Saturday, January 6, 2024

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 1-6-24

Articles:

Lions WR Jameson Williams 'in a good spot' as season ends, out Sunday:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/01/05/detroit-lions-jameson-williams-late-season-surge-minnesota-vikings-injury-report/72121630007/



Here’s what time you’ll find out what seed Detroit Lions have in playoffs, who they’re playing:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2024/01/05/heres-what-time-youll-find-out-what-seed-detroit-lions-have-in-playoffs-who-theyre-playing/

Why Detroit Lions should be thrilled that Amon-Ra St. Brown didn’t make Pro Bowl:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2024/01/05/why-detroit-lions-should-be-thrilled-that-amon-ra-st-brown-didnt-make-pro-bowl/

18 unexpected impact players: Who leveled up for Super Bowl hopefuls? (Detroit Lions Ifeatu Melifonwu, S:  How he stepped in: Melifonwu took over the starting safety role in Week 14 from Tracy Walker and hasn't looked back. Walker is now playing mostly on special teams as Melifonwu has emerged as the clear-cut starter.  Impact: Melifonwu was a third-round pick as a cornerback out of Syracuse in 2021, but he made the switch to safety in his second season, and he is now taking off in Year 3. In Week 16, he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after his game-sealing interception at the Lions' 5-yard line with 49 seconds left helped the Lions beat the Vikings and clinch their first division title since 1993. He also had an interception at Dallas on Dec. 30. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39229778/nfl-playoffs-injuries-replacements-shaped-race

Ranking the top five rookie classes of the 2023 NFL season: Lions edge out Texans for the No. 1 spot (1.  Detroit Lions:  It is not a coincidence the Lions have become legitimate title contenders, given the influx of talent under third-year general manager Brad Holmes' watch, with young playmakers excelling as key contributors on both sides of the ball.  Offensively, running back Jahmyr Gibbs (Round 1, No. 12 overall) and tight end Sam LaPorta (Round 2, No. 34) have flourished as designated playmakers in a lineup loaded with splash-play artists. Though Detroit's veterans typically lead the charge (SEE: QB Jared Goff, RB David Montgomery and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, not to mention a fabulous offensive line), the team's rookies have added pizzazz to the unit with their dynamic abilities. Whether via Gibbs squirting through holes on off-tackle runs or LaPorta snagging passes between the hashes, the Lions have upgraded their offense with first-year contributors manning key roles.  Defensively, Detroit has closed the gap on its competitors with linebacker Jack Campbell (Round 1, No. 18) and defensive back Brian Branch (Round 2, No. 45) in the starting lineup. Branch, in particular, has shined as the Lions' nickel corner, exhibiting outstanding instincts, awareness and ball skills while playing in the slot. With the 22-year-old Alabama product playing well beyond his years, the Lions have been able to thrive utilizing "eyes" coverage tactics to create more turnovers.  With Detroit getting impact production from rookies on each side of the ball, Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell deserve credit for an effective draft-and-develop strategy that has keyed the rise of a long-suffering franchise.): https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-the-top-five-rookie-classes-of-the-2023-nfl-season-lions-edge-out-texans



Hope abounds for the NFL’s final four as Browns, Lions, Texans and Jaguars eye elusive Super Bow (lDETROIT LIONS - Former Lions kicker Eddie Murray played a key role in one of Detroit’s many postseason shortcomings. In the 1983 NFC divisional round, Murray made three field goals before missing one late as San Francisco held on to win 24-23 after taking advantage of Gary Danielson’s five interceptions. “Not being able to make that kick at the end of the game was gut-wrenching not only for myself, but the team,” Murray said. “We were the best team on the field that day and we were really good on both sides of the ball that year, but mistakes killed us against the 49ers.”  Murray, with star teammate Barry Sanders carrying the load, got closer in 1991. They beat Dallas in the divisional round only to get trounced by juggernaut Washington in the NFC title game.  The 67-year-old Murray has made the Motor City his home for 43 years, witnessing a series of rebuilding efforts. Finally, it looks like the Lions might have another solid shot at an elusive Super Bowl.  “It’s long overdue,” Murray said. “In my 12-year tenure with Detroit, we had two winning seasons. There were a lot of frustrating years for me and for the fans over the years.”):  https://apnews.com/article/nfl-playoffs-lions-browns-texans-jaguars-d6cac2f4b07e182fc7274b3780196df5

Video:

Can the Lions rebound off of heartbreaking loss?:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/39248880

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