2025 Detroit Lions: Game 1 Lions vs Packers. (56 Viewers)

[BobbyLayne]

Swift needs to get more touches.  JWill has a role to play but should be more like 70/30 Swift IMO.  Hopefully that's the play going forward, I know Swift has been banged up a bit.

Without question he is their most dynamic playmaker. Couple tree things

• he leads all NFL RBs in targets and is on pace for 264 touches (small sample so not particularly meaningful yet)
  
• Jamaal takes a lot of the pound n ground carries. I’m cool with abusing him and keeping D’Andre fresh and healthy.
  
• while the usage last night was curious - only 1 target before the final drive - overall I thought Anthony Lynn called a good game.
  

 

[TripItUp]

• while the usage last night was curious - only 1 target before the final drive - overall I thought Anthony Lynn called a good game.
  

that first half was a master class...really impressed and was very surprised.

I'm way more confident in the Lions new regime than I was 3 weeks ago...I really hope it works out for them.

 

[Zeppelin]

One man's opinion:

Positives:

The offensive line was really good again and will only get better when Decker returns. Sewell had another strong game. 

The running backs were both good again. Hockenson is uncoverable. Cephus looked good. Goff was good early but the turnovers hurt. 

The defensive line looked decent but hard to grade them with a weak back 7. They did get some pressure. Melifonwu looked good given it was his first start and it sucks that he got hurt. Tracy Walker had a goid game. 

Jack Fox was Jack Fox.

Negatives:

The inside linebackers were terrible last week and hard to believe they could be worse but they were. Anzalone was terrible and needs to be benched. He can't fill gaps in run defense and is as bad as Tavai in coverage. Jamie Collins wasn't much better. It's time to get Derrick Barnes in the lineup.

Goff has to protect the ball.

The WRs are not very good which makes it hard to judge Goff. 

The secondary is also not that good but the corners are very young and inexperienced so it isn't a surprise. They showed flashes and there is some potential but the injuries are a killer. 

It's painfully obvious that the defense really lacks talent. 

One big takeaway: Even though the Packers have a signicant edge in talent and experience, the Lions were in the game until late in the 3rd quarter. With a minute left the Lions trailed by 4 and the Packers had first and 20 from the Lions 21. Hold them to a FG and its a 7 point game with a quarter to play. But a terrible defensive holding penalty on Anzalone was a killer and the Packers got a TD and cruised from there. 

The game was a lot closer than the score indicated, but the Lions have to make more plays if they want to win.

This will be a tough year. Quinn and Patricia left a disaster so Holmes and Campbell had very little to start with and are just laying the foundation.

I am very optimistic about the future.

 

[Moonlight]

Melifonwu's injury was non-contact looking at the replays.

Probably some type of muscle tear. Bad break for him and Lions.

Barnes got 0 defensive snaps. Wonder why with LB play being so bad.

 

[Moonlight]

HATED the 2 minute drill. Intentionally ran time off first two runs, bc they were playing skeered - didn’t want to give the ball back to Rodgers. They were getting it first to open the second half so LFG. Chicken #### move to settle fir FG there.

So right, they played scared here for the first time and gave up chance for TD. Disappointing.

Wanted to go to half tied or ahead by a FG. Won the half but lost the game.

 

[Moonlight]

The first of all 5 bird teams we’re playing this year! Highlight of the schedule.

Ravens, Eagles, Cardinals, @ Falcons, @ Seahawks

You might think I’m stark raven mad, but I think we can become the first team to sweep the avians.

Sorry, didn’t mean to make this unpleasant and hawkward. I have no egrets though.

No I don't think you are stark raven mad, just a little cuckoo.

 

[ffmail4me]

I bought into the St Brown preseason hype...Hock is the only safe FF starter on this team...hoping swift can be...

 

[BobbyLayne]

I bought into the St Brown preseason hype...Hock is the only safe FF starter on this team...hoping swift can be...

Yeah he’s replacement level so far. There are things I like about him a lot. Very good blocker. Legendary work ethic. Supposedly good rapport with Goff (which might be bragging about the tallest midget in the room.) But not really showing out up to now. Should be left on the wire in most redrafts for sure. But I’m still taking a wait n see.

In my main league he’s like my WR6 with no chance he’ll ever start and a likely cut for bye week filler or shuffling around depth. That league is an 18 x 12 league so no big whup to hang onto several lotto tickets (mostly RBs.) Nothing interesting out there, basically everyone 20-30% owned on Underdog is wasting away on a bench. Like I don’t even know who KJ Osborn is, man.

