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The Detroit Lions finished Dan Campbell’s first season as head coach with a 3-13-1 record, but there is optimism that the rebuild is on schedule to take the next step in 2022.
While its record was dismal, Detroit played tough, with five of the Lions’ 13 losses coming by fewer than five points.
Veteran defensive tackle Michael Brockers, entering his second season with the Lions, sees a team that plays hard under Campbell, with a host of youngsters with the potential to grow.
“(Opponents) knew we were coming the whole 60 minutes of the game,” Brockers recently told Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network. “So that’s what I love about being here. You just see it. It’s generated that enthusiasm to be in Detroit, to play for Detroit, to be a Lion. You’re seeing it, starting with the younger guys… We have a team full of young guys who are buying into the system, and it’s going to be scary to see us in the future.”
The biggest name among the young foundational pieces is Detroit is No. 2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson, who the Lions hope will rejuvenate a quiet pass rush.
“He is a man that’s on a mission,” Brockers said of Hutchinson. “He does everything he’s supposed to do. You don’t even have to tell him. This is him doing a lot of his rookie duties… We didn’t even ask him. He just went on and did it. ‘What do you guys need for the room’ and stuff like that. I’m like, OK, this is a man who thinks ahead of time. You can respect a guy like that. He has a lot of respect in my book.”
Along with Hutchinson, the Lions added first-round receiver Jameson Williams, who is coming off an ACL tear. Detroit also boasts second-year receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who shined down the stretch last season, right tackle Penei Sewell, tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back D'Andre Swift, who will all play key roles if the Lions are to make a big leap in 2022.
Not many people believe Rob Gronkowski is 100 percent done with football. But the future Hall of Fame tight end insisted he’s staying retired even if Tom Brady eventually gives him a call.
The Texans announced on Tuesday the unveiling of a new red helmet that will be worn during the 2022 season. Paying homage to one of the franchise’s three iconic colors, the Texans affectionately named it the ‘Battle Red’ helmet.
The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined former Cowboys running back Marion Barber III’s death was caused by heat stroke.
Von Miller will be chasing a third Super Bowl title with the Buffalo Bills in 2022, but he’ll still be keeping an eye on his former Denver Broncos club.
For the New York Giants offense to improve in Brian Daboll’s first season as head coach, it must get better play from the offensive line. Part of that comes with improvement from former first-round pick Andrew Thomas, who is coming off ankle surgery this offseason.
Friday, July 15, at 4 p.m. ET, marks the deadline for Bengals safety Jessie Bates to reach a long-term contract with Cincinnati.
Following a dysfunctional rookie year, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence sees improvement on the horizon due to better leadership throughout the team. He also has the lessons learned from losses in 2021 to lean on for experiences.
The Steelers announced Monday the new name of its home field will be Acrisure Stadium.
The Denver Broncos added former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to their ownership group. Rice served as Secretary of State from 2005-2009 under George W. Bush. In 2013 she was selected as a member of the inaugural College Football Playoff Committee.
The expectation within the NFL continues to be that Jimmy Garoppolo is traded by the end of the month, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Pelissero also reached out to Garoppolo’s agent, Don Yee, regarding the quarterback’s status, shoulder rehab and recent trade rumors.
Speaking at his annual kids camp on Saturday, Cowboys QB Dak Prescott said he was able to get in the best shape of his life as he prepares for the 2022 season.
You won’t want to miss a moment of the 2022 season!
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