Interesting things reported from OTA’s:
The Lions are being Extra careful with injured or recovering players at OTA’s.
If there was even a slight pain, strain, rehab, recovery, or recent injury or they were not letting the player on the field.
The Lions Staff wants to be sure that players have the appropriate strength and flexibility before allowing them to Practice to avoid pulls and strains throughout the season.
That being said Hutch was on the field without limitations.
Very Encouraging!
With Ragnow not attending (reportedly because he is not happy with his contract) Ratledge took 1st team reps at center with Glasgow at RG.
When Glasgow was at center Ratledge was at RG.
It looks like GG got his wish and is back to RG.
Mahogany looks to be the early starter at LG.
Things could be off because Ragnow is out but I think the battle will be Glasgow vs. Ratledge at RG.
Maddox is the #3 Safety and Amik is staying exclusively in the Slot.
Rake is CB#3 and is 100% healthy and playing well to start.
Manu is the 2nd team LT.
Sordsdal getting reps at center but looks to have a hard time making the 53.
I’m surprised most men don’t know this. Having the favor returned will be meh, sure, those weak little hands trying to work your filthy, corn-ridden excuse for human appendages. But that’s not the point.
Fan reception to the concept that Marcus Davenport is the Lions starting EDGE opposite Aidan Hutchinson has been lukewarm at best. His lengthy injury history makes that perfectly understandable. But man, seeing him operate while healthy, it’s very easy to see why the Lions coaching staff is so bullish on No. 92.
Despite wearing baggy sweats, Davenport’s body is just different–in a good way. He’s a long, hulking presence who clearly enjoys the weight room. It’s not just for show, however. Davenport looked twitchy and quick off the snap. His ability to use long steps to get around the edge gave problems to Penei Sewell a couple of times, including one where Davenport got almost parallel to the ground to get under the harried block of the All-Pro right tackle.
There was a drill where the EDGEs were dropping in coverage. Davenport made a leaping catch on a throw that appeared to get away from the coach throwing it. He moves much more fluidly than a 6-foot-6, 285-pounder should.
I’ve said from the beginning I wanted Davenport back on a cheap deal.
He is exactly what this defense desires in it’s DE.
If Davenport can stay healthy he can take this defense to another level.
I think it was a smart low risk move by Holmes.
The Holmes Gamble that I don’t agree with is not having a suitable replacement if Davenport goes down again.
Paschal, AQM, and Hassanein are not Starter Level NFL Edge Rushers.
I really want to see Davenport play this summer but I will have to hold my breath on every drill and snap that he gets up healthy.
I wouldn’t play Davenport in any preseason games but Dan might play him a few plays just to get past the injury cloud that I’m sure hangs over him with and teammates.
Assuming he’s fully healthy, they gotta treat/play him the way they treat/play other DL starters.
He’s not old enuf to get the vet treatment and doesn’t have a chronic injury. In fact, given that he’s missed a ton of games over the last couple years I suspect both he and Hutch will get some knocking-off-the-rust snaps in the preseason, though maybe all the joint practices they’ve lined up will mean less need to play in the preseason.
