Observations: Lions' Defense Dominates, CB Gilmore Shines, Sewell Out

The Detroit Lions' defense was spectacular on Day 6.

The Detroit Lions' defense put on a show in front of fans on Day 6 of training camp, at the team's Allen Park practice facility. 

The crowd, while waiting patiently and wanting to cheer loudly for explosive offensive plays, was still treated to a quality defensive effort. 

Arguably the best defender on the field Saturday was undrafted rookie free-agent cornerback Steven Gilmore. 

"We like Gilly. We liked his tape, too, when he was coming out," said Dan Campbell before practice. "He's got some awareness about him, he's got some instincts, he's got ball skills. Pretty good movement skills. I think, for him, it's gonna be along with development, it's gonna be the physical development. He's not a real big guy, so he's got to get a little bit of mass on him, get a little bit stronger. That's gonna be part of what, with him, how fast can those things come to really help him." 

Gilmore recorded an interception against Nate Sudfeld, and stripped wideout Denzel Mims of the football, forcing a fumble that was eventually recovered by Saivion Smith. 

Gilmore noted that Mims tried to lower his shoulder on him, but left the football exposed. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn often tells the defensive backs to go for the ball, and Gilmore quickly took advantage of Detroit's newest wideout. 

Having played collegiately at Marshall, the talented defensive back talks to his brother, Stephon Gilmore, on a daily basis. The ex-Patriots standout simply tells his brother to be himself and to channel his hunger to achieve his desired goals. 

Jameson Williams watching drills pic.twitter.com/WKkjLfaOux

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) July 29, 2023

Observations 

1.) Despite his elevated stature in the organization, Chris Spielman was aiding the staff in replacing divots, and was observed carrying buckets during practice. Prior to practice, Lions head coach Dan Campbell made it a point to give attention to Spielman, who's one of the most important figures in the organization. 

2.) Jameson Williams did not practice on Saturday. Also, Penei Sewell was not spotted participating during any of the team or individual drills. James Houston slipped during his rep against Germain Ifedi, and was not observed participating much during team drills. After slipping, Houston went down after the much larger lineman won the rep. Also on offense, Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Antoine Green were not seen practicing. 

3.) Another standout on defense was defensive lineman Josh Paschal. During the one-on-one period against the offensive line, the second-year defensive lineman demonstrated sheer force, and pushed back Connor Galvin quite easily. In team periods, Paschal easily forced tight end James Mitchell, who stayed back to block, backwards during second-team work. 

4.) The crowd applauded early when Jared Goff completed tosses to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond, who made a sliding catch, during competitive drills against the secondary. Later, St. Brown put a move on Tracy Walker, juking the talented safety, which pleased the crowd. During practice, a small "let's go Lions" chant broke out. 

5.) Goff had an opportunity and threw the ball deep to Josh Reynolds, who found his way past the safeties with a burst. But, the deep pass was woefully short and not one of the veteran's best tosses. The woefully under-thrown ball was broken up by Walker and Kerby Joseph. The 28-year-old also had a toss sail to rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, with Walker in coverage. 

6.) Jack Campbell would have recorded a sack against Nate Sudfeld in second-team reps, as he tracked Detroit's backup quarterback. The secondary recorded a solid coverage sack. 

7.) Riley Patterson went four-for-five on field-goal attempts, while Parker Romo did not miss any of his five attempts (ranging from 33 to 50 yards). Patterson missed his first attempt, which was from a relatively short distance. 

8.) Ifeatu Melifonwu had a couple of unimpressive reps in a short span. He avoided further contact and did not showcase physicality when he had the chance, drawing the ire of the coaching staff. The young safety allowed Jahmyr Gibbs to fly past him, and did not take the opportunity to make a hit against tight end Shane Zylstra. 

9.) Practice ended with a situational offensive series that had the Lions trailing by six points, 26-20, in the fourth quarter, with less than 3:00. Goff was able to lead the team down the field, and even converted a critical third down to Trinity Benson. Julian Okwara had a strong pressure, which would have, in actuality, ended the drill. 

But, after resetting, Goff attempted a pass to Josh Reynolds that fell incomplete. Charles Harris likely would have recorded the sack, prior to the pass into the end zone. 

10.) Many Lions took the time to sign autographs after practice, including Alim McNeill and Jason Cabinda. 

Q&A: Steven Gilmore

Q: How did you feel about practice today?

Gilmore: It was a great practice today. Just trying to get better out here. Always having fun coming out here, getting the chance to play football and living the dream. It’s a blessing.

Q: Take me through your interception today in practice. 

Gilmore: I was playing man coverage. I just had my man covered, and I just looked back at the quarterback, saw the ball coming and just made a play.

Q: How proud are you of the effort you put into each and every rep?

Gilmore: I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. I just try to do everything I can to make an impact on the game every time I’m out there. So, it’s just a blessing.

Q: What are your first impressions of life in the NFL? 

Gilmore: I think it’s fun. Just coming in from college, it’s a little different. But, I’m adjusting well, and trying to get better each and every day. It’s been fun.

Q: Where does the chip on your shoulder come from, and what are some of your motivating factors?

Gilmore: Just really wanting to prove who I am out here. I always had the chip on my shoulder since I was young. I always made my impact out there, so I just carried that with me through the years.

Q: How have you been able to integrate and learn from the veterans at the cornerback position?

A: Those guys are great. They’re our leaders, so me being a rookie, I just follow in behind those guys and just hold my place, do what I can and be behind those guys. They’re great leaders.

Q: Your last two practices have been in front of fans. How have you felt about the presence of the fans and the impact of their support?

A: It’s a great feeling having the fans out here. It feels like game time. You’ve got to make those plays when the fans are out here, when the lights are on. So, that’s what it’s really all about.