Sunday, August 29, 2010

Lions Congregation: Of Cornerbacks and Safeties

Lions Congregation: Of Cornerbacks and Safeties

August 29th, 2010 | by detfan1979 |

It is once again time for the Lions Congregation! This week, we return to the mailbox to discuss concerns regarding the secondary — something I feel will be a common theme as the season progresses. Have a question, concern or topic you’d like to see the Congregation address? Email Lionscongregation@yahoo.com

This week’s panel:

Phil of Mlive.com
Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience
Zac of The Sidelion Report
NetRat of The NetRat Detroit Lions Site
Blades Boyd formerly of the Church of Schwartz
Joshua aka DetFan1979 of Roar of the Lions

Question 1 is from Tim H. — What is with the move of Amari Spievey to Safety? Is he a bust already?

Phil: PLEASE don’t label anyone a bust yet. I know it’s tempting, but even if a guy really does look like a bust, rookies are way too young to declare them so. With that in mind, Spievey isn’t a bust. He may not be blowing anyone away with his performance so far, but the two things dictating the move were his skill set — the guy can really hit and knows how to bring a ball carrier down — and the ability for him to get more playing time as a safety. Who knows? The guy may end up being a bust. It’s just far too early to label him — good or bad — at this point.

Al: As a cornerback, apparently Spievey is a bust. A pretty big one at that, considering his 3rd round draft status.

But the Lions must have seen something in his skill set they think will transfer to the safety position…or Spievey really is a massive bust and the coaches are scrambling in the hope he can become useful at another position of even greater need.

Let’s hope it’s the first scenario, not the second.

Either way, it’s not very encouraging news in regard to either Spievey’s talent or the Lions’ secondary as a whole, if a fairly high draft pick is being moved to a new position more than halfway through the preseason.

If Spievey’s skills were better suited to be used at safety, then he should have been working out at safety during mini-camp and OTA’s. Why move him now, when time is of the essence? You’d think the coaches would have noticed Spievey’s skills not translating to corner in the NFL during those numerous OTA’s, right? I find it hard to believe the coaching staff just realized this, considering Spievey’s lack of playing time against the Steelers and Broncos.

Before we start throwing the “Bust” word around with malice aforethought, let’s see if Spievey will step in capably at safety. It’s not like the Lions are set at the position, save for Delmas…who’s trying to nurse his gimpy groin through camp. There’s no guarantee Delmas will be ready for the season opener, which is less than 2 1/2 weeks away.

Even if filling one need by creating another isn’t exactly the optimum way to fix the defensive backfield, it’s a better option than sending the Turk to collect Spievey’s playbook.

Zac: No player can be fairly labeled a bust before the regular season even begins. Let’s also remember that safety is a position of need for the Lions too. Spievey wasn’t working out as a solution at corner so the coaching staff felt it was time to see if he can fill a need at safety. This shouldn’t be a complete surprise considering the amount of zone coverage Spievey played with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The move to safety allows him to play more in space rather than worrying about man coverage so often.

NetRat: Most 1st round Cornerback picks don’t start in their rookie year. Many cornerbacks take 2 or even 3 years before they become starters regardless of round drafted in. Like Wide Receiver, it just takes time. Spievey has the tools to be a great Safety in the NFL and I believe he can also play Nickel Cornerback which might mean he will be seeing the field this year rather then being buried on the depth chart at cornerback (the starters being Wade and Houston). One could almost look at the move as a promotion… should it work out. The bust in this case is Mr King… and possibly Hefner as well since he also already made the move to Safety and yet the Lions seem to not be content with that. No, Spievey should not be considered a bust.

Blades: I think it’s to early to call Spievey a bust and I honestly believe this was a move the Lions knew they would have to make, although they didn’t want too. I think they were hoping he would come in to camp and surprise everyone and he be a solid CB of the future but obviously that didn’t happen and as a result they moved him to safety. I honestly beleive the Lions drafted him with the thoughts of him playing safety but they shot for the moon with him at CB and lost.

