As the Detroit Lions get ready for the preseason and try to determine who makes the final 53-man roster, the ability to contribute on special teams will be a big focus. Coach Matt Patricia talked up the need for reserves to make a positive impact on special teams in his Tuesday press conference.
Patricia was asked about how much special teams plays into the roster decisions the Lions will make over the next month.
“Sure, special teams is a big part of it in what we do,” Patricia stated. “We meet as a coaching staff – offense, defense, special teams – and everybody talks about the players and go through that. One of the things we all have to identify is what are their special teams roles.”
It’s something the team is actively looking at in practices. Two of the training camp sessions have featured an inordinate amount of special teams reps, and the Lions coaches are at rapt attention every day during the special teams period of practice.
“Right now, everybody’s trying to learn and find roles on special teams and that’s really a critical way to help this roster, and help yourself, when we kind of get to that cut-down date,” Patricia continued. “How many different roles can you play, and how many different ways can you help the team? Special teams is a huge part of that. I think that’s a conversation that we always have, and we always stress the importance to the players that that’s part of your job.”
Other than backup QB, which Patricia singled out as an obvious exception, the ability to play well on punt and kick teams will play a big role in the decision on the depth chart when the Lions have to cut from 90 to 53 players.
