Latest news with #KelvinSheppard
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
What we learned from Detroit Lions' first week of training camp
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The first week of practice for the Detroit Lions has concluded. Here's what we learned: Campbell has been asked about his new offensive and defensive coordinators throughout the offseason. It's arguably the biggest question people have when discussing the Lions in 2025, a commonly used narrative to support this team's doubters. Campbell's not buying it. Advertisement 'First of all, it doesn't matter what I say. It's already been written, so that's coming,' Campbell said. 'That's already a narrative. I'm not going to change that, none of us will. A loss, it's coming. We don't do well on offense, it's coming. Something happens defensively, it's coming. That narrative is coming. It's written, it's done, I have no control over that. If you're asking me personally, yeah, I don't think it's what it's played out to be.' Campbell lost both coordinators and a slew of other assistants to the coaching carousel this offseason. He promoted Kelvin Sheppard and hired John Morton to replace defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, respectively. And though it's easy to see Campbell's prediction coming true if the team struggles, his process was sound — he hired two coaches he knows and trusts who simply want to build upon what the team has done well. You can see it in practice. Sheppard is young and energetic, molded for the job he has after spending the last four seasons as an assistant on Campbell's staff. Morton helped Campbell and Johnson build this offense as a senior offensive assistant in 2022, and he coached with Campbell in New Orleans. We'll see what's in store this year, but both coordinators — as well as the Lions' other new assistants — feel like Campbell guys. That's worked out in the past. Gibbs spent part of his time this week with WRs coach Scottie Montgomery, running routes for individual drills before rejoining the backs. I've seen the Lions start Gibbs in the backfield and motion him to the slot. I've seen him start in the slot and line up at RB. He's run wheel routes, Texas routes, quick outs, slants and more while still handling his backfield duties. It's become common to see him share the field with Montgomery, too. Advertisement I'm curious to see how much receiver he plays, but he had 517 receiving yards — without this level of emphasis on his receiving skills — a year ago. I've been really impressed with some of the young receivers getting opportunities. The obvious name to start with is Isaac TeSlaa, the No. 70 pick in this year's draft. The Lions traded a lot to acquire TeSlaa, but nobody will remember that if he hits. TeSlaa catches everything with his hands — never with his body. He's big, can jump and run and has flashed with the pads on. On Friday, he 'Moss'd' defensive back Avonte Maddox in a one-on-one drill; on the final snap of Saturday's practice, he beat Dicaprio Bootle on a slot fade just short of the end zone for a 29-yard gain. I really like what I've seen from No. 18, and I'd like to see him get some first-team reps. I'd also keep an eye on Dominic Lovett. He's shifty, can cut on a dime, and the coaches are excited about his special teams potential. I'd project him on the roster if I had to today. This is the best Williams has looked heading into a season. He's got a year of production under his belt — and he's acting like it. He's calling for the ball more often (which I like seeing from him) and his route running looks cleaner with fewer wasted steps. He's even mentoring Detroit's younger receivers. Williams had 1,001 receiving yards last year. I'd be shocked if he doesn't top that number, and then some. Coach Campbell on Jamo's continued development — Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 26, 2025 Small sample size, but I watched LaPorta take on a couple of defenders on a blitz pickup drill a few days ago and he handled his business without issue. LaPorta said he wanted to work on his blocking this offseason, and the Lions hired Tyler Roehl, a former fullback, to be his new position coach. If Roehl can help LaPorta — who's already serviceable as a blocker — further improve, we'll be talking about LaPorta having an All-Pro-caliber season. Advertisement Frank Ragnow is probably somewhere fishing in Minnesota, having retired after seven years in the league. Graham Glasgow and rookie second-rounder Tate Ratledge are battling it out for Ragnow's old job, and each has a compelling case. Glasgow was Ragnow's primary backup the last two seasons, and you could make the argument that his best traits — his football IQ and experience — are better fits at center than guard. The argument for Ratledge would be having an athletic mauler replace the one the Lions lost, and Jared Goff and Glasgow could help him with calls at the line. Ratledge got the bulk of the center snaps the first few days of practice, though Glasgow handled the work in recent days. Regardless, both players will be factors this year. Meanwhile, second-year pro Christian Mahogany looks like he's ready to go at left guard — he's been impressive. Taylor Decker remains out with a shoulder injury, but he's expected back in early August. Detroit's