Lions end Edwards looking to pile up sacks

7/27/2007

ALLEN PARK, Mich.- Detroit Lions defensive end Kalimba Edwards is expecting a career season.

The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder, thinks the cover-2 defensive scheme gives him an opportunity to succeed as a disruptive pass rusher.

He displayed some of those skills yesterday during the Lions two-a-day training camp workouts. He turned the corner a couple of times and met ballcarriers behind the line of scrimmage.

"I've got to get 12 to 15 sacks," Edwards said. "I've got to be a pass rusher.

"It's simple and plain, if I don't get it done you won't see me back here next year."

Edwards recorded three sacks last season after starting 10 games. He posted a career-best seven sacks in 2005.

RIGHT DIRECTION: Running back Tatum Bell was traded to Detroit during the offseason.

A former starting running back with the Broncos, Bell arrives to the Motor City with playoff experience on his resume that he hopes to share with his new teammates. He also believes he's joined a group that is heading in the right direction to return to the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

"You sense some are really hungry to win," Bell said. "Some of them have never been to the playoffs. I've been there and done that. I came here looking to help out."

Starting defensive tackle Shaun Rogers (knee) and starting running back Kevin Jones (foot), along with tight end Dan Campbell and wide receivers Devale Ellis and Shaun McDonald remained on the physically unable to perform list. The group spent the morning session stretching, lifting weights and riding stationary bicycles.

Marcus Robinson, who is on the injured reserve list, was also not a practice participant.

ROOKIE ARRIVALS: The Lions still hadn't come to terms yesterday morning with wide receiver Calvin Johnson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.

The 6-5, 239-pound wideout, remains unsigned but head coach Rod Marinelli has remained hopeful that he will not be a training camp no-show for long. Word is a deal could be reached between the Lions and Johnson within a few days.

"It's critical for everybody to be in camp," Marinelli said. "For Calvin, the good thing is he's been involved in the offseason workouts and he did a great job when he was here."

The Lions already have reached agreements this week with several rookies, quarterback Drew Stanton, defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis, safety Gerald Alexander and defensive back A.J. Davis.

SPARTANS' PRESENCE FELT: Former Michigan State standouts Stanton and veteran running back T.J. Duckett were noticeable during their first official practice together for the 2007-08 season in Lions uniforms.

Duckett stood out as the biggest ballcarrier among the running backs. Listed at six-foot, 254 pounds, he appeared leaner than in previous seasons.

Stanton, 6-3, 226, shared taking snaps behind center during drills with the other quarterbacks in camp, including incumbent starter Jon Kitna and backups Dan Orlovsky and J.T. O'Sullivan.

Stanton said he understands his position at this point in the season.

"The big thing is I have to keep learning," he said. "I'm going to do everything I can, so if I get in there I can do the best that I can.

"It's a faster game. I'm getting back into the swing of things and that's what I'm excited about.''

OPEN PRACTICE: A first-look opportunity for fans to see the Lions at Ford Field is scheduled to take place Aug. 4 when the Lions hold an open practice on their home turf.

Doors will open at 4:30 and the Lions will hold practice from 5 to 6:30. Ford Field will broadcast video of the 2007 Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Lions tight end Charlie Sanders at the conclusion of the practice.