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What I Am Hoping To See in Pre-Season Games


Just Want A Title

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After all of the press coverage on training camp and joint practices the things that I am looking for in our pre-season games:

1.  Can James Houston be more than a pass-rush specialist?  We know he can rush the QB but can he develop more versatility?

2.  Who will claim the final WR roster spots?  Dylan Drummond has been playing really well and shown more consistency than Antoine Green.  Could the Lions surprise everyone and cut a veteran WR?

3.  Will Brodric Martin continue his steady development arc?  He is one player who could really benefit from pre-season games.  It seems like every level of challenge has made him better going from OTAs>mini-camp>training camp>joint practices.  Will pre-season games push him forward?  If so, how much?

4.  Will Jack Campbell take a step forward?  He has been somewhat quiet during joint practices while Derrick Barnes has flashed.  Is he a little over-whelmed with the mental part of the game right now?  

5.  What will the final S and CB groups look like behind Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, Kirby Joseph, CJGJ Brian Branch and Tracy Walker?  Much to my surprise, Will Harris has played well so far.  How will Starling Thomas V handle a live NFL game?  Can Chase Lucas and Steven Gilmore do enough to claim a roster spot?  

Thoughts?

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7 minutes ago, Sllim Pickens said:

I would think so.  He hasn't had much time so it may not be much but I think we see a lot of Sudfeld and maybe a little of Martinez but I dont think he has any chance to make the roster. 

I question whether Martinez will even be on the PS. I really think that he's going to bounce around a couple PS's and then convert over to TE. 

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38 minutes ago, Karnage84 said:

I question whether Martinez will even be on the PS. I really think that he's going to bounce around a couple PS's and then convert over to TE. 

It will be interesting to see if we keep 2 or 3 QBs now that we brought in Bridgewater.  If we cut Sudfeld, I am sure we keep Martinez for the PS to run the opposing teams plays.  If we keep three QBs, I could see them not using a PS spot on him. 

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9 minutes ago, Just Want A Title said:

I don't think Adrian Martinez is going to play QB in the NFL.  He has decent athletic tools and could convert to WR or S.

I thought he was bigger than 6'2, 220 lbs for some reason. So yeah - WR or S would fit his body type better. 

 

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5 minutes ago, Sllim Pickens said:

It will be interesting to see if we keep 2 or 3 QBs now that we brought in Bridgewater.  If we cut Sudfeld, I am sure we keep Martinez for the PS to run the opposing teams plays.  If we keep three QBs, I could see them not using a PS spot on him. 

I feel like we're going to either a) Keep Goff, Bridgewater and Sudfeld (maybe place Martinez on PS) or b) Place Sudfeld on PS (if eligible) and cut Martinez loose. How we approach the QB3 position is largely going to depend on Hooker and what the Lions plan on doing with him - whether they're willing to activate him if they need to or if they want to red-shirt him at all costs. If it's the latter, then Sudfeld is probably going to stick around in some capacity. If it's the former, then Sudfeld could be a cut candidate and signed to the PS at best. If we somehow wind up in a position where we have to play Nate Sudfeld for any significant period of time, the season is probably lost and there wouldn't be a ton to gain having him around. If it's playing the back up role behind either Goff or Bridgewater then it would be better to have him there if we don't want to force Hooker when he's not ready (physically or mentally or both). 

 

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16 hours ago, Just Want A Title said:

1.  Can James Houston be more than a pass-rush specialist?  We know he can rush the QB but can he develop more versatility?

Thoughts?

I'd be more than happy if Houston can replicate his efficiency as a pass rush specialist going forward. I'd much rather have a guy who is a terror for 7-10 plays a game than gives 40 meh plays. If Houston can be more versatile and keep his pass rush skills that would be great. I just don't want to lose what he's already shown.

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2 hours ago, Nnivolcm said:

I'd be more than happy if Houston can replicate his efficiency as a pass rush specialist going forward. I'd much rather have a guy who is a terror for 7-10 plays a game than gives 40 meh plays. If Houston can be more versatile and keep his pass rush skills that would be great. I just don't want to lose what he's already shown.

I know Brad Holmes kind of struck gold with James Houston but it seems like he would be much more successful in a 3-4 defense.  The best case scenario is that he becomes a Hassan Reddick type of player.  At some point in the future, a move might be possible if he isn't quite the fit that is needed.

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1 hour ago, Just Want A Title said:

I know Brad Holmes kind of struck gold with James Houston but it seems like he would be much more successful in a 3-4 defense.  The best case scenario is that he becomes a Hassan Reddick type of player.  At some point in the future, a move might be possible if he isn't quite the fit that is needed.

I think he showed that he fits our D fine in a situational pass rushing role.  He probably would be the same in a 3-4 if he didn't learn to play the run and cover.  It sounds like he has had a good camp and is putting in the effort and likely will still be a situational/rotational player but hopefully on the field more and we will be able to disguise better with him out there.  I don't think he beats out Anzalone, Campbell, Barnes and Rodrigo as a starting LB but he can fill a role in more formations we can bring pressure from more areas with them keying on him and if he drops back in coverage could get a few picks or batted balls or allow others to get sacks.  And if he does that, rushing the passer will then be even easier for him.  

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