Thursday, August 31, 2023

Morning Lions Links for Friday 9-1-23

Articles:

Lions re-sign Craig Reynolds as third running back, move Julian Okwara to IR:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/lions-re-sign-craig-reynolds-as-third-running-back-move-julian-okwara-to-ir.html


The Detroit Lions, losers no more, are the NFC North favorite:  https://www.wxyz.com/sports/the-detroit-lions-losers-no-more-are-the-nfc-north-favorite

2023 NFL season: One potential first-time Pro Bowler from each NFC team (Detroit Lions - Aidan Hutchinson:  Hutchinson is an obvious choice after a rambunctious rookie campaign. He led all rookies with 9.5 sacks, 15 QB hits and 45 QB pressures while ranking second with nine tackles for loss and tied for second with five takeaways last season. Boasting a good array of rush moves and relentless energy, Hutch is on a T.J. Watt-like trajectory.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-season-one-potential-first-time-pro-bowler-from-each-nfc-team

NFL playoff predictions: Picking eight division winners, six wild-card teams for 2023 season (NFC NORTH CHAMPS - 1.  Detroit Lions (20 votes: Battista, Blair, Chadiha, Edholm, Florio, Frazier, Gonzales, Grant, Holzman-Escareno, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Okada, Parr, Reuter, Rosenthal, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Walker, Zierlein.)  2. Green Bay Packers (+360) | 9 votes: Abdoo, Baca, Bergman, Filice, Gordon, Hanzus, Kownack, Patra, Ross.  3. Minnesota Vikings (+260) | 3 votes: Band, Cersosimo, Magdziuk.  4. Chicago Bears (+440) | 2 votes: Bhanpuri, Rank. Why Marcas Grant chose the Lions: Last season, the Lions adopted Dan Campbell's feisty attitude and nearly made the playoffs. This season, with a just a little bit of defense and an Aaron Rodgers-sized void in Green Bay, they can finally restore the roar in Detroit.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-playoff-predictions-picking-eight-division-winners-six-wild-card-teams

NFL 2023 team tiers: Where does each NFC squad stand before kickoff? (Ascending - Detroit Lions:  The Lions are the hottest team in the NFL not to have made the playoffs this past season. And for good reason: Dan Campbell had Detroit playing sensationally after an 8-2 end to the season, and the team added depth on offense and defense this offseason. Rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta could contribute immediately on offense, while fellow first-year players Jack Campbell and Brandon Branch could have roles on defense. This season will prove if the Lions are here to stay or not.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-2023-team-tiers-where-does-each-nfc-squad-stand-before-kickoff-130001392.html

NFL offensive lineman rankings: Trent Williams, Zack Martin cream of the crop (Tier 3 - 10. Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions:  Penei Sewell is fulfilling his potential after being the youngest Outland Trophy winner in the history of the award. Sewell is entering his third NFL season and is only 22 years old. He hasn’t even matured into his body yet and he’s already so explosive and powerful. He has the ability to block in space with the best of them and will continue to hone his craft as he gets more reps.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-offensive-lineman-rankings-trent-williams-zack-martin-cream-of-the-crop

2023 NFL division winner odds, picks: Buying Jaguars and Saints, plus more staff predictions (NFC North 
NFL - Edwards: Lions. I do not think there is an obvious choice to win the NFC North, which is exciting. Detroit has a gritty nature to them but their ceiling is relatively low. Green Bay is an unknown with Jordan Love slated to receive his first extended playing time. Minnesota is consistently competitive with Kirk Cousins. Chicago is the only team I feel comfortable ruling out.  Wilson: Lions. At this point, this might be one of the most popular picks on the internet. But it's hard not to love coach Dan Campbell, and how GM Brad Holmes has put this team together. First-round picks Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell will be immediate contributors, and the NFC, in general, is wide open. So much so that it's not even double-take-worthy when I say that Jared Goff has a case as the second-best QB in the conference.  Kerr: Lions. This is Detroit's time to siege the division, bolstered by consistent quarterback play from off and a strong offensive and defensive line.  Brinson: Lions. Was quite tempted to take the Packers here but the Lions are simply the most well-built team in this division right now, with the consistency at quarterback in Jared Goff, a really strong offensive line and some high-end, first-round, immediate impact rookie additions in Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-division-winner-odds-picks-buying-jaguars-and-saints-plus-more-staff-predictions/

Ranking the NFL's best head coaches (19. Dan Campbell, Lions (age: 47):  Campbell's gung-ho player-friendly style added up to a winning season, taking better advantage of rather quick rebuild under GM Brad Holmes. The Lions now look like an NFC North favorite and it's time to turn the talk and talent into groundbreaking results.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-head-coach-rankings-2023/eielroj7wdmag0ywjudw0qih

NFL quarterback rankings for 2023 (17. Jared Goff, Lions:  As one of the league's classic highly dependent passers, Goff delivers when everything is set up well around him. The Lions' offensive line is top-notch and the running game got an upgrade with versatile rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. Amon-Ra St. Brown has plenty of more receiving support, too. Goff's solid status in his rebound from the Rams' end put him smack dab in the middle of the pack.  2022 stats: 4,438 passing yards, 29 passing TDs, 7 INTs, 7.6 yards per attempt, 99.3 passer rating, 73 rushing yards):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-quarterback-rankings-2023-qbs-best-worst/yxvqewdhatrxu7qwajhb89vp

Ranking the NFL's best running backs (11. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (age: 21):  Gibbs didn't last long on the draft board once Robinson went to the Falcons. The Lions also were going for a higher ceiling and more explosiveness by getting him to help replace D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, along with veteran David Montgomery. Gibbs is a dynamic receiver and can pick up a lot of Williams' automatic scoring pop.  2022 stats (at Alabama): 195 touches, 1,370 scrimmage yards, 10 TDs):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-running-back-rankings-2023/x4zm69m1u0fxvxciqzh5uw0w

Ranking the NFL's best wide receivers (9. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions (age: 23):  Brown deserves to be mentioned in the same breath with the other young star receivers. He has taken over the NFL's premier slot force (like Jarvis Landry once was) and is the clear No. 1 for Jared Goff in what should be an even more explosive offense in 2023.  2022 stats: 106 catches on 146 targets, 1,126 receiving yards, 6 TDs):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-wide-receiver-rankings-2023/zvnmg85kmhu4uralwpiwyhnv

