A calm settles before action resumes. The start of preseason provides a respite from training camp. Individuals no longer have to beat on their teammates. Instead, 30 teams will be in action at some point Thursday through the weekend.
As such, practices take a step back. The intensity ratchets down as travel and game preparations are made. Twenty-two teams are in action Thursday with five more games Friday and Saturday to round out the weekend.
But not every major name plans to play. The Carolina Panthers will rest Cam Newton. Is it the right decision, though?