2025 Detroit Lions: 0-0 Draft, FAs, trades? (11 Viewers)

[jon_mx]

Sheila is doing an outstanding job on all fronts.  Dan Campbell will be taking the Lions to the Super Bowl.  

 

[BobbyLayne]

I think that is a great move.  Pretty telling how bad the Lions organization was, when their two best players of modern times (at least, possibly all time) retired early, and then didn't want to associate with the only team either of them ever played for.

I believe that Spielman is probably behind this move, but good for SFH for bringing in some football people and to start making football decisions instead of just bottom line decisions.

He was on the search committee for the GM and the HC, and in the war room along with Holmes, MCDC, Dorsey and a few others. When they were going bezerk over Penei falling to ehm he was the guy in the corner staying focused. 

Hey this isn't really directed at you personally, but I've noticed people are loathe to give SFH any credit. But she made the call on who was going to be on the search committee. Homes and MCDC have drastically changed the culture of the organization, their energy is infectious. But honestly I think we should be excited we have an owner who listens to the right people. Good executive leadership is really about surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you are in specific areas that are your weakness, empowering them, then listening to and trusting the people you've hired.

I was marginally encouraged during the few years Bill was in involved but his dad kept a tight grip on things. I thought MFF was a better owner than WCF. But Sheila might actually turn out to be actually competent.

 

[jon_mx]

He was on the search committee for the GM and the HC, and in the war room along with Holmes, MCDC, Dorsey and a few others. When they were going bezerk over Penei falling to ehm he was the guy in the corner staying focused. 

Hey this isn't really directed at you personally, but I've noticed people are loathe to give SFH any credit. But she made the call on who was going to be on the search committee. Homes and MCDC have drastically changed the culture of the organization, their energy is infectious. But honestly I think we should be excited we have an owner who listens to the right people. Good executive leadership is really about surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you are in specific areas that are your weakness, empowering them, then listening to and trusting the people you've hired.

I was marginally encouraged during the few years Bill was in involved but his dad kept a tight grip on things. I thought MFF was a better owner than WCF. But Sheila might actually turn out to be actually competent.

I don't know if it is because she is a woman or she is part of the Ford family or what, but there is some hate directed at her.  I think she has done an absolutely outstanding job.  Startin out by firing Patrica/Quinn.  She cares without interfering.  When Campbell complains about the outdated technology in the draft room, she upgrades it.  She is making the organization a family that coaches and players want to be a part of.   When Stafford wanted out, she let him out in a way beneficial to all parties.  Contrast that to the #### show going on with Rodgers.  That is how the old Lions would have done it. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

I don't know if it is because she is a woman or she is part of the 


Ford


family or what, but there is some hate directed at her.  I think she has done an absolutely outstanding job.  Startin out by firing Patrica/Quinn.  She cares without interfering.  When Campbell complains about the outdated technology in the draft room, she upgrades it.  She is making the organization a family that coaches and players want to be a part of.   When Stafford wanted out, she let him out in a way beneficial to all parties.  Contrast that to the #### show going on with Rodgers.  That is how the old Lions would have done it. 

Yeah I think her being a woman is a huge part of it. Not calling anyone out or anything, just saying that's message board dynamics - guys have inherent bias (and to my knowledge the active posters in this team thread are 100% male) and there's a weird set of mores when talking about wimens on the web. NBD, it is what it is.

MCDC may or may not be the answer; we'll know in a few years. As far as I'm able to tell, he's authentic, this isn't schtick, and that goes a long ways to winning and keeping players respect. I hope he gets the low hanging fruit right, like having one assistant track clock management/timeouts at the end of halves. I like that after his 5-7 stint as an interim coach, he knew he wasn't ready to be an NFL coach just yet.

• What did Campbell learn in his Dolphins time? A few things. First: “There were things I tried to do on my own — I tried to do everything. That was a major lesson learned. You can’t do everything. You’ve got to be able to trust ... I remember thinking at one point, ‘I can’t do this on my own.’ I wish I’d delegated more than I did. I tried to do too much.
  
• Another lesson: “The other thing pertains to in-game .. Right before half. I blow the whole f------ thing. I should’ve used a time-out. I decide to go hurry-up when I’ve never talked to anyone about going hurry-up. We’ve never practiced it. I didn’t want [Buffalo coach] Rex Ryan to get in cover zero — an all-out blitz. It was #######g stupid. So by the time we get the team lined up and we’re trying to get the signal out what to do, we throw it. It’s incomplete. So now we’re sitting there with three seconds left on the clock and one timeout in our pocket, which does us zero good. And we go in with no points. We go for it on fourth down and get stuffed ... We got our faced kicked in the second half and that’s on me.” Buffalo 33, Dolphins 17.
  
• Another lesson: “Being on the same page. What I mean is being on the same page personnel. Your personnel department. Your GM. That’s where [Detroit GM Brad Holmes] and I we both came in and thought about it and we’ve got to be working together ...”
  

Will Campbell make a great head coach? No idea. But he’s a smart one. He got an unusual, six-year contract on a rebuilding team.

I like having a Metallica fan for a head coach. He's fun, whip smart, knows exactly what type of players he wants on the roster. They are building an identity. Might not be very good for a few years but they're gonna be a tough football team with a lot of pride in what they do and how they go about their business. He's got a great partner in Holmes, they made a ton of great hires in the front office and putting together the staff. He's got a long leash and he has already won over a very jaded and cynical fan base.

 

[jon_mx]

Yeah I think her being a woman is a huge part of it. Not calling anyone out or anything, just saying that's message board dynamics - guys have inherent bias (and to my knowledge the active posters in this team thread are 100% male) and there's a weird set of mores when talking about wimens on the web. NBD, it is what it is.

MCDC may or may not be the answer; we'll know in a few years. As far as I'm able to tell, he's authentic, this isn't schtick, and that goes a long ways to winning and keeping players respect. I hope he gets the low hanging fruit right, like having one assistant track clock management/timeouts at the end of halves. I like that after his 5-7 stint as an interim coach, he knew he wasn't ready to be an NFL coach just yet.

I like having a Metallica fan for a head coach. He's fun, whip smart, knows exactly what type of players he wants on the roster. They are building an identity. Might not be very good for a few years but they're gonna be a tough football team with a lot of pride in what they do and how they go about their business. He's got a great partner in Holmes, they made a ton of great hires in the front office and putting together the staff. He's got a long leash and he has already won over a very jaded and cynical fan base.

I am thoroughly convinced MCDC is by far the best head coach the Lions have ever had.  I love the coaching staff he has put together.  Holmes is doing an awesome job, especially with the draft.  I think letting Prater go was a mistake, but that happens.  He did miss a couple more FG's than usual last season, but he also attempted more 50+ yarders than anyone.  

I know I am the lone person in the universe who thinks this, but I thoroughly believe this team in capable of winning the NFC North this season.  I see huge improvements on our front seven that will stop the run and put pressure on the QB, and a young secondary loaded with athletic talent that has a ton of upside.  I see a dominant offensive line and a great young RB who will rush for 1,000 and catch for another 500.  I see a future all-pro at TE.  I see a very competent QB who can be a Kirk Cousin type guy, nothing spectacular but efficient and effective.  The weak spot is WR, but Tyrell is a very good WR2 on the outside.  Amon Ra will quickly become a very good slot receiver.  No dominant WR1, but there are a couple great ones available and we have $21 million in cap space.  

Look at the division.  The Bears have great talent on defense, but Fields has no clue how to succeed in the NFL.  He will struggle his first year and the Bears coach staff will be on their way out.  The Packers are nothing without Rodgers.  Minnesota is the most solid team in the division, and in my opinion the clear favorite assuming Rodgers is not playing for the Pack.  But they are far from a top 10 team in the league.  The Lions can be the second best team in this weak division and can compete.  I don't buy they are only a 4-6 game winner.  This team will be much better than last year.  Everybody just wants to focus on QB and WR, but there is much more to a team than that.  Sounds overly optimist and crazy, but I believe it.  This is the start of a different era in Lions football.

 

[Snorkelson]

Yeah I think her being a woman is a huge part of it. Not calling anyone out or anything, just saying that's message board dynamics - guys have inherent bias (and to my knowledge the active posters in this team thread are 100% male) and there's a weird set of mores when talking about wimens on the web. NBD, it is what it is.

MCDC may or may not be the answer; we'll know in a few years. As far as I'm able to tell, he's authentic, this isn't schtick, and that goes a long ways to winning and keeping players respect. I hope he gets the low hanging fruit right, like having one assistant track clock management/timeouts at the end of halves. I like that after his 5-7 stint as an interim coach, he knew he wasn't ready to be an NFL coach just yet.

