4 things I learned about the Lions during the virtual offseason program

On Matt Patricia, Trey Flowers, Jeff Okudah and the respect for Matthew Stafford

Expect Trey Flowers to step up his leadership in his second season in Detroit

Flowers was a very impressive performer in his first season with the Lions, but fans rarely heard from the defensive end. Those of us in the media didn’t really, either; he was a perfectly professional presence but not really an outgoing guy or someone who sought the camera in Year 1.

Year 2 is off to a different start. Flowers did a Zoom media session from his offseason home. He was engaging and more open than we’ve seen him before. Flowers was comfortable and direct, giving thoughtful answers and talking positively about the defense.

[lawrence-related id=39632]

He’s also been more visible on social media and outspoken on social issues. While that’s not part of his job and won’t do much for his on-field game, Flowers is showing he’s not going to sit idle and not utilize the platform his strong play and big contract have given him.

The Lions defense lost a considerable amount of veteran leadership over the past few months. Devon Kennard, Damon Harrison, Quandre Diggs and Darius Slay are all gone. It seems like Flowers understands he needs to step up to help fill that considerable void.