2013 Detroit Lions

[gnome]

Random thoughts. In no particular order:

- Backus who?
- thruster makes being able to read the best thing of all time.
- "The Process" is the hemerrhoid of rules.
- move Pettigrew to offensive right tackle or olb. As TE he can't catch a cold.
- when I hear the word Bush, I don't think of '70s porn.
- Ponder pisses sitting down.
- If Leshoure can read he better read the writing on the wall.
- Suh owes AP his paycheck.
- discipline can't be learned by anyone wearing blue and silver.
- Calvin makes everything better.

[Thruster315]

Random thoughts. In no particular order:

- Backus who?
- thruster makes being able to read the best thing of all time.
- "The Process" is the hemerrhoid of rules.
- move Pettigrew to offensive right tackle or olb. As TE he can't catch a cold.
- when I hear the word Bush, I don't think of '70s porn.
- Ponder pisses sitting down.
- If Leshoure can read he better read the writing on the wall.
- Suh owes AP his paycheck.
- discipline can't be learned by anyone wearing blue and silver.
- Calvin makes everything better.

-Rieff did a helluva job keeping Allen at bay. Stafford owes him a meal.
-I ought to be eating as opposed to watching the game, losing my mind and typing my rants about the game. I'm thankful that when I did close my laptop, the boys did better.
-The Process is something I don't think the NFL even completely understands.
-Pettigrew had better be a damn good blocker because his hands are for shit catching. This new Fauria kid coming up could send him packing. Better dance moves too.
-Bush is king and I'm not talking about any of the past presidents either although the last one thought he was one.
-Ponder? I'm sure that's what the Minnesota management is doing right now.
-Leshoure passed up by Theo Riddick. Somebody better get him some pictograms if he ain't reading the writing on the wall.
-Suh might be lighter in the wallet for that stupid hit. At the time I didn't think it was dirty but y'know what- it was. I'll even give him that his intent wasn't bad but it's all about outcomes. His wallet's going to be lighter but hopefully no suspensions.
-Discipline? You'd think they'd all know better by being professional athletes. Some of it falls on Schwartz but the bulk of it falls on the individual players themselves.
-Calvin who? Oh yeah- the guy the Vikings game planned for only to fall for the Bushwhacking.

[Pickford-Bentler]

The tight end the Lions drafted and put on IR is supposed to be a great blocker. So I see Pettigrew and Sheffler gone after this season. Fauria creates red zone size mismatches that should help out Calvin. Ever since Brain Xanders came on board, it seems to me the talent finding by the Lions had went up. Fauria and Waddle are both undrafted free agents. It would not surprise me if Waddle ends up at right tackle by seasons end. Warford and Waddle, with some experience under their belts, could give us an O-line that can put some hurt on the opposition D-line. Brian Xanders left Denver because he wanted to be GM. Eventually, there could be some friction with Mayhew. The Fords, if they were smart {how likely is that}, would find a way for Mayhew to save face and give Xanders more control. This is what he did at Denver: The Broncos executed high-producing NFL Draft classes over the last three years, which finished #1 in the NFL in playtime and #2 in games started during 2010-12. There were nine primary starters from those draft classes, including three Pro Bowl players: LB Von Miller, WR Demaryius Thomas and OG Zane Beadles. There were also eight other Pro Bowl players who were acquired, signed or extended during his tenure: QB Peyton Manning [[FA, 2012), SS Brian Dawkins [[UFA, 2009-11), WR Brandon Lloyd [[FA, 2009-11), RB Willis McGahee [[FA, 2011), CB Champ Bailey [[re-signed, 2011), DE Elvis Dumervil [[re-signed, 2010), WR Brandon Marshall [[re-signed, 2010), and OT Ryan Clady [[1st round, 2008).

[Ray1936]

Don't get excited. 8-8. You heard it here first.

[Thruster315]

Don't get excited. 8-8. You heard it here first.

Where were you last week when we were asking for the predictions?

[Pickford-Bentler]

anywhere from 6-10 to 8-8. I feel that the Lions have been shackled with salary costs from an era wherein the salary cap hit due to signing high draft picks was not fairly compensated. That along with being mediocre at getting any talent after the first pick puts them where they are presently: rebuilding a team around a core of high paid first round talent. The level of talent acquired since Xanders came on board gives me a reason for optimism. However, the Ford's have a way of letting talented leaders move on. Let's not forget that both Don Shula and Bill Belichick started out as assistant coaches for the Detroit Lions.

