Johnny Manziel

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Johnny Manziel will reportedly miss the next game against the Edmonton Eskimos due to a concussion, according to Kayce Smith of Barstool Sports. 

The former Cleveland Browns player was placed in the concussion protocol Wednesday as a result of a hit during Saturday's game against the Ottawa Redblacks, according to TSN. Head coach Mike Sherman said Manziel would not be available to play Saturday if he doesn't practice on Thursday.

The team provided updates on the situation through a statement:

"On Tuesday morning, Johnny Manziel mentioned to our medical staff that he felt symptoms that could be associated with the prescribed medication he uses for a previously diagnosed medical condition. He then missed practice in order to have some blood work done. In view of the hit he received on Saturday and the potential mitigating side effects of his prescribed medication, the Alouettes medical staff has placed Manziel under the CFL concussion protocol for further observation and precautionary reasons. Manziel will be closely observed and assessed in the next few days."

SportsCenter provided video of the initial hit:

A Johnny Manziel scramble to the endzone ended with this crushing hit and a fumble at the goal line.

Manziel jogged off the field and would return to the game the following possession. pic.twitter.com/vJf6bYtO7W

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 12, 2018

Manziel didn't miss any plays because of the hit.

The quarterback has had a rough beginning to his career in the Canadian Football League. He didn't play for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before being traded to Montreal, and he had four interceptions in his first start.

While the former Heisman Trophy winner looked better in his last game, throwing 168 yards, rushing for 36 and throwing zero interceptions, the injury appears to be another setback.

It would have been hard for Johnny Manziel's second CFL start to go worse than the first, and it's clear he's far from ready to make a difference in the NFL.

But as far as improvements go, Manziel demonstrated it Saturday, throwing for 168 yards in the Montreal Alouettes' 24-17 loss to the Ottawa Redblacks. 

Manziel completed 16 of his 26 passes and actually made it through the full game. He was pulled from his first CFL start after throwing four interceptions in the first half against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

"This is a humbling experience," Manziel told reporters after the loss. "I've had this experience in the past and there are two ways you go about this moving forward. One, you can let it get you down and sulk and harm you moving forward. The other way is to take this on the chin like a man and never let this taste creep back in your mouth again and never let it happen again. This will motivate me."

Manziel is still yet to throw a touchdown in three CFL halves, but there were some flashes of the old Johnny Football. He carried the ball three times for 36 yards, including a big 17-yard run that ended in a touchdown after he fumbled and it was recovered by Kristian Matte. 

A Johnny Manziel scramble to the endzone ended with this crushing hit and a fumble at the goal line.

Manziel jogged off the field and would return to the game the following possession. pic.twitter.com/vJf6bYtO7W

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 12, 2018

Perhaps the most important improvement was Manziel not throwing an interception. Montreal held possession for under 24 minutes thanks to a special teams score and its defense being unable to get Ottawa off the field.

Redblacks quarterback Trevor Harris threw for 487 yards and a touchdown, completing 44 of his 54 attempts. Running back William Powell added 104 yards and a touchdown. 

The Alouettes and Manziel have time to figure things out together. Montreal is 1-7 on the season and has no real shot at winning the Grey Cup this season. Manziel can work out the kinks with a team that's clearly at a talent deficiency and hopefully get the rust out of his system in time to make tangible progress.

Given his talent level a few years ago, Manziel should be one of the best quarterbacks in the CFL. Two games in, though, it's clear he's a ways away from making that happen.

Saturday was just more progress.    

Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner still has faith in Johnny Manziel.

Speaking to TMZ Sports, Warner didn't sound concerned about the former Heisman winner's rough first outing last week with the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL:

"He's always trying to make plays. And you saw that last week. He's running around making some plays; some he's a little bit off. ... I don't believe this means he can't play in the NFL, but he's still gotta improve. ... Let's get down to zero interceptions, and make a whole bunch of plays. And that's how he's going to make his way back."

Manziel went 11-of-20 for 104 yards and four interceptions in a 50-11 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Aug. 3 in his first start since December 2015, when he was with the Cleveland Browns in the NFL.

On July 22, the Alouettes acquired Manziel from Hamilton, and it was clear the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner wasn't in top form.

