Articles:
O’HARA’S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Where the Lions stand heading into the bye week: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-monday-countdown-where-the-lions-stand-heading-into-the-bye-week
Snap counts: Lions RB J.D. McKissic passes rookie Ty Johnson in reps during loss to Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/snap-counts-lions-rb-jd-mckissic-passes-rookie-ty-johnson-in-reps-during-loss-to-chiefs.html
Lions on short end of some questionable calls, but blame themselves for loss: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-have-themselves-to-blame-for-loss-not-officials.html
It’s time to believe in the Detroit Lions: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/its-time-to-believe-in-the-detroit-lions.html
Lions QB Matthew Stafford sharp while playing through hip injury: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-qb-matthew-stafford-sharp-while-playing-through-hip-injury.html
Lions fans livid over another no-call vs. same LB from Dallas playoff game: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/30/detroit-lions-fans-anthony-hithens-pass-interference-no-call/3816796002/
Four Downs: Kerryon Johnson carries the load; Lions make case as NFC North contender: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/30/four-downs-kerryon-johnson-detroit-lions-nfc-north-contender/3817616002/
Mike Ford stepped up when his number was called against the Chiefs: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/30/mike-ford-stepped-up-when-his-number-was-called-against-the-chiefs/
Week 4 Lions Rookie report: Injury interrupts T.J. Hockenson's hot start: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/30/week-4-lions-rookie-report-injury-interrupts-t-j-hockensons-hot-start/
NFL refused to review Marvin Jones being tackled on the Hail Mary: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/30/nfl-refused-to-review-marvin-jones-being-tackled-on-the-hail-mary/
Red Zone Miscues Cost Lions Big In Loss To KC: https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2019/09/30/red-zone-miscues-cost-lions-big-in-loss-to-kc/
Lions' secondary depth shows how this group is something to build on: https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/35916/lions-secondary-depth-shows-how-key-they-can-be-to-teams-future
Grades:
Lions grades: RB Kerryon Johnson explodes for 125 yards with costly fumble in loss to Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/09/b63291426f2309/lions-grades-rb-kerryon-johnson-explodes-for-125-yards-with-costly-fumble-in-loss-to-chiefs.html
Monday, September 30, 2019
Morning Lions Links for Monday 9-30-19
Articles:
NOTEBOOK: Diggs, Hockenson leave game with injuries: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-diggs-hockenson-leave-game-with-injuries
FOUR DOWNS: Stafford, Lions show toughness in loss to Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/four-downs-stafford-lions-show-toughness-in-loss-to-chiefs
Marvin Jones was knocked to the ground on a Hail Mary. The NFL didn’t review it.: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/marvin-jones-was-shoved-to-the-ground-on-a-hail-mary-the-nfl-elected-not-to-review-it.html
What happened on that bizarre goal-line fumble by Kerryon Johnson?: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/what-happened-on-that-bizarre-goal-line-fumble-by-kerryon-johnson.html
Inside the locker room: Lions taking the good with the bad in 34-30 loss to Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/inside-the-locker-room-lions-taking-the-good-with-the-bad-in-34-30-loss-to-chiefs.html
Lions T.J. Hockenson in good spirits after exiting loss with brain injury: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-tj-hockenson-in-good-spirits-after-exiting-loss-with-brain-injury.html
Lions fans very upbeat after close loss to Super Bowl favorite Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/09/b02e86ad7d6131/lions-fans-very-upbeat-after-close-loss-to-super-bowl-favorite-chiefs.html
What they’re saying nationally after Lions lose 34-30 in final minute to Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/what-theyre-saying-nationally-after-lions-lose-34-30-in-final-minute-to-chiefs.html
Patrick Mahomes fails to throw touchdown, beats Lions with pair of clutch runs instead: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/patrick-mahomes-fails-to-throw-touchdown-beats-lions-with-pair-of-clutch-runs-instead.html
Mitch Albom: Detroit Lions' loss to Chiefs nothing to be happy about: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/30/mitch-albom-detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs/3815378002/
Lions stock watch: Turnover drills pay off, but 3 players trending down: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-football-stock-watch-turnover-drills-paying-off/3812505002/
Lions take little solace in loss to Chiefs, even as they look legit: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-game-kansas-city-chiefs/3812498002/
Detroit Lions notes: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-hockenson-concussion-football-fall/3815947002/
Kerryon Johnson: 'I just thought I was down': https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-kerryon-johnson-fumble/3814952002/
Lions' Stafford: Latest injury unrelated to last year's back ailment: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/matthew-stafford-hip-injury-detroit-lions/3815048002/
Lions make Patrick Mahomes look human — until crunch time: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-patrick-mahomes-kansas-city-chiefs/3812888002/
Wojo: Lions gain credibility in crushing defeat to Chiefs: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/bob-wojnowski/2019/09/29/wojo-detroit-lions-gain-credibility-crushing-defeat-kansas-city-chiefs/3811728002/
Niyo: Behind Matthew Stafford's lead, Lions show they won't back down: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/john-niyo/2019/09/29/niyo-behind-matthew-staffords-lead-detroit-lions-show-they-wont-back-down/3811729002/
Lions' banged-up secondary rises to occasion against Chiefs' high-flying attack: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/lions-banged-up-secondary-rises-occasion-against-chiefs-high-flying-attack/3815827002/
Five things to know about Detroit Lions’ 34-30 loss to Kansas City Chiefs: https://lionslowdown.com/2019/09/29/five-things-to-know-about-detroit-lions-34-30-loss-to-kansas-city-chiefs/
Week 4 NFL takeaways: Patriots, Chiefs stay unbeaten ... barely (Lions - It ended with a loss, but Detroit made a statement on Sunday. The Lions may not like the result, but the defense held Mahomes without a touchdown, the offense moved the ball well on the ground and in the air, and with a minute left in the game, Detroit was leading. It'll live on as a loss, but on Sunday, the Lions showed they can play with any team in the NFL. "We showed a lot as a team," cornerback Mike Ford said. "Being able to show that we're tough. That we don't give up." -- Michael Rothstein): https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/nfl_32for3292919/week-4-nfl-takeaways-patriots-chiefs-stay-unbeaten-barely
Week 4 Player of the Game: Kenny Golladay: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/week-4-player-of-the-game-kenny-golladay/
OnePride Twitter reactions to Lions 34-30 loss to the Chiefs: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/onepride-twitter-reactions-to-lions-34-30-loss-to-the-chiefs/
Why the Chiefs' winning touchdown against the Lions shouldn't have counted: https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/why-the-chiefs-winning-touchdown-against-the-lions-shouldnt-have-counted/
NFL Week 4 PFF ReFocused: Kansas City Chiefs 34, Detroit Lions 30: https://www.pff.com/news/pro-nfl-week-4-pff-refocused-kansas-city-chiefs-34-detroit-lions-30
Chiefs come back for last-minute win in Detroit: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/29/chiefs-come-back-for-last-minute-win-in-detroit/
Turning point for Matt Patricia and Lions? Detroit looked competent even in defeat: https://sports.yahoo.com/turning-point-for-matt-patricia-and-lions-detroit-looked-competent-even-in-defeat-010540740.html
Chiefs and Lions lose five fumbles in wild, sloppy game that came down to final possession: https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-and-lions-lose-five-fumbles-in-wild-sloppy-game-that-came-down-to-final-possession-203930800.html
Lions fight back, but 3rd-quarter fumbles cost them: https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-fight-back-3rd-quarter-fumbles-cost-them-231000337--nfl.html
Play to the whistle: Chiefs run back fumble as Lions stand still: https://sports.yahoo.com/play-to-the-whistle-chiefs-run-back-fumble-as-lions-stand-still-192949030.html
Lions' T.J. Hockenson knocked out of game after trying to hurdle Chiefs defender: https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-tj-hockenson-slammed-hard-on-turf-after-trying-to-leap-chiefs-defender-193912309.html
Even in defeat, Lions believe they are a team capable of big things: https://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/nfl/detroit-lions/even-in-defeat-lions-believe-they-are-a-team-capable-of-big-things/wcm/ccbfdbc4-b23b-4706-b0e7-78c5b4f33f90
NFL Winners and Losers: After a week of angst, the Browns are tied for first place (Winners - The winning-ugly Kansas City Chiefs: How many games would you expect the Chiefs to win with Patrick Mahomes throwing zero touchdowns? “Not many” is an acceptable answer. The Chiefs showed they don’t need Mahomes to be a superhero every week, and they can win games without their “A” game. Kansas City didn’t play particularly well, but got a late 34-30 over the Detroit Lions to remain undefeated. Mahomes still was good, throwing 315 yards and picking up a huge fourth-down conversion on a run to extend the Chiefs’ game-winning drive. It wasn’t a vintage performance. And the Chiefs still won. On the road. Against a Lions team that was 2-0-1. Mahomes will have plenty of enormous games as he looks like the early favorite to win a second straight MVP award. But the Chiefs can also win when he’s not his dominant best.): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-and-losers-after-a-week-of-angst-the-browns-are-tied-for-first-place-203716702.html
What we learned from Sunday's Week 4 games (Kansas City Chiefs 34, Detroit Lions 30: 1. Even when Patrick Mahomes doesn't have his best day, the gunslinger always gives the Chiefs a chance to win. The reigning NFL MVP led a game-winning drive on the road, silencing a raucous Detroit crowd. Mahomes used his legs to pick up several huge first downs late, and found soft holes in the Lions defense, which was only rushing two and three defenders much of the final drive. In his first-ever NFL start in a dome, Mahomes was just a tad off on his deep shots all afternoon, missing a bevy of bombs by a hair. The normally dive-bombing signal-caller generated no completions of 20-plus-air yards on the day. Mahomes came in with 14 straight games with two or more passing TDs. Matt Patricia's defense held him out of the end zone, but Mahomes made enough plays between the 20s and K.C. ran for three TDs, including Darrel Williams' game-winning score. Sunday was a reminder that even when the Chiefs (4-0) don't have their best day, and can't hit the deep shots, Mahomes can still find a way to get a W. 2. The third quarter was a fumble-palooza. The teams combined for five fumbles in the stanza, the most in a single quarter since 1991, per the FOX broadcast. K.C. committed three of the botches, opening the quarter with a kickoff fumble and coughing up the ball on each of its next two possessions. The Lions, however, couldn't capitalize on the miscues. Matthew Stafford fumbled inside the 5-yard-line, a play after a touchdown pass to Kenny Golladay was overturned. Following the Chiefs' next fumble, Kerryon Johnson had the ball knocked out trying to stretch out for a score at the goal line. Chiefs defensive back Bashaud Breeland scooped up the ball and ran 100 yards for a score. Referees -- the same crew that blew a call dead against New Orleans two weeks ago -- let the play go as Detroit players thought Johnson was down. The touchdown stood upon review giving K.C. a massive score -- and its first lead of the tilt -- in a tight game. 3. Moral victories are for the birds. The Lions (2-1-1) will be kicking themselves for not taking advantage of Chiefs miscues. Four times on its first seven possessions, Detroit had the ball inside the K.C. 8-yard-line. The Lions scored just 10 points in those drives. Coming into the tilt, there were questions about whether Detroit was real after beating two banged-up teams. The loss hurt, but Patricia's team showed it isn't a fluke through four weeks. The Lions D caused turnovers and didn't give up big plays. Corner Justin Coleman was a monster on the back end. Kerryon Johnson ran well, gashing the Chiefs for 125 yards on the ground. Stafford threw with conviction and launched several lasers to Golladay and Marvin Jones. For large chunks of the game, Stafford (three touchdown passes) outplayed Mahomes. In the end, however, Detroit once again came up short. -- Kevin Patra): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001060156/article/what-we-learned-from-sundays-week-4-games
Insider notes: Buyin' Lions despite L: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/insider-notes-lions-prove-theyre-legit-despite-loss-time-isnt-now-for-dwayne-haskins-and-more-from-week-4/
Chiefs win thriller with last-minute touchdown: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/chiefs-vs-lions-live-updates-live-updates-game-stats-highlights-for-week-4-matchup-in-detroit/
Week 4 Takeaways: Browns Hype Train Rolls Again in Baltimore, Too Much Time for Mahomes in Detroit (Lions Left Too Much Time for Mahomes: Detroit’s defense made him work for it, as Mahomes had to scramble to convert a fourth-and-8, but ultimately the Chiefs had little trouble driving for a game-winning TD in 146 seconds. Lions With Goal-to-Go: They had five goal-to-go series that resulted in: field goal, lost fumble (after an apparent touchdown was overturned), lost fumble returned for a touchdown, touchdown, touchdown. So, basically, on those five series they only outscored the Chiefs 17-7, which is how you shatter your tender heart in a 34-30 loss. You All Just Keep Disrespecting the Lions: Make no mistake, this is a playoff-caliber team led by a superstar quarterback. If not for two lost fumbles around the goal line (the second one returned from the three-inch line for a touchdown), they would have handled the Chiefs and been in full control of the NFC North.): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/29/week-4-games-breakdown-analysis-takeaways
NFL scores: What we learned from every game in Week 4 (What we learned: The Chiefs aren’t going to have it as easy as we thought — and the Lions are far more legit than we expected. Detroit exposed Kansas City’s troubles holding onto the ball as well as its porous defense, but ultimately Patrick Mahomes was good when it mattered. He’d barely faced any push back this year so Sunday’s game-winning drive was important. The Lions are clear playoff contender, especially if they can clean up their own fumbling issues, and it certainly appears that Patricia could become the Belichick disciple who successfully replicates his game-planning brilliance: Mahomes had thrown for 10 TDs in his first three games but had none against the Lions and looked bewildered for much of the day by what he saw when he looked downfield.): https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/09/nfl-scores-week-4-results-analysis-what-we-learned
Andy Reid was a bit too excited after beating Lions: ‘Not all of Mozart’s paintings were perfect!’: https://sports.yahoo.com/kansas-city-chiefs-coach-andy-reid-hilarious-mistake-mozart-painter-232038068.html
