Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jared Goff shine

The Detroit Lions made some changes to their practice schedule Wednesday in response to a recent uptick in injuries.

Coach Dan Campbell originally planned for the team to have a game on Wednesday. However, with several key players injured, the Lions have instead worked without subs and run training at a scrimmage-like pace, but with competitive team periods.

There was still some 9-on-7 and situational work between first-team units on both sides of the ball, but it’s been tempered as the team works to get healthy.

“Normally, I’d say yes. This would be a real game day for us, that was the whole plan,” Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket Wednesday. “But we’ve got a bit of an injury at the back end of the roster, or kind of with the two and three. A lot of these guys are definitely going to have to play 70 games in this game. . Well, do you want to get a real gaming environment? He has to be part of it.

Here are the observations from Wednesday’s Lions practice.

Five minute exercise

The Lions’ first- and second-team offense went back and forth in a team segment. Hendon Hooker led the second team to a touchdown, showing good timing on the scoring pass to Kaden Davis.

Goff went a long way with the first-team offense, which was trailing by seven. Hit Amon-Ra St. Brown several times, but had a pass broken up by Kindle Vildor. Facing a fourth-and-1 following PBU, Craig Reynolds stepped forward to move the chains.

With less than a minute remaining, Goff connected with St. Brown on a perfectly placed touchdown pass. Instead of playing for the tie, the Lions chose to go for two and win. Jameson Williams was able to secure the win.

Crime rallies in situational exercise

To finish practice, Goff led the first-team offense on the court with nine points. With the score tied at 23-14, the Lions started at their 30 with 2:42 left. Goff hit Brock Wright on first down, but back-to-back incompletions led to a fourth down.

Goff threw a strike to Kalif Raymond to move the chains, then went back to Raymond and then Jameson Williams to keep the ball moving. He hit Montgomery for eight yards, but back-to-back incompletions led to another fourth down. This time, the Lions moved the chains due to defensive pass interference.

With the offense getting the ball back after a presumed successful punt, the offense got the ball back at the 45-yard line with :45 remaining. Goff hit St. Brown and Reynolds for long gains to set up Jake Bates’ eventual game-winning 31-yard field goal.

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The stars are shining

Although Wednesday’s practice was secluded in nature, the Lions’ stars had big days. St. Brown thrived in situational drills because he and Goff’s chemistry was completely on point.

The execution was crisp as the veteran quarterback eagerly threw to his top target throughout practice. Both players appear to be ready for the upcoming regular season. St. Brown appears in excellent form, looking even better than years past.

For Goff, timing and ball placement were two skills on display throughout practice. He set up multiple lasers inside tight windows as well as lofted the ball over the secondary, such as St. Louis’ touchdown. Brown.

Williams also continued to showcase his talents, including his stellar catch to win a drill. Throughout camp, he was able to prove that he is more than just a speedy threat down the field. He’s becoming a threat on multiple levels, with his success in the red zone on Wednesday being an encouraging sign.

Campbell picks Goff

Although Goff was mostly sharp throughout practice, he got away with an interception thrown to linebacker Jack Campbell.

The Iowa product demonstrated the coverage ability that was one of his calling cards coming out of college. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn praised the linebacker’s improvements since his first season, along with his increased leadership ability.

“Listen, I’m putting a lot on Jack this year just because I know he can handle it,” Glenn said. “I told him once he came back, ‘That rookie tag is out, bro. It’s time to go. I’m not saying that because he had a bad season last year, I thought he had a really good season to be honest with you. But just taking ownership and starting to take that leap to be that guy.

“Look, we know Alex is the leader of this defense, but Jack has those leadership skills to be that guy at some point. And I will tell you that his ability to cut coverage has improved tremendously. These are the things we will do Ask him more. His ability to match up with guys has improved tremendously and that will help us be a better defense.

Quick shots

1.) Several notable Detroit sports figures were in attendance at Wednesday’s practice, including Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, Red Wings coach Derek LaLonde and former Lions players Calvin Johnson and Glover Quin . Members of the Tigers were also present.

2.) In addition to Campbell’s interception, Goff also threw one to Amik Robertson in the red zone. Robertson’s pick was part of an increased effort by the defense in the red zone, a segment in which Aidan Hutchinson also recorded a sack.

3.) Wednesday was the last practice fans could attend at training camp.

4.) Linebacker Alex Anzalone was spotted trying to energize the defense after plays made by his group. The crowd in attendance became relatively quiet, although the defense was making plays. “It’s okay to cheer for more than one player,” the veteran said.