Lions Blog

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 10-3-18

Articles:

Lions vs. Packers practice report: Oct. 3: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-packers-practice-report-oct-3

Week 5 opponent: What the Packers are saying: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/week-5-opponent-what-the-packers-are-saying

Now Tracy Walker is banged up for the Lions, too: https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/10/now_tracy_walker_is_banged_up.html

Lions' 2018 draft class shines bright in opening month:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/10/lions_2018_draft_class_is_deli.html

Film review: How the Lions forced Dak Prescott to throw and still lost:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/10/film_review_how_the_lions_forc.html

Many Lions fans sick and tired of Kerryon Johnson's lack of carries:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/10/many_lions_fans_baffled_kerryo.html

Detroit Lions mailbag: Does Trubisky win playoff game before Stafford?:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/03/detroit-lions-mailbag-jarrad-davis-wasted-draft-pick/1509633002/

Lions' Quandre Diggs practices in cast:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/03/detroit-lions-quandre-diggs-practices-cast/1511491002/

With T.J. Lang in concussion protocol, Lions re-sign OL Andrew Donnal:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/03/t-j-lang-concussion-protocol-lions-re-sign-ol-andrew-donnal/1510580002/

Lions prepare for Green Bay Packers, gimpy-yet-effective Aaron Rodgers: https://lionslowdown.com/2018/10/03/lions-prepare-for-green-bay-packers-gimpy-yet-effective-aaron-rodgers/

Matt Patricia thinks Aaron Rodgers 'looks really good' and not limited by injury:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/10/03/matt-patricia-thinks-aaron-rodgers-looks-really-good-and-not-limited-by-injury/

Da'Shawn Hand ready for 'interesting' battle with Packers: https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/DaShawn-Hand-Lions-vs-Packers-interesting-battle-122849230/

Lions most important players vs. Packers:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/ContentGallery/Lions-most-important-players-vs-Packers-122839568/

Lions vs. Packers matchups to watch:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Lions-Packers-key-matchups-to-watch-122836317/

Video:

Patricia on preparation for Green Bay:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-preparation-for-green-bay

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 10-3-18

Articles:

STATS PACK: Tate the fastest Lion to reach 400 receptions with team: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/stats-pack-tate-the-fastest-lion-to-reach-400-receptions-with-team

How can the Detroit Lions not pay hero, humanitarian Golden Tate now?: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/03/detroit-lions-golden-tate-contract/1504705002/
Lions currently would pick 2nd in NFL draft: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/02/detroit-lions-2019-nfl-draft/1503651002/

Lions: Aaron Rodgers moving well despite injury: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/02/aaron-rodgers-injured-knee/1501457002/

Detroit Lions film review: 5 observations vs. Cowboys: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/02/detroit-lions-film-review-5-observations-vs-cowboys/1503153002/

Lions get another shot at all-time great in 'dangerous' Rodgers: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/02/lions-get-another-shot-all-time-great-aaron-rodgers-visits/1497668002/

Rookie Walker could play big role after Lions injuries: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/02/rookie-safety-tracy-walker-could-play-big-role-after-lions-injuries/1497676002/

Lions have NFL's worst run defense on first down by a wide margin: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/10/02/lions-have-nfls-worst-run-defense-on-first-down-by-a-wide-margin/

Lions working out running backs, for some reason: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/02/lions-working-out-running-backs-for-some-reason/

Matthew Stafford can become leading touchdown passer vs. Packers: https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Matthew-Stafford-Packers-record-most-touchdowns-of-all-time-122821906/

Lions waive cornerback Dee Virgin: https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Dee-Virgin-Lions-waive-cornerback-from-roster-122815499/

Most penalized NFL teams in the 2018 season through four weeks (Lions 13th): https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/ContentGallery/Most-penalized-NFL-teams-in-the-2018-season-through-four-weeks-121870592/#121870592_13

Blake Bacho: Taking stock of the Lions: http://www.monroenews.com/news/20181002/blake-bacho-taking-stock-of-lions

Articles from Opposing Teams Media:

Packers travel to Detroit to face the Lions: https://www.packers.com/news/packers-travel-to-detroit-to-face-the-lions

Video:

Conference call: Pasqualoni on Week 4 takeaways: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/conference-call-pasqualoni-on-week-4-takeaways

Conference call: Cooter on Packers defense: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/conference-call-cooter-on-packers-defense

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Week 5 Power Rankings

SI Power Rankings (20. Lions: With a win next week, Detroit can stay right in the thick of a tight NFC North race. With a loss, they may be stuck in too big a hole to dig out of.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/10/02/nfl-power-rankings-2018

CBS Power Rankings (22. Lions:  At 1-3, they are in a big hole in the division. They still don't have an identity on offense.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-5-power-rankings-rams-hold-top-spot-surprising-team-jumps-up-to-no-3/

USA Today Power Rankings (23. Lions (23): Time to start giving rookie RB Kerryon Johnson more than 12 touches per game. He's earned it, and it ultimately preserves Matthew Stafford.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/10/02/week-5-nfl-power-rankings-rams-chiefs-patriots-saints/1494966002/

MLive Power Rankings (24. Lions:  Through a quarter of Matt Patricia's first season, the Lions are starting to show some of who they are right now. The 31-point loss to the Jets was their worst. The 16-point win over the Patriots was their best. And the two road losses to in the 49ers and Cowboys were more of what they are -- a prolific passing attack and a resilient team with not quite enough on defense to beat good decent teams away from home too often. If Detroit can balance its offense out a little better by sticking with the run, it can raise this ceiling some and create a really great offense. The time for a complete, four-quarter game from that unit is now, though, because the defense isn't going to carry it.):  https://www.mlive.com/expo/sports/erry-2018/10/24b34d2f3f9330/detroit-lions-lay-low-on-mlive.html

Freep Power Rankings (24. Lions (1-3) | Last game: Lost to the Cowboys, 26-24 | Previous ranking: 22 | The buzz: NFL’s worst run defense still has games against Todd Gurley, David Johnson and Jordan Howard (twice).): https://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/02/nfl-power-rankings-how-far-did-detroit-lions-drop-after-loss/1497431002/

Yahoo Power Rankings (24. Detroit Lions (1-3, LW: 25): I still don’t know how the Lions could let Ezekiel Elliott beat them, especially on the last drive after they took a lead. The Cowboys have nobody else on offense. The difference between the Lions winning that game and getting back to .500 after an 0-2 start, and blowing it in the final minutes, seems bigger than it should for Week 4.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-chicago-bears-stay-054107566.html

PFT Power Rankings (24. Lions (1-3; No. 22): Chris Berman would call him Kerryon “My Wayward Son” Johnson. (Which may be one of the reasons why Chris Berman is gone.):  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/02/week-five-power-rankings-8/

NFL.com Harrison (24. Lions: Rough loss. With the dreaded Packers coming to Detroit this week, the Lions find themselves in desperate need of a win, to avoid heading into the bye at 1-4. Also needed in the Motor City: a hastening of Kerryon Johnson's development. He rumbled for 32 yards on the first play of the game, then carried the ball all of eight times the rest of the day. Huh? A proposal for this week: Avoid the track meet, provide the defense a couple gallons of oxygen (or however you measure the stuff that allows guys to run after quarterbacks) and grab a much-needed division home game. With quality teams like the Eagles, Vikings and Falcons at .500 or worse, NFC wild-card slots are more open than anticipated. Maybe Detroit doesn't own the pieces on the defensive side of the ball for that. OK. What Matt Patricia does have at his disposal is talent outside, a premium quarterback and a viable (even if underperforming) offensive line -- essentially enough to set up the ground game. Figure it out.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000969194/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-5-bears-ravens-barrel-upward

AP Pro32 (Lions 24): https://www.pro32.ap.org/poll/2019/5

ESPN Power Rankings (25. Lions: Rookie snaps leader: OL Frank Ragnow, 263 snaps out of 263 (100 percent). The 20th overall pick out of Arkansas has played every snap for an offensive line that has allowed just six sacks this season, tied for fourth fewest in the NFL. -- Shah): http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24863134/nfl-power-rankings-standout-rookies-all-32-teams-2018-week-5

SN Power Rankings (25. Detroit Lions 1-3 (last week: 26): So much for that Patriots victory creating momentum. The Lions failed to put together a complete game in Dallas, and it cost them.):  http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-5-bengals-ravens-steelers-patriots-packers/1p6mvbza9109s17eyoieknucf1

Walter Football Power Rankings (26. Detroit Lions (1-3) - Previously: 28. Give credit to the Lions: I thought they'd be very flat following their "Super Bowl" win over the Patriots, but they fought Dallas very hard. It's too bad though that the Lions' great effort can't translate into better defensive play, as Detroit allowed Dallas to score more than 20 points in a game for the first time all year.):  http://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

Pro Football Weekly's Week 5 power rankings (27. Lions (1-3) — Had no answers for stopping Ezekiel Elliott late): https://www.profootballweekly.com/lists/2018/10/02/17a401f8b5c445398a519aa4ec9efabb/index.xml?page=5

NFL RealGM Power Rankings (27. Lions): https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3073/NFL-Team-Rankings-Week-4

Average Power Ranking (339/14): 24

Afternoon Lions Links for Tuesday 10-2-18

Articles:

10 takeaways from Cooter & Pasqualoni: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-takeaways-from-cooter-pasqualoni-x7436

FILM REVIEW: Johnson shows power in first career TD:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/film-review-johnson-shows-power-in-first-career-td

O’HARA: What we learned from Week 4:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-what-we-learned-from-week-4

Detroit Lions cut gunner who stepped on goal line: https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/10/detroit_lions_cut_gunner_who_m.html

Lions' T.J. Lang has a long history of brain injuries:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/10/lions_tj_lang_has_a_long_histo.html

Lions safety Quandre Diggs reportedly has fractured hand:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/10/lions_safety_quandre_diggs_rep.html

Jamie: Lions' Patricia should take more chances:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/02/detroit-lions-season-matt-patricia/1493229002/

Monarrez: 3 reasons for hope, concern for Lions:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/02/detroit-lions-matt-patricia/1493775002/

Detroit Lions film review: How Jamal Agnew set up Kerryon Johnson's TD: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/02/detroit-lions-film-jamal-agnew-kerryon-johnson/1497922002/

Lions lose Diggs (hand); opens door for Walker?:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/02/detroit-lions-tracy-walker-quandre-diggs/1495615002/

Passing game dominates both sides of ball in Lions top PFF grades vs. Cowboys:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/10/02/passing-game-dominates-both-sides-of-ball-in-lions-top-pff-grades-vs-cowboys/

Lions film study: breaking down the run defense breakdowns in Dallas:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/10/02/lions-film-study-breaking-down-the-run-defense-breakdowns-in-dallas/

Pat Caputo - How much patience is justified for Matt Patricia, Bob Quinn and Lions?: https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/pat-caputo---how-much-patience-is-justified-for/article_7bfe9fcc-c672-11e8-9992-677b862d354e.html

Five things to know about Detroit Lions rookie DE Da’Shawn Hand:  https://lionslowdown.com/2018/10/02/five-things-to-know-about-detroit-lions-rookie-de-dashawn-hand/

Numbers say it: Kerryon Johnson should be Detroit's featured back:  http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/34453/numbers-say-it-kerryon-johnson-should-be-detroits-featured-back

NFL Africa Zone (Notable Performances - Romeo Okwara (Detroit Lions Defensive End #95): Each week, Nigeria-born Okwara gets more comfortable in the Lions' defense, and displays the attributes that made them snap up the University of Notre Dame product after the New York Giants waived him prior to the season. Last week, Okwara displayed some athletic tackling in the Lions' win over the New England Patriots. In week four, Okwara had two tackles and one sack (unofficially two sacks as the second was flagged for a very questionable unnecessary roughness penalty) in the Lions 26-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Okwara's has been among the bright spots for a Lions defensive line that's missing Ghanaian pro-bowl edge rusher Ziggy Ansah.):  http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24867595/nfl-africa-zone-kamara-find-new-routes-edition

Stats make case for Lions as NFL's best wideout group: https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Lions-wide-receivers-NFLs-best-stats-prove-122814246/

Matt Patricia has respect for Aaron Rodgers, Packers: https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Matt-Patricia-Aaron-Rodgers-Packers-respect-122811421/

Fix a flaw: Five ways to solve Lions run defense: https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Lions-run-defense-problems-five-solutions-122809096/

Packers open as slight road favorites over Lions:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Lions-Packers-line-odds-Green-Bay-favored-122794327/

Video:

Conference call: Patricia on Week 5 prep: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/conference-call-patricia-on-week-5-prep

Sights and sounds: Week 4 at Dallas: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/sights-and-sounds-week-4-dallas

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 10-2-18

Articles:

Report: Detroit Lions safety Quandre Diggs breaks hand in loss to Dallas Cowboys:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/nfl/lions/report-detroit-lions-safety-quandre-diggs-fractures-bone-in-hand-in-loss-to-dallas-cowboys

TIM AND MIKE: Week 4 observations: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-week-4-observations

People think Kerryon Johnson should carry the ball more. Not Matt Patricia.: https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/10/people_think_kerryon_johnson_s.html#incart_river_mobile_index

3 things we learned: Da'Shawn Hand looks like a late-round steal for the Lions: https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/10/3_things_we_learned_dashawn_ha.html

3 reasons for hope and concern for the Lions:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/02/detroit-lions-matt-patricia/1493775002/

Lions likely without Ansah, Lang vs. Packers: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/01/detroit-lions-ziggy-ansah-not-ir-candidate-day-day/1493616002/

Packers: McCarthy-Rodgers rift needs repairing: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/dougherty/2018/09/30/dougherty-potential-mccarthy-rodgers-rift-requires-resolution/1460039002/

