DETROIT LIONS 2020: Kelly Stafford finally gets to LA!! Oh and Matt was traded to the Rams as well.

[msudaisy26 5,903]

Jahvid best 2.0?? I dont get that at all from aa

I think he is saying as a scat back, not the injury history.

[TartanLion 591]

Pretty happy overall.

Corey Robinson is quite an interesting late round pickup.

Abdullah's fumbles went down every year in college, hopefully that trend continues. Otherwise, I'm excited by his prospects and I like that we also focused on good characters in this draft as well

[Faust 5,270]

Greg Cosell analyzes Lions’ draft picks

[TartanLion 591]

So chaps, what we thinking ?

Schedule looks rrrrough this year. I actually think we could play not that badly and end up around 8-8.

Hoping the D doesn't fall away too much. It's not unreasonable to expect that we could still be a top 8-12 overall D. The run D will no doubt regress but we have strength at the back end these days and can hope that continues to improve.

Hopefully the run game flourishes and Stafford etc are more comfortable with the playbook a year further on.

Still, tough schedule and I don't particularly like our chances of a playoff spot unless we can somehow win our division.

[Ilov80s 30,031]

So chaps, what we thinking ?

Schedule looks rrrrough this year. I actually think we could play not that badly and end up around 8-8.

Hoping the D doesn't fall away too much. It's not unreasonable to expect that we could still be a top 8-12 overall D. The run D will no doubt regress but we have strength at the back end these days and can hope that continues to improve.

Hopefully the run game flourishes and Stafford etc are more comfortable with the playbook a year further on.

Still, tough schedule and I don't particularly like our chances of a playoff spot unless we can somehow win our division.

Terrible schedule. I think 8-8 is about right. Bad start, but finish strong. I am really curious to see how well Ngata can replace Suh. If he's still got a Pro Bowl caliber season left in the tank, the D might be ok. His play will really make or break the season. I hope Tulloch is fully recovered and playing as well as he had prior to the injury. He can be a tackling machine behind a stout Ngata. Ebron needs to take a step forward as well. If he can become that needed 3rd guy in the passing game, I think the offense could be as productive as just about any offense in the NFL.

Edited August 16, 2015 by Ilov80s

[Leroy Hoard 13,746]

Slow start but finish well to be 9-7.

[BobbyLayne 10,874]

Fast start solid middle strong late 12-4.

Deep run, at least to the NFCC if not 50.

Not drunk.

[BobbyLayne 10,874]

MLive's projected final 53:

Kyle Meinke's 53-man roster projection

Quarterbacks (3) -- Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, Kellen Moore

Change: None

Analysis: There's been a lot of speculation about whether the Lions will carry a third quarterback, given some of the injuries that have popped up at other positions. But at the end of the day, I think Detroit feels most comfortable with three guys in that room and isn't willing to give up on Moore just months after inking him to a two-year deal that guaranteed him more money than Orlovsky.

Tailbacks (5) -- Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Zach Zenner, Michael Burton

Out: George Winn, Emil Igwenagu
Change: None
Analysis: Only two of Zenner's seven first-half carries gained positive yardage against Buffalo. He finished with 10 carries and just 21 yards for the game. But his roster spot should still be safe. His struggles -- just like anyone else who tried to carry the football, or throw it -- were a product of terrible offensive line play. The bottom line is this: Zenner would never make it to the practice squad, and the Lions aren't prepared to lose him. So he should have no problem sticking as the fourth tailback.

Receivers (5) -- Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Corey Fuller, Lance Moore, Jeremy Ross

Out: TJ Jones, Greg Salas
Change: None

Analysis: I gave Jones strong consideration, just like I suspect the Lions will. He has higher upside than Jeremy Ross as a receiver, and there's a possibility he won't make it to the practice squad. But you must also consider that most of his production came against second- and third-stringers.

Tight ends (3) -- Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Timothy Wright

Out: Joseph Fauria, Casey Pierce
Change: Wright in/ Fauria out
Analysis: I always thought Fauria would be on the ropes if the Lions had a viable alternative. But they never did -- until this week. Detroit traded for Wright, and I think it did so intending to keep him. Why else acquire him, knowing you wouldn't get much of a look at him before cut day? Wright does a lot of the same things as Fauria, as a pass-catching tight end who can work out of the slot or split out wide. But unlike Fauria, he can play the whole field and doesn't have an injury issues. Fauria's ankle has bothered him longer than anyone expected, and there are fears it could pose future problems as well.

