Sunday Lions camp update...

[BigTen]

Just passing things along...

 

 

Was Mooch right about Bryson? Martz comments

Highlights of today's interview with Mike Martz (Click to listen to the full interview.):

 

 

Impressions of the offense after five practices: “We haven’t peaked yet. We have a ways to go. But they’re competing like crazy and that’s all you really care about. We’re putting so much stuff in and starting to rotate more guys in so it’s hard to get a feel for where we are.’’

 

“To really draw any conclusions … halfway through the preseason we’ll have a better idea.’’

 

 

Are the players in shape?

 

“For this point, they’ve done a great job of getting into condition, they really have. The practice tempo in these conditions, I think, is really good. There’s a certain toughness in this group that you have to be pleased with.’’

 

 

On Kevin Jones: “Kevin Jones understands what we’re trying to accomplish and has done a great job with his run routes. He’s really starting to show what he really is. I think he’s going to have a terrific year, I really do.’’

 

 

On Shawn Bryson: “Shawn has such versatility because he picks things up so quickly and so well. He’s got unusual speed. You can put him out there at wide receiver, kind of like we did with Marshall (Faulk), he has those kinds of pass-receiving abilities as a running back. You have to be careful that you don’t do too many things with him when the thing he really does do well is run with the football.’’

 

 

On the receivers: “That evaluation is a long way away. Glenn Martinez, Eddie (Drummond) and, of course, Roy (Williams), those three have been extremely consistent. I’m very, very pleased with Eddie.’’

 

 

On the offensive line: “When you go into the season and one or two guys hasn’t played much or they’re young guys, it does hold you back. We’ve got a veteran offensive line that’s familiar with having to make calls – we’re trying to do a lot of runs into blitzes and things of that nature so they can sort it out. It’s ugly early but veterans start to pick that stuff up and there’s a cohesiveness that’s starting to jell with that group up front that’s really good. (Damien) Woody is just outstanding. Of all the players on offense right now, he’s probably had the best camp of everybody.’’

 

 

On Mike Williams' potential impact: “He’ll determine that. Whether it’s Mike or a running back or a tight end, they’ll determine their own future. I have nothing to do with that.’’

 

 

Martz said he has yet to determine whether he'll be calling plays during the game while on the sideline or up in the press box.

 

 

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Sims delivers in first practice

Notes for Sunday's morning workout ...

 

 

First-round draft pick Ernie Sims, who signed a five-year contract this morning, made an immediate impact at practice. On one of his first plays in the 9-on-7 drill, he delivered a forearm shiver to rookie running back Brian Calhoun. Sims also made a diving interception in front of Eddie Drummond and, during a running play, he took on a block by veteran guard Brock Gutierrez so violently that Gutierrez hooted and smiled and patted him on the butt.

 

You have to remember, though, that this was the fifth practice for everybody else so Sims has fresh legs and is going to be a little faster and hit with a little more pop. Still, it was an impressive start.

 

 

The receivers continue to get shuffled, at least in the second and third teams. Mike Williams worked with the second unit today and Charles Rogers was with the third. Coordinator Mike Martz said not to read anything into it because the shuffling would continue for another three weeks before the coaches begin to settle on the depth chart. By the way, tight end Casey FitzSimmons worked with the No. 1 offense for the second straight day.

 

 

Shaun Cody was still out with the minor left knee sprain. Marcus Bell took his spot in the starting rotation.

 

 

So far, Martz doesn't appear inclined to go with either Mike Williams or Rogers in the slots positions. Mike Furrey and Eddie Drummond continue to take all the reps there.

 

 

Terrence Holt has looked good at free safety, where he's working with the No. 1 defense. There's no question Daniel Bullocks will eventually take over, but Holt can make the team if he keeps up the strong play and eliminates his mistakes. He doesn't have great speed, but he can make up for that with intelligence and awareness.

[jhusted]

GOOD STUFF! Thanks for the info!!