Lions are not affected by limited practices
ALLEN PARK -- With the 2011 season on the horizon, the Detroit Lions have a lot to look forward to, as they recently opened training camp, days after the end of the NFL lockout.
Detroit is coming off a 6-10 season, capped off with a four-game winning streak to end the year, along with a tie for third in the NFC North.
But the upcoming season isn't the only thing they're anticipating.
It's just the chance to play football again.
"It's been a long time since we've been in pads," said safety Erik Coleman, "and to get those little hits out that you've been anxiously waiting for - it's a lot of fun."
Detroit enters their 2011 campaign with a lot of pressure of a potential breakout season.
"Everybody's talking we're going to do this, we're going to do that," said defensive tackle Corey Williams. "The thing is, we have to stay focused on what we gotta do."
Some of the new rule changing with the new collective bargaining agreement hinder the Lions practice time, as well as every other NFL team, with the decision to disallow two-a-day practices.
Coach Jim Schwartz believes he and his team are adapting to the change.
"It makes things a lot more difficult with only one practice a day, but we're out here a little bit longer," Schwartz said. "We have to use the time we're meeting and take advantage of when we're on the field."
But despite the short time before the Lions season kicks off on Sept. 11, Detroit is not worried about the limited practices.
"We have no choice but to get better," Coleman said. "Playing each other, especially the way we practice, I think the sky's the limit for us, as long as we can stay focused and continue to practice every day."
The Lions open preseason on Aug. 15, hosting the Cincinnati Bengals. The first regular season game is Sept. 11 at Tampa Bay.
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