Detroit Lions Training Camp: Notes From Day 4 Of Practice
- The Detroit Lions practiced in full pads today, which is the first time they have done so this camp.
- Nick Fairley wasn't the only Lions player to miss today's practice. The following players also were out: WR Titus Young, LT Jeff Backus, RT Gosder Cherilus, LB Zack Follett, LB Cobrani Mixon, CB Jack Williams and CB Alphonso Smith. RB Maurice Morris missed part of practice after leaving with a hand injury.
- Fairley doesn't think his foot injury is a setback and said he is doing whatever he can to get back as quickly as possible.
- Follett was out because he was given a day off.
(More after the jump)
- Asked about Cherilus, Jim Schwartz said that his knee wasn't reinjured, but rather it's sore, so the Lions are keeping him sidelined.
- Derrick Williams, who was the second best wide receiver on the field in the eyes of Chris McCosky, got into a "tussle" with Aaron Berry.
- Tom Kowalski once again recapped the Lions' red zone drill and made it clear that Calvin Johnson is pretty tough to stop.
- Matthew Stafford had "another stellar practice, according to Paula Pasche.
- Philip Zaroo writes that Demario Ballard was "impressive" during today's practice.
- Willie Young sounds like he is continuing to do well in practice, as is Mikel Leshoure.
- Schwartz says practices are being extended "now that guys are getting their legs under them."
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I hope Ballard keeps impressing.
He could be a nice addition.
"I'm glad they made Flintstone's vitamins because I used to watch The Flintstones and go, "Man I bet you if I ate that dude, I would be healthy."
"I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too."
I Saw a video of the practice
And I kept saying “who is that guy”. I finally saw his name on his jersey. He’s a big guy. It would be nice to have another big on the team
Where can I find said video?
"I'm glad they made Flintstone's vitamins because I used to watch The Flintstones and go, "Man I bet you if I ate that dude, I would be healthy."
"I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too."
I keep talking about Demario Ballard so much but.... i can't help its
I see him as a very unique player. I have seen alot of tall wideouts but this guy is special. He is raw but the reason i like him so much is because he is lights out on fades…jump balls… red zone situations. And there isn’t a corner on our team that really can stop him on any of those situationns.
Looking at that video from http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/video/recent-videos.html those red zone attempts sum up what i imagine he could do in this offence. No one can double team him because of course Calvin is on the other side of the field and he requires safety help at all times in those situations… leaving Ballard one on one 100% of the time. …. i also noted that when he went against Ricardo Silva on that last red zone clip he did it with easy and Ricardo is 6’3" 225……. i mean he would get one on one post ups and fades and i can see from the practice that i saw no one on this team can even match up with him… … scary… his college highlights show alot of that red zone threat/ fade /go down field post up ..type of plays.
I just think if he keeps playing well he should get a serious serious look because that could = alot of TD’s. Giants won a Super Bowl because of that match up issue they had with Buress in the red zone etc…. we have Calvin ..but to have 2 guys unstoppable in those situations!!!! (faint)
That is scary shank
If this kid catches on and is even half of what you are saying, we could run the most wicked run-n-shoot 2 minute drill. Imagine the possibilities. Start the drive out in the 2 TE set, about their 30 bust out the run-n-shoot out on their ass. . .That’s about where you would want that also, just enough field to give the WR’s some seems.The corners would already be gassed from the drive bring in 2 tall ass WR’s that can catch, Nate and Titus in the slots. . .Best in the back-field. . . . .ohhhh man.
How many lumps you want Doc?
i was mainly thinking about red zone...
imagine just 2 tightend sets at the 15 with a defence in their base set. The corners would have to have help. I mean there is no way around it. This means our Tightends would have seems from hell. Or if they don’t want to double both then Stafford just throws the jump ball to the either Ballard or Calvin based on who has one on one….and you know everyone would always favor Calvin he can’t be covered one on one in those situations …infact double teams could not stop him last year he would just jump over both guys. … Now how do you defend two guys that can do that (faint)
Jack Williams has to stay healthy or he will be cut this year.
