A Closer Look at Lions Camp 2007

A Closer Look at Lions Camp 2007

It is once again time for Lions Camp in Allen Park, Michigan and Marinelli and company have a lot of work ahead of them if they hope to live up to Kinta's lofty prediction of a 10- win season. Lions Camp 2007 got off to a terrific start with a great first day lead by vocal second year coach Marinelli.

Rain and nasty weather forced the Lions in doors on three separate occasions in week one of camp but day one of camp had Jon Kitna and the offense going from the first whistle. Not every play was working but when the receivers hit their stride, Kitna was snapping the ball right in there, with a quick release. Kitna looks honed in on the Martz offense going into year number two with the offensive mastermind.

Mike Furrey had a great day one and two and in my opinion continues to be overlooked and is getting no attention at camp (at least so far)-- the dude is the impressive, comes out of nowhere (former defensive back) and has a monster season in 2006 with 98 receptions. Furrey is so professional and hard working, going about practice just like it is a normal day but bringing the same intensity that would bring to games. He had some nice snags while running just immaculate routs. Look for Furrey to quietly, have another solid season. The main buzz during the first few days was, where's Calvin?

On Thursday, Tatum Bell was looking sharp on his outside run plays but his hands have not been impressive and that is why Aveion Cason and Brian Calhoun could challenge for playing time, both have looked sharp so far and both can play on special- teams. That's something that Bell and Duckett are not accustom to. Eddie Drummond who had not seen a single rep, finally saw some action-- it looks as if Drummond may be on the bubble right now.

Just before Friday's practice, it became official that Calvin Johnson was a Detroit Lion. Johnson became one of the highest paid rookies ever, inking a contract for 6 years at $64 million with $27.2 million guaranteed cash. As soon as Johnson signed, his NFL career really begun-- he rushed down to the field to work with the first team on the two- minute drill and the 500 plus fans and media supports cheered and admired this special, franchise receiver.

Monday's practice may have been the worst, great news as this week the Lions are preparing for their first game of 2007. Martz was very displeased with the sloppy, lackluster play and effort and everyone felt his wrath. The players were off Sunday and looked slow coming back on Monday-- Martz wasn't having it. Offensive line coach Jim Colletto lit the offensive linemen up and Martz got on the rest. Johnson spent most of the day with the second unit, but don't look into this, he has a bit of catching up to do still. Bell again looked good. On one play in particular, he cut and dashed through the middle of line untouched and even received a few oohs and ahhhs from his new teammates after the run. Cornerback Fernando Bryant also looked sharp on numerous occasions and this is great to see for the Lions. One of the weak links in my opinion is that Lion secondary. I hope Bryant stays health and has a career year.

Preseason Schedule

8/9 vs. Cincinnati
8/18 at Cleveland
8/25 at Indianapolis
8/30 vs. Buffalo