Grades:
Lions grades: Patricia and his staff deserve credit for near upset: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-game-matt-patricia-kansas-city-chiefs/3812500002/
Justin Rogers' Lions grades: High marks dinged slightly by costly mistakes: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/justin-rogers-detroit-lions-grades-high-marks-dinged-slightly-costly-mistakes/3812476002/
CBS Grades (Lions (Grade: A-): It certainly didn't feel like the Lions lost on Sunday. They proved to the rest of the NFL world that they are for real. While Detroit has gutted out some tough wins over average teams, the fact that they hung around with a Super Bowl favorite was very telling. Matt Stafford out-dueled Mahomes, the Lions crushed it when it came to running the ball and the defense did a good job at slowing down the reigning NFL MVP. It all came down to that final drive, however, and the Lions just couldn't stop the Chiefs.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-grades-titans-get-an-a-for-crushing-falcons-redskins-get-an-f-and-times-run-out-for-jay-gruden/
Video:
Patricia on taking positives from loss to Kansas City: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-taking-positives-from-loss-to-kansas-city
Golladay on teams finish Sunday: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/golladay-on-teams-finish-sunday
Johnson on third quarter turnovers: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/johnson-on-third-quarter-turnovers
Hall on continuing to fight: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/hall-on-continuing-to-fight
Flowers on keeping Mahomes in the pocket.: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/flowers-on-keeping-mahomes-in-the-pocket
Walker on team’s hard work: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/walker-on-team-s-hard-work
Kennard forward to the rest of the season: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/kennard-forward-to-the-rest-of-the-season
Debate: Lions look like playoff contender vs. Chiefs, but can't finish: https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/30/detroit-lions-game-kansas-city-chiefs/3815538002/
NOTEBOOK: Diggs, Hockenson leave game with injuries: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-diggs-hockenson-leave-game-with-injuries
FOUR DOWNS: Stafford, Lions show toughness in loss to Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/four-downs-stafford-lions-show-toughness-in-loss-to-chiefs
Marvin Jones was knocked to the ground on a Hail Mary. The NFL didn’t review it.: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/marvin-jones-was-shoved-to-the-ground-on-a-hail-mary-the-nfl-elected-not-to-review-it.html
What happened on that bizarre goal-line fumble by Kerryon Johnson?: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/what-happened-on-that-bizarre-goal-line-fumble-by-kerryon-johnson.html
Inside the locker room: Lions taking the good with the bad in 34-30 loss to Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/inside-the-locker-room-lions-taking-the-good-with-the-bad-in-34-30-loss-to-chiefs.html
Lions T.J. Hockenson in good spirits after exiting loss with brain injury: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-tj-hockenson-in-good-spirits-after-exiting-loss-with-brain-injury.html
Lions fans very upbeat after close loss to Super Bowl favorite Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/09/b02e86ad7d6131/lions-fans-very-upbeat-after-close-loss-to-super-bowl-favorite-chiefs.html
What they’re saying nationally after Lions lose 34-30 in final minute to Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/what-theyre-saying-nationally-after-lions-lose-34-30-in-final-minute-to-chiefs.html
Patrick Mahomes fails to throw touchdown, beats Lions with pair of clutch runs instead: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/patrick-mahomes-fails-to-throw-touchdown-beats-lions-with-pair-of-clutch-runs-instead.html
Mitch Albom: Detroit Lions' loss to Chiefs nothing to be happy about: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/30/mitch-albom-detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs/3815378002/
Lions stock watch: Turnover drills pay off, but 3 players trending down: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-football-stock-watch-turnover-drills-paying-off/3812505002/
Lions take little solace in loss to Chiefs, even as they look legit: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-game-kansas-city-chiefs/3812498002/
Detroit Lions notes: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-hockenson-concussion-football-fall/3815947002/
Kerryon Johnson: 'I just thought I was down': https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-kerryon-johnson-fumble/3814952002/
Lions' Stafford: Latest injury unrelated to last year's back ailment: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/matthew-stafford-hip-injury-detroit-lions/3815048002/
Lions make Patrick Mahomes look human — until crunch time: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-patrick-mahomes-kansas-city-chiefs/3812888002/
Wojo: Lions gain credibility in crushing defeat to Chiefs: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/bob-wojnowski/2019/09/29/wojo-detroit-lions-gain-credibility-crushing-defeat-kansas-city-chiefs/3811728002/
Niyo: Behind Matthew Stafford's lead, Lions show they won't back down: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/john-niyo/2019/09/29/niyo-behind-matthew-staffords-lead-detroit-lions-show-they-wont-back-down/3811729002/
Lions' banged-up secondary rises to occasion against Chiefs' high-flying attack: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/lions-banged-up-secondary-rises-occasion-against-chiefs-high-flying-attack/3815827002/
Five things to know about Detroit Lions’ 34-30 loss to Kansas City Chiefs: https://lionslowdown.com/2019/09/29/five-things-to-know-about-detroit-lions-34-30-loss-to-kansas-city-chiefs/
Week 4 NFL takeaways: Patriots, Chiefs stay unbeaten ... barely (Lions - It ended with a loss, but Detroit made a statement on Sunday. The Lions may not like the result, but the defense held Mahomes without a touchdown, the offense moved the ball well on the ground and in the air, and with a minute left in the game, Detroit was leading. It'll live on as a loss, but on Sunday, the Lions showed they can play with any team in the NFL. "We showed a lot as a team," cornerback Mike Ford said. "Being able to show that we're tough. That we don't give up." -- Michael Rothstein): https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/nfl_32for3292919/week-4-nfl-takeaways-patriots-chiefs-stay-unbeaten-barely
Week 4 Player of the Game: Kenny Golladay: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/week-4-player-of-the-game-kenny-golladay/
OnePride Twitter reactions to Lions 34-30 loss to the Chiefs: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/onepride-twitter-reactions-to-lions-34-30-loss-to-the-chiefs/
Why the Chiefs' winning touchdown against the Lions shouldn't have counted: https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/why-the-chiefs-winning-touchdown-against-the-lions-shouldnt-have-counted/
NFL Week 4 PFF ReFocused: Kansas City Chiefs 34, Detroit Lions 30: https://www.pff.com/news/pro-nfl-week-4-pff-refocused-kansas-city-chiefs-34-detroit-lions-30
Chiefs come back for last-minute win in Detroit: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/29/chiefs-come-back-for-last-minute-win-in-detroit/
Turning point for Matt Patricia and Lions? Detroit looked competent even in defeat: https://sports.yahoo.com/turning-point-for-matt-patricia-and-lions-detroit-looked-competent-even-in-defeat-010540740.html
Chiefs and Lions lose five fumbles in wild, sloppy game that came down to final possession: https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-and-lions-lose-five-fumbles-in-wild-sloppy-game-that-came-down-to-final-possession-203930800.html
Lions fight back, but 3rd-quarter fumbles cost them: https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-fight-back-3rd-quarter-fumbles-cost-them-231000337--nfl.html
Play to the whistle: Chiefs run back fumble as Lions stand still: https://sports.yahoo.com/play-to-the-whistle-chiefs-run-back-fumble-as-lions-stand-still-192949030.html
Lions' T.J. Hockenson knocked out of game after trying to hurdle Chiefs defender: https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-tj-hockenson-slammed-hard-on-turf-after-trying-to-leap-chiefs-defender-193912309.html
Even in defeat, Lions believe they are a team capable of big things: https://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/nfl/detroit-lions/even-in-defeat-lions-believe-they-are-a-team-capable-of-big-things/wcm/ccbfdbc4-b23b-4706-b0e7-78c5b4f33f90
NFL Winners and Losers: After a week of angst, the Browns are tied for first place (Winners - The winning-ugly Kansas City Chiefs: How many games would you expect the Chiefs to win with Patrick Mahomes throwing zero touchdowns? “Not many” is an acceptable answer. The Chiefs showed they don’t need Mahomes to be a superhero every week, and they can win games without their “A” game. Kansas City didn’t play particularly well, but got a late 34-30 over the Detroit Lions to remain undefeated. Mahomes still was good, throwing 315 yards and picking up a huge fourth-down conversion on a run to extend the Chiefs’ game-winning drive. It wasn’t a vintage performance. And the Chiefs still won. On the road. Against a Lions team that was 2-0-1. Mahomes will have plenty of enormous games as he looks like the early favorite to win a second straight MVP award. But the Chiefs can also win when he’s not his dominant best.): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-and-losers-after-a-week-of-angst-the-browns-are-tied-for-first-place-203716702.html
What we learned from Sunday's Week 4 games (Kansas City Chiefs 34, Detroit Lions 30: 1. Even when Patrick Mahomes doesn't have his best day, the gunslinger always gives the Chiefs a chance to win. The reigning NFL MVP led a game-winning drive on the road, silencing a raucous Detroit crowd. Mahomes used his legs to pick up several huge first downs late, and found soft holes in the Lions defense, which was only rushing two and three defenders much of the final drive. In his first-ever NFL start in a dome, Mahomes was just a tad off on his deep shots all afternoon, missing a bevy of bombs by a hair. The normally dive-bombing signal-caller generated no completions of 20-plus-air yards on the day. Mahomes came in with 14 straight games with two or more passing TDs. Matt Patricia's defense held him out of the end zone, but Mahomes made enough plays between the 20s and K.C. ran for three TDs, including Darrel Williams' game-winning score. Sunday was a reminder that even when the Chiefs (4-0) don't have their best day, and can't hit the deep shots, Mahomes can still find a way to get a W. 2. The third quarter was a fumble-palooza. The teams combined for five fumbles in the stanza, the most in a single quarter since 1991, per the FOX broadcast. K.C. committed three of the botches, opening the quarter with a kickoff fumble and coughing up the ball on each of its next two possessions. The Lions, however, couldn't capitalize on the miscues. Matthew Stafford fumbled inside the 5-yard-line, a play after a touchdown pass to Kenny Golladay was overturned. Following the Chiefs' next fumble, Kerryon Johnson had the ball knocked out trying to stretch out for a score at the goal line. Chiefs defensive back Bashaud Breeland scooped up the ball and ran 100 yards for a score. Referees -- the same crew that blew a call dead against New Orleans two weeks ago -- let the play go as Detroit players thought Johnson was down. The touchdown stood upon review giving K.C. a massive score -- and its first lead of the tilt -- in a tight game. 3. Moral victories are for the birds. The Lions (2-1-1) will be kicking themselves for not taking advantage of Chiefs miscues. Four times on its first seven possessions, Detroit had the ball inside the K.C. 8-yard-line. The Lions scored just 10 points in those drives. Coming into the tilt, there were questions about whether Detroit was real after beating two banged-up teams. The loss hurt, but Patricia's team showed it isn't a fluke through four weeks. The Lions D caused turnovers and didn't give up big plays. Corner Justin Coleman was a monster on the back end. Kerryon Johnson ran well, gashing the Chiefs for 125 yards on the ground. Stafford threw with conviction and launched several lasers to Golladay and Marvin Jones. For large chunks of the game, Stafford (three touchdown passes) outplayed Mahomes. In the end, however, Detroit once again came up short. -- Kevin Patra): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001060156/article/what-we-learned-from-sundays-week-4-games
Insider notes: Buyin' Lions despite L: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/insider-notes-lions-prove-theyre-legit-despite-loss-time-isnt-now-for-dwayne-haskins-and-more-from-week-4/
Chiefs win thriller with last-minute touchdown: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/chiefs-vs-lions-live-updates-live-updates-game-stats-highlights-for-week-4-matchup-in-detroit/
Week 4 Takeaways: Browns Hype Train Rolls Again in Baltimore, Too Much Time for Mahomes in Detroit (Lions Left Too Much Time for Mahomes: Detroit’s defense made him work for it, as Mahomes had to scramble to convert a fourth-and-8, but ultimately the Chiefs had little trouble driving for a game-winning TD in 146 seconds. Lions With Goal-to-Go: They had five goal-to-go series that resulted in: field goal, lost fumble (after an apparent touchdown was overturned), lost fumble returned for a touchdown, touchdown, touchdown. So, basically, on those five series they only outscored the Chiefs 17-7, which is how you shatter your tender heart in a 34-30 loss. You All Just Keep Disrespecting the Lions: Make no mistake, this is a playoff-caliber team led by a superstar quarterback. If not for two lost fumbles around the goal line (the second one returned from the three-inch line for a touchdown), they would have handled the Chiefs and been in full control of the NFC North.): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/29/week-4-games-breakdown-analysis-takeaways
NFL scores: What we learned from every game in Week 4 (What we learned: The Chiefs aren’t going to have it as easy as we thought — and the Lions are far more legit than we expected. Detroit exposed Kansas City’s troubles holding onto the ball as well as its porous defense, but ultimately Patrick Mahomes was good when it mattered. He’d barely faced any push back this year so Sunday’s game-winning drive was important. The Lions are clear playoff contender, especially if they can clean up their own fumbling issues, and it certainly appears that Patricia could become the Belichick disciple who successfully replicates his game-planning brilliance: Mahomes had thrown for 10 TDs in his first three games but had none against the Lions and looked bewildered for much of the day by what he saw when he looked downfield.): https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/09/nfl-scores-week-4-results-analysis-what-we-learned
Andy Reid was a bit too excited after beating Lions: ‘Not all of Mozart’s paintings were perfect!’: https://sports.yahoo.com/kansas-city-chiefs-coach-andy-reid-hilarious-mistake-mozart-painter-232038068.html
Grades:
Lions grades: Patricia and his staff deserve credit for near upset: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-game-matt-patricia-kansas-city-chiefs/3812500002/
Justin Rogers' Lions grades: High marks dinged slightly by costly mistakes: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/justin-rogers-detroit-lions-grades-high-marks-dinged-slightly-costly-mistakes/3812476002/
