So as expected, the Lions were not done making moves so there are people on the final roster that weren't in camp when I made my prediction. Here's how mine fared against the actual roster (New players in bold):
Quarterback
- Predicted: D. Culpepper, M. Stafford, D. Stanton
- Actual: Same
Running Back
- Predicted: K. Smith, M. Morris, A. Brown
- Actual: Same
Fullback
-Predicted: Jerome Felton, Terrelle Smith
- Actual: Same
Wide Receiver
- Predicted: C. Johnson, B. Johnson, D. Northcut, D. Williams, D. Looker
- Actual: C. Johnson, B. Johnson, D. Northcut, D. Williams, Y. Figurs
- Analysis: Was shocked when both Looker and Standeford were cut.
Tight End
- Predicted: B. Pettigrew, D. Gronkowski, W. Heller
- Actual: Pettigrew, Heller, Fitzsimmons
- Analysis: thought they'd keep Gronk because he wouldn't get passed by other teams...we barely got him back.
Offensive Tackle
- Predicted: J. Backus, G. Cherilus, J. Jansen, E. Salaam
- Actual: Same
Offensive Guard
- Predicted: S. Peterman, D. Loper, M. Ramierez
- Actual: Same
Center
- Predicted: D. Raiola, D. Gerberry
- Actual: Raiola, Gandy
- Analysis: Gerberry is bound for the practice squad and Gandy is more versitile
Defensive Tackle
- Predicted: G. Jackson, C. Darby, S. Hill, L. Cohen, A. Fluellen
- Actual: Jackson, Cohen, Hill, Harris
- Analysis: Fluellen was kept but as an end and can still move inside
Defensive End
- Predicted: D. White, C. Avril, J. Hunter, I. Alama-Francis
- Actual: White, Avril, Hunter, Fluellen, Copeland Bryan
- Analysis: Goodbye IAF, hello Bryan!
Linebacker
- Predicted: E. Sims, L. Foote, J. Peterson, D. Levy, J. Dizon, Z. Follett, D. Bing
- Actual: Sims, Foote, Peterson, Levy, Dizon, Bing
- Analysis: The Special Teams beast Follett was relagated to the Practice Squad...maybe next year.
Cornerback
- Predicted: P. Buchannon, A. Henry, W. James, E. King, K. Smith
- Actual: Buchannon, Henry, James, King, Kevin Hobbs, Marcus McCauley
- Analysis: Again...people who I did not know were options...but 6 CB? Obviously they know this is a weak position.
Safety
- Predicted: L. Delmas, K. Pearson, M. Manuel, S. Schweigert
- Actual: Delmas, Pearson, Manuel, Ko Simpson
- Analysis: Another newbie slated to start though
Kicker
- Predicted: J. Hanson
- Actual: Same
Punter
- Predicted: N. Harris
- Actual: Same
Long-Snapper
- Predicted: D. Mulbach
- Actual: Same
Overall, not too shabby, only really missed on DT and TE.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Props to "Lions Pride"
Stumbled across these fan made videos with the help of Theo "Gridiron" Spight. Enjoy.
http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2009/8/31/1008612/lions-pride-fan-campaign
This one was my favorite. "Real Lions fans, don't date in the division." Classic:
http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2009/8/31/1008612/lions-pride-fan-campaign
This one was my favorite. "Real Lions fans, don't date in the division." Classic:
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Detroit Lions Final Roster Prediction
I mentioned yesterday that I was eager to see how the cuts would play out. Well I decided to put on my Jim Schwartz hat and take a crack at the final 53-man roster to see who makes it and who doesn't. I will go by position:
Quarterback
- Kept: D. Culpepper, M. Stafford, D. Stanton
- Cut: None
- Week 1 Starter: D. Culpepepr
- Obvious...with 3 spots to fill and 3 players to fill them, this was an easy one to start with.
Running Back
- Kept: K. Smith, M. Morris, A. Brown
- Cut: A. Cason, Tristan Davis
- Week 1 Starter: K. Smith
- The tough choicse here was Aaron Brown or Aveion Cason. I've made my feelings known on this issue. Also, who is Tristan Davis???
Fullback
- Kept: Jerome Felton, Terrelle Smith
- Cut: None
- Week 1 Starter: J. Felton
- Again...too easy, but I do love the Jumbo Package with both of these guys in the game at the same time.
Wide Receiver
- Kept: C. Johnson, B. Johnson, D. Northcut, D. Williams, D. Looker
- Cut: J. Standeford, K. Colbert, A. Jennings, G. Holt
- Week 1 Starters: C. Johnson, B. Johnson, D. Northcut (Slot)
- This one hurts me because I love John Standeford. I think he does things the right way and busts his butt all day. He just doesn't offer anything on Special Teams. If Northcut is not ready to go, then I think he makes the squad.
