The Lions Just Revealed What This Team Really Is...

The Detroit Lions have officially wrapped up training camp, and their final scrimmage before Week 1 gave us some major clues about what this team could look like in 2026. A to Z Sports Detroit's Mike Payton breaks down his biggest observations from the final day of Lions training camp, including Detroit's defense looking like its old self again, questions surrounding Jahmyr Gibbs, Jared Goff's strong performance and a surprising update on Kony Varkey. The biggest takeaway from the final scrimmage was the Lions defense. After struggling to stop the run last season, Detroit's front seven appeared to regain the identity that helped make them successful in previous years. The Lions spent the entire scrimmage shutting down the run game outside of one explosive Jahmyr Gibbs touchdown run. Mike explains why that could be a major sign that Detroit's defense is ready to bounce back in 2026. Speaking of Gibbs, the Lions running back enters the season with a different challenge. With David Montgomery no longer in the picture, Gibbs is expected to handle a much larger workload. While his explosiveness remains undeniable, Mike discusses why there are still questions about how the offense will look when Gibbs is asked to be the primary option. The offense still had plenty of positives. Jared Goff looked sharp, Amon-Ra St. Brown continued making plays, and Jameson Williams had a memorable touchdown catch during the scrimmage. Detroit's passing game appears ready for Week 1. One of the biggest surprises from the final day was Sione Vaki After previously expressing concern about Vaki's injury history, Mike explains why he changed his opinion after watching Vaki throughout the final week of camp. With Isaiah Pacheco's status uncertain, Vaki could have a major role early in the season. Mike also breaks down Detroit's final overtime scenario, including a dramatic Amon-Ra St. Brown touchdown that was overturned and Jahmyr Gibbs' game-winning score. Training camp is officially over. Now the Lions turn their attention toward Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Lions news, training camp updates, roster analysis and everything you need heading into the NFL season. #DetroitLions #Lions #OnePride #NFL 0:00 Lions training camp is officially over 1:13 The defense looks like the old Lions 2:07 Jahmyr Gibbs' surprising scrimmage 3:52 Can Gibbs handle being RB1? 4:59 Jared Goff and the offense shine 6:36 Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra dominate 7:20 Mike changes his mind on Kony Varkey 9:46 Lions final overtime scenario 10:35 Final thoughts before Week 1 Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: https://atozsports.com/games For more LIONS coverage: https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LionsFans4Life Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atozsportslions/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/AtoZSportsNFL TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atozsportsdetroitlions #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews