Lions Blog: July 2014

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Morning Lions Links for Friday 8-1-14

Afternoon Lions Links for Thursday 7-31-14

Lions Articles:

National Media:

CJ focuses on team success:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9449/calvin-johnson-focuses-on-team-success

Opinions on CJ: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread140731-quotes/calvin-johnson-quotes-current-former-players-detroit-lions-wide-receiver

Local Media:

Lions o-line not buying into the hype:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-offensive-line-not-buying-into-the-hype/2f012a4f-f74d-4929-a818-fb1fe64cffb1

Ford Jr. optimistic about 2014 Lions season:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/Ford-Jr-optimistic-about-2014-Lions-season/66ccf61c-173e-47f2-a5ea-02a090e72fea

Detroit Lions add DE Kris Redding, waive injured WR Cody Wilson:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_add_de_kris_redd.html

Detroit Lions still don't have any answers at placekicker after shaky start from Nate Freese:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_kicking_woes_con.html

Kevin Ogletree emerges as favorite for Detroit Lions' third starting receiver job:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/kevin_ogletree_emerges_as_favo.html

Slimmed down DE George Johnson hoping to latch on with Detroit Lions:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_george_johnson.html

Homecoming night for Bell:    http://www.foxsports.com/detroit/story/homecoming-night-for-lions-bell-073014

Jim Caldwell's quotes from Day 3 of training camp:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2014/7/31/5952547/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-day-3

Miscellaneous:

National Media:

Brandon Marshall thinks Jay Cutler will win NFL MVP:   http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/31/brandon-marshall-thinks-jay-cutler-will-win-nfl-mvp/

Local Media:

NFL and Zebra technologies to provide 'next gen stats' for the 2014 season:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/NFL-and-Zebra-technologies-to-provide-next-gen-stats-for-the-2014-season/5f793422-f40c-4a8e-be81-df59bdb7cd9c

Training Camp Break Down for Wednesday 7-30-14

Offense:

QBs:

Matthew Stafford threw a terrific ball to Reggie Bush on the first play of seven-on-sevens. Reggie went in motion into the slot and Stafford put a rocket of a throw right between Stephen Tulloch and Ashlee Palmer:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Joique-Bell-returns-home/3a5774f8-6f20-4028-bd7b-fcd89b749e22

Matthew Stafford seems to be getting sharper by the day: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_20.html

RBs:

Bush made a play in 11-on-11 and then made a nasty cut on linebacker Tahir Whitehead for what would have been a large gain if the team was in full pads and tackling:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9438/lions-camp-report-day-3?ex_cid=espnapi_public

LeShoure had a good practice.   Leshoure looks fluid with good burst. It's tough to evaluate running backs at this stage, but he is hitting holes with authority and getting to the second level a half-step faster than I remember him doing last offseason, possibly just because he's not hesitating in the backfield:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_20.html

WRs:

Golden Tate caught a beautiful pass from Matthew Stafford between two defenders and ran upfield untouched in a 7 - on - 7 drill. When he reached the red zone with defenders chasing him, Tate cut back to the other side, showing his knack for the big play:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140730/SPORTS0101/307300135/0/sports0101/Lions-camp-observations-Kickers-pound-uprights-competition-intensifies

Kevin Ogletree continues to get first-team reps at wide receiver in three-receiver sets:    http://www.freep.com/article/20140730/SPORTS01/307300226/detroit-lions-training-camp-notes-wayne-state

Ross had an impressive one-handed catch during skeleton drills that would have been a difficult touchdown:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9438/lions-camp-report-day-3

Durham has been steady, but Ogletree and Ross have had more highlights:     https://twitter.com/jkatzenstein/statuses/494640954427838465

Corey Fuller lit up the Wayne State crowd when he went up and over
Cassius Vaughn on a go route from Dan Orlovsky:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Joique-Bell-returns-home/3a5774f8-6f20-4028-bd7b-fcd89b749e22

TEs:

Eric Ebron has caught some grief for early-camp drops, but he made a couple nice catches tonight. His best grab came in seven-on-sevens, when he contorted his body to haul in a Kellen Moore pass on his back hip while Julian Stanford trailed in coverage:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140730/SPORTS01/307300226/detroit-lions-training-camp-notes-wayne-state

Ebron had another drop.   This play was a little bit more difficult than a garden variety play, as he had to turn around to make the catch. But the pass hit Ebron squarely in the hands on a deep route along the sideline with DeJon Gomes in coverage and it is a play Ebron would be expected to make in a game during the season. For as many good plays and highlight reel plays Ebron has the capability of making, seeing him drop routine-or-close-to-it passes should be a concern even if it is early in camp:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9438/lions-camp-report-day-3?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Not sure if it's his routes, or just poor throws, but several passes were just a little bit off target to rookie tight end Eric Ebron:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_20.html

Fauria had a good practice.   Fauria hauled in several receptions, none more impressive than a short touchdown grab in the middle of the field, which required the lanky tight end to fully extend away from his body:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_20.html

O-line:

Corey Hilliard took first-team reps for the second time in three days today:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140730/SPORTS01/307300226/detroit-lions-training-camp-notes-wayne-state

Waddle played left tackle with the second-team offense on Wednesday:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140730/SPORTS01/307300226/detroit-lions-training-camp-notes-wayne-state

Garrett Reynolds played RT with the second team:    http://www.freep.com/article/20140730/SPORTS01/307300226/detroit-lions-training-camp-notes-wayne-state

Defense:

DEs:

George Johnson continued to earn first-team reps and burst through the line on an 11-on-11 play that would’ve resulted in a tackle for loss:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140730/SPORTS0101/307300135/0/sports0101/Lions-camp-observations-Kickers-pound-uprights-competition-intensifies

Darryl Tapp got a little bit of work with the first-team at left defensive end:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140730/SPORTS01/307300226/detroit-lions-training-camp-notes-wayne-state

CBs:

Cassius Vaughn played some at cornerback with the No. 1 defense opposite Darius Slay:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140730/SPORTS01/307300226/detroit-lions-training-camp-notes-wayne-state

Mohammed Seisay had a big hit on Jacob Maxwell after the tight end turned upfield on a short swing pass to the right flat:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_20.html

Safety:

DeJon Gomes was covering Ebron when he dropped a pass on the sideline:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9438/lions-camp-report-day-3?ex_cid=espnapi_public

LBs:

Whitehead got beat by Bush in 11-on-11 play when Bush made a nasty cut which would've been a big gain if they had been playing in full pads:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9438/lions-camp-report-day-3?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Special Teams:

Kickers:

Freese was 4 for 6 on FGs. He had a 30 yder blocked and was wide right on a 48 yd attempt:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140730/SPORTS0101/307300135/0/sports0101/Lions-camp-observations-Kickers-pound-uprights-competition-intensifies

Tavecchio was 6 for 6 on FGs:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140730/SPORTS0101/307300135/0/sports0101/Lions-camp-observations-Kickers-pound-uprights-competition-intensifies

Punter:

Sam Martin kicked off the practice with a 70-yard punt. Martin’s leg seems to be in mid-season form:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Joique-Bell-returns-home/3a5774f8-6f20-4028-bd7b-fcd89b749e22

Injuries:

Lions guard Larry Warford is OK after practice scare. He injured his right ankle: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140730/SPORTS0101/307300131/0/sports0101/Lions-guard-Larry-Warford-OK-after-practice-scare

The Lions were without defensive end Ziggy Ansah, receivers
TJ Jones and Cody Wilson and guard Alex Bullard due to injury:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Joique-Bell-returns-home/3a5774f8-6f20-4028-bd7b-fcd89b749e22

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 7-31-14

Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 7-30-14

Lions Articles:

National Media:

SI's top 10 WRs (CJ is #1):   http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/07/28/top-wide-receivers-calvin-johnson-dez-bryant

Local Media:

Lions hoping Caldwell's Super Bowl experience pays off:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-hoping-Caldwells-Super-Bowl-experience-pays-off/40fb8994-dca6-4e45-9e6c-c6fbeff39c98

Detroit Lions' Ziggy Ansah trying not to fall behind while sitting out:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140730/SPORTS01/307300157

Rob Sims proud of Lions offensive line's rise: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140730/SPORTS0101/307300109/Rob-Sims-proud-Lions-offensive-line-s-rise

Detroit Lions' TJ Jones unsure if he'll be back for start of regular season; Ezekiel Ansah inches toward return:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_tj_jones_unsure.html

Calvin Johnson is lighting up practice, but could his production diminish in new Detroit Lions offense?:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/calvin_johnson_is_lighting_up.html

