The Detroit Lions have been at it in training camp for the better part of two weeks, and as the dog days of summer take over, there can be a temptation for players to let up or get tired
So far, that isn't in the lexicon for the Lions, who have made mental and physical toughness a hallmark of their franchise. That's been on display from the start of camp to now, as the days stay hot and the competition gets tight.
When ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler visited camp in late July, he noticed that toughness and more specifically violence were a major theme. Every player including new cornerback D.J. Reed was helping to set the proper tone.
"A big theme at Lions camp: violence. Cornerback D.J. Reed used that word several times to describe Detroit's camp. That's exactly how Dan Campbell wants it. "Our head coach sets the tone for that, makes that an emphasis," Reed said. "He just said before we broke the huddle, 'The cream is going to rise to the top.' If you're not a guy that likes to hit, you don't like being physical, you're going to go to the bottom, and everybody is going to be able to tell." At least one helmet popped off during the one-on-one drills I saw."
Since Dan Campbell took over, grit has become the buzzword that exemplifies the team. In order to ensure that the term is not just a passing moniker, players have to buy in and a culture must be established. Even when watching benign drills, it's easy to see how well the Lions have bought in to what their boss has emphasized since the start.
Kerby Joseph sets the tone for Lions with tough drill showing at camp
Joseph, never one to back down, is quite literally Detroit's leader when it comes to showing toughness within every rep he gets. During practice on Sunday, August 2, he showed why he is the best at making sure his teammates are ready for the physicality of the league.
When rookie wide receivers Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett did pass catching drills with the quarterbacks, Joseph lined up at cornerback and immediately turned up the heat. He violently shoved and grabbed both players, attempting to throw them to the ground. It was an obvious show of veteran force on a pair of rookies.
READ MORE: DJ Reed sounds like Dan Campbell's ideal player after "physical" quotes at Lions camp
Both TeSlaa and Lovett stood up to the drills and fought through the onslaught of grabbing and hits which would have been easily flagged as penalties if done during game play. Each were at least able to make a play on the ball, something that could have been unheard of given the mugging they received.
There's a method to Joseph's madness, of course. It's unlikely either player will see the kind of physicality Joseph showed during a game. Whatever they do encounter they will be ready for after going through a Lions practice. It's a brilliant way that Detroit's veteran not only exerts his dominance over rookies, but gets them ready for the big leagues.
Joseph has become the heart and soul of Detroit's defense in just a few seasons. With his leadership, not only does his side of the ball constantly improve, but the offense does as well.