BobbyLayne
Footballguy
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OFFICIAL 2011 Detroit Lions off-season thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter BobbyLayne
- Start date
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Since Anthony (OP for the 2010 thread) hasn't posted anywhere on the site in over 3 weeks, and no one else took the initiative, I thought I'd get the ball rolling.This looks like a good starting point:
As discussions evolve and new articles get posted, I will update the first post to make it easy to keep track of the off-season discussion.Alright, I thought we could just change the title to 2011 and keep this thread moving. I'm not sure on the standard protocol
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Tough division to battle through.
Football Critic
Footballguy
Chances of Von Miller sliding to them? I would stoked if he does. 
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Won't dispute that - relative to the other NFC divisions - but the Lions did quite well against their rivals this year.Chicago - had the first game seemingly won, except Calvin didn't complete the process. Many, many instances of the correct interpretation of that rule this year left people shaking their heads. Second game, hung with them until the 4th, some bad calls but you have to overcome that. They didn't get it done, but both were winnable.Green Bay - Lost the first game by 2 points IIRC (didn't look it up); four second half FGs, and if any of those drives were TDs....oh well, didn't get it done. Took awhile to learn how to win again. Won the second, when the Pack had everything to play for.Minnesota - We lost the first game 24-10, and were never in it. One of the worst performances all year, no answer for AP. Won the second game.I think the Lions acquitted themselves well considering the losing streak against division foes reach 19 (20?) games before we started winning.Those last four wins were important building blocks. You have to escape the comfort of being content with effort instead of results.Leroy Hoard said:
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
The back 7 needs help, but there is still talk of drafting an OL #1.Chances of Von Miller sliding to them? I would stoked if he does.
Football Critic
Footballguy
The OLine is not the reason they lost most the games, it was the back 7. They need to draft a solid LB and go after Nnamdi to go along with Suh. Draft an OLineman in the 2nd and they might have a solid chance at something nice, if Stafford stays healthy. :wishfulthinking:The back 7 needs help, but there is still talk of drafting an OL #1.Chances of Von Miller sliding to them? I would stoked if he does.
The Kuhn
Footballguy
You're missing a certain important detail there.
V1LL
Footballguy
YOU, Sir, are missing the MOST IMPORTANT detail.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Good point. Besides missing their franchise QB, the Lions were also without backup Shaun Hill. They beat the Super Bowl champs with their 3rd string QB. And without their starting RT, two defensive lineman, and two DBs who were all out with injuries. Lot of starters gone, but you play with what you have, and guys step up.Anything else? Oh, yeah -
:scoreboard:
bicycle_seat_sniffer
Smells like chicken
Saw on NFL .com that Big Baby Shaun Rodgers is getting cut.
I remember when Corey Williams came to Detroit, SHaun told him how much he would love it here and how Shaun missed the D and that SHaun wanted to come back.
Im not sure he has much left, but man in a DL rotation with KVDB, SUh, Corey Williams and Big baby would be insane
I remember when Corey Williams came to Detroit, SHaun told him how much he would love it here and how Shaun missed the D and that SHaun wanted to come back.
Im not sure he has much left, but man in a DL rotation with KVDB, SUh, Corey Williams and Big baby would be insane
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Rogers is totally unnecessary. Corey Williams was a force last year and Sammie Lee Hill is as good of a 3rd DT as you will find in this league and he is very young still.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Von Miller has flown up mocks as it seems the scouts love him as a 3-4 LB. People are talking potential top 5 pick, so I don't think he falls to the Lions. I'm also not sure he he best fits the Lions scheme. All the top OLBs these days are 3-4 guys. Detroit can get good value on an outside 4-3 LB later.Chances of Von Miller sliding to them? I would stoked if he does.
bicycle_seat_sniffer
Smells like chicken
could be, But as a depth guy playing maybe 60% of the defensive snaps he could be very very good and help the unit as a whole..Agree that lions Dline is the position of strength
Mr. Peterson
Footballguy
Live in Buffalo and my team is the Bills but I like to have a favorite NFC to root for. That was the Packers but with them winning the Super Bowl I feel like I'm a band wagoner now so I think my new favorite NFC team is the Lions. They'll be fun to watch and root for now that Millen is gona and they have such an explosive offense to watch.
