Camp Classic Moment

The Lions have been a nondescript team for the longest time. Barry Sanders, their star player, was quiet but sensational. Sure, once in Saginaw, offensive lineman Tony Semple overturned a golf cart and teammate Mike Compton was slightly injured. This year there are no golf carts allowed for players. In fact, players aren't even allowed to be giving rides on golf carts. What will never been forgotten will be the opening of Lions camp July 26, 1999. Sanders made the biggest news out of Lions camp by not reporting and getting word back to the team that he was retiring. No reason was given. Even two years later, Sanders has granted few interviews to explain his reasoning. He had lost interest in the game. He was tired of losing. Fans still don't forget that moment. A sign hangs on a freeway pleading with Sanders to return. He won't even though general manager Matt Millen keeps talking to him about rejoining the organization. The biggest news in recent history from Lions camp came when an elusive running back proved even the Lions couldn't stop him. — John Clayton

SAGINAW, Mich.. -- Here are five quick observations from the Lions' training camp.

1. It's a bright sign seeing cornerback Bryant Westbrook backpedaling. Westbrook is coming off an Achilles tendon tear and won't be on the field during training camp. The muscles on one ankle are three quarters of an inch smaller than the good leg. On Friday, Westbrook backpedaled and did some work out of uniform, giving hopes he could be ready in six to eight weeks, which puts him close to the opener.

2.The West Coast offense may work well for the tight ends on this team. David Sloan is a talent. But newly signed Pete Mitchell, signed from the Giants, opened eyes with a spectacular catch in the air over the middle of the field. He was running a seam route. Maybe the Lions will open it up with their West Coast offense.

3. You can't look at the Lions without remarking how big their offensive linemen are. Aaron Gibson, back on the field despite a shoulder problem, is 6-6, 380. Left guard Stockar McDougle is 6-6 350. Right guard Brenden Stai is 6-4, 320. It makes first-round choice, Jeff Backus look small at 6-5, 308. The question is whether this group can come together after a bad season for blocking in 2000.

4. One of the most impressive young receivers is fifth-round choice Scotty Anderson from Grambling. Marty Mornhinweg said Anderson "lit it up" during the four-day rookie camp in Saginaw. On Friday, he caught a deep pass on veteran cornerback Todd Lyght.

5. Speaking of Lyght, the former Rams star plays a key role for the Lions. If Westbrook can't make it back, Lyght must start. His last season in St. Louis was a disaster. Even though Lyght is a veteran, he has to pick up his game now that he's in a Lions uniform.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.