Huddle Up: Quintin Mikell dazzling Rams
An abbreviated look at what’s going on around the NFL on Wednesday, Aug. 24:
• The Rams made a big score early in free agency by signing safety Quintin Mikell. So far, Mikell has done nothing but impress his new team.
• Dallas is counting on a bevy of young receivers to step up behind starters Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett has had some mixed reviews for his less-experienced pass catchers.
• LeSean McCoy and Ronnie Brown are locks to make the Eagles' opening day roster, but who else will earn a spot in Philadelphia's backfield rotation?
• The Cardinals struggled with a lack of depth at their inside linebacker spots last season. That's no longer the case, with several guys vying for playing time.
• New England placed an emphasis on improving its offensive line play after Tom Brady was banged around toward the end of last season. The Pats will get to see how far they've come in a Saturday preseason matchup with the Lions' fierce defensive front.
• Denver wants to take full advantage of Champ Bailey this season, so the Broncos are playing with the idea of sliding Bailey to the nickelback spot on passing downs.
• Pete Carroll has praised quarterback Charlie Whitehurst in recent days, but maintains that there's no controversy at that position -- Tarvaris Jackson will be Seattle's starter.
Konrad Reuland
