Lions Blog

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 11-25-18

Articles:

O'HARA: Sanders heartened by reemergence of the running back position:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-sanders-heartened-by-reemergence-of-the-running-back-position

Lions' offensive game plan influenced by Bears' film:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-offensive-game-plan-influenced-by-bears-film

Detroit Lions: 5 things I want to see in final 5 games:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/25/detroit-lions-5-things-final-5-games/2107598002/

Examining the Lions Week 12 loss to the Bears: By the Numbers:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/25/examining-the-lions-week-12-loss-to-the-bears-by-the-numbers/

Officials offer ridiculous rationale for picking up pass interference penalty on Bears:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/23/officials-offer-ridiculous-rationale-for-picking-up-pass-interference-penalty-on-bears/

Offensive line dominated top PFF grades for Lions vs. Bears:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/24/offensive-line-dominated-top-pff-grades-for-lions-vs-bears/

Lions are working their way through a dramatic culture change:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/24/lions-are-working-their-way-through-a-dramatic-culture-change/

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 11-24-18

Articles:

New coaches, different styles: Why Matt Nagy is winning and Matt Patricia is not: https://www.mlive.com/expo/sports/erry-2018/11/27688e57415097/new-coaches-different-styles-w.html

The Detroit Lions Have Perfected the Recipe for Disappointment:  https://thebiglead.com/2018/11/23/the-detroit-lions-have-perfected-the-recipe-for-disappointment/

Jim Caldwell was fired for going 9-7, so how safe is Matt Patricia at 4-7?:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/23/jim-caldwell-was-fired-for-going-9-7-so-how-safe-is-matt-patricia-at-4-7/

Chase Daniel: I felt I did my job pretty well:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/23/chase-daniel-i-felt-i-did-my-job-pretty-well/

Turnovers weren't Lions' only problem on offense vs. Bears:  https://sports.yahoo.com/turnovers-werent-lions-only-problem-offense-vs-bears-221400868--nfl.html

2019 Draft:

Five possible Lions draft prospects: Week 13:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/23/lions-nfl-draft-watch-5-prospects-week-13/2077722002/

Friday, November 23, 2018

Afternoon Lions Links for Friday 11-24-18

Articles:

TIM AND MIKE: Week 12 observations:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-week-12-observations

3 things we learned: Jim Bob Cooter's offense is broken:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/3_things_we_learned_jim_bob_co_1.html

Snap counts: LeGarrette Blount, not Zach Zenner, replaces Kerryon Johnson:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/snap_counts_legarrette_blount.html

Blame Matthew Stafford if you want, but the Lions got bigger problems:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/blame_matthew_stafford_if_you.html

Detroit Lions awarded ex-Bears defensive back off waivers, cut Don Carey:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/detroit_lions_awarded_ex-bears.html

Patricia explains 2-point try, 4th-down call:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/23/matt-patricia-game-management-detroit-lions/2092668002/

Lions' failure a team effort, no end in sight:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/23/detroit-lions-things-get-worse-before-they-get-better/2091050002/

Lions fans: It's OK to root for another team:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/23/hey-detroit-lions-fans-its-ok-root-another-team/2088947002/

Four Downs: Quinn shares blame for Lions' downturn:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/23/gm-bob-quinn-shoulders-blame-lions-downturn/2091111002/

4 things we learned from Lions' Thanksgiving loss to Bears:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/23/4-things-we-learned-from-lions-thanksgiving-loss-to-bears/

Lions Week 12 snap counts: Ellington and Ford see increased roles:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/23/lions-week-12-snap-counts-ellington-and-ford-see-increased-roles/

Lions snap counts: Mike Ford delivers on big chance:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Lions-snap-counts-Week-12-takeaway-125149456/

Tony Romo calls Lions offense stagnant:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Tony-Romo-Lions-offense-stagnant-Jim-Bob-Cooter-125152067/

Grades:

Grading the Lions for Week 12 loss to Bears:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/ContentGallery/Lions-grades-Week-12-Bears-loss-125147249/

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Morning Lions Links for Friday 11-23-18

Pre-Game Lions Links for Thursday 11-22-18

Articles:

INACTIVES: Lions vs. Bears:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/inactives-lions-vs-bears

