Lions Blog

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 10-26-19

Friday, October 25, 2019

Morning Lions Links for Friday 10-25-19

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Saquon Barkley to test Lions' inconsistent run defense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-saquon-barkley-to-test-lions-inconsistent-run-defense

O’HARA’S SCOUTING REPORT: New York Giants:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-scouting-report-new-york-giants

NFC NORTH: Where each team stands heading into Week 8:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfc-north-where-each-team-stands-heading-into-week-8

Lions vs. Giants practice report: Oct. 24:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-giants-practice-report-oct-24

Darius Slay says ‘there’s no loyalty,’ doesn’t care if he stays in Detroit:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/darius-slay-says-theres-no-loyalty-doesnt-care-if-he-stays-in-detroit.html

Looking ahead: Lions draw Giants team fresh off RB Saquon Barkley’s return from injury: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/looking-ahead-lions-draw-giants-team-fresh-off-rb-saquon-barkleys-return-from-injury.html

Lions DT Mike Daniels practices for first time in more than a month:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/lions-mike-daniels-practices-for-first-time-in-more-than-a-month.html

Detroit Lions are signing veteran safety Marcus Gilchrist:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/detroit-lions-are-signing-veteran-safety-marcus-gilchrist.html

Ty Johnson leads Lions backfield that’s ready to pound away without Kerryon Johnson:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/lions-jd-mckissics-prior-experience-with-offense-boosting-backfield-without-kerryon-johnson.html

Golden Tate: Stafford would have 'couple rings' if he played elsewhere:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/24/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-golden-tate/4083626002/

Lions 'fearless' RBs going to play 'like our hair’s on fire':  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/24/detroit-lions-ty-johnson-jd-mckissic-kerryon-johnson-injury/4079217002/

Meet new Lions safety Marcus Gilchrist:  https://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/24/detroit-lions-safety-marcus-gilchrist/4082854002/

Lions mailbag: A deep dive into the Quandre Diggs trade, Tom Kowalski stories, and more:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/24/lions-mailbag-deep-dive-into-quandre-diggs-trade-tom-kowalski-stories-and-more/4081741002/

Tate trying to lift Giants' Jones like he did for Stafford:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/24/golden-tate-trying-lift-rookie-daniel-jones-like-he-did-matthew-stafford/4085168002/

Lions continue brutal run against tight ends with fastest of them all:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/24/detroit-lions-continue-brutal-run-tight-ends-fastest-bunch/4086667002/

Under-the-radar additions Marvin Hall, Kevin Strong paying dividends for Lions:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/24/under-radar-marvin-hall-kevin-strong-paying-off-detroit-lions/4080608002/

Why Lions' defense under guru Matt Patricia has been woeful in 2019:  https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/35973/why-detroits-defense-under-guru-matt-patricia-has-been-woeful-in-2019

Marcus Gilchrist: What the Lions are getting in their new safety: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/24/marcus-gilchrist-scouting-report-detroit-lions-safety/

Matt Patricia's very different reactions to trading Golden Tate vs. Quandre Diggs:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/24/matt-patricia-reaction-to-trading-golden-tate-vs-quandre-diggs/

20 PFF stats to know entering Week 8 of the 2019 NFL regular season (6. IT COULD BE TY JOHNSON TIME IN DETROIT: Running back Ty Johnson is in line to start after Kerryon Johnson was placed on injured reserve, and that means the rookie will have to acclimate quickly. He’s had 23 carries this season but has only forced three missed tackles. His 0.13 forced missed tackles per attempt ranks tied for 44th among 63 running backs with at least 20 carries this season.): https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-stats-to-know-week-8-2019

QB rankings: Trubisky worst? (4. Stafford: For a third straight week, Stafford stays at No. 4. In a loss to the Vikings, Stafford still managed to throw for 364 yards and four scores. Ranking fourth in DYAR, fourth in DVOA, and fifth in QBR, Stafford is playing the best football of his career. He doesn't deserve to lose his spot just because the Vikings are better than the Lions.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-8-qb-power-rankings-is-mitchell-trubisky-the-leagues-worst-starting-quarterback/

QB rankings, 1-32: Mitch Trubisky sinks to bottom (5. Stafford: Blair: For the first chunk of his career, Stafford was seen as a quarterback who had not yet refined his game or been able to unleash his full potential. If he could ever put it all together, the Lions could really go places. This season, however, the perennial Detroit narrative seems to be flipping around: Now, Stafford has put all (or most) of it together, and the rest of his team is what's holding him back. He kept the Lions even with Minnesota for much of Sunday, only to be foiled by sacks, an offensive pass-interference penalty that helped kill a drive when Detroit had a chance to take the lead and a defense that couldn't stop Kirk Cousins. Detroit is having a tough-luck season, but it's gratifying to see Stafford, who is on track to post the first 100-plus passer rating of his NFL tenure, come into his own.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001068790/article/qb-index-week-8-aaron-rodgers-soars-mitchell-trubisky-sinks