NFL Defense Rankings (Updated 2023): Who Has the Best Defense in the League? (19. Detroit Lions:  Emmanuel Moseley’s injury setback hurts the Lions’ standing heading into the season. Not having (arguably) their top outside cornerback available for Week 1 will be a tough pill to swallow. However, Jerry Jacobs has played significant snaps in each of his first two NFL seasons.  The Lions might have a saving grace, however. They’ve acquired quite a bit of talent and depth on the defensive line since the arrival of GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell. If they can find some high-quality production from their top unit while maintaining quality depth, they could survive until Moseley returns.  From a talent perspective, the Lions could be a few places higher on the list, but we need to see how all the new pieces fit into the puzzle first.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-defense-rankings/

Best Cornerbacks in the NFL 2023: Patrick Surtain II Holds Off Sauce Gardner Atop the Rankings For Now (25. Cameron Sutton, Pittsburgh Steelers:  It took years for Cameron Sutton to latch onto a starting role for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he hasn’t given it up since. A season ago, he allowed along a fraction over 50% of the 70+ targets thrown his way to be completed.  Now, the long-time Steeler will have a new environment in Detroit. And until Emmanuel Moseley returns, Sutton is the unquestioned No. 1 on the team.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/best-cornerbacks-nfl-rankings/

2024 NFL Draft:

One 2024 draft prospect for each NFL team to monitor (Lions: CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia:  Lassiter is a relatively young prospect. As he continues to mature and settle into his role, he could really blossom. Detroit was linked to the cornerback position for most of the 2023 pre-draft process but opted for running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell instead. Veterans Emmanuel Moseley and Cam Sutton are slated to start on the boundary this season but the plan lacks a long-term vision.   Safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, as well as Lassiter, would give the NFC North franchise an exciting collection of young secondary talent.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2024-nfl-draft-one-prospect-every-nfl-team-should-be-monitoring-this-college-football-season/

Video:

Peter Schrager reveals Nos. 1-3 of his Top 10 breakout players of 2023 (Jahmyr Gibbs is number 3):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/peter-schrager-reveals-nos-1-3-of-his-top-10-breakout-players-of-2023
Posted by LionsFan at 9:39 AM 0 comments

Afternoon Lions Links for Thursday 8-31-23

Articles:





Lions Will Harris Defends Himself Against Critics:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-will-harris-defends-himself

Chase Lucas Had Offers to Leave, Chose to Stay with Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/chase-lucas-chose-to-stay-with-lions

Amon-Ra St. Brown: 'Hype Is Real' for Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/amon-ra-st-brown-believes-hype-is-real

Detroit Lions signing former Chiefs, Bears WR Daurice Fountain to practice squad:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/8/31/23853692/detroit-lions-signing-daurice-fountain-practice-squad-chiefs-bears




Posted by LionsFan at 9:28 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Lions Week 1 Predictions

Score Picks:

Chiefs vs. Lions Week 1: Odds, picks, props and best bets (Game prediction: Lions 35, Chiefs 31):  https://www.mlive.com/betting/2023/09/chiefs-vs-lions-week-1-odds-picks-props-and-best-bets.html

Chiefs vs. Lions: 5 Questions and Week 1 Prediction (5. How do you see this game playing out and who ends up winning?  JM: Man, the Travis Kelce news has thrown a wrench into everyone's thinking. I initially thought the Chiefs had the edge in several spots, most notably at quarterback. Patrick Mahomes is such a difference-maker that it is still hard to predict the Lions to leave Arrowhead with the victory. Without Kelce (potentially) and Chris Jones, I think Detroit plays a solid game and barely defeats the defending Super Bowl champs in a fairly close game. I see the game being back and forth headed into the fourth quarter. Detroit's rushing attack will eventually wear down the Chiefs' defensive line. Lions 27, Chiefs 24):  https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs/gm-report/kansas-city-chiefs-vs-detroit-lions-5-questions-and-week-1-prediction

SI Lions (3 pick the Lions to win by scores of 31-27, 28-24, 27-24.  1 picks KC to win 31-24):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/predictions-lions-chiefs

NFL.com (9 pick the Chiefs to win by scores of 31-21, 31-27, 34-20, 34-23, 30-20, 52-25, 30-21, 30-24, 30-24.  1 picks the Lions to win 30-27)):  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-vs-chiefs-preview-week-1

SN Iyer (Game of Midweek: Lions at Chiefs (-6.5, 54.5 o/u) - There'e plenty of playoff hype around the Lions as NFC North favorites, stamped by them even playing in this prime-time season opener. But this won't be like that classic Jared Goff-Patrick Mahomes duel. The Lions' defense is improved but not ready to slow down Mahomes and the champions out of the gate. Mahomes manufactures more pop around him in the passing game than Goff to make the difference.  Pick: Chiefs win 31-24 and cover the spread.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-week-1-chiefs-lions-jets-bills-packers-bears/xetqtjxkbfmpkeys17uoqvbi

SN Bender (Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5) - The Lions have over-the-top hype – and it's OK to be cautious knowing the franchise has one playoff victory since 1991. This is a good team, however, and they were 8-3 ATS as an underdog last season. Jared Goff, however, was not nearly as good on the road (87.4 rating in 2022). The defending Super Bowl champion is 14-4 S/U in the NFL Kickoff Game. Patrick Mahomes keeps the Chiefs ahead, and they hold off a Lions' rally.  Pick: Chiefs 36, Lions 29):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-week-1/f4e2aa6802172a15d0b10d66

O'HARA'S WEEK 1 PREVIEW: To keep up excitement, Lions know they must deliver (Lions-Chiefs pick: The Chiefs are favored by 6.5 points, and for good reason. They are the class of the NFL. The Lions' 8-2 finish last season showed what they've become – a team on the rise that can compete with anyone. They'll compete with the Chiefs.  Chiefs 30, Lions 27.):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-week-1-preview-to-keep-up-excitement-lions-know-they-must-deliver

Arizona Republic (Thursday Night Football prediction - Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs, 5:20 p.m., NBC.  The Lions could be a darkhorse in the NFC this season, but the Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl champions. Expect a high-scoring game, with Patrick Mahomes making a big play late to give Kansas City the win.  Prediction: Chiefs 27, Lions 24):  https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/09/01/nfl-week-1-picks-predictions-2023-season/70675150007/

