Thursday, August 22, 2024

Lions Links for Thursday 8-22-24

Articles:






Breaking down the Lions depth chart vs. Steelers in the preseason finale:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/08/22/detroit-lions-preseason-depth-chart-breakdown-takeaways-vs-steelers/

Defensive end Mitchell Agude has a real chance of making the Lions 53-man roster:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/08/22/mitchell-agude-lions-defense-film-review-53-man-roster-sleeper/

Sione Vaki Describes 'Crazy Experience' Having Face Mask Fall Off:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/sione-vaki-describes-face-mask-mishap

'That Was a Bad Read': Brian Branch Reacts to Poor Jared Goff Decision:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/that-was-a-bad-read-brian-branch-reacts-to-poor-jared-goff-decision

Under Raymond's wing, undrafted Isaiah Williams stretching to make Lions' roster:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-isaiah-williams-stretching-to-make-roster

9 things we learned about the Detroit Lions in 2024 training camp:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/8/22/24225920/9-things-we-learned-detroit-lions-2024-training-camp

Pedal to the Medal: Lions Franchise Speeding Toward First Super Bowl Appearance:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions-speeding-super-bowl-preview-digital-cover




NFL Preseason Week 3 Preview: Schedule, storylines and matchups to watch (Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.5) vs Detroit Lions - Storyline of the Game: The Steelers' head coach states that the quarterback battle is an “incomplete study” after the team's poor offensive showing last week.  Russell Wilson‘s return to the lineup wasn’t what the Steelers coaching staff had hoped for, with Tomlin opting to continue the battle into the final week of camp. Pittsburgh's protection has been shaky, allowing eight sacks in just two preseason games and failing to surpass an 80.0 pass-blocking efficiency rating in either game. That's an alarming rate with Week 1 on the horizon that this team will hope to figure out this week.  Matchups to Watch: Steelers RT Broderick Jones vs Lions ED Josh Paschal.  The glaring struggles from Jones in pass protection this far into camp are starting to further affect the team’s evaluation of the quarterbacks. He particularly struggled this past week, earning a 40.8 pass-blocking grade and allowing three quick losses resulting in three pressures, two of which finished as sacks.   The Lions have gone the way of McVay’s Rams, opting not to play starter in the preseason, albeit with their plans for the finale still unknown at the time of this writing. However, the Lions have gotten an extended look at key depth players like Paschal, who totaled three pressures and a sack this past week on his way to a 73.0 pass-rushing grade.  Additional News:  Steelers RB Jaylen Warren (hamstring) status is uncertain for Week 1.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-preseason-week-3-preview-schedule-storylines-matchups-to-watch

Top 10 NFL duos: Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes are stars (7. Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell (Lions) - Detroit arguably does more to support its quarterback than any other NFL team, at least according to current personnel and coaches. The offensive line is a major part of that, with Ragnow entering Year 7 as the anchor of the front and Sewell emerging as maybe the top right tackle in the game. Both linemen excel in the run game, clearing lanes for the Lions' dual-headed backfield, while also providing Jared Goff clean pockets.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-top-10-nfl-duos-for-2024-andy-reid-patrick-mahomes-headline-impressive-tandems/

2024 Best NFL pass rushers: Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt lead rankings (9. Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions - Carmen Vitali: The Lions have spent the last two years trying to fill out the defensive side of the ball, because the secondary specifically has been bitten in a bad way by the injury bug. Despite not having a ton of support from the back level, Hutchinson has still been incredibly effective up front. He had the fifth-most pressures among qualified pass rushers last season with 83, according to Next Gen Stats. He paired that with 11.5 sacks, giving him 21 through his first two seasons as a pro. Hutch was doing all of this as the focal point of the Lions’ defense. He’s come out of the gate as a ready-made pass rusher and has lived up to his first-round selection already.  2023 rank: unranked.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2024-best-nfl-pass-rushers-myles-garrett-t-j-watt-lead-rankings

Biggest Remaining Weakness For NFL Contenders: Bills Pass Rush, Chiefs RB Depth, Packers QB2 Among Areas of Concern (Detroit Lions | Edge Rusher - Aidan Hutchinson led the Lions with 11.5 sacks and a 17.4% pressure rate in 2023. John Cominsky was Detroit’s only other returning EDGE with at least two sacks last season, and he’s out indefinitely after tearing his MCL in July.  The Lions signed former first-round pick Marcus Davenport to a two-year deal in March. While he may have remaining upside, the 27-year-old has been consistently hindered by injury issues.  Detroit may have to rely on additional interior pressure from breakout candidates Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike instead.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/biggest-remaining-weakness-nfl-contenders/

NFL Tight End Rankings 2024: Travis Kelce and George Kittle Compete for No. 1, Kyle Pitts Falls Out of Top 10 (4. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions - The Lions opted to invest a high pick on a tight end instead of paying the one they already had on the roster. Considering T.J. Hockenson is now the richest TE in NFL history and decidedly not the best TE in the NFL, the Lions are probably comfortable with their decision. They even got the same model — a brand-new Iowa TE.  LaPorta is a massive part of the Lions offensive attack and should be in line for a massive season in 2024.  2023 STATS: 86 Receptions, 899 Receiving Yards, 10 Receiving Touchdowns, 10.3 Yards Per Reception):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-tight-end-rankings-2024-who-is-best-tight-end/

Video:

Lions make final preparations for Steelers:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1505172
Posted by LionsFan at 7:27 PM

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