DetFan1979: Too early to say bust, but he certainly has a lot of potential for heading that way. The bad news is that he hasn’t shown diddly in the way of progressing into a starter or even a solid backup at CB in practices, and even less when I’ve seen him play in the preseason.

When they first drafted him, I felt his skill set more fit safety than CB. Hard hitter? Likes to tackle? Burst but not fast? Good in coverage but has trouble flipping the hips the and locating the ball? Sounds like a guy more suited to having above average cover skills for a safety, versus below average cover skills for a CB. We’ll have to see, I guess.

On the positive side, if Spievey can develop in a solid Safety – even a backup – as well as being able to play some CB for the team, or come in on nickel and dime situations in the flat on TE’s and RB’s it will not have been a wasted pick. It’s a big IF at this point, but keep in mind that Delmas is an anomaly — most secondary players, especially CB’s are like the WR position — it takes time to adjust to the NFL game. Lets cross our fingers and hope — but it’s still waaay to early to give. Hey, at least that Running Back bush that Mayhew shipped in from out west seems to be growing well…

Question 2 is from John G. — Cornerback was already weak. With Spievey at safety, do they make a move – and who is really left out there?

Phil: It’s common for fans to look at the team, see a problem and think, ”OK, why not fix it somehow?” Upgrade through free agency, trade, etc. That’s understandable, but it’s also not always realistic. A crappy corner doesn’t do you any good and you’re not going to see a lot of great CBs available in a trade — teams simply won’t let them go. After the third preseason game and then right after final cuts, the Lions will see who is available and that’s when they can decide to make a move. Even at that point, though, you’re likely find a diamond in the rough – deep, deep in the rough — or a vet who is a stopgap.

Al: Cornerback was already weak when Spievey was in the mix. It’s now scary weak, and there isn’t anyone out there for the Lions to pick up…yet.

I just hope to Hell we don’t see what happened last season with the secondary. The Lions spent the much of the ‘09 season picking up a waiver wire wonder off the street on Tuesday, and have him starting at corner on Sunday. More often than not, that same player would end up on IR or cut, only to be replaced by another waiver wire wonder the next Tuesday…when the ugly circle would begin again.

So I’m guessing the Lions do make a move, but the player (or players) are still on other NFL rosters at the moment.

There’s sure to be players of interest (and not just at cornerback) to the Lions after the cutdown to 75 players on August 31st, and when the final 53 man rosters are set on September 4th. As they’ll have waiver priority over every other NFL not named the Rams, the odds are damn good Martin Mayhew will get his man…or more likely, men.

Zac: I wouldn’t be surprised to see roster moves regarding the safety position up to and through the regular season. It is clearly an area of concern, especially with the unknown status of Delmas’ groin situation. The Lions have tried to substitute quantity for quality because very little quality is out there to be had. The choices will remain limited until the first round of roster cuts as there may be a player or two that isn’t good enough to stick with one of the other team but can be of use to the Lions. A trade is also a possibility but very hard to predict. The one thing we can be sure of is that Martin Mayhew will be active in adding to the talent level of this roster in any way he can.

NetRat: Free agents Cornerbacks are practically non-existant (except for the over 33 crowd… ie: practically retired). If the Lions haven’t got what they need on the roster they will be looking at the waiver wire, trades, and the cut down list in a week or so for more depth. Wade, Houston and I think Bly are likely going to make the team. That leaves 1 or possibly 2 spots wide open for a pickup or someone to step up into it. I personally think they have a short list of options but are waiting to see who is cut first before making any moves (and if they wait until after game 1 they don’t have to guarantee the salary of whoever they do sign).

Blades: The Lions are going to play this smart. Once roster cuts are made there will be a couple solid CB’s on the market and I promise you the Lions will be knocking at the door. Also, don’t be surprised at all to see Mayhew make one of his classic deals again by unloading a 5th round pick in the future for a young nickel corner with upside. It’ll happen

DetFan1979: Cornerback is as thin as a piece of paper run over by a steamroller – and that was before Spievey was moved to safety. Not to worry, however, as Martin Mayhew is just waiting for a few more NFL cornerbacks to finish developing before he plucks them off the Cornerback Tree he planted near Ford Field a couple of years ago, “just in case”.

