Day 4 Observations: T.J. Hockenson Welcomes Aidan Hutchinson to NFL

The pads came on, and the hits were felt by several members of the defense on Monday morning.

The Lions' coaching staff certainly understands the struggles of the defense last season. 

Poor tackling and a lack of consistent execution late in games were costly, as the 2021 roster could not be counted on to hold a lead in the fourth quarter of games. 

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, speaking to the media on Monday following head coach Dan Campbell, noted he believes the pass rush should improve with the changes made this offseason. 

"Today is the first day that we get a chance to see the new scheme against the run, which would be really, really good for us," Glenn said. "I'll tell you one thing that I've been impressed with is our pass rush. Again, no pads, but I think we have a group of guys that can get up to the passer. And, do it in a way to where it's just a four-man rush, instead of always having to pressure."

Here are observations made from inside Allen Park, after the team's first padded practice of training camp. 

1.) The running backs unit acknowledged the fans in the stands before the start of practice. It was the first occasion non-loyalty members could attend an open practice session.

2.) Dan Campbell addressed the team after warmups to signal a one-on-one tackling drill. He emphasized emphatically it was a tackling drill and not to intentionally run somebody over. 

Here are the notable results: 

• Running back Godwin Igwebuike juked rookie linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez out of his shoes, as he faked going right and quickly shifted left. Rodriguez was left flat-footed and behind in the dust on his first attempt at a tackling drill. 
• Linebacker Anthony Pittman demonstrated solid closing speed and fundamentals, wrapping up tight end T.J. Hockenson. 
• Running back Jermar Jefferson barreled over cornerback A.J. Parker, drawing cheers from the offense. 
• D'Andre Swift put a devastating spin move on Chris Board, and blew past him. 
• Amon-Ra St. Brown leaped over Bobby Price, flashing similar moves that he did his rookie season in the same drill. 

3.) The best player on the field was right tackle Penei Sewell. He won both of his one-on-one reps against Aidan Hutchinson, and delivered one of the biggest hits of practice, nearly knocking cornerback Jeff Okudah over on his back. He also took reps at left tackle at times, to give Taylor Decker a spell. 

4.) The biggest hit of the day was delivered by tight end T.J. Hockenson. In a welcome to the NFL moment, the talented tight end forcibly blocked Aidan Hutchinson, knocking him over and then proceeded to secure a reception. The young rookie, who drew rave reviews all morning for his singing during the rookie talent show, got figuratively told to "Beat It" on the field by a veteran member of the offense. 

5.) The offense attempted on a couple of occasions to toss the ball deep, but the quarterbacks could not link up with the deepest balls tossed to wideout Trinity Benson. 

6.) Okudah had a day to forget in pads. As mentioned, he was on the receiving end of a vicious block by Sewell, and then was beaten by Josh Reynolds pretty easily in coverage. The coaching staff remained encouraging, but the young defensive back did not make his presence felt in any meaningful way. Saivion Smith had a nice pass break-up on a toss from Goff to Reynolds. 

7.) The starting offensive line dominated the defensive line in approximately the first 10 reps, not allowing a single pressure. 

8.) Chris Board and John Cominsky stood out for making quality defensive plays. Board knocked the football out after a receiver secured a reception, and Cominsky would have been credited with a sack against Tim Boyle in second-team work. 

9.) Jared Goff was productive, but could not consistently connect deep with his receivers. The offense looks completely out of sorts when Boyle is under center.

Not that all of the incompletions were Boyle's fault, but he has yet to establish any rhythm or consistency with anyone at camp. Tight end Shane Zylstra had a bad drop that should have been a completion tossed by Boyle. His frustrations are beginning to show on the field, as he chirped to Jermar Jefferson to recognize the route correction faster. 

10.) Amon-Ra St. Brown showcased his breakaway speed, easily running past safety DeShon Elliott. The safety eventually caught up to him, but only after a 50-yard gain. St. Brown was still frustrated that he did not score a touchdown.