CBS Grades (Lions (Grade: A-): It certainly didn't feel like the Lions lost on Sunday. They proved to the rest of the NFL world that they are for real. While Detroit has gutted out some tough wins over average teams, the fact that they hung around with a Super Bowl favorite was very telling. Matt Stafford out-dueled Mahomes, the Lions crushed it when it came to running the ball and the defense did a good job at slowing down the reigning NFL MVP. It all came down to that final drive, however, and the Lions just couldn't stop the Chiefs.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-grades-titans-get-an-a-for-crushing-falcons-redskins-get-an-f-and-times-run-out-for-jay-gruden/
Video:
Patricia on taking positives from loss to Kansas City: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-taking-positives-from-loss-to-kansas-city
Golladay on teams finish Sunday: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/golladay-on-teams-finish-sunday
Johnson on third quarter turnovers: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/johnson-on-third-quarter-turnovers
Hall on continuing to fight: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/hall-on-continuing-to-fight
Flowers on keeping Mahomes in the pocket.: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/flowers-on-keeping-mahomes-in-the-pocket
Walker on team’s hard work: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/walker-on-team-s-hard-work
Kennard forward to the rest of the season: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/kennard-forward-to-the-rest-of-the-season
Debate: Lions look like playoff contender vs. Chiefs, but can't finish: https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/30/detroit-lions-game-kansas-city-chiefs/3815538002/
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Evening Lions Links for Sunday 9-29-19
Articles:
O’HARA’S BURNING QUESTIONS: What did Lions show in tough loss to Chiefs?: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-burning-questions-what-did-lions-show-in-tough-loss-to-chiefs
RECAP: Lions vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/recap-lions-vs-chiefs
Observations: Lions lose heart breaker, but measure up against NFL’s elite: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/observations-lions-lose-heart-breaker-but-measure-up-against-nfls-elite.html
Lions first-round pick T.J. Hockenson carted to locker room after falling on head: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-first-round-pick-tj-hockenson-carted-to-locker-room-after-falling-on-head.html
Already down top CB Darius Slay, Lions lose top S Quandre Diggs too: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-already-down-top-cb-darius-slay-lose-top-s-quandre-diggs-too.html
Heartbreaker! Detroit Lions lose to Kansas City Chiefs, 34-30, in final minute: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-score-kansas-city-chiefs/3812258002/
It's the same old Lions world: A heartbreaking loss: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-fans-react-stunner-loss-kansas-city-chiefs/3813302002/
If Detroit Lions eliminate boneheaded plays, they just might wind up elite: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-score-kansas-city-chiefs/3812872002/
Detroit Lions give fans reason to believe in loss to Chiefs: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/shawn-windsor/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-believe-kansas-city-chiefs/3812820002/
Lions make statement in loss to Chiefs: They are a good, gutsy team: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-score-kansas-city-chiefs/3813427002/
Lions lose TD on 'complete the process,' then fumble it away ... twice: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-complete-process-touchdown-chiefs/3813394002/
Lions QB Stafford: 'Feeling like a football player' on run: https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-kansas-city-chiefs/3814490002/
Detroit Lions lose goal-line fumble as Chiefs return it for 100 yards: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-fumble-kansas-city-chiefs/3813572002/
Detroit Lions halftime observations: Lions outplaying Chiefs at home: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-halftime-observations-kansas-city-chiefs/3812582002/
Spirited effort falls short for Lions in thriller vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/spirited-effort-falls-short-detroit-lions-thriller-vs-kansas-city-chiefs/3812474002/
Recap: Lions fall to Chiefs 34-30 for first loss of season: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/live-updates-detroit-lions-vs-kansas-city-chiefs/3812462002/
Lions' first-half observations: Field goals won't be enough: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-first-half-observations-field-goals-wont-enough/3813244002/
Lions show they can play with anyone in loss to Chiefs: https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/35907/lions-show-they-can-play-with-anyone-in-loss-to-chiefs
Chiefs score late, stay undefeated with 34-30 win over Lions: https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128023
ESPN'S Mike Rothstein's first half thoughts: http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-41078565-4
Watch: Quandre Diggs laid 'big league hit' on Patrick Mahomes when they last faced off: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/25/watch-quandre-diggs-big-league-hit-on-patrick-mahomes-when-they-last-faced-off/
Watch: Lions QB Matt Stafford throws touchdown pass to rookie T.J. Hockenson: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/watch-lions-qb-matt-stafford-throws-touchdown-pass-to-rookie-t-j-hockenson/
Video:
Kenny Golladay delivers clutch toe-tapping TD to give Lions late lead: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001060065/Kenny-Golladay-delivers-clutch-toe-tapping-TD-to-give-Lions-late-lead
Matthew Stafford threads the needle to Kenny Golladay for TD: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059992/Matthew-Stafford-threads-the-needle-to-Kenny-Golladay-for-TD
Stafford delivers strike to Kenny Golladay for 33-yard gain: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059644/Stafford-delivers-strike-to-Kenny-Golladay-for-33-yard-gain
T.J. for the TD! Stafford hits Hockenson in the back of end zone: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059716/T-J-for-the-TD-Stafford-hits-Hockenson-in-the-back-of-end-zone
Matthew Stafford uncorks 25-yard strike to Marvin Jones at midfield: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001060137/Matthew-Stafford-uncorks-25-yard-strike-to-Marvin-Jones-at-midfield
Stafford delivers perfect back-shoulder throw to Marvin Hall: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001060093/Stafford-delivers-perfect-back-shoulder-throw-to-Marvin-Hall
Stafford gets heated with Hitchens after strong scramble: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001060062/Stafford-gets-heated-with-Hitchens-after-strong-scramble
Stafford zings deep dart to Jones Jr. for 33 yards: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059711/Stafford-zings-deep-dart-to-Jones-Jr-for-33-yards
Stafford delivers strike to Kenny Golladay for 33-yard gain: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059644/Stafford-delivers-strike-to-Kenny-Golladay-for-33-yard-gain
Tyrann Mathieu interrupts Thomas' hurdle attempt: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059952/Tyrann-Mathieu-interrupts-Thomas-hurdle-attempt
T.J. Hockenson leaves game with apparent injury after failed hurdle attempt: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059986/T-J-Hockenson-leaves-game-with-apparent-injury-after-failed-hurdle-attempt
Agnew punches ball from Hardman for key turnover on second-half kick return: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059882/Agnew-punches-ball-from-Hardman-for-key-turnover-on-second-half-kick-return
Lions' third 'Peanut Punch' of day results in third takeaway: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059928/Lions-third-Peanut-Punch-of-day-results-in-third-takeaway
Coleman waits for Watkins to get up so he can deliver Lions' second forced fumble: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059970/Coleman-waits-for-Watkins-to-get-up-so-he-can-deliver-Lions-second-forced-fumble
Justin Coleman's 'Peanut Punch' prevents Watkins TD: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059765/Justin-Coleman-s-Peanut-Punch-prevents-Watkins-TD
Prater stays perfect on the day with 53-yard FG following Chiefs penalty: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059962/Prater-stays-perfect-on-the-day-with-53-yard-FG-following-Chiefs-penalty
Harrison Butker's 36-yard field goal misses wide right: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059699/Harrison-Butker-s-36-yard-field-goal-misses-wide-right
Chiefs vs. Lions highlights | Week 4: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001060202/Chiefs-vs-Lions-highlights-Week-4
O’HARA’S BURNING QUESTIONS: What did Lions show in tough loss to Chiefs?: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-burning-questions-what-did-lions-show-in-tough-loss-to-chiefs
RECAP: Lions vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/recap-lions-vs-chiefs
Observations: Lions lose heart breaker, but measure up against NFL’s elite: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/observations-lions-lose-heart-breaker-but-measure-up-against-nfls-elite.html
Lions first-round pick T.J. Hockenson carted to locker room after falling on head: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-first-round-pick-tj-hockenson-carted-to-locker-room-after-falling-on-head.html
Already down top CB Darius Slay, Lions lose top S Quandre Diggs too: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-already-down-top-cb-darius-slay-lose-top-s-quandre-diggs-too.html
Heartbreaker! Detroit Lions lose to Kansas City Chiefs, 34-30, in final minute: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-score-kansas-city-chiefs/3812258002/
It's the same old Lions world: A heartbreaking loss: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-fans-react-stunner-loss-kansas-city-chiefs/3813302002/
If Detroit Lions eliminate boneheaded plays, they just might wind up elite: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-score-kansas-city-chiefs/3812872002/
Detroit Lions give fans reason to believe in loss to Chiefs: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/shawn-windsor/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-believe-kansas-city-chiefs/3812820002/
Lions make statement in loss to Chiefs: They are a good, gutsy team: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-score-kansas-city-chiefs/3813427002/
Lions lose TD on 'complete the process,' then fumble it away ... twice: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-complete-process-touchdown-chiefs/3813394002/
Lions QB Stafford: 'Feeling like a football player' on run: https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-kansas-city-chiefs/3814490002/
Detroit Lions lose goal-line fumble as Chiefs return it for 100 yards: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-fumble-kansas-city-chiefs/3813572002/
Detroit Lions halftime observations: Lions outplaying Chiefs at home: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-halftime-observations-kansas-city-chiefs/3812582002/
Spirited effort falls short for Lions in thriller vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/spirited-effort-falls-short-detroit-lions-thriller-vs-kansas-city-chiefs/3812474002/
Recap: Lions fall to Chiefs 34-30 for first loss of season: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/live-updates-detroit-lions-vs-kansas-city-chiefs/3812462002/
Lions' first-half observations: Field goals won't be enough: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/detroit-lions-first-half-observations-field-goals-wont-enough/3813244002/
Lions show they can play with anyone in loss to Chiefs: https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/35907/lions-show-they-can-play-with-anyone-in-loss-to-chiefs
Chiefs score late, stay undefeated with 34-30 win over Lions: https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128023
ESPN'S Mike Rothstein's first half thoughts: http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-41078565-4
Watch: Quandre Diggs laid 'big league hit' on Patrick Mahomes when they last faced off: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/25/watch-quandre-diggs-big-league-hit-on-patrick-mahomes-when-they-last-faced-off/
Watch: Lions QB Matt Stafford throws touchdown pass to rookie T.J. Hockenson: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/watch-lions-qb-matt-stafford-throws-touchdown-pass-to-rookie-t-j-hockenson/
Video:
Kenny Golladay delivers clutch toe-tapping TD to give Lions late lead: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001060065/Kenny-Golladay-delivers-clutch-toe-tapping-TD-to-give-Lions-late-lead
Matthew Stafford threads the needle to Kenny Golladay for TD: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059992/Matthew-Stafford-threads-the-needle-to-Kenny-Golladay-for-TD
Stafford delivers strike to Kenny Golladay for 33-yard gain: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059644/Stafford-delivers-strike-to-Kenny-Golladay-for-33-yard-gain
T.J. for the TD! Stafford hits Hockenson in the back of end zone: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059716/T-J-for-the-TD-Stafford-hits-Hockenson-in-the-back-of-end-zone
Matthew Stafford uncorks 25-yard strike to Marvin Jones at midfield: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001060137/Matthew-Stafford-uncorks-25-yard-strike-to-Marvin-Jones-at-midfield
Stafford delivers perfect back-shoulder throw to Marvin Hall: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001060093/Stafford-delivers-perfect-back-shoulder-throw-to-Marvin-Hall
Stafford gets heated with Hitchens after strong scramble: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001060062/Stafford-gets-heated-with-Hitchens-after-strong-scramble
Stafford zings deep dart to Jones Jr. for 33 yards: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059711/Stafford-zings-deep-dart-to-Jones-Jr-for-33-yards
Stafford delivers strike to Kenny Golladay for 33-yard gain: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059644/Stafford-delivers-strike-to-Kenny-Golladay-for-33-yard-gain
Tyrann Mathieu interrupts Thomas' hurdle attempt: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059952/Tyrann-Mathieu-interrupts-Thomas-hurdle-attempt
T.J. Hockenson leaves game with apparent injury after failed hurdle attempt: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059986/T-J-Hockenson-leaves-game-with-apparent-injury-after-failed-hurdle-attempt
Agnew punches ball from Hardman for key turnover on second-half kick return: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059882/Agnew-punches-ball-from-Hardman-for-key-turnover-on-second-half-kick-return
Lions' third 'Peanut Punch' of day results in third takeaway: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059928/Lions-third-Peanut-Punch-of-day-results-in-third-takeaway
Coleman waits for Watkins to get up so he can deliver Lions' second forced fumble: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059970/Coleman-waits-for-Watkins-to-get-up-so-he-can-deliver-Lions-second-forced-fumble
Justin Coleman's 'Peanut Punch' prevents Watkins TD: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059765/Justin-Coleman-s-Peanut-Punch-prevents-Watkins-TD
Prater stays perfect on the day with 53-yard FG following Chiefs penalty: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059962/Prater-stays-perfect-on-the-day-with-53-yard-FG-following-Chiefs-penalty
Harrison Butker's 36-yard field goal misses wide right: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059699/Harrison-Butker-s-36-yard-field-goal-misses-wide-right
Chiefs vs. Lions highlights | Week 4: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001060202/Chiefs-vs-Lions-highlights-Week-4
Pre-Game Lions Links for Sunday 9-29-19
Articles:
INACTIVES: Lions vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/inactives-lions-vs-chiefs
5 things to watch: Lions vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-things-to-watch-lions-vs-chiefs-johnson-slay
O'HARA'S FINAL THOUGHTS: Kennard looking for key plays from defense: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-final-thoughts-kennard-looking-for-key-plays-from-defense
Matthew Stafford in for Lions; Darius Slay, Danny Amendola out: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/matthew-stafford-in-for-lions-darius-slay-danny-amendola-out.html
5 things to watch: Lions vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-things-to-watch-lions-vs-chiefs-johnson-slay
Lions' Stafford in pain but active against Chiefs: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27723943/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-pain-active-kansas-city-chiefs
3 matchups the Lions must win against the Chiefs: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/3-matchups-the-lions-must-win-against-the-chiefs/
What to expect from the Lions' rookies in Week 4: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/what-to-expect-from-the-lions-rookies-in-week-4/
Lions Week 4 comprehensive depth chart: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/lions-week-4-comprehensive-depth-chart/
2020 Draft:
College Football Week 5 Eckrich Team of the Week: https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-5-eckrich-team-of-the-week
BOOMS AND BUSTS: WEEK FIVE: https://www.rotoworld.com/article/weekend-recap/booms-and-busts-week-five
NCAA College Football Live Blog: Week 5: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ncaa-college-football-live-blog-week-5/
WATCH: Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah gets a pick while laying on the ground: https://buckeyeswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/28/ohio-state-football-jeffrey-okudah-gets-pick-on-ground-nebraska/
Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III appears to avoid serious knee injury: https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/2019/09/28/alabama-wr-henry-ruggs-iii-leaves-ole-miss-game-with-injury/
INACTIVES: Lions vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/inactives-lions-vs-chiefs
5 things to watch: Lions vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-things-to-watch-lions-vs-chiefs-johnson-slay
O'HARA'S FINAL THOUGHTS: Kennard looking for key plays from defense: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-final-thoughts-kennard-looking-for-key-plays-from-defense
Matthew Stafford in for Lions; Darius Slay, Danny Amendola out: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/matthew-stafford-in-for-lions-darius-slay-danny-amendola-out.html
5 things to watch: Lions vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-things-to-watch-lions-vs-chiefs-johnson-slay
Lions' Stafford in pain but active against Chiefs: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27723943/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-pain-active-kansas-city-chiefs
3 matchups the Lions must win against the Chiefs: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/3-matchups-the-lions-must-win-against-the-chiefs/
What to expect from the Lions' rookies in Week 4: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/what-to-expect-from-the-lions-rookies-in-week-4/
Lions Week 4 comprehensive depth chart: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/29/lions-week-4-comprehensive-depth-chart/
2020 Draft:
College Football Week 5 Eckrich Team of the Week: https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-5-eckrich-team-of-the-week
BOOMS AND BUSTS: WEEK FIVE: https://www.rotoworld.com/article/weekend-recap/booms-and-busts-week-five
NCAA College Football Live Blog: Week 5: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ncaa-college-football-live-blog-week-5/
WATCH: Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah gets a pick while laying on the ground: https://buckeyeswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/28/ohio-state-football-jeffrey-okudah-gets-pick-on-ground-nebraska/
Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III appears to avoid serious knee injury: https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/2019/09/28/alabama-wr-henry-ruggs-iii-leaves-ole-miss-game-with-injury/
Week 4 Previews and Predictions
Lions Lowdown Paula Pasche (Lions win 27-24): https://lionslowdown.com/2019/09/28/five-things-to-watch-as-detroit-lions-face-patrick-mahomes-kansas-city-chiefs/
TBL (3 pick the KC to win by scores of 31-21, 33-28, 42-21. 1 picks the Lions to win 34-28): https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/nfl-week-4-picks-expert-predictions-01dnhkv0f11g
SN Vinnie Iyer's Pick (The Lions are winning with defense and just enough of the running game, but Matthew Stafford will need to be sharper throwing downfield to give them a chance against the Chiefs. Darius Slay is hamstrung and might not play, allowing Patrick Mahomes free reign with his wide receiver matchups. There’s no reason to think he will cool down here in a controlled road environment. Detroit’s plan to play ball-control and keep-away from Mahomes won’t last long. Chiefs win 38-27): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-picks-against-spread-cowboys-saints-chiefs-lions-chargers/1l2vutq8mwxfi16qj8u9c4rv52
SN's Haslop (Kudos to the Lions for reaching Week 4 without a loss, and their tight wins against the Chargers and Eagles over the last couple weeks are notable upsets. They won't manage an upset this week, though. An indoor matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs was going to be tough enough for Detroit with Darius Slay, but the star corner is dealing with a bad hamstring. Kerryon Johnson might have his moments against a vulnerable Kansas City run defense, but even if he does, it won't be enough. Prediction: Chiefs 30, Lions 21): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-week-4-packers-eagles-bears-vikings/ob7nii6fpsv214lepeoe7zd3r
CBS John Breech (Lock of the Week - Kansas City (3-0) at Detroit (2-0-1): We're only four weeks into the season, and somehow, the "Lock of the Week" has turned into the least reliable part of my picks column. It's starting to feel like the real "Lock of the Week" is to bet against my "Lock of the Week." To turn things around, I've decided to what pretty much everyone else is going to do this week: Pick the Chiefs to win. With the Chiefs playing Baltimore in Week 3, I was a little worried that playing against the Lions in Week 4 might turn into a trap game for Kansas City, but somehow, the Lions are now 2-0-1, which actually makes me feel better about this pick because there's no way the Chiefs are going to overlook an unbeaten team. My problem with picking Detroit is that I don't think Lions coach Matt Patricia has any idea how to stop an Andy Reid offense. Reid has been the coach in Kansas City since 2013 and during his time with the Chiefs, he's gone up against a Patricia defense three times (Patricia was the Patriots defensive coordinator until 2017). In those three games, the Chiefs averaged 34.3 points and that was with ALEX SMITH as their starting quarterback. With Patrick Mahomes running the show, the Chiefs might hit that number in the first quarter. The pick: Chiefs 41-24 over Lions): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-picks-odds-packers-roll-past-eagles-patriots-pummel-undefeated-bills/
CBS Bryan DeArdo (Kansas City (3-0) at Detroit (2-0-1): The Chiefs, a week after outlasting the Ravens at home, will win another close game in Detroit while remaining undefeated. The 2-1-0 Lions, who are unbeaten themselves and face another undefeated team this late in a season for the first time since 1962, should keep this game competitive throughout. Prediction: Chiefs 27, Lions 21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-picks-odds-browns-pull-off-stunner-in-baltimore-eagles-downward-spiral-continues/
CBS Prisco (Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5) at Detroit Lions: This is a game between two undefeated teams as well. The Lions do have a tie, but they are off to a good start. The Chiefs have already won two road games, so they can handle the road. Their players will look even faster here in this one. The Chiefs roll up another big number with Patrick Mahomes. Pick: Chiefs 34, Lions 24): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/pete-priscos-nfl-week-4-picks-bills-cover-but-fall-to-patriots-in-battle-of-unbeatens-cowboys-beat-saints-on-road/
CBS Tyler Sullivan (Chiefs win 27-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-picks-odds-kyle-allen-hype-train-continues-through-houston-ravens-send-browns-further-in-decline/
CBS Jeff Kerr (Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) at Detroit Lions (2-0-1): The Chiefs had a statement win against the upstart Ravens last week, another game which quarterback Patrick Mahomes was spectacular. Mahomes passed for 374 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions last week, becoming the first player in NFL history with at least 350 pass yards and three pass TDs along with no interceptions in three consecutive games. The Chiefs have scored 25-plus points in 25 straight games, which is the longest streak in NFL history. Kansas City also has more playmakers than Detroit in running back LeSean McCoy, and wide receivers DeMarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman. Detroit is allowing opponents to complete just 54.76 percent of their passes through three games, but may be without Darius Slay this week. A tough task for a good secondary. Pick: Chiefs 34, Lions 21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-4-nfl-schedule-tv-odds-picks-cowboys-continue-torrid-start-in-first-test-ravens-earn-huge-divisional-win/
CBS Cody Benjamin (Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions: Look, the Lions have a decent defensive front, and their receivers can break off a play or two, but don't be fooled by their record. The Chiefs are going to walk into Ford Field and make that dome their own as Patrick Mahomes continues his MVP campaign. Prediction: Chiefs 38, Lions 21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-4-odds-picks-bears-edge-vikings-patriots-survive-bills-steelers-get-their-first-win/
NFL.com Cynthia's Prediction (KC wins 30-23): http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001058922/Game-Theory-Week-4-win-probabilities-score-projections
Walterfootball (KC wins 34-31): http://walterfootball.com/nflpicks2019_04early.php
Foxsports (KC wins 29-24): https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/boxscore?id=8811&type=8
CBS Jordan Dajani (Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions: I'm surprised that the Lions are yet to suffer a loss this season. They blew a double-digit lead against the Cardinals in Week 1, then gutted out tough wins over the Chargers and Eagles the following weeks. The Chiefs are just too good to lose to the Lions, and they will win in Detroit on Sunday. Mahomes looks like he may be able to repeat as MVP. In three games, he has passed for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception. Even the absence of Tyreek Hill hasn't been able to slow this offense down, as the emergences of Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson have been fun to watch. The pick: Chiefs 31-17 over Lions): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-odds-picks-browns-keep-it-close-in-baltimore-seahawks-rebound-vs-cardinals/
NFL RealGM (Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions (+6.5): The Lions are unbeaten and have accomplished that feat largely by helping opponents shoot their own feet off. That strategy is not going to work against Patrick Mahomes, the best gunslinger in the game. I do think the Lions will get the run game on track against the Chiefs and their league-worst 6.2 yards per carry allowed. But I don’t trust Detroit’s special teams or pass rush enough to keep up with the NFL’s most explosive offense It will be close, but Mahomes and Andy Reid smoke the victory cigars. Chiefs 30, Lions 24): https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3186/Football-Meteorology-For-NFL-Week-4
NFL.com Rosenthal (LOCK OF THE WEEK: Kansas City Chiefs 35, Detroit Lions 24: Don't view this game as a litmus test for this improved Lions defense. Justin Coleman is playing like one of football's best slot corners, while Darius "Big Play" Slay is living up to his name. Trey Flowers has started to make a bigger impact alongside A'Shawn Robinson on a rock-solid defensive line. But Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes in September make even quality defenses like those of the Jaguars and Ravens look foolish, and this week should be no different. The bigger question in this matchup is whether a sharper Matthew Stafford, who has been more willing to go down the field, can keep up in a shootout against a Chiefs pass defense that quietly ranks ninth in DVOA and ninth in PFF's pass-coverage grades. This K.C. defense may only need to be average to earn home-field advantage in the AFC again, and the early signs are trending in that direction.): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001059093/article/nfl-week-4-game-picks-eagles-edge-pack-ravens-top-browns
Detroit Lions writer Mike O'Hara (Chiefs win 26-24): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-final-thoughts-kennard-looking-for-key-plays-from-defense
PFT (Chiefs at Lions: MDS’s take: It’s not often that an undefeated team is a touchdown underdog at home, but the Lions are — and they should be even bigger underdogs. MDS’s pick: Chiefs 35, Lions 16. Florio’s take: If the Lions can pull this one off, we need to dramatically change how we view the Lions. For now, though, it’s hard to imagine any team not located in New England outpacing Patrick Mahomes and company. Florio’s pick: Chiefs 34, Lions 24.): https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/26/pfts-week-four-picks-10/
ESPN Week 4 NFL game picks, schedule guide, fantasy football tips and more (Teicher's pick: Chiefs 33, Lions 24
Rothstein's pick: Chiefs 38, Lions 27): https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27691599/week-4-nfl-game-picks-schedule-guide-fantasy-football-tips-more
Freep (All 3 pick KC to win by scores of 27-23, 31-26, 31-20 and 34-24): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/28/detroit-lions-game-predictions-kansas-city-chiefs-nfl/3796479002/
Detroit News (All 3 pick KC to win by scores of 27-23, 34-24 and 30-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-news-predictions-lions-vs-chiefs/3780207002/
MLive (All 3 pick KC to win by scores of 31-27, 35-21 and 41-29): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/final-score-predictions-for-detroit-lions-vs-kansas-city-chiefs.html
USA Today Picks (All 7 pick KC to win by scores of 34-29, 33-20, 38-27, 27-21, 38-21, 33-23, 28-14.): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/09/26/usa-today-week-4-nfl-picks-predictions-cowboys-saints/3772711002/
Non-Score Picks:
NFL.com Picks (Bucky picks the Lions to win): https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-vs-chiefs-preview-week-4
ESPN Picks (10 pick KC. 1 picks the Lions): http://www.espn.com/nfl/picks
CBS Picks (All 8 pick KC.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/expert/picks/straight-up/3
SI Picks (All 8 pick KC.): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/26/week-4-nfl-picks-mmqb-staff-straight
PFF (All 8 pick KC): https://mobile.twitter.com/PFF/status/1177249833813495808
Average Score Prediction (1334-960/41): KC wins 33-23
71 pick KC to win. 4 pick Lions to win.
