All Jeff Backus knows of the NFL is the Lions' Matt Millen era. Nothing else. Backus was Millen's first draft pick, 18th overall in 2001. He has started every game at left tackle since.
Backus has seen a lot of losing and a lot of changes. Coaches have come and gone. Players have come and gone. There have been new styles, new systems, new philosophies, and the Lions have always gotten the same, old result.
The last two years were particularly difficult for Backus because of the pressure offensive coordinator Mike Martz put on his offensive linemen. Backus was asked to pass protect often and asked to hold up for a long time when he did. Backus, in part because he played with injuries, gave up a lot of sacks and grew frustrated.
But Backus sounds pleased with how the offseason program went under new coordinator Jim Colletto, the former offensive line coach. Colletto does things the way Backus likes. Colletto has a slower, more deliberate approach in preparation, and he likes to be balanced on game day.
"They've done a good job of just not trying to install things too fast," Backus said of the coaches after the offseason program, "being patient and just taking a couple plays each day and breaking them down very thoroughly so guys understand what the play's all about, what they're supposed to do as far as fundamentals, technique, assignments, all the things that allow you to play fast once the game starts. ...
"I think it put us in a position where the players have a good base of what is expected of them. We all understand the scheme and why we're doing things the way we are. It's going to give us a good base going into training camp when things start evolving as far as how we game plan and how we change some schemes going on into the season. I think the way the coaches handled it, I think it's really put us in a position to play fast and play smart and just go out there and have fun."
Backus likes the way coach Rod Marinelli has remade the team.
"The atmosphere is awesome," Backus said. "I think we've had a good group of guys in the locker room the last couple years. We've honed it down even more. Just the overall atmosphere on the practice field with the coaches and the players, I think has been outstanding. I think Rod has done a tremendous job of doing it his way and getting what he wants out of us and making changes when changes need to be made. I'm excited to see what happens this season."
CAMP CALENDAR: Players report July 23. The first team practice is July 24.
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