Healthy again, Detroit Lions WR Ryan Broyles looking to prove he can return to form:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_ryan_broyles_1.html

Detroit Lions Rob Sims expecting to bounce back after injury-slowed 2013 campaign: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_rob_sims.html

Bell's story almost didn't include Wayne State: http://www.wxyz.com/sports/football/lions/lions-running-back-joique-bells-story-almost-didnt-include-wayne-state

Caldwell's Quotes from Day 2 of Mini-Camp:    http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2014/7/30/5948967/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-day-2

Lions notes: CJ, Stafford and more:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2014/7/30/5950161/lions-notes-calvin-johnson-matthew-stafford

Video:

National Media:

ESPN.com Detroit Lions reporter Michael Rothstein discusses the impact of the defensive tackles entering their contract years:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9426/ndamukong-suh-dts-enter-contract-season

Why Suh holds all the cards in the negotiations:   http://www.si.com/nfl/video/2014/07/29/ndamukong-suh-holds-all-cards-detroit

Local Media:

Detroit News Media on Day 2 of Lions Camp:    http://www.detroitnews.com/VideoNetwork/3703827483001/Detroit-News-sports-writers-on-Day-2-of-Lions-training-camp

Training Camp Break Down for Tuesday 7-29-14

Offense:

QBs:

Matthew Stafford looked sharp after an uneven performance Monday. Perhaps even more encouraging was the franchise signal-caller pulling rookie tight end Eric Ebron to the side, clearly providing feedback to the youngster:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

RBs:

Reggie Bush had a drop in an offensive drill, but made up for it with two nice deep catches, one against linebacker DeAndre Levy and another against linebacker Stephen Tulloch:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140729/SPORTS0101/307290130/Lions-camp-observations-Constant-changes-keep-players-their-toes

Bushes hands look better, overall, than they did a year ago: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

Joique Bell missed OTAs and minicamp while recovering from a knee injury, but you wouldn't know it with the way he has started off training camp. Bell cut and accelerated with ease during team portions:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

Theo Riddick praise - watching the one-on-one receiving drills, you can really see what everyone is talking about. The second-year running back is shifty, with quick feet, and badly burned Kyle Van Noy over the middle:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

WRs:

CJ has been lighting it up in practice. He has beat Slay and Mathis and toasted Green:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/calvin_johnson_is_lighting_up.html

Free-agent receiver Golden Tate showed some of the skills that made the Lions sign him, specifically on one pass he caught in front of cornerback Darius Slay, then turned around on a dime and went upfield:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140729/SPORTS0101/307290130/Lions-camp-observations-Constant-changes-keep-players-their-toes

Tate has been particularly impressive in camp. His trademark is his sure hands -- and he's been as advertised there -- but his route-running has really stood out through two days:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/calvin_johnson_is_lighting_up.html

Ogletree has been impressive the first two days of camp and has been getting a lot of reps as the third receiver with CJ and Tate:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Versatile-Jason-Jones-giving-Lions-more-flexibility/98685df5-a3f9-48df-8b86-02f9dd0b545d

Ogletree took the first rep in offensive install today and caught a number of passes in 7-on-7 and team drills:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140729/SPORTS01/307290214/detroit-lions-training-camp

TEs:

Eric Ebron dropped a Matthew Stafford pass that hit him in the hands in 7-on-7 drills. Ebron also worked with WRs during one portion of the drills:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140729/SPORTS01/307290214/detroit-lions-training-camp

Ebron had a drop during one on one drills:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140729/SPORTS0101/307290130/Lions-camp-observations-Constant-changes-keep-players-their-toes

Pettigrew worked on blocking drills with the tackles during one portion of the drills:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140729/SPORTS01/307290214/detroit-lions-training-camp

Fauria worked with WRs during one portion of the drills:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140729/SPORTS01/307290214/detroit-lions-training-camp

Fauria had a pass intercepted by Couplin:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

Jordan Thomas worked on blocking drills with the o-line: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140729/SPORTS0101/307290130/Lions-camp-observations-Constant-changes-keep-players-their-toes

Jordan Thomas had a pass intended for him intercepted by Gomes:    http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

Jacob Maxwell had a pass broken up by Gomes:    http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

O-line:

