Quotables: Marcell Dareus fails conditioning test
Once a tremendous prospect out of Alabama, Dareus is proving to be a troubled player with ample talent.
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
-Bills coach Doug Marrone, on DL Marcell Dareus
On the first day of training camp, the Buffalo Bills suffered a disappointment when defensive tackle Marcell Dareus failed his conditioning test, per the team's official Twitter page. Dareus has shown a lack of focus and commitment in the past, getting arrested twice this offseason, the latter occasion bringing seven charges with it.
Dareus was also suspended by the team at the end of last season and benched at times by coach Doug Marrone for violation of team rules. Some trace back Dareus’ problems to his brother, Simeon Gilmore, being murdered two years ago.
With Jairus Byrd having left via free agency for the New Orleans Saints and Kiko Alonso out for the season with a torn ACL, the Bills need Dareus to step up. Buffalo is trying to end an NFL-high streak of 14 seasons without a playoff berth.
“The knee is great.”
-Chiefs quarterback Aaron Murray
The Kansas City Chiefs took quarterback Aaron Murray in the fifth round of the NFL Draft this May, hoping he could rebound from a torn ACL he suffered against the Kentucky Wildcats back in November. Upon his arrival at training camp, Murray has declared himself fully healthy and ready to play.
Murray participated in all of the Chiefs' OTAs and minicamps, so this news is not surprising. Murray will continue to wear a knee brace as he battles for a roster spot with Chase Daniel and Tyler Bray as the backups to Alex Smith. Murray comes to the NFL as the SEC's record-holder for touchdown passes (121) and passing yards (13,166).
“Don’t try and be Superman.”
-Bills receiver Sammy Watkins
Buffalo gambled in the NFL Draft, trading up and dealing its first-round pick in 2015 to select Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins No. 4 overall. Watkins got his first training camp practice under his belt on Sunday, and afterward told the media he does not feel pressure to be a major playmaker thanks to talent around him, per the team’s website.
Watkins is certainly surrounded by young players, with second-year receivers Marquise Goodwin and Robert Woods on the outside with him. Mike Williams also was acquired via trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he is the elder statesman of the receivers at 27 years old.
“He is the most underrated player in the league.”
-Jets coach Rex Ryan, on LB David Harris
Rex Ryan has never been bashful about his thoughts, and when asked about New York Jets linebacker David Harris, he didn't hesitate to call Harris the most underrated player in football, per the New York Daily News. Harris, 30, has been a consistent performer for the Jets, racking up 124 tackles and 12 quarterback hurries last season.
In seven seasons, Harris has four campaigns of 100+ tackles and another of 99. Harris also has 24.5 career sacks, a very solid number for an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. For comparison, Patrick Willis only has 20.5 sacks as a 3-4 inside linebacker in his seven seasons.
“Toby [Gerhart] has the ability to do it all.”
-Jaguars offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed running back Toby Gerhart this offseason, while letting Maurice Jones-Drew walk. Gerhart is expected to become the feature back behind quarterback Chad Henne, and offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch believes Gerhart can help in all phases of the game, according to Florida Times-Union.
Gerhart played the first four seasons of his career as a backup to Adrian Peterson with the Minnesota Vikings, never earning more than 109 carries in a season. Gerhart had 283 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries last season, sporting an impressive 7.9 yards per carry.
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