Saturday, October 31, 2020

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 10-31-20


Happy Halloween!!!!!

Articles:



Detroit Lions sign running back Jonathan Williams from Washington’s practice squad:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/detroit-lions-sign-running-back-jonathan-williams-from-washingtons-practice-squad.html

Taylor Decker, Desmond Trufant among 4 Lions players officially questionable against Colts:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/taylor-decker-desmond-trufant-among-4-lions-players-officially-questionable-against-colts.html



Five Sneaky Teams That Could Make a Run in the Second Half (Detroit Lions (3–3):  The Lions, a team that we expect will be somewhat active at the trade deadline, are working with a playoff mandate and have little choice but to throw everything they can at their remaining opponents. Detroit has won two straight and has a point differential close to even, reflecting some of the strange ways in which they’ve lost games late. They’re also disproportionately bad at home, which should change over the course of a longer season. Over Matthew Stafford’s last four games, he has averaged a quarterback rating over 100, completed 65% of his passes and posted a seven-to-two touchdown to interception ratio. Another interesting nugget there, via Pro Football Reference’s Advanced Passing stats: His on-target passing percentage is near 80%, but his dropped pass rate is almost 8%. That could even out over the second half of the season. Think about how much differently we’d be viewing the Lions if, say, D’Andre Swift had caught that ball in the end zone against the Bears in Week 1. At some point, the Lions are going to have to steal a game or two against top-tier opponents. Despite having one of the more favorable remaining strengths of schedule in the NFL, there are still more games that are perceived as difficult (Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Tennessee and Indianapolis) than more obviously winnable (Houston, Minnesota twice, Washington and Carolina).):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/30/sneaky-second-half-teams-lions-chargers

Predictions:


2021 NFL Draft:

Posted by LionsFan at 6:16 AM 0 comments

Friday, October 30, 2020

Afternoon Lions Links for Friday 10-30-20

Articles:

10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: Will Swift lead the Lions in carries?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-questions-with-twentyman-will-swift-lead-the-lions-in-carries


Keep Lions WR Kenny Golladay in fantasy football lineups despite tough matchup with Colts:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/keep-lions-wr-kenny-golladay-in-fantasy-football-lineups-despite-tough-matchup-with-colts.html



Sizing up the NFC North: Who's surprising, disappointing and more:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30211415/sizing-nfc-north-surprising-disappointing-more

Seahawks use pick acquired from Lions in the Quandre Diggs trade to land Carlos Dunlap:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/10/30/seahawks-trade-lions-2021-seventh-round-pick-carlos-dunlap-quandre-diggs/

D'Andre Swift vs. Jonathan Taylor: Two Young Backs Set to Face Off Sunday:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-dandre-swift-colts-jonathan-taylor-week-8

Pros and Cons of Trading for Stephon Gilmore:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-pros-cons-stephon-gilmore-trade



Predictions:

Week 8 Predictions (still have a few more to add):  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2020/10/week-8-predictions.html

Posted by LionsFan at 1:38 PM 0 comments

Week 8 Predictions

SN Bender (Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) at Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford revived the Lions' season with a last-second TD pass to T.J. Hockenson, and Detroit suddenly has life in the NFC playoff race. The Colts had a bye week to prepare, but they are also 1-2 on the road this season. Detroit's Matthew Stafford outduels Indy's Philip Rivers here.  Pick: Lions 27, Colts 24):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-week-8-steelers-ravens-saints-bears-browns/1mlzgc7qqi1of19dozpijfap8q

SN Iyer (Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (-7):  It's a rematch from a Week 1 shootout between NFC North rivals. Minnesota had a bye week to prepare and will be playing with a sense of desperation, but it's hard to trust a team that has surrendered 27 points or more in every game this season. The Packers are still battling injuries to some stars, but they keep rolling the division.  Pick: Packers 33, Vikings 22):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-week-8-spreads-seahawks-49ers-cowboys-patriots-eagles-bills/45aaj2ea9ak41fgyaoiy936r1


CBS Prisco (Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) at Detroit Lions:  The Lions have won two straight to get their season turned around, but those wins came against two lesser teams. The Colts, who are coming off a bye, are a big step up in competition. The Colts defense has been impressive and it will be the difference here as it slows the Lions passing game. Colts take it. Pick: Colts 23, Lions 17):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/pete-priscos-nfl-week-8-picks-steelers-upset-ravens-struggles-continue-for-cowboys-and-patriots/



CBS Brinson (Indianapolis (4-2) at Detroit (3-3):  Home-field advantage doesn't matter in 2020 for COVID-19 reasons, but there's still a little built-in price on it and I think we're getting a discount on Detroit. This team isn't bad! I mean it! They should be at least 4-2, and if they are we're talking about the Lions being in the hunt. But they're not, so everyone is dismissing them. Do not dismiss the Lions (he said at his own peril). They're starting to stop the run, they just added Everson Griffen, and we haven't seen a big Matthew Stafford game yet. I'm here for the Colts and I think they're good, but I bet they force Jonathan Taylor up the middle in this spot and it backfires to the Lions' benefit. The total is way too high.  The Pick: Lions 24, Colts 21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-8-picks-odds-patriots-topple-bills-lions-stun-colts-raiders-take-down-browns/

Walterfootball (Week 8 NFL Pick: Colts 27, Lions 26):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpicks2020_08early.php

Colts vs Lions Preview (4 pick the Colts to win 27-24, 27-17, 17-14, 24-22.  2 picks the Lions to win 20-18, 24-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/10/28/21537968/detroit-lions-week-8-scouting-report-indianapolis-colts-true-contenders

NFL.com (Indianapolis Colts 26, Detroit Lions 20:  The Colts are getting healthier, just in time for the tougher part of their schedule. Darius Leonard's absence in the last two games outlined why the linebacker is one of the league's most valuable defenders, but it appears he's likely to return this week. Rookie wideout Michael Pittman Jr. and speedy pass rusher Kemoko Turay might not be far behind. That doesn't make the Colts some huge favorites in this game, unless Philip Rivers can bring back the mid-range magic he displayed against the Bengals before the team's bye. I don't have a great feel of either team here. They are NFL teams in the middle, prone to playing in one-score games in silent domes during a season none of us will ever forget.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-week-8-game-picks-panthers-best-falcons-steelers-top-ravens

PFT (Colts (-3) at Lions:  MDS’s take: The Lions have won two in a row, but they haven’t played a defense as good as the Colts. Indianapolis will win a low-scoring game.  MDS’s pick: Colts 17, Lions 13.  Florio’s take: The Colts had two weeks to get ready for a Lions team that lucked its way into a game it shouldn’t have won. If Indy doesn’t win this one, Indy isn’t a real contender.   Florio’s pick: Colts 24, Lions 17.):  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/10/29/nfl-week-8-picks/

USA Today (4 pick the Colts to win 24-22, 28-24, 26-21, 28-24.  3 pick the Lions to win 22-20, 23-20, 20-19):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/10/29/usa-today-week-8-nfl-picks-predictions-steelers-ravens/6070368002/

NFLRealGM (Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions (+2.5): Sometimes you have to defy convention and roll with the trends. Okay, maybe not the inexplicable resurgence of the mullet or Limp Bizkit music, but I digress.  Over the last three games, the Lions have allowed just 3.3 yards per carry on the ground, the 3rd-best defensive output in the league. In that same three-game window, the Colts have averaged just 3.2 yards per carry on offense. Only the Bears and Bengals have been worse.  The convergence of those two trends is enough for me to believe in the upset home win for the Lions, in part because what’s left of Philip Rivers isn’t playing well enough to overcome the utter lack of a ground game.  Lions 23, Colts 20):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3303/Football-Meteorology-For-NFL-Week-8

Week 8 AP NFL picks: (No. 15 Indianapolis (minus 2) at No. 20 Detroit:  Don't be fooled by the Lions reaching .500.  COLTS, 26-21):  https://local12.com/sports/bengals/week-7-ap-nfl-picks-bengals-predicted-to-continue-their-losing-ways-cincinnati-pro-football

NFL Week 8 game picks, schedule guide, fantasy football tips, odds, injuries and more (Wells' pick: Colts 28, Lions 20.  Rothstein's pick: Lions 27, Colts 23):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/viewersguide10302020/nfl-week-8-game-picks-schedule-guide-fantasy-football-tips-odds-injuries-more#inddet

NFL Media's Cynthia Frelund projects the score and win probability for every game in Week 8. (Lions picked to win 24-23):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/game-theory-week-8-win-probabilities-score-projections-x5460


Detroit Lions host Colts: Five things to know (PREDICTION: Lions 27, Colts 24):  https://lionslowdown.com/2020/10/31/detroit-lions-host-colts-five-things-to-know/

O'HARA'S FINAL THOUGHTS: Stafford beats the clock to score points (Prediction: Everything the Lions want to accomplish is still in front of them. Win games, and they'll make a playoff run. And it's the same for the Colts, which adds to the intrigue of this matchup. I don't see Rivers outplaying Stafford.  Rivers failed to throw a TD pass and had a late interception while playing for the Chargers last year in a 13-10 loss to the Lions in Week 2. Stafford had two TD passes and two picks in that game.  Take the better quarterback in this game.  Pick: Lions 24, Colts 16.):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-final-thoughts-stafford-beats-the-clock-to-score-points

SI All Lions Predictions (3 pick the Lions to win 27-24, 30-21, 24-21.  1 picks the Colts to win 27-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-colts-week-8-game-predictions

Non-score Predictions:  

AthlonSports (All 3 pick the Colts to win):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/nfl-week-8-picks-predictions-2020

CBS Expert Picks (7 pick the Colts to win. 1 picks the Lions):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/picks/experts/straight-up/8/

ESPN Picks (All 6 pick the Colts to win.  4 pick the Lions to win):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/picks

SI Picks (4 pick the Colts to win.   2 pick the Lions to win):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/29/mmqb-week-8-staff-picks



SI NFL Team Publishers Week 8 Predictions (14 pick the Colts to win.   5 pick the Lions to win.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/si-nfl-team-publishers-week-eight-predictions


Average Score Prediction (825-816/36):   Colts win 23-22.

55 pick the Colts to win.   29 pick the Lions to win.  
Posted by LionsFan at 1:37 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Friday 10-30-20

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Lions face 'huge challenge' in Colts' defense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-lions-face-huge-challenge-in-colts-defense-stafford-swift-peterson

Adrian Peterson had some epic wrestling matches with Everson Griffen back in the day:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/adrian-peterson-had-some-epic-wrestling-matches-with-everson-griffen-back-in-the-day.html

Lions free up roster space by cutting linebacker; Desmond Trufant returns to practice:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/lions-free-up-roster-space-by-cutting-linebacker-desmond-trufant-returns-to-practice.html

Lions’ improved pass rush led by Romeo Okwara, a top-20 pass rusher this season:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/lions-improved-pass-rush-led-by-romeo-okwara-a-top-20-pass-rusher-this-season.html

Detroit reportedly hosts pair of tight ends, including ex-Lions TE Khari Lee:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/detroit-reportedly-hosts-pair-of-tight-ends-including-ex-lions-te-khari-lee.html




3 Keys to Victory for Lions against Colts:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-3-keys-to-victory-colts



Surging Lions face a tougher test against rested Colts:  https://sports.yahoo.com/surging-lions-face-tougher-test-224904773.html

NFL Rookie Rankings, Week 8: A new name at the top of the list (13. Jonah Jackson, iOL, Detroit Lions:  As I mention every week and will continue mentioning for the next eight weeks, Jonah Jackson has been dominant this season, and it’s been wonderful for my brand. He was one of my favorite film studies during last year’s draft process, and I envisioned immediate success for him. I praised the Lions for stealing him where they did, and he’s been nothing short of excellent for them. He’ll have a long career in Detroit.  Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, iOL5.  23. D’Andre Swift, RB, Detroit Lions
Nothing has infuriated me more this season than the fact that Adrian Peterson has more than double the carries of D’Andre Swift. Despite Swift averaging 1.4 more yards per carry, with double the touchdowns. The Lions have finally started to lean on Swift a bit more, and it’s paid off. He was my top-rated running back in the 2020 NFL Draft, and I believe he has the talent to be the top running back in the NFL one day.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/rookie-rankings-week-8-2020/

Trade deadline assessments for all 32 NFL teams (Detroit Lions (3-3): They've won three of four, and the schedule seems to pave the way for a promising second half. The acquisition of DE Everson Griffen signals Detroit views itself as a factor – but it's also worth noting GM Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia are fighting for their jobs. Defensive linemen like Ryan Kerrigan, Leonard Williams, Shelby Harris or New England's Lawrence Guy would further bolster the Lions' front ... though what they could really use is a cover guy like Logan Ryan, Brian Poole or Desmond King. But successfully stalking Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore would be a real coup. Patricia and Quinn have studded their roster with ex-Pats, and the notion of combatting Aaron Rodgers with Gilmore and rookie Jeff Okudah would be quite enticing.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2020/10/29/nfl-trade-deadline-teams-players-deals/3748693001/

2021 NFL Draft:

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Updated Top 100 Big Board:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-prospect-rankings-updated-top-100-big-board-2021-nfl-draft

College Football: PFF’s Heisman rankings through Week 8:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pff-heisman-rankings-week-8-2020

Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 6:05 AM 0 comments

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Afternoon Lions Links for Thursday 10-29-20

Articles:







3 Keys to Victory for Lions against Colts:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-3-keys-to-victory-colts

How Marvin Jones Jr. Has Helped Jeff Okudah's Growth at Cornerback:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/okudah-has-learned-from-lions-receivers

The Indianapolis Colts will be the Detroit Lions’ measuring-stick game:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/10/29/21538310/indianapolis-colts-detroit-lions-measuring-stick-game

Posted by LionsFan at 1:14 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 10-29-20

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Lions taking care of the football so far this season:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-lions-taking-care-of-the-football-so-far-this-season-peterson-okudah

Week 8 opponent: What the Colts are saying:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/week-8-opponent-what-the-colts-are-saying-golladay-taylor-swift

Lions’ Jeff Okudah could be on track for another start with secondary still banged up:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/lions-jeff-okudah-could-be-on-track-for-another-start-with-secondary-still-banged-up.html

Detroit Lions seem to settle on primary offensive line without ex-starter Joe Dahl:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/detroit-lions-seem-to-settle-on-primary-offensive-line-without-ex-starter-joe-dahl.html

Everson Griffen arrives in Detroit in style: ’Y’all are getting a (bleeping) dog’:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/everson-griffen-arrives-in-detroit-in-style-yall-are-getting-a-bleeping-dog.html


Film Room: Examining what Everson Griffen brings to the Detroit Lions:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/10/28/film-room-examining-what-everson-griffen-brings-to-the-detroit-lions/

