Albert Breer: NFL Training Camps Embrace Tougher Practices and Increased Physicality in a Major Comeback
On this morning’s Toucher & Hardy radio program, Albert Breer shared insights from his visits to 11 NFL training camps. He gave an in-depth look at Jim Harbaugh’s unique coaching style with the Chargers, noting Harbaugh’s energetic and unconventional methods. Breer recounted how Harbaugh even involved the entire team in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, showcasing his distinctive approach to coaching.
Breer also talked about a noticeable shift in NFL training camps toward more physical practices. He explained that teams are moving away from overly cautious training and embracing longer, tougher workouts. This trend reflects a return to more traditional, intensive training methods, aimed at better preparing players for the season.
WATCH HERE:
TRANSCRIPT:
Fred Toucher: Very impressive. Alright, so let’s start with the Chargers. Herbert’s got plantar fasciitis, which is very painful, and you were out there. Jim Harbaugh is the new coach.
Albert Breer: Yeah.
Fred Toucher: What were your thoughts about that camp? Did you interact with Jim Harbaugh at all?
Albert Breer: Yeah, I did. I had a good conversation with him. I almost feel like we misunderstood him a little when he was with the Niners. The guy genuinely loves his job. Is he weird and quirky? Yeah, but I think that’s where he connects with the players the most and gets the most out of them. You can definitely see that he’s going to build the same thing he built everywhere else. In fact, there’s a video I did. I’m not plugging it, just explaining. If you look in the background of the video, you’ll see players doing what’s called a flip slide, a relatively new exercise.
Fred Toucher: No, I don’t know what that is.
Albert Breer: Okay, it’s a big weighted slide that they flip, similar to flipping a tire. After a two-hour practice, which was pretty fast-paced for the first practice of the year without pads, you see players doing flip slides for half an hour. It gives you an idea of what they’re trying to build, which is the same as everywhere else. Honestly, I think there’s something to be said for that. In today’s NFL, where every defense is geared to stop Patrick Mahomes, having a team built like it’s 25 years ago can be effective. It’s worked for Jim’s brother in Baltimore and to some degree in Detroit with the Lions. The Harbaugh-style team is tough to deal with because teams aren’t used to it.
Fred Toucher: Okay. And he talks to you like a normal human being? I saw some footage of him talking to players when he was at Michigan, and it seemed odd. I don’t even know if he knew he was being taped. Does he seem odd to you?
Albert Breer: Yeah, he is odd. I’m not saying he’s not. Maybe the best example is the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Chargers’ new facility. They had a big event with the mayor, fire chief, police chief, and others. Jim was supposed to just make a brief appearance, but he ended up bringing the whole team over for the photo op. It was a bit chaotic, but that’s Jim. He’ll choose option F when given choices A and B.
Fred Toucher: George Allen was a great NFL coach but struggled with ownership and was always combative. Is that similar to Jim Harbaugh? Is he a great coach but difficult to work with?
Albert Breer: It’s going to be interesting. He did clash with his AD at Michigan and with ownership in San Francisco. The issue in both places was that he didn’t have things set up the way he wanted. In San Francisco, he inherited the general manager and front office. In Michigan, he was dealing with big money donors and an AD he didn’t choose. With the Chargers, they’ve let him bring in his own people. The GM is Joe Ortiz, who is from Baltimore and knows Jim through his brother. The coaching staff and strength coach also came from Michigan. This setup could lead to better long-term success. Jim is also older now, so he might benefit from past experiences.
Fred Toucher: Alright, and out of those West Coast teams, do you see a difference in the camps?
Albert Breer: Camps are more physical now than they’ve been in recent years. The emphasis on sports science has swung back; teams were practicing for just 75 minutes at one point. Many coaches felt the athletic training staff had too much control, leading to issues during the season. I talked to someone in Denver about this. Sean Payton runs a tough camp with 2.5-hour practices and sprints at the end. A couple of years ago, their tough camp led to a lot of injuries, but last year, after a more intense camp, they had fewer injuries overall. Teams that hit a lot in camp, like the final four teams—Baltimore, Kansas City, Detroit, and San Francisco—tend to be successful. I think hitting in a structured environment helps prepare players for the season.
Fred Toucher: Let’s save that because we need to take a break. But I agree; there’s something to be said about hitting and getting it out of the way in a structured environment.
Albert Breer: Yeah, exactly. Teams see it as risky because they might lose a few players in camp, but the ones who make it through are better prepared for the season.
Fred Toucher: Oh, I believe there’s something to that at every level, even at high school. There’s definitely something about hitting and getting that out of the way in a structured environment.
CONNECT WITH TOUCHER & HARDY: linktr.ee/ToucherandHardy
For the latest updates, visit the show page on 985thesportshub.com. Follow 98.5 The Sports Hub on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Watch the show every morning on YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all the best moments from Boston’s home for sports!