There's a steep climb for Manziel to get back to the NFL, but he's still just 25 years old and offers a dual-threat option under center. Warner of all people should know about second chances, as he was stocking shelves in a grocery store after getting released from the Green Bay Packers in 1994.

Head coach Mike Sherman said Manziel will remain the starter, per TSN: "The mistakes he made, he'll learn from. He didn't have a lot of opportunities running around because we didn't protect very well. He made his share of mistakes, but no, absolutely, positively no regrets."

The relationship between Khalil Mack and the Raiders is trending in the wrong direction, the Hall of Fame eyes what would be a big mistake, and we have a candidate for the most exciting player in the league this season. All that and more in this week's 10-Point Stance.

   

1. Exodus of the Mack?

Would the Raiders trade star defensive end Khalil Mack?

The question itself seems absurd. It's like asking if Kirk would trade Spock.

The odds of such a trade were zero percent a few months back, but now they are 20 to 30 percent and increasing every day, one NFC team executive said.

"There's a feeling the Raiders are open for business when it comes to Mack," the exec said.

Mack is holding out for a better contract, but before anyone starts dreaming of Mack in their team's colors, know this: No one with the Raiders believes Mack's holdout will be a long one. And there's also a belief the trade talk is an expected part of the equation when a star player holds out. Teams are calling the Raiders (as they should) to see if Mack is available (he isn't).

Still, the dynamic has shifted. What was once thought impossible—trading Mack—is at least becoming plausible.

The reason, of course, is money. Mack wants to be paid similarly to Denver's Von Miller. According to Spotrac, the Broncos linebacker is in the middle of a six-year, $114.1 million contract that pays him $70 million in guaranteed money. Miller's average salary is $19 million a year; Mack is due approximately $13.8 million for this season.

About to start his fifth season in the league, Mack, 27, believes he's worth a more Miller-like commitment, and he's right. Mack has 40½ sacks over the past four years. He's as dominant a player as there is in the sport.

While other holdouts like the Steelers' Le'Veon Bell and the Rams' Aaron Donald are garnering more attention, Mack's story is equally impactful. If Donald is the best defensive player in football, Mack is likely second.

That is why most teams believe Mack will be back to attack (excuse the on-time rhyme down to my last dime). The Raiders know he is a transformational talent. They're not going to let him go easily.

Yet the feeling around the NFL is that things are escalating, and a few weeks ago, few thought we'd reach this point.

For now, Mack is willing to wait things out until the Raiders come to realize their star defensive end is too valuable to lose. Like the Rams and Steelers, it's likely they will but not guaranteed.

   

2. Is Gruden invested in keeping Mack? Maybe...

When it comes to Mack and his future in Oakland, front offices around the league are wondering where exactly Jon Gruden fits into the equation.

Does Gruden want Mack to return? Well, yeah, of course he does. Gruden isn't an idiot. Mack is a three-time Pro Bowler and a game-changer.

Gruden has left the negotiations to Reggie McKenzie, the team's general manager. Gruden just wants to coach the team and leave the deal-making to McKenzie.

Yet some teams have noticed what they view as a certain public distance Gruden is keeping from Mack. Most coaches would have shown up to Mack's house with flowers, candy, a new car, a rocket ship and perhaps a planetoid. They would do everything possible to make him feel wanted.

Most coaches would also use every press conference to praise Mack and say how badly they wanted Mack back.

Gruden has done some of that but not a lot.

Gruden's style, though, is to be sparing with public praise. But this isn't about how Player X performed on Sunday. This is about trying to keep one of the best defensive players in football happy and wanting to play for your team. It's anyone's guess how the aloof approach will play with Mack.

   

3. Is Raiders hype outpacing Raiders reality?

So, Mack issue aside, the Raiders are sure to be one of the most intriguing teams this season, from expectations to the return of Gruden to the talent on the roster. How will it all play out?

One longtime NFC assistant coach is optimistic: "Gruden is going to power them to 10 or 11 wins. Derek Carr will hate him. The team might hate him, too. But he'll push them and insult them. They will play hard for him, and I think the Raiders and [Carr] will stun the league."

This view seems unrealistic to me (eight wins sounds more likely), but it's a view I'm hearing with increasing consistency.

