Detroit Lions headlines: Offseason intensity, Running to impress

ALLEN PARK, MI - AUGUST 05: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass during training camp at the Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility on August 5, 2010 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI - AUGUST 05: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass during training camp at the Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility on August 5, 2010 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions have transformed into a different monster this offseason. But how loud will they roar in 2018? Let’s discuss in today’s headlines.

As the Detroit Lions now rest up to prepare for training camp, we look back at the offseason activities so far. Just how different will this Lions’ team look under new head coach Matt Patricia?

That’s just one of the many questions we’ll attempt to answer as we dive in to today’s version of our Motor City headlines.

Patricia bringing an intensity to Lions – DetroitLions.com

The presence of Patricia has reportedly brought a much higher intensity to practices. Onlookers have seen the Lions practicing at a faster pace with less down team than in season’s past. Will this intensity translate to better play on the field or result in the team losing gas as the grind of the regular season takes hold? Only time will tell.

Marvin Jones defends Patricia: ‘It’s football. We run.’ – NFL.com

The one area that hasn’t really been addressed in this whole “over-running” non-issue is the fact this is a roster full of players looking to impress a new head coach, and for the most part, a new coaching staff.

Obviously former free agents and rookies are normally in that kind of position in their first year. But there are veterans on this team hoping to keep their jobs as well. Across the board, being asked to run more isn’t a big deal for these top-shelf athletes looking to impress new bosses.

Matt Patricia bringing ‘Do Your Job’ Patriots motto to Detroit Lions – Detroit Free Press

The biggest takeaway that Patricia appears to be trying to get across to his new team is accountability. As opposed to the more laid back approach by former head coach Jim Caldwell, the former New England Patroits’ alum is bringing a hard-hat mentality to the Motor City.

Will the change be reflected positivity in the standings? That could be tough considering the team’s previous success under Caldwell and the tough schedule ahead.

Will Lions-Calvin Johnson rift ever be resolved? – ESPN.com

The answer is yes. Time heals all wounds. At some point, Megatron will return to the fold in Detroit. As the years pass, so will the hurt feelings incurred by both sides. At the end of the day, Johnson is one of the greatest Lions ever. And he will eventually return home to be honored as such.

Next: Lions 15 best first-round draft picks of all-time

Lions’ Stafford, Quin among CBS Sports’ top NFL players 30 and older – The Detroit News

My biggest takeaway from Matthew Stafford being named one of the league top players over 30-years old is the fact his window is slowly closing. Optimistically, you have to believe Stafford can be effective into his late 30’s. But the fact he is entering his 10th NFL season without a single playoff win under his belt is disappointing. With Patricia now in charge, are all the pieces finally in place around Stafford to fulfill his potential?