Tag: training camp

Posted on

As the Detroit Lions training camp is starting soon, here is what I’m looking for

The Detroit Lions 2022 training camp is fast approaching (July 30.) With a roster full of young players training camp will be under the microscope of the public eye. Once again, I need to stress this is a rebuild, so do not think for one moment the Lions are going to go from 3 wins to the playoffs. Also, much like last season wins/losses do not matter, at least to the degree fans believe they do. So what could or would constitute as a successful season? That’s a loaded question, let’s take a look.

I am going to drive home the fact that the Detroit Lions need to stay healthy first and foremost. Last season the team had a rash of injuries that crippled units from being more consistent. The injuries ended seasons for several players. Usually a team can survive a player who is out 1-3 weeks, but the whole season was a bit much.

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) defends against Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (65) during the second half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, October 17, 2021. (Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Penei Sewell, who can play both tackle spots is a beast. He is one of the players I expect to take a massive step forward after a stellar rookie season. The Detroit Lions ran the ball for an average of 5.1 yards between the right tackle and right guard last season.

D’Andre Swift, the young running back needs to stay healthy. Swift is one of the best running backs in the NFL when he is on the field. A good run game is a blessing to any quarterback. The Lions have a top 5 ranked offensive line, and when all are healthy can give Swift the room he needs to roam free.

Derrick Barnes, he played better as the season moved along. The Lions linebackers to me are the biggest question mark heading into training camp. This is a group the simply put, needs to improve across the board. Rookie Malcom Rodriguez is a player I am going to focus on. He received a lot of praise from teammates and coaches during rookie camp.

The Lions wide receiver room is in much better shape heading into camp this year than it was a year ago. This group looks like they can be solid. Last season fourth round draft pick Amon-Ra St. Brown took the league by storm. Brown a slot receiver was forced to play WR1 due to injury and did a very good job. Now with DJ Chark and first round draft pick Jameson Williams (at some point, he is recovering from injury.) The receivers look solid.

CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 21: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The focus on the 2022 season for the Detroit Lions is and should be player development. This is a young team with a bright future, but that future is not yet and that’s okay.

What are you looking for as the Detroit Lions start training camp? Feel free to leave a comment and let me know.

Posted on

Detroit Red Wings: a bright future

Embed from Getty Images With a surplus of very good young talent. The 2018 NHL entry draft pushed the Detroit Red Wings and the rebuild forward at a faster pace. This team is going to be outstanding.

 

The Detroit talent pool had some good prospects who were set to push for a roster spot for the upcoming 2018-19 NHL season. But, things changed after the Detroit Red Wings, lead by general manager Ken Holland had a fantastic haul at the draft.

Lead by 2016 first round draft pick Dennis Cholowski and 2017 first round pick Michael Rasmussen added into the mix 2018 first round draftees Filip Zadina and Joe Veleno. The Red Wings now have a must see training camp set up.

Suddenly, prospects who were widely viewed as can not miss. May have a hard time making the cut as more talent has been added to the organization. The competition is sure to be intense.

This is a great situation. The Red Wings who need to be younger, faster and have players who play with a chip on their shoulders. Will get a group of prospects in training camp doing just that.

The ones that are blessed and make the team will rejoice. The hope is the ones that narrowly miss the cut. Well, that they gain a chip on their shoulder. That they will not be happy with being sent to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Most of all, for the players that do not make the final roster spot. That they will up their game and their play will show their lack of pleasure in the choices the front office and coaching staff made when making final roster cuts.

It is a new dawning of Detroit Red Wings hockey. Lots of young fresh talent. Hockeytown will be great again. Very soon.  Do not count on the playoffs this coming season. But it is okay to expect this Detroit Hockey team to take a big step forward.