What does it say about training camp if a holdout can be top form in week 1

[JayFord]

You play the best guys regardless

It’s like that in every profession the best play/work

 

[Cowboysfan1975]

Training camp is where the team gets in sync with each other as well as installing new things into the playbook. One elite player like Zeke or Earl or whoever, might be able to come in and be good without it. The team overall would suck without it. At least for a few weeks.

 

[JBond]

NO this is not another Zeke specific thread but overall about how the preseason and training camp are set up.

Last year Earl Thomas and Aaron Donald played well after holding out. This year is Zeke and eventually Melvin Gordon’s turn.

If players can not miss a beat week 1 after not being there all summer, what’s that say as to how long preseason should be for veterans?

Reports are Zeke has been working out. He may get winded easier until he builds up his game stamina, but we now have what appears to be legit back to sub for him.

 

[Ranching]

NO this is not another Zeke specific thread but overall about how the preseason and training camp are set up.

Last year Earl Thomas and Aaron Donald played well after holding out. This year is Zeke and eventually Melvin Gordon’s turn.

If players can not miss a beat week 1 after not being there all summer, what’s that say as to how long preseason should be for veterans?

It all depends on what the player was doing in the off season. I had a player come out on the Tuesday of the week of our first game. He was a basketball player and had never played WR. He caught a few passes for about 150 yards and 3 TDs.

 

[JBond]

I believe that’s the fault of NFL coaches who are stuck in the past getting ready for the season. Why are college FB coaches able to get their teams ready to play with less time?

Colleges also play some spring ball.

 

[ZB9]

NO this is not another Zeke specific thread but overall about how the preseason and training camp are set up.

Last year Earl Thomas and Aaron Donald played well after holding out. This year is Zeke and eventually Melvin Gordon’s turn.

If players can not miss a beat week 1 after not being there all summer, what’s that say as to how long preseason should be for veterans?

Some positions need training camp more than other positions. The running back position needs training camp the very least of any, especially veterans.

 

[JBond]

I think there should be a rookie/young vets camp and have the starters/select veterans join them a few weeks before the regular season. That way teams can figure out which young players to add to the roster.

If you are installing a new/revamped offense or defense it takes time and reps to get the nuances down cold.

 

[gimmesix]

If you are installing a new/revamped offense or defense it takes time and reps to get the nuances down cold.

Right, which is why I believe that OTAs are necessary, possibly minicamps, but training camp ... not so much. The purpose of training camp used to be getting players in shape for the season. Now, there are offseason workouts to keep them in shape and rules that prevent them from really getting reacclimated to the physical aspect of the game. (They basically have to do that during the season.)

Preseason is for the newbies and wannabes.

Frankly, I agree with the owners: Give us more games and cut out training camp. Have installation sessions for the offense and defense and preseason for the players essentially trying out for the roster.

 

[CF74]

How many holes can he hit?

 

[Maxmadden]

There is nothing that prepares you for a game by getting hit or tackled in a real game other than the timing. Every hit is basically an injury and over the course of the season it wears your body down..I played RB in HS and by the time playoffs rolled around I was definitely missing a gear that I had early in the season.
Injuries happen at all points in the season. In the early season you see a lot of hamstring and muscle pulls but they don't have anything to do with contact.

 

[zrinkill]

Most NFL players do not have the money to train a a facility like Zeke has been training at ....... And don't have ex NFL guys coming in to get him in shape ...... I am not worried at all

 

[JBond]

Right, which is why I believe that OTAs are necessary, possibly minicamps, but training camp ... not so much. The purpose of training camp used to be getting players in shape for the season. Now, there are offseason workouts to keep them in shape and rules that prevent them from really getting reacclimated to the physical aspect of the game. (They basically have to do that during the season.)

Preseason is for the newbies and wannabes.

Frankly, I agree with the owners: Give us more games and cut out training camp. Have installation sessions for the offense and defense and preseason for the players essentially trying out for the roster.

Cut the number of pre season games. No issues with that. Keep the training camp length similar to what it is.

I am also in favor of two additional game checks for the players based on the 16 game season average. Also make 53 game day eligible and expand the roster to 65‐70.

 

[conner01]

Is Zeke in top form?

Don’t know but he wouldn’t have had 5 carries in camp anyway
If he’s in shape he did a great job, if not it’s on him

 

[T-RO]

Zeke won't know the new plays. He won't have his timing right. He won't be in peak performance. It's certainly not a notion the real-world Bill Parcells would approve of.

This thread is dead on arrival.

 

[MWH1967]

still don't like it. still undermines this team mates. Still a business. I still get it. Once in a life time. Damn, is it game day yet? need to start on my game day menu.

 

[Aven8]

NO this is not another Zeke specific thread but overall about how the preseason and training camp are set up.

Last year Earl Thomas and Aaron Donald played well after holding out. This year is Zeke and eventually Melvin Gordon’s turn.

If players can not miss a beat week 1 after not being there all summer, what’s that say as to how long preseason should be for veterans?

Dude can run mountains all offseason and through the beaches of sand in Cabo, but come Monday morning that dude will be in the coldest ice tub ever. Football is a collision sport and trainers don’t prepare you for that.

Plus mind you, the top of the talent pool athletes can out athlete everyone else. That’s what makes them great. Jordan could probably still school half the league with his turn around fade.

 

[charron]

You are not in football shape till you put some pads on and face an opponent.

 

[pacy]

Zeke won't be in top form

But...I heard that Faulk made him throw up.

 

[rnr_honeybadger]

I think these days teams don't really come out of the gate sharp and ready to go. It generally takes a few weeks of real game action.

 

[cowfan]

Didn't Mack miss all of training camp before he was traded to the Bears. Most players stay in shape so hopefully Zeke is in great shape and I don't think the Cowboys will be out there giving him 30 to 40 touches of the football.