Day 1 Observations: Returning Lions Players Getting Acclimated

Detroit Lions have started their journey to have a successful 2023 season.

The Detroit Lions are a football team with quite the unique juxtaposition. 

At the start of training camp, the eyes of the NFL world are monitoring closely. The team has the potential to elevate to heights the organization has not seen before. 

Dan Campbell, the coach whom players believe is the best to lead and control the overwhelming amount of hype surrounding the team, started off camp with a familiar tradition -- leading the team and coaches in a round of up-downs. 

"We're excited. Obviously. Acclimation, you know, for the first four days. This is an hour and a half, so this will be really dialed back," Campbell said. "But, it's to get their legs under them, work our way in. .... We're ready. Our guys are ready. They did a good job. I'd say great job in the conditioning test. Our weights were good. So, you know, we look like we're ready. But, this is day one."

A #LionsCamp tradition unlike any other! pic.twitter.com/EzHQDSmRGb

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 23, 2023

Focusing on what is familiar, hard work, is what will allow the team to hit the ground running. 

Calming the hype train

As training camp kicks off, dealing with the expectations will be a large part of the preparation ahead of the fast-approaching regular season.

"I think we're handling pretty well. You know, coming in as a rookie, I don't think the Lions had any hype, really. But, from now til then, it's a huge difference. And, I'm glad to say that I was a part of it," St. Brown explained after practice. "I was here for it all. I'm just excited. I know, this team is, the coaches are, I mean, everyone is in this organization that is excited for the future, for what's to come. We've got to put the work in at the end of the day. Everyone can say this, that and the other. But, if we don't, you know, we don't put the work in each day, you know, (then) it's all for nothing."

Quarterback Jared Goff, as he has oftentimes during media sessions, downplayed the "hype-train" surrounding the team. 

"The so-called hype train is -- I don't know. I think it's funny to me that, like, you go 9-8, you don't make the playoffs and now you're all of a sudden a favorite," said Goff. "And it's, of course, we got good players, we got good coaches, we got a good team. But, we ain't done anything. And, we have a lot of work to do. And Minnesota won 13 games last year. Green Bay has won the division a handful of times the last handful of years. So, we've got some work to do to put a stamp on who we want to be and are nowhere near that yet. But, we are on our way."

Returning players acclimating 

If the Lions are able to remain healthy and have those returning from injury contribute at a high level, the ability to achieve their goals becomes that much more attainable. 

On Sunday, Levi Onwuzurike, Tracy Walker, David Montgomery, Frank Ragnow and Malcolm Rodriguez were all participants. 

For Onwuzurike, managing his back injury will be a constant effort, but one he hopes to be able to eventually overcome. 

"I think you 100% have to manage it," said Onwuzurike. "Any injury you get in football, you're going to have to manage for the rest of your life, for the most part. But, I think it'll be at the point where I'm not thinking about it. And, as long as I do my preventative work, do some abs, I'll be good."

For the third-year defensive lineman, preventative work will be key, as he steadily ramps up his workload throughout training camp. 

"Preventative stuff -- just coming out early, stretching. You know, doing some core work, the same thing everybody does," Onwuzurike expressed. 

Walker demonstrated solid footwork and fluid movement in his return. 

Montgomery and Rodriguez did not demonstrate any long-lasting impact of the injuries that sidelined them back in the spring. They were each full participants in Day 1 of training camp practice Sunday. 

Observations

1.) Charles Harris sent a message to David Montgomery, as the veteran defensive lineman was a little extra physical with the team's new running back. Marvin Jones chimed in, too, as the offense did not take too kindly to the defense taking liberties on Day 1. 

2.) Jalen Reeves-Maybin secured an interception off of Adrian Martinez, as the pass to wideout Dylan Drummond went off his hands and tipped right to the veteran linebacker. 

3.) Jameson Williams did not shy away from celebrating his first reception at training camp. He extended his arms, noting that he would have secured a first down. Williams' improved route-running was on display. 

4.) James Houston showcased solid burst and recognition on  a completed pass to tight end Sam LaPorta during 7-on-7 drills. Had it been a live drill, LaPorta would have been on the receiving end of a big hit. If Houston can continue his development during training camp, it will bode well for his chances to become an every-down player in Aaron Glenn's defense. 

5.) Derrick Deese and Zach Morton were spotted at practice, indicating they have been taken off of the NFI list. Marvin Jones, after being placed on the NFI list, was spotted working with trainers at the beginning of practice. 

6.) James Mitchell was on the receiving end of a great toss from Adrian Martinez. The young tight end has the potential to be involved in Detroit's gameplans early in the season, as Sam LaPorta acclimates to Ben Johnson's offense.