Slow Detroit Lions' Dress Rehearsal Start Shows Hidden Improvements

Don't be lazy.

It's easy to look at the Detroit Lions' dress rehearsal and presume the worst. They couldn't find an offensive rhythm to start, and the mortal Blake Bortles looked like a seasoned veteran tuning up for the season.

But the truth lies just below the glossy surface. The Lions actually saw the improvements needed to swell with confidence as they barrel toward San Diego.

Walk it Out

Yes. The Jaguars converted 10-of-12 early third downs behind Bortles' 20-of-27 passing. He made the Lions linebackers and secondary look like amateurs getting their first taste of Peyton Manning.

But there were a couple of players missing who may make an impact during the regular season:

"

#Lions Inactives Calvin Johnson, Alex Carter, Kyle Van Noy, Joique Bell, DeAndre Levy, LA Waddle, Larry Warford, Jason Jones, Haloti Ngata,

— Jennifer Hammond (@HammerFox2) August 28, 2015"

That's at least four defensive starters, including the best defensive tackle on the team and maybe the best outside linebacker in football. Yet, more importantly, there was a standout who imposed his will from the first snap: Tyrunn Walker.

On two of the first three plays, Walker penetrated the offensive line to either influence the running back or quarterback. It would seem he's adapting to defensive coordinator Teryl Austin's scheme quite well.

"

Tyrunn Walker already bustin' through the line.

— Pride Of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) August 29, 2015"

This comes on the heels of his Brandon Scherff-ing. Yes, that's now a verb. Walker has shown up against the run while creating pressure on passing downs. Once he gets his running mates back, the Detroit defensive line won't be weeping for a few certain offseason defections.

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Pure Pockets

If you didn't notice above, the offensive line was missing two-fifths of its starters. Here's betting Matthew Stafford wasn't concerned.

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

The first offensive play was a perfect demonstration of what a pocket looks like. The tackles flexed out just a bit, while the guards and center held strong.

That focus flowed out to the tight ends, too. Joseph Fauria picked up a blitz on the second drive in the A gap that gave Stafford enough time to find Golden Tate for a mid-range play that moved the chains.

The running game could use some help when it comes to clearing lanes. However, there were enough clean pockets to create that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with time to survey the field.

Golden Throw

A pocket is only as good as its passer. And now, there's reason to hope the man throwing the ball might be one of the better players on the field.

Stafford continued his sharp preseason with precision, stepping up in the pocket when the pressure wrapped around his backside and keeping his eyes down the field.

"

LOVE seeing Stafford step up in the pocket there.

— Justin Simon (@justincsimon) August 29, 2015"

Of particular note was his touchdown toss to Golden Tate. There were few throws—save for maybe his sideline pass to Ameer Abdullah—that didn't look true, but his touchdown pass was of the type that keeps defensive coordinators awake at night.

"

Tate tracks down a great throw by Stafford. #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/BL10igGF53

— Eric Elizondo (@EricElizondo8) August 29, 2015"

Again, it's easy to get nervous because the Lions didn't blow out the usually moribund Jaguars. But don't be weak. If you lift the tongue of the oyster, there are multiple pearls ready to be reaped come the regular season.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.