Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 8-24-23

Articles:

Lions’ Trinity Benson displays unwavering confidence ahead of looming roster cuts:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/lions-trinity-benson-displays-unwavering-confidence-ahead-of-looming-roster-cuts.html

Detroit Lions waive safety in midst of comeback attempt with injury settlement:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/detroit-lions-waive-safety-in-midst-of-comeback-attempt-with-injury-settlement.html

Lions taking battle for RB3 into final preseason game ahead of roster cuts:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/lions-taking-battle-for-rb3-into-final-preseason-game-ahead-of-roster-cuts.html

As Lions begin prep for Chiefs, Brian Branch has his sights on Patrick Mahomes:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/08/as-lions-begin-prep-for-chiefs-brian-branch-has-his-sights-on-patrick-mahomes.html



Branch: 'I’m Basically Like a Linebacker That Can Cover':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/brian-branch-like-linebacker

Jahmyr Gibbs Doing Everything to 'Get a Jump' Early in NFL Career:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jahmyr-gibbs-doing-everything-to-succeed-in-nfl


Key intel on all 32 playcallers, including McCarthy and Bieniemy in new roles (Detroit Lions - Playcaller: Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator.  Experience: Johnson took over playcalling duties after being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022. He started off as the tight ends coach during coach Dan Campbell's first year in 2021, but he eventually expanded his role into assisting with the passing game, which blossomed with his help.  What to know: Though he was interviewed for head-coaching positions this offseason, Johnson surprised many when he chose to return to Detroit for his second year as the offensive coordinator. Johnson has deflected any questions on any future head-coaching opportunities, saying he feels the Lions organization is on the cusp of something special. Despite last year's success with a 9-8 record, he says his goal this season is to streamline his preparation for game days. "I'm hoping to be a lot more efficient, and our coaches, I mean they do a heck of a job getting me the information, but ... it took me last year a lot of time to sift through it, so hopefully that'll accelerate," Johnson said. -- Eric Woodyard.  Key stat: The Lions ran 49% of their plays from under center last season, the highest in the NFL. Jared Goff had 15 passing touchdowns on plays that started under center last season, four more than the next closest quarterback (Kirk Cousins).):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38108724/key-intel-all-32-nfl-playcallers-including-mike-mccarthy

Ranking all 32 RB1s heading into the 2023 NFL season: Saquon Barkley not a top-five running back? (22.  Jahmyr Gibbs - Gibbs is going to be special in Ben Johnson’s offense with his Alvin Kamara-like skill set. He’ll elevate a Lions rushing attack that ranked 11th last season and offer Jared Goff another sure-handed weapon in the pass game. But like most players in this range, he’ll be splitting carries with another RB1-caliber player in David Montgomery.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-all-32-rb1s-heading-into-the-2023-nfl-season-saquon-barkley-not-a-top-fi

2023 NFL season preview: Ranking all eight divisions (6. NFC North - Like Jacksonville, the Detroit Lions are sitting in an enviable position. They have both the belief and the talent to take the crown in a division going through its own transition. The Green Bay Packers are getting used to life with Jordan Love, who is finally succeeding Aaron Rodgers at quarterback three years after being drafted in the first round. There's plenty of optimism about his development, and the Packers might be more dangerous than some anticipate, if a promising defense can dominate. On the other hand, the Minnesota Vikings are going through some noteworthy changes for a team that won the division last season. They've bid farewell to Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen and Za'Darius Smith, and there was some well-documented tension with edge rusher Danielle Hunter, until he received a sizable one-year bump in pay. Even with Justin Jefferson catching passes, all the good mojo that helped this team win so many close games in 2022 might be absent this fall. That leaves us with the Bears, who are betting heavily on the progress of third-year quarterback Justin Fields. He has more weapons now, including wide receiver DJ Moore. However, we still need to see how far Fields has come as a passer, and whether the Bears' defense can be more effective.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-season-preview-ranking-all-eight-divisions