I like having a Metallica fan for a head coach. He's fun, whip smart, knows exactly what type of players he wants on the roster. They are building an identity. Might not be very good for a few years but they're gonna be a tough football team with a lot of pride in what they do and how they go about their business. He's got a great partner in Holmes, they made a ton of great hires in the front office and putting together the staff. He's got a long leash and he has already won over a very jaded and cynical fan base.

Coaches that can’t manage the clock or aren’t thinking ahead a few minutes baffle me, like pro basketball players who can’t make free throws. If I were a GB fan and watched the infamous field goal kick I would have been livid. You simply don’t count on getting more opportunities when there’s under 3 mins left, even if you have the best defense in the league. If they were down 6 then sure, take the 3 and try to get back into range...I don’t mean to rehash that whole decision, but it’s not hard to do the math and understand how many possessions you have when your up/down and how to manage your play-calling/clock. 
I’ve never understood over the years why we didn’t do more no-huddle hurry up offense- stafford was great at it. 

 

[Foosball God]

I am thoroughly convinced MCDC is by far the best head coach the Lions have ever had. 

He's got a long way to go to beat Buddy Parker.

I'm optimistic, but there is simply no way to know at this point.  He sure is saying the right things though.

 

[jon_mx]

He's got a long way to go to beat Buddy Parker.

I'm optimistic, but there is simply no way to know at this point.  He sure is saying the right things though.

Let's keep this to the Super Bowl era.  Unless you are over 80, then I will allow it.  

 

[BobbyLayne]

Coaches that can’t manage the clock or aren’t thinking ahead a few minutes baffle me, like pro basketball players who can’t make free throws. If I were a GB fan and watched the infamous field goal kick I would have been livid. You simply don’t count on getting more opportunities when there’s under 3 mins left, even if you have the best defense in the league. If they were down 6 then sure, take the 3 and try to get back into range...I don’t mean to rehash that whole decision, but it’s not hard to do the math and understand how many possessions you have when your up/down and how to manage your play-calling/clock. 
I’ve never understood over the years why we didn’t do more no-huddle hurry up offense- stafford was great at it. 

In general, I feel like fans make snap judgments about whether someone is a good head coach on marginally important aspects. Clock management and timeouts are fairly easy to grasp, people leap at any chance to kill someone who gets it wrong.

Andy Reid has always been horrible at it and still botches it occasionally. He’s also an offensive savant and a phenomenal administrator.

HC is an executive position, what’s you’re really doing is managing your assistants. He’s the lead dog and he takes 100% of the blame when things go wrong, that comes with the territory. He’s one of the most important aspects of the motivational / psychological end of the game.

You need a great team around you and it helps a lot if you’re secure enough to let people do their job. I think Campbell has the right approach to succeed in his role. But if he does it will probably be because he got everyone to buy into what they’re trying to get done. We’ll learn a lot about them this fall as they try to compete with a roster with significant talent deficiencies.

 

[Snorkelson]

Let's keep this to the Super Bowl era.  Unless you are over 80, then I will allow it.  

I think Mooch would have had a shot if he didn’t keep James Stewart in that preseason game. Maybe not, but it sure looked like we would have a run game that year until we had to rely on...uh, Shawn Bryson maybe? Can’t remember who was the guy that year.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Joe Schmidt (voted greatest Lion ever in 1969) was a pretty decent coach. Started only two years after he retired. Quit in frustration after six years (43-34-7.)

Steady stream of losers after that who never had another job again after coaching the Lions.

Fontes had the most trips to the playoffs but every other year he was just trying to hang onto his job. Bit of a clown.

Another long stretch of incompetence after Bobby Ross. Man we have had a ton of bad coaches.

Swartz only has one speed, didn’t really seem to be able to adapt or work with different types of people. Completely lost the team in his last season. That’s the problem with hard asses, it works for awhile, until it doesn’t.

I did like Caldwell. Not a great coach and terrible in a press conferences but good person. I could see why guys liked playing for him. Good man and decent leadership skills. Would make a awesome deacon or city councilman.

Last guy was the worst.

MCDC seems like a football coach. Time will tell.

 

[Tornacl]

He was on the search committee for the GM and the HC, and in the war room along with Holmes, MCDC, Dorsey and a few others. When they were going bezerk over Penei falling to ehm he was the guy in the corner staying focused. 