Tight End
- Kept: B. Pettigrew, D. Gronkowski, W. Heller
- Cut: C. Fitzsimmons, C. Butler
- Week 1 Starter: B. Pettigrew
- Fitzsimmons has been a Lion for a while, which should earn him some kind of award, but I think his time has run out. He has been outpreformed by both Heller and, surprisingly, Gronkowski, who looks like he was a steal in the 7th round. I doubt Gronkowski would clear waivers so that we could put him on the practice squad otherwise I'd flip-flop him and Fitz.
Offensive Tackle
- Kept: J. Backus, G. Cherilus, J. Jansen, E. Salaam
- Cut: L. Murtha
- Week 1 Starters: Backus & Cherilus
- I was not sure how many tackles would be kept, so I am guessing 4, especially with the Lions woes at O-Line. Cherilus should be cemented at Right Tackle, but if Backus struggles, don't be surprised if Jansen vaults him for the starting slot.
Offensive Guard
- Kept: S. Peterman, D. Loper, M. Ramierez
- Cut: M. Brown, T. Metcalf
- Week 1 Starters: Loper & Peterman
- I wish we were stronger here, but we just aren't.
Center
- Kept: D. Raiola, D. Gerberry
- Cut: D. Gandy
- Week 1 Starter: Raiola
- None of the reserves are reliable options at backup center.
Defensive Tackle
- Kept: G. Jackson, C. Darby, S. Hill, L. Cohen, A. Fluellen
- Cut: O. Harris, S. Smith
- Week 1 Starters: Jackson & Darby
- It was hard to pick starters here especially because it will be D-Tackle by committee with players swapping in and out on run and pass downs. Something about Smith just turns me off, and since IAF can play inside as well we can afford one less tackle.
Defensive End
- Kept: D. White, C. Avril, J. Hunter, I. Alama-Francis
- Cut: O. Martin, S. Conover
- Week 1 Starters: D. White, J. Hunter
- Need a reliable option opposite White and Avril has not become the D-End we want him to. We also have Fluellen that can play End.
Linebacker
- Kept: E. Sims, L. Foote, J. Peterson, D. Levy, J. Dizon, Z. Follett, D. Bing
- Cut: R. Alexander, S. Smith
- Week 1 Starters: Sims, Peterson, & Foote
- I was only going to put 6 here and cut Follett who I have a man-crush on, but after the way he hit on Special Teams in Preseason game 3, I had to keep him and trim the fat elsewhere.
Cornerback
-Kept: P. Buchannon, A. Henry, W. James, E. King, K. Smith
- Cut: R. Robinson, C. Roberson
- Week 1 Starters: P. Buchannon & A. Henry
- Smith could be out and Robinson in depending on how the injury to Smith plays out. I would love if they were able to move Henry to Safety to play opposite Delmas, but they don't have a reliable CB to play opposite Buchannon.
Safety
- Kept: L. Delmas, K. Pearson, M. Manuel, S. Schweigert
- Cut: C. Lowry
- Week 1 Starters: Delmas & Pearson
- Delmas is a lock to start, but the other spot is still up for grabs. The only reason I pencilled in Pearson is because he has been starting next to Delmas.
Kicker
- Kept: J. Hanson
- Cut: B. Cundiff
- Week 1 Starter: Hanson
- Could be Cundiff if Hanson's recovery takes longer
Punter
- Kept: N. Harris
- Cut: none
- Week 1 Starter: Harris
- Duh
Long-Snapper
- Kept: D. Mulbach
- Cut: None
- Week 1 Starter: Mulbach
- Duh
Quarterback
- Kept: D. Culpepper, M. Stafford, D. Stanton
- Cut: None
- Week 1 Starter: D. Culpepepr
- Obvious...with 3 spots to fill and 3 players to fill them, this was an easy one to start with.
Running Back
- Kept: K. Smith, M. Morris, A. Brown
- Cut: A. Cason, Tristan Davis
- Week 1 Starter: K. Smith
- The tough choicse here was Aaron Brown or Aveion Cason. I've made my feelings known on this issue. Also, who is Tristan Davis???
Fullback
- Kept: Jerome Felton, Terrelle Smith
- Cut: None
- Week 1 Starter: J. Felton
- Again...too easy, but I do love the Jumbo Package with both of these guys in the game at the same time.
Wide Receiver
- Kept: C. Johnson, B. Johnson, D. Northcut, D. Williams, D. Looker
- Cut: J. Standeford, K. Colbert, A. Jennings, G. Holt
- Week 1 Starters: C. Johnson, B. Johnson, D. Northcut (Slot)
- This one hurts me because I love John Standeford. I think he does things the right way and busts his butt all day. He just doesn't offer anything on Special Teams. If Northcut is not ready to go, then I think he makes the squad.