[firstandten]

The tight end the Lions drafted and put on IR is supposed to be a great blocker. So I see Pettigrew and Sheffler gone after this season. Fauria creates red zone size mismatches that should help out Calvin. Ever since Brain Xanders came on board, it seems to me the talent finding by the Lions had went up. Fauria and Waddle are both undrafted free agents. It would not surprise me if Waddle ends up at right tackle by seasons end. Warford and Waddle, with some experience under their belts, could give us an O-line that can put some hurt on the opposition D-line. Brian Xanders left Denver because he wanted to be GM. Eventually, there could be some friction with Mayhew. The Fords, if they were smart {how likely is that}, would find a way for Mayhew to save face and give Xanders more control. This is what he did at Denver: The Broncos executed high-producing NFL Draft classes over the last three years, which finished #1 in the NFL in playtime and #2 in games started during 2010-12. There were nine primary starters from those draft classes, including three Pro Bowl players: LB Von Miller, WR Demaryius Thomas and OG Zane Beadles. There were also eight other Pro Bowl players who were acquired, signed or extended during his tenure: QB Peyton Manning [[FA, 2012), SS Brian Dawkins [[UFA, 2009-11), WR Brandon Lloyd [[FA, 2009-11), RB Willis McGahee [[FA, 2011), CB Champ Bailey [[re-signed, 2011), DE Elvis Dumervil [[re-signed, 2010), WR Brandon Marshall [[re-signed, 2010), and OT Ryan Clady [[1st round, 2008).

Great points

[gnome]

Week two finds the Blue and Silver heading to the University of Phoenix field to duel the Honey Badger and Patrick Peterson. Vegas sez the Birds get one and half which makes this tilt even Steven.

Fitzgerald is playing the "not sure" game with his hammy, which means he's 100% and will only pop his head out of the tunnel with seconds to spare.

expect to see Suh being shackled by self-loathing and Farley being in the crying corner all pouty and grumpy until 4th quarter when he loops westward catching Palmer with dinner plate eyes.

Spinal fluid leaves an unsightly stain at midfield.

Honey Badger don't care until Bush corkscrews him into the ground on his way to his second touchdown of the day.

this game is a prove-it game. Expect the bandwagoneers to make a charge shortly after the sun goes down.

[Thruster315]

this game is a prove-it game. Expect the bandwagoneers to make a charge shortly after the sun goes down.

My ankles are firm and thicker than a Polish grandmothers'. I ain't jumping off of this bandwagon. GO LIONS!

[Thruster315]

Rather than blow all of my blood vessels as the first half continues, here’s my half time take.

What I see so far is the lack of a front four push by our defense. They need to press Carson Palmer and make him wobble. For a relatively immobile QB that stands in the pocket all day long, we should be able to get to him and turn him into the poor man’s Christian Ponder. Nothing against CJ Moseley but I wonder what a healthy Nick Fairley could do against the Arizona defense. I’d also like to see Quin, Delmas or any one of our DBs get an interception as well; they’ve had some opportunities.

I also hope that Reggie Bush can come back from that tweak on his knee. He definitely brings something else to this team that hasn’t been around in awhile. You can tell that Arizona fears that guy in the open field. Joique Bell is going to have to step it up big time. I’m hoping that little knee brace can get Bush back for the second half.

Our offensive line is holding up well but isn’t exactly doing much in the run block department. If there was a time someone wants to yell out “Same Ol’ Lions” I’d say it’s with the offensive line’s ability to surge, push and open up lanes for any sort of running game.

Nate Burelson has been a silent beast. He’s definitely living up to the role of helping Calvin Johnson out. He’s making the defense accountable and giving Calvin a chance to go one-on-one with Peterson.

I’m thankful that this game hasn’t started out with the same sort of ineptness that the Vikings game had. The game seems to have a punch-for-punch sort of feel to it and it’s at least competitive. It still seems like anyone’s game and as a fan of the NFL, I’m digging it. As a Lions fan, I want the Lions to kick Arizona’s ass thoroughly in the second half and I don’t have my blood pressure go sky high.

