Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is pushing himself harder as the team aims for a strong showing in the 2024 NFL season. Despite showing improvement since joining Tampa Bay, Mayfield recognizes the risks of complacency and is determined to reach his full potential. He focused on continuous effort, saying,
“The second you take it off the gas, they’ll eat you alive. I’ve dealt with that. I’ve dealt with the ups and downs and realized if I don’t try to bring my best stuff to work every day, it’s going to be a failure… That’s the point: How good can I get?”
—Jeff Howe
DJ Chark’s Decision to Continue Playing Fueled by Passion and Support
Atlanta Falcons receiver DJ Chark considered retirement at 28 due to injuries after seven NFL seasons but chose to stay after Atlanta offered him a one-year contract. Chark shared his reflections about his choice, explaining how his faith and the welcoming environment influenced him. “I prayed on it,” Chark said.
“I think God wanted me here. Running routes is just therapy for me. He needed work, so I would just go with him and run the routes that he was working on here. Once I got here, everybody from the staff to all the coaches made me feel welcomed and wanted. So, I felt like it was the right decision.”
—DJ Chark
The Falcons’ backup quarterback, Easton Stick, also supported Chark’s return. Chark described Stick’s help in understanding the playbook:
“He always had a script, so just getting the plays from him, I go home; I write them down. A lot of them are sticking. Sometimes, I can just look at the play and, as long as I know who’s the X and Z, I can kind of figure out the formation and what play is being ran.”
—DJ Chark
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot praised Chark’s intelligence and preparation despite past injuries, saying,
“We know the type of player he is. He’s had some unfortunate injuries in his career, but he showed up in really good shape. He’s a really smart guy. He’s already picking things up really well.”
—Terry Fontenot
Competition Intensifies for Panthers’ Starting Positions and Special Teams
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales highlighted ongoing competitions during training camp, focusing on key positions that will shape the team’s 2024 season. The starting center role is contested between Austin Corbett and Cade Mays, with the coaching staff evaluating both for chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young. Canales commented on the approach, saying,
“Yeah, I think we’re just gonna let them both kinda play it out and alternate days with who goes with Bryce [Young]. That chemistry matters. How the whole group works with communication and all those things—we’re looking at all of it, and we’re gonna evaluate it. Again, I love competition. I love asking guys to bring their best. They don’t have to go above and beyond of who they are, but it requires all of you.”
—Dave Canales
The kicking position also draws attention, with veteran Matthew Wright competing against undrafted rookie Ryan Fitzgerald. Canales stressed the importance of consistent performance, explaining,
“I don’t know that right now, but I do know we gotta give them fair opportunities to kick here—on the skinny uprights—and also to get into games and see if we can count on them and from what distance to make that decision. And, of course, the kickoff comes into play. Who can place it just inside that 20 and let the ball run a little bit to give our coverage unit an advantage? So all those things are gonna come into it. We need more opportunities to be able to make that.”
—Dave Canales
Injuries Present Challenges for Panthers and Saints
The Panthers are managing injury concerns as guard Chandler Zavala was listed as week-to-week due to a patella tendon issue sustained in a recent practice, according to reports from Joe Person. Though the injury did not cause a rupture, it still sidelines Zavala temporarily.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints face their own setbacks with safety JT Gray dealing with a hamstring injury, as confirmed by head coach Kellen Moore. Both teams are closely monitoring these developments as they prepare for the season ahead.
Broader NFL Training Camp Battles Reflect a Season of Uncertainty and Opportunity
Across the NFL, intense training camp competitions and injury updates indicate restless preparation as teams vie for success in the upcoming season. The mix of veteran players like Baker Mayfield and Matthew Wright, alongside rookies such as Ryan Fitzgerald, highlights a transitional period where performance and resilience matter most. Teams like the Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, and Saints face pressures to adapt quickly while managing player health and chemistry.
Baker Mayfield’s personal drive to excel symbolizes Tampa Bay’s broader commitment to overcoming past challenges and building a contender for 2024. How these internal battles and recoveries evolve will be crucial in shaping the NFL landscape as the regular season approaches.