The five most pressing NFL questions in Week 8: Can John Brown help make Bills legit? (Were the Lions of September and early October a mirage? It took many by surprise, myself chief among them, when the Lions debuted in 2019 as a truly interesting operation. Let’s be clear: My expectations were low. I anticipated the Lions being a hyper-boring, clear basement-level team in the NFC North. The Lions have now dropped three straight games to fall to 2-3-1. They aren’t getting worked by any means, however. Detroit kept it close with Kansas City, caught bad officiating breaks in Green Bay and couldn’t finish a high-scoring affair with the Vikings. Still, the outlook for Detroit suddenly doesn’t look so rosy on the other side of that skid and it’s because their already thin margin for error is only getting slimmer. Injuries have begun to mount and that’s a huge worry. Kerryon Johnson is going to miss a lengthy stretch and he’s the perfect example of how wide the gap is between starter and backup is on this roster. The second-year back is a strong starter, who brings a physical but slippery running style to marry with solid reviving chops. In his absence, the Lions will be faced with turning to pure scatback JD McKissic and unproven rookie Ty Johnson. Now the latter may well turn out to be a fantasy darling as a fill-in. Johnson did handle over 60% of the snaps and earn 14 touches as Kerryon faded from the picture last week. He gets a great soft landing spot for his first start against the New York Giants, who let another former Day 3 draft pick in Chase Edmonds stomp them last week. Nevertheless, his presence in the starting lineup is a painful reminder of this team’s depth issues. You’d feel the same way if either of Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones went down and we’re looking at more playing time for Marvin Hall or Danny Amendola.): https://sports.yahoo.com/the-five-most-pressing-nfl-questions-in-week-8-can-john-brown-help-make-bills-legit-005120932.html

“Strong possibility” Sterling Shepard out again this week:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/24/strong-possibility-sterling-shepard-out-again-this-week/

2020 Draft:

NFL draft prospects to watch: Clemson's Travis Etienne still producing big plays: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-clemsons-travis-etienne-still-producing-big-plays-170805083.html

NFL Hot Press: Kenneth Murray Has Top-10 Potential:  http://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Multiple-Sources-See-Top-10-Potential-for-Kenneth-Murray

Video:

X's and O's with Dan Orlovsky: Week 8:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/x-s-and-o-s-with-dan-orlovsky-week-8

Lions react to this week's roster moves: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/lions-react-to-this-week-s-roster-moves

There's no way the Lions lose to the Giants, right?: https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/24/detroit-lions-lose-new-york-giants-preview/4088653002/

Darius Slay on Diggs trade: It doesn't matter who you are, it's a business: https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/24/detroit-lions-darius-slay-quandre-diggs/4089091002/

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 10-24-19

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Rookies ready for bigger roles after recent roster moves:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-rookies-ready-for-bigger-roles-after-recent-roster-moves

Lions vs. Giants practice report: Oct. 23:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-vs-giants-practice-report-oct-23

Week 8 opponent: What the Giants are saying:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/week-8-opponent-what-the-giants-are-saying

By the numbers: Week 7:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/by-the-numbers-week-7

It’s just business: Lions locker room tries to move on from Quandre Diggs trade: https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/detroit-lions-locker-room-trying-to-move-on-from-quandre-diggs-trade.html

Giants’ Saquon Barkley strong in return from injury, feels fine heading into game vs. Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/giants-saquon-barkley-strong-in-return-from-injury-feels-fine-heading-into-game-vs-lions.html

At safety, the future is now for the Detroit Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/at-safety-the-future-is-now-for-the-detroit-lions.html

Lions’ embattled defensive line remains shorthanded:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/lions-embattled-defensive-line-remains-shorthanded.html

Lions promote RB Paul Perkins to main roster with Kerryon Johnson on injured reserve:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/lions-promote-rb-paul-perkins-to-main-roster-with-kerryon-johnson-on-injured-reserve.html

Detroit Lions sit as 7-point favorites for Week 8 matchup with New York Giants:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/detroit-lions-sit-as-7-point-favorites-for-week-8-matchup-with-new-york-giants.html

Lions fans still can't process Bob Quinn trading Quandre Diggs:  https://www.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/10/23cbccc3ad7769/lions-fans-still-cant-process-bob-quinn-trading-quandre-diggs.html

How Darius Slay's injury report might affect Lions' secondary:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/23/detroit-lions-darius-slay-practice-hamstring/4076378002/

Lions confident in what they have at safety after Diggs trade:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/23/detroit-lions-quandre-diggs-trade-other-safeties/4072710002/

Lions react to Diggs trade: 'Definitely sucks,' but must move on:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/23/detroit-lions-quandre-diggs-trade-reaction/4077166002/

