Detroit v Everybody: Detroit Lions Hard Knocks Episode Two Recap
As episode two opens, we are treated to throwback footage of Detroit in its heyday. We see a flourishing automotive industry, people singing and celebrating their love of everything Detroit from the Tigers to the Lions. This is what the team is aiming to bring back to the city, and it’s that pride and joy that the city deserves again.
In comparison to episode one, the intensity of the training camp has increased. We are brought to the training grounds to watch the offense compete against the defense in four-minute and two-minute drills, something coach Dan Campbell has emphasized as the difference between winning and losing. “It’s how you win and lose games. It’s where they really won and lost”.
The importance of these drills not only directly affects the outcome of the game, but the outcome of player evaluation during the camp. “This is where true evaluation takes place, cause now the pressure’s on, you’re tired, you gotta communicate, you’ve got to start working together. You figure out who’s who in a hurry”.
The Emergence of Malcolm “Rodrigo” Rodriguez
A 6th-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Malcolm Rodriguez has quickly established himself as a hidden gem. The nickname Rodrigo was bestowed upon him in his very first meeting. It’s a name that has already caught on with the rest of the squad.
Not only has his nickname caught on, but his understanding of the NFL game as a rookie has made him an early standout for linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard. “There ain’t much you can’t do on the field. You got me? I’m telling you right now, this year can be whatever you want it to be. Everything’s open for you right now. You just gotta go take it and do it”, he explained to the rookie on the sidelines.
He also used Rodrigo’s performance to call out veteran players during their video sessions. “He’s going to continue climbing the depth chart until someone decides that I’m not going to let this rookie take my job”. Whether the message catches on with the vets, the same message will continue to evoke confidence in the rookie linebacker.
Are DeAndre Swift and Amon-Ra St. Brown the next superstar tandem?
Assistant Coach/running backs coach Duce Staley has made it his mission to help running back DeAndre Swift become the best player he can be. Staley knows the special talent inside of Swift, and it’s something he declared to him during their video session. “You can be the best in this league, you really can, but what you gotta do is this, you gotta have that dog mentality, you’ve got to bring that shit out of you”.
For St. Brown, his underdog mentality led him to break the Detroit Lions rookie record for receptions and receiving yards. He remembers all 16 wide receivers taken before him in the draft, as well as the school they attended. The upsetting experience at the draft has given him the chip on his shoulder to not only surpass the 16 before him but to be the best player possible.
We are introduced to several of St. Brown’s keys to success including catching 202 balls every day from the ‘jug machine’, as well as training with his father, a 3-time Mr. Universe bodybuilder. The emphasis on physical strength has helped Amon-Ra and his brothers succeed, with one of them playing for the Chicago Bears.
Only time will tell if Swift and St. Brown will become an unstoppable duo. Without a doubt, the potential is there.
Preseason Game One
Near the end of the episode, we get an inside look at the Lion’s first pre-season game against the Atlanta Falcons. Thanks to the Hard Knocks series, we get to watch the game from the perspective of the players and family members that we have already through the show.
We see Aidan Hutchinson’s family in the luxury box cheering as the 2nd overall pick made his pre-season debut. The rookie did not disappoint, shutting down the Falcon’s running back for a loss. The crowd buzzed as tears came to the eyes of Aidan’s mother. I cannot imagine the nervous excitement of watching my son live his dream.
All the players we have met shined in their first action of the year. From Hutchinson to Rodrigo. But not for David Blough. A costly fumble by the backup quarterback gave the Falcons the ball at the end of the game. A drive by the Falcons with 1:30 remaining in the game put Atlanta up 27-23.
A late comeback drive proved unsuccessful, as Blough would be unable to lead the Lions to a victory. It was a disappointing loss, but undoubtedly a learning process for the team.
Extras and Recap
Aside from everything mentioned above, there are plenty of stories and moments in the episode that I didn’t fully detail. We see backup quarterback David Blough’s Olympian wife, the call for culture change within the Lions organization, and coach Campbell’s expletive-laden speech about respecting the game and everyone grinding for the team.
Grit, enthusiasm, resilience, tough, love, home, the jungle, on the rise. All these words were used to describe Detroit. And I for one am ready to cheer for the city and team this year.
