With training camps almost underway the real work is set to begin for all 32 NFL teams. The behind the scenes work of building a roster to have the best chance of winning as many games as possible and ultimately a Super Bowl. The best thing about this work is the position battles. Every summer on some team there is a battle between at least two players to earn their spot on the field come September. Here are four position battles to look out for in 2015 training camp.
Dallas Cowboys Running Back Darren McFadden vs. Joseph Randle
The Cowboys signed McFadden in the offseason and still has Randle on its roster so both will be competing for one spot. McFadden has more NFL experience, which means he has the career statistical advantage over Randle entering camp. The former Oakland Raider also has had injury problems throughout his tenure in the league, and he was originally on the Cowboys' radar in the 2008 draft. Last season Randle showed he could be productive in a limited role. He averaged 6.7 yards per carry on only 51 rushes and scoring three touchdowns. Dallas will have to decide who the starter will be by week one but don't count out a run by committee style of play early on in the season.
New York Jets Quarterback Geno Smith vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick
It seems like the Jets are making headlines these days because of their defense and not the offense. Any mention of the offense usually brings up cringes because of the quarterback situation. Smith is entering his third year with the franchise and has still yet to prove he is the guy. In 2014 he threw 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with only an average of 7 yards per pass. His counterpart Fitzpatrick, he threw 17 touchdowns and 8 picks while with the Houston Texans. Fitzpatrick isn't a future franchise QB, but he has the skills of a guy who can go out and get some wins-exactly what the Jets need right now.
Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Sam Bradford vs. Mark Sanchez
This battle could go all the way through the preseason as each quarterback has something to prove. For Bradford it's that he can stay healthy, fit in with a new team and throw the ball to more proven wide receivers than he had in St. Louis with the Rams. Bradford was a big reason why DeMarco Murray chose to play in Philly since they were college teammates at Oklahoma. For Sanchez he has to prove that he is still a consistent QB. He led the Jets in the teams back to back AFC title game appearance but couldn't get over the hump. Whenever he's asked to do more in the offense he tends to take a step in the wrong direction. Last year he proved that he could step in a command the respect of his teammates when Nick Foles went down with a shoulder injury.
Baltimore Ravens Strong Safety Matt Elam vs Will Hill
In 10 games last season Hill amounted 42 tackles, one interception and four passes defended. His biggest flaw right now is the suspensions, last season he was suspended for the first six games of the season because of violating the league's substance abuse policy. Elam has similar stats recording 50 tackles and one forced fumble last year. What he lacks in man to man coverage he makes up for in power as he packs a big hit ability. Elam has also dropped weight and has trimmed body fat for the upcoming season.
The full list of all 32 teams camp start dates can be seen here.
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