With the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic altering Spring training camps, the NFL and NFLPA agreed to a voluntary virtual offseason program, consisting of “three consecutive weeks of classroom instruction, workouts and non-football educational programs using videoconferencing technology.”
The Detroit Lions began their first week of virtual training on April 27th and during a video conference with the media on Tuesday, coach Matt Patricia noted that he and the Lions staff have met virtually with the “full team” on multiple occasions, but also had several training sessions that only included position groups, as well as others that were individually based.
“We elected to go with the virtual classroom because I thought the information was important for us to be able to talk to the players and communicate exactly some of the terminology – especially with two coordinators (defensive coordinator Cory Undlin and special teams coordinator Brayden Coombs) – and really, just have full trust (that) our guys are going to do what they need to do from a physical standpoint. I think that’ll be the biggest key for making sure they come back physically ready to go, but I think our guys understand what training camp looks like, and I think they understand what the demand for them physically is at this point. For us, it’s about getting the information out there.”
With a mostly veteran roster — 74 of the Lions 90 rostered players have NFL experience — the Lions are counting on their experience and professionalism to help them maintain their health and fitness level. But they aren’t entirely left on their own, as new strength and conditioning coordinator Josh Schuler has assessed each player’s individual situation and sent them recommended workout schedules and equipment (up to $1,500 worth) when needed.
Without detailing the entire offseason plan, Patricia acknowledged that targeting players with scheme and personnel familiarity was “part of the process” and that those players would likely be able to pick up things quicker.
Patricia then cited quarterback Chase Daniel as an example of a veteran who is familiar with the Lions’ offensive terminology due to his background in West Coast offenses, “so the vernacular from ‘Bev’s’ (Darrell Bevell, offensive coordinator) to the stuff that he (Daniel) knows, that transition is going to be quicker.”
But not all the players on the Lions roster are as versed in terminology or scheme as Daniel, which is why the Lions opted to focus on virtual classroom learning at this stage.
If the Lions can get their players comfortable in the team language, and players maintain their fitness, Patricia is hoping it gives them an advantage in the fall.
“I think there’s probably a little bit of an edge that some teams will be able to get here this spring in these situations based on the makeup of the team. We’re going to try to get as much as that edge as possible.”