“The Lions’ defensive boost is on the horizon as Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reed return to practice, starting their 21-day window for a potential December return.”
The Detroit Lions’ defense received some much-needed reinforcement as they activated the 21-day practice window for defensive end Marcus Davenport and cornerback D.J. Reed. Both players were seen on the practice field at the Allen Park Performance Center during the portion of practice open to the media, signaling a step toward their return to action after missing time due to injuries.
Reed has been recovering from a hamstring injury, while Davenport has been sidelined with a strained pectoral muscle. Though neither player is expected to return in time for the upcoming game against the Eagles, their return is anticipated by early December, aligning with what head coach Dan Campbell has shared about their recovery timeline.
Lions Defensive Depth Under Scrutiny
Campbell addressed the Lions’ current pass-rush win rate, which has been ranked lower than expected. While acknowledging the stats, he stressed that numbers don’t always tell the full story, and the team remains confident in their ability to generate pressure.
“Stats are stats. I can’t deny that,” Campbell remarked. “But I think we’re able to generate pressure. Are there things from the other day we wished we would’ve gotten a little more pressure? Yeah. Some of this, it comes back to, man, Hutch (Aidan Hutchinson) is not going to get a one-on-one. But when he does, he’s got to win.”
Campbell noted that defensive efforts should be a collective team effort, with players like Hutchinson drawing more attention, which could create opportunities for others. He emphasized the importance of pushing the pocket and disrupting the quarterback, which would lead to more consistent pressures and potential sacks.
Defensive Progress Despite Inconsistent Sacks
Despite concerns about the team’s sack totals, Campbell believes the defense has made solid strides in quarterback pressures and hits. The coaching staff, particularly defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers, has been praised for their rush plans and for creating pressure opportunities, especially on third downs.
“We’ve got plenty of ammo. We’ve got the players to do it, we’ve got the scheme to do it,” Campbell said. “Our rush plan has been really good. It did show up the other day, some of these things on third down that we were doing.”
With Davenport and Reed returning to the fold, the Lions’ defense will look to build on the pressure they’ve already generated and make the necessary improvements in their pass rush.
At a time when their pipeline of international talent has run mostly dry, the Yankees have let go of the man in charge of it.
The club did not renew the contract of longtime international scouting director Donny Rowland, The Post confirmed, after 15 years in the job and his 23rd season overall with the organization.
The dismissal of Rowland, 62, was first reported by baseball writer Francys Romero.
The Yankees made a number of high-profile and expensive signings in the international market in recent years, led by Jasson Domínguez’s record $5.1 million signing bonus in 2019. And while the jury is still out on how much of an impact the 22-year-old outfielder will ultimately make in the big leagues, many of the Yankees’ other top signings have not lived up to their price tag — though they have had some better success with lower-level signings, highlighted by Luis Severino ($225,000 in 2011).
Alexander Vargas, whom the Yankees signed for $2.5 million, was released from the organization this year.
Aside from Domínguez, the only other member of the Yankees’ 40-man roster that they signed internationally is Oswaldo Cabrera ($100,000 in 2015). They have used other notable pieces in trades, including Kevin Alcantara to nab Anthony Rizzo and Everson Pereira to land Jose Caballero.
But the Yankees’ top signing in 2018, Cuban shortstop Alexander Vargas ($2.5 million), was released from the organization in August after topping out at Double-A. Their highest-priced signing in 2017 was Venezuelan outfielder Raimfer Salinas, who played 163 games at Low-A and below before being released in 2023 shortly before he was suspended for testing positive for PEDs.
Following Domínguez’s splash in 2019, the Yankees inked Dominican shortstop Hans Montero to a $1.6 million deal in 2021. The 21-year-old spent this season repeating Low-A, batting .269 with a .788 OPS.
The Yankees signed Roderick Arias for $4 million in 2022.
Their top signings in 2022 and 2023, shortstop Roderick Arias ($4 million) and outfielder Brando Mayea ($4.35 million), have yet to take off in the system. Arias, 21, spent a second season this year at Low-A, batting .208 with a .640 OPS while Mayea, 20, repeated the year in the rookie-level Florida Complex League, batting .297 with a .873 OPS.
There have been more promising finds at lower costs in recent years, most notably right-hander Carlos Lagrange ($10,000 in 2022), who is now one of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects.