Training Camp Tittle-Tattle

The offseason can feel a lot like staring down the barrel of Will Smith's memory-erasing Neuralyzer from Men In Black. A couple of “quiet” months in the news cycle, and we suddenly forget everything we once knew about NFL rumors, overreactions, and coachspeak.

And if we aren't careful, we'll fall into the trap of training camp tittle-tattle.

We’ve seen this before. So let's jog your memory, shall we? Here are the Four Pillars of Training Camp.

Pillar One: There will be injuries.

It's unfortunately the name of the game. There will be newly over-sensationalized injuries (read: Justin Fields' toe), lingering injuries (read: Matthew Stafford's back), and "healed" injuries that are actually way worse than once reported (read: Joe Mixon's foot).

When injury news breaks, don't overreact. Gather intel.

Pillar Two: There will be hype.

What? Are we not begging to be entertained?! When Geno Smith says he can't get the ball to Brock Bowers enough, I want to believe him. When J.J. McCarthy throws a “long bomb" TD to Jordan Addison, I want to imagine a world where he does that three times in every game.

But when the clips drop, check yourself before you wreck yourself draft. The hype train can be a dangerous ride if you don't allow yourself some checks and balances.

Pillar Three: There will be … Storytelling.

I get it. Narratives are fun. Sometimes it's Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford making headlines for their Breakfast Club. Other times, it's DK Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers making plans for their … piss?? 

I'm just not sure correlation implies causation on this one. But yea, I hope they can find their flow on the field this year, too.

Pillar Four: There will be doubt.

There will be dropped passes. There will be nasty interceptions. And there will be bad plays on both sides of the ball. This doesn't mean everyone who makes mistakes is washed and worthy of a 'fade' in your drafts. 

In 2021, Ja'Marr Chase said, "NFL balls are harder to catch," planting doubt right before his 81-1,455-13 rookie season. In 2018, it was Patrick Mahomes' interceptions during practice that planted doubt. Until he threw for 5,000+ yards and 50 TDs, that is.

When the doubt creeps in, don't panic.

Unless you LOVE the dopamine-filled rush that comes with every over-reactionary storyline. Then, forget everything I just said and look right here.