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Yahoo Sports’ senior NFL reporter Jori Epstein is on the road covering training camp. Today’s stop: the Detroit Lions.
About the QB
The Lions have security at quarterback and have given their quarterback security. By extending Jared Goff’s contract in May, they both gave their starter a generous reward and got ahead of an expanding market. Goff looked impeccable during the team’s Friday scrimmage, including a touchdown to Amon-Ra St. Brown in traffic.
Newbie to watch out for
Are you surprised the Lions doubled down on corners with their first two picks in the draft? Don’t let first-round pick Terrion Arnold overshadow No. 61 overall pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. of Missouri. Rakestraw jumped a route to intercept Nate Sudfeld in Thursday’s practice and stole Hendon Hooker in the red zone Friday. How long until he gives opposing quarterbacks the same headache?
Keeping my eyes on
The Lions’ offensive line, whom PFF ranked first in the league last year before Detroit signed right guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency, as well as extended-contract tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and offensive line coach Hank Fraley, who leads the running game installation each week, don’t hold back with switches, motions and complicated running plays. Good luck to defenses trying to keep their responsibilities in order.
Fantasy thought
Last year, the Lions had four skill players with 10 touchdowns, so where should we start? Let’s begin with running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who enters his second year looking to St. Brown and Goff for help in improving his routes while taking on receiving and pass-blocking responsibilities in addition to his carries. The Lions gave Gibbs more touches last season as the year went on. Hopefully he’ll get off to an even faster start now that he’s gained confidence.
What I saw that was interesting
Before I arrived, the Lions lost kicker Michael Badgley for the season due to a torn hamstring. Arkansas product Jake Bates kicked while I was here, and his attempts hit the right upright several times and sailed to the left to end practice. Look for the Lions to test more legs in August.
Wildcard
We underestimate the damage that coaching turnover does to NFL teams every season. The Lions are the antithesis: Their head coach and general manager are entering their fourth year and surprisingly retained both coordinators after each interviewed for head vacancies. “Having two guys who really should be head coaches as coordinators is a huge, huge competitive advantage for us,” center Frank Ragnow told me. The schematic wrinkles continue to deepen.