2023 NFL Preseason, Week 3: One thing to watch on each of the 32 teams (FRIDAY, AUG. 25 - Detroit Lions AT Carolina Panthers.  LIONS: The Levi Onwuzurike story has mostly been a feel-good one this summer, with the former second-rounder returning from a back injury that wiped out his entire 2022 season and making a push for a spot in the rotation. The first preseason game (his first game in 19 months) was a success, but Onwuzurike was less effective last week against Jacksonville. So, is his roster spot in jeopardy heading into the final preseason game? It might be hard for GM Brad Holmes to cut the second draft pick he made after joining the Lions, but the DT depth looks good, and it might take one more performance to seal up a spot.  PANTHERS: The NFL’s new roster rules for this season -- allowing for an emergency passer to dress for games without using an active spot -- change the roster calculus for many teams. Quarterbacks such as Carolina’s Matt Corral might be the perfect candidate for this spot -- the 2022 third-rounder is young, on a cheap contract and seems to have made a decent impression on the new coaching staff. Corral has looked solid in the preseason, especially last week against the Giants. If he can take advantage of the preseason finale and play well, it might wrap up a roster spot as QB3 behind Bryce Young and Andy Dalton.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-preseason-week-3-one-thing-to-watch-on-each-of-the-32-teams

Grading first-round NFL rookies in Week 2 of preseason (18. Jack Campbell, LB, Lions.  Grade: A-.  Campbell's strong preseason continued against the Jaguars, with two impact stops against the run. In coverage, he retreated explosively after some play-action fakes, and stuck with running backs out of the backfield. He's ready.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-preseason-week-2-grades-for-first-round-rookies-heres-who-stood-out-disappointed-and-surprised/

Projecting all 32 NFL running back rooms for 2023 (50-50 tandems (5) - These teams are poised to split carries and/or touches between two specific RBs, if not exactly even then close to it.  Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs promises pass-catching electricity as a surprise first-round pick, but Detroit also spent decent money on ex-Bears starter David Montgomery, whose more traditional style should allow the Lions to rotate RBs and styles by situation.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/projecting-all-32-rb-situations-for-2023-nfl-season-which-teams-have-workhorses-tandems-committees/

Projecting top offseason acquisitions from 2023 (C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Lions - You could substitute the ex-Eagles safety for fellow acquisition Cameron Sutton, or Alabama rookie Brian Branch, and we'd celebrate the move all the same. The common thread, of course, is Detroit prioritizing versatility and physicality in its secondary. Gardner-Johnson is the definition of a feisty player, embracing the opportunity to antagonize while ball-hawking from multiple spots. While he may be a one-year rental, he proved with Philly he can be a game-changer, and he fits the Lions like a glove.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/projecting-top-2023-nfl-offseason-acquisitions-panthers-bryce-young-pick-eagles-rb-shuffle-should-pay-off/

10 defensive players who could change 2023 NFL season (Aidan Hutchinson:   hometown standout wasn't necessarily as imposing as other pass rushers in his class; Travon Walker and Kayvon Thibodeaux both have freaky upside. But he still managed 9.5 sacks as a rookie, and now he's on a much better defense that should have improved secondary support. A breakout feels possible as the Lions look to finally storm the NFC North.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ten-nfl-defensive-players-who-could-have-biggest-impact-on-2023-season-including-three-afc-east-stars/

Offensive X-factors for all 32 NFL teams entering 2023 (Detroit Lions: Outside WRs - The Lions have one of the NFL's best offensive lines. They have a very good play-caller in Ben Johnson, who was a highly sought-after head-coaching candidate this offseason but decided to return to Detroit. They have a premier slot receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown. They have two quality backs who bring different things to the table in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. But where is the perimeter threat on this offense? With Jameson Williams suspended for the first six games of the season, the starting outside wide receivers might be Marvin Jones and Josh Reynolds, which isn't much of an improvement of what the team had last year. The Lions seem like the most fun DeAndre Hopkins destination for exactly this reason. Unless they bring him in and/or Williams is a stud right away, the Lions are going to have to get creative in scheming around this issue. ):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/offensive-x-factors-for-all-32-nfl-teams-from-justin-fields-new-weapon-to-deshaun-watson-returning-to-form/

NFC under-the-radar players who can be stars in 2023 (Detroit Lions - Cameron Sutton:  One of the free agent signings who is part of the Lions' revamped secondary, Sutton could be a star in Detroit. Sutton allowed just a 54.6 passer rating in coverage last season with three interceptions, also having a career high in passes defensed (15).  Sutton allowed the eighth-lowest passer rating in coverage last season among players targeted a minimum of 50 times, so he's already one of the top cover corners in the game. If the Lions make a deep playoff run, Sutton will become a well-known name.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/under-the-radar-players-for-each-nfc-team-who-can-be-stars-in-2023-including-christian-watson-miles-sanders/

