msudaisy26
Footballguy
Will he be bringing his late night meals?
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2023 Detroit Lions: 2-1 TNF: Lions vs Packers on deck! (11 Viewers)
- Thread starter Da Guru
- Start date
Will he be bringing his late night meals?
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safety
- Alex Anzalone: (65) 90% -- One special teams snap (4%)
- Derrick Barnes: (39) 54%
- Jack Campbell: (23) 32% -- 13 special teams snaps (46%)
- Malcolm Rodriguez: (16) 22% -- 16 special teams snaps (57%)
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin: 22 special teams snaps (79%)
- Anthony Pittman: 22 special teams snaps (79%)
- Aidan Hutchinson: (68) 94% -- One special teams snap (4%)
- Charles Harris: (41) 57% -- Eight special teams snaps (29%)
- Alim McNeill: (55) 76% -- Seven special teams snaps (25%)
- Benito Jones: (48) 67% -- Seven special teams snaps (25%)
- John Cominsky: (48) 67% -- Eight special teams snaps (29%)
- Levi Onwuzurike: (14) 19% -- One special teams snap (4%)
- James Houston: (11) 15% -- Eight special teams snaps (29%)
- Romeo Okwara: (27) 38% - - Three special teams snaps (11%)
Cornerbacks
- Cameron Sutton: (72) 100% -- One special teams snap (4%)
- Jerry Jacobs: (72) 100% -- Eight special teams snaps (29%)
- Will Harris: 22 special teams snaps (79%)
- Chase Lucas: Eight special teams snaps (29%)
Safety
- Kerby Joseph: (63) 88% -- Seven special teams snaps (25%)
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson: (70) 97% -- One special teams snap (4%)
- Brian Branch: (49) 68% -- Six special teams snaps (21%)
- Ifeatu Melifonwu: (2) 3% -- 16 special teams snaps (57%)
- Tracy Walker III: (9) 12% -- Eight special teams snaps (29%)
Moonlight
Footballguy
I wasn't able to watch the game as it was blacked out here in the Upper Peninsula (Packerland). I bought Sunday Ticket last year but only needed it once for a Lions game.
I've read different accounts and interviews and what I was left with was that the game was described as having a playoff intensity to it. That may help explain the number of injuries. Campbell seemed less confident postgame I think losing this game was as deflating to him as it was to the fans.
Campbell indicated that the pick 6 was due to a wrong route by Gibbs. This may explain why they have been bringing him along slowly. He is being asked to perform as both a NFL starting RB and WR -big learning curve and its going to take more games before he and team are comfortable with his use as a multi-purpose "weapon". I also thought it interesting and supportive that Goff took the blame for the INT on himself.
Lions opened their schedule against two playoff teams. Seattle has an excellent coach, Superbowl bloodlines and one of the best QBs. Geno Smith has been so accurate for the past two years. Its no disgrace to lose to them in OT after having 3 turnovers including a pick 6. The Lions had the best TO ratio last year and some regression should be expected.
The defense is going to take time to come around with the new additions, rookies and FAs. Losing Pascal and Houston hurts and sounds like we will be lucky if Moseley is ready by midseason.
Though the overtime rules have improved it still sucks that you lose the game without ever having the chance to touch the ball yourself. NFL should consider going to the college format. Its fairer. Lions also were unlucky in that they didn't get the ball first in overtime.
One thing that concerns me is reading perceptions that Campbell was not aggressive in the final 2 minutes and played for the tie. Doesn't match going for it on 4th down in your territory with a 4 point lead.
I've read different accounts and interviews and what I was left with was that the game was described as having a playoff intensity to it. That may help explain the number of injuries. Campbell seemed less confident postgame I think losing this game was as deflating to him as it was to the fans.
Campbell indicated that the pick 6 was due to a wrong route by Gibbs. This may explain why they have been bringing him along slowly. He is being asked to perform as both a NFL starting RB and WR -big learning curve and its going to take more games before he and team are comfortable with his use as a multi-purpose "weapon". I also thought it interesting and supportive that Goff took the blame for the INT on himself.
Lions opened their schedule against two playoff teams. Seattle has an excellent coach, Superbowl bloodlines and one of the best QBs. Geno Smith has been so accurate for the past two years. Its no disgrace to lose to them in OT after having 3 turnovers including a pick 6. The Lions had the best TO ratio last year and some regression should be expected.
The defense is going to take time to come around with the new additions, rookies and FAs. Losing Pascal and Houston hurts and sounds like we will be lucky if Moseley is ready by midseason.
Though the overtime rules have improved it still sucks that you lose the game without ever having the chance to touch the ball yourself. NFL should consider going to the college format. Its fairer. Lions also were unlucky in that they didn't get the ball first in overtime.
One thing that concerns me is reading perceptions that Campbell was not aggressive in the final 2 minutes and played for the tie. Doesn't match going for it on 4th down in your territory with a 4 point lead.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
[Palazzolo]
Most pressures through two weeks:
Most pressures through two weeks:
- Aidan Hutchinson - 13
- Micah Parsons - 12
- Jalen Carter - 11
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
PFF Overall Defensive Grades
- Derrick Barnes 85.4
- Kerby Joseph 77.7
- Cameron Sutton 69.1
- Tracy Walker III 67.2
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson 67.1
- Aidan Hutchinson 63.7
- Romeo Okwara 61.9
- Jack Campbell 61.0
- Ifeatu Melifonwu60.0
- Brian Branch 55.3
- Malcolm Rodriguez 54.8
- Alex Anzalone 51.9
- Jerry Jacobs 51.2
- John Cominsky 49.9
- Charles Harris 48.2
- Levi Onwuzurike 45.6
- Alim McNeill 43.8
- Benito Jones 35.3
- James Houston 30.2
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
PFF Overall Offensive Grades
- Amon-Ra St. Brown 84.9
- Josh Reynolds 80.1
- Jared Goff 80.2
- Sam LaPorta 79.3
- Frank Ragnow 79.1
- Penei Sewell 77.8
- Kalif Raymond 70.3
- Matt Nelson 65.8
- David Montgomery 63.3
- Jonah Jackson 60.1
- Halapoulivaati Vaitai 59.1
- Craig Reynolds 58.5
- James Mitchell 58.4
- Antoine Green 57.8
- Jahmyr Gibbs 56.0
- Jason Cabinda 55.4
- Graham Glasgow 53.4
- Marvin Jones Jr. 50.8
- Brock Wright 44.8
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
MCDC presser
"Montgomery, take away the fumble – and golly, I thought he played outstanding. He is such a versatile back. He’s explosive. Talk about being reliable, he’s very reliable." If he misses time they'll stick with a RBBC, but Jahmyr Gibbs will get a bigger piece.
