The fight for roster spots sets the tone for episode 3 of Hard Knocks: Training camp with the Detroit Lions

When it comes to a metaphor for episode 3 of Hard Knocks, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell gave us a visual one. A pair of dirty game pants that were covered in dirt. 

“If we really want to go where we want to go, we’ve got to get all the rest of this fucking shit out of our stuff”

A pretty effective way for a team to move on as Campbell, as always, sets a strong tone for the rest of episode 3. The episode begins as rookie Obinna Eze is fighting for a spot on the roster. Both Campbell and offensive line coach Hank Fraley emphasize to Eze to finish each play. Fraley reminds him he is cheating himself so he can finish the game and be someone to be relied on.

Early on, the tone is set for the two days in Indianapolis as roster spots are on the line. Everyone will need to step up and stand out.

Rookie Kalil Pimpleton may not be a musical person as he says, but the former Central Michigan University wide receiver was not going to bow down to pressure to sing. Rather, he showed off an impressive ability to juggle.

The former Muskegon Big Red, who was a key member of their 2016 Division III crown, was an all-MAC first-team player selection and MAC Special Teams Player of the Year. The undrafted Pimpleton is fighting for one of the last receiver spots on the roster. He was able to display his talents, mainly his speed.

The Detroit Lions continue the tradition that mini-bikes are cool

As the Lions descended into joint practice day 1 with the Colts, I really loved the visual of Lions players in full gear on mini-bikes. It is something you don’t see every day as they travel down a blue road heading into practice.

Another part of the episode that stays true to Hard Knocks Detroit is how open the coaching staff is. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is a fan that Aiden Hutchinson is being his true self. No filler, no hype, Glenn already sees why the Lions took him so high.

The tension is thick as the humidity with the Lions and Colts during the first day of practice. Jamaal Williams did not hold back, calling out the Colts players for holding the jersey. Duce Staley made do without his voice. He didn’t need his voice. His words struck a chord as the players listened on. Stanley continues to provide quality sound bites week in and week out.

Running back Craig Reynolds and the relationship with his brother, who is in prison, puts another perspective for a rookie to make the team. He carries a different motivator than Eze and Pimpleton to make the team.

With the victory over the Colts, as Liev Schreiber says before the two-point conversion attempt, the Lions don’t need to define grit, they need to show it and that they did in the win.

The Hard Knocks line of the night

“You are looking like Justin Timberlake coming off the defensive line”-comedian Josh Adams to Aiden Hutchinson