Look for KJ next week! (1 Viewer)

[Da Guru]

Tater Bell just is not a feature RB, plus he has horrible hands.

I see KJ in the Lions starting lineup next week..without a doubt! Bell is more effective coming off the bench for a series or two.

 

[Da Guru]

Bell is not even in the game in crunch time!

Calhoun takes over

 

[Anonymous Internet User]

Bell is terrible.

 

[wilked]

yes, the job is Kevin's when he is ready

 

[Judge Smails]

If you can't catch out of the backfield you can't play RB for Martz..

 

[Da Guru]

Bell did not see the field after he dropped that screen pass

 

[Woz]

Minnesota defense = good. I don't think KJ does any better than Bell today. Thought Bell showed some decent speed around the end a couple of times.

 

[monkeysee]

Minnesota defense = good. I don't think KJ does any better than Bell today. Thought Bell showed some decent speed around the end a couple of times.

Spoken like a man who wasted an early pick on Bell.

 

[Dt's Mules]

minnesota effective shut down kj last year running the ball, BUT he was able to catch several passes out of the backfield. therein lies the difference.

 

[Da Guru]

Minnesota defense = good. I don't think KJ does any better than Bell today. Thought Bell showed some decent speed around the end a couple of times.

9 carries for 14 yards..and a couple of dropped passes?

 

[Urlacher54]

minnesota effective shut down kj last year running the ball, BUT he was able to catch several passes out of the backfield. therein lies the difference.

KJ last year: Week 5: 10 car. 8 yrd. 4 rec, 42 yrdWeek 14: 9 car, -3 yrd. 6 rec 67 yrd, 1TDTatum today:9 car, 14 yrd, 4 rec 25 yrdsNot saying Tatum was awesome but come on, nobody does well against MIN. Other than that TD that he ended up getting injured on, KJ was shut down just like every one else and would have been today.For the record, I think Kevin Jones is a very good RB, I just don't think you can fault Tatum today.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Bell didn't look good today. I don't expect much out of this guy. You are right, on a couple screen plays he just looks out of sync. He won't be the guy.

I wouldn't rush KJ back to play in Philly though unless he's truely ready.

 

[North]

minnesota effective shut down kj last year running the ball, BUT he was able to catch several passes out of the backfield. therein lies the difference.

KJ last year: Week 5: 10 car. 8 yrd. 4 rec, 42 yrdWeek 14: 9 car, -3 yrd. 6 rec 67 yrd, 1TDTatum today:9 car, 14 yrd, 4 rec 25 yrdsNot saying Tatum was awesome but come on, nobody does well against MIN. Other than that TD that he ended up getting injured on, KJ was shut down just like every one else and would have been today.For the record, I think Kevin Jones is a very good RB, I just don't think you can fault Tatum today.

:(

 

[Rev]

Calhoun had a very nice run to set up the game winning field goal today. He simply looked better than Bell when it mattered. Until KJ returns, the depth chart stands like this, IMO:

1. Calhoun

2. Bell

3. Duckett

It is nice to see Calhoun get his legs back under him after his injury. I've always seen him as a very interesting player in Detroit.

 

[Da Guru]

Calhoun had a very nice run to set up the game winning field goal today. He simply looked better than Bell when it mattered. Until KJ returns, the depth chart stands like this, IMO:1. Calhoun2. Bell3. DuckettIt is nice to see Calhoun get his legs back under him after his injury. I've always seen him as a very interesting player in Detroit.

I think Calhoun beat out Tater today. Plus he can catch the ball.

 

[duaneok66]

that offense will run no matter who the back is . . . I watched the game and it didnt matter if Bell or Calhoun was in the game . . .

 

[Da Guru]

that offense will run no matter who the back is . . . I watched the game and it didnt matter if Bell or Calhoun was in the game . . .

I agree somewhat, but I think KJ will take this offense up a notch!

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I am sure Bell endeared himself to Martz with these comments. Maybe Martz needs to introduce Bell to Marshall Faulk.

Lions have nowhere to run

Ground game sputters without Jones, Duckett

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../709170370/1126

Terry Foster / The Detroit News

DETROIT -- The biggest play for the pass-first Lions came on a "stretch" run by running back Brian Calhoun on Sunday.

When he saw Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze crunch in, Calhoun bounced outside for a 17-yard gain that set up Jason Hanson's winning field goal in a 20-17 overtime Lions victory at Ford Field.

