Speaking about the team’s second day of Organized Team Activities, new Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell reiterated the team is adjusting to schemes implemented by his regime.
After what he termed a “spirited practice,” Caldwell spoke about some of the challenges he witnessed on the field.
“You could see some guys were certainly in new positions that are taking a little different challenge,” he said. “Young guys are learning and developing and we have an opportunity to also work with the young guys a little bit later on so they can get a little double dose of work.”
Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh participated in OTAs for the second straight day after missing voluntary workouts earlier this offseason. Caldwell said Suh was in “very fine shape.”
“He’s (Suh) one of those guys who knows how to take care of his body… He’s fit and excited about being here,” Caldwell said.
Suh’s fellow defensive tackle Nick Fairley continues to recover from an offseason procedure dealing with a medical issue and missed Wednesday’s practice.
Caldwell also addressed the competition for the tight end spot between new draftee Eric Ebron and Joseph Fauria, saying that competition breeds winning.
“That’s what makes you a good team when you do have competition at every spot,” Caldwell said. “Guys are scratching and digging, and he’s (Fauria) doing a great job of that.”
The Lions recently converted second-year tight end to offensive tackle. Williams was regarded as the best blocking tight end to come out of the 2013 NFL Draft, contributing to the decision to move him to tackle.
“He’s (Williams) a big guy, so I think it allows him not to necessarily have to worry about cutting weight all the time and things of that nature to kind of fit the position,” Caldwell said. “I think he’s a naturally-big guy that can be a very, very athletic tackle.”
Caldwell even compared Williams to Chris Hinton, who played in the NFL for 13 years.
“Chris Hinton was a tight end and Chris Hinton moved from tight end to tackle and had an outstanding career,” he said.
Caldwell also addressed the new mindset his coaching staff is instilling in the locker room.
“We’re doing things that certainly we’ve done at other places that we know have worked and have been successful in terms of our schedule,” Caldwell stated. “…We’re going to put them in that mood right now, right away and make them work for it…But nevertheless, we’re going to put them on a championship path.”
While addressing the offensive, Caldwell echoed the importance of grasping the new tempo before the regular season opener.
“We think that pace puts pressure on the defense,” he said. “You saw a couple things (where) we pop up and maybe just change the pace even a little bit more, so I think that’s extremely important.”
Under Jim Schwartz last season, the Lions ranked 13th in the league, averaging 24.7ppg.
Caldwell also spoke about grooming leadership in the locker room.
“I do believe we have a number of guys that are natural leaders, but oftentimes not allowed to lead because of the fact that…one individual can be so over-bearing,” he said…”So, I think there are some times where you’ve got to let guys that know what they’re doing that are certainly very, very bright, understand what you’re trying to get accomplished and give them an opportunity to take on a leadership role as well.”
Caldwell went on to say that the defense was “naturally” practicing with a sense of excitement. “The guys kind of got into it,” Caldwell said. “A competitive atmosphere I think is something that we try and foster with some boundaries. But the enthusiasm is there.”
Furthermore, the first-year Lions coach spoke about the young players having a chance to make an impression on the coaching staff during OTAs.
“Reps are priceless at this time of year because they are just few and far between,” he said. “You only get so many of these practice opportunities. The more you get, the better opportunity you have.”
Other notables missing from Wednesday’s OTA included Golden Tate, who joined his former team, the Seattle Seahawks at the White House to celebrate last season’s championship run.
Running back Joique Bell and defensive end Ziggy Ansah both sat out Wednesday’s practice as well.
