ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism about the team's progress during training camp.
Campbell on Thursday (Aug. 14) said, "Looking forward to this day, try to get a little bit better with an opponent that is somebody other than us, so that's good."
Campbell emphasized the importance of clear communication and fundamentals ahead of the Lions' Week 3 preseason matchup with the Miami Dolphins.
"I told the guys, man, my focus was to make sure we're all on the same page. That our fundamentals showed up against a different opponent," Campbell said. "As a whole, I thought we did that."
Reflecting on the previous game, Campbell noted the controlled nature of practice.
"The work was good yesterday outside. I kept it pretty clean, pretty simple. Hey man, let's get out and get some good work, and everybody keep your composure and let's just play football," Campbell said.
On the defense, Campbell praised edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad for his strong camp performance.
"He's (Muhammad) been a steady hand for us. (He) plays hard, tough, relentlessly. (He's) gotten better at the run game, setting edges, and has a little bit of that rush," Campbell said.
Linebacker Zach Cunningham also earned praise.
"He's (Cunningham) playing really well. He's a good athlete, can run, got length," Campbell said. "I like that linebacker room. It's highly competitive, and those guys are working together very well."
Campbell highlighted Jack Campbell's leadership on defense.
"Jack's taken another step. He doesn't get tired. Just the way he plays, always going for the football. He can play one step ahead because he can key and diagnose pretty quickly," Dan said.
On offense, Dan noted the team's cohesion.
"We were all on the same page. Clear communication on protection and run game. Our perimeter blocking was outstanding by the receivers. (Jared) Goff was on fire."
The return of offensive lineman Taylor Decker has boosted the unit.
"It's great to have Decker back. He looks pretty good, and it just makes us run that much better," Dan said.
Dan also complimented Tate Ratledge, saying he "looked like a starting NFL guard yesterday."
Campbell praised young lineman Rattlege's ability to anticipate defensive twists and work in combination blocks.
"It looked like the game slowed down for him a little bit yesterday. That's a step in the right direction," Dan said.
Regarding player availability, Dan said, "The plan is to get him (Decker) in some individual today, get him in some group, and then give him a couple of these team reps. Just work him back in slowly."
Dan noted some minor injuries but said the team is "pretty good."
(Sam) LaPorta will be down. It's not major, but he will miss a little bit of time," Dan said.
Campbell discussed the running back group, mentioning players like Jacob Saylors and Deion Jackson who could compete for practice squad spots.
"We try to develop and evaluate anybody that comes in here. Saylors has been here a few more days than Jackson. He's kind of a crafty back, smart guy, understands ball," Dan said.
Former Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Ronnie Bell has shown growth, Dan said.
"He's (Bell) pretty steady, mentally knows the positions. Puts the work in. You see his blocking, he'll block on the perimeter. He's been pretty dependable," Dan said.
Finally, Dan praised veteran Amon-Ra St. Brown's consistent improvement.
"Nothing surprises me about him (St. Brown). His work ethic and the way he is wired. I thought he was outstanding yesterday, and I think he can be even better," Dan said.