 

[BobbyLayne]

from the Mannings alternate broadcast

Peyton understands Goff's situation

In the first part of the Lions' first drive, Peyton made it a point to discuss something he and QB Jared Goff have in common, being the new signal caller in a new system. 

Peyton and Eli's analysis includes great understanding (and critique) of the quarterback position. They're peeling some of the layers back on what it takes to survive being a signal caller in the NFL. 

"First year, in a new system, it's hard to determine what your second and third reads are," Peyton said as the Lions were driving for the game's opening score. "It's easy to be locked in to that first read because that's what you feel most comfortable with — where is that second read, where is that third read. It just doesn't come to you as quickly in the first year of a system. Next year, he's going to be so much more comfortable." 

Peyton is a believer in Lions

Late in the fourth quarter with the outcome already decided, Peyton's former Indianapolis Colts teammate Pat McAfee was the final guest. And the former NFL punter and current talk show host asked Peyton about his thoughts on the Lions and Goff. 

Peyton delivered a thoughtful response and expressed his belief in Goff.

"Let's face it, Detroit is in a rebuild mode. ... A lot of draft picks coming up due to the trade with (Matthew) Stafford and Goff. It's going to be a frustrating season, they're gonna lose some games. But I'm telling you, what I saw last week with the way they fought in that second half, the way they started the game tonight, I mean there's something there.

"You got a lot of former players on the staff. They can relate to the players. Hopefully they can build a little mental toughness this season to kind of help them win some games next season. It's not going to be a great season this year for the Lions, there's too many young players. They lose (Jeff) Okudah last week.

"I like Jared Goff. Look, let's face it. He got punched to the gut, Pat, by getting traded. I got cut, at least I had a choice of where I wanted to go play. Jared gets traded to a team he knows nothing about. It's a punch to the gut. He knows Stafford and the Rams are off to a good start. He's handled it like a pro. He's a mentally tough kid, you can build an offense around him. It's going to take a little time. It's not going to be today or this season. But I'm telling ya, Jared Goff has what it takes to be a championship quarterback, there's no doubt about it.”

_______________

Now I’d take all that with a grain of salt. The Mannings are entertainers, not evaluators. It’s just not in their DNA to be critical of players. McAfee is great,  live his show as much as the next guy, but let’s face it - guys like Dan Campbell and Hock are right in his wheelhouse. 

Still, not the worst thing in the world to hear about the guy eh is going to be your quarterback for the next couple years.

 

[BoltBacker]

Denzel Mims

JJ Arcega-Whiteside

James Washington

N'Keal Harry

Andy Isabella

DET has to bring in some weapons. I was glad they didn't give Golladay all that money at the start of a rebuild, but good grief the guys they have running routes at WR are just terrible. All these guys need a new start and can't be any worse than what they have right now. Seems to me at least one of these guys could be available for a conditional pick. All these are players headed out of the team that drafted them and they won't be signed to deals that will matter much in the compensatory pick formula.

And before someone says, "<player with ANY upside> is TERRIBLE!" are they comparing that player to an NFL starting caliber WR or are they comparing them to Tom Kennedy and Khadarel Hodge?

 

[Moonlight]

So right, they played scared here for the first time and gave up chance for TD. Disappointing.

Wanted to go to half tied or ahead by a FG. Won the half but lost the game.

Campbell said in presser it was his design to look at FG as best option to prevent Rodgers from getting ball back before half. Disappointing. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

Campbell said in presser it was his design to look at FG as best option to prevent Rodgers from getting ball back before half. Disappointing. 

Yeah I watched it. WE ALREADY KNEW THAT DAN - so did the whole stadium.

I just do. not. understand. that mentality.

When you’re playing Aaron Rodgers you can’t be thinking “hey let’s not try to score TDs, we’ll just be content to take 3.”

Sure, why be aggressive, it’s not like you play in a splash play league. /s

Not only is that lousy from a strategic standpoint, it sends the wrong message to your team. Guys, we don’t think you can stop Aaron if we leave a minute on the clock, so we’re gonna be happy with 3 here. BUT we totally think you can stop them after halftime when they receive the 2nd half kickoff and don’t have a time constraint.

####### Copernicus over here.

 

[Apple Juice]

My main hope this season was that the offensive line would actually look strong on the field and not just on paper. They look really good so far and should be even better when Decker returns. Add a legit #1 receiver and a couple respectable corners and this team suddenly looks pretty solid already.

