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ESPN staff
Saturday’s 2021 NFL training camp practices opened with the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in pads for the first time trying to put it all together after a rough practice Friday that coach Bruce Arians called “horses—.” He was encouraged after Saturday’s effort.
“I thought everyone practiced to win rather than practiced to practice,” Arians said. “And there’s a big damn difference.”
The two plays that stood out were Tom Brady‘s deep shot to Antonio Brown working against Jamel Dean for a touchdown and Devin White‘s leaping interception over the middle on a Brady pass, that had Brady shouting expletives. Arians said there was “good ebb and flow” between the offense and defense.
In other news, the Baltimore Ravens have shored up their pass rush by signing Justin Houston and the Detroit Lions had a watch party to witness Melissa Gonzalez, the wife of quarterback David Blough, qualify for the Olympic semifinal round of the 400-meter hurdles in Tokyo.
All 32 NFL teams are on the field Saturday, here’s what’s happening:
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Top NFL news of the day
The Baltimore Ravens signed outside linebacker Justin Houston to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This is a significant move for the Ravens, who added the best available pass-rusher to address the biggest hole on their team. Houston, 32, is a four-time Pro Bowl defender who has recorded at least eight sacks in each of the past four seasons. Baltimore’s pass rush was a major question mark after losing Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue in free agency.
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Cam Newton is the team’s starting quarterback – repeating what he said in April when the team drafted Mac Jones in the first round — but also left open the possibility that things could change if Newton struggles in training camp. “We’ll see how it goes. Let them play, and [we’ll] try to do what we feel like is best for the team based on their performance,” Belichick said.
Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan ‘moving forward’ at camp without Julio Jones
It’s been different for Matt Ryan during Falcons training camp. Yes, it’s a new coach and a new offensive scheme, but wide receiver Julio Jones is in Tennessee, traded to the Titans in June. “That’s always the hard part of our business, when things like this happen,” Ryan said. “I was fortunate to play with him for a long time and have tons of great memories from his time here. I’ve said it before. He probably has impacted my career as significantly as anybody that I’ve ever played with so I love him and I wish him the best moving forward.”
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Matt Ryan wishes Julio Jones the best with the Titans and emphasizes the importance of moving forward without the wide receiver.
Bears coach Matt Nagy ‘absolutely’ understands other teams’ interest in QB Nick Foles
Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy, who coached Nick Foles in Kansas City and Chicago, said trade speculation comes with the territory given Foles’ career accomplishments. He said he “absolutely” understands why teams would be interested in Foles. “And you’re talking about a Super Bowl MVP and a guy that’s started a lot of games,” Nagy said before practice. “He’s had a really interesting career in so many ways that I just think that he deserves that. I mean, anybody that’s had the career he has is somebody that’s always going to be … for all teams, as a third-string guy, teams are going to look at guys like him.”
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Bears coach Matt Nagy says he understands why teams would be interested in a QB like Nick Foles.
Detroit Lions hold watch party to support Olympic hurdler Melissa Gonzalez, wife of QB David Blough
Members of the Lions held a watch party Friday evening to witness Melissa Gonzalez, the wife of quarterback David Blough, qualify for the Olympic semifinal round of the 400-meter hurdles in Tokyo. Gonzalez is representing Colombia. Before leaving practice, the Lions organization also set up a camera for players walking off the field to send their congratulations through social medial. Fellow quarterback Jared Goff joked into the camera that, “David never talks about you, we have no idea what’s going on,” before seriously encouraging her to “do your thing.” Lions coach Dan Campbell opened Saturday’s news conference by saying, “You don’t always get these type of experiences, but to me that embodies enjoying the ride because that was pretty cool. It was a moment, I can tell you that.”
