Lions quarterback Tim Boyle took some time to sit down with me for a phone interview before he starts his second season and training camp in Detroit. Boyle was insightful on quite a few topics, starting with his workout regimen and how he’s preparing for the season.
“I’ve been working out here in Lawrenceville, New Jersey at Test Sports Clubs with (owner/trainer) Kevin Dunn,” Boyle said. He had just finished his final workout before heading to Detroit for training camp, which begins on Tuesday for veterans.
Boyle noted he’s also been working with QB coach Tony Racioppi, who has worked with several notable QBs including Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett.
I asked Boyle about his work with Racioppi.
“Tony’s big thing is balance and making straight throws,” Boyle explained. “Quarterbacks my age (27) and older, we were kind of taught as kids (throwing) is all weight-forward and swinging and that’s how you get momentum. But if you really break down the mechanics — which Tony does a great job of — he really shows you certain steps and weight transfer, how closing your shoulder, there’s all these minute new details that I never really thought about before.
This has been the first offseason where I really dove deep into my mechanics. (Racioppi) is big on making straight throws and turning your body, making sure there is a disconnect between your upper and lower body and creating that torque.”
Boyle also noted he’s been working hard at his pocket mobility and throwing on the run. The latter of those qualities were on display in last month’s minicamp, where Boyle showed off the arm strength on the move and outside the pocket.
Boyle indicated he’s “going to be more aware” of picking situations where he can run the ball, but No. 12 quickly added, “I wouldn’t say I’m a running quarterback. If I have a lane that presents itself I will definitely go and take it.”
He was very positive and complimentary about the Lions coaches, notably QB coach Mark Brunell and head coach Dan Campbell.
“He has so much experience,” Boyle said enthusiastically about Brunell. “He played 19 years in the league and he had so much success … he sees the game differently. It’s always great to be able to bounce things off someone who had 19 great years in the NFL.”
As for Campbell?
“It didn’t take players long last year to figure out what Dan Campbell was all about,” Boyle stated. “He’s a blue-collar, tough guy and we absolutely all love playing for him.”
Boyle also noted the team-wide goal for 2022.
“We were in a bunch of close ballgames last year but we just couldn’t finish those at the tail end. That’s going to be our focus this year — getting ourselves in better position to finish those wins.”