Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 10-4-22

Articles:

KEY QUESTIONS: What changes are Lions looking to implement on defense?: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/key-questions-what-changes-are-lions-looking-to-implement-on-defense


Detroit Lions considering new role for prized rookie Aidan Hutchinson:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/detroit-lions-considering-new-role-for-prized-rookie-aidan-hutchinson.html

Lions holding kicker tryouts this week after fill-in starter misses 2 PATs:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/lions-holding-kicker-tryout-this-week-also-hoping-to-get-austin-seibert-back.html

Schematic, personnel changes are coming to break ‘vicious cycle’ on Lions defense:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/scheme-personnel-changes-are-coming-to-the-detroit-lions-awful-defense.html

Lions expect Josh Paschal back at practice, while Levi Onwuzurike’s return remains murky:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/lions-expect-josh-paschal-back-at-practice-while-levi-onwuzurikes-return-remains-murky.html

Lions TE T.J. Hockenson sets franchise receiving record that had stood since 1964:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/lions-te-tj-hockenson-sets-franchise-receiving-record-that-had-stood-since-1964.html


Levi Onwuzurike not progressing in recovery from his back injury:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/03/detroit-lions-levi-onwuzurike-back-injury-lack-of-progress/



Lions’ defense faces personnel, scheme changes; Aaron Glenn safe:  https://lionslowdown.com/2022/10/03/lions-defense-faces-personnel-scheme-changes-aaron-glenn-safe/


NFL Week 4: PFF Team of the Week & Player Awards (PFF TEAM OF THE WEEK - Offense.  TE: T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-4-pff-team-of-the-week-2022

Lions on pace to allow the most points in NFL history, and to score the second-most:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/10/03/lions-on-pace-to-allow-the-most-points-in-nfl-history-and-to-score-the-second-most/

2023 NFL Draft:

College Football Week 5: PFF Team of the Week & Player Awards:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-5-pff-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2022


Posted by LionsFan at 5:01 AM 0 comments

Monday, October 3, 2022

Afternoon Lions Links for Monday 10-3-22

Articles:

O'HARA'S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Goff encourages team to stick together despite 1-3 start:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-monday-countdown-goff-encourages-team-to-stick-together-despite-1-3-sta

Snap counts, PFF grades: Lions rookie Malcolm Rodriguez shines among sea of ugly marks:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/snap-counts-pff-grades-lions-rookie-malcolm-rodriguez-shines-among-sea-of-ugly-marks.html




Dan Campbell: 'I believe Aaron Glenn is the right man for the job' running the Lions defense:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/03/dan-campbell-aaron-glenn-lions-defense-job-security/

T.J. Hockenson: Breaking down his record-setting day in Week 4:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/03/t-j-hockenson-lions-receiving-records-nfl-te-record-game/


T.J. Hockenson Is Highest PFF-Graded Detroit Lion Week 4:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/t-j-hockenson-highest-pff-graded-detroit-lion

Campbell on Pick-Six: 'You Take That Away, We Win This Game':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/dan-campbell-reacts-to-goff-interception

Pete Carroll: 'Gosh, I’ve Never Seen It Like That':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/pete-carroll-comments-on-lions-injuries


Lions trying out several kickers, ‘hopeful’ Austin Seibert can play vs. Patriots:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/10/3/23385902/detroit-lions-kicker-tryouts-austin-seibert-injury-update




Grades:

Lions grades: Defense hits new lows in high-scoring loss to Seahawks:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/lions-grades-defense-hits-new-lows-in-high-scoring-loss-to-seahawks.html:


Podcast:



Posted by LionsFan at 12:47 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Monday 10-3-22

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Lions suffer a couple more injuries in loss to Seahawks:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-suffer-a-couple-more-injuries-in-loss-to-seahawks-cephus-brown-rodriguez

FOUR DOWNS: Lions left looking for answers after disappointing defensive performance:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/four-downs-lions-left-looking-for-answers-after-disappointing-defensive-performa

Detroit Lions lose fourth receiver to injury, this time Quintez Cephus:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/detroit-lions-lose-fourth-receiver-to-injury-this-time-quintez-cephus.html