   

4. Top 5 Dez Bryant potential destinations...

Based on what I'm hearing from around the league and my own dumb opinion, here is where the former Cowboys receiver would fit best this season:

• 49ers: Still a possibility, and Bryant wants to play there.
• Browns: Remains the likeliest destination. The only caveat: Bryant wants to play for a playoff contender, and the Browns are to playoff contenders what I am to Denzel Washington.
• Giants: Bryant could stick it to the Cowboys and pair with Odell Beckham Jr.
• Cardinals: He could help the passing game take pressure off running back David Johnson.
• Packers: An already loaded offense would be impossible to stop.

   

5. Brian Dawkins reminds us athletes are human, too

Of all the Hall of Fame speeches made last weekend, the most impactful was that of Brian Dawkins. In fact, it was one of the greatest HoF speeches I've ever seen.

Pay special attention to his remarks beginning around the 4:30 mark to about 5:50. Dawkins reminds us that while players are physically superhuman, they have the same frailties and face the same life-altering challenges any human can face. And they, like us, sometimes need help in overcoming them.

   

6. Can Johnny Manziel adapt?

It's old news by now that Johnny Manziel threw four picks in his CFL debut last week. The question now is what does this mean for his future in football?

Some of us have been saying for some time the CFL is no joke. The league in some ways is tougher mentally on quarterbacks than the NFL because it moves almost as quickly while offering more space to operate and fewer opportunities to do so. It's a game that requires extensive study and smart decision-making. Manziel is oh-fer on those.

At this point, it's difficult to see a day when Manziel won't struggle. It might take him several years to become a professional, if he ever does. And along the way, he will continue to get wrecked.

   

7. T.O. deserves his honor; he doesn't deserve a rule

So after Terrell Owens apparently miffed some at the Hall of Fame by accepting his enshrinement at his alma mater instead of in Canton, Ohio, a rule was floated that would require potential enshrinees to attend the induction ceremony in Canton, according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.

Informally known as the Terrell Owens rule, the idea has some support, according to a variety of league sources who spoke with B/R.

The effort to institute the new rule reached a crescendo (always wanted to use that word) during a meeting of the Hall of Fame's board of trustees the Friday before last weekend's induction ceremony.

A number of trustees were furious with Owens for skipping the enshrinement, and they wanted a way to prevent similar boycotts in the future. So the trustees spoke about getting a guarantee from future honorees that they would commit to attending the ceremony.

While the Hall may not follow through with the plan, let me say now that it is one of the worst ideas the NFL has ever had. (The NFL will say the league and HoF are separate entities, but that's like saying an Alien face-hugger and some poor sap are separate.)

First, Owens was a unique case. It's unlikely a player will do that again.

Second, either a player is a Hall of Famer or he isn't. Attending the ceremony doesn't change that.

Last, what if a player says he will go the ceremony but doesn't? Would the Hall then rescind his enshrinement? That would be an outrage.

Best the Hall not indulge in overreaction and institute such a draconian measure. But, again, this is football, and overreaction and draconian often walk side by side.

   

8. Must-watch man

It's unclear how good a quarterback the Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes will be. But he will be fun to watch.

Mahomes threading a deep pass into a receiver's waiting arms will by typical if his training camp throw to the top of the crossbar from 30 or so yards away is any indication. Now in his second season, Mahomes is a wild, explosive talent who must find a way to fit into the frenetic but controlled ways of professional football.

He will amaze and disappoint. He will open your eyes wide, so you beter watch closely.

   

9. Mass confusion reigns yet again over an NFL rule

This season the league has made what may be one of its most substantial rules changes in decades in deciding to penalize players for "use of helmet" infractions. As constituted, though, the rule is a mess, which isn't the best thing to say about something that could fundamentally change how the sport is played by removing a great deal of physicality from football.

According to the NFL, "it is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent."

Players and coaches tell me privately, though, there is great confusion about what exactly will be called a penalty. My guess is that at least 40 to 50 percent of the NFL's players, coaches and execs are uncertain.

This is shaping up as a point of confusion that may take years to sort out, to condition professional players to be more timid with their tackling and blocking.

In the meantime, teams and players are preparing for a mess. They fear games will turn into flag-fests and that the rule will cause massive disruptions in game flow.

Maybe this is more about fear of the unknown, but there hasn't been this type of trepidation over a rule change in a long time. Chaos awaits.

   

10. Enough is enough

Several veteran players have told me they believe players need to, and will, make some type of statement decrying President Donald Trump's attacks on athletes. They were particularly angered when Trump recently questioned the intelligence of LeBron James in a tweet.