CBS Breech (Detroit at Kansas City:  When the NFL released the 2023 schedule back in May, I was so shocked that the Lions were picked for the opener that I spit oat milk out of my nose and the gross part is that I don't even drink oat milk. I still don't know how that happened. I should probably get that checked.   When it comes to Kansas City's opponent for this game, the NFL had a lot of options -- like the Bengals, Eagles, Bills or Chargers, to name a few -- but they went with the Lions, who might want to change their name to the Lambs for this game, because they feel like a sacrificial lamb here.  The problem for Detroit is that the Chiefs never lose in Week 1. If you give Andy Reid extra time to prepare for a game, he is almost always going to win. Over the past eight years, Reid has gone 8-0 in openers and the Chiefs have averaged 36.4 points per game in those eight wins. Also, Patrick Mahomes might be the most unstoppable QB on the planet when playing in an opener. I mean, he's always unstoppable, but he's extra unstoppable in Week 1.   Mahomes has started five openers in his career and he's 5-0 in those games with the Chiefs, scoring an average of 37.8 points per win. I would predict Kansas City to score 37.8 points on Sunday, but I don't believe in decimals, so I'm going to go with a round number.   Although I'm fawning all over the Chiefs, I do think that the Chris Jones situation could give the Lions a chance to pull off the upset. Jones is the Chiefs' best defensive player and at this point, there are only two options for Thursday:   He gets a deal done with the team and plays.  He doesn't get a deal done and he misses the game. M If the first option happens, I think he'll be rusty and mostly ineffective. If the second option happens, the Chiefs will be missing their best defensive player, which could pave the way for the Lions offense to score a lot of points. I think what I'm trying to say here is that the opener is going to turn into a shootout.  If the Lions pull off the upset in this game, the team needs to celebrate by sending everyone in Detroit a free Axel Foley jacket.  I don't think the upset is going to happen, but I'm going to plant the seed just in case it does.   The pick: Chiefs 33-30 over Lions.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-1-picks-chiefs-win-thriller-over-lions-patriots-shock-eagles-steelers-stun-favored-49ers/

Biglead (LIONS (+6.5) over CHIEFS:  We rode Dan Campbell's caffeine and chaw-driven bust to great financial profit last season. For the first time in, like, four decades there is reason for optimism. So much ink was spilled on the Lions' comeup that a backlash arose. Weird times, man. We will be holding the line until further notice. Even against Patrick Mahomes in an opener that feels destined to feature five touchdown passes, including four to Travis Kelce.  Because Jared Goff was sneakily one of the most productive quarterbacks in the NFL over the second half of the season. Because Aidan Hutchinson will be even better. Because a formidable offensive line will help the game move by quickly. And because we're suckers, mostly. Chiefs 31, Lions 28):  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/nfl-week-1-predictions-picks-spread-lines-01h9jscxp672

Walter football (Week 1 NFL Pick: Chiefs 34, Lions 31):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpicks2023_01early.php

Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game (All 4 pick KC to win by scores of 27-23, 26-18, 30-14, 31-21):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/09/06/detroit-lions-kansas-city-chiefs-predictions-picks-odds-week-1/70660343007/

CBS Prisco (Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5):  This is a big-time prove-it game for the Lions. Are they for real? We will know a lot more about that after this one. The defending-champion Chiefs have some new players, but Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are still around. That's why they are the favorites again. Even if Travis Kelce isn't playing and Chris Jones is still sitting, look for Mahomes to carry the Chiefs as the Lions find out the preseason expectations are a bit over the top.  Pick: Chiefs 33, Lions 23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-week-1-nfl-picks-bills-spoil-aaron-rodgers-debut-with-jets-steelers-packers-pull-off-upsets/


AP Pro Picks (The Kansas City Chiefs will have Patrick Mahomes under center after they raise their championship banner and embark on a quest to become the first team to repeat in nearly two decades.  Travis Kelce and Chris Jones may not be on the field.  Kelce, the All-Pro tight end, is dealing with a knee injury. Jones, the All-Pro edge rusher, has been holding out for a new contract.  Mahomes should be enough to squeak past the upstart Detroit Lions.  Jared Goff is coming off a Pro Bowl season with the Lions, who have plenty of playmakers around him on offense. Stopping opponents from scoring was Detroit’s problem last season and a revamped defense has to deal with Mahomes right away.  The Chiefs are 5 1/2 point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. That’s too many points considering the uncertainty surrounding Kelce and Jones. Goff is 6-0 against the spread (ATS) in Week 1 with the Rams and Lions.  CHIEFS, 30-26):  https://apnews.com/article/nfl-pro-picks-patrick-mahomes-chiefs-lions-0314988f867dd5704077213eb97219f9

Final-score predictions for Lions-Chiefs | 'NFL Total Access' (All 3 pick KC to win by scores of 35-33, 24-21, 33-31):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/final-score-predictions-for-lions-chiefs-nfl-total-access

Five things to watch as the Detroit Lions open at the K.C. Chiefs (PREDICTION: Chiefs 28, Lions 27. (Expect Detroit to be in the game throughout, but the difference could be the environment. Still, it wouldn’t be a shocker if the Lions win.)):  https://lionslowdown.com/2023/09/06/five-things-to-watch-as-the-detroit-lions-open-at-the-k-c-chiefs/





PFT (Lions at Chiefs (-4.5) - Florio: Chiefs, 27-23.  Simms: Chiefs, 35-27.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pft-2023-week-1-nfl-picks-florio-vs-simms

NFL.com (Chiefs 28-24, Chiefs 26-20, Chiefs 27-23, Chiefs 24-20, Chiefs 27-24):  https://www.nfl.com/news/week-1-nfl-picks-2023-nfl-season

USA Today (All 7 pick KC to win by scores of 34-31, 27-24, 27-23, 28-24, 26-18, 27-20, 27-23):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl-picks/2023/09/07/nfl-picks-week-1-lions-chiefs-jets-bills-cowboys-giants/70773789007/

Chiefswire (All 4 pick KC to win by scores of 35-31, 35-21, 38-34, 32-19):  https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/lists/kansas-city-chiefs-predictions-week-1-matchup-detroit-lions/


Non-Score Picks:

PFN (4 pick KC to win.  1 picks the Lions to win):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-predictions-week-1-2023/


SI (6 pick KC to win.  1 picks the Lions to win):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/09/07/nfl-week-1-staff-expert-picks

CFN (12 pick KC to win, 1 picks the Lions to win):  https://collegefootballnews.com/cfn/detroit-at-kansas-city-nfl-expert-picks-predictions-odds-lines-week-1

CBS Experts (All 5 pick KC to win):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/picks/experts/straight-up/1/


Average Score Prediction (1817-1497/60):  KC 30 Lions 25.   94 pick KC to win.  9 pick the Lions to win.


