Detroit Lions ‘Hard Knocks’ Episode 3 recap

Episode 3 of “Hard Knocks” featuring the Detroit Lions aired on Tuesday night, and along with it came interesting story lines once again.

The Detroit Lions are now through two of three preseason games, and Tuesday night’s episode of “Hard Knocks” was also over the proverbial halfway point of the show, No. 3 of 5.

The main story line from this week’s episode was the joint practices last week with the Indianapolis Colts. The casual Lions fan may not have cared to catch the preseason game against the Colts, with starters resting on both sides, but the real evaluation came during the two days of joint practice.

You could see, by the pure intensity, what that practices meant to the players. We actually got to see a good amount of starters lining up against starters, which would not happen the same way in a preseason game. Jamaal Willliams took center stage in terms of bringing intensity for the Lions, and before the episode aired there was an early glimpse of his interaction with Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin.

The other element from this week was the beginning of the roster trim, and a look at those who are on the bubble. Usually, it’s fairly easy to tell who may be on the chopping block as they receive a strange amount of airtime. Rookie offensive lineman Obinna Eze and rookie wide receive Kalil Pimpleton, both undrafted free agents, got airtime this week. It’s difficult to watch these guys knowing they are slowly working toward being cut, but that’s the business.

Detroit Lions “Hard Knocks” Episode 3 recap: Dan Campbell, quote machine

As always, Dan Campbell gave us another fantastic quote that only he could come up with. Everything this guy says needs to be printed on a shirt and sold outside Ford Field, and it was hard to pick just one quote once again. This one came after the Lions scored to start the second half against the Colts, as Campbell talked to defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

"“Alright A.G., let’s go get ‘em,” Campbell said. “I would love a (expletive) three-and-out. Or a turnover. If anybody gets a punch out here, they can fly the plane home themselves. They can literally pilot the (expletive) plane.”"

With Episode 3 in the books, the end of the Lions’ edition of “Hard Knocks” is getting near. The two remaining episodes will surely feature the run up to the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the culmination of battles for roster spots, the final cutdown to 53 players and possibly some players we haven’t seen much (or any) of yet.