Gameday Thoughts
September 27th, 2009 | by detfan1979 |Catching streaming video of the game (love the internet!) and tuned in just in time to see the Lions stuff 4th and 1 at the goal and drive 99 yards for a TD.
Is this the week??
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Lions vs Redskins: Home Team
Lions vs Redskins: Home Team
September 25th, 2009 | by detfan1979 |Here are the questions that Ryan at the Fanball Redskins blog sent over to me, along with my answers. Do you guys agree, disagree, and what are your thoughts?
Q: What is the outlook for Sunday from fans/players?
I think that the players feel that they lost the game last week more than Minnesota won it. That was a tough, hard hitting game and the Lions made too many mistakes in the second half that Vikings capitalized on. Still, the players and fans both see they are improving, and the young players are starting to come into their own a bit more. Once this squad gets confident, and Stafford settles in past his rookie enthusiasm this Lions team could surprise quite a few people. The team still has lots of holes talent wise, and lacks depth at most positions — mostly, it won’t go anywhere until the defense puts 4 good quarters together and Matthew Stafford starts taking what the defense gives him instead of forcing things. Fans are hoping to see this Sunday, and expecting an exciting, close game.
Q: Do they feel they have a great shot at the Skins, due to the fact that our offense has been stalling in the red zone, and many questioning Zorn and his play call ability?
The Lions have had their own problems in the red zone, including too many INTs and an inability to punch it in from short yardage. Not only that, but the Lions have been burned by Cooley and other TE’s too many times in the past to not feel a fear of red zone scoring no matter the Redskins’ current troubles. Susceptibility to the underneath pass and the TE in general seem to be perennial Lions weaknesses no matter who is coaching so the Lions are expecting Cooley to be a big factor to look out for in the Red Zone. If Zorn doesn’t call his number, and Washington comes away with FGs and doesn’t exploit this weakness, then you will know there are serious problems with both his play calling and preparation.
Q: Does everyone think this win is in the bag and the losing streak will end or are they not as confident?
After 19 straight losses and a solid run at the longest losing streak ever in the history of the NFL no Lions player or fan thinks any game is “in the bag” unless it is in regards to the other team.
Q: What is the overall view fans have of management? Millen is long gone, do they see improvement in the front office?
Millen was fired one year ago today (as I’m writing this) but Martin Mayhew has really only had one ifseason to begin building this team. I don’t say “rebuilding” because it was never built in the first place. The Lions coming into this season are essentially an expansion team with talent level and depth, and should be looked at in that light. All that being said, Mayhew has been very active in acquiring players that fit the overall plan, and just insane with his trading skills. He somehow parlayed players from an 0-16 squad into a starting CB (Henry), starting slot WR/PR (Northcutt), pro-bowl LB (Peterson), and of course his trade of Roy Williams last season. His drafting has far exceeded Millen to date as well, with 5 rookies starting against Washington (3rd Rounder DeAndre Levy will be starting in place of Sims…and honestly, that might not be a good thing for your Redskins considering how well he has been showing up in his limited snaps thus far.)
Q: What is your prediction for the game?
Just like last week against the Vikings, I will say this is going to be a hard hitting, knock-down drag out affair. The Lions will stuff Portis and put the game on Campbell’s shoulders. Brees dominated, Favre did just enough but it will come down to if Campbell can win the game — but mostly, it will be whether Stafford gives the Skins a short field. If he throws 2 or more picks, Redskins win a blowout. Otherwise — close game. I’ll go 27-24 Lions.
What do you guys think? Answer differently, same? Other comments?
Tags: 2009 NFL, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins
One Response to “Lions vs Redskins: Home Team”
By RIP on Sep 25, 2009
I thought they were very good answers to what is happening with our team.
I think the keys to the game is not letting Portis and Cooley having a big day, show improvement as a team, and turnovers.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Lions vs Redskins: Opponent’s Views
Lions vs Redskins: Opponent’s Views
September 24th, 2009 | by detfan1979 |I exchanged email questions with Ryan over at Fanball.com’s Redskins Blogjust to get a feel for how opposing fans are viewing things in Detroit these days. Here are my questions to him, with his responses. His questions, along with my responses will be posted up here tomorrow. As it is, here is a link to his “Lions Side” thoughts on his blog for further insight.
