NFL Training Camps, First Impressions

The NFL Training Camps are in full swing at this very moment as the Washington Redskins are getting ready to do battle on August 3rd in the Hall of Fame Game.

The start of the official sports wagering season to begin. I, for one, found a few teams out there that could very well turn some heads this season.

A lot of things, unfortunately, depend on Brett Favre. Yes, it shouldn’t, he is only one player, but so many teams are only that veteran quarterback away from making it to the Super Bowl that if Favre lands with any of those teams, he could seriously impact who plays in the NFL’s signature championship game.

The teams are as follows:

1. Minnesota Vikings – Add Favre to a strong defensive team with great running backs and a down the field wide-receiver and you will see what I mean!

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - - Ditto the Bucs. I love Garcia, but he’s no Brett Favre.

3. Oakland Raiders - - Yes, they have JaMarcus Russell, but if they want to go for it right now, then why not Favre?

4. Arizona Cardinals - - Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Brett Favre? Forget it. This team would waltz through the NFC West.

5. New York Jets - - They’re like the Cardinals only better on defense. The thing about the Jets is that they’ve got a terrific offensive line. That could help Brett, don’t you think?

6. Green Bay Packers - - What are they thinking? Are you kidding me? You’re going to let pride get in the way of what’s best for your team? Rodgers isn’t ready. The Pack is going to find that out very quickly.

Okay, now that the Favre watch is out of the way, let’s get to some first impressions regarding training camp!

NFL Training Camp Impressions

1. Washington could be the 2008 version of the 2006 New Orleans Saints - - The Redskins have a new offensive minded coach, ala Sean Payton, in Jim Zorn. They have a good wide receiver corp, a good running back, and, as opposed to what Payton had to work with in New Orleans in his first season as coach, a fantastic defense. This team could easily win the NFC East with Dallas being overrated, Philadelphia being old, and the Giants coming off of a Super Bowl victory. The key? Jason Campbell has looked terrific throwing the ball in camp so far.

2. New Orleans could be the 2007 version of the New York Giants - - Actually, they could be better because they’ve got way more than Jeremey Shockey. The defense has improved by leaps and bounds. The offense is going to be absolutely phenomenal with Shockey, last year’s number one pick, Robert Meacham, and Marques Colston out there. Drew Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. This team is loaded. The key? Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, coming off of a season ending injury last year, has looked awesome. If he’s at full strength, and stays healthy, he’s one of the best MLBs in the NFL.

3. The New York Jets could make a run in the playoffs - - This is a big one and I probably might get kicked in the teeth or yelled at for writing it, but I do believe the Jets could challenge the Patritots for the NFC East this year. Coach Eric Mangini finally has an offensive line that will open up truck size holes for underrated running back Thomas Jones. The defense will be super solid with first-rounder Vernon Gholston on the end, and Kerry Rhodes at the safety position is one of the best in the NFL. The key? Quarterback. Neither Kelly Clemens nor Chad Pennington has looked good or bad so far during training camp. Somebody has to play quarterback.