Tag: NFL training camp

Lions training camp notes: Rookie WRs continue to impress; Anzalone is back

ALLEN PARK — Two Lions rookie wide receivers — Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic L0vett — have been turning heads through the first six days of training camp. 

Saturday wrapped up with a 30-yard pass to TeSlaa from Hendon Hooker for a potential touchdown. The fans in the stands loved it.

Earlier Lovett, who was double-covered, made an amazing catch during team drills. 

Those were the highlights, but there were more impressive plays from the two.

“I would say both of them mentally have done a pretty good job. They picked it up pretty good, Scottie (Montgomery, wide receivers coach) is doing a heckuva job with him,’’ coach Dan Campbell said prior to Saturday’s workout.

“They’re getting all the reps, the mental, the walk-through and they take it on the field. I would say Lovett has popped more early out on the field, but I thought TeSlaa had a really good day (Friday). I can see the uptick now with him so he’s got to stack another good day but that was good to see and that was the first day of pads,’’ the coach added.

TeSlaa, who grew up a Lions fan in Hudsonville, Mich.,  was drafted in the third round out of Arkansas, while Lovett was a seventh-round pick out of Georgia.

One or both have a shot at making  the 53-man roster, especially if they can contribute on special teams.

“They’re doing good. I think we’re excited to see these young guys come in. The offense isn’t the easiest. We have a lot of moving parts but they’re doing a great job of getting the whole offense, getting an idea of the offense, going out there making plays,’’ wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said.

As a veteran he said he tries to answer they questions and give them tips and reminders.

“At the end of the day I want them to play fast, don’t worry too much about being a rookie, trying to  impress the coaches, just go out there and play,’’ St. Brown said.

NOTES: Linebacker Alex Anzalone practiced for the first time since the start of training camp. He was sitting out with a hamstring. He is seeking a contract extension which is not done and he didn’t want to speak to the specifics.

— Martha Firestone Ford attended practice with her daughter Sheila Ford Hamp, principal owner and chair. Loud thanks were yelled from the fans when their golf cart stopped in front of the bleachers. 

— With the Hall of Fame game just days away, Campbell wants to see his rookies in game action. “I think all of those guys need to play in the game or games. I think our young guys, I see them playing in this game. Am I going to say it’s written in stone? No, I’m not. But I’d like to play those guys,’’ Campbell said. The Hall of Fame game on Thursday, July 31, in Canton, Ohio, is the first of four preseason games.

— Campbell was pleased with the first padded practice on Friday. “Loved the energy, we’ve got a lot to clean up but it was good. I thought they went back and forth, we got a little better on both sides of the ball which is what you’re looking for,’’ Campbell said on Saturday morning.

(UP NEXT: Lions have a day off on Sunday and then continue training camp on Monday.)

Detroit Lions Jared Goff excited about the possibilities including a bigger role for Jameson Williams

ALLEN PARK — While the Lions defense features more new personnel, quarterback Jared Goff sees a ton of potential on the offensive side of the ball.

“We know the sky is the limit and we’re excited,” Goff said on Friday, the third day of training camp.

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson remains in charge and has added a few wrinkles to the playbook for his ever-evolving offense. It finished the 2023 season ranked third in the NFL with 6,712 yards of offense.

“Back in the spring there was a ton of stuff, even (stuff) we did last year that we can tweak and get better at, but some new stuff certainly in the spring and into training camp. Stuff we’ll play around with and see if it works and probably use a lot of it,’’ Goff said.

The 29-year-old Goff, who signed a four-year, $212 million contract extension in the spring, said hopefully he’s smack-dab in the middle of his prime. 

“I feel good and confident in the guys around me and they feel confident in me, it’s a good place to be,’’ said Goff, who was married this summer.

Along with most everyone, he expects a bigger role this year for wide receiver Jameson Williams who is entering his third season. Williams has shown flashes early in camp but had an excused absence on Friday.

“He’s a guy who can score on one play and you’ve seen it quite a bit in his career. He continues to get better. It’s exciting and his consistency has raised a ton,’’ Goff said. “He knows what time it is for himself and our team and has come to work really well and has done a good job.’’

Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson more comfortable entering second season

ALLEN PARK — Sunday was only Day One of Detroit Lions training camp but already second-year defensive tackle Aidan Hutchinson could see a difference from a year ago.

Hutchinson, the NFL’s 2022 rookie of the year, said the vibes are good. His goal is to stay consistent and smooth throughout.

“The game has slowed down, everything just feels a lot easier. I feel I have a better grasp on what I do and kind of my position in the scheme and the system,’’ Hutchinson said after the practice. “Just being out here today it’s a lot less tiring, you’re not thinking as much, I’m just rolling and having fun. That experience is so critical.’’

Hutchinson led all NFL rookies with 9.5 sacks last season and became the first rookie since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, with at least nine sacks and three interceptions.

He’s built camaraderie with the defensive linemen last year and through OTAs and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn returned so there are no big defensive changes.

“It’s just rinse and repeat at this point,’’ Hutchinson said.

He doesn’t plan any new moves this season.

“I’m not a big believer in doing too many different things. I think it’s important to have two to three moves and as long as you can do those at a really high level, you probably won’t be blocked,’’ Hutchinson said. “The second you try to add this or add that, it complicates the game, I think it’s important to keep pass rush simple.”