2014 Detroit Lions

**Ray1936** · February-03-14, 04:18 PM

Cantor Gaming, which runs most of the sports books in Las Vegas, has the Lions at 30-1 to win the 2015 Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona [[Phoenix burb).

GUSHI · February-03-14, 07:57 PM

Yes but he is 23 w and 15 l aganist teams with losing records.

**prodigal son** · February-04-14, 11:31 AM

The Detroit Lions are much closer to a Super Bowl than many of the haters would care to believe. They are a CB and a WR, along with Stafford learning to audible at the line and learning when to throw the ball away, from being in the big game. They will assuredly make the playoffs this coming season, with a championship to follow within the next 3 seasons. You heard it here first.

**rb336** · February-04-14, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by prodigal son

The Detroit Lions are much closer to a Super Bowl than many of the haters would care to believe. They are a CB and a WR, along with Stafford learning to audible at the line and learning when to throw the ball away, from being in the big game. They will assuredly make the playoffs this coming season, with a championship to follow within the next 3 seasons. You heard it here first.

A couple of famous people - not Detroiters, we know better - have actually bet that Detroit would go to the SB next year. This is the best team they have had in my life, and the NFL is a fickle thing.

**emu steve** · February-04-14, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by prodigal son

The Detroit Lions are much closer to a Super Bowl than many of the haters would care to believe. They are a CB and a WR, along with Stafford learning to audible at the line and learning when to throw the ball away, from being in the big game. They will assuredly make the playoffs this coming season, with a championship to follow within the next 3 seasons. You heard it here first.

I agree with you.

I took the Lions at 2:1 in Vegas [[right before the season started) to make the playoffs and thought for most of the season that it was going to be...

I don't think the Lions are much from being a good team.

I too agree a nice WR, e.g., Sammy Watkins, to balance CJ and a little bit of defensive help.

The NFL is very balanced.

BTW, I agree that Seattle's QB, Wilson, is lucky to be playing for an excellent team. Put him on a 4 - 12 team and he wouldn't look so great.

**Thruster315** · February-05-14, 12:01 AM

Originally Posted by emu steve

I don't think the Lions are much from being a good team.

Taking an 0-16 team to being pretty good isn't that tough given some of the ridiculously high draft picks we have. We're a decent team. It's that step from being pretty decent to elite is the one that's a bitch. And then to step up to Super Bowl worthy is even tougher. Want to talk about winning it all? Now that takes skill, amazing luck, lack of injuries, cunning, and all sorts of other things to fall into place.

We're lucky to have a few of those things fall into our laps. And that's why we're just a decent team. We're not elite yet based upon what we saw last year- but toss in some of that fuzzy, luck and who knows where this team can go?

**Pickford-Bentler** · February-04-14, 06:35 PM

Wilson has very good pocket presence, escape ability, and a knack for hitting receivers on the money while running to his right or left. A guy can keep the sticks moving is a good compliment to a defense that gets lots of three and outs.

Stafford has poor pocket escape ability. That is one area he lags Aaron Rodgers a lot. The other being accuracy. However, his arm strength is a weapon, if a hard running game can bring up the defensive back 7. So I feel how the Ravens utilized Flacco is the best way to go with Stafford.

I can see the point of another WR with speed/strength {needed to break getting bumped at the line} who can get behind the safety. Stafford will never be the guy who can keep on making 10 yard throws to keep the sticks moving. That has to be accomplished by more imagination than shown by the outgoing OC.

**Thruster315** · February-05-14, 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by Pickford-Bentler

Stafford has poor pocket escape ability. That is one area he lags Aaron Rodgers a lot. The other being accuracy. However, his arm strength is a weapon, if a hard running game can bring up the defensive back 7. So I feel how the Ravens utilized Flacco is the best way to go with Stafford.

The one thing that Stafford didn't do much of this year was utilize his quick release. Remember when his O-line was a bit questionable and he had to do quick passes? Was it me or did they forego that option this year?

I agree that we need to control the ball better. Quicker reads and moving the chains as opposed to monstrous chunks of yardage is a better choice. I think if we can be a little more innovative with the run game, it's going to help. I was so tired of seeing third and longs this last year. It was obvious and so telegraphed [[Stafford to Johnson in a 22 man coverage).

**smogboy** · February-08-14, 01:23 AM

Something for the masses to mull over here. Next month free agency hits and we still have three guys who are eligible.

Brandon Pettigrew
Rashean Mathis
Willie Young

Any thoughts as to who should be retained? At a pay increase? Decrease? Or do we just cut bait and see what else is out there? Thoughts & discussions please.

**Pickford-Bentler** · February-08-14, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by smogboy

Something for the masses to mull over here. Next month free agency hits and we still have three guys who are eligible.

Brandon Pettigrew
Rashean Mathis
Willie Young

Any thoughts as to who should be retained? At a pay increase? Decrease? Or do we just cut bait and see what else is out there? Thoughts & discussions please.

I would cut Pettigrew and keep Mathis and Young.