They played toe to toe with Green Bay in the first half, on the road, in a game the Packers desperately needed. To me that's a win just two games into the new regime.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Fun fact: All 4 teams in their division are underdogs this week.

 

[BobbyLayne]

My main hope this season was that the offensive line would actually look strong on the field and not just on paper. They look really good so far and should be even better when Decker returns. Add a legit #1 receiver and a couple respectable corners and this team suddenly looks pretty solid already.

They played toe to toe with Green Bay in the first half, on the road, in a game the Packers desperately needed. To me that's a win just two games into the new regime.

Agreed. Penei only gave up two reassures (no hurries) in 39 drop backs Monday night. His run blocking was spotty, VG early on and not so much in the 2nd half. Other Jackson being a little underwhelming so far, they’ve done a good job. Even Matt Nelson has looked good subbing at RT.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Week 2

T.J. Hockenson 36 routes 9 targets 8 catches 9.4 aDot

Quintez Cephus 35 routes 7 targets 4 catches 11.0 aDot

Amon-Ra St. Brown 28 routes 5 targets 3 catches 9.0 aDot

Trinity Benson 17 3 targets 1 catch 17.3 aDot

Goff’s overall aDot was 7.3, a full two yards below AR at 9.3

 

[Moonlight]

Lions working to trade Jamie Collins. Makes sense after Collins was reported to be playing at half speed and seemed disinterested. He may have quit on the team and wanted out of Detroit. The sense was that he would be cut after this year anyway and this gives him a chance to catch on with a better team as his career wanes. Lions moving Collins also supports Campbell's pledge to play players who want to be here and will produce.

Opens up a starting position for Barnes.

Also a Collins trade would end the Lions' disastrous experiment in becoming wanna be Patriots.

Lot of challenges and hardships this year for the Lions as they rebuild. Knowledgeable fans will be patient.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lions working to trade Jamie Collins. Makes sense after Collins was reported to be playing at half speed and seemed disinterested. He may have quit on the team and wanted out of Detroit. The sense was that he would be cut after this year anyway and this gives him a chance to catch on with a better team as his career wanes. Lions moving Collins also supports Campbell's pledge to play players who want to be here and will produce.

Opens up a starting position for Barnes.

Also a Collins trade would end the Lions' disastrous experiment in becoming wanna be Patriots.

Lot of challenges and hardships this year for the Lions as they rebuild. Knowledgeable fans will be patient.

All I have to say about the bolded is watch the two Jones TDs to the left side, and look at what 8 does. Nothing more needs to be said about it, pretty blatant.

Jamie Collins was a non participant due to reasons other than injury at the facility yesterday. Wednesday’s after a MNF game, the players come in late, the coaches install the game plans, and then they have a walk through. Thursday they’ll be back at full speed.

I don’t expect Collins to start Sunday. DC did not directly address Collins’ effort but instead pivoted to praise Alex Analzone’s high level of effort on every play, start to finish. Mentioned Collins is a big guy who does some things that they’ll still need him to do, especially in the run game. Said Barnes has earned the right to be on the field.

If there’s any drama going on they’ll keep it in house. My take is Barnes is starting against the Ravens and Jamie might be a rotational player on short yardage or early downs - if he’s even active.

_______________

Goff does a good job handling the media. He’s a little different personality than Stafford, doesn’t get too high or too low, but he got a baited question from Carlos M and just let it slide off his back. DC put the loss on the offense and Jared agreed. Did some good stuff in the first half, have to take better care of the ball.

Listen, it’s a gut punch when the team that drafts you #1 overall, gives you top tier money, and then deals you to a lousy team in the midwest. Jared grew up in small towns off San Pedro Bay, went to college 35 minutes away, then spent 5 years in L.A. It can’t be easy. Freaking culture shock to go to one of the worst franchises in a North America team sports located in a city about as familiar to him as Beirut.

He’s replacing a legend. His girl went from being in the modeling capital to a place that offers nothing for her career. They’ve embraced it and Jared has been a very good face of the franchise. That’s a heavy thing but he’s built for that, been in this position for a long time, and he takes all the heat and criticism when some of it belongs to his teammates. But that’s the deal, and he knows that. NBD.