Trading Quandre Diggs is a risky business move for Lions:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/23/detroit-lions-quandre-diggs-trade/4069306002/

Lions GM Bob Quinn turned fifth-round picks into these players: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/23/detroit-lions-fifth-round-quandre-diggs-trade-bob-quinn/4069556002/

Inexperienced RB committee slated to replace Lions' Kerryon Johnson:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/23/next-guy-up-inexperienced-rb-committee-slated-replace-detroit-lions-kerryon-johnson/4078703002/

Quandre Diggs 'blindsided' by trade from Lions to Seahawks:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/23/quandre-diggs-blindsided-trade-lions-seahawks/4079569002/

Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones both in top 3 in contested catches:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/23/kenny-golladay-marvin-jones-nfl-contested-catches-leaders/

Film Study: How will the Lions replace Quandre Diggs?:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/23/film-study-how-will-the-lions-replace-quandre-diggs/

Options to replace Kerryon Johnson during his injury absence:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/22/options-to-replace-kerryon-johnson-during-his-injury-absence/

PFF Rankings: Top 25 second-year NFL players through Week 7 (4. C FRANK RAGNOW, DETROIT LIONS: This offseason, PFF analyst Gordon McGuinness wrote that Frank Ragnow’s move to center could mean big things for Detroit’s offensive line. Well, through seven weeks this season, Ragnow is the highest-graded center in the NFL. The improved play shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who followed his career at Arkansas, where he put up a massive 92.5 overall grade—including a run-blocking grade of 94.4—when lined up at center compared to 80.6 when lined up at guard. That success, especially in regards to run blocking, has carried over, as Ragnow’s run-blocking grade of 79.7 this season is 10 points higher than any other center. 14. S TRACY WALKER, DETROIT LIONS: Walker played sparingly as a rookie, notching just 268 defensive snaps on the season, but he was impressive on those snaps with an overall grade of 89.8. Walker has expanded his role on the Lions defense in Year 2, but he has maintained a high level of play relative to the position, ranking 18th among 70 qualifying safeties in overall grade. Walker’s position profile in 2019 shows that he’s been asked to move around the defense, with over 100 snaps in the box, in the slot and deep at free safety. His free safety grade of 90.1 this season indicates that it is his preferred location. It was also his primary alignment in his strong rookie campaign.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-rankings-top-25-second-year-nfl-players-week-7-2019

One trade for every team before deadline (DETROIT LIONS: Buy running back Melvin Gordon. With Kerryon Johnson heading to injured reserve for at least eight games, Detroit is left with just rookie Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic to pick up the back's carries. That's not going to do it in a competitive NFC North. Detroit should splurge for a half-year rental in Gordon, who has underperformed in Carson since returning from his ill-fated holdout, and use the back half of 2019 to see if he can carry in lieu of Kerryon. Potential compensation: 2020 second-round pick.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001068762/article/nfl-trade-deadline-one-buysell-proposal-for-each-nfc-team

Potential trade targets for all 32 NFL teams at the 2019 deadline, from A.J. Green to Trent Williams (Detroit Lions: Trade for RB Melvin Gordon: Kerryon Johnson has promise, but he hasn't been durable. Gordon is doing nothing effective for the Chargers and could fare better in Darrell Bevell's scheme playing off the downfield passing game with Matthew Stafford.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/trade-targets-32-nfl-teams-2019-deadline/7gch0i300wwf1h97y6sdjlhyl

Urgency mounting as Giants, Lions try to snap skids:  https://sports.yahoo.com/urgency-mounting-giants-lions-try-235841908.html

Week 8 Power Rankings:  https://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2019/10/week-8-power-rankings.html

2020 Draft:

College Football Week 9 Preview: Players to watch and expert predictions: https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-9-preview-players-to-watch-expert-predictions

NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 9:  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-9

Video:

Patricia on recent transactions:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-recent-transactions

Stafford on preparing for Giants:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/stafford-on-opponents-defense-strategy-amid-injuries

Amendola on roster changes:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/amendola-on-roster-changes

Walker on week 8 changes:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/walker-on-week-8-changes

Harris on tapping into new skill set:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/harris-on-tapping-into-new-skill-set

Wilson on Giants matchup:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/wilson-on-giants-matchup

Johnson on being ready for a bigger role:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/johnson-on-slowing-down-defenses-mentally

Under the Helmet: Kerryon Johnson:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/under-the-helmet-kerryon-johnson

Lions Lowdown: On to the Giants:  https://www.detroitnews.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/23/detroit-lions-lowdown-new-york-giants/4075069002/

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Week 8 Power Rankings

USA Today (14. Lions (10): Trey Flowers was understandably frustrated in Week 6 — but maybe he should also be frustrated by his disappointing production (1 sack, 3 QB hits) so far.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/10/22/week-7-nfl-power-rankings-cowboys-vikings-rams/4058181002/

SI (14. Detroit Lions, 2-3-1: The Lions’ defense ran out of gas in the fourth quarter, and Detroit was dealt their second crushing loss in a row in the NFL’s toughest division. A win against the Giants is a must for this group.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/10/22/nfl-power-rankings-week-8-patriots-49ers-packers

Touchdown Wire Doug Farrar (14. Lions: The Lions had a short week to recover from their Monday night loss to both the Green Bay Packers and Clete Blakeman’s officiating crew before running directly into the unlikely buzzsaw that Minnesota’s passing offense has become. Kirk Cousins blew apart Matt Patricia’s man and match concepts for four touchdown passes, and Vikings running back Dalvin Cook gashed Detroit’s front for 142 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones enjoyed his second career four-touchdown game, putting him in rarefied air with Jerry Rice, Sterling Sharpe, and Bob Shaw as the only receivers in NFL history with multiple games of four or more touchdown catches. But Jones also became the first receiver in NFL history to catch four touchdown passes while gaining fewer than 100 yards (93 yards on 10 catches and 13 targets), which kind of sums up Detroit’s season so far. There’s talent up and down this roster, and it’s the NFL’s best team with a losing record, but these kinds of defeats take their toll after awhile.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/10/21/nfl-week-8-power-rankings-old-school-football-rules-the-day/

MLive (No. 15 -- Detroit Lions (2-3-1): Despite four scores from Matthew Stafford to Marvin Jones, the Lions dropped their third-straight game. The defense gave up more than 500 yards of offense in the 42-30 loss at Ford Field. Week 8: vs. Giants):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/mlives-week-8-nfl-power-rankings-lions-fall-after-giving-up-42-points-in-third-straight-loss.html

Walterfootball (15. Lions: I've had the Lions listed as underrated for several weeks, but they lost so many players to injury in the Minnesota game that the underrated designation doesn't apply to them anymore.):  http://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

AP Pro32 (15. Lions):  https://pro32.ap.org/poll

Freep (16. Lions (2-3-1): After three straight losses, the Lions have a chance to get better quick Sunday against the Giants.): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/22/nfl-power-rankings-detroit-lions/4060161002/

NFL (17. Lions:  We've reached the stage where it's not good enough to merely hang with quality opponents. As Herm Edwards once taught us, "You play to win the game," and the Lions haven't done that this month. The biggest culprit is a sieve-like defense that has allowed 450 yards in each of their last three losses. Their run defense has been suspect all year (Detroit has allowed at least 100 yards on the ground in six straight games), and now the entire unit is beginning to melt. This was not supposed to happen under Matt Patricia, who won a title running Bill Belichick's defense in New England. It wasn't all bad against the Vikings. Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes, all four of them going to Marvin Jones. The craziest stat of Week 7? That wasn't even Jones' first four-TD game; he did it with the Bengals in 2013.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001068483/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-8-vikings-hit-top-five-bears-tumble

CBS (17. Lions):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/powerrankings/

ESPN (17. Detroit Lions (2-3-1) - The Lions looked like they could be contenders -- and have been competitive in every game -- but at 2-3-1 with a porous run defense, no pressure on opposing quarterbacks and perhaps an injured running back in Kerryon Johnson, reaching the playoffs as a wild-card team would be the best-case scenario for Detroit. But more realistically, hanging around .500 is probably where the Lions will end up this season. -- Michael Rothstein):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27889924/week-8-nfl-power-rankings-1-32-poll-plus-new-goals-every-team

SN (17. Lions 2-3-1 (17): The Lions keep losing close games they have chances to win thanks to one or two mistakes. Matt Patricia has a good team, but he is still having trouble installing a winning mentality down to the finish, especially defensively.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-packers-cowboys-eagles-bears-dolphins-week-8/j0sywticaz0f12mbtikw2bvxy

PFT Power Rankings (19. Lions (2-3-1; No. 18): After winning a couple of games the Lions of old would have lost, the Lions lost a couple of games the Lions of old would have lost.):  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/22/pfts-week-eight-power-rankings-2/

Yahoo (19. Detroit Lions (2-3-1, LW: 18): The Lions rank 26th in the NFL in points allowed per game and 31st in yards allowed. They were ripped apart at home by the Vikings offense. With a huge opportunity in a seven-game stretch, the Lions went 0-2 against the Packers and Vikings (yes, the officials in Green Bay didn’t help). These are not great signs for Matt Patricia.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-sorry-49-ers-but-saints-are-the-nf-cs-best-team-034500962.html

FTW Power Rankings (22. Lions):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-playoff-power-rankings-every-teams-playoff-chances-entering-week-8

PFF (25. DETROIT LIONS: After a promising start to the 2019 season, Matt Patricia and the Lions find themselves ranked fourth in the NFC North at 2-3-1 coming off back-to-back division losses. Quarterback Matthews Stafford has played better than he has in previous years, but the defense enters Week 8 ranked 24th in EPA allowed per play (0.051).): https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2019-pff-week-8-nfl-power-rankings

Average Power Ranking (239/14): 17

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 10-23-19

Articles:

TWENTYMAN: Where Lions stand at safety following Diggs trade:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-where-lions-stand-at-safety-following-diggs-trade

10 takeaways from Bevell and Pasqualoni:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-takeaways-from-bevell-pasqualoni-x4318

Where the Lions go from here without Kerryon Johnson:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/where-the-lions-go-from-here-without-kerryon-johnson.html

Why the Detroit Lions traded Quandre Diggs:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/why-the-detroit-lions-traded-quandre-diggs.html

Lions players react to Detroit trading team captain Quandre Diggs to Seattle for fifth-rounder:  https://www.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/10/91b82b05473950/lions-players-react-to-detroit-trading-team-captain-quandre-diggs-to-seattle-for-fifthrounder.html

Detroit Lions trade Quandre Diggs to Seahawks for fifth-round pick:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/detroit-lions-trade-quandre-diggs-to-seahawks-for-fifth-round-pick.html

Lions’ Kerryon Johnson headed for injured reserve after undergoing knee procedure:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/lions-kerryon-johnson-headed-for-injured-reserve-after-undergoing-knee-procedure.html

Detroit Lions rank dead last, by a lot, in pass rush win rate:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/detroit-lions-rank-dead-last-by-a-lot-in-pass-rush-win-rate.html

Giants stick with QB Daniel Jones for matchup in Detroit as rookie struggles with turnovers:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/giants-stick-with-qb-daniel-jones-for-matchup-in-detroit-as-rookie-struggles-with-turnovers.html

After just 6 games, the Lions’ playoff hopes are already on life support:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/after-just-6-games-the-lions-playoff-hopes-are-already-on-life-support.html

McKissic 'very confident' in Lions run game even if Kerryon is out: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/21/detroit-lions-running-backs-ty-johnson-jd-mckissic/4058724002/

Here's why Lions' Trey Flowers has been so ineffective: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/22/detroit-lions-film-review-trey-flowers/4064997002/

Make it stop! Black Tuesday engulfs Lions, Pistons, Spartans with awful news:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2019/10/22/detroit-lions-pistons-michigan-state-spartans/2451360001/

Lions film review: Five observations vs. Vikings:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/22/detroit-lions-film-review-five-observations-vs-vikings/4063921002/

Rogers: Diggs trade made sense to Lions even if fan base isn't sold on it:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/22/rogers-quandre-diggs-trade-made-sense-detroit-lions-even-if-fan-base-isnt-sold/2451684001/

Lions' Harrison battling through most frustrating stretch of his career:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/21/lions-defensive-lineman-damon-snacks-harrison-sees-sharp-dropoff-tackles/4058718002/

Pat Caputo - Bob Quinn, Matt Patricia continue to underwhelm leading Lions: https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/pat-caputo---bob-quinn-matt-patricia-continue-to/article_499a8370-f53d-11e9-8d66-db54b976180e.html

How much influence does Paul Pasqualoni have on the Lions defense?: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/22/how-much-influence-does-paul-pasqualoni-have-on-the-lions-defense/

Options to replace Kerryon Johnson during his injury absence: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/22/options-to-replace-kerryon-johnson-during-his-injury-absence/

Quandre Diggs says goodbye to Lions fans:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/22/quandre-diggs-says-goodbye-to-lions-fans/

NFL Rookie Power Rankings Week 8: Nick Bosa continues to lead impressive group of rookie pass rushers (14. Hockenson:  Hockenson's stats could be even better but he has not capitalized on some opportunities. The saving grace for the rookie tight end is that he also contributes as a blocker. Stats: 18 receptions for 219 yards, two touchdowns): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-rookie-power-rankings-week-8-nick-bosa-continues-to-lead-impressive-group-of-rookie-pass-rushers/

