This And That

Just a few football things.

There was an NFL game last night. The Dallas Cowboys defeated Arizona Cardinals 20-18. It was an entertaining game despite the absence of starters on each team. Football's back.

The Los Angeles Chargers can't catch a break. They had a run of injuries last season. This season hasn't started any better. First round receiver Mike Williams came into training with an ailing back. No one seems to know when he'll be back. Second round offensive lineman Forrest Lamp was expected to win the starting right guard job. He tore his ACL this week and is out for the season. That's two serious blows to a team trying to gain some traction in a new city.

The Minnesota Vikings started training camp with Teddy Bridgewater, Latavius Murray, and Sharrif Floyd on the sideline. New offensive tackle Riley Reiff injured his back during his first training camp practice and has yet to return to the field. I'd still say that the Vikings have been fortunate with injuries. So far.

Enough with the injuries.

Cleveland Browns rookie defensive end Myles Garrett has moved up to the first team. Zipping by Joe Thomas can do that.

Recently retired New England Patriots DE/LB Rob Ninkovich was called for nine penalties in his eight-year NFL career. 9! Incredible. I feel like I've seen certain offensive linemen struggle through a single game with nine false starts.

From Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
From with numbers: Vikings first training camp in Mankato in 1966 lasted 44 days; this year, 14 days with two off days included.

A lot has changed.

This from former linebacker Scott Fujita on marijuana in the NFL.
Actual quote from former coach:
"I'd rather have you guys baked, sittin' on a couch playin' Madden with a bag of Cheetos than drunk at the club."

Makes sense.

Happy 40th Tom Brady.

This from NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal  of Around the NFL.
Top-6 Pass-Rushing Duos Entering the 2017 Season
1. J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Texans
2. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, San Diego Chargers
3. Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin, Oakland Raiders
4. Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril, Seattle Seahawks
5. Von Miller and Shane Ray, Denver Broncos
6. Aaron Donlad and Robert Quinn, Los Angeles Rams

I'd be surprised if Vikings pass rushers Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter aren't soon part of this list.

It's Hall of Fame time.
Congratulations to the new Hall of Famers.
LaDanian Tomlinson
Jason Taylor
Kurt Warner
Terrell Davis
Morten Andersen
Kenny Easley
Jerry Jones
They'll get their spiffy gold jackets tonight.

That brings the number of Hall of Famers in Canton to 310.