ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions defense had a good day, coming down with three interceptions on Tuesday, the sixth day of training camp.
Rookies Ennis Rakestraw and Loren Strickland each had one, with veteran linebacker Derrick Barnes pulling in another. One was courtesy of Jared Goff while two were from Hendon Hooker.
“Getting the ball that’s what it’s all about, playing defense is all about the ball. We were able to get our hands on the ball three times today. Unfortunately I messed up my opportunity yesterday,’’ said veteran cornerback Amik Robertson after camp. “We just come back at it, tomorrow and the next day. Try to continue being consistent getting our hands on the ball. Once we do it in practice, it becomes normal in the game.’’
Robertson, who signed as a free agent in March, is just one element of the new-look defensive backfield. Veteran corner Carlton Davis also signed with the Lions in the spring.
Then they used their first two draft picks on corners — Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw — who looked comfortable during their second day in pads.
“They are competitive guys. They don’t mess around for rookies. They’re trying to win the rep and trying to get better,’’ coach Dan Campbell said on Tuesday. “They’re both athletic. So you feel like the first day (in pads), it wasn’t too big for them. They were ready for the challenge. Do they have a lot of work to do? Yes, they do but it was very encouraging.’’
The camaraderie in the defensive backs room has grown quickly.
“It’s been great, we’re playing together, we believe in one another, we have high expectations for one another, that’s expected,’’ Robertson said. “We understand it’s competition. We all have a job. We come in every day to compete and make the team better.’’
Campbell loves the competition.
“That’s what every team would hope for. You want that at every position, you know the ability to have guys that do multiple jobs, that do have versatility,’’ Campbell said.
Tuesday was the second day in pads. Campbell expected the intensity would pick up over Monday.
“I feel like as a defense we were going to come out here amped up regardless,’’ Robertson said.
NOTE: Defensive lineman John Cominsky was carted off the field during practice. He has a right knee injury, per the team.
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