Posted by LionsFan at 7:26 AM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 8-31-23

Articles:

TWENTYMAN: Breaking down the Lions' initial practice squad:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-breaking-down-the-lions-initial-practice-squad

Cris Collinsworth deems Lions vs. Chiefs opener ‘perfect game’ for both teams:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/cris-collinsworth-deems-lions-vs-chiefs-opener-perfect-game-for-both-teams.html

Lions not awarded any waiver claims, lose Starling Thomas to Cardinals:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/lions-not-awarded-any-waiver-claims-lose-starling-thomas-to-cardinals.html

Lions add kicker Michael Badgley, running back Zonovan Knight to practice squad:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/detroit-lions-add-kicker-michael-badgley-to-practice-squad-after-trade-rumors.html



Social Media Reacts to Jared Goff Taking Offensive Line to Dinner:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/social-media-reacts-jared-goff-bonding-offensive-line


Landing spots for the top free agents after roster cuts: Bailey Zappe, Bradley Roby and more (WR ROBBIE CHOSEN - Robbie Chosen is not far removed from a 95-reception, 1,096-yard season in 2020 with the Carolina Panthers and can still stretch the field for a handful of teams in 2023. The speedster broke off a 75-yard reception in Week 1 of 2022, finishing with a stat line of five receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown. From that point on, with Carolina and eventually Arizona, the production wasn’t really there, but Chosen’s 14.6-yard average depth of target was near the top of the NFL.  Potential landing spots: Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions.  K CADE YORK - While things obviously went south in a hurry for York in Cleveland, his getting waived is in part due to the nature of the position in the NFL. For the Browns, in particular, this is a total do-or-die season for every single person in the building, and they can’t take the risk of carrying a struggling kicker into the season.   York’s talent was immediately apparent during his rookie campaign, going 4-of-4 on field goals with a 58-yard game-winner and being named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in his debut. Things went downhill almost immediately, with missed extra points in back-to-back games, including in a 31-30 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2.  The struggles carried over into this preseason, but we’ve seen many examples of a highly drafted kicker getting a fresh start and jump-starting their career, with Matt Gay and Daniel Carlson being recent success stories.   Potential landing spots: Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-landing-spots-top-free-agents-after-roster-cuts-bailey-zappe-bradley-roby

2023 NFL triplets rankings: Jaguars, Jets make massive jumps; Broncos, Packers drop (T-16.  Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions - Score: 79.5 pts.  Quarterback: Jared Goff -- Rank: 16 (One game: 17 | 2023 prod.: 14), Running back: David Montgomery -- Rank: 17, Pass catcher: Amon-Ra St. Brown -- Rank: 14.  Goff enjoyed a renaissance under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson in 2022. Detroit generated +94.0 passing EPA when Goff dropped back to pass, which trailed only Patrick Mahomes (+148.8). The key to this efficiency was a lack of negative plays. With an elite pass-protection unit, Goff was sacked at the second-lowest rate in the NFL (3.8 percent) and set a career-low in interception rate (1.2 percent). St. Brown was an essential ingredient to this recipe for success. With his ability to win underneath, Goff was able to get rid of the ball 0.20 seconds faster on average when St. Brown was on the field and was sacked at less than half the rate. Goff generated negative EPA without St. Brown on the field last season. On the ground, Montgomery will be the thunder to first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs' lightning, providing steady production in the Lions’ diverse run scheme.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-triplets-rankings-jaguars-jets-make-massive-jumps-broncos-packers-drop

10 under-the-radar rookies who'll be difference-makers (Antoine Green, WR, Lions :  Green is the outside wideout the Lions need on their offense given the loss of D.J. Chark and the suspension of 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams. At a shade under 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Green has prototypical X receiver frame and flashed his boundary receiver skill along with serious breakaway speed this preseason. He had a 70-yard touchdown which came on a deep in-breaking route in which he caught in stride, flipped on the afterburners and was gone. I actually had a higher grade on him than fellow North Carolina wideout Josh Downs, who went four rounds earlier.  Green too was a pesky YAC option who consistently absorbed contact like a much more compact receiver through his Tar Heels career. For as fun as the Detroit offense should be, the receiver group is relatively thin, which should provide Green with ample opportunity as a seventh-round rookie to prove he should've been picked much higher in April.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ten-under-the-radar-rookies-who-could-be-difference-makers-in-2023-including-a-ravens-rb/

NFL cutdown day: Best players available, team fits (WR Chosen Anderson - Anderson battled for the No. 3 receiver job for the Dolphins this summer, but ultimately couldn't make the 53-man roster. The 30-year-old receiver could still be a valuable piece within an offense looking to stretch the field with his speed. Could that potentially be the Lions? The wide receiver depth chart isn't that impressive for Detroit behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. Anderson could be an ideal replacement as a deep threat while second-year receiver and former first-round pick Jameson Williams serves his six-game suspension.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-cutdown-day-bailey-zappe-among-notable-available-players-on-the-market-best-team-fits-for-each/

20 takeaways from NFL's cutdown day (13. The Lions are getting a secondary boost
Detroit made plenty of headlines for upgrading its defensive backfield this offseason, but now one of its top veteran additions, former 49ers corner Emmanuel Moseley, is eligible to play, coming off PUP after missing the summer due to ACL rehab.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/20-takeaways-from-2023-nfl-roster-cuts-bears-patriots-rolling-dice-at-qb-jonathan-taylor-saga-continues/

Top 5 Most Perfect, Must-Watch, Most Exciting NFL Games of Week 1 (Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs (TNF) - The defending Super Bowl champions versus Thanksgiving's team. The Chiefs have won 12 or more games and made the AFC Championship Game during all five seasons Patrick Mahomes has been their starting quarterback and Mahomes is still the starting quarterback so that means the Chiefs are going to be really good again. And the Lions should be decent again for the second straight season! If their offense is anywhere near as good as it was last year, the NFL season could begin with a high-scoring shootout and many shots of Dan Campbell on the sideline being a maniac.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/top-5-perfect-must-watch-most-exciting-nfl-games-week-1-01h90nqtp1jv

Every NFL team's most surprising roster cut (or trade) (Detroit Lions: RB Craig Reynolds - There were a few mild to moderate surprises in Detroit’s final cuts but nothing that rocked the boat too much. Releasing Reynolds, who had clearly won the No. 3 RB job, constitutes the biggest surprise as much because it only leaves the Lions with David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs at the position, plus veteran fullback Jason Cabinda. Reynolds is not subject to waivers and could very well return. On defense, Steven Gilmore winning the battle of undrafted rookie CBs over Starling Thomas raised some eyebrows, as did keeping oft-injured DB Ifeatu Melifonwu over Thomas, who thrived on special teams and made some plays throughout camp. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-roster-cut-surprises-by-team-2023/

