This game played out exactly how it should. As I mentioned before, the Lions' problems lie only with themselves. They narrowed the running lanes, brought pressure on passing downs and gave Tim Tebow haters a reason to smile again.
The Lions blew the Broncos out of their own stadium because they were the superior team. My only question was if they were going to play like it. Reeling after consecutive home losses, the Lions were back on the road playing with a hobbled quarterback and toting around even more off the field controversy. They handled it well and can go into their bye week on a positive note.
Scott Linehan put Stafford in good spots early, calling for quick throws mixed in with some gadget plays to get him in a comfort zone and keep the Bronco defenders off balance.
Best defensively called game all season for Detroit. Louis Delmas was around the line of scrimmage for most of the second half- something we need to see more of. Linebackers blitzed and the corners jammed their receivers. Good job, Gunther.
Maurice Morris looked very good. He and Keiland Williams seem more than capable of pacing the run game while Jahvid Best is out. Even when Best comes back their shouldn't be a significant decrease in carries for Morris and Williams. It's obvious that while Best can be a game breaker, he's better suited in a situational role.
Titus Young had his breakout game. They went to him early and his touchdown may have been on a broken play by the defense, but it was a touchdown nonetheless. It's time to see what he can do in the punt return game.
Detroit can't be shy to bring that kind of pressure on quarterbacks every week. They've been giving too much respect as of late to guys like Alex Smith and Matt Ryan, worried that they might get exploited. This team is good enough to take those chances and not get burned. It's time to unleash the potential of this team.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Week 8 NFL Picks: Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos
Stopping the run, kick coverage, protecting the quarterback; 3 aspects to the 3 phases of the game that the Lions continue to struggle with. Perhaps the Lions players and staff have read too many press clippings. Maybe they think they're good enough to win despite these flaws. Whatever the case may be, they will have their hands full on Sunday with a team strong in countering all of the above.
Coming into the season, the Lions had top talent across their starting 22. The defense was young, fresh and mean. The offensive line was battle tested and they had a quarterback who was healthy and had a lot to prove. As the season has worn on, injuries, opponents and reality have proven to be great equalizers. Their problems are correctable, but will they correct them?
Old school or just old?
Sometimes personnel, opponents and most unfortunate, egos, get in the way of producing victories. Gunther Cunningham is old school. I’ve said that before and their aren’t a lot of positives to it. Old school often leads to old habits. Just because fans, analysts, players, and grandmas passing by a TV in a storefront all see that the Lions defense has problems, doesn’t mean the coordinator does. In the 90's, Cunningham coached some of the best defense this league has ever seen. In the 2000's, he coached some of the worst. Has the game passed him by? This game will do much to answer that question. Let’s be real, the Lions defense has been productive and have allowed the fewest points in their division, but they’ve given up big plays both through the air and on the ground and it has cost them.
God's Quarterback
Everyone has an opinion of Tim Tebow. While he is known more for what he can do with his legs, he has had big games throwing the ball, including a 300 yard performance last season. The Lions have racked up a lot of sacks this season but they’ve also missed out on some. If they fail to wrap Tebow up on passing downs, he will hurt them. If the Lions take him lightly, they could lose this game.
Staying relevant
Last season, I called Stefan Logan the most irrelevant player in the NFL and he responded the next week with a 105 yard kick-off return touchdown. That was last season. Stefan Logan is the most irrelevant player in the NFL.
Finding Titus
Where is Titus Young? I’m not sure he even knows. He looks lost and the rookie seems to be falling further out of the game plan each week. Is it crazy to give Young a few shots at fielding punts? Rebuilding teams can’t survive a season with zero production from their first, second and third round draft choices. Young needs to be involved and this would be the game to do it. In fact, all the receivers not named Calvin Johnson, Jr. need to step it up.
Leaving Elvis' building, with a win.
A lot of what happens in this game relies on the health of Matthew Stafford. In turn, a lot of what happens to Matthew Stafford relies on defensive end Elvis Dumervil. Banged up for most of the season, this could be a bit of a 'get right' game for Dumervil. Jeff Backus has not played well as of late and if Stafford is limited by his injured ankle, Dumervil could go off.
