Detroit Lions training camp preview

Training Camp Clichés

These clichés are like clockwork during training camp.  Don’t buy into the mindless coach speak and tropes.

Player (x) is in the “best shape of his life.”

Every fan wants to believe that their former 1st round draft pick that has not seen the field in years will suddenly become a perennial All-Pro

Without fail, at least one player on every team will show up to camp “in the best shape of his life.”  This very well may be true, but it does not mean that this player will play any better because of it.  If Eric Ebron shows up to camp in the best shape of his life, it won’t help his route running or concentration.  If Stafford is lean and svelte on July 29th, that won’t help him go through his progressions faster.  Players should show up to camp in excellent shape.  It’s part of their job.

Massive strides in development from formally inconsequential player/ draft bust

Nothing is better than a comeback story, right?  Every fan wants to believe that their former 1st round draft pick that has not seen the field in years will suddenly become a perennial All-Pro, yet, that is rarely reality.  This offseason alone, Kyle Van Noy has been continuously hyped as a player who has made great strides from previous years.  I still expect Josh Bynes to play more than him this year.  Not very often does a player who previously has contributed next to nothing in his first two years in the league suddenly become a starter.  Steer clear.

Player (x) has never played with someone like Player (y)

This popular trope could be too easy to call for the Lions.  Jeremy Kerley has had the following quarterbacks since his rookie year: Mark Sanchez, Greg McElroy, Geno Smith, Michael Vick’s cane, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.  There is not a shred of doubt that Stafford is the best quarterback he has ever had, and he will let everyone know that during training camp.  Every player on a new team wants to make an impression one way or another.  For those fighting for roster spots, they will try anything to grab one.

Camp Heroes

Players who might light up training camp, but not necessarily carry it over to the regular season.

Dwayne Washington, RB

Washington is a very big, ultra athletic running back from Washington University.  His combination of size and speed is rare.  During camp, Washington will have ample opportunities to display his athletic prowess.  Many uber-athletic players stand out immediately on the field when there are no real games being played.  Washington’s faults lay elsewhere.  He had fumble problems in college, makes poor reads too often, and has battled injuries throughout his career.  He may stand out initially with his 4.4 speed and 6’2’’ 225 lb size, and might break off a few runs here or there, but is still a long shot for the final 53.

Tyrunn Walker, DT

Walker was on the verge of a solid first year with the Lions until J.R Sweezy tried to end his career with a dirty chop block.  With almost a year to recover, he should be able to show the coaches he is ready to work.  Coaches like to use another cliché about a player who suffered a bad injury last year, looking now like he never had one.  Walker fits that bill.  He will “have his burst back” or “never been healthier,” during training camp.  The fans and organization hope Walker is fully back and ready, but he still may take a few weeks to iron out the kinks.  The same could be said about DeAndre Levy.  Although Levy has produced more evidence of his stellar play, major injuries that force full seasons of rest are always tricky to recover from.  Coaches may say Walker is having a great camp, but he will need real games to fully come back.

Matthew Stafford, QB

Listen, Stafford is a good quarterback, and there are few others that I would want on my team if I were a general manager.  With another year under Cooter’s tutelage, Stafford could have a great year similar to how he finished 2015.  That hot streak in mind, whatever Stafford does in training camp this year will be overblown.  If your team has a starter entrenched during training camp, that starter will look good nearly every day.  Quarterbacks are coddled during these weeks.  Stafford will look superb.  He is supposed to.  Can he carry it over and sustain it for 16 games?

Next: Camp Predictions