Tight End
- Kept: B. Pettigrew, D. Gronkowski, W. Heller
- Cut: C. Fitzsimmons, C. Butler
- Week 1 Starter: B. Pettigrew
- Fitzsimmons has been a Lion for a while, which should earn him some kind of award, but I think his time has run out. He has been outpreformed by both Heller and, surprisingly, Gronkowski, who looks like he was a steal in the 7th round. I doubt Gronkowski would clear waivers so that we could put him on the practice squad otherwise I'd flip-flop him and Fitz.
Offensive Tackle
- Kept: J. Backus, G. Cherilus, J. Jansen, E. Salaam
- Cut: L. Murtha
- Week 1 Starters: Backus & Cherilus
- I was not sure how many tackles would be kept, so I am guessing 4, especially with the Lions woes at O-Line. Cherilus should be cemented at Right Tackle, but if Backus struggles, don't be surprised if Jansen vaults him for the starting slot.
Offensive Guard
- Kept: S. Peterman, D. Loper, M. Ramierez
- Cut: M. Brown, T. Metcalf
- Week 1 Starters: Loper & Peterman
- I wish we were stronger here, but we just aren't.
Center
- Kept: D. Raiola, D. Gerberry
- Cut: D. Gandy
- Week 1 Starter: Raiola
- None of the reserves are reliable options at backup center.
Defensive Tackle
- Kept: G. Jackson, C. Darby, S. Hill, L. Cohen, A. Fluellen
- Cut: O. Harris, S. Smith
- Week 1 Starters: Jackson & Darby
- It was hard to pick starters here especially because it will be D-Tackle by committee with players swapping in and out on run and pass downs. Something about Smith just turns me off, and since IAF can play inside as well we can afford one less tackle.
Defensive End
- Kept: D. White, C. Avril, J. Hunter, I. Alama-Francis
- Cut: O. Martin, S. Conover
- Week 1 Starters: D. White, J. Hunter
- Need a reliable option opposite White and Avril has not become the D-End we want him to. We also have Fluellen that can play End.
Linebacker
- Kept: E. Sims, L. Foote, J. Peterson, D. Levy, J. Dizon, Z. Follett, D. Bing
- Cut: R. Alexander, S. Smith
- Week 1 Starters: Sims, Peterson, & Foote
- I was only going to put 6 here and cut Follett who I have a man-crush on, but after the way he hit on Special Teams in Preseason game 3, I had to keep him and trim the fat elsewhere.
Cornerback
-Kept: P. Buchannon, A. Henry, W. James, E. King, K. Smith
- Cut: R. Robinson, C. Roberson
- Week 1 Starters: P. Buchannon & A. Henry
- Smith could be out and Robinson in depending on how the injury to Smith plays out. I would love if they were able to move Henry to Safety to play opposite Delmas, but they don't have a reliable CB to play opposite Buchannon.
Safety
- Kept: L. Delmas, K. Pearson, M. Manuel, S. Schweigert
- Cut: C. Lowry
- Week 1 Starters: Delmas & Pearson
- Delmas is a lock to start, but the other spot is still up for grabs. The only reason I pencilled in Pearson is because he has been starting next to Delmas.
Kicker
- Kept: J. Hanson
- Cut: B. Cundiff
- Week 1 Starter: Hanson
- Could be Cundiff if Hanson's recovery takes longer
Punter
- Kept: N. Harris
- Cut: none
- Week 1 Starter: Harris
- Duh
Long-Snapper
- Kept: D. Mulbach
- Cut: None
- Week 1 Starter: Mulbach
- Duh
Monday, August 31, 2009
Quick Lions Thoughts
1) Cut Aveion Cason - Schwartz did the right thing in not having him return kicks against Indy and he has added nothing to the running game when he has been in.
2) Keep Aaron Brown - this ties with #1. He did as well as, if not better than, Cason at returning kicks and is explosive on offense...not to mention he is younger. Keep him.
3) Offensive and Defensive Lines look improved - they still are not good, but they are getting more push and are working towards respectability. They have a long way to go.
4) Louis Delmas needs to relax and slow down - I love the guy and even bought his jersey today being the WMU Bronco slappy that I am, but Killer Kowalski put it well in his article on MLive.com here. While the "home-run" hit is good and I love that he looks for it, we don't need it every play. Sometimes it is better to wrap up and just make a fundamentally sound tackle.
5) QB controversy can be a good thing - In the past we were forced to choose between powerhouses such as Joey Harrington and Mike McMahon. Culpepper and Stafford are both playing well. I love that for once, we get to decide between 2 QBs that APPEAR to be competant.
6) Offense will not be a proble, but Defense will - this should have been obvious before training camp even began. Defense was our biggest area of need last year, we did not address it enough in the offseason. The Linebackers are much improved, D-Line is still a weakness (despite #3 above), and the jury is out on the secondary.
7) I like the addition of the screen pass - The screen can be a great weapon, both as a play and in what it accomplishes. It keeps blitzing defenses honest. If you expose a blitz once or twice, then the defense will not be in your face as much. I like that we are utilizing it.