tackle depth is thin (as it is in most camps), although young tackle Giovanni Manu could change that narrative with a strong preseason. If there were any lingering concerns over Hutchinson's injury, they can be put to rest. He's moving like the guy we saw lead the league in sacks, pressures and win rate last year before suffering a season-ending leg injury. He's winning one-on-ones with regularity against the offensive line, including a nice rep versus Penei Sewell on the first day in pads Friday. In a team period that same practice, he penetrated the backfield for a would-be sack of Goff and was great against the run Saturday. It's fair to want to see more, but Hutchinson's performance has done nothing to suggest his injury has lingered. Plays were made — Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 25, 2025 After a recent practice, Hutchinson approached rookie sixth-round edge Hassanein and told him (jokingly) to stop stealing his moves. You'll have to excuse Hassanein, though. He and Hutchinson are cut from the same cloth in terms of mindset and love of the game, so it makes sense that Hassanein would try to emulate one of the NFL's best. I watched Hassanein win a one-on-one rep using Hutchinson's signature spin move — and if he already has that in his bag, he might be a quicker study than anticipated. Lions coaches are excited about his potential. Advertisement Williams has been with the starting defense for almost every team rep. Injuries to Levi Onwuzurike (ACL, out for the year), Alim McNeill (ACL) and Mekhi Wingo (meniscus) have paved the way for the first-round pick to receive starting snaps earlier than expected. He had an impressive day Saturday, including winning a rep against Ratledge to bottle up a David Montgomery run. Having played at Ohio State, Williams is used to bright lights and comes with a championship pedigree. His even-keeled demeanor is a perfect fit on this team. I'm excited to see more of him in pads. In other D-line news, it feels like I see UDFA rookie Keith Cooper winning a rep every time I look up. He made quick work of veteran Jamarco Jones in one-on-ones Saturday, then beat Trystan Colon, another vet, a few reps later. In team periods, he's generated pressure when playing defensive tackle and contained the run when on the edge. Campbell singled him out as a player the team could turn to for interior help. I'd like to see him get more opportunities. Anzalone wasn't at practice the first couple of days while dealing with a hamstring injury. Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes and veteran Zach Cunningham held it down in his absence. But there's more to the story. Anzalone, entering the final year of his contract, revealed to local media that he's disappointed with the lack of dialogue on an extension: He was limited in practice Saturday as he works his way back into the mix, but it doesn't sound like he's any closer to an extension. The Lions have several members of their young core to pay, so it's possible Anzalone could be playing out his final season in Detroit. Arnold has arguably been the most impressive player in camp. You can count the number of catches he's allowed in team periods on one hand. And even when he does allow one, he's right there for the tackle, giving receivers little breathing room. He's been sticky in coverage, showing improved ball skills, and his confidence remains sky high. Advertisement He was my breakout candidate before camp began and has only strengthened his grip on that title. Sheppard said Arnold took the leap this offseason. He's showing it now. It's a bit jarring sometimes watching Branch on the field versus off it. When interviewed in the locker room, he's this sometimes-shy, timid, soft-spoken player who credits his coaches and teammates for putting him in positions to succeed. On the field, he sees red. He gives zero you-know-whats and has this look about him. You sometimes wonder if it's the same person. He delivered several hard hits on his teammates this week. At one point, he had to be separated from Amon-Ra St. Brown by Goff after some early practice trash talk bled over to the team period. Coaches also had to take him out for a play to gather his composure. If he can redirect that energy and channel it onto other teams, he'll be an All-Pro this year. The more I watch this secondary, the more I think it can be one of the NFL's best. Sheppard said he expects it to be the strength of his defense. It might not reflect in the raw passing numbers — Detroit's defense takes away the run, plays a heavy dose of man coverage and opponents might have to play catch-up — but there aren't many I'd take before it in terms of pure talent. The Lions boast two All-Pro-caliber safeties, one of the league's most consistent corners in D.J. Reed, a young riser in Arnold and an underrated, physical nickel in Amik Robertson. They've got everything they need to be elite. OH YEAH @_YoungTruth7‼️ — Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 26, 2025 If it felt like a different player was leaving practice early each day this past week, it's because they were. This, of course, caused some panic among a fan base that watched a promising 2024 Lions squad succumb to injury. But it's important to remember that not all injuries are season-ending or long-term. Advertisement Ennis