Observations: Jared Goff Launches Deep Bomb to Kalif Raymond

Detroit Lions Day 2 training camp observations.

The Detroit Lions' offense has the potential to be one of the highest-scoring units in the National Football League. 

With Jameson Williams missing part of the season, one of the biggest question marks will be just how often offensive coordinator Ben Johnson decides to take deep shots. 

On Day 2 of training camp, it did not take long. 

On the second-play of 11-on-11 work, Jared Goff launched a deep pass to a wide open Kalif Raymond. 

The savvy veteran turned on the jets and blew past the secondary, getting behind cornerback Jerry Jacobs by at least five yards for an easy touchdown. The play excited the offense and set the tone for the day on the offensive side of the football. 

Reaction to C.J. Gardner-Johnson being carted off field

The scene was tough on Monday at the team's Allen Park practice facility. 

A veteran player on the ground, punching his knee with teammates expressing concern. 

C.J. Gardner-Johnson was expected to be an integral part of the defense in his first season in Motown. 

Luckily, the news seems to be positive for the talented defensive back, as it does not appear the injury is serious. 

"I don't know what happened, so I don't want to speculate on what happened," said left tackle Taylor Decker. "And then that's unfortunately part of our game, but especially for the defensive backs and the guys that have gotten to know him really well, that's got to suck to see a friend go down. 

"Hopefully it’s nothing major, hopefully he’s okay. It’s the nature of our game, it just sucks. The NFL, it’s bigger than any one player," Decker continued. "We care about the players, but we have to go out there, we have to keep practicing. We have to move the drill down, we have to keep going because it’s urgency right now. Hopefully he’s gonna be okay. I think he brings a lot of confidence to that DB room, he's a talker and that's what DB's do. He's gonna make those guys around him better. He's a confident player and we've even seen that in walk-through where it’s like, ‘That’s not a walk-through tempo.’ So, I hope he’s okay because I think he can bring a lot of value. I know everybody knows he can bring a lot of value to our team. But I mean, it’s just the nature of the game.”

Cam Sutton told ESPN, "It's hard to see your brothers go down. You never want to see it, especially early in camp or really any days, regardless of the position or the player. It's kind of hard to detail. All you can do is send up prayers."

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson still has a fastball 

Recall, Johnson is a former college quarterback. On Monday, Johnson was observed throwing passes during individual team drills. 

The tosses to rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs had extra zip on them, which resulted in securing the reception quite challenging for Detroit's No. 12 overall pick. 

Gibbs certainly showcases speed and agility and a solid pass-catching potential, but working on fundamentals and pad level early in camp will aid the rookie please the coaching staff. 

David Montgomery showcased solid fundamentals and pad level during rope drills. 

I can never record completions when I fire up the phone at Lions practice! Ben Johnson gave Jahmyr Gibbs a fastball. Inside Allen Park pic.twitter.com/wtvIo9kHlc

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) July 24, 2023

Brian Branch is a physical football player

Detroit's third-round pick continues to acclimate himself well. The young defensive back does not shy away from physical contact and appears to be just the type of player defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn wants in his scheme. 

Branch is often around the football and appears in position to deliver solid hits due to his closing speed. 

A great pass breakup against Dylan Drummond excited the defense on Day 2. 

Lions see a role for Starling Thomas V

Detroit's undrafted rookie free agent caught the attention of the coaching staff in the spring. 

His potential to have a role early in his career will be dependent on his ability to contribute on special teams, which has intrigued head coach Dan Campbell. 

"Yeah, Starling, he caught our eye in the spring," said Campbell. "His movement skills, he's got some awareness about him. He's built the right way and there's some things on special teams that are really intriguing. That's kind of the starting point for us, if there's some intrigue special teams and then you go to the next level of it, like alright, now he's playing the position. So, we want to get a look at him." 

Observations

1.) Denzel Mims feels that he has enough understanding of the Lions offense to make plays. Mims was able to easily get open and showcase his size and speed during practice Monday. 

2.) Detroit's wide receivers performed well on Monday. Mims, Antoine Green, and Kalif Raymond all made plays and showcased why they should be given increased opportunities. It is hard not to notice Green's size, as he is able to shield himself away from defenders due to his 6-foot-2 frame. 

3.) Riley Patterson was perfect and went 5-for-5 from distances varying from 30-45 yards on Day 2. Parker Romo's attempts were also all successful from a similar range. During one made attempt, you can clearly see the ball booming effect off his leg, which has intrigued Detroit's coaching staff. 

4.) Jameson Williams appeared to be dealing with a small amount discomfort during practice, following an offensive rep. After an end around, the speedy wideout looked uncomfortable and gingerly walked off. While he did not return for 11-on-11 drills, Detroit's former No. 12 overall pick stayed at practice. 

5.) Tracy Walker secured an interception Monday. In his return, the veteran defensive back has looked fluid and ready to contribute this season. 

6.) Wide receiver Chase Cota demonstrated awareness and focus when he secured a surprise onside kick attempt.