Did you miss Thursday's edition of "NFL Total Access" on NFL Network? Catch up with this recap:
Brian Urlacher
Urlacher claims he's pretty mediocre at golf and is still trying to get better. He's enjoying retirement. Urlacher said retiring was a hard decision because he didn't want to play for anyone but the Bears, but he didn't like the way the team handled it. He added that he still has a ton of respect for the Bears, he just wishes they were more honest with him during the offseason.
Urlacher said he'd be mad if the Bears won the Super Bowl without him. When asked if they have a chance, Urlacher said he thinks the defense will still be strong and the team's success will fall squarely on the offense.
Rookies heading into training camp
Warren Sapp said he was champing at the bit leading up to his first training camp in the NFL. Willie McGinest said he was most excited to arrive at camp so he could get to know the veterans and become a part of the team.
Is Fantasy Football a distraction for NFL players?
Both McGinest and Sapp said no NFL player should be thinking about fantasy football on game days. Neither of them had ever heard of players talking about their fantasy teams on while on the field.
Oliver Luck on his relationship with his son, Andrew
Oliver Luck doesn't talk football strategy with his son, Andrew, the quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts. When asked what he and his son do talk about, he replied that those conversations are private. His role is more of a father than a coach. Luck said Geno Smith had a great career at West Virginia, and that he has all the abilities needed to be a successful quarterback in the NFL someday. However, Luck isn't sure if Smith can make the jump in his first season.
When asked about how the Rams will use Tavon Austin, Luck replied that they might need to be careful with his routes over the middle. He did say the Rams made a great pick on him, though. Luck is a Heads Up Football Ambassador, where he advocates for football safety at the youth level. He tips his hat to the NFL, the NFL Foundation and USA Football for putting together a summit that helps make the game safer.
Will Andrew Luck lead the Colts back to the playoffs?
Sapp believes Luck will take the Colts back to the playoffs. The Colts have switched to an offense similar to the one Luck ran in college, and Sapp believe Luck will be better as a result. McGinest disagreed, stating the Colts had to come from behind in too many games, and he thinks they will have a tougher time in close games this season.
Will RGIII adjust his game?
McGinest believes Robert Griffin III will be a smarter player and will take fewer hits this season for the Washington Redskins. Sapp stated that RGIII must adjust his game so he can finish the season in good health. Sapp added that RGIII will learn from his coaches to be more cautious when he runs the ball.
Will Russell Wilson duplicate his success in 2013?
McGinest and Sapp both believe that Russell Wilson will be better this year, with a full offseason under his belt. Sapp predicted Wilson will throw for 4,000 yards.
Impact of Geno Smith?
Both McGinest and Sapp think Geno Smith will start at some point during the season. But McGinest doesn't believe the Jets have enough players around him for Smith to have an immediate impact.
Who will step up for the Bears defense?
McGinest believes that D.J. Williams will come in and make a lot plays from the middle linebacker position. He won't necessarily replace Urlacher, but he will anchor Mel Tucker's defense. Sapp said he became the leader of the defense when his middle linebacker left Tampa, so he's looking at Henry Melton to step up and lead the Bears' defense.
Daniel Jeremiah's top 10 prospects
Jeremiah thinks Johnny Manziel has more playmaking ability than any other player in college football, and he will play at the next level. He compares Manziel to Tony Romo.
Jeremiah also thinks Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater has a ton of potential and could be the top quarterback prospect next year. Jeremiah mentioned that Jadeveon Clowney may be the best college prospect he's ever scouted. Jeremiah's underrated prospect is linebacker Khalil Mack out of Buffalo.
Jadeveon Clowney's pro potential
Both Sapp and McGinest are incredibly impressed with Clowney's ability to get after the quarterback and strike fear in his opponents. McGinest stated that he "would love to go to war with a guy like Clowney."
The Cowboys transition to a 4-3 defense
Sapp and McGinest broke down a few of DeMarcus Ware's sacks from last year. Sapp said that Rod Marinelli will make the defense all about the four-man group up front working as unit, with each guy needing to win his 1-on-1.
McGinest demonstrated some Ware's best moves around the offensive line and to the quarterback. He added that Ware will be even more effective this year without having to drop into coverage.
Be sure to tune into "NFL Total Access" on Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. ET on NFL Network.
