Lions chase redemption in training camp
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Jahmyr Gibbs celebrates with Jared Goff in a game against the Washington Commanders in January. Photo: Michael Owens/Getty Images
The Lions are back on the hunt for a Super Bowl, with training camp in full swing and the first preseason game just eight days away.
The big picture: Despite winning a franchise-record 15 games and the NFC North last season, Detroit's championship momentum is facing skepticism from the media and even some fans.
Zoom in: Doubts revolve around big coaching staff changes in the offseason, lingering injuries on defense, and last season's early exit from the playoffs.
What they're saying: Running back David Montgomery says he's moved past the disappointing finish and is starting the season "the hungriest that I have been."
- "Everybody's tired of being close," Montgomery told reporters after the first day of training camp. "You want to finish it, so this is the year for us. The year of the reckoning."
State of play: Training camp began last weekend at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park and runs through Aug. 21.
- A half-dozen practices are open to the public starting Monday, but the team says all tickets have been claimed.
- The first of four preseason games is July 31 in Canton, Ohio, against the Los Angeles Chargers at 8pm on NBC.
- The season opener is Sept. 7 at the Green Bay Packers.
What we're watching: Whether the Lions remain strong in the trenches with major losses to their offensive and defensive lines.
- Coach Dan Campbell is counting on rookie offensive lineman Tate Ratledge to help replace former center Frank Ragnow, who suddenly retired in June after seven seasons in Detroit.
- Up front on defense, superstar Aidan Hutchinson is back after breaking his leg last season. But defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike is out for the season and other reinforcements aren't expected until midseason.
Zoom out: Competition in the NFC North is fierce.
- Both the Packers and Vikings have aspirations about taking Detroit's division crown.
- The upstart Bears, meanwhile, raised their expectations by hiring away Detroit's prodigy of an offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson.
The bottom line: The Lions still have an elite offense, a well-regarded head coach and one of the NFL's most rabid fan bases.
- It's hunting season.