Friday, September 4, 2020

Morning Lions Links for Friday 9-4-20

Articles:

Reeves-Maybin continuing to develop his game on defense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/reeves-maybin-continuing-to-develop-his-game-on-defense


Trufant, Lions won't feel 'juice' from fans, will need to create their own energy:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/03/desmond-trufant-detroit-lions-wont-feel-juice-fans-need-create-their-own-energy/5705110002/

Can Chase Daniel Lead Lions to One Victory in 2020 If Needed?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/polls/poll-can-chase-daniel-lead-detroit-lions-to-victory

2020 NFL Preview: 10 brewing controversies, including issues for Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott (6. Matt Patricia’s hot-seat season:  The Detroit Lions could be a surprise team. There’s plenty of talent. But through two seasons, Patricia has generally been known for two things: Losing a lot of games and alienating his players. Many Lions who have left have been critical of Patricia. If the Lions get off to a bad start, and the negative stories start coming out of the Detroit locker room again, the team will have to consider if they have the right head coach in place.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-preview-10-brewing-controversies-including-issues-for-aaron-rodgers-and-dak-prescott-130058762.html

2020 NFL MVP odds, picks: Why Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson are best bets, plus more award predictions (Matthew Stafford +6600 - Anderson: Stafford played exactly half the season in 2019 before getting injured and was on pace for 5,000 yards, 38 TDs and 10 INTs. He's got a cannon, and Darrell Bevell has him throwing downfield. A Stafford MVP depends on two things: health, and if the Lions can put up some Ws. At 66-to-1, it's worth a shot.  Brinson: I'm sort of all in on the Lions this year, which feels like it could potentially backfire! But look at Stafford's numbers from last season, his first under Darrell Bevell, and project them over 16 games. If the Lions can win 10 games and the NFC North with him going nuts, he will get legitimate consideration.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-mvp-odds-picks-why-dak-prescott-and-russell-wilson-are-best-bets-plus-more-award-predictions/


Ranking all eight divisions heading into the 2020 NFL season (6. NFC North - This might be the most complete Vikings team Mike Zimmer has coached since taking over in 2014. Pairing Yannick Ngakoue with Danielle Hunter gives Minnesota a lethal pass-rush combo, and I'm even more bullish on the offense now that Gary Kubiak will be at the helm as coordinator, having helped develop Kirk Cousins into a franchise QB while fielding a superlative rushing attack. After steering the Packers to a 13-3 record and NFC title game appearance, head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst should be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to offseason moves (or the lack thereof). Here's hoping they're right in their decision not to invest heavily in the pass-catching corps -- if not, Green Bay will take a step back. The Lions must make sure their new "Dagger Time" mantra is more than just a catchy slogan by actually winning more close games than they did last season. Having Matthew Stafford back to full health will help, but defensive improvement is needed after Detroit intercepted seven total passes in 2019. Bears head coach Matt Nagy will keep the identity of his starting QB a secret for now, but I'm not sure how much it matters whether Nick Foles or Mitchell Trubisky is under center. Chicago still lacks proven playmakers, outside of receiver Allen Robinson, and the defense must improve in Year 2 under coordinator Chuck Pagano.)):  https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-all-eight-divisions-heading-into-the-2020-nfl-season

PFF Rankings: Ranking all 32 defenses ahead of the 2020 NFL season (19. DETROIT LIONS:  As I stated yesterday, we here at PFF are high on Detroit’s offense ahead of the 2020 season with a healthy Matthew Stafford. But if the team wants to actually make a run at the NFC North, they’ll need the new look secondary to be significantly better than last year’s unit. Detroit had the third-worst coverage unit in regard to EPA per play allowed and lost their marquee corner in Darius Slay. They have two new additions in particular who are the X-factors to this team and will dictate the improvement in 2020.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-rankings-ranking-all-32-defenses-ahead-of-the-2020-nfl-season

Previews and Predictions:

PFN’s 2020 NFL Season and Award Predictions (4. Lions:  The Lions will be desperate to show they are the team that started 2-0-1 and not the team that lost their final nine games of the 2019 season. With Matthew Stafford hopefully healthy, the upside of this team is huge. Defensively, they need their new additions at cornerback to step up immediately or they risk being in multiple high-scoring games this season.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-season-and-award-predictions/2/

