By Kevin Seifert
ESPN.com
Updated: June 24, 2008
Lions coach Rod Marinelli, left, is hoping a simple approach (solid defense combined with a grind-it-out running game) translates into enough victories to make a playoff run in 2008.
The feeling in Detroit is that coach Rod Marinelli finally has collected a group of core players who espouse his blue-collar, hard-working attitude. Whether that revelation will translate into more victories in 2008 is a matter for debate.
Marinelli will implement a simplified offense and is bringing at least five new defensive starters with him to training camp. Although it is hard to judge actual progress before contact drills begin in training camp, multiple players noted a more positive atmosphere during practices this spring.
What we learned in minicamp
After firing offensive coordinator Mike Martz and promoting offensive line coach Jim Colletto, the Lions are following through on their plan to emphasize the running game. Colletto is installing a new zone-blocking scheme, which gives linemen an area of responsibility rather than a specific player.
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Lions head coach Rod Marinelli says he likes the attitude of his young players.
Such transitions take time, and it's only fair to assume that the Lions' offensive line will be a work in progress during training camp. Detroit has the veterans necessary to make this style work -- especially on the left side with tackle Jeff Backus and guard Edwin Mulitalo. Rookie right tackle Gosder Cherilus faces a stiff learning curve, but the Lions plan to throw him into the starting lineup immediately.
On the flip side, Colletto gave players far less verbiage to worry about during spring practices. Martz's playbook has been pared down considerably, and Colletto is emphasizing quality over quantity. Repetition was a key area of emphasis during minicamp.
Marinelli also appears to have added some stability to his defense by signing several players -- including cornerback Brian Kelly and safety Dwight Smith -- who have experience in his Tampa 2 scheme.
Still unresolved
We all know the Lions want to run the ball more this season. But after the departures ofveterans Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett, can you name the remaining members of the Lions' backfield? If so, congratulations. It's no easy task.
For now, veteran Tatum Bell has been penciled in as the starting tailback, based on his success in a zone-blocking scheme while playing in Denver. But it wouldn't be a surprise to see rookie Kevin Smith -- a third-round pick from Central Florida -- emerge as a candidate for the starting job during training camp.
Smith has the kind of warrior mentality that appeals to Marinelli. Smith refers to his offseason workouts as building "armor" for the season and is proud of his physical style -- one that would fit well into the ball-control offense Marinelli is envisioning.
In addition to Smith and Bell, another candidate for the job is Brian Calhoun, a former third-round pick who has struggled with knee injuries.
Injury analysis
Two key defensive players -- linebacker Ernie Sims and defensive lineman Cory Redding -- had arthroscopic shoulder surgery during the offseason and didn't spend much time on the practice field in minicamp. The Lions downplayed their surgeries, calling them cleanup procedures, and said both players would be ready for training camp.
Sims is one of the team's best players and occupies the premier playmaking position in this defense at weakside linebacker. He hasn't missed a game in two seasons with the Lions and it would be a serious blow if he loses playing time.
Time for stepping up
Although the Lions want to re-emphasize the running game, much of their personnel remains geared toward Martz's passing offense. Potentially, the Lions could have one of the league's best receiving duos in Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson.
Lions fans sometimes are frustrated with Williams' inconsistency, and there were rumors that Detroit considered trading him before the draft. But it appears Williams will go to training camp with the Lions, and in reality, the bigger issue facing the team's passing offense is Johnson's development.
Considered a can't-miss prospect, Johnson had a relatively quiet rookie season in 2007. He caught 48 passes but is convinced that a back injury limited his progress for most of the year.
Johnson has been healthy this spring and is determined to give the Lions the kind of downfield playmaker they thought he would be when they drafted him. The Lions' scaled-back playbook could benefit Johnson as much as anyone, and he said during spring practices that he felt far more comfortable in the offense.
Training camp start date: July 23
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