You have to be very strong mentally to go through all that with the aplomb he demonstrates. He has some flaws but he also has some ability and he’s already thrown a couple tight window TDs (more than all of last year two weeks in.) They’re trying to give him game plans to maximize his ability and taking into account the offenses limitations. They are maxing out utilization of their two best playmakers. Before somebody whines about Swift’s rushing splits, he’s on pace for 264 touches and leads all NFL RBs in targets.

Regardless of how you feel about him, Goff is our quarterback for at least the next two years and maybe beyond 2022. He’s been dealt a bad hand with the current WR room but his play has been good except for one (major) flaw, and that’s cutting down on turnovers. The two interceptions - pick six with a minute left in the half, and very late in the 4th Monday night - that can’t happen, but at the same time, it happened when they were down by 11 and 18. You get in those situations and you’re just trying to make a play to turn. The two fumbles (one lost)...dafuq man, that’s why we got towels.

_______________

Somebody ask DC about a particular play and the question had a “same ole Lions” aside slid in there. Hey man, I don’t want to hear that ####. Then gave an unperturbed, detailed answer.



That’s my coach!

 

[BobbyLayne]

Bengals' passing on Peni Sewell is an All-Pro boon to Lions for years to come

The last time Penei Sewell gave up a sack at Left Tackle he was a 17 year old freshman starting for the Oregon Ducks (Week 4, 2018.)

_______________

Not picking on Da Guru here, he’s made an argument I’ve seen often. It’s dead wrong - IMO - to say we might regret not drafting Fields.

If was the best move to draft Sewell this year. I’m not convinced we should be drafting a QB next year bc they’re so many holes on the roster. We’ve seen too often when a guy goes to a team that earned it’s top ten pick (not traded up like KC/Mahomes) and it just doesn’t work out. Stafford, Vick, Vinny, Alex Smith, Jeff George, David Carr - talented guys who had some success.

(Matthew is still writing chapters, I’m expecting playoff success and a HoF finish.)

I would prefer we lay the foundation before we start raising the sidewalls or the roof. I don’t want the emphasis to be for the next five years “oh wow, we got the man, so now we got to get him some weapons.” #### that noise. Build the lines, find some playmakers on both sides, evaluate how good Goff is with good players around him. I hate needs drafting that leads you to ignore BPA.

FTR - love Fields, think he’s going to be a Pro Bowler one day,

 

[SoBeDad]

Miami passed on Sewell too and with the oline mess in Miami, as you can imagine, that's a hot topic on twitter. Waddle may be good, but he's not Tyreek good and probably never will be. The trade up to 6 for Waddle cost Miami a 2021 1.12 and a 2022 first that could be top 10. A top OT would be worth two firsts. 

Grier took advantage of SF to get the extra picks, then gave away too much in the trade up. BTW, Miami's 2nd round tackle, Liam Eichenberg, is showing promise and could be our top olineman by year's end. And 2nd round pick Holland has been good. Miami just can't hit on those 1st rounders.

I think Detroit will draft a QB next year in the 1st. With a top 10 oline, a top TE, good RBs, they just need 1 alpha WR, like a Diggs.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Miami passed on Sewell too and with the oline mess in Miami, as you can imagine, that's a hot topic on twitter. Waddle may be good, but he's not Tyreek good and probably never will be.

Very similar sentiments expressed by the Bengals fans. Chase is good, but if he’s not Megatron / Hopkins elite, was probably the wrong pick. Beyond needs and roster construction - not like either team was WR starved - the hit rate on OL drafted top ten is way, way higher than WRs with the same draft capitol.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Very similar sentiments expressed by the Bengals fans. Chase is good, but if he’s not Megatron / Hopkins elite, was probably the wrong pick. Beyond needs and roster construction - not like either team was WR starved - the hit rate on OL drafted top ten is way, way higher than WRs with the same draft capitol.

In both cases more interested in making their QB happy than keeping him healthy.

 

[SoBeDad]

Very similar sentiments expressed by the Bengals fans. Chase is good, but if he’s not Megatron / Hopkins elite, was probably the wrong pick. Beyond needs and roster construction - not like either team was WR starved - the hit rate on OL drafted top ten is way, way higher than WRs with the same draft capitol.

Some Falcon fans are also questioning Pitts over Sewell. The oline has been bad and 3rd round guard Jalen Mayfield has a pff rating of 23. Pitts could be generational, while Chase and Waddle will be good to very good, IMO. 

 

[swabs]

Miami passed on Sewell too and with the oline mess in Miami, as you can imagine, that's a hot topic on twitter. Waddle may be good, but he's not Tyreek good and probably never will be. The trade up to 6 for Waddle cost Miami a 2021 1.12 and a 2022 first that could be top 10. A top OT would be worth two firsts. 

Grier took advantage of SF to get the extra picks, then gave away too much in the trade up. BTW, Miami's 2nd round tackle, Liam Eichenberg, is showing promise and could be our top olineman by year's end. And 2nd round pick Holland has been good. Miami just can't hit on those 1st rounders.

I think Detroit will draft a QB next year in the 1st. With a top 10 oline, a top TE, good RBs, they just need 1 alpha WR, like a Diggs.

I hope not.  Worst QB prospects in a long time.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lions show newfound transparency with Jamie Collins trade talks

Justin Rogers

The Detroit News

Allen Park — Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell doesn't usually talk on Thursday, but when news broke a day earlier that his team had put veteran linebacker Jamie Collins on the trade block, the coach did what his predecessor wouldn't and addressed the news head on.  

"At some point, it’s like what are we doing?" Campbell said. "It’s like you can only hide so long. As much as we can be, we want to be as transparent as we can, particularly with the player. It is what it is. If we feel like this is where we need to go and it’s best for the player and it’s best for us, why are we messing around?”

For all the metamorphoses the Lions organization is undergoing this year, beyond the eventually hope of winning meaningful games, this is one fans should be the most eager to embrace. 

This changing approach speaks to more than just who Campbell is, it's a reflection of what owner Sheila Ford Hamp envisioned after studying the previous regime and determining what she wanted to do differently when she went looking for their replacements. 

"The whole idea that football is secret and we're not going to tell anybody what we're doing, it was like, 'What?'" Hamp told the Detroit News during a sit-down interview this month. "Obviously, you don't want to tell your opponents what your game plan is, but you want the fans to know what you're doing."

In no small part, that's what Campbell altering his weekly routine reflects. He wants the fan base to know what the team is thinking, within reason. 

But it's not just respect for the fans Campbell is trying to cultivate. He's made it clear from the start that transparency and direct communication with the players will be an essential part of his program. That's something he learned from mentors Bill Parcells and Sean Payton.

"I know I did when I played," Campbell said. "I would want to know. You don’t want to hide from it, you don’t want to sugarcoat it. You just tell it like it is, because you can respect that. You may not like it, but you’ll always respect it."

Transparency also means making sure the rest of the roster understands why the team is going a different direction. 

Campbell believes honesty, even if it's not what a player wants to hear, is always the best policy.

“After Brad (Holmes) and I both talked to (Collins), I talked to the leaders and captains and just explained it to them," Campbell said. "And you don’t expect them to totally agree, but they just need to know where I was coming from and nothing against Jamie. There is still a business side to it, and we wish him well."

But, as noted, there's a limit to Campbell's transparency, particularly with what he's willing to share with the public. Throughout his comments on Thursday, he was careful with how he framed the end of Collins' time in Detroit.

The criticisms the coach levied toward the linebacker's performance on Monday night were washed over in favor of praise for his lengthy, productive career, praise of his efforts to lose weight to better fit the scheme during the offseason and praise for the way he was handling the news the team wants to move on. 

There's little to be gained by kicking a guy on his way out the door, but it's not difficult to read between the lines with the move. Listen to the way Campbell described the play of his other starting linebacker, Alex Anzalone, after the loss to the Packers. 

“When you watch him, you watch every one of the plays he had, he's all over the field," Campbell said in an interview with 97.1 FM. "I mean, the guy is like balls to the wall every play. Is it perfect? No, but I know this, it's all-out effort. ... I just know it starts with effort and intensity and he's got that. No, it's not always perfect, but that's at least a start for what we're looking for on defense." 

Remember, when comparing and contrasting the performance of the two players the day after the game, Campbell directly said Collins' effort didn't match Anzalone's. 

Additionally, when projecting what rookie Derrick Barnes will bring in place of Collins, Campbell again highlighted the youngster's effort. 

"Look, he's going to have some growing pains," he said. "Things are going to come up, but he can make up for a lot with his effort, which he's done."

But asked directly if Collins' effort was a factor in the team's decision, Campbell took the high road. 

"I don’t want you to think I’m avoiding this, but I don’t want to do that," he said. "I’ve got too much respect for him, and he gave what he have and there again, we felt like it was time to move on."

That's fine, but the eye test tells the story. Since he arrived in Detroit, it's always felt that Collins has coasted by on his exceptional athleticism, particularly on the practice field. NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson told us years ago, practice doesn't matter if you show up in games, but Collins' Green Bay film similarly raised questions about his effort.

There's a reason Campbell is highlighting it with the other linebackers. And trading Collins weeds out someone who isn't necessarily rowing a different direction, but isn't rowing hard enough in the same one. 

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

 

[Ilov80s]

that first half was a master class...really impressed and was very surprised.

I'm way more confident in the Lions new regime than I was 3 weeks ago...I really hope it works out for them.

Yeah, was a really nice game plan. They just don't have the players to execute even when things are set-up well. Like the announcers kept saying, the Lions have to be perfect to win. Most teams have some more room for error. 

 

[Ilov80s]

I hope not.  Worst QB prospects in a long time.

I am open to Malik Willis and am on the verge of falling in love with Matt Corral. I think Howell and Rattler are insanely overrated though but I don't think they end up being the top QBs come draft time either. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

Yeah, was a really nice game plan. They just don't have the players to execute even when things are set-up well. Like the announcers kept saying, the Lions have to be perfect to win. Most teams have some more room for error. 

good teams stay cool and keep grinding, find a way

like Stafford said last week, "they're not all gonna be pretty"

but when a team doesn't believe in itself,* they. put EXTRA pressure on themselves bc they have to perfect to have a chance

it's not totally true, but that mentality dooms them

* I know, talent is a big factor, but more than any other team sport, emotion and belief count for a lot

 

[Ilov80s]

good teams stay cool and keep grinding, find a way

like Stafford said last week, "they're not all gonna be pretty"

but when a team doesn't believe in itself,* they. put EXTRA pressure on themselves bc they have to perfect to have a chance

it's not totally true, but that mentality dooms them

* I know, talent is a big factor, but more than any other team sport, emotion and belief count for a lot

Sure but the roster is really bad. Good teams that are able to keep grinding also usually have better player and better depth. The back 7 on defense is as bad as any unit in the league and WRs are the stone cold worst. It really limits what a team can do on offense when a TE and a RB are the only quality targets for a passing game. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

Sure but the roster is really bad. Good teams that are able to keep grinding also usually have better player and better depth. The back 7 on defense is as bad as any unit in the league and WRs are the stone cold worst. It really limits what a team can do on offense when a TE and a RB are the only quality targets for a passing game. 

this year feels so familiar

good roster construction, injury, hey - next man up

bad roster, injury - dang it, we are so ####ed

 

[BobbyLayne]

old news here but I missed this earlier today...

Ian Rapoport

@RapSheet

The #Lions are placing WR Tyrell Williams on Injured Reserve and placed K Austin Seibert on the COVID list. They officially signed ILB Josh Woods from the #Bears practice squad. Jamie Collins sticks on the roster for now.

12:11 PM · Sep 23, 2021

 

[BobbyLayne]

Day One

“Sean (Peyton) was always about, give me a player that I know exactly who he is, and what he is going to be every day, and I can do something with that guy. It’s the guys who are up and down, and the ones that spike here and all of a sudden, they’re down — I don’t know what to do with those guys. I got nothing for them. But if you give me a guy that I know who he’s going to be every day and what he can do, and we can work with that guy."

Before the Draft

"Look, we’re no different than anybody else. Even if you’re a great player, we don’t want turds here, man. We don’t want lazy guys, we don’t want guys that are up and down and we don’t want flash players. If you’re a flash guy where it’s like, ‘My god, did you see that play?’ and the next play he’s in the tank, we don’t know where he’s at, we don’t know what he’s going to do, I got nothing for those guys. It’s the ones that are consistent and you see it all the time.”

After MNF loss to FTP

"Jamie, look, Jamie had some mistakes. It wasn't, certainly, his best performance and, yeah, I think Barnes deserves a shot," Campbell said. "Look, Jamie is a big linebacker. He's a very athletic linebacker. The way he moves is a little bit different. Now, does he move with the same effort or have the same effort as Alex (Anzalone)? No, I don't (think so)," Campbell added. "I think Alex just plays at a high level all of the time. That's him. That's how it goes. Jamie - there are things that Jamie does well that we still have to continue to use. He's still a mismatch on third down, particularly in the rush game and we'll see where this goes."

_______________

I'm kind of digging this new accountability experiment. First Lions coach to ever try it, right?

 

[BobbyLayne]

LB Jamie Collins 37 (67%) Several missed tackles. Where’s the accountability? This guy has to be an on field leader. Put Barnes in if he’s not getting it done.

Alex Anzalone with another bad coverage game. Should probably start evaluating Derrick Barnes.

Jamie Collins + Alex Anzalone in coverage (per @PFF) 13 targets, 13 catches, 168 yards, 2 TDs, 158.3 passer rating

 

[Zeppelin]

I hope not.  Worst QB prospects in a long time.

I agree. If they are spending a high 1st on a QB they have to nail it or it will set us back even more than we are now.

I'd rather take an elite pass rusher than reach for a QB (based on what I have seen from the QBs).

 

[G-King]

Day One

“Sean (Peyton) was always about, give me a player that I know exactly who he is, and what he is going to be every day, and I can do something with that guy. It’s the guys who are up and down, and the ones that spike here and all of a sudden, they’re down — I don’t know what to do with those guys. I got nothing for them. But if you give me a guy that I know who he’s going to be every day and what he can do, and we can work with that guy."

Before the Draft

"Look, we’re no different than anybody else. Even if you’re a great player, we don’t want turds here, man. We don’t want lazy guys, we don’t want guys that are up and down and we don’t want flash players. If you’re a flash guy where it’s like, ‘My god, did you see that play?’ and the next play he’s in the tank, we don’t know where he’s at, we don’t know what he’s going to do, I got nothing for those guys. It’s the ones that are consistent and you see it all the time.”

After MNF loss to FTP

"Jamie, look, Jamie had some mistakes. It wasn't, certainly, his best performance and, yeah, I think Barnes deserves a shot," Campbell said. "Look, Jamie is a big linebacker. He's a very athletic linebacker. The way he moves is a little bit different. Now, does he move with the same effort or have the same effort as Alex (Anzalone)? No, I don't (think so)," Campbell added. "I think Alex just plays at a high level all of the time. That's him. That's how it goes. Jamie - there are things that Jamie does well that we still have to continue to use. He's still a mismatch on third down, particularly in the rush game and we'll see where this goes."

_______________

I'm kind of digging this new accountability experiment. First Lions coach to ever try it, right?

I’m not a Lions fan. Actually the years of bust first round WR drafts, the Matt Millen years; the disservice of ever giving the greatest running back in history a support cast, and a string of horrible coaches has made the franchise laughable. However, man I love Campbell! He’s got an uphill road, but great attitude, leadership, and the desire to bring the team above the past. I hope he succeeds and becomes a success story for the Detroit fans. I’d love to see him continually beat the Packers into submission for years to come  

Good luck Lions, I think you have hired a winner. Hope to face you in the NFC Championship a few times with a little luck.

 

[jon_mx]

Mike Valenti Ponders Trading T.J. Hockenson and Frank Ragnow

One of the dumbest suggestions I have ever heard.  Getting draft capitol is good for players who are too old to be at their peak when you expect to be competitive.  But when you have studs who are just getting into their prime, that is the foundation you build around.  Right now you have Swift-Hock-Ragnow-Sewell.   The Lions are already loaded with draft capitol, you don't give away foundation pieces to gamble on getting players who in all likelihood will be downgrades.  On offense you draft the franchise QB, one top WRs, and use your cap space to get a WR#2.  And you have a top 5 offense.  The Lions offense is young and really in good shape to be super competitive in a year or two.  

Defense on the otherhand is a disaster.  No superstuds, but a few young pieces who will develop into good players and a lot of gapping holes.  They really need a couple superstars, especially a top coverage guy.  Then more coverage help and a couple linebackers and a safety.  Really this is where most of their cap money needs to be focused on and the remaining draft capitol.  The 4 defensive draft picks this year look to be good NFL players who can be solid future pieces.  The DL is the only place that is even decent.  They need an influx of at least 7 new defensive players to be competitive.  

 

[matuski]

Mike Valenti Ponders Trading T.J. Hockenson and Frank Ragnow

One of the dumbest suggestions I have ever heard.  Getting draft capitol is good for players who are too old to be at their peak when you expect to be competitive.  But when you have studs who are just getting into their prime, that is the foundation you build around.  Right now you have Swift-Hock-Ragnow-Sewell.   The Lions are already loaded with draft capitol, you don't give away foundation pieces to gamble on getting players who in all likelihood will be downgrades.  On offense you draft the franchise QB, one top WRs, and use your cap space to get a WR#2.  And you have a top 5 offense.  The Lions offense is young and really in good shape to be super competitive in a year or two.  

Defense on the otherhand is a disaster.  No superstuds, but a few young pieces who will develop into good players and a lot of gapping holes.  They really need a couple superstars, especially a top coverage guy.  Then more coverage help and a couple linebackers and a safety.  Really this is where most of their cap money needs to be focused on and the remaining draft capitol.  The 4 defensive draft picks this year look to be good NFL players who can be solid future pieces.  The DL is the only place that is even decent.  They need an influx of at least 7 new defensive players to be competitive.  

Unless they think Ragnow and Hock will leave for greener pasteurs.

 

[jon_mx]

Unless they think Ragnow and Hock will leave for greener pasteurs.

They just signed Ragnow to a new 4-year extension and they have Hock for the next three years at $5 million.  I really don't know why Sport Illustrated hires such ignorance.  There is zero chance Detroit Trades either away.  Now Taylor Decker who is under contract thru 2025 might make more sense if you are convinced Sewell is the best solution at LT and neither is great at another position. 

 

[TwinTurbo]

This is the least talented roster in the league, particularly on defense. That said, it's been nice watching Hockenson continue to move towards elite status at TE. 

 

[Moonlight]

I'm sorry Dan Campbell but you have got to call some plays that give you a chance to score a TD there. The good coaches will settle for a field goal if they have to. Also Santoso was a somewhat shaky option for a pressure FG.

Giving Lamar Jackson the ball with over a minute left and Tucker on the bench when the Ravens only needed a FG to win was risky.

 

[Da Guru]

For the first time in a long time I was really into this game.

I hate to ##### about the refs but as Biden would say "Come on man"   That was robbery.  The play clock expired by 2 seconds.  I kept thinking why are they running this play?  Clock has expired.

Just saw Campbell on TV.   Class act.  did not whine about refs like we do. 

Just said "Hey if the opponant has to make a 66 yard FG to win the game, I like our odds"

 

[Moonlight]

For the first time in a long time I was really into this game.

I hate to ##### about the refs but as Biden would say "Come on man"   That was robbery.  The play clock expired by 2 seconds.  I kept thinking why are they running this play?  Clock has expired.

Me too. Hopefully, Lions raise some hell. In the past they haven't and I've been waiting for a Lions coach to do so. Its like the Lions are wearing a sign that says "Kick Me"

 

[jon_mx]

I'm sorry Dan Campbell but you have got to call some plays that give you a chance to score a TD there. The good coaches will settle for a field goal if they have to. Also Santoso was a somewhat shaky option for a pressure FG.

Giving Lamar Jackson the ball with over a minute left and Tucker on the bench when the Ravens only needed a FG to win was risky.

I had a 'w' already chalked up for the Ravens after Detroit scored.  Then with 4th and 18 I had thought there was a glimmer of hope for a Lions victory.

 

[Moonlight]

Hate the gray uniforms. I say this every year.

 

[Zeppelin]

Hate the gray uniforms. I say this every year.

Same here. Brutal.

 

[chad in Indy]

Same here. Brutal.

The way the NFL addresses the playclock makes zero sense. Delay of games happen all the time and never get called. How can they not tie a buzzer to the back judge so it just vibrates a writ watch or something  and he doesn't have to watch the clock?? 

 

[BobbyLayne]

I'm sorry Dan Campbell but you have got to call some plays that give you a chance to score a TD there. The good coaches will settle for a field goal if they have to. Also Santoso was a somewhat shaky option for a pressure FG.

Giving Lamar Jackson the ball with over a minute left and Tucker on the bench when the Ravens only needed a FG to win was risky.

They had just marched 75 twice in a row after BAL FGs to score TDs.

The defense FINALLY makes a play and we do it for the third drive in a row, 63 yards to the 14.

Run-run-run-FG

Man alive I hate that mentality.

Step on their ####### throat instead of going conservative.

 

[JetMaxx]

The way the NFL addresses the playclock makes zero sense. Delay of games happen all the time and never get called. How can they not tie a buzzer to the back judge so it just vibrates a writ watch or something  and he doesn't have to watch the clock?? 

It happened in the Eagles/Niners game last week on the game clinching first down by SF.

 

[tangfoot]

Hate the gray uniforms. I say this every year.

They are the worst 

 

[Da Guru]

Hate the gray uniforms. I say this every year.

Horrible look.  Probably worst alternate in league.  Not a huge fan of the all blue not they are way better than all grey.