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2025 Detroit Lions: 3-1 Lions roll over Browns (163 Viewers)

The Lions really need one of those edge rushers. The pass rush was good at times but too often there was none at all. We haven't had an elite game-wrecking edge rusher in a long time. 

Obviously we need a top WR in the worst way. Unless they go the free agency route, I think they almost have to take one with either the late 1st or early 2nd round pick. There are a lot of really good WRs early in this draft. 

I don't have any idea if they will take a QB early but I am not a fan of any QB in this draft class so I would keep building elsewhere. The defense has a lot of big holes, especially a 3-down LB and a safety. We also need interior D-line and CBs. 

The Lions have 2 firsts and likely a high 2nd in each of the next 2 drafts. Holmes needs to crush those picks. 

 
The Lions really need one of those edge rushers. The pass rush was good at times but too often there was none at all. We haven't had an elite game-wrecking edge rusher in a long time. 

Obviously we need a top WR in the worst way. Unless they go the free agency route, I think they almost have to take one with either the late 1st or early 2nd round pick. There are a lot of really good WRs early in this draft. 

I don't have any idea if they will take a QB early but I am not a fan of any QB in this draft class so I would keep building elsewhere. The defense has a lot of big holes, especially a 3-down LB and a safety. We also need interior D-line and CBs. 

The Lions have 2 firsts and likely a high 2nd in each of the next 2 drafts. Holmes needs to crush those picks. 
If they sign a decent FA backup QB I think that indicates they will wait for a better QB class to draft from. Outside of WR it could be all defense?

 
If they sign a decent FA backup QB I think that indicates they will wait for a better QB class to draft from. Outside of WR it could be all defense?
I would not have an issue if they took a WR high and the rest defense. They could take a mid to late round QB as well. 

 
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Stat of the day:

In 2020 Lions finished #26 in yards per carry.

After 16 games in 2021,  Lions rank #10.

 
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Campbell on Barnes: "He's got to play better. He's got to play better. And I thought he took a step back. We need more from our stack 'backers. ... You ask me a week ago? I'd say, yeah, he's been improving. He's learning, he's growing. But last week, he took a step back. He did."

 
Kyle Meinke on Twitter - Dan Campbell said he had no issue with Pete Carroll's playcalling late in the rout, or the decision to leave in Russell Wilson.

(Seattle ran an end around while up 51-29.)

"If you don't like it, then stop it. Hey man, kudos."

 
@Justin_Rogers

Just went back to look at it. Lions have played 877 regular season and playoff games in the Super Bowl era and this was just the seventh time they allowed 50 or more points. Really adds context to how bad things went on Sunday.

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How many times have the Lions scored 50 during that span?

Once. A 55-20 thumping of the Bears in 1997. Barry ran for 167 and three scores, while a Tracy Scroggins fourth-quarter fumble return pushed the Lions over 50. 

Interestingly, the Bears jumped out to a 17-3 lead and led 20-17 at the half.

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In an interview on 97.1, Dan Campbell said Alim McNeill actually had one of his better games vs. Seattle, while Levi Onwuzurike was up-and-down, like he's been all season, flashing one play, being out of position the next. Said the run defense issues were bigger than the d-line.

On Barnes, Campbell said he's correcting mistakes as they come, then experiencing something new to him that he has to fix. Campbell said he thought Barnes took a step back in this last game.

(the Barnes commentary echoed in the post above is from his press conference)

 
Levi Onwuzurike was up-and-down, like he's been all season, flashing one play, being out of position the next. Said the run defense issues were bigger than the d-line.
Levi has arguably been the biggest disappointment on the entire team this year. It sure didn't help being injured early in camp but there still should have been some improvement during the season.

 
Pretty cool Ringer article on the rebuild. Go Lions.
Saw that. While I think it’s accurate, still a long, long ways from being a consistent winner.

We need to stack several good drafts and off-seasons. That’s always been missing. I do feel good about this staff and their ability to develop players, especially the DBs.

 
Levi has arguably been the biggest disappointment on the entire team this year. It sure didn't help being injured early in camp but there still should have been some improvement during the season.
They're saying the biggest issue with Levi rn is poor technique. Consistently gets out leveraged.

I’d say there’s a 90%+ chance we part ways with Trey Flowers this off-season. It’s crucial the young DL guys play better in 2022.

We’ll see how the FA period and pre draft off-season goes. If form holds we will be one of the teams coaching the Senior Bowl. Right now I’d say Edge with the 1.02, WR with the Rams 1st, and all defense after that - with an emphasis on the front 7.

 
They're saying the biggest issue with Levi rn is poor technique. Consistently gets out leveraged.

I’d say there’s a 90%+ chance we part ways with Trey Flowers this off-season. It’s crucial the young DL guys play better in 2022.

We’ll see how the FA period and pre draft off-season goes. If form holds we will be one of the teams coaching the Senior Bowl. Right now I’d say Edge with the 1.02, WR with the Rams 1st, and all defense after that - with an emphasis on the front 7.
I agree 100%. It appears we will get 3 compensatory picks, one of which is a 3rd because of (thankfully) losing Golladay. So 5 picks in the firat 3 rounds this year and 4 next year. Holmes has to nail these next 2 drafts and if he does we will be on our way. 

 
PFF's four highest graded rookie WRs:

  1. Ja'Marr 82.8
  2. Jaylen 79.3
  3. Amon-Ra 76.7
  4. Devonta 76.4
Drafted 5th, 6th, 10th and 112th overall.

 
PFF's four highest graded rookie WRs:

  1. Ja'Marr 82.8
  2. Jaylen 79.3
  3. Amon-Ra 76.7
  4. Devonta 76.4
Drafted 5th, 6th, 10th and 112th overall.
The Dolphins and Lions are the only team with 2 rookies with top 15 pff gades.

Holland & Waddle: 5,9

Sewell, Brown: 12,13

Amon-Ra has a chip on his shoulder. He and Nate Hobbs are the only players on the list drafted outside the first 2 rounds. 

 
The Dolphins and Lions are the only team with 2 rookies with top 15 pff gades.

Holland & Waddle: 5,9

Sewell, Brown: 12,13

Amon-Ra has a chip on his shoulder. He and Nate Hobbs are the only players on the list drafted outside the first 2 rounds. 


Sewell was 8th a couple weeks ago, been struggling of late. Still a great rookie season but he's talked about how he knows he has to be more consistent.

Chase made a huge jump the last two weeks. ARSB wasn't in the Top 15 after Week 15.

 
Sewell was 8th a couple weeks ago, been struggling of late. Still a great rookie season but he's talked about how he knows he has to be more consistent.

Chase made a huge jump the last two weeks. ARSB wasn't in the Top 15 after Week 15.
Here's the updated link which I should've included above: NFL Rookies: Top 15 highest-graded players through Week 17

The pff author says ARSB is a chess piece. He's turned out to be more than a pawn and a better WR than his bigger and faster brother. Not signing Golladay probably helped in his development not to mention the comp pick. 

 
Here's the updated link which I should've included above: NFL Rookies: Top 15 highest-graded players through Week 17

The pff author says ARSB is a chess piece. He's turned out to be more than a pawn and a better WR than his bigger and faster brother. Not signing Golladay probably helped in his development not to mention the comp pick. 
I think chess piece is an apt description. More knight than bishop.

He’s exceeded all expectations. He’s not the WR1 we need. Gonna be a chain mover for years & a terrific player. Hopefully we draft/sign someone who can take the top off the defense or win 50-50 balls.

Another glowing ARSB article on PFF that came out this week:

Detroit Lions rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown relishes proving NFL teams wrong with late-round success

 
Heard Campbell speak yesterday, hearing a coach say he is "finally getting used to" anything a year in, is not good. 

Coach decided to take play calling away and he didnt have a skill at it is still learning? Good lord. 

Whats great is Lions fans will defend this somehow as people defend the absurd now and days. Heard the dude on 97.1 say its good he is finally learning to call plays. This is what I mean when I say Lions fans dont know what winning is like so they tolerate this stuff. 

This is the NFL, just being treated with kid gloves is why Detroit will never know what winning looks like. 

Wait can I say this as a Lions fans or must I treat them with kids gloves? 

You think thats gonna get you a good OC in town next year after he fires Lynn as a scapegoat, or you gonna be happy with Campbell calling plays again?
:fishing:

Not much more needs to be said.  :lol:

 
Anyone who doesn’t think DC is doing a good job should listen to a Joe Judge presser.

They’re moving in the right direction. Lions fans have good reason to be hopeful about the future. 

 
Anyone who doesn’t think DC is doing a good job should listen to a Joe Judge presser.

They’re moving in the right direction. Lions fans have good reason to be hopeful about the future. 
Also look at how the Giants are going through the motions. They act like they don't care. That's definitely not the case here. 

It's really just a lack of talent, particularly on defense. Aaron Glenn has done more with less than any coordinator in the league. Hopefully an elite edge rusher is the beginning but there are holes all over the defense. 

 
@davebirkett

Great line by Dan Campbell: "We're in the Arctic Ocean but we're headed to the Caribbean." He said anything worth having success at takes hard work and this year will make things a lot sweeter down the road.

@justin_rogers

Campbell said he hasn't been happy with the record, but does feel encouraged by the foundation he's been able to lay in his first season. Said he's seen positive growth and development from the team's young core.

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Goff limited in practice.

Jared Goff is "probable" to play in the finale. Dan Campbell expects him to start against Green Bay.

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FTP

 
Never will understand why the Lions do not and have not had a veteran retread that can come in and at least be able to run the offense.
There aren't that many out there and the contracts are usually ridiculous. You could significantly overpay for guys like Andy Dalton ($10M/year) or Case Keenum ($6M/year) or you could just sign a nobody for far less and get about the same results. 

 
There aren't that many out there and the contracts are usually ridiculous. You could significantly overpay for guys like Andy Dalton ($10M/year) or Case Keenum ($6M/year) or you could just sign a nobody for far less and get about the same results. 
Chase Daniel was paid well and was a miserable signing. He's made a lot of bucks but usually gets cut after the first year for the many teams he's played for. Boyle is better than him IMO.

 
There aren't that many out there and the contracts are usually ridiculous. You could significantly overpay for guys like Andy Dalton ($10M/year) or Case Keenum ($6M/year) or you could just sign a nobody for far less and get about the same results. 


The nobodies like Boyle and Blough are not capable of winning a game. 

Dalton and Keenum have won games and at least gives the team a chance. Keenum has won playoff games.

Keenum for 6 million would get the same results as Goff for 20 million less.

 
Chase Daniel was paid well and was a miserable signing. He's made a lot of bucks but usually gets cut after the first year for the many teams he's played for. Boyle is better than him IMO.


Daniel never was any good.  Another bad Quinn move.

 
Da Guru said:
The nobodies like Boyle and Blough are not capable of winning a game. 
Yes they can win a game or 3 which is why they are perfect for a playoff team who might need to cover a couple starts if their star QB breaks a finger. They aren't going to be able to carry a poor team like the Lions. 

Da Guru said:
Dalton and Keenum have won games and at least gives the team a chance. Keenum has won playoff games.
Lions were never sniffing the playoffs this year anyway.

Da Guru said:
Keenum for 6 million would get the same results as Goff for 20 million less.
Probably pretty close but nobody was giving us a 1st round pick to take Case Keenum.

 
Yes they can win a game or 3 which is why they are perfect for a playoff team who might need to cover a couple starts if their star QB breaks a finger. They aren't going to be able to carry a poor team like the Lions. 

Lions were never sniffing the playoffs this year anyway.

Probably pretty close but nobody was giving us a 1st round pick to take Case Keenum.


Boyle was not a good college QB. Senior year he had 11 TDs, and 13 INTs.

Should be a #3 at very best.  And if the staff thinks Boyle is better than Blough then Blough has no hope.

 
Boyle was not a good college QB. Senior year he had 11 TDs, and 13 INTs.

Should be a #3 at very best.  And if the staff thinks Boyle is better than Blough then Blough has no hope.
Neither of them have any hope. There’s maybe 25 people on the planet capable of playing NFL QB well. 

 
Lions close the season 3-3 in their last 6 games. When you're trying to change the culture, I think it's a big deal to win as many games as possible. #### that #1 pick; I'm glad they won. Extra bonus is they were up at halftime when the Packers played their starters. And for most of the game the Lions had 4 backup offensive linemen playing including the 3rd string center. Not to mention being down our top 3 CBs and both edge rushers among others. 

The #2 pick guarantees them one of Hutchinson or Thibodeau (assuming they keep the pick). I would be happy with either. And they might have their choice anyways because Jacksonville might go offensive tackle. 

 
^^ what he said. I’ll take a win over the Packers any day of the week and over any draft pick unless there was a veritable Andrew Luck-esque QB talent sitting there in the rookie class perhaps. Nice end to the season and can only look forward to the draft now and further improvement next season 

 
Zeppelin said:
Lions close the season 3-3 in their last 6 games. When you're trying to change the culture, I think it's a big deal to win as many games as possible. #### that #1 pick; I'm glad they won. Extra bonus is they were up at halftime when the Packers played their starters. And for most of the game the Lions had 4 backup offensive linemen playing including the 3rd string center. Not to mention being down our top 3 CBs and both edge rushers among others. 

The #2 pick guarantees them one of Hutchinson or Thibodeau (assuming they keep the pick). I would be happy with either. And they might have their choice anyways because Jacksonville might go offensive tackle. 
No one knows who Jax is gonna take, there’s talk on Twitter they want a LT. If that happens we’ll have our choice of the greatest needs position anyway.

As I heard someone say this week (maybe Joique), this is the best 2 and a half win team ever. Certainly I’ve never seen or heard of a locker room on a 13-loss (or similar) team this full of positivity. These guys play hard for each other, and have fully bought into Campbell’s vision of what their identity will be. Or already is. These guys were seldom an easy out. 

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ARSB went 51-560-5 with another TD rushing over his last 6 games. OBJ and Randy Moss were the only rookie WRs with 4 straight games of 8+ receptions; Sun God finishes with a new NFL record, 6 straight.

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In the locker room, Tracy Walker - probably the most important internal FA they need to bring back - said Dan Campbell doesn’t get enough credit for what has happened this year. Changed the culture of the franchise. Said we’ll see how it plays out but his relationship with this coaching staff will be a big part of his decision process.

_______________

Former professional lacrosse player Tom Kennedy’s first words at the podium: “QB1” 

_______________

Jared Goff had 11 TD, 2 INT in his last five healthy games with Dan Campbell as the playcaller. Detroit went 3-1 in his final four starts. Really promising stuff, given this roster. 51 seconds left in the season and Goff was out there throwing a block on one good leg on that last reverse. That’s the kind of stuff his teammates won’t forget.

________________

FTP

 
I guess if I had to find a positive for the season it’s that this team didn’t quit

despite some game management gaffes I’m willing to stick with Campbell for at least another season…hopefully he can learn from some of the rookie mistakes.  Also constant change just isn’t good for a franchise.  If he can at least be competent and help them establish an identity I’ll be happy 

roster still needs a ton of help though, especially on Defense.  Should at least get some DL help at 2.  Would be nice if we could get something from Okudah but I’m pretty sure that’s a lost cause at this point.  We’ll see.  
 

offensively I like what we saw from St Brown, looks like he belongs in the NFL but I think he’s likely more a WR2

If Swift and Hock can stay healthy I think Goff could at least be serviceable next year.  I think we definitely need a WR 1 though and some depth at the position.  I’d also like a power back to compliment Swift.  Long term we still need to find a franchise QB but I don’t think this is the draft for it

would like to see a defense heavy draft next year but maybe grab a top WR with that late 1st.  Focus on D and some RB depth in free agency 

 
Amon Ra looks like a steal


That has to happen for drafts to be successful.  Our #2 is performing like a #4, and our #2 is performing like a #2.

Can`t believe I am saying a 3-13-1 season was successful but in a way it was.  I believe the culture has finally changed in the right direction.

I know many were bashing Campbells pressers but after the stodgy presser from Caldwell "Check the report"  and Matty-Patty I like DCs honestly and willingness to answer questions unlike Caldwell and Patricia.

 
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That has to happen for drafts to be successful.  Our #2 is performing like a #4, and our #2 is performing like a #2.

Can`t believe I am saying a 3-13-1 season was successful but in a way it was.  I believe the culture has finally changed in the right direction.

I know many were bashing Campbells pressers but after the stodgy presser from Caldwell "Check the report"  and Matty-Patty I like DCs honestly and willingness to answer questions unlike Caldwell and Patricia.
This x 1000. 

 
As I heard someone say this week (maybe Joique), this is the best 2 and a half win team ever.
That actually is possible to determine quantitatively. I heard a couple weeks ago that, whatever Atlanta's final record ended up being, they would almost certainly be the worst team by DVOA to ever have that record. I wonder where the Lions rank relative to other 13-loss teams.

I was happy with today's win. I realized that Detroit's final two wins came against teams that had the best record in the league at kickoff. That's ultimately more important than one slot in a draft with no clear No. 1.

 
Exciting win for the Lions. The lack of penalties in the game was something we were not accustomed.

The Packers had no penalties in the game. Packers were the least penalized team in NFL going into the game. The Lions had two penalties. One for being offside and the late holding penalty.

Usually Lion defenders are grasping on to Packer jerseys trying to keep up or jumping offside on Rodger's cadence counts. But not today though Rodgers only played a half.

Lions lead at halftime in the first meeting at Green Bay but Rodgers played the whole game and made the throws and the Lions offense went flat in second half.

 
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So do you root for or against Stafford in the playoffs?
Been saying since the trade I was a Rams fan this year, not jumping off now. But Stafford just led the league in pick 6s and tied a rookie for the most interceptions. Came up small in a couple big games. Heckuva good year for him pitching to Kupp but it's the same kind of mistakes he was making in Y1-Y5.

TBH though I usually don't watch the playoffs. Usually end up at a SB party. Watched the 4pm and SNF games tonight, which is unusual - most of the FF season I just do condensed games during the week. But playoffs? Just not that interested, haven't been for years. 

IDC about winning FF championships or watching other teams win playoff games. I just want to watch the Lions win a playoff game. It's been thirty years and five days. Hopefully they'll make the Super Bowl before the 2050 season. Just once before I....ya know.

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DC said they ran the WR option pass a few times in practice. First time was a duck, guy threw it like 10 yards (he wouldn't say who.) OK, who else wants to try it. Blough pushed Kennedy out of line and he says OK, it goes well the two times they ran it, so they put it in the game plan. "We gave them the same formation, the same set, personnel, everything to where if you assume they’re doing their homework. they'll know it's going to Saint."

ARSB gets up to the podium. "We've run the reverse in that formation, similar down/distance twice, so when I went to the slot I could hear the Packers sideline yelling ‘14′s getting the ball coming across! 14′s getting the ball!’” I just smiled - man what a perfect setup to add another wrinkle this week."

Kennedy: "Let's see, Pee Wee I threw a halfback option, won the game for us. Senior year - high school - threw a perfect spiral, right through the bread basket. Today. So, yeah, def the best pass I ever thew. What's that? Oh who was the WR that thew a duck in practice? Well, let me break it down....Saint was on the reverse, flipping it to me...Kalif was running the route...and Hodge is left-handed. You guys can figure it out from there." (Josh Reynolds, who ran the crossing pattern that cleared out the right side defenders.)

I remember in preseason it was looking like Kennedy would be a final cut for the 3rd time (though he actually did make the initial no-PK 53 man.) That last week, after the 3rd preseason game, Kyle Meinke asked Campbell

Thoughts on Tom Kennedy?
Dan Campbell: "Do you like Tom?”
KM: Yes.
Campbell: “Do you like him a lot?”
KM: Yes.
Campbell: "I like Tom too. We’ll see where this goes...”

Former professional lacrosse player living the dream. Great stuff.

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We were discussing in the game thread who called the double reverse flea flicker to Brock Wright? TE coach Ben Johnson did add a few wrinkles to the playbook and had some input on play calling this year, but it turns out that one was suggested by David Blough. 

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Solid locker room speech by MCDC but "Welcome to Detroit" after thumping the Cardinals is still the best one this year. Loved that Goff pointed for Tracy Walker to break it down (DC always asks Jared to do it.) First interception in forever, career high 13 tackles yesterday, career high 107on the year. Stepped up as a leader this year. Hope they resign him.

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ARSB - ends the season with 6 straight games of 8 catches or more, breaking the old NFL rookie record of 4.

70+ receiving yards in 6-straight games. He becomes the 5th @NFL rookie to do so, along with: - Brandon Aiyuk (2020) - Odell Beckham (2014) - Randy Moss (1998) - Bill Groman (1960)

Had at least 90 yards and one touchdown in each of his last four games, something only Randy Moss and Odell Beckham had ever done as rookies in NFL history.

119 targets 90-912-5 & 7-61-1. WR23 in full PPR.

OK, all good things. BUT....wasted a timeout yesterday bc he wasn't lined up in the right spot. And no excuse going out of bounds with 51 seconds left. Way more important to go down and make them use their last T.O. Rookies...he'll be smarter next year. Ferocious blocker, hard worker, way beyond expectations.

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Stats since the change to DC calling plays. No Goff for three games. Swift and Hockenson each missed four. Flu and COVID outbreaks and three outdoor games in rainy conditions.

  • Lions scored 3.7 more points per game in second half of the season
  • averaged 4.9 yards per carry after the bye vs. 4.1 the first eight.
  • Goff 8 TDs 6 INT with A Lynn, 11/2 with DC.

 

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