Before he became left tackle, Rieff was used as a 6th blocker. Waddle can play either left or right tackle. So an innovative OC can come up with power blocking schemes, if Pettigrew's blocking skills can not be replace by the rookie they put on IR or a draft with some solid prospects.

Mathis - the Lions secondary sucks and he rated the highest. Beggars can't be choosy here

Young - cap issues might allow him to walk. I would keep him, if possible, to eliminate a draft need. If he does walk, then that top rated LB with pass rush skills becomes a target in the draft.

**Thruster315** · February-09-14, 01:32 AM

Originally Posted by Pickford-Bentler

I would cut Pettigrew and keep Mathis and Young.

Before he became left tackle, Rieff was used as a 6th blocker. Waddle can play either left or right tackle. So an innovative OC can come up with power blocking schemes, if Pettigrew's blocking skills can not be replace by the rookie they put on IR or a draft with some solid prospects.

Mathis - the Lions secondary sucks and he rated the highest. Beggars can't be choosy here

Young - cap issues might allow him to walk. I would keep him, if possible, to eliminate a draft need. If he does walk, then that top rated LB with pass rush skills becomes a target in the draft.

Pettigrew I'm on the fence with. He's still a helluva decent blocker that can go out and catch a short one. He stunk it up early last year but became pretty reliable towards the end of the season. I sure as hell wouldn't break the bank or go long term on the guy. Looking back at him, being taken in the first round for his level of production really makes him look bad though.

Mathis was serviceable. He's a little long in the tooth but I agree with you. He's the best we've got so far. He was reliable but nothing to write home about. Maybe a one year deal with some incentives or an option??

Now Willie Young? Interesting here. He was good; not great but I'm wondering if we roll the dice and let him walk. We never did see how Jason Jones would've fared so I'd check on his rehab and then make a decision. If Jones is solid and trending well- it might be time to say adieu with Willie Young. And Jason Jones is one year younger than Young too. Devin Taylor seemed to be working out well too so...

But who knows? We've got new people in the coaching staff and they might have different plans and schemes where all of these guys can be re-purposed. Or they just might want to cut bait with all of them and get in their own players to fit their own schemes. I'm basing a lot of my opinions on the premise of playing under the old Schwartz schemes.

**Smirnoff** · February-08-14, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by smogboy

Something for the masses to mull over here. Next month free agency hits and we still have three guys who are eligible.

Brandon Pettigrew
Rashean Mathis
Willie Young

Any thoughts as to who should be retained? At a pay increase? Decrease? Or do we just cut bait and see what else is out there? Thoughts & discussions please.

Surprised they signed Raiola to another year.....

**rb336** · February-08-14, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by Smirnoff

Surprised they signed Raiola to another year.....

Not me. He's a solid center

**smogboy** · February-10-14, 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by rb336

Not me. He's a solid center

He's actually become a really solid center. I'm wondering why at this stage of his career he's suddenly found a resurgence of dedication and energy. I thought he played a solid season; he made some calls on that line that probably saved Matthew Stafford some lost yardage. Seeing as how good he is now in the twilight of his career, it really makes me wonder if he had put this sort of effort into being in shape earlier on in his career- he very well could've been elite.

But that's the advantage of time and maturity.

Dom's always been a polarizing figure for this team, but I don't think anyone can ever question his effort. He definitely is one to leave it all out there on the field.

And knowing that Dom's probably got another year at most after this year, I wouldn't mind seeing the Lions addressing his replacement in the upcoming draft. It's nothing against Raiola now but it never hurts to start grooming your replacement with real games. I think Backus lingering around a little longer has helped Reiff out quite a bit.

**rb336** · February-10-14, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by smogboy

He's actually become a really solid center. I'm wondering why at this stage of his career he's suddenly found a resurgence of dedication and energy.

I don't think it is that, I think it is that he finally has some talent around him

**Thruster315** · February-09-14, 01:22 AM

Originally Posted by Smirnoff

Surprised they signed Raiola to another year.....

Alrighty, I'll bite... WHY were you surprised he was signed?

And I'm willing to give you the reasons to why I'm glad they signed him to another one year deal. You're more than welcome to lance any of my arguments if you can.

The man put on an additional 20 lbs. over the last off season to be a bit beefier. He obviously heard the knocks that he was too small of a center. Tacking on the extra weight put him well within the range of most centers in the league. He himself was not responsible for a single sack. He and his line mates allowed the second least amount of sacks in the NFL despite having some youngsters in the mix. He's as durable as they come too; he played every snap last season and hasn't missed a snap in nearly five years. According to Pro Football Focus they considered him to being the second best center in the NFL- not just the NFC North, not just the conference, but the whole freakin' National Football League.

And the Lions only signed him to a one year deal.

So tell me why your infinite wisdom is shocked at the signing again? G'wan... take your time. I'm waiting.

**softailrider** · February-08-14, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by smogboy

Something for the masses to mull over here. Next month free agency hits and we still have three guys who are eligible.

Brandon Pettigrew
Rashean Mathis
Willie Young

Any thoughts as to who should be retained? At a pay increase? Decrease? Or do we just cut bait and see what else is out there? Thoughts & discussions please.

Pettigrew can go as soon as possible. I won't miss him.

**Pickford-Bentler** · February-27-14, 11:01 AM

The argument I have seen is that Rief gets moved to guard and Lewan would be LT. Rob Sims would be let go to free up more cap room for free agents. Keep in mind that Rief was drafted due to his ability to play any position on the line but center. Waddle is also capable of being an LT. So the overall result would be an OL with an ability to play through injuries to key players. And it would be a very young line. The downside is not meeting other needs for the team. So whatever the Lions pick up in free agency is critical. Another downside is that an OL player is a brute strength and technique position wherein peak ability often takes years. There are many late picked OL players who developed into all-pros. Last year we had an undrafted and third rounder who arguably now have a better upside than the first round sure things that many were pissed that the Lions did not get. I think the Lions should hint strongly that they may "want" Lewan. That might allow them to trade, on draft day, the 10 pick to a team that needs a LT. I could see an extra pick from that deal used for a center who needs to develop.

**smogboy** · March-10-14, 12:40 AM

The owner of our Detroit Lions team has passed. May William Clay Ford rest in peace with God.

He's been praised for his steadiness at the helm of our Lions football team. Some of his detractors have said that he never had the desire to win as long as his coffers were filled. I'm inclined to disagree with that assessment as he was always liked by his coaching staff and players. He built Ford Field and brought the team back downtown after going out to Pontiac. His teams have always spent up to the allowed cap and the team never seems to do without the vital facilities.

If anything, the man was loyal to a fault. He hung onto people far too long after they had taken this team down the wrong path. But that loyalty to so me is also a virtue. I think he allowed his people to make mistakes and recover from them, but this is also the NFL where windows of opportunity can open and close quickly because of the length of careers.

Beyond football he seemed like a personable sort of man who was very philanthropic and he cared for the city in his own way. He seemed to have been an astute business man at his grandfather's business and seemed like a devoted family man.

I think he genuinely tried to win it all. Alas he's gone now and his team never made it to the promised land of bringing him a Super Bowl. Some of the naysayers will say that we'll have a chance now that he's gone, but that's awfully mean to say about the man and his efforts. He might not have succeeded but I think he had the right intent of bringing a championship to this city. He cared and he tried.

Our Lions will move forward down the field in a few more months. I'm sure they'll be sporting some sort of commemorative patch honoring the man who owned this NFL franchise we call our own.

**rb336** · March-14-14, 01:09 PM

Signing Nate signals, to me, that the first two rounds we will see the Lions go D. A linebacker at 10, corner in the second round

**Thruster315** · March-14-14, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by rb336

Signing Nate signals, to me, that the first two rounds we will see the Lions go D. A linebacker at 10, corner in the second round

Uh, we'll assume you'll mean Pettigrew.

Not unless there's some insider scoop that we haven't heard yet.

**rb336** · March-15-14, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by Thruster315

Uh, we'll assume you'll mean Pettigrew.

Not unless there's some insider scoop that we haven't heard yet.

Brain fart. Yes duh

**Thruster315** · March-10-14, 02:03 AM

I defended the old guy here as well, smogboy. We all know he's not perfect but he at least tried to put forth a semi-decent product out on the field that we could cheer for. I'm tired of all of those slappies saying "this team will never win as long as old man Ford's alive". How effing crude is that? Now that he's gone I wonder how many of those so-called fans feel now? I didn't exactly see much jubilation or fireworks from those people.

Yeah, Mr. Ford was the constant with this team. We went through how many GMs, how many coaches, how many QBs, and how many players since he's owned the team?? I guess it's always been easy to pick on that guy because he's been around forever.

But y'know what- I think he gave a sh!t about this team. He's got crazy deep Ford money in his back pocket already; he was loaded before he bought this team for $4 million back in the stone ages. Like he was really worried about us not filling the seats? Like another million was really gonna break him on a Sunday? I just can't see him or his flunkies counting gate receipts.

Everything I've heard about the guy says he wanted a winner. His personnel just couldn't do it and that's a crying shame now that he's gone.

**Smirnoff** · March-10-14, 04:27 PM

Allen Park — As expected, Martha Ford, wife of the late William Clay Ford Sr., will take over ownership of the Detroit Lions.

**Thruster315** · March-11-14, 01:52 AM

Originally Posted by Smirnoff

Allen Park — As expected, Martha Ford, wife of the late William Clay Ford Sr., will take over ownership of the Detroit Lions.

I'd be willing to bet my thermal underwear that she'll continue to do what her husband did with the team. She's not going to meddle. I just can't see her being the Lions' version of Georgia Frontiere or Denise DeBartolo. She's been fine out of the spotlight all of these years. Hell, how many people could've even named her up until a few days ago? What makes anyone think now that her husband's gone- she's suddenly going to come out of her shell and run this franchise?