So why didn’t WR/QB Brad Smith make an impact for the Bills in 2011? “There was a lot going on, one of those crazy things where you come in, you don’t know anybody, don’t know the system, and you have to adjust,” Smith said.
Saturday’s scrimmage could help answer several questions for the Dolphins, especially at the quarterback position.
Jets RB Bilal Powell wants more playing time in his second NFL season. (At least he didn’t say he’s the second-best receiver on the team.)
Patriots owner Robert Kraft has invited new Browns owner Jimmy Haslam to come to New England and learn the business of owning a football team.
The Ravens are hosting a free practice at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday.
Introduced as the new Browns owner on August 3, Jimmy Haslam first met former owner Randy Lerner on July 2.
Bengals QB Bruce Gradkowski, a Pittsburgh native, is supporting the Reds in their head-to-head duel with the Pirates.
Officially retired Steelers RB Willie Parker would likely stick with the Buccos; “The six years of my life were the best years I ever had,” Parker said at Steelers practice on Friday.
Three Titans games sold out on the first day of individual ticket sales.
Jones-Drew who? Jaguars RB Rashad Jennings looked good in an intra-squad scrimmage; QB Blaine Gabbert dubbed Jennings’ performance “phenomenal.”
Colts owner Jim Irsay says there’s something “SPECIAL” in the air, and that the team is “ahead” of where it was in Peyton Manning’s 3-13 rookie season. (Given that Manning’s Colts had Marshall Faulk, Marvin Harrison, and a solid offensive line, some may wonder whether that something “SPECIAL” in the air has anything to do with burning plant leaves.)
Fourth-round rookie WR Keshawn Martin is trying to fill the void behind Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter at wideout for the Texans.
Raiders FB Owen Schmitt, who almost exclusively blocks, says he’s a “chain-mover” with the ball in his hands, which could happen more in 2012.
Even with their long-time No. 1 wideout gone, the Chargers still may have a pass-catching weapon named “Vincent.”
Despite the fairly close proximity of Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel and Kansas coach Charlie Weis, Crennel doesn’t envision the former colleagues attending any of each other’s games.
With Broncos RT Orlando Franklin cleared to return to practice after suffering a concussion on July 28, the starting offense is at 100 percent for Saturday’s scrimmage. (That said, Franklin will be used “sparingly.”)
Giants S Will Hill has been humbled, and now he’s trying to rebuild his career.
Cowboys WR Dez Bryant has switched back from agent Drew Rosenhaus to Eugene Parker.
The Redskins are trying to reduce their number of blocked kicks by using “live” field goal periods in practice; five blocks were allowed by the team in 2011.
From the “Names That Possibly Rhyme With Pipp” file, TE Clay Harbor is getting more and more comfortable practicing with the first-team as starter Brent Celek recovers from a knee injury.
After a rough showing in offseason workouts, training-camp competition could be bringing out the best in Lions QB Kellen Moore.
Bears DE Shea McLellin is feeling a little overwhelmed at training camp; “My head is in all different directions because I am getting advice from the players, the coaches,” McClellin said. “But I just have to focus in, do what they’re teaching me and hone in on those things.”
A Wisconsin firm will oversee the construction of the new Vikings stadium. (What’s next? A minority owner of the Steelers buying the Browns?)
Packers rookie DT Jerel Worthy stepped up during the Family Night scrimmage at Lambeau Field.
With injuries at the position, the Falcons have added DT Conrad Obi.
Saints QB Chase Daniel isn’t playing the Tim Tebow passive-aggressive double-speak game; Daniel flat-out says he’s trying to take Drew Brees job.
The Ronde Barber/Mark Barron friendship has rookie learning from grizzled veteran and grizzled veteran learning from rookie.
An MRI revealed that Panthers LB Thomas Davis, out since Sunday, has a calf strain and not (another) knee injury.
Cardinals QB John Skelton says there’s no animosity between him and Kevin Kolb as they prepare for round one of their preseason position battle; “We’re feeding off each other,” Skelton said. “We’re both pushing each other both in meetings and on the field, so I think we’re both prepared for Sunday.”
Does Seahawks rookie RB Robert Turbin feel any pressure? “Nope. There’s no pressure. This is what I do. I’m a rookie, but I’m a professional football player right now, you know what I mean? So I’ve got to do my job.
Rams rookie G Rokevius Watkins is finally on the field after showing up 16 pounds overweight.
49ers players and coaches are still pestering former Giants RB Brandon Jacobs about the perceived bad call on what appeared to be a fumble by RB Ahmad Bradshaw in the NFC title game; “We still talk about that,” Jacobs said of coach Jim Harbaugh. “I told him, ‘Coach, I don’t feel bad for you.’”