Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 7-10-18

GET TO KNOW: Offensive lineman Frank Ragnow:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/get-to-know-offensive-lineman-frank-ragnow

Why Lions should, and shouldn't, extend Ansah:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/09/detroit-lions-ziggy-ansah-contract/767973002/

2018 Lions top 20: No. 8 LB Davis' bigger role:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/10/detroit-lions-2018/767543002/

Identifying the Lions' running back roles:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/09/identifying-the-lions-running-back-roles/

Ex-Lions safety James Ihedigbo thriving in AFFL:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/09/ex-lions-safety-james-ihedigbo-thriving-in-affl/

Top NFL WRs on passes thrown at or behind the line of scrimmage (5. Golden Tate, Detroit Lions – 87.9 WR Rating
As you’d expect, the perennially reliable pass-catcher was incredibly productive when he was targeted behind the line of scrimmage, as he was also one of the league’s elite forces with the ball in his hands. Throughout the 2017 season, Tate racked up 33 catches from 35 targets, including one touchdown, and he would be two spots higher on this list if one of his targets had not been intercepted. All told, Tate’s 198 receiving yards and 261 yards after the catch both led the league’s wide receivers.):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-top-nfl-wrs-on-pass-routes-behind-los

Which first-year NFL head coaches are primed for success in 2018? (Matt Patricia, Detroit Lions - Patricia headlined the head coaching changes this offseason entering Detroit after spending the past 14 seasons with the New England Patriots. Patricia is famous for his defensive mind as he spent the last six years as the defensive coordinator for the Patriots and brings a tougher mentality to the Lions this year. Patricia kept the offense roughly intact and retained offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, who incumbent QB Matthew Stafford found success with last season.  Patricia’s tough mentality brought in hard-nosed, talented offensive linemen Frank Ragnow to anchor the interior of their offensive line while also adding LeGarrette Blount and Kerryon Johnson in the backfield after finishing last in yards per carry as a team last year.):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-first-year-head-coaches-primed-for-success-in-2018  

The NFL teams that most benefit from opponents' suspensions in 2018 (Two NFL teams appear to be benefiting most from their opponents' bad fortune early on. The Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions, given how the schedule happened to fall in their favor, catch a few nice breaks that might spring them to an extra win or two in the first month of the season.  The Lions will face three teams early that have suspended players — at 49ers in Week 2 (Foster, Victor Bolden); vs. Patriots in Week 3 (Edelman); and at Dallas in Week 4 (Irving). That's a nice little bump for first-year head coach Matt Patricia as he takes over, especially in facing his old New England friends without Edelman. You also can't discount the benefit for a Lions team eternally searching for answers in their running game facing the 49ers and Cowboys, who each will be missing a key front-seven defender against Detroit.):  http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/07/09/the-nfl-teams-that-most-benefit-from-opponents-suspensions-in-2018/aluqwdp/

Is Matthew Stafford set for a career-defining season?:  https://sports.yahoo.com/matthew-stafford-set-career-defining-235139155.html

Report: Ex-Lions TE arrested for punching cop:  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/09/detroit-lions-brandon-pettigrew-arrested/768967002/

Morning Lions Links for Monday 7-9-18

Projecting the Lions' 2018 starters:  https://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/08/detroit-lions-2018-projected-starters/36701725/

2018 Lions top 20: Will Johnson save run game?:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/09/detroit-lions-2018/766255002/

No pads? No problem for ex-Lion Jahvid Best:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/08/detroit-lion-jahvid-best/766943002/

Top rookies Lions will face in 2018:   https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-top-rookies-lions-will-face-in-2018

Analysis of PFF video profile of Lions QB Matthew Stafford:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/08/analysis-of-pffs-video-profile-of-lions-qb-matthew-stafford/

Around the NFC North: what you need to know about the Lions divisional enemies:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/08/around-the-nfc-north-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-lions-divisional-enemies/

Marvin Jones offers well-rounded skill set with a unique ability to win deep:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/08/marvin-jones-offers-well-rounded-skill-set-with-a-unique-ability-to-win-deep/