TBL (3 pick the KC to win by scores of 31-21, 33-28, 42-21. 1 picks the Lions to win 34-28): https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/nfl-week-4-picks-expert-predictions-01dnhkv0f11g
SN Vinnie Iyer's Pick (The Lions are winning with defense and just enough of the running game, but Matthew Stafford will need to be sharper throwing downfield to give them a chance against the Chiefs. Darius Slay is hamstrung and might not play, allowing Patrick Mahomes free reign with his wide receiver matchups. There’s no reason to think he will cool down here in a controlled road environment. Detroit’s plan to play ball-control and keep-away from Mahomes won’t last long. Chiefs win 38-27): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-picks-against-spread-cowboys-saints-chiefs-lions-chargers/1l2vutq8mwxfi16qj8u9c4rv52
SN's Haslop (Kudos to the Lions for reaching Week 4 without a loss, and their tight wins against the Chargers and Eagles over the last couple weeks are notable upsets. They won't manage an upset this week, though. An indoor matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs was going to be tough enough for Detroit with Darius Slay, but the star corner is dealing with a bad hamstring. Kerryon Johnson might have his moments against a vulnerable Kansas City run defense, but even if he does, it won't be enough. Prediction: Chiefs 30, Lions 21): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-week-4-packers-eagles-bears-vikings/ob7nii6fpsv214lepeoe7zd3r
CBS John Breech (Lock of the Week - Kansas City (3-0) at Detroit (2-0-1): We're only four weeks into the season, and somehow, the "Lock of the Week" has turned into the least reliable part of my picks column. It's starting to feel like the real "Lock of the Week" is to bet against my "Lock of the Week." To turn things around, I've decided to what pretty much everyone else is going to do this week: Pick the Chiefs to win. With the Chiefs playing Baltimore in Week 3, I was a little worried that playing against the Lions in Week 4 might turn into a trap game for Kansas City, but somehow, the Lions are now 2-0-1, which actually makes me feel better about this pick because there's no way the Chiefs are going to overlook an unbeaten team. My problem with picking Detroit is that I don't think Lions coach Matt Patricia has any idea how to stop an Andy Reid offense. Reid has been the coach in Kansas City since 2013 and during his time with the Chiefs, he's gone up against a Patricia defense three times (Patricia was the Patriots defensive coordinator until 2017). In those three games, the Chiefs averaged 34.3 points and that was with ALEX SMITH as their starting quarterback. With Patrick Mahomes running the show, the Chiefs might hit that number in the first quarter. The pick: Chiefs 41-24 over Lions): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-picks-odds-packers-roll-past-eagles-patriots-pummel-undefeated-bills/
CBS Bryan DeArdo (Kansas City (3-0) at Detroit (2-0-1): The Chiefs, a week after outlasting the Ravens at home, will win another close game in Detroit while remaining undefeated. The 2-1-0 Lions, who are unbeaten themselves and face another undefeated team this late in a season for the first time since 1962, should keep this game competitive throughout. Prediction: Chiefs 27, Lions 21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-picks-odds-browns-pull-off-stunner-in-baltimore-eagles-downward-spiral-continues/
CBS Prisco (Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5) at Detroit Lions: This is a game between two undefeated teams as well. The Lions do have a tie, but they are off to a good start. The Chiefs have already won two road games, so they can handle the road. Their players will look even faster here in this one. The Chiefs roll up another big number with Patrick Mahomes. Pick: Chiefs 34, Lions 24): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/pete-priscos-nfl-week-4-picks-bills-cover-but-fall-to-patriots-in-battle-of-unbeatens-cowboys-beat-saints-on-road/
CBS Tyler Sullivan (Chiefs win 27-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-picks-odds-kyle-allen-hype-train-continues-through-houston-ravens-send-browns-further-in-decline/
CBS Jeff Kerr (Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) at Detroit Lions (2-0-1): The Chiefs had a statement win against the upstart Ravens last week, another game which quarterback Patrick Mahomes was spectacular. Mahomes passed for 374 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions last week, becoming the first player in NFL history with at least 350 pass yards and three pass TDs along with no interceptions in three consecutive games. The Chiefs have scored 25-plus points in 25 straight games, which is the longest streak in NFL history. Kansas City also has more playmakers than Detroit in running back LeSean McCoy, and wide receivers DeMarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman. Detroit is allowing opponents to complete just 54.76 percent of their passes through three games, but may be without Darius Slay this week. A tough task for a good secondary. Pick: Chiefs 34, Lions 21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-4-nfl-schedule-tv-odds-picks-cowboys-continue-torrid-start-in-first-test-ravens-earn-huge-divisional-win/
CBS Cody Benjamin (Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions: Look, the Lions have a decent defensive front, and their receivers can break off a play or two, but don't be fooled by their record. The Chiefs are going to walk into Ford Field and make that dome their own as Patrick Mahomes continues his MVP campaign. Prediction: Chiefs 38, Lions 21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-4-odds-picks-bears-edge-vikings-patriots-survive-bills-steelers-get-their-first-win/
NFL.com Cynthia's Prediction (KC wins 30-23): http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001058922/Game-Theory-Week-4-win-probabilities-score-projections
Walterfootball (KC wins 34-31): http://walterfootball.com/nflpicks2019_04early.php
Foxsports (KC wins 29-24): https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/boxscore?id=8811&type=8
CBS Jordan Dajani (Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions: I'm surprised that the Lions are yet to suffer a loss this season. They blew a double-digit lead against the Cardinals in Week 1, then gutted out tough wins over the Chargers and Eagles the following weeks. The Chiefs are just too good to lose to the Lions, and they will win in Detroit on Sunday. Mahomes looks like he may be able to repeat as MVP. In three games, he has passed for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception. Even the absence of Tyreek Hill hasn't been able to slow this offense down, as the emergences of Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson have been fun to watch. The pick: Chiefs 31-17 over Lions): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-odds-picks-browns-keep-it-close-in-baltimore-seahawks-rebound-vs-cardinals/
NFL RealGM (Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions (+6.5): The Lions are unbeaten and have accomplished that feat largely by helping opponents shoot their own feet off. That strategy is not going to work against Patrick Mahomes, the best gunslinger in the game. I do think the Lions will get the run game on track against the Chiefs and their league-worst 6.2 yards per carry allowed. But I don’t trust Detroit’s special teams or pass rush enough to keep up with the NFL’s most explosive offense It will be close, but Mahomes and Andy Reid smoke the victory cigars. Chiefs 30, Lions 24): https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3186/Football-Meteorology-For-NFL-Week-4
NFL.com Rosenthal (LOCK OF THE WEEK: Kansas City Chiefs 35, Detroit Lions 24: Don't view this game as a litmus test for this improved Lions defense. Justin Coleman is playing like one of football's best slot corners, while Darius "Big Play" Slay is living up to his name. Trey Flowers has started to make a bigger impact alongside A'Shawn Robinson on a rock-solid defensive line. But Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes in September make even quality defenses like those of the Jaguars and Ravens look foolish, and this week should be no different. The bigger question in this matchup is whether a sharper Matthew Stafford, who has been more willing to go down the field, can keep up in a shootout against a Chiefs pass defense that quietly ranks ninth in DVOA and ninth in PFF's pass-coverage grades. This K.C. defense may only need to be average to earn home-field advantage in the AFC again, and the early signs are trending in that direction.): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001059093/article/nfl-week-4-game-picks-eagles-edge-pack-ravens-top-browns
Detroit Lions writer Mike O'Hara (Chiefs win 26-24): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-final-thoughts-kennard-looking-for-key-plays-from-defense
PFT (Chiefs at Lions: MDS’s take: It’s not often that an undefeated team is a touchdown underdog at home, but the Lions are — and they should be even bigger underdogs. MDS’s pick: Chiefs 35, Lions 16. Florio’s take: If the Lions can pull this one off, we need to dramatically change how we view the Lions. For now, though, it’s hard to imagine any team not located in New England outpacing Patrick Mahomes and company. Florio’s pick: Chiefs 34, Lions 24.): https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/26/pfts-week-four-picks-10/
ESPN Week 4 NFL game picks, schedule guide, fantasy football tips and more (Teicher's pick: Chiefs 33, Lions 24
Rothstein's pick: Chiefs 38, Lions 27): https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27691599/week-4-nfl-game-picks-schedule-guide-fantasy-football-tips-more
Freep (All 3 pick KC to win by scores of 27-23, 31-26, 31-20 and 34-24): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/28/detroit-lions-game-predictions-kansas-city-chiefs-nfl/3796479002/
Detroit News (All 3 pick KC to win by scores of 27-23, 34-24 and 30-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-news-predictions-lions-vs-chiefs/3780207002/
MLive (All 3 pick KC to win by scores of 31-27, 35-21 and 41-29): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/final-score-predictions-for-detroit-lions-vs-kansas-city-chiefs.html
USA Today Picks (All 7 pick KC to win by scores of 34-29, 33-20, 38-27, 27-21, 38-21, 33-23, 28-14.): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/09/26/usa-today-week-4-nfl-picks-predictions-cowboys-saints/3772711002/
Non-Score Picks:
NFL.com Picks (Bucky picks the Lions to win): https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-vs-chiefs-preview-week-4
ESPN Picks (10 pick KC. 1 picks the Lions): http://www.espn.com/nfl/picks
CBS Picks (All 8 pick KC.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/expert/picks/straight-up/3
SI Picks (All 8 pick KC.): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/26/week-4-nfl-picks-mmqb-staff-straight
PFF (All 8 pick KC): https://mobile.twitter.com/PFF/status/1177249833813495808
Average Score Prediction (1334-960/41): KC wins 33-23
71 pick KC to win. 4 pick Lions to win.
Morning Lions Links for Sunday 9-29-19
Articles:
Lions sign free agent WR Travis Fulgham to practice squad: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-sign-free-agent-wr-travis-fulgham-to-practice-squad
Lions vs. Chiefs: Matchups to watch, key questions heading into Week 4 game: https://www.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/09/a49e6d414f1440/lions-vs-chiefs-matchups-to-watch-key-questions-heading-into-week-4-game.html
Ask Kyle: How the Lions just might have a chance against Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/ask-kyle-how-the-lions-just-might-have-a-chance-against-chiefs.html
Can Lions really upset the Chiefs? Here's the one thing they must do: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/28/detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes/3802170002/
Lions vs. Chiefs: Everything you need to know: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/28/detroit-lions-game-kansas-city-chiefs-preview/3777323002/
Five things to watch: Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/five-things-to-watch-chiefs-at-lions/3802887002/
Five things to watch as Detroit Lions face Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: https://lionslowdown.com/2019/09/28/five-things-to-watch-as-detroit-lions-face-patrick-mahomes-kansas-city-chiefs/
Time to see if Lions ready to be contender -- here's how they can beat Chiefs: https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/35895/time-to-see-if-lions-ready-to-be-contender-heres-how-they-can-beat-chiefs
Report: Matthew Stafford's issue is his back, not his hip: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/28/report-matthew-staffords-issue-is-his-back-not-his-hip/
The Honolulu Blueprint: Keys to a Lions victory over the Chiefs: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/28/the-honolulu-blueprint-keys-to-a-lions-victory-over-the-chiefs/
Behind Enemy Lines with Chiefs Wire to preview Week 4: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/28/behind-enemy-lines-with-chiefs-wire-to-preview-week-4/
Articles from Opposing Teams Media:
Chiefs vs. Lions: Game Preview: https://www.chiefs.com/news/chiefs-vs-lions-game-preview
Video:
Lions vs Chiefs Trailer: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-vs-chiefs-trailer
Kingdom Conversation: Detroit Lions: https://www.chiefs.com/video/kingdom-conversation-detroit-lions
Lions sign free agent WR Travis Fulgham to practice squad: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-sign-free-agent-wr-travis-fulgham-to-practice-squad
Lions vs. Chiefs: Matchups to watch, key questions heading into Week 4 game: https://www.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/09/a49e6d414f1440/lions-vs-chiefs-matchups-to-watch-key-questions-heading-into-week-4-game.html
Ask Kyle: How the Lions just might have a chance against Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/ask-kyle-how-the-lions-just-might-have-a-chance-against-chiefs.html
Can Lions really upset the Chiefs? Here's the one thing they must do: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/28/detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes/3802170002/
Lions vs. Chiefs: Everything you need to know: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/28/detroit-lions-game-kansas-city-chiefs-preview/3777323002/
Five things to watch: Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/29/five-things-to-watch-chiefs-at-lions/3802887002/
Five things to watch as Detroit Lions face Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: https://lionslowdown.com/2019/09/28/five-things-to-watch-as-detroit-lions-face-patrick-mahomes-kansas-city-chiefs/
Time to see if Lions ready to be contender -- here's how they can beat Chiefs: https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/35895/time-to-see-if-lions-ready-to-be-contender-heres-how-they-can-beat-chiefs
Report: Matthew Stafford's issue is his back, not his hip: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/28/report-matthew-staffords-issue-is-his-back-not-his-hip/
The Honolulu Blueprint: Keys to a Lions victory over the Chiefs: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/28/the-honolulu-blueprint-keys-to-a-lions-victory-over-the-chiefs/
Behind Enemy Lines with Chiefs Wire to preview Week 4: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/28/behind-enemy-lines-with-chiefs-wire-to-preview-week-4/
Articles from Opposing Teams Media:
Chiefs vs. Lions: Game Preview: https://www.chiefs.com/news/chiefs-vs-lions-game-preview
Video:
Lions vs Chiefs Trailer: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-vs-chiefs-trailer
Kingdom Conversation: Detroit Lions: https://www.chiefs.com/video/kingdom-conversation-detroit-lions
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Morning Lions Links for Saturday 9-28-19
Articles:
NOTEBOOK: Stafford added to injury report (hip): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-stafford-added-to-injury-report-hip
Lions’ Matthew Stafford (hip) listed as questionable, expected to start against Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-matthew-stafford-suffers-hip-injury-listed-as-questionable-against-chiefs.html
Matthew Stafford added to Lions injury report. Here's why: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-qb-matthew-stafford/3790352002/
Lions hope Mahomes' dome debut is loud and challenging: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs-game-patrick-mahomes/3792309002/
View from the other side: Chiefs at Lions: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/view-other-side-chiefs-lions/3788160002/
Lions won't 'get too high or too low' gearing up for showdown with Chiefs: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-wont-get-too-high-too-low-gearing-up-chiefs/3784515002/
