Detroit Lions Fan 1979

Lions Congregation: Reflections

2012-01-28T22:11:00.001-05:00

Welcome once again to the Lions Congregation! Bloggers from across the Savanna congregate to bring you their thoughts on the Lions. Have a question? Email lionscongregation@yahoo.com

Al at The Wayne Fontes Experience

1. What was your favorite game of the season to watch?

I could say it was the win over the Chiefs, as I realized I was watching a playoff contender destroy a 2010 playoff team. I was tempted to say the victory over the Broncos in Denver, just because of the destruction of TEBOW. I could go with one of the ridiculous comeback wins over the Vikings, Cowboys, Panthers and Raiders, and it wouldn't raise anyone's eyebrows.

But I have to go with the victory over the Chargers, for one reason only. The win clinched a spot in the playoffs for the first time in 12 years (though it felt more like 12 decades). The Lions were at home, the offense was clicking, Matthew Stafford was playing the elite QB we all hoped he'd become, the defense had turned things around (for a couple of weeks, anyway) and no one wanted to see them have to win in Green Bay in order to make the playoffs. So going into the game it just felt as if the result was fait accompli. The Lions were going to win.

Despite the Chargers having a talented team, the game wasn't really in question and the team got to celebrate with a formerly suffering, now deliriously happy, fan base. All was well in the world for a few hours.

You cannot ask from more than that from a victory.

2. What were your 3 favorite plays of the season?

3. Late in the Chargers win, Cliff Avril picked off Phillip Rivers and strolled into the end zone from 4 yards out for spectacular pick 6. The leaping, one-handed interception set off a huge celebration, as the score essentially cliched a playoff spot.

2. My favorite offensive play of the season was Calvin Johnson catching a 6-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford with 39 seconds left against the Raiders, finishing off a beyond clutch 98-yard drive. The hopes and dreams of a playoff season were on the line, and the Lions came through in a way we couldn't have imagined a few years ago. All I could do was channel Vin Scully and say, "I can't believe what I just saw!"

1. This is my favorite play of the season, period. The Lions are in Oakland, up by one with under0:20 left. The Raiders are driving, kicker Sebastian Janikowski is warming up his All-Pro leg on the sidelines. Carson Palmer drops back to pass, and every fan on the planet thinks the Raiders will drive deep enough into Lions' territory to give Janikowski a very reasonable shot at a game winning field goal. In Jankowski's case, anything within 55 yards can be considered reasonable.

But Avril roars in from left end, drops an axe handle on the quarterback (nearly forcing a fumble) and sacks Palmer with 0:13 on the clock. The Raiders run one more play (an incomplete pass) and ultimately settle for a 65 yard field goal attempt, which Ndamukong Suh blocks. Lions win, have a 9-5 record and get an inside track on a playoff spot!

If Avril doesn't sack Palmer, all sort of bad things happen. Janikowski is likely trying a kick that's at least 10 yards shorter. He doesn't have to drill the ball low to get max distance, making it that much harder to block. With that in mind, odds are he makes the kick, beating the Lions. How does the season plays out if the Lions don't win the game? I'm thinking the season just may have ended badly. But it didn't, much in thanks Avril's game saving sack

NetRat at NetRat Detroit Lions Blog

1. What was your favorite game of the season to watch?

1. I enjoyed all the Lions games this year. My favorite though has to be Christmas Eve against the Chargers when they sealed their playoff spot. Good opponent, pressures on, and the Lions win the game playing hard. Bodes well for the future.

2. What were your 3 favorite plays of the season?

2. My 3 favorite plays? Holy cow, that's not an easy question. Avril's TD was definitely one of them. Suh just barely getting a piece of the attempted field goal at the end of the Oakland game to save the win (and prevent a record setting field goal for distance) is another. The rest are all a blur... so many to choose from. Stafford shattered the TD record by any Lions QB ever, CJ and Pettigrew broke records too, then there's the comebacks and the total destruction of the Bronco's... my 3rd favorite play then has to be a tie between roughly 231 other plays.

Blades Boyd, ROTL Contributor

1. What was your favorite game of the season to watch?

With so many great games this, I'm going to go out of the box here a little and say it was the second Vikings-Lions matchup played at Ford Field. This game had everything from int's returned for TD's, sacks and big plays. But the real reason I choose this game is because it was when I finally began to accept this isn't the "same old lions." Everything about this game was hinting the lions would blow the big lead and when the Vikes were marching at the end of the game, I was 100% sure the Lions would blow it. When the Lions stopped them and won that game, I had this immense feeling of relief and joy. I was finally able to say, "maybe these aren't the same old Lions!!!"

2. What were your 3 favorite plays of the season?

2. #3- Bobby Carpenter's pick 6 vs Dallas. Just an unreal play.

#2- Titus Young diving grab against the Chiefs. A play that most people might overlook but it was on a 3rd and 24, and Stafford threw a rope to Young who made a diving catch in double coverage for the first down. In only his second game, you could see the potential. I can't wait to see this kid in another two years. He's going to be a good one if he keeps his head on straight.

#1. Calvin Johnson's catch against Dallas. Don't think I need to say much else.

Joshua, DetFan1979 of ROTL

1. What was your favorite game of the season to watch?

There were so many outstanding games this season that I had a very hard time deciding. There was more exceptional Detroit Lions Football played this season than in the last decade! I guess, in the end I'll have to go with the Chiefs game early in the season.

Thinking back to the end of the infamous 0-16 season (0-whatever according to Leslie Frazier) many fans, myself included were calling for Scott Pioli to "save" the franchise. It was sweet, then, to see the Lions rip apart an inferior opponent -- and knowing that it was the Lions on the path to a future of sustained playoff appearances while the Chiefs were heading back to the drawing board. How many times had I seen this before -- only it was always the Lions on the losing end. Not. Any. More.

It was a great feeling.

2. What were your 3 favorite plays of the season?

Three? Just three? After this season? Talk about Herculean.

#3. Jahvid Best 88 yard touchdown run versus Chicago. After how many times I've seen plays like that break open a game against the Lions it was beyond satisfying to see the Lions do it for a change.

#2. Bobby Carpenter pick-6 versus Dallas. It was an amazing play just to get the pick, but what was just as impressive was how the rest of the defense suddenly came alive and blocked down on the offense, opening the lane into the end zone. It was my favorite comeback win of the season (and there were plenty)

#1. Calvin Johnson's final second TD catch in the Oakland game. It wasn't so much the play itself as what it embodied. A surgical, determined comeback with time speeding away on the play clock - and closing the deal. This was no Marcus Pollard slide for a non-TD and yet another moral victory. It was Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson for the win -- and a preview of the bright future of the best WR in football catching passes from one of the best young QB's in the game. And they are both Detroit Lions!

Conclusion

Thank you once again for joining the Lions Congregation! Normally appearing every Friday this week was late because someone forgot to hit the publish button. See you again on Friday!!

Lions Congregation: Playoff Wrap Up

2012-01-13T22:17:00.000-05:00

Since we have a whole ifseason ahead of us to look back, the congregation is this week taking a look at a couple of questions that kept cropping up about the playoff loss to New Orleans. Then, we debate reader J. Berger's question of who is our 2011 Lions MVP.

For those new to this page, the Lions Congregation is a collection of Lions Bloggers (some past, some present) from around the web looking at issues and questions about our Detroit Lions - each from their own unique perspective. Have a question or topic? Email the Lions Congregation!

The Panel:

Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience
NetRat of The NetRat Detroit Lions site and blog (also our resident capologist)
Zac of The Sidelion Report
Jeff - Special Guest and founder of the Lions Congregation
Blades Boyd - founding member and resident contrarian at Roar of the Lions
Joshua aka DetFan1979 - Your humble host at Roar of the Lions

Due to some readers who indicated that the congregation answers ran together too easily, I am going to give each author their own section with all three of their answers lumped together this week, versus gathering all the panelists' responses by question. Please let me know which format you prefer!

Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience

1. While many have questioned various aspects of coaching in the game, how about Jim Schwartz and his non-challenges? Specifically, the egregious spot on 3rd and 11, as well as whether Brees was stopped by forward progress since he pulled the ball back on his own - and fumbled it while doing so to boot. Should he have challenged either or both of these?

I'm not going to get on Schwartz's case over the use/non-use of challenges. Why? Because the whole damn replay system is broken. Hell, the rules are broken to the point where I don't know what is or isn't a fumble or a touchdown any more.

How an NFL head coach can and can't use challenges is ridiculous. A play called a touchdown receives an automatic booth review. If the same play isn't called a touchdown, it can't be reviewed without a challenge. Uh...WHAT? That is rule making at it's most, well, idiotic.

NFL coaches shouldn't have to depend upon the whims of the TV networks in order to get a good enough view to determine if a challenge is a good idea. And that's just what happened, especially on the worst spot ever. The refs kept the game moving, not allowing Schwartz time to make an informed decision...or even an educated guess.

Say the play in question was the Saints getting a 1st down, but Schwartz challenging what was a correct spot despite not having concrete evidence to the contrary. We'd be getting out the torches and pitchforks. Do you really want the head coach in a playoff game making half-assed challenges?

Anyone saying Schwartz should have thrown the challenge flag isn't being fair. On the 2 plays mentioned, Schwartz was caught between a rock and a hard place. The rock being a specious challenge system and the hard place incompetent refereeing.

2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?

When the play first happened, I was damned upset. How the Saints would have played when 21-7 down would have differed compared to 14-7. The Saints would have been back on their heels. But thinking about it, I don't think the Lions win even if they were given the TD. The Saints are that damn good. The score would have looked a little better in the history books, nothing more.

If I'm going to throw blame around (and why the Hell not?), once again fingers must be pointed at incompetent refereeing. Why the whistle was blown is beyond me. You would think referees would not blow a play dead if there is any chance the ball could still be in play. In this case, it was cut and dry. There was a very good possibility the ball was live. Yet the refs still blew it...the whistle and the ruling.

3. Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?

Stephen Tulloch is unquestionably the defensive MVP. The Lions best get him signed to a multi-year deal, post haste. But I digress...

To answer the question; as good as Megatron was, and he was great, Matthew Stafford was better.

Yes, Calvin Johnson's numbers were All-Pro worthy. But Stafford's numbers were at historic levels. Levels we couldn't have imagined, let alone seen, as Lions fans. Stafford shattered every Lions' single season passing record. He became only the 4th quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 5000 yards. Don't forget leading 4 comebacks from 13 or more points down, something which has never been done in NFL history.

The Lions made the playoffs because Stafford played at an elite level. Period. If he doesn't, the Lions aren't in

New Orleans last weekend.

Give Matthew Stafford the team MVP.

NetRat of The NetRat Detroit Lions site and blog

I don't know who is in charge of telling the coaching staff to challenge, I assume there is someone who's job it is to quickly check the play for that kind of thing. We get the benefit of super slow-mo replay and hindsight (as we dwell on things) but with whatever tools the Lions have they might've been unsure at the time if a challenge was winnable or they might have been saving them for something really big later (if needed). As for the forward progress thing, at the time I thought first down... it was only later that I heard it might not have been.

2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?

The inadvertent whistle was par for the year in officiating. The Lions were lucky to get possession at all (and then did nothing with it). I've seen them whistle a play dead and not allow the turnover. The officiating that affected the game the most were the non-calls on holding by the O-Lines. When your entire defense is predicated on interior pass rush and the OLine can hold as much as they want you have effectively disabled the defense and made it useless. Letting the players play backfired for the Lions in that game.

3. From J Berger: Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?

My vote for the 2011 Lions MVP is Matt Stafford. Broke the Lions yardage record, TD record, passing attempts record and pass completions record... and is only the 4th QB in the history of the NFL to reach 5,000 yards in a single season. The Lions have been around a long time and this was a serious uptick in the record books. This record may or may not ever be broken, but if it is, it'll probably be by Matt Stafford (in some future year).

Zac of The Sidelion Report

While many have questioned various aspects of coaching in the game, how about Jim Schwartz and his non-challenges? Specifically, the egregious spot on 3rd and 11, as well as whether Brees was stopped by forward progress since he pulled the ball back on his own - and fumbled it while doing so to boot. Should he have challenged either or both of these?

-Since each team get's two maybe it would have been worth challenging either of those plays but I think they would have been low percentage challenges. Certain things have a tendency to be overblown in the wake of a loss and I think that is the case here. With the recent challenge history in mind (Green Bay), I can see why Schwartz would want to hold on to the red flag rather than taking a low percentage flier on a play in the middle of the field.

2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?

How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?

-The fan in me hated seeing that opportunity lost as a result of an inadvertent whistle but I don't believe a fumble return for a touchdown would have changed the outcome of the game. There are just too many things the Lions did poorly that they did have control over to lay much blame on the officials; namely, the defense's inability to force a punt. The possibility that it would have changed the tone of the game only holds water if one believes the defense could have gotten a few stops and the Lions could have run the ball effectively. There was no evidence in that game to suggest that either would have happened.

3. From J Berger: Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?

-It's easily Matthew Stafford. Of the three I immediately boil it down to a choice between Stafford and Johnson and decided based on the "V" in MVP. While Megatron was certainly valuable in terms of the success of the offense, it was Stafford who had the noticeable statistical disparity between wins and losses. To me, the definition of "valuable" ultimately comes down to wins and losses and there was no Lion whose performance determined wins and losses more than Matthew Stafford. Considering the Lions won more than they lost, Stafford gets the nod as team MVP.

Jeff - Special Guest and founder of the Lions Congregation

Yes, both of those plays should have been challenged. The Brees first down called back could have been a momentum changer for us. I know he only had two flags but could have used on there for sure.

2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?

Huge impact. Lions would have scored on that play, putting them up 21-7. Another momentum changer that could have won us the game. The overall officiating this season was abysmal, many bad calls, no calls and the refs looked like they didn’t know all the rules all season. Didn’t help with the image the Lions were starting to get with the personal fouls and it seemed like they were calling stuff on the Lions and favoring the opposition, not calling same type penalties on them.

3. From J Berger: Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?

I have to go with Stafford. He played exceptionally well, garnering over 5k yards and setting many Lions records. He definitely played like a franchise QB, just what he was drafted for. Can’t wait to see how improvements made this year helps him in the future. They need to resign CJ badly (PAY THE MAN!) and get other weapons for him. Best and Leshoure coming back and, hopefully, keeping K-Smith will help greatly.

Blades Boyd - founding member & resident contrarian

Let me start by saying even if Schwartz did challenge and win, I don't think it would have mattered. Saints still would have won because they pretty much went for it and got it every time they had a 4th down.

That being said, there is absolutely no doubt those plays should have been challenged and yes Schwartz messes up big time by not doing so. But should he criticized for it??? Not at all. Keep in mind, he's done something that a lot of REALLY good coaches couldn't do (Bobby Ross and Mooch to name a few) and that's get the Lions back to the playoffs and have a winning season. Schwartz will learn from this game and next time, I'm sure you will see a challenge flag tossed on those plays.

If any coach needs to be questioned it's Gunther Cunningham. I have not liked his play calling all season and he really got exposed the last few weeks. He blitzed a total of four times in the game which result in the Willie Young forced fumble, one incompletion and one hurry. The rest of the game he sat back and while the Saints were in max protection, Breed just picked them apart. Gunther has really showed his age this season and is beginning to get out of touch with the changing NFL. Unfortunately, he's Schwartz's mentor and will be stuck with him for a while. (I wish they'd go after Steve Spagnola)

2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?

Like I said before, I don't think any play had a major impact on the game. Say the lions had an extra 14 points in the game, they still lose. Sorry to be that straight forward about it but it is just that simple.

3. From J Berger: Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?

As good of a season Stafford had, Calvin is the MVP. In my opinion, we probably still would have made the playoffs without Stafford. There isn't a chance we make the playoffs without Calvin. I know some people disagree with me but look at the stats. During the 5-0 run, CJ had a touchdown in every game and close to 100 yards. During the up and down stretch in the middle of the season? Calvin wasn't scoring and was averaging 68.5 yards a game. At the end of the season when we were winning again, he averaged over 100 yards a game and over a TD a game. That in itself proves to me anyway, he should get some votes for league MVP, not just the Lions MVP.

Joshua aka DetFan1979 - Your humble host at Roar of the Lions

Based on how the officials were calling the game, I don't think that either call would have been overturned, and obviously neither did Jim Schwartz. The crew calling the game was "letting 'em play" and those calls were just part of it.

I will say, that whole attitude cost the Lions ANY chance they had of winning the game against New Orleans. The Saints defense is based around the blitz -- so not calling offensive holding really had little to no impact on how they played the game.

For the Lions, however, it was the exact opposite. They count on the skills and aggressiveness of their front four to create pressure on the quarterback. That is impossible if the offensive line is allowed to hold as egregiously as it was in that playoff game. So while the ref's may have been "letting players be players" in this case it created a huge disadvantage for a Lions team that already needed a near perfect game under normal circumstances to pull out a win.

2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?

Crazy enough, this stupid whistle was the ONE time all game the referees did NOT let the players play it out -- and this is the one time in the game it would have been advantage Lions.

First off, let me be clear: With how the game was being called (see above answer) and how well New Orleans' offense was playing I do not think that this call would have effected the outcome of the game.

I do, however, feel that it would have dramatically changed the "story" of the game. Themes coming out of the game are how the Lions didn't turn either turnover into points -- they did, but they were essentially taken away. I also feel the emotional hit to the Lions defense and corresponding scare and then boost to New Orleans is what allowed the Saints to pull away like they did.

If the Saints were up by 3 vs 10 later in the game -- or 10 vs 17 -- then Stafford likely doesn't have at least one of the INT's as he was really pressing knowing they didn't have time. I still think they try the onside just the same, and that the Saints win a shoot out -- it just would have been a much closer shootout that would have answered more questions about the Lions and raised more questions about the Saints.

As it was, I haven't seen a defense fielded this season that I truly feel would have been able to stop New Orleans on Saturday. Matthew Stafford was playing at an elite level making some mind boggling throws. Unfortunately, Drew Brees was playing a level above that whatever you want to call it, and some of his throws were enough to make you hit replay about 5 times on the DVR just to be sure what you were seeing happened.

3. From J Berger: Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?

All three of these players certainly had a huge impact on 2011. The way I look at it is what is the drop-off to that player's backup, and how much would it have effected their win-loss record. While Tulloch defintely filled the middle far better than anyone we've seen in the last 8 years (Paris Lenon anyone?) I feel like maybe a one game swing without him.

Calvin Johnson had one of the truly great seasons for a wide receiver in the NFL ever. Period. However, he was essentially healthy until the last couple of weeks -- when he still put up over 200 yards/game in the finale and playoffs.

This brings me to Stafford. When he was healthy at the start of the season and the end of the season the Lions offense was beyond humming -- it was a finely tuned machine of point scoring on par with Green Bay, New Orleans, and New England. When his finger was broken mid-season, the whole team became more inconsistent.

Basically, as goes Stafford so goes the Lions -- for good or ill. For me, this makes him the MVP even more than his numerous and now well documented records he broke this season.

Wrap-Up

Thank you for joining us once again! The Lions Congregation will be posted Friday evenings once again each week. So join us reading, commenting, or sending us questions to the lionscongregation@yahoo.com -- or hopefully, all three!!

Do you agree with the panelists? Disagree? Let us know!

Playoff Food

2012-01-07T19:43:00.000-05:00

The Next Generation

2012-01-07T13:07:00.001-05:00

> My Nephew, DetFan2011, is also excited for the Detroit Lions playoff game tonight!
>

Lions Congregation: Inaugural Playoff Edition!

2012-01-06T17:21:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the return of the Lions Congregation for the Inaugural playoff edition! From the look of things, this could be one of many playoff editions to come in the years ahead!

Just like before, Lions Bloggers from around the web gather to discuss your questions about the Detroit Lions. Want to see your question featured? Email lionscongregation@yahoo.com

Today's Panel:

NetRat of The NetRat Detroit Lions site and blog

Zac of The Sidelion Report

Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience

Blades Boyd - resident contrarian for Roar of the Lions

Joshua - DetFan1979 of Roar of the Lions

Question 1: Based on the Lions active roster in their meeting versus who should be active and healthy on Saturday, how do you feel the Lions defense will stack up versus the Saints?

NetRat: Better than last time, all things being equal (which they probably aren't). Last time we played New Orleans Chris Houston did not play. Neither did Delmas or Suh. Fairley left after the 1st quarter. IF those guys are all healthy and can play the whole game the Lions defense may be able to get a couple more stops, and that should mean a few more stalled drives (and really, most games, that's all it takes).

Zac: Any defense is at a disadvantage against the Saints offense. While the Lions look to have the benefit of a healthy defensive roster, their ability to hang with the Saints will come down to execution, not personnel. If the Lions look to wrap up and tackle rather than just hitting then they can limit the damage. This is especially true with Darren Sproles who can turn a minimal gain into something big in a flash.

Al: First off, I refuse to get overly worked up by Matt Flynn throwing for a gazillion yards, or the media talking heads who claim, "If a backup can throw 6 TDs against Detroit, Brees will throw for 20!" Flynn isn't your typical backup quarterback. He's a good quarterback who happens to be a backup to the best in the NFL. Flynn would start for half the league. What I am worked up about is the lack of a pass rush against Flynn, allowing him to pick apart the Lions' secondary at will.

The Lions may be healthier than they've been in weeks, but if there is only a minimal pass rush from the front four, an empty trainer's room won't make a difference. Even if they are fully healthy, I'm not expecting big things from the Lions defense.

The Lions may be healthier than they've been in weeks, but if there is only a minimal pass rush from the front four, an empty trainer's room won't make a difference. Even if they are fully healthy, I'm not expecting big things from the Lions defense.

All of which is my long-winded way of saying the Lions' chances rest on the shoulders of the defensive line. The front four must have a big game, pressuring Brees in a big way. The Lions aren't going to keep Brees from throwing for 300 yards. Few defenses are capable of it, and the Lions' aren't one of them. But they can minimize the damage by creating turnovers. How do you create turnovers? To channel my inner Al Davis, you must hit the quarterback early, often and hard.

After seeing little to no pass rush against the Packers, I'm not confident at all as to how the Lions match up against the Saints high powered offense.

It's simple. If the Lions don't win the turnover battle, they won't beat the Saints. The Lions must fluster, or at least annoy Brees, Otherwise, it's going be a long, long evening for Lions fans.

Blades: I think Schwartz made it perfectly clear who you will being seeing active Saturday night. He mentioned he would not bench any players based on last Sundays game. That being said, with the return of Delmas, I think Alphonso Smith should be worried.

The Lions defense shapes up extremely poorly against the Saints offense. The Saints strength is clearly in the passing game and there isn't a single player on the Lions roster who can cover Jimmy Graham or Colston. Also, no lions DB has the speed to run with Moore or Meachem.

The other thing that few people are talking about is the Saints have two all pro guards which means they can shift protection to the outside and really stymy the pass rush. I fully expect Gunther to blitz up the middle more than we've seen all season. I expect the saints to double team Suh and single block the other DT with their all pro guard. As a result, the RB's will be protecting to the outside and if the lions blitz up the middle, they will come in unblocked.

DetFan1979: The defense will give up points. Make no mistake – this is a meeting of two of the top four offenses in the league and they will both put up some TD’s. The key will be doing what they almost did in their first meeting with the Saints – slow down the Saint’s offense more than they are slowing down the Detroit Offense.

Nick Fairley was getting good penetration and disruption before leaving the game with his injured foot – after that is when the Saints started scoring. Seeing as the Lions were down by three linemen that game I expect the pressure to come much stronger, and more consistently than in the first meeting between the teams.

As for the secondary, I seriously said the day before the first New Orleans game that with Houston and Delmas out along with the other injuries in our secondary Green Bay should have put up 50 on the Lions – and that Drew Brees should do the same. However, it took a late game icing TD after the Lions had already committed ritual suicide via penalties to salt the game away.

With everyone relatively healthy (all participated in practice Thursday) I fully expect a better showing from the Lions defense – especially playing motivated after laying an egg last week. Will it be good enough? That’s why they play the games.

Question 2: Based on the Lions active roster in their meeting versus who should be active and healthy on Saturday, how do you feel the Lions Offense will stack up versus the Saints?

NetRat: Last time we played New Orleans it was the first game Matt Stafford played without the glove. His confidence probably wasn't real high and his finger probably wasn't fully healed. Meanwhile, Titus Young has started playing better and Pettigrew is being used more. For that matter, CJ is taking on more too lately. Turnovers will decide the game most likely, if they favor the Lions or are equal, it should be a great game (for Lions fans).

Zac: The Lions offense moved the ball in their first meeting with the Saints and we should expect them to do so again. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson have played their best ball since the first meeting so it will be fun to see what they can do in a rematch, especially if the Lions handle the blitz-happy Saints' pressure. Kevin Smith also figures to be healthier this time around and any explosion he can give them in the running game will be a bonus.

Al: I expect big things from the offense. Actually, I think it would be more accurate to say I expect big things from Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson.

Stafford has been a huge roll since removing the glove protecting his broken finger, averaging 383 yards and 3 TDs in the final 5 games. Megatron woke from a mid-season slump (doing little against the Packers, Saints and Vikings)m and is now playing like his dominant self, averaging 187 yards in the season's final 3 games. I don't expect the Saints to slow either of them down.

Brandon Pettigrew also needs to play well, and he'll get more than his fair share of opportunities. Stafford loves to throw to his TEs, especially in the red zone (11 TDs combined between Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler) But Pettigrew also has to keep drops to a bare minimum....or don't drop a pass period. The Lions won't have a margin for error in a winner take all situation. They have to capitalize on their opportunities.

A healthy Kevin Smith would come in handy as well. He's the closest thing to an impact runner on the Lions' roster. And there will come a time when the Lions will need to keep the Saints' defense honest with the occasional hand off to Smith. As much as I'd like Stafford to throw 70 times a game (all to Megatron), it's not realistic.

If the wide outs and TEs play as well have they have in the final quarter of the season, the Lions won't have any trouble scoring points on Saturday. They will move the ball. It's just a matter of capitalizing on their red zone opportunities.

DetFan1979: Matthew Stafford is 100% healthy and playing like it. I mentioned earlier this week how Stafford became one of only four quarterbacks ever to surpass 5000 yards in a season. He accomplished that despite a broken index finger on his throwing hand that obviously hampered him for a solid 4-5 games. As it is, as John Madden used to say incessantly about Brett Favre “It looks like he’s having fun out there.” We all know what that meant – it meant that Brett was making throw after seemingly impossible throw and racking up yards and points in bunches. Imagine how much fun he would have had with Randy Moss on his team?

Guess what? That is exactly what Stafford has been doing – only he does have Calvin Johnson. They are both clicking and confident in themselves and each other like they were in the 5 game win streak. Only better. And to add to it Brandon Pettigrew is playing excellent, and Nate Burleson has been taking advantage.

The biggest xfactor to me this game for the Lions offense are Kevin Smith and Titus Young. Titus has taken his game to a whole new level since embarrassing himself at New Orleans the first game. As for Smith, he wasn’t healthy for the first New Orleans game. If he is, watch out Gregg Williams because Smith is one of the best in the league when it comes to picking up the blitz and protecting his QB. It has always been a strong point for him, and now he too has been playing better than he ever did in his first go round with the Lions.

Question 3: How do you feel this mostly young, emotional team will fare under the pressure of a high profile playoff game? (coach Schwartz included)?

NetRat: The problem with highly emotional young teams is you don't know how they will handle the pressure. The crowd noise is going to be tremendous and that might help make the players forget the pressure somewhat. Raiola is going to really be after the O players to perform (it's his first playoff game in the NFL after all). KVB will do much the same on the D... and Delmas chatters all game long no matter what (the Lions opponents have scored nearly 100 yards less yardage in the games he has played in). Hanson is likely to get a workout but he should be fine. My prediction which I made last Saturday night in my blog is the Lions win this game 30-28, the next day Vegas set the over/under at 58 1/2, which I found scary odd.

Zac: I see the Lions' biggest problems in this game being between the lines, not between the ears. If we can't have confidence in this team knowing the stakes are high and acting appropriately then we don't have any reason to watch the game on Saturday. It will be up to the leaders with playoff experience (coaches included) to prepare the rest of the differences of playoff football and how to keep the emotions in check.

Al: The Saints have been to the playoffs before, and won it all. The Lions....well, we know all about their checkered past.

So there will be a stupid penalty or three by the Lions. It's a given. It's their nature. But I don't expect to the Lions to embarrass themselves either, unlike we saw go down during their first meeting with the Saints.

The Lions realized they were throwing a shot at the playoffs away after their nationally televised back to back mental meltdowns. They have been relatively well behaved since...thank goodness.

But I do expect to see the team show some nerves, especially in the 1st quarter. For most of the Lions, it'll be their first exposure playoff pressure. Jitters and butterflies are to be expected.

I'm not worried about Jim Schwartz's mental state. He's been in the playoffs before as defensive coordinator with the Titans (6 games in 4 appearances, winning 2), making it to the AFC Championship in 2002. He knows what to expect...though I'm sure he'll be on edge.

To be honest, I am still worried the Lions themselves will snap, and do something stupid...like get in a sideline shouting match, throw a punch, shove a ref or stomp on a player. They've kept their emotions in check since their implosion 5 weeks ago. My fear is we'll see another if calls and bounces don't go their way. It's Schwartz's job to prevent it.

Blades: No matter what happens Saturday night, whether we win by 10 or lose by 30, who cares. Despite what some people thought, this team was expected to go 8-8 and if you asked any lions fan before the season, "Hey, if the season were to end today, would you be happy with an 8-8 record?" Every fan would tell you not only would they be happy with it, they would throw a parade on the streets of Detroit in honor of the Schwartz. This team is still two years away from seriously competing. We need a capable secondary and a little more depth.
If you've followed me through the years, you know how critical I am about the Lions. But you won't hear that now. No matter what happens Saturday, WE'RE THE LIONS AND WE'RE IN THE FREAKIN' PLAYOFFS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!

DetFan1979: I was really worried about this – until last week at Green Bay. I’m literally half blind and I could have done a better job out there on more than one egregious call. Yet, despite the frustration and the setbacks none of the Lions lost their cool – except Alphonso Smith, who was benched. I’m not sure how many noticed but it wasn’t just that he was gambling, he was not in control of his emotions at all and I think that is also a major reason he got yanked.

Ever since coming home from the Superdome last month, this has been a different team. They were thoroughly embarrassed – twice – on national television when it was finally their chance to shine on a big stage and earn respect with their play. Instead, they came off looking like an immature teen puffing out his chest acting like he’s da man. No one likes that feeling. Especially not a professional.

I think we’ve all been there at least once in our lives (I know I have!) and you can do one of two things: Pout about it, or man up and do something about it. This young team has shown they chose the second path so far. If they stay on it, I can see this game being really close.

Either way, I’m expecting an exciting electrifying game.

WRAP UP: Thank you to our participating bloggers, and of course to you our readers. Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments, and questions in the comments section. Dialogue is one of the most fun aspects of being a blogger. If you would like the whole congregation to address your question, thought, or idea please email lionscongregation@yahoo.com

Thank you and enjoy the game!!

The Lions are In with the BEST

2012-01-03T23:03:00.001-05:00

As the clock strikes 00:00 late Sunday night the end of the regular season comes once again to the National Football League. 20 teams and their fans are left with nothing to do but reflect - What went right? What went wrong? What will come next season? What Free Agents will be signed, who will be the new coach? The new GM? Where do we draft and who will be there?

For 12 years these are questions that as Lions fans, we often started asking in December -- much less waiting until the season was officially over -- it was usually over long before the clock struck 00:00 and the ifseason would begin once again. IF only they do this, then they will have a chance...IF this happens...

But not 2011.

The Detroit Lions are one of the 12. You can argue if they belong or not (they do) until you are honolulu blue in the face. The Detroit Lions will play the New Orleans Saints on Saturday -- their first step on the road to the Superbowl.

That's right. Superbowl. The first step is making the playoffs. The next step is to do what you've done all year: win.

This was an historic season for the Lions and Matthew Stafford especially -- even if he did get a pro-bowl snub. what, you're laughing? Don't think the Lions are one of the best? NetRat compiled this stat that should give any doubting Lions fan pause.

All the Lions lost today was their 5th seed spot in the playoffs, they are the 6th seed and are playing toe to toe with the big boys, because even if it's hard for us fans to grasp it, the Lions are now one of the big boys too.

Don't believe me? Well, let's take a look at the quarterback passing record... and see where the Lions 23 year old QB is on the list...

1. Drew Brees: 5,476 yards in 2011
2. Tom Brady: 5,235 yards in 2011
3. Dan Marino: 5,084 yards in 1984
4. Drew Brees: 5,069 yards in 2008
5. Matthew Stafford: 5,038 yards in 2011

That's not a typo, that's not a fluke, that's real numbers that are real hard to get unless you are one of the big boys.

That's right -- Matthew Stafford had the 5th most prolific year by an NFL quarterback in the HISTORY of the NFL. He just happened to do it in a year in which two other QB's (Brees and Brady) set a new number one and two on that list.

The Lions also make several entries on the Cold Hard Football Fact list of 2011 records:

2 -- 500-yard passing games in the 2011 season: Tom Brady (517) in Week 1 at Miami; Matthew Stafford (520) in Week 17 at Green Bay. NFL quarterbacks topped 500 yards in a game just 10 times from 1920 to 2010.

2 -- Passers who topped 5,000 yards through the air in the NFL's first 91 seasons: Dan Marino (5,084) in 1984 and Drew Brees (5,069) in 2008.

3 -- Passers who topped 5,000 yards through the air in the 2011 season: Brees (5,476), Brady (5,235) and Stafford (5,038). Eli Manning (4,933) fell just 67 yards of the 5,000-yard milestone, giving the 2011 season four of the six most prolific passing performances in NFL history.

3 -- Quarterbacks who topped 40 touchdown passes in 2011: Brees (46), Aaron Rodgers (45) and Stafford (41). Brady fell just one TD shy of joining the list.

5 -- Quarterbacks who topped 40 touchdown passes in an NFL season from 1920 to 2010.
1,681 -- NFL-best receiving yards by Detroit wideout Calvin Johnson in 2011, No. 7 on the single-season list, and five shy of the franchise record set by Herman Moore in 1995.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/kerry_byrne/01/03/2011.season.review/index.html#ixzz1iSSYdQzJ

Matthew Stafford has shown now that at just 23 years of age he is already moving into the Brady/Brees/Manning/Rodgers of the QB elite.

Over the last 12+ years, I have often heard "you are what your record says you are" while looking for the positives among the ashes of bitter disappointment. Well, to those same naysayers dooming and glooming the Lions' chances in the playoffs the Lions are 10-6. They took control of their own destiny and played their way into the playoffs. Unlike teams like the Bengals and the Broncos, they didn't back their way into the playoffs based on other teams' losses. Detroit earned its spot. Period. Also, lets look at those 6 losses...

2 were to Green Bay -- one big loss, one close shootout where the last team with the ball won. Green Bay is 15-1 and the #1 seed in the NFC

1 was to the Atlanta Falcons, who also ended up 10-6 and are the #5 seed. That game came down to the wire.

1 was to the New Orleans Saints who are 13-3. They are the #4 seed in the playoffs and faced a Lions team that was extremely shorthanded -- and they still held the Saints well below their season scoring average. Stafford also still was wearing gloves to protect his broken finger.

1 was to the Chicago Bears who were on a serious playoff run before losing Jay Cutler and Matt Forte, their season doomed by a lack of depth -- especially at the quarterback position.

1 was to the 13-3 San Francisco 49ers who won on a do-or-die 4th down play with only a few seconds to go. They are the #2 seed.

So....the Lions lost to the #1 seed twice, the #2 seed, the #3 seed and the #5 seed. They did not play the #4 seed (New York Giants 8-8) but beat Dallas at home earlier in the season. All of the games were competitive or so close that on any given Sunday you could flip a coin to determine the outcome.

I expect from the Lions' playoff game exactly what I saw all season from the Lions: Electrifying, entertaining football being played at a high level -- and hopefully, like 10 of 16 games this season, a win.

Go Lions!!!

Hello Playoffs!!

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

What an exciting game on Sunday!! The Lions have not been lacking for electricity this season that is for sure!!!
How many games have come down to the final minute or less? Spectacular!

10-6

Forget about whining about the officiating in Green Bay (it was AWFUL) or the Detroit defense (neither defense deserved to win that game -- after all, the final score was 41-45 people!!) -- for the first time since 1999 our Detroit Lions are in the playoffs!!!

I know many of you will think I just woke up form a sugar coma after eating too much honolulu blue koo-aid and cupcakes but I think that Detroit has a great shot to win against New Orleans on Saturday night!

Not only did the Green Bay offense show it can roll no matter who is under center, so too did the Detroit offense show that it can hang with Green Bay score for score. Lets not forget that Stafford ALSO topped 5,000 yards this season along with Brees and Brady.

The reason many pundits have said that New Orleans was the team to beat Green Bay in the playoffs is that Drew Brees and the Saints offense is the only group that could expect to possibly win a shootout with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense. At this point, how do you not seriously have to put Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson (244 yards against the Pack) and the Lions offense into that group?

As for the "liability" of the Lions defense? That is one thing all three of NFC's gun-slinging teams share -- or should I say lack?

Even when the Lions were losing games (or all the games) I have maintained that it wasn't about the wining (though I really prefer it!) It was about being able to watch entertaining, exciting football and have fun as a fan. On that score the Lions have already delivered by far the best season of football I've seen since Barry was in a Lions uniform on the field.

Happy New Year!!

Time to Cut the Cheese and Seeding Myths

2011-12-30T17:04:00.000-05:00

I'm not talking about silent but deadly in the headline -- I am of course referring to the Green Bay Packers! Despite those calling for rest, I think the Lions need to go all out to beat the Pack at Lambeau for the first time in 20 years for a variety of reasons.

1. The Fifth seed is preferrable to the Sixth seed at this point (though I'll explain below how I don't think its as big a deal as everyone is stating)
2. The team, already on a year of breaking records (in a good way for once) would do well to take this opportunity to end the Lambeau curse. As long as Aaron Rodgers is doing the discount double check, Green Bay at Green Bay is never going to be an easier game than this week.
3. Momentum. All of the low seeds that have made Superbowl runs have one thing in common: they played all out their final few games of the regular season and rode their hot streak into and through the playoffs. The Packers did it last year, and the Giants did it even through losing to New England to cap the end of the perfect regular season in one of the most epic games I've ever watched.
4. MOMENTUM yes it deserves two mentions. The Lions have been playing on fire since about the end of the third quarter at Okaland on all three facets of the game -- when they play like they did against San Diego, they can beat any team any time any place. They are not even close to a point where they can "rest up" and then just turn it on like a light switch.

Playoff Seeding: I see a lot of people, even sports writers, screwing up the way the NFL playoff seeding works. Lets assume it goes like this (you can sub the giants in for the cowboys whereever they appear)

1st Seed: Green Bay
2nd Seed: San Fran
3rd Seed: Saints
4th Seed: Cowboys
5th Seed: Lions
6th Seed: Falcons

Seeds one and two have a first round bye. So on wildcard weekend we have:

Falcons at Saints and Lions at Cowboys.

Looks pretty good - Lions have already beaten Dallas at Dallas, so that is preferrable to playing in the Superdome again against a red-hot Brees. But remember, the highest remaining seed plays the 49ers while the lowest remaining seed plays the Green Bay Packers. So assuming Saints and Lions win, the following weekend is:

Saints at 49ers and Lions at Packers.

Yuck. Unfortunately, getting the 6th seed doesn't help -- it guarantees that any win means playing the Packers in round 2. As a matter of fact there is only on scenario in which the Lions would NOT have to play the Packers in round 2: Detroit as the 5th seed needs Atlanta to win the upset over the 3rd Seed team assumed to be New Orleans. Then, the Lions as 5th seed would play the 49ers and the Falcons as the 6th seed would play at Green Bay. Of course, unless someone beats the Packers in round 2, then the road to the playoffs leads through Green Bay. Since we are rooting for Atlanta to get the upset in wildcard weekend, we might as well root for them to upset the Packers as well -- that way, Detroit can host a home game against the Falcons for the NFC Championship.

Sound impossible? The Detroit Lions are locked into a playoff berth with one game yet to playjust 3 seasons after losing every single game. Anything is possible! Maybe that apocalypse is going to occur in 2012 after all....

Have a safe and happy New Year everyone!!

Lions Fans More Loyal

2011-12-26T23:26:00.000-05:00

The packed house and huge home field advantage that was Ford Field were beyond importance as the Lions trounced the Chargers giving the Lions their first playoff berth in over a decade. The loyalty of the fans of the Detroit Lions is nothing short of astounding. Remember looking at the news stories every week of a home game, trying to see if you would be watching the game on TV or some shaky internet feed? (for those of us in the blackout zone)

Even in the 0-16 season, there were still games that sold out Ford Field. The average attendance still topped 45,000. During an 0-16 season!! Winless! -- And despite not having a winning record since Bill Clinton was playing the blues on his sax and chasing interns around the white house.

As the Lions kept showing improvement over the last 3 years, tickets went from easy and cheap, to easy to get, to you could get them early in the season, but you were going to pay more than you were used to as a playoff run became more and more apparent. I'm sure no matter how they do, next season is going to be a surefire sellout of the home games.

Imagine my shock and downright stunned surprise when I read that the Bengals are having trouble getting fans to show up to their games. During a push for the playoffs where if they win their final home game against a struggling Baltimore team they are in!

The attendance as they played a meaningful game to eliminate Arizona? Just over 41,000. More Lions Fans showed up to see if the team could avoid infamy (or be part of it) for the final meaningless games of 2008. Bengals fans, that is just plain pathetic.

The article blames 20 years of mediocre play and no postseason wins since 1990. At least they have been to the postseason AT ALL since the Millennium changed and years start with "20" instead of "19"! They had a few years where Carson Palmer was on fire and tossing long bombs to Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson and TJ Howeverthehellyaspellit. Lions fans had Matt Millen that whole time. At least the Bengals got a couple high draft picks for Palmer - and a young quarterback with potential (Andy Dalton) to replace him. Lions fans got Barry retiring and being replaced by guys like Sedrick Irvin.

I'm ecstatic the Lions are in the playoffs - but even if they were in a situation like the Bengals are I have NO DOUBT that the house would be sold out and rocking. Detroit Lions fans have supported their team in the worst of times, and sure aren't about to miss out on the best of times!

As I picked up some Biggby Coffee for my wife and myself Christmas Eve morn, I was wearing my Lions leather jacket (of course). The barista was telling everyone that came in the Lions were going to win by 20+ over the Chargers -- just wait and see. (Even I thought that was a long shot, but I stuck by my 8-8 season til they were over 9-5 and I was the one decked out in Lions gear) That is the type of fans that the Detroit Lions have -- Proud and Loyal, just like a real Lion.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!! With the Saints beating the Falcons (barring a late 22 point comeback in the next 9 minutes as of this writing) the Lions can earn the #5 seed and a chance to face either Dallas/New York Giants in round one, and likely the 49ers to get to the NFC championship game -- a much preferred route than Saints round 1 and through the Packers at Lambeau to get to the NFC Championship game. If the Lions beat the Packers week 17, there is a better than decent chance the NFC Championship game could once again feature two teams from the NFC North.

All I want for Christmas is the Playoffs?

2011-12-23T18:23:00.002-05:00

Christmas is coming, and I must say up until today I just wasn't really in the full Christmas spirit. Usually I'm putting up loads of decorations, humming Christmas carols and songs, hoping for piles of crisp white snow so that on Christmas morning, I will get a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the morning as the little pink lions see what Santa has brought them as the monorails glide around the tree and the chimneys drift light colored smoke into the cool winter air.

We have red and green monorails gliding around our tree. Notice the Lions Santa hat in the background

Not sure what it was, but it seems to have struck me today -- and even as it did I realize one thing that has never really been on my mind in a very long time at this point in the year is the NFL playoffs. Most of the time, the Christmas weekend games I would tape the Lions, and then watch it later. After all, it usually had no meaning in the grand scheme. All of a sudden, this year I could get an extra present on Christmas -- The Lions clinching a playoff spot!

I'm not really great at the prediction business -- and I feel this game against the Chargers could fall anywhere from a solid loss to a solid win. I just don't see either team getting blown out -- but then again, I said the same thing about the Lions at Chicago game and look what happened.

Win or Lose, the Lions have already exceeded my expecatations for accomplishment, but more importantly, they have provided spectacular games to watch all season!! I expect no less Saturday night.

Keep in mind that even though the Lions are on TV it is Christmas eve and be sure to keep what is most important -- family, friends -- in the forefront and even if the Lions lose, don't let it ruin your holiday spirit. After all, there are two games left to get one win -- and after breaking every other bad record that has been overshadowing them for years, maybe the Lambeau curse is next...

Merry Christmas everyone!!

DetFan1979

Lions O vs Oakland D

2011-12-22T16:15:00.000-05:00

The Detroit Lions are a vertical passing team. Quite often, short passes act as a kind of extended handoff. The Philadelphia Eagles used to constantly do this with Brian Westbrook, and now Lesean McCoy. It stems from the fact that Philadelphia has a pass-blocking offensive line.

Contrary to what many commenters on sports articles believe, there are typically two pretty distinct ways to build an offensive line -- Pass-block first, or Power-Run first. It is very rare and would be quite difficult to find players that excel at both of these skills equally. The nature of the beast is that as an offense you have to choose your identity. The Lions are a passing team, and have a pass blocking line.

Essentially, the short throws force teams to roll coverage short/inside, allowing Detroit to take some long shots down the field. If they keep multiple guys up top to cover Calvin Johnson, then they are leaving Titus Young, Nate Burleson, Tony Scheffler, or Brandon Pettigrew with a favorable matchup. (and also whatever back is coming out of the backfield)

Oakland for years has run a straight up man coverage with lots of pressure on the opposing QB. Without Nmandi Asmogouha in the defensive backfield, I'm not so sure that was the best of ideas. The Raiders essentially manned up on the WR and then sold out run blitzed (essentially if not in fact by where they were positioning players) to bring the heat on the Lions. In essence, they wanted to force Matthew Stafford into making a long series of short throws to get down the field with players in his face. While they knew their secondary wouldn't really be able to cover Calvin Johnson downnfield, they tried to make sure Stafford didn't have time for any long plays to develop.

For the most part, it worked well for the Raiders. The Lions really had no running game, but still managed to put up two TD's up to midway through the 4th quarter. The pressure was getting there just enough to keep the Lions off balance. However, they misjudged a couple of factors that went against them on the last two drives.

The first problem with Oakland's strategy was that the Lions really don't care if they do have success on the ground as long as the passing game is clicking. This meant that often Kevin Smith was held in to block -- especially on the last two drives. While Jahvid Best is a more dynamic runner, Kevin Smith is the best blocking back on the roster. He excels at blitz pickup and keeping the QB clean when the opposing defense brings extra rushers. The Lions also have Brandon Pettigrew and Will Heller on the roster -- two more excellent blockers that you still have to account for if they break off for a short pass play.

The second miscalculation was the ability of Calvin Johnson to beat multiple guys in coverage. It really does take more than one person working together very well to keep CJ under wraps. Oakland just didn't have that.

When you put those together, you end up with Megatron having some huge plays on the Megadrive. Oakland sends sends extra rushers at extra blockers -- only the fact that Stafford is forced to sidearm the throw to get it down the field stops CJ from getting a TD on that throw. (its a good thing too -- it would have left too much time for the Raiders to get into FG range) So while the Raiders strategy allowed them to hold down the Lions for a while, they adjusted and were able to show that when this offense is clicking, they can knife down the field in a hurry and a half.

What Oakland learned is something teams should have been well aware of at this point: after now 4 times coming back form 13 or more down this season, the Lions can score so quickly that no lead is safe. As this team matures and becomes more consistent, it is just mind boggling to think they are just scratching the surface of what they can do.

Can you imagine if the Lions offense can come out in the first quarter like it has been in the 4th? And to keep it up over a whole game? Look at the feared offenses of the Saints and Packers -- in a year or two the Lions are set to be that good -- or possibly even better.

In the end, while Oakland tried it's best to contain the Lions all they really ended up doing was providing an abject lesson in how not to defend Calvin Johnson -- the number of which seem to grow longer each week.

These Lions can play against any team in the league, and have a good chance to beat them any given Sunday. So watch out Chargers -- you may have a lightning bolt but the Lions are playing electric right now too!

Oakland Raiders Sunk by Lions

2011-12-22T11:27:00.000-05:00

I had a chance to re-watch most of the game, and the added perspective was interesting. I'm not going to do a play by play breakdown (I do have a full time job and three little pink lions ya know) but I sure do wish I had the time to do it. That would be awesome! If any of you know a place/person who does that let me know -- I'd be there reading every week.

Defense

I'll save the numerous thoughts on the offense for second. First, I want to focus on the matchup between the Oakland offense and the Detroit defense. I know the big press coming into this week was how badly the Raiders played in their last two games, but there was much more than meets the eye in that equation -- after all, the Raiders were 7-6 and looking to get back into the playoff hunt with a win over the Lions. Say what you will about there recent egg-laying, the Raiders have been far from a joke all year and a tough, competitive team.

Despite the headlines surrounding (QB)Carson Palmer, and the injury to (RB)Darren McFadden the real story of the Raiders offense has been the wide receivers and the offensive line.

Al Davis was almost as obsessed with speedy wideouts as one Matt Millen. A big difference is that his picks A. were not all in the first round, B. were not overweight, lazy, or drug addicts, and C. can actually catch the ball. The result is an offense stacked 4 deep with very fast WR on the field -- none of them a CJ caliber (who is?) but they don't have to be. They are more a bunch of faster Titus Young clones. The Raiders' problem the two weeks before? 3 of them were injured. Two made it back against the Lions and the difference was noticeable. YAC is a very underrated statistic, and an area where Oakland's group will make you pay. (as they did to Chris Houston on the long TD when he bounced off the WR instead of wrapping him up) Carson Palmer (and Jason Campbell before he got injured) rely on lots of quick hits to the open man, depending on yards after the catch to get then the gains they need. Screens especially mixed in with their strong run game make this tactic especially deadly.

To make matters worse for the Lions, on top of Delmas being out (and losing Harris) at Safety, their CB's were banged up. Both Wright and Houston were having speed and cutting issues as they recover from injury. This meant they were limited in their type of play they could use to defend. No matter what Jim Schwartz blathers about the health of the secondary played a big role in the big cushion look the Lions gave the Raiders. The intent was almost a man-up version of the Tampa 2, keeping everything in front of them to limit any big plays. They also were selling out on the rush and the pressure to keep the Raiders in their short game only and counting on the Lions defenders to limit YAC.

The result was that despite a long TD on a missed tackle, the Lions defense held the Raiders to just 20 offensive points scored in what on paper should have been a bad matchup for them on that given Sunday. Even though Palmer was taking 2-3 step drops and runing smoke routes, the Lions still got to him for three sacks.

So while the Lions were playing with 3/4 backups in the secondary, they still played a solid game and did their part to help the Lions win, and to get the ball back to set up the Megadrive.

Tonight I'll look at how the Detroit Offense and Oakland Defense matched up.

Great Scott!

2011-12-19T16:52:00.000-05:00

Still in a frame of refernce in regards to Back to the Future (I need to watch the DVD's with the Pink Lions again) I couldn't help but think of a fun line from Back to the Future 3.

Doc Brown has just passed out in the Saloon. Mad Dog Tannen is going to be waiting outside in 10 minutes to kill Marty. They need to leave to catch the train in fifteen minutes to get back to the future. How long is the "wake up juice" going to take? 10 minutes.

Marty looks out the window, looks at the doc, and then says "why do we always have to cut these things so close?!"

That's how I've felt about...oh, every game but Denver and Kansas City this season.

The Lions have easily generated 1.21 Giggawatts in electrifying games so far in 2011

The big difference from year's past? The Lions are winning these close games most of the time. Sure, you can question a lot of things about the Lions. You can point to how some teams "lose X number of games by a touchdown or less" as to how they are so close to good. That, however, has always been a hopeful misdirection. A major Red Herring so to speak. A large number of NFL games are decided by a touchdown or less every week. The difference between playoff teams and teams going home is whether you can win more of those games than you lose.

9-5

The win-loss record speaks for itself. The Lions have managed to win more of those close games (Tampa Bay, Dallas, Minnesota (twice), Panthers, Oakland) than they lost (49ers, Falcons). That in and of itself is the major sign of a playoff team. So too is that ability to come from behind while maintaining composure. On the last two drives in Oakland, the Lions looked more like the preseason/5-0 start Lions than the mid-season Lions struggling to find a rhytm.

I will have a more detailed analysis of the game tomorrow, but suffice it to say as a fan this is the most exciting season of Lions football since Barry Sanders retired, hands down. I'm not sure if any of them in recent memory have featured so many electrifying games.

C'mon McFly, U Chicken?

2011-12-15T17:39:00.000-05:00

Most everyone has heard the phrase "egging you on" in reference to goading someone into doing something -- typically something stupid, silly, dangerous, or all three. Websters defines it as:

egg

verb (used with object)

to incite or urge; encourage (usually followed by on ).

Origin:
1150–1200; Middle English < Old Norse eggja to incite, derivative of egg edge

As I watched Suh throw a hissy fit on National Television as I chonked on Turkey I could only wonder why the bigger Turkey was on TV. I had an image of my youngest little pink lion throwing a temper tantrum screaming "she started it!" Then, the following week against the Saints I again wondered if this other word from Websters was in the vocabulary of the Detroit Lions:

noun

control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc.

Origin:
1705–15

Related forms

self-con·trolled, adjective

self-con·trol·ling, adjective

Synonyms self-discipline, self-restraint, willpower, levelheadedness.

It certainly wasn't being emitted from Jim "Meet me outside to see who the bigger Jimmy really is" Schwartz. As a matter of fact, against both the Packers and Saints one would be hard pressed to find it being exhibited by the Lions anywhere on the field.

I know, I know. The officiating was horrible you say -- it was. But they were untying his shoes! you say. Apparently they were. Of course as soon as I read that, I instantly pictured good 'ol Biff Tannen.

Your Shoe's Untied McFly.

The interesting thing is the Lions have been like two totally different teams. Against the 49ers and the Falcons they pretty much George McFly'd their way through the entire game -- I just got the feeling they were waiting for that next nuggie, next jab. In the meantime, they stammered their way through "putting on the second coat of wax right now" excuses that no one was buying. They were playing timid, not the bold swaggering group from the first 5 games.

Is making the playoffs their density, I mean destiny?

After building a Tebow proof lead against Denver, and then once again coming back against Carolina sandwiched around another timid game loss versus the Bears it became clear the Lions were playing alternating stretches of bravado mixed in with bouts of low self esteem like timidity. Sticking with my Back to the Future analogy here they were acting more like Marty McFly than his pop. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how much like Marty they were until the Green Bay and New Orleans debacles...

Let me start with this basic thought: If you think New Orleans and especially Green Bay went through 8 quarters against the Lions without a single holding penalty I have this great property in Montana with a beautiful view of the Caspian Sea and magical fairies that tend the gorgeous gardens to perfection producing amazing fruit all year round to sell you. Really. That is still no excuse; The Packers, soon followed by the Saints, were basically calling out to the Lions "whatsa matter, you chicken?"

That's right. Just like poor Marty and his historical namesake, the Lions couldn't walk away from a fight and paid dearly for it. Will they also end up getting fired from a dead end job because they are too "manly" to back down? Just like Marty McFly and my temper tantrum throwing daughter, now the other 31 teams in the league know all you have to do is goad them enough, and the Lions players will lose it to the tune of 15 yard penalties, ejections and even suspension.

Against Minnesota, they finally managed to ignore these McFly Penalties -- but how long will it last? Will Marty McSuh be able to keep it together once he hits the field again? If not, just like in Back to The Future III it will be his name and the Lions playoff hopes on that tombstone...

The future can still be altered. Will the Lions avoid this fate?

I'm thrilled the Lions are 8-5. They are making a push for the playoffs and hold their destiny, like Marty above, in their hands. The question now is can they hold it together, or will they give in to the shoelacing taunts of their opponents? Oakland is the most penalized team in the league so there will be a parity of reputations - if the Lions can come out of that game relatively clean (and with a win) then that is a huge step in the right direction. If not, I'll have to start a "Great Scott!" Marty McFly Chicken Penalty of the week.

For everyone with Christmas gathering this weekend, I hope that you take the time out to enjoy your families while you can. DVR, VCR, or have the game on in the background but remember what is most important this holiday season.

DetFan1979

The Longest Time...

2011-12-14T18:35:00.002-05:00

I take my first tentative steps back into blogging about the Lions and find myself wondering if maybe I'm still sitting in the hospital having delusions. Lions? In Control of their Playoff Destiny? The Detroit Lions, Playoffs -- in the same sentence, seriously, in December?

8 wins? I can barely remember 6 months ago (okay a few days ago) much less the last time the Lions had 8 wins or more. I was not yet a parent - the Little Pink Lions were merely a glimmer of the future. If we go back to when the Lions were in the playoffs, I was still in college. I was not yet married.

In a year fraught with trials and tribulations, the Lions have been a pleasant bright spot. So where have I been, you ask, that I am just now weighing in on this already 8 win season?

I injured my shoulder in January. It turned out to be pretty severe (torn labrum, torn rotator cuff, and a bone spur just to top it off). I finally had surgery on it in May. Prior to the surgery it was just too much pain to sit at the keyboard and type, so my blogging trailed off. The surgery had a few complications, and despite early promise after the surgery our house flooded. So post surgery my father and I were ripping out and rebuilding the basement/first floor while I was also doing physical therapy. Toss in some family needing help, trying to catch up at work and I was pushing myself harder than I should have been. Too hard. Too soon. Major blood pressure and fatigue issues led to Minor heart issues. I nearly collapsed and work and was hospitalized briefly. - I only call them minor as I was supremely blessed not to suffer any real permanent damage. That episode sidelined me completely for over a month. In September I headed back to physical therapy in what has been my routine and will be through the end of the year: get up at 4am. Physical Therapy for two hours, get ready for work, go to the office until about 6. Supper, Family time, bed. Repeat.

I've just been too tired to blog. Now things are finally improving! Most of the pain is gone. I'm doing better balancing things. The Little Pink Lions now each have their own brand new bedroom in the walk out basement/first floor. (We took the opportunity that the disaster created to make things better). I'm afraid I still can't promise consistency for a while, though I will try. I don't even know how many of you are still reading -- I appreciate all of you who are! I'v really missed blogging about the Lions, and it's been building for quite a while that I feel a need to start writing again.

This experience has definitely given me a great respect for how much time and effort -- and pain -- football players go through; even those who are not injured. For those who are and are still playing through it I feel I have a better understanding - and more sympathy for how it can effect their game. While I haven't been blogging, I have been watching. It has been an enjoyable and entertaining ride - I am excited to see how it ends!

Real football is being played in Detroit, and from the looks of it will be for years to come. My health is improving, and I can see "normal" not so far distant in the future. Live every day your best - because you never know what will happen in the next.

Its good to be back

DetFan1979

Once in a Lifetime -- Weekly

2011-10-23T22:12:00.000-04:00

What was Barry Sanders? He was a lot of things to a lot of people, players and fans. His ability and his impact on the game on any given Sunday can't be described in a hundred words, or a thousand words, or more. When you watched him you had to suspend belief because what you were seeing wasn't possible on a football field.

Expectedly Unexpected. Commonly Unique.

What Barry did was make every game he was in a thrill to watch no matter what the score was. Points, winners, losers -- it all seemed to fade when Barry touched the ball. Breath held, we waited to see what was going to happen next. One tackle behind the line. Two. Three. Four. Five - wait - Magic!

You knew you were going to see something special, and yet every time he slipped a tackle, spun two defenders around, leaped over one player while simultaneous ducking another tackler and somehow still staying on his feet and headed to the endzone we sat and stared, mouth agape and mind unable to believe what we were seeing even though we expected to see it.

Barry had more negative runs than anyone else. He had more awe inspiring runs than any three other backs combined. Emmitt ground out the rushing record over time. Barry was the only back who could run about 100 mind numbing perplexing yards for a 20 yard touchdown. Spinning, juking faking.

He knew what defenders were going to do before they did, and then he avoided it. Jumping through holes that didn't exist, rolling away from hits that should have leveled a mac truck. Lowering his shoulder like he was going to be tackled, and then jumping back as defenders fell to their knees in front of him and taking off as those behind him did the same in an ironic type of homage as they grasped for that which couldn't be caught - couldn't be harnessed.

Barry Sanders was like an optical illusion on a football field. He wasn't the biggest. He wasn't the strongest. He wasn't the fastest. But when he touched the ball science stopped and Barry started. Inertia no longer existed and we saw angles and cuts and moves that defied the laws of physics but somehow conformed to the rules of the Gridiron. Barry's rules. Rules no one else could comprehend, much less follow or duplicate.

Watching Barry play made being a Lions fan something special. It wasn't about wins and losses -- it was about the mystical. The enchantment.

It was about once in a lifetime -- weekly.

Game PreView: Tampa via Mlive Lions Forum

2011-09-02T17:54:00.000-04:00

I was looking at trying to get together a preview for the season opener at Tampa Bay, when I saw that Thunderfoot on the Mlive Lions Forum had already posted a summary I essentially agreed with -- and felt would be good to share with you.

961128.

Detroit's offense vs Tampa's defense...

by thunderfoot, 09/02/11 1:30 PM

When the Lions go into Tampa they will be facing a defensive line which they match up better against than a lot of the lines they’ll play this season. The Bucs line is young and quick, and they’ll rotate 7 or 8 guys like the Lions will. But they are not the overpowering type or line Detroit generally has problems with. The Bucs have seen film of Stafford and his arm, but they’ve never been on the field with this guy. Without Talib, Calvin Johnson caught 10 passes from Drew Stafford last season in a Lions win at Tampa. CJ may do the same this season with Talib in the lineup. On the other side for the Bucs is 36 year old Ronde Barber who has slowed done, but not enough so that any of the other young Bucs could take his job. There safeties are nothing to write home about. At linebacker the Bucs have a rookie, in Mason Foster, manning the middle after no OTA’s and 6 weeks of training camp. He may end up a great one but he’ll be taken advantage of early. The Bucs problem on defense, besides the fact that they are young, not stout and can be run on, is the fact that there are too many interchangeable parts. They don’t have enough great or even better-than-average defenders who grabbed their position and look ready to take their games to the next level.

The Lions will probably open up in shotgun formation passing against Tampa. The Bucs will play 2 deep and may even start in the nickel. Look for Detroit to make yards on the ground, this game, and we’ll see if Tampa’s safeties get tempted to peak in the backfield. If so, the Lions will probably get at least a couple of big plays. But Tampa will be coached not to do that. As we’ve seen last season, Stafford can play a patient game as well. The bottom line is Detroit has too many real offensive weapons for the Bucs to deal with. They have to try to slow down the Lions, limit touchdowns defensively, and try to limit Detroit’s possessions. A shootout is not good for the Bucs.

961129.

Tampa's offense vs Detroit's defense...

by thunderfoot, 09/02/11 1:31 PM

When Tampa has the ball, they need to run it and get positive yards on first downs. Last season, that strategy was somewhat successful, as LeGarrett Blount had a big game running and leaping over Lions’ safeties and LBs for big gains. We should look for a better effort from Detroit this season. Tampa’s offensive line should be the best part of that team. They may indeed be with some high draft picks, high priced players and Probowl performers. The problem? They play against the relentless front 4 of Detroit this week in front an improved LB unit. They will be pressured.

I like Josh Freeman—a lot. He has it all. He is a very efficient QB with a big arm. He’s a strong kin who reminds me of Rothlisberger in that he has muscle his way out of trouble, keep plays alive and complete passes. He’s going to be a really good one in this league. Freeman, however, doesn’t have enough tools to outscore a team like Detroit. The aforementioned Blount is a slugger in the backfield, but they don’t really have an explosive 3rd down type back. Mike Williams had a really good rookie season but he is really not a burner. Benn was injured most of last season. He IS the burner but his patterns are readable at this point. The multiple knee surgeried, Kellen Winslow still holds down the fort at TE.

This offense, though featuring a good young QB is not a high scoring type offense. They won a lot of close games last season by shortening the game with Blount behind that OL, and winning in the late stages. A couple of these games they really had no right winning at all. It’s going to be fun for Lions fans to look at the differences between this back 7 and last season’s back 7. We already know what to expect from the front 4 and they will have a time battling Tampa’s best unit. However, Suh, Williams, Avril, KVB and co. should win most of those battles this season and I see no reason week one will be different

961131.

How the game should play out...

by thunderfoot, 09/02/11 1:32 PM

Here’s the game…

This season’s Lions/Bucs game kind of reminds me last season’s game against the Rams. On paper there is no reason the Bucs should even be competitive against the Lions. Like the Rams, it is the team’s record that will scare the Lions fans instead of the players on that team.

What the Lions want to do is score quickly against Tampa, and force Tampa to try to keep up. Tampa in turn, wants to play a first down game and keep their offense on the field. That’s the chess match here. Look for the Lions to score, however. Though the Bucs have some young talent on the defensive line, they are very young, and will have a couple of rookie ends playing in their first NFL game. They also have a rookie MLB backer playing in his first game. Look for those players to be taken advantage of particularly in the passing game (Best, Pettigrew). Even if butterflies affect the Lions for a series or two, they will eventually score against this unit. Tampa is trying to build a front wall but they aren’t there yet. The Bucs need Detroit’s help. They need to create turnovers and may even score off of turnovers to keep it a game. If not, the game may be out of reach by the end of the 3rd quarter.

What the Lions want to do defensively is stop the run, first, then make Tampa play a fast game. If Tampa has to try and keep up the scoring they are playing Detroit’s hands. Not only do the Lions have a front 4 built for that, but they have a quick and veteran LB corps who can not only hit, but think on their feet. Also, Tampa doesn’t have the weapons for that kind of game.

The intangibles are the Florida heat and the Bucs penchant for ball security. But the overall talent of the opponent should more than make up for those intangibles

Lions 27- Bucs 13

Thanks to Thunderfoot for putting together such a well thought out piece! Agree? Disagree? What are your thoughts readers?

Lions Organization has Class

2011-09-02T15:08:00.000-04:00

In stark contrast to the tumultous, rancorous, often bungled situations we as Detroit Lions fans became accustomed to over the Millen Era (and even before) the new front office has turned a sharp about face. The Lions, instead of dysfunctional, are now often shown to be organized and downright classy.

The perfect example of this is how they responded to the death of Tom "Killer" Kowalski -- honoring him at the first news conference after his passing & the Bills/Lions Preseason game.

But now, they have gone further -- renaming the Press Lounge at the Allen Park facility in his honor, as well as donating a portion of the home-opener concessions to Killer's two favorite charities. On top of that, they are starting a sports journalism scholarship in his honor.

That goes far enough beyond classy I'm not even sure which word to use.

I can be proud of the team I root for because when it came time to back up what could have been mere words of sympathy and loss with solid substance, they took up the gauntlet proudly, openly, and far exceeded any token gesture to leave no doubt about the sincerity of the organization's intent nor the pain of their loss. While we fans lost a bridge to the Lions organization, they too acknowledge having lost a respected bridge to the fans.

Awesome job Lions!

First Fantasy Draft: Annual League

2011-08-31T00:53:00.001-04:00

In a feature I did not follow up on that I plan to do this year is chronicle my misadventures in the DetFan1979 Fantasy Football Leagues. There are two leagues -- the Annual League, where we draft a whole new league each year and the Dynasty League where we can keep up to 5 players.

Tonight was the Annual League draft. This is the 4th year of the league, and I had an abysmal showing last season. It is a 12 team League that starts 1-3 RB, 1-3 WR, and 1-2 TE along with a K, DST, and QB.

Mostly standard scoring, with some long TD bonuses thrown in. DST is huge in this league as a defense will make or break your year.

here is my final roster:

1.	Hasselbeck, Matt TEN QB 6
2.	Sanchez, Mark NYJ QB 8
3.	Stafford, Matthew DET QB 9
4.	Jones, Felix DAL RB 5
5.	Thomas, Pierre NOS RB 11
6.	Tolbert, Mike SDC RB 6
7.	Turner, Michael ATL RB 8
8.	Ward, Derrick HOU RB 11
9.	Wells, Chris ARI RB 6
10.	Burleson, Nate DET WR 9
11.	Ward, Hines PIT WR 11
12.	Williams, Mike TBB WR 8
13.	Williams, Roy CHI WR 8
14.	Heap, Todd ARI TE 6
15.	Shiancoe, Visanthe MIN TE 9
16.	Gould, Robbie CHI PK 8
17.	Lions, Detroit DET Def 9

Hint Below: Your league has 17 roster spots, and requires: 1QB 1-3RB 1-3WR 1-2TE 1PK 1Def starters.

As you can see, I am running back heavy so, and more than a little light on wideouts. Detroit is my only defense, so I'll have to pick up a bye-week replacement. Overall, I feel like I did pretty decent. Jones, Turner and Wells are all "feature backs" and Tolbert and Thomas work in shared backfields, so should be good bye week fill ins, or injury fill ins. I'm not thrilled with my WR position, but Ward and Mike Williams will be my starters. Hopefully I can upgrade over Roy, or he suddenly shows up ala 2006 (not likely). At TE, I'm hoping Heap can find synergy with Kevin Kolb. In his Philly games, Kolb favored the TE Celek who had great numbers when Kolb played. Whenever Vick played, they dropped off dramatically. I'm hoping that Kolb will have that effect for Heap in Arizona.

Yes I know I'm a homer. My team will only go as far as Stafford and the Lions Defense takes them. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Your thoughts?

Tribute to "Killer"

2011-08-30T17:47:00.000-04:00

It was with heavy heart and a shock that has still not worn off that I learned of the death of Lions beat writer Tom "Killer" Kowalski. I must have sat at my desk just dumbfounded for more than a few minutes as the shock set in. I've had my won brushes with heart issues this year, and it really hit home. It could happen any time. Celebrity deaths are things that have never really struck me to tears. But I was close to breaking out tears yesterday afternoon, as they stood unsehd in my eyes. Tom was just a local celebrity, national figure, he was someone who had been a part of my life the whole time I was a Lions fan. My whole life.

Back in the early 2000's, I found the Mlive Lions Forum -- back in those days Tom would log in between practices sometimes, and hang out with us answering questions. A true insider showing true class. It was like he was just one of the fans -- only with behind the scenes info that we on the outside could only dream of.

He had a way of analyzing and adding his thoughts to the news coming out of Allen Park that made it so much more than the standard cut and paste AP articles and regurgitated blather that you get from most outlets. His Film Breakdowns after each game - even preseason - were priceless for those of us who wanted to watch the film but didn't have the time, knowledge, or experience to do so. Nor could we ask players and coaches - as he did - what the heck happened on that play fellas?

It was Tom Kowalski who replied to my email encouraging me when I decided to start this blog - and also encouraged me to stay away being just another set of news links. "Lots of Hot Dogs, not very many toppings" is how he described the basic reporting that we often see of a few facts repeated and thats it. Lots of writers are afraid or unable to really put that stamp on their writing while reporting at the same time. Despite being fair -- both in praise and criticism -- he was still a fan like the rest of us, rooting for the team. And that dichotmy led him to delve into his own thoughts and share them with us -- as well as debate, argue, and chat about them with us.

He was one of us, and made us feel like we were in Allen Park right there with him - that we were all insiders, part of the team.

Without his great insight, hard work, and dedication none of the vibrant lions blogging community would or will be the same. You're going to be very missed Killer - not just Mlive -- but all of the fans of the Lions will never feel the same.

what time is it....? Theres a 100% chance you know... it's time to say goodbye Tom.

Doing my best Al?

2011-08-17T23:13:00.000-04:00

In the spirit of longtime fellow Lions blogger Al at The Wayne Fontes Experience, I decided to follow up a declaration of blogging regularly again with a brand new major health issue. While he certainly has me beat overall in the category of "Lions Blogger with Most Health Issues" (Ty leads "Best Beard Award") I spent a good chunk of the past week either in the ER or in bed. Often both. Or getting my blood drawn. Or having yet another test.

I'm sure you get the picture. The Lions' preseason performance was by far a high point in a week I would like to otherwise forget. (which included nearly collapsing at work) I have one final test Tuesday, at least, final if it comes out all clear. If not... well, I'm doing my best not to worry about "If not" unless it gets here. Needless to say, I am at least halfway semi on my feet. Kinda.

On another note, there is at least two, possibly three openings in the DetFan1979 Dynasty (Keeper) League. They are some good teams, and have some good keeper potential. Please email me as soon as possible if you are interested. If you are already in the league, and haven't let me know if you're coming back please do so ASAP. I'm having trouble getting this to come together this year, and would hate to have to close down the Dynasty League after 3 great years.

As for now, I will continue to intermittently blog as I get slowly back to my feet yet again. I also plan to get the band back together for the Lions Congregation at least in time for the regular season. Hopefully.

Thanks again for reading!

DetFan1979

"Leshoure"ly not likely to be the same player

2011-08-10T14:14:00.000-04:00

I hope I'm wrong. I'd love to be wrong. It would be great to be wrong, as I have been on many occasions in the past. (Remeber my "great things" feeling after that 4-0 Preseason champs in 2008? Yeah. I try to forget about that too.)

In this case, I'm going to have to agree and disagree with a good friend and fellow blogger, Ty over at The Lions in Winter. I'm sure if you haven't read this piece I've seen too many places to properly credit the original finder in regards to recovery rates from ACL ruptures, you will now. The thing with any injury is that you are never the same - period. Where I take exception with Ty's take is that A. Brown of the Giants should be the case study to give us hope. While it is true that he could give an idea of the possibilites, there are other factors at play here that must be considered.

The foremost is NFL training and rehab facilities and trainers. Brown was not an elite college runner. He also, up until being the in the NFL, did not have that extra training to develop all the minor muscles in ways us amateurs miss. We bench press thinking it's upper body... but do we work the other severl hundred small muscles around the shoulders and back? Brown is not only coming back from injury, but benefitting from targeted, high level development and training. Over a two year period. For his job. These are things he did not have at near the same level -- meaning that this development is also tapping into untapped potential for burst, strength, speed that come from a focus on supporting muscle groups not just the primary ones. (although there was/is, I'm sure, plenty of work there too)

Of course, my same argument above is also what leads me to agree with Ty and that to say Leshure's careeer is over right now is just absurd. What we have to acknowledge is that it won't really start for one or two years. We won't see the final version of Leshure until the 2013 season, if we ever do. I just feel that he had less untapped potential than Brown as far as how developed physically he is -- in other words, he was already operating at a high level. Its more about can he get back there versus can he get there.

That same training facility, staff, and time most of all is something we must not underestimate in its impact. I'm going to quote an anonymous comment from Ty's Blog first:

Gang,
Don't want to be a "downer," but I know first hand about ruptured Achilles tendons. I completely ruptured my left Achilles in late 2009, had surgery, and endured 3 months of physical therapy (three times a week), etc. I'm back to playing basketball in the driveway, shagging fly balls, playing catch, hiking, etc. However, I don't think I will ever be 100% again. The range of motion isn't the same, I have to stretch all the time, and am unable to push off the same as before the injury. Granted, I never went beyond HS athletics, but I can't see anyone being the same after this injury.

In February I fell wrong on my shoulder and had to have surgery to fix my rotator cuff, a torn labrum, as well as a bone spur. I had the surgery in May and went to physical therapy a couple hours each morning at 5am three days a week for a month before heading off to work. At the end, I had okay strength back and near full mobility and was on my own. I'm still ever so slowly getting back into shape but its a rough road. I don't have near the strength or speed I had before the injury.
Does this mean Matthew Stafford wasn't going to recover from his ifseason shoulder sugery? How is he doing so well? The difference is in the treatment.

I went 3 days a week for 2 hours to a physical therapy location. For one month. Matthew Stafford worked with multiple trainers doing shoulder and full upper body rehab and strengthening for 5 1/2 hours each day. For 3 months.

Starting to see the diffence?

This is their occupation, and Leshoure as a second round pick will have one full time job: healing and rehabilitiation. With sometimes more than one on one training/trainers. On the best equipment. For more hours in his first week than most of us regular joes would get total.

When it comes to injury and recovery, we can't compare our buddies ACL tear, or Achilles injury, or shoulder surgery outcome to what it will be for an NFL player. Will Stafford stay healthier now that he has strengthened and worked on all the little extra muscles I started to learn about in my short therapy window that should make him stronger and more durable? Only time will tell.

In regards to Leshoure, the only way to know whether or not he can recover is time. However, no matter the spin we like to put on it multiple sources say that a return to full power after an achilles injury simply does not happen. Not unless other factors (better training in the case of Brown) are helping compensate for what was lost fromt he injury. The real question is not will Leshoure come back -- When he comes back will he be enough of the back he was to be back in the backfield for the Lions? IF...

Starters to Backups: Linebacker

2011-08-04T14:46:00.000-04:00

Of the many things we can say about how Martin Mayhew is building the Lions, one is that he drafts talent and shops free agents for need. He is also all about "value" - he isn't going to break the bank Millen style for that "one guy" if he has 5 or 6 or more holes.

Most significant in the Lions developing over the past two years since Mayhew took over is the trend of players who were starters transitioning to backups. Last year this process was done on the defensive line - Guys like Sammie Hill and Andre Fluellen who were starting became backups/rotational players. Guys like Landon Cohen, Shaun Cody, and Joe Cohen were shown the door. Now Sammie Hill is developing and blooming into a starting caliber tackle who is valuable in the rotation.

The sign of a good team is solid starters. The sign of a great team is depth.

This year, Mayhew took on the linebacker position. Despite the revolving injury door in the secondary, no position started more backup caliber players last season than at linebacker. Jordon Dizon was lost before the season and never even got a chance to show if he had anything. This was only significant because Levy was also injured most of last season. This left the Lions with about Paris Lenon level talent at MLB.

Yikes

What followed was Follett, Palmer, Havner, Johnson, Carpenter et al churning through at the position. Carpenter looked really good as he got comfortable. Palmer looked like a solid rotational guy. Everyone else played solid special teams.

Fast Forward to this truncated ifseason -- the Lions drafted Doug Hogue in the 5th, re-signed Carpenter, Levy is healthy and they added Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch. Palmer is also still on the roster -- along with a host of young tryouts and other guys trying to make a special teams roster spot.

In terms of 2010 to 2011 the starters are now backups, and there is very solid depth. Durant and Levy will man the outside spots, and Tulloch will hold down the middle. Levy will still be a 4 down LB as well as serving as the backup middle linebacker. No more Spencer Havner in the middle. +whew+

Backing up the outside spots will be Carpenter first (and I expect him to rotate in frequently), with Palmer next and Hogue mostly special teams and still learning. From the rest of the pile on the roster I expect them to keep Ekejiuba due to his special teams impact.

In other words, if the Lions lose both Tulloch or Durant they would be plugging in Carpenter. Even if they lose two of their three starters -- unless both Tulloch and Levy are injured -- they will still have a solid rotation and at the very least a starting caliber player at the ever important MLB position.

It is phenomenal to see where this team has gone since Martin Mayhew took over amidst the catastrophe of the 2008 0-16 season. Finally Lions players that are released or not re-signed are catching on -- and in some cases starting -- for other teams. To have come so far so fast is a testament to his abilities to create a plan that works and sticking with it. From starters to backups -- the Linebackers are looking like they will no longer be a liability this year. Especially with Detroit's defensive line. IF...

Roster Game, Set, Match?

2011-08-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

We used to play a game every ifseason called our roster "30 lock". The Lions were so untalented, it was actually difficult to figure who the starters would be, much less the backups and who would make the final roster. Churn was high. Talent was low. UDFA were the next savior of the franchise. Draft picks from rounds 1-5 were expected -- Needed -- to be quality starters.

As I sit after a few days of de-liquifying our home, just scanning over the Lions' new roster it hit me:
This team is both talented, and at several points - there is depth. Honest to goodness depth! We're not talking about the kind of Matt Millen depth where there was a group of similarly talented players at a position - where one got injured and there was another, equally bad player, there to take his place.

No.

We are talking about starters ranging from solid to superstar at every position. We are talking about backups and rotational depth that can step in and step-up to maintain quality play. We are talking about an honest to goodness NFL roster!

Are we talking about a playoff roster? It's too early to tell. This is the ifseason, and while I'm growing more excited every day for this season full of new possibilities to start - I still hold the caution of "IF" What I do know is that for the first time in many years we Lions fans know for certain that we have a real NFL front office capable, willing, able, to assemble a real NFL roster. That alone gives the Lions a fighting chance each Sunday.

No more laughingstock of the league in Motown. Think we can handle watching a real NFL team in action? I know I'm ready!!

DetFan1979

Drowning In News!

2011-07-28T17:32:00.010-04:00

This summer has been hot and dry here in Lansing, and while we needed rain it came a little too much too fast last night. Flash flooding has been hitting all aroun d- and for the first time ever the DF79 household is under water!!

My Backyard Yesterday

There is a good 2-3 feet of water extending our entire block. According to the fire department, who checked to be sure it was safe from downed electric etc., only the new weather stripping I put on our back door last fall sealed it well enough to prevent standing water in our basement. As long as we don't open the door, of course.

The NFL Landscape for the Lions is pretty much mirroring my flood. After months with nothing concrete happening whatseover, we have been drowned in a deluge of rumors, signing, information, cuts, camp.... but the Lions as usual are keeping many things sealed up tight even though leaks here and there are giving us great cause for excitement!!

Just like emptying my pool...I mean, basement, is going to take a lot of work in a short time, so too will things begin to calm down so that we may get a clearer picture of where the Lions really are now. I'm glad to be back, and looking forward to the thrill of this upcoming PLAYOFF season with all of you!!

DetFan1979

Lockout Blackout

2011-04-20T17:46:00.001-04:00

Its been an interesting year. While continuing to deal with ankle issues, I went and completely wrecked up my shoulder, Matthew Stafford style. Its about 90% surgery at this point - and after being at a computer all day at work, just have not been able to sit down at night to research and type up articles.

Now, while this normally wouldn't have stopped me, something else happened: the lockout. There is no real information coming from anywhere. Nada. Other than specualating about college players I haven't been able to research, there is no Lions news of note. No position battles. No free agency. Heck, we don't even know who the free agents are/will be yet!

The NFL blacks out a game for the local viewing audience when it doesn't sell out entirely. Well, I'm going to pull an opposite. Since the players are MIA the NFL is getting blacked out by me. I am going to keep focusing on my health and family for right now. Once the blackout ends, I will be able to dive in with gusto to the new CBA, free agency if it happens, etc. Until that time, I hope the rest of you will join me in taking advantage of this nice break and once the draft is over do something else for a while. Spend more time with your loved ones, start a new hobby, whatever it may be, and then come back to the Lions refreshed and excited for what should be a benchmark season for the team.

Sincerely,

DetFan1979

Lions Congregation: Felton and Smith

2011-01-27T12:35:00.001-05:00

First off, my apologies. This piece was supposed to appear on Monday, but did not publish correctly. This week, the Lions Congregation takes a look at the situation in the backfield behind best with a couple of restricted free agents – Kevin Smith and Jerome Felton. Have a question or topic? Email Lionscongregation@yahoo.com

This Week’s Panel:

Al of the Wayne Fontes Experience

Zac of The Sidelion Report

Blades Boyd – Contributor

Steve of Detroit Lions Weblog

Latif of House of Spears

NetRat of NetRat Detroit Lions Page

Question from Joseph B: With Felton demanding more of a role and the limited availability of Kevin Smith the prior seasons, what is the thinking of the front office going into the off season with these two players?

Al: I'm thinking they may have even less playing time than they did this past season. There's a reason both Smith and Felton made noises about wanting to leave Detroit (though Smith quickly backpedaled away from his original statement, and...well, no one really cares about Felton). They may have seen the writing on the wall.

Felton is a natural fullback, a position the Lions don't have much use for due to their preponderance of two tight end sets...for good reason. Who would you rather see on the field? Journeyman Jerome Felton or a combination of the extremely productive Brandon Pettigrew and play-making Tony Scheffler? I know who I want to see on the field...and it isn't the fullback.

The Lions may try to find a big back capable of running between the tackles in the coming months, as, to be blunt, Felton has proven to not be that guy. He doesn't move the pile, and committed some costly fumbles in the attempt. What potential Felton once had has become nothing more than unfulfilled promise. I'd rather see Maurice Morris or a healthy Smith in a short yardage situation.

As for Smith, he still fancies himself as a feature back, though his production, injury history and lack of speed says otherwise. But he's under contract for another season, so it doesn't matter what Smith thinks he can do. It's what the Lions think Smith can do, and they must believe he's a backup...why else would they have drafted Jahvid Best in the 1st round last year?

If the Lions can improve their backfield depth, they will. But I doubt they'll spend a high draft pick or much money to do it. Which means we could very likely see Smith and Felton, whom are still under contract, return in the same roles they had this past season. Smith as the backup to Best, and Felton as the fifth running back, and only fullback, on the depth chart.

But if the Lions felt the need to move on from both backs, and let them walk, I doubt it would break any hearts...including that of the players themselves.

Zac: It is often impossible to know what the front office is thinking so I will tell you what they should be thinking. They should be willing to bring Kevin Smith and Jerome Felton back next year but only on the organization’s terms. Let’s be honest, Smith and Felton are both easily replaceable and the Lions aren’t in such a desperate position that they need to bow down to either guy.

Jahvid Best will be the number one running back going forward and Smith hasn’t shown a whole lot to distinguish himself from Maurice Morris. Jerome Felton failed to prove that he is a viable option to the team’s short yardage woes. He does bring some versatility to the table but there is no use keeping him around if he isn’t going to be content in his limited role. Simply put, he doesn’t deserve an expanded role.

I’m fine with both guys remaining as Lions into next year as long as they understand and accept their place in the depth chart. If they aren’t willing to accept that then the Lions have reason to keep them around.

Blades: Felton is an interesting case because it seems he's a bit over valued. Now the question becomes is he over valued because of his potential or is because he's really that good. There's little doubt he's a good short yardage running back but he hasn't shown much else. He reminds me a lot of Kuhn from Green Bay. He'll never outrun anyone but can get the yards when needed. It's interesting but I think you will see the Lions use a lot more single TE sets with a full back in the game. Felton saw limited action because often the Lions would use a double TE look in the running game. If you watch the game when Morris rushed for over 100 yards, you'll see the Lions used less double tight end sets which lead to the success.

As for Kevin Smith, I've always been a huge fan but there's just something about running back who play for the Lions that wear number 34. It's a bad omen!!' James Stewart, Kevin Jones and now Kevin Smith are or were all top talents at the RB position but injuries quickly ruined their careers. Kevin Smith would be a great #2 because he can run, catch and block but by the sounds of things, he still wants to be a starter and don't be surprised if he seeks a trade in the offseason. Hopefully he gets healthy and can still reach his full potential!

Steve: In my opinion, neither player should figure too heavily into the Lions future plans, when push comes to shove.

Felton, more of a hybrid fullback, than a true blocking, power fullback, has exhibited some playmaking ability, but has never taken ahold of the short-yardage and goal line back role that has been seemingly there for his taking.

In regards to Felton, I am of the opinion that the Lions could do worse, but if an opportunity for an upgrade presents itself, the Lions need to take a look at it.

If the Lions are going to become a true, power running between the tackles, play action, vertical passing brand of team (which would seem to suit Matthew Stafford), a hard-nosed fullback would go along ways towards helping to improve their offense.

As far as Smith is concerned, there are some things to like about his hands and his edgy brand of play. That being said, his lack of true breakaway burst and a growing propensity towards injury makes him very expendable in my eyes.

I do not believe that Jahvid Best will ever become a pure, north-south, between the tackles runner. I believe that the Lions could benefit from a split back situation that pairs the shifty, gamebreaking Best with a tough, between the tackles runner, who still possesses the afterburner's to break big plays.

With the Lions picking at #13, even with considering much they need help on defense, I believe that they should take a long hard look at Mark Ingram, Jr. from Alabama. If Ingram, Jr. grades out worthy of being selected near pick #13, and all of their top defensive options are gone, the Lions could possess a down right explosive offense, with Ingram's addition.

If nothing else, the addition of a veteran like Ronnie Brown might be an option, too.

Latif: I can see Jerome Felton coming back as a Lion. He is a restricted fee agent, but there aren't any teams dying to sign him away from the Lions. Early in the season, the Lions tried to use him as a power back, but that really isn't what he is cut out to be. He is a decent option as a receiver every now and then and does a good enough of a job blocking. In my opinion, he is an average fullback in the NFL, but definitely doesn't need to be replaced. Personally, I would like to see him gone. Like I said, he is just average as a fullback and the Lions seemed to run better with Heller as the fullback. Heller obviously isn't a long term option, but there are some good ones out there. The first name that comes to mind is LeRon McClain. He is unhappy with his role in Baltimore, and he could definitely fill both roles of a power back and fullback very well. I'm not quite sure if McClain would come to Detroit, and would still take a fullback role, but he definitely is worth looking into.

As far as Kevin Smith goes, I think his time in Detroit and maybe even career in the NFL is over. Its been back to back seasons that he has ended up the IR, and has averaged less than four yards a carry. Plus, he already came into the NFL with a ton of millage. He will have to be replaced by someone, and I think Michael Bush is the best option in free agency (assuming he is a free agents). The next best option would be to draft a back in the mid rounds (3rd to 5th) because there are plenty of good backs in those rounds, but of course that requires the Lions front office to scout properly, which they have done in the past two years.

NetRat: I believe Felton will see some competition in camp and may or may not make the final roster... in addition, he may be trade bait should anything come up. Meanwhile, I re-tweeted this tweet earlier today. @Omar Kelly RT by @theNetRat Ran into Lions RB Kevin Smith during my morning workout. He's a restricted free agent and told me to tell the Dolphins: "Come get me." So Kevin Smith (RFA most likely) doesn't sound as if he likes the snow (that's a joke by the way).

This is why I commented on Kowalski's recent article that I wouldn't be so quick to rule out a RB in round 1 of the draft should one rate significantly higher then any defensive guy who might still be there at 13.

Thank you again for joining the Lions Congregation! See you for another ifseason edition next Monday!

Lions Congregation: Stafford = Playoff Push?

2011-01-17T17:57:00.001-05:00

Time once again for the Lions Congregation! Where Lions bloggers from around the web gather to ponder your emails. This week, we glance at the playoffs and wonder… could that be the Lions some day? Maybe in the 2011 season? Assuming, of course, there is a 2011 season…

The Panel:

Al of the Wayne Fontes Experience

Zac of The Sidelion Report

Blades Boyd, Contributor

Steve of Detroit Lions Weblog

NetRat of The Net Rat Detroit Lions Site

DetFan1979 of Roar of the Lions

Question from Blane H. : Does a Healthy Matthew Stafford make the Lions instant playoff contenders in 2011? Assuming there is no lock out of course.

Al: If we're talking about the NFC West...definitely. But in a division with the Packers and Bears, who happen to be playing for the NFC Championship next Sunday?

Not yet. Not as the Lions currently stand, anyway...unless Matthew Stafford can play linebacker or cornerback.

Even if the Lions don't do more than add a little depth on offense, they will have more than enough talent starting on that side of the ball to compete for a wild card. But the offense isn't the issue. This defensive back seven, especially at outside linebacker and cornerback, is the issue.

I love the thought of Stafford being the Lions' quarterback for a full season. Regardless of the Jets making the AFC title game, does anyone believe Mark Sanchez is the reason why? I'll still take a healthy Stafford over Sanchez. I really believe the talent differential if obvious.

So yes, Stafford legitimatizes the Lions, and they'll be considered a dark horse candidate to make the post season. But the only way the Lions can move from playoff dark horse to worthy contender is to solidify a defense currently in flux

Once the Lions know who will be starting at both outside linebacker spots and at least one cornerback position, then, and only then, can the talk turn serious about going to the playoffs with Matthew Stafford.

Zac: Thanks for the question Blane. Everyone seems to have their own definition of what it means to be a playoff contender. To me, the teams that are playoff contenders at least show up in the "also in the hunt" column when the networks put up their graphical representation of the playoff picture. Does a healthy Matthew Stafford put the Lions in that position next year? I think he does.

As was the general consensus of the previous Lions congregation, this year's team met expectations with their 6-10 record. The big kicker is that they did that without the benefit of the man they drafted to be their all-world franchise quarterback. To put it bluntly, if getting Matthew Stafford back on the field doesn't provide another boost forward then the Lions have big issues.

I was encouraged by what I saw from Stafford in the limited amount he was able to play. Remember, the Lions won the only game he finished and were leading in the two he left. It doesn't sound like anyone in the locker room is questioning Matthew Stafford as a quarterback and a leader so there is no reason to expect that he won't have them "in the hunt".

Blades: To answer the question just as in the answer is maybe. If the lions can upgrade cb and lb on the offseason then the lions are playoff contenders with a healthy Stafford. But then there is everything else. Everything else being I do not believe stafford can stay healthy and I honestly think at this time next year we will be talking about who will be our next starting qb. I think his shoulder is done and I think it's a mistake he doesn't have surgery. Now I know what you're thinking, "I'm

Sorry Blades, but I'll take a dr's opinion over yours any day." And most of the time I would agree. Only this time, I can speak from experience. I've had the exact same injury as stafford when I played D2 ball and I was told that it would heal itself. Since then, I've dislocated my shoulder 26 times (literally) till I was told I needed surgery. This will be a continuing injury for Stafford and until he gets surgery, the lions will be nothing more then pretenders instead of contenders.

Steve: Regarding the NFL labor situation, you can almost guarantee that there will be an abbreviated off-season (No OTA's?) of some sort, but both parties (players and owners) know that they are much better off with football games occurring unimpeded, than not.

At any rate, Matthew Stafford is a crucial piece towards any potential playoff contention that the Lions might be able to enjoy. In Stafford's 9 1/2 (or so?) quarters of football this season, he looked confident and his arm was dynamic.The future health (beyond next season) of the Lions franchise is even more inextricably linked with the health and development of Stafford. Regardless of their upcoming '11 success or failure, the Lions need Stafford to emerge as a reliable, yet threatening, commodity.The problem is, the Lions now have their opponent's complete attention and they will not be able to surprise anybody. They possess considerable talent and improving depth, and their opponent's will prepare accordingly.

What Stafford may represent, if the appropriate off-season additions and upgrades are made, is the final elusive piece which makes them viable as Super Bowl contenders. Oh, what a difference a four-game winning streak makes...Now back to reality.

NetRat: No. It does make it more likely though. The NFL is still a team sport and a few more pieces need to be found to make the team a little more solid. Stafford would certainly contribute to the success of the team, but he alone is not enough to propel the team into the playoffs.

DetFan1979: A healthy Stafford would make the Lions much more competitive, and certainly put them “in the hunt” for a playoff spot. However, it would take a lot of luck. Just as important will be how the Lions fill out the defensive secondary and the linebacker positions this ifseason. Stafford can throw to CJ all day, but the Lions can’t stop anyone, they won’t go anywhere in the playoffs should they luck into a trip there.

Have a question or topic you want to see? Email the lionscongregation@yahoo.com

Reddy Freddy

2011-01-15T22:29:00.003-05:00

My middle daughter couldn't sleep so I told her she could watch playoff football with daddy. She told me she needed to grab her sock monkey Reddy Freddy because he loves football. Pretty easy to tell which team he roots for isn't it? Maybe next season, we'll be able to watch the Lions in a playoff game!

Lions Congregation: Expectations

2011-01-11T12:39:00.001-05:00

Welcome once again to the Lions Congregation! I may be a day late, but certainly not a dollar short as we have 8 panelists weighing in on this week’s question in regards to how the Lions did (or did not) meet their pre-season expectations. Have a question you would like to see answered? Email the lionscongregation@yahoo.com. We also welcome new member Latif this week – formerly a featured columnist at Sidelion Report who has now set up his own digs at House of Spears.

This Week’s Panel:

Al of the Wayne Fontes Experience

Zac of The Sidelion Report

Blades Boyd – Contributor

Steve of Detroit Lions Weblog

Latif of House of Spears

Ty of The Lions in Winter

NetRat of NetRat Detroit Lions Page

Joshua DetFan1979 of Roar of the Lions/DF79 Lions Site

Q: How did the Lions in reality stack up to your ifseason expectations of them prior to the 2010 season?

Al: If you go by their W-L record, the Lions did meet my expectations. A 6-10 record and ending the road losing streak is what I predicted before the season. The Lions got to those six wins, and ended the streak...in the most unexpected way possible.

A four game improvement was pretty much the best case scenario for the 2010 season. Going into the final month, dragging along a five game losing streak, I was much closer to accepting the Lions' season would be the worst case scenario...two or three wins. But the Lions closed the season like a Wayne Fontes coached team. Picking up steam to end the year on the highest of notes, a four game winning streak against good competition.

So the season could be broken into three segments. The Lions met expectations in games 1-7 (going 3-4, as I'm giving them credit for getting jobbed out of a victory in the "process of the catch" BS), didn't meet expectations in games 8-12 (the ugliness of the five game losing streak) and exceeded expectations in games 13-16 (closing out 4-0, raising expectations for 2011).

Add it all together, and somehow, some way, the Lions met my expectations for the season. But it was a white knuckle, roller coaster ride.

Zac: Last preseason I predicted a 6-10 record for the Lions this year so it would be easy to say that the Lions met expectations in 2010. That prediction was made under a set of circumstances that didn't pan out, most notably with lack of playing time from Matthew Stafford. Knowing what I know now I am inclined to say that the Lions exceeded what should have been expected of them. Credit goes to the coaching staff for staying steady in their preparation with Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton leading the offense and instilling an expectation to win in any situation. The players clearly believe in what the organization is doing and ended up taking a step forward despite trying circumstances.

Blades: The Lions far and away exceeded all expectations for this season. I predicted them to go 4-12 and once Stafford went down, I expected them to go 2-14. If Shaun Hill could throw a spiral, there's a good chance we win another game or two as well. (Although he did a great job this season and is probably one of the top 3 back up QB's in the NFL, he has never thrown a spiral this season. The ball waves all over the place making it difficult to catch) Looking at the year, there's no reason this team shouldn't have been 8-8 because I consider the Bears game a win and the Jets game a win. (Suh missing the extra point) So, overall, the season has to be considered a success. At the beginning of the season I had each position ranked and now I have updated the rankings so the best way to answer this is to break it down. So here we go.

Pre Season Grade-B

Post Season Grade-A

I think it's safe to say the Lions have a top three backup in Hill and probably the best third string QB in Stanton. Both played really well at times this season and lead the Lions to wins against teams we normally have no chance again. Stafford is still a mystery to us all but based on what we've seen, we're set at QB if we can bring back Drew.

Pre Season Grade-C-

Post Season Grade-B

I didn't like the Best pick before the season and was highly critical of him because I couldn't justify spending a first round pick on a RB who is not an every down player in the NFL. Although I'll stick with that, because I still don't believe he's an every down player, he proved to be everything the Lions thought and maybe a little more. Although during the season he basically disappeared, I will chalk that up to his turf toe because he was great at the beginning of the year and decent to the end. I think Maurice Morris showed his value and his worth and is a viable backup. Although I've always loved Kevin Smith, I think his days as a Lion will come to an end at next years training camp because I promise you the Lions draft a RB this year in the mid rounds to try and upgrade that position a little.

Pre Season Grade-C

Post Season Grade- B+

This is based strictly on Pettigrew, CJ and Nate "the great" Burleson. I wasn't a huge fan of Burleson because of his injury status each year but this year he stayed healthy and was a great compliment to Calvin. We need to find a slot receiver because Bryant Johnson is simply brutal. And if Pettigrew hadn't dropped 18 balls this season, he would be considered a top tight end in this league but he still deserves credit for the 60+ catches he did make. The Lions will most defiantly draft another WR this year and hopefully that person can come in and play right away.

Pre Season Grade C-

Post Season Grade B-

Rob Sims proved he is everything the Lions thought and was a nice pickup for the Lions. He did exactly what we all expected, open some holes in the running game and not kill us in the passing game. Backus proved he isn't as bad as everyone thinks and had probably the best year of his career. Although I'm a HUGE Raiola fan because of his leadership, about game 6 I got sick and tired of watching him get pushed back every play. Don't be surprised to see to the Lions go out and pick up a centre to complete with Raiola in the offseason.

Pre Season Grade B+

Post Season Grade A+

Where we would this team be without the D-Line??? Everyone on the D-Line was lights out all season. The most underrated guy on that line though has to be Sammie Hill. This guy is the best run stopper the Lions have and he gets literally no recognition because of Suh and Williams. Hill is in on almost every play when he's out there and this guy is a starter on 25 other teams in the NFL.

Pre Season Grade D

Post Season Grade D+

Levy is good and that's about it. Sure the other guys did a serviceable job but realistically, with the exception of Carpenter and MAYBE Landon Johnson, none of these guys should be on an NFL roster. The D-Line made everyone better and made everyone look better then they really are. I loved the Carpenter pick up when the Lions made it and I think he'll be back as a real good backup and possible starter. Keep in mind, this guy was a first round pick and he was real good for Dallas his rookie year. The problem came when Dallas went to a 3-4 and Carpenter is most defiantly a 4-3 LB. Expect the Lions to draft one, maybe even two LB's in this years draft.

Pre Season Grade F

Post Season Grade D-

Again, with the exception of Delmas, Houston and maybe Spivey and Alphonso Smith, none of these players should be in the NFL next season. Sure Vasher had one good game and if he can get some confidence back he could make the team as a nickel corner. CC Brown is by far the worst player on the entire Lions roster and I don't understand how he made this team. He cannot tackle or cover!!!! I watched quite a few Giants games in 2009 and all I remember seeing is him getting burned which is why I don't understand why the Lions picked him up. He is awful and will probably never play again in the NFL. (can you sense the dislike I have for this moron) The Lions had themselves in a perfect position to get either Patrick Peterson or Prince Amukamara who are two of the best CB prospects to come around in a long time but in typical Lions fashion,(not that I'm complaining) they go out and win four straight and give themselves virtually no chance at either because they should be top ten picks. Linebacker and DB will see major overhauls this season and if the Lions can get a starter at safety, outside LB and CB in the offseason, look for a playoff push in 2011. If they can't or don't get a starter at each of those, look for an 8-8 or 7-9 season.

Special Teams

Pre Season Grade C

Post Season Grade B+

Logan was an absolute steal and Dave Rayner may be our new kicker next year. Enough said.

Steve: When the Lions were 2-10, I was in a deep, I-can't-believe-this-is-the-"Same Ol' Lions"-again, kind of funk. It was easy to acknowlege the hard luck losses and blown officiating calls, but I was certain that the Lions were on an irreversible path towards a 2-14 record and was concerned that Jim Schwartz's job would soon be in jeopardy. I guess I kind of missed on that one.

Entering the season, with the expectations of a healthy Matthew Stafford, I considered the Lions a 4-12 level of team. If things went well, I thought (optimistically) that they could possibly sneak away with six wins.

I had often lamented their misfortune, as a 2-14 team in 2009, of drawing such a difficult schedule, entering the 2010 season.

Other than an awful performance in Buffalo, an early season road loss in Minnesota, another road loss in Dallas, and an embarrassing second half meltdown against the 14-2 Patriots on Thanksgiving Day, the Lions were competitive and could have potentially won each of their games.

Now is not the time to dwell upon the game one victory that was robbed from Calvin Johnson's clutches, nor the combined coaching staff/Drew Stanton brainlock which lead to a horrifyingly excruciating loss to the Jets.

Four wins in a row to end the season, two if which were against legitimate playoff contenders, with each victory being perilously close, is enough to say that the Lions have clearly exceeded my expectations for 2010.

Latif: I predicted 7-9 before the season started, and that's exactly what the Lions would've been if the zebras hadn't gotten in the their way. I thought the secondary was going to be improved, but they did go beyond my expectation. Of course, like most people, I didn't expect anything close to what we got out of the defensive line. On the offensive side, I thought the Lions were going to be better running the ball, but that clearly didn't happen. At the same time, I didn't expect the offensive line to be nearly as good as it was this past season.

Ty: In terms of wins and losses, I had them at 7-9--so technically, they fell short. However, those expectations were set presuming they'd have a healthy Matthew Stafford, and Jahvid Best would be an above-average NFL starter all season long. I thought the offensive line would be much improved in the run game but still struggle against the pass, and the defensive line would be excellent, but the pass defense would be only mildly improved because of the just-as-bad-as-last-year secondary.

Of course, Stafford and Best outstripped my expectations in the short times they were 100%, and the defensive line was even better than advertised. The O-line was still awful at opening holes, but they were one of the best pass protection units in the league. The Lions secondary played gamely all year long--mysteriously improving throughout the season, even as almost all the starters were laid low by injury. In the end, the Lions were a little better than average on offense, and a little below average on defense, and that's better than I expected--MUCH better, considering what I'd have expected if you told me Hill and Stanton would each start multiple games.

The most impressive thing, though, was the heart this team played with. With the exception of the Buffalo game, the Lions played every single game as if it was for a playoff berth--and they surprised the hell out of some very, very, very good teams. They took the step forward we've been waiting for them to take: out of the basement of the NFL, out of the basement of the division, and into consistent competitiveness. The foundation is laid for them to go to the playoffs in 2011 (assuming there is a 2011).

NetRat: I had expected the Lions to have a record of 7-9 in 2010. I had also expected Stafford to play. So I would have to say they exceeded my expectations by getting 6 wins playing backup quarterbacks for most of the year.

DetFan1979: I felt the Lions – IF healthy could go as high as 8-8 this year. That was a big IF since we had no idea what the depth, or even the starters were capable of. Considering the numerous injuries all over the field – QB, or course -- but also in already weak areas like the secondary and LB . Did the Lions find any starters in those reams of players? I don’t know. But they did find a lot of good, solid depth that outperformed what I would have expected/predicted had you given me the IR/Injury List then the Lions at a final record of 6-10 (7-9 minus Chicago travesty) I would give them a solid exceeded expectations.

Q: Who was one player who met your expectations, one who didn't deliver, and one who exceeded your expectations?

Al: Met expectations: Shaun Hill was picked up this past off season to give the Lions a legitimate NFL caliber backup quarterback. He was just that, and more, for the Lions. After seeing Hill capably step in for Matthew Stafford, and play through some painful injuries himself, I now know why Niners fans were unhappy to see Hill leave. Hill is exactly the sort of quarterback the Lions have been lacking on their depth chart since the days of Dave Kreig; someone who you have no qualms taking over under center when needed. Honorable mention: Nate Burleson, Deandre Levy, Calvin Johnson, the Lions' offensive line.

Didn't meet expectations: I hate to go there, and I'm still expecting big things in the future, but it has to be Matthew Stafford. The Lions aren't going to make the leap to playoff contender without Stafford under center. In his second season, I was expecting Stafford to make the leap, to become a top 15 NFL quarterback...and he badly injures his shoulder in the first game of the season. So much for expectations. Part of being a franchise quarterback is staying on the field. At this point, after two injury filled seasons, Stafford will be exceeding expectations if he can play a full season in 2011. Honorable mention: Jahvid Best, Julian Peterson, Johnathan Wade, the Lions' defensive back seven.

Exceeded expectations: I thought Ndamukong Suh would be a good NFL player as a rookie, but I kept my expectations in check. It's rare for a rookie to dominate at the defensive tackle position, and I didn't think Suh would more than be a solid contributor. I was wrong. Suh did more than have an excellent rookie season. He made an impact on on the NFL nation at large, from receiving consideration for Defensive Player of the Year, all but locking up the Defensive Rookie of the Year award halfway through the season, being voted to start the Pro Bowl and becoming the face of the Lions. If that isn't exceeding expectations...then there is no defining the term. Honorable mention: Stefan Logan, Drew Stanton, Dave Rayner, the Lions' defensive line.

Zac: A lot is expected from Calvin Johnson every year and he delivered in a big way this year to live up to his billing. CJ certainly wasn't an underachiever this year but he didn't have the ridiculous kind of year that he would need to exceed expectations.

Stephen Peterman was a big disappointment to me. He seemed like part of the solution rather than part of the problem in 2009 and the line really suffered after got hurt late in that season. Rather than building upon that positive he took a step back this and received a lot of heat for it. Peterman's foot injury probably played a bigger roles in his struggles than we knew but his season was a disappointment nonetheless.

The Lions had a roster full of players that could receive credit for exceeding expectations but Ndamukong Suh is the one my mind goes to first. Singling out Suh is high praise considering he came in as the number two overall draft pick but defensive tackle is a position that has required young players to adjust to the NFL over the course of a couple seasons rather than making an immediate splash. Not so with Mr. Suh, just the second defensive tackle to have a ten sack season in his rookie season.

Blades: Rob Sims met every expectation I had for him. He was a real unsung hero for that O-Line. CC Brown didn't met expectations. I knew he was brutal but I honestly didn't know how bad he actually was. I fully expected him to be awful but not this awful. I honestly think he missed for tackles then he made and I'm not exaggerating at all. A lot of players exceeded my expectations so I'll just list them because there's too many to chose from. Christ Houston, Alphonso Smith, Jeff Backus, the entire D-Line and Nate Burleson just to name a few.

Steve: The Lions are beginning to build a legitimately competitive roster that will only heighten expectations as time wears on. The player who most met my expectations for performance in 2010 was Calvin Johnson.

Johnson has been someone that I have been occasionally critical of for disappearing in games, throughout his career. I believed that he possessed superlative talent, but wondered if his cool, soft spoken demeanor kept him from accomplishing all that he was capable of.

At one point, I mentioned to several people that I believed that Calvin Johnson may be the single most overrated in the entire NFL. I was wrong.

In 2010, Calvin Johnson made nearly all of the Lions big plays and routinely enforced his will upon Lions opponents, even as they devoted more and more energy towards limiting his production.

It is arguable that his pronouncement that he would only remain in Detroit after his contract expired if the Lions had become a winner, was a major motivating force behind the Lions turnaround. Johnson's message was an organizational clarion call.

The one player who didn't deliver, due to forces largely beyond his control, was Matthew Stafford. Stafford only played in three games, due to shoulder injuries, completing one from start to finish. As a franchise QB, this season was disastrous for his development and is the one major chink in the armor of the Lions rebuilding program. No one player is more crucial to the Lions future success than Stafford.

One player who exceeded my expectations was Cliff Avril. In years past, I referred to Avril as "Kalimba (Edwards) Part Deux", largely because of his mesmerizing atheletic gifts but relatively low level of production.

This season, the Lions defensive line was likely the biggest difference-making personnel group in the entire NFL. The Lions had been historically awful prior to this season. The arrival of Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch made it so a player like Avril could flourish...and boy, did he!

Latif: I think the only player that really met my expectations was Calvin Johnson. I don't think I have to say anymore about that. The biggest disappointment to me was Kyle Vanden Bosch. He did bring a veteran presence, and he did play well when on the field, but the injuries were a major concern when the Lions signed him and his absence did hurt the Lions in the second half of the season. Other than that, I really thought he needed to play more in control, and could've produced more sacks. As far a player that exceeded my expectations: its a tough call. I expected next to nothing out of both Lawrence Jackson and Alphonso Smith. To me, Smith is the bigger surprise as he was second in the NFL in interceptions before he got injured, and I don't think anyone saw that coming.

Ty: I'd have to name Nate Burleson as the guy who was exactly what I thought he'd be: a dynamic player who could get open, get first downs, and get yards after the catch in the space created by Megatron.

One who didn't deliver? I'll exclude Stafford and Best, because duh. I was hoping for more out of Levy and Delmas this year, but they missed huge chunks of camp and preseason due to injury--and I think Delmas never really healed. Peterman was hurt a lot, too. I guess I expected Rob Sims to solve the interior run problems--and despite clearly being a huge improvement in pass protection, he didn't. Still a good pickup, and I'll be intrigued to see what happens next year with Peterman, but again: no daylight up the middle was not what I expected.

So many exceeded my expectations, or met the very high end of my expectations. KVB, Avril, Suh, Houston, Pettigrew . . . but Corey Williams blew me away. Yeah, okay--the stupid penalties are stupid, and have to be curtailed next season. But he was dominant in both phases of the game, and deserved a Pro Bowl berth almost as much as Suh did. He was instrumental to the success of the defensive line, and defense as a whole. I've gone on record as saying his will likely be my next jersey.

NetRat: I would say Burleson met my expectations. Backus exceeded my expectations (along with Suh and Williams on the other side). Delmas, Levy and Stafford were a bit short.

DetFan1979: Nate Burleson met my expectations for this year, and by proxy allowing CJ to as well. Burleson came in and took the pressure off in the passing game as another player on the roster (finally!) at the WR position. Unfortunately, no other WR on the roster remembered they need to run AND catch – not just run down the field. Ndamukong Suh as well – I had a feeling be would be a dominant player out the gate, and he was.

Beyond the obvious in Matthew Stafford and Jahvid best, I have to say Deandre Levy was my biggest disappointment. I know he was playing through several injuries once he finally got on the field, but I was hoping to see all season the flashes that we saw the last two games. He still has potential to be a great middle linebacker – potential doesn’t mean will, so now we have to wait another ifseason to see.

There are just too many players who exceeded expectations. The entire Dline. The pass blocking of the Oline. The defensive secondary. I have to say, I’ll settle on Chris Houston and Alphonso Smith. Smith was leading the league in INT’s when he got injured, and while Houston didn’t do a lot in the INT department, he covered his guy and was a solid stabilizing force in the secondary. For once we can look at the CB position and know the names of at least a few guys who will be playing in the fall. I had no expectations that either of them would do anything (the same, apparently, as their former teams considering what Mayhew gave up for them). While proving to be solid additions to the team, they definitely exceeded what I expected out of them.

Thank you again for visiting with the Lions Congregation! Have a question or topic you would like to see answered? Email lionscongregation@yahoo.com.

Jersey Time

2011-01-08T13:05:00.001-05:00

My brother and I have a tradition of making a trip to Ford Field just the two of us for one or two Lions games each year. Now, we finally took the plunge for our first Jerseys. Looking forward to next season already!!

Lions Congregation: Defensive Player of the Year?

2011-01-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

Just one question this week before the Lions Congregation panel once again delves into what was, and what could be throughout another ifseason - and it regards the Lions' Pro-Bowl rookie DT, Ndamukong Suh.

the Panel:

Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience
Zac of The Sidelion Report
Steve of Detroit Lions Weblog
Joshua of DetFan1979 Lions Blog

Q: Should Ndamukong Suh also be getting strong consideration for Defensive Player of the Year, not just Defensive Rookie of the year? Will he win one or both? Thoughts?

Al: If there is a player who could win one of the NFL's 2010 awards unanimously, Suh taking Defensive Rookie of the Year could be it.

There's no doubt in my mind, Suh is an outright lock for DROY. He has been since mid season. The Lions prize rookie has been dominant from game one, and is still dominant going into game 16. There's not many, if any, first year interior defensive linemen who have to be game planned..except forNdamukong Suh. Offenses ignore him at their peril...which they don't, as Suh is double teamed on almost every snap.

Suh is starting in the Pro Bowl for a reason. He's damn good, and going to get better. The NFL can start engraving the DROY award with Suh'sname.

As for Defensive Player of the Year, it's not going to happen. The NFL's DPOY award will almost assuredly go to either Packers LB Clay Matthews Jr. or Ravens DT Haloti Ngata. Both are excellent players having great seasons. But more importantly, the Packers and Ravens are teams with winning records and are going to the post season (Ravens are locked in, Packers hold their own destiny, or could back in with help).

Suh will get his shot at DPOY/MVP awards. It could happen as soon as next season...if the Lions to continue to improve in the standings.

I'll go on record right now. If the Lions become a consistent playoff contender in the next few seasons, Suh will win a least one Defensive Player of the Year award. You can book it. But it won't be this season. Not that Defensive Rookie of the Year is a bad consolation prize.

Hope all is well, and happy holidays!
Zac: Ndamukong Suh deserves consideration for Defensive Player of the Year but I don't know that I would go so far as to say strong consideration. I'm sure his name will pop into the head of many voters when they think about the great defensive players of this year but there are a lot of other players that are worthy of the award. Justin Tuck's 75 tackles, 12 sacks and 6 forced fumbles give him a strong resume for the award and I might consider him the front runner. Patrick Willis, Cameron Wake and Clay Matthews have also had great seasons. Suh has to be the favorite as Defensive Rookie of the Year, followed by Devin McCourty, and could be a Defensive Player of the Year winner in the next couple of years.

Steve: Should Ndamukong Suh receive consideration for NFC Defensive Player of the Year? Hell, Yes!

Let the results speak for themselves:

Suh has:9 sacks (1st for DT's)
60 combined tackles (3rd most for interior linemen, 1st DT)
1 interception returned for 20 yards
1 fumble recovery returned for a TD

Individual defensive statistics can be misleading, but let's look at some of the changes in Lions team defensive statistics from 09' to '10:

The Lions Total Team Defense was ranked 32nd in '09, and is currently 22nd in '10. They are allowing 39.7 fewer yards per game (392.1 to 352.4) and .5 yards fewer per play (6.1 to 5.6).

The most noticeable improvements have been made in team pass defense:

Opp. Pass Comp Pct: 68.1 to 63.8
Opp. Passing Yards: 4, 249 to 3, 361 (a decrease of 888 yards)
Avg: 8.1 to 7.5 (a decrease of .6 yards per pass)
Opp. Yd/G: 265.6 to 224.1 (a decrease of 41.5 yds/g)
TD/INT: 35/9 to 23/13 (12 fewer TD's, 4 more INT's)

Here is where Suh, and I believe the performance of the entire Lions defensive line has made it's biggest difference.

Completed Passes of 20 yards or more: 54 to 41
Completed Passes of 40 yards or more: 41 to 9
Sacks: 26 to 41 (+15!)
Opp. Qb Rating: 107.0 to 91.1

Opponents are being pressured to deliver shorter, quicker passes. Opposing Qb's are not being allowed to find a rhythm, nor are they able to exploit the weaknesses still lurking in the Lions secondary.

The Lions defense is still far from dominant, but even after injuries and roster deficiencies are accounted for, this team could not have possibly improved this much defensively solely because of another year of tutelage under Jim Schwartz and Gunther Cunningham.

The Lions defensive line has been the single biggest factor which has made this team competitive and appearing on the verge of better things to come. An argument can be made for Corey Williams being the most dominant DT on the Lions roster, but no Lions defensive lineman has exhibited the playmaking and difference-making ability of Ndamukong Suh.

Suh's pernicious attitude on the field, which has consistently drawn double teams from opponents, has been infectiously influential upon the entire defense. The Lions defense is playing with a chip upon it's shoulder and not allowing opposing QB's to become comfortable.

In all likelihood, Suh will not receive legitimate consideration for the NFC Defensive Player of the Year. He has yet to establish the kind of pedigree or track record necessary to receive that kind of notice. That being said, watching one of the league's all-time worst pass defenses become viable and respectable, albeit still residing in the middle of the pack, largely has to be attributed to the Lions biggest off-season addition, Ndamukong Suh.

Suh is a shoo-in for NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year, and is a top five finalist for NFC Defensive Player of the Year. If nothing else, no one off-season addition can be considered to be remotely as propitious as the Lions draft selection of Suh, who has changed the face of the entire franchise.

Josh: What can I say? DROY is a cold stone lock. Possibly unanimous. Devin McCourty is mentioned, but while having a good season, how many other rookie DT's have been double teamed from their first snap in preseason?

Yeah. Exactly. Suh is all he was advertised to be and more. All those temper your expectations people are looking at his performance this season and making us wonder if this is his rookie year, what better things are to come? Hellz yeah. Good to be a Lions fan right now.

As for Defensive Player of the year...while the Lions are tagged as up and comers for next season, the team improvement as a whole, and Suh's impact on that just isn't registering for the national media yet -- and they just don't watch Lions games still. The Lions GM isn't mentioned as a GM of the year candidate, despite having a 6-10 record with no starting QB all season, and the numerous trades and moves that brought the Lions from expansion team talent to competitive in just 2 years. All this despite facing one of the toughest schedules in the NFL in terms of playing teams with winning records. Same for Schwartz.

All that being said, a lot of deserving defensive players had great years, and the voters will consider Suh "awarded" for his efforts with the DROY. Someone else will get the DPOY. Next year, however...

If the Lions are in contention and make the playoffs, I'm guessing that the Lions will have lots of candidates for awards (outside of their two pro-bowlers CJ and Suh). And it is very possible.

Do you have a question for the Lions Congregation? Email lionscongregation@yahoo.com

Draft Position Scenarios

2010-12-29T17:31:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Rubicon of Mlive Lions forum for boiling down the draft position scenarios into an easy to understand format:

918318.

Draft Position:

by Rubicon, 12/29/10 4:56 PM

We're guaranteed between #4 and #14.

If we WIN, we gain one spot from #14 for each of the following that happen:

- Browns beat Steelers

- Seahawks beat Rams

- Titans beat Colts

- Redskins beat Giants

- any 3 of the following (we would pick ahead of the Vikings, if 2 happen we would have a coin flip with them, if less than 2 then the Vikings would pick ahead of us): Saints beat Bucs (counts twice), Seahawks beat Rams, Cardinals beat 49ers

If we LOSE, then we are #8 and gain one pick for each of the following:

- Bengals beat Ravens

- Bills beat Jets

- Cowboys beat Eagles

- Texans beat Jaguars

So most likely if we win we get #12 or #13, and if we lose we get #6 or #7.

Killer Film Breakdown - Lions at Dolphins

2010-12-28T16:17:00.001-05:00

Here is a summary of Killer’s film breakdowns of the Lions at Dolphins on Mlive.com:

O-Line Struggled Early

Run D Forces First FG

Stare-Down Leads to Pettigrew TD

Breakdowns Ruin Good Individual Defensive Plays

Trouble Running Against a 7 Man Front

CJ Key Even When Not Catching the Ball

Henne Feel’s Suh’s Displeasure

Vasher’s Run Defense Solid Too

Rookie Mistake Leads to first Henne INT

Levy Makes Offense Pay for Slip

I admit I was frustrated most of the game as the Lions were thisclose to making a big play, but weren’t getting it done. One player would crash into the backfield, another would lose contain. One player would make a great block, another would let someone into the backfield on the opposite side. Both teams were grinding out a solid but not spectacular game all around – until the 4^th quarter.

Then things finally clicked together for the Lions and thisclose became big plays that changed the game in the Lions’ favor allowing them the solid win. The end to this season is validating the progress we thought we were seeing under the Mayhew-led Lions organization in terms of talent, and Jim Schwartz in terms of coaching. Both areas are now passing the eye-test on the field and the part that matters most – in the “W” column. The Lions now have 5 wins, and could end the year at 6-10. I’ll be at Ford Field next Sunday for the season endcap.

Lions Congregation: Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T10:47:00.001-05:00

Happy Holiday wishes from the entire Lions Congregation!

This is the season that brings to mind what football is about - entertainment, family, fun. About keeping cinnected with your brother by going to a couple of games together each season. Good times, good food, great memories.

May all of you have a great holiday, and we'll be back to answering you Lions questions next week!

Joshua Pung
DetFan1979

On behalf of the entire Lions Congregation

Lions Congregation: QB's, IR and Stanton

2010-12-18T00:55:00.000-05:00

Welcome back! Vacation was great, but there is football being played! The Lions Congregation is back at it, tackling your questions on all things Lions. Have a question? Email Lionscongregation@yahoo.com

This week's Panel:

Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience
Steve of Detroit Lions Weblog
Zac of The Sidelion Report
Net Rat of The Net Rat Detroit Lions Site
Joshua Pung DetFan1979 of DetFan1979.com

Question 1: Jimmy R. wants to know why the Lions didn't/won't put Stafford on IR. Is there a reason other than a vague hope of him playing?

Al: Why is Stafford still on the 53 man roster? I have no freaking idea, Jimmy. I've been asking the same question since Stafford tore up his shoulder against the Jets.

There's no reason to play Stafford unless he's 100% healthy. From all accounts (all rumors, as Jim Schwartz isn't talking), the odds Stafford can take the field before the end of the season are slim, at best. I'm long on record saying the Lions keeping a seriously injured player on the roster, when others are dropping like flies, doesn't make a Hell of a lot of sense. But the Lions are willing to use a roster spot, and carry four quarterbacks, regardless.

I've always believed in the principle of Occam's razor, which is "The simplest explanation is more likely the correct one." So saying Stafford has remained on the roster because the Lions have a "vague hope" he'll play before the season ends is as good of an answer as any...and if you go by Occam's razor, it's probably the correct one.

Steve: The Lions likely want to keep the potentiality of his return open, so that they can continue to market interest in his return. If Stafford's season is eventually put on ice, a number of fans would also subsequently check out.

Furthermore, if Stafford doesn't return this season, the criticism over his lack of durability and speculation about whether he was a busted draft pick (or not?) would only increase.

I firmly believe that Stafford would love to return. He is hungry, and as a burgeoning team leader, likely feels a certain amount of accountability to himself, the fans, and the franchise, itself.

As the season continues, and Stafford continues to rehabilitate, his imminent return will remain a hot topic. As imprudent as it may seem, I am all for getting Stafford back onto the field, gaining valuable experience, while establishing himself as a legitimate franchise QB, rather than preserving him for posterity's sake.

Zac: The Lions haven't put Stafford on IR because they believe he could be healthy enough to play again this season. They have been very consistent in saying that he will play when healthy, even if it is only for one game. The only cost of not putting him on IR is the inability to fill Stafford's roster spot with a healthy body. The Lions obviously place a higher value on potentially getting Stafford more game action this year over bringing in another journeyman that won't make any long term contributions.

NetRat: If Stafford is not on IR he can practice with the team (even if he's not throwing). Plus, there is a chance he could play a game or two before the end of the year to get some more experience (and snaps DO count).

DetFan1979: If he went on IR not only would his season be over, but Stafford would not be able to practice with the team. Even if he comes back just for a half of a game against the totally imploded, exploded, and indescribable Vikings those gameday snaps are important -- as are the throwing session during the week, even if they only limited. Limited is better than away from the team. This way he is around the team, and all it cost them was a roster spot on a team that was essentially eliminated from the playoffs -- a spot that would have been used on someone who wouldn't be around next year anyway. The development of Stafford trumps that by far.

Question 2: What exactly has Drew Stanton shown in his two starts with the Lions? Backup, potential starter, or 3rd stringer til he's out of the league?

Al: Surprisingly, Stanton has shown he's capable of winning a game in the NFL, if used properly. And just how did the Lions use Stanton properly in beating the Packers last Sunday? By taking the ball out of Stafford's hands, and using his mobility instead.

Not exactly a ringing endorsement for your quarterback, but it worked.

Stanton was placed behind the 8-ball in his rookie season when then offensive coordinator Mike Martz wanted his pet quarterback project, J.T. O'Sullivan, on the roster, instead of Stanton. Martz thought Stanton's mechanics needed to be broken down and rebuilt from scratch...and to be honest, Martz didn't want Statnon on the team at all.

So Stanton was (stupidly, in my opinion) placed on IR, which ended up costing him the first two years of his career. Stanton was been scrambling to catch up in his development ever since.

Stanton was drafted to be the Lions' quarterback of the future. For obvious reasons (over $40 million of them), that's no longer the case. It's pretty much a given Stanton won't be the backup for the Lions either, not with Shaun Hill under contract. If Stanton has a future in the NFL, it won't be inDetroit...and that's best for both parties.

Stanton needs a fresh start, and the Lions have cast their lot with Matthew Stafford. Not that talent-wise, they compare. Stafford has a chance to be great, Stanton has a chance to be a journeyman. The accuracy The Lions are making the right decision, but it's the previous regime's fault Stanton never had a real shot in Detroit in the first place.

Best case, Stanton sticks in the NFL as a backup...and after four seasons in the league, I don't think he can hope for much more. Fifth year quarterbacks are rarely kept on as third string, unless the team has major injury issues. That position is normally held by a developmental quarterback, not a player going into his second NFL contract.

But in the end, I think Stanton will be a backup somewhere in the NFL next season, just not in Detroit. Hell, if Dan Orlovsky can find a backup job after stinking it up with the Lions...why not Drew Stanton?

Steve:I think Stanton is exactly the player many Lions fans thought that he was. He has good feet, is gutsy, and may have even more leadership ability than was originally expected.

That being said, Stanton is an inaccurate passer, doesn't have the greatest footwork, and is prone to making poor decisions, at any moment. The Lions offense with Stanton at QB has certainly been less productive than it was with Shaun Hill, earlier in the season.

I believe that Stanton is a marginal NFL player at best, who may become jobless if the Lions don't retain him in the upcoming months. He is a third-stringer, with a marginal argument being made that he could continue to provide grit and leadership as second-stringer.

As a Michigan State fan, I am glad the spirited Stanton has performed well in his brief opportunity, but it is clear that there is a huge talent gap between he and Matthew Stafford, which overrides any of his gumption or intangibles. He is much more likely a UFL starter, than ever becoming a NFL starting QB.

Zac: Drew Stanton has proven that he is not a legitimate NFL quarterback. He outperformed expectations in his first start and managed a win in his second start but the difference between Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton is like night and day. Any talk of Stanton as a potential starter is laughable although I suppose he could land as a backup with someone in a desperate situation. The problem with Stanton hanging around the league as a third stringer is that those spots are usually filled by guys in their first three years in the league that teams think could have some developmental value. Sure, Stanton's growth was stunted by Mike Martz but there may not be many teams out there that are willing to consider that.

NetRat: Drew Stanton has shown that he'd have a hard time making the 49ers roster. Perhaps if he changed his name to Smith? Seriously though, he is simply too inconsistent. One game he's more or less spot on, the next he couldn't hit the ground standing on a ladder. I figure he checks out FA, someone might give him a chance but I seriously have my doubts.

DetFan1979: Shaun Hill is a great backup, borderline starter. He can play with little prep time and do well for stretches of time, but doesn't have the same top end as a Stafford, Shaub, Rodgers, Brady, Manning. However, he's the guy you feel confident can come in and take over if the #1 guy goes down.

Drew Stanton is not. He is a great athlete, great guts, great personality horrible decision making and pocket presence. He can get it done on occasion -- like one drive in the Green Bay game. However, he is inconsistent, has a poor feel for the pocket, and doesn't see the whole field while having trouble reading defenses. In other words, he is a #3 QB. If your talent level at this point of his career is still #3...well, you will be replaced by someone who may develop into a solid backup some day.

That being said, Dan Orlovsky is still a backup, and Rex Grossman is in Washington and even Patrick Ramsey is getting another go-round after two years out of football. Anything can happen, I guess and some team may see him as a cheap insurance option. If I were Drew though, I would be sharpening the resume and getting ready to transition to his post-NFL career.

Have a question for the panel? Email Lionscongregation@yahoo.com

Green Bay Fans: Reality Check

2010-12-15T11:13:00.000-05:00

I've been catching up on my Lions news and views after taking a much needed rest. One thing I like to do is see what the opposition media/fan opinion is after a game. For instance, after losing to the Jets their media and fans were talking abou thow lucky they were, and how scary close Detroit was to beating them. They felt Detroit was much better than they anticipated.

After Thanksgiving, I saw articles talking about how the Lions finally put on a great Thanksgiving show with a game tied at the half, competitive into the late 3rd quarter before the Patriots pulled away and made it a rout in the the 4th.

Against the Bears, it was about how the Lions were close, but their Stanton didn't hurt them, but didn't make the big plays and the defense couldn't hang on through the game time injuries. Bears fans are worried about their team being one and done in the playoffs, and most felt the Lions are on the way up while they are headed in the other direction.

So, imagine my surprise when this was the most common type of comment I was seeing about the Green Bay Packers' loss to the Lions on Sunday:

"take Brady out of the Thanksgiving Day game and Detroit might beat NE. Take any top QB off his team and the opponent has a good shot at winning. God, this is nothing new....it's been like that since the 1920's for god sake."
Pete Daughtry at the Green Bay Press Gazette had a great article that pointed out a sobering fact for Green Bay fans they didn't like: Take away Rodgers (the starting QB) and they are just as bad as Detroit is without their starting QB. He even went so far as to say that if Green Bay had Hill then Stanton under center, and the Lions had Rodgers the records for the two teams would be reversed -- with no other changes. The Lions would possibly even be better.

Hey Green Bay fans -- I know he's only been in three games this year, but Matthew Stafford is the number one QB for the Lions. Guess what else? Shaun Hill is the number two QB for the Lions. Drew Stanton -- that guy you saw starting Sunday -- is the Lions' 3rd QB. You know -- the guy who runs the scout team and is normally inactive on game day and holds a clipboard. Lots and lots of clipboard holding.

Green Bay Packer Fans: Your #1 QB was in the game for almost a full half. Detroit was playing its' QB3. In teh second half, you were playing your QB #2. Detroit still was playing QB #3.

As for injuries, Detroit is down just as many starters as you are Green Bay. Newsflash: You were the team with "depth" and "playoff potential" and "Superbowl Contenders". The Lions were expected to win 4-6 games. And that was WITH a healthy Matthew Stafford.

Looking at this objectively, this leaves only three possible scenarios:

1. Green Bay is a MUCH worse team than advertised
2. The Lions are a MUCH better team than advertised
3. The perception for both teams was skewed by the quarterback position -- which is important. But that outside of quarterback for good or bad the overall talent level of the teams is about equal.

For Lions fans this is great news!! For Packer fans...well...sometimes, the truth hurts. You better get used to the new reality because an automatic "W" for two games on your schedule is no longer there next to "Detroit" on the schedule.

However, there is a silver lining: If Minnesota keeps self destructing spectacularly, you may have a new favorite NFC North opponent.

Groundhog Day

2010-12-14T15:45:00.000-05:00

Just like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, it seemed we were going to keep re-living the same game over and over and over again with the Lions this year. I left the same game summary up for three games -- and it fit every single one.

This week, however, we finally woke up to something other than Sonny and Cher. The Lions have another victory -- one we haven't seen anything like in...well...too long to remember, that's how long.

How crazy was it?

The Lions won a low-scoring defensive struggle
The Lions defense made a defensive stop to allow the Lions to preserve a lead and win
The Lions had almost 200 yards rushing
The Lions knocked the OTHER team's QB out of the game for once.
The Lions only had 6 penalties
Drew Stanton was the best rated passer in the game - with about a -10
The Lions defensive line utterly dominated the Packers
The Lions beat a playoff caliber team -- and in doing so, may have knocked them out of the playoffs.

That's right. Green Bay goes to New England while the Bears get to face reeling Vikings. If the Bears win, and Green Bay loses the Bears have clinched the North thanks to tie breakers. This loss also puts Green Bay needing help to get in even if they win out thanks to other wildcard teams also holding tiebreakers over Green Bay. Thanks in part to that one Lions win the Packers could have ten wins and be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

The Lions beat a team - finally - that they weren't supposed. And they did it almost as ugly as you can get offensively with the defense carrying the game.

One Thanksgiving note -- Looking at the last 3 games the Patriots have played, they are back in "perfect season" form. Know what's scarier? The Lions put up the best fight of all 3 of those teams -- the other two who are (or were) playoff bound, keeping the Thanksgiving matchup competitive into end of the 3rd quarter. From Don Banks:

• A 45-24 defeat of the Lions in Detroit on Thanksgiving, in which the Patriots, playing on three days' rest, rallied past their plucky opponent by outscoring it 35-7 after halftime.
• The 45-3 destruction of the Jets last Monday night, in the much-ballyhooed showdown that swung the AFC East almost irreversibly to New England's advantage.
• And finally, Sunday's eye-popping 29-point win in the wintry elements, with the Patriots storming to a 33-0 halftime lead and making the tough-guy Bears (9-4) look like mere cubs in search of a warm place to lie down. Once again, it was New England that faced both a short week of work and a road trip to the Midwest. No matter.
Do the math. That's a five-game onslaught in which the Patriots have overwhelmed their opponents by a combined 196-88 (or 39-18 per game), with only one game having any drama by the fourth quarter. To slice it even a little thinner, since trailing at the half in Week 12 at Detroit, New England has outscored the Lions, Jets and Bears (oh, my!) 116-17 over the course of its last 10 quarters.

In other words, the last team to hold a lead over the Patriots was...the Lions.

All of that being said fellows, I'm still thinking the Lions get one more win at most this season. They are very injured, and where the backups have stepped in well (Landon Johnson, Turk McBride) they have even less depth than they did to begin the season -- which was about a half a napkin deep.

So put your booties on folks because it's cold out there, real cold. But it'll be warmer soon...say the 2011 season.

I Need a Vacation

2010-11-22T11:39:00.000-05:00

Its very difficult to write about this Lions team right now. Its like a formula has set in for this season...

Untimely penalties that actually occur? Check.
Slow Replay or Screw-up resulting in big play that isn't overturned that shouldn't count? Check.
Horrible call that swings momentum away from the Lions? Check.
NFL doing diddly about it? Check.
Ref arguing that call was correct, even when it wasn't? Check.
Defense playing tentative after the phantom penalty and blowing the game? Check.
Undisciplined play by the entire team? Check.

I'm heading out on Vacation with the Little Pink Lions, Mrs. DetFan1979 as well as the Parents of DF79. I will certainly still be watching the Thanksgiving Day game, as usual. But then I'll go see "Tangled" with my girls -- which somehow seems appropriate for the Lions this season - Tangled in their own hair and can't break free.

Due to my schedule, there will be no Lions Congregation for the next two weeks; I'm also not sure if/how many posts I will put up. I need a vacation -- and will come roaring back with some nice perspective when I get back.

Thanks as always for reading!

~ DetFan1979

This Explains it All...

2010-11-16T15:01:00.001-05:00

Got this great comic from my father that pretty much sums up this season... And many many seasons past.

Lions Congregation: Felton and Fears

2010-11-12T11:50:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to the Lions Congregation, where every week the panel of Lions Bloggers from around the web looks at topics and questions posed by our readers. Want your question or topic to be discussed? Email lionscongregation@yahoo.com

This week, the panel once again looks at Jerome Felton and the short yardage run game as well as measuring their varying states of panic or non-panic as the case may be.

The Panel:

NetRat of The NetRat Detroit Lions Site
Zac of The Sidelion Report
Blades Boyd, DetFan1979 Contributor
Steve of Detroit Lions Weblog
Joshua Pung DetFan1979 of Roar of the Lions

The Questions:

From Santa Cruz Lions Nut: Am I missing something, or is Jerome Felton the hardest running back on the roster? From what I see, the guy has done well with the carries he gets, and seems to be tough to bring down on first contact. Yet I can't remember any short yardage/goal line carries. Between the tippy toe-ing of Best as of late and the average-osity of Smith, what am I not getting?

NetRat: It's not the RB that needs fixing for the short yardage game, it's the center of the OLine. And that isn't going to happen. Raiola is great at reading the defenses and getting the OLine in the right play. He's also got a mean streak that coaches love. His one negative is power run blocking. He simply can not do it. Since he gets stuffed the run play has zero chance, every time. It shouldn't even be tried until such time as Raiola is no longer the center.

Zac: I agree that Jerome Felton should get more consideration, especially in short yardage situations. That being said, I don't think doing so gives the Lions a sure bet in those scenarios. Let's not project too much on Felton just because other guys aren't getting it done in a certain situation.

The problem that the Lions may encounter is finding a way to give Felton those opportunities without making it so painfully obvious to the opposition that he will be carrying the ball. I don't care how hard of a runner Felton is, he can't beat 11 defenders. I view the Lions' short yardage woes as more a function of their poor run blocking than the name and number of the back carrying the ball. Kevin Smith looks to be running harder the more his knee heals and Jahvid Best brings a versatility that allows the Lions to convert short yardage situations in a number of ways.

Blades: I actually have to say Kevin smith is the hardest runner. But I guess this all depends on what your definition of "hard runner" is. To me, it's a gut who hits the hole the hardest and watching Kevin smith run when he gets the ball is really something. He's learned that he's not a fast guy in the NFL and unlike what he did earlier in his career, he hits the hole hard and if there's room to run, great, if not, well he still gets 3-5 yards cause he hits the hole so hard.

Steve: From the time of Jerome Felton's 2008 draft selection, the Lions have initmated that they would like to use his ability as a ballcarrier to their advantage. They have used Felton upon occasion as an additional ballcarrier, to the tune of one or two carries per game.

The 2010 Lions have mostly featured Jahvid Best in their short yardage and goal line scenarios. I believe that the Lions think that by using Best, and making opposing defense's honor him as both a running and pass-catching threat, they gain an upper hand strategically.

The mere presence of Best, as a player whose gamebreaking ability could potentially lead to a score during any play, limits the touches that all of the other running backs are currently receiving. Even though Best has been pretty quiet since Week 2, while suffering from a turf toe injury, he still represents the Lions best rushing option.

In regards to Felton, I don't think he has shown enough in his limited opportunities to elevate his status from an occasional contributor to a more defined and integral part of the Lions offense.

DetFan1979: I know that Felton is a fan favorite since he was drafted -- I'm one of many who has wanted to see more. He can really drag guys along and bowl them over when he gets a head of steam going. However, when he comes in on short yardage its an obvious run. Leaving Best and/or Smith in the mix on 3rd and shorts makes for more options the defense has to prepare against.

Felton is also not a pile mover -- few backs really are. The Lions line is excelling at pass blocking, and despite Stafford's fluky injuries has allowed very few sacks. They are not, however, a power run o-line -- especially up the middle where Dom is a few inches and some pounds away from the perfect center. He does everything well except take on the nose tackle one on one and shove him back. Honestly, how many centers really can? Fewer than Lions fans think. No players are perfect and just like the rest of us have strengths and weaknesses -- one of those weaknesses for Raiola is that he won't be knocking the opposing D-line 5 feet back on impact. He does other things, however, very well.

The Lions short yardage game won't improve until they figure out where and how they can run the ball in a small space taking advantage of the strengths of their linemen.

From the General Mailbag Topic: Lots of fans are in various stages of panic after last week's game. Where do you fall in the spectrum?

NetRat: Panic after losing to the Jets in overtime? Nah. It says something the Lions made it to overtime. I was ready (as were most fans) for the Lions to beat a seemingly unbeatable team, but that didn't quite happen (see my blog on it at http://thenetrat.blogspot.com/ ). It does bode well for the future, oh and by the way, from here on out the Lions have one of the weakest schedule of opponents in the NFL North. Shame about the injuries, we're going to miss Stafford once again, but Hill should do okay once he gets back into the swing of it again. Hopefully before the Buffalo game gets out of hand.

Zac: I'm not sure where it falls on the panic spectrum, but I would describe my feels as supreme disappointment. The disappointment started with the blown game, then the realization that this season might be a complete waste from here on out, and then ultimately ended with reflecting on how things go wrong for this organization even when they are seemingly beginning to do it the right way. The injuries, Matthew Stafford's in particular, aren't a result of mismanagement. The Lions just aren't getting any breaks and I find that disappointing.

Blades: No. We lost in OT to a super bowl contender. The Schwartz will learn from his mistakes. Besides, I like Shaun hill better then stafford right now anyways. The panic button should be the fact Stafford needs new shoulders and to be on the field instead of sitting in rehab collecting the big fat checks the Lions are writing him.

Steve: I am disappointed by Matthew Stafford's injury and nebulous future status. I am also concerned that the Lions 24-game road losing streak will continue, after this weekend's game at Buffalo,

However, I am not panicked, because the Lions have clearly been "here" before and as a 2-6 team, their season wasn't exactly successful, to begin with, even if there were several tangible causes for optimism.

Ultimately, should they eventually lose to a winless and undermanned Bills team this Sunday, panic may then ensue, because it will likely be an ominous sign of things to come as the season marches on.

DetFan1979: Major Over-reaction aisle 9. Seriously, I have heard a lot of fans moaning about the lost season now that the Lions didn't beat the Jets. Sorry folks, but unless the rest of the NFC North all went on one heck of a losing streak and the Lions won out were playoffs in the picture. They weren't realistically in the picture from day one.

The lost season of experience for Stafford? That I'll buy. It sucks -- he's out again -- do what you have to do to keep him on the field. However, this team isn't just about Stafford. Shaun Hill led them to that blowout win versus a pretty decent St. Louis team. The Lions have shown dramatic improvement since last season, and certainly don't look 2 seasons removed from going winless.

What was the Jets game? A team with lesser talent taking a legitimate Superbowl possible team and smacking it around into overtime. The Jets and Rex Ryan came in trying to indimidate and scare the Lions -- we're the big bad Jets and you are going to give us your milk money. Instead, the Lions manned up, punched them in the face and said "make me you pompous jerk." What followed was a heck of a brawl where the Jets ended up being luckier than the Lions, not better. Period.

Want to know how you can tell the Jets got shocked into respect? Bart Scott was whining about dirty play by the Lions to justify his own horrid game. There wasn't the usual "we whupped you" trash talk in the New York Media that typically follows a Jets win (from Ryan, players, and writers). The Jets are a bully team who felt relieved to get out of Ford Field alive.

We were hoping beyond hope the Lions would take the next step from contending to defeating top tier teams -- they didn't, but they still held their own. This game was circled as a very likely loss earlier in the year, and instead came down to the wire.

Panic? Shaun Hill steps in again as starter and the offense can produce with him at QB. Not only that, but the defense has actually been improving for the most part. Wade actually got his bus ticket out of town, replaced by the surprise Alphonso Smith and the solid Chris Houston. The Defensive line is feared at this point as one of the best in the league. The Lions will still contend, and depending on how healthy Hill really is should still have a better than even money shot at beating both the Bills and Cowboys on the road. They have a favorable home schedule, and if the Jets game is any indication should be able to give the Patriots all they want and more on Thanksgiving. A win is unlikely, but hey -- stranger things have happened.

This season was all about development and building to add depth and fill the last roster holes next ifseason. Playoffs? They were more a dream than a goal, and the real goal of building a competitive team for the long term still holds and is still going on. So there is no reason at all to panic. Mayhew is still at the helm, and the talent will keep on coming. Panic is not an option.

Mayhews Moves

2010-11-10T14:39:00.000-05:00

Martin Mayhew, after a bevy of injuries Sunday against the Jets, was busy once again with his characteristic zeal in pulling something out of nothing -- or at least giving it a shot.

First off Center Cody Wallace was cut (again) after being signed from the Jets Practice Squad three weeks ago. This move was pretty much expected to come at some point.
The Lions also finally cut bait with Jonathan Wade and I'm sure there aren't many Lions fans who will miss him. Of the the CB acquisitions - Alphonso Smith, Chris Houston, and Wade Mayhew is solidly two of three which is pretty darn good.
The Lions placed Jack Williams on IR. If you recall, he was picked up from Denver last year, but hurt himself and went on IR after just one play with the Lions. They must like him as they placed him on the PUP list. He has practiced the last three weeks, but a decision was made to place him on IR at the deadline. This does NOT open a roster spot as he was not counting toward the 53 man roster due to his PUP exemption.
To fill the first empty spot the Lions signed a familiar face - former Spartan kicker Dave Rayner. He is a solid kicker and will fill in while Hanson recovers from a pulled MCL.
The second spot was filled when the Lions signed developmental QB Zac Robinson from Seattle. Originally drafted by the Patriots, he was on the Seattle practice squad until last week when he was called up to be the backup with Matt Hasselbeck out. Seattle couldn't sneak him back through waivers and now he is with the Lions.

I've seen many reading a lot of different things into the Zac Robinson signing -- that Stafford is/isn't done for the season. My thoughts are this:

Drew Stanton just got competition for the 3rd QB spot.
The Lions need a backup/3rd QB since Stafford is definitely out and they have had bad luck with QB injuries this season. Anyone really want Derrick Williams under center with Stafford out, if Hill isn't ready and Drew Stanton gets hurt? Yeah. Me either.
I think this is more of a long term signing. I've been wrong before, but I think they want him to take the 3rd QB spot from Stanton in the ifseason and get a young developmental QB without blowing a draft pick.
I think this doesn't indicate if Stafford is done for the year or not, but he will certainly be out more than a week or two.
Hanson has been old reliable - til now. There are those who called for a kickoff specialist/backup kicker before the final cut downs as Hanson has been struggling to stay healthy the last year or two. I wasn't in that camp due to limited roster space, but they sure are looking right at this point...
Stafford could still go to IR
I'm wondering who the Lions would cut if they go after Jason Allen, who was waived by Miami to make way for Al Harris. Allen was the 16th pick in the 2006 draft, and has 3 INTs in 7 games this season. The Lions could put in a waiver claim for him - we'll have to see.

Killer Film Breakdown: Jets at Lions

2010-11-09T17:40:00.001-05:00

Tom "Killer" Kowalski at Mlive.com is once again doing his excellent film breakdown. My thoughts follow the links:

I totally agree with #1. Even being in the stadium it was obvious that nothing of the sort was happening as far a chop blocks go on 2 of the 3. It also didn't escape notice that they happened to always be called on key big plays by the Lions - not plays for no gain, etc. It might be coincidence, but I still get the feeling the refs look for a penalty every time the Lions do something good.

#2 - CJ was pretty much shut out, although he was bracketed much of the game, which allowed Burleson to have his big day with the one on one matchups. As for the run game, it was obvious from the stands the Jets run defense was everything advertised and then some.

#3 - The Lions looked really good on that first drive and it looked like they caught the Jets napping and thinking "same ol' Lions" - they snapped out of it pretty quick and got their head into the game to their credit, but that fast start helped build great momentum and excitement at Ford Field. That place was deafening.

#4 - The loss of Levy and the merry-go-round at MLB was definitely hurting the Lions defense early on. As it is, they still need to upgrade both OLB spots. Peterson will be gone at SLB, and Palmer and Co. have shown nothing spectacular at the WLB. As for Smith getting burned - it happens to all DB's. His agressive instinctive play is also what has made him a big asset for the Lions offense. Sanchez had enough time to do another GQ photo shoot the protection was so good on that play. Lions needed pressure, and couldn't get there.
#5 - The Lions' struggles at the goal line were as much about the Jets D as the Lions O. I like how hte Lions didn't cower or be afraid of the Jets. They manned up and made it a slugfest of a game.

#6 - Smith still made a good interception to stop a Jets drive that was gaining momentum, even if he did end up at the one. Grand Theft CB all the way was my vote on that trade -- Here were the final results of my poll:

We Want Gronk: 1 lonely soul would rather have Dan Gronkowski than Alphonso Smith.
Starting CB - Check: 8 people (18%) felt we got a solid starter out of the deal
Grand Theft CB: A staggering 34 people (79%) felt that Mayhew pulled Grand Theft on Josh McDaniels and company in signing a CB who is a solid starter, possible star. 5 INTs and a TD in 6 games puts me squarely in this category as well.

#7 - Stafford had some excellent throws and I want to see him healthy for long enough to really reach his potential. IF IF IF

#8 - This whole last offensive series for the Lions is where they got out-coached and outplayed by the Jets. Lions are closer, but again haven't taken that next step. yet. I feel strongly that it will be taken -- but next year, rather than this.

Their improvement was further than I thought this year, and that got my hopes up but injuries have brought it back down to where it should have been all along.

Kicking Themselves

2010-11-09T11:38:00.000-05:00

I had a great time at Ford Field with my brother - it was an exciting game and went into overtime. What more could you ask for your money? Oh yeah - the home team pulling out the win instead of choking away a loss. Now, don't get me wrong -- The Lions were very close to an upset victory over the Jets. They almost outplayed them long enough to win, but couldn't quite pull it out. I had hoped they were ready to take the next step, but they aren't there - yet. With the injuries they sustained in the process of losing to the Jets, I'm afraid it will be next season before we see if they have what it takes to pull out a win against a heavily favored team and close out an opponent and hold onto a lead late.

Stafford is possibly done for the season, Shaun Hill isn't healthy yet, and Jason Hanson may not be healthy for a while. Avril and Houston both were out for the fourth quarter and we could see the impact they were making on the field be pronounced when they were not on the field and their replacements didn't quite play up to that same level. Here's hoping they aren't out too long.

Of all the injuries during that game, as soon as Hanson went down so did the kicking game. Lions punted twice from Hanson's FG range during the game because they essentially had no kicking game without him. Teams don't have roster space for a backup kicker, so any team in that situation would pretty much be stuck. The Jets pinned their comeback on the leg of Nick Folk. The Lions could only push for TD's instead of adding to their lead.

I think this led to the offense trying to do too much, and hurt them overall. Sure, there were a lot of injuries and mistakes -- I won't re-catalog them all here -- but Hanson's had the most dramatic effect on the game.

Stafford was showing once again why he was the starting QB when healthy - throwing for 240 yards and two TD's against one of the league's top defenses. Despite that, he needs to stay healthy to do so and it is obvious that he has an issue or 3 (as in grade 3 shoulder separation? Three shoulder injuries in the last year?) with his shoulders that needs to be addressed in some way. When Healthy, as I've discussed in the past, is a tricky phrase because a player like Stafford does no good on the sidelines -- its time for them to maybe shut him down, do what needs to be done to keep him on the field in necessary. It was great to have him back, but if there was too much of an injury risk they need to start rethinking how soon he returns to playing.

The aftermath of this game will be felt for the rest of the season as well. If Drew Stanton is starting, and not all the players dinged up come back, then you are looking at what were two projected road wins for the Lions against the struggling Bills and imploded Cowboys suddenly being much more in doubt. The upside is, the Lions can continue to develop their young talent, and Mayhew will likely have more premium draft choices in 2011 to continue stocking the roster for a playoff push next year.

If they can only stop kicking themselves and take that next step that is.

Ford Field Food

2010-11-07T12:19:00.001-05:00

All settled in at Ford Field, pulled pork BBQ cheese fries with sour cream. Oh yeah. Are you ready for some football?

Go Lions!!

Lions Eye View

2010-11-07T00:45:00.001-04:00

When you aren't a Lions fan and don't live in Detroit it can be very easy to overlook this team as the "same old Lions." NFL teams will do so at their own peril.

Ask Chicago who needed a crazy ruling to win. Or Green Bay whose defense was torched by Detroit's backup QB. Or Philadelphia who held Calvin Johnson in check only to get run down by Jahvid Best and the Lions' TE's. Or the Rams who got steamrolled. The Giants whose league leading pass rush couldn't prevent 3rd stringer Drew Stanton from racking up a couple of TD's.

On the defensive side only the Giants have a defensive line performing near at the level the Lions are right now.

Specifics you say? Good point.

The Jets are no slouches right now. Their defense is ranked 7th overall, and their offense has shown it can perform. However, it has also been shut out.

Jets on Offense

The Jets will need to attack the weak points of the Lions defense. This means pulling in extra guys to block the defensive line and getting Tomlinson and Greene to the linebackers where the Lions are exceptionally weak. Washington attempted to run into the Lions defensive line and Ryan Torian was stoned at the line on ten rushes for 9 yards before getting injured. Still, the Lions defense has a tendency to give up some big running plays and the Jets will need to stick with the run game until they can break one loose. If the Lions can stop that run game with just 7 guys then the Jets could be looking at a repeat of Green Bay - not a shutout, but serious struggles.

Passing wise, the Lions secondary has turned out to be much better at the cornerback position than was thought coming into the season. Chris Houston and Alphonso Smith are both playing at a high level, and passing defense numbers have improved drastically with that starting duo in the defensive backfield. Detroit's overall passing defense numbers were skewed by teams picking on benched starter Jonathan Wade early.

However, Amari Spievey is making his first start at Safety - which is still a new position for him. While he may grow into a solid starting safety he isn't right now and the Jets should pick on him in all phases in all ways possible to make his trial one by fire. They Lions can't pull him because they just plain don't have anyone else.

Unfortunately for the Jets, in order to take advantage of the running and passing game, they will have to stop Detroit's front four which is easier said than done. While Ndamukong Suh is getting all the attention on national media, Corey Williams is playing better than Suh right now. Washington kept 6 in to block on a large percentage of plays, and still gave up 7 sacks to the Lions last week.

This is because Williams has been just plain unstoppable, even with two guys on him. Suh can be slowed by the double team, but still makes plays as well. So unless 6 guys are in dedicated to blocking then there is no way to double both of them. Even when you do, you still have Cliff Avril and Kyle Vandenbosch coming in off the edges or lord knows where with single coverage. Even the rotational DT Sammie Hill is a run stopping beast up the gut, able to provide Williams and Suh with enough breathers to keep them fresh. The Lions have 23 sacks for a reason.

The major key will be short passing, screens, and play action to slow down the pass rush. If Suh and company get to Sanchez early and rattle him, it could get ugly for the Jets.

The Lions on Offense

The Lions have struggled with the running game, getting just enough to make their play action passing and screen game operate. Don't be fooled by the pure rushing numbers though. Both Javhid Best and Kevin Smith are excellent receivers and similar to Philadelphia Detroit often substitutes the short passing game to the TE's and the RB's for their run game. They also have both Scheffler and Pettigrew at TE so there is no lack of weapons underneath if the Jets manage to stop Clavin Johnson by bracketing him in coverage.

No matter the talk of Revis Island if the Jets put him one on one with Calvin all game they are nuts. Period. One guy won't hold him in check. He will break a big one. They also move him around a lot to keep defenses adjusting. Despite what national outlets are saying the Lions have the firepower now -- especially with Stafford back -- to take advantage of mismatches created by CJ's presence on the field.

the Jets will need to take away the running game, and force Detroit to be one dimensional so that the Jets pass rushers can pin back their ears and go after Stafford. This will be the best way for the Jets to force Stafford into one of his characteristic Favre-like interceptions, and hold the Lions ot less than then their 38 points per game average.

Stephen Peterman is the weak link on the line as he is dealing with a lingering ankle injury. Cherilus has been a great performer, but getting caught helping cover for Peterman. The Jets will need to be creative in attacking the Lions' right side.

One last thought for Jets fans: The Lions put up almost all of those points with their second and third string quarterbacks playing.

I'll be at the game today along with many of you. Go Lions!!

I wrote this article on my iPhone and posted via my remote email posting so please forgive any formatting issues v thanks! ~ DetFan1979

A Jets Eye View

2010-11-07T00:36:00.002-04:00

I'm on the road - specifically in Ypsilanti staying with my brother as we prepare to go see the Lions take on the Jets at Ford Field tomorrow. It's a great weekend for football as we watched Sparty take on a Gopher this afternoon. As usual for a road trip I'm plinking this out on my iPhone so please forgive any formatting miscues!

In order to get a Jets eye view of the matchup, I asked Alan at Scouting the Jets to answer a few questions regarding the matchup. You can find my q&a with him, as well as my general analysis of the matchup at their website:

www.jetsfan.com

Q. How do the Jets plan on holding back the Lions' pass rush - one if the best in the NFL?

I expect the Jets to go a little more conservative with their blocking schemes. Usually the front 5 does not need much help but in this game I expect the Jets to keep a running back in a little more than usual. The Jets don't like to bring a double team to help their tackles but they will probably try to chip Vanden Bosch with a tight end occasionally. The real concern is Ndamukong Suh who will probably be moved over second year guard Matt Slauson. I expect Slauson to get a lot of help from Nick Mangold and LaDanian Tomlinson.

Q. The Lions put up quite a few points on Green Bay, who shut out the Jets the Jets last week -- and the Lions faced them before they started suffering their heavy injury situation and with a backup QB. How do you feel about the CJ-Stafford connection?

This is going to be a dangerous tandem for years to come. Stafford has one of the strongest arms in the league and will continue to improve as he learns to read defenses better. These two form a dangerous combination and I am really impressed with Johnson's competitiveness. He competes extremely well for the ball in the air and he is not afraid to go over the middle and take hits. He also fights to get the ball into the end zone and this competitiveness just magnifies his outstanding physical ability. What will make Johnson even better is if he learns to run more double moves and set defenders up. Right now his routes are easy to diagnose. But the sky's the limit for these two. They both have outstanding physical ability and will only get better.

Q. Who wins Survivor: Revis Island? Revis, Calvin Johnson, or a tie?

As much as it pains me to say this, I have to give Johnson the edge. He is playing at a high level and really showing more intensity on the field than Revis. Because of his holdout and injury, Revis has been slow to get into a flow. He has made plays since coming back but has not been dominant on a play-to-play basis like he was last year. I expect this to be a very physical match up. Johnson likes to outmuscle DB's for the ball and normally Revis won't shy away from that contact but I did not like the way he competed versus rookie DeMaryius Thomas from Denver who has similar size to Johnson. Thomas caught a touchdown pass over Revis in that game. If Revis turns up the intensity level this will be a great match up but if he continues his recent play, I have to give Johnson the edge.

Sent from my iPhone

Lions Congregation: Spievey, Owen, and the Jets

2010-11-05T09:14:00.004-04:00

Welcome back to the Lions Congregation -- and welcome back to my new/old home for blogging. This week, the panel looks again to your questions while discussing Amari Spievey, O-16 for the Bills? and a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T. (Please excuse any formatting issues as I get into the hang of my new digs. Thanks!)

The Panel:

Steve of Detroit Lions Weblog
Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience
NetRat of The Net Rat Detroit Lions Site
Phil Zaroo of Mlive.com
Zac of the Sidelion Report
Blades Boyd formerly of the Church of Schwartz
Joshua Pung - DetFan1979

Have a question or topic you want to see answered/discussed? Email Lionscongregation@yahoo.com

Flapshak56 asks: Is Amari Spievey going to break out of his bust status by taking a hold on the safety spot across from Delmas or totally flame out?

Steve: I believe that Amari Spievey, like most rookies, will show both signs of future excellence and fuel the fears of his eventual flame out, often in the course of a few brief plays.

Spievey has looked good in limited playing time, but he was also burned deep shortly after he entered last week's game, by Redskins WR Anthony Armstrong.

He is better suited for playing coverage where he doesn't have to turn his back to the QB, something he won't be asked to do often while playing safety. He seems fearless in run support and he does appear to have considerable talent.

That being said, opponents, starting with the Jets this Sunday, are going to attempt to run the ball effectively, pulling Spievey forward, closer to the line of scrimmage, in hopes of being able to beat him with play action passes over the top, catching him unprepared.

Teams will also look to try and create scenarios where he is matched up in man coverage, rather than playing in the two-deep zone. In this situation, his coverage skills will be routinely put to the test by opponents.

Ultimately, Spievey will do his best. The Lions will likely do what they can to protect him in their coverages, but the time will eventually come for him to answer the call and face the challenges that he will be presented with. It remains to be seen how well he will be able to handle them, until then.

Al: With C.C. Brown injuring his knee, Spievey better break out, because he's starting on Sunday. Spivey will make a play. But he'll also find himself out of position an making the wrong read. At this point of his young career, it's hard to think of Spivey as anything other than a defensive liability.

It's too early to think Spivey will ultimately flame out. But the Lions did him no favors by waiting well into training camp before moving the former cornerback to safety.

The rookie out of Iowa has shown flashes, but Spivey is being force fed a new position and learning on the job at the highest level. It's too much to ask of a 1st year player. The Lions need Spivey to play well at safety now, but he's realistically a year away.

NetRat: Flapshak56, Amari Spievey went through his first NFL camp as a cornerback then got switched to Safety. He needs a training camp at Safety and time to learn his new position. It might not be until half way through next season before we know if he has any chance at being a competent Safety and it may another year before he's actually "there". For myself, the bust label doesn't come out for him until the middle of the 2012 season (it's not unusual for 3rd round picks to take a few years to learn without a position change).

Phil: Sweet Jemimah. Is this how impatient we've become? A third-round draft pick contribute much to the Lions by the seventh game of the season, and he's a bust? Sorry to be Johnny Party Pooper, but I'm not playing that game. There's so much evidence of players showing their worth AFTER the first seven lousy games of their NFL careers that I cannot justify that with a response.

Now, if you tweak the question by removing the "bust status," it's farily reasonable, but still a crap shoot. Give him a chance to see the field as a starter against the Jets, and then we can at least have a kernel of experience to base our judgment on. (P.S. Even then, I wouldn't recommend it.)

According to Gunther Cunningham, Spievey's struggles are with fully grasping the defense. Otherwise, he's got the skills and presence to help out the Lions. But if you're trying to predict his entire career, as well as his worth as a human being -- all from less than half a season -- it'll probably be an exercise in futility.

Zac: My how quick we are to throw around the bust label! It would be nice to see Spievey grab the safety spot opposite of Delmas and never let go of it but that might be expecting a bit much at this point. The Lions haven't exactly put Amari in a position to succeed by waiting so long to switch him to safety and Spievey's injuries during training camp certainly didn't help. This one player development situation to watch but it is too early to talk about flaming out.

Blades: I think Spievey will keep doing what he has been doing this season which is come up and stop the run (the kid can hit) and play ok in pass coverage. He'll continue to get burned but if he can improve his pass coverage, he will be a darn good safety opposite of Delmas. Again, this kid can hit like a mach truck and believe it or not he does have some pretty good ball skills looking back to his college days. He's been hampered by injury and I think he's just getting into game shape and hopefully we can see some more steps in a positive direction from him!!!

DetFan1979: There once was this 2nd round pick in Denver. He was a DB. The team decided he was a bust after just one season and traded him to another team for a late round TE from the same draft. Now he has 4 picks in 5 games and is blossoming into a talented starting caliber cornerback. Name: Alphonso Smith.

Because of how bad the talent level has been, we Lions fans keep expecting third rounders to come in and start and be better than any other player on the team at that position. In reality, if that is happening your team is not in a good place. Most of the time, 3rd rounders should be contributing fairly quickly but not expected to start out the gate. That is, on normal teams with normal talent and depth.

Assuming Mayhew keeps drafting as well as it seems he has been, then Lions draft picks will soon be fighting for spots on the team, much less starting immediately. We will have to get used to really taking three years to evaluate a draft instead of just paying it lip service.

As for Spievey, I thought his skill set sounded more like that of a solid NFL safety than CB, and apparently the coaches agree. Give him time to learn the new position and then see.

Owenxvibills asks: Do you think the Bills have a shot at joining the Lions in infamy, or will they win a game this season?

Steve: 0-7 is a respectably poor start, when compared the majestically bad 0-16 Lions of two short seasons ago. The Bills have a small chance to reach 0-16, but I believe that they have played too well of late to eventually find infamy.

The Lions 24-game road losing streak makes them ripe targets for the Bills first 2010 victory. The Lions appear to be building towards respectability, so the Bills games looms large for them, too. Winning any road game, would indicate that substantive changes have been made in the Lions organization, at this point.

The Bills play in a really tough division and they will certainly have the Lions game highlighted as one to attempt to give an "A" effort, so that they might gain their first victory of the season.

Assuming that they don't knock off the Bears at home this Sunday, the Lions/Bills game could be the Bills last legitimate chance for a victory, until they play the Browns Dec. 12th, which would make them 0-11, entering that game.

For the Bills and their fans sake, I hope that they don't go 0-16. Conversely, I will be really pissed if they defeat the Lions in two weeks, as well.

Al: I'm scared to death the Bills' first victory will be against the Lions...because that's what the Lions traditionally do. Lose to teams they should beat.

Honestly, the Bills will end up winning a game or two. It almost impossible for an NFL team to lose every game. Which is why it's only happened every few generations. The Lions 0-16 in 2008 and the Buccaneers 0-14 in 1976. The Bills are bad, but they aren't historically bad. They aren't an exhibition team like the Bucs, or a team run by the worst GM in professional sports history.There is some competence in Buffalo. Not much, but some. The '08 Lions and '76 Bucs couldn't say the same.

The Bill will win a game...I only hope, Hope, HOPE that win doesn't come when playing the Lions.

NetRat: Owenxvibills, the Bills have great offensive numbers now that they settled on a QB. The problem is they play good to great defenses for most of the year. Unfortunately, I don't think they steel the 0-16 title this year. Barring injury to their QB of course. I foresee them taking the Bengals game, with the possibility of the Bears game next week as well. I do wonder who they have their eye on at #1 in the 2011 draft though.

Phil: I would've said this would be impossible, but how can you after it's been done once. I don't think it's going to happen as they've shown a little more pop in their offense recently. And they just picked up Shawn Merriman, though he has a lot to prove in order to be considered a difference maker.

Buffalo still has games against the Bears, Lions, Bengals, Vikings and Browns -- all are arguably winnable. (Is it possible that the Lions are the toughest of the bunch?!) I think the Bills can catch someone on an off week. Then again, I thought the 2008 Lions would too...

Zac: There is a chance the Bills could match the Lions' 0-16 feat but chances are better against that happening. Their two consecutive overtime losses will lead to one of two outcomes: either the Bills will realize how close they have been to a win and breakthrough eventually or they will become demoralized and struggle the rest of the season. If they do find a way to win a game let's just hope it isn't their date with the Lions.

Blades: Funny thing you ask this because I actually was wondering the same thing today so I looked at their remaining schedule and they have quite a few winnable games. Most notably against the Lions, Browns and Bears this week in T.O. No team will go 0-16 again in my opinion. The Lions found ways to lose games and should've actually finished with two or three wins that season. The Bills have four-four winnable games left and they will not go 0-16 although lord knows I'd love to see it.

DetFan1979: The Bills have been playing teams very close and face many imploding teams -- including the Bears this week and the Browns. Plus, the Lions have a road game there. The opportunities will present for the Bills to steal one, just like St. Louis did against the Lions last year. However, with the inventive lionesque ways they have been finding to lose, anything is possible.

Tim H. asks: what will it take before the Lions earn some respect from opposing teams? Seems like the Jets feel they will walk in and come out with an easy win. What are your thoughts on how they match up? I feel like the Lions have a great chance for another solid win.

Steve: I believe that Sunday's Lions/Jets game will be close, maybe closer than some fans may think. Opponents have been conditioned by several years of Lions failure to expect the worse that the NFL has to offer while facing them.

This season, the Lions have gone a long ways toward reclaiming some modicum of respect. That being said, they are one exceedingly poor game away from drawing the ire and disappointment of their growing fan base.

In the case of the Jets game, the Lions offense is going to face a staunch defensive challenge. The Jets 3-4 defense plays a fierce, chest-pounding brand of football, similar to the Ravens and Steelers. The Lions will have their hands full.

Defensively, the Lions success hinges upon limiting the Jets rushing attack. The more brief the Jets time of possession, assuming the Lions don't allow numerous 30-40 yard explosion plays (or longer), the better.

The recent return of Matthew Stafford figures heavily. There will be a lot of discussion about the top two QB's drafted in the 2009 draft, Stafford and Mark Sanchez, playing against each other.

The Lions will be playing in front of a sold out Ford Field crowd, where Lions fans haven't been this psyched about the team since the Lions devastating 2007 blow out of the Broncos, on their way to an improbable 6-2 start.

Sunday's game will go a long ways towards preventing another rapid decline like the one the Lions experienced during the second half of 2007. I am not confident that the Lions will win, but I am nearly certain that they will acquit themselves well, and play at a level that makes the Jets have to work for their victory.

Should the Lions eventually win, the Lions fan base will be whipped into a frenzied froth of excitement and anticipation, which will capture their hearts and minds with the thoughts of a sustained second half run of victories.

Al: What will it take to gain respect from opponents (and for that matter, opposing fans, national and local media, and, well, Lions fans)? Three words. Win games, period.. Four more words. Win on the road. Two more words. Win consistently.

Till at least some of the above happens, we'll continue to see coaches like the Jet's Rex Ryan talking a big game. As to what the Lions should do about it? Winning is the best revenge. Revenge is also best served cold....but the Lions play indoors, so let's stick to winning.

Sunday is going to turn into a matchup between a pair of immovable objects. The Lions' high scoring offense versus the Jets' Rex Ryan approved defense. So what I'm saying is the game may come down to the Lions' inconsistent and depth free defense versus the Jets' ugly offense. But the Lions may have the best unit on the field with their rebuilt and re-energized defensive line.

So I'm saying, there is hope. I agree, the Lions do have a great chance at a win...but see my first paragraph. I still don't have full confidence in the Lions, because they've proven they can't win games, win on the road, or win consistently.

It's been far too long since the Lions have beaten a legit NFL playoff contender(and no, the Rams aren't legit, they play in an awful division). Beat the Jets, and I'll be more than excited for the Lions' future. I'll gain a great deal of respect for the Lions.

NetRat: Tim H., the Lions have two chances to earn respect this month. The first is outscoring the Jets this Sunday, and the other is their only Nationally televised game of the season, Thanksgiving Day. It's won't be easy, in fact, it'll be downright hard, but the Lions are poised to be able to inflict the pain needed to win either or both of those games. That would do the trick. Keeping it close helps, but winning settles it. They'd be named "a team truly on the rise"... for at least a whole week, maybe more. ;-)

Zac: Funny thing you ask this because I actually was wondering the same thing today so I looked at their remaining schedule and they have quite a few winnable games. Most notably against the Lions, Browns and Bears this week in T.O. No team will go 0-16 again in my opinion. The Lions found ways to lose games and should've actually finished with two or three wins that season. The Bills have four-four winnable games left and they will not go 0-16 although lord knows I'd love to see it.

Blades: The Lions will get ZERO respect until they earn it. A couple wins doesn't earn respect in this league. As for the match up, I hate it in every sense of the word. This game is 100% on the defence to hold the Jets to less then 10 points. As a group, the Jets DB's are MUCH, MUCH better then the Lions WR's. It's tough to admit but it's true. Revis is better then CJ and Cromartie is better MUCH, MUCH better then any of the Lions other WR's.(keep in mind, Revis is now healthy after being hurt the last few weeks) I don't expect much this week from those guys which means the Lions will need to find a way to run the ball but the problem with that is the Jets have one of the best run defences in the league. Mark Sanchez shouldn't beat anyone so the game plan should be to stop the run and hope they force Sanchez to blow it. Basically, do exactly what the Packers did last week against the Jets. Final score Jets 24-Lions 10

DetFan1979: Win. Consistently. Against teams good and bad. The Jets game should be hard fought and either team could pull out the win.

Craziest Lions Poll Ever

2010-11-03T17:39:00.000-04:00

Thanks to server problems at my Fanball Roar of the Lions site, this poll was up from January through October (and can still be found there).

Poll

What is the top FA need?

Offensive Guard 174 (11%)
Defensive End 52 (3%)
Defensive Tackle 54 (3%)
Safety 105 (7%)
Cornerback 679 (43%)
Runningback 53 (3%)
Wide Receiver 25 (2%)
Offensive Tackle 94 (6%)
Backup Quarterback 13 (1%)
Tight End 2 (0%)
Linebacker 265 (17%)
ownership¹ 42 (3%)
Cheerleaders¹ 23 (1%)
Good Referee¹ 10 (1%)

Total Votes: 1591 Started: January 3, 2010 ¹ = Added by a guest

Results as of 10-28-2010

Offensive guard was satisfied, for the most part, by the trade that brought Rob Sims and his contract extension. While the Lions need depth and development there, they have solidified the starters and locked them in. The only category to get 0% - Tight End - is where Martin Mayhew has Pettigrew, Heller and Scheffler all locked into place. It's also where he looked to trade shuttling off Dan Gronkowski for Alphonso "Carlton" Smith in what amounted to Grand Theft Cornerback looking at the current results of my most recent poll. (I missed having up random polls, didn't you?)

We found out that we fans were right not to be worried about backup QB with the way both Shaun Hill and 3rd Stringer Drew Stanton performed when their numbers were called this season.

As I look over this list in the midpoint of the season, the weakest area by far has got to be Linebacker -- which had us more than moderately concerned overall over the course of this poll.

Cornerback, which was a huge issue heading into the season has eased considerably with the performance of Chris Houston and the aforementioned Carlton Banks.

The Safety Dance STILL continues into the season as Amari Spievey now gets the chance to learn on the job and show he can be a top line contributor for the Lions in the backfield, even if it is not at CB where he was originally drafted to play. Is the potential there? Sure. But potential is just the probable ability to do something you currently can't do. Like play safety at an NFL caliber level. IF it works out, could be great. IF it doesn't...well...we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

Killer Film: Redskins at Lions

2010-11-02T14:57:00.004-04:00

Tom "Killer" Kowalski at Mlive.com is once again doing his weekly film breakdown. As usual, I will pull all the links together in game order here for your convenience:

I'll weigh in with my own game thoughts once I've had a chance to sit down tonight and see the game stream from NFL.com.

End of ROTL - Welcome Back DetFan1979

2010-11-02T11:36:00.002-04:00

As of Sunday evening, there will no longer be any updates to the Fanball Roar of the Lions site as they are discontinuing their blogger network. I had a great experience with them, and am leaving on positive terms. I only wish I had been able to get a proper link up sooner for the transition back here to DetFan1979's Roar of the Lions site.

As you can see, I have filled in the past archive of stories from the Roar, as well as updating the look and feel of this site. I'm sure I'll continue tinkering with it. Things will continue pretty much as usual here at DetFan1979 with analysis pieces and home of the Lions Congregation. I may also be doing more contribution work for other blogs now that I'm a free agent again, so to speak. Only time will tell.

Thank you to all of you who read this blog, and have for the past 2 1/2 years, no matter where it is located. I appreciate the great support you've given me! While at Fanball, readership tripled and I was consistently one of the top 3 traffic blogs out of over a hundred for several sports -- which is literally impossible without of all you. Please feel free to post your thoughts and reactions to the pieces that are posted here. One thing that I'd like to get rolling a little more again is more frequent comments (whether you agree with me or not) and some back and forth in the comments again. I miss that, and will try to do a better job of responding to all of the comments again in a more timely manner. Due to spammer problems, I do have the comments on moderation right now so they may not show up immediately, but will eventually.

Thank you again!

~ Joshua Pung, DetFan1979