Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 11-21-18

Articles:

 Lions vs. Bears injury report: Nov. 21:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-bears-injury-report-nov-21

 Bears list Trubisky as doubtful for Thursday's game:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/bears-list-trubisky-as-doubtful-for-thursday-s-game

 O'HARA'S WEEK 12 CHECKLIST: Lions vs. Bears:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-week-12-checklist-lions-vs-bears

Lions vs. Bears: Matchups to watch, key players and questions, prediction:  https://www.mlive.com/expo/sports/erry-2018/11/473993d87e975/lions-vs-bears-matchups-to-wat.html

Ask Kyle: Let's take a look at the Lions' roster, and 8 contracts that could be cut:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/ask_kyle_detroit_lions_45.html

At least Prater is immune to Ford Field yips:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/21/detroit-lions-fans-thankful-matt-prater/2074391002/

Can Lions’ LeGarrette Blount have another ‘legendary’ Thanksgiving?:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/21/can-detroit-lions-legarrette-blount-have-another-legendary-thanksgiving/2079711002/

'It's our Super Bowl': What Lions' Thanksgiving game means to Detroit:  http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/34760/lions-fans-have-built-a-life-around-thanksgiving-game

4 reasons why Lions will beat Bears in Week 12:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/21/4-reasons-why-the-lions-will-beat-the-bears-in-week-12/

Thanksgiving game is when 'football season begins' for Matt Patricia:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/21/thanksgiving-game-when-football-season-begins-for-matt-patricia/

Lions sign CB Andre Chachere to practice squad:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/21/lions-sign-cb-andre-chachere-to-practice-squad/

Prices For Lions Thanksgiving Day Tickets Are 2nd Least Expensive This Decade:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/21/lions-tickets-thanksgiving-day-nfl/

Phil Simms: Matthew Stafford must dominate for Lions to win:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Matthew-Stafford-key-to-Lions-Bears-Phil-Simms-125084965/

LeGarrette Blount still leading despite slow season for Lions:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/LeGarrette-Blount-Lions-leadership-still-key-125071805/

Video:

Under the Helmet: Jarrad Davis:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/under-the-helmet-jarrad-davis

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 11-21-18

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Zenner ready to play bigger role for Lions if needed:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-zenner-ready-to-play-bigger-role-for-lions-if-needed

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears: Scouting report, prediction:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/21/detroit-lions-chicago-bears-scouting-report-prediction/2070888002/

Monarrez: Lions will beat the Bears — and Rams:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/detroit-lions-beat-bears-and-rams/2072130002/

Detroit Lions' LeGarrette Blount: 'Luck' behind down year:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/detroit-lions-legarrette-blount-down-season/2073852002/

Bears' Trubisky listed as day-to-day vs. Lions:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/chicago-bears-mitchell-trubisky-detroit-lions/2068924002/

Bears face daunting turnaround in preparing for Lions:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/chicago-bears-face-daunting-turnaround-preparing-detroit-lions/2070460002/

Lions' Patricia doesn't want to jinx opposing kickers' struggles:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/lions-matt-patricia-doesnt-want-jinx-opposing-kickers-struggles/2071686002/

'It was crazy': Rams-Chiefs fireworks leave Lions defenders awestruck:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/crazy-rams-chiefs-fireworks-leave-lions-defenders-awestruck/2071557002/

Ex-Lions WR Furrey now Bears assistant coach:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/former-detroit-lions-receiver-mike-furrey-working-former-qb-matt-nagy-chicago/2072155002/

Detroit Lions re-sign special teams ace Don Carey:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/detroit_lions_re-sign_special_1.html

Detroit Lions could lean on Zach Zenner in Thanksgiving game vs. Bears:  https://lionslowdown.com/2018/11/20/detroit-lions-could-lean-on-zach-zenner-in-thanksgiving-game-vs-bears/

Lions prepare for either Bears QB:  https://lionslowdown.com/2018/11/20/lions-prepare-for-either-bears-qb/

