Thursday, January 16, 2025

Lions Links for Thursday 1-16-25

Articles:


NOTEBOOK: Williams hit 1,000 yards, but he's not done yet:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-williams-hit-1-000-yards-but-he-s-not-done-yet

10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: What will Lions' defensive game plan look like this week?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-questions-with-twentyman-what-will-lions-defensive-game-plan-look-like-this-week






Christian Mahogany has earned the confidence to replace injured Kevin Zeitler:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025/01/16/christian-mahogany-lions-injury-replacement-vs-commanders-confidence-zeitler/


Even Ben Johnson admits Aaron Glenn is 'more prepared to be a head coach' than anyone:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025/01/16/lions-ben-johnson-aaron-glenn-more-prepared-head-coaching-candidate/

Lions stars 'can't wait' for return of David Montgomery vs. Commanders:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025/01/16/lions-stars-cant-wait-for-return-of-david-montgomery-vs-commanders/

Burning Question: How Should Lions Split Carries Between Gibbs, Montgomery?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/how-should-lions-split-carries-gibbs-montgomery

Dan Campbell on Jameson Williams: 'Man, I Love That Kid':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dan-campbell-on-jameson-williams-man-i-love-that-kid



Q&A: Za'Darius Smith Hoping Third Time Is Charm in Quest for Ring:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/zadarius-smith-interview-playoff-journey-expectations


Notebook: Why Lions Should Pay Attention to Mike Sainristil:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/notebook-why-lions-should-pay-attention-to-mike-sainristil




Growth of Lions WR Jameson Williams could be key in playoffs:  https://lionslowdown.com/2025/01/16/growth-of-lions-wr-jameson-williams-could-be-key-in-playoffs/

Jameson Williams "trying to get something on my fingers" for Detroit:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/jameson-williams-wants-to-win-super-bowl-for-detroit

From the LB's: two keys for Lions in slowing down Daniels, Commanders:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-two-keys-to-slow-down-jayden-daniels

'You just want this guy around': How a journeyman lineman became a cult hero in Detroit:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43427114/detroit-lions-tackle-dan-skipper-unlikely-phenomenon-2024-nfl-playoffs

PFF Grades and Data: Everything you need to know for every divisional round game (Washington Commanders @ Detroit Lions:  Washington’s no-huddle offense could pose significant challenges for the Lions defense in this NFC showdown. The Commanders lead the NFL in no-huddle usage, operating at a 61% rate and pairing it with a highly effective ground game. Washington averages 5.4 yards per carry when running out of no-huddle, fueled by Brian Robinson Jr. (5.2 yards per carry) and quarterback Jayden Daniels (6.4 yards per carry). The duo has been a nightmare for defenses, combining for 32 explosive runs of 10 or more yards on those plays, with Daniels leading the NFL in this category during the regular season.  The Lions have struggled against no-huddle rushing attacks, earning the third-lowest team run-defense grade (43.7) in such situations. Opposing offenses gashed them for explosive runs at a league-high rate of 30.4%, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Detroit also allowed a staggering 4.1 rushing yards before contact per attempt.  On the other side of the ball, the Lions’ play-action offense could be pivotal in this matchup. Jared Goff thrived in Ben Johnson’s scheme this season, completing 74.6% of his play-action passes — the second-highest mark in the league — and producing a 120.7 passer rating that ranks fourth. Detroit’s dynamic attack is capable of hitting defenses at every level. Jameson Williams led the team with 583 receiving yards on play fakes and a 16.1-yard average target depth, while Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta dominated underneath. The Lions’ backfield duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs further bolstered the offense, contributing to a league-high 57 explosive receptions of 15 or more yards off play fakes.  Interestingly, the Commanders defense is well-equipped to slow play-action attacks. They’ve allowed the 10th-lowest passer rating (94.0) against play action and boast the NFL’s highest contested target rate (18.4%). Dan Quinn’s unit also excelled at limiting big plays, giving up just 6.7 yards per play on play fakes — the fifth-best mark in the league.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-grades-and-data-everything-you-need-to-know-for-every-divisional-round-game