Seriously, though, the Lions have real problems at CB. (See: King, Eric) Wade has a broken finger, and no one other than Houston has even looked remotely like an NFL CB. What choice do the Lions have at this point though? Unfortunately, not a whole lot. Even if they give up a fortune, no top CB’s are likely to be available for what the Lions are willing to pay, and it would be at least double what they are worth. A promising prospect or tow may be available after the first set of cutdowns on the 31st, or the final cutdowns after the 4th preseason game. Unfortunately, promising in this case means they have some upside , but not enough to make another team.

Most teams are not so deep at CB to let great prospects walk. Or even good ones. Or even…well, you get the drift. At this point, it is safe to say that the secondary – especially cornerback – will continue to be a major concern all season long.

Thank you for once again visiting with the Lions Congregation!!

Rating: 8.6/10 (8 votes cast)
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5 Responses to “Lions Congregation: Of Cornerbacks and Safeties”

  1. By NorthLeft12 on Aug 30, 2010

    Anyone who calls a third round pick a bust [a big one at that!] before the season starts is a dope. Period. Did people actually expect him to walk in and be a starting corner? Sounds like Al did.
    Sounds like most of the rest of your panel is a little more reality based than Al. I am still amazed at the overall negativity about the Lions this season. What did everyone expect? Pro bowlers at every position? Great strides have been made and we appear to have a competitive team at last. Save your wailing and crying for after the season.

    Rating: 5.0/5 (3 votes cast)
  2. By DetFan1979 on Aug 31, 2010

    Umm..Northleft, if you look back you will see that everyone on this panel is very happy with the direction Mayhew and Schwarz have taken this team. Also, pretty everyone pointed out that CB’s usually take a few years to develop

    This is a mailbag entry — we were addressing the questions asked and while mayhew has really shored up both depth and starters in many areas of the team, the fact is that the secondary is pretty atrocious. right now. in the future? That is a different story.

    I am confident that Mayhew can fix it just like he has the defensive and offensive lines, wr, etc. if we give him enough time.

    He can only do so much, and this area is still weak. Ackowleding that doesn’t dampen or take away our enthusiasm for how awesome the offense has looked form top to bottom, as well as the defensive line looking pro-bowl caliber.

    The Lions aren’t there yet, but they are driving about 100mph in the right direction

    Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
  3. By nubsnobber on Sep 1, 2010

    I really think Spievey is going to be a specialist/hybrid.

    He is going to be a nickel bitch. I wouldn’t call him a safety, but he’ll be the fifth back to cover Hbacks and smaller, pass catching TE’s.

    Why? Caleb Campbell is flipping to a more traditional LB in practice to fill in for obvious voids.

    Watch last game and see Spieveys delay blitz. Now, add that to the Bears weak left tackle, Mike Martz propencity to have his QBs hold the ball, and Gunther Cunninghams foot on the gas pedal.

    JJ Lions may want to watch out for the guy with the Lions “D” in week 1

    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
  4. By NorthLeft12 on Sep 1, 2010

    DetFan, Sorry, I did not mean to imply that the whole panel was negative and had written off Spievey already. Al did. And I don’t mean to say that Mayhew is perfect and has only selected/signed solid players. The negativity comment is about the Fan base and the “media” who continually harp on the weakness/lack of depth of the secondary and LBs. Yeah, it does not look great right now, but I think the Lions have made some changes albeit with limited resources. We will see how it plays out this year. I for one am more than prepared to take a chance with what we have or can get shortly, then fix it nest offseason. I don’t hear a lot of that from Detroit fans and media right now.
    By the way, thanks for responding to my comment and keep up the good work on your blog. It is usually a good read and a regular stop of mine.

    Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Cheerleaders?? One Pom-Pom Closer…

Cheerleaders?? One Pom-Pom Closer…

August 26th, 2010 | by detfan1979 |

I stumbled across this piece in the Detroit News earlier today that will have many regular readers here pumped - Cheerleaders. Not official ones. Not yet. But one step closer as some professional young ladies have taken it upon themselves to create a professional toupe called “Detroit Pride” The Flag guys are okay, and I personally am of two minds about cheerleaders at sporting events (especially being the father of three daughters). Theoretically, they can help get the crowd fired up and keep the home-field intensity up as well as bringing out the voices of fans on the road. On the other hand, nothing will fire up the crowd more than playing at a high level and winning games.

I give props to these young women for getting the ball rolling and taking the initiative. This move also highlights the budding optimism that is taking root in Detroit. I’m not sure if the Lions will go for it, but I will throw my support in behind these entrepreneurs. They have a facebook page that is linked in the article referenced earlier.

Go Lions!!

Rating: 10.0/10 (5 votes cast)
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One Response to “Cheerleaders?? One Pom-Pom Closer…”

  1. By nubsnobber on Sep 1, 2010

    Yeah! Been saying it for years!

    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Lions Got Talent – at First…

Lions Got Talent – at First…

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Alright, so even I hate all of the improper grammar in reality TV show names (America HAS talent thank you very much). Still, the styling seemed to fit this season’s Lions. I will (finally) be watching the Lions’ preseason game versus Denver later tonight (assuming I set the new DVR correct). As a quick aside, I have been having technical troubles with my home internet connection all summer — which is a nice way to say it kept not working, and my old provider kept not fixing it. Combined with a change-up in my evening schedule, this led to a blogging nightmare. While I’ve been able to keep somewhat active, I have not been doing nearly the depth and type of posting that you have all become accustomed to. Thanks to a nifty new providerwe will see if that can all change again for the better. I’ve got my fingers crossed — so far I’m loving it. (I didn’t use company names. I don’t get sponsored by or paid to take shots at any cable providers as far as I know. Fanball is my sponsoring agency/company. PLUG: Be sure to check out the Owner’s Edge — it is chock full of great fantasy football information and tools.)

Moving back to talent, when I watch the game tonight I’m going to be focusing more on matchups than overall plays. The preseason is pretty vanilla offense and defense. Up to this point, they haven’t even been game planning (although they will for Cleveland, which makes that slightly different). What I am looking for in preseason is talent. Does Lions Starter A win match-up against first string opponent B and so on. The final score is less important in preseason than what they are doing on the field individually, and working as a unit.

For example, it’s not just did a running play get the desired yards this time, it’s also how did the offensive line move and adjust as a unit? How did the back do seeing the holes, and what did he make of what was there?

Once we get to second string/third string, it’s seeing how those players do against other backups. So far, this is where I (and I’m sure the Lions coaching staff) have been less than pleased. I’ll see if it plays out like I think it will in the next couple of days, but overall I still contend the Lions finally have talent at the starting positions for the most part – a departure from recent years past, to be sure.

They have depth at Running Back, Defensive Tackle, Tight End, and Quarterback. Ok Depth at defensive end. This means those units will cut some players very likely to get picked up by other teams.

Safety has lots of similar guys, with few standing out from the crowd. Again, a cut or two (they aren’t likely to cut too many as they don’t have too many) will likely get picked up as veteran depth. Phillips has been the big surprise, and has played more like a starter with potential than a backup.

Wide Receiver has a bunch of guys after the starters (CJ, Burleson and BJ at this point) but are still relatively thin. They may cut some guys who will get tryouts with other teams. Toone might be headed for the practice squad.

Cornerback and Linebacker are absurdly thin — especially taking into account the injuries — particularly to Dizon.

Offensive Line has one set of solid starters, and then a group of projects and could-be’s. Right tackle isn’t even that set.

What I’m looking for when I watch the Denver game, and the game against Cleveland on Saturday, is talent. How do the players do in their matchups relative to the talent level they are facing. Moreso than the game-planned victories of the Marinelli era this will give us an idea of where the team is at.

The Iffing is coming to end, and soon the Ifseason will be over and we’ll get to so which IF’s came true — and which ones didn’t.