Hey this isn't really directed at you personally, but I've noticed people are loathe to give SFH any credit. But she made the call on who was going to be on the search committee. Homes and MCDC have drastically changed the culture of the organization, their energy is infectious. But honestly I think we should be excited we have an owner who listens to the right people. Good executive leadership is really about surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you are in specific areas that are your weakness, empowering them, then listening to and trusting the people you've hired.

I was marginally encouraged during the few years Bill was in involved but his dad kept a tight grip on things. I thought MFF was a better owner than WCF. But Sheila might actually turn out to be actually competent.

I'll admit that I was unhappy that Sheila Ford Hamp was going to be the owner, but it had nothing to do with her being a woman, just that she was still part of the Ford family.  Up until her, the Fords have not seemed to care one bit about whether they put a winner on the field.

My pointing out the Speilman hire was not intended to give him the credit for everything, but rather to point to a moment in time when it seemed like the Lions organization had changed.  It was a change that was perceptible even in real time.  For the first time, the Lions seemed to genuinely be trying to make good football decisions.

I was also a little skeptical with the "everyone has a voice" mentality, because I wasn't sure they could get everyone focused on the same goals, but whatever it is they are doing really seems to be working. 

I think it will take a couple seasons, but I really believe that in the next five years, this team will win the division and win a playoff game.  Since they haven't done either of those things since the early 90s, that would be a good first step.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Dan Campbell said he already planned to make some adjustments to OTAs, but he consulted with veteran leadership to make sure it looked like what the players wanted. Attendance is over 80 players.
 

Goodness, could this HC be any more different than the previous one?

 

[Ilov80s]

I'll admit that I was unhappy that Sheila Ford Hamp was going to be the owner, but it had nothing to do with her being a woman, just that she was still part of the Ford family.  Up until her, the Fords have not seemed to care one bit about whether they put a winner on the field.

My pointing out the Speilman hire was not intended to give him the credit for everything, but rather to point to a moment in time when it seemed like the Lions organization had changed.  It was a change that was perceptible even in real time.  For the first time, the Lions seemed to genuinely be trying to make good football decisions.

I was also a little skeptical with the "everyone has a voice" mentality, because I wasn't sure they could get everyone focused on the same goals, but whatever it is they are doing really seems to be working. 

I think it will take a couple seasons, but I really believe that in the next five years, this team will win the division and win a playoff game.  Since they haven't done either of those things since the early 90s, that would be a good first step.

I am happy with how things are going so far but the real test of the new system will be when the losses start piling up. 

 

[Tornacl]

I am happy with how things are going so far but the real test of the new system will be when the losses start piling up. 

I don't think they have enough talent on the roster to win a lot of games, but I want to see them put up a fight in every game.  I want to see them beat up their opponent, even if they score fewer points.

I can't remember the last time when the Lions were physical enough on defense where they could stop the other team from easily running out the clock.  It always seems as though the Lions are always the team that even when they know the other team is going to run the ball, and all they need is one first down, and the Lions would let them get 8 yards on first down.

 

[Ilov80s]

I don't think they have enough talent on the roster to win a lot of games, but I want to see them put up a fight in every game.  I want to see them beat up their opponent, even if they score fewer points.

I can't remember the last time when the Lions were physical enough on defense where they could stop the other team from easily running out the clock.  It always seems as though the Lions are always the team that even when they know the other team is going to run the ball, and all they need is one first down, and the Lions would let them get 8 yards on first down.

Would have to go back to the Caldwell 2014 team with Suh, Levy, Fairly, healthy Ziggy, Slay, Grover Quinn. Should have had a rookie AD on that DLtoo. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

@PFF_Lions

The rest of the NFL's Centers need to be on high alert for years to come

Highest PFF Grade Lined up over Center since 2018 (among 2021 DIs):
1. Alim McNeil - 89.7 OVR
2. O'Bryan Goodson - 88.7 OVR
3. Levi Onwuzurike - 87.8 OVR

Both are Top-4 in run D and pass rush Grades

#OnePride

 

[King of the Jungle]

I am happy with how things are going so far but the real test of the new system will be when the losses start piling up. 

This season for me will be judged on effort and sound coaching decisions. I don’t expect a lot in the win column but want to see them compete for the entirety of each game. If we can do that and end up with a high draft pick next year I am okay with it.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

This season for me will be judged on effort and sound coaching decisions. I don’t expect a lot in the win column but want to see them compete for the entirety of each game. If we can do that and end up with a high draft pick next year I am okay with it.

