Observations: Lions' Offense Handles Defense Chirping, LaPorta Shines
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell hoped the offense would respond to the defense clearly upping its level of trash talk.
Since the start of the offseason program, the defense has been much more competitive during team drills, and has let the offense know about it verbally.
"Those guys got a lot of pride about it. It starts with the defensive coordinator. I mean, Aaron Glenn is a prideful coach," said Campbell, prior to minicamp practice. "He expects greatness out of that room. And, that's everything that we've been talking about now going into year three is -- we've got to get better, and we want to be a top-tier defense."
Detroit's third-year head coach expressed the upgrade in talent on defense allows them to have more confidence out on the field. And, in turn, the offense is now tasked with finding ways to make plays, in order to quell the constant trash talking from the defense.
"I think that stuff can be contagious. Again, it's not overboard or it taking away from their focus of their job. Ultimately, what happens is it bleeds into your offense, because they get frustrated," Campbell continued. "And, that's why I kind of like it, because it forces you to, you kind of find out the guys that want to shut them up. They want to do it with their actions, the way they play, the way they perform. And, you can also rile up an opponent to where he does something stupid that could cost your team. And, it's good to get those in practice, too, so that once you get in the game, you've been there and you don't let somebody get under your skin."
Participation
Those not spotted at the portion of practice open to the media included linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, wideout Trinity Benson and offensive lineman Connor Galvin.
Many players were in attendance, but did not actively participate in drills, including Levi Onwuzurike, James Mitchell, Kayode Awosika, Frank Ragnow, Chase Lucas, Hendon Hooker and David Montgomery.
Lions principal owner Sheila Hamp was in attendance, and was watching the first day of minicamp, observing the side of the field the defense was conducting drills.
Also in attendance and having conversations while observing practice were former NFL head coach Pat Shurmur, along with John Dorsey and Chris Spielman.
Sam LaPorta shines, building chemistry with Jared Goff
Detroit's rookie tight end is quickly building a connection with Goff, as evidenced by the veteran signal-caller targeting the young tight end in red-zone drills.
On one rep, LaPorta used his reach to haul in a grab, beating out Ifeatu Melifonwu in coverage for a highlight-reel reception.
During red-zone drills, LaPorta was targeted often, and hauled in his fair share of catches.
"He's done a great job," said Goff, following practice. "He really has. He gets himself open, he's able to separate and has great hands. He's smart. He's learning, making rookie mistakes still, but is getting a lot better. You don't really see him make the same mistake twice, which is encouraging. But, yeah, he's done a hell of a job."
Detroit's work in the red zone and hurry up offense was productive, with the defense still making many plays and finding any opportunity it could to get its hands on the football.
“Yeah, it’s much stickier I feel like this year. It’s been harder for us to gain separation at this point in OTAs, and I think they’ve done a hell of a job making it harder on us and growing as a unit over there," Goff commented, when asked about the revamped defense.
Brian Branch has natural instincts
Branch, a 2023 second-round pick of Detroit, showcased closing speed against Maurice Alexander near the end of practice, breaking up a pass tossed by Nate Sudfeld.
The ex-Crimson Tide defensive back drew the praise of the coaching staff for his closing speed and for getting his hands on the football quickly, forcing the incompletion in the red zone.
After early drops, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams make plays
Yes, both of Detroit's key playmakers had early drops in practice, but rebounded as the practice wore on.
The drops occurred in the end zone, but both made plays during team and situational drills.
Williams found his way into the hole of the secondary for a nice deep gain from Goff on third-and-4. Goff had attempted a deep pass the rep prior, but could not connect with Kalif Raymond on second down.
Gibbs also worked on blocking drills with the team's running backs coach, Scottie Montgomery.
Ifeatu Melifonwu in solid position defensively
Even though he clearly lost out against LaPorta, Melifonwu continues to put together a solid offseason, being in position regularly.
The young defensive back is routinely locking down those he is matched up against, or at least forcing receivers off their intended routes, forcing Detroit's quarterbacks to look elsewhere.
Wind impacts Parker Romo negatively
Romo had two missed kicks on the afternoon. The wind impacted his first kick, causing it to fall short and wide from 54 yards out. Romo's worst kick was from 45 yards out.
On the day, the ex-XFL standout went three-for-five, while Riley Patterson went four-for-five, including making three straight. The wind did push Patterson's first kick, and caused it to clank off the right upright.