Lions work out TE/FB Donnie Ernsberger:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/18/lions-work-out-te-fb-donnie-ernsberger/

Matthew Stafford ready to pig out on Thanksgiving Day:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Matthew-Stafford-Lions-Thanksgiving-plans-125040922/

2019 NFL Draft needs for all 32 teams (DETROIT LIONS - Edge defender, cornerback and tight end:  With Ziggy Ansah set to become a free agent once again after his year on the franchise tag, adding to the Lions’ pass-rush seems like priority number one. With Ansah out most of the season, starters Devon Kennard and Romeo Okwara rank 40th and 49th out of 58 qualifying edge rushers in pass-rushing productivity, respectively.):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-2019-nfl-draft-needs-for-all-32-teams

 2019 NFL Draft Needs for the League’s Worst Teams: 49ers, Raiders, Giants and More (10. DETROIT LIONS
It feels lazy to keep saying “edge rusher” as so many teams’ top need, but better to be lazy than stupid. Saying Detroit needs anything more desperately than an edge rusher would be stupid. Injury-plagued Ziggy Ansah will hit free agency after a disappointing season under the franchise tag. Stepping up to fill Ansah’s place will be… whomever the Lions sign or draft. The current roster has zero edge-rushing options to call upon. Head coach Matt Patricia is one of the few defensive schemers who can work around a dearth of edge-rushing talent, and he might be the only schemer who can do so without blitzing. Patricia did this in his last few years with the Patriots. But those Patriots at least had rising technician Trey Flowers and a cast of lanky raw talents drafted in the middle rounds. The Lions have injury-plagued Kerry Hyder, who is better suited for defensive tackle, and Eli Harold, who is better suited for an early-down backup linebacking role.  Potential Targets: While it’s highly unlikely they’ll get a shot at Nick Bosa, the Lions will likely have options even if they’re picking outside the top 10. Kentucky’s Josh Allen would fit the bill in a Patricia system, capable of rushing the passer from a two- or three-point stance, with Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell, Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat, and Florida’s Jachai Polite names to remember as well.):  https://www.si.com/2018/11/20/2019-nfl-draft-needs-positions-prospect-targets

Playoff implications for all three Thanksgiving NFL games, on the Yahoo Sports app (Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions, 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS: When this one was scheduled, it looked like a battle for third place in the NFC North. Then the Bears’ breakout season happened.  Chicago might be the most surprising of all the NFL’s first-place teams after 11 weeks. They’re 7-3, coming off a huge win over the Minnesota Vikings in which their dominant defense took center stage. The Lions aren’t completely out of the playoff picture either at 4-6, though they don’t have any more margin for error.  The story is the Bears. They have four games left against teams with losing records, including the Lions. If they handle business in those games they’ll be going back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010. A potential issue is the health of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. He suffered a right shoulder injury against the Vikings and didn’t practice Tuesday. He’s considered day-to-day, Bears coach Matt Nagy said.  The Bears’ goal over the next five weeks has to be to clinch the NFC North before a Week 17 game at the Vikings. If the Bears slip up against the Lions, that result would be pretty meaningful in Minnesota too.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/playoff-implications-three-thanksgiving-nfl-games-yahoo-sports-app-204319583.html

Lions preparing for system with Bears QB uncertain:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/20/lions-preparing-for-system-with-bears-qb-uncertain/

Matt Nagy on Mitchell Trubisky: Have to make sure we do the right thing:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/20/matt-nagy-on-mitchell-trubisky-have-to-make-sure-we-do-the-right-thing/

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

Video:

Jean Francois on Chicago's offense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/jean-francois-on-chicago-s-offense

Blount on Thanksgiving Day memories:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/blount-on-thanksgiving-day-memories

Diggs on Don Carey's return:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/diggs-on-don-carey-s-return

Do Lions have chance vs. Bears on Thanksgiving:  https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/detroit-lions-have-chance-vs-bears-do-our-writers-even-like-thanksgiving-food/2073376002/

Lions Lowdown: On to Thanksgiving:  https://www.detroitnews.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/lions-lowdown-thanksgiving/2070219002/

