Category: NFL

Lions training camp: Five thoughts from Taylor Decker

ALLEN PARK — Taylor Decker’s leadership shows through even when he’s sidelined at training camp following shoulder surgery. The veteran Lions left tackle is expected back on the field in a few weeks.

Decker, who is entering his tenth season, shared a few thoughts on Monday, the second day of camp. Five highlights:

ONE — On the retirement of Frank Ragnow: “I mean he’s as close to an irreplaceable guy as you can get. Side note, I’m happy for him. Over the last couple years, him going through what he’s been going through mentally and physically, it could have happened sooner and I think he stuck it out for us. First and foremost, I’m happy for Frank. When he called me I was sad for myself because he’s my best friend and I’ve only played one full season without him so it’s going to be different . For him, I’m relieved for you. I went to see him a couple days after and it was the right decision. That’s what I was expecting. I’m just happy he was able to arrive at that decision and be at peace with it. … The guy had a phenomenal career, for my money, he should be in the Hall of Fame. He was incredible.’’

TWO — On new offensive coordinator John Morton: “No. 1 he’s been here before so we have a little familiarity with him. He’s bringing his own flavor to things, but also he’s not trying to change everything we’re good at. Maybe we’re going to do (things) a little differently here and there, we’ll tweak it here, a new formation, maybe there’s some things he’s talking to Jared about. There’s going to be new concepts and stuff like that. … With every year there’s going to be new guys playing so you might have to play to their strengths a little bit. Maybe we’ll be a little more heavy in a certain run concept or a certain pass concept, maybe there’s some things we did last year based on self-scouting that we’ll do differently or do less of.’’

THREE — On his leadership role: “The standard is the standard. we’re expected to be one of the top offensive lines in the league. You lose big pieces, but we’ve put those expectations on ourselves and put ourselves in a position where we’re expected to perform a certain way and it doesn’t matter. Maybe a guy’s out and a backup is in, maybe there’s a guy who’s never started games before and he’s playing. The expectation is the expectation and that’s really not going to change. For me personally, especially as I’m getting older I can’t let myself waiver from the expectations, especially in practice. Right now I’m not practicing but when I am back out there I need to do things the right way because if I don’t do things the right way that’s setting a bad example for guys who haven’t gotten to play and I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in if I didn’t handle things as a professional.’’

FOUR — On the mindset of the team after the playoff upset to end last season: “It’s going to sound boring, we just have to get back to work especially with our schedule this year. We earned the right to play in all these games against these really good teams but now we have to show up, now we have to put the work in, you don’t want to go out there and lay an egg. A couple of years ago nobody wanted to watch the Lions, now everybody wants to watch the Lions. Guys want to play here. That’s a testament to the work we put in when not as many people cared. You can’t lose sight of that you have to keep the main thing the main thing.’’

FIVE — On development of second-year offensive lineman Giovanni Manu who didn’t see action as a rookie. “I think he’s starting to get confidence in himself. He’s obviously incredibly physically gifted. It’s been a step up obviously coming from college not only if you come from college in the United States to the NFL but from Canada (University of British Columbia). It’s a step up in competition, having to learn the playbook against really good competition. It just took a little bit. He’s starting to gain some confidence in that. He was out at my gym in Arizona in the offseason. I think all he needs is reps and he’s going to get a lot of reps. I think he’s going to continue to improve. I’m excited to see him get more opportunities in the preseason.’’

(UP NEXT: Day 3 of training camp is Tuesday. The first preseason game is July 31 against the Los Angeles Rams at the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.)

Lions open training camp with high expectations, a few changes and injury news

ALLEN PARK — Lions opened training camp on Sunday, with a few new players, two new coordinators, defensive injuries and the same huge expectations as in recent years.

Coach Dan Campbell said he’s still as enthusiastic as ever.

“The message to the team is what it’s been all along. It’s about who we are, what we believe in and staying hungry, staying hungry. Put the work in, we cannot be content,’’ Campbell said on Sunday. “I believe we’ll be just fine. We have the right guys and we’ve been building and improving for a long time. Our dudes will be ready to go.’’

While expectations from the outside may be lower because of the new coordinators — John Morton on offense replaces Ben Johnson who is head coach of the Bears and Kelvin Sheppard moves up to defensive coordinator replacing Aaron Glenn who is now head coach of the Jets.

Campbell gets it but doesn’t believe it.

