2025 Detroit Lions: 4-1 Lions win battle of the big cats. (146 Viewers)

[BobbyLayne]

Zero pass rush, never bring an extra man. Play a soft zone coverage and let men run free. Experience an Aaron Glenn defense…

Dude would rather blitz a DB at the line than Barnes, who literally played DE at Purdue.

We have the most readable pas rush in the league. Go back and look at the presnap fronts. It’s so obvious when we are rushing only four. Every good DC in the league shows multiple fronts and disguises coverages.

We setup the same every play and tell our guys “you have to win your one on one battles.” Yeah, that’s the issue.

The difference between Ben and Aarron are stark. Ben spends so much time disguising plays, running a large variety of plays from the same formation, throwing in new twists. Aaron is plain vanilla which makes it easy for even a rookie QB to pick apart, especially when there is no pressure. Yesterday's game is impossible to lay on the defense as we turned the ball over some 7 times if you include getting stopped on downs. But our defense only made a handful of good plays the last three weeks. Our biggest stops have been because a reciever dropped an easy pass on 3rd down.

Terrible game all around, but at some point Aaron has to be on the hot seat. During his tenure, we had a few short stretches where our defense played well, and the defense has not progressed nearly as much as it should have over the last nearly 3 years.

That’s the 4th time this year we’ve made a pedestrian QB look elite. It’s probably happened 12 times in the last 44 games. I’m not expecting games 45-51 to be any different.

“Guys need to win their one on one battles. The scheme is fine. We had a plan. We wanted press man, I don’t know why the player was 8 yards off, that’s not what we called.” Paraphrasing but those are actual statements from the weekly coordinator pressers.

Man, that’s sort of a crazy quote. How can the DC not know why a guy is playing 8 yards off if he’s supposed to be in press man? I don’t believe a word coaches say, as a general rule of thumb though……

I exaggerated the 8 yards off (thought that's exactly how far Cam Sutton was off Watson when they snapped the ball from the 18 yesterday) but that was about two weeks ago.....back n forth between reporters and AG, he was getting agitated they kept pressing him why the DBs were playing off, and he said "well that wasn't what we called." Well MFer then who is in charge of accountability if not you? It's you or DBs coach Brian Duker or CBs coach Dre Bly, and generally the buck should stop with the guy at the top. We don't just shrug and say "IDK that's not what we called."

 

[Da Guru]

Zero pass rush, never bring an extra man. Play a soft zone coverage and let men run free. Experience an Aaron Glenn defense…

Dude would rather blitz a DB at the line than Barnes, who literally played DE at Purdue.

We have the most readable pas rush in the league. Go back and look at the presnap fronts. It’s so obvious when we are rushing only four. Every good DC in the league shows multiple fronts and disguises coverages.

We setup the same every play and tell our guys “you have to win your one on one battles.” Yeah, that’s the issue.

The difference between Ben and Aarron are stark. Ben spends so much time disguising plays, running a large variety of plays from the same formation, throwing in new twists. Aaron is plain vanilla which makes it easy for even a rookie QB to pick apart, especially when there is no pressure. Yesterday's game is impossible to lay on the defense as we turned the ball over some 7 times if you include getting stopped on downs. But our defense only made a handful of good plays the last three weeks. Our biggest stops have been because a reciever dropped an easy pass on 3rd down.

Terrible game all around, but at some point Aaron has to be on the hot seat. During his tenure, we had a few short stretches where our defense played well, and the defense has not progressed nearly as much as it should have over the last nearly 3 years.

That’s the 4th time this year we’ve made a pedestrian QB look elite. It’s probably happened 12 times in the last 44 games. I’m not expecting games 45-51 to be any different.

“Guys need to win their one on one battles. The scheme is fine. We had a plan. We wanted press man, I don’t know why the player was 8 yards off, that’s not what we called.” Paraphrasing but those are actual statements from the weekly coordinator pressers.

Man, that’s sort of a crazy quote. How can the DC not know why a guy is playing 8 yards off if he’s supposed to be in press man? I don’t believe a word coaches say, as a general rule of thumb though……

I exaggerated the 8 yards off (thought that's exactly how far Cam Sutton was off Watson when they snapped the ball from the 18 yesterday) but that was about two weeks ago.....back n forth between reporters and AG, he was getting agitated they kept pressing him why the DBs were playing off, and he said "well that wasn't what we called." Well MFer then who is in charge of accountability if not you? It's you or DBs coach Brian Duker or CBs coach Dre Bly, and generally the buck should stop with the guy at the top. We don't just shrug and say "IDK that's not what we called."