Niyo: NFL-worst run defense is Lions’ No. 1 problem:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/john-niyo/2018/10/01/niyo-dallas-cowboys-ezekiel-elliott-latest-rusher-knife-through-buttery-detroit-lions-defense/1488034002/

Bottom line: 1-3 record hangs over Patricia’s coaching debut: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/01/bottom-line-1-3-record-hangs-over-matt-patricias-coaching-debut-detroit-lions/1488050002/

Lions' Okwara not expecting fine for hit on Prescott: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/10/01/lions-okwara-confident-hell-avoid-fine-after-flag-roughing-qb/1492579002/

Mike Valenti: Detroit Lions Only Deliver One Good Quarter Per Game: https://971theticket.radio.com/articles/mike-valenti-detroit-lions-only-deliver-one-good-quarter-game

Lions worked out several OL before trip to Dallas: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/10/01/lions-worked-out-several-ol-before-trip-to-dallas/

6 released/waived players the Lions should consider:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/02/released-waived-player-lions-should-consider/

Lions rookie class delivering immediate results:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Lions-2018-rookies-delivering-immediate-results-122774376/

T.J. Lang's health most important after concussion: https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/TJ-Lang-injury-concussion-health-most-important-122771497/

Kerryon Johnson earning more reps for Lions: https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Kerryon-Johnson-Lions-reps-running-back-earning-more-122776748/

Lions Matt Patricia unconcerned about Kerryon Johnson’s light workload: https://lionslowdown.com/2018/10/01/lions-matt-patricia-unconcerned-about-kerryon-johnsons-light-workload/

The 2018 NFL offensive scoring rankings (T-16. Detroit Lions (Total Points: 94): Matt Patricia and the Detroit Lions were all smiles on Sunday night when they knocked off the New England Patriots 26-10. One of the major standouts in the game was running back Kerryon Johnson, who become the first Lions player in 70 games to rush for more than 100 yards when he put up 101 yards on 16 carries. Matt Stafford finished throwing 27-36 for 262 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.): https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/ContentGallery/NFL-offensive-scoring-rankings-2018-121722415/#121722415_16

Zack Martin: We pretty much knew what Lions D would do: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/01/zack-martin-we-pretty-much-knew-what-lions-d-would-do/

Randall Cobb said he wasn’t close to playing Sunday: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/01/randall-cobb-said-he-wasnt-close-to-playing-sunday/

NFL Week 4 Sunday Standouts: Offense (WR Golden Tate, Detroit Lions, 92.6 Overall Grade: Tate’s go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter wasn’t enough for the Lions to escape with the win, but his performance was noteworthy nonetheless. Matthew Stafford had a perfect passer rating when targeting Tate, going 8-for-8 for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Tate picked up 83 of his 132 yards while lined up in the slot, which was tied for fifth among all wide receivers in Week 4.): https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-nfl-week-4-sunday-standouts-offense

NFL Week 4 Sunday Standouts: Defense (CB Darius Slay, Detroit Lions, 84.1 Overall Grade: Slay was his normal lockdown self on the outside Sunday, only allowing two catches on six targets for 20 yards. On the season, his passer rating allowed of 56.8 is eighth-best among cornerbacks, and he has also only allowed 12 yards after the catch, which is fourth-best among players at the position.): https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-nfl-week-4-sunday-standouts-defense

Week 4 NFL Team of the Week (WIDE RECEIVER Golden Tate, Detroit Lions – 92.6: Tate’s 4.55 yards per route run average ranked third among wide receivers with at least five targets yesterday, with the former second-round draft pick at his tackle-breaking best. He forced two missed tackles yesterday, taking his season total to eight, putting him on pace to force at least 20 missed tackles for the seventh season in a row.): https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-week-4-nfl-team-of-the-week

Only Fun Thing About the Detroit Lions About to Go Away: https://thebiglead.com/2018/10/01/golden-tate-taunting-touchdowns/

Grades:

NFL Team Grades - Week 4: Have The Bears Figured It Out? (Detroit Lions: B-, The Lions made a memorable comeback and took the lead on a late fourth-quarter TD pass from Matthew Stafford to Golden Tate. Still, they couldn’t stop the ordinary Cowboys offense when it was needed.): https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2018/10/01/nfl-team-grades-week-4/

Video:

3 & Out with Chris Spielman: Week 4: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/3-out-with-chris-spielman-week-4

Tori's Take: Week 4: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/tori-s-take-week-4

WATCH: Miller goes one-on-one with Matthew Stafford: http://www.fox2detroit.com/sports/watch-miller-goes-one-on-one-with-matthew-stafford-3

Every Team's Best Play This Season: http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000000969263/Every-Team-s-Best-Play-This-Season