Lions Training Camp Opens July 24th
DETROIT LIONS (6-10)
OPEN CAMP: July 24, Allen Park, Michigan
LAST YEAR: First-year coach Matt Patricia lost seven of last 10 games, saddling franchise with double digits in losses for first time since 2012. Rookie running back Kerryon Johnson provided desperately needed production, but he and WR Marvin Jones had season-ending knee injuries to hurt offense that never recovered from trading receiver Golden Tate. Detroit made move that worked out during season, acquiring run-stuffing defensive tackle Damon "Snacks" Harrison.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: DE Trey Flowers, WRs Jermaine Kearse and Danny Amendola, TEs T.J. Hockenson and Jesse James, RB C.J. Anderson, OL Oday Aboushi, S Andrew Adams, CBs Marcus Cooper, Justin Coleman and Rashaan Melvin.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: S Glover Quin, DE Ezekiel Ansah, DT Ricky Jean Francois, OG T.J. Lang, CB Nevin Lawson, RB LeGarrette Blount, TEs Michael Roberts, Levine Toilolo and Luke Willson, WRs TJ Jones and Bruce Ellington, LB Trevor Bates.
CAMP NEEDS: QB Matthew Stafford must learn new system led by first-year offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Run game needs to take another step after improving to 23rd in league following a string of finishing at or near bottom of NFL in rushing. Patricia's challenge in second camp includes helping defense, which ranked 31st in takeaways, figure out how to generate more turnovers.
EXPECTATIONS: Finishing at or around .500 seems realistic and postseason appearance would register as surprise outside organization. Stafford, No. 1 pick overall in 2009, has not been on a team good enough to consistently beat opponents with winning records — and this season probably won't be exception.
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