2021 NFL Draft:

2021 NFL Draft: Who are the top Ohio State Buckeyes prospects?:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-ohio-state-2021-nfl-draft-prospects/

College Football Week 1: Everything you need to know ahead of this week's games:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-1-betting-odds-analysis

2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football Week 1:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-college-football-week-1/

2021 NFL Draft: Why I'm higher than most on Duke's Chris Rumph, Pittsburgh's Patrick Jones and two WRs:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-why-im-higher-than-most-on-dukes-chris-rumph-pittsburghs-patrick-jones-and-two-wrs/

Georgia QB transfer Jamie Newman opting out of 2020 college football season:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/09/02/jamie-newman-opt-out-georgia-college-football-nfl-draft-covid-19/

Treash: Georgia is no longer a national title contender after Jamie Newman's opt-out:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-georgia-national-championship-title-contender-jamie-newman-opt-out-jt-daniels

Jamie Newman opts out to prepare for 2021 NFL Draft: Why Georgia QB has the talent to outplay current stock:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/jamie-newman-opts-out-to-prepare-for-2021-nfl-draft-why-georgia-qb-has-the-talent-to-outplay-current-stock/

Posted by LionsFan at 4:59 AM 0 comments

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Afternoon Lions Links for Thursday 9-3-20

Articles:

Trufant makes his first trip to Ford Field since signing with Lions:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/trufant-makes-his-first-trip-to-ford-field-since-signing-with-lions


These 5 Detroit Lions are poised to cash in a second wave of contract extensions:  https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.freep.com/amp/5690723002

These 5 Detroit Lions are poised to cash in a second wave of contract extensions:  https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.detroitnews.com/amp/5689832002



Lions Wire's 53-man roster projection for the Lions' 2020 season:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/detroit-lions-wires-53-man-roster-projection-2020-season/


Lions NFL Cutdown Tracker: Who's on the Bubble?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-nfl-roster-cutdown-tracker


Football Outsiders Q and A: Why you should believe in the 2020 Detroit:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/9/3/21419687/football-outsiders-believe-detroit-lions-2020-projections

4 new rule changes that could impact Detroit Lions' 53-man roster:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/9/3/21419710/4-new-rule-changes-impact-detroit-lions-53-man-roster
Posted by LionsFan at 1:08 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 9-3-20

Articles:

Taylor Decker's mom bawled. So did he after an emotional 3 days.:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/taylor-deckers-mom-bawled-so-did-he-after-an-emotional-3-days.html

Lions break in mostly empty Ford Field to get used to different atmosphere, procedures:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/lions-break-in-mostly-empty-ford-field-to-get-used-to-different-atmosphere-procedures.html

Lions' quarterback David Blough showing off strides he's made from last season's struggles:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/02/detroit-lions-david-blough-showing-strides-he-made-last-season/5691230002/


Hunter Bryant's injury continues to keep the UDFA tight end sidelined:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/02/lions-udfa-te-hunter-bryant-injury-update/

Taylor Decker contract extension: Breaking down the Lions left tackle's new deal:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/02/taylor-decker-contract-extension-breaking-down-the-lions-left-tackles-new-deal/


Monson: Ranking all 32 starting quarterbacks ahead of the 2020 NFL season (13. MATTHEW STAFFORD, DETROIT LIONS:  The 2019 version of Matthew Stafford was better than this ranking — he had an overall PFF grade of 82.6 when he went down hurt, good for seventh in the NFL — but there is reason to suspect that his performance will regress to the mean a little. His average depth of target through half the year was 11.4 yards, which would be the second-highest figure we have ever seen over a full season, and yet despite that he was unusually efficient on these deep passes. It seems likely that his aggression level will come down a little in 2020 but also that his efficiency might dip, dragging his ranking down a little compared to where he was a season ago. Stafford remains a player with all of the physical tools and a good supporting cast around him to succeed, so his ability to push far higher than this isn’t in question.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-monson-ranking-all-32-starting-quarterbacks-ahead-of-the-2020-nfl-season

