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| Courtesy of Google Images |
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
There goes the Season
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Week 9 Preview
At 1 o'clock eastern time this sunday the Detroit Lions will play their most important game since their playoff game against the Redskins after the 1999 season. This week the New York Jets come into Ford Field looking to rebound after an ugly 9-0 loss at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. The Lions should be fired up after playing very well against the Redskins, and with another week of practice for Matthew Stafford confidence should be high. The Lions will need to play their best football in ten years to secure a win against a tough Jets team, but if they play well they certainly have a chance to take this one. A Lions win this week could potentially set up the Lions for a Wild Card run. With six very winnable games remaining on the schedule, a win could propel the Lions to a 9-7 or 10-6 record. The Vikings are in shambles and trying to deal with the Randy Moss debacle. The Bears are struggling since a hot start with, and the Packers are getting hammered with injures. This is the most important game for Lion's fans in a long time.
However, it is a tough matchup for the Lions. The strength of the Jets is in their offensive line and defense. They have probably the best line in football, and it will be tough for the Lion's defensive line to dominate as it has been. If Sanchez is given time to throw he could expose the weak back seven of the Lions. It is very important that the Lions get pressure on Sanchez, and we need another strong game from the likes of Suh, Vanden Bosch, and Corey Williams. On the offensive side of the ball, we need to establish the run game early. If the line can create enough space to get Best and Smith going, then Stafford might have a chance to get the ball to Calvin Johnson for some big plays. If the Jets can stop the run game with their base defense it could be a long game. Darrelle Revis is one of the top, if not the top, corner in the league and if he is allowed to have any help over the top it will be a long day for Calvin Johnson. However, if the Jets think they can put Revis on an island with Johnson, they are going to be in for a surprise. It should be interesting to watch all these things.
Go Lions!
However, it is a tough matchup for the Lions. The strength of the Jets is in their offensive line and defense. They have probably the best line in football, and it will be tough for the Lion's defensive line to dominate as it has been. If Sanchez is given time to throw he could expose the weak back seven of the Lions. It is very important that the Lions get pressure on Sanchez, and we need another strong game from the likes of Suh, Vanden Bosch, and Corey Williams. On the offensive side of the ball, we need to establish the run game early. If the line can create enough space to get Best and Smith going, then Stafford might have a chance to get the ball to Calvin Johnson for some big plays. If the Jets can stop the run game with their base defense it could be a long game. Darrelle Revis is one of the top, if not the top, corner in the league and if he is allowed to have any help over the top it will be a long day for Calvin Johnson. However, if the Jets think they can put Revis on an island with Johnson, they are going to be in for a surprise. It should be interesting to watch all these things.
Go Lions!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Looking to the Draft
Their are many different directions the Lions could go in this years draft. Should they look to add a corner or linebacker they desperately need or continue to morph the lines into a dominate force. I will be previewing some of the potential draft picks the Lions might be interested in. For information on more prospects visit www.sportsfansam.blogspot.com
Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
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Courtesy of Google Images |
Rated as the number one linebacking prospect in my NFL Draft Rankings, I obviously think very highly of Akeem Ayers. He is a player who just oozes athleticism. Ayers is built like a stud, standing 6'4 and weighing in around 255 pounds, he has excellent size for a linebacker. He possesses good but not great speed, clocking in between 4.55 and 4.7. However, he has excellent natural athletic ability and with his great size, slightly above average speed is good enough. Ayers is naturally suited for the outside linebacker position, but he could also play middle linebacker and even put his hand on the ground in some situations and rush the passer. A junior this year, Ayers is came into the season fresh off of a superb sophomore season in which he recorded 69 tackles, 3 sacks, and two interceptions. He also scored two touchdowns. In his junior season he is on a similar pace.
