detroit lions

NFL Draft – First Round Highlights

by on April 25, 2012

The 2009 NFL draft took place last weekend, on April 25 and 26. The first round saw some of the draft’s top players finding a home for the season. Some of the picks were hardly surprising – Michael Stafford going to the Detroit Lions – while others defied expectations – Michael Crabtree was a later-than-anticipated number ten pick.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of the first round.

#1 -Quarterback and projected top pick overall Matthew Stafford fulfilled his expectations. The Detroit Lions had already signed the 21-year-old to a six year contract with $41.7 million in guarantees. The Lions had a record-breaking season this year: 0-16, a losing feat no other team has accomplished in NFL history.

With a winless season wrought by Matt Millen, the Lions are looking to Stafford to pick up the franchise. at 6’3 and 237 lbs, and with a strong and accurate throwing arm that has brought 51 career touchdowns and 7,731 career yards, Stafford has the potential to become a franchise savior. Hopefully the new Lion will do better than Detroit’s last top-pick quarterback, Joey Harrington.

Stafford left school a year early but is not expected to start the season. Nevertheless, he is ready to begin his career as a professional.

I’m a competitive guy, Stafford said. I’m going to try to get ready as quick as I can.

Stafford continues a trend in the NFL in which quarterbacks constitute top overall picks in the draft; in fact, 9 of the last 12 top picks have been quarterbacks. Time will tell whether Stafford continues to satisfy expectations during football season.

#4- Another potential for the Lions was taken in the top 5. Aaron Curry, a linebacker from Wake Forest, had discussed being the top overall pick with Detroit. Curry has an exceptional combination of height, weight, and speed for a linebacker, which, blended with his strong instincts, aggression, and overall effort, makes him an ideal player. Seattle was able to capture Curry at number 4.

#5 – The second quarterback to be chosen, mark Sanchez of USC, was snatched by the New York Jets after they traded Cleveland for the 5th overall spot. Sanchez started at USC for just one season, leading the Trojans to a 12-1 season and a Rose Bowl win.

With the Jets, he will have to fill the shoes of retiring quarterback Brett Favre. The 6’3, 225 lb quarterback has a strong arm, intelligence, and leadership skills that make him a prize for the Jets West Coast Offense. His limited experience makes him a moderate risk, but he is undaunted.

It’s a very exciting time, a special time in my life, Sanchez explains, so I’m excited to get things going.
#7- Captivated by his speed, the Oakland Raiders snagged Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey at number 7 overall. Although Heyward-Bey had the fastest 40-yard time in workouts, his undeveloped receiving skills make him something of a risk. Though he may take time to develop, with his incredible speed and height-weight combination, Heyward-Bey exhibits real potential.

#10- Michael Crabtree, who was the highest-rated receiver before the draft, completed the top ten when he was chosen by the 49ers. he lost the top ranking to Heyward-Bey, who was selected three spots before him. Although Crabtree lacks top-notch speed, he is still considered one of the best receivers in the draft, with an ability to catch almost anything thrown at him.

After only two seasons of football, Crabtree received the Biletnikoff Award. Now, in San Francisco, Crabtree aims high: I got some big shoes to fill when I go to the 49ers, you know, with Jerry Rice. I am looking forward to that. I love challenges.

#12- Knowshon Moreno went number 12 to the Denver Broncos. Moreno rushed 1,400 yards last season to lead the SEC and was in the second-team for the All-American players. Although Moreno lacks the breakaway speed possessed by topnotch backs in the NFL, he has great instincts and good vision that make him an excellent top pick for the Broncos.

#19- The Eagles were able to choose receiver Jerry Maclin from Missouri at number 19 after the Browns traded the pick for number 21 and a second 6th round pick. in 2008, Maclin was able to score 12 touchdowns, along with 1,260 receiving yards.

#27- The Indianapolis Colts selected Dan Brown at number 27. Brown was the 2008 Big East offensive player of the year at Connecticut, and, with over 2000 rushing yards last year alone and 3,800 career rushing yards, leads the NCAA. he also holds the distinction of being the University of Connecticut’s first player to be drafted in the first round.

