Thursday, October 31, 2024

Lions Links for Thursday 10-31-24

Happy Halloween 🎃 👻 🎃 👻 

Articles:


NOTEBOOK: How Lions evaluate run game & where they stack up:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-how-lions-evaluate-run-game-where-they-stack-up

10 takeaways from Glenn, Johnson & Fipp:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-takeaways-from-glenn-johnson-fipp-goff-gibbs-raymond


Lions-Packers preview: Quarterback questions abound for Green Bay:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2024/10/lions-packers-preview-quarterback-questions-abound-for-green-bay.html




Lions film room: Breaking down Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow vs. the Titans:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/10/31/detroit-lions-film-breakdown-week-8-taylor-decker-graham-glasgow-titans/


Lions face tough road through the remaining schedule into the playoffs:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/10/31/detroit-lions-remaining-schedule-strength-into-postseason/

Notebook: Exploring Lions' Pass Protection Issues:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/notebook-exploring-lions-pass-protection-issues


Jared Goff Named NFC Offensive Player of the Month:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jared-goff-nfc-offensive-player-of-month-october


Is Chase Young the Answer for Lions' Defense?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/is-chase-young-answer-for-lions-defense

Jared Goff: I've Said 'Nothing' to Jameson Williams:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jared-goff-addresses-jameson-williams-news






More TDs than incompletions?! The dizzying offensive numbers behind the Lions' red-hot run:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42099650/detroit-lions-offense-breaking-records-five-games

LaPorta adding value to Lions, even as numbers dip: "I see 52 points on the board":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-sam-laporta-not-sweating-his-own-numbers

NFL Week 9 Preview: Schedule, storylines and matchups to watch (Detroit Lions (-3.5) vs. Green Bay Packers - Storyline of the game: Jordan Love and Jared Goff dealing with injuries to start the week
After missing two games early in the year, all eyes were on Jordan Love going down again in Week 8. The Packers’ franchise passer is considered day-to-day heading into the week, having missed practice on Wednesday. Given how well Packers HC Matt LaFleur has orchestrated this offense in the face of adversity, this team can feasibly compete in any matchup in which it finds itself.  While not considered to be as severe, Detroit is also dealing with an injury to its franchise passer, with Jared Goff missing practice to start the week. He isn’t considered to be in danger of sitting out this one just yet, but the situation will require monitoring from the medical staff heading into Sunday's contest.  Matchups to watch: Packers QB Malik Willis vs. Lions safeties Kerby Joseph & Brian Branch  If Love is unable to go, Malik Willis will be tabbed to start under center — who has operated as a solid replacement in his time on the field, amassing a 77.4 overall offensive grade. That stems from his surprisingly composed play as a passer, where he’s recorded zero turnover-worthy plays on 53 dropbacks. But, that measure will be put to the test this week against the highest-graded safety tandem in the NFL in Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. The duo are phenomenal in coverage with both eclipsing an 85.0 PFF coverage grade this season, due in large part to the pair combining for nine interceptions on the year, more than 26 other teams have in total.  Additional news:  Detroit will play its first game outside of a dome this season when the Lions suit up in Green Bay this week, with rain in the forecast.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-9-preview-schedule-storylines-and-matchups-to-watch

PFF Grades and Data: Key insights for every NFL Week 9 game (Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
Both teams feature pass-catchers who have excelled with contested catches against single coverage. The Lions rank second with a 67% contested catch rate, while the Packers are third-highest at 65%. Both trail Chicago’s 69% mark through the first nine weeks. Green Bay’s pass rush has benefitted from the team’s use of stunts in Jeff Hafley’s defense. Green Bay uses stunts 35% of the time when rushing the passer, the second-highest rate in the league. With stunts, the Packers pressure the QB on 43% of dropbacks compared to a 28% pressure rate without stunts.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-grades-and-data-key-insights-for-every-nfl-week-9-game


Ranking 5 scariest NFL schedules for second half (2. Lions (6-1) (Remaining opponents: at Packers (6-2), at Texans (6-2), Jaguars (2-6), at Colts (4-4), Bears (4-3), Packers, Bills (6-2), at Bears, at 49ers (4-4), Vikings - Remaining strength of schedule: .610):  If the Lions end up with the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC, they will have absolutely earned it. Over their final 10 games, they have to play three teams that are currently in first place or in a tie for first place with games against the Bills, 49ers and Texans. The 49ers didn't have Christian McCaffrey for the first half of the season, but he'll almost certainly be playing against the Lions in Week 17. Also, the Texans could have Nico Collins back for Detroit's Week 10 game against Houston. Not to mention, the Lions still have to play the Packers twice and the Vikings once. Oh, and three of their final 10 games will be played outdoors, which is only worth mentioning because they haven't played a single outdoor game through the first eight weeks.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-the-five-scariest-nfl-schedules-for-second-half-of-season-bears-steelers-could-be-in-trouble/


Halloween 2024: Five sugary sweet NFL trade proposals (Trey Hendrickson to the Lions - The three-time Pro Bowler is a sack machine for an otherwise struggling Cincinnati Bengals defense, and yet he flirted with a trade request this offseason. Joe Burrow and Co. still have playoff aspirations at 3-5, but with guys like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins still without long-term deals, it might be time to sell high. The Detroit Lions may well be buyers. They look like the class of the NFC, but their defensive front could use added reinforcements with star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson sidelined.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-halloween-five-sugary-sweet-trade-proposals-before-nfl-deadline-russell-wilson-tyler-lockett-reunited/

NFL's scariest offensive players: Henry frightening (3. OL Penei Sewell, Lions - Instead of writing too much here, I'll let the following video sum up Sewell and the reason why he made this list. On the play you're about to see, Sewell knocked two-time Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons back roughly 8 yards en route to a David Montgomery touchdown. Plays like this are why Sewell has earned the reputation as one of the NFL's best offensive linemen. It's also contributed to the Lions' success over the past three years.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-nfls-top-5-scariest-offensive-players-derrick-henry-headlines-list-of-current-stars/

2024 Halloween: NFL's five scariest teams at midseason (Scarily good: The Detroit Lions - Record: 6-1 | Movie comparison: "Gremlins" (1984).  Cherished as the cute little underdogs not so long ago, they're now full-blown terrors. And as sure as both unsupervised Mogwai and testosterone-jacked Dan Campbell like to snarl and bite, the Lions boast maybe the most dangerous offense in all of football. Even Jared Goff, who's been prone to skittish stretches under pressure, has found new levels of efficiency as Ben Johnson's point guard. They're a powerhouse.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-halloween-five-scariest-nfl-teams-at-midseason-for-better-and-worse-including-lions-cowboys-jets/

Ranking 5 most obvious trades contenders should make (1. Detroit Lions: Edge rusher - It's no secret that Detroit has been in the market for an edge rushing since Aidan Hutchinson sustained an injury that will sideline him for the rest of the rest of the regular season. There have been reports that Hutchinson could possibly return for the Super Bowl, but for that to happen, the Lions need help at pass rusher in the interim. A name that has been floated around is Za'Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler who is in the middle of his second season with the Browns. Smith, after having a so-so 2023 season, has returned to form this year. His 5.5 sacks through eight games is more than double what the Lions' current leader in sacks has (Alim McNeill) with Hutchinson out. The Lions should see if the Browns (who recently traded Cooper to the Bills) would have interest in moving another notable player before the deadline.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-trade-deadline-ranking-the-5-most-obvious-deals-contenders-should-make-over-the-next-week/

Lions-Packers winner best NFC team? Hail Mary fallout? DK Metcalf on the move? (Should the winner of Sunday's Lions-Packers game be considered the best team in the NFC?  The fact that the Packers are still in this conversation with Jordan Love having missed significant time (and could again this week) says all you need to know about the viability of this Green Bay team. The Packers have an incredibly well-rounded offense, even when Malik Willis is at the helm, and their defense has been tweaked and adjusted nearly every week to have very few holes. They take the ball away at one of the best rates in the league and are now figuring out how to get pressure in Jeff Hafley's new scheme.   Meanwhile, the Lions look like an absolute juggernaut and can seemingly win at-will. Not only are they winning, but they're playing with their food in the process. Running back David Montgomery threw a touchdown pass last game. There's seemingly no limit to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's creativity, and the defense has figured out how to get by without its best pass rusher.  So the answer is yes, absolutely. — Carmen Vitali.  Perhaps Washington deserves a seat at the table? Other than a loss at Tampa Bay in Jayden Daniels' first NFL start, the Commanders only other defeat was a seven-point loss to the Baltimore Ravens, one of the best teams in the AFC. On the other hand, Washington's most impressive win this year came on a Hail Mary against the Chicago Bears, the last-place team in the NFC North. So, I think at this point of the season, this game pits the top two teams in the NFC in the best division in football. And the winner should be given top billing as the best team in the conference. — Eric D. Williams):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-roundtable-lions-packers-commanders-hail-mary-colts-anthony-richardson-dk-metcalf

Bills QB Josh Allen gaining ground on Ravens' Lamar Jackson in MVP race (3. Jared Goff, Lions - Current MVP Odds: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total).  The Cal product has been the best player on the most dynamic offense in the league. The Lions lead the league in scoring at 33.4 points per game, and Goff has the highest completion percentage (83%) and passer rating (146.5) over a five-game span in league history.  Though Goff threw for just 85 yards in Detroit's 52-14 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 8, he did become the first player with three touchdown passes on 85 or fewer passing yards in a regular-season game since Steve Grogan in 1976.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/mvp-watch-bills-josh-allen-gaining-ground-ravens-lamar-jackson

Week 8 NFL MVP Rankings: Josh Allen Back on Top (3. Jared Goff, QB, Lions - Goff has been on a heater for the past month, and he kept it going on the road against the No. 1 defense in football. He completed 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-29 win over the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings. Goff has thrown two or more touchdowns in four straight games — all Lions wins — and is completing better than 83% of his passes during that stretch.  Only Jayden Daniels is completing a higher percentage of his throws than Goff, who ranks second in passer rating (111.5) and leads the league in yards per attempt (9.3). Detroit (5–1) is in first place in the loaded NFC North and has its first home game since Week 3 to look forward to this week against the Titans (1–5).):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/mvp-rankings-2024

Packers Super Bowl Champion Anoints Jared Goff-Led Lions as ‘Scariest’ Team in NFL Over Chiefs:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/packers-super-bowl-champion-anoints-jared-goff-led-lions-scariest-nfl-team/

2024 NFL QB Rankings: Insights Behind Anthony Richardson’s Struggles and Jayden Daniels Rookie Success (6. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - Grade: B+ (71.4).  Jared Goff has turned his career around in the last three years, posting better QB+ grades in each of those seasons. He moved from a D+ in 2021 to a B- in 2022, a B in 2023, and is posting a B+ so far in 2024.  After an unconvincing start, Goff put together a run of impressive results between Weeks 4 and 7, finishing with a B+ or better in each of those three games.  Where Goff has taken a huge stride this year has been when passing from a clean pocket. Since 2019, his best finish was a 24th-ranked performance in that category, according to our database, but he now ranks fourth.  Goff is also posting his best number since 2019 in nYPA, ranking third this year and seventh in the database as a whole.  There is still plenty of room for improvement. Goff is converting on just 35.7% of third downs, which ranks 18th this season. He’s also in the bottom half in performances in close games, which could come back to haunt the Detroit Lions later in the season.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-qb-rankings-2024/

Packers Media:

Battle of NFL’s Best Quarterbacks: Jared Goff vs. ... Malik Willis?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/packers/battle-of-nfl-s-best-quarterbacks-jared-goff-vs-malik-willis-01jbhk1yygp6



Podcast:



Video:







Why Stephen A. still likes Chiefs, not Lions, as NFL's best team:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/42112244
Posted by LionsFan at 4:44 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Lions Links for Wednesday 10-30-24

Articles:


NOTEBOOK: Lions' offense & defense rank in the Top 10 in 3 key metrics:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-lions-offense-defense-rank-in-the-top-10-in-3-key-metrics

NFC North: Where all four teams stand heading into Week 9:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfc-north-where-all-four-teams-stand-heading-into-week-9









Lions DE Al-Quadin Muhammad can provide a spark on the defensive line:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/10/30/al-quadin-muhammad-detroit-lions-pass-rush-help-film-review/




Pros and Cons of Lions Trading for Arden Key:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/pros-cons-lions-trading-for-arden-key

Jameson Williams' Lawyer Does Not Believe Criminal Charge Will Be Filed:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lawyer-todd-flood-discusses-incident







