Highlights from Jim Caldwell Press Conference

Head Coach Jim Caldwell kicked off the Detroit Lions training camp with a press conference. The event was streamed live on the Detroit Lions website, and should be available via archives here.

“We have to use the time we have been allotted.” He further elaborated about maximizing all the practice time, singling out the offensive line as a group where reps are important.

On that front, Caldwell indicated first-round pick Taylor Decker is the left tackle. He tried to make it seem vague and undecided, but every indication is Decker will play left tackle and Riley Reiff will move to the right side.

Next, Caldwell praised Matthew Stafford’s leadership. He said, “he’s not doing anything different” than in the past but is “more sure of himself” in what he’s doing. The team desperately needs Stafford to emerge as a more confident leadership presence.

The head coach noted he “raised the bar” for performance for all players, but especially Stafford. He based this on the strong finish from last year, which was where the inquisition led him. Caldwell noted he believes the quarterback is improving at the nuances of the position. Later, he noted a “unique synergy” between Stafford and Offensive Coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. He also interjected new QB Coach Brian Callahan was fitting nicely in that synergy, too. In another question, he noted how quickly Stafford adapts to new situations.

When asked about Ameer Abdullah’s status, Caldwell demurred. He clearly has adopted the Patriot Way of not talking about injuries, an edict that emanates from new GM Bob Quinn.

Speaking of Quinn, someone asked about it the work environment changed much under Quinn as compared to Martin Mayhew. Caldwell artfully dodged that one while also praising Quinn.

The third-year Lions coach also didn’t take the bait when asked which NFC North opponent posed the biggest threat. Say what you want about Jim Caldwell, he’s not an idiot.

After being asked about job security and then expectations, he rather enthusiastically responded, “We are going to be a better football team. We have to be.” Caldwell continued, “We have talent at every spot. We have competition and we have leadership.”

“Anytime you have this kind of depth we have, and you stay healthy, it builds competition” across every spot on the roster. Later, he ducked around a question about how much better the 53-man roster is because “we’re not at 53 right now”. Still it is clear he really likes the depth on the roster.

Caldwell noted he “likes hot camps” and pointed out the last two camps have featured unseasonably cool weather. He indicated the Lions practice in the late afternoon because of that, as it’s usually the hottest time of the day.

Showing a little personality, he gave a wicked impression of former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden that made the gathered reporters cackle. This made a nice segue into discussion newest Lion Anquan Boldin, a former Seminole. He talked up how physically impressive he is despite being 36 and how much he can help the team. I had some thoughts on that yesterday. Caldwell noted his prior relationship with Boldin was a real asset.

“Haven’t yet, don’t think I’m going to start now either” when prompted about preseason predictions. Probably a smart move, coach. Most national publications have the Lions in last place in the NFC North.