NFC tiers for 2023: Eagles, 49ers, Cowboys lead the way (Tier 2: The growing contenders (3) - Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants.  Two of these three were surprise 2022 playoff teams, and the other is angling to snap a six-year streak of non-postseason action. In other words, none of them feel particularly trustworthy, and yet, on paper, they register as organizations built for another step forward. The Lions are just as promising, surrounding Jared Goff with a sturdy line and young playmakers like Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Their "D" also got more physical with a secondary makeover. It's been a long time, however, since they had such high expectations to meet, and Goff has his own hurdles to clear when it comes to off-script, big-game deliverance.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-2023-nfc-contenders-by-tiers-eagles-cowboys-49ers-hunting-lombardi-trophy-entering-nfl-season/

Position groups that NFL teams could target in a trade (Lions edge rushers - It is evident how head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes wanted to build this roster: fortify the offensive and defensive lines, then build out. They brought in Charles Harris and John Cominsky from other programs, then used draft capital on Josh Paschal, Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston. Romeo and Julian Okwara could be trade chips used to upgrade other positions.  Romeo Okwara signed a 3-year deal worth $37 million in March of 2021 but has been limited to just nine games played over the past two seasons. His younger brother has seven sacks over the past two seasons and is just 25 years old.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-roster-cuts-and-trades-eagles-defensive-line-browns-offensive-line-among-deepest-units/

5 under-the-radar QBs who could put up big 2023 stats (Jared Goff - Goff will always be a little bit under-the-radar after the Rams traded him with two first-round picks to get Matthew Stafford. It's taken some time, but Goff has rebuilt his reputation as a quality starting QB in the National Football League after his second-half surge in 2022, something he can build on in 2023. He enters the season with 324 straight passes without an interception, the longest streak in Lions history. He has a good offensive line, anchored by Penei Sewell, a go-to wideout in Amon-Ra St. Brown and a new weapon in first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs could be a valuable gadget player in Detroit's offense after leading all SEC RB in yards per touch (7.0) last season, while playing nearly 100 snaps at wide receiver. Once Jameson Williams returns from his six-game gambling suspension the Lions' offense could really be humming.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/five-under-the-radar-nfl-qbs-who-could-put-up-big-numbers-in-2023-including-brock-purdy/

NFL Preseason Week 2: Every team's highest-graded player, including Will Anderson Jr. and Ihmir Smith-Marsette (DETROIT LIONS: LB MALCOLM RODRIGUEZ (90.7, 24 SNAPS) - A 2022 preseason standout, Rodriguez is making plays once again. He is the sixth-highest-graded linebacker overall this preseason (88.9) and made one run stop on just six such snaps in Week 2.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-highest-graded-player-every-team-preseason-week-2

Most impressive backups from NFL preseason Week 2: All 32 teams (DETROIT LIONS - LB MALCOLM RODRIGUEZ — 90.7 PFF grade.  The star of last season’s Hard Knocks series is expected to lose his starting position to Jack Campbell this year, but Rodriguez is not giving up his spot without a fight. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy was all over the field against the Jaguars, as he recorded two wins on six pass-rush snaps, did not allow a single reception in coverage and earned an 85.4 run-defense grade.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-most-impressive-backups-nfl-preseason-week-2



Lions hoping Montgomery, rookie Gibbs can keep running game going in positive direction:  https://apnews.com/article/detroit-lions-david-montgomery-jahmyr-gibbs-4bfd6f52ca1bca1c2c1e1332a5497853

Breakout Players: Wide Receivers (5. Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions:  Jameson Williams has seemingly hit every road block possible since being drafted in the first round last year. Dealing with injuries to start his career, and now a suspension from the league for the first six games of the season. This does not stop Williams from being the most talented deep threat on the Lions’ roster, and a prime breakout candidate when he does get on the field. Now in football shape, and under top tier offensive coordinator, Detroit is certainly going to get the most out of Williams. If what we saw him accomplish in college is any indication of his future, Williams could be one of the best deep threats in the league very quickly, and will help this Lion offense open of the field even more than they already do.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/breakout-receivers-kadarius-toney-jameson-williams/

Video:

Should the Lions be included in Stephen A's top-5 NFC teams?:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/38239520

Biggest factors for Lions to live up to hype | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/biggest-factors-for-lions-to-live-up-to-hype-gmfb

Posted by LionsFan at 7:17 PM

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