Lions Blog

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Game 3 Lions Vs Broncos Previews and Predictions

Previews:

Broncos-Lions Preview:   http://sports.yahoo.com/news/broncos-lions-preview-184331755--nfl.html

Broncos-Lions Capsule:   http://sports.yahoo.com/news/broncos-lions-capsule-173841428--nfl.html

Video - Broncos vs. Lions preview:   http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000000536879/Broncos-vs-Lions-preview

Video - Week 3 preview: Calvin Johnson vs. Aqib Talib:   http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=0ap3000000537148

Predictions:

Team Picks:

ATL's Picks (2 pick the Lions to win, 3 pick the Broncos to win): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000537672/article/around-the-nfls-week-3-picks

Foxsports Picks (3 pick the Lions to win, 5 pick the Broncos to win): http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/nfl-expert-picks-2015-091015?vid=530395715670

PFF's Picks (2 pick the Lions to win, 8 pick the Broncos to win):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/09/24/pff-week-3-pick-em-with-cris-collinsworth/

USA Today Picks (1 picks the Lions to win, 6 pick the Broncos to win): http://sportswire.usatoday.com/2015/09/24/week-3-nfl-picks-predictions/

Score Picks:

NFL.com's Harrison's Picks (he picks the Lions to win 21-17):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000537779/article/nfl-week-3-game-picks-lions-top-broncos-eagles-fall-again

CBS' John Breech's Score Picks (He picks the Broncos to win 28-20): http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25311998/nfl-week-3-picks-jets-over-eagles-bengals-beat-ravens-cowboys-lose

CBS' Prisco's Score Picks (He picks the Broncos to win 28-17): http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/prisco/picks

SN's Steele's Picks (He picks the Broncos to win 34-24): http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4656091-nfl-week-3-picks-predictions-eagles-jets-colts-titans-packers-chiefs/slide/358265

SN's Iyer's Picks (He picks the Broncos to win 30-20): http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4656114-nfl-week-3-picks-predictions-point-spread-cowboys-falcons-eagles-jets-bengals-ravens/slide/358380

Schrager's Cheat Sheet (He picks the Broncos to win 20-17): http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/nfl-week-3-picks-green-bay-packers-new-england-patriots-dallas-cowboys-seattle-seahawks-092415

NFL RealGM's Picks (He picks the Broncos to win 31-23): http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2679/Football-Meteorology-For-NFL-Week-3

PFT's Week 3 picks (Both pick the Broncos to win by scores of 30-20 and 24-9): http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/24/pfts-week-three-picks-6/

SOE's Man vs Machine Picks (Both pick the Broncos to win by scores of 31-17 and 27-25): http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/151359032/nfl-week-3-picks-man-vs-machine

Team Picks: 31 expert picks the Broncos, 9 pick the Lions to win. Average Score Pick (304-209/11): Broncos win 28-19

*Note: Will add more as they become available.

Afternoon Lions Links for Thursday 9-24-15

Lions Articles:

National Media:

LaAdrian Waddle looks to regain starting right tackle job for Detroit Lions: http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/19088/laadrian-waddle-looks-to-regain-starting-right-tackle-job-for-detroit-lions

Together a decade, Jim Caldwell, Peyton Manning influenced each other: http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/19064/together-a-decade-jim-caldwell-and-peyton-manning-had-large-influences-on-each-other

QB Index (Stafford is ranked 13. Matthew Stafford is off to a frustrating start, which is typical. But the way the Lions are struggling is atypical. They have not been able to dial up a deep passing game because the offensive line can't handle assignments. He's struggling to pull off anything but short passes. Stafford has looked solid except for a handful of terrible throws each week, which is sadly typical. He can't afford to sit out a week to heal with the team 0-2.): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000537625/article/qb-index-ben-joins-big-three-at-qb

Local Media:

10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: How close is Levy to returning?: http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-QUESTIONS-WITH-TWENTYMAN-How-close-is-Levy-to-returning/b0d3ac39-4835-4f03-81cf-11e7b2e1aeef

Caldwell: Waddle will return to Lions' lineup Sunday: http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/24/detroit-lions-laadrian-waddle-injury/72735658/

Broncos Kubiak: Lions interview very educational: http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/24/detroit-lions-gary-kubiak/72726488/

Detroit Lions' Ameer Abdullah says it's running backs' job to make first man miss, no matter what: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_ameer_abdullah_s.html

Lions' LaAdrian Waddle explains why Cornelius Lucas played instead of him: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_laadrian_waddle_explains.html

Lions' offense already hurting, now here comes DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroits_leaky_edge_protection.html

Peyton Manning credits Lions coach Jim Caldwell with helping make him one of NFL's great QBs: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/peyton_manning_credits_lions_c.html

Detroit Lions — Matthew Stafford grew up watching Peyton Manning: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150924/detroit-lions-x2014-matthew-stafford-grew-up-watching-peyton-manning

Jim Caldwell Talks Play-Calling, No-Huddle Offense And ‘Constant State Of Frustration’: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/09/24/jim-caldwell-talks-play-calling-no-huddle-offense-and-constant-state-of-frustration/

Tony Dungy: Matthew Stafford Needs Consistency Around Him To Be Great: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/09/24/tony-dungy-matthew-stafford-needs-consistency-around-him-to-be-great/

Notes: Rodney Harrison slams Stafford's teammates: http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/9/24/9390203/lions-notes-rodney-harrison-criticizes-matthew-stafford-teammates

Previews and Predictions:

Game 3: http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2015/09/game-3-lions-vs-broncos-previews-and.html

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 9-23-15

Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 9-23-15

Lions Articles:

National Media:

Lacrosse helped Lions' Travis Swanson become a better offensive lineman:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/19023/lacrosse-helped-detroit-lions-ol-travis-swanson-become-a-better-offensive-lineman

Local Media:

TIM AND MIKE: Home opener a 'better not lose':   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-mike/article-1/TIM-AND-MIKE-Home-opener-a-better-not-lose/ba47b4ff-fd9d-4862-8f7d-76208fe7432e

Lions' Stafford looks, sounds like he'll play Sunday: http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/23/matthew-stafford-injury-detroit-lions/72683654/

Column: With nothing working for Detroit Lions, it's time to look at the coaching:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_8.html

Report: Seahawks All-Pro Kam Chancellor ends holdout in time to face Detroit Lions:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/report_seahawks_all-pro_kam_ch.html

Detroit Lions Twitter Talk: On O-line play, curses and dealing with Jim Caldwell saying nothing:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_twitter_talk_13.html

Detroit Lions — Matthew Stafford’s availability uncertain; 2 teammates expect him to play Sunday: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150923/detroit-lions-x2014-matthew-staffords-availability-uncertain-2-teammates-expect-him-to-play-sunday

Notes: Tuesday's moves, ask our PODcast, more: http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/9/23/9381065/lions-notes-tuesdays-transactions-ask-our-podcast-more

Power Rankings:

Week 3: http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2015/09/week-3-power-rankings.html

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 9-23-15

Lions Articles:

National Media:

Is pressure hurting Matthew Stafford's downfield passing?:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/19001/is-pressure-hurting-matthew-staffords-downfield-passing-numbers-offer-mixed-story

Lions TE Eric Ebron is progressing; RB Joique Bell needs to improve:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/19006/based-off-two-weeks-eric-ebron-is-progressing-and-joique-bell-needs-to-show-improvement

10 biggest injuries of the NFL season (5. Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy (Injury: Strained hip) - Analysis: Levy is one of the NFL's best all-around 4-3 linebackers. He has made some big plays in pass coverage, intercepting six passes in 2013, and in 2014 he ranked second in the NFL with 151 tackles. Not surprisingly, the Lions' pass defense has been porous in his absence. Opposing quarterbacks are completing a stunning 81.7 percent of their passes, the highest rate for an NFL defense this season. They also have an 86.2 QBR against the Lions, the fourth-highest figure in the league.):   http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/180437/ranking-tony-romo-and-nine-other-injuries-that-are-impacting-nfl-teams

Lions work out DB Stevie Brown, sign WR Kaelin Clay to practice squad:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/19018/detroit-lions-work-out-db-stevie-brown-sign-wr-kaelin-clay-to-practice-squad

Playoff road map for 0-2 Detroit Lions: Replace Ndamukong Suh:   http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/detroit-lions-playoff-road-map-092215

Griffen denies Tate’s claim that Vikings took cheap shots:   http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/22/griffen-denies-tates-claim-that-vikings-took-cheap-shots/

Local Media:

STATS PACK: Explaining Megatron's yardage total:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/STATS-PACK-Explaining-Megatrons-yardage-total/fac629bc-ef34-4261-bd93-abba6cdda144

Lions sign Clay, cut Ings from practice squad:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/22/detroit-lions-kaelin-clay/72645494/

Film study: Lions' problems start with offensive line:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/22/detroit-lions-minnesota-vikings-film-study/72642348/

Tate: Lions must find their ‘groove’:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/22/tate-lions-must-find-groove/72630520/

Second glance: Lions aren’t doing much deep thinking:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/22/second-glance-lions-much-deep-thinking/72615416/

Bynes, not Tulloch, relays defensive plays in loss:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/22/bynes-tulloch-relays-defensive-plays-loss/72636266/

Bell, Lions look to get running game untracked:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/22/bell-lions-look-get-running-game-untracked/72640698/

Lions' Stanzi keeps focus on preparation:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/22/lions-stanzi-keeps-focus-preparation/72637130/

Cornelius Lucas: Communication problems to blame for Lions' shoddy offensive line:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/cornelius_lucas_communication.html

Detroit Lions second look: Evaluating the run game's struggles vs. Vikings:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_second_look_run.html

Pat Caputo - Peyton Manning vs. Matthew Stafford? QB comparison still not looking good for Detroit Lions:   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150922/pat-caputo-peyton-manning-vs-matthew-stafford-qb-comparison-still-not-looking-good-for-detroit-lions

Were the Vikings dirty against the Lions?:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/9/22/9368893/minnesota-vikings-dirty-plays-detroit-lions

Power Rankings:

Week 3:   http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2015/09/week-3-power-rankings.html

Video:

National Media:

ProFootballTalk: Should Lions have responded to late hit on Stafford?:   http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/23/profootballtalk-should-lions-have-responded-to-late-hit-on-stafford/

Local Media:

Wired For Sound : Week 2 at Minnesota:   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Wired-For-Sound--Week-2-at-Minnesota/1c529656-bece-49eb-bd9a-bfed4249e484

3 & Out with Chris Spielman:   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/3--Out-with-Chris-Spielman/272b1a84-d3fd-4820-af72-a4bc2feecde7

Afternoon Lions Links for Tuesday 9-22-15

Lions Articles:

National Media:

Detroit Lions remain confident despite rough start to 2015 season:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18997/detroit-lions-remain-confident-despite-rough-start-to-2015-season

10 things you need to know from NFL Week 2 (Matthew Stafford is off to a bad start, too. Manning will be lining up on the opposite sideline from Stafford in the Broncos-Lions Sunday Night Football matchup, assuming Stafford is able to play (Detroit head coach Jim Caldwell was noncommittal Monday, citing Stafford’s soreness), and neither one has had a good start to 2015. Stafford ranks just ahead of Manning through two games at No. 31, with a -5.9 grade. He did most of his damage with his -4.3 grade in Sunday’s loss to MIN, and what’s worse, the Lions are 0-2. This poor play continues a downward trend line for Stafford, who ranked No. 13 and No. 7 in our QB grades in 2012 and 2013, respectively, before dropping all the way to No. 22 last season. You could pin some of the blame on the absence of top wide receiver Calvin Johnson for part of the year, but overall his numbers were down nearly across the board, and the Lions’ defense deserved a lot of the credit for the team’s playoff run. Stafford is having a particularly tough time with pressure this season. When he has a clean pocket, he has a passer rating of 102.5, compared to a passer rating of 43.1 when pressured. That drop-off of nearly 60 points is almost twice the NFL average—a huge problem on a team with only one offensive lineman (Manny Ramirez) who has earned a positive pass protection grade.):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/09/22/10-things-you-need-to-know-from-nfl-week-2/

Local Media:

FILM REVIEW: Vikings start the scoring:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/film-review/article-1/FILM-REVIEW-Vikings-start-the-scoring/eb204c99-9917-4d31-a568-f99a4500b6b8

NFC NORTH: What we learned from Week 2:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NFC-NORTH-What-we-learned-from-Week-2/b1ac66a2-fc77-4a5d-8e9a-5390a0880cd1

Lions among NFL teams facing tough road with 0-2 start:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/22/0-2-teams-nfl-playoffs/72609940/

Detroit Lions second look: Defensive tackles get dominated on Adrian Peterson's best runs: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_second_look_adri.html

If Lions need to sign a third QB, Ricky Stanzi's ready:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/ricky_stanzi_detroit_lions.html

Denver Broncos Not As Explosive, But Detroit Lions Still Need To Beware:   http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/09/22/denver-broncos-not-as-explosive-but-detroit-lions-still-need-to-beware/

Notes: Ndamukong Suh causing trouble in Miami:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/9/22/9368525/lions-notes-ndamukong-suh-causing-trouble-in-miami

Power Rankings:

Week 3: http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2015/09/week-3-power-rankings.html

Video:

Local Media:

Watch Detroit Lions reporters debate whether team is capable of climbing out of 0-2 hole:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/watch_detroit_lions_reporters_4.html

