Did you miss Thursday's edition of "NFL Total Access" on NFL Network? Catch up with this recap:
How will Garrard's retirement affect Sanchez?
Albert Breer, on location from New York Jets headquarters, talked about the quarterback battle now that David Garrard has retired due to lingering knee issues. Breer said the competition will ramp up next week with the start of organized team activities.
Weeden's job to lose; Browns' 3-4 overhaul underway
Solomon Wilcots joined the show from the Cleveland Browns OTAs and said the team will give QB Brandon Weeden a significant amount of reps, making him the front-runner to start this season. Weeden believes he is a great fit for new head coach Rob Chudzinski's vertical passing offense.
Wilcots said the Browns have quickly made the personnel adjustments to switch to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Ray Horton, with nose tackle Phil Taylor the big key. Wilcots was told Taylor has the potential to be better than perennial Pro Bowl tackle Casey Hampton had been for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
New Bills GM Whaley commands respect
Ian Rapoport said Doug Whaley is an incredibly respected man throughout the NFL. Rapoport stated it was tough for the Buffalo Bills to pry him away from the Steelers a few years ago, and it was always the plan to have him succeed Buddy Nix.
Pats' Gronkowski set for another arm surgery
Rapoport reported that Rob Gronkowski's fourth surgery on his forearm is scheduled to be done by Monday, and the New England Patriots are expecting him to be available for training camp. However, if his infection has spread, Gronkowski might need a fifth surgery.
Browns sign QB Hoyer
Rapoport broke news that the Browns have signed former Patriots QB Brian Hoyer to a two-year deal. Hoyer will compete with Jason Campbell for the backup job behind Weeden.
Could Buccaneers rookie QB Glennon supplant Freeman?
Heath Evans and Darren Sharper discussed Tampa Bay Buccanners general manager Mark Dominik's comments on rookie quarterback Mike Glennon. Evans pointed out Glennon's subpar play against Tennessee and Vanderbilt last season while with N.C. State; he totaled seven interceptions in those games. Sharper agreed, saying those stats against the SEC are important due to the similarities in game speed between the powerhouse college conference and the NFL.
Paul Kruger endorses Weeden
New Browns linebacker Paul Kruger talked about the transition from the Baltimore Ravens to Cleveland. He said there was a lot of veteran leadership with the Super Bowl champion Ravens, but he enjoys being with a lot of young players in Cleveland. Kruger did his best to give an endorsement of Brandon Weeden, but Andrew Siciliano wasn't buying it.
Whaley discusses EJ Manuel
Whaley, who officially was announced as the new Bills GM on Thursday, said he was an integral part in drafting EJ Manuel. Whaley said he set up the draft board and time will tell if Manuel is ready for Week 1. Whaley added that he and coach Doug Marrone preach competition and the quarterback job will go to the best player. Whaley said he is honored and humbled to be a minority candidate hired as GM, but his goal is for the Bills to be a championship contender.
Dolphins rookie Dion Jordan has no timetable for return
Miami Dolphins first-round pick Dion Jordan said that while his injured shoulder feels good, he has no timetable for a return. Jordan said he expects to rush the passer as well as play in space this season.
Are Dolphins primed for playoff berth?
Evans and Sharper both don't expect the Dolphins to make the postseason. Evans expects the 'Fins to go 8-8 with a young quarterback in Ryan Tannehill and an undisciplined wide receiver in Mike Wallace. He cited the team's schedule and a tough first quarter, saying they could start 0-4. Sharper said the wild card is the only path to the playoffs for the Dolphins since he believes the Patriots will win the AFC East.
Sharper believes the Dolphins are building on defense to go up against the Patriots. He says they bolstered the pass rush with the selection of Jordan to go alongside Cameron Wake as well as cornerbacks Jamar Taylor and Will Davis to go with Brent Grimes in the defensive backfield.
Jets QB Geno Smith talks Sanchez, Garrard
New York Jets QB Geno Smith said he learned a lot at rookie minicamp. Smith wished Garrard well and said it's unfortunate the veteran's body wouldn't let him compete. The second-round pick out of West Virginia said if Mark Sanchez is given the starting job, he will work hard and do everything he can to support Sanchez and make the team better.
Mark Sanchez primed to start season for Jets
Sharper believes Sanchez will start on opening day but won't make it through the season. Evans agrees, and thinks the worst thing the Jets can do is hand Smith the job. He thinks both guys should battle it out, with the best guy winning. They agreed it would create problems with veterans in the locker room if Smith is handed the job.
Alfred Morris or Doug Martin next up in 'Top 100'?
Yahoo! Sports NFL writer Michael Silver believes the next newcomer to be revealed in the "Top 100" will be a running back, either Washington Redskin Alfred Morris or Buccaneer Doug Martin. He was right: It ended up being the workhorse from Washington.
Be sure to tune into "NFL Total Access" Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. ET on NFL Network.
