10 Things to Watch in NFL Training Camps

Pat Kirwan has posted an article about things to keep a close eye on during the upcoming NFL training camps.  The Lions are mentioned several times in the article for multiple reasons, including "Head Coach Jim Schwartz in his second year, free agent acquisitions and Detroit’s first-round draft choices, Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best."  

I note this article because many of the things being pointed out with the Lions training camp are things we've been noting over and over again.   Many of us are gun-shy because we've drank sour kool-aid for the past decade.  But it seems as though the media is even starting to take note of the Lions' aggressive moves over the past year or two.  No one expects playoffs from our beloved Pride, but they do seem to foresee an improved Lions team with a new mindset.  The media believes in Jim Schwartz based on his success with the Titans' and Ravens' defenses since 1996.  

They note continuity as one of the reasons the Lions will succeed if they continue on the path they follow right now.  Keeping the same coaches is essential for progress, especially if they are moving in the right direction...no matter how impatient we as fans like to be.  If the current basic Lions coaching staff can stick together for the foreseeable future, the team will develop strong in time.  

Another thing pointed out is the absolute positive feelings about both of our 1st round picks.  Ndamukong Suh has nothing but upside to him.   But Jahvid Best is much the same as Chris Johnson was coming out of college.  A seemingly-undersized running back with flashy speed and cutting skills.  Chris Johnson was picked late in the first round as well by the Titans, which motivated him even more to prove the teams that passed on him wrong.  Though I am not sure that Jahvid Best will be quite the caliber of CJ28, I think he's a special player.  He's getting a lot of attention from the media already, and sometimes that means they can see brilliance.  The Lions front office is obviously impressed already.  I'm excited to see him play.   And Kevin Smith will hopefully return healthy and ready to tag team as a tandem with Best.

Another thing noted is our front four, and how if they come together like they should, the rest of our 7 defensemen should benefit.   Go read for yourself!   A very interesting article.