Listening to The Ticket Today Doug Karsch who is not at all like Valenti and the least "shock type" on the station said the Lions had the chance to get a pass rusher at the deadline but declined because the "fit" was not right. Did not name player but I assume it was Young or Sweat.

Also lot of talking about Aaron Glenn. Karsch seems to think that if D continues to struggle DC won`t be afraid to make a change.

 

[TartanLion]

You might lose Ben.

That plan has been in place since the day he announced he was coming back. Passing Game Coordinator Tanner Engstrand is widely believed to be the next OC. That’s why they took him off TEs duty, so he could spend the year shadowing Ben.

Sustainability does not rest on one person.

I actually meant to ask you about this as I’d vaguely remembered you mentioning something along these lines a while back. It’s great to know that we are succession planning and thinking ahead as best as possible. HC is the only constant, coordinators come and go if they are good. I love all of HC’s qualities and the ethos he runs through the club but you’re definitely at an advantage if your HC is also an offensive savant and is also the de facto OC

 

[Moonlight]

Ok
GB played their best game of the year. In first game against GB Lions dominated and game was over in second quarter. What changed?
First I’ll give Packers credit as they came ready to play. They were determined to be aggressive and take it to Lions. When Packers took the ball to start the game I thought there was a high chance they would throw a bomb on the first play which they did off play action.
Once they completed that pass I thought we were in trouble. GB needed this win badly much more than the Lions. Give credit to Lafleur for having his team ready and coming out smoking.
I thought that Campbell had outcoached Lafleur previously but not today.
The other thing that happened was that the Packers receivers were holding on to ball except for the Doubs drop. Packers execution throughout was very good. It was mentioned in game thread Lions were running into each other also half time report again of receivers running wrong routes.
Lions had beaten Pack four straight and tore them up in first game don’t think they were as motivated.
The New Orleans game now becomes one to see how the Lions respond to adversity and whether they are legitimate.

The problems on defense have been discussed previously above.

The other thing is that the Lions going for it on 4th down deep in their zone had to blow up on them some time. Happened this game. Was disheartening to see how poorly it was executed. Whoever on the field gave it the green light goofed.

Anyway I’m of the mind that this game was one that GB played their best and were prepared and the Lions were not up for it. Also MCDC kept rolling snake eyes on 4th down and Love is improving though the Chargers and Lions defenses leave a lot to be desired..

 

[Da Guru]

Ok
GB played their best game of the year. In first game against GB Lions dominated and game was over in second quarter. What changed?
First I’ll give Packers credit as they came ready to play. They were determined to be aggressive and take it to Lions. When Packers took the ball to start the game I thought there was a high chance they would throw a bomb on the first play which they did off play action.
Once they completed that pass I thought we were in trouble. GB needed this win badly much more than the Lions. Give credit to Lafleur for having his team ready and coming out smoking.
I thought that Campbell had outcoached Lafleur previously but not today.
The other thing that happened was that the Packers receivers were holding on to ball except for the Doubs drop. Packers execution throughout was very good. It was mentioned in game thread Lions were running into each other also half time report again of receivers running wrong routes.
Lions had beaten Pack four straight and tore them up in first game don’t think they were as motivated.
The New Orleans game now becomes one to see how the Lions respond to adversity and whether they are legitimate.

The problems on defense have been discussed previously above.

The other thing is that the Lions going for it on 4th down deep in their zone had to blow up on them some time. Happened this game. Was disheartening to see how poorly it was executed. Whoever on the field gave it the green light goofed.

Anyway I’m of the mind that this game was one that GB played their best and were prepared and the Lions were not up for it. Also MCDC kept rolling snake eyes on 4th down and Love is improving though the Chargers and Lions defenses leave a lot to be desired..

Pretty sure every team prepares as if the Lions "might" fake punt on every punt. The surprise factor is gone. The game at that point was still in reach, turning it over that deep was crushing. Even if they made the first down by a yard they still had 75 yards to go.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Yeah Dan Campbell said in his presser last night that was dumb, took the responsibility. JG said that’s the guy we love to play for and when it doesn’t work it’s on us to pick him up.

Pretty sure every team prepares as if the Lions "might" fake punt on every punt. The surprise factor is gone.

Are you aware of their success rate? It was 100% before yesterday. 7 out of 8 but on the lone failure Godwin Igwebuike dropped a perfect pass from Jack Fox. 3/4 passing 44 yards, 4/4 rushing (87 yards.)

Nine fake punts in 45 games. I wonder what league average is - probably 1 every 45 games or something lol.

 

[BobbyLayne]

@Da Guru thank you for never going to the fourth line* whilst writing team thread titles. 2 to 2+ seems perfect, never change.

