Detroit Lions Notes From The Weekend; Case Keenum Weighs In On Patrick Edwards
Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions fans where out in full force this weekend, 6,034 at Saturday’s practice, shattering the previous attendance record at Allen Park. They received a first hand look at how this team will look come September. Many storyline’s took place this weekend, here’s the weekends wrap-up.
- Offensive Line Still Shuffling:
Heading into training camp, Jim Schwartz knew there would be a great competition for the starting right guard position. The threesome of Dylan Gandy, Larry Warford and Jake Scott all received first team reps, although Scott started twice over the weekend. Gandy and Scott continue to receive the bulk of the reps, while the coaching staff slowly work Warford into the flow of the NFL.
As for the other position battle along the offensive line, Corey Hilliard received the nod for the first team reps on Friday and Sunday. Jason Fox received his turn on Saturday.
Both battles will most likely come down to the last week of camp, allowing us some fun as we sift through every move Schwartz makes.
- Wide Receivers Continue To Battle:
With the absence of Calvin Johnson, Patrick Edwards took first string reps at wide receiver. He continues to impress, and looks to be in good shape when the Lions head into week 1. Kris Durham also turned in a fine weekend, making plays in the red-zone portion of practice. MLive’s Justin Rogers and Nate Burleson had this to say.
"Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz is looking for a playmaker to emerge from the wide receiver group beyond the team’s projected starters. If a judgement were being made based on the first eight training camp practices, the clear choice would be Kris Durham.Durham has had an outstanding camp, particularly during the red zone portions, pulling in scoring catch after scoring catch.“Kris Durham, Kris Durham, the white Calvin Johnson? Oh my gosh,” teammate Nate Burleson said. “I’m going to say this, all he does is catch touchdowns.”"
The Lions traded for Mike Thomas just before last seasons trading deadline, in hopes of him returning to his 2010-self. That hasn’t happened, and NBC notes his days maybe numbered. Also, the Lions activated Devin Thomas off the PUP list
[Related Story: Detroit Lions Devin Thomas Continues To Fly Under-The-Radar]
- Secondary Improved:
Glover Quin has helped take a position from embarrassment to functional. The Lions secondary has looked greatly improved, with the additions of Darius Slay and Quin. Delmas has been eased back into action with limited first team reps. Domonique Johnson has steadily improved off his bad start. Dave Birkett of the Detroit FreeP had this to say.
"Domonique Johnson had a rough first few days of training camp, and that’s putting it kindly.“He really started off poorly,” Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said. “He was awful last week.”In the four days since, Cunningham said Johnson has redeemed himself with standout play to the point that the well-traveled cornerback has a legitimate shot at making the roster as an extra man in the secondary.“He has a shot because he’s got great length and we talk about length all the time,” Cunningham said. “He knocks down balls because he’s tall, he’s got the reach. He can close on a ball, he’s competitive.”"
- Former University of Houston Quarterback Case Keenum Chimes On Former Teammate Patrick Edwards:
Many may remember Case Keenum as an ever-prolonged career and a gun-slinging, statisticians nightmare. The former Cougers signal caller is a current member of the Houston Texans, and a former teammate of Detroit Lions wide receiver Patrick Edwards. The two teamed up for 89 catches, 1,752 yards and 20 TD’s their senior season.
“You know, Patrick’s obviously one of my favorite receivers I’ve ever thrown to in college. Extremely talented guy and the hardest worker I’ve probably been around on the practice field. I know he’s going to do a great job for those guy’s up their.”
*Case Keenum interview courtesy of Jayson Braddock (@jaysonbraddock)