Lions coach Schwartz sends a message before opener

Posted: 09.08.2011 at 11:33 PM

      ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Detroit Lions defensive end Kyle Vanden
Bosch says coach Jim Schwartz tells players right away if he senses
something slipping.
      Schwartz gathered his team on Thursday after warming up for
practice. Schwartz clearly had his players' attention as they stood
silently in a circle around him.
      Now in his third season as head coach, Schwartz has struck a
balance between being all business and subtly cool for a franchise
that finally appears to have pieces in place to be successful.
      Detroit won twice in his first year, coming off an unprecedented
0-16 season, and closed last year with four wins and six overall.
The Lions open the season Sunday at Tampa Bay.