*(on mobile)

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Are you aware of their success rate? It was 100% before yesterday. 7 out of 8 but on the lone failure Godwin Igwebuike dropped a perfect pass from Jack Fox. 3/4 passing 44 yards, 4/4 rushing (87 yards.)

Nobody ever talks about the ones that work, they just mention the ones that don't.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

DraftKings had an advance line up of Detroit -3 last week that per usual has been taken down until both teams have completed this week's slate. Something tells me it will reopen at around even, or maybe even New Orleans as a slight favorite.

 

[BobbyLayne]

All 22 Films - review of the last 12 quarters of defensive football

Detroit Lions - Out of Options? Can Aaron Glenn & Dan Campbell Adapt the Lions Defense in 2023?

Coach comes to the same conclusion I have; the offense can self-correct, they have the depth of talent to pull that off. Not the case on the defensive side because they don't have the same depth of talent.

Post season seems like a strong possibility but we are in win now mode and more should have been done at the trade deadline to bolster the defense. If you do not want to blitz you need pass rushers, Chase Young for a 3rd* would have been a great solution.

Agreed. Seems like they blundered not trying to make the kind of moves the Eagles (acquired a pro bowl S) and 49ers (Chase Young, after already getting Randy Gregory earlier) made. Seems like we're in a window, why not go for it?

*3rd round compensatory pick which is essentially a 4th

Instead we go get DPJ, who has done nothing except make mistakes and run routes at the wrong depth.

 

[Da Guru]

Yeah Dan Campbell said in his presser last night that was dumb, took the responsibility. JG said that’s the guy we love to play for and when it doesn’t work it’s on us to pick him up.

Pretty sure every team prepares as if the Lions "might" fake punt on every punt. The surprise factor is gone.

Are you aware of their success rate? It was 100% before yesterday. 7 out of 8 but on the lone failure Godwin Igwebuike dropped a perfect pass from Jack Fox. 3/4 passing 44 yards, 4/4 rushing (87 yards.)

Nine fake punts in 45 games. I wonder what league average is - probably 1 every 45 games or something lol.

Yes I do know they have had success. In the first year DC did not care..just shoot from the hip because nobody was expecting it and the games meant nothing.

Now every game is important and other teams special team units are probably drilling all week preparing for fakes as they now know his style. At that point in time it just did not seem not make sense given the short field given up if it failed.

But then again he might of thought the D could not get stops.

 

[Football Jones]

The Lions aren’t ready yet. Their biggest hindrance to a title is Goff. He’s not a bad QB, but not a difference-maker, whatsoever. His poor athletic ability is a major drawback in today’s NFL.

The best chance they have on roster is Hendon Hooker and his rookie contract, which will be a big advantage in keeping/adding talent. How quickly they make the move to Hooker will be key. Waiting until ‘25 would be a mistake.

 

[Da Guru]

All 22 Films - review of the last 12 quarters of defensive football

Detroit Lions - Out of Options? Can Aaron Glenn & Dan Campbell Adapt the Lions Defense in 2023?

Coach comes to the same conclusion I have; the offense can self-correct, they have the depth of talent to pull that off. Not the case on the defensive side because they don't have the same depth of talent.

Post season seems like a strong possibility but we are in win now mode and more should have been done at the trade deadline to bolster the defense. If you do not want to blitz you need pass rushers, Chase Young for a 3rd* would have been a great solution.

Agreed. Seems like they blundered not trying to make the kind of moves the Eagles (acquired a pro bowl S) and 49ers (Chase Young, after already getting Randy Gregory earlier) made. Seems like we're in a window, why not go for it?

*3rd round compensatory pick which is essentially a 4th

Instead we go get DPJ, who has done nothing except make mistakes and run routes at the wrong depth.

Due to injuries, cap, free agency the windows open and close fast. Unless you have a Mahomes type who can carry a team through many roster changes you need to go for it while in that window. The Lions are in the window but need D help to go farther.

 

[Da Guru]

All 22 Films - review of the last 12 quarters of defensive football

Detroit Lions - Out of Options? Can Aaron Glenn & Dan Campbell Adapt the Lions Defense in 2023?

Coach comes to the same conclusion I have; the offense can self-correct, they have the depth of talent to pull that off. Not the case on the defensive side because they don't have the same depth of talent.

Post season seems like a strong possibility but we are in win now mode and more should have been done at the trade deadline to bolster the defense. If you do not want to blitz you need pass rushers, Chase Young for a 3rd* would have been a great solution.

