After a busy week in the NFL, 26 squads are now off until training camp. Thankfully we have six mandatory minicamps to keep an eye on this week before things really get quiet.
The teams suiting up this week: Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers and Tennessee Titans. Here are a few storylines we'll be watching closely.
1. Miami's quarterback battle
David Garrard emerged as a legitimate contender late in OTAs in this three-way competition with Matt Moore and rookie Ryan Tannehill. The No. 8 overall pick hasn't wowed onlookers yet, but that's to be expected at this stage. It will be interesting to see how coach Joe Philbin divides up the snaps.
2. Can Ochocinco keep up?
Chad Ochocinco probably has to earn a starting job in Miami or he'll get cut in camp. This week will be Ochocinco's first crack to show that he's better than the likes of Legedu Naanee and Clyde Gates.
3. Locker vs. Hasselbeck
Are we picking low hanging fruit by choosing the quarterback battles this week? Of course. But these battles are among the few useful things to evaluate when there isn't tackling. You certainly can't evaluate the running game or defensive line play. The tie here probably will go to the veteran, but Locker is getting equal reps.
4. Bills wideouts
Is Stevie Johnson healthy? And who will emerge in the spots behind him? Buffalo's wideout crew is a wide open battle.
5. Vince Young vs. Tyler Thigpen
Winner gets the backup job. Loser is probably cut.
6. Vikings secondary battle royale
Antoine Winfield is locked in as Minnesota's top cornerback. The team expects Chris Cook to make a big impact. After that, it's anything goes at the cornerback and safety positions. Minnesota is trying to sort out who can play for them in the secondary.
7. Chargers passing game
The team signed Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal to help replace Vincent Jackson. We are still waiting to see how Vincent Brown figures into this mix and what roles will look like.