How Marvin Jones Jr. Has Helped Jeff Okudah's Growth at Cornerback:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/okudah-has-learned-from-lions-receivers






Monson: Rookie studs and duds following NFL Week 7 (G JONAH JACKSON, DETROIT LIONS (Week 7 overall grade: 51.1):  This wasn’t a week full of disastrous rookie performances as some previous slates have been, and when you’re selecting players for the duds group who have cleared an overall PFF grade of 50.0, you’re struggling for truly deserving candidates. Nevertheless, that is where we land with Jonah Jackson, a player who has been largely impressive in Year 1.  Jackson was far from bad against the Falcons, but it was the lowest PFF game grade of his career to date. He allowed a pair of pressures, one of which was a hit on Matthew Stafford, and had another clean loss that was actually the worst of them all, but the ball was away before it could become pressure.  In the run game, he allowed his man a shot at making a clean tackle twice and was without much of the positive blocks that have been a feature of his season. For this week at least, Jackson was just about a rookie dud.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-rookie-studs-duds-following-nfl-week-7-2020

QB Power Rankings 2020 Week 8: Tom Brady heats up, Cam Newton fizzles out (19 – Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (Season: 6 GP | 1,580 yards (18th) | 62.3% (25th) | 6.9 avg CAY (8th) | 10 TDs (T-18th) | 2.0 INT% (15th) | 27.35 OVM (11th) | 67 rush yards (16th) | 0 rush TDs (T-20th)):  Despite some down-and-distance inefficiencies, for the most part, Stafford was dealing on Sunday. Before halftime, he threw a dart into a tight window to set up a field goal that would go on to establish the tone for the second half. He’d spend the next two quarters aiming into Kenny Golladay’s vast catch radius leading to one final minute for all the marbles. What happened next was pure Stafford gold.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/qb-power-rankings-2020/2/

Power Rankings:


2021 NFL Draft:

College Football: Ranking all 10 starting quarterbacks in the Big 12 ahead of Week 9:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-ranking-the-10-best-starting-quarterbacks-in-the-big-12-ahead-of-week-9


Video:

'GMFB': In-the-hunt teams that can burst into playoff picture (The Lions are one of the teams discussed):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/gmfb-in-the-hunt-teams-that-can-burst-into-playoff-picture

Must watch: T.J. Hockenson mic'd up for Week 7 victory over the Falcons:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/10/28/must-watch-t-j-hockenson-micd-up-for-week-7s-victory-over-the-falcons/





Posted by LionsFan at 6:25 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Week 8 Power Rankings

CBS (16. Lions:  At 3-3, they have righted their season. The defense has made strides the past two weeks, which is key to their turnaround. Now they face a good Indianapolis team that will tell a better story of where they are as a team.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-8-power-rankings-steelers-ravens-in-top-three-ahead-of-showdown-tom-bradys-bucs-keep-rising/

USA Today (18. Lions (16): Rookie RB D'Andre Swift has four TDs over past three games. Just imagine if Detroit kept him on field more than 50% of the snaps just once.):   https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2020/10/27/nfl-power-rankings-week-7-seahawks-steelers-chiefs/6050441002/

SN (18. Detroit Lions 3-3 (22):  The Lions are doing their best to play better for Matt Patricia. They've hit the right note in their offense with Matthew Stafford and D'Andre Swift — just in time for a comeback win back in Georgia. The defense is showing signs of responding, too, for two straight weeks.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-cowboys-patriots-chiefs-seahawks/1hxe4bz9404nb192ba40qqbidc

Yahoo (19. Detroit Lions (3-3, LW: 20):  A nice win for sure, but this needs to be addressed again: The Lions have changed their offense to cater to 35-year-old Adrian Peterson, who was cut by Washington before the season started. Peterson’s yards per carry his last four games: 3.41, 3.27, 2.67, 2.64. Yet, Peterson had more carries than rookie D’Andre Swift on Sunday. Kenny Golladay, one of the NFL’s most impressive receivers, had just seven targets because the Lions are using a lot of plays on Peterson. The priority to this point has been to get Peterson carries, which speaks to how poorly the Lions are being run.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-bucs-might-be-screwing-up-a-promising-season-by-signing-antonio-brown-033733652.html


Fox News (19. Lions:  Quarterback Matt Stafford threw for 340 yards and a game-winning touchdown strike to tight end T.J. Hockenson in the Lions' win.):  https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nfl-weekly-power-rankings-2020-season

PFN (19. Detroit Lions (3-3):  In dramatic fashion, the Lions defeated the Atlanta Falcons to get their third win of the year. Matthew Stafford and Kenny Golladay had strong outings, and overall, this was a very good performance by the Lions offense. Detroit has won two in a row and is building some momentum both on the field and in these NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 8.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-power-rankings-week-8-2020/

FTW (19. Detroit Lions (3-3) — Who would have thought that Matt Patricia's team would rank higher than Belichick's team in 2020? Then again, it's 2020. Anything can happen.):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-week-8-power-rankings-cardinals-patriots-chiefs

