Practice tempo shifts into a higher gear today with players practicing in pads for the first time in training camp.
Breaking out the pads usually is a sign that the time has arrived to get down to the real business of playing football for keeps.
With no disrespect to traditions and anyone's practice plan, one of the things we've already learned in this training camp is that head coach Dan Campbell expects his team to compete in 2022.
Campbell made that clear at the start of camp.
Among the other things we've learned include the following: Running back D’Andre Swift looks primed for his breakout season and Amon-Ra St. Brown made sure he recovered from his rookie workload.
We start with Campbell's 'compete' comments:
It might surprise some that Campbell would make a statement that seems so bold with a team that went 3-13-1 in his first season as head coach.
Actually, the surprise is that anyone would be surprised that Campbell would think the Lions are on the right track.
The Lions of 2022 are a different team than the 2021 model he and his staff inherited. The personnel is better, through the draft and free-agent signings, and the 2021 Lions did not deteriorate steadily as they did in the previous two seasons.
Campbell was not making a hell-fire, rouse-the-troops speech with his expectations about competing.
For one thing, it is logical to assume he gave his players the same message before telling the media.
It's also logical to assume he sees how far the team has developed to separate itself from the 2021 team. At the start of that season, Campbell said the roster was so limited that "we have to be almost perfect" to compete.
It's a different message this year.
"I can't put wins and losses on that," Campbell said. "We've got the pieces here to mix it up with just about anybody."
View photos from Day 4 of Detroit Lions training camp on Saturday July 30, 2022.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker (21) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Michael Brockers (90) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver DJ Chark (4) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver DJ Chark (4) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Josh Woods (51) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
During Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Zack Silver/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Josh Woods (51) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions kicker Austin Seibert (19) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris (25) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalil Pimpleton (83) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Julian Okwara (99) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Defensive Backs Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Aubrey Pleasant during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback AJ Parker (41) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Chase Lucas (36) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalil Pimpleton (83) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Johnson (80) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Hughes (23) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (59) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Hughes (23) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Bruce Hector (92) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Hughes (23) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (50) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver DJ Chark (4) and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Nolan Givan (43) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mark Gilbert (29) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety DeShon Elliott (5) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Devin Funchess (13) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Derrick Deese Jr. (48) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety DeShon Elliott (5) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Derrick Deese Jr. (48) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Derrick Deese Jr. (48) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Josh Woods (51) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Brady Breeze (15) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Evan Brown (63) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Derrick Deese Jr. (48) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Austin Bryant (2) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Evan Brown (63) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Brady Breeze (15) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Chris Board (49) signing autographs during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Josh Woods (51) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
During Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Zack Silver/Detroit Lions)
During Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Zack Silver/Detroit Lions)
During Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on July 30, 2022. (Zack Silver/Detroit Lions)
Rookie wall: If St. Brown faced a rookie wall in 2021, he ran around it, over it or through it.
Nothing slowed him down in what was a remarkable rookie season. Playing all 17 games, he had 67 of his 119 targets in the last five games and 51 of his 90 receptions.
That was a heavy load for a player used to the 12-game college schedule.
When asked what he did to recover after the season, St. Brown said he took a month and a half off before going back to work to get ready for the season.
He looks ready for another big season.
Swift: His production hasn't matched his talent level in his first two seasons. He had 521 yards rushing and 357 receiving as a rookie in 2021 and 617 rushing and 457 receiving in 2022.
Swift has the ability to do more in 2022. Injuries have limited him somewhat in his first two seasons. The Lions are being smart with Swift in training camp and the preseason to have him fresh for the regular season, Campbell said.
We haven't seen the best of Swift. That could come in 2022.
