“When you start training camp, you’re building the tools necessary to win a championship. You have to have the patience.” These words were said by the legendary Kobe Bean Bryant, a player who prided himself in putting in the work to win championships. Bryant was a basketball player, but his words apply to every sport including football. Yes, training camp sets the foundation for a successful ending in one team hoisting the Lombardi trophy. Rookies have already reported for training camp, and all veterans will soon follow suit. The 32 teams will have a fully opened camp by July 26, and the Hall of Fame Game will kick off preseason on August 3. As the football season approaches, in this article, we will discuss the top 3 storylines entering the 2023 training camp.
1. Aaron Rodgers in the Big Apple
The New York Jets have not won a Super Bowl since 1969, and last made the playoffs in 2010. Yet, they enter training as the top team to watch, and fans will get an opportunity to satisfy this desire because they were selected to appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks. The interest in the Jets is obvious, with 4-time MVP Aaron Rodgers’ dramatic move to the franchise. The Jets play excellent defense and boast talented young players on offense like Breece Hall, Corey Davis, Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, and Tyler Conklin. After starting the season well at 7-4, the team collapsed due to awful quarterback play that led to a 6-game losing streak and another failed season. The franchise sees Rodgers as the missing piece to the puzzle of contending in a crowded field in the AFC. Aaron was unhappy with the Hard Knocks selection because he recently stated, “They forced it down our throats, and we have to deal with it.” However, if Rodgers can propel New York to the Super Bowl and win, then he will be viewed as a savior in the biggest sports market that grabs all the attention.
2. Rookie Quarterbacks aim for starting spots
One of the biggest storylines entering training camp every year is whether a rookie quarterback will outperform his veteran counterpart for the starting job on opening day. This training camp will begin with three prime competitions at the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts. In Carolina, all the reports indicate that the number one pick Bryce Young is on track to take the starting nod. However, he needs to outperform journeyman and free-agent addition Andy Dalton for the starting job. In Houston, it will be interesting to see whether number 2 pick Stroud will be able to outperform Davis Mills and Case Keenum to start in Houston when the regular season opens. In Indy, the Colts made a bold move to grab Florida’s Anthony Richardson at No. 4 overall based on their inability to stabilize the position following the retirement of Andrew Luck. However, the Colts will decide if the heir apparent is ready or if they will start with journeyman added Gardner Minshew. Another interesting spot is in Tennessee because round 2 pick Will Levis could unseat the underperforming Ryan Tannehill. Fans will be desperate for their team to showcase their young talent, and teams will be wary of an early letdown. Therefore, who wins these competitions and starts on opening day is something to watch entering training camp.
3. Will Saquon Barkley get some love?
In 1964, the Beatles released a smash hit money can’t buy me love, and there is a general truth about those lyrics. However, for NFL running backs in 2023, money is what they are looking for if their franchises claim to love them. Therefore, all eyes will be on the current situation with Saquon Barkley and the New York Giants. Barkley delivered a Pro Bowl season in 2022 by rushing for 1,312 yards on 295 attempts and punching in 10 touchdowns. Saquon expected that the franchise would reward his effort in the off-season by offering a lucrative extension. However, the Giants decided to franchise-tag the player and failed to reach an agreement with him at the July 17 deadline. Barkley is a high-character player, but he may have to hold out to show the Giants they need to pay him. The Giants are in a bad situation because Saquon is the most important player on offense, and his performances led to a playoff berth last season. Barkley needs to take a stand because failure will mean every future running back that needs a salary upgrade will be doomed if he plays on a franchise tag. It will be fascinating to see which of the two sides blinks first.