Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Detroit now up to an 11.5 favorite. Huge number for what could be seen as a possible letdown situation. As always, I will be happy with any sort of win combined with a team that comes out of it relatively healthy.
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2025 Detroit Lions: 0-0 X-Season in the books. Time for final cuts. (44 Viewers)
- Thread starter Da Guru
- Start date
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
Josh Uche? He’s a pass rush specialist lions need someone who can stop the run too
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Rams did us a favor by beating Minnesota. The "after Lions hangover" works yet one more week. 
TartanLion
Footballguy
Not one for these type of things usually, and it does HCDC a bit of a disservice, however, this on Facebook did make me laugh this morning along with a picture of the two coaches shaking hands … and LOL at some of our more brain dead fellow humans in the comments that didn’t seem to notice that it was satire and exclaimed solemnly that Dan Campbell seems to have got too full of himself too quickly
“
After the intense NFC North clash on Sunday, Kevin O'Connell and Dan Campbell met at midfield for the customary post-game handshake.
O'Connell, sporting a genuine smile, extended his hand and said, "Dan, you coached one hell of a game today. No matter what we threw at you, you always had an answer. I just want you to know how impressed I am with your team. They played with heart."
Campbell, grinning, gave O'Connell a firm shake, clearly appreciating the kind words. “Kevin...” he started, locking eyes with O'Connell.
“I’m gonna give you some free advice… Something a Navy SEAL told me once, at a strip club my dad took me to when I was 12 years old. He said, ‘Quit being such a sissy, enjoy yourself. Your father’s paying a lot for you to be here, and you’re embarrassing everyone by mentioning the math test you're missing.’”
O'Connell’s face froze as he tried to process the advice.
“Now, not all of that applies to you, obviously," Campbell said as he clapped O’Connell on the back knocking the wind out of his lungs.
"But the larger message does. I was watching you today, Kev. Over there on your sideline, pacing back and forth, talking all serious with your coaches, play sheet in hand like you’re plotting out some invasion strategy. I thought to myself, ‘What a try hard.’”
“The best coaching prep you’ll do all week is in the gym," Campbell said with a grin.
"Diesling up those glamor muscles so they’re bursting through your pullover on game day, showing your squad you’re ready for war." As he spoke, Campbell puffed out his chest, making sure O'Connell noticed the gains he’d made since they last stood face to face.
“Do you think when we locked eyes in the second quarter, right before we made our big run, that I was talking game plans with my coaches? Hell no. That’s for the nerds I hire. I had ‘Enter Sandman’ blasting in my ears, thinking about the hunk of meat I’m going to eat later in my man cave, surrounded by the pelts and mounted skulls of great beasts I’ve killed, watching Steven Seagal movies on repeat.”
As Campbell wrapped up his air-guitar solo, imitating a heavy Metallica riff, O'Connell, still bewildered by the strange exchange, gave a polite nod and started to walk away. But before he could make his exit, Campbell clapped him on the back and threw out one last piece of advice.
"You’re never gonna slay Lions with your brain, Poindexter. That’s nerd logic. Hit the gym, and I’ll see you later this season. If your bench isn’t up by 45 pounds by then... you’re toast. Oh, and one more thing—ditch that name. Kevin? God has never made a Kevin worth fearing."
“
After the intense NFC North clash on Sunday, Kevin O'Connell and Dan Campbell met at midfield for the customary post-game handshake.
O'Connell, sporting a genuine smile, extended his hand and said, "Dan, you coached one hell of a game today. No matter what we threw at you, you always had an answer. I just want you to know how impressed I am with your team. They played with heart."
Campbell, grinning, gave O'Connell a firm shake, clearly appreciating the kind words. “Kevin...” he started, locking eyes with O'Connell.
“I’m gonna give you some free advice… Something a Navy SEAL told me once, at a strip club my dad took me to when I was 12 years old. He said, ‘Quit being such a sissy, enjoy yourself. Your father’s paying a lot for you to be here, and you’re embarrassing everyone by mentioning the math test you're missing.’”
O'Connell’s face froze as he tried to process the advice.
“Now, not all of that applies to you, obviously," Campbell said as he clapped O’Connell on the back knocking the wind out of his lungs.
"But the larger message does. I was watching you today, Kev. Over there on your sideline, pacing back and forth, talking all serious with your coaches, play sheet in hand like you’re plotting out some invasion strategy. I thought to myself, ‘What a try hard.’”
“The best coaching prep you’ll do all week is in the gym," Campbell said with a grin.
"Diesling up those glamor muscles so they’re bursting through your pullover on game day, showing your squad you’re ready for war." As he spoke, Campbell puffed out his chest, making sure O'Connell noticed the gains he’d made since they last stood face to face.
“Do you think when we locked eyes in the second quarter, right before we made our big run, that I was talking game plans with my coaches? Hell no. That’s for the nerds I hire. I had ‘Enter Sandman’ blasting in my ears, thinking about the hunk of meat I’m going to eat later in my man cave, surrounded by the pelts and mounted skulls of great beasts I’ve killed, watching Steven Seagal movies on repeat.”
As Campbell wrapped up his air-guitar solo, imitating a heavy Metallica riff, O'Connell, still bewildered by the strange exchange, gave a polite nod and started to walk away. But before he could make his exit, Campbell clapped him on the back and threw out one last piece of advice.
"You’re never gonna slay Lions with your brain, Poindexter. That’s nerd logic. Hit the gym, and I’ll see you later this season. If your bench isn’t up by 45 pounds by then... you’re toast. Oh, and one more thing—ditch that name. Kevin? God has never made a Kevin worth fearing."
Seems like talks between the Lions and Cleveland have not gotten closer to reaching a deal. The backup plan is to work with the Chargers to target Bosa and/or Mack. These reportedly have been the most serious trade discussions Holmes has been involved in. Holmes is pretty patient and will not make any move out of desperation. He will only pull the trigger if the deal makes sense short and long term.
Carlos's hot take on the Penei Sewell pick is a classic.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Carlos is the worst. Sewell was the most obvious slam dunk pick ever. Kind of like Hutch the year following. They were no brainer moves.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
The Titans are pretty bad though. I hope we wipe them off the map.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
In other odds and ends, Lions are 3rd favorite (+700) to win SB, down from +800 last week. Goff is now 4th favorite to win MVP at +850, behind Lamar, Mahomes, and Josh Allen. Branch is 8th in the DPOY betting at +1500. The meathead coach is +800 to win COTY.
All odds courtesy of draftkings.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Josh Paschal out this week. Had a procedure to take care of something that came up in his annual cancer screening. He made clear to Justin Rogers the cancer isn't back - he beat melanoma at age 18 while at Kentucky - but he wanted to get it knocked out instead of putting it off.
That means Detroit's top 5 Edge rushers are now out. Thankfully Paschal will be back for the Texans game.
Who is available for Week 8?
6'5" 266, 7th round pick by the Browns in 2022, played 162 defensive snaps as a rookie (1 snap 3-tech, 23 snaps 4-I, 138 snaps at 5-tech and Wide-9.) Had some good grades and decent production in some important divisional games in the middle of the year.
Spent last year on the Bengals practice squad.
Campbell has been upbeat about him and is anxious to get him on the field. Said he liked him coming out of Oklahoma. Was signed to the active roster 10 days ago.
NOW would be a good time for that trade Brad.
EDIT
Forgot we also have Al-Quadin Muhammad, a JAG who has been around since 2017. Last NFL snap was two years ago with the Bears. 6'3" 250, not expecting him to be in the rotation, but with only 2 healthy ED and 2 ED on the practice squad, he could, in theory, get called up Saturday along with Wingo.
That means Detroit's top 5 Edge rushers are now out. Thankfully Paschal will be back for the Texans game.
- John Cominsky (possible January return)
- Marcus Davenport
- Derrick Barnes
- Aidan Hutchinson (possible February return)
- Josh Paschal (back Week 9)
Who is available for Week 8?
- James Houston IV - currently ranks 181st out of 182 Edge players with an overall grade of 30.2. To be charitable, his pass rush grade of 49.5 is 170th.
- UDFA rookie Isaac Ukwu (95th out of 182)
- Levi Onwuzurike - has played 40 of this 252 snaps at DE
- JH4 - has played 26 snaps at ED this year
- Mekhi Wingo - has played 11 of his 111 snaps coming off the end of the DL
- Alim McNeill - only 1 snap at ED but has lined up on the inside shoulder of the OT (4-I) 76 times. Look for a variety of odd / unbalanced fronts.
6'5" 266, 7th round pick by the Browns in 2022, played 162 defensive snaps as a rookie (1 snap 3-tech, 23 snaps 4-I, 138 snaps at 5-tech and Wide-9.) Had some good grades and decent production in some important divisional games in the middle of the year.
Spent last year on the Bengals practice squad.
Campbell has been upbeat about him and is anxious to get him on the field. Said he liked him coming out of Oklahoma. Was signed to the active roster 10 days ago.
NOW would be a good time for that trade Brad.
EDIT
Forgot we also have Al-Quadin Muhammad, a JAG who has been around since 2017. Last NFL snap was two years ago with the Bears. 6'3" 250, not expecting him to be in the rotation, but with only 2 healthy ED and 2 ED on the practice squad, he could, in theory, get called up Saturday along with Wingo.
Last edited:
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
In a game that everyone including Admiral Akbar had figured for a trap, the Lions delivered and got the W. Now on to a much tougher game in Green Bay and take control of the division.
joey
Footballguy
Assuming Love is healthy and able to play, this has the makings of a top 5 game of the year. Exciting young teams in the NFC North.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
what hotel is everyone staying at in New Orleans?
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Jack Campbell with 10 tackles today but dangit he was way out of position on a couple big runs
still came into the game Top Ten in PFF grade, still growing I guess
2 forced fumbles for Amik Robertson
1 sack none by DL
RIGHT NOW would be a good time to get an Edge in a trade, Brad
still came into the game Top Ten in PFF grade, still growing I guess
2 forced fumbles for Amik Robertson
1 sack none by DL
RIGHT NOW would be a good time to get an Edge in a trade, Brad
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Kalif Raymond is the first Lions player to ever produce a PR TD & receiving TD in the same game
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Campbell doesn’t think the Malcolm Rodriguez injury was a season ender but obviously they’re concerned
On Kalif Raymond: “He took the game over. One of the first guys we signed in 2021. What a pro he is, reliable, consistent, the dynamic versatility, the work ethic. We’re playing sandlot, I’d take this guy in a heartbeat. I could go on all day about what he means to our team.”
Lions are 6-1 for the first time since 1956
On Kalif Raymond: “He took the game over. One of the first guys we signed in 2021. What a pro he is, reliable, consistent, the dynamic versatility, the work ethic. We’re playing sandlot, I’d take this guy in a heartbeat. I could go on all day about what he means to our team.”
Lions are 6-1 for the first time since 1956
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Movie will be called Dismember the Titans
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
I was going with Forget the Titans, but yours is better.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Better Emergency QB - Amon-Ra or Monty?
I’m going with #14
I’m going with #14
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
traded Breece Hall two weeks ago for Jah Gibbs
Week 7 36.00-28.10
Week 8 24.30-9.90
that dude hates me right about now
Week 7 36.00-28.10
Week 8 24.30-9.90
that dude hates me right about now
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
I heard the announcers mention that Tennessee might have a couple guys the Lions might want to stay in Detroit.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Since 1941, there have been three instances in the NFL where a team has logged a 90+ yard punt return and 70+ yard kickoff return in the same game:
1. Lions (10/27/24)
2. Rams (10/19/14)
3. Browns (9/4/94)
The Lions have won two games by +38 points this season.
The only other time Detroit has had multiple 38+ point wins in a season was in 1936.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs is the 4th player in NFL history to average at least 5.0 yards per carry (10 attempt minimum) in six-straight games, joining:
- Adrian Peterson (2012)
- Chris Johnson (2009)
- Franco Harris (1972)
The Lions scored 50 points in a game for the fourth time in team history, and first time since Nov. 27, 1997.
Jared Goff is the first player in NFL history to throw 2+ TD passes and complete at least 72.0% of his passes while posting a passer rating of 110.0+ in five consecutive games.
K Jake Bates has made each of the first 11 field goal attempts of his career.
This is the most consecutive field goal makes a player has had to start a Lions tenure.
Over their last four games, the Lions have scored 162+ points and 21+ TDs.
This marks the most points and TDs the Lions have ever scored in any four-game span in a single season.
WR Kalif Raymond registered a 90-yard punt return TD.
This ties for the second-longest punt return TD in franchise history and longest in a home game since 1963.
For the first time in Lions history, five different players produced TDs in the first half of a game.
1. Lions (10/27/24)
2. Rams (10/19/14)
3. Browns (9/4/94)
The Lions have won two games by +38 points this season.
The only other time Detroit has had multiple 38+ point wins in a season was in 1936.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs is the 4th player in NFL history to average at least 5.0 yards per carry (10 attempt minimum) in six-straight games, joining:
- Adrian Peterson (2012)
- Chris Johnson (2009)
- Franco Harris (1972)
The Lions scored 50 points in a game for the fourth time in team history, and first time since Nov. 27, 1997.
Jared Goff is the first player in NFL history to throw 2+ TD passes and complete at least 72.0% of his passes while posting a passer rating of 110.0+ in five consecutive games.
K Jake Bates has made each of the first 11 field goal attempts of his career.
This is the most consecutive field goal makes a player has had to start a Lions tenure.
Over their last four games, the Lions have scored 162+ points and 21+ TDs.
This marks the most points and TDs the Lions have ever scored in any four-game span in a single season.
WR Kalif Raymond registered a 90-yard punt return TD.
This ties for the second-longest punt return TD in franchise history and longest in a home game since 1963.
For the first time in Lions history, five different players produced TDs in the first half of a game.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Mr Jack Fox is the first and only player in NFL history to average at least 60.0 gross yards per punt and 55.0 net yards per punt in a game with at least five punts.
5 - 305 - 61.0 - 67 inside 20 - 3
3 RET - 24 Net Overage 56.2
(ASIDE - CBS has 5-310 62.0/57.2)
Kerby Joseph is the NFL's first safety to produce 13 interceptions in a player's first three-career seasons since S Jairus Byrd (2009-11).
The Lions have produced 30+ points and 4+ TDs for the fourth-straight game. The only other time they've done so was in 1971.
Their 35 first-half points are their most since logging 38 points at Cleveland on Oct. 18, 1970.
David Montgomery is the third RB in franchise history to throw a TD pass, joining RBs James Jones (Nov. 4, 1984 vs. PHI) and Tom Watkins (Oct. 4, 1964 vs. NYG).
Amon-Ra St Brown (2-7-1) has tallied 5+ receiving touchdowns in each of his first four-career seasons, joining Roy Williams as the only two players in franchise history to do so.
David Montgomery has rushed for a TD in nine of his first 10 home games as a Lion.
He is the 4th player in NFL history to rush for a TD in nine of a player's first 10 home games with a team.
In October, Lions QB Jared Goff completed 52-of-65 passes (80.0%) for 680 yards, 8 TDs and 0 INTs while posting a 149.8 passer rating & leading the Lions to a 3-0 record.
This marks the highest passer rating any QB has ever posted in the month of October in NFL history.
5 - 305 - 61.0 - 67 inside 20 - 3
3 RET - 24 Net Overage 56.2
(ASIDE - CBS has 5-310 62.0/57.2)
Kerby Joseph is the NFL's first safety to produce 13 interceptions in a player's first three-career seasons since S Jairus Byrd (2009-11).
The Lions have produced 30+ points and 4+ TDs for the fourth-straight game. The only other time they've done so was in 1971.
Their 35 first-half points are their most since logging 38 points at Cleveland on Oct. 18, 1970.
David Montgomery is the third RB in franchise history to throw a TD pass, joining RBs James Jones (Nov. 4, 1984 vs. PHI) and Tom Watkins (Oct. 4, 1964 vs. NYG).
Amon-Ra St Brown (2-7-1) has tallied 5+ receiving touchdowns in each of his first four-career seasons, joining Roy Williams as the only two players in franchise history to do so.
David Montgomery has rushed for a TD in nine of his first 10 home games as a Lion.
He is the 4th player in NFL history to rush for a TD in nine of a player's first 10 home games with a team.
In October, Lions QB Jared Goff completed 52-of-65 passes (80.0%) for 680 yards, 8 TDs and 0 INTs while posting a 149.8 passer rating & leading the Lions to a 3-0 record.
This marks the highest passer rating any QB has ever posted in the month of October in NFL history.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
from Halloween 2022 to Halloween 2024 Detroit has never lost two straight
28-9-0 .757
28-9-0 .757
Yogibear
Footballguy
I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but at the beginning of the season, my Super Bowl pick was the Lions over the Chiefs. Kansas City is undefeated, yeah, but they're not really blowing anyone out. I see them beating Tampa Bay next Monday and then suffering their first loss of the season in two weeks when they host Denver. As for the Lions, they're the one team right now that has a legitimate shot at preventing the 3-peat.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Cap'n Obvious writing for the Freep now....
Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions should have one goal: Get No. 1 seed. They have the team to do it
Jeff SeidalDetroit Free Press
Just a few minutes after Lions coach Dan Campbell gave a game ball to Kalif Raymond for doing his impersonation of the Fastest Man Alive during five dazzling punt returns and then catching a TD pass because, well, he can.
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown did a quick pivot and turned his attention to next week.
“This week is done,” St. Brown said, standing by his locker. “We got the ‘W’ and we're gonna enjoy it for the day and whatever, and then we're gonna move on to Green Bay, which is gonna be a huge test for us.”
Yes, that's how fast the Lions flipped the page after this blowout over the Titans, which tells you everything you need to know about the mentality and focus of this team, not to mention the importance of this upcoming game.
The Lions will play the Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday in a battle royale.
“At Green Bay,” St. Brown said, setting it up. “Second division game. They’ve really been playing really good. So it's gonna be a battle for us, and we know that.”
It’s a monstrous game.
The Lions are 6-1, while the Packers are 6-2.
And the importance of this game cannot be overstated. If the season ended today, the Lions would have home-field advantage through the playoffs.
That’s what they are playing for now. That’s the giant goal: the No.1 seed in the NFC and a first-round bye to rest up.
“We've been playing pretty good right now, putting up a lot of points,” St. Brown said. “Defense is stopping a lot of teams, creating turnovers. I think that's the biggest thing is – we're taking care of the football for the most part and defense is creating a bunch of turnovers.”
Yes, that seems to work just fine.\
So, let’s take a moment to set up this week.
The Packers are coming off a 30-27 victory at Jacksonville on Sunday.
But here’s the big news out of that game: Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love injured his groin.
He tried to keep playing, although he struggled, completing 14 of 22 passes for 196 yards, with an interception.
As far as I understand it, he went into an injury tent and came out with his leg wrapped.
“Obviously, high level of concern any time a guy's in there,” Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur told reporters in Jacksonville. “He did it early in that first drive. I think you guys, I think everybody could see him struggling to move around. It got to a point where we didn't feel like, and he didn't feel like he could protect himself.”
The Packers brought in backup Malik Willis, who completed 4 of 5 passes for 56 yards and led Green Bay on a game-winning drive. Don't quickly dismiss Willis because he's a backup. He has started two games this season for the Packers, leading them to wins over Indianapolis and Tennessee.
“Can't say enough great things about Malik Willis,” LaFleur said. “The job that he's able to do to go in there. You know, the moment's never too big for him, and he made a lot of big-time plays in this game, not only with his arm but with his ability to – had a big pickup with his legs. Just really proud of our guys.”
And the Packers have some uncertainty at quarterback. That’s only going to add more intrigue to this week, not that we needed it.
The Packers have won four straight.
The Lions have won five in a row – their longest winning streak since 2016.
Yes, more history.
Want some more?
The Lions have gained at least 100 rushing yards and added a rushing touchdown in each of the first seven games of a season for the first time since 1936.
And they have produced 162 points and 21 touchdowns over the last four games – the most points and touchdowns scored in any four-game span in franchise history.
Now, the crazy part? The offense wasn’t really that sharp on Sunday.
“I've only been this league for my fourth year, so definitely the best team I've been on since being in this in this league,” St. Brown said. “I thought last year's team was great. I think we might be even a little better this year, but to start 6-1 is awesome. It's great. But for us, you know, we have that one week at a time mentality.”
No matter who the Packers have at quarterback, no matter the situation, I have a feeling the Lions will be ready.
Because that’s what they’ve showed all season.
And that’s what they showed on Sunday, facing a Titans team that has already started selling off their players.
“That team came out and played hard,” Campbell said. “I really felt that and we figured they would, it’s not like we didn’t. So, credit to them, and I know it doesn’t look that way. But we did come out to fight, and that’s what we expected. I felt that we were going to be ready, we were going to be ready, and it’s like I told them – ‘That’s what champions do is you come out, you don’t care what time of day it is, what the records are, what the surface is, you just, you come out and handle your business.’ And we did that.”
Handling their business?
