The Detroit Lions have confidence entering the season as they believe their offense is in a much better position to succeed in 2015. Matthew Stafford is at the forefront of that effort as he continues to work with players not named Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate in order to get more help on the field. As the team prepares to enter their first preseason game, Stafford is confident Eric Ebron is player ready to step up.
Ebron's rookie season was forgettable, something the tight end was willing to admit. Entering 2015, Ebron was on thin ice. According to the Detroit Free Press, this is a make-or-break year for the young tight end as he must step up in order to continue his future with the franchise. So far, Stafford admits that he is thrilled with what he sees.
"Eric for sure has a bunch of talent and he and I are on the same page when we start talking," Stafford said, via the team's website. "He understands what I'm saying now a little bit more than last year."
Ebron has competition for the spot. Brandon Pettigrew is back once again while Joseph Fauria is ready to get back to catching more touchdown passes. The tight end struggled with ankle injuries last year that prevented him from truly excelling, but his rookie season showed enough to make the Lions confident he can be a threat on the field once again.
"I want to be out there, I want to be healthy, I don't want to be labeled as a guy that gets hurt all the time," Fauria said, via the Free Press. "Unfortunate injury (last year), I'm just getting through some bumps and bruises right now but I'm back out there as much as possible and I'm not worried about anything right now."
Another player seizing the opportunity in training camp is rookie Ameer Abdullah who is battling Joique Bell for the starting running back spot. According to the Free Press, the rookie has been excelling the most in training camp which led many to believe he could be the top bck for the Lions this season. According to the coaching staff, he is the perfect complement to the offense.
"I feel like I'm pretty good (in pass protection)," Abdullah said. "Really good, actually. Pass protections, the way they break things down (here), you got this if this happens, and it's clear cut. And if this happens, you've got that. It's clear cut. And it helps you make quicker decisions and be in position to strike your defender as effectively as possible."
