Josh Reynolds: ‘We’re Going To Be Explosive’ on Offense

The Lions scored solely 19.1 factors per sport a season in the past, rating simply twenty fifth out of 32 NFL franchises.

But, with the offseason acquisitions of vast receivers DJ Chark and Jameson Williams, the workforce is optimistic that the offense can take the following step and turn out to be extra explosive in 2022.

Detroit, from an offensive standpoint, also needs to be helped out by the truth that it determined to carry again fellow receiver Josh Reynolds.

Reynolds, a midseason acquisition of the Lions in 2021, was re-signed by Detroit basic supervisor Brad Holmes this offseason to a two-year deal value as much as $12 million.

In seven video games within the Motor Metropolis final season, the previous Los Angeles Rams fourth-round choose caught 19 balls for 306 yards and two touchdowns. He proved to be a precious piece for Detroit, because it made important strides offensively within the second half of the season.

Now, heading into his second yr as a member of the group, he believes the Lions shall be a lot more durable for defenses to gameplan for going into the ’22 season. And, for Reynolds, one of many the reason why would be the numerous choices the workforce has in its receivers room, which additionally contains Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kalif Raymond and Quintez Cephus.

“I believe it’s obtained just a little bit to do with opening up the playbook just a little bit. We’ve obtained formations for everybody. Places all people all over the place,” Reynolds mentioned throughout his OTAs media session Thursday. “So, it makes it arduous for defenses to gameplan for any person, as a result of they are often in a unique spot the following week. I believe it’s a giant factor with the offense proper now. And, as soon as we get it down, we’re going to be explosive.”

The additions of Chark and Williams, together with a returning St. Brown, who set the Lions franchise file for receiving yards by a rookie in 2021 (912 yards), ought to result in an uptick in productiveness for Detroit’s receivers room.

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson believes “the sky’s the restrict” for the place group this upcoming season.

“We obtained sensible gamers. Actually, throughout the board, we have now sensible gamers, which as soon as once more we discuss in regards to the verbiage and all that. The system. That’s needed. We’ve obtained to have sensible gamers, if we’re going to have the ability to assault defenses the best way we’re trying to assault them,” Johnson expressed earlier this week. “That room appears to be like actually good proper now. If we simply proceed to remain wholesome and push one another alongside, the sky’s the restrict.”

It additionally helps that Reynolds, not like final yr, will be capable of be part of the workforce firstly of the season.

He was claimed off waivers by Detroit after its Week 9 bye a season in the past, after being launched by the Tennessee Titans. He suited up for simply 5 video games with the Titans, hauling in 10 catches for 90 yards and nil touchdowns.

“I imply, it’s superior (being with the Lions from day one), to have the ability to truly study whereas we’re operating performs and (see) what we’re on the lookout for and the defenses, to have the ability to run this play or that play,” Reynolds mentioned. “So, I imply, with the ability to begin from sq. one is a giant distinction.”