There was plenty of action on both offense and defense during Day 1 of Lions training camp. Here's a quick look at the good stuff:
Alphonso Smith replaces released CB Aaron Berry: A broken foot suffered just before the 2011 season began forced Alphonso Smith to miss Detroit's entire training camp. By his own admission, that injury cost him the chance to truly compete for a starting role last season. Smith looked to be facing a competition for a reserve role again in 2012 before Berry was released following a pair of recent offseason arrests. With Berry gone, Smith took first-team reps during Detroit's first camp workout. He made several solid plays in team drills and said he's optimistic about his 2012 chances.
2012 first-round draft pick Reiff on third team as O-line competition begins: Detroit's O-line ranked as one of the NFC's best pass-protection units last season, and that unit returns intact in 2012. OTs Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus retained their first-team spots during drills, with Corey Hilliard and Jason Fox handling second-team duties. This season is make-or-break for Fox. The 2012 draft pick needs to prove he can stay healthy after missing the last two seasons with knee and foot injuries. First-round draft pick Riley Reiff, who has been tabbed to replace Backus or Cherilus in future years, took third-team LT reps.
Coleman chosen over Spievey for first-team safety reps: Erik Coleman arrived at Lions' training camp last season expecting to compete for -- and win -- Detroit's starting safety spot opposite Louis Delmas. He was beaten for the position by Amari Spievey, however, and saw his season ended by injury in Week 4. Coleman committed himself to improving his play during the offseason, and his work was rewarded Friday with a first-team spot during drills. Spievey, whose 2011 season was also affected by inconsistent play and injury issues, took second-team reps.
Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson shine: It's only the first day of camp, but the ever-developing relationship between Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson looks to be stronger than ever. Stafford found receivers in coverage drills with surgical precision. Johnson burned nearly every DB he faced, including first-team DBs Alphonso Smith and Chris Houston. The touch on Stafford's throws to Johnson indicates the pair are continuing to develop the type of connection required to become an elite passing partnership.
Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLDET and @johnkreger.
Lions Quick Hits: Training camp -- Day 1
Day 1 of Lions camp saw CB Alphonso Smith begin his quest for a starting position and QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson chewing up yards through the air.
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John Kreger
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1 min read