Rating: 10.0/10 (3 votes cast)

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Lions Congregation: Mid Camp

Lions Congregation: Mid Camp

August 21st, 2010 | by detfan1979 |

Welcome back to the Lions Congregation! This week, the panel examines the Lawrence Jackson trade and the first pre-season game versus the Steelers. Have a question or thought you’d like to see the congregation address? Email Lionscongregation@yahoo.com

The Panel:
Phil of Mlive.com
Zac of The Sidelion Report
Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience
Blades Boyd formerly of The Church of Schwartz
Joshua aka DetFan1979 of Roar of the Lions

1. What are your thoughts on the Lawrence Jackson trade?

Phil: Another Martin Mayhew special — the risk-to-reward ratio is greatly in the Lions’ favor. It’s scary that Lo-Jack’s college coach didn’t see a need to keep him around in Seattle, but the worst-case scenario is that Detroit loses a 2011 sixth-round pick. Best-case scenario is that Jackson becomes an integral part of the defensive end rotation. At any rate, while the Lions and Seahawks play different versions of the 4-3 defense. Seattle utilizes a position that’s somewhat of a hybrid between a left defensive end and an outside linebacker. Lo-Jack’s size (6-4, 270+ pounds) and lack of speed (4.82 40 back in 2008) are more suited for the LDE in Detroit’s defense. We’ll see how it pans out, though.

Zac: I view the Lawrence Jackson trade as another example of Martin Mayhew’s ability to put together low risk-high rewards deals. Jackson was a disappointment in Seattle based on the expectations that come with being selected in the first round of the draft. His numbers actually look somewhat similar to what Cliff Avril has done in his two years as a Lion. By only giving up a sixth-round pick the Lions get good value, even if the change of scenery doesn’t jump start Jackson’s to a level to match his draft position. The Lions would have to catch lightning in a bottle to get a player in the sixth-round to contribute what Jackson should be able to do in a reserve role.

Al: What’s not to like?

This is a low risk, high reward trade, a Martin Mayhew special…much like the deals for Rob Sims, Corey Williams and Chris Houston. In Lawrence, the Seahawks had themselves former 1st round draft pick who became a square peg in a round hole when ownership cleaned house, bringing in a new coach and GM. Mayhew swooped in like a vulture, and found himself a player who is, at the very at least, better than the backups currently on the Lions’ roster.

Defensive end is a position where many players tend to develop slowly. But remember, Jackson’s also under team control for for the next three seasons. Time is in the Lions’ favor.

So at the very worst, Jackson adds youth and depth to a rapidly improving defensive line. At best, Jackson has a break out year, and the Lions have what they’ve needed for decades, a pure, skilled pass rusher with speed at defensive end.

The Lions can’t lose either way.

All for the minimal cost of (reportedly) a 6th round draft pick in 2011.

Blades: On the surface, it’s hard not to like it. But my concern is why are we getting all the former Seahawks???? This is starting to remind me of when Marinelli brought in all the Tamps guys and we didn’t win a game. Anyway, that’s besides the point. Jackson is a solid player and he only adds depth to our Dline. It’s not hard to see what the coaching staff is trying to do here. They realize they have a BRUTAL secondary and that the only way they can help them out is by putting pressure on the QB. Don’t be surprised if you see another move or two on the Dline to help improve it.

DetFan1979: This trade is typical of MAyhew taking advantage of what he learned under Matt Millen. Yes, that’s right. What he learned from Millen. Now, before you check my sanity since being a die hard optimistic Lions fan already puts me in suspect territory, let me explain.

What Mayhew learned from observing Matt Millen is that GM’s who have coaches who are married to a system trade good players for low compensation because they just don’t fit the scheme anymore. In other words, he has been keeping his eyes open since he started for teams switching coaches and schemes, and particularly those who have a “system” that isn’t flexible enough to accomodate talented players, but rather discards them in favor of “their guys.” (You know, like the guys that helped Marinelli take the Lions to 0-16 after Millen shipped out all those talented players who “didn’t fit the philosophy”.)