WRT pass rush, said need to do a better job transitioning into the rush quicker once they've read it won't be a run, and have to be more violent in shedding blockers. They also have a responsibility to not rush too high on the perimeter or they'll open a void (running lane for the QB.) Have the discipline to do your job and trust the guy next to you is doing his job. Also just have to do a better job winning their one-one-ones. "Defensively, we need our most reliable guys to be reliable. They know who they are. I just expect more, we hold them to high standards."
Down 10, the team stayed calm and did what needed to be done. Drove down for the TD, got the 3 n out stop, and tied the game up. Didn't close it out but said he was encouraged with the comeback.
Spotting them 14 points with the lost fumble inside the 25 and pick 6 was too much, but eliminate those and they were in control of the game.
High praise for Sam LaPorta. "Just quietly gets better. Actually plays better on game day than practice when he's getting coached hard. Critical moments, he doesn't cower from that. He is HIGHLY competitive, he wants the ball, he wants to make plays, he wants to be the one making the key block. You can [win] with those guys. He is showing up. What you see is true."
Takeaways - the picks will come. But we've got to emphasize, reemphasize it, say it different way, forcing turnovers, you have to force those. WRT to ball security, there is nothing more important. You have to treat it like your teammates life depended on it. It's the MOST important thing. We have to emphasize it a different way and get that cleaned up.
Offensively the tape was a lot cleaner than the KC game but the turnovers negated all of that.
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Seahawks game had an attendance of 66,434, which was the 4th-largest crowd in Ford Field history.https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard
- Houston - fibula (aside - non-load bearing, normal healing is 6 weeks)
- Vaitai - knee, will be out awhile but won’t know definitively for another day; not expected to go on IR
- Montgomery - thigh bruise, day to day
- Decker - getting better every day
WRT pass rush, said need to do a better job transitioning into the rush quicker once they've read it won't be a run, and have to be more violent in shedding blockers. They also have a responsibility to not rush too high on the perimeter or they'll open a void (running lane for the QB.) Have the discipline to do your job and trust the guy next to you is doing his job. Also just have to do a better job winning their one-one-ones. "Defensively, we need our most reliable guys to be reliable. They know who they are. I just expect more, we hold them to high standards."
Down 10, the team stayed calm and did what needed to be done. Drove down for the TD, got the 3 n out stop, and tied the game up. Didn't close it out but said he was encouraged with the comeback.
Spotting them 14 points with the lost fumble inside the 25 and pick 6 was too much, but eliminate those and they were in control of the game.
High praise for Sam LaPorta. "Just quietly gets better. Actually plays better on game day than practice when he's getting coached hard. Critical moments, he doesn't cower from that. He is HIGHLY competitive, he wants the ball, he wants to make plays, he wants to be the one making the key block. You can [win] with those guys. He is showing up. What you see is true."
Takeaways - the picks will come. But we've got to emphasize, reemphasize it, say it different way, forcing turnovers, you have to force those. WRT to ball security, there is nothing more important. You have to treat it like your teammates life depended on it. It's the MOST important thing. We have to emphasize it a different way and get that cleaned up.
Offensively the tape was a lot cleaner than the KC game but the turnovers negated all of that.
***************
Seahawks game had an attendance of 66,434, which was the 4th-largest crowd in Ford Field history.https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
agreed
In his presser today he said the most important thing, his mindset in that moment, was don't give the ball back to them with them having two timeouts. Liked their chances in overtime.
That makes no sense. You don't want to give the ball back to them (if you tie it up) bc why.....bc you don't trust your defense will prevent them from making a couple first downs and kicking the game winner. But then you're willing to take a 50/50 shot on them getting the ball for overtime.
First two plays, 23 yards, moved from the 50 to the 27, full minute left, all three timeouts.....and the guy who has been going for 4th downs all day switches to conservative mode to kick the FG? Score a TD there and you're forcing Seattle to 75 yards for a TD. Go for the win and steal right there.
I don't think MCDC cost them the game, the single biggest thing was turnovers, and the defense (both lack of pass rush & soft coverage) were bigger factors. But still....have to do a better job there.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
It's now-or-never time for Aaron Glenn and the Lions defense
It sure set up beautifully for Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. A home game with an amazing sell-out crowd and a Seahawks team coming to Ford Field with both starting offensive tackles out — it’s an optimal situation for his defense to attack Seattle.
It didn’t play out as hoped for Glenn and his Detroit defense. Not even remotely close. And that’s the kind of suboptimal performance from Glenn’s unit that is no longer acceptable
After playing pretty well in the opening win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Lions’ defense collapsed against the Seahawks.
Okay, okay. The Seahawks have a potent offense. D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Kenneth Walker and company are great weapons for steady veteran QB Geno Smith. Heck, they hung 48 on Detroit last year, never punting once in the process. They’re going to get theirs against a lot of teams, not just Detroit.
That doesn’t excuse how easy Detroit’s defense, no–Glenn’s defense–made it for them. Again, it’s no longer acceptable, not for Glenn, not for the players, not for Dan Campbell as the man in charge of the on-field product.
The Lions didn’t register a single QB hit in the game until Alex Anzalone sacked Geno Smith late in the fourth quarter on a play where Smith eschewed several chances to throw the ball away. They didn’t have a single sack in the opener in Kansas City, either.
Aidan Hutchinson has been Detroit’s only source of real pressure in the first two games. He’s been blanked on the sack sheet, but Hutchinson has definitely been impactful. Nobody else has sniffed what Patrick Mahomes or Geno Smith smells like in the pocket, not without Hutchinson’s help in attracting attention away from them.
