Two Things to Watch Offensively at Lions Minicamp

Detroit Lions have the opportunity to utilize new offensive weapons this season.

The Detroit Lions will return to the practice field this week for mandatory minicamp. 

With Detroit's defense showcasing a renewed swagger and competitive drive, it will be imperative for the offense to make plays and move the chains during competitive drills. 

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson indicated he was happy with Detroit's situation at the backup quarterback spot. 

So far, Nate Sudfeld has showcased solid zip and touch on deep balls, but inconsistency in intermediate passes during offensive drills. 

Here are two things to watch for over the course of the next three days at the team's Allen Park facility. 

Two running back sets

With David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs added to the roster, there is an opportunity to utilize them more in two back sets. 

Last season, D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams did not see the field together much. 

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell expressed earlier this offseason, “That’s the beauty of it, man. It’s one thing to have the depth, if you have an injury. But, man, if you can keep everybody healthy and now, shoot, offensively, you’ve got different packages."

Monitoring how the Lions line up in the backfield this week could provide some clues to how Johnson is planning to use the new talent acquired offensively. 

“You add a tight end and now, we can live in 13 (one running back, 3 tight ends) personnel more,” Campbell expressed. “You got Gibbs, he comes along with (David) Montgomery, you’re going to see more two back with two H (backs). The receiver thing, you get 'Jamo' back, we’ve got Marvin (Jones Jr), maybe you go some 10-personnel (one running back, zero tight ends, four wideouts).”

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs :: © Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jameson Williams building chemistry with Jared Goff 

Detroit's young wideout must continue to showcase sure-handedness on deep balls and crisp route-running. 

Each opportunity the 2022 No. 12 pick has to make plays and showcase progress must be taken advantage of, as he will not be able to practice with the team when the season starts. 

Goff visibly showcased some frustration with Williams last week. 

It is imperative that Williams has a solid week of practice, as questions are mounting regarding his maturity. 

How the wideout handles the coaching and discussions on the field with teammates this week will go a long way in quelling talks of his maturity and social media activity, which is being questioned to start his NFL career.