Lions' efforts catch Marinelli's eye

Lions' efforts catch Marinelli's eye
Coach appreciates dedication at organized team activities, pours himself into teaching.
Eric Lacy / The Detroit News
ALLEN PARK -- Despite the absence of Roy Williams, Ernie Sims and others Thursday, Lions coach Rod Marinelli is pleased with the effort and dedication he's seen during organized team activities.

Marinelli's focus during the voluntary workouts is strictly on those who are present because he knows how important it is for players to get additional coaching and instruction.

"I put all my attention on the men that are here -- every ounce that I have," Marinelli said.
When asked about players who haven't attended team activities this week, Marinelli stressed these workouts are voluntary.

Marinelli doesn't want absences to affect the way he or anyone else does his job and doesn't want to fret about a lack of participation from certain players.

"The attendance has been outstanding," Marinelli said. "We had a couple of guys miss (Thursday's session). I know where they're at. I'll just leave it at that."

Other notable players absent Thursday included running back Tatum Bell and offensive tackle George Foster.

Defensive tackle Cory Redding and tight end Dan
Campbell were in attendance but went through individual workouts, while their teammates participated in on-field drills.

The Lions have eight voluntary organized team activities during the next two weeks.

New, simple approach
When asked about the difference between last season's offensive scheme under Mike Martz and new coordinator Jim Colletto 's approach, center Dominic Raiola made sure to be careful with his words.

"I never had a problem with Mike's offense," Raiola said. "He's one of the great offensive minds and I respect him for that, but this (new scheme) is definitely a lot more simplified and geared to running the ball first. Mike's (system) was geared to passing first; I don't have a problem with that."

Raiola knows the offseason will be crucial for all offensive players because there's new terminology, plays and check downs to learn. There's no time to rehash the past, he said.

"We don't even think of what was," Raiola said. "We just think about what we have now."

Smith snags attention
One player who has impressed throughout rookie camp, mini-camp and this week of OTAs is running back Kevin Smith , Marinelli said.

Smith, from Central Florida, has shown the team his ability to change direction quickly and make tacklers miss.

Smith's grittiness and intense approach to the game have caught Marinelli's attention.




MY THOUGHTS
I really like what Marinelli is doing with this team. He is weeding out all the guys who don't want to work on every play and practice hard. The Pistons are going through it right now with trying to weed out a few guys who don't show up every game. When you start watching film and see players walking around or just going through the motion it drives me crazy. Have some sort of competitive spirit.