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Three things to look for on third episode of Lions' 'Hard Knocks'
Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Three things to look for on third episode of Lions' 'Hard Knocks'

HBO’s “Hard Knocks” is into its third week, which means Tuesday night is the premiere of the third episode of the inside look at Detroit Lions training camp. Here are a few things that could pop up for the Honolulu blue and silver.

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson

Dan Campbell has put together a coaching staff featuring many former NFL players, including Aaron Glenn (defensive coordinator) and Duce Staley (running backs). The former players on the staff got a fair amount of screen time in the first two episodes, but one member of the staff who is not a former NFL player has yet to get his time to shine.

Ben Johnson was promoted from Lions tight ends coach to offensive coordinator this offseason. He called plays at the end of last season, when the Lions (3-13-1) played well in the stretch (3-3-1).

Though Johnson is not necessarily as flashy or as loud as his former-player counterparts, he has his own leadership style. The offense could very well be the most intriguing part of the Lions roster, and it would be interesting for the “Hard Knocks” crew to pick Johnson’s brain.

Will Jeff Okudah step up?

The first two episodes did a nice job of singling out interesting members of the roster. 

Backup running back Jamaal Williams made waves with an emotional speech about the trials of last season and how he believes in this season’s squad. Defensive rookies Aidan Hutchinson and Malcolm Rodriguez have garnered screen time for their instant impact in training camp, giving the vets a run for their money. Third-string quarterback David Blough was featured for his marriage to Colombian-American Olympic track star Melissa Gonzalez. These are just a few examples.

So who’s next? Here are a few guys who could get screen time:

Third-year cornerback and former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah is trying to earn a starting spot opposite Amani Oruwariye. Given that Okudah was bitten by the injury bug in the worst way during his first two seasons, playing just a combined 10 games, he could be a viable storyline. 

Second-year defensive tackle Alim McNeill has put together a solid training camp, earning a starting spot in the middle of Glenn’s defense. It’s not all about getting to the quarterback; it’s also about stopping the run — McNeill’s specialty. With an offensive line and a running game like the Lions have for McNeill to practice against, this could provide some juicy footage.

Wide receiver Tom Kennedy has been with the Lions since 2019, enduring an on-and-off relationship with the practice squad. After a two-touchdown performance vs. the Indianapolis Colts in the preseason, it looks like Kennedy might make the team and have a role in the offense.

D'Andre Swift's 1K/1K Goal

Swift caught attention last week when he mentioned that he wants to rush for 1,000 yards and rack up 1,000 receiving yards. That would make him one of four players in NFL history to accomplish such a feat. Roger Craig, Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey are the only members of that club.

With a position coach such as Staley, there could be fireworks surrounding this goal. Staley surely doesn’t pull any punches, and as already has been seen on “Hard Knocks,” he believes there’s a level of Swift’s potential that has yet to be unlocked.

More must-reads:

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