LaAdrian Waddle played right tackle with the first-team offense, so it looks like he and Corey Hilliard will switch off each day:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140729/SPORTS0101/307290130/Lions-camp-observations-Constant-changes-keep-players-their-toes

Corey Hilliard and Jason Jones split their two reps with the defensive end getting around the tackle on a quick outside move initially and Hilliard stuffing Jones on the second go-around in one on one drills: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

Rookie tackle Cornelius Lucas is a beast when he gets his hands on defenders, but rookie Larry Webster caught him with a nice duck-and-under move after Lucas stood him up on their first run. The Lions continue to work on Lucas’ footwork.:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Versatile-Jason-Jones-giving-Lions-more-flexibility/98685df5-a3f9-48df-8b86-02f9dd0b545d

Rob Sims missed OTAs and minicamp while recovering from a knee injury, but you wouldn't know it with the way he has started off training camp. Sims held his own against Nick Fairley in one-on-one drills, even driving the athletic defensive tackle to the ground on one snap:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

Rob Sims and Larry Warford stoned Suh and Fairley in one on one pass protection drills in the first attempt, but Suh and Fairley won the second attempt:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Versatile-Jason-Jones-giving-Lions-more-flexibility/98685df5-a3f9-48df-8b86-02f9dd0b545d

Larry Warford, who was abused by Ndamukong Suh on several occasions last season, shut down the All-Pro's best bull rush in their lone showdown:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

Michael Williams has clearly put on some weight during his transition to tackle. He's listed at 303, up more than 20 pounds from last year. His technique is still raw in pass pro, but there's clear promise there. He should merit strong consideration for the practice squad:    http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

Defense:

CBs:

Slay got beat by Tate.   Tate got in front of Slay and caught a pass and ran upfield:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140729/SPORTS0101/307290130/Lions-camp-observations-Constant-changes-keep-players-their-toes

Slay and Mathis were beat by CJ and Green was toasted by CJ:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/calvin_johnson_is_lighting_up.html

Safety:

Rookie safety Jerome Couplin got the crowd going today with an impressive interception on a pass intended for Joseph Fauria in one-on-one drills.:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Versatile-Jason-Jones-giving-Lions-more-flexibility/98685df5-a3f9-48df-8b86-02f9dd0b545d

DeJon Gomes, known primarily for his role on special teams, made some nice plays in one-on-one drills, breaking up a pass intended for tight end Jacob Maxwell and stepping in front of tight end Jordan Thompson for an interception.:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

LBs:

Van Noy was back at practice and didn't appear to have a cast on his hand:    http://www.freep.com/article/20140729/SPORTS01/307290214/detroit-lions-training-camp

Van Noy got badly burned by Riddick, but otherwise had a decent day of coverage:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

Levy got beat twice by Reggie Bush during team drills:    http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

Tulloch got beat by Reggie Bush on a wheel route during team drills:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

DTs:

Suh and Fairley got stoned by Rob Sims and Larry Warford in one on one pass protection drills in the first attempt, but Suh and Fairley won the second attempt:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Versatile-Jason-Jones-giving-Lions-more-flexibility/98685df5-a3f9-48df-8b86-02f9dd0b545d

Suh beat Fairley in the two man sled:    http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Versatile-Jason-Jones-giving-Lions-more-flexibility/98685df5-a3f9-48df-8b86-02f9dd0b545d

Suh was shut down by Warford in Suh's best bull rush in their lone showdown:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

DEs:

Jason Jones and Corey Hilliard split their two reps with the defensive end getting around the tackle on a quick outside move initially and Hilliard stuffing Jones on the second go-around in one on one drills: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_19.html

DE George Johnson turning heads and getting quality reps:    http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Versatile-Jason-Jones-giving-Lions-more-flexibility/98685df5-a3f9-48df-8b86-02f9dd0b545d

Larry Webster caught Cornelius Lucas with a nice duck-and-under move after Lucas stood him up on their first run. The Lions continue to work on Lucas’ footwork:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Versatile-Jason-Jones-giving-Lions-more-flexibility/98685df5-a3f9-48df-8b86-02f9dd0b545d

Special Teams:

Tavecchio was short on a 50 yd FG:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Versatile-Jason-Jones-giving-Lions-more-flexibility/98685df5-a3f9-48df-8b86-02f9dd0b545d

Nate Freese missed what looked like a 50-yard FG wide left and Tavecchio was short:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Versatile-Jason-Jones-giving-Lions-more-flexibility/98685df5-a3f9-48df-8b86-02f9dd0b545d

Punter Sam Martin had some strong punts, including one that went 62 yards:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140729/SPORTS0101/307290130/Lions-camp-observations-Constant-changes-keep-players-their-toes

Injuries:

Ansah still not practicing, but worked individually with a trainer. He was even hitting a practice dummy.:    http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_tj_jones_unsure.html

Jones still not practicing. He started working out individually including running after practice, but he's not catching passes yet and is unsure when he'll return:    http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_tj_jones_unsure.html

Wide receiver Cody Wilson and offensive guard Alex Bullard both sat with unspecified injuries:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140729/SPORTS0101/307290130/Lions-camp-observations-Constant-changes-keep-players-their-toes

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 7-30-14

Afternoon Lions Links for Tuesday 7-29-14

Lions Articles:

National Media:

Nick Fairley seeing difference in himself:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9391/nick-fairley-seeing-a-difference-in-himself

NFL's 10 most intriguing coaches: Pettine tops list of rookies to watch (Caldwell is 8th): http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pete-prisco/24641272/nfls-10-most-intriguing-coaches-pettine-tops-list-of-rookies-to-watch

Local Media:

O'hara: Reggie Bush Showing No Signs Of Slowing Down: http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARA-Reggie-Bush-showing-no-signs-of-slowing-down/7c6f4667-c2d8-4c38-88b3-ab0a1f833769

Lions' blitz percentage to increase in 2014:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-blitz-percentage-to-increase-in-2014/8d99f30d-a2d6-4246-9c65-1b4dbb790d04

Lions are 'shopping for everything,' especially secondary help:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140729/SPORTS01/307290108/detroit-lions-martin-mayhew

Lions have 3rd-best offensive line in NFL, Sports Illustrated says: http://www.freep.com/article/20140729/SPORTS01/307290173/detroit-lions-offensive-line

Lions' decision to cut Chris Houston didn't come down to last minute:   http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140728/SPORTS0101/307280136/Lions-decision-cut-Chris-Houston-didn-t-come-down-last-minute

Mayhew has high hopes for young CBs, but will continue shopping for upgrades:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/martin_mayhew_has_high_hopes_f.html

Lions skillfully diffuse Suh drama ... for now:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/column_detroit_lions_skillfull.html

Detroit Lions RB Mikel Leshoure says he'll find a role ... somewhere:    http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_rb_mike_leshoure.html

On Ndamukong Suh, the Detroit Lions and the concept of we vs me: http://patcaputo.blogspot.com/2014/07/on-ndamukong-suh-detroit-lions-and.html

Detroit Lions — Running back by committee?: http://oplions.blogspot.com/2014/07/detroit-lions-running-back-by-committee.html

Jim Caldwell's quotes from Day 1 of Lions training camp:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2014/7/29/5944985/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-day-1

Lions Notes: Levy, single game tickets: http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2014/7/29/5946871/lions-notes-deandre-levy-single-game-tickets

Miscellaneous:

National Media:

Defensive back Louis Delmas bringing fun back to Miami Dolphins: http://www.foxsports.com/florida/story/defensive-back-louis-delmas-bringing-fun-back-to-dolphins-072914

Video:

National Media:

Lions Live Look-In: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-training-camps/0ap2000000371097/Lions-Live-Look-In

PFT Live: Ndamukong Suh playing on borrowed time in Detroit?: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/29/pft-live-ndamukong-suh-playing-on-borrowed-time-in-detroit/

Training Camp Break Down for Monday 7-28-14

Offense:

QBs:

Stafford looked rusty to start, misfiring on several throws, but cleaned up his accuracy by the end of the day:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_18.html

Stafford was forced by the secondary in full team periods to throw dump off passes to the RBs:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9374/lions-camp-report-day-1

RBs:

Leshoure got reps with the first team offense:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140728/SPORTS01/307280191/detroit-lions-kyle-van-noy-thumb-injury

Theo Riddick played with the 3rd and 4th team offense:    http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Rejuvenated-Stafford-enjoying-the-challenge/0c2a999c-c045-413d-b229-0c56eba0f7bc

WRs:

CJ beat Slay on a route, but Stafford threw the pass too low for a completion:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_18.html