Recipe for Lions upset win over Bears on Thanksgiving:  http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000000990736/Recipe-for-Lions-upset-win-over-Bears-on-Thanksgiving

Week 12 Power Rankings

USA Today Power Rankings (18. Lions (28): Since I have zero clue how to evaluate this very erratic club, maybe Matt Patricia can sum it up for me in 891 words (maybe fewer?).):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/11/20/week-12-nfl-power-rankings-rams-chiefs-saints-steelers/2063116002/

PFT Power Rankings (18. Lions (4-6; No. 23): Maybe they should keep practicing in the snow after all.):  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/20/week-12-power-rankings-8/

NFL.com Power Rankings (20. Lions:  The Lions came out fast Sunday and held on for dear life late against the Panthers. In what evolved into one of the cleanest games on the NFL slate, Detroit did not turn the ball over and was called for one 5-yard penalty the entire afternoon. Kerryon Johnson rumbled like a quality Day 2 pick, picking up the vast majority of his yards after contact. (There is a not-so-bright spot, though: Johnson is questionable for the showdown with the Bears on Turkey Day.) Kenny Golladay also spelled out what could be a bright future in Detroit, continuing his evolution in a Golden Tate-less offense to a certifiable WR1 with eight catches, 113 yards and a touch. It's touching to write about the Lions after a win. Hallmark moments don't come around with this team too often.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000990588/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-12-rams-jump-chiefs-after-epic-bout

SI Power Rankings (20. Lions:  It’s been a wildly up-and-down season in Detroit, but the ups have been pretty good.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/11/20/nfl-power-rankings-2018

Yahoo Power Rankings (21. Detroit Lions (4-6, LW: 23): Teams like the Broncos and Lions dealt away key players before the trading deadline, but they’ll go into Thanksgiving still in the playoff race. The Lions aren’t in great shape but not out of it sitting a game-and-a-half behind the current No. 6 seed Vikings. They could probably use someone like Golden Tate for a playoff push.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-chiefs-rams-put-show-saints-take-top-spot-065116328.html

Freep Power Rankings (21. Lions (4-6). Last game: Defeated the Panthers, 20-19 | Previous ranking: 21 | The buzz: Big win last week, but can’t see the Lions surviving without Kerryon Johnson, Marvin Jones.):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/nfl-power-rankings-why-detroit-lions-didnt-move/2073457002/

SN Power Ranking (22. Detroit Lions 4-6 (last week: 24):  The Lions had no business beating the Panthers, but did with better execution from primary young playmakers Kerryon Johnson and Kenny Golladay. There is promise for Matt Patricia’s team after this transitional year.):  http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-bears-texans-eagles-falcons-week-12/1i442kwrm305o1xg8bpxhn6v5n

Pro Football Weekly's Week 12 power rankings (22. Lions (4-6) — Would be 6-4 without close losses at San Fran, Dallas):  https://www.profootballweekly.com/lists/2018/11/19/d6565899cd764275af7a86cf05216bc6/index.xml?page=4

CBS Power Rankings (23. Lions:  They won a game when the Panthers went for two, but now have a short turnaround to play the Bears at home. They need that one to have any playoff shot.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-12-power-rankings-cowboys-are-the-team-to-beat-in-the-nfc-east-after-two-impressive-road-wins/

AP Pro32 (23. Lions):  https://pro32.ap.org/poll

ESPN Power Rankings (24. Lions:  Thankful for: Kerryon Johnson and Kenny Golladay. Johnson might miss Thursday's Thanksgiving game with a knee injury, but he has been the explosive player Detroit has been looking for in the backfield since Barry Sanders retired. Meanwhile, Golladay is becoming the team's top receiver, with the size/speed/strength combination Detroit last had with Calvin Johnson (although at this point there's no comparing the two). Between Johnson and Golladay, the Lions have two young skill position players who could be the centerpieces of the offense over the next half-decade or more. -- Michael Rothstein):  http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25324680/week-12-2018-nfl-power-rankings-why-all-32-teams-thankful

