Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has expressed strong confidence in the team’s new offensive coordinator John Morton, anticipating an exciting season for the offense. Speaking on Wednesday, LaPorta highlighted Morton’s reputation as a brilliant strategist and how his approach will complement the existing offensive system.
Continuity and Innovation in Detroit’s Offensive Scheme
LaPorta emphasized the benefits of maintaining continuity within the coaching staff, especially with the offensive line. He noted that Hank Fraley, now promoted to run game coordinator, keeps the same run game system and terminology for the offensive line, easing the transition.
“Johnny Mo, pass game coordinator his whole life. Brilliant mind, I think he’s gonna call the offense great,”
LaPorta remarked, underscoring Morton’s expertise in the passing game.
He also credited the strength of the team’s culture and recruitment, pointing to the combined efforts of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. LaPorta said,
“People always say it’s a player’s game. Brad Holmes has been the best at finding guys in the league that fit the culture in Detroit and are damn good football players at the end of the day, as well. So it starts with Dan, Brad, and then it works its way down to the players.”
Early Training Camp Updates and Roster Concerns
As the Lions prepare for the upcoming season, there have been notable player absences and injuries. Linebacker Alex Anzalone missed practice recently, though head coach Dan Campbell dismissed notions that it was motivated by contract disputes. Additionally, LT Taylor Decker is expected to return soon after undergoing a minor surgical procedure, while defensive end Josh Paschal remains sidelined for an extended period. Campbell voiced the offensive line as his primary concern heading into training camp, stating,
“My eyes are on the o-line.”
In practice, Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. sustained a chest contusion. According to reports, the injury is not severe, allowing optimism about his potential quick return.
Perspectives From Bears Defenders on Defensive Schemes
Meanwhile, Chicago Bears players have commented on the complexity of their new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s system. Defensive lineman Gervon Dexter described the scheme as more intricate than he’s previously encountered, with various fronts and pressure tactics designed to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Dexter said,
“I think Coach Allen’s defense is ‘a lot of different,’ you know what I mean? He throws in a lot of different fronts, a lot of different ways to get after the quarterback, so I think the type of guy I am, I could play in a lot of those different fronts.”
Safety Jaquan Brisker expressed enthusiasm about his role in the secondary, appreciating the flexibility allowed by Allen’s approach.
“To show I’m a Swiss Army knife, how he moves pieces around, and how we run so many different things, and we can all make it look the same or vice versa. Things like that. That’s what I love about it. DA is smart. I know he’s going to put us in the right positions,”
Brisker shared.
Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is embracing the opportunity to excel in a man-to-man coverage scheme.
“Honestly, how I look at it, he allows us to make our money. You’re a corner, you’re a cover corner and you’ve got to cover the guys in this league. His defense allows you to go out there and build your confidence up week after week, playing man after man on any receiver. Building that confidence up allows you to go make the plays or take certain risks that you wouldn’t take if you were never put in that position before,”
Stevenson said.
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Building Chemistry with QB J.J. McCarthy
Outside of Detroit, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson discussed his efforts to accelerate chemistry with quarterback J.J. McCarthy ahead of the season. The two players have lockers adjacent to each other and use every opportunity to connect on and off the field.
Jefferson explained,
“As his teammate and as a captain of the team, just trying to make him dialed in every chance that I can. Our lockers are right next to each other, so every chance that I get to talk to him about football, about anything that goes on outside of football. Just try to get to know him as much as I can because when the season comes and whenever we’re locked in, I want him to be just as confident as I am of him to make the plays out there.”
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Detroit’s Offense
With a blend of experienced leadership and fresh ideas from John Morton, the Detroit Lions offense is poised for a dynamic season. Sam LaPorta’s confidence reflects the optimism surrounding the unit’s ability to integrate new strategies without losing the foundation built in previous years. The team’s ability to stay healthy, particularly along the offensive line, and to continue fostering strong team culture will be critical as they aim to compete at a high level.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Sam LaPorta good?
A. Sam LaPorta, a second-round pick in 2023, has rapidly become an excellent pass-catching tight end in the NFL.
In his first year, he reached 86 catches for 889 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.
Last season, he recorded 60 receptions, 726 yards, and seven touchdowns.