SI (20. Detroit Lions (3–3):  At 3–3, Detroit is on pace to be confounding for another 10 weeks. Matt Stafford seems to be turning the corner, and the Lions have a very weak portion of their schedule coming up with games against Minnesota and Washington looming in the not so distant future.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/27/nfl-power-rankings-steelers-rams-buccaneers

AP Pro32 (20. Lions):  https://apnews.com/hub/pro-32

NFL.com (21. Lions:  What a relief it must have been for the Lions to be on the winning end of a dramatic finish for once. Todd Gurley's inability to stop his momentum gave the Lions life, and Matthew Stafford potentially saved Detroit's season with a 75-yard touchdown drive that spanned 64 seconds. That the Lions did it without the aid of a timeout made their comeback all the more unlikely. Stafford's winning touchdown pass was completed to T.J. Hockenson, who now has three scores in his last three games and is starting to tap into the promise that made him a first-round pick a year ago. The Lions get the Colts at home before the schedule lightens up. This is their chance to make a move.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-8-buccaneers-hit-top-three-cowboys-fall-continues

Walterfootball (21.  Detroit Lions (3-3) - Previously: 29.  If you watch Rick and Morty, you might be familiar with Get Schwifty:  Could a fan of the Lions please make a song called Get Swifty? I ask this because it might be the only way Matt Patricia realizes that he should start D'Andre Swift over the decrepit Adrian Peterson. Patricia might just be watching cartoons over film at this point; otherwise, he'd know that Swift makes his offense so much better.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

ESPN (22. Detroit Lions (3-3) (Week 7 ranking: 23):  Who needs to step up: RB Adrian Peterson.  While the Lions are seeing better play from rookie D'Andre Swift, they need to get more from the Peterson. The future Hall of Famer's numbers might not look too bad, but his production is trending down. He has gone from 6.64 yards per carry in Week 1 to 2.64 yards per carry in Week 7. If Detroit is going to give Peterson 10 or 11 carries a contest instead of, say, going to Kerryon Johnson or using Swift more, Peterson needs to be doing more with those opportunities. It's not all his fault: The playcalling hasn't always been advantageous to him, often resulting in runs in fairly predictable situations. Some playcall diversification from offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell might help. -- Michael Rothstein):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30197682/nfl-power-rankings-week-8-1-32-poll-plus-players-need-step-2020

PFT (22. Lions (No. 24; 3-3): Don’t look now but the lowly Lions quietly have become contenders.):  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/10/27/pfts-week-8-2020-power-rankings/

Athlonsports.com (22. Detroit Lions (Last week: 22):  Usually it's the Lions who snatch a defeat from the jaws of victory but they had to enjoy being on the other end of things against the only franchise that seems similarly cursed in the final quarter.):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl-power-rankings

Touchdown Wire (22. Detroit Lions (3-3. Last week: 26):  There are many unheralded aspects to the career of Matthew Stafford in Detroit. Of course there are the traits he brings to the quarterback position, between his natural arm talent and his ability to alter his arm slot when delivering throws from the pocket, something that gets Patrick Mahomes a ton of attention from the media today.  Then there is this: Entering play on Sunday the veteran quarterback was among the active leaders in game-winning drives. Stafford’s 35 game winning drives entering action on Sunday placed him fifth in the league in that category.  You can add another game-winning drive to Stafford’s resume.  Thanks to an ill-advised touchdown run from Atlanta’s Todd Gurley – more on that in a minute – Stafford and the Lions got one more chance in the closing minutes to pull out a victory. The quarterback came through, as he had so many times before. He drove the Lions 75 yards in eight plays, even though Detroit was out of time outs, and hit tight end T.J. Hockenson with the game-tying touchdown on the final play from scrimmage. Kicker Matt Prater completed the comeback with the extra point, and the Lions moved to .500 on the season.  The Lions are a tough team to figure out, but if you look at the trendlines right now, things are moving in the right direction. After some tough losses to start the season the Lions have won three of their last four and face some winnable games coming up, including matchups with Washington, Minnesota and Carolina. Perhaps it is time to move Matt Patricia off the hot seat for a few weeks.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/week-7-nfl-power-rankings-moving-day/

Average Power Ranking (338/17):  20













Posted by LionsFan at 5:30 PM 0 comments

Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 10-28-20

Articles:

TWENTYMAN: 5 numbers Lions have improved since bye week:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-5-numbers-lions-have-improved-since-bye-week-stafford-flowers-okwara

Detroit Lions considered slight underdogs for Week 8 matchup with Indianapolis Colts:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/detroit-lions-considered-slight-underdogs-for-week-8-matchup-with-indianapolis-colts.html

Lions sound comfortable sticking with RB rotation despite D’Andre Swift’s blossoming play:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/lions-sound-comfortable-sticking-with-rb-rotation-despite-dandre-swifts-blossoming-play.html






