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Inside Allen Park: Aidan Hutchinson Makes Shane Zylstra Pay

Originally posted on FanNation All Lions
By John Maakaron | Last updated 8/15/22

Monday was a day for the defense to atone for the mistakes made against the Atlanta Falcons.

During drills, the defense held the offense from scoring touchdowns on five different end-of-game scenarios.

Cornerback Chase Lucas, who dropped an interception against the Falcons, secured a beautiful interception in a late-game situation.

Against the second-team offense and covering wideout Kalif Raymond, Detroit's seventh-round pick came down with the interception.

"I had to make up for Friday, man," Lucas told reporters after practice. "I had to get something. I had to get my hands on some balls, at least today."

Lucas continued, "It was a good play. It was an okay play, but it could have been a great play. You know, just ending the game with a pick and then -- it could have been a pick six. So now, I'm just trying to brush it off and just kind of learn from my experience."

Lucas admitted he was beating himself up for not making a play and also heard from his friends about the missed opportunity.

"I've watched it every single day. My best friends called me on my phone, like 'Man, you dropping money on the ground. You don't like money. You don't want to get paid.' I ain't going to lie to you -- after that game, I was beating myself up bad. People just kept coming to me like, 'Man, you made two great plays back-to-back.' Just to me, I'm a perfectionist, becoming the competitor that I am. So, it's going to keep beating me up until I get my my first pick in the NFL."

Here are observations from Day 14 of Detroit Lions training camp.

Attendance

It was not observed if right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai left practice injured, but he did not finish practice on Monday. Tommy Kraemer was tasked with filling in for the veteran lineman.

The following were not spotted out on the practice field: Brady Breeze, Saivion Smith, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Josh Johnson, Levi Onwuzurike and Julian Okwara.

1.) It was an extended practice ahead of the team's trip to Indianapolis to participate in joint work with the Colts. The team was not in shells, but did get in extensive work in 11-on-11, 7-on-7 and late-game scenarios. Tuesday will be a walk-through before the team travels for the week away from Allen Park.

2.) Former Lions fullback Cory Schlesinger and comedian Carlos "HaHa" Davis were in attendance to watch practice. Also, the team hosted first responders at the Allen Park practice facility.

3.) The kickers did not perform at the highest level to start the week. Both kickers missed multiple attempts. Seibert missed from 58 and 54 yards out. Patterson missed from 58, 54 and 47 yards out. One of his attempts was such a misfire that it may have been tipped at the line.

4.) Devin Funchess and Malcolm Rodriquez were rewarded with increased reps with the first-team offense and defense Monday. While Funchess worked mostly with the second-team offense, he continued to show that he could be a target in the red-zone, as he beat linebacker Chris Board for a touchdown. Running back D'Andre Swift got the best of the rookie linebacker in 7-on-7 drills, as he used an inside move to score a touchdown after securing the reception. As each week progresses, Rodriguez showcases improved speed and ability to recognize passing plays developing out of the backfield.

5.) The catch of the day was made by wideout Trinity Benson, as he recorded an over-the-shoulder toss from David Blough, beating cornerback Will Harris.

6.) Blough earned the majority of second-team reps on Monday. It is still hard to determine who is actually in the lead to be the backup, as Boyle has also repped with the second-team offense during practices. Both had relatively solid performances on Monday, but the offense was slow to come out of the huddle and set up at times, angering offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Campbell also got on the offense for tempo dipping during drills.

7.) Aidan Hutchinson got the best of tight end Shane Zylstra during an 11-on-11 team rep. After getting blocked by tight end T.J. Hockenson early in camp, Hockenson has continued to work on his pass-rush moves and his motor is never-ending. He continues to demonstrate solid pad level and is forcing his way into the backfield repeatedly during practice.

8.) Charles Harris beat Taylor Decker for a sack that ended one of Detroit's early offensive drives. The ball was at midfield and the Lions offense had no timeouts and 16 seconds to try and get into field goal range.

9.) Cornerback Jeff Okudah continues to lineup in press man coverage against Detroit's wideouts. He appears more comfortable being able to set after making initial contact with a receiver. He had a relatively productive practice and showcased his blocking during special teams drills. Both Okudah and Harris continue to rotate at the spot opposite of Amani Oruwariye. Harris did not show any ill effects after briefly leaving the first preseason game Friday.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Lions and was syndicated with permission.

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