O'HARA'S FINAL THOUGHTS: Lions looking for help at RB on short week:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-final-thoughts-lions-looking-for-help-at-rb-on-short-week

5 things to watch: Lions vs. Bears:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-things-to-watch-lions-vs-bears

Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving memories are pretty epic:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/22/detroit-lions-thanksgiving-memories-pretty-epic/2074237002/

Beat writer breakdown: How the Bears offense could change with Chase Daniel at QB:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/beat_writer_breakdown_how_the_1.html

Play action a missing element from Lions offense:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/22/play-action-a-missing-element-from-lions-offense/

Mailbag: Why has LeGarrette Blount been ineffective?:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/22/mailbag-why-has-legarrette-blount-been-ineffective/

Marvin Jones could return for Lions vs. Rams:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Marvin-Jones-injury-update-Lions-return-125113120/

32 NFL Observations, Week 11 (Detroit Lions: Over the last two seasons combined, Marvin Jones Jr. has 333 yards on ‘go’ routes, which is the third-most for all wide receivers.):

Chase Daniel has extra incentive to play well today:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/22/chase-daniel-has-extra-incentive-to-play-well-today/

Video:

Keys to the Game: Lions vs. Bears:

Keys to victory for the Detroit Lions in rematch with Bears:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/keys_to_victory_for_the_detroi_1.html

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 11-22-18

Articles:

Why Chase Daniel and not Mitchell Trubisky gives Bears best chance vs. Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/why_chase_daniel_and_not_mitch.html

Lions among 3 teams shut out of early Pro Bowl voting results:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/detroit_lions_shut_out_of_earl.html

Kerryon Johnson, Marvin Jones ruled out by Lions; 7 limited:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/kerryon_johnson_marvin_jones_r.html

Five things to watch: Lions vs. Bears:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/21/five-things-watch-detroit-lions-vs-chicago-bears/2071500002/

Playoff push? Lions fans can dare to dream:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/21/detroit-lions-win-thanksgiving-could-spur-playoff-dreams/2067128002/

Five things to watch as Detroit Lions face the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving:  https://lionslowdown.com/2018/11/21/five-things-to-watch-as-detroit-lions-face-the-chicago-bears-on-thanksgiving/

One thing every NFL team should be thankful for (The team's young talent: "The Lions have struggled thus far this season with a 4-6 record, but looking below the surface, there's reasons for optimism. In Kenny Golladay, Kerryon Johnson, Frank Ragnow, Jarrad Davis, Tracy Walker and Da'Shawn Hand, the team is building quite well through the draft recently, and has plenty of hope for the future given their eight draft picks for 2019. Obviously, 2018 is a transition year, but not all has been lost considering how these players have developed and shown what a part of the nucleus they will be moving forward. With more free agency upgrades and more depth coming, the Lions can take solace that they're building something that has a chance to get good." — Max DeMara):  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/ContentGallery/One-thing-every-NFL-team-should-be-thankful-for--125044702/#125044702_11

Why do the Lions always play on Thanksgiving?:  http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/why-do-detroit-lions-always-play-on-thanksgiving/5ym3h65v3d3m16ev64nuk5kfj

Why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?:  https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-cowboys-always-play-thanksgiving-200340773.html

What to watch for in the three Thanksgiving games (Bears at Lions: 1. Eighty-eight hours after their monumental victory over their divisional rivals from Minnesota, the Bears are doing the NFC North rivalry thing all over again, this time in Detroit. Chicago's three-and-a-half-day game week is the shortest break between games since 2000, per NFL Research. The short week comes at the worst time for the Bears, who are in dire need of some R&R. Officially ruled as doubtful to play Thursday, Mitchell Trubisky has not practiced since suffering a minor shoulder injury late in the Bears' Sunday night win over Minnesota. The rising QB is not expected to be available for the 12:30 p.m. ET start time, which means Chase Daniel is very likely start his first game since 2014. Trubisky was unstoppable in Chicago's first meeting with Detroit just 11 days prior, when he threw three TDs with a 148.6 passer rating. But Trubisky's last game at Ford Field was one of his worst; then a rookie, the Bears QB threw three picks in a 10-point loss. If and when Trubisky takes a seat, expect a healthy amount of work for Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen against Damon Harrison and Detroit's 24th-ranked rushing defense, even though the Lions held Chicago to 2.5 yards per carry in their previous meeting. 2. Will Khalil Mack make Matthew Stafford look like a turkey in the Lions' backfield? The Defensive Player of the Year contender is in the midst of a career year and coming off of another game with a sack and forced fumble. The face of and motor behind Chicago's third-ranked defense, Mack leads the league in five forced fumbles. Making Mack's life easier, his target this week, Stafford, is collapsing like his pocket. The Lions veteran is averaging a career-high three sacks per game and has been sacked on 33.9 percent of his pressures over the last five games, three of which were assured defeats. Stafford threw two picks and was sacked six times in Chicago in Week 10 and had his second-lowest passer rating of the season (74.9) against Mack's Bears. Before Mack and the Bears take down a gallon of tryptophan, it's likely they will feast on Stafford. 3. On its biggest stage of the season, Detroit unfortunately will be without one of its breakout offensive players. Rookie running back Kerryon Johnson sprained his knee during the Lions' win over the Panthers and is expected to miss up to two weeks. Thankfully, Johnson avoided a serious ACL tear, but it's a shame for the novice football fans tuning in to avoid conversations with relatives that Detroit's best running back since Barry Sanders will be unavailable to play. Johnson's 20 touches, 89 yards and two scores from that first meeting will have to be replaced by Theo Riddick, LeGarrette Blount and newly promoted Zach Zenner. Elsewhere on Detroit's offense, if Marvin Jones (knee) can't go, then it will be all Kenny Golladay on this November holiday.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000990805/article/nine-things-to-watch-for-in-the-3-thanksgiving-games

Thanksgiving football: Three keys for each game (Bears (7-3) at Lions (4-6) (12:30 p.m. ET, CBS) - 1. Daniel's turn to take over: Just two weeks ago, these two teams played in Chicago, with the Bears dominating, 34-22. But quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is doubtful for the Bears with a shoulder injury, leaving Chase Daniel likely to take over the starting role. A 10th-year veteran, Daniel has only two starts and 78 pass attempts in his career. If he can find his rhythm within the offense (he's familiar with Matt Nagy's attack after serving as a backup in Kansas City), Daniel could have a favorable setup against Detroit. Receiver Allen Robinson II (six catches 133 yards, two TDs) had his best outing of the season in the earlier meeting with the Lions. 2. Detroit's ground game: Rookie running back Kerryon Johnson (641 yards and three touchdowns on 118 carries) has been a bright spot for the Lions. But he suffered a knee injury and coach Matt Patricia said has been ruled out for Thursday's game. Detroit’s options for replacing him aren’t great, with LeGarrette Blount – the next leading rusher – having just 183 yards this year. 3. Slow the Chicago pass rush: The Bears are tied for fifth in the NFL with 32 sacks this season (with linebacker Khalil Mack accounting for a quarter of them). The pass rush sets the tone for the entire defense and allows the secondary to clamp down on targets. The Lions' offense has given up 30 sacks so far this season. Limiting pressure and disruption will be essential for Detroit.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/11/22/nfl-thanksgiving-games-times-tv-channel-cowboys-redkskins-keys/2071545002/

Ranking all 32 teams' quarterback play through Week 11 (17. Stafford (75.5 Overall Grade) It’s been an inexplicably mediocre season for Matthew Stafford. With a full stable of weapons at receiver and one of the better offensive lines in his career, Stafford has been middle of the pack. The worrisome part is how conservative he’s been. Stafford’s 6.3 average depth of target is the second-lowest figure in the league. That’s over a yard and a half shorter than his average depth of target in his highest-graded passing season in 2013.):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-ranking-all-32-teams-quarterback-play-through-week-11

All signs point to Lions:  https://nypost.com/2018/11/22/all-signs-point-to-lions/

Bears promote Tyler Bray with Mitchell Trubisky doubtful:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/21/bears-promote-tyler-bray-with-mitchell-trubisky-doubtful/

2019 Draft:

Scout Takes on the Loaded 2019 Draft D-line Class:  https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/11/21/2019-nfl-draft-defensive-line-pass-rusher-scouting-reports

2019 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Clemson's defensive line trio living up to the hype:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-clemsons-defensive-line-trio-living-up-to-the-hype/

2019 NFL Draft: The premier sleeper slot WR:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2019-umass-andy-isabella-can-be-the-prime-example-of-slot-receivers-growing-value/

Video:

Bears vs. Lions Week 12 preview | NFL Playbook:  http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000000991022/Bears-vs-Lions-Week-12-preview-NFL-Playbook

Dales explains why Bears 'like their odds' with Daniel at QB:  http://www.nfl.com/videos/up-to-the-minute/0ap3000000990886/Dales-explains-why-Bears-like-their-odds-with-Daniel-at-QB

Week 12 Picks

NFL.com's Picks (Detroit Lions 24, Chicago Bears 22: This is a dangerous matchup for the Bears, who are humming right now. Going into Detroit on a short week will be at least as difficult as -- if not more difficult than -- hosting the Vikings last week. Couple that with the fact that Chicago is in line to start Chase Daniel, who at best squeezed in a few walkthroughs before flying out to face a division rival, and you can clearly see the uphill challenge facing Matt Nagy and staff. The Lions played at home Sunday, snapping a three-game losing streak by building an early lead over the Panthers with balanced offense and holding on late. Unfortunately for Detroit, with Kerryon Johnson (knee sprain) out, Chicago's pass rush won't have to hesitate on its way to the pocket. The Bears have already posted 32 sacks (tied for fifth in the NFL). Was feeling a Bears road win, but Matthew Stafford has played well since that opening Monday night disaster ... except for two weeks ago against the Bears. The advantage over Daniel is too much. Thus, I'm taking Detroit at home.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000990950/article/nfl-week-12-game-picks-vikes-top-pack-texans-colts-stay-hot

SI Picks (CHICAGO BEARS (7–3) at DETROIT LIONS (4–6)
Bears offense vs. Lions defense: When these teams met just over a week ago, the Bears frequently aligned in a formation some call “speed trips,” with three wide receivers to one side of the field and athletic tight end Trey Burton by himself on the other. From there the Bears shrewdly isolated individual Lions defenders and featured intertwined routes that complicated Detroit’s man coverages. Look for this formation again on Thursday, and look for the usual heavy dosage of misdirection concepts involving Tarik Cohen. Detroit’s second-year linebacker Jarrad Davis has scintillating talent but isn’t always comfortable processing information. Lions offense vs. Bears defense: When Detroit has struggled this November, it’s been against quality zone defenses. The Bears, with their blurry, deceptive two-deep safety looks, are one of football’s best zone units. Strong coverage was behind many of their six sacks on Stafford in Week 10. The Lions will try to get the ball out quickly and over the middle, where Stafford can deal with Chicago’s linebackers instead of safeties. That means a prominent role for injured Kerryon Johnson’s replacement Theo Riddick, who has returned to the backfield after a two-week trial in the slot following the Golden Tate trade. Prediction: Lions 24, Bears 20 (an atrociously unfair short week schedule for the Bears, who played the latest game last Sunday and now travel to play the earliest game on Thursday.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/11/22/nfl-thanksgiving-games-picks-predictions-bears-lions-redskins-cowboys-falcons-saints

CBS Prisco Picks (Lions 23 Bears 20: The Bears are riding high and they are playing great defense, which will challenge the Lions offensive line. The Lions have won four of their last five on Thanksgiving, and I think with a nice game from Matt Stafford they will make it five of six. With Chase Daniel almost certainly in as quarterback for the Bears, it gives the Lions a little more an edge. I liked the Lions in an upset even if Trubisky played.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/prisco/picks

NFL RealGM Picks (Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (+3.5): The Bears get shafted by their own success. When the league flexed their Week 11 game to primetime Sunday night, they gave Chicago the shortest possible turnaround time to play. This game kicks at 12:30 p.m. ET, or 11:30 a.m. Chicago time. Their game on Sunday night ended at 11:30 p.m. ET. Detroit’s finished some eight hours earlier, and they have the benefit of not needing to travel or change time zones. The Lions also have the advantage of a healthy quarterback. Mitchell Trubisky is unlikely to play for the Bears. While the Lions will miss impressive rookie RB Kerryon Johnson, Matthew Stafford remains the steering wheel for the Ford Field faithful. He’ll drive Detroit to another win over a team with a winning record, their fifth on the season. Lions 20, Bears 17):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3101/Football-Meteorology-For-NFL-Week-12

