Takeaways from Giants-Lions Joint Practices
Here are several takeaways from the Detroit Lions' two joint practices with the New York Giants.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson should play safety
The veteran playing safety, along with the rising Kerby Joseph, allows Detroit's defense to get rookie Brian Branch on the field.
"Well, he's a highly instinctive player. I think sometimes this may get lost with C.J. He's an excellent communicator, as well, excellent communicator," said Lions head man Dan Campbell. "And so, you just kind of see the growth of he and Kerby (Joseph) together, and I believe it's elevating Kerby's game, as well. I believe you potentially have a couple of dynamic safeties back there that have versatility, so that's what we like about having him back there and knowing he can play nickel certainly."
Brian Branch is a starter
On Day 12, Branch was playing with the first-team defense, against the Giants, at the nickel position.
All throughout camp, the second-round pick has made plays, including being in position and forcing pass breakups.
His play has earned him the right for more playing time, including being the team's starting nickel cornerback.
Rookie offensive weapons hold their own
Tight end Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs showcased why the team invested early draft selections in order to add them to the roster.
Both have quickly become reliable targets alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown.
All throughout the two days, both were able to secure receptions, and Detroit's speedy back even went viral, when he toasted linebacker Bobby Okereke.
Dylan Drummond can make Lions' 53-man roster
A player willing to come in and put in the work, Drummond has been among the camp standouts since training camp began.
His consistency and willingness to embrace Detroit's gritty culture have put himself in position to make the roster coming out of camp.
When asked about moving up the depth chart, Drummond told All Lions after practice, "I think of it more like, I just try to continue to be in the right spot and do the right thing, and I think the rest just takes care of itself."
Playing with a veteran like Jared Goff reinforces the need to be in the right spot and to understand the why of each given play.
"Obviously, he's an incredible player," Drummond said of Goff. "But, same type of thing, whenever I'm on the field with him, I just try to be in the right spot, and I know he'll find a way to get the ball to me, if I'm the guy who's supposed to get the ball."
Aidan Hutchinson clearly has more tools in his toolbox
The second-year defensive lineman has added more tools to his pass-rush arsenal, and they were on full display during one-on-one reps.
“I feel like he’s got more in his toolbox," said Campbell. "He was already a confident player, but you can just see he is, he has a ton of confidence. You see these tools come out that have elevated his game. He’s got a counter-move, he’s got a spin, he’s got a bull. He’s violent-shed in the run game, he sets an edge. He’s a big man, (and) he’s got a high motor. He’s taken it up a notch. That’s what you want to see.”
Jameson Williams stalled
The reason the speedy wideout did not shine during the past two days occurred for a myriad of reasons.
Missing practice time clearly hindered his chemistry with Detroit's quarterbacks.
Unfortunately, Detroit's signal-callers underthrew him, and did not target him nearly enough over the course of the two days.
While the 2022 No. 12 overall pick can clearly make the big catch and is finding his speed to be an advantage, opponents are not shying away from being physical with the ex-Crimson Tide wideout.
Williams will need to showcase more over the course of the next few weeks, ahead of his six-game suspension.
Nate Sudfeld's job in jeopardy
While the team could keep him on the 53-man roster, carrying three quarterbacks might not be the best use of roster space, given the need along the interior of the defensive line and potentially for depth along the offensive line.
The coaching staff openly clamored to bring in another signal-caller, in Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater should easily slot in as Detroit's No. 2 quarterback behind Jared Goff.
Sudfeld has not done enough to warrant keeping him on the roster through the early portion of camp, so the three preseason games will be critical for Sudfeld's future.