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Courtesy of Google Images |
Ayers is a special player, his combination of size and athletic ability allow him to play many different positions. He has the potential to succeed in the 4-3 (SAM or MIKE) or the 3-4 as an outside rush backer. He has the frame to add a few more pounds if need be, and if he can maintain his speed he will be a terror off the edge. Ayers has a nose for the football and uses his size to physically dominate opponents. He sometimes struggles to get off blocks and this could cause concerns for some teams looking to draft him early. If Ayers can run in the 4.5 range at the combine he will most likely be a top 15 selection, but if he clocks in more in the 4.6 to 4.7 range, he may fall to the bottom of the first round. However, players with his size and athleticism are not passed on easily.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Detroit Defeats Washington to Record Win #2!
The Detroit Lions recorded their second win of the season sunday, matching their combined win total from the last two seasons. They did so in impressive fashion knocking off the Washington Redskins behind dominating performances by Calvin Johnson and the defensive line. Coming off the bye, the Lions were in prime position to pick up a win. With Matthew Stafford returning for the first time since an opening day injury and the Lions continuing their improved play, Detroit won a tight, hard-fought decision.
At QB Stafford threw for four touchdowns and only one interception after coming alive in the second half. He finished 26/45 for 212 yards. You would like a little higher completion percentage, but just having Stafford back was a breath of fresh air. He displayed the arm strength, accuracy, and general throwing ability that made him the #1 overall pick and had everyone so excited to start the season. If Stafford can build on this performance he could quickly grow into the franchise QB everyone thinks he will be. He might just be the second best quarterback in the NFC North behind Aaron Rodgers.
At RB both backs had above average performances. Kevin Smith had 12 touches for 67 yards and Jahvid Best had 17 touches for 79 yards. Best's performance was less spectacular than Lion's fans have come to expect of him, but it was still solid. As teams begin to game plan more and more for Best, Scott Linehan will have to find more creative ways to get him the ball in space, where he is extremely dangerous. The big surprise of this game was Kevin Smith. He had an impressive second half and showed flashes of his pre-injury self. Smith displayed great vision and decision making on when to bounce the runs outside, and he looked good catching passes out of the backfield and the slot. If fully recovered, Smith and Best should form a solid duo for the next few years. I would also like to see Jerome Felton getting a few more carries in short yardage situations, such as the 3rd and 1 in the redzone during the fourth quarter. Felton has proven to be an effective short yardage runner and the Lions should make use of him.
At WR the Lions displayed some hope. Calvin Johnson had a phenomenal game. He absolutely dominated Deangelo Hall, who was fresh off his four interception performance. Johnson was aggressive going after balls and always seemed to be open, ending up with 9 catches for 101 yards and 3 TD's. With Stafford back Johnson should finally be able to develop into the superstar receiver that he is destined to be. At the other receiver positions Nate Burleson actually had a decent game. He had 7 catches for 47 yards, and provided hope that he could become the #2 target he was brought to Detroit to be. However, he needs to learn to hang onto the ball as his fumble was crucial. Bryant Johnson had one catch, but the Lions are better off in their 2 WR, 2 TE sets.
At TE the Lions were very quiet. Brandon Pettigrew did have a touchdown, but besides that him and Scheffler were shut down. I'm not sure if this was because Calvin was always open so Stafford didn't have to go to his second option or simply because the tight ends were covered. Either way, I think the Lions need to utilize their double TE sets because Pettigrew and Scheffler both provide exciting mismatches that Linehan should look to utilize.
The offensive line had a solid game but not spectacular game. They were very impressive in pass protection, surrounding only one sack to a defensive front led by Albert Haynesworth and Brian Orapko. Stafford was given ample time to throw and it appears the line will be able to provide suitable protection. Jeff Backus continued his improved play and hopefully he can continue to anchor the line and protect Stafford. In the run game the Lions average over four yards per carry, but they could have had more. The line provided some holes, but they still lack the consistency in the run game that they need to become an above-average unit. A good guard in the draft could help the line finally become a strength.
On the other hand, the defensive line is already a strength. Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams, Kyle Vanden Bosch, and Cliff Avril all had phenomenal games. Suh, VB, and Avril all recorded two sacks and Williams was constantly disrupting plays in the backfield. Add in the play of Sammie Lee Hill and Turk McBride and the Lions have not only a talented but deep line. The defensive line is definitely the strength of this team, providing a strong pass rush and also stuffing the run extremely well. The Lions seem to have finally done what Matt Millen refused to do, build from the trenches.
At LB the Lions had one of their better games, but they are still a below average unit. DeAndre Levy returned from injury and recorded four tackles, but even his return could not greatly aid the struggling unit. Julian Peterson is getting older and Ashlee Palmer is simply not the answer. This is an area the Lions should try to address in the draft.
The secondary had another up and down week. Chris Houston continued his exceptional play, shutting down his side of the field. He continues to be one of the top steals of the offseason. Alphonso Smith had a few nice plays including an excellent interception, but he was also beat a few times and dropped a potential pick six. Smith would be the perfect nickel corner if the Lions could find one more effective corner. Jonathan Wade had a decent game, but he is not the long-term answer anywhere. Louis Delmas had a solid performance as usual, filling hard in the run game and doing the job in the passing game. Amari Spievey came in to replace the injured C.C. Brown, and was beat on a deep pass. However, he did shut down the tight end on two straight two-point conversion attempts. Spievey has the physical tools to become a starting safety for the Lions, he just needs to learn a bit more.
Overall the Lions had a very encouraging game. Stafford's return combined with the play of Calvin Johnson and the defensive line should give hope to Lion's fans everywhere. The Jets better come ready to play next week!
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| Courtesy of Google Images |
At RB both backs had above average performances. Kevin Smith had 12 touches for 67 yards and Jahvid Best had 17 touches for 79 yards. Best's performance was less spectacular than Lion's fans have come to expect of him, but it was still solid. As teams begin to game plan more and more for Best, Scott Linehan will have to find more creative ways to get him the ball in space, where he is extremely dangerous. The big surprise of this game was Kevin Smith. He had an impressive second half and showed flashes of his pre-injury self. Smith displayed great vision and decision making on when to bounce the runs outside, and he looked good catching passes out of the backfield and the slot. If fully recovered, Smith and Best should form a solid duo for the next few years. I would also like to see Jerome Felton getting a few more carries in short yardage situations, such as the 3rd and 1 in the redzone during the fourth quarter. Felton has proven to be an effective short yardage runner and the Lions should make use of him.
At WR the Lions displayed some hope. Calvin Johnson had a phenomenal game. He absolutely dominated Deangelo Hall, who was fresh off his four interception performance. Johnson was aggressive going after balls and always seemed to be open, ending up with 9 catches for 101 yards and 3 TD's. With Stafford back Johnson should finally be able to develop into the superstar receiver that he is destined to be. At the other receiver positions Nate Burleson actually had a decent game. He had 7 catches for 47 yards, and provided hope that he could become the #2 target he was brought to Detroit to be. However, he needs to learn to hang onto the ball as his fumble was crucial. Bryant Johnson had one catch, but the Lions are better off in their 2 WR, 2 TE sets.
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| Courtesy of Google Images |
At TE the Lions were very quiet. Brandon Pettigrew did have a touchdown, but besides that him and Scheffler were shut down. I'm not sure if this was because Calvin was always open so Stafford didn't have to go to his second option or simply because the tight ends were covered. Either way, I think the Lions need to utilize their double TE sets because Pettigrew and Scheffler both provide exciting mismatches that Linehan should look to utilize.
The offensive line had a solid game but not spectacular game. They were very impressive in pass protection, surrounding only one sack to a defensive front led by Albert Haynesworth and Brian Orapko. Stafford was given ample time to throw and it appears the line will be able to provide suitable protection. Jeff Backus continued his improved play and hopefully he can continue to anchor the line and protect Stafford. In the run game the Lions average over four yards per carry, but they could have had more. The line provided some holes, but they still lack the consistency in the run game that they need to become an above-average unit. A good guard in the draft could help the line finally become a strength.
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| Courtesy of Google Images |
At LB the Lions had one of their better games, but they are still a below average unit. DeAndre Levy returned from injury and recorded four tackles, but even his return could not greatly aid the struggling unit. Julian Peterson is getting older and Ashlee Palmer is simply not the answer. This is an area the Lions should try to address in the draft.
The secondary had another up and down week. Chris Houston continued his exceptional play, shutting down his side of the field. He continues to be one of the top steals of the offseason. Alphonso Smith had a few nice plays including an excellent interception, but he was also beat a few times and dropped a potential pick six. Smith would be the perfect nickel corner if the Lions could find one more effective corner. Jonathan Wade had a decent game, but he is not the long-term answer anywhere. Louis Delmas had a solid performance as usual, filling hard in the run game and doing the job in the passing game. Amari Spievey came in to replace the injured C.C. Brown, and was beat on a deep pass. However, he did shut down the tight end on two straight two-point conversion attempts. Spievey has the physical tools to become a starting safety for the Lions, he just needs to learn a bit more.
Overall the Lions had a very encouraging game. Stafford's return combined with the play of Calvin Johnson and the defensive line should give hope to Lion's fans everywhere. The Jets better come ready to play next week!
The Detroit Lions-Finally a Glimpse of Hope
For the past decade, the Detroit Lions have been the laughing stock of the National Football League. Since 2001 the Lions have posted a 33-111 record. That is good for a winning percentage of 29.7%. Of course, they also posted the infamous 0-16 season, a feat likely to go unmatched for a long time. Not only have they lost, they have been beaten badly, being outscored by 1225 points. If you do the math, you discover that over the last nine years the Lions have been outscored by 136 points per season. The Lions have been destroyed on the field for the past nine years. In addition to being easily defeated on the field, the Lions have been the butt of many jokes for their off the field activities. The famous general manager, Matt Millen, was to blame for many of these. He drafted a wide receiver in the first round for three straight drafts, when a team was desperate for talent at all positions. Millen failed on nearly all his draft picks and of the 39 players he selected, 1 remains with the Lions today (Calvin Johnson). The management of Matt Millen cost the Lions five years that they will never get back. The Lions of the past nine years have gone through very hard times. They were awful both on the field and off it, and the city of Detroit was going through a hard time also. With the automobile business hurting and the economy plummeting, supporting the Lions was the last thing on many fan's minds. The Lions had trouble selling out Ford Field, their new stadium, and faced many area blackouts. Things could not have gotten much worse for the Lions, but then the Lions received a glimmer of hope.
In 2008, Martin Mayhew was promoted to the position of general manager for the Lions. Since that time he has begun to build the Lions back into a respectable team. He has drafted potential stars in Matthew Stafford, Jahvid Best, Brandon Pettigrew, Deandre Levy, Louis Delmas, and of course Ndamukong Suh. He has also made some other key moves to acquire Corey Williams, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Chris Houston, and Alphonso Smith. These players may not be elite, but they are definite upgrades over the Lion's players of the past. Detroit started off the 2010 season with four straight losses, after losing their quarterback, Stafford, to injury in the opener. Three of the four were close games, that the Lions could have won. One of these games, the opener against the bears, should have been a win, but was not due to this. It looked as if the season was going to resemble the Lions of old, but enter week 5. The Lions absolutely disassembled the St. Louis Rams, dominating all aspects of the game for a 44-6 victory. With Matthew Stafford returning soon, and the young talent of the Lions finally beginning to mesh, things are finally looking up in Detroit. It has been a long time, and the fans, players, and coaches definitely deserve it. Congrats Detroit and Good Luck!
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