Lions

Lions DT Michael Brockers said the team, especially the young players on the roster, has bought in completely to HC Dan Campbell‘s system and they’re going to be a force in the future.

(Opponents) knew we were coming the whole 60 minutes of the game,” Brockers said via Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com. “So that’s what I love about being here. You just see it. It’s generated that enthusiasm to be in Detroit, to play for Detroit, to be a Lion. You’re seeing it, starting with the younger guys… We have a team full of young guys who are buying into the system, and it’s going to be scary to see us in the future.

Packers

Packers TE Josiah Deguara is looking forward to the opportunity to step up this year and help offset the loss of Davante Adams

“It’s not an elephant in the room, but Davante’s gone,” Deguara said, via Packers.com. “All the balls that he got were much deserved, so there’s opportunity for guys to step up, and I’m going to try to be one of those guys.

“We do a lot of things in this offense to try to be successful. We know we’re going to have to step up. We know we’ve had to step up in the past and we’re going to do it again.”

Deguara returned from an ACL tear last year and was able to appear in all 16 games. 

“Physically, obviously my knee was a big deal, getting over that, but being able to stay mentally strong through the ups and the downs of the season, being able to battle back, after a bad play, after a good play, moving on to the next play, that’s the biggest thing that I learned,” Deguara said.

Panthers

New Panthers QB Baker Mayfield won’t have to wait long to face his former team and he acknowledged the obvious: Carolina’s Week 1 matchup against the Browns will have a little extra juice for him. 

“I’m not going to sit here and be a robot and tell you that’s not one I’ve marked on the calendar already,” Mayfield said via Darin Gantt of the team website. “One, that’s not who I am. To me, it’s about winning games. Whoever we have marked on the schedule, I’m going to try to win. Obviously, this one has a little more history and personal meaning, but for me, it’s about winning and setting the tone for the rest of the year, and however I can help this team do that, I’m going to do.”

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump