Observations: Lions Win Round 1, Gibbs Shines

Detroit Lions Day 12 training camp observations.

Head coach Dan Campbell walked into the media room prior to joint practices with the energy level that could have carried not only his team, but also the New York Giants, who are in town this week for a pair of practices and a preseason game. 

"I can't wait, man, I'm competitive. And I don't even get to practice, but I just, that's just me. I love this. If I'm in that locker room, this is the greatest, man. This is the best," Campbell said. "You get to go against a different opponent and they bring something different to the table and you get to show what you're capable of to us and to their organization, honestly. That's what they've got to remember. There's some guys on this roster that, you're being evaluated by them right now, you've got all eyes on you. So, you really have two clubs looking at you right now, us and them, if you're a bubble guy. If you have a competitive nature about you, this is about as good as it gets. So, that's just me. I'm pretty fired up right now." 

Detroit's intensity level, from the fans to the members of the roster was quite evident. Winning reps were met with excitement from the Lions sideline. 

Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson got in the ear of former Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye and had choice, NSFW comments about his playing abilities.

Standout players included Dylan Drummond, Jahmyr Gibbs, Starling Thomas, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Cam Sutton, Kerby Joseph and Aidan Hutchinson. 

Participation

Those not spotted participating during team drills included Craig Reynolds, Trinity Benson, Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson, Darrell Daniels and Denzel Mims. 

With Ragnow out, veteran Graham Glasgow saw reps at center on Day 12, while Halapoulivaati Vaitai played right guard. 

Running back Jermar Jefferson and Jameson Williams both returned to practice. 

Observations

1.) A massive amount of national media were in attendance at the Lions Allen Park practice facility. Those spotted in attendance for Tuesday's practice included: former NFL running back Marshawn lynch, analyst Brian Baldinger, NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer and Curt Menefee, NBC's Mike Tirico and Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter.

2.) As compared to the joint practices with the Colts, where both NFL teams were firing right out of the gate, it appeared the Giants were easing into the process this week. The Giants' offense only tossed a handful of balls deep against Detroit's defense. The intensity ramped up the most for both teams near the end of practice, during red zone drills. Many media members covering New York have indicated it was the worst the Giants' offense had looked all camp.

3.) Wideouts Jameson Williams and Dylan Drummond struggled in early one-on-one drills. Williams was 0-for-3, while Drummond was 0-for-2 against the Giants' defensive backs. The Alabama product recovered in seven-on-seven drills, however he did not have much of an impact on practice. 

Drummond, though, continues to be targeted heavily and is making plays in team periods, when given the opportunity.

Goff told All Lions, when asked about the young rookie, "He's a good player, man. He does everything right. He continually shows up. I know he's good on special teams, from what I've heard. For me, he's a guy that continually is exactly where he's supposed to be, on time. He's fast, he's sudden, he's smart, he's got good hands. How many more adjectives can I say? He's a good player."

4.) Rookie offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal continues to grow early in his career. He was impressive during an early team period Tuesday working with the second-team. The young offensive lineman was hardly pushed back during second-team drills and his ability to use his hands correctly for leverage was on full display. 

5.) The Lions will unveil a statue for Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders in a non-public event on Sept. 16, a day prior to their home opener. Sanders is the first Lions player to receive a statue. He was at practice Tuesday and interacted with Campbell and New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.

Hope Barry tells Saquon run into the Lions D-Line directly pic.twitter.com/UUtq6paTP2

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) August 8, 2023

6. ) The first-team defense performed strongly during a red zone drill. After stifling the Giants on downs, they held them out of the end zone on two additional plays before sprinting off the field in celebration. 

7.) It was a rough day for Giants' quarterback Daniel Jones, who struggled to connect with open receivers. Aidan Hutchinson would've had one sack, and Cam Sutton and Starling Thomas both had strong days in coverage. Thomas recorded an interception on Day 12. 

8.) Jahymr Gibbs showcased why the Lions will deploy him in a variety of ways on offense. On Day 12, he recorded two red zone grabs and was targeted often. The Giants' run defense was able to force their will on several reps, clogging the middle and making it difficult for Detroit's backs to find any lanes. 

9.) The biggest area of improvement for Detroit's offense may be discipline along the offensive line, as their were multiple pre-snap procedural penalties called on Day 12 against Detroit. 

10.) Malcolm Rodriguez and Jack Campbell still need more time working together, as Jones was able to find success with quick passes that found the open spots in Detroit's defense. 

11.) David Montgomery had a solid one-handed grab early in practice, during a team period. With each passing day at camp, Detroit's newest running back has showcased a professional, workman-like approach.