Observations: Tensions Rise, Jahmyr Gibbs Has 'Welcome to NFL' Moment
Yes, we are talking about practice.
Day in, day out, that is the mission for the next several weeks for all NFL reporters.
"Practice how you play," said Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson emphatically, after he walked off the field showcasing why he has emerged as both the physical and verbal leader of the Detroit Lions' 2023 defense.
Tensions were quite elevated early at practice on Day 8, as the defense was unrelenting in its physically, both during and after reps were completed. The extra swatting of the football or the extra shove following a rep quickly got under the skin of the offense, including young wideout Jameson Williams.
Gardner-Johnson, a fifth-year pro, blanketed Lions' wideouts all afternoon, and levied a jarring hit that officially welcomed rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs to the NFL.
After a tension-filled, competitive angle tackling drill and the first offensive team period were completed, the first-team offense took the field again for the second time.
Gardner-Johnson levied a huge hit on the speedy running back, dislodging the football and exciting the capacity crowd that had a close look at the play.
The talented defensive back did not show any ill effects off his leg injury suffered one week ago, giving credence to his comments to reporters that he would not miss a beat, despite not fully participating for a couple of days last week.
Gibbs, despite getting crunched, had many receptions in the flat, and was still able to break off a big run down the sidelines, after Williams blocked Will Harris out of the way.
Participation
Veteran wideout Marvin Jones Jr. returned to practice Monday, and expressed to reporters he is ready to assist the offense in any way possible, whether it be on third down, explosive plays or in the red zone.
Jameson Williams did not showcase any lingering impact of his leg injury from last week, and was a full participant at practice.
Those not practicing included Hendon Hooker and Emmanuel Moseley, along with Penei Sewell and Tom Kennedy, who reverted to the Lions' IR list after clearing waivers.
Tight end Sam LaPorta was spotted on the field early in practice. However, throughout team drills, the rookie was not spotted during a large portion of team drills on the field.
Observations
1.) Early on Day 8, Amon-Ra St. Brown had a one-handed, high-point grab during individual drills. Another highlight during a competitive period was the third-year wideout juking Chase Lucas and flying past him during a tackling drill. Uncharacteristically, St. Brown had two drops on Day 8 and multiple passes thrown his way that were incomplete, which almost had a feel of breaking news, due to just how sure-handed he had been all throughout camp. During red-zone drills, St. Brown is clearly one of the top targets and most reliable options for Detroit's offense.
2.) Both kickers went four-for-five on Monday, on distances ranging from 33 to 51 yards. Parker Romo missed on his last attempt from 51 yards out, while Riley Patterson missed wide right from 45 yards out on his only miss of the morning practice.
3.) Jameson Williams had multiple drops early in practice. I recorded as many as four early drops, two of which occurred without any defenders on him. During a rep in which he shed Gardner-Johnson quickly and was wide open, either a mixup in communication or not being in the exact spot resulted in a bad incompletion. The second-year wideout has started to demonstrate elite burst off the line of scrimmage, and his speed is never in question. But, the connection and chemistry with Detroit's quarterbacks still have a long, long way to go. He was able to secure a touchdown reception during the 7-on-7 period, but many left clamoring for the second-year wideout to be more of a factor.
4.) Cornerback Khalil Dorsey had a low hit on tight end Shane Zylstra, upending the tight end and ending his day. The mood became somber at the Allen Park facility, as Zylstra needed to be helped off the field.
5.) During angle-tackling drills, David Montgomery left Alex Anzalone in the dust, easily skirting by the veteran linebacker. Others who notably won reps included Gardner-Johnson over Mohamed Ibrahim. Dylan Drummond and Derrick Barnes also impressed.
6.) Brian Branch continues to make impactful plays. The young defensive back swatted multiple passes on the first-and second-team defense. On a daily basis, Branch is making his presence felt and is hard not to notice in Aaron Glenn's defense. He recently told reporters that he is no longer a student and that he "eats, sleeps and breathes football."
7.) Brodric Martin is starting to showcase why the coaching staff is excited about his development in the system. His sheer size and power make it difficult for running backs to rush up the middle. The defensive line is chalk full of young talent, with each player vying for the opportunity to earn more playing time. Martin has been benefiting from being around several established veterans.
8.) Julian Okwara has been an enigma during his tenure in Motown. At times, he showcases glimpses of a player that is on the verge of breaking out, and in other instances, he fails to complete what appears a routine pass-rush assignment. His days in Detroit could be numbered, if he does not begin to stack together solid days in camp.
9.) Prior to practice, Glenn made it a point to express to reporters to cease hyper-focusing on who is playing on the first-,second-, or third-team defense. Glenn said that coaches want to mix in a rotation of players to match up against a variety of players. Detroit's defensive coordinator noted that Josh Paschal has been a player he feels is going to be really good and that his participation in camp this year will only expedite his development.
10.) At the end of practice, Goff and Sudfeld failed to get the team in the end zone in a tough situation, trailing, 26-20, with 0:31 remaining and two timeouts. Goff had multiple incompletions to St. Brown, but was able to find Josh Reynolds on fourth down to extend the drive. Tracy Walker almost picked off the veteran when Kalif Raymond was targeted. With 0:03 remaining, the defense blanketed the offense, and Goff tossed the football out of bounds. Sudfeld did not fare much better, as he would have taken a sack, on fourth down, to end practice.