The Lions need to prepare for the other team's 'A' game each and every week. They've been getting a lot of attention and are on the radar of every team in the NFL. Denver is no different. They are coming off a big win last week and would like nothing more than to get a signature win in front of their home crowd. This game will be closer than many think.
Prediction: Lions 20 Broncos 19
Players to watch: Demaryius Thomas, Lance Ball
Coming into the season, the Lions had top talent across their starting 22. The defense was young, fresh and mean. The offensive line was battle tested and they had a quarterback who was healthy and had a lot to prove. As the season has worn on, injuries, opponents and reality have proven to be great equalizers. Their problems are correctable, but will they correct them?
Old school or just old?
Sometimes personnel, opponents and most unfortunate, egos, get in the way of producing victories. Gunther Cunningham is old school. I’ve said that before and their aren’t a lot of positives to it. Old school often leads to old habits. Just because fans, analysts, players, and grandmas passing by a TV in a storefront all see that the Lions defense has problems, doesn’t mean the coordinator does. In the 90's, Cunningham coached some of the best defense this league has ever seen. In the 2000's, he coached some of the worst. Has the game passed him by? This game will do much to answer that question. Let’s be real, the Lions defense has been productive and have allowed the fewest points in their division, but they’ve given up big plays both through the air and on the ground and it has cost them.
God's Quarterback
Everyone has an opinion of Tim Tebow. While he is known more for what he can do with his legs, he has had big games throwing the ball, including a 300 yard performance last season. The Lions have racked up a lot of sacks this season but they’ve also missed out on some. If they fail to wrap Tebow up on passing downs, he will hurt them. If the Lions take him lightly, they could lose this game.
Staying relevant
Last season, I called Stefan Logan the most irrelevant player in the NFL and he responded the next week with a 105 yard kick-off return touchdown. That was last season. Stefan Logan is the most irrelevant player in the NFL.
Finding Titus
Where is Titus Young? I’m not sure he even knows. He looks lost and the rookie seems to be falling further out of the game plan each week. Is it crazy to give Young a few shots at fielding punts? Rebuilding teams can’t survive a season with zero production from their first, second and third round draft choices. Young needs to be involved and this would be the game to do it. In fact, all the receivers not named Calvin Johnson, Jr. need to step it up.
Leaving Elvis' building, with a win.
A lot of what happens in this game relies on the health of Matthew Stafford. In turn, a lot of what happens to Matthew Stafford relies on defensive end Elvis Dumervil. Banged up for most of the season, this could be a bit of a 'get right' game for Dumervil. Jeff Backus has not played well as of late and if Stafford is limited by his injured ankle, Dumervil could go off.
The Lions need to prepare for the other team's 'A' game each and every week. They've been getting a lot of attention and are on the radar of every team in the NFL. Denver is no different. They are coming off a big win last week and would like nothing more than to get a signature win in front of their home crowd. This game will be closer than many think.
Prediction: Lions 20 Broncos 19
Players to watch: Demaryius Thomas, Lance Ball
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Week 7 NFL Picks: Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions
We all knew it was going to happen, we just didn’t know when. With as well as the Detroit Lions had been playing, it was difficult to say when (or even if) they would lose their first game. Well, it happened last week against San Francisco and if the Lions organization has come as far as myself and others think it has, then they will be a better team for it.
Weaknesses that may have been somewhat prevelant before, were blown wide open. Stopping the run and special teams have been issues for this team all season and San Francisco exposed that. The return game has been irrelevant and the coverage, suspect. Stefan Logan missed some lanes that had he taken advantage of, could have changed the course of the game. Special teams can be the best friend to both your offense and defense. When they were needed the most last week, the Lions special teams dodged the call.
The two major questions I had about this team coming into this season were roster depth and coaching and how these components would play out as the season wears on. You can’t fault Martin Mayhew for the sudden pinch the Lions are in at running back. He spent a third round pick in last April’s draft on a more than capable running back in Mikel LeShoure, who subsequently was lost to injury for the season. I’m not sure why Aaron Brown hasn’t been brought back, but seemingly they are confident in Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams to shoulder the load until Jahvid Best returns. I can’t help but wonder what Peyton Hillis would have looked like in a Lions uniform.
As for coaching, the old school methods of Gunther Cunningham worried me when they hired him and he hasn’t done much to quell those fears since. This is an extremely talented defense all across the field but that fact alone doesn’t guarantee success. The Lions have put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, no doubt. But their sack numbers are not where they should be. The ‘Wide 9’ or as I like to call it ‘Why 9?‘ defense is an overall solid plan and can be counted on to not give up the big play. However, if you don’t have linebackers and defensive backs who are willing and capable of stepping up to stop the run, you will be in for a long day. The defensive line can’t be counted on every single play, for 4 quarters, every week. Cunningham will need to get creative this week.
Atlanta has finally come to their senses and are handing the ball to Michael Turner again -bad news for one of the worst rush defenses in the league. Matt Ryan has shown that he isn't quite elite, but he's in a group of the top 15 passers in the league. Atlanta is a good team but this is a home game for the Lions with a newly emerged 12th man that will be revved up. This is a game for the Detroit offensive line. They must create room to run against a top run stopping team and also protect Stafford. If Detroit doesn't get overcome in any one phase of the game, then the matchups will take care of the rest.
Prediction: Detroit 29 Atlanta 21
Players to watch: Brent Grimes, Ray Edwards, Keiland Williams
Weaknesses that may have been somewhat prevelant before, were blown wide open. Stopping the run and special teams have been issues for this team all season and San Francisco exposed that. The return game has been irrelevant and the coverage, suspect. Stefan Logan missed some lanes that had he taken advantage of, could have changed the course of the game. Special teams can be the best friend to both your offense and defense. When they were needed the most last week, the Lions special teams dodged the call.
The two major questions I had about this team coming into this season were roster depth and coaching and how these components would play out as the season wears on. You can’t fault Martin Mayhew for the sudden pinch the Lions are in at running back. He spent a third round pick in last April’s draft on a more than capable running back in Mikel LeShoure, who subsequently was lost to injury for the season. I’m not sure why Aaron Brown hasn’t been brought back, but seemingly they are confident in Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams to shoulder the load until Jahvid Best returns. I can’t help but wonder what Peyton Hillis would have looked like in a Lions uniform.
As for coaching, the old school methods of Gunther Cunningham worried me when they hired him and he hasn’t done much to quell those fears since. This is an extremely talented defense all across the field but that fact alone doesn’t guarantee success. The Lions have put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, no doubt. But their sack numbers are not where they should be. The ‘Wide 9’ or as I like to call it ‘Why 9?‘ defense is an overall solid plan and can be counted on to not give up the big play. However, if you don’t have linebackers and defensive backs who are willing and capable of stepping up to stop the run, you will be in for a long day. The defensive line can’t be counted on every single play, for 4 quarters, every week. Cunningham will need to get creative this week.
Atlanta has finally come to their senses and are handing the ball to Michael Turner again -bad news for one of the worst rush defenses in the league. Matt Ryan has shown that he isn't quite elite, but he's in a group of the top 15 passers in the league. Atlanta is a good team but this is a home game for the Lions with a newly emerged 12th man that will be revved up. This is a game for the Detroit offensive line. They must create room to run against a top run stopping team and also protect Stafford. If Detroit doesn't get overcome in any one phase of the game, then the matchups will take care of the rest.
Prediction: Detroit 29 Atlanta 21
Players to watch: Brent Grimes, Ray Edwards, Keiland Williams
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Week 6 NFL Picks: San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions
Monday night football has come and gone; the Lions took care of business, the crowd did its part and Detroit once again played host to the world. In a league where your next game is always your biggest, the Lions have to do it all over again today in what will be one of the most physical games of the season.
Where the Lions made the most of their prime time opportunity, the 49ers defense has done the same all season. Leading the NFC in takeaways, the 49ers defense has been opportunistic to say the least. To go along with their 8 interceptions and 6 forced fumbles are 12 sacks that match the total of the Lions. Both teams will have an opportunity to further validate the praise they have received so far this season.