"Power flows to the one who knows how. Desire alone is not enough." -MEGATRON
PCP 4 LIFE
Maybe he can stay on as a training assistant
Since he has so much experience dealing with all kinds of injuries.
by WestsideLionsFan on Aug 2, 2011 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats what they said the last two years, guys got comprimising pictures of someone..;)
"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short
by YpsilantiJeff on Aug 2, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
i have been eagerly anticipating Williams
But dude needs to get on the field.
How bad was that knee injury? Did his knee fall off or something?
by ATL Lion on Aug 2, 2011 7:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They were doing a drill
Where the receiver tries to run his route and the cb tries to misdirect him. I guess Berry was beating him too much
not a link when in subject line
but you can right click and “copy location”…
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
k ty im new here
not sure of the ins and outs yet.
favorite line
To no one’s surprise, everybody had a tough time dealing with Calvin Johnson’s size and strength. On the first play, Johnson literally trampled Berry and had his way with just about every other defender. Overall, though, Berry was very good at getting leverage and getting physical with the receivers.
im taking a wait and see approach to him
he really needs to show something in the preseason, and by that i dont mean the flashes weve seen in the past 2 preseasons, i mean full on, “WOW where has this guy been” type stuff. im not holding my breath, honestly.
LOL "Doing whatever he can to get back as quickly as possible"
AKA staying off of his feet as often as possible haha
Alright, just get it out now
Get all of these injuries out now during the off season…you better all go 100 percent un injured during the season, though haha.
A full season of Stafford would be nice
I can’t wait to see what he can do if he stays healthy and plays all 16 games. Excited about Willie Young stepping up to make up for McBride.
"How in the hell can I make my teammates better by practicing?" Allen Iverson
by Disassembly Line on Aug 2, 2011 4:58 PM EDT reply actions
Stafford said
that he would play all 16 games this year, but he said that last year too and really there is no way to keep a promise like that.
That's not true
he can be more aware of the pass rush, especially outside the pocket. That’s the key to him staying healthy.
he could improve there...
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
Nope.
First injury against Chicago two years ago was him trying to step up in the pocket and a guy got him up around the shoulder pads. Second injury was the gigantic 5-tech driving him into the turf. Third was the gigantic, basketball-level athletic defensive end driving him the turf.
Really, all 3 were IN the pocket and all 3 totally UNLUCKY plays.
And he couldn't get the ball away any of those times?
Was it glued to his hand or something? He needs to recognize when he’s dead to rights and get rid of the ball. He’ll get hit less that way.
After the play was over by a Stinking Jet!
Staff had thrown that ball, and was quiet a bit after the pass and NO CALL.
How many lumps you want Doc?
I cannot stand those jets!
"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." ....Alexander The Great
Yeah punch Rex Ryan in the face!
"We're looking to improve this team every day, every week, every month until we get to our ultimate goal which is to win a championship."
-Martin Mayhew Detroit Lions GM, Master of the Universe
"Fairies don’t win championships. Bad Ass Mofo’s Do!"- Kevinz418
by Home in Cleveland, Heart in Detroit on Aug 2, 2011 11:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Schwartz replied: not set in stone yet
…
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
We've been keeping
5 lately. I wouldn’t rule out 6. That guy Ballard is big. I hope he impresses the coaches.
Nice write up on B/R btw.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
Sounds like Berry wants to be the newest starter
and like a real lion found the weakest of the herd and attacked. Maybe some added pressure to Derrick WIlliams will do him some good. I would love for him to turn things around and give us another threat in the slot.
It's been day after day from multiple writers tweeting about how good he looks.
Looks like he’s shutting down CJ here.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
great shot!
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
It's hard to tell for sure but that looks like serious pass interference
by WestsideLionsFan on Aug 2, 2011 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
haha
yeah I was just thinking that, either he hit hi and the ball came flying out or that is pass interference all the way.
I dont see a flag, looks good to me
"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short
by YpsilantiJeff on Aug 2, 2011 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions
..no flags
it’s practice, no one calls flags ha.
