Notes: From snaps to food orders, Levi Onwuzurike, Alim McNeill share the workload

Adjusting to the NFL is hard work, but at least a pair of defensive line rookies have each other.

Though still winless through Week 5, Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill are working hard to become the dynamic duo they hope to be someday.

“It’s been fun. Learning behind guys like Nick (Williams) and (Michael Brockers) teaches you a lot. I enjoy every day. Those are funny, funny dudes,” Onwuzurike said.

Against the Minnesota Vikings, Onwuzurike played 30 percent of defensive snaps for a total of 20 — a career high. He also earned himself a pretty solid 72.3 PFF grade.

“It felt like a better game than I had before, 100 percent. It’s mostly just being comfortable, you know, taking the coaching from the older guys. As you take a lot of reps, you’re going to get better. I think in the NFL, you gotta get comfortable as quick as you can,” he said.

Learning from experienced players is helpful, Onwuzurike said having a fellow rookie on the line offers some unique camaraderie.

“It helps me learn more, number one, but also it spreads the load of spending money on the older guys’ stuff. So whenever we gotta get food or something, it’s like alright, you got Friday’s donuts, Alim? I’ll get Saturday’s Coney Island.”

Having just officially become a Detroit Lion this year, Onwuzurike likely isn’t used to the gut-wrenching losses the fan base has come to know and love. He was brief with his thoughts on these types of losses: “It’s just annoying, 100 percent. That’s all I’ll say — it’s real annoying.”

Yup. And onto your notes.

• It’s been a great year for Calvin Johnson — it was announced earlier today that he will be one of the Thanksgiving Parade grand marshals this year.
• Taylor Decker has returned to practice and could play as early as Sunday. The fellas at The Athletic wonder — what to do with Penei Sewell? ($)
• We all know he’s full of energy off the field, but hear how Jamaal Williams helps keep his team in the game on the sidelines.

• Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp took the podium Thursday. Detroitlions.com’s Tim Twentyman offers 10 takeaways.
• Around the NFL’s Nick Shook selected this Detroit defensive back for his list of top 10 surprising performances and “unheralded talents” through Week 5.
• GM Brad Holmes out connecting with the community.

• To ensure better ball security, Dan Campbell says the Lions need to cut down on the wordiness of their play calls. Dave Birkett has that story.
• The Monday Morning Quarterback staff offer their picks this week — I think this might be the first time I’ve seen someone have faith in the Lions to pull it off.