Observations: Offense Disappoints, Defense Came Ready to Hit
The Detroit Lions took to the practice field on Wednesday for the first of two joint practices against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson noted he wanted to observe how his offensive and defensive lines would compete against Detroit.
“We’ve got a lot of young secondary guys, young guys in the secondary that we want to see against this caliber of receiving group that Detroit has, and sort of vice versa that way," Pederson told reporters before practice. "Obviously, up front, we know how the big guys are gonna compete, our offensive line against their D-line and vice versa. Those are all things we want to see, but at the same time, we’re trying to get better. This is week two of the preseason for both teams, and we’re just trying to get better and improve. Still a long way before week one.”
For Detroit, the offense will have plenty to clean up. Mistakes, turnovers and drops piled up Wednesday.
Unfortunately, top wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams did not finish practice, as both suffered injuries early on Day 15 of camp.
Participation
Wideouts Maurice Alexander and Denzel Mims were not spotted at practice against the Jaguars.
After a rash of illnesses, several players were able to make their way back on to the field Wednesday for joint practice.
Cornerback Cam Sutton and safety Brady Breeze were back in action, after missing Monday's practice.
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson also returned to practice, after missing Monday with an ankle injury.
Wideout Trinity Benson participated in individual drills, but was not involved much during team periods. Tight end Darrell Daniels also returned to action Wednesday.
Both running backs Jermar Jefferson and Craig Reynolds were back in action, resuming a tough battle to determine the No. 3 running back position. Mohamed Ibrahim, meanwhile, was not spotted at practice on Day 15.
Additionally, Penei Sewell and Dylan Drummond briefly left practice to talk to medical personnel, but both were able to complete practice.
Observations
1.) Nate Sudfeld threw an interception to Jacksonville's Darious Williams during red-zone 7-on-7 drills. After the mishap, Sudfeld had a stronger showing. He proceeded to fire touchdown passes to Chase Cota, Craig Reynolds, Antoine Green and Sam LaPorta during the early period. One of his best tosses was to Cota later in team periods, as he zipped a pass to Detroit's emerging wideout.
2.) Jared Goff did not have a great day against the Jaguars' defense. He was able to throw a touchdown to Jahmyr Gibbs in red-zone, 7-on-7 drills. But, both had moments to forget, however. Gibbs dropped a pass in a red-zone drill, while Goff was picked off by Devin Lloyd. Goff was nearly picked again by Lloyd, who was troublesome all morning. But, the linebacker couldn't hold onto the ball, despite it being tossed directly to him.
The veteran threw a fastball high to tight end Daniel Helm that would have been a touchdown, and missed other open targets during team periods.
3.) On the defensive side, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson brought his usual energy. He laid a big hit on running back Travis Etienne, and ignited a mini-scuffle, with some words for his opponents.
Later, he forced a fumble with a crushing hit on Jamal Agnew, that caused an eruption of excitement on the Lions' sideline.
Gardner-Johnson was toasted on a rep by wideout Calvin Ridley, who got revenge on Detroit's talented safety. Gardner-Johnson was, however, able to break up a pass intended for the returning receiver, which was tossed by Trevor Lawrence.
4.) Brian Branch continued to flex his muscle. In one series, he recorded a sack on Trevor Lawrence, before breaking up a pass intended for tight end Evan Engram.
5.) In his second practice as a member of the Lions, Teddy Bridgewater showed a high level of comfort and poise. The veteran connected plenty with UDFA Dylan Drummond, even tossing the football before Drummond broke for the sideline.
"Sometimes you get a test. You see where you stand opposed to another opponent. Usually in training camp, you're going against yourself," said Bridgewater. "Luckily, we had a joint practice last week I wasn't a part of. But, when you're going against yourself, it's like, man, you get tired. You start fighting and fighting each other. So, it feels good to just beat up on someone else for two days."
6.) Tight end James Mitchell, who has not made my notes all that much the last week, struggled throughout the afternoon. He dropped multiple passes.
7.) One of the best players on the Lions' offense Wednesday was wide receiver Kalif Raymond. He was all over the field making plays in the passing game. Cota also followed up his solid performance against the Giants at Ford Field with multiple receptions against the Jaguars. David Montgomery and Sam LaPorta also saw a high-volume of work against a stout Jaguars defense.
8.) Linebacker Jack Campbell was all over the field against the Jaguars' offense. He demonstrated stout tackling, quickness into the throwing lanes, solid footwork, quick change of pace and was regularly assisting in the run game.
9.) Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde and former Lions safety Glover Quin took in practice on Day 15.