8) I am very interested in what is going to happen during cut week this week. 1 cut either today or tomorrow and then the big cut on Saturday.
9) Lastly - who will be WR #5? - in my opinion, the first 4 are locked up. Johnson, Johnson, Northcut, and D. Williams. I think that it is a 2-horse race for #5 between John Standeford and Dane Looker. Standeford is a good possession receiver and Looker is a veteran slot receiver with experience in Linehan's offense and punt returning skills. I've always liked Standeford and his reliable hands, but he doesn't add much in the area of Special Teams which is what you want out of a 5th receiver.
2) Keep Aaron Brown - this ties with #1. He did as well as, if not better than, Cason at returning kicks and is explosive on offense...not to mention he is younger. Keep him.
3) Offensive and Defensive Lines look improved - they still are not good, but they are getting more push and are working towards respectability. They have a long way to go.
4) Louis Delmas needs to relax and slow down - I love the guy and even bought his jersey today being the WMU Bronco slappy that I am, but Killer Kowalski put it well in his article on MLive.com here. While the "home-run" hit is good and I love that he looks for it, we don't need it every play. Sometimes it is better to wrap up and just make a fundamentally sound tackle.
5) QB controversy can be a good thing - In the past we were forced to choose between powerhouses such as Joey Harrington and Mike McMahon. Culpepper and Stafford are both playing well. I love that for once, we get to decide between 2 QBs that APPEAR to be competant.
6) Offense will not be a proble, but Defense will - this should have been obvious before training camp even began. Defense was our biggest area of need last year, we did not address it enough in the offseason. The Linebackers are much improved, D-Line is still a weakness (despite #3 above), and the jury is out on the secondary.
7) I like the addition of the screen pass - The screen can be a great weapon, both as a play and in what it accomplishes. It keeps blitzing defenses honest. If you expose a blitz once or twice, then the defense will not be in your face as much. I like that we are utilizing it.
8) I am very interested in what is going to happen during cut week this week. 1 cut either today or tomorrow and then the big cut on Saturday.
9) Lastly - who will be WR #5? - in my opinion, the first 4 are locked up. Johnson, Johnson, Northcut, and D. Williams. I think that it is a 2-horse race for #5 between John Standeford and Dane Looker. Standeford is a good possession receiver and Looker is a veteran slot receiver with experience in Linehan's offense and punt returning skills. I've always liked Standeford and his reliable hands, but he doesn't add much in the area of Special Teams which is what you want out of a 5th receiver.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Bold *** Lions Predictions and Schedule Breakdown
Stealing the bit from my favorite mid-day radio show, I'm going to make some predictions about the Lions upcoming season...some will seem outrageous, but I thought going 0-16 was impossible, so who's to say any of these are unreachable. And awaaaaay we go....
- Calvin Johnson will lead the NFL in receiving yards (not too bold, but I need to ease my way into this)
- Duante Culpepper will begin the season as the starting quarterback, but will be replaced by Matt Stafford starting in Week 8 against St. Louis.
- Louis Delmas will become the defensive playmaking safety that the Lions have been missing since Bennie Blades.
- Zach Follett will make the squad as the final linebacker and Special Teamer and will consistantly unload on opposing players on kick offs.
- Kevin Smith will rush for 1,200 yards have 40 catches and get double digit touchdowns.
- Jon Jansen will regain form and supplant Jeff Backus at starting Left Tackle.
- Jerome Felton will be the Lions 3rd rusher behind Kevin Smith and Duante Culpepper (sorry Maurice Morris).
- At some point during the season, the Lions will add a veteran Wide Receiver to the roster
- At least 2 of the following will make the Pro-Bowl: Calvin Johnson, Ernie Sims, Julian Peterson, Nick Harris, and Louis Delmas.
Now on to the most important predictions...the record...
Season Schedule Breakdown
Week 1 - @ New Orleans
New Orleans offensive strength is their explosive passing attack and Detroit's secondary will be tested and more than likely exposed right off the bat. It is no secret that while Detroit has improved their offense, their most glaring weakness remains the defense and I don't think the Schwartz will shore it up this quickly.
Result - Loss (0-1)
Week 2 - Minnesota
Cue up the enevitable Brett Favre: Lion killer" comments here. The fact of the matter is, Favre is pushing 40 and the Vikings are AP's team. The Lions have done an OK job of containing Peterson recently, and by OK, I mean he hasn't completely embarassed us. If they can hold him to under 100 yards rushing, I think we win. Even though the Vikings defense is tough, the Lions will be able to put up enough points and the Lions get the monkey off their back early in the season.
Result - Win (1-1)
Week 3 - Washington
This one just feels like a loss. I know the Marinelli Lions got smoked by the skins and that this is a "different team," but it still feels like a loss. New addition Haynesworth helps stuff the Lions running attack and lets them drop into coverage. Portis runs wild.
Result - Loss (1-2)
Week 4 - @ Chicago
The Lions take a plane, train, scooter, skateboard, and taxi to get to Soldier Field and ex-coach Rod Marinelli. The Bears defense is always tough and the offense is improved with Kyle Orton gone and Jay Cutler in. The Lions defense struggles and the offense keeps it close, but not close enough and the Lions lose a tight one.
Result - Loss (1-3)
Week 5 - Pittsburgh
Defending Super Bowl Champions...enough said.
Result - Loss (1-4)
Week 6 - @ Green Bay
The Lions finally do not have to play at Lambeau Field in the dead of winter. It's early in the season and the Packers are trying to work out the kinks in the 3-4 defense. Lions lose in a shootout with the high-powered offense of Rodgers, Jennings, Driver, and Grant.
Result - Loss (1-5)
Week 7 - Bye
Week 8 - St. Louis
Last year the only reason that people weren't talking about how bad the St. Louis Rams were was because the Lions were that much worse. the fact is that the Rams have lost more than they have gained and as long as the Lions can contain Steven Jackson, this game is a lock. With an extra week to prepare, the Lions will be primed for a win. Side Note: this is the week I predict Stafford will take over the starting QB job.
Result - Win (2-5)
Week 9 - @ Seattle
Detroit gets a look at what they could have had in Aaron Curry. Julian Peterson and Cory Redding each get a shot at their respective former teams. Neither team shows up on offense, but Seattle has enough to eek out a win.
Result - Loss (2-6)
Week 10 - @ Minnesota
The Vikings are out for revenge at home. Peterson runs wild and Favre shows a brief flash of what he used to be. Vikings get even with a win.
Result - Loss (2-7)
Week 11 - Cleveland
The only repeat game from the Preseason slate of games. The 1st and 2nd units did not look good in that game, but they did not have their top 3 receivers and were not "game-planning" for the Browns. The Schwartz shows the Browns what they should have seen in Preseason Week 2.
Result - Win (3-7)
Week 12 - Green Bay (Thanksgiving)
Now its the Lions chance at some revenge. In what will likely be 1 of only 3 or 4 home games that is not blacked out, the Lions will put up a good showing on Thanksgiving. They will have had a couple games against the 3-4 defense and will give the Lions fans a holiday treat.
Result - Win (4-7)
Week 13 - @ Cincinnati
I just don't think the Bengels are any good this year. Even though Chad Ochocinco can kick if needed, he won't be able to boot the Lions out of town easilly. Megatron uses his height advantage over the small corners and has a BIG game.
Result - Win (5-7)
Week 14 - @ Baltimore
Baltimore's Defense is too much for the Lions to handle and Joe Flacco manages the game well enough for the Ravens to win at home.
Result - Loss (5-8)
Week 15 - Arizona
Detroit's secondary is a weakness and the Arizona air attack will exploit it this week. Expect big numbers from Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston.
Result - Loss (5-9)
Week 16 - @ San Francisco
I'm torn on this one, because San Francisco is not great, but frankly neither are the Lions. In a tight game here Frank Gore and company take advantage of having the home crowd on their side. Lions lose a close one.
Result - Loss (5-10)
Week 17 - Chicago
I wish that the Lions were able to split with the division, especially since Marinelli is on the other side of this one, but I just don't see the Bears losing to the Lions this year, call it a gut reaction more than anything. Cutler, Forte, Urlacher, Hester, and Olsen lead the Bears to a season ending victory, but not a blowout by any means.
Result - Loss (5-11)
- Calvin Johnson will lead the NFL in receiving yards (not too bold, but I need to ease my way into this)
- Duante Culpepper will begin the season as the starting quarterback, but will be replaced by Matt Stafford starting in Week 8 against St. Louis.
- Louis Delmas will become the defensive playmaking safety that the Lions have been missing since Bennie Blades.
- Zach Follett will make the squad as the final linebacker and Special Teamer and will consistantly unload on opposing players on kick offs.
- Kevin Smith will rush for 1,200 yards have 40 catches and get double digit touchdowns.
- Jon Jansen will regain form and supplant Jeff Backus at starting Left Tackle.
- Jerome Felton will be the Lions 3rd rusher behind Kevin Smith and Duante Culpepper (sorry Maurice Morris).
- At some point during the season, the Lions will add a veteran Wide Receiver to the roster
- At least 2 of the following will make the Pro-Bowl: Calvin Johnson, Ernie Sims, Julian Peterson, Nick Harris, and Louis Delmas.
Now on to the most important predictions...the record...
Season Schedule Breakdown
Week 1 - @ New Orleans
New Orleans offensive strength is their explosive passing attack and Detroit's secondary will be tested and more than likely exposed right off the bat. It is no secret that while Detroit has improved their offense, their most glaring weakness remains the defense and I don't think the Schwartz will shore it up this quickly.
Result - Loss (0-1)
Week 2 - Minnesota
Cue up the enevitable Brett Favre: Lion killer" comments here. The fact of the matter is, Favre is pushing 40 and the Vikings are AP's team. The Lions have done an OK job of containing Peterson recently, and by OK, I mean he hasn't completely embarassed us. If they can hold him to under 100 yards rushing, I think we win. Even though the Vikings defense is tough, the Lions will be able to put up enough points and the Lions get the monkey off their back early in the season.
Result - Win (1-1)
Week 3 - Washington
This one just feels like a loss. I know the Marinelli Lions got smoked by the skins and that this is a "different team," but it still feels like a loss. New addition Haynesworth helps stuff the Lions running attack and lets them drop into coverage. Portis runs wild.
Result - Loss (1-2)
Week 4 - @ Chicago
The Lions take a plane, train, scooter, skateboard, and taxi to get to Soldier Field and ex-coach Rod Marinelli. The Bears defense is always tough and the offense is improved with Kyle Orton gone and Jay Cutler in. The Lions defense struggles and the offense keeps it close, but not close enough and the Lions lose a tight one.
Result - Loss (1-3)
Week 5 - Pittsburgh
Defending Super Bowl Champions...enough said.
Result - Loss (1-4)
Week 6 - @ Green Bay
The Lions finally do not have to play at Lambeau Field in the dead of winter. It's early in the season and the Packers are trying to work out the kinks in the 3-4 defense. Lions lose in a shootout with the high-powered offense of Rodgers, Jennings, Driver, and Grant.
Result - Loss (1-5)
Week 7 - Bye
Week 8 - St. Louis
Last year the only reason that people weren't talking about how bad the St. Louis Rams were was because the Lions were that much worse. the fact is that the Rams have lost more than they have gained and as long as the Lions can contain Steven Jackson, this game is a lock. With an extra week to prepare, the Lions will be primed for a win. Side Note: this is the week I predict Stafford will take over the starting QB job.
Result - Win (2-5)
Week 9 - @ Seattle
Detroit gets a look at what they could have had in Aaron Curry. Julian Peterson and Cory Redding each get a shot at their respective former teams. Neither team shows up on offense, but Seattle has enough to eek out a win.
Result - Loss (2-6)
Week 10 - @ Minnesota
The Vikings are out for revenge at home. Peterson runs wild and Favre shows a brief flash of what he used to be. Vikings get even with a win.
Result - Loss (2-7)
Week 11 - Cleveland
The only repeat game from the Preseason slate of games. The 1st and 2nd units did not look good in that game, but they did not have their top 3 receivers and were not "game-planning" for the Browns. The Schwartz shows the Browns what they should have seen in Preseason Week 2.
Result - Win (3-7)
Week 12 - Green Bay (Thanksgiving)
Now its the Lions chance at some revenge. In what will likely be 1 of only 3 or 4 home games that is not blacked out, the Lions will put up a good showing on Thanksgiving. They will have had a couple games against the 3-4 defense and will give the Lions fans a holiday treat.
Result - Win (4-7)
Week 13 - @ Cincinnati
I just don't think the Bengels are any good this year. Even though Chad Ochocinco can kick if needed, he won't be able to boot the Lions out of town easilly. Megatron uses his height advantage over the small corners and has a BIG game.
Result - Win (5-7)
Week 14 - @ Baltimore
Baltimore's Defense is too much for the Lions to handle and Joe Flacco manages the game well enough for the Ravens to win at home.
Result - Loss (5-8)
Week 15 - Arizona
Detroit's secondary is a weakness and the Arizona air attack will exploit it this week. Expect big numbers from Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston.
Result - Loss (5-9)
Week 16 - @ San Francisco
I'm torn on this one, because San Francisco is not great, but frankly neither are the Lions. In a tight game here Frank Gore and company take advantage of having the home crowd on their side. Lions lose a close one.
Result - Loss (5-10)
Week 17 - Chicago
I wish that the Lions were able to split with the division, especially since Marinelli is on the other side of this one, but I just don't see the Bears losing to the Lions this year, call it a gut reaction more than anything. Cutler, Forte, Urlacher, Hester, and Olsen lead the Bears to a season ending victory, but not a blowout by any means.
Result - Loss (5-11)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Good for Michigan State!
Keep in mind that I am fairly biased to small schools (more specifically the MAC) being that I am a Western Michigan Grad.
I have to applaud the football program and Mark Hollis the A.D. at Michigan State. The ten-year deal that they made with Western Mich., Central Mich., and Eastern Mich. to play 12 games may not be the best football decision that they could have made for themselves, but it was a great P.R. move and is fantastic for the MAC schools. In the deal, each of the MAC teams will play 3 games at State and 1 at home somewhere during the 10 year span.
Financially, this deal is good across the board. As a part of the terms, the MAC school will take a reduced "appearance fee" for each time that they play at MSU which will allow State to save money. Additionally, the MAC schools will save money on travel expenses by traveling in state as opposed to Nebraska, Iowa, Florida, or other states for non-conference action. I know that State rarely has trouble selling out, or coming close, for their home games, but with their opponents being in-state, they are sure to sell out. On the flip side, fans of the MAC schools will get the rare opportunity to see their school play a road game, and not have to break the bank to do so. It is also a boon for the MAC schools during the home games on the slate, because they will draw a large MSU contingent not to mention a significantly higher portion of their own student population. I would venture to say that these games would be sold out.
Finally, this deal will be good for the economy of the State of Michigan during these hard times because it will be keeping the money in-state. Local businesses will see a rise in patronage on these weekends and not to mention the increase in traffic for night-life establishments.
I know that MSU fans might complain about this because of the possibilty that, especially in the MAC home games, they will be traveling to a hostile environment with an increased chance (small as it may be) at losing to a smaller, non-BCS, school. I can sympathize with them, but at the same time, I don't care. As a MAC fan, I was always frustrated that the Big-10 schools, especially the in-state ones, never had the courage to come to Kalamazoo, or Mt. Pleasant, or even Ypsilanti. This is why I have to applaud MSU, their athletic department, Mark Dantonio, and the entire football program. Cheers and GO BRONCOS!
UNRELATED BUT AWESOME:
Chad Ochocinco Kicks a field goal and kicks-off while Shayne Graham is injured.
I have to applaud the football program and Mark Hollis the A.D. at Michigan State. The ten-year deal that they made with Western Mich., Central Mich., and Eastern Mich. to play 12 games may not be the best football decision that they could have made for themselves, but it was a great P.R. move and is fantastic for the MAC schools. In the deal, each of the MAC teams will play 3 games at State and 1 at home somewhere during the 10 year span.
Financially, this deal is good across the board. As a part of the terms, the MAC school will take a reduced "appearance fee" for each time that they play at MSU which will allow State to save money. Additionally, the MAC schools will save money on travel expenses by traveling in state as opposed to Nebraska, Iowa, Florida, or other states for non-conference action. I know that State rarely has trouble selling out, or coming close, for their home games, but with their opponents being in-state, they are sure to sell out. On the flip side, fans of the MAC schools will get the rare opportunity to see their school play a road game, and not have to break the bank to do so. It is also a boon for the MAC schools during the home games on the slate, because they will draw a large MSU contingent not to mention a significantly higher portion of their own student population. I would venture to say that these games would be sold out.
Finally, this deal will be good for the economy of the State of Michigan during these hard times because it will be keeping the money in-state. Local businesses will see a rise in patronage on these weekends and not to mention the increase in traffic for night-life establishments.
I know that MSU fans might complain about this because of the possibilty that, especially in the MAC home games, they will be traveling to a hostile environment with an increased chance (small as it may be) at losing to a smaller, non-BCS, school. I can sympathize with them, but at the same time, I don't care. As a MAC fan, I was always frustrated that the Big-10 schools, especially the in-state ones, never had the courage to come to Kalamazoo, or Mt. Pleasant, or even Ypsilanti. This is why I have to applaud MSU, their athletic department, Mark Dantonio, and the entire football program. Cheers and GO BRONCOS!
UNRELATED BUT AWESOME:
Chad Ochocinco Kicks a field goal and kicks-off while Shayne Graham is injured.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Welcome!! Favre = Classy
This is my first foray into blogging that is for anyone's eyes other than mine. Ford those who don't know me, my name is Andy and I love my sports. These pages are going to be an outlet for my thoughts mainly on sports related topic, but I'll try not to limit myself.
You will probably find that my posts will have a little "Mowtown lean" in that I will probably talk about Detroit sports....a lot. If that is not your cup of tea, sorry, but it is what it is. To get things rolling though, I wanted to hit the hot topic in the NFL as of today...Brett Favre.
I obviously can only speak for myself, but Brett Favre has got to hang it up. I am so fed up with the Brett Favre saga. Flashback to March 2008...Brett Favre retires. Now I admit, as an avid follower of NFL football, this was a big deal and (guilty) I watched a lot of the ESPN lovefest that day. I couldn't help myself, he was and still remains one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Then flash forward 4 months...Favre is back. He Re-ups with Green Bay and then is subsequently traded to the Jets. This move I could understand. The guy steps away from football and once training camp rolls around, he gets the itch and has to come back. Ok I get it.
He played out the 08-09 season and, in my opinion, he cost the Jets the playoffs with the way he played in the last 5 weeks. Then surprise surprise, he retires again. Again, I get it. The coverage by the network was again, grossly slanted in the Favre direction, but I stayed strong this time and tuned it out.
Here's where I lose it. With training camps approaching, Brett decides he's still not done. "Brett Favre: contemplating a comeback!" He even had his own spot on the ESPN crawl. At this point, I knew that he was going to come back and play for yet another team. It was just a matter of which sucker was going to bite. Low and behold, here comes Minnesota. Resting all of their hopes on this 39 year old shell of his former self. Favre essentially holds them hostage during training camp, but we all knew, he wasn't showing up in anyone's training camp. Sure enough he decided that he was going to enjoy his retirement (but the papers were never filed).
Preseason Week 1: Vikings play, Rosenfels outplays Jackson. Then Monday rolls around and we see this. The sports world is abuzz! The saga finally ends with Favre in Minnesota on Tuesday...signed, sealed, delivered, and practicing (Funny thing, the rumors say he will start this weekend's preseason game...with a whole 3.5 days of practice-me thinks Mr. Favre had the playbook all along, but more on that later).
So now what? If I were Sage Rosenfels or Tavaris Jackson, I would be fuming. Put yourself into their shoes, or for that matter, any of the other players who have been there since day #1. This guy can just step right in, without having gone through the hot August 2-a-days, and possibly start on 3.5 days of practice??? What a joke. Like I said before, he held this organization and its fan base hostage just dangling in front of them the possibility of him coming back. If I were them, I would not even want to see him in a Vikings jersey. The only people likely to be excited over this are the lovely people at ESPN and of course John Madden whose man-love for Favre is legend-wait for it-dary.
I can't believe that Minnesota really needs him. This is Adrian Peterson's team. All Favre is going to do is turn around, hand-off the ball, and throw a handful of play-action passes. Either of the other QBs on roster could do that. I feel like the NFC Central is so weak that the Vikings were probably going to win the division without him (Apologies to my beloved Lions), does this make it more of a lock...maybe, but I don't think so. I refer you to his stat line in the last 5 weeks of last season.
With all of that being said, Brett Favre may be a top 5 all time quarterback, a lock for the hall of fame, and have a world class arm, but in the end he is a world class jerk.
You will probably find that my posts will have a little "Mowtown lean" in that I will probably talk about Detroit sports....a lot. If that is not your cup of tea, sorry, but it is what it is. To get things rolling though, I wanted to hit the hot topic in the NFL as of today...Brett Favre.
I obviously can only speak for myself, but Brett Favre has got to hang it up. I am so fed up with the Brett Favre saga. Flashback to March 2008...Brett Favre retires. Now I admit, as an avid follower of NFL football, this was a big deal and (guilty) I watched a lot of the ESPN lovefest that day. I couldn't help myself, he was and still remains one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Then flash forward 4 months...Favre is back. He Re-ups with Green Bay and then is subsequently traded to the Jets. This move I could understand. The guy steps away from football and once training camp rolls around, he gets the itch and has to come back. Ok I get it.
He played out the 08-09 season and, in my opinion, he cost the Jets the playoffs with the way he played in the last 5 weeks. Then surprise surprise, he retires again. Again, I get it. The coverage by the network was again, grossly slanted in the Favre direction, but I stayed strong this time and tuned it out.
Here's where I lose it. With training camps approaching, Brett decides he's still not done. "Brett Favre: contemplating a comeback!" He even had his own spot on the ESPN crawl. At this point, I knew that he was going to come back and play for yet another team. It was just a matter of which sucker was going to bite. Low and behold, here comes Minnesota. Resting all of their hopes on this 39 year old shell of his former self. Favre essentially holds them hostage during training camp, but we all knew, he wasn't showing up in anyone's training camp. Sure enough he decided that he was going to enjoy his retirement (but the papers were never filed).
Preseason Week 1: Vikings play, Rosenfels outplays Jackson. Then Monday rolls around and we see this. The sports world is abuzz! The saga finally ends with Favre in Minnesota on Tuesday...signed, sealed, delivered, and practicing (Funny thing, the rumors say he will start this weekend's preseason game...with a whole 3.5 days of practice-me thinks Mr. Favre had the playbook all along, but more on that later).
So now what? If I were Sage Rosenfels or Tavaris Jackson, I would be fuming. Put yourself into their shoes, or for that matter, any of the other players who have been there since day #1. This guy can just step right in, without having gone through the hot August 2-a-days, and possibly start on 3.5 days of practice??? What a joke. Like I said before, he held this organization and its fan base hostage just dangling in front of them the possibility of him coming back. If I were them, I would not even want to see him in a Vikings jersey. The only people likely to be excited over this are the lovely people at ESPN and of course John Madden whose man-love for Favre is legend-wait for it-dary.
I can't believe that Minnesota really needs him. This is Adrian Peterson's team. All Favre is going to do is turn around, hand-off the ball, and throw a handful of play-action passes. Either of the other QBs on roster could do that. I feel like the NFC Central is so weak that the Vikings were probably going to win the division without him (Apologies to my beloved Lions), does this make it more of a lock...maybe, but I don't think so. I refer you to his stat line in the last 5 weeks of last season.
With all of that being said, Brett Favre may be a top 5 all time quarterback, a lock for the hall of fame, and have a world class arm, but in the end he is a world class jerk.
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