I'm hoping they bring in someone to help protect Stafford. It's obvious he is the key to the Lions success. If he doesn't play I think they can be an average team. But if they keep him upright and healthy I think they can be a sure fire playoff team.
I have no doubt that the D is on the up and up. But finding a couple big players to help the D get there would be nice. What position on D could the Lions be targetting in the draft?
I'm hoping they bring in someone to help protect Stafford. It's obvious he is the key to the Lions success. If he doesn't play I think they can be an average team. But if they keep him upright and healthy I think they can be a sure fire playoff team.
I have no doubt that the D is on the up and up. But finding a couple big players to help the D get there would be nice. What position on D could the Lions be targetting in the draft?
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Here is my analysis of where the Lions stand entering 2011 offseason
QB: 3 Lions QBs combined for 26 TDs 16 ints and 4000+ yards. A healthy Stafford is probably one of the 10 most talented QBs in the league. I just pray he can stay healthy. If not, short term Hill is one of the best back-ups in the league and certainly can win games if Stafford goes down again. Long term, Detroit needs a legitimate plan b.
RB: The knock on Best was durability and we saw that come to light from early in the year. 2 turf toes and an injured shoulder bothered him all year. He was tough as nails and played through the injuries. I don't think he is a feature back, but I do think he can be one of the league's most dangerous dual threat players. There are always RBs to be had in free agency and late in the draft. I would like to see a tough inside runner added.
WR: Calvin is the most talented WR in the league. Burelson had a solid year after fixing his fumble problem. He is a good #2 WR. Beyond those 2 guys, the cupboard is bare. A more reliable #3 WR- a good possession guy- could be a strong addition.
TE: It was a very controversial pick and most Detroit fans wanted Oher, but Mayhew seems to have his vindication. While Oher has struggled to play LT, Pettigrew enjoyed the best season by a TE in Lions history. Pettigrew showed no signs of the ACL tear that ended his rookie season in November 2009. I'd like to see him drop a few less balls, but the guy is a QB's best friend over the middle.
OL: Shockingly good. They allowed just 27 sacks. While a lot of this has to do with smart playcalling and scheming, the o-line was pass blocking well all year. Lions fans will surely remember the Peppers hit and the fact that all 3 QBs were injured at some point. This is the NFL, even the league's best lines are going to get occasionally beat by a rusher as talented as Peppers. It happens. I really blame the blocking scheme, Backus shouldn't have been left 1-1 on an obvious passing down. Hillard and Fox played impressively in relief of Gosder Cherilus. The one guy who has to go is Peterman. I consider this a pretty sizeable need. The Lions were 8th in the league running to the left, while 29th in running right. We need better balance running the ball. Backus and Raiola are getting towards the end of their contracts and careers, offensive line depth is certainly needed.
QB: 3 Lions QBs combined for 26 TDs 16 ints and 4000+ yards. A healthy Stafford is probably one of the 10 most talented QBs in the league. I just pray he can stay healthy. If not, short term Hill is one of the best back-ups in the league and certainly can win games if Stafford goes down again. Long term, Detroit needs a legitimate plan b.
RB: The knock on Best was durability and we saw that come to light from early in the year. 2 turf toes and an injured shoulder bothered him all year. He was tough as nails and played through the injuries. I don't think he is a feature back, but I do think he can be one of the league's most dangerous dual threat players. There are always RBs to be had in free agency and late in the draft. I would like to see a tough inside runner added.
WR: Calvin is the most talented WR in the league. Burelson had a solid year after fixing his fumble problem. He is a good #2 WR. Beyond those 2 guys, the cupboard is bare. A more reliable #3 WR- a good possession guy- could be a strong addition.
TE: It was a very controversial pick and most Detroit fans wanted Oher, but Mayhew seems to have his vindication. While Oher has struggled to play LT, Pettigrew enjoyed the best season by a TE in Lions history. Pettigrew showed no signs of the ACL tear that ended his rookie season in November 2009. I'd like to see him drop a few less balls, but the guy is a QB's best friend over the middle.
