As training camp has worn on for the Detroit Lions, questions have begun to swirl about which side of the ball has seen the biggest advantage between the offense and defense.
With new coordinators in the fold on both sides of the ball, the adjustment of the Lions is going to be something to watch. Given how good the offense has been in recent years, most have chosen to focus their attention on the ups and downs of that side of the ball.
Thus, news that the defense had begun to have the upper hand in some team drill sessions wasn't welcome. It has made many begin to slam the panic button before the season. But veteran cornerback Avonte Maddox believes the defense is simply hungry to prove they can help the offense this year.
"I feel like the picks, they start coming in waves. Once you get one, then they start coming throughout the days as we keep practicing. Every day we try to get an interception so we can limit the explosive (plays) so we won't have to run after practice. That's our goal, to create turnovers. If you create turnovers at practice, you'll get them in the game. To me, that's the name of the game. (It's) all about the football. If you can get turnovers (and get) the ball back to your offense as much as you can, you'll win a lot of games."
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Maddox's point is a good one. The defense is just as motivated to try and generate stops and turnovers for their own pride, and don't want to be pushed around. The fact they have been able to hold their own with the offense is a good sign heading into the season, because Detroit has one of the most potent attacks in the league.
The Lions struggled to find takeaways defensively the last few seasons, and if they can have a penchant for getting the ball back for the offense, everyone will benefit. At this point of the offseason, fans should rather see the defense playing with some swagger, because the offense can always catch up.
Maddox believes Lions are improving every day across the board
No matter what has happened on either side of the ball in individual drills, Maddox has been watching as his teammates have been grinding every day. He has loved the competition he has seen, as well as the improvements.
"I feel like we've been competing on both sides of the ball. Offense has their days, defense has their days. But, I look at it as, we're all getting better as one team because at the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to make it to the end and be good on special teams, offense, and defense."
No matter what happens in camp, iron has to sharpen iron for a team to take the next step during the season. A veteran like Maddox has been around the block enough to know what constitutes a positive trajectory. It's good news he has already seen this in Detroit.