2025 Detroit Lions: 5-2 Hutch gets contract extension. (29 Viewers)

[BobbyLayne]

Golden stuff:

From Week 6 (the game he hurt his shoulder, was in a sling throughout the bye week) through Week 10, Tate had 85 yards or more. He’s the only NFL WR to do that 4 straight games the last two seasons, and he did it on limited snap counts.

Since he arrived in 2014, he’s had three straight seasons of 90+ catches. That ties Herman Moore’s team record (Calvin never did it.) He’s on pace for 94 in 2017.

Numver one in YAC this year and overall since 2014.

This year he got to 50 catches in 8 games, third time club history - which includes two seasons by Tate.

Two drops in the season, 2nd in the NFL in catch rate.

He got to 300 career catches as a Lion in 51 games; broke the previous record by Johnson (66.)

If he resigns (under control through 2018) and maintains his 5.9 catch per game pace he’s had so far through 4 seasons, he’ll break Calvin’s club record for receptions around Thanksgiving 2021. He’ll be 33 then.

PFF ranks him WR5 overall and WR2 out of the slot.

WR3 on GB/NE? Hot take!

 

[Futz]

Keys to winning the game IMO:

• Got to got to got to stop the MInny rushing attack which leads to....
  
• Turn the game into Stafford vs. Keenum where I believe we have a decided advantage
  
• Special teams remain special. It's really too bad Agnew isn't playing because this could be the one type of play that wins in a hair splitting matchup like this one
  
• Minnesota needs a win, Detroit really has to win. I feel desperation trumps all here and therefore...
  

Detroit 20 Minnesota 17

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Every time I watch Jordan Howard play I keep think he was the RB that got away. 5th rd pick and he is a bell cow!

or take a RB this season instead of Taz Tabor..........

 

[Futz]

Golden stuff:

From Week 6 (the game he hurt his shoulder, was in a sling throughout the bye week) through Week 10, Tate had 85 yards or more. He’s the only NFL WR to do that 4 straight games the last two seasons, and he did it on limited snap counts.

Since he arrived in 2014, he’s had three straight seasons of 90+ catches. That ties Herman Moore’s team record (Calvin never did it.) He’s on pace for 94 in 2017.

Numver one in YAC this year and overall since 2014.

This year he got to 50 catches in 8 games, third time club history - which includes two seasons by Tate.

Two drops in the season, 2nd in the NFL in catch rate.

He got to 300 career catches as a Lion in 51 games; broke the previous record by Johnson (66.)

If he resigns (under control through 2018) and maintains his 5.9 catch per game pace he’s had so far through 4 seasons, he’ll break Calvin’s club record for receptions around Thanksgiving 2021. He’ll be 33 then.

PFF ranks him WR5 overall and WR2 out of the slot.

WR3 on GB/NE? Hot take!

Impressive list of accomplishments for sure. I simply don't have the time (3 young kids) for the statistical breakdowns so I thank you for that. However, I've been watching football for 35 years and my eyes don't lie to me. Don't think I'm bashing on Tate because I'm not. I just feel he's a bit of a niche player that does that one thing great. It's only a component of a passing game and more an extension of the running game.

I prefer more well rounded WRs as my team's #2. A WR that catches the deep ball,outmuscles CBs, and wins in the RZ. Maybe not as well as the #1 of course but could still put up a 8-12 TD year on occasion. There are WRs around his size that do more and are more well rounded players like Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Brandin Cooks, Ty Hilton, Doug Baldwin, Odell, Cobb (before the injuries)... just to name a few. Again, not trying to slight him but the numbers don't always tell the whole truth. Catching 90 balls down the field compared to catching 90 balls within 5-7 yards of the line of scrimmage are entirely two different animals. He gets volume because we have no other choice with our running attack.

He's a very important piece to the team but I've always felt he's been miscast or leaned on as a WR2 for most of his career when he would be better suited to be a WR3.

