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2024 Detroit Lions: Getting ready for the draft in Motown. (43 Viewers)

Just glancing at team stats, 1st in overall defense, 2nd in pass defense, fewest passing TDs, most sacks, 2nd in rush defense.

Only six games but the D is carrying them so far.

Ironic - we hired a defensive minded coach and tried to outscore people. We hired an offensive minded coach and the defense becomes the best Lions D since....what do you guys think, Silver rush? Further back to Alex Karras - Wayne Walker era? It's def been awhile.

 
BobbyLayne said:
Just glancing at team stats, 1st in overall defense, 2nd in pass defense, fewest passing TDs, most sacks, 2nd in rush defense.

Only six games but the D is carrying them so far.

Ironic - we hired a defensive minded coach and tried to outscore people. We hired an offensive minded coach and the defense becomes the best Lions D since....what do you guys think, Silver rush? Further back to Alex Karras - Wayne Walker era? It's def been awhile.
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There was an article a while back that said this can be common because they get the best guy they can on the other side of the ball so they don't have to worry about it. Meanwhile maybe too many cooks in the kitchen on what was supposed to be their strength? Or maybe Gunther just sucked.

 
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Going from 7th to 21st in penalties is as big a help as anything imo.

Havent had more than 8 penalties in a game so far... in 6 or less in 4 out of 6 games. :thumbup:

 
Leroy Hoard said:
BobbyLayne said:
Just glancing at team stats, 1st in overall defense, 2nd in pass defense, fewest passing TDs, most sacks, 2nd in rush defense.

Only six games but the D is carrying them so far.

Ironic - we hired a defensive minded coach and tried to outscore people. We hired an offensive minded coach and the defense becomes the best Lions D since....what do you guys think, Silver rush? Further back to Alex Karras - Wayne Walker era? It's def been awhile.
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There was an article a while back that said this can be common because they get the best guy they can on the other side of the ball so they don't have to worry about it. Meanwhile maybe too many cooks in the kitchen on what was supposed to be their strength? Or maybe Gunther just sucked.
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Never saw that article, but I remember there was a sequence in the late '90s/early '00s where Brian Billick coordinated the record-setting Minnesota offense, which got him the HC job with the Ravens, who then won the SB with a record-setting defense that offset their Dilferesque offense, which in turn got a HC job for Marvin Lewis, whose early Cinci teams had great offenses and terrible defenses.

I must say, I was as down on Caldwell as anyone when they hired him, and the CW has always been that he only managed to win when he had Manning, but have we considered the possibility that he might actually be a good coach? I mean, maybe not in terms of game management, but at least in terms of coaching his guys up and getting them to play hard for him? A poor man's Andy Reid, if you will.

 
I'm very much liking Caldwell so far. On a humanistic level, or a man management level I think he is a massive massive upgrade on Schwartz, and because of that I think the team has responded better in many different ways already. Just need the new O to begin to get embedded better. That O line looks lost out there under the new offence. Or at least I'm thinking it must be the new playbook since the O line was superb last season.

Its sad that the new O might come together fully next season, just when the front line of our D will most likely have been ripped apart.

 
Update the thread title?

Levy - 11 tackles, 2 TFL

Ihedigbo - 8 tackes, sack, 2 TFL, 1 fumble recovery

Quin - 6 tackles, 1 PD, 1 HUGE Interception

Pretty sweet win. That's the kind of way Detroit typically loses, nice to be on the other side for a change.

@ ATL next

 
BobbyLayne said:
Update the thread title?

Levy - 11 tackles, 2 TFL

Ihedigbo - 8 tackes, sack, 2 TFL, 1 fumble recovery

Quin - 6 tackles, 1 PD, 1 HUGE Interception

Pretty sweet win. That's the kind of way Detroit typically loses, nice to be on the other side for a change.

@ ATL next
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at 9:30 am , doubly sweet!

 
Game time next week is ridiculous. Was hoping to soak up the day, the atmosphere etc etc and get very drunk. Will still get very drunk but will just have to start at breakfast. Atlanta looked really poor again today, it's a great chance for us to win a 'road' game and be 6-2

 
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TartanLion said:
Game time next week is ridiculous. Was hoping to soak up the day, the atmosphere etc etc and get very drunk. Will still get very drunk but will just have to start at breakfast. Atlanta looked really poor again today, it's a great chance for us to win a 'road' game and be 6-2
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Enjoy the game, GB!

 
How rare has it been for us Lions fans to watch the team find a way to win instead of finding a way to lose?

I enjoyed that game more than I should have.

 
Good win, now need to finish off the half @ 6-2 down in London Town.

Silver rain was falling down
Upon the dirty ground of london town.
People pass me by on my imaginary street,
Ordinary people it's impossible to meet,
Holding conversations that are always incomplete.

 
matuski said:
How rare has it been for us Lions fans to watch the team find a way to win instead of finding a way to lose?

I enjoyed that game more than I should have.
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Finally won a game they should have lost. Tate's catch and run was the game winner. Stafford's pass was off the mark and Tate made as great catch, and a better RAC. If Tate does not catch that ball or gets tackled Lions probably lose because the drive would have ate up most of the clock. Got a little lucky on the PI call on 4th and 5 too. But a win is a win.

 
GUILDFORD, England -- Adam Meller took today off from his job as a London-based recruiter, put on his Calvin Johnson No. 81 jersey and went to Surrey Sports Park in hopes of catching a glimpse of his favorite NFL team.

When a Detroit Lions executive heard that the 31-year old standing alone on the patio was a huge fan, Meller's glimpse got even closer than he ever could have imagined.

Ushered onto the field where Lions players were running a Play 60 clinic for a couple hundred area youths, Meller posed for pictures with Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford, got Johnson to sign the back of his blue jersey and left with memories of a lifetime.

"A dream come true," Meller said. "I was hoping to meet some players today, but meeting Calvin, he seems like a regular guy as well. For me, that was just … that was unbelievable."

Meller is one of an undocumented number of Lions fans looking forward to seeing their adopted team in live action for the first time ever this weekend, against the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium (9:30 a.m. Sunday, Fox).

The Lions flew into England's Gatwick Airport early today and went straight to their midday community session, where they were greeted by a tunnel of screaming kids.

"They seem like they knew exactly who we were," Stafford said. "I don't know if they did or not. I don't know if they were just jumping around 'cause it's cold and they're trying to stay warm, but they seemed to be genuinely happy and excited to be out here playing, and we're the same."

While Stafford and other Lions said that they're treating this week as a business trip and trying to avoid distraction as much as possible, the NFL's expanded 8-year-old International Series -- Lions vs. Falcons is one of three games in London this year -- has fans such as Meller brimming with excitement.

American football is still relatively new to the sporting landscape in England, and Meller, like many fans with no home team to root for, has a unique story about how he picked his allegiance. Growing up, Meller's favorite animal was a lion. His dad watched the NFL when he was little. And when he saw Barry Sanders do something special on TV, he was hooked.

"A little bit of a crazy reason," Meller admits.

But not entirely unique.

While many local football fans have gravitated toward the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys, David Smith, a 41-year-old railway timetabler from Stevenage, England, said he became a Lions fan years ago, when he was drawn to the sport and, looking for a team to root for, pulled the Lions out of a hat.

Smith wasn't entirely sold on rooting for the team until he flipped on his TV later that night and stumbled upon the movie "Beverly Hills Cop" and saw Eddie Murphy's character, Axel Foley, with a Lions jacket on.Smith decided to research the city of Detroit more, found lots of similarities between it and his native Glasgow, Scotland, and has been a Lions fan ever since.

He started following the team closely during their winless season of 2008, and two years ago went to a game at Ford Field, against the New York Jets.