Offensive line (8) -- Riley Reiff, Laken Tomlinson, Travis Swanson, Larry Warford, Cornelius Lucas, Manny Ramirez, LaAdrian Waddle, Taylor Boggs

Out: Corey Robinson, Xavier Proctor, Al Bond, Torrian Wilson, Braxton Cave
Change: None.
Analysis: Larry Warford's high ankle sprain is the only uncertainty at this position. If it lingers, Detroit could carry a guy like Boggs to bolster the depth. Boggs has impressed coaches enough, he might make the 53 regardless.

Defensive line (10) -- Ezekiel Ansah, Jason Jones, Devin Taylor, Darryl Tapp, Phillip Hunt, Haloti Ngata, Caraun Reid, Tyrunn Walker, Gabe Wright, Jermelle Cudjo

Out: Larry Webster, Corey Wootten, Kerry Hyder, Jerel Worthy
Change: None
Analysis:
 The Lions wanted Larry Webster to step up this offseason, with George Johnson out of the picture. But he has not been extant as a pass-rusher, both in practices and games. Phillip Hunt, meantime, continues to produce. That includes another sack against Buffalo. Here's betting Detroit cuts its losses with Webster, a boom-or-bust guy who is looking more like the latter all the time.

Linebackers (6) -- DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead, Josh Bynes, Kyle Van Noy, Travis Lewis

Out: Brandon Copeland, Julian Stanford
Change: None
Analysis: Copeland is a tough cut, because he's shown a lot of versatility as a pass-rusher. But he and Hunt can't both make it, and Hunt provides the Lions with a little more depth at a position that needs it with Webster not working out.

Defensive backs (10) -- Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, Josh Wilson, Nevin Lawson, Quandre Diggs, Alex Carter, Glover Quin, James Ihedigbo, Isa Abdul-Quddus, Don Carey

Out: Crezdon Butler, Isaiah Johnson, Nate Ness, Brian Suite
Change: None
Analysis: Carter's stubborn ankle injury could force Detroit to roll 10-deep at cornerback. The only variable is whether he gets put on injured reserve, possibly with a designation to return. That would cost Carter at least half the season, but also free up a roster spot (although not until next week, when that list becomes available).

Specialists (3) -- Matt Prater, Sam Martin, Don Muhlbach

Out: None.
Change: None
Analysis: Don Muhlbach. Rinse. Repeat.

Justin Rogers' 53-man roster projection
Quarterbacks (3) -- Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, Kellen Moore
Out: None
Change: None
Analysis: Injury concerns on both the offensive and defensive lines could force the Lions' hand with Moore, but I have to believe the fourth-year quarterback showed enough in the preseason finale -- completing 16 of 22 passes behind a patchwork offensive line -- to justify another year of development.

Offensive line (8) -- Riley Reiff, Laken Tomlinson, Travis Swanson, Larry Warford, LaAdrian Waddle, Cornelius Lucas, Manny Ramirez, Taylor Boggs
Out: Corey Robinson, Xavier Proctor, Al Bond, Braxton Cave, Torrian Wilson, Joe Madsen
Change: Robinson out
Change: None
Analysis: My prediction hinges on Larry Warford's health. If he's good to go for Week 1, the Lions are more likely to keep a fourth tackle (Robinson) and let Boggs go, despite a quality preseason performance.

Running backs (5) -- Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Michael Burton, Zach Zenner
Out: George Winn, Emil Igwenagu
Analysis: Zenner didn't have a strong finish to the preseason, but that can largely be blamed on poor blocking up front. He was hit in the backfield almost every time he touched the ball against Buffalo. Fortunately for him, he did enough in the first three exhibition contests to earn his spot.

Tight ends (3) -- Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Tim Wright
Out: Casey Pierce, Deon Butler, Joseph Fauria
Change: Fauria out/Wright in
Analysis: I have a difficult time suggesting the Lions let Fauria go with no compensation, but it takes two to tango when it comes to making a trade. The Lions have long had their eye on Wright, and even though they gave up little to get him, the acquisition was made with a purpose.

Wide receivers (5) -- Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Lance Moore, Corey Fuller, Jeremy Ross
Out: TJ Jones, Greg Salas
Change: None
Analysis: Jones made a strong bid for a job, and it shouldn't surprise anyone if the Lions ultimately choose to go that direction, but his preseason performances came against a lower level of competition and should be viewed through that lens.

Defensive line (10) -- Ezekiel Ansah, Jason Jones, Devin Taylor, Darryl Tapp, Phillip Hunt, Haloti Ngata, Tyrunn Walker, Caraun Reid, Gabe Wright, Jermelle Cudjo
Out: Corey Wootton, Larry Webster, Jerel Worthy, Kerry Hyder, Roy Philon
Change: Cudjo in
Analysis: The Lions could get away with carrying just four defensive ends, but how do you justify cutting Hunt? He's been the team's best pass rusher this preseason. As for Cudjo, he also shined in the preseason, and with Reid not likely to be ready for the opener, Detroit will need to carry an extra interior lineman.

Linebackers (6) -- DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead, Kyle Van Noy, Josh Bynes, Travis Lewis
Out: Julian Stanford, Brandon Copeland
Change: None
Analysis: Van Noy played and played well in the preseason finale, alleviating concerns he could need another IR stint. Bynes and Lewis have positional flexibility and offer plenty of special teams. Stanford is right in the mix as well.

Defensive backs (10) -- Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, Alex Carter, Nevin Lawson, Josh Wilson, Quandre Diggs, Glover Quin, James Ihedigbo, Isa Abdul-Quddus, Don Carey
Out: Crezdon Butler, Jocquel Skinner, Nate Ness, Isaiah Johnson and Brian Suite
Change: None
Analysis: Nevin Lawson struggled during the preseason with his physicality leading to penalties, but you can see the potential just in his proximity to the receiver when the ball arrives. Isaiah Johnson is a no-brainer for the practice squad if he clears waivers.

Specialists (3) -- Matt Prater, Sam Martin, Don Muhlbach
Out: None
Change: None
Analysis: Well, there are no other options on the roster.

[bicycle_seat_sniffer 5,109]

I think they beat SD week1 easily.

need to come to ford field at 1-1.

[BobbyLayne 10,874]

Couple surprises: 2 QBs, Ross cut, Winn cut, Webster out one season after being a 4th rounder.

Quarterbacks (2) -- Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky

Out: Kellen Moore

Tailbacks (5) -- Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Zach Zenner, Michael Burton

Out: George Winn, Emil Igwenagu

Receivers (5) -- Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Corey Fuller, Lance Moore, TJ Jones

Out: Jeremy Ross

Tight ends (3) -- Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Timothy Wright

Out: Joseph Fauria, Casey Pierce

Offensive line (9) -- Riley Reiff, Laken Tomlinson, Travis Swanson, Larry Warford, Cornelius Lucas, Manny Ramirez, LaAdrian Waddle, Taylor Boggs, Corey Robinson

Out: Xavier Proctor, Al Bond, Torrian Wilson, Braxton Cave, Joe Madsen

Defensive line (9) -- Ezekiel Ansah, Jason Jones, Devin Taylor, Darryl Tapp, Phillip Hunt, Haloti Ngata, Caraun Reid, Tyrunn Walker, Gabe Wright

Out: Larry Webster, Kerry Hyder, Jerel Worthy, Jermelle Cudjo

Linebackers (7) -- DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead, Josh Bynes, Kyle Van Noy, Travis Lewis, Brandon Copeland

Out: Julian Stanford

Defensive backs (10) -- Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, Josh Wilson, Nevin Lawson, Quandre Diggs, Alex Carter, Glover Quin, James Ihedigbo, Isa Abdul-Quddus, Don Carey

Out: Crezdon Butler, Isaiah Johnson, Nate Ness, Brian Suite

Specialists (3) -- Matt Prater, Sam Martin, Don Muhlbach

Out: None

Injured reserve (2): WR Greg Salas, DE Corey Wootten

[TartanLion 591]

I'm just glad Jeremy Ross is gone now. Always got a boneheaded play in him and he was just so ordinary as a punt/KO returner with no explosive qualities. I'll take the better speed of Jones with the potential higher ceiling if we can develop him further.

Shame there wasn't room for Cudjo.

Feeling a bit more optimistic about the season, but still think playoffs will be tough to get to.

Feel pretty confident that we'll beat San Diego

[BobbyLayne 10,874]

Matthew Stafford 0-18 on the road against teams which finished the regular season with a winning record, including playoff games. He is 3-32 in all games against teams finishing with a winning record, including playoffs.

