MicroMike and the panel are back live with subscribers for a Q/A session. In this show, MicroMike will talk about the latest Detroit Lions news and rumors. When it comes to the Lions, what is the latest information? Also, MicroMike will talk about the Lions expectations for the 2021 NFL season. What we have learned in minicamp and how well can this team can reach. Also, Jared Goff’s 2021 expectations and how Dan Campbell does not care what the media thinks.
Last year the defensive backfield looked more like a minefield for the Lions. Between injuries, schematic shenanigans and just plain poor play, it was an unquestionable weak point.
It’s obviously very early, but the secondary showed some real promise this week. Top CB Jeff Okudah looked spry and healthy in Tuesday session. He also looked confident in his ability, something that was noticeably absent in his rookie season in Detroit. The Lions signed a couple of free agents who figure to play a lot in cornerbacks Quinton Dunbar and Corn Elder. Both are athletic upgrades over their now-departed predecessors. Safeties Will Harris and Tracy Walker each had positive moments playing in the new split-safety scheme. Holdover Mike Ford had some great reps in the slot, while young journeyman Alex Brown showed speed and awareness outside.
There is a ton of work to be done. They did not have to play run defense or tackle yet. But there is some sunshine peeking through the clouds on the dark spot that was the Lions secondary in 2020.
Worries about Jared Goff’s arm strength are overplayed
Nobody will ever mistake Jared Goff’s arm for Matthew Stafford’s. Let’s get that out of the way right from the top. But the hyperventilating worries from some fans about Goff and his ability to throw the ball with enough velocity and tightness down the field should be blown away with his performance thus far.
An example came on Tuesday when Goff lasered a ball over good coverage from LB Alex Anzalone on RB D’Andre Swift. The throw required both mustard and touch, and Goff delivered on both accounts. He sizzled a few balls in the red zone, too. As I said on the Detroit Lions Podcast recap show this week, Goff’s arm strength is every bit as good out to 30 yards as former Colts standout Andrew Luck–having seen them both in person in similar environs.
There are still reasons to fret about Goff as the quarterback. Arm strength isn’t one of them.
The running backs are going to catch a lot of passes
Consider this a hybrid point of the receiving skills of the running backs and the relative lack of skills of the actual wide receivers. D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams both look fantastic in the passing game. Swift is smooth and polished as a route runner and has natural hands. Williams is a big target with sticky mitts and suave footwork to get open. They’re good as receivers and they know it–and Goff does too.
Tyrell Williams had some moments. He’s got speed and the ability to extend his catch radius vertically, playing above the rim so to speak. There’s not a lot of nuance to his routes, at least not visible during practices yet, but he’s capable of making things happen down the field and in the red zone.
Source:
Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire
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