Before Friday's preseason opener at Ford Field, the Detroit Lions welcomed the New York Giants to Allen Park for two days of joint practices. For most, if not all, teams, these kind of joint practice sessions are more valuable than the actual preseason opener. And we know how much head coach Dan Campbell values them.
On Tuesday, most reports from the practice centered around the Lions' defense making life miserable on quarterback Daniel Jones, as well as the Detroit offense regularly shredding the New York defense. Per Connor Hughes of SNY, the Lions' offense was clicking to the point where the talent around Jared Gof seemed overwhelming.
The #Lions offense just scored in same drill. They have so many weapons. Feel like Goff has someone open every play https://t.co/KTM4i4ILVS
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 8, 2023
On Wednesday, the Giants would have their revenge. Jones had a much better day, for one thing.
Quick note here: I had #Giants QB Daniel Jones 12 of 17 with 5 touchdowns in 11-on-11 drills.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 9, 2023
Two of those scores came inside the five yard line when repping red zone. Keep that in mind. He was 8 of 11 with two touchdowns in 11-on-11 drills outside the 25 yard line.
“He was… https://t.co/p4siMWWrmK
The Lions' offense was a mixed bag on Wednesday, per the reports on the ground. Ben Raven of MLive.com believed the Lions had a "shakier" performance, but did note positives from Jahmyr Gibbs and Marvin Jones amid a tough day from Nate Sudfeld.
Watched the Lions offense today. Not their best day.
— Ben Raven (@BenjaminSRaven) August 9, 2023
It was shaky from the get. First team o no first downs first time through in 11-on-11s across six plays.
Probably Nate Sudfeld’s worst practice. Everything was high. Was late and off on a deep ball for Jamo that was easy TD.
Marvin Jones had the play of the day in the passing game. No separation from Amani on fade to the pylon, not the greatest throw from Sudfeld, but Marv did what Marv has done and went up and made the play with no breathing room. Not much for Jamo today, QBs couldn’t get it to him
— Ben Raven (@BenjaminSRaven) August 9, 2023
Alim McNeill praises the Lions' "violence" and "intensity" in practice
What did Lions players think of the practices against the Giants? After the action concluded on Wednesday, McNeill spoke to reporters and seemed pleased with the work the team was able to get in.
"I feel like we showed a lot of violence, we were intense, we were kind of putting the pressure on them yesterday."
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) August 9, 2023
- Detroit Lions defensive tackle, Alim McNeill on what he saw on tape during the first join practice with the #NYGiants. 🔥 #OnePride pic.twitter.com/J8QTkpBfwo
Dan Campbell has placed a premium on joint practices, and the test it is for players going against an opponent with a ramp up in intensity. It looks like the players heeded the call, based on McNeill's comments alone.
It seems like the Lions got some quality work in ahead of their 2023 preseason opener. Now the question becomes who suits up, and to what extent any key players play, on Friday night. But opportunity will knock for plenty of players who are battling for roster spots, which is all they can ask for,