Rakestraw Jr. missed a few practices with a chest contusion (essentially, a fancy word for bruise). Roy Lopez sat out a few days after taking a cleat to the foot. Barnes (finger) and Arnold (calf) left practice Thursday but returned the next day. It's clear the Lions are being cautious. If it were the middle of the season, some of these guys likely would've played through things. No need to do that in July. Campbell had to briefly pause practice on consecutive days, the first time because his defense was taking too many players to the ground in team periods, and the second because too many fights had broken out. It's a bit comical that Campbell, of all coaches, had to be the one to tone things down. However, those outbursts were far too physical for shorts, and the fights weren't helping the Lions accomplish anything. Things have tempered now that pads have come on, but this group looks ready to hit someone else. The Lions will kick off the preseason next week versus the Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game, then will host the Dolphins and Texans for joint practices next month. (Photo of Jahmyr Gibbs: Ryan Sun / Associated Press)
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Aidan Hutchinson taking Lions rookie under his wing
Detroit Lions superstar edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is taking a rookie under his wing at training camp. After Friday's practice, Lions sixth-round rookie edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein stated that Hutchinson has taught him a lot in camp so far. "He's really been helping me a lot," Hassanein said of Hutchinson. "I'm super grateful for him. Honestly, everybody in the room has been teaching me. I've only been doing this for seven years, so I just want to learn and grow." "At the end of the day, I'm gonna give you 100% and I'm gonna run through somebody's face. This is my mentality," Hassanein added. The Lions selected Hassanein with the No.196 overall pick in April's draft. The 23-year-old tallied 9.5 sacks for Boise State in 2024, and also had a 12.5-sack campaign in 2023. Though Marcus Davenport is back from a triceps injury that cut his 2024 season short and will likely be the other starting edge rusher opposite Hutchinson, Hassanein could also be an impact player on Kelvin Sheppard's defense this year. Detroit lacks high-quality depth in the edge rusher room, so Hassanein has a massive opportunity to establish himself as a top rotational piece in the position group. The two-time first-team All-Mountain West selection could also challenge Davenport for the starting spot, though the Lions will likely opt for the veteran who is also impressing at camp. MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown showcase elite work ethic at Lions' training camp Detroit Lions urged to sign $110 million castoff thanks to questions on defense Dan Campbell's comments on Alex Anzalone give hope for positive resolution Dan Campbell addresses Detroit Lions training camp fights
Fox News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Za'Darius Smith: 'Hopefully,' I'm back with the Detroit Lions
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith remains a free agent, but, in the end, he wants to be back with the team that he went to the playoffs with last season, that being the Detroit Lions — who cut him in March. "Hopefully, I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great," Smith told USA TODAY Sports. "When I'm there, I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully, I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit." Smith split the 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns and Lions, who acquired him at the NFL trade deadline after suffering a myriad of defensive injuries, including to star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, a 2023 Pro Bowler. In all, Smith finished the 2024 regular season with a combined nine sacks and 35 combined tackles. Smith ranked 21st among edge defenders in pass-rush grade (76.5), 33rd in overall grade (74.7) and 85th in run-defense grade (62.8) according to Pro Football Focus. Now, should Smith return to Detroit, there are some changes on the coaching side, as the Lions lost defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn — who became the new head coach of the New York Jets — and promoted former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to the position. They also have a new defensive line coach in Kacy Rodgers, among many other coaching changes. The 32-year-old Smith, who expressed that he's focused on "getting a ring now and winning a championship," thinks he and Hutchinson could be a special duo off the edge. "I'm still a veteran. He's [Hutchinson] still a young guy. I can help him with a lot of things. He's already great, but as a player, there are some tools that I know that I can help him with," Smith said. "And there are some things as a young guy that he can help me with." Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens (2015-18), followed by a three-year stint with the Green Bay Packers (2019-21), one season with the Minnesota Vikings (2022) and a season-plus with the Browns before being acquired by the Lions during the 2024 season. Elsewhere, Detroit re-signed defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, defensive end Marcus Davenport and linebacker Ezekiel Turner to one-year deals apiece, while adding defensive tackle Roy Lopez and selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams with the No. 28 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Last season, the Lions went 15-2 and claimed the No. 1 seed in the NFC before losing to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round. Detroit's defense surrendered 244.0 passing yards (30th in the NFL), 98.4 rushing yards (fifth), 342.4 total yards (20th) and 20.1 points (seventh) per game. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Reuters
