Saturday, July 31, 2021

Afternoon Lions Links for Saturday 7-31-21

Training Camp Notes and Observations:



Lions training camp notebook: Defense wins over the fans on Day 4:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-training-camp-notebook-defense-wins-over-the-fans-on-day-4/

Articles:

Penisini healthy heading into second season after dealing with calcium deposits:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/penisini-healthy-heading-into-second-season-after-dealing-with-calcium-deposits


'You need that type of guy': Lions' Jamaal Williams an asset, and not just for the ground game:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/07/30/you-need-type-guy-lions-jamaal-williams-asset-and-not-just-ground-game/5431637001/


Dan Campbell encourages Lions players to interact with the Detroit fans:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/31/dan-campbell-encourages-lions-players-to-interact-with-the-detroit-fans/


Detroit Lions Anthony Lynn Could Be Good Hire by Dan Campbell:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/why-lions-anthony-lynn-could-be-sneaky-good-hire


Video:






Why Orlovsky is a believer in Goff, Lions:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/31927548
Posted by LionsFan at 2:37 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 7-31-21

Training Camp Notes and Observations:


Lions training camp notebook from July 30: Defensive back improvement:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-training-camp-notebook-from-july-30-defensive-back-improvement/

Articles:

Swift & Williams forming one-two punch in Lions backfield:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/swift-williams-forming-one-two-punch-in-lions-backfield

Aubrey Pleasant getting rave reviews from coaches, players in first season with Detroit Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/aubrey-pleasant-getting-rave-reviews-from-coaches-players-in-first-season-with-detroit-lions.html

Could the Detroit Lions have their own Alvin Kamara-Mark Ingram duo in the backfield?:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/could-the-detroit-lions-have-their-own-alvin-kamara-mark-ingram-duo-in-the-backfield.html

Lions’ Tracy Walker on new-look defense: ‘It’s a better scheme for everybody’:   https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/lions-tracy-walker-on-new-look-defense-its-a-better-scheme-for-everybody.html

'You need that type of guy': Lions' Jamaal Williams an asset, and not just for the ground game:   https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/07/30/you-need-type-guy-lions-jamaal-williams-asset-and-not-just-ground-game/5431637001/

Dan Campbell: Lions will roll with the hot hand in a 1-2 punch at running back:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/30/lions-running-back-usage-swift-jamaal-williams-dan-campbell-1-2-punch/

Jamaal Williams and Jared Goff Embrace Lions Being Underdogs:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-embrace-being-underdogs-in-2021


2022 NFL Draft:



Early 2022 NFL Draft safety rankings and class overview:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-position-rankings-safety

Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 4:34 AM 0 comments

Friday, July 30, 2021

Afternoon Lions Links for Friday 7-30-21

Training Camp Notes and Observations:

Observations from Detroit Lions July 30 acclimation period practice:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-july-30-practice-observations-swift-williams-okudah

Day 3 notes and observations: Lions QB Jared Goff still trying to get the deep ball going:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/day-3-notes-and-observations-lions-qb-jared-goff-still-trying-to-get-the-deep-ball-going.html

Lions training camp notebook from July 30: Defensive back improvement:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-training-camp-notebook-from-july-30-defensive-back-improvement/

5 Lions players who have impressed through 3 training camp practices:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/7/30/22602155/5-detroit-lions-impressed-through-3-training-camp-practices

Articles:


For Lions' Dan Campbell, deciding when to play veterans this preseason is TBD:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/07/30/dan-campbell-detroit-lions-preseason-games/5427289001/

3 Things Penei Sewell Must Accomplish in Training Camp:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/3-things-penei-sewell-must-do-in-training-camp


Odds Dan Campbell Will Win NFL Coach of the Year in 2021:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/odds-dan-campbell-will-win-2021-nfl-coach-of-the-year

John Penisini feeling much better with 'chicken hearts' removed from shoulder:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/lions-dt-john-penisini-had-chicken-hearts-in-his-shoulder

Video:


Tracy Walker on Goff: 'He's very vocal, he's willing to take criticism':  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/tracy-walker-on-goff-he-s-very-vocal-he-s-willing-to-take-criticism



Posted by LionsFan at 2:48 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Friday 7-30-21

Training Camp Notes and Observations:

Day 2 notes and observations: Lions’ Jeff Okudah sounding like a different player:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/day-2-notes-and-observations-lions-jeff-okudah-sounding-like-a-different-player.html


Articles:

O'HARA: Time is on Okudah's side as he prepares for second season:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-time-is-on-okudah-s-side-as-he-prepares-for-second-season

Flowers having fun with expanded role in Lions' new defense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/flowers-having-fun-with-expanded-role-in-lions-new-defense

Detroit Lions working with Trey Flowers through growing pains of learning new role:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/detroit-lions-working-with-trey-flowers-through-growing-pains-of-learning-new-role.html

Lions’ Dan Campbell keeping close tabs on position battles at safety, inside linebacker:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/lions-dan-campbell-keeping-close-tabs-on-position-battles-at-safety-inside-linebacker.html

Star Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker gets vaccinated after initially opposing it:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/star-lions-offensive-lineman-taylor-decker-gets-vaccinated-after-initially-opposing-it.html

Lions notes: Taylor Decker reverses course, gets vaccinated; several position battles looming:  https://www.detroitnews.com/sports/lions/


Campbell: John Penisini had 'softballs' removed from his shoulders during the offseason:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/29/lions-john-penisini-softballs-removed-from-shoulders-injury-update/


Linebacker Rankings: The 32 best LBs entering the 2021 NFL season (26. JAMIE COLLINS SR., DETROIT LIONS:  Detroit’s defense may have been a disaster in 2020, but Jamie Collins Sr. enjoyed his best season yet outside of New England. Collins recorded three pass breakups and an interception in coverage, added 11 total quarterback pressures and forced three fumbles on the year. He remains a very scheme-dependent player, but he at least showed he can be an impressive force away from Bill Belichick.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-linebacker-rankings-entering-2021-nfl-season

Rosenthal: Top breakout candidates for all 32 teams (Aubrey Pleasant, passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach:  Do not take Pleasant’s inclusion as the only coach on this list as a total indictment of the Lions' roster. Just a partial indictment. The Flint native's move from the Rams to the Lions was a coup for Dan Campbell, as Pleasant's work coaching up Rams cornerbacks over the last few years was second to none. Don't be surprised if Pleasant lands on some defensive coordinator interview lists if he can turn around the struggling group in Detroit. Last year's No. 3 overall pick, Jeff Okudah, is coming off a rough rookie season, and the rest of the group lacks proven talent, so Pleasant should get noticed if he can help them settle down.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-season-one-making-the-leap-candidate-for-each-nfc-team

You're Damn Right Dan Campbell Is Out There Doing Up-Downs With the Detroit Lions:  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/dan-campbell-up-downs-video-detroit-lions-training-camp-01fbscydtgg2

2022 NFL Draft:

Early 2022 NFL Draft cornerback rankings and class overview:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2022-nfl-draft-position-rankings-cornerback

PFF 2021 College Preseason Paul Hornung Award Watch List: Most versatile player in college football:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-lou-groza-ray-guy-award-2021

Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 4:32 AM 0 comments

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Afternoon Lions Links for Thursday 7-29-21

Training Camp Notes and Observations:

Observations from Detroit Lions July 29 acclimation period practice:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-july-29-practice-observations-tavai-crosby-okudah

Detroit Lions Training Camp Day 2 Observations Jared Goff D'Andre Swift :  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/day-two-observations-detroit-lions-2021-training-camp


Articles:


Everything feels different at Detroit Lions training camp, and that's a good thing:  https://sports.yahoo.com/everything-feels-different-detroit-lions-100234915.html

Detroit Lions Dan Campbell Impressed with Jeff Okudah:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jeff-okudah-wants-to-

3 Mistakes Matt Patricia Made that Dan Campbell Must Avoid:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/campbell-must-learn-from-patricia-mistakes

Detroit Lions Taylor Decker Reveals He Has Been Vaccinated:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/taylor-decker-reveals-he-has-been-vaccinated

Early Detroit Lions Training Camp Goals Revealed:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/early-lions-training-camp-goals-revealed



The Detroit Lions are moving in the right direction on mental health care:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/7/29/22599125/detroit-lions-moving-right-direction-mental-health-care


VIDEO:




Posted by LionsFan at 2:40 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 7-29-21

Training Camp Notes and Observations:


Articles:

O'HARA: Brockers working to be part of 'new era' in Lions football:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-brockers-working-to-be-part-of-new-era-in-lions-football

Swift has opportunity to play big role in Lions' offense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/swift-has-opportunity-to-play-big-role-in-lions-offense

A weight has been lifted in Detroit, where Dan Campbell is 'about this life':  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/after-matt-patricia-dan-campbell-is-what-the-lions-need



Schein: Nine players who NEED strong training camp (2. Jeff Okudah:  Prior to the 2020 draft, I didn't think Okudah was a top-three defender, much less a top-three pick. But alas, Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia turned in this card at No. 3 overall. That Lions regime is gone, of course, but Okudah remains in Detroit -- and he's the biggest name in a very thin position group on the roster.  Okudah missed nearly half of his rookie season due to injury and then had muscle core surgery on both sides. But now he's ready to rock. So, was last year hijacked by poor health? Poor coaching? Poor play? I personally doubt Okudah will ever live up to his lofty draft pedigree, but can he emerge from bust status? He can -- and he should. Detroit's new coaching staff helps. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn spent 15 years as an NFL cornerback, earning three trips to the Pro Bowl. Not a bad resource for Okudah, eh?  The Lions need Okudah to play at a solid-starter level in 2021, so the cornerback needs to flash this summer.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-players-who-need-strong-training-camp-tua-tagovailoa-jeff-okudah-darrell-hen

PFF Quarterback Rankings: All 32 starters ahead of the 2021 NFL season (26. JARED GOFF, DETROIT LIONS:  A fresh start does players wonders, especially at the quarterback position. It also doesn’t hurt when you get a vote of confidence and your team takes Penei Sewell to protect you over some highly sought-after first-round quarterbacks. The Rams were third in the league in play-action pass attempts and tied for fifth in screen pass attempts. It will be imperative that the Lions help their QB and design an offense around what he’s comfortable with. Goff has a top-five passing grade when he has a clean pocket, is in rhythm and targets intermediate throws 10-19 yards downfield. He struggled when targeting 20-plus yard throws in the same scenario, earning the 29th-ranked passing grade out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks.  Getting the ball downfield in 2020 was a struggle, whether it was missed throws or negatively graded throws. This is probably why Goff led the league in passing yards on completions of 5 yards or less a season ago. The Lions seem to be building around Goff, and this is exactly what he needs to get his confidence back up so he can play at a high level again.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-quarterback-rankings-all-32-starters-ahead-of-the-2021-nfl-season

2022 NFL Draft:

Early 2022 NFL Draft linebacker rankings and class overview (7-28-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-position-rankings-linebacker

PFF 2021 College Preseason Ted Hendricks Award Watch List: Best defensive end in college football:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-ted-hendricks-award-2021
Posted by LionsFan at 4:28 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 7-29-21

Training Camp Notes and Observations:

Day 1 notes and observations: Dan Campbell brings the heat, and some up-downs, on first day of Lions camp:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/day-1-notes-and-observations-dan-campbell-brings-the-heat-and-some-up-downs-on-first-day-of-lions-camp.html




Articles:

Veteran DL Michael Brockers stepping into organic lead by example role for Detroit Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/veteran-dl-michael-brockers-stepping-into-organic-lead-by-example-role-for-detroit-lions.html

Lions’ Romeo Okwara comfortable with new role standing up after breakout season:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/lions-romeo-okwara-comfortable-with-new-role-standing-up-after-breakout-season.html

Detroit Lions training camp preview: Can Jahlani Tavai and the linebackers turn the corner?:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/detroit-lions-training-camp-preview-can-jahlani-tavai-and-the-linebackers-turn-the-corner.html

Detroit Lions hire organization’s first mental skills specialist:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/detroit-lions-hire-organizations-first-mental-skills-specialist.html








Detroit Lions 53-Man 2021 NFL Roster Prediction:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-53-man-2021-roster-prediction

6 Free Agents Detroit Lions Should Target as Training Camp Begins:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/six-free-agents-detroit-lions-should-target-as-training-camp-begins




Detroit Lions Training Camp begins on Wednesday; See the roster and new coaching staff:  https://www.wxyz.com/sports/detroit-lions-training-camp-begins-on-wednesday-see-the-roster-new-coaching-staff

Video:



Posted by LionsFan at 4:21 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 7-28-21

Articles:


Lions place DL Brian Price on reserve/retired list, leaving 2 open spots on 90-man roster:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/lions-place-dl-brian-price-on-reserveretired-list-leaving-2-open-spots-on-90-man-roster.html


Detroit Lions training camp preview: All eyes on Jeff Okudah as new secondary takes shape:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/detroit-lions-training-camp-preview-all-eyes-on-jeff-okudah-as-new-secondary-takes-shape.html



Detroit Lions Have Two Open Roster Spots as Training Camp Set to Begin:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-have-two-open-roster-spots-ahead-of-training-camp

Which Wide Receivers Will Make Detroit Lions Roster in 2021?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-2021-wide-receivers-depth-chart-projection



Lions training camp battle preview: Looking for depth at safety:   https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/7/27/22594373/detroit-lions-training-camp-battle-preview-safety


One player who will improve the most for all 32 teams (Jeff Okudah - The No. 3 overall pick suffered through a disastrous, injury-riddled debut campaign. Pro Football Focus charted him with a whopping 112 passer rating allowed, and he gave up completions on all 12 of the targets he faced over his final three games. But with a new defensive coordinator -- Aaron Glenn, who was an NFL cornerback for 15 seasons -- and better injury luck, Okudah can flip the script in Year 2. Assuming his health is on par with what we saw at Ohio State, his demonstrated ability to change direction and limit yards after the catch without losing speed should dramatically change his output for the Leos in 2021.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-season-projecting-the-most-improved-player-on-each-nfc-team

NFC under-the-radar camp battles (Detroit Lions (Under the radar: TE3, after TE1 T.J. Hockenson and TE2 Darren Fells):  Detroit has so much competition for positions going into camp that I have to go deep to find something under the radar. Everyone's watching the cornerback, receiver and backup quarterback groups. So I'll take a look at a position that's near and dear to new head coach Dan Campbell's heart: tight end. Hockenson had the third-most receiving yards of all tight ends last season and TE2 will absolutely be filled by Fells, who's coming off his most prolific pass-catching seasons the last two years. Campbell had brought Josh Hill over from the Saints in free agency, but Hill opted to retire in the spring. Hunter Bryant was penciled in as TE3, but he landed on the NFI list and it's unclear when he'll be back to health. Alize Mack is the most senior member of the group of zero-NFL-snaps players vying for the spot, so it may be his to lose going up against undrafted free agents Brock Wright and Jake Hausmann this camp. Like many of these roles, whoever can also show contributions on special teams will better their chances.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfc-under-the-radar-training-camp-battles-2021-cowboys-starting-free-safety-spot-up-for-grabs-and-more/

2022 NFL Draft:

2022 NFL Draft Risers: Malik Willis, J.T. Daniels among QBs who could be this year's Joe Burrow or Zach Wilson:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-2022-nfl-draft-candidates-zach-wilson-joe-burrow-2021

PFF College Preseason Outland Trophy Watch List: Best lineman in college football:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-outland-trophy-2021
Posted by LionsFan at 4:19 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 7-27-21

Articles:

2021 training camp preview: Special teams:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2021-training-camp-preview-special-teams-fox-bullock-wright

Detroit Lions training camp preview: Pair of rookies expected to play vital role on defensive line:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/detroit-lions-training-camp-preview-pair-of-rookies-expected-to-play-vital-role-on-defensive-line.html

Projecting the Lions' depth chart entering training camp:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/07/26/detroit-lions-depth-chart-2021-training-camp-roster/8090161002/

Okudah was 'burnt out' before his rookie season began. Why this year will be different.:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/jeff-okudah-was-burnt-out-before-his-rookie-season-began

Lions camp battle preview: Offensive line depth behind the starting 5 presents some questions:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/26/lions-camp-battle-preview-offensive-line-depth-tyrell-crosby-matt-nelson-logan-stenberg/

Lions have ammo needed for Deshaun Watson trade but don't expect Detroit to be involved:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/26/lions-deshaun-watson-trade-rumors-detroit-potential-offer-not-expected/





Detroit Lions training camp battle preview: Starting roles up for grabs at CB:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/7/26/22592913/detroit-lions-training-camp-battle-preview-starting-cornerbacks

Power Rankings:

SN Power Rankings (31. Detroit Lions (31):  The Lions don't seem too concerned about winning big this year, settling for Jared Goff as more of a bridge quarterback for a new-look offense. Defensively, they have a few building blocks but are feeling out the rest with the new regime of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. Detroit needed this version of slash and burn to get out of its cycle of subpar results.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-2021-cowboys-packers-browns-seahawks/1gybi10r4bix01qwakhvoiygx6

2022 NFL Draft:

PFF College Preseason Thorpe Award Watch List: Best DB in college football (Stingley, Gardner, Ricks, Tykee, Hamilton, Hodges-Tomlinson, Jobe, Elam, McDuffie, Joseph, Mullen, Moore) (7-26-21)):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-jim-thorpe-award-2021
 
PFF 2021 College Preseason Butkus Award Watch List: Best LB in college football (Ulofoshio, Jones, Martial, Domann, McFadden, Pitre, Sanborn, Rose) (7-26-21):   https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-jim-thorpe-award-2021

Video:

SportsWorks - 7-25-21 -- Woody joined by Wojo & Burchie to talk Tigers, Lions, Wings & Pistons:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/959245
Posted by LionsFan at 4:23 AM 0 comments

Monday, July 26, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Monday 7-26-21

Articles:

2021 training camp preview: Offensive line:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2021-training-camp-preview-offensive-line-ragnow-decker-sewell

Detroit Lions move oft-injured Austin Bryant to PUP, another to COVID list:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/detroit-lions-move-oft-injured-austin-bryant-to-pup-another-to-covid-list.html

Detroit Lions training camp preview: Could Penei Sewell’s arrival boost offensive line to NFL’s elite?:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/detroit-lions-training-camp-preview-could-penei-sewells-arrival-boost-offensive-line-to-nfls-elite.html



Roundtable: Answering Burning Questions ahead of Lions Training Camp:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-roundtable-answering-top-burning-questions



2022 NFL Draft:

Posted by LionsFan at 5:48 AM 0 comments

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 7-25-21

Articles:







Lions looking for turnaround in 2021 with new GM, head coach:  https://www.wxyz.com/sports/lions-looking-for-turnaround-in-2021-with-new-gm-head-coach
Posted by LionsFan at 4:35 AM 0 comments

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 7-24-21

Articles:

2021 training camp preview: Tight end:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2021-training-camp-preview-tight-end-hockenson-fells-bryant

Detroit Lions sign rookie CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, lock up entire draft class ahead of camp:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/detroit-lions-sign-rookie-cb-ifeatu-melifonwu-lock-up-entire-draft-class-ahead-of-camp.html

Detroit Lions training camp preview: Receiver position loaded with question marks:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/detroit-lions-training-camp-preview-receiver-position-loaded-with-question-marks.html


Michael Brockers working with Da'Shawn Hand to get ready for training camp:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/23/lions-michael-brockers-dashawn-hand-training-camp-coach-jordan/


3 Lions Who Need to Impress during Training Camp:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/3-lions-who-need-to-impress-in-training-camp

Odds of the Lions Finishing .500 or Better in NFC North in 2021:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/odds-lions-have-a-winning-record-i



Ranking the NFL's second-year breakout candidates: 15 players who could become stars (14. CB JEFF OKUDAH, DETROIT LIONS (Pick in 2020 draft: No. 3):  It's impossible for Okudah to struggle more than he did in 2020, and that's why he's a breakout candidate for 2021. Among the 23 rookie cornerbacks with at least 100 coverage snaps, his 30.9 grade ranked last. It's the third-worst grade for a rookie cornerback in the past five seasons.  Luckily for Okudah, he'll get to play in a different system as a sophomore. If new Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn runs a similar defense to the one he was a part of as a defensive backs coach in New Orleans, we'll see Okudah featured in varied coverages with varied alignments rather than the more static Cover 1 defense he suffered through in the Matt Patricia era. He can only get better.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-second-year-breakout-candidates-2021

2022 NFL Draft:


PFF 2021 College Preseason Rimington Award Watch List: Best center in college football:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-rimington-trophy-2021
 
PFF 2021 College Preseason John Mackey Award Watch List: Best TE in college football:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-preseason-john-mackey-award-watch-list-2021
Posted by LionsFan at 4:30 AM 0 comments

Friday, July 23, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Friday 7-23-21

Articles:

2021 training camp preview: Defensive line:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2021-training-camp-preview-defensive-line-brockers-flowers-okwara

Detroit Lions training camp preview: D’Andre Swift primed for big things atop new-look backfield:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/detroit-lions-training-camp-preview-dandre-swift-primed-for-big-things-atop-new-look-backfield.html

USA TODAY's win projection for the Lions is a harsh reality check:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/22/usa-today-win-projection-lions-is-a-harsh-reality-check/

Evaluating Trey Flowers' Chances of Making Pro Bowl in 2021:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/evaluating-trey-flowers-chances-making-pro-bowl-first-time




Detroit Lions Mandatory Minicamp

Ranking all 32 NFL linebacker units ahead of the 2021 season (28. DETROIT LIONS:  Jamie Collins enjoyed his first solid season outside of New England in 2020 for the Lions, and with the scheme only getting more player-friendly from a year ago, we might expect him to be even better in 2021. Collins forced three fumbles, matching his total from 2019, and has allowed two touchdowns in coverage over the past two years. It will be more of a lottery next to him, with little in the way of proven quality. Alex Anzalone might have the best play on his resume, but he's an injury concern and hasn’t shown that best play in some time. Jahlani Tavai earned just a 32.1 overall PFF grade last season.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-all-32-nfl-linebacker-units-entering-2021-season

Ranking all 32 NFL secondaries ahead of the 2021 season (30. DETROIT LIONS:  If Detroit’s secondary is to pan out as anything other than one of the worst units in the NFL, it will need bounce-back seasons from several players.  Jeffrey Okudah is at the forefront of that after leading all cornerbacks in yards allowed per coverage snap as a rookie (2.3). Okudah surrendered just 0.8 yards per coverage snap in his Ohio State career by comparison. The list extends to free agent acquisition Quinton Dunbar, whose overall grade fell nearly 40 points from 2019 to 2020. Tracy Walker is another player who has proven capable of much better play than the 51.0 PFF grade next to his name in 2020. It’s just a matter of how those players look in Aaron Glenn’s new defense.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-32-nfl-secondaries-entering-2021-season

Trotter: One storyline to track for all 32 teams (Detroit Lions - Who are the core players for tomorrow? Detroit is not willing to call this a rebuilding year, but with a new coaching staff and front office, it's reasonable to assume they will use this season to identify players they believe they can build around going forward, as coach Dan Campbell establishes what he hopes is a culture of competition and winning.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-season-one-storyline-to-track-for-all-32-teams

2022 NFL Draft:

NFL Hot Press: Brandon Smith Graded as Top Linebacker:  https://walterfootball.com/NFLHotPress

PFF 2021 College Preseason Biletnikoff Award Watch List: Best WR in college football:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-biletnikoff-award-2021
Posted by LionsFan at 4:27 AM 0 comments

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 7-22-21

Articles:

2021 training camp preview: Wide receiver:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2021-training-camp-preview-wide-receiver-williams-perriman-stbrown

Detroit Lions training camp preview: The Jared Goff era is upon us, for now at least:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/07/detroit-lions-training-camp-preview-the-jared-goff-era-is-upon-us-for-now-at-least.html


Jared Goff was the NFL's most accurate QB in the red zone in 2020:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/21/lions-jared-goff-nfl-most-accurate-red-zone-2020-rams/




Detroit Lions training camp battle preview: Rounding out the offensive line:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/7/21/22581883/detroit-lions-training-camp-battle-preview-rounding-offensive-line

3 key questions for each NFC North team (Does Jared Goff have any chance of keeping the No. 1 QB job?  Maybe it doesn't have to be answered before Week 1, but it'd sure be ideal. We all know Detroit isn't fully committing to the ex-Rams standout with all kinds of future draft picks in its arsenal, but it might be helpful to know, going into 2021, whether team brass actually believes Goff can win a long-term commitment, or if he even has the adequate supporting cast to do it this year. Answering the question does nothing for the Lions' 2021 win total, but it does help frame the bigger-picture movement for a team with its sights set farther down the road.  What is an acceptable win total?   Again, this almost can't be accurately answered before the season, because you never know how games and divisions and playoff races will actually play out. There's also a difference between a hard-fought 5-12 and an apathetic 8-9. A better question might be, What does Dan Campbell have to do to inspire confidence as a head coach? Detroit isn't concerned with winning in 2021 as much as rebuilding its culture for the long haul, but there's got to be a general benchmark for the trial run.  What is 2021 all about?  As you can see, none of the Lions' questions have much to do with their roster, save for the QB spot. Because everyone and their mother, including those employed by the Lions, is aware that the current lineup is an unfinished product of an overhaul. But much like it'd be ideal to have a general expectation for the new coach, it'll be key for Detroit to somehow define what it's trying to be -- what it's really trying to accomplish -- entering such a blatant transition year, even if the season itself is unpredictable.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/three-questions-each-nfc-north-team-must-answer-before-2021-nfl-season-is-aaron-rodgers-staying-in-green-bay/

Ranking all 32 NFL offensive line units ahead of the 2021 season (10. DETROIT LIONS:  It's fair to be optimistic about Detroit building one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.  Left tackle Taylor Decker is coming off career-highs in overall grade (82.0) and pass-blocking grade (85.8) while ranking 12th overall among tackles last season. He’s ranked above average in both pass blocking and run blocking since entering the league in 2016.  The Lions will trot out rookie Penei Sewell at right tackle after drafting him with the seventh overall pick. He was the top offensive tackle on the PFF draft board. Sewell posted the highest grade we’ve seen from a true freshman and the highest overall grade for any offensive tackle since 2014 prior to his opting out of the 2020 season. Sewell has the tools and production to become one of the better all-around tackles in the league very soon.  Center Frank Ragnow has improved in all three of his NFL seasons, headlined by an 80.3 grade last season, the third-best mark among centers. Ragnow allowed half as many pressures last season as he did in 2019 on just about the same number of snaps.  Guard is the biggest question mark for the Lions’ offensive line. 2020 third-rounder Jonah Jackson started at left guard last year, but his 57.0 overall grade ranked just 58th out of 84 qualifiers. Jackson showed plenty of potential as a pass protector in college, so the hope is that his 67th-ranked 51.2 pass-blocking grade will improve. Halapoulivaati Vaitai is the starter at right guard, where he performed well on 282 snaps a year ago. Vaitai has spent most of his career at right tackle, but his power is a better fit at guard, which should mitigate some of his pass-blocking woes.  The Lions appear to have built the foundation of an excellent offensive line for the foreseeable future.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-all-32-nfl-offensive-line-units-entering-2021-season

Ranking all 32 NFL defensive line units ahead of the 2021 season (24. DETROIT LIONS:  Detroit’s defensive line unit finished the 2020 season ranked 30th in PFF grade, ahead of only the Vikings and Texans. Several offseason additions on the interior — such as Michael Brockers, Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill — along with the return of a healthy Trey Flowers should improve matters in 2021, but the Lions still have a ways to go to get back to average. It’s easy to forget, given how bad Detroit’s defense has been these past two seasons, that Flowers is one of the better defensive linemen in the league when healthy. He is coming off four straight seasons with overall grades of at least 80.0.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-all-32-nfl-defensive-line-units-entering-2021-season

PFF Data Study: Yards after the catch figures largely determined by factors before the catch:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-data-study-yards-after-the-catch-determined-factors-before-the-catch

2022 NFL Draft:

Big 12 Preseason All-Conference team ahead of 2021 college football season:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-12-preseason-all-conference-team-2021/


PFF 2021 College Preseason Doak Walker Award Watch List: Best RB in college football (7-20-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-doak-walker-award-2021
Posted by LionsFan at 4:10 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 7-21-21

Articles:



Lions roster projection heading into training camp: The defense:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-roster-projection-defense-specialists-training-camp/


Lions Flagship Radio Discusses Interesting Trade with Los Angeles Rams:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/should-lions-trade-jamaal-williams-to-rams

Dom Amore: Former UConn QB and Detroit Lions backup Tim Boyle finds his foothold in the NFL after three season in Green Bay:  https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-football/hc-sp-amore-column-nfl-lions-tim-boyle-uconn-20210720-20210720-rdly3dt6hbh3lkhtuxwbg2htcu-story.html

Ranking all 32 NFL receiving corps ahead of the 2021 season (31. DETROIT LIONS:  The roster overhaul in Detroit has hit the receiving unit hard, and they will have a completely different look in 2021. They’ve become one of the biggest groups in the league with the additions of 6-foot-4 Tyrell Williams, 6-foot-2 Breshad Perriman and 6-foot-3 Geronimo Allison. Williams last played with the Raiders in 2019 and has been an effective big-play threat throughout his career, averaging 16.1 yards per reception.  Perriman is a big-play threat of his own, having averaged 16.5 yards per reception in his career. He has two years with 70.0-plus receiving grades in 2018 and 2019, and this will be another opportunity to show that he can handle a bigger workload. Allison will compete for the No. 3 spot after grading at 61.4 or lower over the last three years. Last year's fifth-rounder Quintez Cephus and 2021 fourth-rounder Amon-Ra St. Brown will also be in the mix at receiver.  At tight end, T.J. Hockenson has developed nicely and graded at 75.4 overall last season, good for 10th-best among tight ends. Darren Fells also joins the Lions after a career-high 69.4 grade last season with the Texans. He adds even more size to the mix, as the 6-foot-7 270-pounder has developed into a good red-zone threat.  The Lions have overhauled one of the better groups of pass-catchers in the league, and while the names don’t stand out on paper, there’s plenty of potential — and size — in this group.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-all-nfl-receiving-corps-ahead-of-the-2021-season

Ranking all 32 NFL running back units ahead of the 2021 season (25. DETROIT LIONS: The best-case outcome for Detroit is that D’Andre Swift earns more of a bell-cow role in 2021 and excels in it. After all, his receiving ability was a big reason why he was PFF’s top-ranked running back coming out of Georgia in the 2020 NFL Draft. Swift’s rookie season had its ups and downs, though. His 69.4 overall grade on the year finished behind several other rookie running backs who got out to hot starts.  Jamaal Williams does represent a quality addition to the backfield to complement Swift next season. He is coming off consecutive PFF grades of at least 74.0 and has shown at various points throughout his career that he can contribute on all three downs.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-all-32-nfl-running-back-units-ahead-of-the-2021-season

2022 NFL Draft:

Scouting Matt Corral: Ole Miss QB a top contender for Zach Wilson-like ascent:  https://www.nfl.com/news/scouting-matt-corral-ole-miss-qb-a-top-contender-for-zach-wilson-like-ascent

PFF 2021 College Preseason Maxwell Award Watch List: Best player in college football:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-maxwell-award-2021
 
PFF 2021 College Preseason Davey O’Brien Award Watch List: Best QB in college football:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-davey-obrien-award-2021
Posted by LionsFan at 4:08 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 7-20-21

Articles:

2021 training camp preview: Running back:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2021-training-camp-preview-running-back-swift-williams-jefferson

2021 season preview: Lions at Seahawks:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2021-season-preview-lions-at-seahawks

Lions first 2 preseason games get national television broadcasts:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/19/lions-preseason-schedule-broadcast-how-to-watch/

Jared Goff was more aggressive than Matthew Stafford on 3rd down in 2020:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/19/jared-goff-matthew-stafford-third-down-aggressive-passing-lions-rams/

Which players would the Lions protect in an NFL expansion draft?:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/gallery/which-players-would-the-lions-protect-in-an-nfl-expansion-draft/



Training camp preview: Can Da’Shawn Hand turn his career around?:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/7/19/22582630/detroit-lions-training-camp-preview-dashawn-hand


In My View 7/19/2021: Cause for optimism going into Lions training camp:  https://www.wilx.com/2021/07/20/my-view-7192021-cause-optimism-going-into-lions-training-camp/

Projecting 2021 starting lineups for all 32 NFL teams entering training camp:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-projecting-starting-lineups-32-nfl-teams-training-camp#DET

2022 NFL Draft:


PFF 2021 College Preseason Bednarik Award/Nagurski Trophy Watch List: Best defensive player in college football:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-chuck-bednarik-award-bronko-nagurski-trophy-2021

PFF 2021 College Preseason Heisman Trophy Watch List: Best player in college football:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-award-watch-list-heisman-trophy-2021
Posted by LionsFan at 4:10 AM 0 comments

Monday, July 19, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Monday 7-19-21

Articles:



Lions roster projection heading into training camp: Offense:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-roster-projection-heading-into-training-camp-offense/

Grading Dan Campbell in Miami Dolphins' Loss to New England Patriots:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/grading-dan-campbell-first-loss-with-miami-dolphins

Posted by LionsFan at 4:13 AM 0 comments

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 7-18-21

Articles:




Lessons Detroit Lions Dan Campbell Learned Bill Parcells:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lessons-dan-campbell-learned-from-bill-parcells

Pros and Cons of Lions Signing EDGE Defender Justin Houston:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lions-pros-and-cons-of-signing-justin-houston



Posted by LionsFan at 5:01 AM 0 comments

Saturday, July 17, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 7-17-21

Articles:

2021 season preview: Lions at Broncos:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2021-season-preview-lions-at-broncos


Jared Goff Listed as Quarterback Who Could Take Big Step Backwards:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-will-jared-goff-take-big-step-backward

What Antwaan Randle El Brings to Lions' Coaching Staff:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-what-antwaan-randle-el-brings-to-coaching-staff

Projecting Lions' 2021 Starting EDGE Defenders:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2021-starting-edge-defenders

Lions WR Sage Surratt Excelled in Prep Basketball Prior to College:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-sage-surratt-excelled-in-high-school-basketball


Edge Defender Rankings: The 32 best players entering the 2021 NFL season (23. TREY FLOWERS, DETROIT LIONS:  Flowers has been one of the lone bright spots on Detroit’s defense when healthy over the past two seasons. He ended each of the 2019 and 2020 seasons with PFF grades of at least 82.0, continuing his strong play both against the run and pass from his time with the Patriots. However, that 2020 grade came in just over 300 snaps, as Flower’s season was cut short by a fractured forearm.  The Lions have an opportunity for an improved defensive line in 2021 with his return and the additions on the interior this offseason.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-edge-defender-rankings-the-32-best-players-entering-the-2021-nfl-season

Season Predictions:

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
COWHERD'S 2021 NFC PREDICTIONS (Lions finish 4-13.  On the Detroit Lions: "The Lions? Not a fan of anything there. I am rooting for Jared Goff."  Odds to win the NFC North: Packers -162, Vikings +280, Bears +400, Lions +2000):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/colin-cowherds-2021-nfc-predictions-dallas-cowboys-san-francisco-49ers-tampa-bay-buccaneers

2022 NFL Draft:

Big Ten Preseason All-Conference team ahead of 2021 college football season:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-ten-preseason-all-conference-team-2021/

ACC Preseason All-Conference team ahead of 2021 college football season:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/acc-preseason-all-conference-team-2021/


Posted by LionsFan at 5:03 AM 0 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
.main-inner .sidebar .Poll { background-color: #AD966C; padding: 15px; }