"Absolutely phenomenal experience," Smith said. "I've never experienced so much emotional ups and downs in one game, 'cause we were ahead in that game. I remember walking back to hotel, I was absolutely wrenched, I was with my girlfriend, and the guy behind the front desk, he looked at me and he went, 'You know, the same old Lions.' And I thought, 'I keep hearing this phrase, 'same old Lions.'' But ever since then, I've been absolutely hooked on them, and I've never missed a game."

Both Smith and Meller will be at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, where 80,000-plus fans, most indifferent to the outcome, are expected to attend.

Tim Evans, another London-area Lions fan, said he started following the team in the mid-2000s, when he was working in Ohio for Marathon Oil. Now semi-retired, he has Lions season tickets and travels back to Michigan, where he keeps a second home, for about six games per year.

Evans watched last week's comeback win against the New Orleans Saints after running in the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon and is flying back to England tonight for Sunday's game.

"I've been waiting for years" for the Lions to come to London, Evans said. "This is the best of all worlds for me, so I can't wait."
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Extremely dumb question - when is their game this week, in term of East Coast time? With many players currently listed as "doubtful" or "questionable" I'd like to be able to move players around if needed. I think it says 9:30, but I'm honestly not sure if that's AM or PM or what time zone that is for. Thanks!

 
matttyl said:
Extremely dumb question - when is their game this week, in term of East Coast time? With many players currently listed as "doubtful" or "questionable" I'd like to be able to move players around if needed. I think it says 9:30, but I'm honestly not sure if that's AM or PM or what time zone that is for. Thanks!
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9:30 am EST

 
matttyl said:
Extremely dumb question - when is their game this week, in term of East Coast time? With many players currently listed as "doubtful" or "questionable" I'd like to be able to move players around if needed. I think it says 9:30, but I'm honestly not sure if that's AM or PM or what time zone that is for. Thanks!
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9:30am est. finally the west coasters get hosed.

 
bigbrownbag said:
matttyl said:
Extremely dumb question - when is their game this week, in term of East Coast time? With many players currently listed as "doubtful" or "questionable" I'd like to be able to move players around if needed. I think it says 9:30, but I'm honestly not sure if that's AM or PM or what time zone that is for. Thanks!
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9:30am est. finally the west coasters get hosed.
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Nice. A morning game means there will be 4 watchable games .... I'm going to have to make a double pot of chili and stock up on beer to make it through 14 hours.

I might have to pace myself since I'll be sick of watching football by the time the Packers play on Sunday night.

Pretty good lineup this week for those in the midwest:

Thursday: Chargers/Broncos

Sunday AM: Lions/Falcons

Sunday noon: Bears/Patriots

Sunday afternoon: Eagles/Cardinals (both 5-1)

Sunday night: Packers/Saints

 
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The Detroit Lions have suspended veteran defensive tackle C.J. Mosley for two weeks, the team announced in a statement Saturday afternoon. The suspension is for conduct detrimental to the team and a violation of team rules.

He was sent home from London on Saturday and placed on the reserve/suspended list.

To fill his roster spot, the team promoted safety Jerome Couplin off the practice squad. He was released from the 53-man roster earlier this week to make room for veteran tight end Kellen Davis.

Mosley, a 10-year veteran, is in his second season with the Lions. He's appeared in all 23 games since signing with the team as a free agent in 2013. He's averaged 25 snaps per game this season as a key member of the defensive line rotation.

With Mosley out for Sunday's game in London against the Atlanta Falcons, it could mean a bigger role for rookie Caraun Reid, who has seen the field for just 50 snaps this season. The team could also give defensive end Jason Jones more snaps inside.

The team's statement Saturday did not elaborate on the nature of Mosley's rules violation.