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What our NFL Nation reporters saw today
From this morning on @SportsCenter…get ready for some pads today ? pic.twitter.com/CVrMf2s1mb
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) July 31, 2021
My hit on this morning’s @SportsCenter: The #Titans aren’t concerned with the spotlight being on other teams in the division. As Kevin Byard said, “Actions speak louder than words.” pic.twitter.com/hxxzS6VzuS
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) July 31, 2021
After a shaky debut on Friday, Jets rookie Zach Wilson rebounded. Working with the first-team offense, he displayed some of the traits that convinced the Jets to draft him second overall — off-balance throws, a quick release and an ability to throw on the move. He completed 14 of 20 passes in 11-on-11 drills, including an 80-yard bomb to rookie Elijah Moore. Coach Robert Saleh kept it in perspective. “He’s going to have so many ebbs and flows that he’s going to drive us crazy,” he said. “But it’s all part of the process of getting better.” — Rich Cimini
The Saints’ QB battle remains wide open through three days. Jameis Winston took his first turn with the starters Saturday – but missed on a couple throws for the first time in camp. Meanwhile, Taysom Hill had his best throw to date on a perfectly executed back-shoulder pass down the field to receiver Marquez Callaway. Obviously, the sample size remains extremely small. But coaches have praised their progress and both QBs have talked about the value of getting so many high-quality reps. — Mike Triplett
Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos laid down the law early: keep the players injury free. As a result, first-year coach Brandon Staley mandated the Chargers spend the first 30 minus of practice stretching and doing what they call “activation,” with bands around their legs and foam rollers. Players say they feel thoroughly warmed up and ready for drills. — Shelly Smith
Roughly 15,000 fans filed into Highmark Stadium for the Bills first open practice of training camp providing an almost game-like atmosphere. The energy the crowd brought matched what Buffalo’s defense is hoping to bring this season. “When we’re energetic and we’re making plays, that drives them to be better and make more plays,” cornerback Dane Jackson said. “We’re going to try and continue that. Whenever we make plays it’s a celebration.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Saturday’s practice had a lot of juice and jawing. The defense looked good starting with Janoris Jenkins, who intercepted Ryan Tannehill twice. The team played music during team period for the first time in camp which along with the heat probably contributed to a couple of minor scuffles. Nate Davis got into it with Teair Tart first. Then Davis along with David Quessenberry exchanged helmet yanks with Denico Autry and Jeffery Simmons. — Turron Davenport
It was the fastest and most physical practice of camp yet for the Raiders, who will put the pads on Tuesday, and coach Jon Gruden liked what he saw Saturday. “Practicing at 7:30 a.m. is unprecedented, at least in my career as a coach,” Gruden said. “But to have everybody come out with that type of concentration, energy and effort was impressive. It’s hot out there … guys got to get up at 5 a.m. everyday so these guys must like football. That’s promising.” Particularly impressive was backup quarterback Marcus Mariota‘s grasp of the offense as he was sharp enough to warrant a high-five from starter Derek Carr after an especially crisp deep ball down the left sideline to Marcell Ateman. — Paul Gutierrez
Teddy Bridgewater was intercepted three times in 11-on-11 drills, including one ball defensive end McTelvin Agim knocked down, then caught and returned for what would have been a touchdown. Broncos coach Vic Fangio split the reps at quarterback 50-50 between Bridgewater and Drew Lock, neither of whom have effectively moved the ball in more than one practice period against the first-team defense. — Jeff Legwold
First-year Bears defensive coordinator Sean Desai invented the turnover bucket as a way to inspire the defense at camp. Every time the Bears force a turnover at practice, Desai wheels the blue turnover bucket onto the field and the Bears slam — sometimes creatively — a football inside of it. The turnover bucket got plenty of use of Saturday when safety Deon Bush intercepted Andy Dalton in a full team drill. The small crowd of fans erupted as the Bears defense placed another ball in the bucket. — Jeff Dickerson
The Chiefs had three rookies on their starting offensive line in practice Saturday and at least two of them, center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith, are likely to remain as starters when the regular season begins. Coach Andy Reid indicated he wouldn’t hesitate to start all three if they win their jobs. “Sure you’d like to have experience but I’ve had success with rookies too,” Reid said. The battle for starting line spots begins in earnest on Tuesday when the Chiefs are able to practice in pads for the first time. — Adam Teicher
Best NFL videos
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Chargers coach Brandon Staley speaks highly of quarterback Justin Herbert.
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Trevor Lawrence is going to like throwing to Laviska Shenault Jr., who lunges for the slick one-handed catch.
Quarterback controversy? ? pic.twitter.com/yQllXTHWtD
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 31, 2021
.@derekcarrqb‘s biggest fan ? pic.twitter.com/mid5r3OAX3
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) July 31, 2021
Ready to get moving for #CowboysBackTogether! ?#CowboysCamp | #FootballisBack pic.twitter.com/kad2xaMp45
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) July 31, 2021
Turn up the volume to hear what a day at #EaglesCamp sounds like.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/MRY6AcUPqj
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 31, 2021
Lions TE T.J. Hockenson has a new swag to him entering Year 3, coming off his 1st Pro Bowl season. Longer hair, smoother approach.
Says he’s more “comfortable.” Also attending Tight End U. this off-season opened his eyes on what it takes to be great at the position. pic.twitter.com/mFIq9W20ec
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 31, 2021
Best NFL photos
Mr. @A_kamara6 rockin’ No. 6 today! ?
It’s not a permanent change – having fun with his @Vol_Football number ?#SaintsCamp pic.twitter.com/byPMUcCD7d
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 31, 2021
Brotherhood.@tae15adams @rcobb18 @AaronRodgers12 @89JonesNTAF #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/Oelysuu59e
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) July 31, 2021
15,000 fans at Highmark Stadium for practice today.
You’re the best, #BillsMafia! ❤️? pic.twitter.com/kq6WQI4fra
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) July 31, 2021
It wasn’t the same without ya
So great seeing fans back ❤️? pic.twitter.com/T5YZ8Pdzxh
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) July 31, 2021
NFL quotes of the day
“I have been on the sidelines for 22 years and I’m much more active and involved now with my husband. We couldn’t be more excited about our new leadership that are wonderful. They’re so strong. Outside of football and the best in their class of everything they’ve done. So, you’re going to see a lot of great growth and listening to all of our fans, and we want to see you at the stadium.”
Washington Football Team co-CEO Tanya Snyder