The premise of this conversation was the fact that we should morph into the NE/GB mold. I'm just saying that we don't have all necessary parts and especially when they are miscast.

 

[NeverEnough]

Who will Rhodes cover?

 

[Futz]

Lions claimed Dwight Freeney off of waivers. 3 sacks in 4 games for Seattle and then they dropped him which was very perplexing to me and apparently to him as well.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/11/22/dwight-freeney-confused-that-seahawks-cut-him-excited-to-play-for-lions/

 

[jon_mx]

Freeney is a really good pickup.  

 

[TartanLion]

Impressive list of accomplishments for sure. I simply don't have the time (3 young kids) for the statistical breakdowns so I thank you for that. However, I've been watching football for 35 years and my eyes don't lie to me. Don't think I'm bashing on Tate because I'm not. I just feel he's a bit of a niche player that does that one thing great. It's only a component of a passing game and more an extension of the running game.

I prefer more well rounded WRs as my team's #2. A WR that catches the deep ball,outmuscles CBs, and wins in the RZ. Maybe not as well as the #1 of course but could still put up a 8-12 TD year on occasion. There are WRs around his size that do more and are more well rounded players like Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Brandin Cooks, Ty Hilton, Doug Baldwin, Odell, Cobb (before the injuries)... just to name a few. Again, not trying to slight him but the numbers don't always tell the whole truth. Catching 90 balls down the field compared to catching 90 balls within 5-7 yards of the line of scrimmage are entirely two different animals. He gets volume because we have no other choice with our running attack.

He's a very important piece to the team but I've always felt he's been miscast or leaned on as a WR2 for most of his career when he would be better suited to be a WR3.

The premise of this conversation was the fact that we should morph into the NE/GB mold. I'm just saying that we don't have all necessary parts and especially when they are miscast.

I don't have the time to dig for numbers either but I'm pretty sure that Tate's numbers, when Calvin was absent in 2014, were very good and he was running a lot of deep routes and outside stuff to cover for the lack of Calvin. 

Caldwell/Cooter have crafted a very definitive role for him, but he has a good all round game even if some components of it aren't being fully utilised at present. You mention Cooks for instance. Cooks is faster, Tate has slightly better hands maybe and runs tougher but tbh beyond that they seem like really similar players to me, that are merely used differently on their respective teams. 

 

[Futz]

I don't have the time to dig for numbers either but I'm pretty sure that Tate's numbers, when Calvin was absent in 2014, were very good and he was running a lot of deep routes and outside stuff to cover for the lack of Calvin. 

Caldwell/Cooter have crafted a very definitive role for him, but he has a good all round game even if some components of it aren't being fully utilised at present. You mention Cooks for instance. Cooks is faster, Tate has slightly better hands maybe and runs tougher but tbh beyond that they seem like really similar players to me, that are merely used differently on their respective teams. 

He did have a nice run during that stretch. There was also a long stretch last year where Marvin Jones was non existent and Tate had his usual receptions but for a mere 4 TDs total though. I get that the play calling may have something to do with that but with so many touches, you'd think he'd get a few more. We have been void of RZ options since CJ left and that was almost two long years ago now.

Cook has 24 TDs in 41 games. Tate has 32 TDs in 116 games. Tate has eclipsed 900 yards only twice in his 7 year career. Cook has eclipsed 1100 yards twice in 3 seasons and is on pace for 3 out of 4.   I said I wouldn't check stats but this time I had to make an exception. 

 

[TwinTurbo]

3-0 in divisional road games - first time that’s happened since...

Check that - first time that’s happened in the Super Bowl era (52 seasons.) Wow.

Overall, the Lions are 4-1 away from home this season. That matches New Orleans, Carolina and the Rams for the most road wins in the NFC, and trails just Pittsburgh league wide. It also matches the most road wins by a Caldwell-coached team for a full season, with trips to losing teams like Cincinnati, Tampa Bay and Baltimore still on deck.

Only team the NFL that has 3 Road division wins in 2017.

Minnesita plays 4 of their next 5 on the road, versus 3 winning teams and the .500 Packers (plus home v. Cinci.) After Thanksgiving, the Lions wont face a team that currently has a winning record.

Yes if there was ever a chance for a Caldwell coached Lions team to win the division and get a home playoff game, this is the year. No excuses with the remaining schedule. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

Gotta win tomorrow or I’m booking ski trips for January. Not gonna waste time watching them lose another first round road WC game.

Really excited about the Freeney pickup.

 

[Chaka]

Really wanting to start Abdullah tomorrow but Minny is so solid vs RBs.

When you're RBs are Ameer, Darkwa, McKinnon, Doug Martin & D.Henry (& theoretically another back in the same class/situation I am not confirming or denying) you will inevitably choose incorrectly at least once a week.

Ameer's usage is so frustrating. Two weeks ago he's gashing Cleveland and gets, what? 11 carries?

Last week he's not gashing Chicago and he gets 11 carries.

There isn't another RB on the roster with any legitimate "let's see what we have for the future" upside. Ameer is that guy but...his usage is insane.

#### Jim Bob Cooter!

 

[dmac37]

Keys to winning the game IMO:

• Got to got to got to stop the MInny rushing attack which leads to....
  
• Turn the game into Stafford vs. Keenum where I believe we have a decided advantage
  
• Special teams remain special. It's really too bad Agnew isn't playing because this could be the one type of play that wins in a hair splitting matchup like this one
  
• Minnesota needs a win, Detroit really has to win. I feel desperation trumps all here and therefore...
  

Detroit 20 Minnesota 17

I agree with this, especially need to stop the Minn run. I would love to see them be a pass first team again and give Zenner a crack at being the lead back. When he was the guy last year it was the first time it looked like we had a RB who could run some with this o-line and he can also catch out of the backfield. At a minimum he should be the RB inside the 10 yard line.

AA is not a NFL RB IMO. ZZ> AA when it comes to being a complete natural NFL RB with vision and tackle breaking skills.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I agree with this, especially need to stop the Minn run. I would love to see them be a pass first team again and give Zenner a crack at being the lead back. When he was the guy last year it was the first time it looked like we had a RB who could run some with this o-line and he can also catch out of the backfield. At a minimum he should be the RB inside the 10 yard line.

AA is not a NFL RB IMO. ZZ> AA when it comes to being a complete natural NFL RB with vision and tackle breaking skills.

really Zack  Zenner? Come on man

 

[zftcg]

Who will Rhodes cover?

He has historically covered Jones (and shut him down)

 

[dmac37]

really Zack  Zenner? Come on man

All I know, in the 2 games at the end of last year when he was featured was one of the few times a Lion RB has produced in the last few years.

I have seen enough of AA. Once every few weeks he makes 1 good juke move and everyone (including me in the past) gets excited but he seems to lack 2 huge prerequisites for a NFL RB- vision & tackle breaking. 

I would like to see the Lions use a combo of Zenner and Theo and for now be a pass first team. With the offensive line talent, they need to find the right OC or O-line coach to make the run game work moving forward.  

 

[Chaka]

I agree with this, especially need to stop the Minn run. I would love to see them be a pass first team again and give Zenner a crack at being the lead back. When he was the guy last year it was the first time it looked like we had a RB who could run some with this o-line and he can also catch out of the backfield. At a minimum he should be the RB inside the 10 yard line.

AA is not a NFL RB IMO. ZZ> AA when it comes to being a complete natural NFL RB with vision and tackle breaking skills.

Zenner had a 14 carry game home vs the Rams (4.14 you) and a 20 carry game at home vs the Packers (3.45 ypc) are we really supposed to view him as a superior option based on those performances?

 

[NeverEnough]

Am I right to assume Slay will shadow Diggs?

 

[Chaka]

Am I right to assume Slay will shadow Diggs?

Not a safe assumption considering how well Thielen is playing, with or without Diggs in the lineup.

 

[shadrap]

to Golladay or not to Golladay?  really not asking for advice, but I think he has a big day.  Short week usually means high scoring.   looking forward to this game a lot.  Tradition like no other.   Actually heard that many years ago NFL teams were asked to play on Turkey day.  I think Dallas & Detroit were the only two to say yes.   If true now you know why they always play on Thanksgiving & at home.

 

[jomar]

I don't have a lot of confidence today.  Minny will probably run for 200 against us and has the better D.  We have to win the turnover battle to have any shot, and probably need to win it by 2-3.  even then, Stafford will need to continue to play at a very high level

 

[The Captain]

Ugh

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Rope a dope.... got minny right where they want em

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Tahir whitehead is terrible

 

[Da Guru]

Left the game and going to Chelis Bar across the street. 

FBGs....I  am 6-1 215,have brown hair and have a white Lion hoodie on.  I am with 3 tall blonde ladies.  Come up and say "Guru" and drinks are on me!!

 

[TwinTurbo]

Gotta win tomorrow or I’m booking ski trips for January. Not gonna waste time watching them lose another first round road WC game.

Really excited about the Freeney pickup.

Enjoy that ski trip. I'm booking somewhere with a beach. Stupid Lions. 

 

[TartanLion]

Even though we've been a solid team across the last 5-6 years we're always just a smidgeon short. Finish second to Rodgers Packers multiple times. Now Rodgers is done and we lose to the Vikings after winning three straight against them, and hand them the division. There's not a lot in the teams, I don't quite know how they got to 9-2. I guess those tight ones we lost like the Falcons and Steelers games, are the ones they've won this year. 

Would like to see us load up on D and get an RB in the draft next year. Our O line can't seem to help us run the ball but I'm not convinced it's playing personnel tbh. 

Look at our former OC Linehan at Dallas - he has Elliot and the Cowboys O is very difficult to contend and live with. Thus far without him, they look toothless. Look at what the run game in NO is doing for that team. Brees is almost in cruise control, and will be there to fling it if they ever get in a jam. 

If we had an absolute beast at RB, our entire O and Stafford would become incredibly dangerous. I don't really think the O needs much else. Except for someone in the coaching to try and work out a way for the line to create holes. 

RB and load up on D.

Apologies for already talking about the draft. Maybe we can still scrape a wildcard and who knows, but doesn't feel likely 

 

[TartanLion]

Left the game and going to Chelis Bar across the street. 

FBGs....I  am 6-1 215,have brown hair and have a white Lion hoodie on.  I am with 3 tall blonde ladies.  Come up and say "Guru" and drinks are on me!!

Haha I'd be there in an instant. I'm long overdue coming back to Detroit, I've got the itch. Have one in the Grand Trunk on me 

 

[BobbyLayne]

Enjoy that ski trip. I'm booking somewhere with a beach. Stupid Lions. 

For some reason “I haven’t got time for the pain” just looped into my head as an ear worm.

Fed 14 friends & family in a tiny Brooklyn apartment (like comically setup a long table that took up the entire LR-EIK.) People still drifting in and we’ve gone through several bottles of Beaujolais & Baileys. 

Football can wait a day. Stupid ?  

 

[jomar]

played out almost like I thought it would.  the run d was a little better, but little pass rush and we couldn't get off the field on 3rd down in the 1st half.  Minny didn't turn the ball over.  we missed on numerous plays like the screen to Riddick in the red zone.  can't believe it was as close as it was all things considered. 

its possible we claw in as the 6th seed and get bounced by Minny/NO.  We are not a threat to either of those teams

I agree we could really use a stud rb and all of the defensive help we can get in the draft, mainly on DL and LB.  and we need Ansah to stay healthy

 

[Raging weasel]

to Golladay or not to Golladay?  really not asking for advice, but I think he has a big day.  Short week usually means high scoring.   looking forward to this game a lot.  Tradition like no other.   Actually heard that many years ago NFL teams were asked to play on Turkey day.  I think Dallas & Detroit were the only two to say yes.   If true now you know why they always play on Thanksgiving & at home.

not true, college teams always played on thanksgiving and pro teams too but before the NFL until the Lions gave it a try to boost ticket sales. They had a new owner who also owned a radio station and the NFL gave them the go ahead as the game would be broadcast  nationally. I actually work in the building that served as the locker room  where the first game was played at the University of Detroit's football stadium.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Apologies for already talking about the draft. Maybe we can still scrape a wildcard and who knows, but doesn't feel likely 

I’m out on this year as well. We let three winnable games get away from us. You look at the ridiculousness - Ed freaking Dickson going 5-175 because everyone sold out for the run, the front 7 getting run TF over by the Browns & Bears because the young guys up front were over pursuing, out of position, oblivious to gap responsibility. Today (I’ll watch it later) not making a play even once on third down.

You can say lack of talent & that’s part of it, but you gotta start realizing Teryl Austin is not coaching these guys up. Feels like we are at a schematic disadvantage on both sides of the ball. Hope the third times the charm, go get yourself a HC job, you deserve it. We deserve a new DC.

Last three weeks we ended the first quarter down 0-10, 0-10, 0–13. Preparation is squarely on the coaching staff. Sick of it, seen it too often the last 3–1/2 seasons.

Anyway, this franchise is 0-9 in the WC round and 0-11 on the road in the playoffs in my 51 seasons of being a fan. Caldwell has done a good job, relative to every other Lions coach of the Siper Bowl era. But I have no interest investing in a mediocre team that squeaks in & then gets blown out, one & done. 

 

[JetMaxx]

Stafford is the definition of a coach killer. 

 

[jomar]

Stafford is the definition of a coach killer. 

Stafford is the very least of our problems.  How about we get either a running game or a defense once in this guys career and see how many games he wins?

 

[Da Guru]

Stafford is the definition of a coach killer. 

Lions had the division handed to them this year.   Rodgers down, Bradford down, Bears starting a rookie QB. Lions with a the highest paid QB in NFL history going against backups and rookies.

Hats off to Case Keenum...was fun to watch today.

 

[JetMaxx]

Stafford needs more help, needs more weapons, needs a better o-line, needs a better running game, needs a better defense.  I like Stafford but this is his 9th season..it is what it is. Missed many throws today.

He flashes brilliance but his continued inaccuracy early and often in this game is the very definition of coach killer

 

[The Captain]

Would it kill them to try Tion Green. WTF is the point of carrying 5 RBs if you’re not going to give the 5th a chance after the other 4 do nothing to help you win. If he’s not good enough to throw out there, cut him and go find another big body to help the D-line. What do they have to lose at this point. 

 

[zftcg]

Lions had the division handed to them this year.   Rodgers down, Bradford down, Bears starting a rookie QB. Lions with a the highest paid QB in NFL history going against backups and rookies.

Don't really agree with the bolded part (certainly not compared to 2013, when they had the division locked up and then absolutely collapsed down the stretch). I think as long as Keenum is playing out of his mind, this was always going to be Minny's year.

I also think Stafford's injury prevented any chance of a 4th-quarter comeback. First of all, they couldn't go for two to get within a FG after the Jones TD, plus he was clearly not right on those last two drives. I'm guessing he was having problems planting his feet properly, because his accuracy was terrible.

All that being said, I'll go back to what I wrote before the game:

this has all the trappings of a "same ol' Lions" game": high-profile show-down against a strong opponent who's playing well (think Green Bay Week 17 last year, or Green Bay Week 17 2014). So yeah, if they can pull out a win it will really say something about this team, and how things may be different this year.

But if they can't ... same ol' Lions.

 

[Futz]

Welp, this game pretty much cemented the fact that the RB situation should be detonated and absolutely overhauled in the offseason. It should have happened by now but I understand trying to fix the OL first (which we thought they did but... ). Minny's depth was really apparent in this game. Dalvin cook goes down and McKinnon/Murray step in and they hardly miss a beat. Quinn has some work to do. He's been a real good GM IMO but I do think he dropped the ball (pun intended) going into the season with Abdullah as your starter and the subpar backups there just in case.The only returning piece should be Riddick.

I underestimated Keenum. Props to him. He stood in there and made some great throws under duress meanwhile Stafford had happy feet throws that sailed like yachts on the Riviera even with minimal pressure. This is why it's imperative to pair Stafford with a running game. He has elite skills, but he's not elite because he lacks consistency. When he's off, you have to have the ability to run the ball. Period.

Silver lining (and I'm reaching), is that Ebron has been consistently making plays the last few weeks when called upon. Marvin Jones is really balling out and Golladay continues to flash.

This still might be a WC team but I doubt it will be at home and therefore........:drumroll:......another first round exit.

 

[zftcg]

Everyone keeps saying, "Maybe they can get a wildcard", but the fact is, their path to a division title (which seems gone after yesterday) was always going to be the easier route. Consider: among the three competitive NFC South teams (NO/CAR/ATL), one will win the division and the other two will be well-positioned for the WC. Detroit has lost to all three.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Everyone keeps saying, "Maybe they can get a wildcard", but the fact is, their path to a division title (which seems gone after yesterday) was always going to be the easier route. Consider: among the three competitive NFC South teams (NO/CAR/ATL), one will win the division and the other two will be well-positioned for the WC. Detroit has lost to all three.

Correct, and I honestly don’t care. The team is more than Matthew Stafford but if the ceiling is 9-11 wins & a first round exit, your legacy is a higher priced version of Rodney Peete or Scott Mitchell.

Inexcusable to have another flat start. Botching the handoff early - giving them a short field - you just cannot do that in a game of that magnitude. Apologists will say “oh man, if Fells could have caught one or both of those TDs.” 

Baloney. They came out flat two weeks in a row, and instead of correcting that, they have a first quarter with twice as many penalties as first downs. Nobody cares they outscored the Vikings 20-7 the last 30:37 of the game. It doesn’t matter Minnesota had (-8) yards in 11 plays in the middle of the game. When it mattered most, you came up small.

So disgusted I’m going shopping. 

 

[zftcg]

Correct, and I honestly don’t care. The team is more than Matthew Stafford but if the ceiling is 9-11 wins & a first round exit, your legacy is a higher priced version of Rodney Peete or Scott Mitchell.

Inexcusable to have another flat start. Botching the handoff early - giving them a short field - you just cannot do that in a game of that magnitude. Apologists will say “oh man, if Fells could have caught one or both of those TDs.” 

Baloney. They came out flat two weeks in a row, and instead of correcting that, they have a first quarter with twice as many penalties as first downs. Nobody cares they outscored the Vikings 20-7 the last 30:37 of the game. It doesn’t matter Minnesota had (-8) yards in 11 plays in the middle of the game. When it mattered most, you came up small.

So disgusted I’m going shopping. 

Really? Lions stopped pissing me off long ago. OK, maybe after the Dallas playoff game, where against my better judgment they sucked me in and had me believing they could actually pull it off (and they would have, if it weren't for those non-meddling refs). But games like this I fully expect them to lose, so I'm never disappointed.

(OK, there was a brief moment of disbelief when Slay blocked the FG at the very end yesterday: "Could this really be happening?" But I quickly realized, no, it really could not.)

 

[SameSongNDance]

Welp, this game pretty much cemented the fact that the RB situation should be detonated and absolutely overhauled in the offseason. It should have happened by now but I understand trying to fix the OL first (which we thought they did but... ). Minny's depth was really apparent in this game. Dalvin cook goes down and McKinnon/Murray step in and they hardly miss a beat. Quinn has some work to do. He's been a real good GM IMO but I do think he dropped the ball (pun intended) going into the season with Abdullah as your starter and the subpar backups there just in case.The only returning piece should be Riddick.

In 119 starts, Stafford has been accompanied by a RB who has rushed for 100+ yards 7 times. In 6% of his starts, the team didn't have to almost solely rely on Stafford to the move the ball.

They need to stop running Abdullah entirely. Zenner isn't good but at least he can fall forward and not lose yards on 50% of his carries.

And I honestly don't place 100% of the blame on Abdullah. I don't think he's great but he has absolutely no chance behind that line. DET ranks dead last in adjusted line yard (2.93). Somehow, CIN's joke of a OL is actually getting more push.

This organization is wholly incompetent. 

 

[The Captain]

Correct, and I honestly don’t care. The team is more than Matthew Stafford but if the ceiling is 9-11 wins & a first round exit, your legacy is a higher priced version of Rodney Peete or Scott Mitchell.

Inexcusable to have another flat start. Botching the handoff early - giving them a short field - you just cannot do that in a game of that magnitude. Apologists will say “oh man, if Fells could have caught one or both of those TDs.” 

Baloney. They came out flat two weeks in a row, and instead of correcting that, they have a first quarter with twice as many penalties as first downs. Nobody cares they outscored the Vikings 20-7 the last 30:37 of the game. It doesn’t matter Minnesota had (-8) yards in 11 plays in the middle of the game. When it mattered most, you came up small.

So disgusted I’m going shopping. 

Sums up my feelings as well. 

 

[shadrap]

Correct, and I honestly don’t care. The team is more than Matthew Stafford but if the ceiling is 9-11 wins & a first round exit, your legacy is a higher priced version of Rodney Peete or Scott Mitchell.

Inexcusable to have another flat start. Botching the handoff early - giving them a short field - you just cannot do that in a game of that magnitude. Apologists will say “oh man, if Fells could have caught one or both of those TDs.” 

Baloney. They came out flat two weeks in a row, and instead of correcting that, they have a first quarter with twice as many penalties as first downs. Nobody cares they outscored the Vikings 20-7 the last 30:37 of the game. It doesn’t matter Minnesota had (-8) yards in 11 plays in the middle of the game. When it mattered most, you came up small.

So disgusted I’m going shopping. 

This is the time you look at a Billecheck coached team.   somehow he doesn't have his team make silly penalties or do stupid things.   just do your job.

amazing really.

 

[jon_mx]

I really had low expectations for this year.  Got a bit excited after the strong start, but really are about where they should be.  They have zero pass rush, terrible run blocking, and not very good pass protection.  There are only about 5 better QB's than Stafford.  The receiving core is top notch, nothing elite but still very good. RB's are average at best and misused. AA is more of a receiving back and draw play back.  Stop running him on first down.  I would rather see Zenner run on first down (really should mix more passing in).  Freeney will be an important piece over the next few weeks. 

My prediction:. They make the playoffs and win a wild card game before falling to a superior Eagles team.  

 

[Futz]

<<<<<<<<<<<<<< I thought it best to put to down the crazed Manson avatar as he takes his permanent place in hell.

Anyhoo, McFadden released by Dallas. He's got to be better than Washington,Zenner, or Green right? Take a chance? How can they not kick the tires on him at this point.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Stafford is the very least of our problems.  How about we get either a running game or a defense once in this guys career and see how many games he wins?

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?archive=false&conference=null&role=TM&offensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&defensiveStatisticCategory=null&season=2017&seasonType=REG&tabSeq=2&qualified=false&Submit=Go

For the entire 21st century, they are near the bottom of this chart. Teams that can't run can't win. It really is that simple.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Football outsiders ranks the offensive line 32nd.

Same site ranks the defensive line 29th.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Football outsiders ranks the offensive line 32nd.

Same site ranks the defensive line 29th.

Just think how good this 6-5 team (with all 5 losses vs. apparent playoff bound teams) would be if they could improve on this. But instead we continue to get the Johnny one-notes who obsess over individual players or coaches.