 
FALCONS INACTIVES

QB 12 - Sean Renfree

WR 18 - Freddie Martino

CB 28 - Javier Arenas

LB 54 - Tyler Starr

T 64 - Jonathan Scott

T 65 - Cameron Bradfield

DT 95 - Jonathan Babineaux

LIONS INACTIVES

QB 17 - Kellen Moore

RB 21 - Reggie Bush

T 66 - LaAdrian Waddle

WR 81 - Calvin Johnson

TE 80 - Joseph Fauria

TE 85 - Eric Ebron

TE 87 - Brandon Pettigrew

FALCONS STARTERS

Offense

WR 84 - Roddy White

LT 70 - Jake Matthews

LG 63 - Justin Blalock

C 62 - James Stone

RG 75 - Jon Asamoah

RT 68 - Gabe Carimi

TE 80 - Levine Toilolo

WR 11 - Julio Jones

QB 2 - Matt Ryan

RB 39 - Steven Jackson

FB 42 - Patrick DiMarco

Defense

DE 71 - Kroy Biermann

DT 99 - Tyson Jackson

DT 96 - Paul Soliai

DE 95 - Jonathan Babineaux

LB 55 - Paul Worrilow

LB 53 - Prince Shembo

CB 23 - Robert Alford

CB 27 - Robert McClain

S 36 - Kemal Ishmael

S 20 - Dwight Lowery

CB 21 - Desmond Trufant

Specialists

K 3 - Matt Bryant

KO 5 - Matt Bosher

P 5 - Matt Bosher

KR 17 - Devin Hester

PR 17 - Devin Hester

LS 47 - Josh Harris

H 5 - Matt Bosher

LIONS STARTERS

Offense

WR 15 - Golden Tate

LT 71 - Riley Reiff

LG 67 - Rob Sims

C 51 - Dominic Raiola

RG 75 - Larry Warford

RT 70 - Garrett Reynolds

TE 82 - Jordan Thompson

WR 12 - Jeremy Ross

QB 9 - Matthew Stafford

RB 35 - Joique Bell

FB 45 - Jed Collins

Defense

DE 94 - Ezekiel Ansah

DT 98 - Nick Fairley

DT 90 - Ndamukong Suh

DE 91 - Jason Jones

OLB 58 - Ashlee Palmer

MLB 59 - Tahir Whitehead

OLB 54 - DeAndre Levy

CB 31 - Rashean Mathis

CB 23 - Darius Slay

SS 32 - James Ihedigbo

FS 27 - Glover Quin

Specialists

PK 5 - Matt Prater

KO 6 - Sam Martin

P 6 - Sam Martin

KR 12 - Jeremy Ross

PR 12 - Jeremy Ross

LS 48 - Don Muhlbach

H 6 - Sam Martin

 
I'll take lucky & ugly over losing 8 days a week.

Another great game for Tate. We should have Calvin and a TE or three after the bye. Not sure what Reggie's role will be. Still can't run the ball, and Theo has looked great catching the ball. The defense played well for most of the second half, kept the pressure up. It's not just the DL. Levy, Whitehead and both safeties have been really solid.

Sucks losing Fairley. Reid is not ready and Mosely is suspended. Good time for a bye, need Waddle et al healthy for the second half.

 
The Lions have lost games for the last 40-50 years like they've won the last 2 weeks. Winning without Calvin would've never happened in the past either.

We've been 6-2 a few times before though. With this defense, it feels a bit different this time. We'll see....

 
jomar said:
The Lions have lost games for the last 40-50 years like they've won the last 2 weeks. Winning without Calvin would've never happened in the past either.

We've been 6-2 a few times before though. With this defense, it feels a bit different this time. We'll see....
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I will feel a lot better about this defense if Fairley is not seriously hurt.

It seems like the "Another One Bites The Dust" team went 6-0, before finishing 9-7 and out of the playoffs.

 
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The Lions need to get to 10-6 and hopefully win the Division or the very least a wild card then. I don't think they have a chance to get a bye.

Remaining Games:

MIA (4-3) Winable at home, but no give me

@ARI (6-2) Probable loss

@NE (6-2) Probable loss

CHI (3-5) Bears are tougher than their record....critical game

TB (1-6) Must win game

MIN (3-5) Must win game

@CHI (3-5) Difficult road game, but possible

@GB (5-3) Probable loss

There is no guarentee the Lions are in the playoffs. Very tough out of division schedule and the divisional games are always tougher than the records may indicate. Should end up at least 9-7, but really need to find another win somewhere. These last two weeks they pulled games out of their #### at least gives them a shot at the playoffs.

 
jon_mx said:
jomar said:
The Lions have lost games for the last 40-50 years like they've won the last 2 weeks. Winning without Calvin would've never happened in the past either.

We've been 6-2 a few times before though. With this defense, it feels a bit different this time. We'll see....
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I will feel a lot better about this defense if Fairley is not seriously hurt.

It seems like the "Another One Bites The Dust" team went 6-0, before finishing 9-7 and out of the playoffs.
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They would be 7-1 if not for the missed FGs in one game. The Lions in the past would have lost the last two games. They made a great comeback yesterday, and pulled out the win. I expect their offense to improve once their starters return after the bye. As for their defense, they will still be good even if Fairley misses time.

 
Probably the most impressive thing about their record, is that they've been dealing with injuries to many of their starters and still winning regardless.

Has a team been hit harder than the Lions has with injuries this year?

Tulloch starting MLB out for season

Fairley, if true, has a serious injury and is likely out for the season

Calvin Johnson, been playing without, and/or as a decoy so basically without, for the majority of the year

Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Joseph Fauria all injured

Reggie Bush, injured for majority of the season up until now

Joique Bell missed time due to concussions

LaAdrian Waddle has missed time due to concussions

Props to Tate this week.. he was playing banged up and was a gladiator out there for the Lions

 
jon_mx said:
Remaining Games:

@ARI (6-2) Probable loss

@NE (6-2) Probable loss

@GB (5-3) Probable loss
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I'm reasonably certain the Cardinals are 6-1.

Those are not super teams. The Lions can win one or two of those. They have a better defense than any of their remaining opponents. The key to me is whether the offense gets going. K has been a nightmare, would be helpful if Prater stabilized that.

10-6 and a road WC loss seems like most folks expectations. I think the D is for real, and getting Calvin, Waddle, Mosely and the TEs back will be huge. Losing Fairley sucks but by no means is that a death knell. Next man up. They could easily finish 12-4 and beat the Packers for the division title.

 
jon_mx said:
jomar said:
The Lions have lost games for the last 40-50 years like they've won the last 2 weeks. Winning without Calvin would've never happened in the past either.

We've been 6-2 a few times before though. With this defense, it feels a bit different this time. We'll see....
Click to expand...
I will feel a lot better about this defense if Fairley is not seriously hurt.

It seems like the "Another One Bites The Dust" team went 6-0, before finishing 9-7 and out of the playoffs.
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4-0 amiright?

 
Regular season record is key, this team needs the home field to have any chance of beating another playoff team. Saints did them a favor by beating down GB, Lions need to find a way to hold on to the division lead to host a game.

 
omally said:
jon_mx said:
jomar said:
The Lions have lost games for the last 40-50 years like they've won the last 2 weeks. Winning without Calvin would've never happened in the past either.

We've been 6-2 a few times before though. With this defense, it feels a bit different this time. We'll see....
Click to expand...
I will feel a lot better about this defense if Fairley is not seriously hurt.

It seems like the "Another One Bites The Dust" team went 6-0, before finishing 9-7 and out of the playoffs.
Click to expand...
They would be 7-1 if not for the missed FGs in one game. The Lions in the past would have lost the last two games. They made a great comeback yesterday, and pulled out the win. I expect their offense to improve once their starters return after the bye. As for their defense, they will still be good even if Fairley misses time.
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This team could be 7-1, or just as easily be 4-4. The last two games should have been for sure losses and yet due to some late blunders by the opposing team they came out with wins. Then the delay on game of the missed FG was unreal. You knew dam well he was going to make the second try.

I would be shocked if Fairley does not have a torn "something" in his knee. The knee was planted and Suh nailed him high, something had to snap.