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson: 'I'm fully cleared'
May 22 - Detroit Lions star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson uttered three little words fans were waiting for Thursday when discussing his recovery from the fractured tibia and fibula that ended his 2024 season. "I'm fully cleared," Hutchinson said. OK, Hutchinson said more than that as he plans to get up to speed during the Lions' offseason activities. "I'm rolling with the boys now and it feels like I'm back to being myself again," he said. "I'm really looking forward to the season. I think this is the most excited I've been for OTAs in my life. This is the biggest hiatus I've had without playing ball so I'm pumped." Hutchinson, 24, has recorded 28.5 sacks in 39 games (all starts) since being selected by Detroit with the second overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. He had 7.5 sacks in five games last season before he hurt his leg in a collision with teammate Alim McNeill in the third quarter of a 47-9 road victory against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13. Now, Hutchinson will have a familiar face as his new defensive coordinator. Kelvin Sheppard was elevated from his post as linebackers coach to replace Aaron Glenn, who is now head coach of the New York Jets. "The way he attacks things ... you have to know everything that is going on," Hutchinson said of Sheppard. "That's what I love about him, and I think that's going to have our defense very, very prepared this year." When Glenn took over as Detroit's defensive coordinator in 2021, Sheppard came on board and has spent the last four seasons learning under the former three-time Pro Bowl defensive back and 15-year NFL veteran. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Bear's Den, May 16, 2025
WE WANT YOU! Would you like to show your Chicago Bears spirit to the world? I'm starting a feature where Windy City Gridiron readers can share pictures of themselves and their families and friends in Bears attire. Simply email a picture to me at the following address: denmasterken at aol dot com. The pictures need to be clear, and full resolution (i.e. full size from your phone if that's how you take them). Include any description information you like along with the photo! Advertisement THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL DENMASTER KEN'S VIDEO GRAB BAG BEARRRSSSS & STUFF NFL confirms Eagles-Commanders, Packers-Bears will be played on Saturday, December 20 - NBC Sports - The NFL says there is no glitch. Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard: Seeing Aidan Hutchinson in drills let me know he's back - NBC Sports - There are no full-fledged practice sessions during the offseason, but the Lions have done enough on-field work to convince defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard of one important fact. Memorial service honors Steve McMichael three weeks after death - Chicago Sun-Times - McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August. Advertisement Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future was a factor in the NFL's 2025 schedule – Chicago Tribune - Pittsburgh Steelers executives aren't the only ones eagerly awaiting a decision from Aaron Rodgers. The NFL schedule makers were following the saga very closely. Author shares insight on Williams' desire to avoid Bears - 670 - On with Rahimi & Harris, author Seth Wickersham shared insight on his reporting on the lengths that Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and his father went to prevent Chicago from selecting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Through his father, Caleb Williams explored playing for the UFL for a year and joining NFL as a free agent - NBC Sports - Beyond attempting to devise a strategy for avoiding the Bears in the draft, quarterback Caleb Williams explored a strategy for avoiding the draft altogether. Ben Johnson: Caleb Williams is proud to be a Bear - NBC Sports - A new book detailed Williams's desire to play for someone other than the Bears. Advertisement Chargers take a shot at Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson, Fail Mary in video - Chicago Sun-Times - The Chargers are the kings of the schedule reveal video. NFL owners could allow players to participate in flag football at the Olympics - Chicago Sun-Times - If the resolution is approved by team owners, the league would be allowed to negotiate with the NFL Players Association, Olympic officials and national governing bodies on the specifics of letting NFL players participate. Caleb Williams and family didn't want him to join Bears before draft, new book says - Chicago Sun-Times - According to Seth Wickersham's upcoming book, 'American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback,' Williams' father, Carl, called Chicago 'the place where quarterbacks go to die' in the months preceding the 2024 NFL Draft. 