Week 3 Power Rankings

CBS' Prisco's Power Rankings (19. Lions: At 0-2, they have to be one of the biggest disappointments so far. They just haven't looked crisp at all so far.):   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/25312083/nfl-power-rankings-time-to-start-paying-attention-to-cardinals-bengals

Shut Down Corner's Power Rankings (21. Detroit Lions (0-2, LW: 16): Matthew Stafford was hit pretty hard by the Vikings defense, and now there's no guaranteehe'll be ready to play in Week 3. Even if he plays, the Lions have to figure out how to use all this talent to get better on offense. What they've shown is not good enough.):   http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-power-rankings--how-did-the-chicago-bears-sink-to-the-bottom-232538701.html

Detroit Free Press Power Rankings (22. Lions (0-2, last week: 19): The Lions realistically could start the season 0-5 with the Broncos, Seahawks and Cardinals coming up next. My guess is they get one win in that group, though.):   http://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/22/nfl-power-rankings-week-3/72620540/

CBS' Kirwan's Power Rankings (22. Lions:  The Lions miss Ndamukong Suh. They went from allowing 69 yards rushing per game a year ago, to allowing 147 a game through two weeks this season. That combined with five giveaways is a killer for a team some thought were headed to the Super Bowl. Last Week: 20): http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pat-kirwan/25312207/nfl-power-rankings-redskins-steelers-falcons-are-moving-on-up

SI Power Rankings (22. Lions (last week: 18, record: 0-2): A garbage-time touchdown aside, the Lions' second-half possessions Sunday ended as follows: fumble, three-and-out, fumble, punt, interception (after pass interference wiped out an INT on the previous play). Add to the mess a defense missing injured DeAndre Levy as much, or more, than the departed Ndamukong Suh, and you've got a team on the ropes early.): http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/09/22/nfl-week-3-power-rankings-patriots-jets-seahawks

PFF's Power Rankings (23. Detroit Lions: 4-3 defensive end Ezekiel Ansah has seven stops this season, the best for 4-3 defensive ends.):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/09/22/pff-nfl-power-rankings-for-week-3/

NFL.com Power Rankings (24. Lions: If Ameer Abdullah and Calvin Johnson are your two biggest playmakers, then giving them eight combined touches in the first half simply isn't going to cut it. That eighth touch was Johnson's touchdown reception from 11 yards out at the close of the first half. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has to figure this out. The Lions didn't fare much better after halftime, going fumble, punt, fumble, punt, interception before getting a touchdown inDwayne Bowe Fantasy Memorial Time, i.e., garbage time.):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000536440/article/nfl-power-rankings-cardinals-enter-top-three-eagles-plummet

ESPN Power Rankings (24. Lions:  The Lions need to forget about their 0-2 start quickly because it doesn't get much easier. Detroit faces the Broncos, Seahawks and Cardinals in its next three games. (LW: 20)): http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings/_/year/2015/week/3

MLive Power Rankings (25. Detroit Lions (0-2): You can't even point to one thing. In Week 1, it was execution errors on third downs. In Week 2, the offensive and defensive lines both looked overmatched. Things could snowball quickly with a loss to Denver at home next week. (Last week: 16)):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/nfl_power_rankings_week_3.html

Foxsports Power Rankings (25. Lions: It’s starting to look like Joe Lombardi’s offensive scheme might not be a fit for quarterback Matthew Stafford’s skill set. However, it has been difficult to differentiate who is to blame because Detroit’s offensive line has surrendered so much pressure.): http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/power-rankings

NFL RealGM's Power Rankings (Lions ranked 26):   http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2677/NFL-Team-Rankings-Week-2

USA Today's Power Rankings (26. Lions:  It's not like we should be surprised that one of the league's best defenses last year is now one of the worst.): http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/rankings/

PFT's Power Rankings (27. Lions (0-2; No. 22): Ready or not, prime time is coming to Detroit.): http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/22/pfts-week-three-power-rankings/

SN's Power Rankings (Lions ranked 29):   http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4656029-nfl-power-rankings-week-3-standings-packers-steelers-patriots-cowboys

Average Power Ranking (308/13):  24

*Note:  I'll add more as they become available

Lions Blog

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Game 3 Lions Vs Broncos Previews and Predictions

Afternoon Lions Links for Thursday 9-24-15

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 9-23-15

Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 9-23-15

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 9-23-15

Afternoon Lions Links for Tuesday 9-22-15

Week 3 Power Rankings

Important Blog Posts

Lions Websites Links

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