Anytime there is a new coaching regime, it’s always nice when the new staff gives some clues about what they really want and value in players. Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered a very telling glimpse into what his Detroit team will favor during the upcoming roster cutdowns, and what kind of players the team covets.
Speaking before the final practice session of training camp, Campbell was asked about defensive lineman Bruce Hector. He turned the response into a more general statement about weighing production versus effort and the impact of physical limitations.
“I think to reward a guy who does it the right way, and oh by the way, produces, there’s production in the game,” Campbell said, just getting going. “Where it’s hard is, it’s easy to say, ‘This guy does it right every day. He does exactly what you’re asked to do, but yet physically, he’s just not good enough.’ You hate it for those guys because ultimately, there’s not enough in their body to do it. That’s not their fault. But if you have a team full of those guys, it’s hard to win. I hate to say it but that’s the reality.”
Without mentioning any specific players, it’s pretty easy to ascertain a couple of Lions players who fit that billing. Campbell then finished the thought,
“But guys that give you everything that they have and do it the right way and maximize their ability and can produce and you can see it in the game? It’s hard not to reward those guys and want them on your team because you see it. There’s evidence.”
That Campbell elaborated so strongly when asked about Hector is telling. Hector was claimed off waivers with little fanfare just before training camp started, but he’s consistently been one of the team’s most impressive players in practices and has also played well in both preseason games.
In reference to his point about players who go about things the right way but just can’t overcome their physical limitations to truly help the team, it’s something Lions fans should rejoice in hearing. Campbell is flat-out telling everyone that he’s not going to play favorites just because a player is hard-working and fundamentally sound. If a player cannot produce in a game because he’s not fast/big/strong enough, Campbell understands the ramifications of keeping him.
It’s something to keep in mind as the roster cutdowns approach. Unlike the Matt Patricia regime, expect the Lions to lean on the side of the superior athlete with higher upside and not the scheme-fit players who might not be as athletic or productive. That’s good news for productive, impressive athletes like Hector and RB Craig Reynolds, who has also thrived in preseason action. It’s a bad sign for bubble players who are limited athletically and haven’t posted production, a list that is headed by linebacker Jahlani Tavai.