MLive Power Rankings (26. Lions:  That was a gutsy win. That's the best way to put a game in which the Panthers racked up 357 passing yards despite a number of drops and then missed a wide-open receiver for the two-point conversion play. It showed some of the resilience left in these Lions, though playing without Marvin Jones and Kerryon Johnson in the short term keeps them from being particularly good on either side of the ball. This is still not a very good football team.):  https://www.mlive.com/expo/sports/erry-2018/11/280e4958681456/mlives-week-12-nfl-power-ranki.html#incart_river_mobile_index

Walter football Power Rankings (26. Lions: The Lions needed four points' worth of easy missed kicks by the Panthers and four drops (including one in the end zone) from Devin Funchess to barely beat the Panthers at home. I'm not moving them up for that win. In fact, I'm moving them down, as other teams were more impressive.):  http://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

Average Power Ranking (290/13):  22

Afternoon Lions Links for Tuesday 11-20-18

Articles:

Lions vs. Bears practice report: Nov. 20:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-bears-practice-report-nov-20

Lions sign free agent S Don Carey:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-sign-free-agent-s-don-carey

Week 12 opponent: What the Bears are saying:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/week-12-opponent-what-the-bears-are-saying

Bears' Mitchell Trubisky ailing entering Detroit Lions game:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/chicago-bears-mitchell-trubisky-detroit-lions/2068924002/

Detroit Lions vs. Bears: How Darius Slay can help Lions win:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/detroit-lions-chicago-bears-thanksgiving/2065399002/

Detroit Lions mailbag: Why can't they be more like Los Angeles Rams?: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/detroit-lions-mailbag-matt-patricia-bob-quinn/2064848002/

Detroit Lions' Kelvin Sheppard 5 questions: A huge Rihanna fan:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/detroit-lions-kelvin-sheppard-rihanna/2063758002/

Lions mailbag: Can Zach Zenner pick up the slack for Lions if Johnson sits:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/lions-mailbag-can-zach-zenner-pick-up-slack-detroit-lions/2064840002/

Short-handed Lions will face top-ranked Bears defense on Thanksgiving:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/now_4-6_the_short-handed_lions.html

Undefeated record vs. 'P' teams has Lions fans calling Chicago the 'Pears':  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/undefeated_record_vs_p_teams_h.html

How do Lions replace Kerryon Johnson? Probably by committee:  http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/34764/how-do-lions-replace-kerryon-johnson-probably-by-committee

Chicago Bears 'cautiously optimistic' Mitchell Trubisky faces Detroit:  http://tv5.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25333261/chicago-bears-cautiously-optimistic-mitchell-trubisky-faces-detroit-lions

Vegas watch: Lions 4-point underdogs at home on Thanksgiving:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/20/vegas-watch-lions-4-point-underdogs-at-home-on-thanksgiving/

Most important Lions players vs. Bears on Thanksgiving:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/ContentGallery/Lions-key-players-vs-Bears-Thanksgiving-125026375/

Video:

Patricia on Thanksgiving game with Chicago:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-thanksgiving-game-with-chicago

Sights and Sounds: Week 11 vs Carolina:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/sights-and-sounds-week-11-vs-carolina

X's and O's with Dan Orlovsky: Week 12:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/x-s-and-o-s-with-dan-orlovsky-week-12

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 11-20-18

Articles:

O’HARA: What we learned from Week 11:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-what-we-learned-from-week-11

Detroit Lions' hurry-up offense could be answer to solve Bears' defense:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/20/detroit-lions-hurry-up-offense-chicago-bears/2061991002/

Finally, special teams deliver for Lions:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/19/detroit-lions-make-change-special-teams-have-big-game/2062348002/

Lions' best bet to replace Kerryon? Zach Zenner:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/19/detroit-lions-zach-zenner-kerryon-johnson-chicago-bears/2061993002/

Zach Zenner could factor into mix to replace Kerryon Johnson against Bears:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/zach_zenner_could_factor_into.html

Kerryon Johnson, Marvin Jones listed as out on practice report; 7 limited:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/kerryon_johnson_marvin_jones_l.html

Darius Slay broke a subdivision speed limit to chase down Panthers' DJ Moore:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/darius_slay_broke_a_subdivisio.html

Tracy Walker earns PFFs highest grade among Lions' defenders in Week 11:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/20/tracy-walker-earns-pffs-highest-grade-among-lions-defenders-in-week-11/

Lions key matchups for Thanksgiving vs. Bears:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Lions-key-matchups-Bears-Thanksgiving-124992040/

Writer: Lions could look to C.J. Anderson for insurance:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/CJ-Anderson-Lions-Kerryon-Johnson-replacement-124987392/

Kenny Golladay is Lions' No. 1 WR, should be for long time:  http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/34753/kenny-golladay-is-lions-no-1-wr-should-be-for-long-time

FiveThirtyEight: The Detroit Lions Are Stuck In The NFL's Weirdest Purgatory:  https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-detroit-lions-are-stuck-in-the-nfls-weirdest-purgatory/

NFL Week 11 Sunday Standouts: Offense (WR KENNY GOLLADAY, DETROIT LIONS (Key signature stat: Averaged 2.97 yards per route run):  The trade of Golden Tate and the injury to Marvin Jones Jr. thrust Golladay into a featured role. Golladay delivered his best performance of the season in that featured role with eight receptions for 113 receiving yards. He did most of his damage on longer-developing plays as 75 receiving yards and his touchdown came on plays in which the ball was thrown 2.6 seconds or longer after the ball was snapped.):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-nfl-week-11-sunday-standouts-offense-2

Lions’ Kerryon Johnson week to week with knee sprain:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/19/lions-kerryon-johnson-week-to-week-with-knee-sprain/

Kerryon Johnson's injury a concern for Lions:  https://www.wxyz.com/sports/football/lions/kerryon-johnson-s-injury-a-concern-for-lions-after-win-over-panthers

2019 Draft:

Lions now hold No. 10 slot in 2019 NFL Draft:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/20/lions-now-hold-no-10-slot-in-2019-nfl-draft/

2019 NFL Draft names to know:  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2019-names-to-know-after-week-12

Video:

Patricia on preparation for Thanksgiving Day game:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-preparation-for-thanksgiving-day-game

Stafford on Thanksgiving showdown with Chicago:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/stafford-on-thanksgiving-showdown-with-chicago

Zenner on Thanksgiving memories:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/zenner-on-thanksgiving-memories

3 and Out with Chris Spielman: Week 11:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/3-out-with-chris-spielman-week-11

Tori's Take: Week 11:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/tori-s-take-week-11

WATCH: Miller goes one-on-one with Matthew Stafford:

‘It was the right decision’: Cris Carter defends Ron Rivera’s decision to go for GW 2-pt conversion in loss to the Lions:  www.foxsports.com/watch/first-things-first/video/1374685763593?

Afternoon Lions Links for Monday 11-19-18

Articles:

Lions vs. Bears practice report: Nov. 19:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-bears-practice-report-nov-19

TIM AND MIKE: Week 11 observations:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-week-11-observations

O'HARA'S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Looking at one game in the life of the Lions:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-monday-countdown-looking-at-one-game-in-the-life-of-the-lions

Kerryon Johnson avoids ACL tear and is 'week-to-week' with a sprain:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/kerryon_johnson_avoids_acl_tea.html

3 things we learned: Lions rookie Tracy Walker has serious upside at safety:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/3_things_we_learned_lions_rook.html

Snap counts: Lions' Teez Tabor replaced by undrafted rookie Mike Ford:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/snap_counts_lions_teez_tabor_r.html

The Lions have lost so many players, Matthew Stafford had to wear a call sheet:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/the_lions_have_lost_so_many_pl.html

It's time for Matthew Stafford to carry Detroit Lions' ailing offense:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/19/matthew-stafford-detroit-lions-offense-injuries/2055766002/

Detroit Lions stock watch: Tracy Walker needs more playing time:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/19/detroit-lions-news-carolina-panthers/2047742002/

