Friday Notes: Calvin Johnson Returns to Practice
by Sean Yuille on Oct 30, 2009 12:48 AM EDT
in Notes
82 comments
- My confidence level in a Lions victory over the Rams has changed quite a bit this week. On Monday, with there still being no word on the status of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, I was predicting a Lions victory, but there wasn't a ton of confidence behind that. After Tuesday, I started to gain more confidence after learning that Stafford had returned to practice. My confidence grew even more one day later after hearing that Stafford had again practiced. After yesterday, my confidence in a Lions victory rose to an all-time high, because Calvin Johnson returned to practice. As long as Johnson's knee responds well to the practice and he doesn't suffer any setbacks, it appears that the Lions' deep-ball connection between Stafford and Megatron will be on the field on Sunday. That's great news considering the Rams will likely present many opportunities to go deep, which could make for a big day for both Stafford and Johnson.
- Stafford practiced for the third day in a row on Thursday, so I would peg his chances of playing on Sunday as probable. It appears that he should be good to go barring any unforeseen setbacks.
- Terrelle Smith returned to practice on Thursday, whereas Jason Hunter and Zack Follett were sidelined with an ankle injury and an illness, respectively.
- Gunther Cunningham apparently has a list of players that are basically on notice, and if they don't start playing better, they will be headed to the bench.
- Brandon Pettigrew is surprisingly on pace to have a great rookie season by a tight end's standards.
- Larry Foote would "love" to finish his career in Detroit.
- Here is an interesting (and depressing) stat on Sunday's game from Inhistoric, SB Nation's sports history blog (HT: Turf Show Times):
Next Sunday's matchup between the Rams and the Detroit Lions will be one for the history books (no, seriously). Both teams have lost 17 of 18 games and 25 of their last 27. And if the Rams go 0-16, and it would make this game the only matchup in NFL history between a team coming off a win-less season and a team on its way to a win-less season.
Some people are dubbing this the "Toilet Bowl" on account of how bad the Lions and Rams have been in recent history. I think that would only be an accurate description if Stafford and Megatron don't play. - Carson Butler has been signed to the 49ers' practice squad.
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Toilet Bowl
Man, that just sucks.
I’m definitely more confident with both Staff and CJ looking as if they will be playing. But, for some unknown reason, I’m still worried, maybe I just haven’t got used to the favouritism yet. Well, I’ll be here game time anyway, cheering us on to our to what I’m hoping is our second victory.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Oct 30, 2009 3:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
"perennial Pro Bowl players"?
Dallas Clark? What Pro Bowl was he in?
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 7:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Have you ever made a positive comment on PoD?
I was surprised to see that he hasn’t been to a pro bowl, but he’s clearly a very good player. The point of the article is that Grew’s rookie season is right in line with guys who have gone on to become impact players at the TE position.
by Stones1981 on Oct 30, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
TG, did not start
JW, start about half.
It was not about Grew, it was about how poor a researched piece it was.
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Complain at MLive how poor it was. Sean is just the messenger providing a link to the story
by JazzyBBP on Oct 30, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did not blame Sean
I asked a question. In the follow up, I pointed out (My opinion) I did not think the research was very good and why, as tersely as possible.
It is not my fault you guys read into things that which is not there…
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean like commenting with
Irrelevant facts?
Pettigrew did not start from day one.
It was a basic article that paired Pettigrew with other TE’s rookie seasons.
If you want to go deeper, than do it with your own pen.
by CLF on Oct 30, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NFL.com
disagrees with you (although, I thought he came off the bench in Week 1).
How is the fact that Dallas Clark is not a “perennial Pro Bowl player” irrelevant when the piece states he is?
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gates, Witten, Gonzales...
What are they?
by CLF on Oct 30, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Witten and Gates
are 5 time Pro Bowlers. TG is a 10 time Pro Bowler.
I never questioned whether they were. Read what was actually posted.
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great Job sherlock,
So he gaffed on Clark, good on ya for digging for the truth.
What were the other “Shortcommings”?
by CLF on Oct 30, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he is basicly saying clark sucks
i hope grew “sucks” as bad as clark
Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??
by det32 on Oct 30, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am not "basically"
saying anything. I asked what Pro Bowl Clark went to. The correct answer is none.
If you wish to read more into it then that, that is up to you.
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
look at it this way…most peopel when talking about farve they say he is a HoF QB.. right?? just b/c he hasnt been put in yet does not mhen he wont be..
Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??
by det32 on Oct 30, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about poor reading skills....
WHERE in Killer’s article did he mention the word “STARTER” or even “STARTING”???
HUH?
by CLF on Oct 30, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HE DID NOT
Never said he did. I pointed out facts for a proper comparsion.
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So if you think you can write better...
Than do it.
Walk the talk.
by CLF on Oct 30, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, you read into things
that which is not there. I never claimed to be a beter writer, simply that the piece had shortcomings.
