In recent games, the Lions have gone more to rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew in the passing game, seeing 10 passes thrown his way in Week Four. Part of that, Pettigrew told PFW, is because of his increased familiarity and comfort with Scott Linehan's offense, and partly because of teams trying to take WR Calvin Johnson out of the game. Although Pettigrew arrived with the reputation of being a terrific blocker as well as a good receiver, he says been disappointed in his blocking leading up to Week Five against the Steelers. "Honestly, I feel I could do a lot better," he said. "I have been a little sloppy. I could get my feet a lot better." And in addition to TE coach Tim Lappano, Pettigrew has a pseudo coach in teammate Will Heller, who has worked to become a great blocker. "He has great technique, and when I watch him (in meeting rooms) he'll tell me about his footwork, hips, arm roll, hip roll, and he tries to coach me just like Coach Lap does," Pettigrew said. "Watching (Heller), I am going to get better. You can see how he handles guys, and I am just trying to follow suit."
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