Barnwell's 2019 NFL trade grades: Tracking every deadline deal (DET trades CB Quandre Diggs to SEA - Detroit Lions get: 2020 fifth-round pick. Seattle Seahawks get: S Quandre Diggs, 2021 seventh-round pick. Lions grade: D+. Seahawks grade: B. This is a surprising, out-of-nowhere deal for a Lions team that likely still fancies itself a contender at 2-3-1. Quandre Diggs was starting at safety as recently as this past weekend, when he played 55 of 71 snaps during the Lions' 42-30 loss to the Vikings. Diggs was entering the first season of a three-year, $18.6 million extension he signed in September 2018, but there is no guaranteed money on his contract after this season. Diggs started his career as a slot cornerback, but the Lions moved him to safety after Tavon Wilson went down injured last season, and he impressed in limited time. They kept Diggs at safety this season after cutting longtime starter Glover Quin, but it seems that they were not impressed by his performance. It might be worth noting that his last defensive snap with the team came on Kyle Rudolph's touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, and Diggs didn't appear to make much of a tackle attempt on the tight end at the goal line. I have to wonder if that was the last straw for coach Matt Patricia. The Lions will presumably give Wilson a larger role, given that the former Patriots safety was playing just under 40% of the defensive snaps this season. Wilson filled in for Diggs when the starter missed two games earlier this season; Diggs had basically been an every-down safety to that point. Wilson, who took a pay cut to stay with the team this season, has always profiled better as a true strong safety. Diggs' theoretical range as either a free safety or a strong safety likely appealed to the Seahawks, who need help at both spots. Both strong safeties Bradley McDougald and Lano Hill have struggled with injuries, and Tedric Thompson has had a wildly inconsistent season at free safety. Seattle started rookie second-rounder Marquise Blair alongside Thompson during Sunday's loss to the Ravens. Blair had played just 12 defensive snaps before taking 100% of the snaps against Baltimore. After years of wiping away deep passes with superstar safety Earl Thomas, Seattle has been susceptible to deep throws this season. Against passes traveling 16 or more yards in the air, the Seahawks rank 29th in passer rating (122.3) and 27th in Total QBR (97.7). Lamar Jackson was 2-of-3 for 83 yards on those throws Sunday, and the one incompletion was a would-be touchdown that Mark Andrews dropped. The Seahawks will try Diggs alongside Thompson for the time being before getting McDougald back. In Pete Carroll, the Seahawks have a coach with an affinity for both challenging pass interference calls and developing defensive backs, which should tell you how great he is at the latter. There's a chance the Seahawks turn Diggs into a very valuable safety in the long-term, and they don't run much risk while adding a warm body in the short-term. After Detroit paid Diggs $6.5 million in bonuses the past two years, the Seahawks will be on the hook for only about $1.6 million in prorated base salary and $62,500 in per-game roster bonuses over the remainder of the season. That seems well worth a fifth-round pick, let alone getting a seventh-rounder in 2021 as part of the swap. If you think my grade for the Lions is harsh, well, you can ask star Detroit cornerback Darius Slay what he thinks.): https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27897346/barnwell-2019-nfl-trade-grades-tracking-every-deadline-deal

NFL Trade Grades (Seahawks acquire S Quandre Diggs, 2021 seventh-round pick from Lions for 2020 fifth-round pick: This isn't a blockbuster deal by any means, but it's a trade that makes sense for both sides. The Seahawks have endured some major issues at safety, so they found a short-term solution in exchange for a swap of fifth- and seventh-round picks across two drafts. Diggs is a solid player. He's dealt with multiple injuries this year, but he performed well in 2018. If he can get healthy, he'll provide the Seahawks with a much-needed upgrade at safety. Seattle barely surrendered anything for him, so this is a quality move. As for the Lions, they have a couple of young safeties in Will Harris and Tracy Walker, making Diggs expendable. It's nice that they at least got something for him, as he wasn't being very productive this year because of his injuries. Grade for Seahawks - A-. Grade for Lions - A-): http://walterfootball.com/nfltrades.php

Updated 2020 draft order: Three QB-needy teams in top six (12. Lions:  Detroit's vulnerabilities in the secondary and on the offensive line have been on display in consecutive losses to division foes. Matt Patricia has to tighten things up and beat the Giants to keep the season from getting away from the Lions.): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001068444/article/2020-nfl-draft-order-jets-no-5-giants-browns-in-top-10

2020 Draft:

College Football Week 8: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-week-8-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes

PFF College Football Heisman Watch after Week 8: https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-heisman-watch-after-week-8-2019

2020 Draft WR Watch: Hamler is a riser: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-rising-keep-an-eye-on-penn-states-k-j-hamler/

RB Watch: Sermon absent, Moss impresses:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-rb-watch-sermons-mysterious-disappearance-moss-back-in-a-big-way/

2020 NFL Draft Stock - Week 8 (10-23-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_08.php

Six From Saturday: Trevor Lawrence Leveling Off:  https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/10/22/trevor-lawrence-clemson-justin-fields-ohio-state-2021-nfl-draft

QB KLASSROOM: TEXAS A&M QB KELLEN MOND:  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/qb-klassroom/qb-klassroom-texas-am-qb-kellen-mond

Video:

Sights and Sounds: Week 7 vs Minnesota: https://www.detroitlions.com/video/sights-and-sounds-week-7-vs-minnesota

Video: why the Lions traded Quandre Diggs and what might be next:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/22/video-lions-trade-quandre-diggs-detroit-lions-trade-kerryon-johnson-injury/