Surprise NFL Roster Cuts: Notable Players Include Robbie Chosen, Bradley Roby, Bailey Zappe, and Melvin Gordon (Detroit Lions: RB Craig Reynolds - There were a few mild to moderate surprises in Detroit’s final cuts but nothing that rocked the boat too much. Releasing Reynolds, who had clearly won the No. 3 RB job, constitutes the biggest surprise as much because it only leaves the Lions with David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs at the position, plus veteran fullback Jason Cabinda. Reynolds is not subject to waivers and could very well return. On defense, Steven Gilmore winning the battle of undrafted rookie CBs over Starling Thomas raised some eyebrows, as did keeping oft-injured DB Ifeatu Melifonwu over Thomas, who thrived on special teams and made some plays throughout camp. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/surprise-nfl-roster-cuts-2023/

NFL Practice Squads: 25 Most Interesting Additions, Including Will Grier, Zonovan Knight, and Christian Kirksey (Zonovan Knight, RB, Detroit Lions:  The Jets’ addition of Dalvin Cook pushed Zonovan Knight off their roster, but the 22-year-old RB landed in an excellent position with the Lions. Detroit kept only two running backs on Tuesday after surprisingly releasing Craig Reynolds.  Knight will become an immediate candidate for elevation on game days, although the Lions will probably try to add Reynolds to their taxi squad, too.  Chase Lucas, CB, Detroit Lions:  Although Chase Lucas produced during the preseason and posted an interception in Week 3, rookie undrafted free agent Steven Gilmore’s emergence pushed him off the roster.  The Lions have far more defensive back depth than they did a year ago, but Lucas’ versatility to play inside, outside, or at safety could place him back in Detroit’s plans sooner or later.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-practice-squads-25-most-interesting-additions-2023/


Podcast:

Dungeon of Doom: An inside look at the Detroit Lions’ unique 53-man roster:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/dungeon-of-doom-an-inside-look-at-the-detroit-lions-unique-53-man-roster.html

Video:

Dales: Lions defense 'looks entirely different' entering 2023:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/dales-lions-defense-looks-entirely-different-entering-2023

O'Hara: One matchup Lions could exploit vs. Chiefs in Week 1:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/o-hara-one-matchup-lions-could-exploit-vs-chiefs-in-week-1

The player you'd name as your number 1 breakout personality (Kerby Joseph is picked):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/which-dark-horse-team-has-a-realistic-chance-of-winning-the-super-bowl-gmfb

Posted by LionsFan at 7:08 AM 0 comments

Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 8-30-23

Articles:



Players recently cut that could interest the Detroit Lions:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-waiver-wire-players-detroit-lions-potential-targets/


Detroit Lions Roster Strengths and Weaknesses:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-roster-strengths-weaknesses






Podcast:  

Posted by LionsFan at 6:55 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 8-30-23

Articles:

TWENTYMAN: Breaking down the initial 53-man roster:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-breaking-down-the-initial-53-man-roster

53-man roster: Lions keep just 2 running backs, go really big on defense:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/53-man-roster-lions-keep-just-2-running-backs-go-really-big-on-defense.html

Starling Thomas V, a hard-nosed UDFA, squeezed off Lions’ 53-man roster: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/starling-thomas-v-a-hard-nosed-udfa-squeezed-off-lions-53-man-roster.html

Detroit Lions release RB Benny Snell after late push for roster spot:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/detroit-lions-release-rb-benny-snell-after-late-push-for-roster-spot.html

Lions CB Emmanuel Moseley reportedly coming off PUP list to open season:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/lions-cb-emmanuel-moseley-reportedly-coming-off-pup-list-to-open-season.html


Riley Patterson has won Lions’ kicker job, but more moves at position could loom:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/riley-patterson-has-won-lions-kicker-job-but-more-moves-at-position-could-loom.html

Lions open final round of cuts by trimming tight end rotation to 3 players:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/lions-reportedly-chop-down-tight-end-rotation-to-3-players.html

NFL Films to highlight Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown in brand new series:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/nfl-films-to-highlight-lions-amon-ra-st-brown-in-brand-new-series.html



Lions final roster cutdowns includes a couple of surprises:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/08/29/lions-final-roster-cutdowns-surprise-list-breakdown/




2023 NFL season: Projecting win share leaders on offense (quarterbacks + non-QBs) and defense (5.  Amon-Ra St. Brown - WIN SHARE: 2.25.  As a native Michigander and Lions fan, I know Amon-Ra’s a stud, but I’m not going to lie: This ranking was a pleasant surprise! According to computer vision, St. Brown ranked third among all receivers last season when it came to gaining separation out of the slot (where he primarily lined up).  Admittedly, this ranking is partially driven by the absence of Jameson Williams over the first six games, which will increase Detroit's reliance on St. Brown. That said, he also carries a bunch of off-ball value, especially on Detroit team that is likely to routinely target a pair of rookies in the passing game (RB Jahmyr Gibbs and TE Sam LaPorta).):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-season-projecting-win-share-leaders-on-offense-quarterbacks-non-qbs-and


Ranking the NFL's best running backs (11. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (age: 21):  Gibbs didn't last long on the draft board once Robinson went to the Falcons. The Lions also were going for a higher ceiling and more explosiveness by getting him to help replace D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, along with veteran David Montgomery. Gibbs is a dynamic receiver and can pick up a lot of Williams' automatic scoring pop.  2022 stats (at Alabama): 195 touches, 1,370 scrimmage yards, 10 TDs):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-running-back-rankings-2023/x4zm69m1u0fxvxciqzh5uw0w

Grading first-round NFL rookies in Week 3 of preseason (18. Jack Campbell, LB, Lions - Grade: B+.  Campbell is good to go for the regular season. He was again hyper-active in his third preseason audition. There was one minor missed tackle on an underneath toss to tight end Ian Thomas. Campbell counteracted that negative play with a remarkable shed of a climbing offensive linemen en route to one of his tackles in the game.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-preseason-week-3-grades-for-first-round-rookies-heres-who-stood-out-disappointed-and-surprised/

