One-on-one time: Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Danny Amendola spent one individual period of practice Thursday working exclusively together on timing and routes in the middle of one of the two outdoor practice fields. It's not often we see those kind of one-on-one sessions worked into practice. In the very next team period, on the first pass play, Stafford connected with Amendola for a big play over the middle of the field. The one-on-one time paid immediate dividends. – Tim Twentyman
Tavai, measuring up: Linebackers coach Al Golden wasn't exaggerating when he said earlier in the week that size was one factor that attracted the Lions to second-round pick Jahlani Tavai. Tavai looked bigger than his listed height and weight of 6-2, 250 when he lined up wide to the right against veteran tight end Jesse James in a passing drill. Tavai also moved well covering that play, and also in the slot a few plays later. – Mike O'Hara
Slingin' it: Stafford is usually the subject when the conversation of arm strength comes up, but potential backup quarterback Tom Savage could give Stafford a run for his money in that regard. Savage can sling it pretty good. He had one play in a team drill where he effortlessly tossed it 60 yards in the air to a streaking Travis Fulgham, who couldn't make the catch, but it wasn't because the throw wasn't right there. Savage joked after practice that on a good day, indoors, with a nice fan behind him, he could probably throw 75 yards in the air. – Tim Twentyman
On the run: There are no exceptions for players having to run after making mistakes, and that included linebacker Jarrad Davis for jumping offside. Before running his semi-sprint, Davis slapped his hands in disgust – at the mistake, not because he had to run. – Mike O'Hara
Same O-line grouping: The first-team offensive line unit Thursday was Taylor Decker (left tackle), Kenny Wiggins (left guard), Frank Ragnow (center), Graham Glasgow (right guard) and Rick Wagner (right tackle). It was the same group as the first open OTA practice last week. – Tim Twentyman
Handy Andy: Andy Jones made a nice sideline catch and turned upfield for a good gain. Jones shouldn't get lost in a crowded field of receivers. He showed versatility after being activated for the second half of last season. He had 11 catches, blocked well and did a good job on special teams. – Mike O'Hara
Back at fullback: Joe Dahl played four offensive snaps through the first 10 weeks of last season. Then he got a chance to play some fullback the last month and a half of the season, and did a pretty good job with the opportunity. Dahl moves well for a 300 pounder, and defenders in the gap certainly know when they've been hit by him. Dahl was back taking reps at fullback Thursday, and didn't look like he skipped a beat. – Tim Twentyman
Handful: During an individual punt-return drill, potential returners Jamal Agnew, Tom Kennedy, Brandon Powell and Amendola held a football in one arm and tried to catch a punt with the other arm. The object was to get under the ball, focus and make the catch hanging on to both footballs. Agnew and Amendola were perfect catching the ball in the drill. – Tim Twentyman
