Rare Training Camp Sighting: A Spiked Ball
August 4th, 2010
Maybe Maurice Stovall is getting a little sick of all the love for Mike Williams.
After all, Stovall was a third round pick (Williams was a fourth) and Stovall is coming off a season in which he caught more balls from Josh Freeman than any other receiver.
Joe hasn’t forgotten that Stovall caught 21 passes from Freeman, while Sammie Stroughter snagged 15. Joe thinks the growing chemistry between Stovall and Freeman is all too quickly an afterthought.
Joe also thinks that if Stovall wore a No. 19 jersey for a practice, not too many fans would notice the difference.
In a red zone drill today, Willams caught a touchdown pass from Josh Freeman, making Elbert Mack look like a schoolgirl. Seconds later, Stovall dove between three defenders to catch a laser from Rudy Carpenter for a score.
Stovall got up and spiked the ball with quite a bit of force. It was the catch of a day, and probably a receiver trying to send a message.
August 4th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Maurice needs to take some SSTB pills. As in ‘Stop Spiking The Ball’ pills because he is gonna hurt some other teammates feelings and could potentially become a locker room cancer.
The one positive thing about Barrett Ruud skipping his doses of STFU Pills, is he gets to play defense. Meaning, he can take as much aggression out on these guys as he wants. He can also come in fast and hard and smack Faine in the mouth, in practice.
August 4th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I have to disagree Javier.
At this time everybody is competing, especially the wide receivers. It sounds to me like Maurice was sending a message letting the rest of WRs and coaches now that he is serious about his craft and he isnt going to let anybody just come in and take his spot.
Personally, I like this kind of fire from the players. Lets be honest, would you rather have them hugging it out, or pushing eachother to their limits.
If anybody has their feelings hurt from something like this, they do not the stones to be playing in the NFL…at least that’s my two cents.
August 4th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
If nobody has even spiked a ball yet in camp, that is sad. Is anyone playing with emotion? There should be nice plays being made every few minutes, and you are telling me nobody has gotten hyped up and spiked the ball, talked trash, etc? I hope not.
August 4th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Competition breeds competition. If it’s warranted, spike the damn ball – show some emotion.
August 4th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Good catch in traffic. Emotional response. Not a big deal.
August 4th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
@Steve From MOronegon
It was joke dude.
August 4th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Good for Stovall! Always liked him and his potential. He needs to spike one of those CATCHES for a TD on Clayton’s facemask!
August 4th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
I happened to catch a little practice today. Mr. Williams looks very good and super quick with his cuts and whatnot. Also seems to have good hands.
I was highly impressed.
Five also threw the ball well.
Clayton must have taken a superstar day off, didn’t see much impressive stuff from him. Footwork looked slow compared to the young guys. I think maybe his very long arms have something to do with his struggles.
August 4th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Hey Eric, I know you like throwing a “MR” in front of players names and I am sure you are trying to show them respect, but are you refering to Caddy or Mike? I assume it is Mike since you also talk about Clayton, but just wanted to make sure. It is good news either way, I wish I could have joined you.
August 4th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Mike!
Another cool thing is the players sign autographs before and after practice. I saw Mr. Ruud sign a couple and he didn’t seem pissed off or anything.
Some very intense dudes out there! Glad I make a living behind a desk! Brutal!
August 4th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Eric, that sounds cool. I am glad to hear Mike Williams looks good, and that Ruud seems ok. I hope they get him an extension before the end of the season.
August 5th, 2010 at 5:36 am
Eric- reading a positive post from you ? You made my day!