Lions coach Jim Schwartz has a reputation for working long hours during the NFL season, but he was beaten to his post at the team’s practice facility Saturday by fans who arrived as early as 5:30 a.m. to guarantee they’d receive a ticket for the team’s open practice. Schwartz spent time with the early risers before the workout started. “I have a lot of respect for those guys that want to come out [and wait in line at 5:30 a.m] and see a training camp practice,” he said.

Detroit’s effort during the workout was worth the wait. Fans saw a quality effort from Detroit’s defense and continued excellence from Calvin Johnson, who has quickly returned to midseason form.

Moving day along the D-line: DC Gunther Cunningham added a wrinkle to Detroit’s pass rush schemes Saturday by giving defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley DE reps during team drills. “We’ve got a lot of varieties of [pass rush rotations] we’re doing,” Cunningham said.  “Suh and Fairley can really run and that excites me.” Although the switch didn’t result in overly impressive results, it’s clear that both players can hold their own at the position, giving the D-line added versatility that can help alleviate pressure on the Lions’ young secondary.

CB Green steps up: After flying under the radar for most of camp, CB Jonte Green excelled during Saturday’s workout. Green locked down several receivers during coverage drills and broke up several passes by gaining better position than he had in previous practices. Lions’ coaches say Green’s speed is his greatest asset, but they’re looking for him to refine his technique. If he replicates Saturday’s performance in future workouts, he will make a solid case to move up the depth chart.

Gash heads to Hall: RBs coach Sam Gash was excused from Saturday’s practice to attend the Hall of Fame induction of his former teammate, Patriots and Jets RB Curtis Martin. Gash was Martin’s FB for three of his 10 1,000-yard seasons. “The great fullbacks have all taken pride in their running backs rushing for 1,000 yards. Sam did that and it’s one of the reasons that Curtis is going to the Hall of Fame,” Jim Schwartz said. “He deserves to participate in that induction.”

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