Saturday, May 13, 2023

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 5-13-23

Articles:



Lions sign QB Hendon Hooker, 2 other draft picks ahead of rookie minicamp:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/05/lions-sign-qb-hendon-hooker-2-other-draft-picks-ahead-of-rookie-minicamp.html

Dan Campbell pumped to draw mighty Chiefs in Week 1: ‘We’re beginning to get noticed’:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/05/dan-campbell-pumped-to-draw-mighty-chiefs-in-week-1-were-beginning-to-get-noticed.html

How the Detroit Lions’ 2023 schedule compares to the rest of NFC North:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/05/how-the-detroit-lions-2023-schedule-compares-to-the-rest-of-nfc-north.html



Dan Campbell is the odds-on favorite for NFL coach of the year:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/05/12/dan-campbell-odds-nfl-coach-of-the-year-2023-favorite/

Watch: Breaking down the Lions schedule and picking wins and losses:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/05/12/detroit-lions-podcast-2023-schedule-breakdown-prediction-video/

Frank Ragnow: Playing Chiefs 'Great Test' for Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/frank-ragnow-playing-chiefs-great-test

Lions Host Monday Night Football First Time since 2018:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-to-host-raiders-monday-night-football


Gardner-Johnson on Facing Chiefs: 'I Want to Spoil the Homecoming':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/gardner-johnson-wants-to-defeat-chiefs





2023 NFL schedule release: Bold predictions, takeaways and revenge games for all 32 teams (Detroit Lions - The Lions will win their first NFC North division title. Although the Lions have won their division before, most recently in 1993, it was called the NFC Central and had five teams. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers had ruled the division of late, winning three of the past four titles. With Rodgers gone to the New York Jets, and after closing out the year with a win at Lambeau Field over the Packers for the regular-season finale, the division is up for grabs. The Lions had their first winning record since 2017, after winning eight of their final 10 games in 2022 to finish at 9-8, and will look to go even further under head coach Dan Campbell. Read more from Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37596704/2023-nfl-schedule-release-bold-predictions-takeaways-revenge-games-all-32-teams

Most improved linebacker rooms following free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft (DETROIT LIONS - Similarly to when we featured the Lions in our article on the most improved running back groups, the debate around picking an off-ball linebacker in the first round has to be acknowledged. However, while the discussion was mainly around the secondary — and Detroit did address that in free agency — the Lions needed help at the linebacker position.  Rookie Malcolm Rodriguez was Detroit’s highest-graded linebacker, earning a 62.8 mark that ranked only 47th among linebackers in the NFL. In addition, teammates Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone ranked 48th and 53rd, respectively. Drafting former Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell should certainly strengthen the position group. Even though the value of the pick can be argued about, he was still PFF’s top linebacker in this year’s draft and should help Detroit’s defense in all facets of the game, especially coverage.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-most-improved-linebacker-rooms-following-free-agency-2023-nfl-draft

Most improved running back rooms following free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft (DETROIT LIONS - The Lions moved on from their top two running backs in Jamaal Williams and Swift. While Williams led the league with 17 rushing touchdowns last season, he averaged just 4.1 yards per carry, which ranked only 32nd in the league, and also had limitations in the passing game, as he ranked 87th out of 89 running backs with a PFF receiving grade of 39.7.  The first move in replacing Williams and Swift was for Detroit to sign David Montgomery in free agency. Although Montgomery has been only average in his last two seasons in Chicago, he flashed ability earlier in his career when he earned an 80.2 PFF grade in 2020. The Lions hope Montgomery can find his old form behind an offensive line that projects to be better than anything Montgomery has seen in his four seasons with the Bears. However, what puts Detroit on this list is not necessarily the addition of Montgomery but drafting Jahmyr Gibbs, the second-best running back in the 2023 NFL Draft, instead. Whether it was good value for the Lions to draft a running back that early in the draft can be up for debate; however, Gibbs’ talent cannot be questioned. While Gibbs presents an improvement as a runner as well, his receiving ability out of the backfield is something that Detroit has been missing in recent years.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-most-improved-running-back-rooms-following-free-agency-and-the-2023-nfl-draft

Top 10 must-see games from 2023 NFL schedule (10. Packers at Lions (Week 12)
Thursday, Nov. 23 | 12:30 p.m. ET - Aaron Rodgers no longer wears green and yellow, but you can't go wrong with an NFC North rivalry on Thanksgiving. Better yet, this could be one of Jordan Love's biggest opportunities to emerge on a national stage as A-Rod's successor, especially against such a fierce and ascending squad like the Lions, who nearly upset the Bills on Turkey Day last year.7. Lions at Cowboys (Week 17).  Saturday, Dec. 30 | 8:15 p.m. ET - A true clash of cultures: Dan Campbell's blue-collar fighters storming Jerry Jones' glitzy castle for a prime-time showdown with America's Team. You couldn't script it better. Detroit is certainly primed for an upswing after teasing a takeoff down the stretch last year, and beating the 'Boys in their own home could be a statement in the NFC.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-schedule-release-playoff-rematches-christmas-showdowns-among-top-10-must-see-games-this-season/

Ranking 5 NFL teams with toughest schedule stretches (4. Detroit Lions - Strength of schedule ranking by 2022 opponent win %: No. 20, Odds to make playoffs: -170. (Week 1: at Chiefs (TNF), Week 4: at Packers (TNF), Week 6: at Buccaneers, Week 7: at Ravens, Week 10: at Chargers, Week 13: at Saints, Week 14: at Bears, Week 16: at Vikings, Week 17: at Cowboys (MNF)): Oddsmakers are high on the Lions entering 2023. They are favored to win the division, and -170 to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Their schedule isn't seen as one of the toughest in the league, but Detroit does have a tough road slate. Remember, Dan Campbell didn't get his first road win as head coach until this past year. Overall, he's 4-12-1 away from Detroit.  So, the Lions start off 2023 in Kansas City (sorry, probably a loss), then face Jordan Love and the Packers on a short week in Week 4. After a one-week stop at home, Detroit has two games in a row on the road. In fact, it's the first of THREE back-to-back road stands the Lions have in 2023, and the other two occur very late in the year. Those Week 16 and Week 17 contests against the Vikings and Cowboys could be important.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-schedule-release-ranking-five-teams-with-the-toughest-stretches-including-giants-and-patriots/

Ranking 5 NFL teams with toughest schedule stretches (NFC North - Detroit Lions:  One good thing for the Lions: Lions fans will actually get to see their team play on national television this year. After getting scheduled for zero national TV games last year -- they eventually got flexed in Week 18 -- the Lions are getting four national games this year, which is as many as multiple 2022 playoff teams like the Bengals, Ravens and Giants.  One bad thing for the Lions: Starting in Week 13, the Lions have to play four of five games on the road with trips to New Orleans, Chicago, Minnesota and Dallas. If they're still in the playoff race at that point, that stretch could knock them out.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-schedule-release-ranking-five-teams-with-the-toughest-stretches-including-giants-and-patriots/

15 bizarre quirks on the 2023 NFL schedule (Thirsty Thursday. It's starting to seem like the NFL is trying to permanently move every Lions game to a Thursday. Through the first 12 weeks of the season, the Lions will be playing three Thursday games. The three Thursday games is tied for the most any team has played in a season since 2000 (2021 Cowboys, 2019 Bears and 2000 Lions also played three Thursday games).  Lions and Packers to make history. Of the Lions three Thursday games, two of them will be coming against the Packers, marking the first time since 1967 (The Super Bowl era) that two divisional rivals have had both of their games against each other played on a Thursday.   An all-NFC Thanksgiving. For the first time in five years, there won't be any AFC teams playing on Thanksgiving. All six teams playing on Turkey Day this year are from the NFC with Packers at Lions, Commanders at Cowboys and 49ers at Seahawks. This actually isn't that uncommon. This year will mark the fourth time over the past 10 years that Thanksgiving has been an all-NFC affair.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jets-hit-with-bizarre-scheduling-quirk-that-nfl-has-only-seen-once-in-93-years-plus-14-other-schedule-oddities/

NFL schedule 2023 winners & losers: Chiefs, 49ers, Lions get big breaks; Jets, Raiders stuck with bad slates (Winners: Detroit Lions - The Lions will likely start 0-1 in the season opener at Kansas City. But they get rewarded with a very winnable NFC stretch before facing the Ravens in Week 7 (vs. Seahawks, vs. Falcons, at Packers, vs. Panthers, at Buccaneers).  Detroit should take full advantage of a weak NFC North to build on last year's 9-8 mark. After getting a nice-timed Week 9 bye after hosing the Raiders, the Lions have only two difficult games on the slate in the second half, at the Chargers in Week 10 and at the Cowboys in Week 17. Dan Campbell and his fiery Lions will be making the playoffs with a strong record as new division champions.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-schedule-2023-winners-losers/jgnlwazammysnll94ydl5uec

NFL schedule 2023 winners & losers: Chiefs, 49ers, Lions get big breaks; Jets, Raiders stuck with bad slates (7. Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions, Week 12 (Thanksgiving) - How many years have we complained that a losing Lions team is giving us a bad Thanksgiving matchup and maybe they shouldn't be allowed to host the game anymore? This year should be different. Detroit could win the NFC North this season. There's no guarantee an offseason darling will deliver when the games start, but the Lions should be competitive this season. The Lions gave us a good show last Thanksgiving in a last-second loss to the Buffalo Bills, and they should be good for another one this year.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-schedule-2023-winners-losers/jgnlwazammysnll94ydl5uec

NFL schedule: What We Learned from each team's 17-game slate for 2023 season (Detroit Lions - Biggest takeaways:  Kicking off the season in Kansas City. The NFL had several enticing options for the Chiefs' Kickoff Game opponent. The reigning Super Bowl champions could have played Miami, Philadelphia, Cincinnati or Buffalo. Instead, the league chose the Fightin' Dan Campbells. This underscores the hype surrounding the Lions, who finished the 2022 season winning eight of their final 10 games. With Ben Johnson's fun offense and a remade defensive secondary, Detroit brings pizazz to the season opener. However, it's a team that has started slow under Campbell (1-6 in 2022, 0-10-1 in 2021). The NFL is betting we'll get the version of the Lions that ended last season with a road win in Green Bay, not the version that got shellacked by New England 29-0 in Week 5.
Prime-time Lions. Placing Detroit in the ballyhooed Kickoff Game isn't the only indication that the decision-makers at 345 Park Ave. believe the Lions have staying power. The NFL also placed the Honolulu Blue in three other prime-time games. Add in Detroit's annual Thanksgiving affair (vs. Green Bay this year), and that makes five stand-alone games for the upstart Lions. Both Packers games coming on short rest (Week 4, Week 12) ups the difficulty. Detroit has become the 2023 offseason hype bunny. The schedule shows the league believes in the excitement.  Tough road schedule. Now for the negative aspect of Detroit's 2023 journey: It's rough on the road. Arrowhead Stadium is one of the NFL's most challenging venues for visitors on a normal Sunday afternoon. The Lions are headed there on the opening night of the season, with the Chiefs celebrating their latest Lombardi lifting. Additional non-division trips to face the Ravens, Saints, Cowboys and Chargers will be tough tests. The Lions have a trio of back-to-back road trips to contend with (Weeks 6-7 at Tampa, Baltimore; Weeks 13-14 at New Orleans, Chicago; Weeks 16-17 at Minnesota, Dallas). If the Lions -- 4-12-1 under Campbell as visitors -- win on the road consistently in 2023, they'll have earned the offseason hype. -- Kevin Patra):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-schedule-what-we-learned-from-each-team-s-17-game-slate-for-2023-season