Yes,  close competitive losses accomplish the same draft goals as getting blown out while still giving hope for the next year.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Yes,  close competitive losses accomplish the same draft goals as getting blown out while still giving hope for the next year.

I just want to see them #### people up, push ‘em back, make ‘em feel like ####.

 

[SoBeDad]

I just want to see them #### people up, push ‘em back, make ‘em feel like ####.

In 2016, with rookie RG Tunsil, RT Juwan James and some over the hill veterans Branden Albert and Jermon Bushrod, a Miami RB with a degenerative knee condition was able to run for over 200 yards in 3 games.  Swift could have a big year if the oline stays healthy. BTW, Ajayi is only 1 year older than Gurley, but he's into soccer, playing in an electronic league. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

In 2016, with rookie RG Tunsil, RT Juwan James and some over the hill veterans Branden Albert and Jermon Bushrod, a Miami RB with a degenerative knee condition was able to run for over 200 yards in 3 games.  Swift could have a big year if the oline stays healthy. BTW, Ajayi is only 1 year older than Gurley, but he's into soccer, playing in an electronic league. 

Read today Jahvid Best is a high school coach now. Same age as Muscle Hamster and Mark Ingram. The productivity window for RBs is extremely narrow.

Look at this list of most rushing yards for active players. Not more than three guys in the top 20 who aren’t washed and hanging on by a tear away jersey (& quite a few are unsigned FA today.)

Looking forward to seeing how they utilize Swift. I’m hoping for 170-200 RA and 75-90 targets. Could easily put up 1400 YFS 8 TDs on a bad team this year. Give the rest of the work to Jamaal, and whoever else they sign or makes the team. Would like to see D’Andre make it to the end of his rookie contract in good health.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Pete Prisco  of CBS ranked his top 100 NFL players for 2021. Lions had one entry, who came in at #85. One guess who it was.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Pete Prisco  of CBS ranked his top 100 NFL players for 2021.


Lions


had one entry, who came in at #85. One guess who it was.

Frank the Tank s/b on the list. And Hock. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

Pete Prisco  of CBS ranked his top 100 NFL players for 2021.



Lions


had one entry, who came in at #85. One guess who it was.

Frank the Tank s/b on the list. And Hock. 

No Hock and also not on the lengthy list of "Just missed", but neither is Andrews so I'll allow it.

 

[nysfl2]

Pete Prisco  of CBS ranked his top 100 NFL players for 2021. Lions had one entry, who came in at #85. One guess who it was.

I'd assume Taylor Decker?

 

[jon_mx]

We need to keep a running list of the some of the best Lions hot takes of 2021.  

Sporting News: Dan Campbell Hire Worst of This Offseason

Detroit Free Press: Dan Campbell wouldn’t be a home run for Detroit Lions.

Sports Illustrated: Amon-Ra St. Brown pick. Grade D. Not good enough, probably will not make the team. Not elusive and average hands. Perfers Jonathan Adams Jr.

PFF: Jared Goff #26 QB among starters 

Bleacher Report: Drafting Sewell instead of QB #4 Worst NFL Offseason Decision.

PFF: Swift not in top 32 Running Backs for 2021

Sports Book: Lions to have Worst Record in 2021

Carlos Monarrez; Grade D for Lions drafting Penei Sewell AND D for Alim McNeill

 

[Ilov80s]

Amon Ra probably won’t make the team? Have they seen this depth chart?

 

[BobbyLayne]

I'd assume


Taylor


Decker?

Would have been a decent choice, he was on PFF's top 101 back in February. Ragnow was the only one PP chose.

 

[SoBeDad]

Amon Ra probably won’t make the team? Have they seen this depth chart?

Lots of cuts coming soon. Miami could cut Albert Wilson and/or Allen Hurns, for just 2. Wilson was very good in 2018 before getting injured, and sat out 2020. 

 

[Ilov80s]

Lots of cuts coming soon. Miami could cut Albert Wilson and/or Allen Hurns, for just 2. Wilson was very good in 2018 before getting injured, and sat out 2020. 

I would be really surprised if the Lions prioritized 29 year old journeymen over a young rookie.

 

[Ilov80s]

And by surprised, I mean I would be furious.

 

[SoBeDad]

I would be really surprised if the Lions prioritized 29 year old journeymen over a young rookie.

Wilson was just an example of veteran WRs who might be available. He had a PFF grade of 83 in 2018. Some better veterans will be cut. And the rookie was the 17th WR taken, so he may not play a big role ever, but I agree that he should be given a chance. 

 

[Moonlight]

We need to keep a running list of the some of the best Lions hot takes of 2021.  

Sporting News: Dan Campbell Hire Worst of This Offseason

Detroit Free Press: Dan Campbell wouldn’t be a home run for Detroit Lions.

Sports Illustrated: Amon-Ra St. Brown pick. Grade D. Not good enough, probably will not make the team. Not elusive and average hands. Perfers Jonathan Adams Jr.

PFF: Jared Goff #26 QB among starters 

Bleacher Report: Drafting Sewell instead of QB #4 Worst NFL Offseason Decision.

PFF: Swift not in top 32 Running Backs for 2021

Sports Book: Lions to have Worst Record in 2021

Carlos Monarrez; Grade D for Lions drafting Penei Sewell AND D for Alim McNeill

Nice list of takes that basically say Lions are the suck again and one I hope you bump during and at the end of the season.

Regarding St. Brown listened to Herman Moore say that he tipped his routes and will need to fix this to be a good receiver.

 

[Deamon]

Lions now want to sign Gurley,  Has to be the most crowded RB room out there.

 

[BobbyLayne]

It's been a week and they haven't signed Gurley. If they wanted him that bad he'd be in the 5th day of OTAs today.

MCDC confirmed today in his pre-practice presser "We have interest in Gurley, sure we do, we've talked to his agent." That's Campbell, he's the exact opposite of the last few HCs, just a straight shootin' Texan.

Twitter is running wild with this. Everyone is ignoring his next sentence so I'll cross-post what I put in Todd's player thread:

But I would say this: just because we have interest in him, that does not affect the plans we have with both Swift and Jamaal. It does not."

 

[BobbyLayne]

Folks

we legit have the most fun HC in the NFL rn

 

[quick-hands]

Boston Globe and yahoo sports reporting matt patricia being groomed as behlichek successor.

 

[kutta]

Read today Jahvid Best is a high school coach now. Same age as Muscle Hamster and Mark Ingram. The productivity window for RBs is extremely narrow.

Look at this list of most rushing yards for active players. Not more than three guys in the top 20 who aren’t washed and hanging on by a tear away jersey (& quite a few are unsigned FA today.)

Looking forward to seeing how they utilize Swift. I’m hoping for 170-200 RA and 75-90 targets. Could easily put up 1400 YFS 8 TDs on a bad team this year. Give the rest of the work to Jamaal, and whoever else they sign or makes the team. Would like to see D’Andre make it to the end of his rookie contract in good health.

That's a crazy list! There are only three active players in the top 50 for all-time rush yards (Gore, Peterson, McCoy) and all of them are washed up, like you said. If they all retire this year, there will be zero players in the top 50 in the NFL.

Seems weird.

 

[BobbyLayne]

That's a crazy list! There are only three active players in the top 50 for all-time rush yards ( Gore, Peterson, McCoy) and all of them are washed up, like you said. If they all retire this year, there will be zero players in the top 50 in the NFL.

Seems weird.

Different game than we grew up watching. Or when we started out playing FF.

_________

Just realized my link wasn't for the active rushers.

1. Frank Gore 16,000 unemployed
   
2. Adrian Peterson 14,820 unemployed
   
3. LeSean McCoy 11,102  unemployed
   
4. Marshawn Lynch 10,413  unemployed
   
5. Mark Ingram 7,324 backup
   
6. Le'Veon Bell 6,453  unemployed 
   
7. Ezekiel Elliott 6,384 STUD
   
8. Alfred Morris 6,173 unemployed
   
9. Todd Gurley 6,082 unemployed 
   
10. Lamar Miller 5,864 backup
    
11. Derrick Henry 5,860 STUD 
    
12. Cam Newton 5,398 washed running back who can't throw
    
13. Doug Martin 5,356 very loose definition of "active" (done since 9/2019)
    
14. Melvin Gordon 5,226 STARTER - for now
    
15. Latavius Murray 4,991 backup
    
16. Carlos Hyde 4,726 backup
    
17. Russell Wilson 4,506 quarterback who can actually throw
    
18. Devonta Freeman 4,144 unemployed
    
19. Jordan Howard 3,955 backup who should be unemployed
    
20. David Johnson 3,819 STARTER - for now
    

Anyway....the obvious point being we should welcome Gurley-type signings and acquiring capable backups like Jamaal to share the load and 7th round picks/UDFAs who might make the team.

I want Swift to continue to have low mileage. He's a sweet ride and they need to take good care of him.

 

[Deamon]

It's been a week and they haven't signed Gurley. If they wanted him that bad he'd be in the 5th day of OTAs today.

MCDC confirmed today in his pre-practice presser "We have interest in Gurley, sure we do, we've talked to his agent." That's Campbell, he's the exact opposite of the last few HCs, just a straight shootin' Texan.

Twitter is running wild with this. Everyone is ignoring his next sentence so I'll cross-post what I put in Todd's player thread:

Ya and you already have a bunch of good running backs, I don't really see the need for Gurley.

Plus I want my boy Jefferson to make the team

 

[BobbyLayne]

Ya and you already have a bunch of good running backs, I don't really see the need for


Gurley.

Plus I want my boy



Jefferson to make the team

Neither does anyone else. I listen to a couple tree Lions centric podcasts by local media and they were like "well I guess Holmes is familiar with him....but does he want to come here to be the RB4?"

JJ has made a good first impression at rookie camp and OTAs. No 7th rounder is a lock but they like him a lot so far.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Always a fan of lighting a fire under your young heir apparents. If bringing in Gurley helps with that then good.

 

[Foosball God]

Different game than we grew up watching. Or when we started out playing FF.

_________

Just realized my link wasn't for the active rushers.

1. Frank Gore 16,000 unemployed
   
2. Adrian Peterson 14,820 unemployed
   
3. LeSean McCoy 11,102  unemployed
   
4. Marshawn Lynch 10,413  unemployed
   
5. Mark Ingram 7,324 backup
   
6. Le'Veon Bell 6,453  unemployed 
   
7. Ezekiel Elliott 6,384 STUD
   
8. Alfred Morris 6,173 unemployed
   
9. Todd Gurley 6,082 unemployed 
   
10. Lamar Miller 5,864 backup
    
11. Derrick Henry 5,860 STUD 
    
12. Cam Newton 5,398 washed running back who can't throw
    
13. Doug Martin 5,356 very loose definition of "active" (done since 9/2019)
    
14. Melvin Gordon 5,226 STARTER - for now
    
15. Latavius Murray 4,991 backup
    
16. Carlos Hyde 4,726 backup
    
17. Russell Wilson 4,506 quarterback who can actually throw
    
18. Devonta Freeman 4,144 unemployed
    
19. Jordan Howard 3,955 backup who should be unemployed
    
20. David Johnson 3,819 STARTER - for now
    

Anyway....the obvious point being we should welcome Gurley-type signings and acquiring capable backups like Jamaal to share the load and 7th round picks/UDFAs who might make the team.

I want Swift to continue to have low mileage. He's a sweet ride and they need to take good care of him.

I'm not sure Elliot is a stud anymore.

 

[Foosball God]

Great article on The Athletic about the Lions coaching

https://theathletic.com/2631613/2021/06/03/lions-ota-observations-the-on-field-scene-with-duce-staley-aaron-glenn-and-detroits-new-staff/

The receivers do everything together, all the time. Right down to synchronized push-ups and cool-down stretches in a circle with Randle El after practice. During practice, he’s on the field with his players, offering corrections as they’re happening.

Instead of running routes vs. air during individual periods, receivers work on their breaks and cuts as Randle El physically gives them different coverage drops to work against. It’s still a walkthrough. But Randle El’s seeing how guys react to things literally as they’re happening from 2 feet away. At one point, Campbell ran over and joined Randle El, standing in as a safety as receivers and tight ends ran routes.

Immediate corrections, with confidence, from a position coach who has played the game at the highest level — you cannot ask for more than that if you’re a young receiver with Detroit. Players love coaches like this, at every level of the sport. Little stuff can add up.

DBs coach Aubrey Pleasant never powers down. During a stretch of positional drills, he had his defensive backs first work a backpedal-and-drive drill — planting and accelerating downhill — and then on flipping their hips to run with receivers. After what felt like every single rep of the latter, he briefly stopped the action to point out something that needed work. Every rep.

It was similar to watching Randle El, in that Pleasant wasn’t just talking and pointing to a spot. He was showing off footwork or where a defender’s eyes should be or … whatever came to his mind.

Those are a couple of excerpts, lots of good stuff on the coaching staff.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I'm not sure Elliot is a stud anymore.

RB2-RB9 (10G) -RB5-RB4-RB11 (stud QB 70% of season)

OK, cool, opinions vary, and you’re entitled to yours friend.
 

 

[BobbyLayne]

Great article on The Athletic about the Lions coaching

https://theathletic.com/2631613/2021/06/03/lions-ota-observations-the-on-field-scene-with-duce-staley-aaron-glenn-and-detroits-new-staff/

Those are a couple of excerpts, lots of good stuff on the coaching staff.

Behind a paywall but saw quotes from this on Twitter tonight. Sheesh man I know it’s early June, they haven’t even put pads or hit anyone yet, but I love the way MCDC and his staff go about their business. The openness and transparency is such a stark contrast to the arrogance and toxicity which preceded it.

In that regard it’s the perfect hire. We often see franchises shift from an offensive minded HC to one more defensive oriented, Or from a players coach with few rules to a regimented hard nose. In a mere five months, we’ve witnesses a massive cultural shift. The franchise has morphed from sheer incompetence in every aspect/phase of the game to authentic excellence. They’ve brought in experienced, high quality personnel who modernized the drafting/scouting mechanism. Coaches who are great teachers. A HC who is in command of his troops.

<Checks Amazon Fresh prices, orders another case of Honolulu Blue kool aid.>  

 

[Apple Juice]

Behind a paywall but saw quotes from this on Twitter tonight. Sheesh man I know it’s early June, they haven’t even put pads or hit anyone yet, but I love the way MCDC and his staff go about their business. The openness and transparency is such a stark contrast to the arrogance and toxicity which preceded it.

In that regard it’s the perfect hire. We often see franchises shift from an offensive minded HC to one more defensive oriented, Or from a players coach with few rules to a regimented hard nose. In a mere five months, we’ve witnesses a massive cultural shift. The franchise has morphed from sheer incompetence in every aspect/phase of the game to authentic excellence. They’ve brought in experienced, high quality personnel who modernized the drafting/scouting mechanism. Coaches who are great teachers. A HC who is in command of his troops.

<Checks Amazon Fresh prices, orders another case of Honolulu Blue kool aid.>  

The transition from toxic to player-friendly is so drastic I think the players left from last year's team will feel reborn. Maybe we're all just drinking the kool aid because the last regime was as bad as it gets but even if that's the case it doesn't bother me. It's been a fun offseason for once. 

 

[Ilov80s]

Great article on The Athletic about the Lions coaching

https://theathletic.com/2631613/2021/06/03/lions-ota-observations-the-on-field-scene-with-duce-staley-aaron-glenn-and-detroits-new-staff/

Those are a couple of excerpts, lots of good stuff on the coaching staff.

One huge benefit to having young athletic coaches who played in the league, they can get right in there and work with the players. Love this staff.

 

[BobbyLayne]

The transition from toxic to player-friendly is so drastic I think the players left from last year's team will feel reborn. Maybe we're all just drinking the kool aid because the last regime was as bad as it gets but even if that's the case it doesn't bother me. It's been a fun offseason for once. 

IKR? Can’t remember another off-season that felt this way.



Like, I was calling for Patricia when JC was in year 3. But right off the bat you could sense things were off. Highly questionable draft picks, incredibly unprepared in all three phases of the game every single PS game and the first two weeks of the season, embarrassed and alienated his best defender…on and on. At no point in the three years did you feel like “lets give this guy a little time, maybe it gets better.” Naw man, he lost the team early and was in survival mode the entire time.

The JC hire never got anyone excited. We missed out on our first couple choices and settled. Took the guy who was probably about to be fired as Ravens OC. He was the opposite of Swartz in demeanor and philosophy, and he made Matthew more efficient. Y1 was a 11W success, Y2 a disastrous start that cost a bunch of people their jobs (but good second half), Y3 another disappointing WC road loss, Y4 the infamous “9-7 is not good enough.” Good person, leader of men, but probably was never going to get us to the next level.

Were we excited about Schwartz? IDK, I think everyone was still shell shocked from the MM era. Nowhere to go but up. Drafting Stafford was a great first pick but I don’t think anyone really thought he’d succeed, we had never had a franchise QB in the modern era. But the turnaround was more about the talent of Megatron, Statpadford and Suh than the HC. We were the fifth team to interview JS in four years, he was a DC for 8 years, wasn’t like we landed a hot candidate.

Anyway, it’s early. SFH and Holmes and MCDC have made a good first impression. We’ll need a few years before we can say they got it right. Sure feels like they’re doing things the right way so far.