Q: Do you think Washington players are taking this game as an “instant get better” game, instead of taking it seriously due to Detroit’s 19 game losing streak?
A: The vibe I have been getting via interviews and beat reporters is, that this is a “must win”/”must execute” type of game. I class the Lions above the Rams in terms of potential talent, and I think so do the Skins. I believe this is a show up or go home type of game.
Q: Do you think Cooley, with his history of doing well vs the Lions, is not going to enter the game with the right attitude, or the attitude that he (and maybe the team?) are easily going to make like the Saints vs the Lions?
A: My “business as usual” player, who I think will post big numbers is will Cooley. And let me tell you why, Moss and Kelly haven’t been getting the numbers, but they have gotten the attention. This give Cooley and Randel El the who middle of the field to run free. Expect Cooley to have at least 5 balls his way for 80+ yards.
Q: Are the players there losing confidence in Zorn and his program?
A: If they are they haven’t shown it. They acknowledge the hole he has dug for himself in so many words, but they stand behind him and his play calls. Even the goal line ones.
Q: Is there dissension in the coaching staff over Zorn’s play-calling and game management (mis-management?)
A: I alluded to it in one of my posts from earlier this week Re: Tuesday Cornerback . I thought there might be a rift between him and Danny Smith, the special teams coach. But during the week this was said to be nothing, and he has been game planning with his staff just fine all week.
Q: Do you think the ‘skins are as low on talent, overall, as the Lions
A: No, I don’t think either team is “low” on talent. The Lions just have newer, rawer talent that hasn’t proven too much yet. The Skins have talent, that isn’t playing talented.
Q: What is the Washington fan view of the Lions’ changes this season, and the new front office moves, coaching, etc.?
A: To be honest, casual fans would never know Jim Schwartz is coaching. Stafford is the only one making news, some may innocently mistake Kevin Smith for Kevin Jones thinking he came back. As far as the front office goes, people still felt Millen left the Lions in quite a mess.
Q: What is your game prediction? Blowout, close game, or Lions get the upset win?
A: I think the Lion could pull an upset, but the Skin’s need it more. The Lions are a 6 point underdog, but the media has written off the Skins already. With that said, I think the Skins pull it together, overcome a halftime tie and win 29-17.
Tags: 2009, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins
2 Responses to “Lions vs Redskins: Opponent’s Views”
By Joe Williams on Sep 26, 2009
Sorry to say this, but there’s a typo in the blog header- DetrOIt is spelled wrong.
By detfan1979 on Sep 26, 2009
LOL – yes, it has been that way since day 1. I actually find it kind of funny at this point —
Det Riot — as in Detroit Riot! I do actually have the graphics guys working on getting a new header fixed up. In the meantime, I guess you can all laugh along with me.
So…um…how about them Lions vs Redskins?
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By chiefger139 on Sep 27, 2009
Im in tears right now, cant believe how much this win means to me, ive went through hell the last 2 years and i guess my lions longer, so proud of stafford and how awsome he looked. our defense was graet. we beat a good team and im so so proud-been braggin uo the fantasy league-but that means so little to me now-just winning makes me so so proud god I love this team and this win is so huge , cant believe how emotional I am over the whole thing but I am-life is good the curse is over god bless our lions and treat them well!!
By Isphet on Sep 27, 2009
Wow, one heck of a win for the Lions! I’ve never been happier to be wrong; I picked the Skins to win by a few points.
Still a lot to clean up; but now the Lions can really move forward and not have last year’s debacle hanging over their heads.
The defense played pretty well; and Stafford played pretty darn well too. Let’s hope the injury to Kevin Smith isn’t that bad; the Lions don’t have enough talent behind him to take up the slack.
Way to go, guys!
By JJLions20 on Sep 27, 2009
Two stats tell the story of how to win in the NFL.
0 turnovers
+150 yards rushing