[gnome]

Amen Thruster ...

I will add that clock management at the end of the half sucked eggs. Less than a minute to go, 3 time-outs in our pocket and Schwartz with his bouncy moobs resort to running out the clock.

when you have your boot on their neck, you pull out the broad axe and finish them any way possible.

let the 2nd half begin...

[GOAT]

Ok. I've had it with Petti"drop". While they weren't perfect throws, they definitely should have been caught! Use him as a block only and remove him from any scoring plays.

I don't want to hear anything about Gunther anymore. Linehan couldn't adjust his jock strap! I'm sorry but having one player out [[Bush) shouldn't negate a whole offense. Without Johnson's big plays there was nothing about that offense at all!

And perhaps "Miss" Ackers can now be let go and we can instead bring in Rugland. How does one miss 3 field goals in one game?? On the blocked field goal it looked like he was walking up to the ball to kick it!

...same old Lions. And no! They can't compete and are once again mediocre on a good day. Another loss next week in Washington will seal this season.

[gnome]

Ashes, ashes and we all fall down.

[GOAT]

Agreed gnome. The sooner Schwartz [[and his own penalties plus the team's) and Linehan are gone the better.

The defence was winning this for the Lions and the offense and lack of plays let them slip in their own shit.

[GOAT]

This game did prove who the Lions are...just a touch below mediocrity.I bet Mayhew and Lewand keep Linehan [[possible make him head coach when Schwartz if fired) and they can the assistants again. Only the Lions do that!

...beyond frustrated and pissed off.

[Danny]

Lions lost! to the Cardinals No thanks to the passing interference on the one yard line. Fix that sloppy defence, Schwartz!

[gnome]

Only our LIONS could make an ancient recycled buttplug like Carson Palmer look like Joe Montana. That brown stain did the whole march without Fitzgerald.

And Willy Young should be left in baggage claim when they get back home.

[KJ5]

My ankles are firm and thicker than a Polish grandmothers'. I ain't jumping off of this bandwagon. GO LIONS!

[Thruster315]

Laugh at me now if you want. Debate me to the merits & pitfalls of this gawd awful team if you want but I'll never be accused of being an fair weather fan like you.

And if you really think this team is for shit, what the heck made you come over here and poke through this thread? That drab of a life? At least there are the lot of us here who are true fans of this team who can discuss the good & bad of this team.

[Thruster315]

Only our LIONS could make an ancient recycled buttplug like Carson Palmer look like Joe Montana. That brown stain did the whole march without Fitzgerald.

And Willy Young should be left in baggage claim when they get back home.

Willie Young? I'm wondering whatever happened to Jason Jones? Wasn't he supposed to be the guy that's going to reap the rewards of having Suh on the left side? He's been about as silent as a church fart when it comes to having his name mentioned.

[firstandten]

Well on to the next game. This game against the Washington Native Americans is going to tell me a lot about Jim Schwartz his coaches and whether he is the guy to lead the Lions to at least a deep playoff run. I know its early in the season but I think this is a signature game for Schwartz. In the local DC papers they are wondering if RG III should sit and be replaced by Kirk Cousins, they want to run the D-Coordinator out of town, and 0-3 would just make that town crazy. We all know however that if you are an opposing team the Lions will cure whatever ails you. They will make RG III look like....well RG III of last year. Just as the Native Americans are at the brink of imploding, they get to play the Lions at home no less. Giving all this if Schwartz can manage a win under these circumstances, I will feel a lot better about him and the Lions chances moving forward.

[Cincinnati_Kid]

Well on to the next game. This game against the Washington Native Americans is going to tell me a lot about Jim Schwartz his coaches and whether he is the guy to lead the Lions to at least a deep playoff run. I know its early in the season but I think this is a signature game for Schwartz. In the local DC papers they are wondering if RG III should sit and be replaced by Kirk Cousins, they want to run the D-Coordinator out of town, and 0-3 would just make that town crazy. We all know however that if you are an opposing team the Lions will cure whatever ails you. They will make RG III look like....well RG III of last year. Just as the Native Americans are at the brink of imploding, they get to play the Lions at home no less. Giving all this if Schwartz can manage a win under these circumstances, I will feel a lot better about him and the Lions chances moving forward.

It will probably be the same old song and dance versus the Skins. Detroit hasn't won at Arizona since 93 and they've never won at Washington. Did you hear me, NEVER... As long as there has been a NFL the Lions have never beat the Skins at their place. That's remarkable.

[Big Dog]

The names and faces have changed, but it looks like the same old lions.

[smogboy]

I wanted to post last night immediately after the game but decide to sit and chill a bit. Like many of you fans, I was disappointed in the outcome of the game. I didn’t want to post with that disappointment hanging over my head. I understand that many of you like posting with that emotional content behind you [[note to gnome & thruster: please don’t have a coronary on us, please). There were certain elements of the game where I thought the Lions were doing pretty good and then there were parts that were pretty pathetic.

One aspect that stood out like a sore thumb to me was the special teams. Not that I’m advocating bringing back Kickalicious but David Akers was horrific. Statistically he missed two but in reality he missed three field goals well within 50 yards. The field goal kicker’s ability to make points is critical to this team; Hanson in years past would keep the game close if we could get to the opponent’s 35 yard line. And does anyone miss the days of guys being able to return a kickoff? It just seems as though both teams just boom it out of the end zone and the poor kick returner is there for vanity’s sake. While Sam Martin seems to be a good punter, Michael Spurlock’s punt returns weren’t exactly things of beauty. The Lions’ starting field position was absolutely horrible compared to the Cardinals’.

Offensively, Matt Stafford managed to have a pretty good game. He kept the drives alive and had no picks. What is discouraging is this team’s offense and their lack of adaptability. Reggie Bush goes down and we never resolved to play without him. We didn’t lean on the other weapon, Calvin Johnson as much as I would’ve liked. Brandon Pettigrew is still the team conundrum- drops critical passes at critical times and then makes a highlight catch worthy of being on ESPN; his consistency will drive a fan to drink and curse every week. If he can somehow get it together [[again, IF), he very well could be a top 10 TE in this league. And where was Tony Scheffler and the Fauria kid? They were in the game last week and were effective in helping distribute the ball. Once Reggie went down, this team looked like the team from last year.

Defensively I thought the front four did alright. I wasn’t enamored with the rush this week though; I thought they would get to Palmer a little better than what they showed. Credit to the Arizona offensive line for picking up our blitzes and stunts. The secondary was picked apart pretty well. Bill Bentley was exposed pretty badly and his penalties really stung. Linebacker wise it’s nice to see Levy and Tulloch stepping up and playing well. But by the fourth quarter I thought the front four were pretty gassed. The week before we were still stuffing Adrian Peterson and this week Andre Ellington’s fresh legs burst through pretty easily. The standouts in the defense I thought were Glover Quin and Ndamukong Suh; their numbers weren’t great but I thought they were disruptive.

Coaching in this game? What can I say? Like I said earlier, I wish we were a little bit more adaptive and innovative. If one key cog in the machine breaks down, we have to find other ways to compensate and I didn’t exactly see much innovation from Linehan or Schwartz. We got out coached in this game. And even on a bobbled Arizona catch, the guys up in the press box weren’t fast enough to buzz Schwartz to toss the red hanky. We need to improve leaps and bounds in this category; Schwartz had better be a lot more on the ball and play to win as opposed to playing it conservative.

We’ve got a wounded Washington next week. We have a chance to send them to 0-3. In light of this Arizona game that I think we gave away, we need to play a lot sharper and a lot more disciplined. I’m not one to buy that “we’ve never won in Washington” theory- it’s more coincidence than anything else. That being said we still need to exorcise that ghost and get that stupid monkey off of our back.

[smogboy]

Willie Young? I'm wondering whatever happened to Jason Jones? Wasn't he supposed to be the guy that's going to reap the rewards of having Suh on the left side? He's been about as silent as a church fart when it comes to having his name mentioned.

It's really making Nick Fairley look like a superstar now. I think we could really use his power and sped to clog the middle. He was really missed in the Cardinals game. I also saw that Ansah had the most reps out of all of the linemen but we still need to do better in regards to getting to the other team's QB. I know RGIII isn't the runner he was [[Washington hardly had any QB runs the last few games) but he's still got a decent cannon for an arm.