Lions’ Dan Campbell says he’s considering changes to everything on defense:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/lions-dan-campbell-says-hes-considering-changes-to-everything-on-defense.html

Inside the locker room: Lions try to answer for Seahawks’ first punt-free game in team history:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/inside-the-locker-room-lions-try-to-answer-for-seahawks-first-punt-free-game-in-team-history.html

In midst of 'prove it' year, Jared Goff continues to do just that for Lions:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2022/10/02/detroit-lions-jared-goff-prove-it-year-qb-of-future/69533815007/


Lions' defense in loss leaves fans baffled. And that's saying something:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2022/10/02/detroit-lions-defense-loss-seattle-seahawks-leave-fans-baffled/69533739007/





Special teams misadventures cost the Lions dearly in Week 4 loss:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/03/detroit-lions-special-teams-week-4-dominik-eberle-jack-fox/

Lions vs. Seahawks: Quick takeaways from Detroit's Week 4 shootout loss:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-vs-seahawks-quick-takeaways-week-4-game-reccap/

What They're Saying: 'I Just Don't Feel Our Swagger':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/aaron-glenn-not-head-coach-material


'Deep Dive' Is Coming on Lions' Defense, Including Potential Staff Changes:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/deep-dive-coming-lions-defense


Detroit Lions defensive issues lead to 48-45 loss to Seahawks:  https://lionslowdown.com/2022/10/02/detroit-lions-defensive-issues-lead-to-48-45-loss-to-seahawks/


Lions HC Dan Campbell not ruling out coaching shakeup, but still trusts Aaron Glenn:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/10/2/23384105/lions-hc-dan-campbell-not-ruling-out-coaching-shakeup-trusts-aaron-glenn


Campbell backs Aaron Glenn after Lions D hits new low: "I trust what he's doing":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/campbell-backs-aaron-glenn-after-lions-defense-hits-new-low

NFL Week 4 Game Recap: Seattle Seahawks 48, Detroit Lions 45:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-4-game-recap-seattle-seahawks-48-detroit-lions-45

NFL Week 4 takeaways: Everything we learned from wins by the Cowboys, Bills, Giants and Eagles (Lions - What to know: Although the Lions have fallen to 1-3 after another one-score loss, running back Jamaal Williams has proved to be a reliable option. Without his backfield mate D'Andre Swift (ankle/shoulder), Williams scored two rushing touchdowns again -- including a 51-yard score -- en route to 108 yards on 19 carries. He set a team record, becoming the first Lions player with six rushing touchdowns through the first four weeks of a season, and credits the early production to his daily routine of taking care of his body. Should T.J. Hockenson continue to be more involved when the starters return? Through Week 3, Hockenson had just 82 receiving yards and a touchdown. Against Seattle, without wide receivers DJ Chark (ankle) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), Hockenson had a season-high eight catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns along with a 2-point conversion. With so much talent on offense, quarterback Jared Goff has targeted other options more often but should consider getting Hockenson more involved moving forward through creative playcalls from offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. -- Eric Woodyard): https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34685588/nfl-week-4-takeaways-learned-big-questions-every-game-future-team-outlooks