Lions have had turkeys vs. Bears on Thanksgiving:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/19/detroit-lions-chicago-bears-thanksgiving-games/2032119002/

Four Downs: Can Lions' ground game carry on without Kerryon?:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/19/four-downs-can-detroit-lions-carry-without-kerryon-johnson/2055137002/

Peter King gives high praise to Lions' Kenny Golladay and Kerryon Johnson:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/19/peter-king-gives-high-praise-to-lions-kenny-golladay-and-kerryon-johnson/

Examining the Lions Week 11 victory: By the Numbers: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/19/examining-the-lions-week-11-victory-by-the-numbers/

Matthew Stafford 'happy for' Kenny Golladay's big game vs. Panthers:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/19/matthew-stafford-happy-for-kenny-golladays-big-game-vs-panthers/

Darius Slay's big play showed 22 MPH speed to save the game:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/19/darius-slays-big-play-showed-22-mph-speed-to-save-the-game/

Lions snap counts: Bruce Ellington emerges in first game:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Lions-snap-counts-Week-11-key-takeaways-124971040/

Lions must end the LeGarrette Blount experiment even with Kerryon Johnson's injury:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/19/lions-must-end-the-legarrette-blount-experiment-even-with-kerryon-johnsons-injury/

Grades:

Lions grades: Superstars create imperfect win over Panthers:  https://www.mlive.com/expo/sports/erry-2018/11/6d4d7f15902567/lions-grades-superstars-create.html

Morning Lions Links for Monday 11-19-18

Articles:

Lions defense holds on 2-point conversion: 'They ain't getting this (bleep)':  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/lions_defense_holds_on_2-point.html

Even in triumph, the Detroit Lions take a hit:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/even_in_triumph_the_detroit_li.html

Inside the locker room: Lions beat another top QB in Cam Newton:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/11/inside_the_locker_room_lions_h.html

Albom: Lions' season lives on for another week:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/mitch-albom/2018/11/19/mitch-albom-detroit-lions-carolina-panthers/2051244002/

Detroit Lions WR Kenny Golladay has the tools to succeed:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2018/11/19/detroit-lions-wr-kenny-golladay-has-tools-succeed/2048153002/

Lions know it's ‘win or go home’ time already:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/18/detroit-lions-win-go-home-vs-panthers/2051413002/

Lions end skid, but Kerryon Johnson injury looms:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/18/detorit-lions-carolina-panthers/2047737002/

Detroit Lions' defense steps up, gets seal win vs. Panthers:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/18/detroit-lions-carolina-panthers-two-point-conversion/2051518002/

Wojo: Lions' victory is costly if Kerryon Johnson is out:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/bob-wojnowski/2018/11/18/lions-victory-comes-heavy-cost-if-kerryon-out/2051876002/

Niyo: Stopgap victory eases pressure on Lions:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/john-niyo/2018/11/18/stopgap-victory-eases-pressure-lions/2051278002/

Lions' Ford makes most of promotion from practice squad:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/18/lions-cb-mike-ford-makes-most-promotion-practice-squad/2051318002/

Lions' Stafford downplays play-call wrist band:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/18/lions-matthew-stafford-downplays-play-call-wrist-band/2051396002/

Kenny Golladay embraces role as Lions' go-to receiver: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/18/kenny-golladay-embraces-role-detroit-lions-go-receiver/2051430002/

Darius Slay seizes milestone in win over Panthers:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/18/darius-slay-seizes-milestone-in-win-over-panthers/

Three up, three down for Lions after Panthers win:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Lions-stock-report-vs-Panthers-124956536/

247Sports hands out NFL Week 11 game balls (Kenny Golladay, WR: "Another huge day for Golladay, as he secured the game winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter and the Lions would hang on to get the win. Down weapons on the day, all the attention was going on Golladay, and the Lions managed to find him in a big way for a big score and a big couple plays on the afternoon considering his 113 yards and a score. Golladay, simply put, is becoming an NFL star." — Max DeMara):  https://247sports.com/nfl/tennessee-titans/ContentGallery/NFL-Week-11-game-balls-best-players-124933440/

