Michael Rothstein ESPN Staff Writer:IF the Lions can get two of 3 or all of Riddick, Swanson, and Slay (Slay being #1) back this week, I think they win at home in this prime time tilt. The magnitude will raise the level of play across the board.
The Rodgers train stops here.
27-24 Lions
Running isn't what I'd want to see Riddick doing. He needs to be catching passes again. I'm surprised he's been out this long with a wrist injury. Makes me wonder if it's broken and the Lions are hiding the severity.Heard on the Pridecast podcast Riddick and Slay were both running running & cutting hard at JerryWorld Monday night. I'm expecting both to play. Swanson was the one I was worried about. If we can keep Tomlinson off the field that's a massive upgrade in protection.
Roberts has a sore shoulder. Just rub some dirt on it Nancy.
ETA: I strained a calf muscle Christmas Eve when I lept from two steps up. I'm day to day....actually, we're all day to day when you think about it...but I expect to be 100% for SNF on NYD.
With no Riddick or Slay it's very unlikely the Lions can keep up with GB. I can't wait to watch the Lions play a meaningful game again but I'm not expecting to be happy when it ends. I have hope that anything can happen but I'm keeping my expectations based in reality.No Riddick (game designations until 4 pm but he hasn't practiced for weeks.)
Likely no Roberts - which means TJ Jones running bad routes & no threat in the return game.
Boldin catching the ball one-handed all week (finger on his left hand in a splint - not on the injury report.)
Slay has gone down twice with a hammy, who knows what happens when he tries to go full tilt Sunday night.
Swanson is back! #positivity
Does anybody think they have any chance of winning?
He's got to have a fracture in there. If it were just a pain tolerance thing, I would think he'd be playing.From Roto:
Theo Riddick (wrist) is out for Week 17 against the Packers.
This will be his fourth straight absence. Zach Zenner and Dwayne Washington will lead the backfield in his absence, though Zenner is the more appealing fantasy option of the two.
In addition to the above, Riley Reiff was added to the injury report as questionable with a hip injury.Swanson is doubtful and likely will not play.
Slay is questionable.
Now if only the Saints and 49ers can win for a shot at the #2 seed.I am rooting for the Redskins to win. #### backing into the playoffs. If the Lions want to make the playoffs, play the game of your lives tonight. Then you can kick the ####### front door down and walk in.![]()
Very hard to understand coming from a team that has done very little for decades. Making the playoffs is making the playoffs, especially when you're the Lions.Anthony Borbely said:I am rooting for the Redskins to win. #### backing into the playoffs. If the Lions want to make the playoffs, play the game of your lives tonight. Then you can kick the ####### front door down and walk in.![]()
Keep rooting for them, it's working wonders.Congratulations on making it, fellas. Wish you would've beat the Pack but you're still in. Good luck. Will be rooting for you guys
2nd week in a row they completely abandon the run after Zenner has a good first half.Second week in a row they outplayed a better team for one half & then could not match their intensity after halftime.
6-2 at home this year. Started and ended the year with a L.
15 years at Ford field, zero home playoff games.
1-11 in the SB era playoffs. 0-10 on the road.
If you're looking for sports bars then Chelis Chilli Bar or Hockeytown Cafe are solid and very close to Ford Field. If you're looking for something a little classier, check out Townhouse Detroit. Nice cocktail list and large TVs at both bars.Well, I'm still coming to town next weekend. Can you guys recommend a good bar downtown to watch the game? I'll be staying near the stadium.
If anyone wants to join me for the game, the first and last round are on me.
Thanks! I think I'd prefer more of a dive place than a nice place. I'll check out the ones you mentionedIf you're looking for sports bars then Chelis Chilli Bar or Hockeytown Cafe are solid and very close to Ford Field. If you're looking for something a little classier, check out Townhouse Detroit. Nice cocktail list and large TVs at both bars.
Hopcat is a short cab ride away on Woodward. Lots of microbrews and TVs.
Enjoy The D
Chelis is a mid range dive sports bar. Lots of brick and TVs.Thanks! I think I'd prefer more of a dive place than a nice place. I'll check out the ones you mentioned
In the Caldwell era 3-18 vs teams that finished season above .500 and 5-10 in games played outdoors. I predict a 23-13 Seahawks victory.Second week in a row they outplayed a better team for one half & then could not match their intensity after halftime.
6-2 at home this year. Started and ended the year with a L.
15 years at Ford field, zero home playoff games.
1-11 in the SB era playoffs. 0-10 on the road.
Weaknesses: No comment on the DBs and losing Earl Thomas? Detroit has an offense with more than 1 or 2 weapons in the passing game. When you have a competent QB back there and no Earl Thomas they are giving up an average 265 passing yards (compared with 225 per game over the course of the season). I certainly think Stafford is closer to Palmer and Rodgers than Goff and Kaep...Welcome to the playoffs. Best of luck this coming weekend against our Seahawks. Would be happy to do some Q and A with any of you guys if you wish to invest the time.
Seattle weakness? Offensive line is offensive. Starting two rookies and have struggled mightily against dominant pass rushers from the DT position. Calais Campbell and Aaron Donald four times a years absolutely sucks (1-2-1 in those games). Running game has disappeared. What was a constant strength for so long is now a liability. PFF guys grade Seattle as one of the worst run blocking groups nearly every week.
Seattle strength? Russell Wilson, Doug Baldwin, and Jimmy Graham on offense. If given a bit of time Wilson is dangerous. He's a great drop back passer and even more dangerous out of the pocket as he has wonderful field vision. Wilson is not the scrambling athlete that some might want to box him into being. He kills from the pocket. His early season injuries seem to be far behind him. Stars still all over the place on defense still. Bobby Wagner just put up a legitimate defensive MVP performance this year. Led the league in tackles and is the backbone alone with Bam Bam Kam Chancellor. Chancellor may be the best run defending safety I've ever watched in 30+ years of analytically watching football. Michael Bennett continues to make big plays and was recently rewarded with contract extension. Cliff Avril (hey, remember me Lions fans?) and Frank Clark combined for 21 1/2 sacks which is the leading duo on all playoff teams. Richard Sherman is still a great cover corner. He gets a lot of negative attention for opening his mouth and opposing fans love to see him give up yardage, but the reality is that when being targeted he's still among the league leaders in opposing passer rating. As of last week I think he was second. Sherman has a specific skill set that he's very good at. Don't attempt to beat him over the top with a fade.
Seattle questions? Special teams has been weird. Problems with long snaps and the kicking game has hurt. Will it be a problem next week? Will Darrell Bevell continue to commit to running the ball on first down? Pass defense has been inconsistent since Earl Thomas was lost for the season. How will Steven Terrell perform this week? He was torched by Zona. Played better this past week.
I can easily see a path to victory for the Lions if Seattle continues to struggle running the ball on first down. Again, I think they will continue to try. They put themselves in long down and distance situations leading to three and outs. If Stafford can be patient and dink and dunk down the field they can move the ball. Seattle is built to not give up the big play on defense.
Hope its a good game.
I did address the pass defense in my Seattle questions. Steven Terrell graded well last week. Poorly against Zona. Seattle has safety depth. Sure losing Thomas hurts, but it doesn't equate a death sentence for the pass defense.Dr. Brew said:Weaknesses: No comment on the DBs and losing Earl Thomas? Detroit has an offense with more than 1 or 2 weapons in the passing game. When you have a competent QB back there and no Earl Thomas they are giving up an average 265 passing yards (compared with 225 per game over the course of the season). I certainly think Stafford is closer to Palmer and Rodgers than Goff and Kaep...
Wilson is a strength? Not necessarily. He has thrown the most INTs in the last SIX GAMES since his entire rookie season. He has the worst QB rating of his entire career (ranked 21st in the league among QBs). If his early season injuries are behind him, I think I'd rather have him hurt as he was having a better season in the first half. Wilson is basically Joe Flacco this season.
Why is disagreeing with you such a bad thing all the time? You wanted a conversation. I'm sorry I'm not throwing out titles like "MVP"and "best ever" and "don't test him deep" when I'm talking about Seattle.I did address the pass defense in my Seattle questions. Steven Terrell graded well last week. Poorly against Zona. Seattle has safety depth. Sure losing Thomas hurts, but it doesn't equate a death sentence for the pass defense.
Wilson has started 80 regular season games. If you believe his statistics over the past six games (really only one) are anything more than outlier numbers, well, I disagree. Further, you know well that 5 of those happened in one game. In his last three games he had a TD-INT ratio of 8-1. Now tell me why six games is more relevant. If that's true, I'm good with a sample size of 80. Fair enough? I'm comfortable with him starting for Seattle and will I'm damn glad he's going to be in Seattle for years to come. Do you really want to argue that having Wilson under center isn't a strength?
Are you having a rough day? Just looking for people to contradict for some reason?
Good guess. We must thank Mr. Brew for taking time away from riling up Giants fans to comment in this thread, yes?Lemme guess. Packer fan?
You asked me this question or something similar to it in another thread. I directly answered your question with two specific points. LINK. If you wish you can go reply to those points. The words we use and way we interact with each other counts for something in my iWorld. If not in yours I understand. When you don't have to see each other face to face some folks (like you) think that gives them license to be a ####. Your choice. You have little social media grace. I'm going to choose to move on and try to engage a Detroit fan. There are tons of guys here that are cool and easy to communicate with.Why is disagreeing with you such a bad thing all the time?
Lions strengths:Hooper31 said:Welcome to the playoffs. Best of luck this coming weekend against our Seahawks. Would be happy to do some Q and A with any of you guys if you wish to invest the time.
Seattle weakness? Offensive line is offensive. Starting two rookies and have struggled mightily against dominant pass rushers from the DT position. Calais Campbell and Aaron Donald four times a years absolutely sucks (1-2-1 in those games). Running game has disappeared. What was a constant strength for so long is now a liability. PFF guys grade Seattle as one of the worst run blocking groups nearly every week.
Seattle strength? Russell Wilson, Doug Baldwin, and Jimmy Graham on offense. If given a bit of time Wilson is dangerous. He's a great drop back passer and even more dangerous out of the pocket as he has wonderful field vision. Wilson is not the scrambling athlete that some might want to box him into being. He kills from the pocket. His early season injuries seem to be far behind him. Stars still all over the place on defense still. Bobby Wagner just put up a legitimate defensive MVP performance this year. Led the league in tackles and is the backbone alone with Bam Bam Kam Chancellor. Chancellor may be the best run defending safety I've ever watched in 30+ years of analytically watching football. Michael Bennett continues to make big plays and was recently rewarded with contract extension. Cliff Avril (hey, remember me Lions fans?) and Frank Clark combined for 21 1/2 sacks which is the leading duo on all playoff teams. Richard Sherman is still a great cover corner. He gets a lot of negative attention for opening his mouth and opposing fans love to see him give up yardage, but the reality is that when being targeted he's still among the league leaders in opposing passer rating. As of last week I think he was second. Sherman has a specific skill set that he's very good at. Don't attempt to beat him over the top with a fade.
Seattle questions? Special teams has been weird. Problems with long snaps and the kicking game has hurt. Will it be a problem next week? Will Darrell Bevell continue to commit to running the ball on first down? Pass defense has been inconsistent since Earl Thomas was lost for the season. How will Steven Terrell perform this week? He was torched by Zona. Played better this past week.
I can easily see a path to victory for the Lions if Seattle continues to struggle running the ball on first down. Again, I think they will continue to try. They put themselves in long down and distance situations leading to three and outs. If Stafford can be patient and dink and dunk down the field they can move the ball. Seattle is built to not give up the big play on defense.
Hope its a good game.
Hey Mt. Man,Hi Hooper! Q & A? Are Seahawks fans giving the Lions any chance? Like above 10%? Really? If so, why? >.> Anyway:
Detroit weakness: 1) Pressure. Tied for 30th in sacks, 31st in 3rd down conversions allowed. It's led to a lot of QBs standing around (and/or scrambling) until they complete a pass 5,6...9 seconds later. 2) Running Game. Yes, as always, but 30th in yards and 27th in YPC isn't exactly encouraging for a playoff team going on the road. Losing Riddick probably hurt more than losing Abdulluh. I'd list 'injuries', but that's cheating.
Detroit strengths: 1)When you look at the last two seasons, Stafford's numbers this year look pretty similar. And yet, partially thanks to Calvin leaving, it feels like one of his better ones. The 8 wins when trailing in the 4th quarter help out there. 2) Tate slept through the first month, then has averaged ~85 YPG receiving plus all of his TDs since. Boldin might have been the best pickup of the offseason. 3) Bend, but don't break: DBs have been really good... when healthy. 3b) Whitehead, Hyder and A'shawn Robinson have all been pleasant surprises. 4) Strong ST. Roberts is... decent enough (frustrating on taking Kickoffs to maybe the 20, but pretty great on punt returns), Prater has largely been clutch (7-7 from 50+) and Martin is 2nd in Punting Average.
Detroit questions: The o-line was a weakness, but now is pretty solid. Still needs off-season help/improvement, but at worst it's grown above being a problem. Is Levy half the player he was two years ago? Can Marvin Jones return to playing above being the 4th receiver (and only that high since Riddick got injured)? Ebron has improved, but can his stone hands truly be trusted? Can the Lions ignore their history of playing outdoors in weather, especially after a season where like 2 of their games weren't played in a dome?
I have to predict pain, going into Seattle and playing in the spotlight, because... well, see the last three games. Detroit feels like too much of a "not ready for primetime" team that might finish with 4 straight losses and still have a "successful" season. I hope for the best since both teams have their share of embarrassing losses (and near-embarrassing tie, in Seattle's case), but yeah. I'm more realistic than optimistic here.
This could be a deciding factor in a close game. Seattle STs have been awful for most of the year causing them to lose games, not win them.Special Teams - 2016 saw outstanding production / performance on STs.
I've seen this comment a few times. Earl Thomas is important to the Seattle defense, but I wouldn't call him the "heart" so much. He's certainly not the emotional leader. That's Kam Chancellor. Thomas is perhaps a more important element in their overall scheme. Not having to worry about being deep down the middle of the field is a luxury most teams don't have.The heart of their defense is out with an injury.
I specifically left out non-relevant issues and pointed specifically to stats, which you apparently were offended by.You asked me this question or something similar to it in another thread. I directly answered your question with two specific points. LINK. If you wish you can go reply to those points. The words we use and way we interact with each other counts for something in my iWorld. If not in yours I understand. When you don't have to see each other face to face some folks (like you) think that gives them license to be a ####. Your choice. You have little social media grace. I'm going to choose to move on and try to engage a Detroit fan. There are tons of guys here that are cool and easy to communicate with.
But when someone else makes this remark it's inflammatoryI've seen this comment a few times. Earl Thomas is important to the Seattle defense, but I wouldn't call him the "heart" so much. He's certainly not the emotional leader. That's Kam Chancellor. Thomas is perhaps a more important element in their overall scheme. Not having to worry about being deep down the middle of the field is a luxury most teams don't have.
This week I'm also a Lion's fanGood guess. We must thank Mr. Brew for taking time away from riling up Giants fans to comment in this thread, yes?Lemme guess. Packer fan?
Have a great rest of the day Mr. Man!3. Be Excellent to One Another.