What We Learned: 3 takeaways from each Sun. game (Seahawks win 48-45:  1.  Chef Geno Smith was cookin'. Smith diced up the Lions' limp defense all game, throwing darts and making splash plays. Smith completed 76.7% of 30 attempts for 320 yards and two touchdowns with a 10.7 yards per attempt average. The quarterback controlled the game, using his legs early and finding DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett for chunk gains. Smith took advantage of the lack of speed of Detroit's linebackers, finding tight ends early in the flat for YAC. The QB also dashed for 49 yards on seven attempts with a rushing score. Smith has played well through four weeks, moving the offense and finding open receivers. He punctuated that play Sunday with an explosive game. Sunday marked the first time in Smith's career he has earned 300-plus passing yards in back-to-back games. Pete Carroll has displayed trust in Geno to make plays with his arm. The QB took that confidence and spun a sterling game Sunday. The Seahawks didn't punt the entire game, going TD, TD, FG, TD, missed FG, TD, FG, TD, end of game.  2. Lions offense still moves the ball despite missing key playmakers. No D'Andre Swift. No Amon-Ra St. Brown. No D.J. Chark. The Lions still racked up 520 yards, with Jared Goff throwing for 378 yards and four TDs with a pick-six. T.J. Hockenson provided a spark, netting 179 yards and two TDs on eight catches. Defense was optional Sunday at Ford Field, with both offenses moving the ball at will. Still, with the Lions missing so many key players, it was encouraging to see Ben Johnson's offense not get stuck in the mud for long stretches. Goff made some nice throws and displayed confidence throwing the ball in traffic. But his back-breaking pick-six to open the second half proved to be the game-changer.  3.  Hello, Rashaad Penny. The Seahawks running back looked like late-2021 Penny after a rocky start to the 2022 campaign. After netting just 141 total rushing yards in the first three weeks, Penny blasted off for 151 yards on 17 carries with two long TD gallops. The RB showed burst at the second level, and the ability to get to the edge we saw last year. When the Lions offense crept close late, it was Penny who continued to slam the door. His 36-yard TD on third-and-15 gave Seattle a two-score lead going into the fourth quarter. He then dashed for a 41-yarder on third-and-5 late. And when the Seahawks needed a first down to ice the game, Penny again came up clutch. We'll have to see if the RB can continue making plays against better defenses, but Sunday's outing was a good sign for Seattle.  Next Gen stat of the game: Geno Smith went 13 of 17 for 139 yards and two touchdowns on play-action passes (first TD on play action this season).  NFL Research: This was the first game in NFL history with a 48-45 final score. Jared Goff has started three of the four games featuring 90-plus combined points in the past five seasons.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2022-nfl-season-week-4-what-we-learned-from-sunday-s-games

NFL Winners and Losers: Bills prove something in a huge comeback win over Ravens (Losers - The 1-3 Detroit Lions: The Lions came into this season with positive buzz and high hopes. They were up against it Sunday, with several key pieces of their offense, notably Amon-Ra St. Brown and D'Andre Swift, out due to injury.  Still, you can't lose at home to the Seattle Seahawks.  The Lions are 1-3 after a miserable 48-45 loss, a week after blowing a game in the final minute to the Vikings. The Lions looked bad in the first half and then Jared Goff started the second half with a terrible interception that was returned for a touchdown. That gave Seattle a 31-15 lead.  The Lions got back in the game after that a couple times, but the defense let them down. The final failure came with a little more than two minutes left and Seattle leading 41-38. On a third-and-5, Rashaad Penny broke a 41-yard touchdown run. That's inexcusable.  The Lions have done some good things this season, and there are reasons to hope they're improving. But they're also 1-3 and nobody wants to hear about empty promise anymore.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-and-losers-bills-prove-something-in-a-huge-comeback-win-over-ravens-203058161.html

NFL Week 4 Stock Up/Stock Down: Eagles Remain Undefeated, Cooper Rush Gets Another Win, And The Colts Are Done (Stock down | The Detroit Lions’ defense - Speaking of interesting teams, the Lions certainly aren’t going to be boring. Even without Amon-Ra St. Brown, D’Andre Swift, and DJ Chark, Detroit still managed 45 points on Sunday.  The only problem? They gave up 48! To Geno Smith and the Seahawks!  Props to Smith, who continued his impressive season by posting 320 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4. But it’s a problem that the Lions showed no signs of slowing down Seattle’s offense.  Jared Goff nearly brought the Lions back, and Detroit might have had a chance had they recovered a late onside kick or stopped the Seahawks from achieving a first down on their final drive. Nonetheless, the Lions allowed 235 yards on the ground and nearly 600 yards of total offense. It’s not going to matter how explosive Detroit’s offense is — even at full strength — if they can’t stop anybody on the other side of the ball.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-week-4-stock-up-stock-down-eagles-remain-undefeated-cooper-rush-gets-another-win-and-the-colts-are-done/


Lions continue decade-long battle vs. NFL officials with down replay vs. Seahawks:  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/lions-nfl-offiicals-controversy-seahawks/v8st2pwtvlpdpiil9lwlqowz

  
Grades:


Lions' Week 4 Grades: Offense Excels, Defense Struggles Mightily:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lions-week-4-grades

CBS Grades (Lions Grade - C.  If you can't force the other team to punt, you usually don't win in the NFL and the Lions didn't force a single punt on Sunday. The Lions defense simply had no answers for a Seahawks team that piled up 555 yards of offense. The yardage total was the second-most the Lions have given up in a game over the past 25 years. Offensively, the Lions did put up 45 points, but they also made way too many mistakes, including a Jared Goff pick-six on the first play of the second half that gave Seattle a 31-15 lead.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-grades-ravens-get-d-for-blowing-big-lead-vs-bills-cowboys-earn-a-for-crushing-commanders/

Video:











Seahawks vs. Lions highlights | Week 4:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/seahawks-vs-lions-highlights-week-4

Jamaal Williams' best plays in 2-TD game | Week 4:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jamaal-williams-best-plays-in-2-td-game-week-4

Video recap: Detroit Lions can’t get off the field in shootout loss to Seahawks:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/video-recap-detroit-lions-cant-get-off-the-field-in-shootout-loss-to-seahawks.html


SportsWorks - 10-2-22 -- Dan with Stoney & Niyo talking Lions, college football, Tigers, Pistons & Wings:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1125335

Podcast:

Twentyman in the Huddle: Detroit Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks 2022 Week 4 postgame breakdown: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-in-the-huddle-detroit-lions-vs-seattle-seahawks-2022-week-4-postgame-b




Posted by LionsFan at 4:41 AM 0 comments

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Evening Lions Links for Sunday 10-2-22

Articles:

RECAP: Lions vs. Seahawks:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/recap-lions-vs-seahawks-goff-hockenson-williams

Instant observations: The honeymoon for Aaron Glenn is over after Lions’ 48-45 loss:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/instant-observations-the-honeymoon-for-aaron-glenn-is-over-after-lions-48-45-loss.html

Halftime analysis: Lions need to make adjustments on defense, or they’re goners:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/halftime-analysis-lions-need-to-make-adjustments-on-defense-or-theyre-goners.html

Lions picked apart by Geno Smith, Seahawks in roller coaster 48-45 loss:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2022/10/02/detroit-lions-nfl-game-seattle-seahawks/69533403007/




Lions rookie report: Kerby Joseph has rough first day as starter:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/02/lions-rookie-report-kerby-joseph-aidan-hutchinson-week-4/

Lions vs. Seahawks officiating crew has low bar to clear after past matchups:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/02/lions-vs-seahawks-officiating-crew-clay-martin-k-j-wrigth-batted-ball/

Dismal defense plagues the Lions in high-scoring loss to the Seahawks:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/02/lions-vs-seahawks-week-4-recap-detroit-defense/


The Lions fans have turned on DC Aaron Glenn after another atrocious defensive half:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/02/aaron-glenn-lions-fan-reaction-bad-detroit-defense-week-4/



Lions' Defense Has No Answers, Special Teams Saving Grace:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-defense-has-no-answers-week-four


RECAP: Lions fail to get defensive stop all game, lose to Seahawks 48-45:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/10/2/23383492/lions-seahawks-final-score-recap-highlights-analysis-week-4


Geno Smith, Rashaad Penny star as Seahawks beat Lions 48-45:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401437752




Lions convert Seahawks’ fumble into TD, but Geno Smith answers to give Seattle 14-6 lead:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/10/02/lions-convert-seahawks-fumble-into-td-but-geno-smith-answers-as-seattle-leads-14-6/


Video:

Jared Goff finds Justin Jackson out of the backfield for 2-yard TD:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jared-goff-finds-justin-jackson-out-of-the-backfield-for-2-yard-td

HIGHLIGHT: Goff high-points Hockenson for TE's second TD of day:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-high-points-hockenson-for-te-s-second-td-of-day

HIGHLIGHT: Goff and Hockenson connect for successful two-point conversion:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-and-hockenson-connect-for-successful-two-point-conversion

HIGHLIGHT: Goff lofts 3-yard TD pass to Josh Reynolds:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-lofts-3-yard-td-pass-to-josh-reynolds