Lions work out two more RBs: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/27/lions-work-out-two-more-rbs/
Mahomes Respects Lions: https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2019/09/27/mahomes-respects-lions/
Chiefs Offense Forcing Teams To Make Unorthodox Decisions: https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2019/09/26/chiefs-offense-forcing-teams-to-make-unorthodox-decisions/
Chiefs-Lions Preview: https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2019/09/27/chiefs-lions-preview/
How the Detroit Lions can get a win vs. Kansas City Chiefs: https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/how-the-detroit-lions-can-get-a-win-vs-kansas-city-chiefs
NFL Week 4: Five rookie matchups to watch (TE T.J. HOCKENSON VS. THE CHIEFS’ LINEBACKERS: After a monster Week 1 where Hockenson racked up 131 yards on six catches including a touchdown, the rookie tight end has been M.I.A. ever since. He’s caught two passes for eight yards on four targets over the past two weeks, with a drop thrown in there for good measure. If Hockenson can’t rebound against the Chiefs’ linebackers, it may be time to ask if his Week 1 performance was a fluke. Since the start of 2018, starters Anthony Hitchens and Damien Wilson have coverage grades of 53.4 and 56.3, respectively.): https://www.pff.com/news/pro-nfl-week-4-five-rookie-matchups-to-watch
Former Packer James Jones trolls Lions fans, says they're the quietest in NFL: https://sports.yahoo.com/former-packer-james-jones-trolls-lions-fans-says-theyre-the-quietest-in-nfl-201442982.html
Damien Williams to miss another game for Chiefs: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/27/damien-williams-to-miss-another-game-for-chiefs/
How the NFL's best pass-rushers are getting it done: https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/27/how-the-nfls-best-pass-rushers-are-getting-it-done/
2020 Draft:
PFF Rankings: Highest-graded defensive backs in college football through Week 4: https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-highest-graded-defensive-backs-in-college-football-through-week-4
NFL Hot Press: Scouts Compare Andrew Thomas to Laremy Tunsil: http://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Scouts-Compare-Andrew-Thomas-to-Tunsil,-Rave-About-Georgia-OL
IND Prospect of the Week: Antonio Gandy-Golden: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ind-prospect-of-the-week-antonio-gandy-golden/
Video:
Lions Game Plan: Week 4 vs Kansas City: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-game-plan-week-4-vs-kansas-city
NOTEBOOK: Stafford added to injury report (hip): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-stafford-added-to-injury-report-hip
Lions’ Matthew Stafford (hip) listed as questionable, expected to start against Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-matthew-stafford-suffers-hip-injury-listed-as-questionable-against-chiefs.html
Matthew Stafford added to Lions injury report. Here's why: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-qb-matthew-stafford/3790352002/
Lions hope Mahomes' dome debut is loud and challenging: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs-game-patrick-mahomes/3792309002/
View from the other side: Chiefs at Lions: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/view-other-side-chiefs-lions/3788160002/
Lions won't 'get too high or too low' gearing up for showdown with Chiefs: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-wont-get-too-high-too-low-gearing-up-chiefs/3784515002/
Lions work out two more RBs: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/27/lions-work-out-two-more-rbs/
Mahomes Respects Lions: https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2019/09/27/mahomes-respects-lions/
Chiefs Offense Forcing Teams To Make Unorthodox Decisions: https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2019/09/26/chiefs-offense-forcing-teams-to-make-unorthodox-decisions/
Chiefs-Lions Preview: https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2019/09/27/chiefs-lions-preview/
How the Detroit Lions can get a win vs. Kansas City Chiefs: https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/how-the-detroit-lions-can-get-a-win-vs-kansas-city-chiefs
NFL Week 4: Five rookie matchups to watch (TE T.J. HOCKENSON VS. THE CHIEFS’ LINEBACKERS: After a monster Week 1 where Hockenson racked up 131 yards on six catches including a touchdown, the rookie tight end has been M.I.A. ever since. He’s caught two passes for eight yards on four targets over the past two weeks, with a drop thrown in there for good measure. If Hockenson can’t rebound against the Chiefs’ linebackers, it may be time to ask if his Week 1 performance was a fluke. Since the start of 2018, starters Anthony Hitchens and Damien Wilson have coverage grades of 53.4 and 56.3, respectively.): https://www.pff.com/news/pro-nfl-week-4-five-rookie-matchups-to-watch
Former Packer James Jones trolls Lions fans, says they're the quietest in NFL: https://sports.yahoo.com/former-packer-james-jones-trolls-lions-fans-says-theyre-the-quietest-in-nfl-201442982.html
Damien Williams to miss another game for Chiefs: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/27/damien-williams-to-miss-another-game-for-chiefs/
How the NFL's best pass-rushers are getting it done: https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/27/how-the-nfls-best-pass-rushers-are-getting-it-done/
2020 Draft:
PFF Rankings: Highest-graded defensive backs in college football through Week 4: https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-highest-graded-defensive-backs-in-college-football-through-week-4
NFL Hot Press: Scouts Compare Andrew Thomas to Laremy Tunsil: http://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Scouts-Compare-Andrew-Thomas-to-Tunsil,-Rave-About-Georgia-OL
IND Prospect of the Week: Antonio Gandy-Golden: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ind-prospect-of-the-week-antonio-gandy-golden/
Video:
Lions Game Plan: Week 4 vs Kansas City: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-game-plan-week-4-vs-kansas-city
Friday, September 27, 2019
Afternoon Lions Links for Friday 9-27-19
Articles:
Lions vs. Chiefs injury report: Sept. 27: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-chiefs-injury-report-sept-27
10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: Will the run game get going this week?: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-questions-with-twentyman-will-the-run-game-get-going-this-week
O’HARA’S WEEK 4 CHECKLIST: Lions vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-week-4-checklist-lions-vs-chiefs-stafford
Lions’ Mike Daniels unlikely to play after missing another practice; Darius Slay limited: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-mike-daniels-not-expected-to-play-after-missing-another-practice-darius-slay-limited.html
Lions sign ex-pro lacrosse player Tom Kennedy to 53-man roster: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-sign-ex-pro-lacrosse-player-tom-kennedy-to-53-man-roster.html
The Detroit Lions woke up in first place in the NFC North: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/the-detroit-lions-woke-up-in-first-place-in-the-nfc-north.html
Nobody’s sweating Kerryon Johnson’s slow start, but Detroit needs him Sunday: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/nobodys-sweating-kerryon-johnsons-slow-start-but-detroit-needs-him-sunday.html
Lions vs. Chiefs: Scouting report and prediction for Sunday: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs-scouting-report-prediction/3784705002/
Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia doesn't care September standings: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-coach-matt-patricia-doesnt-care-september-standings/3786235002/
Lions' Kerryon Johnson has a message for fantasy owners: Kick rocks: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-kerryon-johnson-fantasy-football/3780680002/
Sports misery index: Most miserable fan bases in pro sports (10. Detroit Lions, 20.7
(Movement: Up 4): This ranking seems right for the Lions, who are the only NFL team that's played in every year of the Super Bowl era that's never been in the big game. This is a fan base that's used to pain, as the Lions haven't won an NFL championship since 1957, a playoff game since 1991 or a division title since 1993. Detroit has missed the playoffs three of the past four seasons and has made the postseason only three times since 1999. Unlike the downtrodden franchises above, Lions fans have gotten to watch some entertaining, top-level players on their losing teams (Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson). Of course, those players prematurely retired in their primes instead of continuing to be part of the Lions. After only seeing one playoff win in 61 seasons, die-hard Detroit fans are tempted to do the same.): https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24367000/the-top-25-most-miserable-fan-bases-professional-sports
Flashback Friday: 10-year anniversary of the Lions ending the winless drought: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/27/flashback-friday-10-year-anniversary-of-the-lions-ending-the-winless-drought/
Video:
Patricia on being consistent on Sunday: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-being-consistent-on-sunday
Lions vs. Chiefs injury report: Sept. 27: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-chiefs-injury-report-sept-27
10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: Will the run game get going this week?: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-questions-with-twentyman-will-the-run-game-get-going-this-week
O’HARA’S WEEK 4 CHECKLIST: Lions vs. Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-week-4-checklist-lions-vs-chiefs-stafford
Lions’ Mike Daniels unlikely to play after missing another practice; Darius Slay limited: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-mike-daniels-not-expected-to-play-after-missing-another-practice-darius-slay-limited.html
Lions sign ex-pro lacrosse player Tom Kennedy to 53-man roster: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-sign-ex-pro-lacrosse-player-tom-kennedy-to-53-man-roster.html
The Detroit Lions woke up in first place in the NFC North: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/the-detroit-lions-woke-up-in-first-place-in-the-nfc-north.html
Nobody’s sweating Kerryon Johnson’s slow start, but Detroit needs him Sunday: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/nobodys-sweating-kerryon-johnsons-slow-start-but-detroit-needs-him-sunday.html
Lions vs. Chiefs: Scouting report and prediction for Sunday: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs-scouting-report-prediction/3784705002/
Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia doesn't care September standings: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-coach-matt-patricia-doesnt-care-september-standings/3786235002/
Lions' Kerryon Johnson has a message for fantasy owners: Kick rocks: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/detroit-lions-kerryon-johnson-fantasy-football/3780680002/
Sports misery index: Most miserable fan bases in pro sports (10. Detroit Lions, 20.7
(Movement: Up 4): This ranking seems right for the Lions, who are the only NFL team that's played in every year of the Super Bowl era that's never been in the big game. This is a fan base that's used to pain, as the Lions haven't won an NFL championship since 1957, a playoff game since 1991 or a division title since 1993. Detroit has missed the playoffs three of the past four seasons and has made the postseason only three times since 1999. Unlike the downtrodden franchises above, Lions fans have gotten to watch some entertaining, top-level players on their losing teams (Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson). Of course, those players prematurely retired in their primes instead of continuing to be part of the Lions. After only seeing one playoff win in 61 seasons, die-hard Detroit fans are tempted to do the same.): https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24367000/the-top-25-most-miserable-fan-bases-professional-sports
Flashback Friday: 10-year anniversary of the Lions ending the winless drought: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/27/flashback-friday-10-year-anniversary-of-the-lions-ending-the-winless-drought/
Video:
Patricia on being consistent on Sunday: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-being-consistent-on-sunday
Morning Lions Links for Friday 9-27-19
Articles:
NOTEBOOK: Walker looking forward to the challenge of facing Travis Kelce: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-walker-looking-forward-to-the-challenge-of-facing-travis-kelce
Danny Amendola, Mike Daniels continue to miss Lions practice: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/danny-amendola-mike-daniels-continue-to-miss-lions-practice.html
Report: Detroit Lions waive sixth-round rookie WR Travis Fulgham: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/report-detroit-lions-waive-sixth-round-rookie-wr-travis-fulgham.html
Lions’ offensive balance makes NFL history: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-offensive-balance-makes-nfl-history.html
Lions' Diggs delivered a knockout on Mahomes in college: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/detroit-lions-chiefs-quandre-diggs-patrick-mahomes/3780431002/
Chiefs' defense 'getting better every week' under Steve Spagnuolo: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/chiefs-defense-getting-better-every-week-under-steve-spagnuolo/3775068002/
20 PFF stats to know after Week 3 of the 2019 NFL regular season (MATT STAFFORD IS SPREADING THE BALL AROUND: T.J. Hockenson was the seventh-highest graded tight end in Week 1 but has failed to reach those heights in each of the past two games. Meanwhile, Kenny Golladay earned the fourth-best grade among wideouts in Week 2 (89.4) and Marvin Jones Jr. notched the third-best mark in Week 3 (90.0). After Golladay nearly doubled the number of targets the next highest Lions wideout saw in 2018, Stafford is making the most of his plethora of weapons thus far in 2019. DAMON HARRISON SR. HASN’T DISPLAYED HIS USUAL DOMINANCE EARLY ON: After finishing top-five among interior defenders in run-stop percentage in each of the past six years, Damon Harrison Sr. hasn’t quite found his footing yet in 2019. The veteran run-stuffer has just two stops on 42 run-defense snaps — a 4.8% run stop rate that places him tied for 73rd at his position.): https://www.pff.com/news/pro-20-pff-stats-to-know-after-week-3-of-the-2019-nfl-regular-season
QB rankings: Deshaun Watson in top 5; Lamar slips (11. Stafford: Filice: The last time Detroit (2-0-1) opened the season without a loss through three weeks of action -- back in the 3-0 start to 2011 -- Stafford was on his way to 5,000-Yard Club membership. While those extreme stat-stuffing days are deep in the rearview, particularly in Matt Patricia's conservative Lions operation, the 11th-year pro still routinely makes throws that visually explain the readily used/rarely defined scouting term "arm talent." One such throw came at a key juncture in the 27-24 win at Philadelphia. With the Lions nursing a three-point lead late in the third-quarter, Stafford lined up in shotgun for a third-and-4 with Eagles fans at full throat. Stafford's old coach, current Philly DC Jim Schwartz, had called a safety blitz, and Andrew Sendejo exploded right up the gut untouched. With the free rusher bearing down on him, Stafford dropped back into flatfootedness and whipped a sidearm fadeaway nearly 30 yards downfield to hit a crossing Marvin Jones in stride. The Lions went on to score a touchdown, taking a 10-point lead they couldn't relinquish (no matter how hard they tried).): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001059078/article/qb-index-week-4-deshaun-watson-rises-into-top-five-in-rankings
2020 Draft:
Five possible Detroit Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 5: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-5/3772891002/
2020 NFL Draft prospect Rankings: Top-five players at each offensive position: https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-2020-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-on-offense
PFF Rankings: Top 10 Defenses in College Football: https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-top-10-defenses-in-college-football
Draft prospects to watch in Week 5: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-jacob-eason-faces-a-top-25-challenge-notre-dames-next-big-test-and-more/
NFL draft: Surprising QB, Ohio State playmaker lead prospects to watch in Week 5: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-surprising-qb-ohio-state-playmaker-lead-prospects-to-watch-in-week-5-161018546.html
2020 NFL draft: 5 prospect matchups to watch in Week 5: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/26/2020-nfl-draft-5-prospect-matchups-to-watch-in-week-5/
NFL draft: Next move for Houston’s D’Eriq King could impact pro future: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-next-move-for-houstons-d-eriq-king-could-impact-pro-future-185733073.html
Video:
Johnson on Kansas City defense: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/johnson-on-kansas-city-defense
'Good Morning Football' previews Kansas City Chiefs-Detroit Lions Week 4 matchup: http://www.nfl.com/videos/good-morning-football/0ap3000001058852/GMFB-previews-Chiefs-Lions-Week-4-matchup
Brandt: Why Chiefs-Lions will be trending on Twitter: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059097/Brandt-Why-Chiefs-Lions-will-be-trending-on-Twitter
Week 4 Preview: Chiefs vs. Lions: https://www.nbcsports.com/video/kansas-city-chiefs-vs-detroit-lions-week-4-preview
NOTEBOOK: Walker looking forward to the challenge of facing Travis Kelce: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-walker-looking-forward-to-the-challenge-of-facing-travis-kelce
Danny Amendola, Mike Daniels continue to miss Lions practice: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/danny-amendola-mike-daniels-continue-to-miss-lions-practice.html
Report: Detroit Lions waive sixth-round rookie WR Travis Fulgham: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/report-detroit-lions-waive-sixth-round-rookie-wr-travis-fulgham.html
Lions’ offensive balance makes NFL history: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-offensive-balance-makes-nfl-history.html
Lions' Diggs delivered a knockout on Mahomes in college: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/detroit-lions-chiefs-quandre-diggs-patrick-mahomes/3780431002/
Chiefs' defense 'getting better every week' under Steve Spagnuolo: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/chiefs-defense-getting-better-every-week-under-steve-spagnuolo/3775068002/
20 PFF stats to know after Week 3 of the 2019 NFL regular season (MATT STAFFORD IS SPREADING THE BALL AROUND: T.J. Hockenson was the seventh-highest graded tight end in Week 1 but has failed to reach those heights in each of the past two games. Meanwhile, Kenny Golladay earned the fourth-best grade among wideouts in Week 2 (89.4) and Marvin Jones Jr. notched the third-best mark in Week 3 (90.0). After Golladay nearly doubled the number of targets the next highest Lions wideout saw in 2018, Stafford is making the most of his plethora of weapons thus far in 2019. DAMON HARRISON SR. HASN’T DISPLAYED HIS USUAL DOMINANCE EARLY ON: After finishing top-five among interior defenders in run-stop percentage in each of the past six years, Damon Harrison Sr. hasn’t quite found his footing yet in 2019. The veteran run-stuffer has just two stops on 42 run-defense snaps — a 4.8% run stop rate that places him tied for 73rd at his position.): https://www.pff.com/news/pro-20-pff-stats-to-know-after-week-3-of-the-2019-nfl-regular-season
QB rankings: Deshaun Watson in top 5; Lamar slips (11. Stafford: Filice: The last time Detroit (2-0-1) opened the season without a loss through three weeks of action -- back in the 3-0 start to 2011 -- Stafford was on his way to 5,000-Yard Club membership. While those extreme stat-stuffing days are deep in the rearview, particularly in Matt Patricia's conservative Lions operation, the 11th-year pro still routinely makes throws that visually explain the readily used/rarely defined scouting term "arm talent." One such throw came at a key juncture in the 27-24 win at Philadelphia. With the Lions nursing a three-point lead late in the third-quarter, Stafford lined up in shotgun for a third-and-4 with Eagles fans at full throat. Stafford's old coach, current Philly DC Jim Schwartz, had called a safety blitz, and Andrew Sendejo exploded right up the gut untouched. With the free rusher bearing down on him, Stafford dropped back into flatfootedness and whipped a sidearm fadeaway nearly 30 yards downfield to hit a crossing Marvin Jones in stride. The Lions went on to score a touchdown, taking a 10-point lead they couldn't relinquish (no matter how hard they tried).): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001059078/article/qb-index-week-4-deshaun-watson-rises-into-top-five-in-rankings
2020 Draft:
Five possible Detroit Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 5: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/27/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-5/3772891002/
2020 NFL Draft prospect Rankings: Top-five players at each offensive position: https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-2020-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-on-offense
PFF Rankings: Top 10 Defenses in College Football: https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-top-10-defenses-in-college-football
Draft prospects to watch in Week 5: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-jacob-eason-faces-a-top-25-challenge-notre-dames-next-big-test-and-more/
NFL draft: Surprising QB, Ohio State playmaker lead prospects to watch in Week 5: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-surprising-qb-ohio-state-playmaker-lead-prospects-to-watch-in-week-5-161018546.html
2020 NFL draft: 5 prospect matchups to watch in Week 5: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/26/2020-nfl-draft-5-prospect-matchups-to-watch-in-week-5/
NFL draft: Next move for Houston’s D’Eriq King could impact pro future: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-next-move-for-houstons-d-eriq-king-could-impact-pro-future-185733073.html
Video:
Johnson on Kansas City defense: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/johnson-on-kansas-city-defense
'Good Morning Football' previews Kansas City Chiefs-Detroit Lions Week 4 matchup: http://www.nfl.com/videos/good-morning-football/0ap3000001058852/GMFB-previews-Chiefs-Lions-Week-4-matchup
Brandt: Why Chiefs-Lions will be trending on Twitter: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059097/Brandt-Why-Chiefs-Lions-will-be-trending-on-Twitter
Week 4 Preview: Chiefs vs. Lions: https://www.nbcsports.com/video/kansas-city-chiefs-vs-detroit-lions-week-4-preview
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Afternoon Lions Links for Thursday 9-26-19
Articles:
Lions vs. Chiefs practice report: Sept. 26: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-chiefs-practice-report-sept-26
O’HARA’S SCOUTING REPORT: Kansas City Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-scouting-report-kansas-city-chiefs
NFC NORTH: 3 trends for each team: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfc-north-3-trends-for-each-team-stafford-walker
Lions' offensive line shuffle is already paying off: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/dont-look-now-but-the-lions-interior-offensive-line-is-playing-pretty-well.html
Lions preparing for lightning-fast Chiefs’ offense with 3 WRs clocked over 21 mph: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-preparing-for-lightning-fast-chiefs-offense-with-3-wrs-clocked-over-21-mph.html
Detroit Lions WR Danny Amendola misses practices with chest injury: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/detroit-lions-danny-amendola-injury-update/3777495002/
Balance becoming hallmark of Lions offense: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/detroit-lions-balanced-offense-kansas-city-chiefs/3773410002/
Patrick Mahomes 'a rock star' in the making, and the Lions are up: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/patrick-mahomes-football-detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs/2444716001/
Lions mailbag: Hot start aside, Detroit's still an underdog in NFC North: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/lions-mailbag-detroit-still-underdog-nfc-north/2443039001/
Lions' Diggs: Mahomes could 'break every record': https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27701693/lions-diggs-mahomes-break-every-record
Lions OL gunning for unprecedented 3rd game in a row with zero sacks: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/26/lions-ol-gunning-for-unprecedented-3rd-game-in-a-row-with-zero-sacks/
Watch: Dan Orlovsky breaks down how Matthew Stafford is succeeding in 2019: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/26/watch-dan-orlovsky-breaks-down-how-matthew-stafford-is-succeeding-in-2019/
Video:
X's and O's with Dan Orlovksy: Week 4: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/x-s-and-o-s-with-dan-orlovksy-week-4
Lions need to play complete game against Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-need-to-play-complete-game-against-chiefs
Lions vs. Chiefs practice report: Sept. 26: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-chiefs-practice-report-sept-26
O’HARA’S SCOUTING REPORT: Kansas City Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-scouting-report-kansas-city-chiefs
NFC NORTH: 3 trends for each team: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfc-north-3-trends-for-each-team-stafford-walker
Lions' offensive line shuffle is already paying off: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/dont-look-now-but-the-lions-interior-offensive-line-is-playing-pretty-well.html
Lions preparing for lightning-fast Chiefs’ offense with 3 WRs clocked over 21 mph: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-preparing-for-lightning-fast-chiefs-offense-with-3-wrs-clocked-over-21-mph.html
Detroit Lions WR Danny Amendola misses practices with chest injury: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/detroit-lions-danny-amendola-injury-update/3777495002/
Balance becoming hallmark of Lions offense: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/detroit-lions-balanced-offense-kansas-city-chiefs/3773410002/
Patrick Mahomes 'a rock star' in the making, and the Lions are up: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/patrick-mahomes-football-detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs/2444716001/
Lions mailbag: Hot start aside, Detroit's still an underdog in NFC North: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/26/lions-mailbag-detroit-still-underdog-nfc-north/2443039001/
Lions' Diggs: Mahomes could 'break every record': https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27701693/lions-diggs-mahomes-break-every-record
Lions OL gunning for unprecedented 3rd game in a row with zero sacks: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/26/lions-ol-gunning-for-unprecedented-3rd-game-in-a-row-with-zero-sacks/
Watch: Dan Orlovsky breaks down how Matthew Stafford is succeeding in 2019: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/26/watch-dan-orlovsky-breaks-down-how-matthew-stafford-is-succeeding-in-2019/
Video:
X's and O's with Dan Orlovksy: Week 4: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/x-s-and-o-s-with-dan-orlovksy-week-4
Lions need to play complete game against Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-need-to-play-complete-game-against-chiefs
Morning Lions Links for Thursday 9-26-19
Articles:
NOTEBOOK: Lions preparing for the Chiefs' speedy offense: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-lions-preparing-for-the-chiefs-speedy-offense-diggs-slay
Mike Daniels, Danny Amendola miss Lions practice; Darius Slay limited: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/mike-daniels-danny-amendola-miss-lions-practice-darius-slay-limited.html
Oddsmakers have Detroit Lions as 7-point underdogs for Week 4 home game vs. Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/oddsmakers-have-detroit-lions-as-7-point-underdogs-for-week-4-home-game-vs-chiefs.html
Fun fact: Andy Reid’s wife is distant cousins with Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/fun-fact-andy-reids-wife-is-distant-cousins-with-lions-offensive-coordinator-darrell-bevell.html
Lions won't admit it, but game against Chiefs will say plenty: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-football-kansas-city-chiefs-statement/2444950001/
Mahomes' throws bring back memories of young Stafford: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-patrick-mahomes/2444694001/
'Huge target' Kelce to test Lions' defense, which has been stout vs. TEs: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/huge-target-travis-kelce-test-detroit-lions-defense/2438627001/
Lions to get first look at 'magical' Patrick Mahomes when Chiefs visit: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-get-first-look-magical-patrick-mahomes-sunday-kansas-city-chiefs/2439185001/
Detroit Lions analysis: Hockenson reminded he's a rookie: https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/detroit-lions-analysis-hockenson-reminded-hes-a-rookie
Trench trends: Inside Barrett's breakout, no-sack Denver and a porous Carolina line (Trey Flowers' pass-rush lacking in Detroit: PRWR was not a fan of Flowers last season in New England, and it isn't buying him in Detroit this season. His PRWR is a very unimpressive 10%, tied for eighth-worst among qualifying edge rushers. However, it might be more complicated than that. Flowers is being double-teamed 26% of the time, 11th-most among edge rushers, and is on the team that has blitzed the least in the NFL. His low PRWR might be partially a function of both those factors, rather than just a subpar performance on his part.): https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27690951/trench-trends-barrett-breakout-no-sack-denver-porous-carolina-line
Biggest surprises and disappointments in the NFL through Week 3 (Disappointments - Edge Trey Flowers, Detroit Lions
The Lions paid big money for Flowers, but so far they aren’t getting the Trey Flowers we saw in New England. He had just one season with the Patriots where he missed more than three tackles, but he recorded three just on Sunday alone. His work against the run has regressed, with his PFF run-defense grade dropping from 88.5 in 2018 to 70.9 so far this season. And as a pass-rusher, he is on pace for five sacks, 10 hits and 42 hurries, all numbers that would be lower than what he produced a year ago.): https://www.pff.com/news/pro-biggest-surprises-and-disappointments-in-the-nfl-through-week-3
NFL Week 4 PFF Preview: Players to watch, fantasy football advice and betting projections (Kansas City Chiefs @ Detroit Lions: NFL Players to Watch - Marvin Jones Jr. earned a game-high 90.0 overall grade across 50 offensive snaps against Philly in Week 3, catching six passes from nine targets for 101 yards, four first downs and a touchdown in the process. The 29-year old veteran now ranks 10th in receiving grade (79.8) with five contested catches from six contested-catch opportunities and seven receptions of 15-plus yards. Contributing to Jones’ success this season has been the play of veteran signal-caller Matthew Stafford. Now in his 11th NFL season, Stafford has improved his passing grade each week to start the season and logged a 77.1 passing grade against the Eagles’ defense on Sunday. Among the 36 quarterbacks with at least 30 clean-pocket dropbacks this season, Stafford ranks fifth in passing grade (84.2) and tied for fifth in yards per attempt (9.1). With another strong outing against the Ravens on Sunday, Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes ranks fourth in the NFL in passing grade (83.2), with an NFL-high 11 big-time throws and just three turnover-worthy plays. Mahomes ranks first in yards per attempt (10.5) and tied for seventh in adjusted completion percentage (78.7%). He also leads the NFL with 526 passing yards and seven touchdowns on passes of 20-plus air yards; no other quarterback has more than 343 passing yards or five touchdowns on such throws. Fantasy Football Preview - T.J. Hockenson put himself on the map in Week 1 with an explosive, 131-yard performance. Apparently that map location was the Bermuda Triangle, though, given that he’s totaled eight yards in two games since. There are brighter days ahead for the Lions’ first-rounder, but it’s possible his big Week 1 was more about his opponent (Arizona) than his own immediate dominance. Greenline Preview - The total continues to hold between 53.5 and 54 with market consensus falling in line with the opening price. The spread has fluctuated between 7 with added juice and 6.5 with the Chiefs slotting in as touchdown favorites on the road. Greenline likes a certain side of this spread, making it one of our favorite plays of the week.): https://www.pff.com/news/pro-nfl-week-4-pff-preview-players-to-watch-fantasy-football-advice-and-betting-projections
