Lions Training Camp Report #1

ÂI don’t hide it I am a Lions fans. I guess my neighbors would have figured it out if they didn’t already know this week as workers painted a huge Detroit

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I don’t hide it I am a Lions fans. I guess my neighbors would have figured it out if they didn’t already know this week as workers painted a huge Detroit Lion on my barn. Does that give it away? Anyways here is an accurate report on the status of the Lions thus far. Of course I have been there but this is also from inside sources and from other people around the NFL that have talked with folks on the Lions. I hope you enjoy. Here we go!

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• I think the Lions are struggling with holding onto the ball. I have noticed several plays were they just didn’t keep it under control. One person who has played for Martz before told me: “dropped passes and turnovers will set him on fire.” If that is the case, they better fix it or let the DFD in the building because it is very obvious.
• Mike Williams continues to take one step forward and two back. One Lion told me: “I have no clue what is in that guys head. He has so much talent and does something great, then just falls back. To be honest, it is sad.” Enough said Mike, your teammates are sick of your act. This isn’t about disliking him; it just is about taking care of business. I don’t see how he makes this team. I have seen Martz visibly frustrated with him. He and C Rog are both 3rd string, could someone light a fire under either ones butt?
• Glenn Martinez has a chance to make this team, but he has to kick it up another notch. Guys are hungry (Bodiford) and they know this staff isn’t going to just automatically keep Mike Williams and C Rogers.
• Roy Williams is nothing less then a bona fide star. He is magical. He is so good at the one handed catch, that one Lions official told me: “I wish all of them were one handers he wouldn’t drop a one then.”
• Fernando Bryant was brought to D-town to play and got some big money. With that said the Lions are tired of his being hurt all the time. No one questions the legitimacy of the injuries, but Mr. Glass has got to step it up. Second year player Stanley Wilson is playing well and is pushing Bryant for that starting job. Again and get used to hearing this, this staff does not care how much money you make so Wilson could take this spot.
• Boss Bailey’s move to the middle was for one reason: speed. He has a lot of it and in the defense that Sarge and Henderson have they need it. If he can stay healthy, and that is a huge if, he could be very special.Â
• 2007 draft note that you read here first: remember how the Lions used three #1’s in a row on WR, they will almost certainly be looking at a LB next year if MSU’s Drew Stanton is not in the picture.
• Casey FitSimmons has surprised a lot of media by taking the #1 job from Marcus Pollard, but not any Lions. He is very well liked in the locker room and has a phenomenal work ethic. This battle is still wide open and I think that Marcus will win it, but it is tight. Any worries about those two having personality issues? No way. They are both very good competitors and they both are good friends.
• I just don’t see a roster spot (and others agree) for Artose Pinner. Arlen Harris has moved into the #2 spot behind Kevin and we know that Bryson is in. Common thought is that Calhoun makes it (I am not sure of that yet and neither are some people that I have talked to) but if he does it is highly improbably that Toose does. I see it hard for anymore then three, but they might open a door for a fourth (and that would be Calhoun only) but for sure not a fifth.
• Kevin Jones has clearly improved from the back he was last year and that is just more icing on the cake. We all knew he could run but Mooch had given up on (literally he got no coaching in the passing game) him but this staff has embraced him and he looks great. He appears to be the same in number only. His attitude is great and his play is better. Get this young man now for your fantasy team he will be electric!
• I have told you since they did it I felt the signing of Kalimba Edwards to big money was in my opinion a bad idea and he has done nothing to show me wrong. Way to much money was put into that guy to be a backup but he is. Players are not happy with him for not stepping it up.
• Cory Redding is not only getting the praise from his coaches but from his teammates also. Every one I speak to has mentioned him as a star this camp and I have seen it also.
• Eddie Drummond as you all know from his numerous times on my show, is moving up and has put himself in the position to get some more P.T. He is very teachable and is “a sponge” to quote one other player when it comes to what Martz says. He has to get better at pass catching but he will be effective in the slot.
• The Lions O-line desperately needs some reps together to get this line building. With Tucker out (he has struggled his whole career with injuries) and Woody (out two weeks with a broken hand) it is hurting this unit.
• 22,992 fans went to the Black and Blue scrimmage according to Matt Barnhart of the Lions. That said, I only saw one idiot and I told him so. The crowd did give C Rog some boos but he has earned them from a blue-collar town and he will have to earn their love back!
• I have been pleasantly surprised; as have his fellow teammates and others by how good Daniel Bullocks has looked. I figured he would be a starter but he has exceeded my expectations of him. He is also a very good young man that loves football. A typical Sarge kind of guy. He is getting reps at both FS and SS so the Lions can find anyway possible to get this guy on the field!
• Corey Bradford is a #1 and he plays and conducts himself like it. He is a consummate professional and a great guy.
• Lastly, Lions QB Orlovsky and McCown are battling and Orlovsky is the #2. He would however not get the nod in a game. The Lions see him as the future and would go with experience in McCown first. That said, in this staffs mind (and they are thinking long term) he is the #2. Both are great men and a super part of this team.

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O.K. everyone. I appreciate you reading and I wish you all well! See you at Ford Field on Friday! By the way, speaking of Friday, here is a little note from the Lions:

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Allen Park, Mich. – Approximately 1,200 tickets are still available for the Detroit Lions 2006 preseason home opener against the Denver Broncos Friday, August 11. Additionally, fans can still take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to purchase regular season individual game tickets (based on availability) with the purchase of preseason individual game tickets.
Fans who purchase 2006 preseason individual game tickets can then purchase an equal number of regular season individual game tickets prior to the public on-sale date of Wednesday, August 23, 2006.
To take advantage of this exclusive offer fans must call TicketMaster by phone at 248.645.6666.
Many fans have taken advantage of the Lions’ exclusive offer since tickets were made available June 28. While individual game tickets can still be purchased for all regular season games through this offer, games vs. Green Bay (September 24), vs. Atlanta (November 5) and the Lions’ Thanksgiving Day Classic vs. Miami (November 23) are nearing sellouts and could be sold out when all individual game tickets for regular season games go on sale August 23. This exclusive offer could be the only opportunity for fans to purchase tickets to these regular season games.
Fans can buy preseason game tickets through other outlets (in person at the Ford Field Ticket Office and TicketMaster outlets; online at Detroitlions.com and Ticketmaster.com.); however, the regular season individual game offer is only available by placing TicketMaster phone orders.
Friday night’s game against the Broncos marks the Lions’ 2006 debut led by Head Coach Rod Marinelli and his staff. Fans attending Friday’s game at Ford Field will have the first opportunity to see the new-look Lions in game action.
The Lions’ 2006 preseason home opener must be sold out by the NFL-mandated deadline of 72 hours before kickoff in order to lift the local television blackout.
Purchase of 2006 game tickets is based on ticket availability.
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