Inside Allen Park: Frank Ragnow Does Not Practice
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The Detroit Lions took the practice field on Wednesday for one final time in front of their fans, before the preseason opener this Friday against the Atlanta Falcons.
After Wednesday, no other practice will be open to the public this year.
"This is our last practice open to the public. So, this has been, it's been great," head coach Dan Campbell told reporters before practice. "It's been great having them all out. It's been a real good turnout. It brings a lot of energy to everybody -- the coaches, players, and it's a good feel. It's a good vibe. So, I'm sad to see it go a little bit, but we'll be off to Indy next week."
Attendance
Center Frank Ragnow was not practicing during team and individual drills, but was seen running on the sideline. Evan Brown was the sub, and did not miss a beat all morning.
Similar to Taylor Decker, it is very likely the young center was given a rest day for maintenance.
Others not observed practicing include Trinity Benson, Quintez Cephus, Josh Johnson, Julian Okwara, Levi Onwuzurike and Ifeatu Melifonwu.
Observations
1.) Despite the positivity surrounding the organization, one fan was not particularly happy the team wasn't wearing pads and not tackling. Tight end Devin Funchess gave the fan a thumbs up. Nobody was immune from the commentary, as general manager Brad Holmes was told by the fan, "Get them ready. This is football, not golf."
2.) The first period of team drills saw mostly handoffs, but quarterback Jared Goff's first completion went to wideout Josh Reynolds.
3.) With the absence of Benson, Tom Kennedy saw increased reps at practice on the second-team offense. During camp, Kennedy has remained diligent, and oftentimes takes advantage of any opportunity he receives. He was targeted by both Tim Boyle and David Blough at practice, and secured receptions.
4.) Cornerback Jeff Okudah had an opportunity to speak to reporters after practice. He noted that he was clocked running 21.6 miles per hour during practice. He started the day opposite of Amani Oruwariye on the first-team defense.
AllLions asked about his reaction to seeing defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn constantly chirping with running backs coach Duce Staley out on the practice field. "It's pretty cool. We feed into that," he said. "I mean, obviously, he's the head of our defense. So, the energy that he brings, it kind of bleeds into us. And, we try to go out there and emulate the things that he wants from us."
5.) The offense, in particular, participated in a series of situational drills with the team leading and then trailing. The first period saw the offense leading, 24-14, with 3:41 on the clock and attempting to preserve a lead. T.J. Hockenson was able to secure a 12-yard reception. Jamaal Williams saw a few carries for minimal yards, followed by Goff rushing for an 11-yard gain.
The drive resulted in Jack Fox punting to Kalif Raymond. The next set of downs saw Aidan Hutchinson securing what would have been a sack on Goff, but he was allowed to rush for seven yards. Isaiah Buggs drew a whistle, which would have given the offense a first down on fourth-and-1. Goff led the offense on a touchdown drive, when the offense was trailing, 24-14, with 3:41 remaining. Goff found Amon-Ra St. Brown for the score, after also completing passes to Shane Zylstra, DJ Chark and Reynolds on the drive.
6.) AllLions was able to observe kickers Austin Seibert and Riley Patterson rotating kicks of varying distances. It appeared they each took three kicks -- from 41, 44 and 47 yards out. Seibert made all three of his kicks, while it appeared that Patterson missed one of his attempts from 44 yards out.
7.) Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes continue to earn reps with the first-team defense. Both have made strides this training camp, and will look to deploy what has been learned this Friday against the Falcons.