Matt Patricia fired up after win over Panthers:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Matt-Patricia-locker-room-celebration-Lions-win-124958228/

Quiet confidence fuels Kenny Golladay's Lions rise:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Kenny-Golladay-Lions-rise-fueled-by-confidence-124953910/

What we learned from Sunday's Week 11 contests (1. Riverboat Ron pushed all his chips onto the table -- and came up empty-handed. After scoring a touchdown with 1:07 left in the fourth quarter to move to within one point of the lead, the Panthers went for two points. Cam Newton had all the time in the world, but couldn't find an open receiver and darted the ball over the head of wide receiver Jarius Wright in the end zone to annihilate the Panthers' chances of a win. The decision to go for two came after kicker Graham Gano looked inexplicably off his game. He missed a 34-yard field-goal attempt earlier in the game and an extra-point attempt. Had he made those, it's hard to believe Panthers coach Ron Rivera would have elected to go for two in that scenario. At 6-4 following two straight losses, Carolina is out of chips when it comes to risking their playoff hopes.  2. Perhaps the end of the Golden (Tate) era in Detroit isn't as bad as everyone thinks it might be. Kenny Golladay has taken over the role of top wide receiver in Motown since Tate's trade deadline detour to Philly, and he played a decisive role in keeping the Lions' postseason aspirations on life support for another week. Golladay made 8 catches for 113 yards and constantly challenged a relatively shallow Panthers secondary that was looking to make amends for last week's Big Ben thrashing. James Bradberry provided sticky coverage on Golladay most of the game, but he couldn't match the speedy playmaker play for play. Golladay's biggest moment came on an insane, full-extension, backward fading, leaping catch over Bradberry at the front of the end zone that broke a 13-13 tie in the fourth quarter. He made a handful of other impressive catches but his Sistine Chapel of a catch in the fourth quarter made his other grabs look like Jeff Koons knockoffs. Golladay might not be Megatron, but Matthew Stafford still has a true No. 1 receiver.  3. The Lions (4-6) found some success on the ground, spearheaded by the efforts of rookie running back Kerryon Johnson, who tallied 87 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Johnson left the game early with a knee injury and will have an MRI on his knee Monday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. After initial tests, Johnson is believed to have suffered a knee sprain, not an ACL tear, Rapoport added. If he misses any significant amount of time, it would be a huge blow to Detroit's chances of resurrecting itself from the depths of the NFC North.-- Austin Knoblauch):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000989379/article/what-we-learned-from-sundays-week-11-games

Week 11 Takeaways: Brees Having Season for the Ages, Big Ben Comes Back from the Dead, Cowboys D Can Make Them This Year’s Jaguars (Lions Are Eating Good Teams in Detroit: Ford Field has now claimed Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton, as the Lions continue to infuriate with inconsistency on both sides of the ball.  Matthew Stafford to Kenny Golladay: Breathtaking. This is going to be one of football’s best connections over the next five years (though no one will notice because it's the Lions).):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/11/18/week-11-analysis-breakdown-steelers-jaguars-roethlisberger-comeback-cowboys-falcons-alex-smith

Early word on Kerryon Johnson positive, Lions don’t expect ACL tear:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/18/early-word-on-kerryon-johnson-positive-lions-dont-expect-acl-tear/

Ron Rivera: I think you go for two to win a game on the road:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/18/ron-rivera-i-think-you-go-for-two-to-win-a-game-on-the-road/

Detroit Lions upset Panthers after Ron Rivera's two-point conversion decision backfires:  https://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/11/18/detroit-lions-upset-panthers-after-ron-riveras-two-point-conversion-decision-backfires/adqcf4q/

NFL: Bruce Ellington ties career high in Detroit Lions win:  https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article221866165.html

Lions show fight in 20-19 victory over Panthers:  https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/lions-show-fight-in-20-19-victory-over-panthers-111818

