Training camp AM practice, 8/06/09...

Well, I was at today's practice, I took my son and nephew. The biggest issue is that so many key players were out, but Coach Schwartz poo-pooed it to me when he walked by. Said most were dings, he wasn't worried at all. I asked him who #46 was, since he wasn't in the program or had his name on the jersey, he told me it was Carson Butler, who played at UM. Then he asked me if I was a Michigan fan, and I told him I was more of a Lion fan. While talking to me he was giving the boys autographs, and I was very appreciative for the information, which has obviously been released. Practice was fast paced, and different then I had ever seen. Last year, I had seen hitting, which I talked about, but this year, the players are flat out at game speed. The hitting going on is quite crazy for practice, but enjoyable. Matt Stafford was much sharper in my mind than Culpepper, who has a habit of holding on too long, but the offense looks good. Stafford struggled a bit in the red zone drills. I love how Stafford finishes every play like Favre, even runs, and he hides the ball very well in play action. Stanton also looked pretty sharp. Other players that stood out included Aaron Brown, who's built alot like Robert Smith; with his thin legs that are built for speed. Dan Gronkowski and Butler looked sharp, as the Lions QB's used the TE's quite often. Some guy, #81 I think, made some really spectacular grabs, and was kind enough to give the boys autographs, as was Kevin Smith, who does look thicker in the legs than last year.