Agreed. Seems like they blundered not trying to make the kind of moves the Eagles (acquired a pro bowl S) and 49ers (Chase Young, after already getting Randy Gregory earlier) made. Seems like we're in a window, why not go for it?

*3rd round compensatory pick which is essentially a 4th

Instead we go get DPJ, who has done nothing except make mistakes and run routes at the wrong depth.

Due to injuries, cap, free agency the windows open and close fast. Unless you have a Mahomes type who can carry a team through many roster changes you need to go for it while in that window. The Lions are in the window but need D help to go farther.

Fundamentally I think we have different ideas about sustainability.

Maybe, but we want the same end result. I think this roster can sustain success and build on it. I heard an interview with DC a few weeks ago on The ticket when asked about goals this season. DC said "there is only one goal every season, and that is to play in the final NFL game, if that is not your goal then why play?"

Things change every season though. Next year Lions will have a first place schedule that will toughen things up.

At 8-3 I am very happy so far, not real happy about last 2 weeks even though they squeaked out a win. But 8-3 at this point to me is already better than what we are used to in our lives.

What I am not happy about is the teams that were already better than Lions felt they needed to improve.

Also, want to thank you on your advanced stats that you post. Gives a different insight on things we do not notice watching on TV.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

At 8-3 I am very happy so far, not real happy about last 2 weeks even though they squeaked out a win. But 8-3 at this point to me is already better than what we are used to in our lives.

Yes, and the way they have been doing it is sustainable through all the bumps and changes that will occur over the next few years. Every team has contracts and a salary cap to deal with. I do understand those that want Holmes to hit the gas pedal a little harder. Maybe if he takes more chances his HC won't have to take quite as many. 10 days off after a busy stretch, let's see how much bounce they bring to New Orleans.

 

[BobbyLayne]

All 22 Films: Lions Film Review - How the Packers toppled the Lions defense early in Week 12

 

[Leroy Hoard]

DraftKings had an advance line up of Detroit -3 last week that per usual has been taken down until both teams have completed this week's slate. Something tells me it will reopen at around even, or maybe even New Orleans as a slight favorite.

Update to say there was no real change. Game reappeared with the same Detroit -3 line that was there before. We'll see if today's Saints game and the eventual injury reports change things any.

 

[jrt103]

Derek is going to Carr(ve) them up through the air next week, when do player props come out

 

[jon_mx]

This week's game put a lot of doubt if this Lions team has it in them. Is Jonah Jackson so critical to our OL that we can't afford any injurires? Is there anyone in our DL who can create some pressure besides Hutch and Alim? Can Goff play well if he is under pressure? Can Aaron Glenn run a defense effectively?

Thursday's game was more depressing than any of the other loses. Three weeks in a row where our defense could not put any pressure on the QB. Goff looking horrible whenever he was pressured. Getting beat in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Gardner-Johnson and Houston can't get back fast enough.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Pretty much 75-90% of this thread thought they’d address defense in the draft. It was a super deep class for either Edge or Cornerback.

The biggest issue rn is a talent deficiency when we need a stop.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Derek is going to Carr(ve) them up through the air next week, when do player props come out

Lions secondary is pretty weak. But Derek Carr is not someone I'd be putting money on, judging not only by today but his entire career.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Derek is going to Carr(ve) them up through the air next week, when do player props come out

Lions secondary is pretty weak. But Derek Carr is not someone I'd be putting money on, judging not only by today but his entire career.

Olave will be in the protocol

2 weeks to clear is kind of the norm these days

 

[Snotbubbles]

Derek is going to Carr(ve) them up through the air next week, when do player props come out

Lions secondary is pretty weak. But Derek Carr is not someone I'd be putting money on, judging not only by today but his entire career.

Olave will be in the protocol

2 weeks to clear is kind of the norm these days

Purdy had a concussion and didn't miss a game.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Derek is going to Carr(ve) them up through the air next week, when do player props come out

Lions secondary is pretty weak. But Derek Carr is not someone I'd be putting money on, judging not only by today but his entire career.

Olave will be in the protocol

2 weeks to clear is kind of the norm these days

Purdy had a concussion and didn't miss a game.

I don't remember that, but this makes me think he didn't get pulled in the 3rd quarter like Olave.

Purdy exhibited concussion symptoms on the 49ers' flight following Week 7 vs. the Vikings. He cleared NFL concussion protocol in time to play in Week 8.

 

[Moonlight]

This week's game put a lot of doubt if this Lions team has it in them. Is Jonah Jackson so critical to our OL that we can't afford any injurires? Is there anyone in our DL who can create some pressure besides Hutch and Alim? Can Goff play well if he is under pressure? Can Aaron Glenn run a defense effectively?

