The Monday Morning Microscope: Week 4
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 10:58 AM EDT
90 comments
So back to reality, eh? The Lions started by giving us one of their best offensive halves of football yesterday, but then followed it up with one of the worst second half collapses we've seen in some time. Frustratingly, the Jekyll and Hyde charade shows us that the only true consistency with the Lions is that they are predictably inconsistent. Something happens to this team mentally during the half and Schwartz better get a bead on it quick. It's his job to manage the overall productivity of this team and his smarts better come up with a way to light a fire after halftime.
That said, we again saw progress in various areas of this team. The offense looked... dare I say... stellar, in the first half. You just felt like they had the confidence to score on every possession. Because of this, teams can no longer take the Lions for granted and we should be competitive in every game this season. Isn't that what we were looking for this year? We all wanted this team to be competitive game in and game out and that's what we are getting. Stafford looked rock-solid for the second straight week. Although he is still missing a receiver now and then, I thought there was an overall accuracy improvement and he is showing with his big-time third down conversions, that he might just be a Mr. Clutch. He shows no signs of melting when the heat and pressure are turned up. Defensively, it was actually a very decent game despite the final score. The only real gaffes were the long running plays that broke containment to the outside. Those issues definitely need to be corrected and I believe that they will. Not to make excuses, but this defense was without a few players today and still held their own - including holding Jay Cutler in check (outside the Red Zone).
I won't dwell on the obvious for very long, but this game was lost by the special teams and the offensive line, hands down. Absolutely pitiful performances by both units. The calls for Stan Kwan's head are probably valid, although it's always tough to replace coaches mid-year and rarely does that change make a monumental difference. However, I believe it is a change that needs to be made for one reason... to make a statement to both the team and the fans. That statement would be, "we won't accept failure and everyone is accountable for the product on the field". This team cannot handle failure like it did under Marinelli. I'm not big on calling for people's jobs, because this is a real person's livelihood here. This is a person's family having to relocate. This is someone's income getting shut off and causing huge stresses within that family. That is serious and cannot be taken lightly. However, this is football and it is absolutely cutthroat. If he's not getting the job done, a replacement is in order. As for the offensive line... they just got beat up by a better unit. The Bears' defensive line had their way with us all day long and ol' Rod must have been smiling up a storm watching the game tape of yesterday's performance. That's still a good defense there in Chicago and it simply reiterates that while our offensive line has played much better this year, there are talent deficiencies that must be addressed in the coming years. But we already knew that... didn't we?
Thoughts About the Game:
- Where are Sims and Peterson? I don't want to start yet another personnel controversy, but these two have been far too quiet. I know Sims left the game injured again, but I honestly never heard his name called once the entire first half. I haven't watched the game a second time, but did he not play much during the first half? And where are all these sacks from Peterson? Is he even being called to rush the passer? Either it's a scheme thing or both of these guys have been severely underachieved this season. The only thing I've noticed from Peterson is that the coverage on his side of the field is pretty solid. But he is not making any game-changing plays. Isn't that what we brought him here for? All of a sudden, I don't feel so warm and fuzzy about this unit like I did in preseason. I'd love to know if anyone else is feeling the same on this.
- The flipside of that coin is Larry Foote. This guy has made a massive difference on the defense. From bringing leadership to the team to making himself available to the community, Foote has been everything we'd hoped for and then some. I really hope he signs a long-term deal with Detroit before the season ends. I don't want him to be a question mark going into the off-season. He easily has three or four solid years left in him and I hope they are all with Detroit.
- So I think the drill is to relish in the wins and quickly move past the losses, right? If that's the case... we play Pittsburgh next week. Ummm... did anyone else watch the game last night? Yeah... uh oh. Not that I think they are unbeatable by any stretch, but they certainly looked the part of defending Super Bowl champs again. I don't think Mendenhall will have the same kind of day against the Lions, but Roethlisberger is really who concerns me. He is the most dangerous quarterback in the league when it comes to buying time. If he can buy time from teams that get constant pressure on him, what happens to teams that can't get constant pressure? It's simply a really bad matchup for Detroit. And we'll just pretend for a few days that Harrison and Woodley won't be a complete nightmare for this team to block. Linehan better have a gameplan that calls for quick slants and a lot of short, three-step drops for Stafford.
- Speaking of Linehan... I think he regressed in his playcalling yesterday. He came out aggressive, but as soon as we got behind, I felt him begin to protect his quarterback too much. He scaled back, started to dink and dunk and just plain got conservative. What gives? Matthew Stafford does not need to be protected. I would rather him go down slinging it than to dial him back to keep him from throwing picks. Yeah, the defense was really getting to him, so I understand the need to run the football. But two things there... first, the running game was not working... the passing game was, so you stick with it. Second, you have to reverse the field position game. You have to try to move the ball in chunks, if for no other reason than to put the Bears back into their own territory when you punt. We couldn't get that done and it fell apart.