Which NFL teams are actually good? What we know and what's still a mystery at the halfway point (Detroit Lions (6-1) - FPI rank: 1.  Chances to make the playoffs: 96.1%.  Chances to win their division: 65.1%.  What we know: At 6-1, the Lions are among the NFL's elite and look like they have a shot to compete for the franchise's first Super Bowl title. The reigning NFC North champions also secured their first victory in 50 years over a team that was 5-0 or better with a win at Minnesota in Week 7. They are showing no signs of slowing down.  What we don't know yet: Can wide receiver Jameson Williams become the player the Lions need him to be for a full season? Williams, the 12th selection of the 2022 NFL draft, got off to a strong start in his third season. He is second on the team in both receiving yards (361) and touchdowns (3), behind All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. But can he keep up that production for a full season? He's currently serving a suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing-drug policy. Only time will tell.  Stat that defined the first half: QB Jared Goff has played at an MVP level, with an 83.5% completion percentage in his past four games. That output set the NFL record for the highest completion percentage over any four-game span in NFL history, per ESPN Research. He has also completed five 35-yard passing TDs this season, which is the most in the NFL, as he has a plethora of talented offensive skill players with which to work.  Biggest injury concern: Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson had surgery on a fractured left tibia and fibula suffered in Week 6, and the Lions say he could return for a potential Super Bowl appearance. The coaching staff is using a committee approach to make up for the loss but may need to consider outside options to help down the stretch. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41924981/nfl-2024-midseason-report-afc-nfc-questions-critical-stats

NFL 2024 Midseason Awards: Lamar Jackson wins MVP, Aidan Hutchinson claims Defensive Player of the Year (Defensive Player of the Year: EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions - Hutchinson won’t win this award at the end of the season due to his injury, but he deserves to be recognized for his sheer dominance when he did play.  Hutchinson earned an unbelievable 95.0 pass-rush grade over his five games. His 45 pressures still rank second in the NFL behind Nick Bosa, and it took Bosa three extra games to pass him.  Perhaps most impressive is Hutchinson’s 38.3% pass-rush win rate, which would’ve easily been a PFF record if carried across an entire season.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2024-midseason-awards-lamar-jackson-wins-mvp-aidan-hutchinson-claims-defensive-player-of-the-year

2024 NFL Midseason All-Pro Team: Lamar Jackson, T.J. Watt, Fred Warner and more (Right Tackle: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions - Sewell has been good in pass protection, allowing seven pressures from 229 pass-blocking snaps through Week 8, but has been even better as a run-blocker. His 86.0 PFF run-blocking grade ranks second among offensive tackles.  Edge Defender: Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions - A broken leg ended Hutchinson’s season after just five games, so he won’t be in this spot by the end of the campaign, but his body of work is enough to earn a midseason nod. Despite not playing in the past three weeks, Hutchinson still ranks second in the NFL with 45 quarterback pressures.  Safety: Brian Branch, Detroit Lions - Branch has spent more time as a true safety this season, allowing him to become one of the best defensive backs in football. He has earned an 86.6 PFF coverage grade, backed by four interceptions and six pass breakups so far.  Returner: Kalif Raymond, Detroit Lions - It hasn’t been a big year for returns so far, but Raymond’s huge performance in Week 8 helps him land the spot here. He returned a punt 90 yards for a score and racked up 190 total return yards in the game.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2024-midseason-all-pro-team-lamar-jackson-tj-watt-fred-warner

32 NFL observations after Week 8: James Conner continues to make defenders miss while Nick Bosa generates more pressure than anyone else (Detroit Lions - Among receivers targeted at least 15 times, no player has a better NFL passer rating when targeted than Kalif Raymond‘s 148.4.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-32-nfl-observations-after-week-8-james-conner-continues-to-make-defenders-miss-while-nick-bosa-generates-more-pressure-than-anyone-else

RB Index, Week 9: Three running backs with season-saving potential (3. Jahmyr Gibbs - 2024 stats: 7 games | 92 att | 591 rush yds | 6.4 ypc | 6 rush TDs | 19 rec | 154 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 0 fumbles lost.  The Lions are riding the hot hand of Gibbs, who galloped for 127 yards on 11 carries in Sunday's beatdown of the Titans. Seventy of those yards came on the first play of Detroit's fourth possession, when Gibbs followed his blockers on the left side before darting into the open field and looking like he received a Super Mario Bros. boost to fly into the end zone. Per Next Gen Stats, Gibbs reached a top speed of 22.03 mph on the play, the second-fastest speed by a ball-carrier this season. That TD was also the longest play from scrimmage in Gibbs' career. 9.  David Montgomery - 2024 stats: 7 games | 93 att | 415 rush yds | 4.5 ypc | 7 rush TDs | 14 rec | 138 rec yds | 0 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost.  Montgomery did a little bit of everything in the Lions' latest win. He rushed for 33 yards and a touchdown, caught a pass for five yards and THREW a TD to Sam LaPorta on National Tight Ends Day. Since joining the Lions, Montgomery has 20 rush touchdowns in 21 games, which makes him the fastest to reach that number in franchise history. Barry Sanders and Billy Sims each needed 22 games to do so with Detroit.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/rb-index-week-9-three-running-backs-with-season-saving-potential

NFL Week 9 QB Power Rankings: Herbert leaps into top 10 (3. Jared Goff Detroit Lions QB - Even when he barely throws the ball, he's on the money. Yes, the Lions are loaded. But he's hitting all the downfield shots when he needs to as of late. No one's averaging more yards per throw. (+2)):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-week-9-qb-power-rankings-chargers-justin-herbert-leaps-into-top-10-lions-jared-goff-still-rolling/

Tom Brady's 3 stars of Week 8, including Browns' Jameis Winston (Star No. 3: Detroit Lions WR/PR Kalif Raymond - Week 8 stats: Two receptions, 14 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, 190 punt return yards, one punt return touchdown in 52-14 win over Tennessee Titans  Brady's thoughts: "Kalif Raymond is my last star of the week and certainly not the least. He had a great day against the Titans on Sunday. He had a 90-yard punt return, taking it to the house! He caught a touchdown pass. What a performance. It seemed like every time he touched the ball he was making a play. He was a huge reason why the Lions were able to put up 52 points.  "I can't wait to watch the Lions and the Packers at Lambeau on Sunday. Let's see who brings it in Week 9 and earns my Three Star Player of the Week."):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/tom-brady-3-stars-week-8-including-browns-jameis-winston

Biggest headlines from Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season (Brand New Lions - The Detroit Lions continue to be what the kids call a wagon. The Lions didn't leave a kneecap of the Tennessee Titans after their 52-14 victory. Folks, it seems that the Lions are here to stay as one of the top teams in the NFC.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/biggest-headlines-from-week-8-of-the-2024-nfl-season

2024 NFL Defense Rankings: Insights on the Jets’ Struggles While the Texans and Eagles Improve (5. Detroit Lions - Grade: B, Score: 66.  What makes the 2024 Detroit Lions a scary prospect for the opposition right now is that they can beat you with offense or defense, if not both. We have seen a couple of wobbles defensively this year, but that is where the offense has stepped up, as we saw in Weeks 4 and 7 when they allowed 29 points but scored a combined 73. Overall, this year’s defense has notably outperformed its No. 17 ranking from 2023.  Among the stats we look at, the Lions do not rank below 16th in any category and only rank outside the top 10 in a single category, sack rate (7.0%). They are not elite when it comes to many categories but have been good at the combination of forcing turnovers (second) and third-down conversion rate (first). That helps them get off the field and hand the ball to their explosive offense plenty of times a game.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-defense-rankings/