If you do that enough times, if you stack enough wins in a row, if you beat the teams you are supposed to beat, and if you avoid any letdowns, you can secure the No. 1 seed.
That should be the Lions' main goal now.
It doesn’t guarantee a trip to the Super Bowl.
But it’s the easiest route by far.
On the flip side, if the Lions fall to second in the NFC North – the Vikings only have two losses, too – the Lions would be looking at a wild card. That means road games, and that is the hard way through the NFC.
See: the loss in San Francisco last season.
I know, I know.
It’s an entirely new way of thinking for the Lions, not to mention their fans.
But that should be the goal now.
Getting that No.1 seed is like a pot of gold at the end of the regular-season rainbow.
And it’s why every single game matters so much.
None more so than this week.
It's the biggest game of the season, as they say, because it's the next game.
But in this case, in this situation, with everything at stake, because it really is.
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown did a quick pivot and turned his attention to next week.
“This week is done,” St. Brown said, standing by his locker. “We got the ‘W’ and we're gonna enjoy it for the day and whatever, and then we're gonna move on to Green Bay, which is gonna be a huge test for us.”
Yes, that's how fast the Lions flipped the page after this blowout over the Titans, which tells you everything you need to know about the mentality and focus of this team, not to mention the importance of this upcoming game.
The Lions will play the Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday in a battle royale.
“At Green Bay,” St. Brown said, setting it up. “Second division game. They’ve really been playing really good. So it's gonna be a battle for us, and we know that.”
It’s a monstrous game.
The Lions are 6-1, while the Packers are 6-2.
And the importance of this game cannot be overstated. If the season ended today, the Lions would have home-field advantage through the playoffs.
That’s what they are playing for now. That’s the giant goal: the No.1 seed in the NFC and a first-round bye to rest up.
“We've been playing pretty good right now, putting up a lot of points,” St. Brown said. “Defense is stopping a lot of teams, creating turnovers. I think that's the biggest thing is – we're taking care of the football for the most part and defense is creating a bunch of turnovers.”
Yes, that seems to work just fine.\
Packers' uncertainty at QB
If St. Brown is already pivoting to next week, we should, too.So, let’s take a moment to set up this week.
The Packers are coming off a 30-27 victory at Jacksonville on Sunday.
But here’s the big news out of that game: Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love injured his groin.
He tried to keep playing, although he struggled, completing 14 of 22 passes for 196 yards, with an interception.
As far as I understand it, he went into an injury tent and came out with his leg wrapped.
“Obviously, high level of concern any time a guy's in there,” Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur told reporters in Jacksonville. “He did it early in that first drive. I think you guys, I think everybody could see him struggling to move around. It got to a point where we didn't feel like, and he didn't feel like he could protect himself.”
The Packers brought in backup Malik Willis, who completed 4 of 5 passes for 56 yards and led Green Bay on a game-winning drive. Don't quickly dismiss Willis because he's a backup. He has started two games this season for the Packers, leading them to wins over Indianapolis and Tennessee.
“Can't say enough great things about Malik Willis,” LaFleur said. “The job that he's able to do to go in there. You know, the moment's never too big for him, and he made a lot of big-time plays in this game, not only with his arm but with his ability to – had a big pickup with his legs. Just really proud of our guys.”
No. 1 goal: the No.1 seed
So, the Lions are about to head to the frozen tundra, even though it’s not frozen yet. At least, I hope not, right?And the Packers have some uncertainty at quarterback. That’s only going to add more intrigue to this week, not that we needed it.
The Packers have won four straight.
The Lions have won five in a row – their longest winning streak since 2016.
Yes, more history.
Want some more?
The Lions have gained at least 100 rushing yards and added a rushing touchdown in each of the first seven games of a season for the first time since 1936.
And they have produced 162 points and 21 touchdowns over the last four games – the most points and touchdowns scored in any four-game span in franchise history.
Now, the crazy part? The offense wasn’t really that sharp on Sunday.
“I've only been this league for my fourth year, so definitely the best team I've been on since being in this in this league,” St. Brown said. “I thought last year's team was great. I think we might be even a little better this year, but to start 6-1 is awesome. It's great. But for us, you know, we have that one week at a time mentality.”
No matter who the Packers have at quarterback, no matter the situation, I have a feeling the Lions will be ready.
Because that’s what they’ve showed all season.
And that’s what they showed on Sunday, facing a Titans team that has already started selling off their players.
“That team came out and played hard,” Campbell said. “I really felt that and we figured they would, it’s not like we didn’t. So, credit to them, and I know it doesn’t look that way. But we did come out to fight, and that’s what we expected. I felt that we were going to be ready, we were going to be ready, and it’s like I told them – ‘That’s what champions do is you come out, you don’t care what time of day it is, what the records are, what the surface is, you just, you come out and handle your business.’ And we did that.”
Handling their business?
If you do that enough times, if you stack enough wins in a row, if you beat the teams you are supposed to beat, and if you avoid any letdowns, you can secure the No. 1 seed.
That should be the Lions' main goal now.
It doesn’t guarantee a trip to the Super Bowl.
But it’s the easiest route by far.
On the flip side, if the Lions fall to second in the NFC North – the Vikings only have two losses, too – the Lions would be looking at a wild card. That means road games, and that is the hard way through the NFC.
See: the loss in San Francisco last season.
I know, I know.
It’s an entirely new way of thinking for the Lions, not to mention their fans.
But that should be the goal now.
Getting that No.1 seed is like a pot of gold at the end of the regular-season rainbow.
And it’s why every single game matters so much.
None more so than this week.
It's the biggest game of the season, as they say, because it's the next game.
But in this case, in this situation, with everything at stake, because it really is.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Credit to BL for title.
Looks like James Houston was a "One Trick Pony" The few times I have seen him in action this year looks like he gets shoved out of the play easily.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
6-1 on the 20th SoS
It gets a lot harder, glad they’ve stacked these Ws
RoS they play the 6th hardest SoS
It gets a lot harder, glad they’ve stacked these Ws
RoS they play the 6th hardest SoS
Yogibear
Footballguy
The only name that makes sense is Za'Darius Smith. Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby are off limits and out of reach, so Za'Darius Smith is the best possible candidate RIGHT NOW to replace Aidan Hutchinson. Whether or not they have the cap room to keep him past this year is not known yet. I just don't know why Brad Holmes hasn't contacted the Haslams and Andrew Berry about the deal yet.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Al-Quadin Muhammad didn't show up on the box score, but PFF credited him with SIX pressures vs. the Titans.
Levi Onwuzurike just behind him with five. He had the pressure that aided the Nowaske interception.
Levi Onwuzurike just behind him with five. He had the pressure that aided the Nowaske interception.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Unsurprisingly, SS/SCB Brian Branch and FS Kerby Joseph are #1 and #2 in the PFF Grades for Safeties for the year.
#3 & #5 is the Packers tandem.
Gonna be a tough, physical game in a hostile environment this Sunday. Just the way we like it, that's what this team was built for, eh.
Got that sweet 4:25pm Fox National Game slot - presumably Brady, right? He's been improving IMO.
Detroit favored by 3.5, o/u 47.5
Willis the likely starter, think LaFleur is getting decent enough play from him they'll rest Love (groin) to give him this week and the bye to get healed up.
Packers are a really good team, best one we've played so far. Five division games + @ HOU and @ SF coming up.
(the other 3 are JAX & BUF at home & @ IND)
5 H / 5 A to finish it out
LFG boys
#3 & #5 is the Packers tandem.
Gonna be a tough, physical game in a hostile environment this Sunday. Just the way we like it, that's what this team was built for, eh.
Got that sweet 4:25pm Fox National Game slot - presumably Brady, right? He's been improving IMO.
Detroit favored by 3.5, o/u 47.5
Willis the likely starter, think LaFleur is getting decent enough play from him they'll rest Love (groin) to give him this week and the bye to get healed up.
Packers are a really good team, best one we've played so far. Five division games + @ HOU and @ SF coming up.
(the other 3 are JAX & BUF at home & @ IND)
5 H / 5 A to finish it out
LFG boys
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Before the game where Love got injured the line was GB -1 but moved to Detroit -3.5 after the game, so I'm assuming bettors are assuming he's out. Usually lines don't move 4.5 on anything other than a QB injury. As an example Hutch going down only moved the line a couple points. All that said, I agree with you that Willis has been playing well enough to make this an extremely tough game for the Lions to win.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
RE: the Jamo traffic stop, everyone in the building knew about it, including most of the beat writers; he told the team right away, and the league was notified.
The arresting officers told him "That's not going to affect whether you get processed" when he brought up, repeatedly, "I'm Jameson Williams, I play for the Lions."
Then a sargent shows up and you can see from the bodycam footage he's got a Lions logo on his phone. 30 minutes of phone calls until he found a Lieutenant who gave him the green light to let him walk. By the letter of the law, it's a felony. His brother was cool having his licensed gun on the back seat because he has his CPL. The only way a non-CPL holder can transport is if it's 1) unloaded, 2) within a firearm carrying case, and 3) not accessible from the passenger compartment (e.g., in the trunk.)
How 2024 Packers are different, improved after falling just shy of last season's NFC Championship
Justin Rogers
Oct 30, 2024
Allen Park — The Packers snuck up on people during the first season of the Jordan Love era.
After navigating a lengthy mid-season lull in 2023, which included losing six of eight, Green Bay pieced together a 6-2 finish to sneak into the postseason. There, they walloped Dallas, before giving eventual NFC Champion San Francisco everything they could handle in a three-point loss.
Within that strong close to the regular season was a 29-22 win over the Lions on Thanksgiving that wasn’t as close as the final score suggests.
So, as you might expect, no one was sleeping on Green Bay this year. And they’ve risen to those loftier expectations, jumping out to a 6-2 start despite Love missing a couple of games.
So what changes did the offseason bring that have helped this year’s Packers take the next step? Let’s take a look.
Offensively, the alterations have been modest.
Love is back under center, obviously. And his pass-catchers also largely remain the same, with the team’s top six receivers and top two tight ends returning.
There have been some modest changes to Love's blocking, although the team had already been operating without left tackle David Bakhtiari for much of the past three seasons due to injuries. Guard Jon Runyan Jr. also departed, but he's been replaced, in-house, by 2023 third-round pick Sean Rhyan.
More notably, the Packers overhauled their backfield, letting Aaron Jones walk in free agency after seven seasons and nearly 1,200 carries with the franchise. They replaced him with Josh Jacobs, giving the NFL's 2022 rushing leader a four-year, $48 million contract.
It’s been a solid signing so far. Jacobs is fifth in the NFL with 782 yards from scrimmage. He’s averaging 4.6 yards per carry and has scored four touchdowns.
Complementary back AJ Dillon was supposed to round out the rotation, but he aggravated a neck injury in training camp, ending his season before it began. And third-round rookie MarShawn Lloyd has been sidelined by an ankle injury for more than a month. That's left Emmanuel Wilson, undrafted a year ago, to shoulder more of the load than anticipated.
The other significant change, which has been more important than could have been imagined, was a late-August trade to acquire backup quarterback Malik Willis.
Despite struggling to find his footing while in Tennessee the past two seasons, the young, dual-threat passer has been critical to keeping the Packers in the thick of the NFC North race. Appearing in four games, he's posted an incredible 130.3 passer rating in those contests, winning two as a starter and stepping in late to lead a game-winning drive against Jacksonville last Sunday.
Which QB the Lions see this weekend remains up in the air after Love suffered a groin injury against the Jaguars.
But realistically, there's little question the bigger difference between this year's Green Bay team and last year's version is the defense. And it’s been less about personnel and more about coaching. The team fired coordinator Joe Barry after last season and hired Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley as the replacement.
Hafley has flipped the unit from a 3-4 to an attacking 4-3 scheme. That's required significantly less blitzing to generate similarly high pressure rates and sack totals. Now possessing the ability to drop more defenders into coverage on a down-to-down basis, the Packers have forced a league-high 19 turnovers. That’s more takeaways in eight games than they generated all last season.
The turnover parade has been led by a newcomer, safety Xavier McKinney, another one of Green Bay’s free agency splashes. They were able to lure the young veteran away from the New York Giants with a four-year, $67 million offer.
Most of the other contributing additions came through this year’s draft. Fourth-round pick Evan Williams is the other half of the team’s safety tandem. Second-rounder Javon Bullard is now manning the nickel. And another second-rounder, Edgerrin Cooper, isn’t starting, but he’s seeing close to 40% of the team’s defensive snaps at linebacker, helping backfill the departure of De'Vondre Campbell, who is in San Francisco this season.
A final change of note is at kicker. After rolling with sixth-round draft pick Anders Carlson last season, Green Bay handed the job to undrafted rookie Brayden Narveson to start the 2024 campaign. But when he missed nearly 30% of his field goal tries in the first six games, the team turned to veteran Brandon McManus to stabilize things.
So far, so good. McManus has made all four of his field-goal tries, including game-winners in both of his appearances.
The arresting officers told him "That's not going to affect whether you get processed" when he brought up, repeatedly, "I'm Jameson Williams, I play for the Lions."
Then a sargent shows up and you can see from the bodycam footage he's got a Lions logo on his phone. 30 minutes of phone calls until he found a Lieutenant who gave him the green light to let him walk. By the letter of the law, it's a felony. His brother was cool having his licensed gun on the back seat because he has his CPL. The only way a non-CPL holder can transport is if it's 1) unloaded, 2) within a firearm carrying case, and 3) not accessible from the passenger compartment (e.g., in the trunk.)
How 2024 Packers are different, improved after falling just shy of last season's NFC Championship
Justin Rogers
Oct 30, 2024
Allen Park — The Packers snuck up on people during the first season of the Jordan Love era.
After navigating a lengthy mid-season lull in 2023, which included losing six of eight, Green Bay pieced together a 6-2 finish to sneak into the postseason. There, they walloped Dallas, before giving eventual NFC Champion San Francisco everything they could handle in a three-point loss.
Within that strong close to the regular season was a 29-22 win over the Lions on Thanksgiving that wasn’t as close as the final score suggests.
So, as you might expect, no one was sleeping on Green Bay this year. And they’ve risen to those loftier expectations, jumping out to a 6-2 start despite Love missing a couple of games.
So what changes did the offseason bring that have helped this year’s Packers take the next step? Let’s take a look.
Offensively, the alterations have been modest.
Love is back under center, obviously. And his pass-catchers also largely remain the same, with the team’s top six receivers and top two tight ends returning.
There have been some modest changes to Love's blocking, although the team had already been operating without left tackle David Bakhtiari for much of the past three seasons due to injuries. Guard Jon Runyan Jr. also departed, but he's been replaced, in-house, by 2023 third-round pick Sean Rhyan.
More notably, the Packers overhauled their backfield, letting Aaron Jones walk in free agency after seven seasons and nearly 1,200 carries with the franchise. They replaced him with Josh Jacobs, giving the NFL's 2022 rushing leader a four-year, $48 million contract.
It’s been a solid signing so far. Jacobs is fifth in the NFL with 782 yards from scrimmage. He’s averaging 4.6 yards per carry and has scored four touchdowns.
Complementary back AJ Dillon was supposed to round out the rotation, but he aggravated a neck injury in training camp, ending his season before it began. And third-round rookie MarShawn Lloyd has been sidelined by an ankle injury for more than a month. That's left Emmanuel Wilson, undrafted a year ago, to shoulder more of the load than anticipated.
The other significant change, which has been more important than could have been imagined, was a late-August trade to acquire backup quarterback Malik Willis.
Despite struggling to find his footing while in Tennessee the past two seasons, the young, dual-threat passer has been critical to keeping the Packers in the thick of the NFC North race. Appearing in four games, he's posted an incredible 130.3 passer rating in those contests, winning two as a starter and stepping in late to lead a game-winning drive against Jacksonville last Sunday.
Which QB the Lions see this weekend remains up in the air after Love suffered a groin injury against the Jaguars.
But realistically, there's little question the bigger difference between this year's Green Bay team and last year's version is the defense. And it’s been less about personnel and more about coaching. The team fired coordinator Joe Barry after last season and hired Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley as the replacement.
Hafley has flipped the unit from a 3-4 to an attacking 4-3 scheme. That's required significantly less blitzing to generate similarly high pressure rates and sack totals. Now possessing the ability to drop more defenders into coverage on a down-to-down basis, the Packers have forced a league-high 19 turnovers. That’s more takeaways in eight games than they generated all last season.
The turnover parade has been led by a newcomer, safety Xavier McKinney, another one of Green Bay’s free agency splashes. They were able to lure the young veteran away from the New York Giants with a four-year, $67 million offer.
Most of the other contributing additions came through this year’s draft. Fourth-round pick Evan Williams is the other half of the team’s safety tandem. Second-rounder Javon Bullard is now manning the nickel. And another second-rounder, Edgerrin Cooper, isn’t starting, but he’s seeing close to 40% of the team’s defensive snaps at linebacker, helping backfill the departure of De'Vondre Campbell, who is in San Francisco this season.
A final change of note is at kicker. After rolling with sixth-round draft pick Anders Carlson last season, Green Bay handed the job to undrafted rookie Brayden Narveson to start the 2024 campaign. But when he missed nearly 30% of his field goal tries in the first six games, the team turned to veteran Brandon McManus to stabilize things.
So far, so good. McManus has made all four of his field-goal tries, including game-winners in both of his appearances.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Lets be honest. If this were a 5th WR he would be gone by now. Williams has enough talent to put up with his immaturity.... For now. From all accounts he is a good guy but with some guys trouble or mishaps seem to find him.
I like Williams but I doubt the Lions will hand him a big extension like St Brown.
Lions have Williams for this year, next year, pick up the 5th year option and then see what happens.
I like Williams but I doubt the Lions will hand him a big extension like St Brown.
Lions have Williams for this year, next year, pick up the 5th year option and then see what happens.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Yeah the combo of talent and being on a rookie contract might keep him here another couple years. But no extension beyond the team controlled 5th year option.
King of the Jungle
Footballguy
Tough situation in that regards. Time is now, however the team is constructed to win today as well as tomorrow. I don’t want them to mortgage the future to add a Crosby-like player if it means sacrificing huge amounts of draft capital and messing the their cap management. Long season ahead and we still need everyone to remain healthy. Imagine being able to trade for Crosby (e.g.) and Goff goes down. I would love for a cheap addition at DE and for them to get a decent backup as insurance (Rudolph, Dalton). I am more concerned about our backup QB as I see this team struggling if Hooker is forced into action.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Vikings lost their excellent LT Christian Darrisaw. Despite having very little draft capital, got a deal done 6 days after the injury to replace him with Cam Robinson.
Great move on their part, don’t want to squander the 5 wins they’ve stacked up. Knew they didn’t have the solution in house and knew they needed to pull the trigger ASAP.
Great move on their part, don’t want to squander the 5 wins they’ve stacked up. Knew they didn’t have the solution in house and knew they needed to pull the trigger ASAP.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Browns Za'Darius Smith missed practice today with an illness, team says.
Sure, Jan.
He’s headed somewhere soon.
Sure, Jan.
He’s headed somewhere soon.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Not at practice Wednesday:
QB Jared Goff
RG Kevin Zeitler
C Frank Ragnow
LT Taylor Decker
LG Graham Glasgow
DE Josh Paschal
DL Levi Onwuzurike
DL DJ Reader
LB Malcolm Rodriguez
RB Sione Vaki was working off to the side.
Campbell said they would rest a lot of guys.
QB Jared Goff
RG Kevin Zeitler
C Frank Ragnow
LT Taylor Decker
LG Graham Glasgow
DE Josh Paschal
DL Levi Onwuzurike
DL DJ Reader
LB Malcolm Rodriguez
RB Sione Vaki was working off to the side.
Campbell said they would rest a lot of guys.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Streak stays alive
The Lions made it five consecutive games with someone earning NFC Player of the Week honors. This time it was Kalif Raymond, who averaged 38.0 yards on five punt returns, including a 90-yard touchdown, to secure the award as a special teams standout.
He joins the team's running list of punter Jack Fox, Goff, kicker Jake Bates and safety Brian Branch going back to Week 3.
G Christian Mahogany has been signed to the 53-man.
DI Brodric Martin’s 3-week practice window opens today.
The Lions made it five consecutive games with someone earning NFC Player of the Week honors. This time it was Kalif Raymond, who averaged 38.0 yards on five punt returns, including a 90-yard touchdown, to secure the award as a special teams standout.
He joins the team's running list of punter Jack Fox, Goff, kicker Jake Bates and safety Brian Branch going back to Week 3.
G Christian Mahogany has been signed to the 53-man.
DI Brodric Martin’s 3-week practice window opens today.
It sounds like it may only take a 4th or 5th to get him. I am surprised the deal is not done unless Cleveland is waiting/hoping for a better offer. I don't see the Lions going after someone who it would take multiple firsts.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
We’re not the only team interested
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I’m a little surprised with how active Holmes is on draft days - 6 trades a day - to see how patient he’s being rn.
How would you guys feel if he did not make a trade?
How would you guys feel if he did not make a trade?
