He made some big mistakes, but also made some good throws. Killed by three bad drops which could have been two TDs and a fourth down conversion.
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2025 Detroit Lions: 0-1 Gentle Ben and Da Bears coming to town. (163 Viewers)
- Thread starter Da Guru
- Start date
He made some big mistakes, but also made some good throws. Killed by three bad drops which could have been two TDs and a fourth down conversion.
In one series....4 tackles and defended a pass. Shedding blockers, filling up holes, and looking good in pass coverage.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Saw a tweet of that play, he’s going be great,
Had company over for dinner so missed 85% of the game. Turned on the game in the kitchen just long enough to see Sudfield get pressure and throw an ill advised interception on the first play.
So glad you’re here now, Teddy.
Saw the final TD drive and the defensive stop. Always good to show you know how to close it out, even when most of those guys won’t have a job in ~ 3 weeks.
Looks like plenty of positives to take away, and a whole lotta sloppiness to clean up. We got let things play out, but as it stands now, Jamo does not deserve to be a starter. But he’s just one guy - lots of other players stepped up.
Will take me a day or two to rewatch and catch up on everything, but always good to get used to winning football. Every year you’re starting from scratch and it’s great to see a lot of hard work and preparation translate into success on the field.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Agreed. But thought he looked better than Blough and the other guy from last year.
The two interceptions were on deeper routes to Jamo and there was nearly a third INT on another Jamo route.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Read somewhere that Teddy was already working with Jamo individually to assist his development.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Mitchell was running free after misdirection from the OL and Sudfeld. LaPorta’s drop was in tight coverage hopefully he makes that catch next time.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection 1.0
- Published: Aug. 12, 2023, 6:30 a.m.
ALLEN PARK -- Julian Okwara balled out in the Detroit Lions’ 21-16 exhibition win against the New York Giants, racking up three sacks. Undrafted rookie Chase Cota led the team in receiving, piling up four catches for a team-high 60 yards.
But was either performance enough to propel them onto the right side of the roster bubble?
Here’s our first projection of the Lions’ 53-man roster:
Quarterback (2)
In: Jared Goff, Teddy Bridgewater
Out: Nate Sudfeld, Adrian Martinez
Injured: Hendon Hooker
Breakdown: After a monthlong courtship that the Lions didn’t even bother trying to hide, they finally landed Teddy Bridgewater to be their QB2 this week. If that didn’t spell the end of the whole Nate Sudfeld thing in Detroit, well, Friday night might have been the final nail. Sudfeld was intercepted on his very first throw of the night -- although Matt Nelson getting his you-know-what beat didn’t help -- and twice overall. He led the offense to just three points on six drives and finished 15 of 28 passing overall for 194 yards and a passer rating of 45.8. It wasn’t hard to see why the Lions were courting Bridgewater, and his arrival should not only provide more stability at the quarterback position, but offer better developmental opportunities for the receivers too, most notably Jameson Williams, who caught just two of the seven footballs heaved his way by Sudfeld.
Running back (4)
In: David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, FB Jason Cabinda
Out: Mohamed Ibrahim, Jermar Jefferson, Devine Ozigbo, Benny Snell
Breakdown: On a night when almost nothing went right for the offense until the final minutes, Gibbs’ pro debut stood out as a bright spot. The 12th overall pick earned the start at running back, then racked up 37 yards on seven touches in one quarter of work, including catching an 18-yard pass that moved the chains on third-and-long. Considering he was working behind a patchwork offensive line that couldn’t do much right, you can’t help but wonder what it’ll look like when the first unit is out on the field. Behind him and Montgomery, Craig Reynolds is still the leader for the RB3 job despite not practicing lately because of an injury. The coaches love that guy. Ibrahim was a high-priority undrafted free agent, but was unimpressive against New York, rushing four times for 9 yards while dealing with an injury that briefly sent him to the locker room.
Receiver (6)
In: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, Marvin Jones, Denzel Mims, Antoine Green
Out: Maurice Alexander, Trinity Benson, Chase Cota, Dylan Drummond
Suspended: Jameson Williams
Breakdown: St. Brown, Reynolds, Raymond and Jones are all roster locks. No need to spill more ink on their roster chances. But with Williams set to serve a six-game suspension to open the season, there are one or two jobs that remain wide open heading into the second week of the preseason. I went with Mims here because he has the best traits of all the candidates and has been better on special teams than expected, although he’s also been battling an ankle injury that has prevented him from solidifying his place in the rotation. At 6-foot-2, Green also has the length and physicality Detroit is looking for on the perimeter, and caught three passes -- including a 24-yarder -- in the win against New York. For now, he has a slight edge over Drummond, a camp darling who had a quiet debut against the Giants. But don’t sleep on Cota either. At 6-foot-4, he’s the biggest receiver in camp, has been coming on strong in practice and wound up leading the Lions in receiving in the preseason opener, catching four passes for 60 yards.
Yes, Maurice Alexander had the 95-yard punt return for a touchdown. Yes, that’s a great story. Yes, I’m still leaving him out for now. I just don’t see a place for him. He’s not as good as the other receivers on offense, and while he does have some return ability, the Lions already have All-Pro punt returner Kalif Raymond to handle those duties.
Tight end (3)
In: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, James Mitchell
Out: Daniel Helm, Darrell Daniel
Breakdown: Seems pretty straightforward here. LaPorta is the best tight end in camp (with his fourth-down drop against New York notwithstanding), the coaching staff loves/trusts Wright, and Mitchell has been trending up since shaking off the ACL injury late last season. Mitchell had three catches for 53 yards against the Giants, tops at the position, and topped by only Cota overall.
Offensive line (9)
In: LT Taylor Decker, LG Jonah Jackson, C Frank Ragnow, RG Graham Glasgow, RT Penei Sewell, G Halapoulivaati Vaitai, G Kayode Awosika, G/T Colby Sorsdal, T Matt Nelson
Out: G Ross Pierschbacher, C Brad Cecil, OL Connor Galvin, OL Bobby Hart, OL Ryan Swoboda, T Obinna Eze, T Germain Ifedi, T Darrin Paulo, T Max Pircher
Breakdown: Those first six names are locked into roster jobs, and the only uncertainty is whether Glasgow or Vaitai will start at right guard. Here’s betting the coaching staff will wind up trusting Glasgow more, given Vaitai’s mounting injury history. But Vaitai will serve as a quality backup, and can play right guard if Glasgow ever has to slide over to center. Behind the Big Six, well, did you see the protection and run blocking from those guys against New York? It was really bad. Nelson probably remains the leader for the backup tackle job, but he allowed the pressure on the first Sudfeld interception. Don’t be surprised if Ifedi pushes him in the coming weeks. On the interior, I still like Awosika (who has NFL starting experience, including for Detroit) and Sorsdal (a fifth-round pick who is probably making the team).
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection 1.0 (part 2 of 2)
Defensive line (11)
In: EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, DT Alim McNeill, DT Isaiah Buggs, EDGE Charles Harris, DL Josh Paschal, DL John Cominsky, DL Christian Covington, DT Brodric Martin, DT Levi Onwuzurike, EDGE Romeo Okwara, EDGE James Houston
Out: EDGE Julian Okwara, DL Cory Durden, DT Benito Jones, DL Chris Smith
Breakdown: Julian Okwara was perhaps the biggest star of the preseason opener, racking up three sacks and forcing a throwaway on another play. But he also made those plays against deep reserves, and hasn’t made many plays against anybody in Lions camp. He certainly helped himself against New York, but there’s no question he has work left to do to make an edge rotation that is at its deepest in years. Hutchinson, Harris, Paschal and Cominsky are all locks, while it’s hard to see Houston getting cut after what he did last season, despite a quiet camp. That’s five edge rushers right there, and that doesn’t even account for Romeo Okwara, who has been a better player throughout his career than his brother. Romeo Okwara also had a good night, getting credited for one sack while drawing pressure on several other plays.
“Listen, it’s good anytime you can get some pressure on the quarterback, and certainly you could feel it,” head coach Dan Campbell said. “It was nice to see the two brothers go in there and crush the can. So, that was good. And I thought for the most part, we had pressure all day.”
Linebacker (6)
In: Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Anthony Pittman
Out: Trevor Nowaske
Breakdown: Anzalone is the leader of the group, while Barnes and Campbell are involved in a spirited battle for the starting job alongside him. Campbell enjoyed a really nice debut against New York -- leading the team with four tackles and breaking up a third-down pass -- but Barnes earned the start over him for a reason. That guy is playing the best ball of his career, and refuses to go away. Behind them, Rodriguez, Reeves-Maybin and Pittman are all quality special-teams players who are likely to make the team if there are roster spots available. But if the Lions have to nip here to tuck somewhere else, Pittman -- who played more special-teams snaps for this club last year than anyone else still on the roster -- probably will be the guy to go.