The five biggest free agency signings for the Detroit Lions:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/The-five-biggest-free-agency-signings-for-the-Detroit-Lions-119657345/

Three biggest Detroit Lions goals for training camp:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Three-biggest-Detroit-Lions-goals-for-training-camp-119655536/

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 7-8-18

 2018 Lions top 20: No. 10 Jones big-play threat:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/08/detroit-lions-2018/763665002/

Lions mythbusting: dispelling 3 false narratives about the team:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/07/lions-mythbusting-dispelling-3-false-narratives-about-the-team/

Analyst explains how to stop Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Analyst-explains-how-to-stop-Detroit-Lions-Matthew-Stafford-119637829/

Lions signing LeGarrette Blount named overlooked addition:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Detroit-Lions-signing-LeGarrette-Blount-named-overlooked-addition-119647383/

The Detroit Lions facing the most pressure in 2018:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/ContentGallery/The-Detroit-Lions-facing-the-most-pressure-in-2018-119641144/#119641144_1

Pro Football Weekly's 2018 Specialist rankings (2. Jamal Agnew, Lions - Agnew was more of a one-trick pony than Cooper, specializing in punt returns, but he was the NFL’s best in that department in 2017, when the sixth-round rookie brought back 29 punts for a 15.4-yard average, including a pair of touchdowns. Agnew had 16 fair catches — twice as many as Cooper — but given any kind of a seam, he is a threat to take one all the way on every punt he returns.):  http://www.profootballweekly.com/lists/2018/07/02/2d121a2f7c9c49c799f4209b3356ecdf/index.xml?page=13

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 7-7-18

 2018 Lions top 20: No. 11 Tate steady as any WR:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/07/detroit-lions-2018/758592002/

Mailbag: How long will it take for the DL to adapt to the new scheme?:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/06/detroit-lions-espn-nfl-backfield-rankings-legarrette-blount-kerryon-johnson/762697002/

La dolce vita: Former NFL WR enjoys pizza, pigskin in Italy:  http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/34045/pizza-and-pride-nfl-player-rediscovers-football-joy-in-italy

NFL Adds 15-Yard Penalty For Grounds Crew Clearing Snow For A Field Goal:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/07/06/nfl-adds-15-yard-penalty-for-grounds-crew-clearing-snow-for-a-field-goal/

Morning Lions Links for Friday 7-6-18

TWENTYMAN: 5 biggest offseason moves:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-5-biggest-offseason-moves

GET TO KNOW: Running back Kerryon Johnson:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/get-to-know-running-back-kerryon-johnson

2018 Lions top 20: No. 13 Glasgow on center stage: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/05/detroit-lions-2018/746620002/

2018 Lions top 20: No. 12 Kennard aids pass rush:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/06/detroit-lions-2018/754545002/

The Detroit News ranks NFC North’s top offensive players:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/04/detroit-news-ranks-nfc-norths-top-offensive-players/757809002/

The Detroit News ranks NFC North’s top defensive players:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/05/detroit-news-ranks-nfc-norths-top-defensive-players/759609002/

Jarrad Davis: Why the Lions LB will thrive in Matt Patricia's defense:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/05/jarrad-davis-why-the-lions-lb-will-thrive-in-matt-patricias-defense/

Kerryon Johnson snubbed in Offensive Rookie of the Year odds:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/04/kerryon-johnson-snubbed-in-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-odds/

Ranking divisions by quarterback: NFC North, NFC West top list:  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000939509/article/ranking-divisions-by-quarterback-nfc-north-nfc-west-top-list

NFL-N-Motion: Finding the fatal flaw in each NFC North QB:  http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-in-motion/0ap3000000939549/NFL-N-Motion-Finding-the-fatal-flaw-in-each-NFC-North-QB

PFF Forecast: NFC North preview, projections, win/loss totals:  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-pff-forecast-nfc-north-preview-projections-winloss-totals

20 newcomers we expect to make an immediate impact in 2018 (Frank Ragnow - Overall grade of 93.7 in 2017 - New Lions center Ragnow, a three-year starter for Arkansas, checks all the boxes for an elite interior offensive lineman. He is a road grader with high-end experience paving the way for a ground-and-pound attack, as evidenced by his 93.9 and 92.5 run-block grades in 2016 and 2017, respectively. He is no slouch in pass protection either, as he ranked second among qualifying FBS centers in pass-blocking efficiency (99.6) and earned a career-high 88.3 pass-block grade in 2017.):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-20-newcomers-we-expect-to-make-an-immediate-impact-in-2018

Pro Football Weekly's 2018 Quarterback rankings (7. Matthew Stafford, Lions — Over the past two-and-a-half NFL seasons, there hasn't been a more efficient, productive quarterback than Stafford, who has 72 TD passes vs. just 22 interceptions and 10,952 passing yards. He's done it in spite of working with the NFL’s worst ground game and the sudden retirement of Calvin Jonson following the 2015 season. Stafford is also Mr. Dependable, having started all 112 games over the past seven seasons.):   http://www.profootballweekly.com/lists/2018/06/25/c181bf9b05a74f60b0839f554a7ac252/index.xml?page=8

Pro Football Weekly's 2018 CB rankings (9. Darius Slay, Lions - Slay (6-0, 195 pounds) is another bigger corner, who excels in both zone and man-to-man coverage, and isn’t afraid to come up and get physical. He doesn’t appear to fear any receiver, while locking down the strong side of the field for the Lions’ defense. He is known in the Motor City as “Big Play” Slay — and NFL evaluators marvel at his ability to almost always show up in the toughest spots and biggest moments for the Lions. His best season came in 2017, with a league-leading eight picks, earning him first-team All Pro honors and his first trip to the Pro Bowl.):  http://www.profootballweekly.com/lists/2018/07/05/c8d3e99e769949fab823af50c6ce304a/index.xml?page=4

Another Tweak To The Kickoff Rule Promotes More Touchbacks:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/07/06/another-tweak-to-the-kickoff-rule-promotes-more-touchbacks/

Kickoff Formation Rule Now Prohibits Going Out Of Bounds Without Being Contacted:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/07/06/kickoff-formation-rule-now-prohibits-going-out-of-bounds-without-being-contacted/

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 7-4-18

O'HARA: Why fundamentals are so important:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-why-fundamentals-are-so-important

GET TO KNOW: Defensive back Tracy Walker:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/get-to-know-defensive-back-tracy-walker

O'HARA: How Lions have rebuilt through the draft:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-how-lions-have-rebuilt-through-the-draft

2018 Lions top 20: No. 14 Wagner among top RTs:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/03/detroit-lions-2018/746519002/

2018 Lions top 20: Robinson preps for big role:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/02/detroit-lions-2018/734751002/

Backup QBs: Where does Cassel/Rudock rank?:   https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/06/27/ranking-nfl-backup-quarterbacks-ryan-fitzpatrick-buccaneers-nick-foles/731474002/

5 things Lions must do to make playoffs
Lions:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/06/28/detroit-lions-2018-nfl/739010002/

Detroit sports teams join Michigan license plates:  https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/07/02/detroit-sports-michigan-license-plates/752598002/

The Detroit News ranks top 25 Lions in value for 2018:  https://www.detroitnews.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2018/06/25/the-detroit-news-ranks-the-top-25-lions-in-value-for-2018/36356659/

Lions Lowdown: Breaking down Matt Patricia's defense:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/06/19/lions-lowdown-breaks-down-detroit-lions-coach-matt-patricias-defense/716484002/

Lions Lowdown: Breaking down Patricia's offense:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/06/12/wojo-niyo-rogers-talk-matt-patricias-offense-after-lions-minicamps/696552002/

Sporting News: Lions' Patricia last among NFL coaches:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/06/19/sporting-news-detroit-lions-matt-patricia-last-among-nfl-coaches/716242002/

Matthew Stafford-to-Golden Tate key for Lions' '18 success:  http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/33975/matthew-stafford-to-golden-tate-key-for-lions-18-success

