seems like a lot of Homer views here.
These story lines make me sea sick.
I’m not feeling great about this season
The 2024 draft is front and center for me. Arnold is gone and I think Manu is likely headed for the PS but the final bell has not sounded on that draft.
Rakestraw may be a critical piece on D. Starter or outside depth.
If Vaki is healthy maybe he plays a serious role at RB? Isaiah P. is only signed for one season.
Christian Mahogany might still be a starter.
Wingo could still fill a critical depth piece behind the big three at DT.
If 2026 is a success the 2024 draft may end up being critical to current success.
Of course we are all watching Blake Miller, D. Moore, Abney, Rolder and other rookies too.
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I went back and forth on this Sam. I choose peaked as I thought this (peaked V. piqued) fits better as I am using it as in: the highest or most important point or level. The most important stories, not just exciting or catching my attention. AI told me:
“Use peaked when something hits its absolute maximum: “My interest peaked at the end of the movie.” [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]”
Piqued in this context would have meant to excite or to arouse emotion. Piqued my curiosity for example. I am going for the MOST important stories on the edge of training camp starting.
I choose the highest point or level as we need a starting LOG. That is critical we get better OL play and that along with Miller/Borom cannot be understated in importance.
Gibbs needs breaks, also critical. Vaki/Pacheco
Is critical. And so on. More than just exciting or arousingvenotion:
This team cannot succeed unless the OL gets better, unless the DL vastly improves, unless we have a viable 2nd CB, unless DE arrives past Hutch (a 2nd rd. pick and two FAs NEED to get the job done) and so on.Thank you for the conversation.
If I am still incorrect I will change the title.
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I like the way you laid it out. Imma ready to run through a brick wall for that outlook. Sooner or later The Den will wash away my cynicism, which is mostly a defense mechanism because I’ve been a Lions fan for a very long time, dontcha know…
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Gray skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face. Will yourself into a sunbeam. Rewatch the Kneecaps presser.
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Yeah, that injuries will undermine your analysis is by far the best bet. Hopefully, the Lions won’t be as snakebit as they’ve been the last few year. Overdue for some non-awful luck on that front.
Course, year-to-year personnel comparisons ain’t all that matters. E.g., I’m wondering how quickly that OL will mesh in terms of communication and chemistry. We could have a starting OL that features 1 repeat starter in the same position - and he’s probably sandwiched between a rookie and a new guy/1st-time designated starter.
Bigger still - how will the coaching and schematic fits compare to last year? I’m confident they’ll start out in a well-considered place on both sides of the ball, but how quickly and well will Shep and crew respond in-game and across the season when things go South? Can the D OVER-perform for a change?
We all expect Petzing to be an improvement on Morton - low bar - but if/when that OL springs a leak will he be able to scheme up solutions that keep the ball moving, or will we see The Fabulous Mr. Fox more often than we’d like to? Will we occasionally see some Ben-Johnsonian trickeration that makes defenses slow their roll while keeping things fun for our guys?
Lots of storylines to watch, for sure.
absolutely going to do this!!
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Word economy:
Eight Lion Training Camp Stories
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Tell me without telling me that you are not an influencer… 
I’m most anticipating the rookies, just because I think they are going to determine the season much more than most years. Blake Miller needs to be solid from day one. I really want Derrick Moore to be able to be the guy opposite Hutch. A lot of pressure on both of them. Abney having a good camp would be so nice for once a CB panning out. Not expecting too much from Rolder early, but would love to see him develop down the stretch. Bummed about Law already tearing his ACL. I thought that could be a real under the radar pick.
But the number one thing I’ll be watching for is whether Petzig can fit in and help the offense. There was a lot of consternation in AZ about him. But also a lot of hype from outside sources.
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Yep, that’s me.
My top 8:
- Petzing offense - can it be as unpredictable as BJ’s?
- All Pro safeties status and play
- Is this a good or bad BH draft? He seems to be an extremist.
- Alim - all pro or cut bait
- Will any of our DE’s be impactful
- How does Peneii look at LT
- How do we do against the slot without AA
- Is Sam I am back to prime all-star form.
Why Vaki makes a top list is beyond me.
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I only care about a few things right now regarding our team:
- zero injuries going into the opening game for the regular season
- Win the opening game
- No stupid off duty injuries nor tomfoolery type hooliganism that gets players cut or suspended
- Go 20-0 until proven otherwise
And glorify God thru it all…
DD out
Because of Vaki’s position and where he was drafted, Monty is gone and IP is only signed to a one year deal. 2nd RB is an important position and I want to know if Vaki has enough talent to unseat a more-or-less solid but not amazing veteran RB.
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No
Okay, thanks for the deep dive. Guess that mystery is solved.
Vaki’s running back stats are limited in college. 42 total carries got 317 yards. A 7.5 average. His receiving numbers are also limited but huge.
We simply haven’t seen Vaki run much here. While you likely are right that Vaki ain’t got it, I wanna see him actually get an opportunity where he is healthy. I don’t think he beats out Pacheco in 2026 but yea, I am very curious to see his game OR, was he a huge reach by Brad. Right now it looks like huge reach.
yes , Isiah Pacheco.