I thought
it was legal against CJ. Atleaste thats what all the refs think.
"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." ....Alexander The Great
pass interference that is
"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." ....Alexander The Great
looks to me like the ball is bouncing away
meaning they could have got there at the same time. too hard to tell.
and whose getting the pf?
"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short
by YpsilantiJeff on Aug 2, 2011 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
uuuuuh berry
truth be told i copied the wrong pic, had trouble getting it to post and the one that worked was the wrong one.
your flagging Berry for a personal foul?
You have a future as an NFL backjudge, my friend ;)
"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short
by YpsilantiJeff on Aug 2, 2011 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
he looks blind. LOL. realistic picture.
"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." ....Alexander The Great
More on Demario
Nate13Burleson Nate E Burleson
"@Tcash_87: @Nate13Burleson aye nate how demario Ballard looking out there? He practice yet." Big boy a little raw but got crazy talent!!!
little known fact
Demario Ballard is 11 years old.
he's also "6'2""
…
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
Wait till he hits puberty
Look out after that. He’s gonna turn into a monster.
"Where in the World is Ndamukong Suh?
Probably pushing 800-pound gorillas out of their choice seats in movie theaters."
By: I voted for Kodos (Acme Packing Company)
P.C.P. supporter since March 2011 (Phonz Carpenter Pratt for all that don't know)
Could ESPN be more UNentertaining???!!!!
crap job.
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
Don't know, don't watch it.....
Oops….MNF…that’s it.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
more about plax?
how does plax feel about the jets?
how do the jets feel about plax?
how do the fans feel about the feeling the jets have for plax?
how do the eagles, with their stunning grab of nnamdi, feel about plax feeling about the jets?
etc….etc….
by chaunce on Aug 2, 2011 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
that sure is the script
and the occasional Tebow craze…WHY WOULD I CARE?
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
Someone Green that
Chaunce you sir get a gold star on your paper for that.
How many lumps you want Doc?
Berry Berry Berry...
I still got room on the band wagon saying he is a starter gm1… Like to hear Mr. Franchise is looking stellar in practice once again.
I am curious to know how Fox is looking thus far, i havent heard one word on the kid. Anybody got any footage of Ballard would like to see it, please and thank you.
" Maybe for a writer...but i am sure most of you can tell i am not a writer". det32
by SmittyJ on Aug 2, 2011 6:54 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
fox
i though sean posted that killersaid(lol)
he was looking good and better at LT then RT
RIP KURTIS CHAIVRE
Yeah thats different
" Maybe for a writer...but i am sure most of you can tell i am not a writer". det32
i am on the wagon homie.
I am bringing cool aid hogies and beer from stone brewery.
I have a 9" personality
by Waitingfortheroar on Aug 2, 2011 7:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
meh..... Too much hops in all their brews, not a fan of IPAs
"Lemme Tell you why I have confidence in the long term future of this team... It's #9, That's why I have confidence in the long term future of this Team." - Jim Schwartz
by j16941 on Aug 2, 2011 8:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Stone Pale Ale is a fantastic beer.
"We're looking to improve this team every day, every week, every month until we get to our ultimate goal which is to win a championship."
-Martin Mayhew Detroit Lions GM, Master of the Universe
"Fairies don’t win championships. Bad Ass Mofo’s Do!"- Kevinz418
by Home in Cleveland, Heart in Detroit on Aug 2, 2011 11:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Kowalski said he looked good on the left but struggled with his footwork on the right
Krieger on rapid reports also said he looked pretty good. In fact, he said the o-line as a whole has been ahead of the defensive front.
Though with the crappiness of the current camp LBs, that isn’t THAT impressive.
Hopefully he does make a strong push for it.
Might be a good ideal to get his feet wet and unknown when Backus will return. I say if he is holding it down leave him even if Backus is healthy.
" Maybe for a writer...but i am sure most of you can tell i am not a writer". det32
Fox thinks he can win the starting job!
