Inside Allen Park: Jeff Okudah Needs Reps
The Detroit Lions could receive a significant boost to their defense, if cornerback Jeff Okudah returns healthy and becomes a productive member of the secondary.
"He looks good, the physical side of everything he’s doing is good. I mean, he looks good, he’s come back, like we have no concern about the Achilles. Physically, he looks great. He needs reps. He needs reps, and he needs to play," head coach Dan Campbell said. "I mean that’s the thing that we can never lose sight of. I mean, he’s going into year three, and he really hasn’t played. I mean, he just hasn’t had significant playing time. So, he just needs reps. But, physically, he’s doing good, he’s working at it. He wants it, and we’re just trying to be smart with him."
On Tuesday, Okudah was beaten by the speedy Kalif Raymond for a touchdown that was tossed by David Blough. C.J. Moore was the safety nearest the play.
The crowd on hand started to jeer, since the play took place right in front of those in the grandstand near the end zone.
Besides the one deep ball, Okudah had a relatively decent practice, building on the solid day of work he put together on Monday.
While he has been in competition with Will Harris for the spot opposite Amani Oruwariye, if he can string together a couple more weeks of solid practices, the spot is his to lose.
Here is a look at the action from Day 12 of Lions training camp.
Attendance
Quintez Cephus, Julian Okwara, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Levi Onwuzurike were not spotted at practice.
Campbell noted that he does not expect Onwuzurike to miss the first contest of the season, against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Taylor Decker, Josh Johnson and D'Andre Swift all returned to practice on Tuesday, in front of the fans in attendance.
New offensive lineman Kendall Lamm made his first appearance at training camp since joining the team this week.
Observations
1.) A German television station made an appearance at Lions practice, and was interested in the progress Amon-Ra St. Brown has made throughout his second NFL training camp.
2.) ESPN NBA basketball analyst Jalen Rose made an appearance at the team's Allen Park practice facility.
3.) On his 22nd birthday, Aidan Hutchinson matched up against Penei Sewell, who needed to grab some of the rookie's jersey in order to hold him back. As camp has progressed, Hutchinson's burst following the snap has also steadily improved.
Sewell and Hutchinson matched up in team drills and against each other one-on-one. It appeared as if Sewell won more of the reps in the pit drill. Sewell won two reps, while Hutchinson won one. Three other reps resulted in a draw.
It will be interesting to observe if Sewell adapts to pass rushers attacking his inside shoulder, which several of the Lions' defensive linemen are attempting daily.
Hutchinson dominated against the backup tight ends in team drills. Among the 22-year-old's best reps was cleanly beating Matt Nelson, leaving him behind in the dust.
4.) Backup Tim Boyle had an up-and-down day. His best rep was a touchdown toss to Tom Kennedy. With the pass being labeled a "duck," since it wasn't the prettiest of balls, Boyle got on one knee, and posed as if he was duck hunting, to keep the mood light after the play.
He did toss one bad interception to linebacker Jarrad Davis. Boyle rolled right, and there must have been miscommunication, as the ball went directly to Davis for the easy pick.
5.) On short-yardage situations, Jamaal Williams hyped up the audience after battling through the defense, making a spin move and scoring a touchdown. Here is the recap of the short-yardage plays from the first-team offense on Tuesday:
- Jamaal Williams with a first down on a rush to the right side on third-and-1.
- Tight end T.J. Hockenson was left completely wide open for a 25-yard touchdown. It was obvious the defense had some miscommunication and blew the coverage.
- Alim McNeill and Aidan Hutchinson blew up the play, and caused the offense a two-three-yard loss.
- Williams and Jermar Jefferson scored from short yardage on back-to-back plays.
- On a rollout, Jared Goff's pass was batted down.
6.) Riley Patterson had the better kicking day, as he successfully made all three of his kicks. Meanwhile, Austin Seibert missed right on kicks from 53 and 46 yards out, before executing on one from 42 yards deep.
Tip of the cap to reporter Tim Twentyman for playing the official on the kicks, as he stood in the back of the end zone.
7.) If the drills were live, defensive lineman Austin Bryant would have had a clear sack on David Blough, likely sending him through the turf. Tight end James Mitchell missed the blocking assignment completely.
8.) Charles Harris and John Cominsky each had good days at camp, as they were quick off the line and were flying to the football regularly.
9.) Jared Goff had another fine day on Tuesday. He is tossing the ball deep, despite joking with reporters after practice that the Lions don't throw it deep.
It was observed that he had several completions of over 30 yards during team drills. There was even a trick play that was featured that resulted in a large net gain.
10.) DJ Chark had the catch of the day, as he secured a reception in the back of the end zone, getting both feet down in bounds. The ball was tossed by Goff, with Okudah and safety DeShon Elliott in coverage.
