Friday Notes: Calvin Johnson Returns to Practice
by Sean Yuille on Oct 30, 2009 12:48 AM EDT
in Detroit Lions Notes
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Print- 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).
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.
TG, did not start
JW, start about half.
It was not about Grew, it was about how poor a researched piece it was.
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…
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.
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?
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.
Great Job sherlock,
So he gaffed on Clark, good on ya for digging for the truth.
What were the other “Shortcommings”?
he is basicly saying clark sucks
i hope grew “sucks” as bad as clark
Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??
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.
How about poor reading skills....
WHERE in Killer’s article did he mention the word “STARTER” or even “STARTING”???
HUH?
Again, you read into things
that which is not there. I never claimed to be a beter writer, simply that the piece had shortcomings.
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…
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!!
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’.
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.
+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.
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.
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……
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.
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.
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.
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!
Sean
Why are you saying Staff had a full practice yesterday and the NFL Network is saying limited? If you know…
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.
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.
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.
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.
its got to drop the browns off at the superbowl
but same thing
Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??
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.
I heard on the Ticket
CJ still might be held out this week, doesn’t want to risk further injury to the injury.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
NFL NETWORK
THOSE BUMS ON THERE HAVE US LOSING…..WE’LL SHOW EM!!! RESTORE THE ROAR!!!!
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