This isn't to say the majority of players feel this way. But there is an increasing sense of disgust with what players see as consistent attacks on black athletes.

Stay tuned.

   

Mike Freeman covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter: @mikefreemanNFL.

Johnny Manziel showed plenty of rust in his first CFL start by going 11-of-20 passing for 104 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions before being removed in the fourth quarter of the Montreal Alouettes' 50-11 blowout loss against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. 

Anticipation was high for the former Heisman Trophy winner after not playing in a competitive football game since December 27, 2015, with the Cleveland Browns. 

Things unraveled quickly for Manziel when his first pass was picked off by Tiger-Cats linebacker Harry Dean:

Johnny Manziel's first career @CFL pass is an interception.#CFLGameDay #FNF pic.twitter.com/mykB0jZFPZ

— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) August 3, 2018

That was just the beginning of a day that everyone associated with the Alouettes would like to forget. The Tiger-Cats tied a CFL record by scoring 28 points in the first quarter, with 21 of those coming off turnovers.

Things were so bad for Manziel in the first half that he is now on a list of quarterbacks that includes Nathan Peterman:

Rough debut for Johnny Manziel.

Manziel's 4 interceptions are the most in a CFL game this season.

How often does something like this happen in the NFL?

Nathan Peterman is the only QB to throw 4 Int in the 1st half over the last 10 seasons.

That's it. pic.twitter.com/oWHs0I8Pc4

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 4, 2018

Johnny Manziel and Nathan Peterman pic.twitter.com/qC46pgRcuy

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 4, 2018

Prior to the game, Manziel noted he wouldn't be nervous about returning to the starting lineup:

https://twitter.com/ComebackSZNshow/status/1025412472973520898

In that game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Manziel went 10-of-18 for 80 yards with two interceptions and was sacked three times. Looking at the glass half-full, he did have more completions and passing yards Friday. 

Johnny Manziel's debut did not go as planned. pic.twitter.com/c2qpZf9PSC

— ESPN (@espn) August 4, 2018

Manziel was fighting an uphill battle in this game. He's been out of football for three years, starting for a team that entered Friday with the CFL's worst record (1-5) and scored the fewest points in the league (92).

After being named Montreal's starter Wednesday, Manziel acknowledged he still needed more snaps with the first-team offense. 

"It's good to be back in here," he said, per ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert. "I felt like the thing I've been missing, even over the course of this year and a couple years, is reps. And as you guys have seen the last couple days, a chance to get with the 1s and get some reps is what I feel like I really need and what I've talked to a lot of people about."

Despite the overall performance by Manziel, there were occasional moments when he showed off the unique playmaking ability that made him a thrill to watch at Texas A&M:

Johnny scramble. #CFLGameDay #FNF pic.twitter.com/nEVSlPicXm

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 4, 2018

Johnny Manziel records his longest pass of the game so far, a 21-yard completion to Geno Lewis.#CFLGameDay #FNF pic.twitter.com/VYzXEnTbCS

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 4, 2018

CFL players Nik Lewis and Kamar Jorden were watching the game and offered their support for Manziel:

Did I tell u that I feel bad for @JManziel2. This is pro football, if they cared about his career they wouldn't have put him in this situation. They did it to pack the stands. I hope u can grow from this J, I know Ur passionate about playing. #Respect

— Nik Lewis (🐝, 🐝) 1126 (@nikel18) August 4, 2018

Despite everything, you can tell Manziel is just genuinely happy to be on that field man. I appreciate that 🙏🏾

— Kamar Jorden (@justcallmeKJ_) August 4, 2018

This comeback is an ongoing process for Manziel. It would have been a tremendous story if he made an immediate impact in his first start for Montreal, but he's had just 10 days to learn head coach Mike Sherman's offense since being acquired in a trade with the Tiger-Cats on July 23. 

Having more time to work with Sherman and the rest of the coaching staff will increase Manziel's comfort level and his chances of succeeding in the future. 

Johnny Manziel is set to make his first CFL start when the Montreal Alouettes face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday, but the road back hasn't been easy.

The quarterback's wife, Bre Tiesi, recently revealed to TMZ that her husband's comeback has been a struggle: "It was just one of those things where it's like, 'Are we ever gonna get out of this?' Like, 'Are you gonna pull it together?'"

