Things I Think I Think
1 I think Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, who after his ankle clean-out will have limited contact in training camp, will be much of what he was last year. Westbrook (below) played 14 games in 2008, with about 20.5 touches per game. I'd put the over/under for his touches in Philly's Sept. 13 opener versus Carolina at 21.
2 I think this is this week's sign of the (football) apocalypse: The 49ers are in the midst of seven consecutive days of practices—three mandatory minicamp days, then four voluntary/mandatory off-season training activity days. It's June. I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again: NFL teams ask players to practice and lift and run and meet too much in the off-season.
3 I think the reason the Saints fell in love with Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins and drafted him 14th overall is his love of the game. Last week he finished his course work at Ohio State a week early, pulling an all-nighter before his last final exam (in history of jazz), and flew to New Orleans later that evening so he could report to minicamp this weekend.
Check it all out at SI.com/bonus
PHOTO
BOB ROSOTO (WESTBROOK)