Gil Brandt: Which undefeated teams are shakiest? (Too good to be true - 8. Lions: I really like what general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Dan Patricia have assembled in their second season together. This year's roster is more in line with Patricia's wavelength, and the talent is better suited for the defensive system he wants to run, than in his first year on the job in 2018. Credit should be given to the Lions for beating the Chargers and Eagles, two playoff participants last season. Matthew Stafford, meanwhile, is playing great thus far, improving in yards per attempt (7.8, up from 6.8 in 2018) and passer rating (97.5, up from 89.9). And yet, their point differential (plus-6) is easily the lowest among the undefeated teams. The NFC North is incredibly competitive, and it will be tough to make the playoffs while scrapping with Green Bay, Chicago and Minnesota on a regular basis. Also, the Lions have a real history of crashing and burning that they must contend with. Personally, I believe this roster is capable of bucking that historical trend, but we won't know for sure until we see them do it. We should get a better idea of this team over the next three games, against the Chiefs, Packers and Vikings.): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001058869/article/confidence-rankings-for-undefeated-patriots-solid-49ers-shaky
Ranking all the NFL's backup quarterbacks (27. Detroit Lions: Maybe it's David Blough. Maybe it's Jeff Driskel. Shrug.): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/09/25/nfl-backup-qb-rankings-teams-jets-cowboys-giants/2360551001/
NFL playoff chances for all 32 teams entering Week 4 (13. Lions - Playoff percentage: 38.3%. Change: UP 7.4%. Next game: vs. Chiefs. Super Bowl chances: 1.2%): https://ftw.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-playoff-picture-chances-entering-week-4
2020 Draft:
PFF Rankings: Highest-graded quarterbacks in college football through Week 4: https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-highest-graded-quarterbacks-in-college-football-through-week-4
College Football Week 4: Highest-graded secondaries: https://www.pff.com/news/college-fotball-week-4-highest-graded-secondaries
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 5: https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-5
NFL Draft Mailbag: Tony Pauline on Jerry Jeudy, Sam Ehlinger, and more: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-pauline-nfl-draft-mailbag-september-25/
Meet Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne's stud NFL prospect: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/25/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-kyler-dugger-interview/
Film breakdown: Herbert vs. Stanford: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/justin-herbert-nfl-draft-scouting-report-analyzing-the-stanford-tape-to-see-what-went-well-and-what-needs-work/
Video:
Patricia on facing Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-facing-chiefs
Stafford on Kansas City game plan: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/stafford-on-kansas-city-game-plan
Diggs on facing Mahomes: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/diggs-on-facing-mahomes
Debate: We'll see who the real Lions team is vs. Chiefs: https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-game-chiefs/2442672001/
Hanzus: One team Lions must beat to show they're for real: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001058880/Hanzus-One-team-Lions-must-beat-to-show-they-re-for-real
Mike Garafolo: Detriot Lions players starting to understand the 'madness to (Matt Patricia's) methods: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-now/0ap3000001058393/Garafolo-Lions-players-starting-to-understand-the-madness-to-Patricia-s-methods
'NFL Total Access' crew reveals top Week 4 upset picks (The Chiefs ate picked as one): http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059013/NFL-Total-Access-crew-reveals-top-Week-4-upset-picks
Miller goes one-on-one with Nick Bawden: https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/608848
NOTEBOOK: Lions preparing for the Chiefs' speedy offense: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-lions-preparing-for-the-chiefs-speedy-offense-diggs-slay
Mike Daniels, Danny Amendola miss Lions practice; Darius Slay limited: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/mike-daniels-danny-amendola-miss-lions-practice-darius-slay-limited.html
Oddsmakers have Detroit Lions as 7-point underdogs for Week 4 home game vs. Chiefs: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/oddsmakers-have-detroit-lions-as-7-point-underdogs-for-week-4-home-game-vs-chiefs.html
Fun fact: Andy Reid’s wife is distant cousins with Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/fun-fact-andy-reids-wife-is-distant-cousins-with-lions-offensive-coordinator-darrell-bevell.html
Lions won't admit it, but game against Chiefs will say plenty: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-football-kansas-city-chiefs-statement/2444950001/
Mahomes' throws bring back memories of young Stafford: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-patrick-mahomes/2444694001/
'Huge target' Kelce to test Lions' defense, which has been stout vs. TEs: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/huge-target-travis-kelce-test-detroit-lions-defense/2438627001/
Lions to get first look at 'magical' Patrick Mahomes when Chiefs visit: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-get-first-look-magical-patrick-mahomes-sunday-kansas-city-chiefs/2439185001/
Detroit Lions analysis: Hockenson reminded he's a rookie: https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/detroit-lions-analysis-hockenson-reminded-hes-a-rookie
Trench trends: Inside Barrett's breakout, no-sack Denver and a porous Carolina line (Trey Flowers' pass-rush lacking in Detroit: PRWR was not a fan of Flowers last season in New England, and it isn't buying him in Detroit this season. His PRWR is a very unimpressive 10%, tied for eighth-worst among qualifying edge rushers. However, it might be more complicated than that. Flowers is being double-teamed 26% of the time, 11th-most among edge rushers, and is on the team that has blitzed the least in the NFL. His low PRWR might be partially a function of both those factors, rather than just a subpar performance on his part.): https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27690951/trench-trends-barrett-breakout-no-sack-denver-porous-carolina-line
Biggest surprises and disappointments in the NFL through Week 3 (Disappointments - Edge Trey Flowers, Detroit Lions
The Lions paid big money for Flowers, but so far they aren’t getting the Trey Flowers we saw in New England. He had just one season with the Patriots where he missed more than three tackles, but he recorded three just on Sunday alone. His work against the run has regressed, with his PFF run-defense grade dropping from 88.5 in 2018 to 70.9 so far this season. And as a pass-rusher, he is on pace for five sacks, 10 hits and 42 hurries, all numbers that would be lower than what he produced a year ago.): https://www.pff.com/news/pro-biggest-surprises-and-disappointments-in-the-nfl-through-week-3
NFL Week 4 PFF Preview: Players to watch, fantasy football advice and betting projections (Kansas City Chiefs @ Detroit Lions: NFL Players to Watch - Marvin Jones Jr. earned a game-high 90.0 overall grade across 50 offensive snaps against Philly in Week 3, catching six passes from nine targets for 101 yards, four first downs and a touchdown in the process. The 29-year old veteran now ranks 10th in receiving grade (79.8) with five contested catches from six contested-catch opportunities and seven receptions of 15-plus yards. Contributing to Jones’ success this season has been the play of veteran signal-caller Matthew Stafford. Now in his 11th NFL season, Stafford has improved his passing grade each week to start the season and logged a 77.1 passing grade against the Eagles’ defense on Sunday. Among the 36 quarterbacks with at least 30 clean-pocket dropbacks this season, Stafford ranks fifth in passing grade (84.2) and tied for fifth in yards per attempt (9.1). With another strong outing against the Ravens on Sunday, Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes ranks fourth in the NFL in passing grade (83.2), with an NFL-high 11 big-time throws and just three turnover-worthy plays. Mahomes ranks first in yards per attempt (10.5) and tied for seventh in adjusted completion percentage (78.7%). He also leads the NFL with 526 passing yards and seven touchdowns on passes of 20-plus air yards; no other quarterback has more than 343 passing yards or five touchdowns on such throws. Fantasy Football Preview - T.J. Hockenson put himself on the map in Week 1 with an explosive, 131-yard performance. Apparently that map location was the Bermuda Triangle, though, given that he’s totaled eight yards in two games since. There are brighter days ahead for the Lions’ first-rounder, but it’s possible his big Week 1 was more about his opponent (Arizona) than his own immediate dominance. Greenline Preview - The total continues to hold between 53.5 and 54 with market consensus falling in line with the opening price. The spread has fluctuated between 7 with added juice and 6.5 with the Chiefs slotting in as touchdown favorites on the road. Greenline likes a certain side of this spread, making it one of our favorite plays of the week.): https://www.pff.com/news/pro-nfl-week-4-pff-preview-players-to-watch-fantasy-football-advice-and-betting-projections
Gil Brandt: Which undefeated teams are shakiest? (Too good to be true - 8. Lions: I really like what general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Dan Patricia have assembled in their second season together. This year's roster is more in line with Patricia's wavelength, and the talent is better suited for the defensive system he wants to run, than in his first year on the job in 2018. Credit should be given to the Lions for beating the Chargers and Eagles, two playoff participants last season. Matthew Stafford, meanwhile, is playing great thus far, improving in yards per attempt (7.8, up from 6.8 in 2018) and passer rating (97.5, up from 89.9). And yet, their point differential (plus-6) is easily the lowest among the undefeated teams. The NFC North is incredibly competitive, and it will be tough to make the playoffs while scrapping with Green Bay, Chicago and Minnesota on a regular basis. Also, the Lions have a real history of crashing and burning that they must contend with. Personally, I believe this roster is capable of bucking that historical trend, but we won't know for sure until we see them do it. We should get a better idea of this team over the next three games, against the Chiefs, Packers and Vikings.): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001058869/article/confidence-rankings-for-undefeated-patriots-solid-49ers-shaky
Ranking all the NFL's backup quarterbacks (27. Detroit Lions: Maybe it's David Blough. Maybe it's Jeff Driskel. Shrug.): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/09/25/nfl-backup-qb-rankings-teams-jets-cowboys-giants/2360551001/
NFL playoff chances for all 32 teams entering Week 4 (13. Lions - Playoff percentage: 38.3%. Change: UP 7.4%. Next game: vs. Chiefs. Super Bowl chances: 1.2%): https://ftw.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-playoff-picture-chances-entering-week-4
2020 Draft:
PFF Rankings: Highest-graded quarterbacks in college football through Week 4: https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-highest-graded-quarterbacks-in-college-football-through-week-4
College Football Week 4: Highest-graded secondaries: https://www.pff.com/news/college-fotball-week-4-highest-graded-secondaries
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 5: https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-5
NFL Draft Mailbag: Tony Pauline on Jerry Jeudy, Sam Ehlinger, and more: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-pauline-nfl-draft-mailbag-september-25/
Meet Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne's stud NFL prospect: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/25/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-kyler-dugger-interview/
Film breakdown: Herbert vs. Stanford: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/justin-herbert-nfl-draft-scouting-report-analyzing-the-stanford-tape-to-see-what-went-well-and-what-needs-work/
Video:
Patricia on facing Chiefs: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-facing-chiefs
Stafford on Kansas City game plan: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/stafford-on-kansas-city-game-plan
Diggs on facing Mahomes: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/diggs-on-facing-mahomes
Debate: We'll see who the real Lions team is vs. Chiefs: https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-game-chiefs/2442672001/
Hanzus: One team Lions must beat to show they're for real: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001058880/Hanzus-One-team-Lions-must-beat-to-show-they-re-for-real
Mike Garafolo: Detriot Lions players starting to understand the 'madness to (Matt Patricia's) methods: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-now/0ap3000001058393/Garafolo-Lions-players-starting-to-understand-the-madness-to-Patricia-s-methods
'NFL Total Access' crew reveals top Week 4 upset picks (The Chiefs ate picked as one): http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001059013/NFL-Total-Access-crew-reveals-top-Week-4-upset-picks
Miller goes one-on-one with Nick Bawden: https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/608848
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 9-25-19
Articles:
Lions vs. Chiefs practice report: Sept. 25: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-chiefs-practice-report-sept-25
Week 4 opponent: What the Chiefs are saying: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/week-4-opponent-what-the-chiefs-are-saying
Lions sign free agent DT Ray Smith to practice squad: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-sign-free-agent-dt-ray-smith-to-practice-squad
By the numbers: Week 3: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/by-the-numbers-week-3-jones-stafford-prater
Lions' Mike Daniels, Danny Amendola sit out Wednesday's practice: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-mike-daniels-danny-amendola-sit-out-practice/2441091001/
Detroit Lions football facing a speedy Kansas City Chiefs offense: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-football-kansas-city-chiefs-speed/2439128001/
Lions defensive front lends hand to thwarting opposing quarterbacks: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-defensive-front-lends-hand-thwarting-quarterbacks/2438255001/
In facing Travis Kelce, Lions can learn from containing Zach Ertz: https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/35885/in-facing-travis-kelce-lions-can-learn-from-containing-zach-ertz
Matt Patricia showed great coaching with how he handled Jamal Agnew: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/25/matt-patricia-showed-great-coaching-with-how-he-handled-jamal-agnew/
Watch: Quandre Diggs 'big league hit' on Patrick Mahomes when they last faced off: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/25/watch-quandre-diggs-big-league-hit-on-patrick-mahomes-when-they-last-faced-off/
Week 4 Power Rankings: https://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2019/09/week-4-power-rankings.html
Lions vs. Chiefs practice report: Sept. 25: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-chiefs-practice-report-sept-25
Week 4 opponent: What the Chiefs are saying: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/week-4-opponent-what-the-chiefs-are-saying
Lions sign free agent DT Ray Smith to practice squad: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-sign-free-agent-dt-ray-smith-to-practice-squad
By the numbers: Week 3: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/by-the-numbers-week-3-jones-stafford-prater
Lions' Mike Daniels, Danny Amendola sit out Wednesday's practice: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-mike-daniels-danny-amendola-sit-out-practice/2441091001/
Detroit Lions football facing a speedy Kansas City Chiefs offense: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-football-kansas-city-chiefs-speed/2439128001/
Lions defensive front lends hand to thwarting opposing quarterbacks: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/25/detroit-lions-defensive-front-lends-hand-thwarting-quarterbacks/2438255001/
In facing Travis Kelce, Lions can learn from containing Zach Ertz: https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/35885/in-facing-travis-kelce-lions-can-learn-from-containing-zach-ertz
Matt Patricia showed great coaching with how he handled Jamal Agnew: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/25/matt-patricia-showed-great-coaching-with-how-he-handled-jamal-agnew/
Watch: Quandre Diggs 'big league hit' on Patrick Mahomes when they last faced off: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/25/watch-quandre-diggs-big-league-hit-on-patrick-mahomes-when-they-last-faced-off/
Week 4 Power Rankings: https://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2019/09/week-4-power-rankings.html
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