She continued:

"I feel so blessed that we're here and that he gets another opportunity. I know that he's such a football guy, he's such 'that guy,' and he just, like, it just changes him completely, being on a team and being around the guys again...football is his entire life."

She acknowledged that an NFL return is the ultimate goal, although Manziel is "appreciating" his current situation.

After being taken in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft, Manziel lasted just two years with the Cleveland Browns. His off-field issues, which included alcohol and domestic violence, led to the team cutting ties quickly.

Manziel completed just 57 percent of his passes while throwing for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in 14 games. He added 259 yards and a score on the ground.

Since being released in March 2016, the 25-year-old has been trying to work his way back to the NFL. But when his stint in The Spring League in 2018 didn't garner a contract from the NFL, he opted for Canada.

Manziel spent the first part of the season on the bench for Hamilton before being traded to Montreal near the end of July. Now, he will finally have a chance to take the field, and it just so happens to come against his former team.

Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel is set to make his first CFL start Friday night when his Montreal Alouettes take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Molson Stadium.

Manziel, who was traded from the Ti-Cats to the Alouettes last month, is going to take the reins of the Montreal offense following the team's 1-5 start to the season. It will mark his first professional start since Dec. 27, 2015, with the Cleveland Browns.

OddsShark noted the Als are listed as seven-point underdogs in Friday's contest.

              

Viewing Information

Where: Molson Stadium in Montreal

When: Friday, Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Watch: TSN (Canada) and ESPN2 (U.S.)

Live Stream: TSN Live (Canada) and WatchESPN (U.S.)

             

Manziel Preview

Manziel quickly rose to prominence at Texas A&M en route to becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012. His success across two seasons with the Aggies led the Browns to select him with the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 draft.

The Texas native couldn't translate his collegiate success to the NFL level, though. He completed 57 percent of his throws for 1,675 yards with seven touchdown passes and seven interceptions in 14 appearances across two seasons. He added 259 rushing yards and one score on the ground.

Cleveland released Johnny Football in March 2016 following a series of off-field problems.

In February, Manziel told T.J. Holmes of ABC News he started taking medication for bipolar disorder to reduce his dependence on alcohol to deal with depression and said the "goal of this comeback is to get back to the NFL, ultimately."

"I am coming back from a huge downfall," Manziel said. "I don't know what kind of comeback it will be, but I know I want to get back on a football field, to what brought me so much joy in my life."

He added: "I am watching all the other guys doing what I want to be doing, and I am sitting on a couch being a loser."

Manziel took part in The Spring League earlier this year and earned some preseason snaps with the Tiger-Cats before taking on a reserve role behind Jeremiah Masoli when the regular season started.

Now, at age 25, the dual-threat quarterback will receive his most expansive opportunity since being released by the Browns to showcase the playmaking ability that once made him a coveted NFL prospect.

"It's good to be back in here," he told reporters Tuesday. "I felt like the thing I've been missing, even over the course of this year and a couple years, is reps. And as you guys have seen the last couple days, a chance to get with the 1s and get some reps is what I feel like I really need and what I've talked to a lot of people about."

Expectations must be kept within reason, though.

Not only is Manziel making his first pro start in almost three years, but he's taking over an offense that ranks last in the CFL at 15.3 points per game.

In addition, the Hamilton pass defense rates second in the league, giving up an average of just 212.7 passing yards through six contests.

Manziel shouldn't be judged too heavily based on his first start. Alouettes head coach Mike Sherman said after the trade the team "didn't bring him here to have him sit on the bench." So the quarterback will likely see plenty of starts over the remaining 12 games.

Nevertheless, a lot of eyes will be on Johnny Football when he takes the field Friday night in his long-awaited return to a starting lineup.

Johnny Manziel's much-anticipated CFL debut will come Friday when he starts at quarterback for the Montreal Alouettes. 

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Manziel will start against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. 

The Tiger-Cats signed Manziel in May but traded him to Montreal on July 22, as he was stuck behind Jeremiah Masoli on the depth chart. 

"This is a move both (Alouettes GM) Kavis Reed and I felt we needed to make at this time," Montreal head coach Mike Sherman said about the deal. "Neither one of us believes in the status quo and felt we needed to shake things up. Johnny is someone we believe can elevate one of the most important positions on our team."