For the 49ers, it starts with Patrick Willis. A tackling machine, Willis presents a lot of problems for an offense. While Maurice Jones-Drew may be the bowling ball, Willis is the wrecking ball that can go sideline to sideline and never takes a bad angle. Matthew Stafford will know where this man is on every snap.
Offensively, the 49ers like to go big. They've used 3 tight end sets to not only throw the ball but to run it as well. This is a look the Lions haven't seen often and it remains to be seen how they'll react. Tight ends have two natural enemies: linebackers and safeties. The Lions are a little beat up at both positions and the 49ers know this. They will look to exploit those match ups early.
Gunther Cunningham could get a little more creative calling the defense. They've gone entire games without blitzing and that's asking too much from your defensive front. Even the best need help at times. While the linebackers may already have their hands full in this game, Cunningham needs to utilize the plays that San Francisco rests their tight ends and send an extra man after the quarterback.
While it may start with Patrick Willis, it could all end with Alex Smith. I'm not convinced that Smith has turned the corner nor am I sure his coaches are either. Rebuilding teams don't use 2nd round draft picks on a position that they are already happy with. Smith is a guy who can manage a game and not lose it if things are going well. He's incapable of winning it for you. The 29th ranked passing offense is probably not enough to beat this Lions team.
Last week was not an indication of how good the 49ers are but more of how overrated Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris is. With that said, this was still one of the more difficult games to gauge because there are so many good match ups on both sides of the ball. However, if the Lions can once again run the ball effectively (75-80 yds) it will provide enough balance to offset the damage that the 49ers defense could inflict.
Prediction: Lions 23 Forty Niners 14
Players to watch: John Wendling, NaVorro Bowman
Where the Lions made the most of their prime time opportunity, the 49ers defense has done the same all season. Leading the NFC in takeaways, the 49ers defense has been opportunistic to say the least. To go along with their 8 interceptions and 6 forced fumbles are 12 sacks that match the total of the Lions. Both teams will have an opportunity to further validate the praise they have received so far this season.
For the 49ers, it starts with Patrick Willis. A tackling machine, Willis presents a lot of problems for an offense. While Maurice Jones-Drew may be the bowling ball, Willis is the wrecking ball that can go sideline to sideline and never takes a bad angle. Matthew Stafford will know where this man is on every snap.
Offensively, the 49ers like to go big. They've used 3 tight end sets to not only throw the ball but to run it as well. This is a look the Lions haven't seen often and it remains to be seen how they'll react. Tight ends have two natural enemies: linebackers and safeties. The Lions are a little beat up at both positions and the 49ers know this. They will look to exploit those match ups early.
Gunther Cunningham could get a little more creative calling the defense. They've gone entire games without blitzing and that's asking too much from your defensive front. Even the best need help at times. While the linebackers may already have their hands full in this game, Cunningham needs to utilize the plays that San Francisco rests their tight ends and send an extra man after the quarterback.
While it may start with Patrick Willis, it could all end with Alex Smith. I'm not convinced that Smith has turned the corner nor am I sure his coaches are either. Rebuilding teams don't use 2nd round draft picks on a position that they are already happy with. Smith is a guy who can manage a game and not lose it if things are going well. He's incapable of winning it for you. The 29th ranked passing offense is probably not enough to beat this Lions team.
Last week was not an indication of how good the 49ers are but more of how overrated Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris is. With that said, this was still one of the more difficult games to gauge because there are so many good match ups on both sides of the ball. However, if the Lions can once again run the ball effectively (75-80 yds) it will provide enough balance to offset the damage that the 49ers defense could inflict.
Prediction: Lions 23 Forty Niners 14
Players to watch: John Wendling, NaVorro Bowman
Monday, October 10, 2011
Week 5 Monday Night Special: Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions
Football is back in Detroit. Not just good football but consistent, relevant and at times dominant football. For years, the Lions played the game 10 on 11, always falling short of fielding a complete team. Not since the late 90's when David Sloan was catching passes from Charlie Batch have the Lions had a threat at the Tight End position. The Lions knew this and that's why in 2009 they used the second of two first round picks on Brandon Pettigrew. Together with Tony Sheffler, the Lions have more depth at this position than perhaps they've ever had. These are only 2 of the many Detroit Lions that the Chicago Bears have to worry about tonight.
There is this misconception that the Bears are old and have had the same team since 2006. Sure, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are mainstays on the defense while Devin Hester is still one of the most dangerous men in the NFL. But there is a lot more to this team. There are some additions to that 2006 NFC champion squad that have paid big dividends early this season. Running back Matt Forte is doing things in Chicago that haven't been done since Walter Payton was in the back field. Coming off a historic 205 yards performance against the Carolina Panthers, Forte is running with a purpose. He can run inside and out and is deceptively fast. Matt Forte is a complete back that can take over a game if you're not ready for him.
Quarterback Jay Cutler can hurt the Lions, but only if they let him. He likes to take a deep, 7 step drop that's tailor-made for a defensive ends' appetite. Detroit must take advantage of this, not just by flushing him out of the pocket but by actually putting him on the ground. Cutler throws well on the run and is more than capable of making plays outside of the pocket. He may be erratic and a bit of a gunslinger, but he is not too prideful to dump the ball to Forte when he has to and Forte is more than happy to catch them.
The Bears are solid and were only a few plays away from a Super Bowl last season. They can rush the passer with the best defenses in the game. The importance of protection goes without saying every week but when Julius Peppers is on the field, it cant be emphasized enough. As a whole, their defense flies to the ball and can turn a bad play by an offense into a game changing one for themselves. Teams always think that Devin Hester won't hurt them until he actually does. By then, it's usually too late. Chicago may start the game or second half with short, quick strikes to neutralize the Detroit front 4 the way Dallas did last week. And just like Dallas, it will be only a matter of time before they revert back.
You can't talk about Jay Cutler without mentioning Matthew Stafford. Similar in style, Stafford has excelled this season in large part because of the stability of having the same head coach and coordinator for 3 seasons. Despite missing so much time, Stafford has become a disciplined player unlike Cutler who tends to shy away from his mechanics and will often get himself in trouble for it. Nonetheless, both still have cannons for arms and are naturals at their position.
People have made too much of the fact that the Lions have gotten behind early in games. That's what happens when you play on the road. The crowd is into it, you've traveled a long way to get there and you're in someone else's house. What's important is that they withstood all of that and now they will be the beneficiaries of home field advantage. Despite what people are saying about Tony Romo, the Lions earned that comeback victory last week as well as the one at Minnesota the week prior.
The emotions of a nationally televised game, on Monday night and in this city will be tremendous. The effect of which we may not fully understood until the end of the season. Their was a reason that Monday Night Football didn't come to Detroit for over 10 years. Their is also a reason they are here now. After tonight, we will all know why.
Prediction: Lions 31 Bears 21
Players to watch: Cliff Avril, Titus Young
There is this misconception that the Bears are old and have had the same team since 2006. Sure, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are mainstays on the defense while Devin Hester is still one of the most dangerous men in the NFL. But there is a lot more to this team. There are some additions to that 2006 NFC champion squad that have paid big dividends early this season. Running back Matt Forte is doing things in Chicago that haven't been done since Walter Payton was in the back field. Coming off a historic 205 yards performance against the Carolina Panthers, Forte is running with a purpose. He can run inside and out and is deceptively fast. Matt Forte is a complete back that can take over a game if you're not ready for him.
Quarterback Jay Cutler can hurt the Lions, but only if they let him. He likes to take a deep, 7 step drop that's tailor-made for a defensive ends' appetite. Detroit must take advantage of this, not just by flushing him out of the pocket but by actually putting him on the ground. Cutler throws well on the run and is more than capable of making plays outside of the pocket. He may be erratic and a bit of a gunslinger, but he is not too prideful to dump the ball to Forte when he has to and Forte is more than happy to catch them.
The Bears are solid and were only a few plays away from a Super Bowl last season. They can rush the passer with the best defenses in the game. The importance of protection goes without saying every week but when Julius Peppers is on the field, it cant be emphasized enough. As a whole, their defense flies to the ball and can turn a bad play by an offense into a game changing one for themselves. Teams always think that Devin Hester won't hurt them until he actually does. By then, it's usually too late. Chicago may start the game or second half with short, quick strikes to neutralize the Detroit front 4 the way Dallas did last week. And just like Dallas, it will be only a matter of time before they revert back.
You can't talk about Jay Cutler without mentioning Matthew Stafford. Similar in style, Stafford has excelled this season in large part because of the stability of having the same head coach and coordinator for 3 seasons. Despite missing so much time, Stafford has become a disciplined player unlike Cutler who tends to shy away from his mechanics and will often get himself in trouble for it. Nonetheless, both still have cannons for arms and are naturals at their position.
People have made too much of the fact that the Lions have gotten behind early in games. That's what happens when you play on the road. The crowd is into it, you've traveled a long way to get there and you're in someone else's house. What's important is that they withstood all of that and now they will be the beneficiaries of home field advantage. Despite what people are saying about Tony Romo, the Lions earned that comeback victory last week as well as the one at Minnesota the week prior.
The emotions of a nationally televised game, on Monday night and in this city will be tremendous. The effect of which we may not fully understood until the end of the season. Their was a reason that Monday Night Football didn't come to Detroit for over 10 years. Their is also a reason they are here now. After tonight, we will all know why.
Prediction: Lions 31 Bears 21
Players to watch: Cliff Avril, Titus Young
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week 4 NFL Picks: Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys
Keyword: Resilience. That’s been the theme for both the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys this season. Whether it’s Tony Romo’s ribs or falling behind by 20 points on the road, both teams have shown a flare for dramatics.
Both teams are also nicked up. Miles Austin is out as is Justin Durant for the Lions. While I think Austin is a guy who could have given the Lions some big problems, the absence of Durant may have the biggest impact. The Lions might just have the best starting 11 on both sides of the ball in the entire league. But who are the guys behind them? Former Cowboy Bobby Carpenter will replace Durant today and Dallas won’t be shy to test him. He’ll share duties trying to stop Jason Witten and will have his hands full limiting Felix Jones. Dallas let Carpenter go because they didn’t think he could handle tasks like these. As we get deeper into the season and the injuries begin to add up, we’ll find out if the rest of the Lions backups are up to the task as well.
The play of the Detroit offensive line last week is reason enough to be concerned this week. They were overwhelmed at times by the Vikings and Dallas is just as dangerous in their pass rush, if not more. They’ll need to re-group today.
Another week, another huge NFC match up for the Lions. Each game is more telling than the next as the circumstances dictate what the outcome truly means. The Lions have to run the ball much more effectively. If they can do that, coupled with some old school harassment of Tony Romo, then they will take care of business.
Prediction: Lions 31 Cowboys 30
Players to watch: Lions Special Teams, Demarcus Ware
Both teams are also nicked up. Miles Austin is out as is Justin Durant for the Lions. While I think Austin is a guy who could have given the Lions some big problems, the absence of Durant may have the biggest impact. The Lions might just have the best starting 11 on both sides of the ball in the entire league. But who are the guys behind them? Former Cowboy Bobby Carpenter will replace Durant today and Dallas won’t be shy to test him. He’ll share duties trying to stop Jason Witten and will have his hands full limiting Felix Jones. Dallas let Carpenter go because they didn’t think he could handle tasks like these. As we get deeper into the season and the injuries begin to add up, we’ll find out if the rest of the Lions backups are up to the task as well.
The play of the Detroit offensive line last week is reason enough to be concerned this week. They were overwhelmed at times by the Vikings and Dallas is just as dangerous in their pass rush, if not more. They’ll need to re-group today.
Another week, another huge NFC match up for the Lions. Each game is more telling than the next as the circumstances dictate what the outcome truly means. The Lions have to run the ball much more effectively. If they can do that, coupled with some old school harassment of Tony Romo, then they will take care of business.
Prediction: Lions 31 Cowboys 30
Players to watch: Lions Special Teams, Demarcus Ware
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