Some of that is on the players themselves. Charles Harris had a couple of effort wins and pressures against the Chiefs, and James Houston nearly bagged a sack on Mahomes. John Cominsky played well in Kansas City but was invisible against the Seahawks. Alim McNeill almost got home once against Smith right after Seattle had to insert rookie Olu Oluwatimi at center for an injured (ex-Lion) Evan Brown, but that was it on Sunday. The players are not getting the job done. They’re also not being helped by their coordinator.
Glenn hasn’t been aggressive or creative in attacking the quarterback. There have been a few blitzes, mostly from Brian Branch out of the slot, that have had some success even without finishing the sack. Most of the time, it’s Glenn asking his players to win their battles one-on-one, or two-on-one if it’s Hutchinson.
It jumps off the game film when watching the frequently chaotic blocking scheme the Detroit offense deploys. There’s almost always some movement, or a trap block, or a pulling lineman, or a backside pickoff help built into the blocking scheme. Glenn’s defense doesn’t do anything like that. No stunts, no twists, no asynchronous rushes, no overloads. The limited ones they do try don’t seem well-coordinated or rehearsed. They’re certainly not effective.
There is too much individual talent on the defensive front to have just one sack in eight-plus quarters of football. The players are not producing. The scheme and defensive play-calling aren’t helping. It’s making life too hard on the linebackers and defensive backs in coverage, and that’s a very easy way to keep losing football games.
(Those coverages look better than last year’s early-season abomination but could also use some simplification, too.)
Glenn has to mix things up. He’s from the Bill Parcells coaching tree. He was a Pro Bowl cornerback in multiple Parcells defenses. Parcells would not stand pat and keep failing by trying the same ineffective methods and schemes over and over again. It’s time for Glenn to either channel his Hall-of-Fame coaching mentor or find a different place to coach.
Campbell has been down this road once before, unfortunately. His initial choice of offensive coordinator, Anthony Lynn, was disastrous back in 2021. Campbell had no choice but to pull the plug on Lynn after an 0-8-1 start. It’s getting perilously close to time for Campbell to make another tough but necessary decision, this time on his defensive coordinator and longtime colleague, Glenn.
Next week’s game against Atlanta is a direct challenge for Glenn, or rather it should be. The Falcons are a run-based team with an inconsistent young quarterback in Desmond Ridder who doesn’t attack downfield well. Detroit’s run defense has been a bright spot; the Lions are allowing under 2.8 yards per carry on non-QB runs through the first two weeks. The linebackers and safeties are doing great at snuffing out the opposing running backs.
Now it’s time for them to do that to the opposing passing game. If not, Glenn’s seat should be on fire.
It didn’t play out as hoped for Glenn and his Detroit defense. Not even remotely close. And that’s the kind of suboptimal performance from Glenn’s unit that is no longer acceptable
After playing pretty well in the opening win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Lions’ defense collapsed against the Seahawks.
Okay, okay. The Seahawks have a potent offense. D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Kenneth Walker and company are great weapons for steady veteran QB Geno Smith. Heck, they hung 48 on Detroit last year, never punting once in the process. They’re going to get theirs against a lot of teams, not just Detroit.
That doesn’t excuse how easy Detroit’s defense, no–Glenn’s defense–made it for them. Again, it’s no longer acceptable, not for Glenn, not for the players, not for Dan Campbell as the man in charge of the on-field product.
The Lions didn’t register a single QB hit in the game until Alex Anzalone sacked Geno Smith late in the fourth quarter on a play where Smith eschewed several chances to throw the ball away. They didn’t have a single sack in the opener in Kansas City, either.
Aidan Hutchinson has been Detroit’s only source of real pressure in the first two games. He’s been blanked on the sack sheet, but Hutchinson has definitely been impactful. Nobody else has sniffed what Patrick Mahomes or Geno Smith smells like in the pocket, not without Hutchinson’s help in attracting attention away from them.
Some of that is on the players themselves. Charles Harris had a couple of effort wins and pressures against the Chiefs, and James Houston nearly bagged a sack on Mahomes. John Cominsky played well in Kansas City but was invisible against the Seahawks. Alim McNeill almost got home once against Smith right after Seattle had to insert rookie Olu Oluwatimi at center for an injured (ex-Lion) Evan Brown, but that was it on Sunday. The players are not getting the job done. They’re also not being helped by their coordinator.
Glenn hasn’t been aggressive or creative in attacking the quarterback. There have been a few blitzes, mostly from Brian Branch out of the slot, that have had some success even without finishing the sack. Most of the time, it’s Glenn asking his players to win their battles one-on-one, or two-on-one if it’s Hutchinson.
It jumps off the game film when watching the frequently chaotic blocking scheme the Detroit offense deploys. There’s almost always some movement, or a trap block, or a pulling lineman, or a backside pickoff help built into the blocking scheme. Glenn’s defense doesn’t do anything like that. No stunts, no twists, no asynchronous rushes, no overloads. The limited ones they do try don’t seem well-coordinated or rehearsed. They’re certainly not effective.
There is too much individual talent on the defensive front to have just one sack in eight-plus quarters of football. The players are not producing. The scheme and defensive play-calling aren’t helping. It’s making life too hard on the linebackers and defensive backs in coverage, and that’s a very easy way to keep losing football games.
(Those coverages look better than last year’s early-season abomination but could also use some simplification, too.)
Glenn has to mix things up. He’s from the Bill Parcells coaching tree. He was a Pro Bowl cornerback in multiple Parcells defenses. Parcells would not stand pat and keep failing by trying the same ineffective methods and schemes over and over again. It’s time for Glenn to either channel his Hall-of-Fame coaching mentor or find a different place to coach.
Campbell has been down this road once before, unfortunately. His initial choice of offensive coordinator, Anthony Lynn, was disastrous back in 2021. Campbell had no choice but to pull the plug on Lynn after an 0-8-1 start. It’s getting perilously close to time for Campbell to make another tough but necessary decision, this time on his defensive coordinator and longtime colleague, Glenn.