NFL Winners and Losers: Once left for dead, Cowboys now in driver's seat of NFC East (Losers - The Carolina Panthers’ costly two-point conversion miss: Ron Rivera’s decision to go for two was flawed, Cam Newton’s execution wasn’t good, and the Panthers might regret it the rest of the season.  The Panthers started 6-2 but have now lost two in a row. They’re all but out of the NFC South race with the Saints moving to 9-1, and they’ll be in a battle for a wild-card spot. The Panthers had a chance to win Sunday, but Rivera probably got aggressive at the wrong time.  The Panthers are better than the Lions. They weren’t being outplayed. The Panthers out-gained the Lions 387-309 and averaged 6.8 yards per play to 4.8 for Detroit. Yet, when the Panthers scored late they acted like the underdog, going for the two-point conversion and the win instead of playing for overtime. Kicker Graham Gano didn’t have a good day, and that might have affected Rivera’s decision.  “I think you go for two on the road to win the game,” Rivera said, according to the Charlotte Observer. “That’s what I did at the end of the day. What’s to say the coin toss (to begin overtime) is going to go in our favor (or) we’re going to stop ‘em? So why not go for two?”  On the play, Newton had a lot of time but his receivers were well-covered. When Jarius Wright flashed open, Newton hurried a throw that went too high. “I gotta make that play,” Newton said, according to the Observer. “That’s what it comes down to. Jarius did a good job kind of improvising and I’ve just got to make that play.”  Rivera’s decision wasn’t indefensible, though it seemed like he would have been better kicking the extra point. Newton missed a bang-bang throw, but that happens. That’s the tight-rope life of the NFL, and the loss for the Panthers on Sunday could prove costly.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-losers-left-dead-cowboys-now-drivers-seat-nfc-east-034421636.html

Eight of 11 games so far decided by 3 points or less:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/18/eight-of-11-games-so-far-decided-by-3-points-or-less/

Grades:

Grades: Colts get 'A+', Steelers 'C' (Lions: B-:  With Marvin Jones out due to an injury, Kenny Golladay exploded for 113 yards and a touchdown. Golladay's 19-yard score came with just 5:13 left in the game and proved to be the game-winning touchdown for the Lions. Kerryon Johnson also had his way with the Panthers defense, averaging 5.8 yards per carry on 15 touches. In a game where specialists played a key role, punter Sam Martin came up big for the Lions by the pinning the Panthers inside their own 10-yard with three of his six punts.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-11-grades-colts-get-an-a-for-blowout-steelers-get-a-c-for-sloppy-win/

Grading the Lions for Week 11 win over Panthers:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/ContentGallery/Lions-grades-Week-11-Panthers-win-124964999/

Video:

Every catch from Kenny Golladay's 113-yard day | Week 11:  http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000000989490/Every-catch-from-Kenny-Golladay-s-113-yard-day-Week-11

Patricia on victory over Panthers:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-victory-over-panthers

Stafford on team performance against Panthers:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/stafford-on-team-performance-against-panthers

Golladay on playing a bigger role:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/golladay-on-playing-a-bigger-role

Decker on getting back on track:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/decker-on-getting-back-on-track

Davis on 20-19 win over Carolina:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/davis-on-20-19-win-over-carolina

Quin on win over Carolina:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/quin-on-win-over-carolina

Slay on big two point conversion stop:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/slay-on-big-two-point-conversion-stop

Jean Francois on fan support:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/jean-francois-on-fan-support-x5537

Lions pick up much-needed win over Panthers:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-pick-up-much-needed-win-over-panthers

Dissecting Lions RB situation & more after win:  https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/19/dissecting-detroit-lions-rb-situation-and-more-after-win-over-carolina-panthers/2051735002/

Wojo, Rogers, Niyo break down Lions' victory over Panthers:  https://www.detroitnews.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2018/11/19/wojo-rogers-niyo-break-down-lions-victory-over-panthers/2051400002/

The Lions got their first win in almost a month. Still, there has to be concern over one thing — the health of Kerryon Johnson:  http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-41044699-4