Tag: Matt Patricia

It’s official: Lions sign DE Mike Daniels; surprisingly release Theo Riddick

ALLEN PARK — The Lions made it official on Saturday morning that they’ve signed veteran defensive end Mike Daniels.

Running back Theo Riddick was released to make room for Daniels.

Coach Matt Patricia made the announcements Saturday morning just before the start of camp.

“I have a lot of respect for (Daniels), he’s had really good production in the way he plays the game, he’s very intense,’’ Patricia said noting his knowledge of the game.

Patricia said he met with Daniels on Thursday. 

“He’s very aware of the division which is nice,’’ Patricia said.

Daniels joins Damon “Snacks” Harrison, A’Shawn Robinson, Trey Flowers, Da’Shawn Hand and Romeo Okwara on the defensive line. 

The Green Bay Packers released the 30-year-old Daniels just before the start of camp.

The seven-year veteran signed a one-year deal worth $9.1 according to several reports. He was set to make $8.1 million in Green Bay this season.

Daniels, a Pro Bowler in 2017, had 29 sacks in his seven years with the Packers. He was a fourth-round draft pick in 2012. 

Patricia would not get into details of why they cut Riddick who was scheduled to make $3.2 million this season.

“Theo is obviously a great professional, did a lot of great things for us,’’ Patricia said.

Riddick spent the last six seasons with the Lions. Last season in 14 games he had 40 carries for 171 yards and 61 catches for 384 yards.

The Lions added veteran running back C.J. Anderson in the offseason and have depth at the position with Kerryon Johnson, Zack Zenner and rookie Ty Johnson.

Detroit Lions’ C.J. Anderson describes his run game as ‘just nasty’

ALLEN PARK – Running back C.J. Anderson has three words to describe his style: “It’s just nasty.”

OK, then. The seven-year NFL veteran expects to bring some of that nastiness to the Detroit Lions offense.

“It’s just downhill, there’s nothing special about it if it’s 4 it’s 4. If it’s 6 it’s 6, if is’t 46 it’s 46. It is what it is,’’ Anderson said on Friday, the second day of training camp.

He’s averaged 4.5 yards per carry in his first six seasons in the league — the first five with the Denver Broncos and then in 2018 he played nine games for the Florida Panthers and two for the Los Angeles Rams.

He credits his respect for coach Matt Patricia as the reason he signed with the Lions.

“Me and him had a lot of battles (when I was) in Denver in his New England days,’’ Anderson said. “I respect what he’s trying to get done over here, I see what he’s trying to get done over here. He respects me as a player and he asked if I could help him accomplish that and I said. “Why not?’’’

Anderson owns one Super Bowl ring and came up on the short end in two other Super Bowls.

That experience is a part of what he brings to Detroit.

“aCome out here and work every day, we put our heads down, try to eliminate bad football, understand situational football,’’ Anderson said. “That’s the difference between really good teams and really bad teams — understanding those little situations, getting off the field on third down on defense, keeping drives alive on third down for us. Some of those things are being talked about, I can’t speak what was talked about (last year) I wasn’t here. I just know the past two successful teams I’ve been on — two losses, one (Super Bowl) win —  those are some of the things we did.’’

He said it’s about attitude and leadership.

“I pride myself on preparation. I’ve been raised in this league by the more better, correct vets, I guess you could say,’’ Anderson said. “Just trying to bring that knowledge of football to the team.’’

It’s early but he’s quite impressed by running back Kerryon Johnson who is heading into his second season.

“Kerryon is a good man, he’s going to be fun,’’ Anderson said. “I had a young guy last year, C- Mac (Christian McCaffrey), just trying to give him everything I can. I’m here to help whether that’s on the field or whether that’s off the field or in the meeting rooms. I’m here to help hopefully push his career beyond mine or up to mine — Year 7 or past Year 7. That’s my goal with the young guys.’’

Without pads in the first two days of training camp, it’s impossible to judge Anderson’s game. He does seem to be alongside Kerryon Johnson for much of the workouts.

 

 

Detroit Lions camp: Rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson impressive early

ALLEN PARK — Tight end T.J. Hockenson’s catches deep in the corner of the end zone have been among the highlights during the first two days of Detroit Lions training camp.

Even his teammates appreciate it — hooting and hollering for the rookie each time he brings in a ball thrown by Matthew Stafford.

The first-round pick takes his early stand-out plays in stride.

“We’re all just trying to have fun out here. I’m just trying to have fun playing the game I love, being able to do it with these guys means a lot,’’ Hockenson said. “This group of veterans has taken you in really well, they’ve accepted me as part of this team and I’m super excited to get started.’’

If the first two days of camp are any indication, this could be a very tight-end friendly offense under new coordinator Darrell Bevell.

Hockenson doesn’t put more pressure on himself because he’s a first-round pick. Like each and every one of the Lions he repeats the mantra that he just wants to get better every day.

“He knows that he has a lot to earn and he’s got a long way to go, but he is a hard worker. He loves the game. The guy’s got a great attitude, the guy just loves the grind and the passion of the game,’’ coach Matt Patricia said. “So, you take it, you work with it, you go forward, and he’s got a skill set that hopefully we got to see out on the field. He’s got to go out there and do it consistently and do it every single day.”

Hockenson, who is 6-foot-5, is one six tight ends on the camp roster. All of them are new to the Lions this season, although Logan Thomas (6-foot-6) and Jesse James (6-foot-7) bring years of NFL experience. 

“It’s competition in camp, we have such a great tight end room. Logan and everyone in that group has been great, they’ve accepted us they’ve done everything that I can ask,’’ Hockenson said. “They’ve taught us things that a rookie wouldn’t normally see. It’s nice to be with that group of guys.’’

Hockenson repeatedly mentioned how the intelligence level is so much higher than it was in college (Iowa).

“The defense can see a formation one time and know the play. You have to be smarter than the 10-year vet that is in front of you,’’ Hockenson said. “Being a rookie you have to come in and study and work at it, that’s what we’re all trying to do, that’s what I’m trying to do.’’

Tight end is traditionally one of the hardest positions to learn as a rookie requiring that they know how to catch and also block for the run game. Hockenson said it’s all a challenge.

“It’s the next level. Everything is faster, everything is more dynamic, everyone is smarter, it’s different,’’ Hockenson said. “I’m coming to work every day trying to take that next step and get better every single day.’’