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 10-22-19

Articles:

KEY QUESTIONS: How can Patricia improve Lions' defense?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/key-questions-how-can-patricia-improve-lions-defense

Lions RB Kerryon Johnson to reportedly miss ‘some time’ as team awaits test results on knee:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/lions-optimistic-about-kerryon-johnsons-knee-but-awaiting-test-results.html

Lions’ Snacks Harrison opens up about struggles against run:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/lions-snacks-harrison-opens-up-about-struggles-against-run.html

Matt Patricia: Detroit Lions' defensive issues not a 'scheme thing':  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/21/detroit-lions-matt-patricia/4059500002/

Lions have no plans to discontinue guard rotation:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/21/lions-have-no-plans-discontinue-guard-rotation/4058412002/

Rodgers' best game, Russ' pick-six and more: Barnwell on a weird Week 7 (Marvin Jones scores four touchdowns: Three receivers in the Super Bowl era have caught four or more touchdowns in multiple games. One is Jerry Rice. The second is Sterling Sharpe. One Hall of Famer and a guy who would be in the Hall of Fame if it weren't for a career-ending neck injury. You can probably guess who the third is: Jones, who scored four touchdowns in a 49-9 Bengals win over the Jets in 2013 and then repeated the feat during Sunday's 42-30 loss to the Vikings. As you might suspect, receivers don't typically score four touchdowns in games their teams lose. Previously, receivers were a combined 34-3 in those four-plus touchdown games. Jones also became the first player in league history to score four receiving touchdowns in a game in which he didn't rack up at least 100 receiving yards, as he caught 10 of his 13 targets for 93 yards. His scores came from 2, 3, 10 and 16 yards out. The Vikings have pretty good cornerbacks, and Jones beat them all at different points Sunday. Mike Zimmer either didn't have enough confidence in those corners to press Jones at the line or thought they would eventually get better, but Jones was repeatedly able to use his release to create throwing lanes for Matthew Stafford. On the third touchdown of the first half, he was able to shake Mike Hughes with his first step and establish inside leverage for what needed to be an instant throw with six seconds left on the clock. The most flamboyant score of the day was against Trae Waynes, whom Jones beat with a spin move before turning upfield for the first touchdown. His two touchdowns against top corner Xavier Rhodes, meanwhile, were almost identical throws from Stafford on the near-hashmark. The first was a quick out, while the second and final touchdown of the day was a back-shoulder throw. Both throws rely on Stafford's velocity and require him to place the ball in a spot where only Jones can catch it. Sunday was a rough day for the Lions, as they lost the game to the Vikings while Kerryon Johnson, Damon Harrison and Darius Slay all left the game with injuries. Johnson and Slay were unable to return. Detroit is on a three-game losing streak, but that has included a last-second loss to the Chiefs, a controversial 23-22 loss to the Packers and Sunday's shootout loss to the Vikings. Matt Patricia's team probably deserved to win at least one of those games. Instead, it is 2-3-1 and way back in the NFC North behind the 6-1 Packers. With the Giants, Raiders and Bears coming up, the Lions probably need to go on a winning streak to get back into playoff contention.): https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27891507/rodgers-best-game-russ-pick-six-more-barnwell-weird-week-7

Trey Flowers gives a telling answer when asked about the Lions' poor pass rush: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/21/trey-flowers-gives-a-telling-answer-when-asked-about-the-lions-poor-pass-rush/

Bob Quinn's problem: A rant about living in the past in the modern NFL: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/21/bob-quinns-problem-a-rant-about-living-in-the-past-in-the-modern-nfl/

The time for the Lions to save their season is now:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/21/the-time-for-the-lions-to-save-their-season-is-now/

Lions week 7 snap counts: Defense sees big shift in strategy, a likely catalyst in the loss: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/21/lions-week-7-snap-counts-defense-sees-big-shift-in-strategy-a-likely-catalyst-in-the-loss/

Detroit's defensive front falling short of expectations:  https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/detroit-s-defensive-front-falling-short-of-expectations-102119

Week 7 surprises: Enter Edmonds (8. Matthew Stafford becomes fastest player to reach 40K passing yards: Stafford made history in Week 7 by throwing for 364 passing yards and becoming the fastest player to reach 40,000 passing yards in NFL history. Stafford got there in just 147 games. For comparison's sake, it took Drew Brees, Dan Marion, and Peyton Manning 152, 153, and 154 games, respectively, to reach the 40K mark. It was a banner day for Stafford, who also threw for four passing touchdowns. In doing so, Stafford passed Boomer Esiason and Tony Romo to move up to No. 22 overall on the all-time passing touchdowns list with 250 in his career. Stafford is one of the most underrated quarterbacks through Week 7 of the 2019 season.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/10-biggest-week-7-surprises-milestones-chase-edmonds-arrives-aaron-rodgers-passes-dan-marino/