Power Rankings:


Packers Media:

Video - Matt LaFleur says the Detroit Lions are 'arguably the best team in the NFL':  https://www.packers.com/video/matt-lafleur-says-the-detroit-lions-are-arguably-the-best-team-in-the-nfl-2024


Packers vs. Lions: TV, Odds, History, Recent Meetings, Trends:  https://www.si.com/nfl/packers/packers-vs-lions-tv-odds-history-recent-meetings-trends-01jbezxn0ff1

Video:

Brandt: Lions QB Jared Goff's performance will determine outcome vs. Packers | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/brandt-lions-qb-jared-goff-s-performance-will-determine-outcome-vs-packers-gmfb
Posted by LionsFan at 7:30 PM 0 comments

Week 9 Power Rankings

PFT’s Week 9 2024 NFL power rankings (1. Lions (last week No. 1; 6-1): The cure of Bobby Layne has finally ended.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-9-2024-nfl-power-rankings

SI (1. Lions:  One thing I love about Dan Campbell is that when he walks to the podium for a press conference, he grabs it by the shoulders like someone he bullied in high school. When he’s about to start talking, he’s there. When I was reporting for the magazine on Campbell and the Lions for our football preview issue, there was a note about the beauty in the way he meanders through talking points—sometimes with no conclusion or meaning. It’s with that in mind that his weekly Game Balls segment is a must watch for me. This team has to keep winning.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/power-rankings-ravens-falcons-jets-commanders-cowboys

PFN Rolfe (1. Detroit Lions (6-1) - Offense+ Rank: 4.  Defense+ Rank: 5.m Special Teams Rank: 7.  SOS Rank Through Week 8: 25.  The Detroit Lions have separated themselves from the pack slightly over the past few weeks. They have dominated when they should dominate, and they do just enough to beat teams that are at a similar level to them. Beating the Vikings on the road is a real jewel in the crown for Detroit and demonstrates that they can go on the road and beat good teams.  While all their metrics are impressive, they have not been thoroughly tested to this point, with their schedule ranking eighth-easiest to this point. They are looking out at the third-hardest remaining schedule, so we should get a good idea of what they are made of and their true Super Bowl credentials in the second half of the season.  However, with Jared Goff playing some of the best football of his career and currently ranking as the sixth-best quarterback in the league in 2024, they look well-set-up. This week in Lambeau will tell us a lot. If they can go outdoors and win convincingly against a good team, we will start to see how battle-hardened they are.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-insights-2024/

NFL.com (1.  Detroit Lions:  The Lions take over the top spot because they continue to win not only impressively, but seemingly in a different fashion every week. Late in the third quarter on Sunday, the Lions had 49 points and Jared Goff had 57 pass yards. Goff had some tough moments behind a surprisingly leaky Lions offensive line early in the game, but the defense, special teams and run game took care of business in impressive fashion. Five of Detroit's first 10 possessions started in Tennessee territory, mostly thanks to turnovers forced and long special-teams returns, and the Lions scored touchdowns on all five of those drives. That's what good teams do. Detroit turned in another good defensive showing without Aidan Hutchinson, and the offense didn't miss the suspended Jameson Williams in this one. This Sunday's test at Green Bay will be much stiffer, but the Lions can crank it up as well as any team in the league right now. Dan Campbell's bunch is a legitimate Super Bowl threat in a muddled NFC field.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-2024-nfl-season

Fox sports Brooks (2. Detroit Lions - Last week: 2.  Dan Campbell's team specializes in punching opponents in the mouth behind a dominant offensive line and destructive defensive front. Though Detroit's dynamic skill players routinely grab the headlines, the blue-collar frontline players set the tone for a team built on grit and toughness. With the Lions' trench play capable of masking some inconsistencies on the perimeter, the NFC's top team looks like a formidable title contender.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-top-10-rankings-chiefs-lions-texans-packers-commanders-vikings-ravens

SN (2. Detroit Lions 6-1 (2) - The Lions looked sharp again offensively by spreading the ball around in a different way to keep Jared Goff hyper-efficient. They should be considered strong NFC favorites after knocking off Minnesota and dropping 50 on Tennessee in back-to-back weeks.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-bills-packers-ravens-cowboys/3e75c68ec7c4de930a4c4d4b

Walter football (2. Detroit Lions (6-1) – Previously: 2.  It’s weird to say that the Lions didn’t play their best in a 52-14 win, but they didn’t. Their special teams were awesome, but the offensive line allowed some pressures, while their defense missed some tackles and allowed some big gains to Calvin Ridley. Given the impending matchup against the Packers, it’s understandable that they were flat against such a bad opponent.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

ESPN (2. Detroit Lions (6-1) - Week 8 result: Beat the Titans 52-14.  Week 8 ranking: 2.  Best offseason addition: Kicker Jake Bates.  Bates signed as a free agent with the Lions in June after one season in the UFL and a brief stint with the Texans in 2023. He was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 7 after nailing the game-winning 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining to help Detroit secure a victory at Minnesota. Bates is 11-for-11 on field goals and 27-for-28 on extra points this season. -- Eric Woodyard)):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42056526/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-poll-2024-best-offseason-addition-rookies

CBS (2. Lions:  They racked up 52 points against the Titans and didn't need to do a lot on offense. The special teams came up big in that one as they head into a giant division game against the Packers.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-9-power-rankings-stop-doubting-the-undefeated-chiefs-steelers-eagles-figuring-it-out-offensively/

Yahoo (2. Lions:  Over Detroit’s past five games they have more touchdowns (25) than incompletions (20), the first team since the 1970 merger to do that over a five-game stretch, according to CBS. Yeah, this team is fun to watch.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-after-week-8-dont-look-now-but-the-eagles-might-be-getting-hot-035603118.html

USA Today (2. Detroit Lions (3): Their 172 points over the past four games are a franchise record, the most by any team over a four-game stretch in five years, and put them on pace to become just the 30th team in league annals to score at least 500 points.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2024/10/29/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-chiefs-lions-commanders-eagles/75908293007/

FTW (2. Lions - Last week’s rank: 2.  The Lions scored 52 points with less than 230 yards of offense on Sunday. That is not a typo. It speaks to the strength and balance of this Detroit team that it can dominate this much with an all-worldly special teams performance in the return and punting game. Even without Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions have clearly separated themselves from the NFC pack. Though, with this kind of opportunity, they should still make a trade for a pass-rusher sooner rather than later. — RZ):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-jets-eagles-cardinals