Week 7, By the Numbers: Evaluating the stats that led to a Lions victory over the Falcons:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/10/28/week-7-by-the-numbers-evaluating-the-stats-that-led-to-a-lions-victory-over-the-falcons/


Everson Griffen: Cowboys analysts tell what the Lions are getting in their new pass rusher:   https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/10/28/everson-griffen-scouting-report-cowboys-analysts-lions-trade/

5 more options for the Detroit Lions ahead of the NFL trade deadline:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/5-more-options-for-the-detroit-lions-ahead-of-the-nfl-trade-deadline/

How the Detroit Lions' Defense Has Evolved since Bye Week:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-defense-has-evolved


Grades:


Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 1:19 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 10-28-20

Articles:

10 takeaways from Lions coordinators Darrell Bevell, Cory Undlin and Coombs:   https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-takeaways-from-bevell-undlin-coombs-stafford-okwara-oruwariye

Ask Kyle: Is it time to buy into the Lions as contenders? Will they be buyers or sellers at trade deadline?:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/ask-kyle-is-it-time-to-buy-into-the-detroit-lions-as-contenders-will-they-buy-or-sell-at-the-deadline.html






Grading all 32 first-round picks after Week 7 of the 2020 NFL season (PICK NO. 3: CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, DETROIT LIONS
2020 overall grade: 39.0 - Jeffrey Okudah’s gauntlet of coverage assignments continued this week, as he had to deal with the Atlanta Falcons' array of receiving weapons. Okudah saw a little of several receivers, with Detroit’s more diverse coverages over recent weeks sparing him from just playing man coverage every snap against a receiver with the class and experience to eat his lunch.  Okudah allowed five catches for 51 yards from nine targets this week but also had a pass interference penalty on a deep shot to Calvin Ridley that was saved from his coverage stats. Overall, Okudah’s rookie season so far has been a tough run, but his assignments have been brutal.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-grading-all-32-first-round-picks-after-week-7-2020-nfl-season

NFL Week 8 Coach Hot Seat Rankings 2020: Adam Gase clearly at the top, Matt Patricia making strides (3. Matt Patricia - Lions
Well played, sir.:  The current two-game win streak, capped by an impressive come-from-behind victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Week 7, definitely buys Patricia some much needed slack in the rope. That said, having dropped three of their first four games entering a season wherein Patricia was viewed as a hot seat candidate, his recent round of success doesn't absolve him of all of his sins -- which is why he's on this list, albeit in a much more chilled capacity than Gase and Marrone.  When the Detroit Lions hired Patricia as their head coach in 2018, they did so under the guise of him having been born of the Bill Belichick tree of coaching. Well, two years in, there's nothing Belichickian about his reign quite yet. As a matter of fact, it's been the opposite, as the Lions moved in the wrong direction the past couple of years. They went an uninspiring 6-10 in Year 1 under Patricia and then finished 2019 with a 3-12-1 mark. Granted, they were without Matthew Stafford for eight games, but they were 3-4-1 with their franchise QB on the field. And that record was despite Stafford having thrown for 2,499 yards along with 19 touchdowns to only five interceptions in those eight starts.  In other words, the QB is not and has not been the issue, which leaves the bullseye on the front office and coaching, but the former isn't going to fire themselves. Patricia is going to have to really show something in the second half of 2020 for Lions fans to fully buy in, because many of them are still undecided. The good news is Stafford looks back to full health and there's no shortage of offensive weapons surrounding him, with future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson joining the fold as well this year.  That puts a bullseye on the defense, a unit that needs to start shutting down opponents. Allowing an average of more than 26 points per game in 2019, and 27.5 points per game thus far in 2020, doesn't look good for a coach who hangs his hat on defense -- and one who's been a defensive coordinator before heading to Michigan.  Fix that and the Lions will be cooking with Crisco, and Patricia will finally end talk of a future without him in Detroit.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-8-coach-hot-seat-rankings-2020-adam-gase-clearly-at-the-top-matt-patricia-making-strides/

Rookie rankings: Burrow, Herbert impress (8.  Jonah Jackson:  Matthew Stafford threw for over 350 yards in a wild win over the Falcons . His pocket was clean all day as Jonah Jackson and others provided protection.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-8-nfl-rookie-power-rankings-joe-burrow-justin-herbert-overcome-ol-injuries-to-remain-on-top/

Posted by LionsFan at 6:20 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Afternoon Lions Links for Tuesday 10-27-20

Articles:


Matt Prater holds latest game-winner in high regard despite coming on wacky extra point:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/matt-prater-holds-latest-game-winner-in-high-regard-despite-coming-on-wacky-extra-point.html


Matt Patricia proud of the Lions win in Atlanta but now focused on the Colts:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/10/27/matt-patricia-proud-lions-win-in-atlanta-but-now-focused-on-colts/


Who's in Lions' Penthouse and Doghouse after Week 7 Win over Atlanta?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-falcons-penthouse-doghouse

'It Takes Both Parties': Matt Patricia Addresses Upcoming Trade Deadline:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/matt-patricia-addresses-nfl-trade-deadline-question


