The Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins conducted two days of joint practices, providing valuable reps for the starters. While some players impressed, others struggled to regain their footing after training camp. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from each team.
Detroit Lions Winners:
Amon-Ra St. Brown led the way with his exceptional performance, consistently making big plays downfield. D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, and Brian Branch were excellent on defense, frustrating Tua Tagovailoa with their speed and agility. EDGE Aidan Hutchinson showcased his impressive edge-rushing skills, while QB Jared Goff’s chemistry with St. Brown and Jameson Williams was evident.
OT Gunner Britton surprised many with his standout performance in individual drills and team practices. CB Nick Whiteside impressed with his strong play and interception on Day 1. RB Sione Vaki bounced back from a fumble to score touchdowns, while RG Tate Ratledge demonstrated significant improvement in the run game alongside Penei Sewell.
Detroit Lions Losers:
OT Giovanni Manu struggled once again, with an absent showing on Day 2. The backup quarterbacks, Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen, had limited success against the Dolphins’ defense. OL Mason Miller’s demotion from tackle to guard has raised concerns about his role in the team.
The joint practices have provided valuable insight into the Lions’ roster, highlighting areas of improvement and identifying potential areas for growth. As the preseason game approaches, these observations will be crucial in shaping the team’s strategy moving forward.
Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/139228/8-winners-3-losers-from-lions-vs-dolphins-joint-practices