PFT’S THANKSGIVING DAY PICKS (Bears at Lions - MDS’s take: The Lions looked absolutely dreadful in Chicago on November 11. Can home-field advantage make that big a difference? I think the Lions will play more competitively at home, but not well enough to win. MDS’s pick: Bears 24, Lions 21. Florio’s take: The Lions seem to have a little extra something on Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving, a win would pull them closer toward a possible playoff berth. After beating the Panthers on Sunday, Detroit could have a surprise for a Bears team that played a hard-fought game against the Vikings late into Sunday night. Florio’s pick: Lions 24, Bears 22.):  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/21/pfts-thanksgiving-day-picks/

Freep Picks (Lions 22, Bears 21; Bears 28, Lions 24; Bears 27, Lions 20; Bears 24, Lions 16):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/21/detroit-lions-chicago-bears-picks-thanksgiving/2071113002/

CBS Breech's Picks (The pick: Bears 30-20 over Lions (with Trubisky) -- Bears 27-20 over Lions (without Trubisky)):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-12-picks-saints-and-falcons-get-in-thanksgiving-shootout-packers-upset-vikings/

CBS Wilson's Picks (Chicago (-3.5) at Detroit
Game info: Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET, CBS (stream on CBS All Access or fuboTV, try it for free): The Bears are coming off their most impressive win of the season and while Mitchell Trubisky wasn't flawless, he at times looked capable of becoming the franchise quarterback general manager Ryan Pace envisioned when he drafted him second overall in 2017. Unfortunately, a right-shoulder injury will limit Trubisky ahead of Thursday's Thanksgiving Day showdown with the Lions and there's apparently a pretty good chance backup Chase Daniel is forced into duty. But Daniel knows coach Matt Nagy's offense well from their time together in Kansas City and at this stage of their respective careers, Daniel could be more consistent than Trubisky. Added bonus: Chicago owns the league's best defense. Either way, this is a huge NFC North matchup with playoff implications. Pick: Bears 17, Lions 10):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-12-nfl-odds-picks-steelers-beat-broncos-packers-get-by-vikings-browns-upset-bengals/

SN Iyer's Picks (Chicago Bears (-4.5) at Detroit Lions: This might feel like a Bear trap after Chicago's emotional win at home over Minnesota, now playing on a short week in the division on the road. But then the Lions will be without their key offensive player, running back Kerryon Johnson. That leaves little to help Matthew Stafford survive Khalil Mack and the Bears' pass rush. On the other side, Mitchell Trubisky will find favorable matchups against Detroit’s defense, even with Darius Slay playing in this game. Chicago will spoil the tradition for the host and continue its strong march toward its first NFC North title in eight years. PICK: Bears win 30-20 and cover the spread.):  http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-thanksgiving-games-picks-predictions-point-spreads-lines-falcons-saints/6b640k6xenyz1j9ljj42745ik

SN Steele's Picks (Chicago Bears (7-3) at Detroit Lions (4-6): The Bears' drubbing of the Lions at Soldier Field a week and a half ago became infamous as the Cody Parkey game, as he hit the upright on two field goals and two extra points. The Bears would be thrilled with a repeat of that many chances again; behind Mitchell Trubisky, they pretty much scored at will. And if the defense makes a wreck of Matthew Stafford the way they did then, and did last Sunday night to Kirk Cousins, this could be a result America is familiar with and accustomed to every year. Prediction: Bears, 36-16):  http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-thanksgiving-game-picks-predictions-cowboys-redskins-bears-lions/3l8ht2x0ytac1fjoefi55mxbd

Detroit News predictions: Lions vs. Bears (Bears, 17-14; Bears, 20-17; Bears, 24-16):  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/21/detroit-news-predictions-lions-vs-bears/2082813002/

USA Today Picks (2 pick the Lions, 3 pick the Bears):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/11/21/usa-today-week-12-nfl-picks-predictions-thanksgiving/2082304002/

CBS Picks (2 pick the Lions, 6 pick the Bears):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/expert/picks/straight-up/12

Average Score Prediction (395-331/17): 23-19. 19 experts pick the Bears to win, 9 experts pick the Lions to win.