For most of the day the Lions ignored the run, and they didn't have much success when they did hand it off. The Lions ran the ball 21 times for 56 yards for an average of 2.7 yards per carry. In turn they passed 56 times, completing 35 for 359 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Their biggest running plays before the Calhoun breakout came on two reverses to wide receiver Calvin Johnson and two quarterback scrambles. One by Jon Kitna sent him flying through the air late in the game.

The Vikings (1-1) ran the ball 33 times for 123 yards.

"Shoot. What they say about Mike Martz is true," running back Tatum Bell said of the Lions' offensive coordinator. "He passes first. I don't have a problem fitting into his system. But when they want 130 or 140 yards, and you only get five or six touches, I am thinking every time I touch the ball I got to go to the house."

Bell (nine carries, 14 yards) didn't get much more action than fellow back Kevin Jones, who remains out because of a Lisfranc fracture in his foot. Jones is expected to return next week against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Lions were also without power back T.J. Duckett, who was out because of a high ankle sprain.

The Vikings had no fear of the run and attacked quarterbacks Jon Kitna and J.T. O'Sullivan most of the afternoon. The Vikings sacked the two quarterbacks a combined four times and forced three interceptions. Kitna was knocked out of the game in the second quarter because of a suspected concussion but returned in the fourth quarter and led the winning drive in overtime.

Kitna did most of his damage in the air, but when the Lions needed the run most they turned to Calhoun, who swept around right end before he was knocked out of bounds by Brian Robinson at the 19-yard line.

"I just followed my reads," Calhoun said. "It was simple. If the end crashed in, I was supposed to go outside. If he bounced outside, I was supposed to cut inside. When I bounced nobody was there."

Running the ball is often the key to winning games. But Lions players won't squabble over how they got the victory. They are just happy to be 2-0.

"Whatever they call you got to make it work," right tackle George Foster said. "I like the run as much as the pass, and as long as it is a positive play it is all relative. If you don't run the ball well you hate it. If you are running good you want it. You want what works. This offense has so many ways to get the ball down the field so you have to be on your p's and q's every game."

The Lions' first nine plays were pass attempts.

"We came out throwing, and running the ball didn't even come to mind," Bell said. "So I got to do what I can. Whether you get five carries or 15 carries you got to be positive. It is a team win, and I am happy with the win."

The Lions' rushing woes are a carryover from last season. They rushed for just 1,129 yards last season while opponents ran for 2,010 yards against them.

Foster was sore from all the pass blocking. However, winning soothed the pain.

"The goal is to win and obviously coach called a game that won us the game," Foster said. "Bottom line, if he feels the run is the way to do it he will call more runs. We just ran what he tells us and most of the times it is a great play."

You can reach Terry Foster at (313) 222-1494 or terry.foster@detnews.com.

 

[Dt's Mules]

minnesota effective shut down kj last year running the ball, BUT he was able to catch several passes out of the backfield. therein lies the difference.

KJ last year: Week 5: 10 car. 8 yrd. 4 rec, 42 yrdWeek 14: 9 car, -3 yrd. 6 rec 67 yrd, 1TDTatum today:9 car, 14 yrd, 4 rec 25 yrdsNot saying Tatum was awesome but come on, nobody does well against MIN. Other than that TD that he ended up getting injured on, KJ was shut down just like every one else and would have been today.For the record, I think Kevin Jones is a very good RB, I just don't think you can fault Tatum today.

you just furthered the point I was making....nobody runs on MINN, but KJ was better than tatum at catching passes out of the backfield.average of two games for KJ last year 5 for 54 and .5tdsand tatum was 4 for 25it's not a huge difference, but a difference nonetheless. I difference I don't think will be lost on Martz and Co.

 

[Da Guru]

minnesota effective shut down kj last year running the ball, BUT he was able to catch several passes out of the backfield. therein lies the difference.

KJ last year: Week 5: 10 car. 8 yrd. 4 rec, 42 yrdWeek 14: 9 car, -3 yrd. 6 rec 67 yrd, 1TDTatum today:9 car, 14 yrd, 4 rec 25 yrdsNot saying Tatum was awesome but come on, nobody does well against MIN. Other than that TD that he ended up getting injured on, KJ was shut down just like every one else and would have been today.For the record, I think Kevin Jones is a very good RB, I just don't think you can fault Tatum today.

you just furthered the point I was making....nobody runs on MINN, but KJ was better than tatum at catching passes out of the backfield.average of two games for KJ last year 5 for 54 and .5tdsand tatum was 4 for 25it's not a huge difference, but a difference nonetheless. I difference I don't think will be lost on Martz and Co.

The problem with Bell is his pass catching..or I should say "lack of pass catching ability" Twice yesterday on screens and dumps had he caught the ball it would have been a big gainer.Also I did not realize how easy Bell goes down. Bell is great bursting through big holes with his speed.but he can`t push a pile.Now I understand why Bell could never sieze the job in Denver.

 

[kensat30]

I can't wait to see KJ in the backfield on 4 WR sets. MONEY.

 

[rascal]

minnesota effective shut down kj last year running the ball, BUT he was able to catch several passes out of the backfield. therein lies the difference.

KJ last year: Week 5: 10 car. 8 yrd. 4 rec, 42 yrdWeek 14: 9 car, -3 yrd. 6 rec 67 yrd, 1TDTatum today:9 car, 14 yrd, 4 rec 25 yrdsNot saying Tatum was awesome but come on, nobody does well against MIN. Other than that TD that he ended up getting injured on, KJ was shut down just like every one else and would have been today.For the record, I think Kevin Jones is a very good RB, I just don't think you can fault Tatum today.

you just furthered the point I was making....nobody runs on MINN, but KJ was better than tatum at catching passes out of the backfield.average of two games for KJ last year 5 for 54 and .5tdsand tatum was 4 for 25it's not a huge difference, but a difference nonetheless. I difference I don't think will be lost on Martz and Co.

The problem with Bell is his pass catching..or I should say "lack of pass catching ability" Twice yesterday on screens and dumps had he caught the ball it would have been a big gainer.Also I did not realize how easy Bell goes down. Bell is great bursting through big holes with his speed.but he can`t push a pile.Now I understand why Bell could never sieze the job in Denver.

There was a reason bronco fans called him tinker bell.The guy has zero power and cannot break a tackle. Plus he can't catch which a problem in a Mike Martz offense.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I just saw Marinelli's press conference. He would not guarantee it, but he believe KJ will play this week if all goes as it has, and if KJ doesn't have any setbacks. He said he expects KJ to get 15-20 snaps, depending on soreness. He said he would gradually be worked into the offense as he gets in shape.

 

[matuski]

I am sure Bell endeared himself to Martz with these comments. Maybe Martz needs to introduce Bell to Marshall Faulk.

Lions have nowhere to run

Ground game sputters without Jones, Duckett

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../709170370/1126

DETROIT -- Jones is expected to return next week against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Is this verified?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I am sure Bell endeared himself to Martz with these comments. Maybe Martz needs to introduce Bell to Marshall Faulk.

Lions have nowhere to run

Ground game sputters without Jones, Duckett

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../709170370/1126

DETROIT -- Jones is expected to return next week against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Is this verified?

See the post above yours.

 

[shakeybarn]

Minnesota defense = good. I don't think KJ does any better than Bell today. Thought Bell showed some decent speed around the end a couple of times.

Spoken like a man who wasted an early pick on Bell.

No I somewhat disagree... I had numerous times in here, commented that Tatum's first 5 games were not setting him up for success. The easier teams were on the road (but still not too shabby run Ds), and the two tough run Ds (Min/Chi) were at home.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

This is all about perspective. If it was Bell's job to lose you could make the argument that Minn has a tough defense and KJ wasn't great against them last year, either.

But it isn't. It's KJ's job, the team likes him and they're winning games (so this could be a special season). KJ wants to get out there and contribute to their success, and Bell is just holding his place. Martz wants a reliable pass-catcher in the backfield.

I think it's just a matter of time now, and depends on how much work KJ can handle. He looks like a great guy to have in a PPR; no big deal in a regular scoring system.

 

[turleyfan]

As a KJ owner x2, I am just glad I had other options to fall back on while Det played Minnesota.

Of course, running against Green Bay and Chicago won't be easy, either.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Day after: Kitna's fine, Campbell's unknown and KJ is probable

http://blog.mlive.com/lionsinsider/2007/09...e_campbell.html

Posted by Tom Kowalski September 17, 2007 13:25PM

There weren't any major announcements coming out of Rod Marinelli's weekly press conference on Monday, but he did say that quarterback Jon Kitna, who suffered a mild concussion in Sunday's game, was fine when he reported Monday morning. He said Kitna didn't show any symptoms of a concussion or have a lingering headache.

Tight end Dan Campbell, who left the game with an elbow injury, had an MRI test done, but the results aren't known yet.

Running back Kevin Jones is expected to play against the Eagles this week, but Marinelli said the final decision will be his. Marinelli expects Jones to play in 15 to 20 snaps if he plays.