ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions' offense tried six times to score points during a two-minute situational drill at the end of practice Friday.

Six times, the Lions failed to record any points -- although the offense would have picked up a field goal had the team been playing with regulation NFL goalposts instead of smaller goalposts to increase kicking accuracy.

Either way, it was a standout day for every level of the Lions' defense. The first-, second- and third-team unites dominated their counterparts on offense during the final drill, including a pair of interceptions and a third pass that could have been picked off.

It's a good start as the Lions prep for their first preseason game Thursday against the New York Jets.

"We have to fill some pieces in there on defense but guys are stepping up and hopefully as we get ready for Thursday, we can kind of put things together," linebacker Stephen Tulloch said. "It's still early but [we] put things together to head in the right direction."

Here are some things that stood out in advance of Saturday's scrimmage in Allen Park, Michigan:

1.Michael Williams received first-team reps at tackle: This could be the Detroit coaches trying to motivate Cornelius Lucas or a matter of getting Williams work with the first unit, but the converted tight end took reps with the first-team offense throughout practice. It was a big opportunity for him considering he was still learning the position a year ago and he handled himself fairly well during the 11-on-11 period. The coaches were working with him heavily as well, which could be a sign they really believe he can turn into a productive player. Lucas is still the clear leader for the right tackle spot until LaAdrian Waddle returns from a knee injury, but it'll be interesting to see if this was a one-off day or if Williams continues to push into the first team at tackle.

2.All three quarterbacks struggled: None of the quarterbacks looked particularly sharp and on passes they did complete, it was as much receivers like Calvin Johnson making them look good. Johnson had a couple of standout catches, including one he had to dive for from Matthew Stafford. Stafford was the best of the three and unlike Kellen Moore, he did not throw a bad interception in the situational team drill that I saw. He was also hurt by drops -- including one from Eric Ebron -- but just a rough day overall for the offense. Moore threw interceptions -- one to Josh Wilson and another to Nate Ness -- to end both of his situational drives. When the quarterbacks struggle, the offense will obviously follow.

3.Darryl Tapp had yet another good day: The veteran continues to package strong days together. He continues to line up with the first unit in place of the injured Jason Jones and once again made play after play. Tapp sacked Dan Orlovsky to end one of the two-minute sessions -- pushing the Lions to the edge of their field-goal range. Tapp also won both of his one-on-one drills against Williams on Friday, adding to his strong camp. If the Lions had an overall MVP of the first week, he would be in the conversation.

4.Devin Taylor has a chance to be good: Watched a lot of offensive line against the defensive line and Taylor really stood out to me. His size is impressive -- that's always been noticeable -- but he seems to be a little bit faster off the snap this year and has good inside moves and outside moves. In the individual drill he was going up against rookie tackle Corey Robinson, but Taylor is starting to flash more and more. The Lions are also lining him up inside and outside, adding to his versatility.

5.Injured players are inching closer: Running back Joique Bell did a bunch of straight-line running and also had cutting movements as well. Bell looked close to full speed during the straight-line running when I watched him. I'd be surprised if he was activated Saturday, but he's making progress. Same for LaAdrian Waddle, who hit the sled again Friday. He keeps making incremental progress whenever I watch him.

6.This and that: TJ Jones had the catch of the day, jumping and twisting in the air to grab a pass from Kellen Moore. If it were live action, Jones likely would have been crushed in the air, but it was a pretty play. ... Nevin Lawson picked up more first-team reps at nickel corner, with Quandre Diggs the second-team guy and Wilson on the third team. That seems like an interchangeable competition right now, though.