Daily Norseman
The preseason begins today! It has been a long wait but we are finally here. We get to see our new QB in action and we get to see some position battles as well. I asked AI “how meaningful are NFL preseason games”. Here is some of the response …
The relative importance of NFL preseason games
NFL preseason games have decreased in significance for established players and overall team performance, but remain crucial for specific aspects of team building and player development.
Here’s a breakdown of the importance of preseason games:
“Bubble” players and rookies: Preseason games provide a vital opportunity for players on the fringe of making the final 53-man roster, as well as rookies, to demonstrate their skills and potential to coaches and general managers. Performance in these games can be the difference between making the team, being cut, or landing on another team’s practice squad.
Veterans: While many veteran starters see limited or no playing time, preseason can be a chance for them to knock off rust and get into game shape.
Game tape for future opportunities: Players who don’t make the initial roster can use their preseason game tape to showcase their abilities to other teams, potentially landing a spot elsewhere.
For coaches and teams
Player evaluation: Preseason is the main opportunity to evaluate players in a game setting, which is vital for building the final roster. This includes assessing rookies, players competing for starting spots, and those vying for special teams roles.
For fans
Limited predictive value: While exciting for football-starved fans, preseason game results have little to no correlation with regular-season success. Teams often prioritize player evaluation over winning these games.
First look at rookies and depth players: Fans get an early look at new draft picks, see how position battles are shaping up, and speculate on team dynamics.
Pretty fair response I’d say.
But here at the DN, we are always on the lookout for the next DN Preseason HOFer!
Who do you think is going to the nod this year? I am going to go with Dwight McGlothern based on practice reports but I do reserve the right to jump on another bandwagon if necessary.
3 Camp Battles to Track in Vikings Preseason Opener Against Texans
The arms after McCarthy
Howell’s grip on the offense might not be as far along, yet, as the two quarterbacks in the Vikings system last season (McCarthy and Rypien). This week, Head Coach Kevin O’Connell disclosed that what Howell has experienced in the past, from a schematic standpoint, is “really nothing close to what we run here.
“That’s not taking away from anybody else’s offense,” O’Connell added. “Just different verbiage, different variations of how we want to try to move the football and what we ask the quarterback to do, and how we coach the position. So, in many ways, there’s a lot of things that are just flat out new for Sam.”
In practices, Howell’s arm talent...
