ALLEN PARK, Mich. – The Detroit Lions’ offense answered a challenge Tuesday at training camp, and second-year offensive lineman Tate Ratledge said it was exactly what the unit needed.
Head coach Dan Campbell told players the defense had won Monday’s padded practice session. That message lit a fire.
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“I mean, we all knew we needed to come out and be more physical today,” Ratledge said. “That’s kind of the flow of camp. The defense is good for a few days, the offense is good for a few days. It’s about riding the wave and staying consistent.”
Ratledge sees growth in year two
Ratledge said the offensive line has adopted a sharper mentality this season, even with several new starters in the mix.
“I think the attitude as a whole, the physical attitude, the mindset in the meeting room and on the field is different this year,” Ratledge said. “I’d say it’s a lot better.”
After describing his rookie season as “drinking from a fire hose,” Ratledge said the game has slowed down considerably entering his second NFL season.
“I’m seeing the big picture now, not just my assignment,” Ratledge said. “Things have slowed down.”
Chemistry with new linemates remains a work in progress, but Ratledge said daily reps are closing the gap quickly.
“That’s what we’re out here for,” Ratledge said. “Every day it just gets a little bit better.”
The Lions have made re-establishing one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks a priority following offseason changes along the offensive line. Ratledge said there’s no mistaking how much running the ball matters to this offense.
“We have to be able to run the ball,” Ratledge said. “Being able to run the ball opens up everything else in the offense. Being able to run the ball at will is demoralizing to another team.”
Ratledge credited daily battles against Detroit’s defensive front for helping build the unit’s confidence.
“We’re going against a really good defense and a really good defensive line,” Ratledge said. “It’s really testing us and building us up.”
Rakestraw focused on staying healthy
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. said his top priority entering his second training camp is straightforward: stay on the field. Injuries limited him throughout his rookie season, and he said his mindset has shifted accordingly.
“I just focus on today,” Rakestraw Jr. said. “Healthy today, thank God, go fix what I need to fix tomorrow.”
The former second-round pick said he has embraced a next-play mentality as a way to stay present and avoid repeating mistakes.
“If I go out there and still think about what happened last play, it could happen again,” Rakestraw Jr. said. “Next-play mentality with everything I do.”
Rakestraw Jr. acknowledged the weight of expectations that come with being a high draft selection, and said he’s motivated by them.
“I’ve got to step up big this year,” Rakestraw Jr. said. “My teammates depend on me.”
White settling into new defense
Veteran linebacker Devin White said he’s keeping his focus simple: earn a role through preparation, not by worrying about the depth chart.
“The goal is just to be the best version of myself,” White said. “Be a great teammate and play hard.”
White praised linebacker Jack Campbell for his command of Detroit’s defensive system and his ability to keep the unit on the same page.
“Jack’s a great communicator,” White said. “He really knows this playbook in and out.”
The former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion said Campbell’s message to play fast and trust his instincts has resonated.
“I just run out there as fast as I can,” White said. “If I keep doing that and stay humble, my role will increase.”
White added that he’s trusting the coaching staff’s workload plan while continuing to put in extra conditioning work after practice.
“They’ve got a plan for me, and I’m trusting the plan,” White said.
Dortch embracing versatility
Wide receiver Greg Dortch said settling into Detroit’s offense has come naturally, in large part because of a familiar face on the coaching staff.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and Dortch previously worked together in Arizona, and Dortch said that history has made a difference.
“Having Drew here makes things comfortable for me,” Dortch said. “I’m able to play faster.”
Dortch said he’s open to contributing however the team needs, whether at receiver or on special teams.
“However I can help the team win, that’s what I want to do,” Dortch said.
He also welcomed the return of padded practices with open arms.
“It’s football,” Dortch said. “You can’t play football without getting tackled.”
Dortch compared Detroit’s offensive talent to one of the strongest groups he was part of in Arizona and said the Lions’ culture made an immediate impression.
“You can tell winning is serious here,” Dortch said. “They love their football, so I’m excited to be a part of it.”