[bicycle_seat_sniffer 5,109]

Matthew Stafford 0-18 on the road against teams which finished the regular season with a winning record, including playoff games. He is 3-32 in all games against teams finishing with a winning record, including playoffs.

Well at the end of the year thd chargers wont make the playoffs. Personally i think the chargers def has no chance of slowing down tate calvin and ameer. Hell start ebron too

[Leroy Hoard 13,746]

Matthew Stafford 0-18 on the road against teams which finished the regular season with a winning record, including playoff games. He is 3-32 in all games against teams finishing with a winning record, including playoffs.

Well at the end of the year thd chargers wont make the playoffs. Personally i think the chargers def has no chance of slowing down tate calvin and ameer. Hell start ebron too

Could all very well be true.

A little worried about lions defense with key injury to Levy on the road.

[Leroy Hoard 13,746]

I'm just glad Jeremy Ross is gone now. Always got a boneheaded play in him and he was just so ordinary as a punt/KO returner with no explosive qualities. I'll take the better speed of Jones with the potential higher ceiling if we can develop him further.

Never liked Ross, always thought they could use an upgrade there on ST just to help out with field position.

[LawFitz 1,077]

Stevie Johnson gonna abuse Josh Wilson tomorrow. Amirite?

(Lions still win tho)

[matuski 4,968]

Is Warford out?

That will hurt.

[TartanLion 591]

Warford and Waddle's ongoing fitness issues are becoming a bit of a pain in the ###

[BobbyLayne 10,874]

Woodhead concerns me with Levy out. Has to be a big dropoff to Bynes.

[Ilov80s 30,031]

Not happy with the injuries to start the year. Those are key guys. Being healthy in the right spots is 50% of being successful in the NFL.

[BobbyLayne 10,874]

Not happy with the injuries to start the year. Those are key guys. Being healthy in the right spots is 50% of being successful in the NFL.

Stafford had a career high in sacks last year & the running game struggled the first half of the year. Anxious to see LG Laken Tomlinson in action.

[Da Guru 6,438]

Not happy with the injuries to start the year. Those are key guys. Being healthy in the right spots is 50% of being successful in the NFL.

Stafford had a career high in sacks last year & the running game struggled the first half of the year. Anxious to see LG Laken Tomlinson in action.

Laken did not play well. The whole O-line looks in shambles.

[Seekay 18]

Is the problem the Offensive Line or Stafford inability to make presnap reads and adjustments???? At times he looks like a rookie.

[lod01 905]

Is the problem the Offensive Line or Stafford inability to make presnap reads and adjustments???? At times he looks like a rookie.

Both along with terrible coaching.

[Seekay 18]

Is the problem the Offensive Line or Stafford inability to make presnap reads and adjustments???? At times he looks like a rookie.

Both along with terrible coaching.

I agree watching the Falcons move Juilo Jones around. Throwing short, medium passes. Anything to get the ball in his hands. I think the Lions have given up on trying to do that for Calvin.

[Ilov80s 30,031]

Is the problem the Offensive Line or Stafford inability to make presnap reads and adjustments???? At times he looks like a rookie.

Both along with terrible coaching.

I agree watching the Falcons move Juilo Jones around. Throwing short, medium passes. Anything to get the ball in his hands. I think the Lions have given up on trying to do that for Calvin.

I miss Linehan. Lombardi has not impressed me at all.

[BobbyLayne 10,874]

Pro Football Focus:

Detroit Lions

– Despite a fast start that resulted in an 18-point lead in the second quarter, the Lions couldn’t take advantage as the offense stalled in the second half. That was in part due to a lack of downfield passing; QB Matthew Stafford (-0.6) completed only three of his 10 passes thrown more than 1o yards downfield, and he especially struggled to connect with his top receiver, Calvin Johnson (0.9), who finished the game with only two receptions. Pressure was also a factor, as Stafford faced heat on 38.7 percent of his drop

backs (only five QBs saw more frequent pressure on Sunday) with a -1.0 grade and 37.5 accuracy percentage on those plays.

– Defensively, the Lions limited the Chargers to 3.2 yards per carry on the ground, a good result considering the offseason departure of tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. DT Haloti Ngata (0.0) was double-teamed often and proved difficult to move, while another offseason addition, DT Tyrunn Walker (+1.8), put forth an impressive display after two seasons of good production in limited snaps with the Saints. Walker logged a career-high 57 snaps, collected seven pressures, and frequently squeezed the pocket with effective bull rushes against Chargers’ LG Orlando Franklin (-0.6) and C Chris Watt (-6.8).

