On the tenth day of the Detroit Lions 2019 training camp, they welcomed in the New England Patriots for joint team practices. The intensity increased quite a bit as did the action on the field. This is, of course, fun for the fans and the players on the field but when the teams were running four drills at a time, it makes it difficult to follow all the action. Here’s a look at what I observed today.
Overall, the Lions offense started the day out on fire, winning matchups with ease, but as the day wore on and the practice shifted into situational football — 2-minute and red zone drills — the offense bogged down and finished the day on a down note.
It’s difficult to ascertain the impactfulness of the Lions defense with several players not being able to participate, including Jarrad Davis, but there were some standout moments from the players that were available.
Nick Bawden isn’t on the roster bubble anymore
The first set of drills the team opened today’s camp with was skill players versus their counterpart on the opposing team. With Lions’ general manager Bob Quinn focused in on the Lions running backs and tight ends versus the Patriots defensive backs and linebackers, that is where I locked in on as well.
The biggest thing to catch my attention was the fluidity at which fullback Nick Bawden created separation and got open in the passing game. He scored touchdowns on both a crossing route and a curl, showing reliable hands in both situations. He is very difficult to cover in short-yardage situations.
When he wasn’t catching the ball, he was looking to deliver impact shots as a run blocker. In one rep he flattened the Patriots linebacker on a punishing block, but then on the next rep, the linebacker used Bawden’s overaggressiveness to his advantage and sidestepped him, leaving Bawden blocking air.
He’s still working out the rough spots, but he is most likely going to have a bigger role in this offense than we have seen from the fullback position in years past.
Kerryon Johnson reminds us how good he is
Johnson has been limited in contract drills this camp but today he was thrown into the mix and quickly reminded us that he has a killer jump cut, can create separation multiple ways in his routes and has the most reliable hands in the running backs room.
Offensive line sticks with their top starting unit
For the second day in a row, the Lions have stayed with their original starting five on the offensive line. Kenny Wiggins and Graham Glasgow got the start and stayed with the ones throughout the day.
On the second unit, Joe Dahl didn’t noticeably get injured during practice, but at its conclusion, he immediately left the field with a member of the Lions staff. He will be on our watchlist for tomorrow’s practice to see if he did indeed suffer an injury.
Other notes on offense
Zach Zenner is strong and uses his power as a runner and to create separation in routes. He also got one or two reps at fullback in drills today.
The Lions Top 4 receivers — Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola and Jermaine Kearse — all played well today, while the rest of the depth players struggled for a variety of reasons. Among the reserves, Brandon Powell made the most of his opportunities and continues to be used as both a slot receiver and gadget player.
Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell continues to use pre-snap motion, rub routes and wheel routes with loads of success. After rarely seeing these things under Jim Bob Cooter, it’s a breath of fresh air.
Lions defense is still missing a lot of starters
Jarrad Davis was the big name added tot he injury list today, giving Jalen Reeves-Maybin an opportunity to run at MIKE with the starters. Both Darius Slay and Devon Kennard are getting limited snaps as they return from injury, and the team eases them back into the rotation.
When the Lions went to 11-on-11s, they were missing seven of their projected starters, only being able to put Quandre Diggs, Tracy Walker, Rashaan Melvin and Jahlani Tavai on the field.
Run defense looked fast
While the Lions were missing a lot of talent, they looked noticeably faster than in years past. When the Patriots ran stretch plays to the outside, the Lions flowed with them and forced them to the sidelines, allowing minimal to no gain.
Slot CBs got better, but still need work
In our Day 9 observations, we noted that both Justin Coleman and Jamal Agnew struggled. Today, they still showed that while they have areas to clean up, they also are making improvements in their coverage and positioning. Both players made key pass breakups (PBU) on third downs today.
The only other Lions defender that got a PBU in today’s action (that I saw) was Tracy Walker, knocking away a Tom Brady pass for a tight end in the end zone.
Confidence quote of the day
The first time the teams split off into 11-on-11’s, Andrew Adams got an interception that concluded the drill. After practice, I asked Adams about getting another one (interception) today and he responded: “I get one every day!”, smiled and walked away.
Special teams notes
We have previously mentioned that Sam Martin looks like he has returned to form and today he continued to boom punts. He was routinely getting 4.5 to roughly 5 seconds of hang time on each kick and was accurate with his placements.
The Lions used a handful of players to cover Martin’s kicks, but C.J. Moore and Chris Lacy were the ones who made the standout plays at the gunner position. Both got made skillful moves on their blockers — Moore with athleticism and Lacy with power — and got free for the would-be tackle.
When the Lions were receiving punts, it was the usual suspects fielding them. Agnew was first up, then Danny Amendola, followed by Powell and Diggs.
The two-deep rotation of blockers running interference for the returners and blocking the gunners were:
- 1st team, Charles Washington, Will Harris, Mike Ford and Dee Virgin
- 2nd team, Adams, Tavon Wilson, Amani Oruwariye and Andre Chachere
Washington, Wilson, Harris and Ford all stood out in these drills.
Reminder: The Lions host the Patriots this Thursday at 7:30
