SI Lions Roundtable: Excitement Level for Detroit Lions' Training Camp
1.) What is your reaction to Detroit Lions' rookies reporting for training camp on Tuesday?
Vito Chirco: I'm excited to see what the guys are made of, especially after the loss of minicamp.
However, I'm also worried for their health and safety, as I'm leery of what the COVID-19 protocols are going to be for them.
The NFL hasn't clearly identified what those rules and regulations are going to be yet, and it leads me to believe that the NFL isn't truly ready at this point for the players to report for training camp.
Logan Lamorandier: Exciting, yet a little surprising, considering how much uncertainty there still is regarding new protocols and policies.
Make no mistake, I'm all for getting players to camp on time. I just hope that they aren't being too hasty, which, in turn, could jeopardize player health or the rest of the season.
2.) What storyline are you most interested in?
Chirco: I think I'm most interested in seeing how the running backs room takes shape throughout camp.
Will Lions' 2020 second-round pick D'Andre Swift emerge as the clear-cut No. 1 back by the end of training camp? Will incumbent No. 1 back Kerryon Johnson manage to stay healthy? Will Jason Huntley, a fifth-round pick this past April, make the roster?
All of that will be intriguing for me to watch as the preseason progresses in Allen Park.
Lamorandier: There are so many this season, with the roster turnover and the regime being on the hot seat.
If I had to choose one, though, I would say it's the linebackers. Who is going to replace Devon Kennard's JACK role? Will it be Jahlani Tavai or Jarrad Davis in the middle, to go along with possible surprises for who lines up in other spots?
The Lions just have so many versatile backers, and I want to know how they will be deployed. The positions were pretty cut and dry last year.
3.) Where is your patience level at with Matt Patricia?
Chirco: It's definitely wearing thin.
Simply, what has he done to prove that he's an NFL-caliber head man? He's gone 9-22-1 in two years on the job, and has caused numerous veterans to feel uncomfortable inside the Lions locker room. Most recently, it was veteran shutdown corner Darius Slay, who was traded earlier this offseason to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Anything less than a playoff appearance should be grounds for Patricia's dismissal at season's end.
Lamorandier: Next to none.
The defense is going into the third year under the "defensive guru," and it was one of the worst units in the league a season ago. I didn't see much adaptability or creativity in 2019.
If Patricia tries the same routine as last year's failing effort and if they continue to struggle, I'll be ready to move on.
4.) Matthew Stafford was rated 83 in "Madden NFL 21." Fair or foul?
Chirco: Honestly, I don't think the rating is totally off, when you look at the quarterbacks that are rated higher than him.
The only issue I have is with San Francisco 49ers passer Jimmy Garoppolo having the same rating as him. What has Garoppolo done -- outside of leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl -- to warrant being rated as high as Stafford?
Here's my answer: Nothing.
If Stafford was going to share a rating with anyone, it should've been with the 84-rated QBs: Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz.
But, is the above miscue on behalf of the Madden video game franchise enough to get me to label Stafford's 83 rating as foul? No.
Lamorandier: Foul. Madden ratings are much like the Pro Bowl -- a popularity contest.
Looking at the other quarterbacks ranked ahead of Stafford, his rating doesn't make much sense. Yes, injuries played a part last year. But, when Stafford was on the field, he was statistically one of the best in the NFL.
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