Joint practices invaluable for Detroit Lions new-look offense

The Detroit Lions have engaged in joint practices with the New England Patriots. Here is why it is especially crucial to get these valuable reps in 2019…

The Detroit Lions offense walked into training camp with a lot of work to do. The Lions have a new offense to learn under newly acquired offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. So, unlike years past, the team veterans are learning right along with the rookies and newcomers.

Now, as every team does go through changes from time to time, Detroit has some significant changes this year. Along with Darrell Bevell, the team has brought in new running backs coach Kyle Caskey, and quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan. These are all very good coaches in pivotal roles and that should have fans excited. We should also acknowledge these changes will take time, as together they will reconstruct the entire offense.

Much can be ascertained in training camp and worked on, but without some creativity, progression can become stagnant. Athletes get to know their opponent’s tendencies too well. They also get used to playing against the same scheme.

Players learn their opponent’s tendencies so well, it makes the execution of plays easier and that can take away from the ultimate goal of self-improvement. Fresh faces and different schemes help with the process of reaching that goal, which is where joint practices against other teams become important.

Joint practices offer a whole variety of different looks from the opposing team. Fresh faces with different play styles propose another challenge as well. This is especially important for the Lions veterans on the roster, as the preseason doesn’t offer much opportunity for them to get quality reps in.

Team’s don’t reveal what they are actually trying to accomplish with their offense or defense in the preseason. They typically run basic plays out of basic formations instead. Also, starters don’t see much action, as there is no need to chance injury in a game that doesn’t count for anything. I more or less think of preseason games as live practice sessions. They give players the chance to earn a role on the team. It also allows others the opportunity to put some gameplay on tape. This is important, especially for players trying to make a team, any team.

The Lions have had some ups and downs throughout training camp. Quarterback Matthew Stafford for one, has been highlighted as inconsistent throughout many media outlets. This has not been proven to be true in joint practices, however. Stafford has connected on some nice throws to his wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs against the Patriots the past two days. Looking especially sharp in the two-minute drills.

Lions rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson continues to impress, regardless of what player or what team is attempting to cover him. You can say the same for second year running back Kerryon Johnson and seasoned wide receiver Danny Amendola. Wide receiver Kenny Golladay and fullback Nick Bawden have also looked extremely well throughout camp and continue to do so in joint practices with the Patriots.

These Lions are practicing with a New England team that features a championship-caliber defense, and they are still performing extremely well. Detroit hasn’t even learned their offense, yet the Lions are still making plays. Let’s not look too far into it this, but it is a good sign of things to come in Detroit.

The Detroit Lions training camp has gone very well, so have these joint practice sessions with the Patriots. Players seem to be ready for battle, regardless of who is lined up across from them. It hasn’t been impeccable, but the improvements have been steady every day. With this being a completely new offense along with some new talent, the changes are coming along well and the players are executing in an overall impressive fashion.

Detroit will face New England in their first preseason game of 2019 on Thursday, August 8th. However, I doubt we will be seeing much of the Lions new offense. Starters likely won’t play much, if at all. It is unlikely that Detroit is going to fully show their new offense just yet either. In my opinion, what we should be looking for in this first preseason game is consistency and minimal mental lapses.

I have been writing about it for weeks and I tell you again, these Detroit Lions are underrated and they are ready to prove the masses wrong. The same old Lions are surely from days past. With their strong play against the Patriots in practice, it only gets me more excited for the upcoming season and it should other Lions fans as well. 2019 will be an exciting year to be a part of OnePride nation ladies and gentlemen.