Next week’s game against Atlanta is a direct challenge for Glenn, or rather it should be. The Falcons are a run-based team with an inconsistent young quarterback in Desmond Ridder who doesn’t attack downfield well. Detroit’s run defense has been a bright spot; the Lions are allowing under 2.8 yards per carry on non-QB runs through the first two weeks. The linebackers and safeties are doing great at snuffing out the opposing running backs.
Now it’s time for them to do that to the opposing passing game. If not, Glenn’s seat should be on fire.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Walker should have got a chunk of that deal. Walker was worth 2-3 more wins on his won for MSU that season. Against Michigan for sure.
Tucker was 5-7 his last season at Colorado. Robert Saleh and Luke Fickell both interviewed for the job and they picked Tucker.
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https://www.detroitnews.com/story/s...nson-potentially-lost-for-season/70896689007/
Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson potentially lost for season: 'It's not looking good for him'
Snotbubbles
Footballguy
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/s...nson-potentially-lost-for-season/70896689007/
Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson potentially lost for season: 'It's not looking good for him'
Losing him would be a gut punch. Not only is he good, but he brings attitude to the defense.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Could we just once get though a first quarter of the season without losing a starting DB for the year?
- 2021 Okudah
- 2022 Walker
- 2023 CJGJ
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
blue ski mask going in the Goodwill box
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Lions are 31st in PFF Tackling Grade
Anzalone and Jacobs have 5 missed tackles through 2 games
Brian Branch, who has 83.3 tackling grade so far, had 4 missed tackles in his three years at Alabama (1698 snaps)
***************
Tracy Walker probably takes over as the starting S; was the Lions best DB in 21-22 and a team captain a year ago, but coming off achilles, not sure he'll be the same player.
Would they give consideration to moving BB back? I don't think so, he is outstanding in run support and a good cover Slot corner (though he was on Lockett for the walk off TD.) Doesn't really have the closing speed to be a deep safety, best to deploy him closer to the LOS.
***************
Jerry Jacobs had a 30.6 man coverage grade in 2022. His overall coverage grade versus the Seahawks wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (49.9, and 51.1 on the year) but they don't offer zone v man coverage grades in their weekly premium content. His rookie year his overall defensive grade was 65.8, but has slipped to 55.8 and 54.2 since tearing his ACL.
As an aside, there was some bogus thing going around X (twitter) and Reddit yesterday he gave up 12 receptions for 180 yards and 3 TDs. Doesn't pass the smell test, PFF has him at 6/7 allowed for 68 yards. Week 1 he was 3/6 for 13 yards.
***************
Geno Smith was 19/22 for 189 yards and 2 TD (+20.1% CPOE*) when targeting receivers outside of the numbers
NGS Pass Chart
*completion percentage over expected
***************
The stubbornness to keep playing man when you clearly don't have to dudes to play Cover Zero is baffling. We called it a ton in the first 7 games of last year, and rarely in the last 10 games when we fired the DBs coached and switched it up, with Quarters / Quarter Half being the most prevalent coverage scheme (our Cover Zero % on the year was like 15th.)
In 2021 and 2022 under Glenn, the Lions were in the top half of the NFL in blitz rate. Through two games this season, they are blitzing at the second-lowest rate in the league (5.6 percent). There has been little imagination in Glenn's trying to scheme pass rush, almost in deference to an improved secondary.
***************
WRT the pass rush, this is getting into the weeds and it's pretty hard to determine the real answer bc they're never going to give a straight answer in pressers. But picking up on verbiage from Glenn last week and Campbell yesterday, it seems clear that the thing they emphasize for the DL on the pass rush is maintaining your rush lanes and not creating voids by rushing too deep. Don't be a hero, do your job and trust your teammate will do his job. It's why they have continually treated James Houston IV like the ree-headed stepchild; he has incredible bend and is super fast getting around the outside, but in doing so he opens up running lanes for the QB.
We bemoan that the IDL doesn't create enough pressure - which is true of 20-28 teams most weeks - but philosophically I think they want those guys to stand their man up and drive to collapse the pocket. There is no creativity, we hardly ever run stunts. Hutch will line up as a 3-tech occasionally but doesn't loop back outside, if he lines up at Edge he's probably coming wide or doing a spin move to his man's inside shoulder but you almost never see him loop inside the 3-tech or 4-I alongside him. Stay. In. Your. Lane.
In both games it seems to me that Hutch is creating pressure; 10 or 13 hurries depending on your source, 3 QB hits vs Mahomes, 17.1% pass win rate. But it's not that hard for mobile QBs to avoid one guy. We are relying on guys to win their one-on-one battle but we never flood the protection on one side to create or force the pressure.
Anzalone and Jacobs have 5 missed tackles through 2 games
Brian Branch, who has 83.3 tackling grade so far, had 4 missed tackles in his three years at Alabama (1698 snaps)
- true freshman, 1 missed tackle in 290 snaps
- Sophomore year, 0 missed tackles in 624 snaps
- Junior year, 3 missed tackles in 784 snaps
***************
Tracy Walker probably takes over as the starting S; was the Lions best DB in 21-22 and a team captain a year ago, but coming off achilles, not sure he'll be the same player.
Would they give consideration to moving BB back? I don't think so, he is outstanding in run support and a good cover Slot corner (though he was on Lockett for the walk off TD.) Doesn't really have the closing speed to be a deep safety, best to deploy him closer to the LOS.
***************
Jerry Jacobs had a 30.6 man coverage grade in 2022. His overall coverage grade versus the Seahawks wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (49.9, and 51.1 on the year) but they don't offer zone v man coverage grades in their weekly premium content. His rookie year his overall defensive grade was 65.8, but has slipped to 55.8 and 54.2 since tearing his ACL.
As an aside, there was some bogus thing going around X (twitter) and Reddit yesterday he gave up 12 receptions for 180 yards and 3 TDs. Doesn't pass the smell test, PFF has him at 6/7 allowed for 68 yards. Week 1 he was 3/6 for 13 yards.
***************
Geno Smith was 19/22 for 189 yards and 2 TD (+20.1% CPOE*) when targeting receivers outside of the numbers
NGS Pass Chart
*completion percentage over expected
***************
The stubbornness to keep playing man when you clearly don't have to dudes to play Cover Zero is baffling. We called it a ton in the first 7 games of last year, and rarely in the last 10 games when we fired the DBs coached and switched it up, with Quarters / Quarter Half being the most prevalent coverage scheme (our Cover Zero % on the year was like 15th.)
In 2021 and 2022 under Glenn, the Lions were in the top half of the NFL in blitz rate. Through two games this season, they are blitzing at the second-lowest rate in the league (5.6 percent). There has been little imagination in Glenn's trying to scheme pass rush, almost in deference to an improved secondary.
***************
WRT the pass rush, this is getting into the weeds and it's pretty hard to determine the real answer bc they're never going to give a straight answer in pressers. But picking up on verbiage from Glenn last week and Campbell yesterday, it seems clear that the thing they emphasize for the DL on the pass rush is maintaining your rush lanes and not creating voids by rushing too deep. Don't be a hero, do your job and trust your teammate will do his job. It's why they have continually treated James Houston IV like the ree-headed stepchild; he has incredible bend and is super fast getting around the outside, but in doing so he opens up running lanes for the QB.
We bemoan that the IDL doesn't create enough pressure - which is true of 20-28 teams most weeks - but philosophically I think they want those guys to stand their man up and drive to collapse the pocket. There is no creativity, we hardly ever run stunts. Hutch will line up as a 3-tech occasionally but doesn't loop back outside, if he lines up at Edge he's probably coming wide or doing a spin move to his man's inside shoulder but you almost never see him loop inside the 3-tech or 4-I alongside him. Stay. In. Your. Lane.
In both games it seems to me that Hutch is creating pressure; 10 or 13 hurries depending on your source, 3 QB hits vs Mahomes, 17.1% pass win rate. But it's not that hard for mobile QBs to avoid one guy. We are relying on guys to win their one-on-one battle but we never flood the protection on one side to create or force the pressure.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Jared Goff through 2 games is continuing to play at a very high level. Obviously the pick 6 was huge but don't lose sight of the fact he was crisp and sharp, driving his throws all day.
Deep Ball Passing (20+ yards) 4/7, 123, TD - he has made two Big Time Throws (official category at PFF), has a grade of 92.8 and a passer rating of 141.4. All 3 incompletions were on target and PFF graded them as drops by the receiver or were broken up by the defender.
Intermediate Passing (10-19 yards) 9/11, 175 yards, TD, 2 BTT, PFF passing grade 91.0, NFL passer rating 149.1.
Last year in their year end ranking of QBs, Goff was like 20th despite being 5th to 8th in most statistics (2nd in lowest interception %.) They even put out a special segment on YouTube to justify their ranking, the chief rationale being his Big Time Throw (BTT) percentage was 2.9%. This year it is 5.5% (5th best) and they are singing his praises. He currently has the 4th best offensive grade amongst QBs, behind only Tua, Mahomes, and Baker Mayfield. The only QBs with a higher BTT % are Trevor, Tua, Staff and Carr.
The INT was either a bad route (Campbell's initial take) or his own fault (Goff's postgame) or the Edge grazed the release and caused a wobble that was well behind Gibbs (my analysis of the play looking at it frame by frame.) I think Jared was protecting his rookie there and it's just his nature to put it on himself, that's one of the roles you play being the QB and a leader.
Deep Ball Passing (20+ yards) 4/7, 123, TD - he has made two Big Time Throws (official category at PFF), has a grade of 92.8 and a passer rating of 141.4. All 3 incompletions were on target and PFF graded them as drops by the receiver or were broken up by the defender.
Intermediate Passing (10-19 yards) 9/11, 175 yards, TD, 2 BTT, PFF passing grade 91.0, NFL passer rating 149.1.
Last year in their year end ranking of QBs, Goff was like 20th despite being 5th to 8th in most statistics (2nd in lowest interception %.) They even put out a special segment on YouTube to justify their ranking, the chief rationale being his Big Time Throw (BTT) percentage was 2.9%. This year it is 5.5% (5th best) and they are singing his praises. He currently has the 4th best offensive grade amongst QBs, behind only Tua, Mahomes, and Baker Mayfield. The only QBs with a higher BTT % are Trevor, Tua, Staff and Carr.
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Depth is going to be tested with these injuries adding up.
Offense:
Offense:
- Taylor Decker (ankle)
- Hal Vaitai (knee TBD)
- David Montgomery (thigh bruise)
- Julian Okwara (IR)
- Josh Paschal (IR)
- Khalil Dorsey (IR)
- James Houston (fibula 6-8 weeks)
- CJGJ (torn pec, season ending)
- Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring)
TartanLion
Footballguy
Been avoiding coming in here as have been in a bad mood about it all. Hardly makes for light reading now that I have. Some really depressing injury news.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
PFF Defensive Positional Ranks for Week 2
DI (129 players ranked)
DI (129 players ranked)
- Cominsky 98th
- Onwuzurike 107th
- McNeil 112th
- Jones 126th
- Hutchinson 53rd
- Okwara 60th
- Harris 106th
- Houston 117th
- Barnes 6th
- Campbell 54th
- Rodriguez 68th
- Anzalone 74th
- Sutton 29th
- Branch 78th
- Jacobs 86th
- Joseph 8th
- Walker 29th
- CJGJ 30th
- Melifonwu 51st
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
PFF Offensive Positional Ranks for Week 2
QB (29)
Rushing (69)
QB (29)
- Goff 5th
Rushing (69)
- Montgomery 34th
- Reynolds 46th
- Gibbs 54th
- Montgomery 21st
- Gibbs 29th
- Reynolds 38th
- St Brown 7th
- Reynolds 10th
- Raymond 35th
- Green 82nd
- LaPorta 3rd
- Mitchell 42nd
- Wright 70th
- Sewell 8th
- Nelson 27th
- Jackson 30th
- Vaitai 36th
- Glasgow 49th
- Ragnow 2nd
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
miscellaneous PFF stats
Top Special Teams Grades (1193 ranked players)
Adjusted Pass Completion %*
RB Elusive Rating
Top Special Teams Grades (1193 ranked players)
- Khalil Dorsey 90.0 (12th in the league) - IR after KC game
- Chase Lucas 72.2 () - took over for Dorsey as the gunner
- Reeves-Maybin 71.3 ST Captain
- Campbell 69.9
- Melifonwu 64.3
- Cabinda 64.2
- Rodriguez 63.0
- Barnes 62.4
- Jackson 61.6
- Sewell 61.1 (396)
- Foz 61.1 (396)
Kick Off 60.6 (23rd)
Punt 57.7 (29th) - Glasgow 61.0 (420)
- Harris 60.9 (448)
- Vaitai 60.9 (448)
- Hutchinson 60.7 (504)
- Sorsdal 60.6 (538)
- Joseph 60.6 (538)
- Nelson 60.6 (538)
- Mitchell 60.4 (594)
- Raymond 60.3 (620)
PR 70.1 (4th) - Jacobs 60.1 (703)
- Branch 60.0 (738)
- Cominsky 60.0 (738)
- Patterson 60.0 (738)
PK 74.0 (8th) - CJGJ 60.0 (738)
- Awosika 60.0 (738)
- Sutton 60.0 (738)
- Anzalone 60.0 (738)
- Okwara 60.0 (738)
- Paschal 59.8 (887) - IR
- Onwuzurike 59.8 (887)
- Wright 59.6 (914)
- Green 59.0 (986)
- McNeil 59.0 (986)
- Benito Jones 58.8 (1000)
- Pittman 55.8 (1077)
- Harris 55.4 (1086)
- Walker III 55.3 (1087)
- Daly 54.3 (1098)
- Craig Reynolds 52.0 (1122)
KR 57.4 (25th) - Houston IV 31.6 (1185)
Adjusted Pass Completion %*
- Goff 84.1% (2nd behind Geno Smith)
RB Elusive Rating
- Gibbs 104.3 (13th)
- Reynolds100.0 (14th)
- Montgomery 76.7 (23rd)
- Raymond 100.0 (5th)
- Gibbs 59.3% (3rd)
- Montgomery 22.0% (25th)
- Jahymr Gibbs, Marvin Jones Jr, and Josh Reynolds have one drop each (3 total through 2 games.)
- St Brown 2.75 (16th)
- Raymond 2.75 (16th
- Reynolds 2.47 (21st)
- Laporta 1.82 (10th)
- Laporta 1.96 (6th)
- Ragnow 100%
- Vaitai 100%
- Sewell 98.6% (2 hurries)
- Nelson 97.3% (1 hit, 1 hurry)
- Decker 97.1% (1 hit, 1 hurry)
- Jackson 95.1% (1 sack, 1 hit, 4 hurries)
- Glasgow 90.0% (1 hit, 2 hurries
- Paschal 33.3%
- Barnes 18.5%
- OKwara 14.3%
- CJGJ 13.5%
- Branch 11.8%
- Anzalone 11.4%
- Joseph 5.9%
- Cominsky 4.0%
- Harris 2.9%
- Hutchinson 2.6%
- Sutton 2.6%
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
With Gardner-Johnson being out for the season he might be a one and done here. Will be interesting to see if Lions will resign him on another "Prove it" type of deal.
Sad thing is he was injured after he took that stupid penalty, in fact two players got hurt after the roughing call. Things may have been different if that does not happen.
Anyway he will be sorely missed.
Snotbubbles
Footballguy
I don't think he'd be happy taking another "prove it" deal.
He might not have a choice
This is nothing short of amazing.
If Glenn does not start making in-game adjustments and changing things when they aren't working, he might be the next assistant coach that gets fired.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
No player is happy on a "prove it" deal. But he only played a game and a half.
I liked him but it is difficult to judge his value in such little time.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
This is a crazy busy week for the assistants bc they’re putting together two game plans; Sunday v Falcons and 9 days fm now. They’ll send out Wk 4 to the players after the next game & do the installs/ walk through on Monday.
I don’t see them 86ing AG but I could see them making some philosophical changes. This is two years in a row of believing your guys are good enough to play an aggressive coverage scheme and get pressure from the front 4. Took us 8 weeks/7 games to admit it last year.
MCDC & Glenn had him for three years with the Saints. The whole league knows him as one of the best Swiss Army knife DBs around. Philly would love to have him back. IDK if either the Eagles or Lions will pay up though.
I don’t see them 86ing AG but I could see them making some philosophical changes. This is two years in a row of believing your guys are good enough to play an aggressive coverage scheme and get pressure from the front 4. Took us 8 weeks/7 games to admit it last year.
MCDC & Glenn had him for three years with the Saints. The whole league knows him as one of the best Swiss Army knife DBs around. Philly would love to have him back. IDK if either the Eagles or Lions will pay up though.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Jack Campbell has earned more snaps IMO.
Doubt they’ll do it, but Alex Anzalone needs to have a reduced role. They love his leadership, he’s a captain and wears the green dot helmet. Wish that would change but realistically I don’t think so.
Doubt they’ll do it, but Alex Anzalone needs to have a reduced role. They love his leadership, he’s a captain and wears the green dot helmet. Wish that would change but realistically I don’t think so.
Snotbubbles
Footballguy
Eagles might if their secondary doesn't start playing better.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Campbell is faster and more fluid than AA. Deserves more snaps.
I really like what AA brings, just wish he were a faster type of LB.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Alex keeps them on point, he knows everyone’s assignment, heard a couple Chiefs mention was really disruptive clogging passing lanes. But too often it’s been what we saw repeatedly v the Seahawks: missed tackles, trailing in coverage, and other than Geno’s bonehead sack, he just vanishes for long stretches.
Supposedly he’s a good athlete. I like him better at Will bc Barnes has been outstanding run stuffer while Campbell has shown he can mirror in coverage and utilize his length. They don’t seem to know how to utilize Rodrigo. He’s strong like bull but has some obvious physical limitations. They’ve been using him almost exclusively in coverage, but he’s kind of slow & short.
We need more guys who can stack and shed. Time to bring Buggs out of the doghouse & give him Benito’s snaps.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Definitely a low point after such high expectations. If we are feeling like this, you wonder where the players are at.