This was great to read. Finally some pressure on Backus.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/08/jason_fox_wants_to_win_startin.html
by Detroit What! on Aug 2, 2011 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
fox could be our starter for the future
hes got the size u want at his position. hope he can get at it and protect stafford better than …. well i wont mention any names.
say it Killian say it. . .Say the name
I agree with you but for monetary reasons. Even if Fox wins the Job, we could still keep Backus in case Fox gets hurt. And then Backus can stick around for a few more years on an extension as the #3 on the depth chart at a way cheaper amount.
How many lumps you want Doc?
Davis you are on double secret probation in the club for #76
Taking the stick to Jeff, again? Im calling the U of M alumni committee
"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short
by YpsilantiJeff on Aug 2, 2011 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Shoot Hutch is almost there also!
Well maybe not Hutch but Backus needs to be our backup so that we can have him comeback for a cheaper deal, that wont probably happen. I mean Backus and Megatron, I think Staff and Dom all with contracts up for next year. . .They are already 4 of the highest paid on the team. I can only see us retaining 2 of them and going younger. Especially if we do good this year like top 10 offense good. They will all demand a stupid fat contract.
How many lumps you want Doc?
Ill say it!
Jefff Sackus, Sir Sackus and Mister Sacksalot!
"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." ....Alexander The Great
In completely unrelated but significant news
The Queens just released their left tackle, Bryant McKennie. They signed the Colts former LT, Charlie Johnson…
I’m not sure if its a good sign because our defensive ends get to see Charlie twice or bad that they don’t get to see McKennie twice..
House of Spears | My Detroit Lions/NFL Blog
LOL, either way it won't make a difference.
They could bring in the second coming of Anthony Munoz and they wouldn’t stop the defensive line we have.
Berry and DWill
they both sound like they are having really good camps. Maybe Davis and Young being drafted are lighting a fire under Derick’s ass? hope so. it would be huge if he panned out still.
I think with the phonze being hurt, berry will be our nickle…either way it sounds like he could be a diamond in the rough.
The Disassembly Line....nuff said.
DWill looked horrible at practice on Monday to me
Poor effort and production from DWill. D. Ballard looked like a Stud! The WR coach was coaching him up after every rep which makes me think they really want him to improve fast. Remember he has only been playing football for 4 years.
by Detroit What! on Aug 2, 2011 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
the couple of clips of Ballard from practice todays looked great
located on the detroit lions site (post practice video)
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
Help me out here.
This is a practice. I mean I’m pretty sure the season hasn’t started. Check out the picture.
What’s with the ref on the sideline? Is this SOP in the league now? Is this a coach playing dress-up as a ref? What don’t I know. Ok, don’t go there. There isn’t room.
Expectations don't produce!
They hire "refs" for the practices
I’m not sure what their qualifications are, but obviously dress code is pretty flexible in the pre-season.
by WestsideLionsFan on Aug 2, 2011 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
NFL referees travel around camps to get ready for the season
Pride of Detroit, for Lions fans | SB Nation Detroit, for Detroit-area sports fans
I ate a baby!
He looks hungary.
"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." ....Alexander The Great
to be more specific, he looks quite budapest.
Jonas Jerebko once killed a charging female rhinoceros in heat protecting its young with nothing more than a hook shot.
OMG FOLLETT WAS OUT TODAY!!!!
I HEARD ON TWITTER THAT HE DOESN’T CARE ANYMORE AND IS QUITTING THE TEAM TO JOIN THE LOS HERMANOS FRANCISCANOS DE LA CRUZ BLANCA!!!!
Jonas Jerebko once killed a charging female rhinoceros in heat protecting its young with nothing more than a hook shot.
he was given the day off
not injury related staff wants to take it slow
I THOUGHT IT WAS THE LA HERMANA DIEGO DE LA WHALES VAGINA, NO????????????
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
glad someone figured out the humor in this post...
Jonas Jerebko once killed a charging female rhinoceros in heat protecting its young with nothing more than a hook shot.