2023 NFL season: Top five position groups in football (4.  Detroit Lions - OFFENSIVE LINE:  As one of the hottest teams in the second half of last season -- SEE: eight wins in their final 10 games -- Detroit earned plenty of fanfare as a fun group on the rise. And at the moment, the Lions aren't just NFC North favorites heading into the 2023 season, but according to Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, they boast the fourth-highest Super Bowl odds in the NFC, trailing just the Eagles, 49ers and Cowboys. What's the core of this emergence from a long-downtrodden franchise? An offensive line that's become the new bully on the block. Dan Campbell's trench warriors can mash and maul defenders at the line of scrimmage in the run game, while also displaying the cohesion and connectivity to handle exotic twists and stunts on passing downs. The O-line's ability to excel within a balanced offensive approach speaks volumes of the individual and collective talents. The unit's three best players are a trio of former first-round picks: tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, as well as center Frank Ragnow. Jonah Jackson, a third-round pick in 2020, has become a rock at left guard. The RG spot is a bit of a question mark at the moment -- with Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Graham Glasgow the most likely candidates -- but Detroit only needs passable play to complement the aforementioned quartet.  The unit sets the tone for Detroit. Lions GM Brad Holmes is still building up various areas of the roster, but the imposing O-line gives this team exactly the kind of identity Campbell champions.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-season-top-five-position-groups-in-football

2023 NFL schedule release: Top 9 prime-time games (8.  Detroit Lions:  America's Team vs. America's bandwagon! Football fans either love or hate the Cowboys, which is always good for business. Meanwhile, football fans across the country have suddenly become enamored with these Lions. And you can count me among the rapidly growing Honolulu Blue crew.  I'm very high on the Lions. They finished last year with eight wins in their final 10 games, upgraded the roster in free agency and then landed one of my favorite draft hauls. Dan Campbell, a former Cowboys player, will love the late-season challenge of a road trip to Dallas with potentially serious playoff implications.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-schedule-release-top-9-prime-time-games

NFL schedule winners, losers: Who was dealt toughest breaks? (Winners - Dan Campbell: His Lions were flexed into the final regular-season game of the 2022 season and kick off 2023 on opening night in K.C. Good opportunity for more casual fans to become acquainted with the passionate Campbell and a young team featuring DE Aidan Hutchinson, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and first-round rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Thanksgiving: A trio of solid divisional matchups with the Lions hosting the Packers and Commanders visiting the Cowboys. And with the 49ers headed to Seattle, we might even be able to stay awake for the late game. Maybe.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/05/11/nfl-schedule-2023-winners-losers-release-aaron-rodgers-jets/70203171007/

Predictions:

NFL schedule 2023: Way-too-early Detroit Lions game-by-game predictions (1 predicts 11-6, 1 predicts 12-5):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/05/nfl-schedule-2023-way-too-early-detroit-lions-game-by-game-predictions.html

Detroit Lions 2023 schedule, predictions for wins and losses (She picks 11-6):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/lions-2023-schedule-and-game-by-game-predictions

Predictions for Lions' 2023 Schedule
Game-by-game predictions for the Detroit Lions' 2023 schedule:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/predictions-for-lions-2023-schedule

Podcasts:  

Twentyman in the Huddle Episode 48: Tracy Walker on Lions' 2023 schedule release & opener at Chiefs:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tracy-walker-on-lions-2023-schedule-release-at-chiefs-twentyman-in-the-huddle


Video:

Dan Campbell shares the significance of Lions being featured in 2023 Opening Kickoff game:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/dan-campbell-shares-the-significance-of-lions-being-featured-in-2023-opening-kic
Posted by LionsFan at 3:57 AM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
.main-inner .sidebar .Poll { background-color: #AD966C; padding: 15px; }