– His fourth quarter fumble aside, rookie RB Ameer Abdullah (+0.4) provided a solid outing for the Lions (94 yards on just 11 touches). Check out 10:53 of the first quarter and 9:21 of the third quarter for his best plays. It will be interesting to see how the Lions continue to get him the ball going forward.

Top Performers:

LB Josh Bynes (+2.2)

DE Jason Jones (+1.8)

DT Tyrunn Walker (+1.8)

DE Phillip Hunt (+1.7)

RG Manuel Ramirez (+1.6)

Edited September 15, 2015 by BobbyLayne

[thatguythere 74]

Is the problem the Offensive Line or Stafford inability to make presnap reads and adjustments???? At times he looks like a rookie.

Both along with terrible coaching.

I agree watching the Falcons move Juilo Jones around. Throwing short, medium passes. Anything to get the ball in his hands. I think the Lions have given up on trying to do that for Calvin.

You'd think Calvin was 38 years old and can't get open any more. It really is pathetic. We finally have a 2nd receiver (we have been talking about this for years) and now we can't get Calvin the ball, at all? What a pitiful start to the season. The Tiger's season was hard enough to take, now we have to deal with this. Well, I guess there's always the Pistons.....

[BobbyLayne 10,874]

After watching the Vikings last night I'm hopeful about week 2.

[bicycle_seat_sniffer 5,109]

Matthew Stafford 0-18 on the road against teams which finished the regular season with a winning record, including playoff games. He is 3-32 in all games against teams finishing with a winning record, including playoffs.

Well at the end of the year thd chargers wont make the playoffs. Personally i think the chargers def has no chance of slowing down tate calvin and ameer. Hell start ebron too

oof, geez, I cant believe Matty cant get Calvin the ball, they need to force it to him.

[BobbyLayne 10,874]

Matthew Stafford 0-18 on the road against teams which finished the regular season with a winning record, including playoff games. He is 3-32 in all games against teams finishing with a winning record, including playoffs.

Well at the end of the year thd chargers wont make the playoffs. Personally i think the chargers def has no chance of slowing down tate calvin and ameer. Hell start ebron too

oof, geez, I cant believe Matty cant get Calvin the ball, they need to force it to him.

It's inexplicable.

I also think it's time to take the training wheels off Ebron. He caught the early TD and then had nothing until the garbage time drive after they had given up 30 straight.

Just ridiculous this team only ran 47 plays. The O-line has to step it up the next two weeks - crucial matchups if they're serious about becoming the first - exactly, can you believe it? - Lions team to ever post back to back ten win seasons.

[TartanLion 591]

Have to beat the Vikings next week, otherwise we are 0-2 with a tough stretch coming up. The lack of usage of Calvin seems preposterous to me. Is it too much to ask for a balanced median between when we used to do barely anything else but force the ball to him, and Sunday's farce ?

Need Warford and Waddle back to bolster the O-line.

[BobbyLayne 10,874]

Overall the defense played well. Haynes had an OK game filling in for Levy, the defensive line played well, Quinn had the pick six. But if Slay really is elite he's got to continue to improve. He's miles ahead of two years ago but Stevie made him look silly at times. Mathis is OK but he's older than dirt, you know they're gonna have to rotate Ihedigbo over there all year. It'd be nice if one of the midget DBs Mayhew loves drafting (Diggs, Lawson) would step up as competent nickel back.

[Da Guru 6,438]

I keep thinking Stafford is going to take the next step and be a top 6-7 QB. Hard to believe that this is Stafford 7th season already. Stafford was under pressure at times but he still misses open receivers much more than a good QB should.

[Seekay 18]

Overall the defense played well. Haynes had an OK game filling in for Levy, the defensive line played well, Quinn had the pick six. But if Slay really is elite he's got to continue to improve. He's miles ahead of two years ago but Stevie made him look silly at times. Mathis is OK but he's older than dirt, you know they're gonna have to rotate Ihedigbo over there all year. It'd be nice if one of the midget DBs Mayhew loves drafting (Diggs, Lawson) would step up as competent nickel back.

Not sure how you can say they played well when they couldnt get a stop in the 2nd half.

[Seekay 18]

I keep thinking Stafford is going to take the next step and be a top 6-7 QB. Hard to believe that this is Stafford 7th season already. Stafford was under pressure at times but he still misses open receivers much more than a good QB should.