Lions 53-man roster projection:  http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/34035/lions-53-man-roster-projection

PFF: Lions led NFL in deploying safeties in the slot:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/03/pff-lions-led-nfl-in-deploying-safeties-in-the-slot/

It's too soon to call Jarrad Davis a bust, but is it time to start worrying?:   https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/03/its-too-soon-to-call-jarrad-davis-a-bust-but-is-it-time-to-start-worrying/

Matt Waldman's video examination and analysis of Lions' Kenny Golladay:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/02/matt-waldmans-video-examination-and-analysis-of-lions-kenny-golladay/

4 Lions under-the-radar training camp battles to watch:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/02/4-lions-under-the-radar-training-camp-battles-to-watch/

Lions RB Kerryon Johnson NFL's most underrated rookie, according to Doug Farrar:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/02/lions-rb-kerryon-johnson-nfls-most-underrated-rookie-according-to-doug-farrar/

2018 NFL schedule rankings, NFC North: Packers have easiest schedule in the NFC:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2018-nfl-schedule-rankings-nfc-north-packers-have-easiest-schedule-in-the-nfc/

Pete Prisco's Top 100 Players of 2018 (Stafford is 68, Slay is 74):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/top-100-nfl-players-of-2018-rodgers-tops-brady-for-no-1-jaguars-have-most-on-list/

Ranking the NFL’s Quarterbacks from 16 to 1 (Stafford ranked 11 - Stafford is one of the more underrated players the NFL has to offer. He is top 10 among active quarterbacks with 216 touchdowns. He can make throws at just about any angle, even left handed if he desired to do so. The Detroit Lions all-time leading passer needs to muster up some wins as he is just 60-65 in his career.):   https://www.foxsports.com/san-diego/story/ranking-the-nfls-quarterbacks-from-16-to-1-070218

Worst of bad NFL contracts: The overpaid and the underachieving (Ansah's is ranked 31):   http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/list/worst-bad-nfl-contracts-deals-2018-ravens-packers-redskins/xs33hy6dwryx1o1e89h9dtp1c/slide/2

Every NFL team's best alternate uniform, ranked (Lions ranked 27):   https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/07/nfl-alternate-uniforms-ranked-new-rule-chargers-rams-patriots

2018 NFL Draft

Round 1 Pick 20 - C Frank Ragnow:

Ragnow links from before the draft:   http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/c-frank-ragnow.html

Ragnow links from after the draft:   http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/frank-ragnow-links-after-draft.html

Grades:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/grades-for-round-1-pick.html

Round 2 Pick 43 - RB Kerryon Johnson:

Johnson links from before the draft:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/kerryon-johnson-links-from-before-draft.html

Johnson links from after the draft:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/kerryon-johnson-links-from-after-draft.html

Grades:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/grades-and-analysis-for-day-2-pick.html

Round 3 Pick 82 - DB Tracy Walker:

Walker links from before the draft:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/db-tracy-walker-links-from-before-draft.html

Walker links from after the draft:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/tracy-walker-links-from-after-draft.html

Grades:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/grades-and-analysis-for-db-tracy-walker.html

Round 4 Pick 114 - DT Da'Shawn Hand:

Hand links from before the draft:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/dashawn-hand-links-from-before-draft.html

 Hand links from after the draft:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/dashawn-hand-links-from-after-draft.html

Round 5 Pick 153 - OT Tyrell Crosby:

Crosby links from before the draft:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/tyrell-crosby-links-from-before-draft.html

Crosby links from after the draft:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/tyrell-crosby-links-from-after-draft.html

Round 7 Pick 237 - FB Nick Bawden:

Bawden links from before the draft:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/nick-bawden-links-from-before-draft.html

Bawden links from after the draft:   http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/nick-bawden-links-from-after-draft.html

Grades and Analysis:

Day 3:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/day-3-grades-and-analysis.html

Overall:  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/overall-grades-and-anslysis.html

Mock Draft Round Up:

http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2018/04/mock-draft-round-up-15.html