Training Camp Notes

By Dalton Del Don

Matt Schaub suffered an ankle sprain during the Texans’ loss to the Vikings Monday, but he was able to play through it – Schaub went 10-for-14 with 108 yards passing (7.7 YPA). The 0:1 TD:INT ratio doesn’t impress, but Schaub played through pain and once again led productive drives like he has all preseason. Schaub had no reason to return to action Monday other than trying to prove he’s not soft, and while that was admirable (and suggests this injury shouldn’t be worrisome long-term), it still highlights his brittleness. In the past, Schaub has been injured mostly from illegal hits that you really can’t fault him for, but nevertheless, his durability is rightfully a question mark. I personally love Schaub (and the entire Texans’ offense), but the best strategy is to wait (and then wait some more) on quarterbacks. The more I think about it, the more I wouldn’t address the QB position until the seventh or eighth round at the earliest.

Tom Brady (shoulder) was present for the start of Monday’s practice – Brady’s shoulder may still be sore, but it’s a positive sign that he was out there Monday. There was no throwing going on while reporters were on hand, so how full Brady’s workout ended up being has yet to be revealed. Drew Brees may be the safer pick, and while this may not matter, his road stats last year are worth noting (7.1 YPA, 11:12 TD:INT ratio). Brady very well may struggle some in his first year back from the knee injury, but his upside is higher than Brees’, so he’s the #1 QB on my board. But again, don’t take one early, it’s just not worth it (unless you get a Brady 2007 season).

Brett Favre went 13-for-18 with 142 yards passing and a touchdown during the Vikings’ win Monday – It was an impressive outing, even before you consider it was Favre’s first extensive action with his new team. Favre was elusive in the pocket, showed he still has enough arm strength, and even almost ruined someone’s career with a highly illegal block for good measure. Favre claims he’s currently playing with a broken rib (to go along with the torn rotator cuff), but it certainly didn’t seem to affect his play Monday. With Bernard Berrian, a healthy Sidney Rice, Visanthe Shiancoe, Percy Harvin and the best running back on the planet, the Vikings have what looks like could be a deadly offense, at least on paper. And Favre’s performance Monday only gives more hope. According to most oddsmakers, Minnesota is the favorite to win the NFC North. But I don’t see it. In fact, I have them finishing third in their own division and out of the playoffs. But Adrian Peterson’s 75-yard TD run Monday was pretty sick.


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