Lions DE Romeo Okwara quietly playing like a top-10 edge defender:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/10/27/21536480/detroit-lions-romeo-okwara-top-10-pass-rush-win-rate
Posted by LionsFan at 1:22 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 10-27-20

Articles:

KEY QUESTIONS: How has the defensive line performed the last two weeks?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/how-has-the-defensive-line-performed-the-last-two-weeks-shelton-hand

Snap counts: Joe Dahl missing from offensive line as Detroit Lions stick with same group:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/snap-counts-joe-dahl-missing-from-offensive-line-as-detroit-lions-stick-with-same-group.html

Detroit’s recent defensive turnaround starts with vastly-improved play in the trenches:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/detroits-recent-defensive-turnaround-starts-with-vastly-improved-play-in-the-trenches.html

The officials screwed up the spot on Detroit’s game-winning play (by 3 yards!):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/10/the-officials-screwed-up-the-spot-on-detroits-game-winning-play-by-3-yards.html


Detroit Lions Week 7 snap counts: Defensive line snaps on the rise:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/detroit-lions-week-7-snap-counts-defensive-line-snaps-on-the-rise/


Matthew Stafford passes Drew Brees for most game-winning drives since 2010:  https://www.radio.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/matthew-stafford-has-most-game-winning-drives-since-2010



NFL Week 7: PFF Team of the Week, key takeaways, player awards and more (2. THE DETROIT LIONS’ PASSING OFFENSE HAS BEEN ROLLING WITH KENNY GOLLADAY BACK IN THE LINEUP - Detroit was a hot topic entering the 2020 season, with many viewing the team as a dark horse candidate to win the NFC North. This was due to the new-look, aggressive Matthew Stafford we saw in 2019 before he got hurt — he was the eighth-highest graded passer in the league and led Detroit to the fifth-most efficient passing offense when on the field.  To start the year, though, the Lions' passing offense looked far from dangerous. They were without wide receiver Kenny Golladay the first two weeks of the season, ranking 25th in expected points added (EPA) per pass play generated in that span.  But since his return in Week 3, Detroit’s offense has started to look as expected. The unit has the most efficient passing attack in the NFL since Golladay returned, and Week 7 was the best game of the year for both Stafford and the wide receiver.  Stafford posted a 90.3 PFF grade in the Lions' comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons, the fourth-best mark of the week. He was near-automatic downfield, completing 14 of his 16 attempts that went 10-plus yards for 279 yards, one touchdown and two big-time throws. Golladay was Stafford’s top target on these throws, and it clearly paid dividends. On targets of 10 or more yards, Golladay posted the best receiving grade of the week, going a perfect 5-of-5 on contested targets for 107 yards.  Atlanta's secondary isn’t anything special, and the connection between Stafford and Golladay makes this sneakily potent passing offense one that won’t be easy to face for playoff teams like Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Green Bay and Chicago.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-7-pff-team-of-the-week-key-takeaways-player-awards-and-more

Lions’ game-winning touchdown overshadowed bad spot that preceded it:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/10/26/lions-game-winning-touchdown-overshadowed-bad-spot-that-preceded-it/

Week 7 overreactions: Fitzgerald in G.O.A.T WR debate (Nobody wants to play the Lions - Entering their Week 3 bout with the Arizona Cardinals, the Lions found themselves 0-2 and losers of 11 straight games dating back to Week 9 of the 2019 NFL season.  That Sunday, however, Detroit clawed its way to a win on the road against what now looks like a very good Cardinals team. Matthew Stafford engineered a 10-play, 67-yard drive with under 5 minutes left to set up the game-winning field goal as time expired.  That positive momentum seemed to disappear by the next weekend, when the Lions blew a 14-point lead to the Saints and heard the whispers of "same old Lions" grow louder.  But after returning from their bye in Week 6 to face the Jaguars, the Lions snapped one of the more brutal losing streaks in the NFL, ending a run of six straight losses after leading by 10-plus points in their 34-16 win.  That brings us to this past Sunday, when Stafford orchestrated yet another game-clinching drive -- this time of the 8-play, 75-yard variety, with 1:04 remaining and zero timeouts while down by 6. The final play, an 11-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to T.J. Hockenson, gave the 12-year veteran his 34th game-winning drive since 2011, the most by any QB in the NFL.  For Stafford, a flair for the dramatic clearly is nothing new. But in his heroic Week 7 effort, the former first overall pick joined Tim Couch as the only QBs in the Super Bowl era to throw a game-winning touchdown pass as time expired in the fourth quarter in multiple games. (Stafford's other occurrence was Week 11, 2009 vs. the Browns.)):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-overreactions-week-7-baker-mayfield-vs-joe-burrow-next-great-qb-rivalry