Overall, the first round saw 19 offensive and 13 defensive players drafted – 15 of whom were underclassmen – for a grand total of 32 players.

NFL Draft – First Round Highlights

Detroit Lions – Quarterback or Bust

by on December 25, 2011

Just WIN baby will the Lions ever win? will they ever win? YES the Detroit Lions will WIN a Super Bowl again and they will always be my favorite team. why? I just love them. I love the fans, the atmosphere, and of course Thanksgiving Day turkey and my Detroit Lions. I have been a Lion fan now 31 years so I have a few insights into this up and coming team.

In this article I will be sharing how the Detroit Lions can turn their franchise around, and my hope and prayer is that someday it will make it’s way up to the Ford Family’s home and that they will read it and act on it to make the Detroit Lions a championship team.

First of all, we need a good quarterback. in the 30 years I’ve watched the lion, we’ve NEVER had a great quarterback. I’ll say it again, we’ve NEVER had a great quarterback. sure we’ve had good quarterbacks like Rodney Peete, to name one, but to be honest with you I’ve blotted out most quarterbacks’ names from my memory because they all made so many stupid mistakes out on the field

Why won’t the Ford family simply invest in a good quarterback? Is it because they are cheap, cheap, cheap? many think so I hope not. please change our future and invest in a GREAT not GOOD quarterback

I honestly believe that even though you’ve hired the best coaches, the best offensive coordinator, and the BEST everything else we are STILL not going to rise to the top without a hall-of-fame caliber quarterback. Let’s see what we can do to get USC’s Matt Leinart or someone else who has a MAJOR name in football. Lions, you need to bring a quarterback over who has a major name and is in his prime, not ready to retire

Wait a minute, I think I hear some play by play: Joe fades back, passes to Barry in the end zone, Touchdown (repeat). Joe slips through two defenders finds Herman Moore wide open in the end zone for his third touchdown of the day. Montana runs the ball to the sideline, passes to Barry up the middle touchdown, Montana flips the ball to Sanders on the sweep, touchdown This is too easy Dan, I’d say the Lions are untouchable this season. Yeah I’d say so too Howard. they are money in the bank. it aught to be illegal to have Montana and Sanders on the same football field playing with the same helmets on. I heard that one Howard

How would the lions of the 80′s with Barry Sanders done under Dan Marino? Not bad I’d say. may have given him one of his first championship rings. Dan, if you’re reading, you can still come out of retirement and play for the Lions, it’s fine with me.

The point is the Lions have to purchase a quarterback someday that is worth his weight in GOLD. It’s like the Lions are willing to purchase the pistons, the rings, the valves, the outside flared fenders, the Holley Carburetor, the Mallory Ignition, the fuel injection, the chrome bumpers, the sunroof, the leather interior, but not the ENGINE the quarterback IS the engine of the football team.

Please, Ford family, with all due respect, I sincerely thank you for the investments that you’ve made from the bottom of my heart, but you need to invest in a quarterback. then, and only then, will the Lions become Super Bowl Champions once again.

Take it from a 30 year fan who just keeps growing fonder of this great team: It’s time for the Lions to get their Joe Montana. then we have a shot at a title. then and ONLY then will we win the big game. mark my words, we will certainly win with a quality quarterback. you can take that to the bank, make the deposit, and then cash it out

Dan Gilbert: 'It would be a travesty'

by on December 9, 2011

So, apparently Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert objected to the trade that would have sent former Wake Forest guard Chris Paul from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Paul isn't heading to LA after all, news that must please New York Knicks supporter and

Translation: Owners complained, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert wrote another letter, Mavericks owner mark Cuban objected and David Stern caved to grant the wishes of a group of owners. in bowing to select owners' demands, merely hours after the new labor

Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert wanted the Chris Paul trade to the Los Angeles Lakers vetoed and emailed David Stern complaining about it.

Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert — better known 'round these parts for buying up half of downtown and owning Quicken Loans — vented his frustration Sunday night on Twitter with the struggling Detroit Lions. "Can Stafford and the Lions even

Dan Gilbert: 'It would be a travesty'

Detroit Lions Release Statement Regarding Ndamukong Suh’s Thanksgiving Ejection

by on November 26, 2011

The Detroit Lions released the following statement regarding the Ndamukong Suh incident earlier this evening:

The on-field conduct exhibited by Ndamukong Suh that led to his ejection from yesterday’s game was unacceptable and failed to meet the level of sportsmanship we expect from our players,” the statement read.

Ndamukong has made many positive contributions to the Lions on and off the field. we expect his behavior going forward to consistently reflect that high standard of professionalism.

We have been in contact with Commissioner Goodell’s office and were advised that, like any on-field matter, Thursday’s incident is subject to review by the league office and that subsequent discipline would be determined by the league office.

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Tags: Detroit Lions, Ndamukong Suh

Detroit Lions Release Statement Regarding Ndamukong Suh’s Thanksgiving Ejection

No Kyle Orton For The Bears, Sign Josh McCown Instead

by on November 24, 2011

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Well,  with the re-signing of Kyle Orton looking all but certain for the Bears , the Kansas City Cheifs swooped in and picked up the Purdue alum from the waiver wire forcing the Midway Monsters to sign 8 year veteran Josh McCown who has a total of 31 NFL starts. he spent the 2006 season with the Detroit Lions when current Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz was coaching there.  he spent the 2010 season playing in the United Football League before signing with the San Francisco 49er’s in August just to be released from the team a month later.

With Jay Cutler set to possibly miss the rest of the season,  Caleb Hanie will be the man starting under center with McCown taking the 2nd string duties.  the Bears are 7-3 this year and look to continue their successful season without Cutler at the healm on Sunday when they’ll take on the Oakland Raiders at 3:05pm CST.

[ESPN]

TNJN – Cover Two: Biggest Surprise, Lions or Eagles?

by on October 11, 2011

Detroit Lions (John Lomas)

The Detroit Lions have been the National Football League’s most surprising team through the first quarter of the season, starting with an astonishing 4-0 record. Analysts were so enamored with 2010 rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh that they bumped predictions for the team up to second or third in the NFC North. however, few could have guessed that the team that has had a record of 8-40 since the 2008 season would be going toe-to-toe with the champion Green Bay Packers for supremacy of the division.

If you are looking for the reason why the Lions have been perfect so far look no further than the at the line play. the defensive line, led by, Suh have been hard to block and constantly swarm to the ball. Opposing quarterbacks seem to fear the line so much that they would rather throw the ball up wildly rather than take a sack from one of the “Motor City Madmen”, this is exemplified by their seven interceptions that ranks third in the NFL.

Not only do they snatch the ball from opposing receivers, but they can return it as well. the Lions are tied for the league lead with two interception returns for touchdowns, and have moved the ball 135 yards after interceptions, second only to the Tennessee Titans.

Speaking of the line play, the Lions are on pace to only allow 20 sacks, which is seven less than they allowed last year. while the team hasn’t produced in the running game as soundly as they would like to, they have been keeping Matt Stafford upright which has been a first for this team. Keeping Stafford healthy has proved very important to the team’s overall success; he has thrown for 1,217 yards and 11 touchdowns.

However, as well as the lines have played the true superstar of this team (other than Suh of course) has been Calvin Johnson, who is known affectionately around the league as “Megatron”. This phenom got his moniker from how unstoppable he has become in the red zone.he is not just combine numbers and big catch ability however, he is the real deal catching two touchdowns in four consecutive games, a league record. Johnson leads the league in total receiving touchdowns with eight.

Now after all this, you may be asking why they are a surprise? well none of these playmakers are rookies or free agents. Most of them have been in the league for multiple years and have not been able to muster up anything better than third place finish in their division. This has most likely been because starter Matt Stafford has only played in 13 of his last 32 games preceding this season. In last year’s draft, they did not address any of their “need areas” which most notably included defensive back and offensive line. not only that, but their draft class has been hampered by injuries to the top three picks DT Nick Fairley, WR Titus Young and RB Mikel Leshoure.

If that wasn’t enough their schedule is riddled with last year’s playoff teams. seven times this year they have to play teams that made it to the post season; including the 2011 Super Bowl champion Packers twice, 2011 NFC championship contenders the Chicago Bears twice and the 2010 season Super Bowl champion Saints.

So can the true dream team keep themselves rolling and healthy when they meet the Bears on Monday? if Stafford can stay healthy, we may be watching a young team finally take shape and becoming perennial playoff contenders.

 

Philadelphia Eagles (Parker Garrett)

The Philadelphia Eagle’s front office had a busy off season signing big market free agents such as Nnamdi Asomugha and Jason Babin. Also, with the three weapons of Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson on offense it seemed as though the Eagles were poised to make a run at the Super Bowl this year, and many analysts predicted as much.

However, with the first quarter of the season in the books it looks as though this Eagles team lacks chemistry and toughness. After losing their third game in a row to San Francisco last week the Eagles dropped to 1-3 on the season, their first 3 game losing streak since 2007, and the problems they’ve encountered so far don’t seem to be quick fixes.

Though they’ve been decent against the passing attack, the much heralded Philadelphia defense is 30th in the league against the run. This has haunted them in their last three games, all of which they lost fourth quarter leads in. Losing leads in the fourth quarter, if nothing else, represents how soft the Eagles have played so far. it seems that they have a sense of entitlement, but that has gotten them nowhere fast.

Another key factor that Philadelphia is struggling with is red zone defense. the ability to stop people when it matters most is what distinguishes great teams from bad ones and the Eagles, who again rank at the bottom of the barrel in this category, have been unable to stop anyone once they get inside the 20-yard line. This can just be added to the list of signs that patching together a bunch of talented players doesn’t necessarily mean you will be a successful team.

Much blame has landed on the shoulders of first year defensive coordinator Juan Castillo, but it’s tough to stop people when the offense can’t hold onto the ball. the Eagles rank next to last in the league in turnover differential so far, losing 10 fumbles in this young season. the offensive line has had trouble all season protecting the injury prone Vick, who has thrown three interceptions, and this could come back to bite them later on down the road.

Now playing bad is one thing, but when you make the most headlines of any team in recent memory during the off season you are expected to perform. not everyone was immediately putting the Eagles in the Super Bowl, but I doubt anyone thought they would begin the season this poorly. with the momentum Vick carried from last season and the proven players they added to the roster it was considered a sure thing by the majority of NFL fans that the Eagles would be at the top of the NFC this year. the Eagles need a reality check and fast. no one is going to hand them wins and with the Redskins, Cowboys, and Giants in their division they need to forget about championships and just start winning games.

Even though the front office of the Eagles made several good acquisitions in free agency after the lockout ended, it is clear now that this team lacks continuity and identity. There simply wasn’t enough time to get everyone on the same page with limited amount of off season workouts and the shortened free agency period. the self-anointed ‘Dream Team’ is at the moment the biggest bust of them all.

TNJN – Cover Two: Biggest Surprise, Lions or Eagles?

The Top Ten Midseason Candidates for NFL MVP

by on May 9, 2010

Photo illustration by Eric Gillin, art from WireImage.com

Greetings, reader. And welcome to Peter Schrager’s weekly football column, which runs on Thursdays. You can read his archive here.

Twenty-six years ago, mark Moseley, a placekicker on the Washington Redskins, won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award. 1982 was a weird year in the NFL, highlighted by a strike-shortened nine-week season, a bizarre sixteen-team playoff tournament, and a Detroit Lions team that almost had a winning record. Moseley, the only kicker to ever win the MVP award, hit 21 straight field goals that season, several of them game-winners.

A kicker won’t win the 2008 MVP award — but who will is anyone’s guess. I emailed Sports Illustrated‘s Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman this week — he’s got Drew Brees, quarterback for the 4-4 New Orleans Saints, as his midseason MVP. Mike Silver at Yahoo! is going with 38-year-old Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner. John Czarnecki, senior NFL writer for FoxSports.com, picks Redskins running back Clinton Portis. Meanwhile, Ian Eagle, play-by-play man for CBS Sports, likes Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

“I’ve called ten weeks’ worth of games and have seen fourteen different teams in person and the MVP seems to change every Sunday,” says Eagle. “Right now, though, I’d say Haynesworth is the pick. He has been absolutely dominant for undefeated Tennessee.” a defensive tackle MVP? really?

This year, it’s completely possible. With few dominant teams and no breakout stars stealing headlines, Haynesworth is as legitimate a choice as any. But who do we endorse for the 2008 NFL midseason MVP? you may be surprised. Let’s break it down in descending order from 10 to 1:

10. Gus Frerotte, Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings

The Case for: Since taking over at quarterback in Week 3, the Vikings have gone 4-2, with key wins over NFC powers Carolina and New Orleans.

The Case Against: Adrian Peterson’s the real star. And, well, he’s Gus Frerotte.

9. Trent Edwards, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills

The Case for: Edwards has been the undisputed leader of a Bills team that looks headed to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. His fourth quarter play has been John Elway-esque.

The Case Against: Buffalo’s lost three of its last four, and is 0-2 against teams in the AFC East.

8. Chad Pennington, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins

The Case for: With efficiency and leadership, Pennington’s been the rock behind Miami’s surprising 4-4 start.

The Case Against: the Dolphins are currently in last place in the AFC East. Pennington hasn’t exactly lit up the stat sheets, either.

7. Albert Haynesworth, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans

The Case for: Tennessee’s defense has been the main reason behind the squad’s first 8-0 start in franchise history; Haynesworth is the All-Pro clog in the middle.

The Case Against: you could make the argument that linebacker Keith Bulluck, cornerback Cortland Finnegan, or running back Chris Johnson have all been the Titans’ team MVP — not Haynesworth — midway through the season.

6. Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons

The Case for: this rookie has led the Falcons to a shocking 5-3 start, and more importantly — helped hasten the rebuilding process of a franchise mired in negative publicity over the past eighteen months.

The Case Against: Rookies don’t win the MVP award in the NFL.

5. Donovan McNabb, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles

The Case for: With little to no media attention, McNabb’s putting up some of the best numbers of his career for a solid 5-3 team.

The Case Against: Philadelphia’s 0-2 in games against NFC East opponents.

4. Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints

The Case for: Brees is having a magical season, statistically. He’s first in completions, attempts, and passing yards; and second in completion percentage. With stars Reggie Bush, Jeremy Shockey, and Marques Colston all sidelined with injuries, Brees has carried the Saints on his back.

The Case Against: the Saints are currently 4-4 and in last place in a crowded NFC South.

3. Clinton Portis, Running Back, Washington Redskins

The Case for: Portis, the league’s leading rusher, has over 170 more rushing yards than the NFL’s second-best rusher, Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson. He’s the workhorse for an efficient Redskins offense.

The Case Against: Washington’s only 5-3 and you could argue that quarterback Jason Campbell’s been the even more valuable piece to the puzzle.

2. Kurt Warner, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals

The Case for: MVP of the league in 1999 and 2001, Warner’s led the Arizona Cardinals to the top of the NFC West with a 5-3 record. He leads the league in completion percentage and is second in passing yards and touchdowns.

The Case Against: though on top of the NFC West standings, Arizona’s lost three-of-five games played on the road.

So, who’s our pick for midseason MVP? Drum roll, please…

1. Jake Delhomme, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers:

The Case for: With Delhomme injured for large chunks of the past two seasons, Carolina missed the playoffs and struggled on offense. after undergoing controversial “Tommy John” surgery to repair his throwing arm over the off-season, Delhomme’s returned to the Panthers and led them to a surprising 6-2 start. Statistically, he’s been fine, but it’s the intangibles that make Delhomme worthy of our midseason MVP vote. Whether it was his last-second touchdown toss to beat San Diego in Week One, the stirring 14-point comeback versus Chicago in Week two, or Week Eight’s fourth-quarter rally to get by Arizona — it’s been Delhomme leading the way in Carolina from Day One. He’s everything you’d ever want in a veteran quarterback.

He’s everything you’d ever expect out of an MVP.

The Case Against: We can’t find one.

Fantasy Life: Joseph Addai, Midseason’s Least Valuable Player

Every season, one first-round draft pick turns into fantasy football’s version of toxic waste — the kind of guy you can’t give away, the kind who instantly dooms your season.

Last year, it was Shaun Alexander. Taken somewhere between third and eighth in most fantasy drafts last year, Alexander limped through an awful season, finishing with fewer than 800 yards and just four touchdowns. His 3.5 yards per carry average was the very worst of his eight-year career and his season was so disappointing, the Seahawks sent the former face of their franchise packing. To this day, there are fantasy owners waking up in cold sweats and muttering things in their sleep about #37.

This years model is Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai. in only his third year in the league, Addai entered the season expected to do big things. Taken in my three fantasy football drafts third, fourth, and fifth overall — Addai offered the Stephen Jackson/Brian Westbrook combo-platter, able to gain on the ground, catch passes, and rack up touchdowns. in 2007, Addai rushed for 1,072 yards, caught 41 balls, and scored 15 touchdowns. That’s a downright filthy fantasy football season.

This year? Addai’s been garbage. Battling a nagging hamstring injury, he’s suited up for just six of Indianapolis’s eight games. He’s also been running behind a makeshift offensive line made of journeymen and youngsters. Averaging a miserable 3.1 yards per carry and having only caught seven balls on the entire year, Addai looks downright Alexander-esque.

And yet, people start Addai every single week. Maybe it’s stubbornness, maybe it’s loyalty — but there’s something intangible between a fantasy owner and his first-round pick that just can’t be described. Every Joseph Addai fantasy owner in the nation is frustrated with his play this season. And yet, every one of them will continue to start him — through thick and thin — from here on out. Perhaps it’s faith and devotion. or perhaps it’s just the fear that the one week he’s on your bench will be the one week he explodes for 180 yards and 3 touchdowns.

So, Joseph Addai owners of the world unite! find solace in each other’s misery. Start a Facebook group, an online message board, do something — because it may get worse before it gets better. Addai ran the ball 17 times for just 32 yards last weekend. That’s good for 1.9 yards per carry.

But you Addai owners knew that already. Hell, you haven’t slept in five days because of it.

Three Questions with Lawrence Taylor

In New York last week to promote his new video game Blitz the League: II, I spoke with the eight-time all Pro and NFL Hall of Famer about football, life on the road, and his version of an NFL dream team.

What were your favorite NFL cities to visit on road trips?

A lot of guys used to think about who the other teams’ quarterbacks, running backs, and offensive linemen were before a road trip. I was pretty much concerned with two things: warm weather and the hoes. Miami and Atlanta had both. in both those cities, your head would be on a swivel the entire time. Great weather and beautiful women everywhere. Then on Sunday, it was all about the football.

Over the past couple of years, one of the major storylines in the NFL has been the antics of the league’s top wide receivers. How would you have handled one of today’s receivers in your locker room?

Some of today’s players are “me first.” I don’t like that kind of football. Back in my day, it was the players who’d handle those guys, not the coach. And all that — it would be worked out behind closed doors. Now, it’s different. Back then, the team leaders just wouldn’t allow it. If you wanted to act like that, you’d get your ass kicked. Everyone knew that. I’m not saying it’s better or worse — it’s just different.

Hypothetical situation. You’ve got to go to war with six other NFL players — past or present — three on offense and three on defense. Who are you taking with you to battle?

Well, my quarterback is Phil Simms. He’s my guy. He’ll lead us into battle. No doubt about that. At running back, I’m going with Jim Brown. At receiver, it’s Jerry Rice. Ain’t no question there. He’s the best to ever play the position. on defense, I’m going with Deacon Jones, because Deacon looks like he’s been in a bunch of battles. also, give me Strahan. Strahan’s consistent. I love his intensity. And the sixth guy has to be Ronnie Lott. Ronnie was just a man’s man. Back when I played, there was no one better in the game. He’s a phenomenon. No one’s played the safety position better since.

The Top Ten Midseason Candidates for NFL MVP