He reminds me more of Cutler every year then a franchise QB. What you see is about as good as its gonna get.

[Dan Lambskin 13,615]

Sorry guys but this is a bad team

Not beating the vikes

8 wins is their ceiling

Stafford will never be anything more than a middle of the pack QB and they will never win anything of substance with him at the helm

[mbuehner 624]

Lions gonna Lion.

[LawFitz 1,077]

Stafford = Cutler = George = Carr

These guys will wow you for a few plays with their big arms, but break your heart in the long run with bone heads.

[BobbyLayne 10,874]

Stafford = Cutler = George = Carr

These guys will wow you for a few plays with their big arms, but break your heart in the long run with bone heads.

Would that this cannot be refuted.

He used to a volume stat stuffer. Last year he was better at cutting down on turnovers, but took a ton of sacks, and consistently failed to sustain drives.

The one constant throughout his career, across two HCs, three OCs and overhauled roster: cannot beat good teams on the road. Has never happened. Scarcely much better at home against playoff bound teams. Good against mediocre & bad teams.

It's not all about Matthew Stafford, but the bottom line is until that changes, he's just a guy. We invested 7 seasons and nearly $100M in two guaranteed contracts just to find out he's a QB15-20. Not a championship quarterback.

Edited September 15, 2015 by BobbyLayne

[jon_mx 8,957]

Stafford is an outstanding QB the last 5 minutes of games. The rest of the time, he is well below average. It is like he needs a sense of urgency to perform at his top level. The game against SD was a must win if the Lions wanted a decent chance at the playoffs. Now, the best they can hope for is about 9-7 and almost certainly on the outside looking in.

[bicycle_seat_sniffer 5,109]

Sorry guys but this is a bad team

Not beating the vikes

8 wins is their ceiling

Stafford will never be anything more than a middle of the pack QB and they will never win anything of substance with him at the helm

they don't beat Minnesota, they are going 0-5

[lod01 905]

The coaching staff is handcuffing Stafford because they don't want him doing stupid stuff. He (and they) are killing Calvin Johnson because of that. He doesn't throw to Calvin, it kills him stat wise. He throws to Calvin it gets him killed physically trying to catch one of those stupid side arm garbage throws. The guy is the king of the high pass that gets guys injured.

[matuski 4,968]

The coaching staff is handcuffing Stafford because they don't want him doing stupid stuff. He (and they) are killing Calvin Johnson because of that. He doesn't throw to Calvin, it kills him stat wise. He throws to Calvin it gets him killed physically trying to catch one of those stupid side arm garbage throws. The guy is the king of the high pass that gets guys injured.

When has Calvin been hurt by a high pass from Stafford?

[Seekay 18]

The coaching staff is handcuffing Stafford because they don't want him doing stupid stuff. He (and they) are killing Calvin Johnson because of that. He doesn't throw to Calvin, it kills him stat wise. He throws to Calvin it gets him killed physically trying to catch one of those stupid side arm garbage throws. The guy is the king of the high pass that gets guys injured.

Woah, watch what you say. Lombardi is or was supposed to be a offensive genius. Sean Peyton 2.0

In a sense you are right...

Ebron was supposed to be drafted to play the Jimmy Graham role. So far I havent seen anything that makes me think of Jimmy Graham in New Orleans. An I am not talking production I'm talking usage.

In the offseason they talked about relying on Stafford's arm less. Why is that? He has a big arm you have two good WRs. A top draft pick at TE. Shouldnt you be airing it out? It's cause the QB cant be relied on to make the right throws or reads. Stafford is more of a thrower then a QB.

You want to return to the good old days? 10 plays a game throwing the ball up to Calvin weather its 1, 2 or 3 guys on him? That might be great for fantasy but you arent going to win many real life games that way. An if they let Stafford do his own thing he would be one of the league leaders in INTs. no doubt about that.

[tangfoot 2,000]

Sorry guys but this is a bad team

Not beating the vikes

8 wins is their ceiling

Stafford will never be anything more than a middle of the pack QB and they will never win anything of substance with him at the helm

they don't beat Minnesota, they are going 0-5

I had them starting 0-4, finishing 8-8. But that was before I saw how Arizona looks.

[red stripe 46]

Honestly surprised anyone expected them to go to San Diego and win this past week. They played about how I expected, I think the heat just caught up with them and exposed our lack of depth at DL. There was no pressure on Rivers at all in the second half and Mathis in particular was getting destroyed by Allen. Seems like time is catching up to Mathis and Tulloch. We're missing Suh a ton and really need Levy there too.

Offense is about what I expected, they did put some points up but inconsistent. Missing two OL there was a lot of pressure on Stafford, seemed like they were doing a good job of mixing the play calls up. I am worried about Joique, doesn't look like he's quite back yet, I wonder if Zenner doesn't start to get some more carries in the weeks ahead.

Lions were game against a good team in a tough place to play is the bottom line for me, Minnesota looks a bit vulnerable and it would be great to sneak another one in their house although it's a coinflip at best imo.

[Seekay 18]

Honestly surprised anyone expected them to go to San Diego and win this past week. They played about how I expected, I think the heat just caught up with them and exposed our lack of depth at DL. There was no pressure on Rivers at all in the second half and Mathis in particular was getting destroyed by Allen. Seems like time is catching up to Mathis and Tulloch. We're missing Suh a ton and really need Levy there too.

Offense is about what I expected, they did put some points up but inconsistent. Missing two OL there was a lot of pressure on Stafford, seemed like they were doing a good job of mixing the play calls up. I am worried about Joique, doesn't look like he's quite back yet, I wonder if Zenner doesn't start to get some more carries in the weeks ahead.

Lions were game against a good team in a tough place to play is the bottom line for me, Minnesota looks a bit vulnerable and it would be great to sneak another one in their house although it's a coinflip at best imo.

Depends on how you look at the game. If you just see the score I guess you can say they competed. If you watched the game they didnt do a whole lot in the second half. They blew a big lead and only a late drive (which almost ended in another Stafford INT if Weddle could main possession of the ball) was really the only bright spot. Defense was horrible 2nd half. I dont hink a total collapse by your defense is something to overlook.

[lod01 905]

Honestly surprised anyone expected them to go to San Diego and win this past week. They played about how I expected, I think the heat just caught up with them and exposed our lack of depth at DL. There was no pressure on Rivers at all in the second half and Mathis in particular was getting destroyed by Allen. Seems like time is catching up to Mathis and Tulloch. We're missing Suh a ton and really need Levy there too.

Offense is about what I expected, they did put some points up but inconsistent. Missing two OL there was a lot of pressure on Stafford, seemed like they were doing a good job of mixing the play calls up. I am worried about Joique, doesn't look like he's quite back yet, I wonder if Zenner doesn't start to get some more carries in the weeks ahead.

Lions were game against a good team in a tough place to play is the bottom line for me, Minnesota looks a bit vulnerable and it would be great to sneak another one in their house although it's a coinflip at best imo.

Depends on how you look at the game. If you just see the score I guess you can say they competed. If you watched the game they didnt do a whole lot in the second half. They blew a big lead and only a late drive (which almost ended in another Stafford INT if Weddle could main possession of the ball) was really the only bright spot. Defense was horrible 2nd half. I dont hink a total collapse by your defense is something to overlook.

They did what they have been doing ever since Caldwell arrived. If they get out to a lead, they crawl into their shell and don't look out until the 4th Q. if ahead, each other. If behind, panic and try and come back in the last minute.

Don't ever expect this team to put a nail in the coffin in any game. The only way that ever happens is if the opposing team put the nail in it's own coffin.

Edited September 15, 2015 by lod01

[Da Guru 6,438]

Honestly surprised anyone expected them to go to San Diego and win this past week. They played about how I expected, I think the heat just caught up with them and exposed our lack of depth at DL. There was no pressure on Rivers at all in the second half and Mathis in particular was getting destroyed by Allen. Seems like time is catching up to Mathis and Tulloch. We're missing Suh a ton and really need Levy there too.

Offense is about what I expected, they did put some points up but inconsistent. Missing two OL there was a lot of pressure on Stafford, seemed like they were doing a good job of mixing the play calls up. I am worried about Joique, doesn't look like he's quite back yet, I wonder if Zenner doesn't start to get some more carries in the weeks ahead.

Lions were game against a good team in a tough place to play is the bottom line for me, Minnesota looks a bit vulnerable and it would be great to sneak another one in their house although it's a coinflip at best imo.

Was not expecting the Lions to win until they went up 21-3 and then Rivers threw that INT right before half top come away with zero points. At that point all the offense needed was to put together 2 drives in the second half and the game was over.