Tate had two passes broken up by Slay:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_18.html

Tate also had a pass broken up by Mathis:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9374/lions-camp-report-day-1

Ogletree played a significant amount of time with the top two units:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Rejuvenated-Stafford-enjoying-the-challenge/0c2a999c-c045-413d-b229-0c56eba0f7bc

Ogletree had an impressive catch over the middle -- although he probably would have been drilled by a defensive back had it been a real game.:    http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9374/lions-camp-report-day-1

Broyles had a pass broken up by Slay:    http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_18.html

Durham made a nice catch running an out on the sideline as well. In what is expected to be an extremely tight battle, plays like that are going to be noticed every practice.:    http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9374/lions-camp-report-day-1

Patrick Edwards had the highlight catch of the day.   He caught a pass from Orlovsky with one handed, but ended up getting it knocked lose in the endzone:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140728/SPORTS01/307280191/detroit-lions-kyle-van-noy-thumb-injury

Corey Fuller had a passed ripped out of his hands by UDFA CB Mohammed Seisay:    http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_18.html

TEs:

Ebron was with the first and second units, but struggled with drops.   The Lions also showed plays where Ebron and tight end Brandon Pettigrew lined up out wide.:    http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Rejuvenated-Stafford-enjoying-the-challenge/0c2a999c-c045-413d-b229-0c56eba0f7bc

Ebron moves fluidly in space, but the scouting reports aren't wrong about his hands. He put one of the ground today and had to double-catch a couple others.:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_18.html

O-line:

Corey Hilliard took snaps at right tackle ahead of LaAdrian Waddle during 11-on-11 periods Monday. Hilliard is more of a veteran than Waddle and Waddle is still expected to win the job, but an interesting small side note on the first day.:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9374/lions-camp-report-day-1

Michael Williams played LT with the second team offense:    http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Rejuvenated-Stafford-enjoying-the-challenge/0c2a999c-c045-413d-b229-0c56eba0f7bc

Garrett Reynolds played RT on the third team offense:    http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Rejuvenated-Stafford-enjoying-the-challenge/0c2a999c-c045-413d-b229-0c56eba0f7bc

Corenlius Lucas got beat by Larry Webster around the edge:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_18.html

Defense:

CBs:

Slay had himself a pretty good first day.   He broke up a pass to Broyles and two passes to Tate:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Rejuvenated-Stafford-enjoying-the-challenge/0c2a999c-c045-413d-b229-0c56eba0f7bc

Slay did get beat on a route by CJ, but Stafford threw the pass too low for a completion.   Slay plays physical and it will probably lead to some pass interference calls this season, but Seattle led the league in that department in 2013 and still managed to dominate. It will be in the Lions' best interest for Slay to stay aggressive.:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_18.html

Mathis broke up a pass intended for Tate:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9374/lions-camp-report-day-1

Cassie Vaughn knocked out a pass out of Patrick Edwards hands in the endzone:   http://www.freep.com/article/20140728/SPORTS01/307280191/detroit-lions-kyle-van-noy-thumb-injury

Undrafted rookie CB Mohammed Seisay had one of the better pass breakups of the day. After getting a late jump on Corey Fuller's comeback route, Seisay drove through the receiver while ripping the ball out of Fuller's grasp.:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_18.html

The Lions secondary had a decent day in 11 on 11 work. The secondary also covered well enough on other plays in the full-team periods to force Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to have to throw dump-off passes to running backs Joique Bell and Reggie Bush instead.: http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9374/lions-camp-report-day-1

LB:

Ashlee Palmer was with the starters from the beginning:    http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CAMP-NOTEBOOK-Rejuvenated-Stafford-enjoying-the-challenge/0c2a999c-c045-413d-b229-0c56eba0f7bc

DE:

Larry Webster exploded off the ball and around the edge to beat gargantuan tackle Cornelius Lucas.:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_18.html

Injuries:

Van Noy suffered a thumb injury in yesterday's practice, but should be back tomorrow:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/07/detroit_lions_lb_kyle_van_noy_3.html

Ansah and Jones still not practicing.   Both are out with shoulder injuries:   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20140728/detroit-lions-notes-training-camp-off-to-good-start

No timetable for Ansah's return:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/9374/lions-camp-report-day-1

Monday, July 28, 2014

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 7-29-14

Lions Blog