Commanders-Lions: Three things to watch for during 2025 Divisional Round on Saturday:  https://www.nfl.com/news/commanders-lions-three-things-to-watch-for-during-2025-divisional-round-on-saturday

Ranking each team's primary running back from 2024 NFL season: Saquon Barkley edges out Derrick Henry (3. Jahmyr Gibbs - 2024 stats: 17 games | 250 att | 1,412 rush yds | 5.6 ypc | 16 rush TDs | 52 rec | 517 rec yds | 4 rec TDs | 1 fumble lost.  David Montgomery made the majority of the starts in the backfield this season, but Gibbs is arguably the best weapon in a loaded Lions offense. His franchise-record 20 scrimmage touchdowns -- set with a four-score outing in Week 18 -- underscore his potency as a runner and pass catcher. He's a perfect fit in Ben Johnson's offense. It's pretty crazy when you think about Gibbs having close to 2,000 scrimmage yards in a backfield where he splits touches with Montgomery. This second-year pro is special.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-each-team-s-primary-running-back-from-2024-nfl-season-saquon-barkley-edges-out-derrick-henry

Ranking divisional round games: Ravens-Bills classic (2. Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Fox, stream on fubo):  Yes, this game currently has the biggest spread out of the bunch with the Lions as 9.5-point favorites, but don't sleep on Washington. After all, the Commanders have coined the moniker "Cardiac Commanders" for a reason. So far this year, Washington has won games on the final play seven times, including Zane Gonzalez's walk-off field goal that doinked through the uprights against the Buccaneers last weekend. So, more often than not, Washington finds itself in absolute nail-biters. The Commanders also have one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in NFL history in Jayden Daniels. The No. 2 overall pick wrapped up a season where he broke the single-season rookie record for completion percentage (69%) and rushing yards (891). He's still just scratching the surface of his potential, but this is one of the NFL's up-and-coming stars that'll be on the playoff stage. Meanwhile, the Lions have been a powerhouse all season and are now coming off a first-round bye. Dan Campbell's team has championship aspirations and has a ton of weapons to put points on the board in a hurry. The Lions led the NFL with 33.2 points per game and are tied for the second-most total yards per play (6.2). Jared Goff has been surgical throughout his tenure with the Lions, particularly this season where he's registered seven games with at least three passing touchdowns (tied for the most in franchise history).):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2025-nfl-divisional-round-viewers-guide-ranking-ravens-bills-a-heavyweight-matchup-where-to-watch-games/






NFL Legend Luke Kuechly Reveals the Lions’ Major Weakness That Jayden Daniels and the Commanders Can Exploit:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/luke-kuechly-reveals-lions-weakness-commanders-can-exploit/

Lions aim to kick off run to Super Bowl when they face Commanders:  https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/lions-aim-to-kick-off-run-to-super-bowl-when-they-face-commanders/

Lions host Commanders on Saturday night as NFC’s top-seeded team for 1st time in franchise history:  https://apnews.com/article/lions-commanders-preview-23b7a6e7548dfbb343bb66071d573fc9

Podcast:

Detroit Lions Podcast: Bischoff and Brown Preview the Lions vs Commanders:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025/01/16/detroit-lions-podcast-bischoff-and-brown-preview-the-lions-vs-commanders/

Video:




Lions superfan and actor Keegan-Michael Key joins 'GMFB' ahead of Lions-Commanders divisional matchup:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/lions-superfan-and-actor-keegan-michael-key-joins-gmfb-ahead-of-lions-commanders-divisional-matchup

How Fulghum is backing the Commanders in divisional round vs. Lions:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=43443606

McCourty: Commanders facing 'different level of pressure' vs. Lions:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/43438704

WATCH - Jennifer Hammond sits down with Lions running back David Montgomery who is returning after missing the last three weeks with a knee injury to play in Detroit's playoff game on Saturday:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1578057
Posted by LionsFan at 7:14 PM

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