Head coach Matt Patricia has given the Detroit Lions a heavy dose of drills to create turnovers at the start of training camp. That's nothing new, considering how turnover margin is a key statistic in deciding the outcome of games.
Patricia has a flip side in his turnover drills. He turns them around to stress the defense keeping the ball after taking it away.
Seeing how Patricia emphasizes ball security on both sides of the ball is one of the things we've learned at the start of Rocket Mortgage training camp. Patricia also has a memory from a playoff game 12 years ago that reinforces his emphasis on ball security for all players.
Among other things we've learned: Putting a heavy load at the end of practice is part of Patricia's focus on conditioning; veteran safety Glover Quin has a training camp ritual that has nothing to do with superstition; there are clues that might show rising stock for rookies and that it's obvious at times how much players enjoy competing one-on-one.
We start with security, and an anecdote from Patricia:
Finders, keepers: Once the defense gets the ball on a turnover, Patricia wants to keep it. That's the purpose of reversing drills to strip the ball. The defense does it to the offense, which is common. The offense doing it to the defense to get the ball back isn't as common.
Patricia added a wrinkle to the drill on Monday. The offense tried to strip the ball from defenders running with an interception.
Patricia inherits a team with a good record in turnover ratio. The Lions tied for fifth in the league last year with a turnover ratio of plus 10. They had 32 takeaways, third most in the league.
The Patriots were 11th at plus six, with 18 takeaways. The Patriots traditionally rank higher than that. They were at plus 12 in 2016, with 23 takeaways.
Patricia cited a play from a 2006 season divisional playoff game between the Patriots and Chargers to emphasize the importance of retaining possession. It was the third of Patricia's 14 seasons as a Patriots' assistant.
The Chargers had a 21-13 lead with less than seven minutes left when Chargers cornerback Marlon McCree intercepted a pass. However, Troy Brown stripped the ball away from McCree and the Patriots recovered. The Patriots drove to a touchdown and game-tying two-point conversion, then won the game on a field goal with 1:14 left.
Patricia recalled the play in detail at his Monday presser.
"That's one of those coaching moments you never forget, the importance of both sides of the ball and ball security," he said. "So we try to do that as much as we can."
View photos from Day 4 of 2018 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage
Detroit Lions defensive end Anthony Zettel (69) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr. (61) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Toby Johnson (95) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Freddie Bishop (49) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga (78) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois (97) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Levine Toilolo (87) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Hakeem Valles (84) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones (13) tries to strip the football from cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during ball security drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Cassel (8) throws a pass during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock (14) throws a pass during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (1) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) and tight end Luke Willson (82) block during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Levine Toilolo (87) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Dwayne Washington (36) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard T.J. Lang (76) blocks defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner (71) blocks defensive end Kerry Hyder (61) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) covers wide receiver TJ Jones (13) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) covers wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) covers wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) makes a one-handed catch during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) makes a one-handed catch during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) covers wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Tyrell Crosby (65) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback DeShawn Shead (26) covers wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) gets the defense ready for a snap during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) gets the defense ready for a snap during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr. (61) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) takes the handoff during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bellore (43) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Hakeem Valles (84) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones (13) fields a punt during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive tackles Sylvester Williams (92) and A'Shawn Robinson (91) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard/center Graham Glasgow (60) in pass protection during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) cuts back for a touchdown during goal line drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) scores during a goal line drill at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Dwayne Washington (36) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive and defensive lines at the line of scrimmage during a goal line drill at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions owner and chairman Martha Firestone Ford watches training camp practice with vice chair Elizabeth Ford Kontulis on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones (13) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard T.J. Lang takes a photo with visitors from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater signs autographs for fans with his son, Pax, following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions players sign autographs for visitors from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia greets fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia greets fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end McGrath (85) spends time with a visitor from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater takes a photo with visitors from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia spends time with visitors from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard T.J. Lang signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia vists with a guest from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia spends time with visitors from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock signs autographs for visitors from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia vists with a guest from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate signs autographs for visitors from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin vists with guests from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia vists with Joseph Penrod from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Late load: Practice periods aren't thrown together randomly. There's a reason for the order. Obviously, stretching is at the beginning. Not so obviously, Patricia has some of the heavy drills –- like short yardage – at the end.
"A lot of times in practice, I'm trying to wear them out," he said. "And I'll put some of the more difficult periods at the end of practice, where they are probably the most fatigued or tired mentally, especially."
Fatigue causes mental mistakes, especially late in the first half or late in the game. The better a team is conditioned, the more likely it is to execute well in those critical situations.
Glover's cover: Safety Glover Quin has his game face every year in training camp.
He doesn't shave, and he lets his hair grow out.
His beard was beginning to show when he talked to reporters on the first day of camp, and his hair stuck up above a bandana.
"I never get a haircut in training camp," he said. "I cut my beard all the way down so it can grow out. And my hair's long."
Status clues: Teo Redding of Bowling Green and Brandon Powell of Florida have a couple things in common. Both are wide receivers in camp as undrafted rookies, and they've both made good impressions.
Physically, they couldn't be more opposite. Powell is 5-8 and 181 pounds. Redding is 6-1 and also 181.
Redding and Powell were used in punt return drills Monday. That at least could indicate that the coaches want to see how they perform playing on special teams, a prerequisite for most backups.
Camp competition: It's obvious at times that players like to compete, and that's probably more the case with receivers going against defensive backs than most other positions.
It's pure one-on-one competition most of the time. There already have been some good battles, with Kenny Golladay going against Darius Slay, Marvin Jones Jr. against DeShawn Shead and Golden Tate working the middle against whoever is in there.
It's fun to watch. Who wins? The higher the level of competition, the more the team wins.