The NFL's 101 best players for 2023, Nos. 75-51 (53. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DB, Detroit Lions:  In yet another of Howie Roseman’s “How did he get away with that?” moves, the Eagles traded a 2023 fifth-round pick and the worst of their 2024 sixth-round picks to the Saints for Gardner-Johnson and a 2025 seventh-round pick last August. All Gardner-Johnson did in response was to have his best NFL season to date — the 20019 fourth-round pick out of Florida allowed 41 catches on 52 targets for 338 yards, 170 yards after the catch, four touchdowns, six interceptions, three pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 79.8.  As a free-range deep safety in one- and two-high looks, Gardner-Johnson provided extreme value with his sideline-to-sideline range and ball skills. Here against the Cowboys in Week 6, he started the play as the deep-third defender in Cover-1, caught backup quarterback Cooper Rush trying to make a deep cross-body throw to CeeDee Lamb against cornerback James Bradberry, and yoinked in for the interception.  And in this Week 10 interception against the Commanders, Gardner-Johnson showed the ability to drop back in quarters coverage, foiling Taylor Heinicke on this deep pass to Terry McLaurin.  The 2022 season marked by far Gardner-Johnson’s most snaps at free safety — 443, when he’d had just 11 in his last two seasons with the Saints. He had been primarily a box/slot hybrid defender before, and he still has those skills — though all six of his picks came in the deep third. Still, Gardner-Johnson is more than capable of stopping a run play in the backfield with timed gap-shooting moves, and taking down enemy quarterbacks when the need arises.  After a one-year, $8 million contract signing with the Lions, Gardner-Johnson is part of his second defensive rebuild in as many seasons. His relationship with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn goes back to his time with the Saints, so maybe Gardner-Johnson is on the precipice of helping yet another defense be better than it was before his arrival.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-best-players-zack-martin-patrick-surtain-tua-tagovailoa/
Posted by LionsFan at 10:32 AM 0 comments

Afternoon Lions Links for Tuesday 8-29-23

Articles:

Lions waiving recent seventh-round CB pick despite strong end to preseason:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/lions-waiving-recent-seventh-round-cb-pick-despite-strong-end-to-preseason.html




Amon-Ra St. Brown odds to win 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/article/amon-ra-st-brown-odds-to-win-2023-nfl-offensive-player-of-the-year/

James Houston Listed as Surprise Trade Candidate:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/james-houston-listed-surprise-trade-candidate

'He's Close': Lions Discussing Options for CB Emmanuel Moseley:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-discussing-options-for-emmanuel-moseley

Pros and Cons of Lions Signing QB P.J. Walker:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/pros-cons-lions-signing-pj-walker


How the burpee turned the Detroit Lions into contenders:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38277992/how-burpee-turned-detroit-lions-contenders


Posted by LionsFan at 9:57 AM 0 comments

Monday, August 28, 2023

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 8-29-23

Articles:

KEY QUESTIONS: How close are Lions to establishing 53-man roster?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/key-questions-how-close-are-lions-to-establishing-53-man-roster

Lions part ways with three offensive linemen as roster cuts continue:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/lions-part-ways-with-three-offensive-linemen-as-roster-cuts-continue.html

Detroit Lions reportedly waiving dual-threat undrafted rookie quarterback Adrian Martinez:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/detroit-lions-reportedly-waiving-dual-threat-undrafted-rookie-quarterback.html

WR Dylan Drummond, one of the best stories of the summer, cut by Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/wr-dylan-drummond-one-of-the-best-stories-of-the-summer-cut-by-lions.html

Deeper than ever, the Lions are agonizing over final roster decisions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/deeper-than-ever-the-lions-are-agonizing-over-final-roster-decisions.html

Lions' Sudfeld reportedly tears ACL; team weighing whether to keep Moseley on PUP:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/08/28/lions-sudfeld-reportedly-tears-acl-team-weighing-whether-to-keep-moseley-on-pup/70698848007/

Predicting the 22 remaining Detroit Lions roster cutdowns: n:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/predicting-remaining-detroit-lions-roster-cutdowns/

Lions Likely to Start 2023 Season with 8 Offensive Linemen:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-likely-to-start-2023-season-eight-offensive-linemen


PFF Team of the 2023 NFL Preseason & Player Awards (LB: Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit Lions.  Flex: CB Steven Gilmore, Detroit Lions.  K/PR: Maurice Alexander, Detroit Lions): https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-preseason-pff-team-of-the-preseason-player-awards-2023

Surprise NFL trade, cut candidates ahead of Tuesday's deadline: Analysis and potential landing spots (Trade Candidates - EDGE JAMES HOUSTON IV, DETROIT LIONS.  While preseason football is not quite the real product, there are still many different takeaways to be had from the action leading up to the regular season. Participation data can serve as a key indicator of a player’s location on the depth chart, for example, which made Houston’s 27 snaps in the second half of preseason Week 2 quite notable. Detroit rested the lion’s share of its starters and top contributors, yet Houston handled a significant workload in the second half. Houston was a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and recorded 17 quarterback pressures and eight sacks on just 92 pass-rush snaps last season, a truly remarkable rate of productivity. However, Detroit used its first- and second-round picks on edge defenders in last year’s draft and also has veterans — including Romeo Okwara, Charles Harris, John Cominsky — in the fold. It appears Houston may be the odd man out in Detroit, but the Lions definitely shouldn’t release a player with three years of cheap control remaining who showed a knack for getting after the quarterback on limited snaps last season. Many teams would be happy to take a flier on a developmental pass-rush specialist coming off a season with an 88.2 pass-rush grade.  Potential landing spots: Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants):  Detroithttps://www.pff.com/news/nfl-preseason-pff-team-of-the-preseason-player-awards-2023https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-preseason-pff-team-of-the-preseason-player-awards-2023https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-preseason-pff-team-of-the-preseason-player-awards-2023https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-surprise-nfl-trade-cut-candidates-2023-deadline-analysis-landing-spots

