Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Lions Links for Tuesday Evening 6-18-24

Articles:

GET TO KNOW: Cornerback Terrion Arnold:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/get-to-know-detroit-lions-cornerback-terrion-arnold




Taylor Decker has shares thoughts on 2024 Detroit Lions, Dan Campbell speech:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/taylor-decker-one-word-description-2024-lions

'He's Still a Rookie In My Mind': Brodric Martin Is Work in Progress: https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/brodric-martin-development-excites-terrell-williams


Amon-Ra St. Brown Listed as Candidate to Break WR Record:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/amon-ra-st-brown-could-break-calvin-johnson-record-2024



From 'kneecaps' speech to NFC title game: Lions' Decker on 8 wild years in Detroit:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40343056/detroit-lions-line-eyes-career-taylor-decker

Lions offseason gets C grade from ESPN:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/all-lions/news/lions-offseason-gets-c-grade-from-espn

8 2024 NFL contenders with roster needs and the free agents who could help them (Detroit Lions - Wide receiver:  The Lions enter the 2024 season as one of the most intimidating contenders in the NFL. However, the depth at wide receiver feels a bit uneasy after the obvious starters like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Detroit might consider bringing in a veteran to take some snaps and step up should injury ever strike the Lions’ depth chart.  Options: WR Hunter Renfrow, WR Russell Gage  We’ll list Renfrow again because he feels like a really promising candidate to fill the snaps that Josh Reynolds left from last season. We’ll also include Gage, who could be a very sound starter if he’s able to stay healthy.):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2024/06/8-2024-nfl-contenders-roster-needs-free-agents-help-them

NFL's highest-graded CBs by targeted route type: Jaylon Johnson, Brian Branch and more (BRIAN BRANCH - The first-year cornerback was fantastic from the slot. He was exposed to a heavy dose of out routes, to which he answered the call, earning an excellent 93.6 coverage grade against them. That grade is built in large part by Branch’s ability to quickly close down on receivers with make-up speed, allowing him to rack up five forced incompletions on targeted out routes, the second most at the position.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-highest-graded-cornerbacks-targeted-route-type-jaylon-johnson-brian-branch

Clustering all 32 NFL defenses from the 2023 season (CLUSTER 3 - The defenses in Cluster 3 were known for strong run defense but mediocre efforts overall en route to an average 76.8 PFF grade. They played Cover 3 the most often of any cluster (33%).  Detroit Lions: The Lions' run defense graded in the top 10 last season (75.5) and placed 11th in EPA allowed per play (-0.11). They struggled in coverage, however, ranking 28th with a 65.1 grade. They allowed opponents to convert fourth downs to a new set of downs at a 27th-ranked clip, too.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-clustering-all-32-nfl-defenses-2023-season

Ranking eight NFL divisions by quarterback: AFC claims three of top four spots; NFC West at No. 2 (6. NFC North - Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams.  Detroit Lions: Jared Goff.  Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love.  Minnesota Vikings: Sam Darnold/J.J. McCarthy.  This feels unfairly low, but so much of the North's promise lies in the hands of the kids. In a year or two, we could regard Love, Williams and McCarthy as the nucleus of the league's young QB talent. On the flip side, all three come with enough questions and projection that we must hedge slightly right now.  Last Nov. 1, following four straight losses, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst clearly didn't know yet if Love was The Guy. Now, a massive contract extension for Love feels all but imminent. During the final 10 regular-season games and the playoff win at Dallas, Love was special. But in the playoff defeat at San Francisco, he came unglued. The future remains very bright, but Love's inconsistencies remind us that nothing is certain.  Williams will be the Bears' starting QB Week 1 barring something unforeseen, but it won't be shocking if he takes some time to settle in -- not too different from what Love endured last season -- even with Chicago facing a manageable slate. His upside is tremendous, but how quickly will this new Bears offense fire on all cylinders?  Both Chicago and Minnesota feel like strong QB situations for a rookie to enter, but how quickly McCarthy earns the job remains unknown. Darnold could hold him off for a bit, but either way, the Vikings appear to have far better options now than they did after Kirk Cousins went down last season. With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and more, this is an offense where either quarterback won't be asked to carry the team on their respective backs. We expect solid play at worst, but will Darnold or McCarthy deliver anything special? That's hard to say.  No disrespect to Goff, who has done all that he's been asked of -- and more -- in Detroit. He's clearly in peak career form, even with a few tough games in the second half of last season, and he's undeniably been a huge part of the Lions' franchise revival. Is there a higher ceiling for Goff? Winning a Super Bowl would invite that kind of talk, but it's hard to imagine Goff being worlds better than he has been in the past two seasons, even with Ben Johnson staying in the fold to call plays.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-eight-nfl-divisions-by-quarterback-afc-claims-three-of-top-four-spots-nfc-west-at-no-2

Pete Prisco's Top 100 NFL Players of 2024 (17.  Penei Sewell DETROIT LIONS OT - Now entering his fourth season, he has emerged as one of the game's best offensive linemen. He is massive, athletic and can maul in the run game. He has it all. (Last season: No. 66).  39. Amon-Ra St. Brown DETROIT LIONS WR - He had 119 catches with 10 touchdown receptions in 2023, the best numbers of his career. He is a reliable player in the Lions offense and was rewarded with a big contract this year because of it. (Last season: No. 83).  47. Aidan Hutchinson DETROIT LIONS DE - In his second season, he continued to show that he is a dominant pass rusher. He had 11 1/2 sacks, but he was among the league's best in terms of pressures. He has to get better against the run. (Last season: NR).  56.  Frank Ragnow DETROIT LIONS C - The veteran center is coming off his best season in the middle of their outstanding line. He is impressive in the run game, but more than holds up in pass protection. (Last season: NR).  58.  Sam LaPorta DETROIT LIONS TE - As a rookie, he established himself as one of the best receiving tight ends in the league with 86 catches and 10 touchdown receptions. He is just scratching the surface of what he can do as a receiver, which is scary for opposing defenses. (Last season: NR).  76. Jared Goff DETROIT LIONS QB - He threw 30 touchdown passes and 12 picks in leading the Lions to the NFC Championship game. Goff has quieted a lot of critics with his play in Detroit and earned himself a big contract earlier this year from the team. (Last season: NR).  89. Alim McNeill DETROIT LIONS DT - He had his breakout season in 2023, flashing ability as a run stopper but also as a player who could push the pocket inside. He had five sacks, but I expect that number to be higher this season. (Last season: NR)):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-top-100-players-of-2024-patrick-mahomes-reigns-again-myles-garrett-top-defender-in-priscos-rankings/


Posted by LionsFan at 7:19 PM

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