The Detroit Lions Are Forever Hopeless:  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/lions-vikings-loss-hopeless-01dqq6qxsmx8

2020 Draft:

College Football Week 8: Eckrich Big Ten Team of the Week:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-8-eckrich-big-ten-team-of-the-week

College Football Week 8: Eckrich Pac 12 Team of the Week:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-8-eckrich-pac-12-team-of-the-week

College Football Week 8: Eckrich Big-12 Team of the Week:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-8-big-12-team-of-the-week

College Football Week 8: Eckrich ACC Team of the Week:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-8-eckrich-acc-team-of-the-week

College Football Week 8: Eckrich SEC Team of the Week:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-8-sec-team-of-the-week

2020 NFL Draft: Carlos Basham leads list of Week 8 Risers and Sliders: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/carlos-basham-leads-list-risers-sliders-week-8-college-football/

NFL draft winners and losers: OSU's Chase Young, Jeffrey Okudah look like top-10 locks:  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-os-us-chase-young-jeffrey-okudah-look-like-top-10-locks-182806709.html

$.10 After NFL Week 7:  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3200/$10-After-NFL-Week-7

2020 Draft QB Watch: Eason outplays Herbert:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-qb-stock-watch-jacob-eason-outplays-justin-herbert-joe-burrow-rapidly-rising/

Meet Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina's destroyer of offenses:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/10/21/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-javon-kinlaw-south-carolina-interview/

Video:

Patricia on rebounding from loss to Vikings:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/patricia-on-rebounding-from-loss-to-vikings

Harrison on looking ahead to Giants:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/harrison-on-looking-ahead-to-giants

Wilson on defensive struggles:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/wilson-on-defensive-struggles

3 and Out with Chris Spielman: Week 7:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/3-and-out-with-chris-spielman-week-7

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

Monday, October 21, 2019

Afternoon Lions Links for Monday 10-21-19

Articles:

Improving the Lions' run defense starts with Harrison Sr.:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/improving-the-lions-run-defense-starts-with-harrison-sr

TIM AND MIKE: Week 7 observations:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-week-6-observations-stafford-amendola

O’HARA’S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Where Lions stand after recent division losses:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-monday-countdown-where-lions-stand-after-recent-division-losses

3 things we learned: Lions could be in the market for a running back:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/3-things-we-learned-lions-could-be-in-the-market-for-a-running-back.html

Matt Patricia open to personnel, schematic changes on Lions defense:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/matt-patricia-open-to-personnel-schematic-changes-on-lions-defense.html

Snap counts: Lions’ Quandre Diggs returns, Darius Slay limited to 18 plays in loss to Vikings:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/snap-counts-lions-quandre-diggs-returns-darius-slay-limited-to-18-plays-in-loss-to-vikings.html

Lions in danger of squandering another season of the best QB they’ve ever had:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/what-the-heck-happened-to-the-detroit-lions-defense.html

Rushing attack in Detroit continues to lack explosiveness with or without RB Kerryon Johnson:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/rushing-attack-in-detroit-continues-to-lack-explosiveness-with-or-without-rb-kerryon-johnson.html

Former Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins comes up big in win against Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/former-michigan-state-qb-kirk-cousins-comes-up-big-in-win-against-lions.html

NFC North Recap: Lions sit in last place after three straight losses, Packers still on top:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/10/nfc-north-recap-lions-sit-in-last-place-after-three-straight-losses-packers-still-on-top.html

Lions’ Damon Harrison takes blame in defensive woes against the run:  https://lionslowdown.com/2019/10/21/damon-harrison-disappointed-in-detroit-lions-defensive-woes-against-the-run/

Lions' Kerryon Johnson meets with doctors, status unclear:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/21/detroit-lions-kerryon-johnson-injury/4058514002/

Lions stock watch: Patricia's reputation as genius takes a hit: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/21/detroit-lions-matt-patricia-genius/4044698002/

Birkett: Even after brutal loss, Lions still have hope:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/21/overreaction-monday-dont-count-detroit-lions-out-yet/4053929002/

Another controversial penalty hurts Lions. Was it correct call?: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/20/detroit-lions-officials-controversy-penalty/4049438002/

Four Downs: Lions' defensive line isn't living up to its billing:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/21/four-downs-detroit-lions-defensive-line-isnt-living-up-billing/4051225002/

Grades:

Lions grades: Defense allows more than 430 yards for third straight week in loss to Vikings:  https://www.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/10/f895fc380b4536/lions-grades-defense-allows-more-than-430-yards-for-3rd-straight-week-in-loss-to-vikings.html

Video:

Tori's Take LIVE: Week 7:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/tori-s-take-live-week-7

Matt Patricia: It's not about scheme, it's about fundamentals:  https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/21/detroit-lions-matt-patricia-defense/4057551002/