“First of all, it doesn’t matter what I say, it’s already been written. So that’s coming. That’s already in there. I’m not going to change that, none of us will. A loss, it’s coming, we don’t do well on offense, it’s coming. Something happens defensively, it’s coming,’’ Campbell said. “That narrative is coming, it’s written, it’s done. I have no control over that.’’

However, that is not what he thinks personally.

“Yeah, I don’t think it’s what it’s played out to be. I’ve said this before it hurts to lose two guys who have been here from the beginning, got a lot of trust and faith in,’’ Campbell said.

“There’s a lot of communication that goes on that’s not even said because once you get to that you understand each other,  a look, a nod, body demeanor says it all,’’ he added. “That’s just a little bit of what we’ve got to gain together between myself, Johnnie Morton and Shep. That takes a minute, takes time, we’ll get it, it will come.’’

And it starts to take more shape in training camp.

Running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are not concerned about the change.

“Obviously they’re different people. Ben was an awesome OC and he’s going to be an even better head coach, but I think we’ve got a damn good OC in coach Johnnie Mo too. They coach a little different,’’ Montgomery said. “Johnny Mo is a little more verbal and vocal, but I love him.”

Gibbs said not a lot has changed – tweaks here and there – but nothing major.

INJURY NEWS

Defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike is out for the season following ACL surgery. “Levi’s surgery, it was significant, but it needed to be done,’’ Campbell said.

Left tackle Taylor Decker had surgery to clean up his shoulder. Campbell expects him to return after the Hall of Fame preseason game on July 31.

Defensive end Josh Paschal also had surgery. The plan is to start working him in around Labor Day.

Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw left practice early and is being evaluated for a chest injury.

(Up next: Day Two of training camp on Monday. First preseason game is July 31 against the Los Angeles Chargers at the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.)

Lions Jameson Williams ready for a bigger role entering his 4th season

Big change in number for Jamo who is now No. 1

ALLEN PARK — After Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams took a huge leap from 2023 to the 2024 season, the obvious question is what is next for the speedster.

Williams finished last season with 58 catches for 1,001 yards with seven receiving and one rushing touchdown. In 2023, he finished with just 354 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.

His speed was on display on Friday during the team’s third session of Organized Team Activities. More is expected of him this season.

“I guess going into Year 4 you know I’ve got a little pep in my step, becoming a vet, moving over from the rookie stage,’’ Williams said. “I’m just ready to play more football and be more consistent for my team.’’

Coach Dan Campbell has noticed a difference in him this spring. 

 “Oh, my God, he’s got a ton of growth left. And you know, he’s listening, he’s had a good spring, and it’s another one – I don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves in OTAs, but I mean there’s so much versatility with him,’’ Campbell said on Friday. “There are so many things that we can do just with his routes on the outside. I mean, we can do things inside, but just with his speed, and he’s gotten so much stronger. His ability to stop, put his foot in the ground. Man, when you can run like you can run, and now you’re beginning to – where man, you can stop on a dime, I mean, you talk about a hard cover.’’

Campbell said the sky’s the limit for Williams who changed his number from 9 to No. 1.

“He’s exactly where we want him to be right now at this point, man. He’s been here, he’s grinding, he’s getting better. (Lions wide receivers coach) Scottie’s (Montgomery) freaking grinding him, it’s awesome,’’ Campbell said. “But we expect him to have a huge season. We really do, man. He’s going to be one of those guys that we’re going to lean on this year, and it is really going to be big for us. And all he’s got to do is just keep working like he’s working and, and we’ll be good.”

Williams, who is 24, said he worked on building his strength after consulting with others but basically he said he feels the same, noting that he has gained about 5 pounds. 

“Ever since I was small I’ve been into working hard as a kid. I always had the mindset to just go out there and be the best, work the hardest. My dad always texts me ‘outwork everybody no matter who it is, outwork everybody,’’’ Williams said.

Quarterback Jared Goff has noticed a difference too.

He’s already made (the next step), it’s been awesome to see. He’s done a helluva job – continue to do what he’s done, just get more consistent,’’ Goff said. “He’s working hard, he’s being  a leader now. It’s fun to see him grow into that and show guys how he wants to do things. He’s talked to me a ton, it’s fun.’’

Williams feels good about his new role as a leader. 

“The young guys come to me about a lot of stuff and I actually feel good because I know what they’re asking me,’’ Williams said. When I was at their stage I had guys I could go to and they helped me with things.’’