Marcus Mariota has stood out as one of the early rookie stars of training camp (for all that means), turning in another excellent performance during the Titans' Monday night practice. Mariota went 11-for-15 passing, and still has yet to throw an interception in camp.
Of course, there are a thousand ways to interpret practice numbers. Some like CBS's Pete Prisco have presented the hottest take, which is that the fact that Mariota isn't throwing picks is a sign that he's tentative to take chances downfield.
This is an exceedingly negative way to think, especially concerning rookie quarterbacks whose threshold for success is simply not cowering into a sobbing heap at the sight of defenders who are bigger, faster and know your every move. Considering how bad things could be, Titans fans should be ecstatic that Mariota is hitting passes left and right, even if they are dump-offs.
There are worse things, for example ...
Jameis Winston threw three picks in one practice
In contrast to Mariota, Winston had a horrible Monday practice, throwing three interceptions, two of which came on consecutive throws. If Buccaneers fans are worried, that's understandable, too. Jameis Winston was the No. 1 overall pick, after all. But again, rookie quarterbacks are supposed to do dumb things, and to pretend that Winston ought to be polished at this point would be wrong.
Lovie Smith apparently isn't worried:
"We're doing a lot of things that we normally don't do this early," Lovie Smith said. "Defensively too -- to try and give him as many looks as we possibly can. The blitz period is where he had the most trouble. That's how it should be for a young quarterback."
Denard Robinson is still part of the Jaguars' plans
Denard Robinson had an incredible four-game stretch in the middle of last season during which he was arguably the best running back in the NFL. A foot injury halted his momentum, however, and the Jaguars' addition of T.J. Yeldon early in the second round of the NFL Draft put Robinson's 2015 role in question.
Robinson has taken care of business in training camp thus far, impressing coaches and earning himself a rotational role out of the Jags' backfield. He may never be Jacksonville's bell-cow, but it appears he can be an important change of pace option going forward, as well as a potential factor in the return game. His versatility could make him a pivotal player for the Jaguars this season.
Darnell Dockett makes 49ers practice debut
Dockett has spent nearly one full year recovering from a torn ACL. Now he's finally ready to contribute, taking part in nickel work Monday after sitting out the first two days of team drills. During OTAs, Dockett predicted he would be ready for Week 1, and it appears he's on track to make his deadline.
David Fucillo of Niners Nation predicted a somewhat limited role for the defensive tackle:
The team can rotate Dockett in wherever needed, but my expectation is that he will primarily work as a nickel defensive tackle. I've seen some folks suggesting he will be in the starting base defense, but at this point that seems unlikely. He will not be getting much work, if any, in the base defense during camp. And with Quinton Dial and Glenn Dorsey handling those first team reps, I see that staying the same.
Eric Ebron makes 'catch of the day' at Lions practice
After a rough rookie season, this was a welcome sight at Lions training camp:
Here's that catch from Ebron. pic.twitter.com/jcuHUdw2YJ
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) August 3, 2015