Fox sports (2. Detroit Lions (6-1; ↔) - Super Bowl odds: +650.  The Lions are averaging 43 points per game over the past month and outscored those four opponents by 91 points. That pretty much says it all for one of the deepest, most talented and most fun teams in the NFL.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2024-power-rankings

Fox news (2. Detroit Lions (6-1) - Jahmyr Gibbs celebrates.  The Lions are clicking on all cylinders so well that Jared Goff almost improved his MVP case over the weekend with just 85 passing yards. Goff finished with three touchdown passes and just three incompletions. At this rate, Detroit will look to create some distance between it and the rest of the NFC, but its greatest threat to reaching the Super Bowl may be in its division.  Last week: 2):  https://www.foxnews.com/sports/fox-news-digital-sports-nfl-power-rankings-after-week-8-2024-nfl-season

PFF (4. Lions - The Lions are 6-1 and might just be the best team in the NFL. They’ve now scored more than 30 points in four straight games and have a 12% chance of winning the Super Bowl — the second-highest in the NFL. They’re top 10 in EPA per play on both sides of the ball, and frankly, look unstoppable.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-9-power-rankings-time-to-panic-in-dallas

Average Power Ranking (28/15):  2
Posted by LionsFan at 7:29 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Lions Links for Tuesday 10-29-24

Articles:

TWENTYMAN: 5 stats that stand out following Lions' Week 8 victory:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-stats-that-stand-out-following-lions-week-8-goff-onwuzurike-reader



7 realistically available trade targets for the Detroit Lions:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/7-realistically-available-trade-targets-for-the-detroit-lions/

One player each NFL team could trade before the deadline, from Garrett Wilson to Jeffery Simmons (Detroit Lions: RB Craig Reynolds - It’s incredibly doubtful the Lions will be sellers this year, but they do have serious depth at running back. If another team wowed them with an offer for Reynolds, GM Brad Holmes would at least have to consider it. Reynolds is the No. 3 back in Detroit but has the all-around skills to be higher than that with many other teams, notably with his receiving and pass protection work. The Lions have promising rookie Sione Vaki waiting behind Reynolds (and David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs) but zero chances for Vaki to play. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire):   https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/one-player-each-nfl-team-could-trade-before-the-deadline-from-garrett-wilson-to-jeffery-simmons/

Frank Ragnow Q&A: Bucket List Fishing Spot, Playing Through Pain:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/frank-ragnow-interview-bucket-list-trip


Bill Belichick: Detroit Lions Offense 'Impossible' to Stop:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/belichick-praises-goff-lions-offense

'Wasting Energy': Campbell Downplays Imminent Trade Rumors:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/campbell-downplays-imminent-trade-rumors

Film Review: Highs and Lows of Taylor Decker's Recent Stretch:   https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/film-review-taylor-decker


Detroit Lions are the best team in football by ‘big margin,’ per analytics:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/10/29/24282545/detroit-lions-best-team-nfl-by-big-margin-analytics-dvoa

Detroit Lions are the best team in football by ‘big margin,’ per analytics:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/10/29/24282545/detroit-lions-best-team-nfl-by-big-margin-analytics-dvoa



Why your NFL team won, lost in Week 8 (Why the Lions won: The Lions‘ ground game was effective again, but credit goes to the special teams unit, as they consistently came up with the big plays to get the team rolling. Kalif Raymond and Khalil Dorsey combined for 262 return yards and a touchdown on six attempts, with Raymond earning a 92.5 punt-return grade.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-why-your-team-won-lost-week-8

NFL Week 8: Five things to like and dislike (4. Ball-hawking safeties - When we boil things down, there are two major ways to be a successful defense. One is to be really good down-to-down. The other is to create havoc -- turnovers, negative plays, etc. Truly great units can do both.  The Lions, Packers and Falcons defenses are not truly great on a down-to-down basis. But they have been excellent creating turnovers this season.  That continued in Week 8 thanks to excellent safety play, a theme of the entire season. Starting with the Packers, Xavier McKinney collected his lead-leading sixth interception this season. He's the first safety with six interceptions through eight games since Kevin Byard in 2017.  Kerby Joseph is right behind McKinney with five interceptions, including this one against the Titans. Remember, the Lions also have Swiss Army Knife safety Brian Branch and his four interceptions this season as well.  And finally, Jessie Bates III had an incredible interception as well as a fumble forced and recovered in the Falcons' win over the Buccaneers.  Bates is the only player with an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery in a game this season.  If you can't be strong play-in, play-out, you'd better have some playmakers. All three of these teams have them.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-8-five-things-we-liked-and-disliked-national-tight-ends-day-seattles-comedy-of-errors/

Dan Campbell Jumping Around While Answering a Trade Question Meant Nothing:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions-dan-campbell-jumping-trade-question-meaning

Detroit Lions won't always find it as easy as they did against the Titans:  https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/lions-strange-game-against-titans/

QB Rankings:

QB Stock Market Week 9: Jalen Hurts looks like old self. Anthony Richardson looks young (5. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/qb-stock-market-week-9-jalen-hurts-looks-like-old-self-anthony-richardson-looks-young

Video:

Is Dan Campbell the NFL Coach of the Year through eight weeks? | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/is-dan-campbell-the-nfl-coach-of-the-year-through-eight-weeks-gmfb
Posted by LionsFan at 7:55 PM 0 comments

Monday, October 28, 2024

Lions Links for Monday 10-28-24

Articles:

KEY QUESTIONS: What impressed Campbell most about Sunday's win?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/key-questions-what-impressed-campbell-most-about-sunday-s-win


Dan Campbell: 'Could be' something imminent brewing on trade front for Lions:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/10/28/dan-campbell-lions-trade-deadline-rumors-nfl/75900832007/







Kalif Raymond: 'I've been ready' for record-setting day vs. the Titans:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/10/27/kalif-raymond-lions-punt-return-nfl-record-vs-titans-postgame-quotes/


Snap count notes: Sorting the Lions defensive line mix against the Titans:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/10/28/detroit-lions-snap-count-notes-vs-titans-pass-rush/

Lions Are Not in 'Panic Mode' Due to Lack of Pressures:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-not-in-panic-mode-lack-of-pressures

Crazy Numbers From Lions Dynamic Win Against Titans:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/crazy-numbers-lions-win-against-titans


Jahmyr Gibbs Is Highest PFF-Graded Lion Against Titans:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jahmyr-gibbs-pff-grades-lions-titans


'High Level of Concern': Lions Could Face Packers Without Love:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-could-face-packers-without-love

Lions Fans React to Bears Epic Loss to Commanders:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-fans-react-bears-epic-loss-hail-mary





Titans vs. Lions stock report: 5 risers, 4 fallers from Tennessee takedown:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/10/28/24281093/titans-lions-stock-report-movers-week-8-winners-losers








NFL Week 8: PFF Team of the Week & Player Awards (RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions, K/PR: Kalif Raymond, Detroit Lions):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-8-pff-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2

8 NFL teams with the biggest trade deadline needs (Edge – Detroit Lions.  Like the Falcons, the Lions are in need of edge rusher help — although for a different reason. With superstar Aidan Hutchinson lost for the year, the team must find a way to replace his historic production. No healthy Lions edge rusher has more than eight pressures, and no active Detroit Edge to play 60-plus pass-rushing snaps has a win rate higher than 12.5%. That’s not sufficient if Detroit wants to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.  Best Fit: Chase Young, New Orleans Saints.  New Orleans fields a pair of edge rushers — Carl Granderson and Chase Young — who will likely draw interest before Nov. 5, but the odds of shipping Granderson are lower given his $52 million extension. Instead, Young — who’s a free agent after this year — could be the better bet to find a new team. The 25-year-old has recorded 30 pressures — tied for 12th among all edge rushers — despite the fact that his pass-rushing grade has dropped over 25 points from 2023 to 2024. In more good news, Young has diminished his missed tackle rate from 25% or higher in 2022-23 to only 11.8% this season.  Having been on three teams in the last two seasons, Young is accustomed to finding a new landing spot. Now healthy, the former No. 2 overall pick would be a wise add for the Lions to replace Hutchinson for just 2024.):  https://www.pff.com/news/8-nfl-teams-with-the-biggest-trade-deadline-needs

Statistical Review of NFL Week 8: Chiefs stay unbeaten, Lions keep hold of NFC North:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-statistical-review-nfl-week-8-2024

NFL stats and records, Week 8: Jalen Hurts shows off rushing skills; rookie Bo Nix joins elite company (4. Lions, Goff continue hot start to 2024 season - The Lions are 6-1, their best start to a season since 1956 (also started 6-1). They have outscored their opponents by 100 points, their most through seven games since 1954 (finished 9-2-1 and lost in the NFL Championship Game). The Lions also lead the NFL in scoring -- something they have not done since 1954, when there were only 12 teams in the league -- with an average of 33.4 points per game in 2024.  So yeah, this Detroit team is historic.  In the Lions' 52-14 dismantling of the Titans, Detroit scored five offensive touchdowns on drives that started inside of Tennessee's 30-yard line. Somewhat a result of this: Jared Goff finished with just 85 passing yards but still tossed three touchdown passes. Goff's 85 passing yards are the fewest in a game by a player who also had at least three touchdown passes since Tony Eason in the 1985 AFC Championship Game against the Dolphins. (The Patriots quarterback finished with 71 passing yards and three touchdowns in a win.)  During the Lions' current five-game win streak, Goff has a 146.5 passer rating, breaking Kurt Warner's record for a five-game span in the Super Bowl era (144.8 in 1999) with a minimum of 100 pass attempts.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-stats-and-records-week-8-jalen-hurts-shows-off-rushing-skills-bo-nix-joins-elite-company

16 wild stats from Week 8 of NFL season (3. Lions on a scoring spree. The Lions scored 52 points on Sunday, which is the team's highest total in any game since 1997, when they scored 55 against the Bears. The Lions are now averaging 38.4 point per game over their past five games, which is their highest average over a five-game span in any season since 1952.  4. Lions do the improbable. The wild thing about Detroit's scoring output is that the Lions put up 52 points even thought they only totaled 61 passing yards. That makes them the first team since the 1955 Bears to put up more than 50 points in a game where they totaled fewer than 100 passing yards. The Lions also had the largest margin of victory in NFL history for a team that was outgained by at least 150 yards.  5. Kalif Raymond joins exclusive club. Not only did Raymond have a 90-yard punt return for a TD against the Titans, but he also caught a TD pass. Raymond finished with 190 return yards, which makes him just the fourth player in NFL history to hit at least 150 return yards with a return TD and a receiving TD in the same game. He joins Jermaine Lewis (Dec. 7, 1997), Steve Smith Sr. (Dec. 8, 2002) and Travis Benjamin (Sept. 20, 2015), ):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jets-invent-new-way-to-lose-by-ending-750-game-winning-streak-by-nfl-teams-plus-more-wild-stats-from-week-8/

32 things we learned in NFL Week 8: Record numbers on National TEs Day (4a. Per NFL Media, the Lions are the first team in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) to score at least 50 points while failing to pass for 100 yards.  4b. Lions QB Jared Goff only passed for 85 yards in Sunday's win, though did throw for three TDs. But after connecting on 12 of his 15 throws against Tennessee, Goff has hit on 83.0% of his passes over the past five games – the most accurate stretch in league history, overtaking Hall of Famer Peyton Manning's best five-game span (80.2% in 2008).  5. The number of consecutive games that Detroit WR Amon-Ra St. Brown has with a touchdown reception, currently the league’s longest streak in that department. He’s the first Lion to have such a heater since Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson in 2011.  6. The first time the Lions have that many wins through seven weeks in the Super Bowl era, a duration in which they are the only team to exist throughout yet never reach Super Sunday.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2024/10/27/nfl-week-8-takeaways-lessons-chiefs/75885404007/

NFL Game Recaps: Week 8 (Lions 52, Titans 14 - EDITOR’S NOTE: And to think, I was nervous when the Titans tied this game at 14…  This was a matchup of strength versus strength, with the Lions’ prolific offense taking on the Titans’ top-rated defense. Through two Mason Rudolph interceptions and two long returns on special teams, Detroit had four short fields to put a big lead in the first half. Detroit improved to 6-1, with the Titans bolstering their draft positioning by falling to 1-6 and the Patriots getting their second win.  On the Titans’ first drive of the game, Rudolph was pressured and threw a desperation dump-off that Trevor Nowaske intercepted. A couple of plays later, David Montgomery charged into the end zone. Tennessee had a quick strike drive as Rudolph connected with Josh Wylie for 33 yards and Calvin Ridley for 26. Rudolph then ran the ball off a bootleg from 11 yards out to tie the game at seven. The tie didn’t last long as Detroit’s next play from scrimmage was a 70-yard touchdown from Jahmyr Gibbs. Rudolph came right back with three completions to Ridley for 73 yards to set up a first-and-goal. Rudolph connected with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to tie the game at 14.  Khalil Dorsey returned the next kickoff 72 yards, and a few plays later, Goff connected with Brock Wright for a short touchdown toss. The Titans’ next play from scrimmage turned into Kerby Joseph’s fifth interception of the year. That short field resulted in a 1-yard scoring toss to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Kaliff Raymond returned a punt 64 yards to set up another short field for Goff. The Lions pulled out another trick play with David Montgomery tossing a touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta. Late in the second quarter, Rudolph hit a chunk pass to Westbrook-Ikhine for a first-and-goal at the one. The Lions defense forced four incompletions to keep the score at 35-14 at halftime.  After a Titans three-and-out in the third quarter, Raymond returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown. Amik Robertson stripped Ridley of the ball, and a few plays later, Goff threw a short touchdown toss to Raymond to go up 49-14. The Lions added a field goal in garbage time to close the scoring.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflreview.php



