NFL Notes: Cardinals, Dolphins, Falcons

Cardinals

• Mike Jurecki mentions that Cardinals QB Sam Bradford‘s accuracy has been impressive during workouts and given that he has the most experience of the team’s quarterbacks, he expects Bradford to open the year as the team’s starter as long as he’s healthy.
• Jurecki adds that Bradford should be able to do more during the team’s mandatory minicamp this week.
• Cardinals new WR Brice Butler says he plans to show the team he can be their No. 2 receiver this summer: “Yeah, I’m going to prove it. That’s why I came here. I definitely didn’t come to not be on the field with Larry. But it’s not going to be given to me.” (AZCentral.com)

Dolphins

The Dolphins are expecting big things from former first-round DE Charles Harris in 2018.

“It’s always interesting that first year when d-ends come in from college, that transition from play-action passes or the run game, then have to transition to a pass,” Dolphins HC Adam Gase said of Harris, via the Palm Beach Post. “It’s not as easy as you think. When it’s third down, you can see that’s really where he’s more comfortable.

“The more football he plays, the better he’s going to get. I thought he had a pretty good year this year. He did a lot of good things and we’re excited about what he showed us.”

Gase added: “He’s one of the guys I’m least worried about.”

Falcons

Falcons RB Devonta Freeman says he’s looking to bounce back from what was a tough 2017 season for him.

“I think as far as injuries and stuff, last year was one of the toughest seasons I had,” Freeman said, via AJC.com. “Just because I had a few tough injuries that I tried to play through.”

New Falcons RBs coach Bernie Parmalee has been stressing the importance of knowing the blocking scheme for the team’s running backs.

“As runners, the main thing I try to tell the guys is know the blocking scheme,” Parmalee said, “Understanding the combination blocks up front and the leverage of the linebackers. You can run three plays of the same play and get three different looks so you have to train your eyes to know exactly what you’re looking at and take advantage of the opportunities.”