5 games that can make or break the Bears' 2025 season - Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears' opposing strength of schedule, .571, is tied for the second-toughest in the NFL. Advertisement Chicago Bears favored in 7 of 17 games on 2025 schedule - The full NFL schedule is out, and so are very early betting odds. The Chicago Bears were installed as the favorite in 7 of 17 games. Caleb Williams wanted to avoid getting drafted by Bears, new book says - The Athletic - "Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die," Williams' father, Carl, said in the book. NFL schedule 2025 winners and losers: 49ers finally catch a break; are Giants doomed? - The Athletic - We're all winners with that elite Week 1 prime-time slate. But the Browns and Saints are schedule-release losers with no prime-time games. Five Most Compelling Games on Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Schedule - Windy City Gridiron - The Chicago Bears schedule is out. On paper, it certainly looks like a difficult schedule. With so many marquee games on the schedule, which ones make the list as the top five games on the Bears'... Advertisement Roquan Smith on opening with Bills: Revenge is best served cold - NBC Sports - Linebacker Roquan Smith was pleased to see what the NFL had up their sleeve for the Ravens in Week One. NFL, Chiefs embrace K.C. overload - NBC Sports - So much for Chiefs fatigue; they'll be the most visible team in 2025. NFLPA: We fully support our player members participating in the Olympics - NBC Sports - Earlier on Thursday, the league announced that owners will consider a resolution for active players to participate in the 2028 Olympics at next week's spring meeting. Packers QBs coach Sean Mannion has a plan on how to get most out of Jordan Love - NBC Sports - Jordan Love is entering his sixth NFL season, and he's getting his third quarterbacks coach. Advertisement Caleb Williams wanted to spurn the Bears, join the Vikings - NBC Sports - New Seth Wickersham book has stunning details of QB's pre-draft strategy. Caleb Williams and family didn't want him to join Bears before draft, new book says - Chicago Sun-Times - According to Seth Wickersham's upcoming book, 'American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback,' Williams' father, Carl, called Chicago 'the place where quarterbacks go to die' in the months preceding the 2024 NFL Draft. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON Bear Bones: Diving into the Chicago Bears' 2025 Schedule - Windy City Gridiron - Join our Bear Bones LIVE at 5:30 (CT) on the 2nd City Gridiron YouTube channel as the fellas dive into the 2025 schedule! Advertisement New book says Caleb Williams didn't want the Chicago Bears to draft him - Windy City Gridiron - An ESPN reporter's book, coming this fall, alleges Carl and Caleb Williams looked into avoid being drafted by the Chicago Bears. Five Most Compelling Games on Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Schedule - Windy City Gridiron - The Chicago Bears schedule is out. On paper, it certainly looks like a difficult schedule. With so many marquee games on the schedule, which ones make the list as the top five games on the Bears'... NFL odds 2025: Bears open as a 1.5 favorite vs Vikings on Monday Night - Windy City Gridiron - Now that we have an actual NFL schedule to overanalyze, we also have a whole set of week one game lines to think about way too early, but that's all part of the fun! It's a good snapshot to see... Chicago Bears Open Thread Question of the Day: Which Bears player will breakout in 2025? - Windy City Gridiron - The Bears are teeming with young talent - who do you think is going to take a big step forward this season? Advertisement SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE PAGE 2nd City Gridiron is our video home! So hit the link and help us grow that brand! THE RULES Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following are not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender-based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc. 2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel which includes Bears Banter hosted by Bill Zimmerman, Bear & Balanced from Jeff Berckes and Lester A. Wiltfong Jr., Bears Over Beers featuring a rotating host line-up of Ryan Droste, Khari Thompson, Jacob Infante, and Bryan Orenchuk, Making Monsters with Taylor Doll, Bear Bones from Dr. Mason West, and an occasional T Formation Conversation from Lester; Steven's Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert is another fun one. Advertisement Powered by RedCircle Click on our names to follow us on Twitter: Jeff Berckes; Dr. Patti Curl; Ryan Droste; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Dan Durkin; Taylor Doll; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Dr. Ken Mitchell; Danny Meehan; Bryan Orenchuk; Jack R Salo; Khari Thompson; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; T.J. Starman; Khari Thompson; Dr. Mason West; Bill Zimmerman; 2nd City Gridiron; Like WCG on Facebook; Like 2nd City Gridiron on Facebook. A few of us are also over at Bluesky. More from