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DO YOU LIKE THAT, HUH?
“I have excercised the Demons” “Loser….LOOOSER….lOSer”
ALLLLLLL Righty, then
by CLF on Oct 30, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HMMMPPHH!!!
A Lions fan referencing a Dolphins movie…
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Laces out!
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 30, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Toilet Bowl ? Flush that thought !
You watch, this will be a very entertaining and great game. Both teams have something to prove and I’m thinking the Fun-O-Meter will be pegged…
by Keevatron on Oct 30, 2009 8:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lots of good news
from the player standpoint on the Lions sidelines. “ToiletBowl” unforunately is an apt description for this game………..how sad.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me and the great Herman Moore
by NYCLionsfan on Oct 30, 2009 9:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I like that ‘Grew isn’t complacent and is calling himself out, I’m gonna hold him to it. I think he’s going to finish with better numbers than what the article projects.
I’d love it if Larry Foote finished here. I was one of the very few folks very critical of him during the preseason, the crow he’s making me eat now is delicious. Pass the Sweet Baby Rays!
by JazzyBBP on Oct 30, 2009 9:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll probably get grilled for this
But I don’t think we should overlook the Rams. There’s more talent on that team than most people think. Yes, a lot of starters are injured, but I feel like everyone is just chalking this up as another win. We all know Detroit’s defense is suspect. If Stephen Jackson gets going, like he has in every game so far this year, it could be a rough day for our D. Especially since it will open up the pass. I’m confident we CAN win, but I’m cautious to just write it off as a W.
by giggy09 on Oct 30, 2009 11:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Jackson
Actually, after writing that I check out Jackson’s stats. He’s gone over 100 yards rushing 3 times so far this season. On the games he hasn’t reached 100, he’s got over 40 receiving yards. So I guess he hasn’t gone off every game, but has obviously been they’re best offensive player thus far this season.
by giggy09 on Oct 30, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing is.....
Jackson is pretty much the Ram’s only offensive weapon……which bodes well for the Lions if you ask me. I think the game plan should be stop Jackson…..and if we execute that plan, I think we could blow them out. I think the Lions are an all around better team than the Rams this year.
by KDawg on Oct 30, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty worried
But that’s just me, I’m optimistic when we have little chance and pessimistic when we should win…it’s strange, I know.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Oct 30, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
jon runyan
still wants to play! don’t know what kind of shape he is in…but a proven OT i’m sure we could use on the line somewhere!!
by londonlion on Oct 30, 2009 11:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lions vs Rams
I just want to go on record saying that if the Lions don’t beat the Rams, serious consideration should be given to a coaching staff change. I know it’s only been 6 games, but there are definite trends developing on both sides of the ball. Incessantly running Kevin Smith up the middle to get creamed when obviously he’s not a power back makes no sense. Play calling is just not where it should be and not what all of the long-suffering Lions fans expected this year. We are still being victimized by the deep ball on defense. Despite the Rams record, Bulger can still get it down there, and if the defense is particularly susceptible to the deep ball, as we are, there are going to a lot of points scored. And that sucks, because I thought having Schwartz in at head coach would improve defensive scheming. But, then again, that’s what we thought with Rod Marinelli. I’m just sayin’.
by GMoney67 on Oct 30, 2009 11:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the coaching is there
don’t confuse coaching ability with talent on the field…we are getting destroyed by the pass due to a talent defecit in the secondary.
by londonlion on Oct 30, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I don’t agree with the coaching change, but I’m with you on the secondary giving up big plays against the Rams. St. Louis could definitely put up some numbers against us on Sunday.
by giggy09 on Oct 30, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just don't see Burton, Avery, Martin, Fells, and McMichael as deep threats.....
I would say it is much more likely that we will get beaten over the middle, behind the linebackers, than getting beaten by the deep ball.
by KDawg on Oct 30, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Avery is their best receiver.....
And his YPC average is only 12.9…….in comparison, we have 4 guys who have YPC averages above that, including CJ, Pettigrew, Heller, and Derrick Williams (I know, he only has 3 catches, but still), not to mention the fact that Bryant Johnson is averaging 12.4 YPC. If their best WR is comparible to Bryant Johnson, I think their chances of beating us deep are rather slim……no offense to BJ. I would say they would have a much better chance to beat us deep in Laurent Robinson wasn’t out for the season……
by KDawg on Oct 30, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree too
I don’t see many deep threats on St. Louis. But the Lions D is known for turning average WRs and QBs into Pro Bowl type players any given Sunday afternoon.
by giggy09 on Oct 30, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I might agree with changing the OC.....
But I don’t think it will help us much to make a change there now that we are in the 8th week of the season. If we are going to change and coordinator, the new coach will likely bring in his own scheme, and our players will have to learn the offense all over again. Better to do that during the offseason than on the fly during the regular season, in my opinion.
by KDawg on Oct 30, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, how about, if we lose......we fire Stan Kwan?
I don’t even care if it’s his fault this time. I’m just looking for an excuse to fire him.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 30, 2009 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We might be able to do better there right now.....
I wouldn’t cry over it if it happened.
by KDawg on Oct 30, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Toilet Bowl is appropriate...
…but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a meaningful game for both teams. We’re kidding ourselves if we believe that either of these teams are playoff bound this year, but not every game has to be about contending for a playoff spot. The Rams need this game to avoid becoming the Lions, the Lions need this game to stop being…well, the Lions. I’m expecting nothing less than maximum effort from both teams, and with the home crowd behind them (even if its a smaller than ideal crowd) I expect the Lions to solidify themselves amongst the NFL’s underachievers…which is a considerable distance away from the group of NFL losers and definitely progress in my book!
by Mushy on Oct 30, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sean
Why are you saying Staff had a full practice yesterday and the NFL Network is saying limited? If you know…
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Its crazy that any media would know for a FACT
How much a player practiced as the media is only allowed a blink of practice.
by CLF on Oct 30, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For once....
rbanner is correct…..Stafford has only practiced on a limited basis (both Wednesday and Thursday), according to the Lions injury report on the main site.
by KDawg on Oct 30, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could be.....
As far is the media is concerned, but don’t they post the official injury report on the main Lions website? I have always considered that pretty reliable.
by KDawg on Oct 30, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a photo of the trophy...
That will be handed out at the end of the game…
by CLF on Oct 30, 2009 12:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
lol
at least its not used toilet paper
by JazzyBBP on Oct 30, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't speak too soon.........
We play the Browns later this season in Toilet Bowl II.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 30, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
“Going to take the Browns to the SuperBowl” is another way to say I’m gonna take a crap
by JazzyBBP on Oct 30, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its got to drop the browns off at the superbowl
but same thing
Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??
by det32 on Oct 30, 2009 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
right i was just saying dont be hatein
Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??
by det32 on Oct 31, 2009 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
calvin & staff practiced today
schwartz said that cj doesn’t need to practice to play…which i agree with, he has enough skill & ability to just get out & play…i expect to see both on sunday.
by londonlion on Oct 30, 2009 1:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I heard on the Ticket
CJ still might be held out this week, doesn’t want to risk further injury to the injury.
by JazzyBBP on Oct 30, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If this keeps up
how many posts do we see about drafting Dez Bryant?
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 6:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Very litte I suspect
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Oct 30, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of draft picks........
It’s easy to look back. Let’s look forward a second.
Hindsight is 20/20. And since no player is perfect, it’s easy to criticize any player and find selected stats to back up your argument. Foresight is trickier.
So, since we already know who you didn’t want the Lions to draft in the past…….who would you like to see them draft in 2010?
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 30, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Need I state the obvious?
Position, injuries, and late season performance, as well as off season testing, etc. could change things. That said, I think it is time to go D.
I hear the comparisons between McCoy and Haynesworth and I figure Schwartz has to be drooling. Unfortunately, he may be gone by the time the Lions pick.
Right now, my second choice would be Suh.
The Bradford injury may mess up a lot of mock draft boards.
by rbanner on Oct 30, 2009 9:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think McCoy will be gone before the Lions pick....
Dunlap will most likely fall to the Lions
by JCruize on Oct 30, 2009 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't want Dunlap. A underachiever.
Great size and speed, but lazy from what I am reading. I watched some of a couple Florida games and never heard his name mentioned during the play by play. The announcers could not stop yapping about him though.
by NorthLeft12 on Oct 31, 2009 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard the coaches say Dunlap was too lazy to run to the door.......
….of whatever room he was in. I don’t want him either.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 31, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either of those 2 would be fine choices. Ya never know, with all the Qbs coming out in this upcoming draft, one of the DTs may slip, or another team may fall in love with one of the QBs and offer the Lions to trade down, maybe the LT Okung, or Berry the S…draft time is ALOT of fun on here
by JazzyBBP on Oct 30, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I have to believe
that Bryant will also go top 5. I will be intersested to see if his game transfers to the next level, because if it does, he could be a monster.
by rbanner on Oct 31, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wins will come , and with this coaching staff...
they are making all the right moves , and holding people accountable …if you want to know how good of a coach we have , look at the titans record without him …he can coach defense , and the head coaching job will get easier as time goes along
marc hoople
by spinitnow on Oct 30, 2009 10:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
NFL NETWORK
THOSE BUMS ON THERE HAVE US LOSING…..WE’LL SHOW EM!!! RESTORE THE ROAR!!!!
by BUNK517 on Oct 31, 2009 12:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ESPN reporting Calvin is out for week 8
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Nov 1, 2009 11:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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