Manziel redshirted at Texas A&M during the 2011 season, Sherman's final year as head coach of the Aggies. 

The Alouettes are 1-5 through six games and tied with the Toronto Argonauts for the CFL's worst record. Their 92 points scored are the league's fewest.

Today, we are all Johnny Manziel. 

The Montreal Alouettes quarterback was asked about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo going on a date with adult-film actress Kiara Mia on his Comeback SZN podcast with Barstool Sports, and frankly, he just doesn't care what Garoppolo does in his private life.

"What's wrong with it?" Manziel asked (h/t TMZ Sports), adding: "Dude, let the guy live his life! He's going on a date. So what? What she does for a living is what it is."

Manziel continued to support Garoppolo.

"Jimmy G, live your life! Do whatever you want. He's backing it up on the field, he hasn't lost a game, nothing. Guy's doing everything ... and he's enjoying life. So be it."

On this topic, Johnny Football is the voice of reason.

Martellus Bennett doesn't hold back on Trump or the NFL. Terrell Owens' snub of the Hall of Fame makes some sense to one Hall of Famer. And Johnny Manziel could find himself in trouble again if he's not careful. All that and more in this week's 10-Point Stance.

   

1. Agent of Change

Martellus Bennett won a Super Bowl, made a Pro Bowl and during much of his time in the NFL was one of the leading social activist voices in all of sports. Now retired, the 10-year veteran tight end continues to run his creative agency and just released a kids book, Hey A.J., It's Bedtime!, another chapter in the A.J. universe that gives kids of color role models in book form. (In August, Bennett's group will also launch an animated series around the character called The Fantastical Adventures of A.J.)

Bennett is most fascinating to me, however, when talking about the NFL, and in this case, President Donald Trump.

After the NFL suffered yet another Twitter assault from the president over the past few days, I asked Bennett why he believes Trump keeps fighting with the league.

"It's the easiest way for him to attack the culture of black people," Bennett said. "He sees the black athlete as someone that black people look up to. So he thinks you can attack black culture by attacking black NFL players.

"Also, attacking black players helps him with his base.

"I think, too, maybe there's no rhyme or reason. Maybe he's just an assh--e."

Bennett isn't shy with his opinions now, nor was he when he played. And since he is only a few months removed from the game, who better to ask about some of the bigger storylines of the season ahead?

Jameis Winston: "I'd like to see how things ... play out. ... He has a similar situation to that of Ben Roethlisberger (who was twice accused of rape). Not the exact thing I know, but he will face a similar type of scrutiny. I'm interested to see how he handles that scrutiny.

The Cowboys: "I want to see how Dak [Prescott] does without Dez [Bryant]. I think people are going to be surprised with how much they miss Dez.

The 49ers: "Let's see how Jimmy [Garoppolo] does once he faces a game plan from defenses all year. It's different when you face teams who focus on you week in and week out."

The Seahawks: "Things in Seattle might be the most fascinating to me. I don't think Earl Thomas will be back. There's a lot of pressure on Pete Carroll and the coaching staff. The whole team has changed."

Bennett isn't for everyone. Packers fans are still upset about his brief tenure in Green Bay. But he was still one of the more important figures in recent NFL history. Not because of what he did on the field, but because of the creativity he showed off the field, his outspokenness and his dedication to advocate for social justice off it. This isn't the last we've heard from him.

   

2. The Falcons should have seen this coming

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was the first to report that Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones was going to hold out of training camp until his contract is reworked. This was one of the most predictable events of the offseason.

Jones has been dropping hints for months. He's also really sharp and knows the business of football. Just like Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, who is also holding out.

Like Bell, and other star players, Jones can see the money quarterbacks, and owners, are making. Those players aren't just going to sit tight anymore and hope their level of compensation becomes commensurate. They're going to use their power (limited as it is) to get as much money as they can when they have leverage.

   

3. Still no word on Dez

Former Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is still a free agent, and there remains no indication of where he might play.

Teams tell me Bryant seems content to wait for a situation to open that he likes, that he doesn't feel any pressure to move quickly and that money isn't a factor.

So, hold on, fantasy football owners, as it may be a few weeks before Bryant signs.

   

4. It's complicated

Terrell Owens decided to skip the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. With a few exceptions (including me), few around the game have backed Owens' stance. But one influential Hall of Famer understands, and supports, what Owens is doing.