Secondary (9)
In: CB Cam Sutton, CB Jerry Jacobs, CB Brian Branch, CB Emmanuel Moseley, CB Starling Thomas V, CB Will Harris, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S Kerby Joseph, S Tracy Walker
Out: CB Khalil Dorsey, CB Steven Gilmore, CB Tae Hayes, CB Chase Lucas, S Saivion Smith, S Brady Breeze, S Brandon Joseph, S Ifeatu Melifonwu
Breakdown: A starting lineup has begun to crystalize in recent days, with Sutton and Jacobs at outside cornerback, Branch in the slot and Gardner-Johnson and Joseph at safety. Moseley is expected to join that mix soon, and will push Jacobs for a starting job on the outside. Until then, the Lions are confident in Jacobs’ ability to hold down the perimeter.
Melifonwu was among the toughest cuts on this projection, but I just haven’t seen enough development out of him to warrant the roster spot. He certainly looks the part, as a big, rangy defensive back. But the physical tools simply haven’t translated to the field, and there are better options on special teams. He’s on the roster bubble, but has work to do to make that remade secondary. Thomas, the undrafted rookie out of UAB, simply does more, including on special teams, plus has a higher upside.
Specialists (3)
In: K Riley Patterson, P Jack Fox, LS Scott Daly
Out: K Parker Romo
Breakdown: After Jake McQuaide was cut, the only competition left here is at kicker. Patterson opened camp with the lead, and nothing has changed that. He made a 39-yarder against New York, while Romo made his only attempt from 28 yards
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I think my biggest takeaways from rewatching the game is our DLine is really, really deep....and boy are we in trouble if we have more than one injury along the OLine.
The gospel of Campbell says competitive energy makes everyone better. We're seeing it - depth at Edge, IDL, LB, NB, S...man alive they are going to make some tough cut downs in three weeks!
Far less depth along the offensive line, and with the retirement of Justin Jackson. + Mo & Craig both being banged up, RB3 is a minor concern. Benny Snell is a trash bag, Jemar has never made the team, etc. Should be fine by Week 1. WR - Jamo has to start playing better at some point. I think we'll be fine with all three of Josh, Kalif and Marvin chipping in the first third of the season. The TE is outstanding, and (WOW IS NATE BAD) I am so pumped Teddy is our backup. Thank the Lord.
Love the joint practices and then play 'em approach. Did it last year v Indy, got in good work this week, and looking forward to seeing how they stack up against the Jaguars. Love the way this coaching staff prepares the guys. Attention to detail, and it's not just platitudes, they actually hold people accountable. We def should NOT draw too many conclusions from PS WK1 when neither team played starters but to me last night was a testament to how well prepared the entire team is, and that's a credit to all the position coaches.
The gospel of Campbell says competitive energy makes everyone better. We're seeing it - depth at Edge, IDL, LB, NB, S...man alive they are going to make some tough cut downs in three weeks!
Far less depth along the offensive line, and with the retirement of Justin Jackson. + Mo & Craig both being banged up, RB3 is a minor concern. Benny Snell is a trash bag, Jemar has never made the team, etc. Should be fine by Week 1. WR - Jamo has to start playing better at some point. I think we'll be fine with all three of Josh, Kalif and Marvin chipping in the first third of the season. The TE is outstanding, and (WOW IS NATE BAD) I am so pumped Teddy is our backup. Thank the Lord.
Love the joint practices and then play 'em approach. Did it last year v Indy, got in good work this week, and looking forward to seeing how they stack up against the Jaguars. Love the way this coaching staff prepares the guys. Attention to detail, and it's not just platitudes, they actually hold people accountable. We def should NOT draw too many conclusions from PS WK1 when neither team played starters but to me last night was a testament to how well prepared the entire team is, and that's a credit to all the position coaches.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Jack Campbell didn't start last night but he looked the part when he put on the green dot helmet
here's 3 of his 25 snaps
PFF grades are out for the #Lions preseason opener. Top 3 on defense:
postgame locker room interview
I'm developing a man crush
4th and 1- Initial pressure from Levi Onwuzurike, James Houston contains, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Jack Campbell finish the job
here's 3 of his 25 snaps
PFF grades are out for the #Lions preseason opener. Top 3 on defense:
- Jack Campbell (90.3!!)
- Levi Onwuzurike (89.3)
- John Cominsky (86.8)
postgame locker room interview
I'm developing a man crush
4th and 1- Initial pressure from Levi Onwuzurike, James Houston contains, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Jack Campbell finish the job
Barnes has played very well too, but there is no way you can justify keeping Campbell off the field. Great to see Levi doing well. I only really noticed him on a couple plays. Cominsky stood out on several plays. The defense was outstanding at every level, at least the guys who will make the roster. Will Harris was the only guy that was obvious that he has to go. The biggest concern about the Defensive Line is who we are going to have to cut.
I just bought some tickets for the LA Chargers game.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Drafted Rookie PFF grades through pre-season Week 1:
- 1.12: RB Jahmyr Gibbs - 52.7
- 1.18: LB Jack Campbell - 90.6
- 2.34 TE Sam LaPorta - 36.7
- 2.45 DB Brian Branch - 76.7
- 3.68 QB Hendon Hooker - DNP
- 3.96 NT Brodric Martin - 54.3
- 5.152 OL Colby Sorsdal - 66.7
- 7.219 WR Antoine Green - 62.0
LaPorta had a very small sample size which included a drop. Gibbs had a small sample size and was running behind our second string OL, which is probably our shallowest positional group. Both have shown enough in camp as to not be worried about them.
Campbell and Branch are total beasts who will always be around the ball making plays. Can't wait to watch. There are so many big playmakers on defense at every level. This is not a mid-tier defense.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Listening to the Ticket breakdown of the game.
They Loved Campbell, great instincts, knows how to adjust on the fly. Gibby moved the chains with a reception b ut was running behind the backups so stats were not that impressive. Want to see him behind the starters. LaPorta had a drop but that happens, said he was a willing blocker and ran sharp routes.
Williams did not have a good game, dropped a pass, cut off a route that led to an INT, and route running was not sharp, was not getting separation against backups, said he quit early on a couple of plays.
Listening to Jon Jansen who said "Williams has really not played that much football, did not start at OSU, had a big season at Bama, blew his knee out and only had 1 catch last year, now will be suspended for 6 weeks so will come back without the practice reps he needs. In college Williams got away with ragged routes because of his speed. NFL game planning is different, and William has a lot of work to do. Said he is not staying after practice like St. Brown does everyday to work on routes and hands."
So not sure what to expect starting week 7.
There are so many things to like about this team but Williams is without a doubt a question mark right now. Pretty sure DC will have a long talk with him this week.
They Loved Campbell, great instincts, knows how to adjust on the fly. Gibby moved the chains with a reception b ut was running behind the backups so stats were not that impressive. Want to see him behind the starters. LaPorta had a drop but that happens, said he was a willing blocker and ran sharp routes.
Williams did not have a good game, dropped a pass, cut off a route that led to an INT, and route running was not sharp, was not getting separation against backups, said he quit early on a couple of plays.
Listening to Jon Jansen who said "Williams has really not played that much football, did not start at OSU, had a big season at Bama, blew his knee out and only had 1 catch last year, now will be suspended for 6 weeks so will come back without the practice reps he needs. In college Williams got away with ragged routes because of his speed. NFL game planning is different, and William has a lot of work to do. Said he is not staying after practice like St. Brown does everyday to work on routes and hands."
So not sure what to expect starting week 7.
There are so many things to like about this team but Williams is without a doubt a question mark right now. Pretty sure DC will have a long talk with him this week.
There is a great photo from the front angle of the dropped pass. The defender had a hold of both Jamo's arms before the ball even reached him and was more difficult than appeared in the video.. He probably still could have caught it, but is was interference. This is Jamo's first camp. He did have Sudfeld throwing him the ball, and he missed seeing a wide open Jamo on a couple of occasions. He clearly does not have Amon-ra's or Hutch's or Campbell's level of intensity and insane drive, but he is super talented and does put in the work. I am not worried about him and am sick of the SOL media. I am glad Goff called it out. Jamo will get there.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Deonte Banks owned Jamo. I would love to see this angle you are referring to because I’ve watched it a bunch and paused it. I don’t see interference at all. I see great coverage, a better pass and a ball bounce off his hands.
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Ilov80s
Footballguy
Based on the video that arm wrapping is after the ball bounced off his hands. On the video, just don’t see interference. Certainly not enough to expect a good WR to not fight through.
It would have been a good catch. Not really a drop when you are being wrapped up as you catch the ball.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
It was a stone cold drop. I’m sorry. The ball hit him in the hands. He didn’t even need to fully extend for it.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Yeah there’s an excuse for Jamo. He’s caught 3 of his first 16 targets as a pro. He is often not where his QB expects him to be. It’s an ongoing problem.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
The Athletic followed him around for a couple days, cataloguing every activity. He had a couple rough days of 1-on-1 individual drills. Talking to other beats and coaches, that’s been the case all year. He excels in 11-on-11s and 7-on-7s but often doesn’t do well in positional drills. Bad drop or wrong route, they’ll make him get back in line and run it again.
At OSU he was behind Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Garret Wilson. Part of that is they looked better in practice. Went to ‘bama and he was locked in. Had a great year that vaulted him into the first round despite the ACL.
I’m not sure what to make of his work ethic. He is often the first one out and is always In phenomenal shape. But he doesn’t seem to be developing his craft. Repetition is the mother of mastery but he doesn’t seem to be engaged all the time.
They’re not going to trust him until he starts getting the details right. Dylan Drummond did next to zero prep, walked into minicamp with a last chance tryout, and Goff said he is always where he’s supposed to be. That’s a no talent (RAS 3.66) 5th year rotational WR from a MAC school, and rn he has mastered his job in three months more than Jamo has in two years.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Those kind of guys like Drummond have to do the work, put in the extra time just to possibly earn a roster spot.
William has raw talent no doubt, but there are a bunch of guys with raw talent who never make it. We see now why he was sitting behind Olave, Wilson and Njigba. Those guys were polished WRs in college.
After 6 weeks without reps can Williams step in on week 7 and be able to contribute right away? I hope so but it will be difficult.
I know hindsight is 20-20 but I was really hoping Lions would have signed Chark again, after his injuries he seemed like the right fit. Time will tell.
People are way too premature in writing off Jamo. He sat behind those guys at OSU because he was a year behind them and they were all-Americans. Exact same situation Barry Sanders was in. Jamo has balled out every chance he had, even at OSU in his limited action. Jamo loves football and is highly competitive. No he does not have that overdrive and football intelligence that some of the key players the Lions have recently drafted. But his talent is super super special and he does put in the work and is not a head case.
Jamo will be just fine and will terrorize every defense in the league.
Jamo will be just fine and will terrorize every defense in the league.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Jamo 3/26/2001h.s. Class of 2019
Problem with shooting from the hip is your aim is likely off.
Jamo 3/26/2001 h.s. Class of 2019
JSN 2/14/2002 h.s. Class of 2020
Garrett Wilson 7/22/2000 h.s. Class of 2019
Chris Olave 6/27/2000 h.s. Class of 2018
Jamo & Jason were 4-star recruits, Wilson 5-star. All theee were SI, Under Armour, or USA Today All-American; Olave sat out his junior year and was a 3-star.
It’s NBD, in the transfer era it’s as common as can be. Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, literally dozens of star players every year without exception. Every position. BUT…it seems clear now at least part of the equation is what was happening when there weren’t any cameras around.
****************
No one is writing Jamo off. We are concerned. It is justifiable. We can have a conversation about it.
Holmes made one innocuous comment at the league meetings 5 months ago. MCDC has been nothing but effusive in his praise; he’s acknowledged he has things he has to clean up, but always balances that with superlatives. Goff has been nothing but positive. Every leader on the team (Hutch, Kerby, CJGJ) have been cheerleaders and/or telling the local beat writers to chill.
There are appropriate expectations. Nothing more.
Fact is they’re going to be a good team whether Jameson gets it together or not. He’s an important part of the equation in terms of just being a division contender or making a Super Bowl run, but it’s not like anyone is saying “well let’s just tread water until we get to Baltimore.”
Grit and determination will only get you to 9-8 and not enough. Gonna need big time playmakers to be in the running for a top seed and a deep run. Thankfully they have those kind of guys at every position group: QB, RB, ARSB, maybe TE, definitely OL, DL rotation is stacked, LB is the best in 9 years, and oh-my-gosh they don’t know how good we are in the defensive backfield.
Train is leaving the station. Jamo is on the platform throwing on his shoes and trying to close his suitcase; everyone yelling out the window encouraging him. If he makes the caboose, we might go a little further than we ever have, but regardless, we’re going places in 2023.
He’s a good kid IMO and I hope there are many more chapters to his story. Not a question of talent. But you cannot flatly declare he will do this or that or say he’s already elite. He needs more reps. He has work to do.
I’ve said often the Brand New Lions culture can never be exclusively the domain of model citizen types. Amon-Ra, Penei and Hutch are amazing cornerstones, but there just aren’t 53 of those guys around. Listen to the players; Campbell let’s everyone be themselves. He is genuine and it’s no act, he wants everyone in the org to have that freedom - assistant coaches, players, support staff, everyone. Just be on time, work hard, don’t let your teammates down, and pay attention to details.
***************
Dan Campbell observed Teddy Bridgewater for two years. He went 5-1 when Brees was hurt a few years ago. That was a key acquisition for Holmes, big win getting a capable backup. But it goes beyond having the capability to win without your starting QB.
$5M ($2.5M GTD) is a relatively cheap tutor. For Hooker, Jamo, all the young guys. Teddy is a phenomenal dude IMO. It was a few years he got a 3-yr, $63M deal with Carolina. Took $8M to backup Tua and another step down to hold Goff’s clipboard. But he’s the ultimate professional and just another quality guy in a locker room full of leaders.
@jon_mx I’m inclined to agree with you that (eventually) Jamo will be fine. He’s got unbelievable talent. Not a thug by any means, immature but his attitude is great inside the facility. They are surrounding him with good people and he’ll figure it out. If he didn’t learn it in Columbus, he’s learning it again now: there are boatloads of fast guys. Getting to that next level takes a lot of determination and refinement. He has everything he needs to succeed IMO.
Problem with shooting from the hip is your aim is likely off.
Jamo 3/26/2001 h.s. Class of 2019
JSN 2/14/2002 h.s. Class of 2020
Garrett Wilson 7/22/2000 h.s. Class of 2019
Chris Olave 6/27/2000 h.s. Class of 2018
Jamo & Jason were 4-star recruits, Wilson 5-star. All theee were SI, Under Armour, or USA Today All-American; Olave sat out his junior year and was a 3-star.
It’s NBD, in the transfer era it’s as common as can be. Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, literally dozens of star players every year without exception. Every position. BUT…it seems clear now at least part of the equation is what was happening when there weren’t any cameras around.
****************
No one is writing Jamo off. We are concerned. It is justifiable. We can have a conversation about it.
Holmes made one innocuous comment at the league meetings 5 months ago. MCDC has been nothing but effusive in his praise; he’s acknowledged he has things he has to clean up, but always balances that with superlatives. Goff has been nothing but positive. Every leader on the team (Hutch, Kerby, CJGJ) have been cheerleaders and/or telling the local beat writers to chill.
There are appropriate expectations. Nothing more.
Fact is they’re going to be a good team whether Jameson gets it together or not. He’s an important part of the equation in terms of just being a division contender or making a Super Bowl run, but it’s not like anyone is saying “well let’s just tread water until we get to Baltimore.”
Grit and determination will only get you to 9-8 and not enough. Gonna need big time playmakers to be in the running for a top seed and a deep run. Thankfully they have those kind of guys at every position group: QB, RB, ARSB, maybe TE, definitely OL, DL rotation is stacked, LB is the best in 9 years, and oh-my-gosh they don’t know how good we are in the defensive backfield.
Train is leaving the station. Jamo is on the platform throwing on his shoes and trying to close his suitcase; everyone yelling out the window encouraging him. If he makes the caboose, we might go a little further than we ever have, but regardless, we’re going places in 2023.
He’s a good kid IMO and I hope there are many more chapters to his story. Not a question of talent. But you cannot flatly declare he will do this or that or say he’s already elite. He needs more reps. He has work to do.
I’ve said often the Brand New Lions culture can never be exclusively the domain of model citizen types. Amon-Ra, Penei and Hutch are amazing cornerstones, but there just aren’t 53 of those guys around. Listen to the players; Campbell let’s everyone be themselves. He is genuine and it’s no act, he wants everyone in the org to have that freedom - assistant coaches, players, support staff, everyone. Just be on time, work hard, don’t let your teammates down, and pay attention to details.
***************
Dan Campbell observed Teddy Bridgewater for two years. He went 5-1 when Brees was hurt a few years ago. That was a key acquisition for Holmes, big win getting a capable backup. But it goes beyond having the capability to win without your starting QB.
$5M ($2.5M GTD) is a relatively cheap tutor. For Hooker, Jamo, all the young guys. Teddy is a phenomenal dude IMO. It was a few years he got a 3-yr, $63M deal with Carolina. Took $8M to backup Tua and another step down to hold Goff’s clipboard. But he’s the ultimate professional and just another quality guy in a locker room full of leaders.
@jon_mx I’m inclined to agree with you that (eventually) Jamo will be fine. He’s got unbelievable talent. Not a thug by any means, immature but his attitude is great inside the facility. They are surrounding him with good people and he’ll figure it out. If he didn’t learn it in Columbus, he’s learning it again now: there are boatloads of fast guys. Getting to that next level takes a lot of determination and refinement. He has everything he needs to succeed IMO.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Young Lions - Brian Branch and Jack Campbell first preseason game
All 22 does a nice breakdown here, also highlights James Houston IV, Rodriggo, Paschal (#93) and Brodric Martin.
Both these guys have incredible awareness on the field.
All 22 does a nice breakdown here, also highlights James Houston IV, Rodriggo, Paschal (#93) and Brodric Martin.
Both these guys have incredible awareness on the field.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Lions have released backup C Ross Pierschbacher with an injury settlement. He was on the bubble, but man is this business brutal.
Here is another 53-man projection, this one from Sidelion report. Differences from the MLive I posted upthread:
Here is another 53-man projection, this one from Sidelion report. Differences from the MLive I posted upthread:
- Benny Snell makes team & carry 5 RBs (Monty, Gibbs, Reynolds, Snell, Cabinda)
- Dylan Drummond instead of Antoine Green at WR6 (ARSB, MJJ, Reynolds, Kalif, Mims, DD)
- Bobby Hart over Matt Nelson for swing T (other 8 guys are the same - starters, GG, Kayode, Sorsdal)
- 8 year vet Chris Covington doesn't make the squad but same 10 dudes (ED Aidan, Harris, Houston, Romeo; DT Alim, Buggs, Paschal, Cominsky, Martin, Levi)
- QB (Jared & Teddy), TE (LaPorta, Mitchell, Wright), LB (Alex, Jack, Barnes, Malcolm, Pitt, JRM), DB (Cam, Jerry, CJGJ, Kerby, Branch, Walker, Harris, Iffy, Starling), and ST (Fox, Patterson, Daly) are the same 23 players
TartanLion
Footballguy
I’ve been a Kalif fan since he popped up for us out of nowhere during the ‘21 season. He’s industrious, reliable and fleet of foot. Always space for someone like that in a WR room, glad he got rewarded
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Right now even if Williams does not pan out the drafts are still very successful.
Drafts are a crapshoot. In redrafts Houston, St Brown and maybe Branch would be late first round picks, Williams maybe a third rd pick. It balances out when your other picks have success.
If he works out even better. I still see him eventually being a Deshaun Jackson type. Not a good route runner but able to break big plays here and there. The problem is he has not played enough football last few years.
Drafts are a crapshoot. In redrafts Houston, St Brown and maybe Branch would be late first round picks, Williams maybe a third rd pick. It balances out when your other picks have success.
If he works out even better. I still see him eventually being a Deshaun Jackson type. Not a good route runner but able to break big plays here and there. The problem is he has not played enough football last few years.
Fantasywise, Kalif going undrafted is an opportunity to get a productive WR for nothing.
Moonlight
Footballguy
I hope and expect that they are going to run him ragged against JAX in the joint practices and exhibition game and In the game after that.
He didn’t catch the ball well last year and hasn’t this year so far. He wasn’t on the field much last season. We should hope and expect improvement before preseason ends.
There have been plenty of speed demons who have not developed into more. Former Lion Breshad Perriman was one. Bad hands and was often not available due to injury.
Right now have to trust Holmes’ process and we need to see Jamo over the course of a season to get an accurate picture.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
today's media availability
- Jameson Williams (0:00-8:02)
- Teddy Bridgewater (8:03-20:20)
- Kalif Raymond (20:21-30:08)
today's media availability
- Jameson Williams (0:00-8:02)
- Teddy Bridgewater (8:03-20:20)
- Kalif Raymond (20:21-30:08)
When I hear and see Jamo, I fail to see the kid the media portrays him as. I am not the least bit concerned about Jamo just being a speed guy and not being a player. Eventhough he has been here a year, he is just getting his feet wet. Be patient.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Discussion: What will be the best Lions, Jaguars joint practice matchup?
Teddy Bridgewater (upthread) wore #50 in his first Lions practice. Stayed after practice to work with Dylan Drummond, Jameson Williams and a few others. Blew away the media in his first press conference, mimicking the same vision MCDC outlined for his role as backup, mentor and tutor. Spoke of wanting to help Jamo push himself (& Williams is fully on board with their plan.)
Great to have another young team on the upswing for more joint practices. It’s a simple thing but just having two squads working side by side on adjoining fields gives everyone twice the normal reps, something our young dudes desperately need. Two teams with dreams of their first ever Super Bowl appearance.
- Jax WRs v Lions revamped DB
- Jags Edge v DET OTs
- Evan Engram v Campbell & Co
Teddy Bridgewater (upthread) wore #50 in his first Lions practice. Stayed after practice to work with Dylan Drummond, Jameson Williams and a few others. Blew away the media in his first press conference, mimicking the same vision MCDC outlined for his role as backup, mentor and tutor. Spoke of wanting to help Jamo push himself (& Williams is fully on board with their plan.)
Great to have another young team on the upswing for more joint practices. It’s a simple thing but just having two squads working side by side on adjoining fields gives everyone twice the normal reps, something our young dudes desperately need. Two teams with dreams of their first ever Super Bowl appearance.
msudaisy26
Footballguy
No one is writing him off, we have concerns. The difference is you are already putting as one of the best players in the NFC and on track for the hall of fame.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Impact of Teddy Bridgewater Invaluable for Young Offensive Players
Teddy Bridgewater is eager to mentor Jameson Williams and young players.
Teddy Bridgewater is eager to mentor Jameson Williams and young players.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
today's media availability
- Jameson Williams (0:00-8:02)
- Teddy Bridgewater (8:03-20:20)
- Kalif Raymond (20:21-30:08)
When I hear and see Jamo, I fail to see the kid the media portrays him as. I am not the least bit concerned about Jamo just being a speed guy and not being a player. Eventhough he has been here a year, he is just getting his feet wet. Be patient.
What does the media portray him as? The only things I have read is what he has actually done. The Detroit media is about as gentle as any city with athletes.
If Williams were a third rd pick expectations are different. Lions traded up to get him so expectations are a little higher.
I am sure he is a nice guy, and he works hard. The XFL is full of hard workers. Williams needs to separate himself in the next two weeks.
Dan Miller who is paid by the Lions said Saturday. "I guess there was a little more positive than negative." about Williams play. That about as close to bashing as he will get. Teddy Bridgewater said he is going to stay on Williams.
Lions needs Williams for the offense to take the next step, we all want that. The 6 game suspension is a killer but time will tell.
Mostly headline like these. These stories feed a narrative a lot of Lions fans who are stuck in the SOL mentality pick up on....
Detroit Lions' Jameson Williams needs mentor before he becomes bust - FREEP, June 9, 2023
Could Jameson Williams be an all-time bust?
Jameson Williams is Probably a Bust
Detroit Lions' Jameson Williams needs mentor before he becomes bust - FREEP, June 9, 2023
Jameson Williams predicted as 2023 Detroit Lions’ biggest bust - Detroit Sports Nation, July 12, 2023
Could Jameson Williams be an all-time bust?
Jameson Williams is Probably a Bust
ChiefD
Footballguy
At what point do all of these stories = the truth?
I mean, why would there be consistent stories coming out about this guy regarding his work ethic and such. To me it's becoming a problem for Detroit. I really, really like that team moving forward. Finally Lions fans can see a light there.
But man, Jameson Williams has major red flags to me.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
The first unlinked (behind a paywall) article is from Carlos Monarrez. We could probably go for days on why he is awful at his job. He is, IMO - just a guess from observation, IDK him - clinically depressed. Every article he writes is negative. On the (very rare) occasional podcast he turns up on he sounds and looks like Eoyre. You can see the energy draining from MCDC when he asks a question (& to his credit Dan always gives him a full answer instead of just dismissing him.) I’ve seen other beats joke about his gloomy pronouncements on YT shows. That’s his schtick.
Article #2 is Alex Ballantine. Maybe we should follow him on X (Twitter) since he currently has 534 followers. He writes for BleacherReport & Detroit SportsNation. These kind of “reporters” are sort of the modern day equivalent of stringers, they usually have a day job & do FF articles part time. Nothing wrong with chasing your dreams but IME he’s the kind of guy who never had anything in his background that prepared him to be a writer other than being a fan with an opinion.
Last link is a YouTuber with 6K followers. That specific video has been up 13 days and has 1235 views.
It’s the ad hominem trifecta, eh? But seriously I’m not going to work up too much outrage over literal nobodies trying (& failing miserably) to generate a couple clicks. Or in the case of Carlos, a professional who isn’t even respected by his peers let alone the folks he is writing about.
TartanLion
Footballguy
Monarrez is a miserable prick. **** that guy !
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Easiest thing in the world is to be a dungeon of doomster. CM takes that route by being a negative hack who depends on the fact that 31 of 32 teams don't "win" every year. Better off just ignoring his tired takes.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
He’s the worst
Moonlight
Footballguy
His career has been choppy. We do need to be patient. Which is hard with the expectations attached to him and the team.
today's media availability
- Jameson Williams (0:00-8:02)
- Teddy Bridgewater (8:03-20:20)
- Kalif Raymond (20:21-30:08)
When I hear and see Jamo, I fail to see the kid the media portrays him as. I am not the least bit concerned about Jamo just being a speed guy and not being a player. Eventhough he has been here a year, he is just getting his feet wet. Be patient.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I believe Andy Reid is now 9-1 in season openers since he came to Kansas City. They've won their first game 8 straight seasons, which is the second longest streak in league history (Dallas won 16 straight.) Patrick Mahomes has never thrown an interception in Week 1.
Hopefully we have a good showing. Ended last season on a high note, but that means nothing. Every year is it's own deal, there are a lot of new guys who have never played together. Have to learn how to close out games and how to win all over again.
Detroit's fan base has never been this excited for a season AFAIK. I've been a fan since 1967 and I cannot think of any other time there has been this much belief and optimism in the GM and the Head Coach. Feels like this is literally the first time they have ever built a team the right way.
I can't wait.
Most Lions fans are reluctant to say those words. Most realize their offense will be very good. What I don't think is most people, including Lions fans don't see how good their defense will be.
