What happened: Training camps are running early drills focused on ball security fundamentals for backs and defensive backs. The work is happening now, well before the 2026 season opener, as position groups build habits before pads go on in the fall.

Why it matters: Ball security is one of the clearest, most measurable ways a coaching staff decides playing time, since a single costly fumble can outweigh weeks of good play. Backs and DBs who show up in September with clean hands tend to keep their roles even through slumps elsewhere in their game.