NFL stats and records, Week 7: Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson make history together (Matthew Stafford had a season-high 340 passing yards in the Lions' win over the Falcons on Sunday, with 75 on them coming on the final drive that culminated in a game-winning touchdown pass to T.J. Hockenson on the last play from scrimmage. Stafford has led 28 4th-quarter comebacks and 34 game-winning drives over the last 10 seasons (since 2011), both most in the NFL.
D'Andre Swift had 1 rushing touchdown and Todd Gurley had 2 rushing touchdowns (although he only meant to score 1) in the Lions' win over the Falcons on Sunday. This marked the 4th game in NFL history in which 2 opposing running backs from the University of Georgia each scored a rushing touchdown in the same game. Herschel Walker and Rodney Hampton did so in Week 12, 1992 (Walker's Eagles defeated Hampton's Giants), Hall of Famer Terrell Davis and Robert Edwards did so in Week 1, 1998 (Davis' Broncos defeated Edwards' Patriots), and Mack Strong and Garrison Hearst did so in Week 6, 2003 (Strong's Seahawks defeated Hearst's 49ers).):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-stats-and-records-week-7-kyler-murray-russell-wilson-make-history-together

The NFL's Week 7 Overreaction Index: Buyers and Sellers Edition (Detroit Lions: Buyers - With their comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons, the Detroit Lions improved to 3-3 on the young season. Head coach Matt Patricia is calling more zone coverage schemes in the secondary, which is having a positive effect on execution on that side of the football. Matthew Stafford led yet another game-winning drive, as he currently ranks fifth among active quarterbacks in that statistic.  Even still, the Lions cannot be considered playoff contenders, right? They are not buyers at the deadline are they?  Verdict: No overreaction.  This might flow against conventional wisdom, but I think the Lions would be smart to actually try and make a little run this season. They have a favorable schedule over the next few weeks, including games against Minnesota, Washington, Carolina and Houston, and stringing together some more wins could certainly put them in the thick of playoff contention in the NFC.  Where could they add? If Patricia wants to play more man coverage than he has been the past few weeks, perhaps a cornerback would be a wise acquisition as Jeff Okudah acclimates to the professional game. Or on the offensive side of the ball, imagine what Stafford could do with an A.J. Green or a Julio Jones. Not that those organizations would make such moves, but it would be worth a phone call…):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/the-nfls-week-7-overreaction-index-buyers-and-sellers-edition/

MMQB: The Cardinals Never Stopped Believing; Lions prepared for a wild finish:  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/26/mmqb-week-7-arizona-cardinals-pittsburgh-steelers-jimmy-garoppolo

Week 7 numbers to know: Brady, Steelers shine (30 - It's time for some Matthew Stafford appreciation. By connecting with tight end T.J. Hockenson on an 11-yard touchdown strike to beat the Atlanta Falcons 23-22 as time expired on Sunday, the Detroit Lions quarterback completed the 30th fourth-quarter comeback of his NFL career. That broke a three-way tie between him, Fran Tarkenton and Vinny Testaverde and now ties him with Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan for the eighth most since 1960. This particular comeback moved the Lions to 3-3 on the season and kept them alive in an NFC North race, where the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers are both 5-1.  Stafford, who went first overall in the 2009 NFL draft, is too often overlooked in discussions about the great quarterbacks of the past 10 years. This is of course because he plays for the Lions and has only made three career playoff appearances, losing in the wild-card round all three times. Detroit is probably not destined for postseason success this year, but Stafford is doing all he can to save head coach Matt Patricia's job with two straight wins. After missing the second half of last season with a back injury, Stafford could play his way into the Comeback Player of the Year conversation.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-7-numbers-to-know-tom-brady-adds-to-patriots-pain-steelers-deserve-super-bowl-hype-and-more/

2021 NFL Draft:

NFL Draft Stock Report: Nevada QB Carson Strong rising in Week 8:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-stock-week-8-risers-sliders-carson-strong/

NFL draft winners and losers: Ohio State QB Justin Fields somehow raised the bar even higher:  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-ohio-state-qb-justin-fields-somehow-raised-the-bar-even-higher-185331992.html





Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 7:34 AM 0 comments

Monday, October 26, 2020

Afternoon Lions Links for Monday 10-26-20

Articles:




Lions feeling themselves after comeback win: "That was f**king awesome!" [WATCH]:  https://www.radio.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/lions-fired-up-after-comeback-win-that-was-f-king-awesome

Lions passing offense, defensive line earn high marks from PFF in Week 7 win:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/10/26/lions-pff-scores-week-7-falcons/

3 Lions Stars of Week 7: Matthew Stafford leads improbable comeback victory:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/10/26/3-lions-stars-of-week-7-matthew-stafford-leads-improbable-comeback-victory/


Adrian Peterson's Yards Per Carry Average Has Plummeted:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/adrian-peterson-productivity-has-declined





Grades:

Lions' Week 7 Offensive Grades: Matthew Stafford Makes Falcons Pay:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-week-7-offensive-grades

Lions' Week 7 Defensive Grades: Flowers, Davis, Okwara Thriving:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onepride-plus/detroit-lions-week-seven-grades-defense
Posted by LionsFan at 1:34 PM 0 comments
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