- Anybody else watch the Saints-Jets game yesterday? So all this hoopla about how much better Mark Sanchez is versus Matt Stafford can be put to bed, right? Sanchez looked downright terrible yesterday. His stats were 14-27 for 138 yds and 3 INTs with a lost fumble and no TDs. Much worse than what Stafford did against the Saints. Although the big difference here is that Stafford had that performance in his rookie debut, not his fourth game. How many of you think that Matt would have that same performance against the Saints if we played them next week? Me neither. Enough said.
- My final thoughts are about the overall team progress this year. Let's not get too down about this loss. We all now realize there are still some glaring talent deficiencies on this team. That was always going to be the case for this season. But we have been in every one of these games this year. That is something to be excited about. I actually had my chest puffed out a little bit going into halftime. I felt a little swagger like, "no one is going to simply push us around anymore". Although we badly blew that game in the second half, I still feel a little of that swagger this morning. I watched the highlights on NFL Network last night and they were off Stafford lighting it up in the first half. We are a real franchise again and if any team takes us lightly or tries to look past us, we WILL beat them. End of story.
Keep your chin up, Lions fans. The wins will come... and so will more losses. We can get discouraged when we no longer see any progress. As of now, that hasn't happened.
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The one positive on Pittsburgh...
They collapse in the 2nd half, just like the Lions….lol. 21pts allowed in the fourth quarter? WOW.
Thank god for San Diego giving us some tape on how to pick apart their Pass D. I look for pettigrew and Heller to have another good game.
by CLF on Oct 5, 2009 11:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree. The Steelers can be had...
The Chargers were running into a buzzsaw last in what was a MUST WIN for Pittsburgh and they still let the Chargers suck back into the game in the second half. If the Chargers had any kind of pass rush or run defense they may have pulled it out.
by MusicCityDawg on Oct 5, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent write up Drew. I agree 100%.
One issue that you glossed over was the performance of Kevin Smith. I have to believe that he was still bothered by his injuries. He seemed a little tentative and was not hitting the holes [as small as they were] with any authority. I would have liked to see our other backs get some carries. We did rush for ninety yards although 32 yards was by Staff and Calvin.
I would also give Linehan some credit for his heavy use of the Tight Ends. Nine catches for 127 yards and a touchdown! Heller is looking particularly good and Pettigrew is getting better every week.
by NorthLeft12 on Oct 5, 2009 11:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I didn't have time to...
really cover Smith here. My take is that he was not 100%. I also think that Adrian Peterson could have been in our backfield and it wouldn’t have mattered. Our O-Line was just getting beaten too badly for the running game to have ever taken off.
I agree on the use of Heller and Pettigrew. That’s got to become a staple in our offense. Also… Pettigrew has to start bringing in every pass that hits his hands. Too many drops… but he is improving, so I’ll take it.
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
I love Kevin Smith but he WAS tentative. I admire the courage but he hurts the team when he doesn’t bring the tenacity to get that extra yard or two. He usually optimizes almost every carry. He has great vision. I guess it is the coach’s job to sit him down or at least rotate him out.
Run blocking was generally abysmal. Linehan’s play calling was also too conservative—don’t need to run on every 1st down especially when it was clearly shut down. Sims also hurt—probably a liability.
by x$pcents IV on Oct 5, 2009 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well done as always Drew!
Peterson: i can only hope that offensive schemes key on him as a blitzer…which is why we see db’s & foote get through almost unscathed.
sims: last year, was caught out of position by over pursuing ‘cause he couldn’t trust anyone else to make the plays. this year, is getting beat to the ball by foote.
in case you missed it…foote may be the pick up of the year.
linehan: why after running up the gut against haynesworth & the williams wall the week before would you run to the outside vs chi-town? this only allows the safeties to come up & make plays. it allows the olb’s to come in off the edge & blow things up. we showed so much progress running up the gut, i actually believed we were a power-I running team. then this? i agree in the step backwards. having said this…one thing i have liked…linehan hasn’t made the same gaffe week over week. if it hasn’t worked one week…i hasn’t been used again.
not sure if its play calling or what…why are we not letting our 6-5 bohemouth of an athlete go for more jump balls. how many times did he see man coverage on sunday. let staff air it out for 50-60yds like he did on the first play more often…let the big guy go get it. i get the dump it just over top of the blitz…but nothing kills a blitz like a few 50yd scorches. calvin can jump through triple coverage & come down with it. he’s 6-5 w/ a 40+ inch vertical. hands made of stickum. that 133 could easily have been 223…granted he left early…but i think that was a “we are down by 21 w/ 5mins to go, lets not let a bruise turn into a break”
by londonlion on Oct 5, 2009 12:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, london...
I agree that the tendency for Linehan to want to run to the outside didn’t make a lot of sense. They must have seen something in the film preparation that they thought they could exploit. Nothing else makes sense why they would continue to try to go there all game long.