Crazy enough, Millen isn’t the only one who makes crazy mistakes. Houston, a cover corner, was brought in from Atlanta where he didn’t fit the primarily zone scheme. C. Williams was brought in from Cleveland because he didn’t fit as a 3-4 DE, or a NT — he is a 4-3 DT and underachieved in their system. Rob Sims fell out of favor with what Pete Carroll wants from his OG’s in Seattle and was brought in for a song. (After seeing him play, I wonder what exactly they did want out of him in Seattle as he appears to be a great all-around OG in run play and pass pro). Now, he has done it again — to Seattle — with Lawrence Jackson.

Carroll is playing a 3-4/4-3 hybrid and Jackson — more of a pure 4-3 DE — didn’t fit into any of the roles they had for him. Just like my discussion of Jordan Dizon, Lawrence Jackson has been a disappointment in relation to where he was drafted, but is at worst a solid backup at end for the Lions. He is essentially a 6th round pick for the Lions — and at 4.5 sacks over 2 seasons is a steal for a 6th even if all he does is provide solid depth and rotational play. Anything beyond that is gravy.

2. What was the most exciting and the most discouraging for you in the first preseason game?

Phil: First, the bad: The defensive backups were quite horrible. I know Dixon is one of the quickest quarterbacks in the league, but they couldn’t contain the guy to save their lives. The tackling wasn’t good and there were some blown coverage assignments. Didn’t look good at all.

Without a doubt, the most exciting part was to see an opposing quarterback not be able to sit back and pick apart the secondary. The starting defensive ends — Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch — were very solid, consistently pressuring Byron Leftwich. To be fair, it was helpful that Pittsburgh decided to double-team Ndamukong Suh in the middle. That prevented Suh from making any big plays, but it left some for his teammates, and they took advantage. It’s exactly the kind of defensive line play the Lions will need in order to take some pressure off the secondary.

Obviously, though, this is all from one preseason game. Don’t rush to judgment. Let’s look for trends throughout training camp and preseason games — that will give us the insight we’re looking for.

Zac: The play of the first team defensive line excited me the most on defense (a popular answer, I’m sure). It was nice to see the guys that need to be depended upon come out with a really good collective effort. I know that same level can’t be expected over the course of a 60 minute game but there were some really encouraging flashes of brilliance, especially from Kyle Vanden Bosch. The offensive play that excited me the most was when Jahvid Best used his speed to turn the corner in a way that Lions fans are only used to seeing from opposing running backs. The defensive back play left me discouraged but I knew they would be bad. I was most discouraged by Derrick Williams’ decision to fair catch a punt at his own three yard line. It was a bonehead play, the kind of thing that makes you think “same old Lions”. I was probably more disappointed at the time than I am now because it was the first punt and put the offenses first possession deep in their own territory but the mistake is an inexcusable mental error.

Al: What was most exciting for me was seeing the Lions’ long dormant pass rush continually pound Byron Leftwich into the Heinz Field turf. It’s been so long since I’ve seen the Lions genuinely pressure the quarterback without the help of a blitz, I’d swear I was wearing a Member’s Only jacket and parachute pants at the time. (Hey! We all make mistakes…)

I realize it was only one quarter of one exhibition game. But it sure looks like Mayhew and Schwartz may have done a surprisingly good job of rebuilding what was the worst defensive line in the NFL…and the NCAA… and the MHSAA…and…you get the point.

What was the most discouraging was the glaring lack of depth on display once the 1st team offense and defense went to the bench. The Lions couldn’t do a thing on offense, didn’t make a difference who was under center, Shaun Hill or Drew Stanton. The defense was even worse, unable to even slow down, let alone stop, the Steelers’ 3rd string quarterback, Dennis Dixon. He literally ran wild in the 2nd half, as Dixon’s yards per pass attempt of 18.3 and QB rating of 158.3 explicitly show.

It’s obvious the Lions’ two-deep is more like one-shallow. It’s not as if I didn’t expect to see a startling lack of depth…but to see that shocking lack of depth in action (or more accurately, the lack of action) on the field with the Lions’ backups was still very disappointing.

