2025 Detroit Lions: 1-1 Lion crush Da Bears. Still seats available on the Bandwagon. (193 Viewers)

[Ilov80s]

Disagree lumping in the DBs who graded out well last year (& have a couple more able bodied now.)

Honestly dgaf about how mediocre Alex Anzalone & Co might be. Barnes s/b improved & Malcolm Rodriguez might end up being good. Off ball is the least valued position in today’s game. We played more Dime than nickel last year, and way more 5 DBs than the “base”.

Some of the young CBs surprised me last year and they did have to deal with a lot of injuries but you are a lot more optimistic than I am. PFF graded the Lions secondary as the 3rd worst in the NFL last year and they didn't too much of note. 

 

[TripItUp]

Sounds like Hutch is looking good today. 

A draft day selection that was universally adored, including by yours truly.   He's special.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Some of the young CBs surprised me last year and they did have to deal with a lot of injuries but you are a lot more optimistic than I am. PFF graded the Lions secondary as the 3rd worst in the NFL last year and they didn't too much of note. 

 
Mike Hughes and DeShaun Elliott were both solid signings. Oruwariye is not a shut own but great ball skills. Walker doesn't grade out well in PFF coverage grades but I think he's a good football player. But you might be right - between Okudah coming off achilles, Harris and Iffy swapping roles, Jacobs coming back from a late season ACL - lots of unanswered questions. AJ Parker and Bobby Price are probably replacement level but they only got time last year because of the incredibly bad luck with injuries.

A lot of my optimism is predicated on the pressure from the D Line being much improved. But again, I'm projecting an unknown to already being a strength.  It's definitely within the range of outcomes the defense will not improve as much as I expect it to. If we struggle getting to the QB we will struggle in coverage, that's just the reality of the game today. Even middling QBs look competent and efficient when you give them a clean pocket.

 

[BobbyLayne]

First day in pads, first day with fans in attendance. 

Swaggdaddy is ready for his Hard Knocks debut.

10 standouts from Week 1 of Detroit Lions training camp

Lot of D lineman in that last link, including a couple surprises. O line should be the strongest position group this year but rn they have been the standout group in the first week.

 

[BobbyLayne]

then they put pads on...

kyle meinke

@kmeinke

OL v DL one-on-ones usually favor the defense. On Day 1 of pads, the offensive line won/pushed 10 straight reps before Charles Harris finally broke through against backup OT Dan Skipper. The first-team OL was undefeated, including Penei Sewell going 2-0 against Aidan Hutchinson.

9:50 AM · Aug 1, 2022·Twitter for iPhone

 

[jon_mx]

Chark looks like he has his pro-bowl form back and has the best QB he ever had throwing him the ball.
Amon-Ra is running even sharper routes than last year and is working to get more YAC.
Swift is looking stronger and quicker.
Reynolds is playing solid.
Goff is looking much more confident and throwing good balls.
The only guy you not hearing much about is Hockinson

Offensively, this is a very good unit which will surpass everyone's expectations..

 

[jon_mx]

Hard Knocks...T minus 25 hours.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Y’all notice the banner on the back wall while Hutch was singing Billie Jean?

1992 - Last playoff win

1993 - Last divisional championship

1957 - Last league championship

Thought that was interesting, especially juxtaposed on Hard Knocks alongside to Jamaal’s passionate speech.

Past regimes would sidestep that stuff. “Nobody on this roster was around 20-30-40 years ago.” “Each week is different.”

MCDC is like “Yeah…that’s what this franchise has been.” His challenge to the players is “don’t like it? change it.”

It’s the first time I can remember anyone connected with the Lions acknowledging the pain and frustration fans have been through. It’s insane that if you’re old enough to remember the Lions last championship, then you remember Sputnik 1 being a big deal.

Just one more example of the authenticity of this regime.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Jameson Williams has picked his rookie number.

9



He texted Stafford as a courtesy.

Am I the only one who thinks this is a dumb idea? First off, it’s not like Matthew is going to say no, he’s a nice guy there’s no other answer.

It just seems super tone deaf to how much hem meant to the city. IDK guess I’m an old man now.

 

[jon007]

Eagles fan here. I watched the first episode last night. Wow! You guys should have a fun team this year.
I hope you guys buy into Cambell's style. Almost all of your coaches and assistants are ex-players.
My biggest concern with DET is there might become too much favoritism with your aging vets.

When the Eagles had Pederson, Reich, and Staley as coaches the Eagle's offense was off the hook. But Dougie Fresh just could not let go of aging vets.
I'm looking forward to our week 1 matchup. Bring that GRIT and let's go...

 

[Zeppelin]

Eagles fan here. I watched the first episode last night. Wow! You guys should have a fun team this year.
I hope you guys buy into Cambell's style. Almost all of your coaches and assistants are ex-players.
My biggest concern with DET is there might become too much favoritism with your aging vets.

When the Eagles had Pederson, Reich, and Staley as coaches the Eagle's offense was off the hook. But Dougie Fresh just could not let go of aging vets.
I'm looking forward to our week 1 matchup. Bring that GRIT and let's go...

We don't have many aging vets. I might be wrong but I believe Michael Brockers is the only player older than 30 on the roster.

 

[Foosball God]

Jameson Williams has picked his rookie number.

9



He texted Stafford as a courtesy.

Am I the only one who thinks this is a dumb idea? First off, it’s not like Matthew is going to say no, he’s a nice guy there’s no other answer.

It just seems super tone deaf to how much hem meant to the city. IDK guess I’m an old man now.

Should he contact everyone that wore the number? Stafford was the last to do so. I guess since they are/were both recievers it would have been nice, but really this is such a nothingburger imo

 

[belljr]

Jameson Williams has picked his rookie number.

9



He texted Stafford as a courtesy.

Am I the only one who thinks this is a dumb idea? First off, it’s not like Matthew is going to say no, he’s a nice guy there’s no other answer.

It just seems super tone deaf to how much hem meant to the city. IDK guess I’m an old man now.

Should he contact everyone that wore the number? Stafford was the last to do so. I guess since they are/were both recievers it would have been nice, but really this is such a nothingburger imo

Rodney Peete said its ok

 

[Moonlight]

Mixed feelings about this, it does seem to be too soon.

Williams wore #1 at Alabama so no previous attachment to #9.

But Stafford's number has not been retired by the Lions (will it ever be?) and it it is time for the team and fans to be looking forward as Stafford did when he moved to the Rams.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Williams couldn't get #1 because Jeff O. already has it and Williams checked with Matt first for his second choice.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Eagles fan here. I watched the first episode last night. Wow! You guys should have a fun team this year.
I hope you guys buy into Cambell's style. Almost all of your coaches and assistants are ex-players.
My biggest concern with DET is there might become too much favoritism with your aging vets.

When the Eagles had Pederson, Reich, and Staley as coaches the Eagle's offense was off the hook. But Dougie Fresh just could not let go of aging vets.
I'm looking forward to our week 1 matchup. Bring that GRIT and let's go...

We don't have many aging vets. I might be wrong but I believe Michael Brockers is the only player older than 30 on the roster.

Taylor Decker is the only player besides Brockers who is over 27. He’s 28.

(as of June 1 or so IIRC, so maybe a couple more guys fm birthdays & signings)

 

[General Malaise]

Fun episode. Campbell is pure entertainment. And I loved the segment going around the asst coaches saying how long they played and coaches - what number training camp this was for them. The Deuce/Glenn friendship is terrific; even better when they vocally compete against each other.

Hutchinson is a cool story too. I hope he wrecks QBs this year.

 

[jon_mx]

Williams couldn't get #1 because Jeff O. already has it and Williams checked with Matt first for his second choice.

Jamo should have #1. Okuda may not even start.

 

[jon007]

Hutchinson vs Johnson week 1 is going to be fun to watch.

 

[jon_mx]

Observations from the game:

1. Hutchinson is getting double-digits sacks and will be DROY
2. Amon-Ra will be the go to WR and will get over 100 receptions
3. The offensive line is as good as expected
4. Swift will have a huge year
5. The defense can not stop a running QB, and we play a lot of them
6. Linebackers do not look promising
7. Secondary was just OK

Offensively this is a very good football team. Defense still looks subpar. Hutchinson put us in good position twice to stop their first drive with a tackle for loss and drawing a holding penalty. But the defense gave back those on the next play. We may need to look outside to bring in a couple pieces

 

[BobbyLayne]

Aidan Hutchinson PFF Grade Highest Among First Round Rookie Defenders

 

[Moonlight]

Levi O. and Pascal not playing are major setbacks for the defense. Major draft capital was put into improving the defensive line with these two choices. Levi is beginning to take on the look of a bust, Pascal will lose needed developmental time and may not contribute much this year. Both players injuries appear to be aftermaths of injuries first sustained in college and I do not think we heard too much about them prior to being drafted.

As to the defense's performance in the first game I can forgive them for their enthusiastic adoption of ATTACK mode. I have many, many times heard coaches speak of controlled aggression which I take to mean such things as setting the edge, containment and looking specifically for the bootleg off of play action. So I think that transition will be occurring over time and I'm hoping at best for average defensive play early on. With their questionable DL and LBs they are going to get run on but should be much improved rushing the passer.

We are no threat to GB in the division but with much improved offensive play and some improvement on defense we will win more games this year. How about 8?

 

[Moonlight]

Lions need a better backup QB.

But I think the #1 priority from the beginning has been to boost Goff's confidence and the club has deliberately planned to avoid any viable threat to him. This keeps the fans off the team's and Goff's back. I could be completely wrong but I think Holmes is invested and believes in Goff like the Rams did when they made him the #1 overall pick.

If Goff has the year the Lions hope he can deliver and establishes himself as "The Guy" they will forego drafting a top QB next year but will look to improve the backup position with an established veteran.

 

[nysfl2]

I think that the basic plan is:
A. If Goff stays healthy and plays well, try to get a .500ish record and use the extra first round picks to build around him, or
B. If Goff gets hurt or stinks, get a Top 5 draft pick and pick your QB of the future.

Having a good backup QB really doesn't help them towards either of those goals.

 

[Da Guru]

Some things are falling into place. With their Lions easy schedule 6-7 wins is realistic. With some breaks maybe 8. Any team that improves by 4-5 wins over previous season is doing very good.

Goff and the offense will be good enough but concerns the D will not be able to make the stops when needed.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Some things are falling into place. With their Lions easy schedule 6-7 wins is realistic. With some breaks maybe 8. Any team that improves by 4-5 wins over previous season is doing very good.

Goff and the offense will be good enough but concerns the D will not be able to make the stops when needed.

This is kind of where I'm at. I don't feel like we have dynamic playmakers who will make Coordinators think "holy crap! how are we going to stop him?". But with a great offensive line, Pro Bowl type talent in Swift & Hock, good players like Chark and ARSB - Goff should be able to succeed. That's discounting any contribution from Jameson, who could be a great field stretcher.

We have been accumulating components to a good defense, but I've yet to see them put it together. We should be VERY GOOD at Edge. I like Alim a lot but he has to step up, as does Levi and Barnes. We're soft in a lot of places. Most sites have the defensive backfield in the bottom quartile, I think talent wise they should be middle of the pack. But clearly they have a long ways to go before they catch up to how much the offense has improved.

 

[Ilov80s]

Williams couldn't get #1 because Jeff O. already has it and Williams checked with Matt first for his second choice.

Jamo should have #1. Okuda may not even start.

Sure but Okudah has been there 2 years, he's a high pick and trying to salvage his career after a poor start and a catastrophic injury. He has the right to the number and shouldn't give it up to a rookie.

 

[jon_mx]

Some things are falling into place. With their Lions easy schedule 6-7 wins is realistic. With some breaks maybe 8. Any team that improves by 4-5 wins over previous season is doing very good.

Goff and the offense will be good enough but concerns the D will not be able to make the stops when needed.

This is kind of where I'm at. I don't feel like we have dynamic playmakers who will make Coordinators think "holy crap! how are we going to stop him?". But with a great offensive line, Pro Bowl type talent in Swift & Hock, good players like Chark and ARSB - Goff should be able to succeed. That's discounting any contribution from Jameson, who could be a great field stretcher.

We have been accumulating components to a good defense, but I've yet to see them put it together. We should be VERY GOOD at Edge. I like Alim a lot but he has to step up, as does Levi and Barnes. We're soft in a lot of places. Most sites have the defensive backfield in the bottom quartile, I think talent wise they should be middle of the pack. But clearly they have a long ways to go before they catch up to how much the offense has improved.

Four very good weapons is going to give defensive coordinators nightmares, especially when one has 4.3 speed and in most cases will require a double. A defense only has so many good defenders and we are going to create mismatches on every down somewhere. Once we add Jamo, I think the offense will be scary good.

As good of a year Amon-Ra had last season, he was mostly forcused on getting open and catching the ball and his YAC was pretty poor. He really showed some great ability for YAC at USC. That has been a main focus for his improvement this year along with running crisper routes. He can be a really tough and illusive runner, so while he won't be getting 11-12 targets a game, he will be doing much more with the 8 targets he does get.

 

[jon_mx]

Williams couldn't get #1 because Jeff O. already has it and Williams checked with Matt first for his second choice.

Jamo should have #1. Okuda may not even start.

Sure but Okudah has been there 2 years, he's a high pick and trying to salvage his career after a poor start and a catastrophic injury. He has the right to the number and shouldn't give it up to a rookie.

Yeah, I know. But as a fan I want that #1 on my new shiny Ferrari, not my 2 year old SUV.

 

[Da Guru]

Williams couldn't get #1 because Jeff O. already has it and Williams checked with Matt first for his second choice.

Jamo should have #1. Okuda may not even start.

Sure but Okudah has been there 2 years, he's a high pick and trying to salvage his career after a poor start and a catastrophic injury. He has the right to the number and shouldn't give it up to a rookie.

Yeah, I know. But as a fan I want that #1 on my new shiny Ferrari, not my 2 year old SUV.

3 year old broken down SUV.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Malcolm Rodriguez promoted to starter for Joint Practices with Colts

 

[Moonlight]

Same Old Lions voodoo refuses to go to an easy death. It took three bad plays at the Falcons games end for the Lions to give away the victory. Chase not catching the INT, Blough fumbling the snap and the Lions defense giving up a long TD on 4th down. Granted these were reserve players but the culture change hasn't arrived.

When the culture changes these type of plays will be less frequent and the reserves will contribute. You cant win every game but you want the other team to beat you and not beat yourself.

MCDC was disappointed but keeps delivering the message of incremental improvement.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Mans not wrong.

My expectations for this season are low. I could see scenarios where they win 9-11 games bc it's an incredibly favorable schedule. But that's presuming the OL plays 85 G, we have good production from the core skill players (Swift, ARSB, Hock, Chark, Goff), and Hutch/Rodriggo play out of their minds as rookies. That's a big ask. They have more talent on the roster than a year ago. But in terms of actual on the field every week NFL production, all that potential is rife with caveats. Swift when healthy...Goff 4-5 years ago...TJ/Chark were good when healthy (neither ever is)....IF the 2nd year guys make a jump up...et al.

Realistically, they're probably looking at double digit losses. Vegas has the Over/Under at 6.5, Mike Clay says 6.2, I'm prepared to endure 6-7. They have a long ways to go when it comes to closing out games. They fought hard last year, 6 one score losses. OTOH they way more blowout losses (5) than one score wins (2.) Long, long ways away from being a contender.

We have the right GM. I don't think you can say we have the right coach until we see it on the field. The culture is great, the guys are having fun, everything is awesome (everything is cool when you're part of a team, when you're living the dream...). Another example....It's like everyone loves and respects AG - looks the part as a good DC, right? Stud player, paid his dues as a positional coach, was in demand when we landed him, and everyone thinks he'll be a head coach in a few years. That's all really cool, but....how about we put a defense out on the field that doesn't totally suck? That would be nice. How about you accomplish something before we put you on a pedestal.

Heading in the right direction. Gonna be patient another year. But I've said all along, the positivity is stuff is great, but sooner or later we need wins on the field.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Jeremy Reisman
https://twitter.com/DetroitOnLion
@DetroitOnLion

Colts offense just ran 12 straight red zone plays and scored exactly zero (0) touchdowns, including 2 stops from the 1-yard line. Big bounce back day for the Lions defense.

1:16 PM · Aug 18, 2022·Twitter for iPhone

And the first and second team Colts offense just failed to get a single first down on a two-minute drill. 4-and-outs from the Lions defense. (There was a PI on Oruwariye that was either picked up or ignored)

***************

kyle meinke

@kmeinke

I’m watching the Lions defense v Colts offense today. A much, much better effort. Jeff Okudah with the ones, had a PBU during one-on-ones, another on Michael Pittman during team, tight coverage in RZ drills. Big day from Rodrigo too, including monster TFL on JT at goal line.


1:14 PM · Aug 18, 2022·Twitter for iPhone

The Colts just ran 12 straight plays deep in the red zone without scoring a TD against Detroit’s top two defenses. Impressive bounce-back effort from Lions

kyle meinke
https://twitter.com/kmeinke
@kmeinke
·
5h

No touchdowns allowed in red zone, followed by no touchdowns allowed during 2-minute drills. Monster response from a defense that struggled yesterday. Speaking of monster … Austin Bryant had 3(!) sacks, was drawing doubles by day’s end. He’s making this team guys.

***************

Very encouraging! Yesterday they were getting toasted.

 

[Ilov80s]

Pretty much all backups for the Colts-Lions game today but I am really impressed with the Lions OL and RBs early. Carving the Colts up. Unfortunately, Blough and the WRs can't seem to do anything down field.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Pretty much all backups for the Colts-Lions game today but I am really impressed with the Lions OL and RBs early. Carving the Colts up. Unfortunately, Blough and the WRs can't seem to do anything down field.

In defense of Blough, he hit a WR in the facemask in the endzone.

The score doesn't really mean anything, but a win is always better than a loss.

 

[FairWarning]

Was watching this from the colts angle. I bet their D takes a little step back this year. Lions looked pretty good today.

 

[BobbyLayne]

The backup offensive line was outstanding today.

D-line was terrific VS the run.

Just preseason, means nothing? Agreed. Still, first preseason win since 2018. Young team could use some positive reinforcement.

 

[Ilov80s]

In defense of Blough, he hit a WR in the facemask in the endzone.

The score doesn't really mean anything, but a win is always better than a loss.

I agree that he played better in the 2nd quarter. He led a nice TD drive at the end of the half. I still think Boyle is a little better. Though the offense is screwed if either have to take over from Goff.

 

[Ilov80s]

The backup offensive line was outstanding today.

D-line was terrific VS the run.

Just preseason, means nothing? Agreed. Still, first preseason win since 2018. Young team could use some positive reinforcement.

Will be a nice story for Hard Knocks this week after blowing game 1 late.

 

[BobbyLayne]

The backup offensive line was outstanding today.

D-line was terrific VS the run.

Just preseason, means nothing? Agreed. Still, first preseason win since 2018. Young team could use some positive reinforcement.

Will be a nice story for Hard Knocks this week after blowing game 1 late.

Pittman toasted them pretty bad Day 1 of joint practices. Next two days the defense really turned it around. Good intensity from the clips I saw, think that really helped them being able to hit other people instead of each other.

Jamaal doing Jamaal things

 

[TwinTurbo]

I like this coaching staff and GM too. But does all this rah rah, emotionally charged style actually work long term at the pro level? I guess it does if you eventually win. This is finally a roster with some talent, so I'm optimistic. A couple observations from a brief watch of Hard Knocks:

1. The Staley + Swift dynamic is not good. Swift looks like he wants to jump off a bridge, having zero fun. I don't like what I see.
2. Amon-Ra is basically the Terminator playing WR. I want to draft him on every team. His dad is also awesome.

 

[Moonlight]

I like this coaching staff and GM too. But does all this rah rah, emotionally charged style actually work long term at the pro level? I guess it does if you eventually win. This is finally a roster with some talent, so I'm optimistic. A couple observations from a brief watch of Hard Knocks:

1. The Staley + Swift dynamic is not good. Swift looks like he wants to jump off a bridge, having zero fun. I don't like what I see.
2. Amon-Ra is basically the Terminator playing WR. I want to draft him on every team. His dad is also awesome.

Staley is challenging Swift to become one of the greatest backs in NFL history. (1,000yds x 2.) Lions coaches are putting a great deal of effort into boosting the confidence and forward vision of their players. Swift's silence to Staley's exhortations can be read any number of ways. I've read perhaps like you that the rah-rah approach wears thin and fast in the NFL. But as you suggest winning makes everything rosy.

This team I think is one of the youngest if not the youngest in the league. Also this staff has 65 years of mostly crappiness and ineptitude to overcome. So the rah-rah approach may be a good fit. Besides Campbell doesn't know any other way and that way also focuses on individual responsibility and accountability.

I'm ready for the culture change.

 

[FairWarning]

I like this coaching staff and GM too. But does all this rah rah, emotionally charged style actually work long term at the pro level? I guess it does if you eventually win. This is finally a roster with some talent, so I'm optimistic. A couple observations from a brief watch of Hard Knocks:

1. The Staley + Swift dynamic is not good. Swift looks like he wants to jump off a bridge, having zero fun. I don't like what I see.
2. Amon-Ra is basically the Terminator playing WR. I want to draft him on every team. His dad is also awesome.

There were many other issues in Jax, but they employed the college rah-rah approach. There is a risk of losing the veterans with it.

 

[Zeppelin]

One thing I like is that there are a lot of tough roster decisions looming at several positions. We haven't seen much of this in recent years.

 

[TwinTurbo]

I like this coaching staff and GM too. But does all this rah rah, emotionally charged style actually work long term at the pro level? I guess it does if you eventually win. This is finally a roster with some talent, so I'm optimistic. A couple observations from a brief watch of Hard Knocks:

1. The Staley + Swift dynamic is not good. Swift looks like he wants to jump off a bridge, having zero fun. I don't like what I see.
2. Amon-Ra is basically the Terminator playing WR. I want to draft him on every team. His dad is also awesome.

Staley is challenging Swift to become one of the greatest backs in NFL history. (1,000yds x 2.) Lions coaches are putting a great deal of effort into boosting the confidence and forward vision of their players. Swift's silence to Staley's exhortations can be read any number of ways. I've read perhaps like you that the rah-rah approach wears thin and fast in the NFL. But as you suggest winning makes everything rosy.

This team I think is one of the youngest if not the youngest in the league. Also this staff has 65 years of mostly crappiness and ineptitude to overcome. So the rah-rah approach may be a good fit. Besides Campbell doesn't know any other way and that way also focuses on individual responsibility and accountability.

I'm ready for the culture change.

That look on Swift's face says it all. He scores a TD and Duce still barks at him implying he did something wrong. I did like the comment when they were reviewing the tap about Swift needing to throw a stiff arm and make it hard on the defense. It just seems like a mix of good and bad with how Duce delivers the messages to the players. You can't yell and be dramatic all the time.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Romeo Okwara, Jason Cabinda, Josh Pascal all go to the PUP - will miss at least the 4 games. Good news Jerry Jacobs and Levi Onwuzurike avoided it.

Okudah is ahead of Will Harris for the RCB starting job. Nickel (which is our true base D) Corner was expected to be AJ Parker but Mike Hughes has the lead there. Not official yet but I feel like Malcolm Rodriguez is going be the starting off ball LB. Dude is a tackling clinic. What a great find for a 6th rounder.

Some 53 man projections:

MLive (Meinke)

Pride of Detroit (Reisman/Schlitt)

SI

Sidelion Reporter

 

[TripItUp]

That look on Swift's face says it all. He scores a TD and Duce still barks at him implying he did something wrong. I did like the comment when they were reviewing the tap about Swift needing to throw a stiff arm and make it hard on the defense. It just seems like a mix of good and bad with how Duce delivers the messages to the players. You can't yell and be dramatic all the time.

Agreed, Duce needs leadership coaching. Less can be more.

 

[Ilov80s]

The Lions have been drafting some injured guys in '21 and '22. At some point one of them needs to hit.

 

[Ilov80s]

Agreed, Duce needs leadership coaching. Less can be more.

Duce isn't a newbie. This is his 13th year as a football coach.