HIGHLIGHT: 81-yard gain! Hockenson racks up the YAC:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-81-yard-gain-hockenson-racks-up-the-yac

HIGHLIGHT: Goff takes it in himself for two-point conversion:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-takes-it-in-himself-for-two-point-conversion

HIGHLIGHT: Williams stiff-arms his way to 51-yard TD run:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-williams-stiff-arms-his-way-to-51-yard-td-run


HIGHLIGHT: Goff finds Hockenson wide open down the sideline for 32-yard TD:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-finds-hockenson-wide-open-down-the-sideline-for-32-yard-td

Hockenson makes leaping grab for 16-yard reception:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/hockenson-makes-leaping-grab-for-16-yard-reception

Goff throws laser to Kennedy in stride for 17-yard gain:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/goff-throws-laser-to-kennedy-in-stride-for-17-yard-gain

Craig Reynolds shakes loose for 21-yard rush:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/craig-reynolds-shakes-loose-for-21-yard-rush

Goff buys time and finds Kennedy for 28-yard gain on second-and-23:   https://www.nfl.com/videos/goff-buys-time-and-finds-kennedy-for-28-yard-gain-on-second-and-23

Reynolds hauls in 26-yard reception setting up Lions in prime scoring position:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/reynolds-hauls-in-26-yard-reception-setting-up-lions-in-prime-scoring-position

HIGHLIGHT: Lions' fake punt pays off as Cephus hauls in perfectly-placed throw from Fox:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-lions-fake-punt-pays-off-as-cephus-hauls-in-perfectly-placed-throw-fro

Tyler Lockett coughs up the football on punt return for Lions fumble recovery:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/tyler-lockett-coughs-up-the-football-on-punt-return-for-lions-fumble-recovery
Posted by LionsFan at 5:32 PM 0 comments

Pre-Game Lions Links for Sunday 10-2-22

Articles:

INACTIVES: Lions vs. Seahawks:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/inactives-lions-vs-seahawks-swift-stbrown-chark

5 things to watch: Lions vs. Seahawks:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-things-to-watch-lions-vs-seahawks-goff-okudah-hockenson

Detroit Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks: 3 burning questions ahead of Week 4 game:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/detroit-lions-vs-seattle-seahawks-3-burning-questions-ahead-of-week-4-game.html


Lions vs. Seahawks officiating crew has low bar to clear after past matchups:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/02/lions-vs-seahawks-officiating-crew-clay-martin-k-j-wrigth-batted-ball/

Lions still favored vs. Seahawks despite all the injuries:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/02/lions-vs-seahawks-odds-week-4-point-spread/




Predictions:  


2023 NFL Draft:

Week 5 College Football Team Of The Week: Clark Phillips III, Emmanuel Forbes Dominant:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-team-of-the-week-week-5-2022/

Week 5 College Football Players Of The Week: Utah CB Clark Phillips III Delivers A Dominant Defensive Performance:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-players-of-the-week-week-5-2022/
Posted by LionsFan at 11:55 AM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 10-2-22

Articles:

Lions rule out another receiver, DJ Chark, in flurry of late roster moves:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/lions-rule-out-another-receiver-dj-chark-in-flurry-of-late-roster-moves.html

Lions’ Jamaal Williams fined $13,261 for hip-pumping TD dance he’s done for years:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/lions-jamaal-williams-fined-13261-for-hip-pumping-td-dance-hes-done-for-years.html

Detroit Lions tickets versus the Seahawks can be had for as low as $50:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/10/detroit-lions-tickets-versus-the-seahawks-can-be-had-for-as-low-as-50.html


Jamaal Williams, Lions' backup RBs ready for larger role in D'Andre Swift's absence:  https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/38748/jamaal-williams-lions-backup-rbs-prepared-to-step-in-for-dandre-swift



Lions Fans React to Jamaal Williams' Punishment: 'Dumbest Fine Ever':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lions-fans-react-to-jamaal-williams-fine

Why Lions-Seahawks Could Be 'Week 4 Classic':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lions-seahawks-preview


Things Happen in This Game': Dan Campbell on Early Injuries:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dan-campbell-discusses-lions-early-injuries


INTERVIEW: James Houston explains similarities, differences between Deion Sanders, Dan Campbell:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/10/1/23380230/james-houston-interview-detroit-lions-similarities-deion-sanders-dan-campbell



Lions being favored with their 2 best playmakers out is proof of how far they’ve come:  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/09/lions-seahawks-betting-odds-amon-ra-st-brown-dandre-swift-injury

Trevor Lawrence validating hype in Doug Pederson's system; third year's a charm for Jeff Okudah (Okudah is who we thought he was:  In the scouting world, it's widely believed that it takes three years to determine whether a player is a baller or not. Regardless of draft pedigree, that's how long most prospects need to fully showcase their talent and potential as pros.  The emergence of Jeff Okudah as an elite cover corner in Detroit this season is a testament to that scouting truism.  Okudah's rookie season (two passes defensed, 47 tackles in nine games) was truncated by multiple injuries and coincided with the final year of Matt Patricia's disappointing tenure as head coach. Okudah's second pro season was ended by a torn Achilles in Week 1 last year.  This season, though, the former Ohio State standout has become exactly what many expected when he was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.  The 6-foot-1, 202-pounder is evolving into a lockdown specialist who excels at playing old-school, bump-and-run coverage in a man-to-man scheme. Going into Week 4, Okudah had spent more snaps in press coverage (81) than any other defender in the league, per Pro Football Focus, and his sticky coverage has helped the Lions' defense become more competitive this season. Okudah has surrendered just 6.7 yards per reception (tied for fifth-fewest in the NFL heading into Week 4) in press coverage on 10 targets.  This is a significant change from Okudah's rookie season. In just three games, he's already nearly matched the number of snaps he played in press coverage in nine games in 2020 (110). He's also significantly increased the percentage of coverage snaps that are played in press, pushing that figure from 43.8 percent in 2020 to 65.3 percent this season.  Given his success in bump-and-run, the Lions have deployed Okudah as a "travel" corner, assigned to the opponent's top receiver. Per Next Gen Stats, against the Vikings in Week 3, Okudah matched up against Justin Jefferson on 78 percent of Jefferson's routes. In Week 2, Okudah aligned opposite Washington's Terry McLaurin on 57.8 percent of McLaurin's routes.  Okudah did not travel in Week 1 against the Eagles. Still, he held his own against A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as the left cornerback in the Lions' scheme.  Studying the output from each of the aforementioned pass catchers against Okudah, it is easy to see why buzz is building about the 23-year-old as a star on the island. Per NGS, Jefferson, McLaurin, Brown and Smith were each held to two receptions or fewer when Okudah was in primary coverage, with most of their completions coming on wide receiver screens or pick plays. The utilization of pick plays and rub routes to create separation from Okudah suggests that the young cornerback is dominating his matchups on the edge and forcing offensive coordinators to create space for their top wideouts.  This week, I reviewed my pre-draft scouting notes on Okudah from watching him at Ohio State, and I loved his ability in man-to-man coverage. He displayed impressive technical skills in coverage and possessed the tools to flourish as a Stephon Gilmore-like defender on the island.  On a Move the Sticks Podcast shortly after the 2020 NFL Draft, I doubled down on that assessment when I projected how the then-rookie would play in Matt Patricia's system. Here's what I said at the time:  "The Detroit Lions are a team that lives in man-to-man coverage. Jeffrey Okudah a guy that can play man as well as anybody, but he can do it in a variety of different ways. The thing about it with Okudah ... I don't know if Stephon Gilmore is what I call an A+ athlete, meaning he's going to check off all of these high-level boxes as an elite athlete when it comes to speed, explosiveness, leaping ability, and I don't think Jeffrey Okudah is that.  "But what both guys are, they are very detailed and thorough technicians. When you watch them, it is like watching clinic tape. They're tough, they'll tackle, they'll do those things. That is always going to give Okudah a chance to be a high-level player. I liked him a lot. It's tough, because I don't know if they have enough pass rush for him to hold up on that island all by himself in that division, but I think they got a good one. We'll just see how Matt Patricia is able to integrate him into the lineup and put him in a position to succeed."  Injuries prevented Okudah from realizing his potential early in his career, but the third-year pro has finally found his way on the perimeter. He has regained his confidence after some early struggles, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has put his star cornerback in a position to succeed as a CB1 by allowing him to play to his strengths.  With more man-to-man responsibilities and press-coverage calls, the Lions have found a way to unlock the potential of a former top-three pick.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/trevor-lawrence-validating-hype-in-doug-pederson-s-system-third-year-s-a-charm-f