 
BobbyLayne said:
jon_mx said:
jomar said:
The Lions have lost games for the last 40-50 years like they've won the last 2 weeks. Winning without Calvin would've never happened in the past either.

We've been 6-2 a few times before though. With this defense, it feels a bit different this time. We'll see....
Click to expand...
I will feel a lot better about this defense if Fairley is not seriously hurt.

It seems like the "Another One Bites The Dust" team went 6-0, before finishing 9-7 and out of the playoffs.
Click to expand...
4-0 amiright?
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per Wiki:

After winning its first four games, the Lions improved from the previous season, finishing 9–7, narrowly missing out on landing a playoff berth and the NFC Central title by a tiebreaker against the Minnesota Vikings.

How rare is 6-0 for Detroit? It's happened once in 85 seasons. 5-0 (2011), also once. 4-0, also once twice.

Here is the complete list of seasons that began with a 2 or more game winning streak.

The 1934 team that moved from Portsmouth started out 10-0, with their first 7 being by shutout.

1936 3-0

1937 2-0

1939 4-0

1943 2-0

1950 2-0

1951 2-0

1953 3-0 (2nd straight NFL Championship)

1954 3-0

1956 6-0

1961 2-0

1962 3-0

1965 3-0

1970 3-0

1975 2-0

1980 4-0

1982 2-0

1985 2-0

1993 2-0

1999 2-0

2000 2-0

2004 2-0

2007 2-0

2011 5-0

24 times overall.

10 - 1

6 - 1

5 - 1

4 - 2

3 - 6

2 - 13

 
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Mike O'Hara this morning; seems like straight CW, no?

Looking back at other seasons when the Lions were in good shape at the halfway mark makes this 2014 team look better by comparison.

This week's Monday Countdown will do that look back and look ahead to assess where the Lions might end up after their 6-2 start.

There's a look at the remaining eight games on the schedule the tough games, the soft spots, the ones up for grabs where the Lions should benefit from timing, one somewhat amazing stat that's responsible for where the Lions are as they head into the bye and my take on a label that's been hung on Matthew Stafford of late.

We start with the stat:

1. Making time: The Lions have had the lead for a combined period of one minute and 38 seconds in the last two games, and they've won both games. They beat the Saints. 24-23, a week ago on Stafford's touchdown pass to Corey Fuller with 1:38 left.

The defense protected the lead with a furious rush on Saints quarterback Drew Brees that did not allow him to get the Saints in range to try a game-winning field goal.

On Sunday at Wembley Stadium in London, Matt Prater's 48-yard field goal with no time left beat the Falcons, 22-21.

Add it up 1:38 left one week, no time left the next, and two victories by a combined margin of two points. That's cutting it thin.

2. Quarterback label: There have been questions of late as to whether Stafford has become a game manager, and I get it. He hasn't been passing for big yards and bushels of touchdowns. Through eight games he has 11 TD passes against seven interceptions.

3. My take: a lot of that has to do with Calvin Johnson's absence, and the shuffle of receivers because of injuries.

I don't think game manager is necessarily a negative connotation. Peyton Manning manages the game, to go with his physical ability.

But with Stafford's considerable arm talent, to label him a game manager is akin to putting a governor on a Mazerati to maximize fuel consumption.

4. Trading times: GM Martin Mayhew told reporters on Thursday that he does not intend to make any deals before the trade deadline expires at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

What I think, and what I've written, is that the return of Calvin Johnson is the equivalent of acquiring a superstar in a trade for future considerations the considerations being that the Lions didn't brag about not giving up anything.

5. Tackle eligible: Ndamukong Suh will be a free agent after this season, and the market for a player of his stature has been set by the contract extension signed over the weekend by Tampa Bay Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. His deal is worth between $91 million and $98 million over seven years, with more than $50 million guaranteed.

Whatever the final numbers are on McCoy's deal, Suh is worth a little more. He's better. Period.

6. Looking ahead wins and losses:

The 2007 Lions started 6-2 and won only one more game. They had no defense.

The 2011 Lions started 5-0 and didn't exactly fall apart, but they finished 10-6 and made the playoffs as a wild card. In the playoffs, they were whipped by a Saints team that did not have to punt. Again, the Lions had no defense.

The 2013 Lions were 6-3 and won only one more game. They had too many loose threads, Stafford had a bad final seven games and the defense gave up the lead in the fourth quarter or overtime in all six losses in the last seven games.

The 2014 Lions can play defense, and they're getting their best player Calvin Johnson back after the bye.

That's why they're better than the three previous teams that were in position to do something good.

Here's a projection of what the Lions face the rest of the way, week by week:

Game 9: Home vs. Dolphins: Solid defense, solid team. Their strength is running the ball and defending the pass and run. Their quality wins are in the opener against the Patriots and on the road against Chicago a week ago.

Bottom line: Count it as should win for the Lions but no guarantee.

Game 10: at Arizona: It's hard to call the Cardinals a surprise team. They were 10-6 a year ago and missed the playoffs on the tiebreaker. They're below average on offense which is a surprise but strong on defense against the run and weak against the pass. They started the season with three straight wins over the Chargers, Giants and 49ers, got blown out at Denver, then took advantage of a soft spot in the schedule to beat Washington and the Raiders.

They were good enough to beat the Giants and 49ers with Carson Palmer out and Drew Stanton at quarterback, but not good enough to win at Denver.

Bottom line: Tough game, and the Lions have not done well in the southwest. Count this as one the Cardinals should win.

Game 11: at New England: A lot can happen in the next month, but it's Tom Brady, it's the Patriots, and Brady is almost unbeatable at home in the regular season.

Stat: In 2008, Brady went out with a knee injury, and the Patriots were 5-3 at home in a season when they went 11-5 with Matt Cassel at quarterback and missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker.

With Brady back, the Patriots are 41-3 at home in the regular season since opening day of 2009.

Bottom line: If you want to go out on a limb and pick an upset, make sure to have a safety net. Count this as one the Patriots should win.

Game 12: Home vs. the Bears on Thanksgiving Day: The Bears have been squabbling, and there are reports of internal potshots at QB Jay Cutler. Retired perennial All-Pro linebacker Brian Urlacher called Cutler elite only in salary.

Maybe it's the uniforms, or the history ancient history, back to the great Super Bowl champs of 1985 but in the last couple decades the Bears have been more talk than show. They've made the playoffs once since the 2006 season, when they lost to Indy in the Super Bowl, and they've been the second or third best team in the North six of the last seven years.

Bottom line: Count this as will win for the Lions.

Game 13: Home vs. Tampa Bay: The Bucs used to give the Lions trouble every year, even in seasons when the Lions were good and the Bucs usually weren't. The Lions will have extra rest after Thanksgiving before they play the Bucs, but they shouldn't need it.

Bottom line: Count this a win for the Lions. Guaranteed, Godfather lock.

Game 14: Home vs. Vikings: What they did to the Vikings in Game 6 on the road will be more of the same.

Bottom line. Count this a win for the Lions, but not quite a lock. There's always a chance that Adrian Peterson might be back.

We pause here for a deep breath and to reflect on where the Lions stand.

They were 6-2 when they landed at Metro early Monday morning after their week in England. In the first six weeks after the bye, I've given the Lions four wins. That makes them 10-4, and in good shape to make the playoffs. But almost every year, some team with 10 wins misses the playoffs.?This is the crucial stretch, and both of the last two games are on the road, outdoors, and in cold weather.

Game 15: At Chicago: The Lions swept the Bears in two games last year, and they won at Soldier Field. If I'm not sold on the Bears after eight weeks especially after their stink-out at New England Sunday then I'm not sold on them in eight weeks.

Bottom line: Count this as a game the Lions should win.

Game 16: at Green Bay: The ugly stats are like a bad meal at an expensive restaurant. Chew on them all you want, and you're not going to like it any better.

The last time the Lions beat the Packers on their own field was 1991. Since then the Lions have lost 22 straight in the regular season, and one more in the 1994 playoffs. Losing 23 straight is not a fluke.

Bottom line: Count it as a loss for the Lions until proven otherwise.

The final tally here: potentially a record of 11-5 and a playoff berth.

Feel free to disagree.

7. The NFL's best after eight weeks

1. Cowboys (7-1): Don't see them losing at home to Washington on Monday Night TV.

2. Broncos (6-1): What's the limit for Peyton, 1,000 TD passes?

3. Cardinals (6-1): Big win over Eagles, forced 3 turnovers.

4. Patriots (6-2): Win streak at four with Brady's 5 TD passes in rout of Bears.

5. Lions (6-2): Jumping them up seven spots this week for one reason: winning.

6. Eagles (5-2): Got yards, not points, in loss at Arizona because of turnovers.

7. Packers (5-3): Rodgers' sore hamstring, loss to Saints, won't let Packers fans relax.

8. Bengals (4-2-1): Back in first after narrow win over Ravens.

9. Colts (5-3): Bad loss at Pittsburgh ended five-game win streak.

10. Ravens (5-3): Fourth-quarter rally blunted by Dalton's TD for Cincy.

11. Chargers (5-3): Fading.

12. Steelers (5-3): Can make it 3 straight at home next week against Baltimore.

8. The NFL's worst after eight weeks:

5. Falcons (2-6): Sunday's loss to Lions was their fifth straight. They botched the ending.

4. Bucs (1-6): Lost in OT to the Vikings on a fumble return.

3. Jaguars (1-7): Loss to Dolphins kept them from the heights of 2-game win streak.

2. Jets (1-7): Benching Geno Smith for Michael Vick underscores desperate, wayward franchise.

1. Raiders (0-7): Worst record, worst team. Same comment as last week
Click to expand...
 
Ilov80s said:
The Lions are a team of destiny. By destiny, I mean they are destined to get blown out in the wildcard round.
Click to expand...
You say that like that's not a successful year by the definition of most Lions' fans.

Also, I'll skip quoting jon_mx's list, but I definitely agree with it. I think the Lions can win at least 3 of 4 at home, and have trouble seeing them win at Ari, NE or GB, even if the last game proves not to matter. So [Jim Mora] playoffs?... playoffs?!? [/jim mora] likely means sweeping the home games and/or the two with Da Bears.

 
jon_mx said:
Remaining Games:

MIA (4-3) Winable at home, but no give me

@ARI (6-2) Probable loss

@NE (6-2) Probable loss

CHI (3-5) Bears are tougher than their record....critical game

TB (1-6) Must win game

MIN (3-5) Must win game

@CHI (3-5) Difficult road game, but possible

@GB (5-3) Probable loss
Click to expand...
There are certainly tough games on this schedule. All of them are winnable, though. Det can beat Arz in Arz IMO. That would be a huge win and very influential on the playoff standings. It could be the difference in a bye or WC. To me the most difficult games there are NE and GB. Both on the road vs. elite QBs. Really, at worst Det should be looking at only 3 losses here. Arz could beat them. It's a toss up IMO. Best case, Det has nothing to play for vs. GB at the end of the season.

 
BobbyLayne said:
Going into last season Stafford had a 1-23 record against teams that finished the regular season with a winning record.

http://basketfootball.com/matthew-stafford-is-1-23-vs-teams-with-a-winning-record/

2013: lost to @ ARI, @ GB, CIN, beat GB.

2-26 coming into this year.

2014: Beat GB, lost BIUF. The Packers are likely to finish above .500, the Bills, not so much.

TBD: NYG (3-4) W, @ CAR (3-4-1) L, NO (3-4)
Click to expand...
I'm willing to bet the Saints finish with a winning record as well as the Packers. Carolina has a brutal schedule so no.

 
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