After winning at KC things were looking good and thought we were on a roll. But life decided to kick us in the nuts. It happens. I think that many of us are in a bit of a state of shock.
It’s not so much losing to Seattle it is all the injuries in the last week. Plus this game reminded me of the early losses of last season where we score a lot of points and still lose.
If you sit back and think about it and get away from the disappointment, it’s only one game. We have 15 left. I don’t think anyone expected us to go undefeated.
I’ll trust Campbell and Goff to see us through the adversity. We got knocked down and it’s going to take us a little longer to get back up. Hopefully we are not too sluggish.
Atlanta will be a good test. They love to run the ball and there is a risk of a repeat of the Carolina mauling if the Lions aren’t ready.
One good thing the Lions defense did vs Seattle was stop the run.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Lions head coach Dan Campbell leads the league in WP added over expected on fourth-down, 2PAT, timeout, etc. decisions through two games.
Last season he ranked 3rd in WP added over expected for the year.
Last season he ranked 3rd in WP added over expected for the year.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
As expected, the Lions have officially placed DB Khalil Dorsey, EDGE Josh Paschal, CB C.J. Gardner-Johnson and LB James Houston on Injured Reserve.
Other moves:
Other moves:
- Offensive lineman Kayode Awosika was signed from the practice squad to the active roster.
- CB Chase Lucas signed from practice squad to 53-man roster.
- Signed RB Zonovan Knight from the practice squad to the active roster.
(ASIDE - It's important distinction between a one week call up from the practice squad - typically a Saturday move - from signing to the active roster. The latter guarantees a minimum of 3 game checks for being on the 53-man - 4x more salary for the player. That's an indicator that Vaitai and Monty are both multi-game injuries. But not placing them on the IR probably means they expect them back in less than 4 weeks.)
That leaves the Lions with one spot open on the 53-man and three slots on the practice squad. One of the latter was filled today with a popular hero from last year.
- Detroit also brought back veteran Dan Skipper to the practice squad. It’s a return to the Lions for the NFL’s tallest player after a brief stint with the Colts.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Yet if you hear some people talk he's a terrible coach.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
People on Reddit and X losing their minds over what he said on 97.1 yesterday.
Campbell:
Campbell: Lions' final drive was "end of half" scenario, not end of game
Do I agree with Coach here? No, but that’s OK. I’m a CPA who spent 25 years in tech M&A. I can speak as a SME on the things I spent thousands of hours doing. I’ll defer to the guy who is quantitatively, statistically one of the best decision makers in the league when it comes to end game decisions.
Trailing by three with 1:44 remaining in their Week 2 loss to Seattle, the Lions took over at midfield with all three timeouts. From that point on, Dan Campbell said the Lions were in an "end-of-half" scenario, not end of game. They would force the game to overtime with a field goal as time expired, before losing the coin toss and then losing the game.
"To me, you’re down three, in the worst-case scenario you’re going in tied at halftime playing to overtime," Campbell said Tuesday on 97.1 The Ticket. "We agree with that? So we know, at worst, that’s what we need to end up with. At best, we’re going to get a touchdown. That is not end-of-game scenario, in my mind. That is end of half. That’s like, we’re the end of the second quarter, is how we’re playing that scenario."
Campbell said that because the Lions had just "come back from two scores down," they wanted to ensure that "at minimum," they brought the game into overtime: "We are going to get a field goal and we are not going to give them the chance to answer before halftime."
The drive began with a 12-yard completion to Josh Reynolds. The Lions ran their next play at 1:05, a handoff to Kalif Raymond that went for 11 yards. They let the clock run down to 32 seconds before Goff hit Jahmyr Gibbs for a short gain to the Seahawks' 23. At that point, Campbell called his first timeout with 26 seconds to go.
For the Lions, the approach changed after the next play when Goff failed to connect with Amon-Ra St. Brown over the middle for a potential first down. When they wound up facing 4th and 3 after another short pass to Gibbs on third down, Campbell let the clock wind down to 3 seconds before taking his second timeout to set up the game-tying field goal.
Asked if they thought about taking a shot to the end zone at any point in the final series, Campbell said, "No, I wanted to get a first down, call a timeout and then we had three shots to the end zone." He added that St. Brown was Goff's "first read" on the failed second-down play, "so we're good. We just didn't get it connected on."
Goff said Tuesday on 97.1 The Ticket that "it's a delicate balance" between playing to win and potentially leaving time on the clock for Seattle "and I’ve got a lot of respect for that balance that Dan played."
"Of course you want to get six there, you want to score a touchdown on any of those plays," said Goff. "But at the same time, there's an idea in the back of your head that you don’t want to kick a field goal with 45 seconds left. You do have to run those scenarios as you’re going, and it is a delicate dance there."
"We methodically drove it down, I love what Ben (Johnson) called, I thought Goff did a heck of a job," said Campbell. "We missed on a throw there, but ultimately we had plenty of time to answer. But we did what we needed to do to get into overtime."
And then, the coin fell in Seattle's favor.
"To me, you’re down three, in the worst-case scenario you’re going in tied at halftime playing to overtime," Campbell said Tuesday on 97.1 The Ticket. "We agree with that? So we know, at worst, that’s what we need to end up with. At best, we’re going to get a touchdown. That is not end-of-game scenario, in my mind. That is end of half. That’s like, we’re the end of the second quarter, is how we’re playing that scenario."
Campbell said that because the Lions had just "come back from two scores down," they wanted to ensure that "at minimum," they brought the game into overtime: "We are going to get a field goal and we are not going to give them the chance to answer before halftime."
The drive began with a 12-yard completion to Josh Reynolds. The Lions ran their next play at 1:05, a handoff to Kalif Raymond that went for 11 yards. They let the clock run down to 32 seconds before Goff hit Jahmyr Gibbs for a short gain to the Seahawks' 23. At that point, Campbell called his first timeout with 26 seconds to go.
For the Lions, the approach changed after the next play when Goff failed to connect with Amon-Ra St. Brown over the middle for a potential first down. When they wound up facing 4th and 3 after another short pass to Gibbs on third down, Campbell let the clock wind down to 3 seconds before taking his second timeout to set up the game-tying field goal.