Our annual NFL Rank: Experts stack this season's top 100 players, starting with five offensive stars (61. Amon-Ra St. Brown - 2022 rank: NR.  Since entering the league in 2021, St. Brown has a 1% drop rate (three drops in 265 targets) which is the lowest among all players with 200-plus targets in that span. He's back for Year 3 and hungrier than ever after making his first Pro Bowl appearance last season. Already viewed as one of the most reliable receivers in the league, St. Brown is looking to take his game to an even higher level in 2023. -- Eric Woodyard.  Signature stat: St. Brown has 196 career catches, tied with Justin Jefferson and Michael Thomas for the most in a player's first two seasons in NFL history.  What they are saying: "You can see he's a man on a mission with how he works. He's coming for something this year." -- Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds.  2023 projection: 95 receptions, 1,047 yards, 6 TDs (64 yards/1 TD rushing).  67. Aidan Hutchinson - 2022 rank: NR. Hutchinson is coming off a stellar rookie season in which he led all rookies with 9.5 sacks while also racking up 52 total tackles and three interceptions. He also tied for the most quarterback hurries (37) among rookies in 2022 with Kansas City's George Karlaftis. -- Eric Woodyard.  Signature stat: Myles Garrett was the only edge rusher double-teamed at a higher rate than Hutchinson (29.6%) last season.  What they are saying: "My goals are if you think about the highest accolades you can get in football, that's what I'm going for." -- Hutchinson.  2023 projection: 55 tackles, 9 sacks.  72. Penei Sewell - 2022 rank: NR.  There's a reason the Lions selected Sewell as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 draft. Viewed as a foundational part of the offense, Sewell has lived up to the hype, surrendering only 1.5 sacks in 2022 en route to earning his first Pro Bowl selection. The 6-foot-5, 335-pound offensive tackle was part of an O-line that helped the Lions become a top-five offense last season. -- Eric Woodyard.  Signature stat: Sewell and Jake Matthews allowed the fewest sacks (three) among tackles with at least 1,000 snaps played last season.  What they are saying: "He's our foundation. He's one of those pillars that we talk about. But I mean he is something else. He's a man on a mission. I feel like we're a team on a mission, but he is a man on a mission, and you talk about being wired right, a guy that comes in every day, puts in the work and he's got so much ability, but he's got the right attitude too and I think that's what makes him dangerous if you're the opponent." -- Lions coach Dan Campbell.  91. Jared Goff - 2022 rank: NR.  Coming off one of his best seasons in 2022, Goff has a chance to secure a long-term future as the Lions' franchise quarterback. He helped lead the Lions to eight victories over their last 10 games while spearheading a top-five offense last season. If he can perform at a high level again this season, the Lions have a chance to make the playoffs. -- Eric Woodyard.  Signature stat: Goff finished the 2022 season with 29 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions, making a TD/INT ratio of 4.1 -- the best in the NFL and the best mark in a single season in Lions franchise history (min. 250 passes). What they are saying: "I feel like he's right on track. He's in his second year in the offense and you know I feel like he's right where he needs to be. He's in good place, he's making big throws. I feel like he's on top of the protection, and yeah, I feel good, I mean there's nothing that would tell me he's not going to have another good year for us." -- Lions coach Dan Campbell.  2023 projection: 3,933 passing yards, 24 TDs, 11 INTs (83 yards/2 TDs rushing)):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38251650/nfl-rank-2023-ranking-top-100-players-predictions-stats-quotes

The NFL's 101 best players for 2023, Nos. 101-7692. Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit Lions:  Detroit took Sewell, the former Oregon left tackle, with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft, and flipped him to the right side in the second half of his rookie season. That raised some eyebrows, but Sewell allowed four sacks on the left side and one on the right in 2021, so perhaps there was something to it. Last season, as the Lions’ full-time right tackle, Sewell allowed two sacks, six quarterback hits, and 20 quarterback hurries in 663 pass-blocking snaps. One sack, three hits, and 15 hurries came in True Pass Sets.  Sewell was a big part of Detroit’s offensive development in 2022 — there were a lot of boots and rollouts to quarterback Jared Goff’s benefit, and Sewell generally had no trouble blocking those up. On this Goff 20-yard pass to receiver Khalif Raymond against the Patriots in Week 5, Sewell helped keep things clean against both Matthew Judon and blitzing linebacker Mack Wilson.  Sewell handles straight-on protection just fine as well — on this Goff 27-yard pass to Raymond in Week 8 against the Dolphins, he took defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL) as long as Wilkins wanted to go. Speaking of blocks that test the concept of duration, there’s this run-blocking work against the Bears in Week 17, when Sewell went up to the third level and started in on safety Jaquan Brisker 20 yards downfield. That was the final piece of Jamaal Williams’ 40-yard run.  Add in Sewell’s value as a receiver (no, we’re not kidding), and there was no way he wasn’t going to be on this year’s list.  82. Frank Ragnow, Center, Detroit Lions:  Detroit selected the 6-foot-5, 310-pound Ragnow with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 draft, and while he played left guard in his first season with the Lions, he’s been the team’s starting center since 2019, and to great effect. He didn’t allow a single sack in either the 2020 or 2021 seasons, and he was a big part of the Lions’ redefined offense under Ben Johnson. Returning from a turf toe injury that cost him all but four games in 2021, Ragnow decided against surgery in 2022 when a similar problem popped up. All he did last season was to allow one sack, no quarterback hits, and 12 quarterback hurries in 627 pass-blocking snaps, with one sack and eight hurries in True Pass Sets.  Ragnow combines power and functional mobility as well as any center in the NFL right now, and if you’re in his way on a run play, you’re probably not going to like the result. On this nine-yard Jamaal Williams run against the Packers in the Lions’ season finale, Ragnow finished the season as he started it — by dominating his opponents. Here, he took nose tackle Tedarrell Slaton out at the line of scrimmage with help from left guard Jonah Jackson, and then, Ragnow erased linebacker De’Vondre Campbell at the second level.  The Lions have much more of a chance to meet their offensive goals in 2023 with Ragnow on the field, and he’s a joy to watch, so let’s hope for good health in the new season.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-best-players-jalen-ramsey-tariq-woolen-garrett-wilson-george-pickens/

NFL preseason winners, losers: Final verdicts are in (Teddy Bridgewater in No. 17: The Detroit Lions’ new backup QB looked far better in his new jersey number than he did donning No. 50 a week ago. The 10-year vet led his team to 20 second-quarter points Friday in Charlotte and appeared perfectly capably of stepping in if Jared Goff goes down for any stretch of time.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2023/08/28/nfl-preseason-winners-losers-aaron-rodgers-rookie-quarterbacks/70697169007/

2023 NFL All-Preseason Team (Cornerback: Steven Gilmore, Detroit Lions:  I was today years old when I found out Steven Gilmore is Stephon Gilmore’s brother, and it seems that little brother got some of his All-Pro sibling’s instincts. Gilmore is the only cornerback to have multiple interceptions in the preseason. He was also second in the league in passes broken up and an overall menace for the Lions this summer. In a secondary that looked very top-heavy entering the season, it seems Detroit has a little more depth than originally thought.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/dorian-thompson-robinson-trey-palmer-tyjae-spears/

