BritViewNFL will soon be embarking on a mini tour of the United States, visiting three Wembley-bound clubs in the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars as they take part in organised team activities ahead of the 2015 campaign.
During each visit, we will be spending time with key players and, of course, the head coach of each team. So here are a few of the key items on the agenda – in my mind – when I sit down with Joe Philbin, Todd Bowles and Gus Bradley.
Joe Philbin… Learning to finish
The Dolphins had issues finishing in 2014, whether it be drives, games or the entire season. Miami kicked too many field goals and let big games slip away when they had quality teams such as the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos right where they wanted them. And for the second year in a row, a late-season swoon cost Miami a shot at the playoffs. I’ll be asking Coach Philbin what he plans to do about making Miami better finishers. They need to do just that in order to take that next step.
Todd Bowles… Open QB competition?
This is an obvious one given the comments that have come out of New York in recent weeks. General manager Mike Maccagnan originally said it would be an open competition between Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick, but then offensive coordinator Chan Gailey muddied the waters saying Smith was the starter. Bowles has indicated the job will be up for grabs and it will be fascinating to gauge his early thoughts on both men.
Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley meets the British American Football Association (BAFA) coaches after practice.
Jacksonville Jaguars practice at The Grove Hotel, Watford.
The Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars play in the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday, Nov 9.
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photo: Sean Ryan /NFL
Gus Bradley… The mental state of the Jags
If you stuck Gus Bradley in a windowless six foot by six foot room, he would tell you that he loved the colour of the paint on the walls and that he was enjoying the peace and quiet. In other words, the man has never met a situation he doesn’t feel positive about. But just how are the Jags coping with the fact that they lost first round draft pick Dante Fowler Jr. within an hour of the off-season workouts beginning on the field? It had been a positive off-season in Jacksonville up until that point and I’ll be asking Bradley how he has dealt with that hammer blow.
Players BritViewNFL is looking forward to seeing on the field…
DeVante Parker – Wide Receiver – Miami Dolphins
He has been described as a mis-match nightmare and turned heads in Miami’s last OTA.
Ndamukong Suh – Defensive Tackle – Miami Dolphins
If he is in attendance at the voluntary sessions, Suh is always fun to watch when on the field.
Brandon Marshall – Wide Receiver – New York Jets
Marshall could be a real difference-maker with the Jets this season, using his impressive size.
Leonard Williams – Defensive End – New York Jets
This cat-quick defensive lineman was one of my favourite players in the recent NFL Draft.
T.J. Yeldon – Running Back – Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s hard to judge running backs in June but it’s clear the Jags are very high on this Frank Gore clone.
Blake Bortles – Quarterback – Jacksonville Jaguars
Bortles has dropped some weight and changed his throwing motion for 2015.
Players BritViewNFL is looking forward to interviewing…
Miami Dolphins rookie Jay Ajayi prepares to catch a pass during NFL football rookie minicamp, Saturday, May 9, 2015, in Davie, Fla. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Miami Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi… to see how much of a chip will be on his shoulder in 2015.
New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis… to see how he feels to be back in the Big Apple.
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Julius Thomas… to see how he’s faring in life after Peyton Manning.
BritViewNFL will be posting a diary entry each day during the mini-camp tour, offering insight from the on-field action and post-practice interviews.
