With the Detroit Lions in Texas for joint practices with the Houston Texans, there is an opportunity for Lions fans to get a different perspective on their team.
John Harris, a football analyst for the Texans, reported on the first day of joint practices and he was left impressed by quarterback Matthew Stafford.
“I’ll say this about Stafford,” Harris said, “man, can he throw it… wow! Not only does he have an incredibly strong arm, he has a quick release. That thing is coming out of his hand HOT and pretty quickly. He threw a few balls that I think his guys caught that they really had no choice because he stuck it right in their guts. He’s really impressive and the one he dropped on running back Kerryon Johnson down the sideline? The Texans had a defender in a seemingly perfect spot and Stafford still completed the pass.”
After a decade of watching Stafford throw, it’s easy to forget how naturally gifted he truly is. It’s nice to be reminded by those who don’t get to see him on a weekly basis.
Here are a few more positive quotes from Harris about the Lions after the first day.
On the Lions starting corners: “I did think that the Lions defensive backs were solid in that 1-on-1 period. They were physical and aggressive through the catch point. Slay leads that group, but Rashaan Melvin has a bunch of experience against the Texans, having been with the Colts. Overall, they made an impression throughout the 1-on-1 period, in particular.”
On the Lions run game: “The Lions run game did some good things during the day as well, whether it was between the 20s or in the red zone.”
On Nick Bawden: “Stafford went back to work on the next series and threw to a wide open fullback for a touchdown as well.”