Thursday's game was more depressing than any of the other loses. Three weeks in a row where our defense could not put any pressure on the QB. Goff looking horrible whenever he was pressured. Getting beat in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Gardner-Johnson and Houston can't get back fast enough.

GB needs to be given credit for playing their best game of the season and being better prepared and playing as this game was the most important game of the season for them. When your opponent plays their best game your margin of error is much less. GB played with the intensity and grit that the Lions played with when we closed them out of the playoffs in our last game last year which was at GB. One thing though that struck me was that I thought MCDC was a better coach than LaFleur and thought that would give us an edge going forward. But that wasn't the case in this game.

Even the best teams lose 3 or4 games each year. We lost the turnover stat again and when one of them goes for a TD you more often than not lose. That is one difference from last year. in 2022 the Lions were 4th in the NFL with a +7 in turnover ratio. This year we are -5 and rank 22nd. Some pundits predicted that the Lions would stumble this year as they thought a regression in turnover ratio was likely. Basically saying that the Lions were lucky last year and also that Goff was likely to regress in turnovers as he wasn't throwing INTs and fumbling in 2022.

So despite the turnover ratio the Lions have won this year and have one of the best records at 8-3. Expect them to play well at NO next week. That said we know what happens when Goff is not protected and how far we go will be determined by that. The Lions not investing their high draft picks in the OL and DL this year is looking to be a mistake at this time. We need to see how it plays out for the rest of the season. But going out and getting "their guys" I'd have to say overall has worked as they are 8-3 and who wouldn't have been happy with that going into the season.

 

[TartanLion]

Derek is going to Carr(ve) them up through the air next week, when do player props come out

Lions secondary is pretty weak. But Derek Carr is not someone I'd be putting money on, judging not only by today but his entire career.

Olave will be in the protocol

2 weeks to clear is kind of the norm these days

Shaheed also exited the game with an injury

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Line has moved to Lions -3.5, I assume from the above noted WR injury news. I hope the Lions do better than they did with a banged up Packer team last week. Could see a lot of Taysom Hill as well as Alvin & company.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Derek is going to Carr(ve) them up through the air next week, when do player props come out

Lions secondary is pretty weak. But Derek Carr is not someone I'd be putting money on, judging not only by today but his entire career.

Olave will be in the protocol

2 weeks to clear is kind of the norm these days

Shaheed also exited the game with an injury

I keep seeing quad strain for Rashid but nothing from team so that's speculation.

With MT on IR already, Juwan Johnson (who also got hurt during the game) ended up leading the Saints in routes run Week 12. AT Perry was second.

Might see a lot of Taysom Hill targets next week.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Line has moved to Lions -3.5, I assume from the above noted WR injury news. I hope the Lions do better than they did with a banged up Packer team last week. Could see a lot of Taysom Hill as well as Alvin & company.

Everyone goes into a meltdown every time we lose. All the other 3 loss teams have lost consecutive games or 2 out of 3. There is so little confidence they'll right the ship.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Line has moved to Lions -3.5, I assume from the above noted WR injury news. I hope the Lions do better than they did with a banged up Packer team last week. Could see a lot of Taysom Hill as well as Alvin & company.

Everyone goes into a meltdown every time we lose. All the other 3 loss teams have lost consecutive games or 2 out of 3. There is so little confidence they'll right the ship.

Right now the #3 seed but with a solid chance at the #2 seed and playing first two playoff games at home.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Sounds like Alex Anzalone is going to miss Week 13. Probably have to wait for the report but Campbell said “he could miss some time.” Expects Jonah to be out until he learns otherwise. I don’t think anyone else was specifically asked about but he mentioned “well probably be missing a couple of our guys.”

---

Sounds like Rashid Shaheed could miss the game, and Olave is concussed. The Saints 4th WR, rookie A.T. Perry, saw only 2 targets on 34 routes - none after Carr threw him a fade in the end zone but Perry was blocking his guy like it was a run play.

Marquez Callaway recently resigned with the Saints practice squad. He’ll almost certainly be elevated. Lynn Bowden Jr & Kirk Kirkwood don’t seem like guys you’re building a game plan around.

 

[BobbyLayne]

ARSB was fined $43,709 for this block v Chicago

His weekly game check is $52K, that fine is nearly 5% of his salary

slowed down & zoomed in

 

[Da Guru]

ARSB was fined $43,709 for this block v Chicago

His weekly game check is $52K, that fine is nearly 5% of his salary

slowed down & zoomed in

Hard to believe they would even notice that.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Both sides will be missing players, as usual the team that plays through that best should win the game.

 

[jon_mx]

Lions should probably pick up Marcus Peters who was released by the Raiders. He is just on a one-year $3 million deal, so he is cheap. Not a great lover room guy and not the best culture fit, bit a huge upgrade over having to resort to Wil Harris. Our depth and talent at corner is severely lacking and this guy is a talented ball hawk. Just ask Goff.

 

[Mt. Man]

Cairo Santos and Bears D (along with a fairly terrible night from Dobbs) keep the Lions' division lead at 2.5.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Interesting presser from Dan Campbell today

I would call that vintage MCDC.

Now we know they bought into that kind of challenge in August and September.

Does it work in November and December? We're about to find out.

After a monumental win to open the season - no asterisk required, they played a whale of game to become the first NFC team to ever beat Mahomes in Arrowhead (18-0 prior to that) - they could not hold serve in the home opener. AG and the defense came in for a lot of criticism, as did the HC with his curious decision to play for coin flip by viewing their final drive as a two minute offense scenario, e.g., just put points on the board to tie it. They also wanted to run the clock down so Seattle wouldn't have time to counter. But we lost the toss and never saw the ball in OT.

Team responded by winning four impressive games by 14-18 points. Falcons at home, another Thursday night game in Lambeau, thorough drubbing of the Panthers at home, and then switching gears somewhat in Tampa by relying on JG and the passing game when the Bucs were clogging the middle. Seemed to be playing complementary football, looked like a complete team, with a powerful offense and a defense that was stout against the run.

Then came the debacle in M&T Bank Stadium. No one was singled out after that loss bc it was such a non competitive abysmal failure. With 7:45 left in the 2nd we had zero first downs and it was 28-0. We didn't even turn the ball over, just three 3 n outs, Ravens drove down and did as they pleased on four straight drives. No 5-1 had ever (in league history) been down by so much at halftime. It was hard to comprehend how they could have such a no show game.

They bounced back with an impressive defensive effort on MNF holding the Raiders to 157 total yards. After the bye week we escaped SoFi with a 41-38 shootout win. Then the mistake filled comeback in Chicago. We hoped that would be a wakeup call, but nope. The Packers mimicked Baltimore by taking the ball after winning the toss, and struck deep on the first play for 53 yards. They opened the game with consecutive 75 yard TD drives and we could not keep up. Goff turned it over 3 times at home for the second straight game, and the defense played poorly for a third straight game.

Now what?

Megawin, loss, 4 game winning streak, loss, 3 straight wins, and now a 7th consecutive loss on Thanksgiving. It's all doom and gloom.

We're about to play a team that went 0-5 on Red Zone efficiency in its last game and is now missing it's top three wide receivers. Everyone expects the worst.

Dan Campbell expects his team will fix the turnover issues, hunker down, and get back to doing what they do best. "Going to be an incredible environment on the road, we won almost 40 games there in 5 years, I can't wait, let's go man. This is what you want."

 

[BobbyLayne]

Dennis Allen Monday Presser: injuries, Dan Campbell, red zone issues

Played together with Campbell at A&M. He was two years behind Aaron Glenn, when he was a senior (safety) Dan was a freshman.

This is his 5th year as a HC; 8-28 when he was with the Raiders, 12-16 with the Saints. Was the Broncos DC for one year before he became a HC, served as Sean Payton's DC for 7 years before taking over last year. He's never had a winning season.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I know it's been forever since he impacted a game (9 days) and fans on X losing their mind think he's a bust, but Aidan Hutchinson is still good.

@PFF_Steve

Highest pass-rush win rate:

1. Myles Garrett 25.8%
2. Micah Parsons 23.7
3. Nick Bosa 23.6
4. Rashan Gary 22.5
5. Aaron Donald 21.4
6. Josh Allen 20.8
7. Trey Hendrickson 20.7
8. Dexter Lawrence 20.7
9. Bryce Huff 20.6
10. Aidan Hutchinson 20.5

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Cairo Santos and Bears D (along with a fairly terrible night from Doubs) keep the Lions' division lead at 2.5.

Some good defense by both teams but only one combined TD by the two offenses.

 

[BobbyLayne]

ARSB was fined $43,709 for this block v Chicago

His weekly game check is $52K, that fine is nearly 5% of his salary

slowed down & zoomed in

Hard to believe they would even notice that.

@JJWatt

Here we go again…

General rule of thumb:If you have to watch the video multiple times to try figuring out which person did something wrong and you still can’t figure it out, we probably shouldn’t be taking $43,709 from someone.

This. Is. Stealing. Money.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Saints have lost two straight, that's two straight times (weeks 10 & 12, bye in between) a win could have given them a two game lead in the NFC South. Instead they find themselves tied atop the NFC's weakest division with a 5-6 record.

RB Alvin Kamara said after Sunday's loss to Falcons they lacked identity, that they were 'consistently inconsistent.' HC Dennis Allen pushed back on that narrative Monday:

Dennis Allen pushes back on Alvin Kamara's identity assessment: 'We have a fast, explosive offense'

New Orleans ranks 11th in passing offense and 12th in total yards — but just 19th in points per game with 20.8. On defense, the Saints have done well in producing turnovers, though the unit hasn't played as well over the last six games as it did to start the year.

 

[TartanLion]

Interesting presser from Dan Campbell today

I would call that vintage MCDC.

Now we know they bought into that kind of challenge in August and September.

Does it work in November and December? We're about to find out.

After a monumental win to open the season - no asterisk required, they played a whale of game to become the first NFC team to ever beat Mahomes in Arrowhead (18-0 prior to that) - they could not hold serve in the home opener. AG and the defense came in for a lot of criticism, as did the HC with his curious decision to play for coin flip by viewing their final drive as a two minute offense scenario, e.g., just put points on the board to tie it. They also wanted to run the clock down so Seattle wouldn't have time to counter. But we lost the toss and never saw the ball in OT.

Team responded by winning four impressive games by 14-18 points. Falcons at home, another Thursday night game in Lambeau, thorough drubbing of the Panthers at home, and then switching gears somewhat in Tampa by relying on JG and the passing game when the Bucs were clogging the middle. Seemed to be playing complementary football, looked like a complete team, with a powerful offense and a defense that was stout against the run.

Then came the debacle in M&T Bank Stadium. No one was singled out after that loss bc it was such a non competitive abysmal failure. With 7:45 left in the 2nd we had zero first downs and it was 28-0. We didn't even turn the ball over, just three 3 n outs, Ravens drove down and did as they pleased on four straight drives. No 5-1 had ever (in league history) been down by so much at halftime. It was hard to comprehend how they could have such a no show game.

They bounced back with an impressive defensive effort on MNF holding the Raiders to 157 total yards. After the bye week we escaped SoFi with a 41-38 shootout win. Then the mistake filled comeback in Chicago. We hoped that would be a wakeup call, but nope. The Packers mimicked Baltimore by taking the ball after winning the toss, and struck deep on the first play for 53 yards. They opened the game with consecutive 75 yard TD drives and we could not keep up. Goff turned it over 3 times at home for the second straight game, and the defense played poorly for a third straight game.

Now what?

Megawin, loss, 4 game winning streak, loss, 3 straight wins, and now a 7th consecutive loss on Thanksgiving. It's all doom and gloom.

We're about to play a team that went 0-5 on Red Zone efficiency in its last game and is now missing it's top three wide receivers. Everyone expects the worst.

Dan Campbell expects his team will fix the turnover issues, hunker down, and get back to doing what they do best. "Going to be an incredible environment on the road, we won almost 40 games there in 5 years, I can't wait, let's go man. This is what you want."

Only thing I’d highlight here is that we got the absolute death throes of Daniels and Jimmy G in that Raiders win. They were more both absolutely awful than our D was good tbh. Still, we got it done and it wasn’t close. Take a win anyway.

There are multiple things to be optimistic about heading into the NO game

- missing Thomas, probably Olave and Shaheed as well

- Goff and O on road but playing in a dome.

- Saints run D has petered out somewhat recently and pass D nothing to write home about

- momentum. They are on a bit of a downward spiral so it’s a good time to get at them

- Derek Carr

 

[BobbyLayne]

- Derek Carr

I'm with ya but the counterargument is Justin Fields and Jordan Love. Those two are bottom third in QBR and we revived their seasons. Watching the Bears last night it's a wonder how we gave up 26 to them. The version of Love we saw on Thanksgiving hasn't existed all year, his accuracy was uncanny.

One area the Saints have struggled with is generating a pass rush. Only the Bears have fewer sacks than their 18. We're not much better with 23, tied for 26th. Our pressure rate is much high (24.8% - 6th v 18.2% - 25th) but it seems like ours is a function of getting pressure late. We're middle of the pack in QB hits, we just don't ge home. We blitzed only slightly more than the Saints; through 11 games, 104 v 94 for New Orleans. Where they have excelled and what has kept them in games is generating turnovers. They have 20 (4th best), we have 12 (28th.)

8-time pro bowl DE Cam Jordan has just 2 sacks on the year, at 34 he may be nearing the end. He was being evaluated for an ankle yesterday so monitor the practice reports.

 

[jon_mx]

Any average NFL QB can look like Joe Montana when there is no real pressure.

 

[Da Guru]

I know it's been forever since he impacted a game (9 days) and fans on X losing their mind think he's a bust, but Aidan Hutchinson is still good.

@PFF_Steve

Highest pass-rush win rate:

1. Myles Garrett 25.8%
2. Micah Parsons 23.7
3. Nick Bosa 23.6
4. Rashan Gary 22.5
5. Aaron Donald 21.4
6. Josh Allen 20.8
7. Trey Hendrickson 20.7
8. Dexter Lawrence 20.7
9. Bryce Huff 20.6
10. Aidan Hutchinson 20.5

No doubt Hutch is winning a high % of pass blocks, tough to win 2 a snap though. If Hutch were one step faster his sack total would be off the charts, as he has been so close so many times.

I watched Sweat last night and wondered if Lions were in on him at all at deadline. Sweat gets low around the corner and has a good burst.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I know it's been forever since he impacted a game (9 days) and fans on X losing their mind think he's a bust, but Aidan Hutchinson is still good.

@PFF_Steve

Highest pass-rush win rate:

1. Myles Garrett 25.8%
2. Micah Parsons 23.7
3. Nick Bosa 23.6
4. Rashan Gary 22.5
5. Aaron Donald 21.4
6. Josh Allen 20.8
7. Trey Hendrickson 20.7
8. Dexter Lawrence 20.7
9. Bryce Huff 20.6
10. Aidan Hutchinson 20.5

No doubt Hutch is winning a high % of pass blocks, tough to win 2 a snap though. If Hutch were one step faster his sack total would be off the charts, as he has been so close so many times.

I watched Sweat last night and wondered if Lions were in on him at all at deadline. Sweat gets low around the corner and has a good burst.

Yeah James Houston has flaws in his game but man can that guy bend. He’s just so unusual and varied, he’s effective bc he presents so little pad when he’s coming around.

 

[TartanLion]

- Derek Carr

I'm with ya but the counterargument is Justin Fields and Jordan Love. Those two are bottom third in QBR and we revived their seasons. Watching the Bears last night it's a wonder how we gave up 26 to them. The version of Love we saw on Thanksgiving hasn't existed all year, his accuracy was uncanny.

One area the Saints have struggled with is generating a pass rush. Only the Bears have fewer sacks than their 18. We're not much better with 23, tied for 26th. Our pressure rate is much high (24.8% - 6th v 18.2% - 25th) but it seems like ours is a function of getting pressure late. We're middle of the pack in QB hits, we just don't ge home. We blitzed only slightly more than the Saints; through 11 games, 104 v 94 for New Orleans. Where they have excelled and what has kept them in games is generating turnovers. They have 20 (4th best), we have 12 (28th.)

8-time pro bowl DE Cam Jordan has just 2 sacks on the year, at 34 he may be nearing the end. He was being evaluated for an ankle yesterday so monitor the practice reports.

It was more of a slightly flippant, glib comment tbh. I just don’t like Carr

 

[Zeppelin]

Yeah James Houston has flaws in his game but man can that guy bend. He’s just so unusual and varied, he’s effective bc he presents so little pad when he’s coming around.

If you can get to the quarterback like that, we can live with the flaws.

 

[BobbyLayne]

- Derek Carr

I'm with ya but the counterargument is Justin Fields and Jordan Love. Those two are bottom third in QBR and we revived their seasons. Watching the Bears last night it's a wonder how we gave up 26 to them. The version of Love we saw on Thanksgiving hasn't existed all year, his accuracy was uncanny.

One area the Saints have struggled with is generating a pass rush. Only the Bears have fewer sacks than their 18. We're not much better with 23, tied for 26th. Our pressure rate is much high (24.8% - 6th v 18.2% - 25th) but it seems like ours is a function of getting pressure late. We're middle of the pack in QB hits, we just don't ge home. We blitzed only slightly more than the Saints; through 11 games, 104 v 94 for New Orleans. Where they have excelled and what has kept them in games is generating turnovers. They have 20 (4th best), we have 12 (28th.)

8-time pro bowl DE Cam Jordan has just 2 sacks on the year, at 34 he may be nearing the end. He was being evaluated for an ankle yesterday so monitor the practice reports.

It was more of a slightly flippant, glib comment tbh. I just don’t like Carr

Pretty sure anyone who has held shares of him at any point in his career feels the same. Even when he’s rolling (& he’s decidedly not in 2023), sooner or later he implodes with a terrible game.

Thats a contract that’s hard to understand. 4 years of mediocrity, at best.