Grades:



Video:


More impressive team through eight weeks: Lions or Chiefs | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/more-impressive-team-through-eight-weeks-lions-or-chiefs-gmfb

Jared Goff on explosive Lions offense after blowout win:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1538948

SportsWorks - 10-27-24 -- Dan talking Lions, college football, Wings & Pistons with Wojo & Burchie:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1538656
Posted by LionsFan at 7:51 PM 0 comments

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Post Game Lions Links for Sunday 10-27-24

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Raymond reflects on NFL journey after standout game:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-raymond-reflects-on-nfl-journey-after-standout-game

FOUR DOWNS: Lions' offensive explosion continues with 52-14 victory over Titans:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/four-downs-lions-offensive-explosion-continues-with-52-14-victory-over-titans

RECAP: Lions vs. Titans:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/recap-lions-vs-titans-goff-raymond-gibbs




Recap: Lions score final 38 points to blow out Titans 52-14:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/10/27/lions-titans-game-score-updates-highlights-tv-channel/75843400007/



Lions vs. Titans: Everything we know about Detroit's blowout win in Week 8:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-vs-titans-week-8-game-stats-score-summary-key-players/


Malcolm Rodriguez injury vs. Titans: Latest on the Lions LB:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/10/27/malcolm-rodriguez-detroit-lions-injury-updates-week-8/

Malcolm Rodriguez injury vs. Titans: Latest on the Lions LB:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/10/27/malcolm-rodriguez-detroit-lions-injury-updates-week-8/

New Lions DE Isaiah Thomas shows up for Week 8 in perfect style:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/10/27/lions-isaiah-thomas-pregame-outfit-isiah-thomas-pistons/

What They're Saying: Lions Blowout Is 'Perfect Setup' for Packers:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/what-they-re-saying-lions-blowout-is-perfect-setup-for-packers

'What Champions Do': Everything Dan Campbell Said After Titans Win:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/everything-dan-campbell-said-titans-win

Studs and Duds: Nowaske, Raymond Lead Way Past Titans:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/studs-and-duds-nowaske-raymond-lead-way





Lions-Titans recap: Turnovers, special teams lead to Detroit BLOWOUT, 52-14: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/10/27/24280877/detroit-lions-tennessee-titans-final-score-highlights-injury-news

Six Lions score TDs, as Detroit rolls over Titans 52-14, improves record to 6-1:  https://lionslowdown.com/2024/10/27/six-lions-score-tds-as-detroit-rolls-over-titans-52-14-improves-record-to-6-1/




Jared Goff throws for 3 TDs and Lions win 5th straight, dominating Titans 52-14:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401671720

NFL Week 8 questions, takeaways: Jameis Winston's big day, plus walk-off wins for Packers, Cardinals (Lions - Can the Lions carry their momentum into the divisional showdown with the Packers? The Lions were impressive in all three phases, notably on special teams, where Kalif Raymond returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown. CB Khalil Dorsey also had a 72-yard kick return as the Lions snapped their six-game losing streak to Tennessee. It'll be hard to find a team more talented than Detroit right now, and they're showing no signs of slowing down as they enter Green Bay on a roll. Even without its second-leading receiver, Jameson Williams, who was suspended for two games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy, Detroit put up 35 points in the first half for the first time since 1970.  Eye-popping stat: RB Jahmyr Gibbs reached a max speed of 22.03 mph on his career-long 70-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, which is the fastest top speed any Lion has reached as a ball carrier since 2016, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. It was also the longest rushing touchdown scored at Ford Field since former Lions RB Jahvid Best rushed for an 88-yard touchdown on Oct. 10, 2011.  Most surprising performance: The Lions' offensive line. Detroit allowed veteran QB Jared Goff to get sacked three times in the opening quarter for the first time in his career, per ESPN Research. Goff was also under pressure on three of his first six dropbacks (50%), and he fumbled after being sacked in the first quarter, but teammate Kevin Zeitler recovered it. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42035314/nfl-week-8-2024-questions-takeaways-lessons-stats-recap-every-game

Lions' Gibbs races 70 yards for TD, Montgomery throws TD to LaPorta:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42033724/detroit-lions-jahmyr-gibbs-70-yard-td-run

Jared Goff: "I don't know if I've ever been a part of something like that":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/jared-goff-staggered-by-detroit-lions-win-over-titans








2024 NFL Season, Week 8: What We Learned from Sunday's games (Lions-Titans.  Kevin Patra's takeaways:  Lions pour it on with big plays in trouncing Titans. Big returns. Big runs. Big turnovers forced. Dan Campbell's club blasted off, putting up a 50-burger before the third quarter even ended. Detroit's first four touchdowns came on drives of two plays, one play, three plays and four plays, respectively. Jahmyr Gibbs rocketed for an untouched 70-yard TD. The Lions generated three significant returns (more on that later). And the defense forced four turnovers. The domination was so overwhelming that the Lions didn't need much from MVP candidate Jared Goff, who completed 12 of 15 passes for a measly 85 yards and three touchdowns while taking four sacks before sitting out the final 12 minutes of the contest. Detroit ended the blowout with 61 net passing yards, a crazy anomaly in the Year of Our Lord, 2024. In a potential trap game sandwiched between NFC North battles in Minnesota and Green Bay, Campbell's club moonwalked over the trap door. The sign of a great team is clicking on all three phases and trouncing a lesser opponent.  Titans continue to make backbreaking mistakes. Mason Rudolph and the offense moved the ball early, but turnovers, awful special teams and a trove of miscues on defense sunk Brian Callahan's club. Early in the second quarter, Rudolph hit Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for a touchdown to make it 14-14. Detroit then blitzed Tennessee for 38 consecutive points. Whenever the Titans seem to figure out one issue, another hole springs a gushing leak. The offense moved the ball, outgaining Detroit, 417-225, but the defense made mental mistakes, leaving several Lions wide open in the red zone, the special teams was atrocious, and the turnovers piled up. Calvin Ridley finally showed up, earning 143 yards on 10 catches, but it was all for naught. Given Sunday's performance, Tennessee will likely continue to be sellers heading toward the trade deadline. Lions' return game shines. Detroit put the "dynamic" in the return phase. Khalil Dorsey blasted off for a 72-yard kickoff return. Kalif Raymond then took a punt return 64 yards. Those sprints set up short-field TDs. Early in the third quarter, Raymond finished the deal, weaving for a 90-yard punt return touchdown. The Lions generated 262 return yards on six total returns, with Raymond earning 190 of those. The unit’s +196 return yards over expected is the most in a game since at least 2018 (previous high, +160), per Next Gen Stats. Toss in kicker Jake Bates netting a career-long 51-yard field goal, and it was a banner day for the Lions special teams unit. Next Gen Stats Insight for Titans-Lions (via NFL Pro): Jahmyr Gibbs reached a top speed of 22.03 mph on his 70-yard TD run, the second-fastest speed by a ball carrier this season (behind only Brian Thomas Jr. in Week 5, 22.15).  NFL Research: Amon-Ra St. Brown is the first Lions player with a receiving TD in five consecutive games in a season since Calvin Johnson in 2011.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-season-week-8-what-we-learned-from-sunday-s-games

2024 NFL Week 8 winners and losers: Lions, Eagles hitting their stride as NFC contenders; Jets are a disaster (Winner: Lions' Super Bowl chances - The Tennessee Titans may not be a formidable foe, but Detroit has now been lights out as an offensive operation for a month. Whether it's David Montgomery trucking, Jahmyr Gibbs sprinting or Jared Goff dealing, they look like a safe bet to be in the mix for an NFC title for a second straight season.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-week-8-winners-and-losers-lions-eagles-hitting-their-stride-as-nfc-contenders-jets-are-a-disaster/

NFL Winners and Losers: Lions put up 52 points and are the most exciting watch in the NFL:  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-and-losers-lions-put-up-52-points-and-are-the-most-exciting-watch-in-the-nfl-203048506.html

NFL Week 8 Recap: Who’s Up, Who’s Down, What’s Next for Every Team (Lions 52, Titans 14 - My take: Detroit (6–1) continues to look a tier above everyone else in the NFC. The Lions put forth a total effort Sunday, scoring their first 42 points with only 134 total yards of offense at the time, including 28 passing yards. Detroit utilized two interceptions and a 90-yard punt return to take the advantage, while Jahmyr Gibbs also ran for a 70-yard score. Tennessee (1–6) hung tough in the early going but couldn’t keep up with both the defense and offense giving up huge plays. At this juncture, it’s not a question of whether the Titans will draft a quarterback to recharge this franchise. Rather, it’s a question of which quarterback. Stock up: Despite the loss, Calvin Ridley showed up in a major way. After having just 12 catches through the first six games, Ridley caught 10 passes for 143 yards on 15 targets. With DeAndre Hopkins in Kansas City, Ridley is the only dangerous option in the Titans’ passing game.  Stock down: Detroit’s offensive line needs to step up, especially considering the talent level. Goff was sacked four times, one week after the line allowed four sacks to Minnesota. It might be a blip, but it’s starting to be a trend.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-week-8-recap-up-down-next-for-every-team

The Lions’ 52 points on 225 yards of offense wasn’t the most absurd stat of their blowout win:  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2024/10/lions-52-points-225-yards-offense-titans-reaction






‘They [Lions] Are Trying To Embarrass You’ – Former NFL QB Highlights This Insane Detroit Stat:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/former-nfl-qb-highlights-this-insane-detroit-stat/


Grades:

CBS Grades (Lions Grade - A+.  This was a nearly perfect performance by the Lions in every phase of the game. The defense blew the game open by forcing four turnovers, including two interceptions in the first half that both led to touchdowns, which basically blew the game open. The offense was led by Sonic (Jahmyr Gibbs) and Knuckles (David Montgomery). Gibbs rushed for 127 yards and a TD, and not to be outdone, Montgomery rushed for a TD and THREW a TD. Even the special teams got in on the action with Kalif Raymond returning a punt 90 yards for a score. (Khalil Dorsey also set up a TD with a 72-yard kickoff return.) This team is already good, and it seems to be getting better every week, which should scare the rest of the NFC.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-8-grades-browns-earn-high-mark-for-shocking-win-over-ravens-jets-get-d-for-loss-to-patriots/

Video:


Jahmyr Gibbs' best plays from 133-yard game | Week 8:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jahmyr-gibbs-best-plays-from-133-yard-game-week-8

Jared Goff's best plays from 3-TD game | Week 8:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jared-goff-s-best-plays-from-3-td-game-week-8

Titans vs. Lions highlights | Week 8:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/titans-vs-lions-highlights-week-8

Robertson does it again! Lions DB forces second fumble:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/robertson-does-it-again-lions-db-forces-second-fumble

LaPorta evades multiple tacklers on 24-yard pickup:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/laporta-evades-multiple-tacklers-on-24-yard-pickup

Goff finds an untouched Raymond for 7-yard score:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/goff-finds-an-untouched-raymond-for-7-yard-score

Lions' D force third turnover via textbook punch-out:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/lions-d-force-third-turnover-via-textbook-punch-out

Can't-Miss Play: 90-yard TD! Everybody loves Raymond in Detroit on punt-return score:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/can-t-miss-play-90-yard-td-everybody-loves-raymond-in-detroit-on-punt-return-score

HIGHLIGHT: Trickery! Montgomery throws TD pass to LaPorta:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-trickery-montgomery-throws-td-pass-to-laporta

HIGHLIGHT: 90-yard TD! Everybody loves Raymond in Detroit on punt-return score:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-90-yard-td-everybody-loves-raymond-in-detroit-on-punt-return-score

HIGHLIGHT: Joseph picks off Rudolph for his 5th INT of the season:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-joseph-picks-off-rudolph-for-his-5th-int-of-the-season




HIGHLIGHT: Goff finds St. Brown alone in end zone for TD:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-finds-st-brown-alone-in-end-zone-for-td

Lions postgame: Despite blowout victory Lions still need better pass rushing:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1538539


HIGHLIGHT: 70-yard TD! Gibbs sprints past Titans for quick six:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-70-yard-td-gibbs-sprints-past-titans-for-quick-six

HIGHLIGHT: Nowaske snags his first career INT via Rudolph's pressured pass:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-nowaske-snags-his-first-career-int-via-rudolph-s-pressured-pass











Posted by LionsFan at 8:49 PM 0 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
.main-inner .sidebar .Poll { background-color: #AD966C; padding: 15px; }