OL: Shockingly good. They allowed just 27 sacks. While a lot of this has to do with smart playcalling and scheming, the o-line was pass blocking well all year. Lions fans will surely remember the Peppers hit and the fact that all 3 QBs were injured at some point. This is the NFL, even the league's best lines are going to get occasionally beat by a rusher as talented as Peppers. It happens. I really blame the blocking scheme, Backus shouldn't have been left 1-1 on an obvious passing down. Hillard and Fox played impressively in relief of Gosder Cherilus. The one guy who has to go is Peterman. I consider this a pretty sizeable need. The Lions were 8th in the league running to the left, while 29th in running right. We need better balance running the ball. Backus and Raiola are getting towards the end of their contracts and careers, offensive line depth is certainly needed.
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Ilov80s
Footballguy
DE: KvB was everything the Lions wanted and more. He is fun to watch as he never stops hustling. He plays sideline to sideline, can rush the passer, and is a great leader. However, he doesn't have many years left in the tank. While I don't think Cliff Avril is nearly as good as his 8.5 sacks might indicate, he is 24 and improving so the Lions should resign him. I'm not sure what the interest level around the NFL is for him, hopefully the Lions can sign him for a reasonable price. Where did Turk McBride come from? Not sure, but for a back-up and rotational guy, he seemed really effective. Thank you Seattle for giving us Lawrence Jackson. Why did Seattle give up on such a high pick so fast? While he isn't a franchise DE, he can rush the passer and played especially well against mobile QBs. This unit generated 44 sacks, 6th most in the NFL.
DT: A major strength. Corey Williams proved that he is still a very good 4-3 DT. He had a mind-boggling number of offsides penalties, but he also timed a lot of snaps. For his size (320), he is an really good athlete. Sammie Lee Hill is 6-4 329 and also very athletic. When he stepped in for Williams, there wasn't much of a drop off. The thing that really made those two players effective and the entire line effective, was Suh. The improvement in play and statistics from 09 to 10 is significant. Suh was such a force in the middle that it allowed the Lions to get consistent pressure on the QB with a 4 man rush and allow are subpar back 7 to have as much help as possible. Despite rarely blitzing (70% of the Lions sacks came off of a 4 man rush, 5th most of any NFL team), the Lions recorded 44 sacks, 6th most in the league. Barring injury, Suh appears to be a lock for multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
OLB: HELP NEEDED!!! Peterson is gone, good riddance. Bobby Carpenter and especially Ashlee Palmer proved themselves down the stretch. I like both for depth purposes, but nothing more at this point. I like the idea of drafting an OLB (Greg Jones? Bruce Carter?) in the 2nd or 3rd. The 4-3 OLBs aren't nearly as coveted as the 3-4 guys and will slide in the draft. I also welcome the signing of a free agent OLB and there are a few. I personally prefer Rocky McIntosh.
MLB: Once Levy got himself healthy, he was a rock. The guy is exactly what you want in a MLB, a solid tackler with a nose for the ball. Despite not really playing the first 8 weeks of the year, he recorded 72 tackles.
CB: The loss of CB Aaron Berry in week 1 was a tremendous blow. The Lions repeatedly said he was the most impressive corner coming out of the offseason. That left Chris Houston and Alphonso Smith as the starters. I liked Houston's tackling, he plays the run well. Houston seemed like a pretty average corner, but a guy who can be a #2 CB. Smith is a gambler and it paid off at points (5 picks in 6 weeks at 1 point), but it also lead to him being embarrassed at times. He has a role in the secondary, but it isn't man coverage. After that, we saw Tye Hill and Nathan Vasher play alright. Adding a CB should be an obvious major priority.
S: Louis Delmas is a very good physical safety. He hits hard and plays the run well. However, his pass coverage skills still need work. Amari Spievey was drafted as a CB and was so bad in camp, the Lions staff wanted to cut him. The scouts convinced a move to safety might help. I think they were right. For a rookie playing a new position, he showed some hope. A good tackler for a converted CB. He made some really bad reads, took some poor angles, and missed coverage, but that is what happens when you have a starter learning on the job. There is potential there to be a quality starter. Signing a free agent safety to compete with him for the job and push Spievey would make sense.
DT: A major strength. Corey Williams proved that he is still a very good 4-3 DT. He had a mind-boggling number of offsides penalties, but he also timed a lot of snaps. For his size (320), he is an really good athlete. Sammie Lee Hill is 6-4 329 and also very athletic. When he stepped in for Williams, there wasn't much of a drop off. The thing that really made those two players effective and the entire line effective, was Suh. The improvement in play and statistics from 09 to 10 is significant. Suh was such a force in the middle that it allowed the Lions to get consistent pressure on the QB with a 4 man rush and allow are subpar back 7 to have as much help as possible. Despite rarely blitzing (70% of the Lions sacks came off of a 4 man rush, 5th most of any NFL team), the Lions recorded 44 sacks, 6th most in the league. Barring injury, Suh appears to be a lock for multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
OLB: HELP NEEDED!!! Peterson is gone, good riddance. Bobby Carpenter and especially Ashlee Palmer proved themselves down the stretch. I like both for depth purposes, but nothing more at this point. I like the idea of drafting an OLB (Greg Jones? Bruce Carter?) in the 2nd or 3rd. The 4-3 OLBs aren't nearly as coveted as the 3-4 guys and will slide in the draft. I also welcome the signing of a free agent OLB and there are a few. I personally prefer Rocky McIntosh.
MLB: Once Levy got himself healthy, he was a rock. The guy is exactly what you want in a MLB, a solid tackler with a nose for the ball. Despite not really playing the first 8 weeks of the year, he recorded 72 tackles.
CB: The loss of CB Aaron Berry in week 1 was a tremendous blow. The Lions repeatedly said he was the most impressive corner coming out of the offseason. That left Chris Houston and Alphonso Smith as the starters. I liked Houston's tackling, he plays the run well. Houston seemed like a pretty average corner, but a guy who can be a #2 CB. Smith is a gambler and it paid off at points (5 picks in 6 weeks at 1 point), but it also lead to him being embarrassed at times. He has a role in the secondary, but it isn't man coverage. After that, we saw Tye Hill and Nathan Vasher play alright. Adding a CB should be an obvious major priority.
S: Louis Delmas is a very good physical safety. He hits hard and plays the run well. However, his pass coverage skills still need work. Amari Spievey was drafted as a CB and was so bad in camp, the Lions staff wanted to cut him. The scouts convinced a move to safety might help. I think they were right. For a rookie playing a new position, he showed some hope. A good tackler for a converted CB. He made some really bad reads, took some poor angles, and missed coverage, but that is what happens when you have a starter learning on the job. There is potential there to be a quality starter. Signing a free agent safety to compete with him for the job and push Spievey would make sense.
sho nuff
Footballguy
Good point...though, we can all play that game.as for :scoreboard:...only one that matters said 31-25 Packers.
Detroit is a solid team though. That front 4 is downright nasty with Suh and will keep them in a lot of games.
sho nuff
Footballguy
Not so sure about that one.
King of the Jungle
Footballguy
Yeah that statement seems to hint a little homerism. I think he has the potential to be, however with the limited body of work he has presented on the field it is difficult to make a determination at this point.
sho nuff
Footballguy
I think he is on the cusp.At first I was like, no freaking way...then really looked at the QBs and it was closer than I thought...but still on the outside looking in.Top 15 now maybe.
scrumptrulescent
Footballguy
I don't think there are any stud OT's that would wow Detroit enough to take them at 13. Maybe Solder because he projects to a potential stud LT but he may need some time and at 13, the Lions may want someone who starts from day one.
Von Miller may be gone....he's being hyped now.
But many other names could be there. Guys who could have an instant impact.
OLB Akeem Ayers
OLB Justin Houston
CB P Amukamura
CB B Harris
CB Jimmy Smith has been moving up and has fantastic size for an NFL CB.
Or they could draft to add to strength with Cory Liuget who's moving up boards.
They could take Mark Ingram too.
Pouncey's brother is an option.
Lots of ways for Detroit to go at 13.
Von Miller may be gone....he's being hyped now.
But many other names could be there. Guys who could have an instant impact.
OLB Akeem Ayers
OLB Justin Houston
CB P Amukamura
CB B Harris
CB Jimmy Smith has been moving up and has fantastic size for an NFL CB.
Or they could draft to add to strength with Cory Liuget who's moving up boards.
They could take Mark Ingram too.
Pouncey's brother is an option.
Lots of ways for Detroit to go at 13.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Love that pick. Seems high for a guard, but he seems like the best lineman in the draft, so it makes sense in that context.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
For sure Top 10:Brees, Brady, Manning, Rogers, Ryan, Rivers, and Ben. After those 7, we have a host of players who could be considered:Vick, Bradford, Stafford, Cutler, Eli, Romo, FreemanStafford is not far from that top 10. Based on production, clearly he does lags far behind the other options. In terms of talent, he is near the top of that list. He was playing at an excellent level last season, he just needs to stay on the field.
Sabertooth
Footballguy
Gotta love Detroit not picking in the top 10.
I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and while I am a Packer backer, I have tons of friends who bleed Honolulu blue and Silver. I hope they can continue that upward trend. Schwartz appears to be the real deal.
I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and while I am a Packer backer, I have tons of friends who bleed Honolulu blue and Silver. I hope they can continue that upward trend. Schwartz appears to be the real deal.
King of the Jungle
Footballguy
I love the thought of it and think he has a chance. However I would at this moment put him behind all of the QBs you listed until we can see him on the field for a full season.
scrumptrulescent
Footballguy
Schaub, Flacco, Orton, Cassell, Garrard, Sanchez........Ilov80s said:
Yeah...I look at Stafford as more of a top 15, top 20 guy. He, like the Lions themselves have really proved nothing so far.
It is funny that so many people see the Lions as a team for the future since they lost so many close games...they fail to realize that winning is harder than you think in today's NFL. Ask Bengals, Dolphins, Texans, Vikings, Chargers, Cowboys, Titans, Cardinals, or Raiders fans how their teams fared this year with high expectations...not all teams are built to withstand much pressure, and much like the Lions have two or three really top line players, all of those aforementioned teams have the same or more...I mean let's see...Stafford or Shaub? Andre or Calvin? Best or Foster? Suh or Williams?
The Texans win at least three out of four on that front and there is really no way they are sniffing the playoffs anytime soon. I doubt the Lions will be either.
It is funny that so many people see the Lions as a team for the future since they lost so many close games...they fail to realize that winning is harder than you think in today's NFL. Ask Bengals, Dolphins, Texans, Vikings, Chargers, Cowboys, Titans, Cardinals, or Raiders fans how their teams fared this year with high expectations...not all teams are built to withstand much pressure, and much like the Lions have two or three really top line players, all of those aforementioned teams have the same or more...I mean let's see...Stafford or Shaub? Andre or Calvin? Best or Foster? Suh or Williams?
The Texans win at least three out of four on that front and there is really no way they are sniffing the playoffs anytime soon. I doubt the Lions will be either.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
In this day and age, they are very few great teams. The difference between the top 10 teams and bottom 10 teams isn't much. I wouldn't write Detroit or Houston off.Also, I edited my original statement. When healthy, he is a top 10 talent at QB. Will that talent translate to production? Time will tell.
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Sinrman
Footballguy
I highly doubt he'd sign with Detroit, but I would love for us to make a run at Nnamdi Asomugha. He would give a serious boost to our secondary. But, one can dream!
I would like for us to nab an O-lineman to groom for years, but this year's group doesn't seem very strong compared to years past. So I wouldn't mind us going LB or CB, as
we have obvious needs there, too.
I would like for us to nab an O-lineman to groom for years, but this year's group doesn't seem very strong compared to years past. So I wouldn't mind us going LB or CB, as
we have obvious needs there, too.
Iwannabeacowboybaby!
Footballguy
That would be a big signing for Detroit, no doubt. Throw in a linebacker and the Lions would have the start of a dominant defense. We'll see, right now it's just wishful thinking. I sure hope he doesn't land in Philly.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Even if the Lions can't land Asomugha, this will be a very rich free agency class if the 4th and 5th year guys go unrestricted. Maybe no Asomugha, but maybe Jonathan Joseph and Michael Huff or Brent Grimes and Laron Landry.