PFF Rankings: Ranking all 32 offenses ahead of the 2020 NFL season (7. DETROIT LIONS:  It's no secret that we here at PFF are high on the Lions and quarterback Matthew Stafford this year.  Before his midseason injury, Stafford was legitimately producing at an MVP level in 2019, largely because he was finally given the green light to air it out. Stafford's average depth of target increased by over 4 yards from 2018 to 2019 (11.4), and it was 2.5 yards more than any other single season of his career. That aggressive playstyle paid off for Detroit's offense, and it also helped the Lions passer produce 25 big-time throws through Week 9, second among quarterbacks over that span.  The Lions signal-caller was the seventh-highest-graded passer in the NFL when he got hurt while the Lions offense as a whole ranked fifth in EPA per pass play. From Week 10 on, Detroit's rank dropped to 29th.  Detroit will enter the season with a one-two punch of Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. at wide receiver. When Stafford was healthy and leading the offense in the first half of 2019, the two ranked 13th and 19th, respectively, at the position in PFF grade. They are also two of the best receivers in the league when it comes to contested-catch situations.  Detroit also has two promising young talents in tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back D'Andre Swift, who ranked fifth among Power 5 running backs in yards per route run from 2017-19.  With a healthy Stafford, Detroit is a top-10 offense in the NFL and quite easily a contender for the NFC North.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-rankings-ranking-all-32-offenses-ahead-of-the-2020-nfl-season

PFF Rankings: The NFL’s top 25 safeties ahead of the 2020 NFL season (23. DURON HARMON, DETROIT LIONS:  Offseason additions like Harmon are the reason I think there’s a decent chance this Lions defense should look better this season than it did last year despite losing Darius Slay at cornerback. He’s been an important and reliable piece of a very good Patriots’ secondary for years, playing 500-plus snaps and grading at 68.0 or higher in each of the past five seasons. Harmon has also shown a knack for making timely big plays. His eight fourth-quarter interceptions since 2015 are more than any other safety.  25. TRACY WALKER, DETROIT LIONS:  Walker impressed as a rookie in 2018 with an 89.8 overall grade on a small sample playing primarily free safety. Last season, he played more of a diverse role as a full-time starter — spending more time in the box and slot and putting up another strong 76.0 grade in coverage. Interestingly, it looks like he’s in serious competition with Will Harris (55.3 PFF grade in 2019) for the starting strong safety job. Walker has shown enough to this point, though, to think he is the better option to fill that role. At the least, he’s shown enough to warrant a spot on this list heading into next season.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-rankings-top-25-safeties-ahead-of-the-2020-nfl-season

Practice Notes:

Inside Ford Field: 3 Observations from Practice in Detroit:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/inside-ford-field-detroit-lions-practice

Previews and Predictions:

SI Predictions for Every NFL Team’s 2020 Season Record (Lions finish 4th in the North with a record of 4-12):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/09/02/every-team-season-record-predictions

2021 NFL Draft:

Pauline Mailbag: Latest on Clowney, plus talking 2021 RBs and TEs:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/pauline-mailbag-latest-on-clowney-plus-talking-2021-rbs-and-tes/

Florida State CB Asante Samuel Jr. aims to rise in 2020:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/florida-state-cb-asante-samuel-jr-rise/

Reed Blankenship is an intriguing small school sleeper for the NFL:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/reed-blankenship-intriguing-small-school-sleeper-for-nfl/

NFL draft: What would it take for Trevor Lawrence not to go No. 1 in 2021?:  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-what-would-it-take-for-trevor-lawrence-not-to-go-no-1-in-2021-181830297.html

Video:

Schrager: Stafford could have the 'biggest comeback we've seen in recent years':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/schrager-stafford-could-have-the-biggest-comeback-we-ve-seen-in-recent-years
Posted by LionsFan at 5:03 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 9-2-20

Articles:


QB David Blough looks much improved. But the Lions paid Chase Daniel $13 million for a reason.:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/qb-david-blough-looks-much-improved-but-lions-paid-chase-daniel-13-million-for-a-reason.html


The Lions know they have to lock up home-grown talent. Taylor Decker is just the first wave.:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/the-lions-know-they-have-to-lock-up-home-grown-talent-taylor-decker-is-just-the-first-wave.html

Killebrew enjoying learning a new special teams system:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/killebrew-enjoying-learning-a-new-special-teams-system

Pat Caputo: Lions’ Path Forward Needs To Be Obvious:  https://www.radio.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions


Patricia, Quinn explain decision to give Taylor Decker a contract extension:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/9/2/21418466/matt-patricia-bob-quinn-explain-taylor-decker-contract-extension

Conflicting reports on extension talks between Lions, Kenny Golladay:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/9/2/21418096/detroit-lions-kenny-gollday-closing-in-contract-extension
Posted by LionsFan at 1:13 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 9-2-20

Articles:

Rookie John Penisini working to make an impression:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/rookie-john-penisini-working-to-make-an-impression

Detroit Lions claim defensive tackle off waivers from Houston Texans:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/detroit-lions-reportedly-claim-defensive-tackle-off-waivers-from-houston-texans.html



Taylor Decker contract extension: Breaking down the Lions left tackle's new deal:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/02/taylor-decker-contract-extension-breaking-down-the-lions-left-tackles-new-deal/

Lions FB/LB Jason Cabinda's team-first mentality may earn him a spot on the 53-man roster:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/01/detroit-lions-fb-lb-jason-cabinda-roster-spot/

David Blough Reminds Jeff Okudah of Purdue's Big Victory:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/david-blough-reminds-jeff-okudah-purdue-win


Lions extend left tackle Taylor Decker, secure Matthew Stafford's blind side for years to come:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-detroit-lions-extend-taylor-decker-contract-matthew-stafford

2021 NFL Draft:


LSU DL Tyler Shelvin opting out of 2020 college football season:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/08/31/tyler-shelvin-opt-out-2020-season-lsu-college-football-nfl-draft/




Alabama RB Najee Harris a modern back with old-school power:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/alabama-rb-najee-harris-a-modern-back-with-old-school-power/

Video:

WATCH - Lions Training Camp 8-31:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/845958

Game Theory: Lions' 2020 projected win total (Lions projected to win 6 games):   https://www.nfl.com/videos/game-theory-lions-2020-projected-win-total
Posted by LionsFan at 5:08 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Afternoon Lions Links for Tuesday 9-1-20

Articles:

With Bawden on IR, Cabinda could earn a role at fullback:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/with-bawden-on-ir-cabinda-could-earn-a-role-at-fullback

Jason Huntley taking advantage of extra reps in practice:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/jason-huntley-taking-advantage-of-extra-reps-in-practice

Lions RB D’Andre Swift hasn’t suffered a setback in return from leg injury:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/lions-rb-dandre-swift-hasnt-suffered-a-setback-in-return-from-leg-injury.html

Detroit Lions begin cuts at receiver with deadline looming Saturday:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/detroit-lions-begin-cuts-at-receiver-with-deadline-looming-saturday.html

Lions fantasy football preview: Matthew Stafford’s return is excellent news for Kenny Golladay:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/lions-fantasy-football-preview-matthew-staffords-return-is-excellent-news-for-kenny-golladay.html




Matthew Stafford, Kenny Golladay make it onto ESPN's top 100 players:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/01/matthew-stafford-kenny-golladay-make-it-onto-espns-top-100-players/


3 Immediate Changes Cory Undlin Must Make as Defensive coordinator:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/3-changes-lions-cory-undlin-must-make


Posted by LionsFan at 1:11 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 9-1-20

Articles:

Speedy Lions rookie RB Jason Huntley comes on strong amid banged-up backfield:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/08/speedy-lions-rookie-rb-jason-huntley-comes-on-strong-amid-banged-up-backfield.html

Detroit Lions still ‘very hopeful’ they’ll have fans at games in 2020:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/08/detroit-lions-still-very-hopeful-theyll-have-fans-at-games-in-2020.html



Lions coordinator Brayden Coombs: C.J. Moore 'has had an outstanding camp':  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/08/31/lions-coordinator-brayden-coombs-c-j-moore-has-had-an-outstanding-camp/

Lions Training Camp Report: Danny Amendola Sits:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-monday-training-camp-report

Bob Quinn: 'There's No Playbook for This Year':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/bob-quinn-explains-unusual-2020-nfl-season


2021 NFL Draft:

2021 NFL Draft: What’s next for Kenneth Gainwell post opt-out?:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-whats-next-for-kenneth-gainwell-post-opt-out/
Posted by LionsFan at 5:04 AM 0 comments
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