Skip to main content
Advertising

training-camp-news

Presented by

TIM AND MIKE: Training camp Day 15 observations

Got to have it: Scattered throughout practice the Lions run "got to have it" periods that consist of one play offense vs. defense in tough situations where the offense has to score and the defense has to stop them to win the game. The offense was 2-for-2 in those situations Tuesday. Wide receiver Kenny Golladay had a terrific 7-yard TD grab in the slot over cornerback Justin Coleman in the first rep with four seconds on the clock and the offense trailing by four points. The second period was a two-point play scenario where the offense had to convert to win the game. Quarterback Matthew Stafford hooked up with tight end T.J. Hockenson for a score on that one. – Tim Twentyman

Transportation trade-in: Head coach Matt Patricia has swapped the ATV he's used recently for a golf cart to motor around the practice field while his injured lower left leg heals. The ATV is on its way to Houston with the rest of the Lions equipment. He has also replaced the heavy cast for a walking boot. "Day to day" is how he described the healing process in response to a question on the time frame for his recovery. – Mike O'Hara

View photos from Day 15 of Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage.

Left guard: There's still a long way to go before the Lions have to decide who their starting left guard will be, but veteran Joe Dahl has taken an increased amount of the first team reps over the last week or so. – Tim Twentyman

Tip drill: Second-year safety Tracy Walker showed his athletic ability and high personal standards when he almost came down with a leaping, one-handed interception. Not satisfied with just the effort, he got down and did pushups for self-punishment. Later in practice Walker got a pick off a deflection. – Mike O'Hara

Odd ball: The Lions worked on a number of "odd ball" periods as Patricia described them on Tuesday. Things that might come up in a game like the Wildcat or gadget plays they might see. – Tim Twentyman

Batted balls: In another fumble drill, two players lined up about five yards apart, with one player near the sideline. A ball was rolled between them, and the player near the sideline batted the ball to the teammate who was inbounds. Turnovers – getting and preventing them – has been a heavy emphasis. – Mike O'Hara

Settling in: Veteran quarterback Josh Johnson was signed late last week after Tom Savage suffered a concussion in the first preseason game. Johnson is still very much in the learning phase of getting the offense down, but there are signs he's settling in. His best play so far in the open practices took place Tuesday when he threw a gorgeous deep ball hitting wide receiver Brandon Powell right in stride for the touchdown. – Tim Twentyman

Practice tempo: Stafford practiced after getting two days off, and his presence made a noticeable difference on both sides of the ball. The ball comes out quicker, and decisions are made quicker, with a veteran quarterback who has experience with the team. It makes for a faster tempo for the offense and defense. – Mike O'Hara

Related Content

Advertising