The Detroit Lions made significant adjustments after Wednesday’s joint practice, leading to a more competitive session on Thursday at the Meijer Performance Center. Both teams showcased impressive performances, but the Lions’ defense ultimately gained the upper hand.
In two situational defensive wins, the Lions’ offense was put in tough end-of-game situations, with quarterback Jared Goff navigating down to the Dolphins’ 19-yard line before falling short due to an incomplete pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown as time expired. The Dolphins’ defense shut out the Lions’ offense on four plays, forcing a fourth-and-seven attempt that was thwarted by safety Brian Branch.
The game’s turning point came when Detroit’s offense scored on a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams, showcasing his speed and agility behind two defenders. Meanwhile, Lions director of pro scouting Rob Lohman kept a close eye on the Dolphins’ drills, highlighting their need for roster cuts in preparation for Week 1.
Kicker Jake Bates was nearly perfect, making all five field goal attempts from 34 to 53 yards out. The team’s middle pressure, led by rookie Tyleik Williams and veteran DJ Reader, showed flashes of promise, with Reader recording a sack and multiple pressures during the session.
The Lions’ running back Sione Vaki had a standout practice, scoring short touchdown runs in team periods while displaying physicality and power. His kick return also went for a big gain. In contrast, the Dolphins struggled to move the ball, with wide receiver Dee Eskridge making an impressive catch in tight coverage to earn the “Catch of the Day” award.
Overall, the Lions’ competitive session showcased their growth and adjustments after Wednesday’s joint practice, setting them up for success in the coming weeks.
Source: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/detroit-lions-dolphins-joint-practice-day-2-observations-goff-stbrown-branch-williams