ALLEN PARK — Tim Boyle spent the past three years backing up Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay before signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions earlier this offseason.
Boyle wasnt looking to discuss the drama going down on the other side of Lake Michigan but said he hopes both sides can figure it out, calling Rodgers one of his best friends and role models. The new Lions quarterback did make sure to share two takeaways that stand out from his time with the reigning MVP.
When youre around someone elite like Aaron Rodgers, you always want to pick their brain and ask those questions, and he was awesome to me in making sure he understood what he was seeing, Boyle said from Detroits minicamp. So I see the game a little differently now being around him, and like I said — like (Lions quarterbacks coach) Mark Brunnel, hes seen so many snaps, been in every situation. He has a wealth of knowledge, so I was fortunate enough to be with him for three years, pick his brain, and apply what Ive learned from him on the field now.
Boyle is the odds-on favorite to back up quarterback Jared Goff in 2021, thanks to his $1.5 million in guarantees, with David Blough also on Detroits roster. Blough started five games as a rookie in 2019 and has remained on the roster since coming over in a preseason trade with the Browns. Boyle completed three of four passes for 15 yards while with the Packers, with not much opportunity for action behind one of the games best.
He said the opportunity for more reps and the chance to build a culture with a coach like Dan Campbell were two driving factors in signing with the Lions.
Talking with coach over the phone, over that kinda process was fun. Hes, as you guys know, a very unique individual, and understanding what hes about, the culture hes trying to build here, it was very appealing, Boyle said. Obviously, the opportunity — just being around the guys — like I said, I think the big draw was being around coach and understanding where hes been, and understanding what hes trying to do here and trying to be a part of growing a winning team with a great culture.
When pressed about what opportunity he envisioned with the Lions, Boyle said it was to be on the field and practice and have fun and learn with my teammates and build that culture.
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Boyle was asked about several aspects behind building that new culture, including working with Brunell and his first impressions of Anthony Lynns offense. He called Brunell a wealth of knowledge thats seen every situation there is to see at quarterback while bringing the juice to every practice.
Hes optimistic, and he loves us, and hes got our back, and weve got his, Boyle said.
As for Lynns offense, Boyle called it a quarterback-friendly scheme through these early stages of non-contact practices. Most of the competitive work pitting the offense against the defense has focused on the passing game in goal-to-go situations, limiting the full scope of the scheme on the field for now.
I think the offense is where it should be, Boyle said. Like I said, this is that phase of new offense — you know, I remember having a new staff in Green Bay, and those OTAs, you kinda have to feel it out. You feel out the coaches. You feel out the concepts. Everybody is used to a different scheme, and you have to step in and learn as fast as possible, but I think were where we should be right now.
Weve definitely hit a lot of strides this week. Seven-on-sevens, making sure those are competitive, and guys are starting to get those competitive juices flowing, which is critical, but I think were doing well for where were at right now, and were going to continue to build on it through tomorrow and next week.