Observations: Jacobs Challenges St. Brown, Branch Misses Practice

Day 4 Detroit Lions training camp observations.

The players on the Detroit Lions' roster do not shy away from competing against one other, especially since head coach Dan Campbell took over back in 2021. 

On Day 4, during a competitive tag period, cornerback Jerry Jacobs signaled to wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown that he wanted the football to try and blow past the talented wideout, a reverse of how the drill is typically ran. 

Jacobs, who is highly competitive in Detroit's secondary, ran full speed towards towards St. Brown and attempted a side step, sending St. Brown flying past, as he could not stop his forward momentum. 

The confident defensive back celebrated his victory following the rep loudly and with several members of the defense, as a perceived win over St. Brown was a reason to celebrate vociferously. 

Participation

Standout defensive back Brian Branch did not participate in individual or team drills, but he was spotted at practice observing and supporting his teammates. 

Halalapoulivaati Vaitai, who left practice early on Day 3, did not practice on Day 4. 

Wideout Tom Kennedy had a contested catch on a solid toss by Goff, but left practice prior to the conclusion after linebacker Jack Campbell fell on top of him going to the ground. 

Wideout Chase Cota returned to practice, after briefly needing medical attention, when he failed to secure a reception tossed by Adrian Martinez. 

Observations

1.) In the same competitive period described above, the coaching staff could start to decipher who are potential special teams contributors.

Reliable contributors on special teams won their reps, likely impressing Dave Fipp.

Special teams specialist Jalen Reeves-Maybin's momentum carried him directly into Jermar Jefferson, resulting in a serious collision. Of note, wideout Josh Reynolds flew past defensive back Saivion Smith, while Trinity Benson also flew past defensive back Jarren Williams.

Running back Justin Jackson had the first highlight of the drill, as he turned on the jets, made one move and flew past linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. 

2.) Both Riley Patterson and Parker Romo went 4-for-5 on Day 4, when given five kicks from distances varying from 30-50 yards. 

Patterson missed his first kick from approximately 33 yards out, but made four consecutive after his miss. Romo's only miss was on his second kick, when he hit the cross bar from 39 yards out. 

Patterson had one additional make, as he was successful from 45 yards out, capping off a situational offensive series with the second team to end practice. 

3.) The defensive line was able to get their hands up and tipped passes on numerous occasions on Day 4. Isaiah Buggs and Benito Jones were quite disruptive, as each notched a tipped pass against the offense. Rookie Brodric Martin also got his hand on a football. As a whole, the defense was in the backfield much more, forcing the quarterbacks to scramble or to simply toss the football away.

4.) Jack Campbell demonstrated solid burst, speed downhill while working on the first team defense alongside Alex Anzalone. When pads come on, it will be interesting to observe just how often defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn sends Campbell in during blitz packages. On Day 4, Campbell and Derrick Barnes regularly worked alongside Anzalone, as has been the case during the first week of camp. 

5.) Aidan Hutchinson continues to showcase effectiveness showcasing 2-3 moves while battling against Detroit's offensive linemen. His ability to quickly change direction had Detroit's offensive linemen on their heels on a couple of reps. 

6.) Despite being away from practice, C.J. Gardner-Johnson was still showcasing his enthusiastic personality from the sideline. When Will Harris broke up a Goff pass intended for Josh Reynolds, the former Eagles safety celebrated and danced on the sideline. 

7.) An interesting pairing to watch on the second-team defense are safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu and Saivion Smith, who appear to have chemistry being paired together. Tracy Walker and Kerby Joseph continue to be paired together on the first-team defense. 

8.) Running back Craig Reynolds was targeted heavily by Nate Sudfeld on the final offensive series of Day 4. With 1:02 remaining in the second-quarter, Detroit's backup quarterback successfully targeted Reynolds on multiple occasions, as they moved the football from their own 38-yard line into the the defenses side of the field. Sudfeld noted following practice being in camp to start is certainly more advantageous than last season, when he arrived five days before the start of the 2022 season against the Eagles.