Asked if they thought about taking a shot to the end zone at any point in the final series, Campbell said, "No, I wanted to get a first down, call a timeout and then we had three shots to the end zone." He added that St. Brown was Goff's "first read" on the failed second-down play, "so we're good. We just didn't get it connected on."
Goff said Tuesday on 97.1 The Ticket that "it's a delicate balance" between playing to win and potentially leaving time on the clock for Seattle "and I’ve got a lot of respect for that balance that Dan played."
"Of course you want to get six there, you want to score a touchdown on any of those plays," said Goff. "But at the same time, there's an idea in the back of your head that you don’t want to kick a field goal with 45 seconds left. You do have to run those scenarios as you’re going, and it is a delicate dance there."
"We methodically drove it down, I love what Ben (Johnson) called, I thought Goff did a heck of a job," said Campbell. "We missed on a throw there, but ultimately we had plenty of time to answer. But we did what we needed to do to get into overtime."
And then, the coin fell in Seattle's favor.
Yesterday everyone was jumping on these comments like it was a gotcha moment. I looked at it as insight into his thought process. I’m OK with folks who come to different conclusions if I can at least follow how they got there.
His aggressiveness adds way more win probability. He makes the gutsy calls we wish more HCs would at least think about. People say he coaches too much by the seat of his pants. It’s true, he does take into consideration the situation. Sometimes he’s wrong. BB made a lot of curious decisions in his 6 SB run. Sometimes the first reaction was “that’s crazy” and more often than not a deeper analytic dive proved him right.
I’m not comparing MCDC to HIM. But I don’t think it’s a coincidence many of his “audacious” decisions are the correct one from a win probability added view. To conventional thinkers it’s reckless, but in reality it is well thought out.
IMO
Not perfect, he has
*Freudian slip
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
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I jumped on the Josh Reynolds bandwagon last week thanks to the info here, @BobbyLayne , and the history of SEA-DET games. I might jump off for a week, TBD.
Jameson was just dropped in my league. Any predictions about his future use after game 6? Benches aren't that deep in my league and byes start game 5, but I still imagine he'll be picked up in the next week or so.
Jameson was just dropped in my league. Any predictions about his future use after game 6? Benches aren't that deep in my league and byes start game 5, but I still imagine he'll be picked up in the next week or so.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Jamo's production will likely be boom/bust. He starts practice Monday, I’d monitor comments fm MCDC & Ben Johnson. They don’t telegraph but at least they’re open & transparent, especially WRT injuries. The folks who took Gibbs late 2nd early 3rd in redraft are losing their sheet but the usage has been exactly what they indicated it would be.
FWIW, he's the 18th man on my roster. I have Chase/Waddle/Olave/Addison/JSN so not looking to start him right away but I like the idea of having an upside sitting there.
On his touchdown last week Reynolds was the 4th read. I’d say the guy to own is LaPorta.
As an aside, the flea flicker to Raymond was put in bc the Assistant to the WRs coach (Antwaan Randal El) Seth Ryan (Rex’s son) noticed the Seahawks safety cheating in on run support. Tells you something about their collaborative approach that they listened to a guy who is like 30th on the staff totem pole.
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Mister CIA
Footballguy
That's me in the Honolulu Blue font. Send good vibes my way.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
#sehorn
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
(Twentyman)
Josh Reynolds is reportedly dealing with a groin issue and was limited in today's practice.
Josh Reynolds is reportedly dealing with a groin issue and was limited in today's practice.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Faulty logic you aggressively play for the TD and take the FG if you can’t. The TD puts you up by 4 and Seattle has to score a TD to win.
Lot less risky than fake punts from your 18 yard line needing at least 2 yards to go. They just made that BTW. Fail they turn the ball over in the red zone and KC in good shape for the TD. Likely they win and Lions lose.
Reminds me of last year’s first Vikes game when MCDC went soft and conservative and kicked the FG. Lions also lost that game. Campbell said he wouldn’t do that again but I think he just did.
I think the time to go conservative was when he went for it on 4th down on our side of the field and interestingly we had a 4 point lead. We failed Seattle went on to score and it was a turning point.
Not complaining per se about it but not consistent.
I like DC’s aggressiveness and creativity but playing passive and more for the tie is not his game.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
bad loss is depressing but there are always positives to draw from it - you learn more in adversity than when things are going swimmingly
here's a video reviewing the last couple possessions when they were down 10
All 22 Films
here's a video reviewing the last couple possessions when they were down 10
- just threw a pick 6
- second offensive lineman is out of the game with injury
- starting RB goes out
- best WR has turf toe and is cramping
- let's take a look at how they go to work in the last 8 minutes despite all of those things that have gone wrong
All 22 Films
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
As I said, I don't agree with coach here. But I understand his process, and it's his job to make the call. With the personnel they had available, that was what he thought would give them the best chance to win. He was hoping they won the coin flip and the offense would score again to get the win.
The D had been terrible all day. Glasgow gave up 3 pressures in 15 pass pro after Vaitai was hurt, Montgomery was out so inside run game wasn't an option, ARSB was dealing with turf toe and cramps, never caught a ball since they taped him up (one rush was his only touch.)
He is never going to come right out and say it but I think it's obvious he had no confidence in his defense's ability to stop the Seahawks. Thus he decided I'm going to play this like end of the first half scenario, let's score but also let's make sure we do not give the ball back.
Again, I don't agree with it, you don't, neither does @Zeppelin - probably the vast majority of fans. But I'll defer to the guy who has 25 years in the league and has 10s of thousands of more hours of NFL experience than I have. No one is perfect. Statistically, he adds more win probability than any other coach. Sometimes he is wrong. Minnesota at home last year is a prime example. Whatever, we are on to Atlanta, it's a long season and all they can do is battle from the .500 hole they've put themselves in.
Listen to this clip - "I hate losing but I love this. This is, I just feel like this is what we're all about. We're back to reality, we're in the mud, it's doom and gloom outside this building, let's just hunker down and get to work. This is what we do best. Challenge accepted."
