9 takeaways from Detroit Lions coordinators: Week 1 vs. Saints

Key Points:

• Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing praised veteran lineman Ben Bartch for his physicality, communication, and attitude, while downplaying concerns about the guard rotation and emphasizing competition among players.
• Petzing highlighted tight end Sam LaPorta’s versatility, noting his skills in the passing game, blocking, and route running, which create challenges for opposing defenses.
• Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard expressed confidence in veteran safeties Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox, saying their experience will allow the Lions to expand their defensive strategies beyond last season.
• Sheppard is particularly excited to see defensive tackle Alim McNeill’s progress and cautioned that while the team has the flexibility to use simulated pressure, it won’t be a primary defensive tactic.
• Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp confirmed Tom Kennedy and Jacob Saylors as primary returners, discussed the challenge of building special teams schemes post-roster cuts, and defended kicker Jake Bates, noting that kickers often take years to fully develop.