Sam Howell, Tank Bigsby, Rashee Rice lead NFL All-Preseason team for 2023 (LB: Jack Campbell, Lions:  Some thought Campbell was a reach in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has proven during the preseason that he certainly wasn't.  Campbell was a force for the Lions in each of his preseason outings. He was able to quickly diagnose running plays and come downhill with force to blow up plays. That's part of how he racked up 14 tackles during his time on the field.  Additionally, Campbell was able to fair well in pass coverage. He allowed a passer rating of just 58.3 against him on 41 coverage snaps, per Pro Football Focus, and he logged a pass defense. That has the Lions rookie looking like a true, three-down playmaker who will solidify the middle of Detroit's rapidly improving defense.  KR/PR: Maurice Alexander, Lions:  Last year, KaVontae Turpin was named to Sporting News' All-Preseason Team after logging two return touchdowns as a rookie for the Cowboys. Alexander may not have matched the feat achieved by his former USFL counterpart, but he still looked great on return detail.  Case and point: his 95-yard punt return touchdown, during which he used two spin moves to shred the Giants' special teams units.  Alexander has competition for the primary punt returner job in Detroit with Kalif Raymond. That said, if the Lions want to protect Raymond to use him on offense while Jameson Williams is out, Alexander showcased that he is more than capable of providing the Lions with a special teams spark.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-all-preseason-team-2023-sam-howell-tank-bigsby-rashee-rice/gsged6t73vicrlofbqlfm5c3

NFL quarterback rankings for 2023 (17. Jared Goff, Lions:  As one of the league's classic highly dependent passers, Goff delivers when everything is set up well around him. The Lions' offensive line is top-notch and the running game got an upgrade with versatile rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. Amon-Ra St. Brown has plenty of more receiving support, too. Goff's solid status in his rebound from the Rams' end put him smack dab in the middle of the pack.  2022 stats: 4,438 passing yards, 29 passing TDs, 7 INTs, 7.6 yards per attempt, 99.3 passer rating, 73 rushing yards):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-quarterback-rankings-2023-qbs-best-worst/yxvqewdhatrxu7qwajhb89vp

NFL hot seat rankings: Mike McCarthy, Josh McDaniels among coaches under pressure entering 2023 season (11. Dan Campbell, Lions:  Campbell has received a lot of love for his performance with the Lions thus far, and rightfully so. He led the team to a six-win improvement between his first and second season with the team and nearly got them into the playoffs with a 9-8 record in 2022.  So, why could Campbell's seat heat up quickly? Well, the Lions are facing big expectations for the first time in a while. They are expected to be the team to beat in the NFC North and have gotten a lot of love from bettors as a Super Bowl pick. If Campbell can't get the Lions to live up to those expectations, the team could look at his overall record of 12-21-1 and his decision-making, which has been over-aggressive at times, and make him a scapegoat for the team's shortcomings.  It doesn't seem likely that this will happen, nor does it seem likely that Lions players would be in favor of ousting a coach for whom they play hard. But nothing can be ruled out in the NFL, so consider this a potential make-or-break year for Campbell.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-coaches-fired-2023-odds-rankings/tzqxodgahczsxyk2nooszn6m

Winners and Losers From NFL Preseason Week 3: The Aaron Rodgers-to-Garrett Wilson Connection Grows, While the Eagles and Bears Have QB2 Problems (Winner | Detroit Lions Rookie WRs:  Jameson Williams’ six-game gambling suspension and the Detroit Lions’ decision to waive recently-acquired wideout Denzel Mims opened a few slots on Detroit’s WR depth chart in advance of final cuts — and rookies Dylan Drummond and Antoine Green made the most of their opportunities on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers.  Drummond, an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Michigan, has been impressive throughout the summer. His standout performance culminated with a five-catch, 46-yard performance in Week 3 that likely secured him a place on the Lions’ roster.  Green, Detroit’s seventh-round pick, showed off tantalizing speed on a 70-yard touchdown pass from Teddy Bridgewater.  With Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and Marvin Jones Jr. as the Lions’ only other supporting options behind WR1 Amon-Ra St. Brown, Drummond and/or Green might have the chance to contribute early in the season.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/winners-and-losers-nfl-preseason-week-3-aaron-rodgers-garrett-wilson-eagles-bears/

Video:

SportsWorks - 8-27-23 -- Dan talking Lions, Tigers & college football with John Niyo & Pat Caputo:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1270433
Posted by LionsFan at 11:47 AM 0 comments

Afternoon Lions Links for Monday 8-28-23

Articles:

Lions QB Nate Sudfeld’s year potentially done; Emmanuel Moseley’s status unclear:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/lions-qb-nate-sudfelds-year-potentially-done-emmanuel-moseleys-status-unclear.html



Dan Campbell explains why the Lions didn't play starters at all in the preseason:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/08/28/dan-campbell-lions-preseason-not-playing-starters-explanation/

Waived vs. released: What's the difference for NFL players and teams?:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/08/28/waived-vs-released-difference-for-nfl-players-and-teams/


Predicting Lions' Initial 2023 Practice Squad:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/predicting-lions-2023-practice-squad

NFL Yet to Decide if Jameson Williams Can Receive Treatment at Facility:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jameson-williams-receiving-treatment-update




NFL roster cuts explainer: Deadlines, practice squad rules, waiver wire priority, more:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/8/28/23848422/2023-nfl-roster-cuts-explainer-deadlines-practice-squad-rules-waiver-wire

Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 10:33 AM 0 comments

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Morning Lions Links for Monday 8-28-23

Articles:


Trinity Benson, former first-round pick among 13 official Lions cuts:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/trinity-benson-former-first-round-pick-among-13-official-lions-cuts.html



Lions latest wave of roster cuts includes several offensive linemen:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/08/27/lions-roster-cuts-tracker-ifedi-eze-paulo-trinity-benson/




Dan Campbell: Lions Forced to Release 'Really Good Players':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dan-campbell-will-have-to-cut-good-players

Roundtable: Do Lions Need Upgrade at Kicker?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-roundtable-kicking-issue

Final Detroit Lions NFL 2023 Roster Prediction:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/final-2023-lions-53-man-roster-prediction

4 Biggest Concerns Facing Lions After Preseason:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/biggest-concerns-facing-lions-2023


Podcast:

Posted by LionsFan at 9:05 AM 0 comments
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