look worse.
Earned It: Eagles GM Howie Roseman
The Eagles watched receiver A.J. Brown turn into much less efficient each season, together with his counting stats and averages largely trending downward since his first yr with the crew in 2022. And to make issues worse, Brown was outspoken about his dissatisfaction with “the passing sport,” which felt like both a shot at Jalen Hurts or head coach Nick Sirianni or offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo — or all three.
That’s why I believe there was a collective sigh of reduction in Philly when the Eagles traded Brown to New England. The return was effective, a 2028 first-round choose that’s, admittedly, a very long time away. However it’s a first-round choose nonetheless. That transfer was admirable by Roseman — slicing ties with a famous person when the slicing was good.
However I additionally beloved the best way Roseman dealt with the draft, transferring as much as steal USC receiver Makai Lemon, a man who ought to assist Hurts assault the center of the sphere, a spot the place the QB was hesitant final yr. Lemon isn’t a one-for-one substitute for Brown, however the rookie ought to ultimately fill a much-needed function — and one that ought to assist the shifting offensive id round Hurts and working again Saquon Barkley.
Makai Lemon is launched at Recreation 3 of the Jap Convention NBA playoff collection between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers in April. (Photograph by Mitchell Leff/Getty Photos)
Oh yeah, and bear in mind when Roseman traded for Jaelen Phillips just a few days earlier than the commerce deadline final yr? Nicely, Phillips made essentially the most amongst all edge rushers in free company due to how effectively he performed in Philly. And Roseman let the man stroll, partly as a result of he traded for Vikings All-Professional edge Jonathan Greenard.
It’s fascinating how resourceful Roseman may be. He buys and sells on gamers at values that Wall Road merchants would envy.