Predictions:


2023 NFL Draft: 

Why Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr. Is Prospect Lions Should Watch:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-prospect-profile-joey-porter-jr





Video:

Breaking down the keys to Seahawks-Lions in Week 4:  http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=34697618
Posted by LionsFan at 4:43 AM 0 comments

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 10-1-22

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Campbell doesn't expect St. Brown or Swift to play Sunday:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-campbell-doesn-t-expect-st-brown-or-swift-to-play-sunday

Detroit Lions officially rule out 5 players against Seahawks, 2 more questionable:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/09/detroit-lions-officially-rule-out-5-players-against-seahawks-2-more-questionable.html

Lions confident CB Amani Oruwariye recovers after uncharacteristically sloppy game:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/09/lions-confident-cb-amani-oruwariye-recovers-after-uncharacteristically-sloppy-game.html

Several Lions assistants named on list of top head coaching candidates for 2023:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/09/30/detroit-lions-assistants-named-on-list-of-top-head-coaching-candidates-for-2023/


5 keys to a Lions victory over the Seahawks in Week 4 (12. Jared Goff, Lions (27):  When Goff has a loaded quiver of receiving weapons from short-to-intermediate-to-deep, from outside to inside and is also supported by a top-notch offensive line, he has proved he can put up big numbers. He is spreading the ball around well for the league's newest explosive offense. 2022 key stats: 58.9 completion percentage, 6.7 yards per attempt, 249.3 yards per game, 7 TDs, 2 INTs, 92.4 passer rating):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-quarterback-rankings-lamar-jackson-jalen-hurts-trevor-lawrence/gxpcmp2mojpzuquppwkjqwqq

Who Has The Most On The Line In NFL Week 4? Teams, Coaches, And Players Under Pressure Entering October (NFL Week 4 scrutiny | The teams - Some teams need a win in Week 4 to save their season. But we’ll begin in Denver, where the Broncos just need to stop embarrassing themselves.  Detroit Lions:  Everyone’s favorite preseason sleeper, the Lions have only registered one victory through three weeks. Yet, their offense has been fun to watch, and they’ve remained competitive in every game. They’ll face pressure on Sunday, but only in terms of meeting expectations.  Detroit will enter their Week 4 matchup against the Seahawks as the betting favorite for the first time since Week 11 of the 2020 season. After covering as underdogs against the Eagles, Commanders, and Vikings, the Lions opened as 6.5-point favorites, but the line has since moved to 4.5. A win against Seattle will keep Detroit squarely in the NFC race.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/who-has-the-most-on-the-line-in-nfl-week-4-teams-coaches-players-under-pressure-entering-october/

2023 NFL Draft:

UNLV LB Austin Ajiake Ascending As He Leads A Rebels Resurgence (9-30-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/unlv-lb-austin-ajiake-ascending-as-he-leads-a-rebels-resurgence/

2023 NFL Draft Shrine Bowl Prospect Roundup: Hendon Hooker Elevating Himself:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-shrine-bowl-prospect-roundup-hendon-hooker-elevates/

2023 NFL Draft Board: Top Prospect Battles To Watch In Week 5:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-board-top-prospect-battles-to-watch-in-week-5/

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Notebook: Identifying The Next Cornerback Anomaly:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-scouting-notebook-college-football-week-5/

2023 NFL Draft: Top 25 Senior Bowl prospects entering Week 5 of college football season:  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-top-25-senior-bowl-prospects-entering-week-5-of-college-football-

Video:






WATCH - Woody takes you into Lions practice where the offense and defense are looking to clear up some issues:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1124320

WATCH - Dan Miller sits down with cornerback Jeff Okudah for an exclusive 1-on-1 interview:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1124308
Posted by LionsFan at 4:17 AM 0 comments
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