As longtime linebacker Harry Carson told Peter King for his "Football Morning in America" column:

"I don't know why Terrell Owens has chosen not to go to Canton this year. But I fully support his right to do whatever he wants to. It's his life.

"After I retired and I was up for the Hall and I didn't get in for a few years, I would get introduced at banquets and other events. I remember standing up at the Waldorf Astoria in New York at a function, and they said, 'A nine-time Pro Bowl player ... who SHOULD be in the Hall of Fame, Harry Carson.' ... I was never really angry about it, but I saw it affected my family. ... So [in 2004] I wrote to the Hall and said, 'Please remove my name from consideration for the Hall of Fame in the future.' ...

"So when I made it in 2006, I felt I had divorced myself from this, and I had no intention of being involved in the ceremony. But my fiance—now my wife—said to me, 'It's not about you. It's about your family. It's about Mr. Mara.' The Giants' owner, Wellington Mara, had been a staunch advocate. She was right. I relented.

"I am glad I did. What I learned is it is about your family, your coaches, your teachers."

Carson's words should make everyone involved in this stop and think. Getting snubbed carries an emotional cost, and one that takes time to sort out.

   

5. Asking for trouble?

If you've ever been to Montreal (Americans love you, Canada), then you know what I'm about to say is true: It's one of the best, wildest, craziest party places in the world.

It ranks right up there with Bangkok and Pattaya in Thailand, Las Vegas and Poughkeepsie.

In all seriousness, Montreal is a fun town.

And Johnny Manziel was just traded there.

On the field, he'll get quite the test in a Canadian Football League that is far better than most Americans know. Off it, Manziel will face a challenge to not succumb to the temptations that sank his career before.

Players are allowed to party. Of course. But partying was much of Manziel's undoing, along with the fact he wasn't any good at the professional game.

Now, he's in one of the party capitals of North America.

Let's hope, for his sake, he really has turned a page in his life.

   

6. Is the Browns' future as bright as they believe?

Considering the recent history of the franchise, asking if the Browns are a playoff team is like asking if the coyote will ever beat the sheepdog.

Odds are they won't be this year, but I've rarely seen such an optimistic Browns preseason. Newly added Jarvis Landry publicly stated he thinks they will reach the postseason for the first time since 2002.

One thing is certain: This is, easily, the most talented Browns team we've seen in years.

Could the Browns surprise people? Hell, yes, they could. But a playoff team? Um...

   

7. Nobody does it better

Obviously, we know the Patriots have been dominant—five Super Bowl trophies since 2001 are testament to that—but to get a sense of just how much better they have been than their competition, consider this staggering statistic from King: From 2003 to 2017, the Patriots were 80 games better than the next-best AFC East team in that time frame, the Jets. New England was 189-51 during that period and won 14 of 15 possible division titles.

Eighty. Games.

   

8. A monster payday is on the way for Aaron Rodgers

Everything I hear says the Packers and Aaron Rodgers will agree to a contract extension before the season begins.

This isn't a guarantee, but it's what people I trust are saying.

And if/when it happens, Rodgers is likely to become the highest-paid player in the sport. The Packers may not be happy about such an exorbitant sum, but they will pay it, because they'd be foolish not to.

   

9. Another running back looks to cash in

David Johnson reported to Cardinals camp this week after missing all but one game last season with a wrist injury suffered in Week 1. While there have been reports Johnson would get a new contract before the season begins, it hasn't happened—yet.

But Johnson is in the last year of his rookie deal, which will pay him $1.9 million this season. And while last year was lost to injury, he led the NFL in yards from scrimmage the previous season and scored a league-high 20 touchdowns. Still only 26, the odds are a guy who led the NFL in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns in 2016 will be making a lot more than that before this season is through.

   

10. Tony Sparano was special

Whenever you wanted to talk about the intricacies of offensive line play, no one could explain them better, or in easier-to-understand terms, than Tony Sparano.

The Viking offensive line coach, and former Dolphins head coach, died Sunday at the age of 56. His death, due to heart disease, prompted an outpouring of memories from players and coaches around the league. Not only was Sparano well liked, but he was also deeply respected.

The game will miss him.

       

Mike Freeman covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter: @mikefreemanNFL.