Monday 12-12-11 Morning Lions Links

Lions Articles from Local Media:

Official Lions Website:

Lions post game quotes:  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Lions-Postgame-Quotes-12-11-11/3a5add66-44f7-413a-8b15-ff4267f90f4d

Tulloch, Alphonso Smith with big games in win over Vikings:  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Stephen-Tulloch-Alphonso-Smith-with-big-games-in-Lions-win-over-Vikings/4de011ab-f5e0-41fc-8c14-a98e278098e3

Lions take 34-28 win in down to the wire game:  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-take-34-28-win-over-Vikings-in-down-to-the-wire-game/77945aea-4fac-4cf2-b332-cf20bb8ef92f

Goodell has good things to say about Lions during visit to Detroit:  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Goodell-has-good-things-to-say-about-Lions-during-visit-to-Detroit/214613ff-7aa3-433c-8465-a07429961424

Games like Sunday are the reason the Lions need to pay Avril:  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Games-like-Sunday-are-the-reason-the-Lions-need-to-pay-DE-Cliff-Avril/4d19f643-8998-48b7-98f0-5386233d0284

When it comes to pro bowl, Avril isn't getting the recognition he deserves:  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/When-it-comes-to-Pro-Bowl-voting-Avril-isnt-getting-the-recognition-he-deserves/b0d957b9-7acd-4eae-91d1-3674f93aa2ab

4 downs with Twentyman:  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Four-Downs-with-Tim-Twentyman/46aa318a-c879-44e0-af3e-4f9bdbe140eb

Lions secondary gets even thinner:  http://blogs.detroitlions.com/2011/12/11/lions-secondary-gets-even-thinner/

Game notes - Lions vs Vikings:  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Game-Notes-Lions-vs-Vikings/09e0a7c6-dab1-40f5-970c-97324773d893

Detroit News:

Burning questions - Lions triumph wasn't all about luck:  http://www.detnews.com/article/20111211/OPINION03/112110341/1126/SPORTS0101/Burning-questions--Lions%E2%80%99-triumph-wasn%E2%80%99t-all-about-luck

In long run, Avril's recovery proves huge for Lions:  http://www.detnews.com/article/20111212/OPINION03/112120303/1126/SPORTS0101/In-long-run--Cliff-Avril%E2%80%99s-recovery-proves-huge-for-Lions

Players sacrifices keep playoff drive alive for resilient Lions:  http://www.detnews.com/article/20111212/OPINION03/112120308/1126/SPORTS0101/Players--sacrifices-keep-playoff-drive-alive-for-resilient-Lions

It wasn't pretty, but Lions hold on for much needed win:  http://www.detnews.com/article/20111211/SPORTS0101/112110337/1126/SPORTS0101/It-wasn%E2%80%99t-pretty--but-Lions-hold-on-for-much-needed-win

Jared Allen backs off critical remarks about Detroit:  http://www.detnews.com/article/20111211/SPORTS0101/112110345/1126/SPORTS0101/Vikings%E2%80%99-Jared-Allen-backs-off-critical-remarks-about-Detroit

Lions four downs - CJ struggles to get open:  http://www.detnews.com/article/20111211/SPORTS0101/112110347/1126/SPORTS0101/Lions%E2%80%99-four-downs--Calvin-Johnson-struggles-to-get-open

Lions notebook - Alphonso Smith stays positive, sees the results:  http://www.detnews.com/article/20111211/SPORTS0101/112110344/1126/SPORTS0101/Lions%E2%80%99-Alphonso-Smith-stays-positive--sees-the-results

Goodell impressed with Suh:  http://www.detnews.com/article/20111211/SPORTS0101/112110322/1126/SPORTS0101/NFL-boss-Roger-Goodell-impressed-with-Lions%E2%80%99-Ndamukong-Suh

The worst thing about the Detroit Lions victory:  http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/nealrubinblog/index.php?blogid=2010

Free Press:

Lions luck steps in and salvages what should've been an easy win:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111212/COL08/112120468/Drew-Sharp-Lions-luck-steps-salvages-what-should-been-easy-win

Lions 34, Minny 28 - Wild play lifts Lions to 8-5:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111212/SPORTS01/112120417/Detroit-34-Minnesota-28-Lions-survive-Vikings-comeback-final-play

Lions notebook - Avril's 2 sacks boost reputation as pass rusher:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111212/SPORTS01/112120474/Lions-notebook-Cliff-Avril-s-2-sacks-boost-reputation-pass-rusher

Lions notes and quotes from Sunday's win over Minny:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111212/SPORTS01/112120419/Lions-notes-quotes-from-Sunday-s-win-over-Minnesota

Team had one coming - ref kept flag in his pocket:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111212/SPORTS01/112120458/Lions-ticker-Team-had-one-coming-ref-kept-flag-his-pocket

Cunningham - Lions will welcome back Suh:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111212/SPORTS01/112120386/Gunther-Cunningham-Lions-will-welcome-back-Ndamukong-Suh

Lions hot topics after win over Vikings:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111212/SPORTS01/112120384/Lions-hot-topics-after-Sunday-s-win-over-Vikings

Overheard after Sunday's Lions win:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111212/SPORTS01/112120380/Overheard-after-Sunday-s-Lions-win

Subpar QB play to costly for Vikings in loss to Lions:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111212/SPORTS01/112120462/Subpar-QB-play-too-costly-Vikings-loss-Lions

Lions will grow up, get better:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111212/SPORTS18/111211024/Reader-column-Lions-will-grow-up-get-better

NFL commish - I have great respect for Suh:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111211/SPORTS01/111211007/NFL-commish-great-respect-Suh

Oakland Press:

Lions more lucky than good in victory over Vikings:  http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/12/12/sports/doc4ee53f2c9c5d8072965879.txt

Lions hold on to beat Vikings in thrilling finish at Ford Field:  http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/12/12/sports/doc4ee52b20f1b25476565734.txt

Suh's return will be a boost to Lions injury depleted defense:  http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/12/12/sports/doc4ee4de736d9de439461563.txt

Lions notebook - Alphonso Smith makes most of opportunity:  http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/12/11/sports/doc4ee544e99ee06814688570.txt

Foxsports Detroit:

Lions defense starts and ends with big play:  http://www.foxsportsdetroit.com/12/11/11/Lions-defense-starts-and-ends-with-big-p/landing_lions.html?blockID=624562&feedID=3862

Lions escape narrowly against Vikings:  http://www.foxsportsdetroit.com/12/11/11/Lions-escape-narrowly-against-Vikings/landing_lions.html?blockID=624530&feedID=3862

Goodell expects Suh to behave in the future:  http://www.foxsportsdetroit.com/12/11/11/Goodell-expects-Suh-to-behave-in-future/landing_lions.html?blockID=624426&feedID=3862

Click on Detroit:

Rob Parker - Lions lucky:  http://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/parkersconfidential/Hamilton-was-more-than-a-distraction-Lions-lucky/-/3994064/5210014/-/12kvjnl/-/index.html

Lions Gab:

Lions turn in another pathetic performance despite win:  http://www.lionsgab.com/2011/12/11/lions-turn-in-another-pathetic-performance-despite-win/

Detroit Examiner:

Banged up Lion eke by Vikings:  http://www.examiner.com/detroit-lions-in-detroit/banged-up-lions-eke-by-vikings

Lions Articles from National Sports Websites:

NFL:

Playoff picture (Lions have the 6th seed):  http://www.nfl.com/playoffs/playoff-picture?module=HP11_content_stream

ESPN:

Levy-Webb - The face mask that wasn't:  http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/49941/levy-webb-the-face-mask-that-wasnt

Wrapup - Lions 34 Vikings 28:  http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/35692/wrap-up-lions-34-vikings-28

Yahoo:

Yates helps Texans to playoffs; Lions get closer:  http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-cole_winners_losers_tj_yates_texans_lions_playoffs_121111

Vikings fumble on final play, lose to the Lions 34-28:  http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-vikings

Lions barely beat Vikings on last play:  http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20111211008

SI:

Everything you need to know - week 14:  http://nfl.si.com/2011/12/11/everything-you-need-to-know-week-14/?sct=nfl_wr_a1

Don Bank's snap judgements (he discusses the facemask and thinks those plays should be reviewable):  http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/don_banks/12/11/week.14/index.html?sct=nfl_t13_a2

CBS:

Week 14 Judgements (He discusses the facemask):  http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/16419822/week-14-judgements-fortes-absence-felt-as-bears-shoot-selves-in-foot

Officials miss face-mask call, Lions beat Vikings:  http://eye-on-football.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/33810231

Foxsports:

Lions team report:  http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/detroit-lions/teamreport/67045

Pereira analyzes week 14's most controversial calls:  http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Mike-Pereira-Minnesota-Vikings-Joe-Webb-face-mask-penalty-analyzing-week-14-121111

Jimmy Johnson's week 14 thoughts (He was disappointed that the Lions game wasn't a runaway):  http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Week-14-Houston-Texans-ride-defense-TJ-Yates-into-playoffs-121111

Unsung heros of the week (One of the players picked is Alphonso Smith):  http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/page/Chevrolet-Unsung-Heroes-NFL-weekly-player-recap-analysis-predictions

NFP:

Week 14 early games notes (There's a paragraph on the Lions should have had an easier time beating the Vikings):  http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Week-14-early-game-notes.html

NFP Sunday Rewind (#7 is on the Lions):  http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFP-Sunday-Rewind-3166.html&page=2

SN:

Week 14 checkdown:  http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-12-11/week-14-nfl-checkdown-crazy-finishes-shape-postseason-picture

PFT:

Missed facemask penalty helps Lions preserve win:  http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/11/missed-facemask-penalty-helps-lions-preserve-win/

PFW:

Scouts eye - Elite talent found in all rounds (There's a paragraph on Tulloch and the Lions D in there):  http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/12/12/scouts-eye-elite-talent-found-in-all-rounds

Lions Articles from Other Websites/Newspapers:

Lions escape without penalty:  http://www.windsorstar.com/sports/Lions+escape+without+penalty/5845530/story.html

Lions Articles from Opposing Team's Media:

Vikings push Lions to the limit, lose on last play:  http://blog.vikings.com/2011/12/11/vikings-push-lions-to-limit-lose-on-last-play-34-28/

Unblocked blitz, missed penalty, Joe Webb's fumble doom Vikings final shot:  http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_19526586

Drama and defeat again:  http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_19525901

Lions 34 Vikings 28 - Joe Webb led comeback comes up short:  http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_19523425

Webb gives Vikings a spark but it isn't enough as Lions hang on to win:  http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Webb_gives_Vikings_a_spark_but_it_isnt_enough_as_Lions_hang_on_to_win121111

Turnovers at center of defeat:  http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/135415858.html

Final gun report from Ford Field (He says the Lions became conservative after building a big lead):  http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/135409358.html

Vikings Valiant effort comes up short:  http://www.vikingsgab.com/2011/12/11/vikings-valiant-effort-comes-up-short-in-detroit-lose-34-28/

Week 14 grades:

Birkett's Lions grades:  http://www.freep.com/article/20111211/SPORTS01/111211027/Grading-Lions-win-over-Vikings

BVO's grades:  http://www.hollandsentinel.com/sports/x1270567245/Grading-the-Detroit-Lions-The-Huge-Shows-Brian-VanOchten

Zaroo's grades:  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/12/granding_the_detroit_lions_off.html

Prisco's grades (He gives the Lions a C):  http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/prisco/grades/week14

Video:

Video and Audio:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2011/12/week-14-lions-vikings-video-highlights.html