This is getting me all kinds of excited
he split two defenders on a 30-yard strike to tight end Tony Scheffler.
and now for the innuendos…
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
Something is up with Follett
Zack Follett
@ZakarianFollett Zack Follett
Respect to Schwartz Mayhew Lewand didnt want to risk a life threatening injury after seeing my pain, Someone had to make the tough decision!
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
and this
TomLeyden Tom Leyden
Sad to see @ZakarianFollett leaving the #Lions (apparently). He won over fans with his intensity, his straightforwardness and oddball wit
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
Guess Carpenters gonna get signed now
"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short
by YpsilantiJeff on Aug 2, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Carpenter wants to start...he has to get over that thought and realize starting jobs won't be thrown at him.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
is that whats holding it up?
Yeah, you are sure right about that. Decent backup at the moment but thats about it
"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short
by YpsilantiJeff on Aug 2, 2011 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions
All I can say is from putting out a couple of tweets to local sports writers is who replied, the Lions want him back,,,,,
But Carpenter has ideas of finding a team where he will start. So that’s it in a nutshell.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
Well perhaps this means we sign someone else
With Follett gone, were a little thin again.
"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short
by YpsilantiJeff on Aug 2, 2011 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Carpenter's back
davebirkett Dave Birkett
His nameplate’s been hanging in locker room all week. Figured he’d return RT @DeadStroke96: Bobby C signs accord to radio guy in Columbus
This is the Freep writer.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
Well, thats that then
Carp just picks up Zachs reps.
"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short
by YpsilantiJeff on Aug 3, 2011 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
No disrespect intended to Zack...
But it’s an upgrade IMO….Carpenter is a perfect 3rd down fit in coverage which is Durant’s weakness.
While he didn’t make the spectacular Follett type hits, I thought he made some plays on special teams also.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
Oh I agree
Thats exactly what I see Carps role as. Outside of goal line and short yardage situations, I had a hard time seeing exactly where Zach fit in the defensive scheme
"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short
by YpsilantiJeff on Aug 3, 2011 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Now this.....
3 minutes ago – by John Kreger – LB Follett’s career likely over because of neck injury
A message posted on LB Zack Follett’s Twitter feed Tuesday indicates Follett’s neck injuries will force him to leave the team. “Respect to Schwartz Mayhew Lewand didnt want to risk a life threatening injury after seeing my pain,” Follett wrote. “Someone had to make the tough decision!” Lions RapidReports
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/post/15388930
I’m saddened if true, but at least he walks away being able to do just that…….walk.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
damn. Zack will be missed
on the bright side, one more reason for carp to return
Now I feel really bad about my comment earlier :-(
I liked Follett a lot…not necessarily because of his talent but because of his character…I’d like to see Schwartz take him under his wing as a coach of some kind, even if its an Assistant to the the assistant linebackers coach.
Jonas Jerebko once killed a charging female rhinoceros in heat protecting its young with nothing more than a hook shot.
That sucks for Zack
I really had hoped it was gonna work out for him. Damn.
"We're looking to improve this team every day, every week, every month until we get to our ultimate goal which is to win a championship."
-Martin Mayhew Detroit Lions GM, Master of the Universe
"Fairies don’t win championships. Bad Ass Mofo’s Do!"- Kevinz418
by Home in Cleveland, Heart in Detroit on Aug 2, 2011 11:37 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
love all the camp info
I enjoyed reading what Killer had to say (rare!)
I really liked what our own mikeyclaw had to say about the Monday and Tuesday practices. If you can’t wait to see them but can’t get down there to watch these breakdowns are MUST READ! I know many will see the bleacherreport tag and come up with some snob comment like “oh I saw BR and said no way” or “it’s gotta suck if it’s there” or whatever. To that I say, who cares why you wont go there! If you don’t want to know what time it is don’t look at a clock…
Tuesday:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/789139-detroit-lions-training-camp-your-tuesday-report
Monday:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/787652-detroit-lions-training-camp-your-monday-report
You can bet I’ll be looking forward to the Wednesday report too!
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul































