Thursday, September 30, 2021

Afternoon Lions Links for Thursday 9-30-21

Articles:

O'HARA'S SCOUTING REPORT: Chicago Bears:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-scouting-report-chicago-bears-fields-dalton-foles

D’Andre Swift already leads all running backs in receiving yardage. Now his role could grow even more.:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/dandre-swift-already-leads-all-running-backs-in-receiving-yardage-now-his-role-could-grow-even-more.html



Chris Spielman bolster coaching role with Lions LB coach Mark DeLeone:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/30/detroit-lions-chris-spielman-mark-deleone-coaching-advisor/

Detroit Lions Anthony Lynn Addresses USC Rumors:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/anthony-lynn-addresses-usc-rumors




VIDEO:

Posted by LionsFan at 12:24 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 9-30-21

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Swift earning more playing time in Lions' offense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-swift-earning-more-playing-time-in-lions-offense-hockenson


Week 4 opponent: What the Bears are saying:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/week-4-opponent-what-the-bears-are-saying-dalton-fields-foles

No Trey Flowers at Detroit Lions practice; Da’Shawn Hand, Taylor Decker neither:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/no-trey-flowers-at-detroit-lions-practice-dashawn-hand-taylor-decker-neither.html

Lions QB Jared Goff knows Justin Fields’ pain: ‘You’re never ready to play as a rookie (quarterback)’:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/lions-qb-jared-goff-knows-justin-fields-pain-youre-never-ready-to-play-as-a-rookie-quarterback.html

5 things to watch: The Bears have even more problems on offense than Detroit:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/5-things-to-watch-the-bears-have-even-more-problems-on-offense-than-detroit.html

Detroit Lions look to get TE T.J. Hockenson back stuffing box scores after quiet outing:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/detroit-lions-look-to-get-te-tj-hockenson-back-stuffing-box-scores-after-quiet-outing.html







Against former teammate, D'Andre Swift ready to 'turn up my game even more':  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/lions-rb-dandre-swift-ready-to-turn-up-my-game-even-more

Imagining the NFL's Shohei Ohtani: We picked the best potential two-way players for all 32 teams (Detroit Lions - Two-way candidate: NT Alim McNeill.  There's no way that a 6-foot-2, 330-pound nose tackle should be moving the way he does. McNeill played some short-yardage running back at Sanderson High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, scoring 18 career touchdowns while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. But he was actually a star on the baseball diamond, earning three all-conference selections while batting .355 as a senior. He gave up the right field position in baseball to focus on football, becoming a second-team AP All-American at NC State, and now is a rookie contributor to the Lions as a third-round pick.  "I didn't see myself as a big guy in the outfield, honestly," McNeill said after being drafted in April. "I just see myself as an athlete out there."  His new teammates have personally witnessed what the hype is all about in baseball, too. "He can actually throw the [football] and catch it smooth," fellow rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown said. "We had this little baseball thing we did for all the rookies after the OTAs and he was also hitting Wiffle ball." -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32257484/imagining-nfl-shohei-ohtani-best-potential-two-way-players-all-32-teams-including-chase-young-myles-garrett-jalen-ramsey-playing-offense#DET

QB Power Rankings: Top 32 quarterbacks from Patrick Mahomes to Justin Fields (16.  Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (Season: 3 GP | 267.0 YPG (13th) | 69.9% (11th) | 3.3 avg CAY (31st) | 4.1 TD% (20th) | 1.6 INT% (13th) | 64 rush yards (8th) | 0 rush TDs (T-16th)):  While it was Jared Goff’s first turnover-free outing of 2021, it was also his first without a touchdown. Indeed Goff’s conservative approach has not won the Lions any games. But it’s allowed his team to remain competitive each week. Unfortunately, it really should’ve worked Sunday. Per Next Gen Stats, Justin Tucker’s game-winner was given a 10.4% probability of splitting the uprights.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/qb-power-rankings-2021/

QB rankings, 1-32: Prescott, Carr soar into top three (24.  Jared Goff (2021 stats: 3 games | 69.9 pct | 801 pass yds | 6.5 ypa | 5 pass TD | 2 INT | 64 rush yds | 0 rush TD | 2 fumbles):  Jared Goff playing in Detroit is exactly how I imagined it would be, and there's something to be said for that. While he still may struggle with blitzes, the Lions have moved the ball pretty well for a team where Kalif Raymond is the WR1. There aren't going to be many big plays, but Goff gives his squad a chance.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-qb-index-week-4-2021-season-rankings

QB Power Rankings, Week 4: Carr, Rodgers on the rise (24. Jared Goff:  At least he's showed fight. Like the Lions, he'll keep things competitive but still isn't good enough on his own to change a game.  (+1)):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-4-nfl-qb-power-rankings-derek-carr-approaches-top-10-aaron-rodgers-overtakes-patrick-mahomes-at-no-1/



Articles from Opposing Teams Media:



VIDEO:





Posted by LionsFan at 4:38 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 9-29-21

Articles:


Lions PFF grades: Best and worst players against the Ravens:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-pff-grades-best-and-worst-players-against-the-ravens/


Detroit Lions D'Andre Swift Can Start against Chicago Bears:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dandre-swift-can-start-against-chicago-bears

Detroit Lions Carry Highest Dead Money Charges in NFL:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lions-lead-nfl-in-dead-cap-salary-costs


Detroit Lions film room: Failed trick play against the Ravens could have positive long-term results:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/9/29/22700030/detroit-lions-film-room-failed-trick-play-against-the-ravens-could-have-positive-long-term-results

Detroit Lions Week 4 scouting report: The Chicago Bears’ offense is still horrible:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/9/29/22698111/detroit-lions-week-4-scouting-report-the-chicago-bears-offense-is-still-horrible

Video:


Watch: Interview with Dean Blandino on the officiating controversy in Lions' loss to Ravens:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/29/detroit-lions-podcast-dean-blandino-interview-week-3-officiating/
Posted by LionsFan at 12:41 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 9-29-21

Articles:

Detroit Lions release Jamie Collins after trying to find trade partner for veteran linebacker:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/detroit-lions-release-jamie-collins-after-trying-to-find-trade-partner-for-veteran-linebacker.html

NFC North roundup: Detroit Lions-Chicago Bears wobble into first meeting after rough losses in Week 3:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/nfc-north-roundup-detroit-lions-chicago-bears-wobble-into-first-meeting-after-rough-losses-in-week-3.html


Was Inexperienced Lions Cornerback to Blame for Blown Coverage?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/sammy-watkins-beats-detroit-lions-secondary-in-fourth-quarter



One thing we learned about each NFL team in Week 3 (Detroit Lions:  Not that anyone really thought otherwise, but this isn't their year. Justin Tucker hitting a 66-yard walk-off field goal to send you to 0-3 despite hard-fought efforts to open the season? Check back in 2022. In all seriousness, they've been competitive from the jump.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/one-thing-we-learned-about-each-nfl-team-in-week-3-of-2021-season-rams-raiders-among-nfls-toughest/

Video:




Posted by LionsFan at 4:25 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Afternoon Lions Links for Tuesday 9-28-21

Articles:


Campbell plans to call NFL about two apparent officiating errors that cost Lions against Ravens:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/campbell-plans-to-call-nfl-about-two-officiating-errors


Lions vs. Ravens film study: 4 things I learned from the rewatch of the Week 3 game:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-vs-ravens-film-study-week-3-breakdown/

Taylor Decker has a 'very slim' chance to return in Week 4 vs. Bears:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/28/taylor-decker-has-a-very-slim-chance-to-return-in-week-4-vs-bears/


Lions vs. Ravens Week 3 stock report: Stellar play from the edges:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/9/28/22694924/detroit-lions-baltimore-ravens-week-3-stock-report


NFC North recap: Nagy’s seat is getting hotter after Fields’ disastrous debut:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/9/28/22696252/nfc-north-week-3-recap-matt-nagys-seat-hotter-justin-fields-disastrous-debut

Power Rankings:


Posted by LionsFan at 12:22 PM 0 comments

Week 4 Power Rankings

USA Today (26. Lions (29): It took an NFL-record 66-yard field goal from Baltimore's Justin Tucker to beat them at the gun Sunday ... eight years after Tucker beat them with a 61-yarder in a similar situation ... and 51 years after New Orleans' Tom Dempsey set a then-record with a game-winning 63-yarder as time expired.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2021/09/28/nfl-power-rankings-week-3-2021-rams-buccaneers/5892509001/

NFL.com (27.  Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions:  “These fans can smell win No. 1 on the year!” CBS play-by-play man Greg Gumbel was just stating the obvious, but it all felt like a cruel jinx after Justin Tucker kicked a 66-yard field goal to hand the Lions one of the most ridiculous losses in franchise history (this is really saying something). The absurd finish spoiled an otherwise excellent fourth quarter by the Lions, who sandwiched a Lamar Jackson interception with two scoring drives that put them ahead with 64 seconds to play. But on the Ravens' final possession, Jackson moved Baltimore just inside Detroit territory, while officials appeared to miss a crucial delay of game call before Tucker made history. Impossible.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-4-2021-nfl-season

PFT (27. Lions (0-3, No. 30): If only someone had bitten Justin Tucker‘s kneecap when they had the chance.):  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/09/28/pfts-week-four-2021-power-rankings/

SI (28: Detroit Lions (0-3):  I honestly feel bad for Lions fans. Even when something cool is happening in front of them—think Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford or, now, the world’s most excitable coach in Dan Campbell—they just seemed destined to struggle. This year appears no exception.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/09/28/nfl-power-rankings-week-4

Yahoo (28. Detroit Lions (0-3, LW: 29):  The Lions can complain about the delay-of-game penalty that officials missed before Justin Tucker's field goal, or the bad luck on that kick that bounced in. But why rush only three on fourth-and-19, allowing Lamar Jackson all day to find Sammy Watkins downfield to set up the field goal? Why do coaches think that's a good idea?):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-figuring-out-why-the-hyped-rookie-qb-class-is-flopping-early-on-033110807.html

Touchdown wire (28. Detroit Lions (0-3) (Last week: 29):  The Lions lost to a NFL record from Justin Tucker and kudos to him for hitting it. But Detroit got hosed with the play-clock decision after the Lions kept it close with a good team all game. That 36-yards they gave up on fourth-down would have avoided all this… and there’s no excuse for that.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-power-rankings-week-4-top-spots-jumbled-chiefs-rams-bills-buccaneers/

Athlonsports (28. Detroit Lions:  The roster just isn’t in a place where the team can compete for four full quarters, much less against a division favorite in a big national game. But for a half? That is doable and probably a bit of a silver lining in this 0-2 start to another rebuild.):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/nfl-power-rankings

PFN (28.  Detroit Lions:  This is a bad football team. There’s no hiding that fact. However, the Lions have faced three top-10 teams in the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Baltimore Ravens. Detroit has battled each and every one of them despite being grossly outmanned.  The Lions seem to be taking to Dan Campbell in a way I haven’t seen since Detroit employed Jim Caldwell (who probably deserves to be a head coach somewhere). Hopefully, ownership allows Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes to build this roster before giving up on them.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-power-rankings-2021-nflwk-4/


SN (29. Detroit Lions 0-3 (28):  The Lions are showing some pride and heart with Dan Campbell. They fought hard against the 49ers and Ravens at home with nothing to show for it. The positives are the offensive line and running game to offset a feisty but overmatched defense.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-rams-buccaneers-49ers-chiefs-steelers/11w70ztl645oe1438cykj25bmu

AP Pro 32 (29. Lions):  https://www.pro32.ap.org/poll

Walterfootball (29. Detroit Lions NFL Power Rankings Detroit Lions (0-3) - Previously: 29.
How do you recover from what the Lions just endured? Not only did they lose on a 66-yard field goal; they saw the officials completely miss a delay-of-game penalty right beforehand. The look on Dan Campbell's face when Justin Tucker's kick connected was that of a man who just got kicked in the nuts. It's going to hurt for a while, PC Head Coach.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

ESPN (30. Detroit Lions (0-3) (Team QBR: 40.0.  QBR rank: 25th):  Statistically, quarterback Jared Goff has been decent. Through three games, he has completed 86 of 123 passes for a 69.9% completion rate, the highest by a Lions quarterback through the first three games of a season. He also has produced a passer rating of 92.0 or greater in each of the first three games of the season, joining Matthew Stafford (2013, 2011) as the only Lions players to do so. The biggest question mark is dealing with pressure. Goff entered the Week 3 loss to Baltimore completing 9 of 17 passes with no touchdowns and two interceptions when pressured this season. He still has to get fully comfortable in the offense, all while dealing with some key injuries, notably to wide receiver Tyrell Williams. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32293299/week-4-nfl-power-rankings-2021-1-32-poll-plus-how-every-team-rates-quarterback-far

CBS (30. Lions:  Losing the way they did to the Ravens on a 66-yard field goal has to sting. But they play hard, which is a good sign for coach Dan Campbell as he builds to something.):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-power-rankings-rams-cardinals-sit-1-2-ahead-of-sundays-nfc-west-showdown/

Average Power Ranking (395/14):  28


Posted by LionsFan at 12:21 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 9-28-21

Articles:

KEY QUESTIONS: Would Campbell change Lions' approach to final offensive possession?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/key-questions-would-campbell-change-lions-approach-to-final-offensive-possession

TIM AND MIKE: Week 3 observations:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-week-3-observations-swift-harris-reeves-maybin

Detroit Lions remain mum on plans for Penei Sewell as Taylor Decker’s return looms:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/detroit-lions-remain-mum-on-plans-for-penei-sewell-as-taylor-deckers-return-looms.html

Lions coach Dan Campbell explains questionable clock management choices late in loss to Ravens:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/lions-coach-dan-campbell-explains-questionable-clock-management-choices-late-in-loss-to-ravens.html

3 things we learned: Lions’ defensive adjustments show promising results against Baltimore:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/3-things-we-learned-lions-defensive-adjustments-show-promising-results-against-baltimore.html





Jim Harbaugh calls Lions-Ravens game 'one for the ages' while U-M player laments S.O.L.:  https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/27/detroit-lions-baltimore-ravens-michigan-football-jim-harbaugh-ryan-hayes-reaction/



Why Lions' Offense Struggled in First Half against Ravens: 'We Stalled Out':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-offense-struggled-first-half-baltimore-ravens


Detroit Lions’ Taylor Decker, Da’Shawn Hand not yet ready to come off IR:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/9/27/22696863/detroit-lions-taylor-decker-dashawn-hand-not-yet-ready-to-come-off-ir


Justin Tucker's game-winning kick latest in line of heartbreaking moments for Detroit Lions:  https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/38052/tuckers-game-winning-kick-latest-in-line-of-heartbreaking-moments-for-lions

Monday huddle: Just when it seemed like the Lions had lost every way possible, this happened:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2021/09/27/monday-huddle-just-when-it-seemed-like-the-lions-had-lost-every-way-possible-this-happened/

NFL Rookie Rankings Week 4: Jaycee Horn injury hurts promising defensive class (4. Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit Lions:  Sewell hasn’t been quite as clean as Slater, but he’s been very good as a rookie. He’s also had to deal with names like Nick Bosa, Preston Smith, and fellow rookie stud Odafe Oweh in his first three weeks.  Despite that competition, Sewell has yet to allow a sack since 2018. If you don’t think that’s impressive, I’m sorry — but I have some bad news. You’ve been in a coma for three years, and it’s now 2021. Sewell has not allowed a sack since Amari Cooper was a Raider.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-rookie-rankings-2021-nflwk-4/

$.10 After 2021 NFL Week 3 ($.02--Justin Tucker is the greatest kicker in NFL history. Even most casual NFL fans probably knew that already, but Tucker added even more credence to his historical legacy with an amazing, unprecedented performance in Baltimore’s 19-17 win over the Detroit Lions.   Tucker banked in a 66-yard field goal off the crossbar as time expired to lift the Ravens to the win. It’s the longest successful field goal in NFL history. It was an amazing kick and an incredible ending to what was a complete dog of a game for most of the afternoon. But it never should have been allowed to be attempted. The Ravens converted a 4th-and-19 to move into plausible Tucker range. But they ran a play in between downing the ball to stop the clock and trotting Tucker out for the historical bomb. And on that play, the play clock quite clearly reached zero before Jackson called for the snap. It wasn’t even close; at minimum, two full seconds elapsed between the play clock expiring and the center snapping the ball. Obvious penalty. Except it wasn’t called.  The delay-of-game penalty would have resulted in a 10-second runoff, thus ending the game. Baltimore had no timeouts. The game was over if the back judge of referee Scott Novak’s crew does his job. But they did not. The inability of the officiating crew to properly administer the operations of the game directly cost the Lions a win.  I’m not going to lie: I haven’t been this upset about anything sports-related in a very long time. Probably since Art Modell announced he was moving my hometown Browns to Baltimore. And that’s saying something for me, a long-hardened Lions fan from Cleveland. It’s now several hours later since I wrote this for Lions Wire, and I’m still seething in anger. Not disappointment, not frustration. Anger.  As I stated in the linked piece above, there is a distinct difference between judgment calls and officials making procedural or mechanical errors. Bad judgment calls happen. That’s life with human officials watching incredible athletes. I empathize with officials on most judgment calls more than I criticize them (maybe not in the heat of the moment, I’ll admit). But the officials CAN NOT make mistakes on the actual mechanics of operating the football game. And that’s what happened here. Unacceptable. Part of my anger stems from the fact that I should enjoy Tucker’s epic kick, even at the expense of the team I root for. It was an amazing kick from one of my favorite players around the league. Tucker should be celebrated for his feat with his feet. But the incapable officiating takes some of the shine away from Tucker’s epic moment, too.):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3378/$10-After-2021-NFL-Week-3

Matt Nagy: Andy Dalton, Justin Fields, Nick Foles all under consideration to start this week:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/09/27/matt-nagy-andy-dalton-justin-fields-nick-foles-all-under-consideration-to-start-this-week/

2022 NFL Draft:

2022 NFL Draft prospect battle: Enagbare vs. Kinnard:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/


2022 NFL Draft Stock Report: Risers and sliders from college football in Week 4:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-stock-report-risers-and-sliders-from-college-football-in-week-4/

2022 NFL draft: Fresno State's Jake Haener inches up QB prospect power rankings:  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-fresno-states-jake-haener-inches-up-qb-prospect-power-rankings-191237490.html

Video:


Jared Goff confident despite heartbreaking loss to Ravens:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/983028
Posted by LionsFan at 3:37 AM 0 comments

Monday, September 27, 2021

Afternoon Lions Links for Monday 9-27-21

Articles:

O'HARA'S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Looking at Campbell's message after tough loss:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/looking-at-campbell-s-message-after-tough-loss-tucker

Late coaching decisions haunt Detroit Lions in stunning loss to Ravens:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/late-coaching-decisions-haunt-detroit-lions-in-stunning-loss-to-ravens.html

Snap counts: Lions LBs Derrick Barnes, Jalen Reeves-Maybin split reps with Jamie Collins out:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/snap-counts-lions-lbs-derrick-barnes-jalen-reeves-maybin-split-reps-with-jamie-collins-out.html

Welcome to Detroit, where we watch some of the most indescribable football you’ve ever seen:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/welcome-to-detroit-where-we-watch-some-of-the-most-indescribable-football-youve-ever-seen-in-your-life.html

Michigan native coaching Baltimore Ravens gets ‘a little crazy’ after record kick beats Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/michigan-native-coaching-baltimore-ravens-gets-a-little-crazy-after-record-kick-beats-lions.html

Dan Campbell news conference: Timeout called because 1 Lions player wasn't on same page:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/09/27/dan-campbell-news-conference-detroit-lions/5882708001/


Lions vs. Ravens: Stock up and stock down following Week 3 loss:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-vs-ravens-stock-up-and-stock-down-following-week-3-loss/


Ranking Coaching Staff's Critical Errors in Week 3:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/ranking-lions-coaching-errors-week-three




Grades:

Lions grades: Defense delivers strong showing on third down while passing attack sputters in Week 3 loss:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/lions-grades-defense-delivers-strong-showing-on-third-down-while-passing-attack-sputters-in-week-3-loss.html

Detroit Lions Week 3 report card: Defensive line finally lives up to billing:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/9/27/22695685/detroit-lions-week-3-report-card-defensive-line-finally-lives-billing
Posted by LionsFan at 12:01 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Monday 9-27-21

Articles:

FOUR DOWNS: Lions react to 'gut punch' finish by Ravens:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/four-downs-lions-react-to-gut-punch-finish-by-tucker-ravens-goff-campbell

NOTEBOOK: Pool report explains delay of game mechanics:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-pool-report-explains-delay-of-game-mechanics

Lions’ Dan Campbell expecting apology from NFL over officials not calling delay of game:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/lions-dan-campbell-expecting-apology-from-nfl-over-officials-not-calling-delay-of-game.html

Inside the locker room: Lamar Jackson thankful for breather, new fourth-down play after late Lions timeout:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/inside-the-locker-room-lamar-jackson-thankful-for-breather-new-fourth-down-play-after-late-lions-timeout.html


Dan Campbell: Lions must play hand dealt after potential missed call:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/09/26/dan-campbell-detroit-lions-must-play-hand-dealt-after-potential-missed-call/5877725001/

Last-second, record-breaking field goal a gut punch for winless Lions:  https://lionslowdown.com/2021/09/26/last-second-record-breaking-field-goal-a-gut-punch-for-winless-lions/


Lions vs Ravens: Studs and Duds for Week 3:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-ravens-studs-duds-week-3/


Lamar Jackson Explains How Lions Timeout Helped: 'Needed a Little Breather':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lamar-jackson-explains-how-lions-timeout-helped-offense

Look: Did That Just Happen to Detroit Lions?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/justin-tucker-makes-nfl-history-against-lions


Justin Tucker loves Detroit so much "I'm thinking about getting a place here":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/justin-tucker-man-i-love-detroit-of-course-he-does


NFL Week 3 Game Recap: Baltimore Ravens 19, Detroit Lions 17:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-3-game-recap-baltimore-ravens-19-detroit-lions-17

2021 NFL season, Week 3: What we learned from Sunday's games (Lions-Ravens:  1.  Justin Tucker is the G.O.A.T: Lions fans have seen this movie before. They knew the ending. It wasn't a surprise for many of us. Tucker had never missed a field goal in 15 tries in the final minute of regulation. Then again, he'd never missed in a dome, either, until booting one wide right in the first quarter at Ford Field. So maybe there was some hope for Detroit. Sixty-six yards and a bounce off the crossbar later, Tucker had not only fulfilled the Lions' fears, he'd made history. It was the longest field goal of all time and had a 10.4% probability of going in, per Next Gen Stats. The 2021 season is three weeks old and all three Ravens games have been decided in the final seconds. They could easily be 3-0 or 0-3. A week after Lamar Jackson's heroics against the Chiefs, Baltimore is a winning team (2-1) again because its kicker continued to make his case as the greatest of all time.  2.  Jackson deserves a pass on this game. Since becoming a starter midway through the 2018 season, Jackson has caught continual flak for his inconsistency and limitations as a thrower. It's fair. But it's not all on him. Marquise Brown deserves that same energy. The former first-rounder hasn't played to his draft standing through two-plus seasons. He especially underperformed Sunday against the Lions. Brown dropped three would-be touchdowns, including two on the same drive. The first would have given the Ravens a two-score lead. The next two came just before halftime with Baltimore leading 10-0. This game, not to mention Jackson's numbers and the perception of his play, would have been dramatically different if Brown had done his job. Jackson still needs to improve, but his receiving corps does, as well.  3.  The Lions are halfway there. The adage about playing hard for 60 minutes is as old as the NFL. No team actually keeps it up for every minute, but in a league filled with parity, the good ones will for longer than the bad ones. Through three weeks of the season, the 0-3 Lions again belong to the former group. It's worth noting, they've put together a great half in each game this season, outplaying the likes of the 49ers, Packers and Ravens. Perhaps it's a sign of progress under first-year coach Dan Campbell. But falling behind 10-0 at home in the first half -- and the margin should have been greater – to a depleted Ravens squad one week after no-showing in the second half against the Packers is confounding for a squad that swore its effort would be relentless in this new regime. Instead, it's looked a lot like the old Detroit.  Next Gen Stat of the game: Lamar Jackson attempted 20 (of 27) passes for 10+ air yards (74.1%, excludes four throwaways). His previous career high was 52.9% in Week 10 of the 2019 season versus the Bengals.  NFL Research: Justin Tucker's previous career long was a 61-yard, game-winner versus Detroit in 2013.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-season-week-3-what-we-learned-from-sunday-s-games

Officials appeared to miss delay of game penalty on Ravens one play before winning field goal:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/09/26/officials-appeared-to-miss-delay-of-game-penalty-on-ravens-one-play-before-winning-field-goal/

Officials miss Ravens' obvious delay of game before Justin Tucker's game-winning field goal:  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/ravens-delay-of-game-field-goal-officials/l1s9dyrqczwo1g7g40r0nidi5

NFL officials may have missed delay of game penalty prior to Justin Tucker's record-setting FG in Ravens win:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-officials-may-have-missed-delay-of-game-penalty-prior-to-justin-tuckers-record-setting-fg-in-ravens-win/

The Lions' radio broadcast was stunned as Justin Tucker made his 66-yard, game-winning field goal:  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/09/lions-radio-broadcast-call-video-justin-tucker-66-yard-field-goal-reaction-nfl-ravens

Grades:


CBS (Lions (Grade - B+):  The Detroit Lions played a nearly perfect game, but even that wasn't enough to pull off the upset here. Not only did the Lions defense do a reasonably good job of bottling up Jackson, but they also stopped him on nearly every big play. The Ravens converted just 1 of 10 times on third down, but the Lions bend-but-don't-break defense finally broke in the fourth quarter when Jackson converted a fourth-and-19. The Lions offense played a stellar second half that helped them dig out of a 13-0 hole to take a 17-16 lead with 1:07 left. We won't rehash how this game ended, though, because Lions fans are probably already tired of hearing about it.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-3-grades-bills-get-an-a-for-thrashing-washington-patriots-get-an-f-for-ugly-loss-to-saints/

2022 NFL Draft:

NCAA QB Stock Watch: Kenny Pickett stays hot, Spencer Rattler looks shaky:  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/kenny-pickett-jake-haener-malik-willis-devin-leary/


College Football Players of the Week: Xavier Worthy and Jameson Williams best of Week 4:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-players-of-the-week-cfbwk-4/

As Liberty QB Malik Willis shines, these 5 NFL teams should have him on their radar:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/as-liberty-qb-malik-willis-shines-these-5-nfl-teams-should-have-him-on-their-radar/


College Football Week 4: PFF’s Team of the Week and Player Awards:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-4-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2021

College Football Week 4 Takeaways: Notable grades, advanced stats & more:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-4-takeaways-grades-advanced-stats-2021

VIDEO:

Best plays from Lions RBs vs. Ravens | Week 3:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/best-plays-from-lions-rbs-vs-ravens-week-3







Posted by LionsFan at 4:17 AM 0 comments

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Evening Lions Links for Sunday 9-26-21

Articles:

RECAP: Lions vs. Ravens:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/recap-lions-vs-ravens-tucker-oruwariye-goff-swift

Instant observations: Detroit Lions lose on NFL-record field goal that bounces over crossbar:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/instant-observations-detroit-lions-lose-on-nfl-record-field-goal-that-bounces-over-crossbar.html

Baltimore Ravens hit NFL record 66-yard field goal at buzzer to beat Detroit Lions 19-17: Live updates recap:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/live-updates-detroit-lions-host-baltimore-ravens-in-week-3-action.html

Halftime analysis: Detroit Lions’ scoreless streak hits 4 quarters in ugly first half against Ravens:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/halftime-analysis-detroit-lions-scoreless-streak-hits-4-quarters-in-ugly-first-half-against-ravens.html






Dan Campbell avoids talking about controversy, admits 'we gave it up' on key 4th down play:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/26/dan-campbell-lions-ravens-week-3-postgame-quotes-delay-of-game/

The NFL cannot hide from another officiating error that directly costs the Lions a win:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/26/nfl-officiating-error-lions-ravens-game/

Lions lose a heartbreaker on controversial, record-setting last-second field goal:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/26/lions-ravens-justin-tucker-record-fg-controversy-week-3/

Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens: Everything we know:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-ravens-nfl-week-3-recap-final-score/



Five Takeaways from Detroit Lions 19-17 Loss to Baltimore Ravens:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lions-lose-on-justin-tucker-late-game-ending-field-goal

First-Half Observations: Sloppy Play, Lions Attempt Horrible Trick Play:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-ravens-first-half-observations-week-three







Week 3 takeaways, big questions: Ravens' record kick, Chiefs' turnover woes, Steelers' offense sputters again (Lions - What to know: The latest loss was yet another heartbreaker for Lions fans. The defense did everything to make the game competitive until the waning seconds when Lamar Jackson completed a 4th-and-19 pass to Sammy Watkins for 36 yards. It set up Justin Tucker's NFL-record 66-yard field goal at the buzzer. After going forward with the decision to seek a trade for veteran linebacker Jamie Collins and play the younger guys like Derrick Barnes and Jalen Reeves-Maybin, the defensive line was relentless as Jackson was sacked four times. But Jackson, a former NFL MVP, and Tucker, found a way to pull it out at the end. -- Eric Woodyard.  Is the Lions backfield for real? Swaggy & Swifty. That's the nickname for the Detroit Lions backfield featuring D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. The run game has been an Achilles heel of the Lions for much of the post-Barry Sanders era, but this duo continued to be one of the strong points of the squad with another solid performance, not only on the ground, but in the air. Swift (47 yards and one TD rushing; seven receptions for 60 yards) and Williams (42 yards and a TD rushing; two catches for 25 yard) helped keep Detroit in the game and in position for a major upset. -- Woodyard.  Woodyard's confidence rating (0-10): 5, up from 4.5. Unlike the first two weeks, the Lions showed their potential when they're competitive for an entire game, limiting mistakes. In Week 1, Detroit started slow and ended strong then started fast against Green Bay in Week 2 before getting blown out, but versus Baltimore the defense pressured Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and kept them in the game along with solid rushing so my confidence has increased.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32285207/nfl-week-3-takeaways-learned-big-reaction-questions-stat-leaders-every-game

Tucker's NFL-record FG lifts Ravens to 19-17 win over Lions:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401326366

VIDEO:

D'Andre Swift extends football past plane of goal line for TD:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/d-andre-swift-extends-football-past-plane-of-goal-line-for-td

Jamaal Williams hammers through contact for physical TD:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jamaal-williams-hammers-through-contact-for-physical-td

HIGHLIGHT: Oruwariye outmaneuvers WR for contested INT on third down:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-oruwariye-outmaneuvers-wr-for-contested-int-on-third-down

Lions swarm Devonta Freemon for third-down tackle for loss:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/lions-swarm-devonta-freemon-for-third-down-tackle-for-loss

Santoso has ice in his veins on 35-yard FG to give Lions a late lead:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/santoso-has-ice-in-his-veins-on-35-yard-fg-to-give-lions-a-late-lead

Ravens vs. Lions highlights | Week 3:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/ravens-vs-lions-highlights-week-3
Posted by LionsFan at 5:51 PM 0 comments

Pre-Game Lions Links for Sunday 9-26-21

Articles:

INACTIVES: Lions vs. Ravens:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/inactives-lions-vs-ravens-flowers-collins-jefferson



Lions vs. Ravens: 4 things to watch in the Week 3 matchup:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-vs-ravens-4-things-to-watch-in-the-week-3-matchup/

Behind Enemy Lines: Breaking down Baltimore's Week 3 visit to Detroit with Ravens Wire:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/26/lions-vs-ravens-matchup-breakdown-week-3/

Huddle Up: Detroit Lions Week 3 Projected Depth Chart:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-week-three-depth-chart



Bold Prediction of the Week: Lions secondary remains stout vs. Lamar Jackson:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/9/26/22693865/bold-prediction-lions-secondary-remains-stout-against-ravens
Posted by LionsFan at 11:47 AM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 9-26-21

Articles:

Kevin Strong becomes 10th Lions player to land on injured reserve; K Ryan Santoso elevated against Ravens:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/kevin-strong-becomes-10th-lions-player-to-land-on-injured-reserve-k-ryan-santoso-elevated-against-ravens.html

Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens: Matchups to watch, key questions heading into Week 3:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/detroit-lions-vs-baltimore-ravens-matchups-to-watch-key-questions-heading-into-week-3.html


'You get a little sick to your stomach': Defending Lamar Jackson an uneasy task for 0-2 Lions:  https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/38035/you-get-a-little-sick-to-your-stomach-defending-lamar-jackson-an-uneasy-task-for-0-2-lions




5 Lions Players to Watch against Baltimore Ravens:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/five-lions-to-watch-against-ravens-week-three



2022 NFL Draft:

College Football Week 4: Noon game observations:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb-week-4-noon-game-observations-cfbwk-4/

Malik Willis shines in Liberty's last-second loss vs. Syracuse:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2021/09/25/malik-willis-liberty-syracuse-nfl-draft-college-football/

Video:

3 and Out with Baltimore Ravens Reporter Garrett Downing | Week 3:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/3-and-out-with-baltimore-ravens-reporter-garrett-downing-week-3
Posted by LionsFan at 4:16 AM 0 comments

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 9-24-21

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Barnes, Reeves-Maybin looking forward to expanded roles:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-barnes-reeves-maybin-looking-forward-to-expanded-roles


Detroit Lions officially rule out Jamie Collins against Ravens; Trey Flowers among 7 questionable:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/detroit-lions-officially-rule-out-jamie-collins-against-ravens-trey-flowers-among-7-questionable.html

Baltimore Ravens place 4 defenders on COVID list ahead of meeting with Detroit Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/baltimore-ravens-place-4-defenders-on-covid-list-ahead-of-meeting-with-detroit-lions.html

Lions rookie LB Derrick Barnes excited to get first NFL shot against Lamar Jackson:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/lions-rookie-lb-derrick-barnes-excited-to-get-first-nfl-shot-against-lamar-jackson.html

How Trey Flowers' absence would impact Lions run defense vs. Ravens:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/09/24/detroit-lions-injury-report-trey-flowers-hurt/5845770001/



2022 NFL Draft:


2022 NFL Draft: PFF's top-100 NFL draft prospects:  https://www.pff.com/news/2022-nfl-draft-pffs-top-100-nfl-draft-prospects

How Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III is already hot in his pursuit of college football stardom:  https://www.pff.com/news/michigan-state-running-back-kenneth-walker-iii-heisman-trophy-2021

2022 NFL draft: Liberty QB Malik Willis has a great matchup to boost his stock:  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-liberty-qb-malik-willis-has-a-great-matchup-to-boost-his-stock-162240901.html

Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 4:40 AM 0 comments

Friday, September 24, 2021

Afternoon Lions Links for Friday 9-24-21

Articles:

Goff playing with confidence to start the season, despite early losses:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/goff-playing-with-confidence-to-start-the-season-despite-early-losses

Lions’ Trey Flowers could miss Ravens game after sitting out practice week with knee, shoulder injuries:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/lions-trey-flowers-could-miss-ravens-game-after-missing-full-practice-week.html

Detroit Lions UDFA A.J. Parker ranks among league’s best rookie cornerbacks:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/09/detroit-lions-udfa-aj-parker-ranks-among-leagues-best-rookie-cornerbacks.html


Lions OC Anthony Lynn prepping for the Ravens 'zero blitz' defense:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/24/lions-ravens-week-3-anthony-lynn-jared-goff-zero-blitz-scheme/

Where does David Blough rank among the NFL's backup QBs?:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/24/lions-david-blough-nfl-backup-qb-rankings/


Why the Detroit Lions Need to Worry about Ravens WR Marquise Brown:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/ravens-marquise-lee-scouting-report


The Lions’ only win against the Ravens came in a crazy, mess of a game:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/9/24/22688190/detroit-lions-baltimore-ravens-crazy-game-2005-history


Predictions:


Note:  most of the predictions are there, but I still have a few more to add.
Posted by LionsFan at 12:17 PM 0 comments
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