Pre-Game Lions Links for Friday 8-23-19

Articles:

O’HARA’S FINAL THOUGHTS: Johnson could add a breakaway threat at running back:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-final-thoughts-johnson-could-add-a-breakaway-threat-at-running-back

5 things to watch: Lions vs. Bills:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-things-to-watch-lions-vs-bills

10 players to watch in Detroit Lions' dress rehearsal against Bills:  https://www.mlive.com/expo/sports/g66l-2019/08/4325ca3f753886/10-players-to-watch-in-detroit-lions-dress-rehearsal-against-bills.html

Lions contracts: Breaking down each player's cap hit before rosters get trimmed:  https://www.mlive.com/expo/sports/g66l-2019/08/8f990cbc8c743/lions-contracts-breaking-down-each-players-cap-hit-before-rosters-get-trimmed.html

Lions are right to bench Stafford this preseason. Here's why:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/08/23/detroit-lions-sitting-matthew-stafford-right-thing-preseason/2083236001/

ESPN data: 10,000 simulations reveal Lions' wins at high of 9, low of 5:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/08/23/espn-data-10-000-simulations-reveal-detroit-lions-wins-high-9-low-5/2095513001/

Lions prepare for matchup against Bills; Dress rehearsal game? Not so much:  https://lionslowdown.com/2019/08/23/lions-prepare-for-matchup-against-bills-dress-rehearsal-game-not-so-much/

5 Lions to watch against the Bills: Preseason Game 3:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/23/5-lions-to-watch-against-the-bills-preseason-game-3/?utm_source=smg&utm_medium=wasabi&utm_content=home-hero

What to expect from the Lions' rookies in their third preseason game:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/23/what-to-expect-from-the-lions-rookies-in-their-third-preseason-game/?utm_source=smg&utm_medium=wasabi&utm_content=home-hero

6 Bold Predictions for Bills vs Lions: Preseason Game 3:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/23/6-bold-predictions-for-bills-vs-lions-preseason-game-3/?utm_source=smg&utm_medium=wasabi&utm_content=home-hero

Lions projected depth chart with jersey numbers: Preseason Game 3:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/23/lions-projected-depth-chart-with-jersey-numbers-preseason-game-3/?utm_source=smg&utm_medium=wasabi&utm_content=home-hero

Projected injury report for Lions vs Bills: Preseason Game 3:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/23/projected-injury-report-for-lions-vs-bills-preseason-game-3/?utm_source=smg&utm_medium=wasabi&utm_content=home-hero

NFC North watch: Packers get injury scares in preseason disaster in Canada:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/23/nfc-north-watch-packers-get-injury-scares-in-preseason-disaster-in-canada/?utm_source=smg&utm_medium=wasabi&utm_content=home-hero

Lions' Jamal Agnew shares how he's tackling student loans:  https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/35755/jamal-agnew-josh-johnson-want-to-stay-with-lions-to-pay-off-student-loans

Matthew Stafford Throws Impressive Touchdown Pass To T.J. Hockenson:  https://dailycaller.com/2019/08/23/matthew-stafford-impressive-touchdown-pass-t-j-hockenson-training-camp/

BILLS AT LIONS:   https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2019/08/23/bills-at-lions/

Six young players who need a role change (Frank Ragnow, C, Lions (Pre-draft position rank: No. 1 center.  Tweak needed: Position, from guard to center.  Change coming? Yes.):  Ragnow was my No. 1 center in the 2018 class because of the effortless power he showcased while playing the position and the steady movements he displayed in the run game. His brute strength was the anchor of his pass-protecting prowess, and he routinely put defenders on their backs.   Playing in Arkansas' power-based offense, Ragnow wasn't asked to move laterally often -- most climbs to the second level were short and jagged. The Lions picked him at No. 20 overall, but he played guard as a rookie thanks to the presence of 2016 third-rounder Graham Glasgow.  In a new role from where he dominated in the SEC, Ragnow labored through some rookie growing pains. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed 36 pressures on 1,074 snaps as a rookie, which equates to a less than ideal pressure rate. His rookie-season grade of 61.9 is considered below average.  But Ragnow and Glasgow flipped positions this offseason and through the summer. While it may take some time to acclimate to the speed and power of inside rushers in his second season, Ragnow should settle nicely into his comfy spot at the pivot for Matthew Stafford, Kerryon Johnson and Co. in 2019.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-2019-six-young-players-who-are-in-need-of-a-position-scheme-or-role-tweak/

Season Previews:

Lions Season Preview:   https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2019/08/23/lions-season-preview/