We knew it was going to take time, and lots of it, to repair the damage done to the Lions franchise by Matt Millen. The lack of depth can’t be fixed in a season or two. It’s going to take years.

Unfortunately, we’re only in year two of the post Millen era.

Blades: Most exciting thing I saw was Best. Now if you frequent the Congregation you know I didn’t like the pick and I have some serious doubts about whether he can be an every down back in the NFL. Well, in his first game, he really surprised and impressed me. He didn’t run scared, he hit the hole hard and he used his speed nicely. Sure he had that one drop which lead to the INT but that’ll happen. I was pleasantly surprised and hope this continues.

What I didn’t like is exactly what people have been talking about, our lack of depth. Lets face it guys, the Lions are two or three injuries away from another potential winless season. I’m DEAD serious. If Calvin goes down (which he often does), if Delmas goes down and ANY starting LB goes down we are in serious trouble. I’ve said since day one the Lions will finish 4-12 and with a couple injuries, they’ll be lucking to go 2-14.

*Obviously the DL has great depth which is why I’m not worried about them*

DetFan1979: While the production of the preseason games is always marginal at best, for once the Lions’ first team offense and defense were not worse than the broadcast. The Dline brought consistent pressure the entire time they were in. Double teaming Suh just led to everyone else taking advantage — KVB, Avril, and Williams. Despite the double team, Suh still spent some time in the backfield disrupting running plays.

The first team offense took a few plays to get it going, but jelled very well and showed great potential. Best surprised me with how far he has come not in his running (which we figured would be good) but in his blocking and pass pro. The Lions split him out as a hybrid TE/Slot guy while keeping Felton back to block a few times — something I hope we see during the season as there are a lot of tricky plays to be run from that formation.

The bad, of course, was ugly in typical Lions fashion. Almost everyone who isn’t starting gave me reason to wonder why they were on the roster. The Lions have as much depth as the kids’ splash pad at the park. Zip. Zero. Nada. Only defensive tackle depth looked good by any means. It highlights how devoid of talent much of this roster is. Even scarier? Most of these horrendus backups are better than the guys who were starting two years ago.

It’ll take time, but Mayhew and Schwartz are certainly showing on the field the progress they are making — and if it continues, it gives solid hope that the Lions are being built into a perennial contender the right way. About time.

Rating: 9.7/10 (14 votes cast)
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3 Responses to “Lions Congregation: Mid Camp”

  1. By Jay on Aug 23, 2010

    christ! not to pick on anyone. but the guy that thinks tht 4.8 is slow for a 270 end is slow is … misinformed. that same guy thinks that 270 is the right size for an LDE. i dont know if he ever played football but the LDE is usually covered bye tight end or on the offenses strong side. an LDE in the NFL 4-3 nowadays goes 285. there are 3-4 linebackers at 270. so, to be clear lojack is smaller and faster than our current RDE Kyle Vanden Bosch. Which is irrelevant because in this system the ends dont fit any particular mold. here’s another thing … the back up RDE is 270 and was clocked at 4.85 in the combine when he was drafted … aaargh .. just please do some reseach.

    Christ!

    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
  2. By Philip Zaroo on Aug 27, 2010

    jay: I really love that you went the “this guy didn’t play football” route. I love that argument.

    At any rate, when I was answering, for the most part I was thinking of the other major player at LDE — Cliff Avril. Now, Avril ran a 4.51 at the NFL combine. THAT’S fast. I didn’t say Lo-Jack was slow; I referenced his “lack of speed.” He does lack speed. He’s not a fast guy. Doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a brick in molasses. But he’s not fast. Especially compared to Avril.

    Speaking of Avril, the guy is 260 pounds. Lo-Jack is 10 pounds heavier, which, yes, is more suited to being able to overcome blocks and stop the run. Furthermore, I was also referring to the role he was supposed to fill in the Seattle’s defense, which, from what I’ve read in Seahawks websites, is more of a hybrid position. But in the interest of full disclosure, no, I’ve never played in Seattle’s defense.

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