As for the toss-ups to Johnson… I agree. We should be seeing that more. I think that this is still a feeling out process for Stafford. He has to get comfortable enough to take his chances with Johnson when he is double-covered. Yes, Johnson will win that match-up most of the time, but it still takes time for Stafford to feel comfortable throwing into that coverage. I think it goes against everything you are taught as a quarterback. And most quarterbacks never get a receiver as physically gifted as Johnson. This is why Stafford should have been named starter during the preseason. They could have a better field relationship by now. Time will bring these two together and when it happens, it will be awesome!
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great write-up, Drew
I was thinking the exact same thing about Sanchez. I’m not wishing failure on him, but it’s nice to see him come back to earth.
I also agree about Foote. He’s been outstanding.
by JazzyBBP on Oct 5, 2009 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sanchez...
looks like the real deal, but the hype he was receiving was a little overboard. But what do you expect from a city like New York? Like I’ve said many times before, it will take a solid four or five years of much better play out of Sanchez before I would ever concede that he is better than Stafford. Once Matt has a good team around him and more experience, he will be far better than Sanchez. No doubt in my mind.
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As bad as the Lions pass protection is ...
it will only help Matt become more aware in the pocket. And you saw what happen to Mark when he faced a pass rush for the first time this season.
by JCruize on Oct 5, 2009 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL, great point!
That was fun.
That’s also how Drew Stanton developed his style. He spent most of his college games running for his life.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 7, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saints just love rookies
6 picks against Staff and Sanchez.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Oct 5, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the most frustrating part of this team...
is the inconsistency. And I’m not just talking 1st half vs. 2nd half. The rush defense looks pretty good for most of the game, but gives up two back-breaking explosion plays. The pass coverage looked damn good in the first half, and completely fell apart in the 2nd. Kevin Smith looks solid in two consecutive games against good defensive fronts, and disappears the next week against a banged-up LB squad.
You just want to grab the Lions and shake ’em and say “What gives? If you can do it once, you can do it again!”
Of course, that’s pretty much the difference between an okay team and a good team. Consistency.
Read my Lions analysis at: http://www.studyofsports.com/?cat=142
by simscity on Oct 5, 2009 12:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I vote to...
…never mention “explosion plays” ever again on POD.
That being said, I agree with your comments on inconsistency. It goes beyond a 1st half vs. 2nd half comparison.
PS I would also like to see a moratorium on “Picks, Shovels, Fits, and Pad Level”. Oh, and the phrase “it’s on me”.
by Mushy on Oct 5, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They just need to work
on their pad level, man.
by Trysdor on Oct 5, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it comes down to...
matchups, sims. Each team presents a different matchup and it then comes down to game-planning. The coaching staff has some work to do in this area. The gameplan against the Bears was pretty good in the first half, then defensively the Bears went into a 2-deep shell and brought 8 in the box. What did we do? Tried over and over to get the running game going. Didn’t make much sense.
You know how we always hated when teams would sit and take those 5-10 yard short throws as we gave teams the underneath stuff all the way to the endzone? Yeah… well, we could have done that to the Bears yesterday. Instead, Linehan kept trying to establish the run… and to the outside, no less. Frustrating. Pettigrew should have had 15 catches yesterday. That second half begged for the tight end to explode and we missed the opportunity. Remember though… the coaching staff is in it’s first year together as well. Time will make them a better unit too.
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, we really need to make those underneath throws a staple of the offense
’Grew and Heller can get it done. Keep feeding them; it will also help ’Grew get better.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 7, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think linehan is seeing the light on this one
just as staff is developing…so is this part of the game
by londonlion on Oct 8, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately.....
Linehan should already KNOW that!
by KDawg on Oct 8, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
true enough...
but through his years in minn & st louis…not so sure he’s had talent at the te position…could be wrong but i don’t recall any significant te’s.
by londonlion on Oct 8, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good write-up Drew!
I agree, most of all, with your last statement. When we stop seeing improvement on either side of the ball then I will start to worry.
Agree with your comments re: Larry Foote, odd play calling by Linehan, most notably in the second half.
Lions still need to improve upon takeaways though – the D needs to make turnovers. I’m still quite curious why our corners give 10 – 15 yard cushions to wide-outs?? I don’t see Pitt or NE doing that. Maybe play more bump and run?? Not sure but QB’s completing 75% of their passes against us is not going to win a lot of games.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me and the great Herman Moore
by NYCLionsfan on Oct 5, 2009 12:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No doubt on the turnovers, NYC
See, that’s where guys like Julian Peterson are supposed to be stepping up. Sacks, strips, tackles for loss, interceptions… we need game-changing plays. I think you’ll see Delmas start coming up with a few, because he is a game-changer. But he is still feeling his way through games.
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes Drew
Your right – Julian Peterson has to get back to 2006 form. We can’t win with 4 TO’s like we had all of last year. I’m still waiting for that massive hit from Delmas that jars the ball loose. I thought he was going to do that to Devin Hester near the goal line last week vs. Chicago but he held on to the ball………………..DAMN!!
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me and the great Herman Moore
by NYCLionsfan on Oct 6, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so has anyone heard anything about Sim's injury?
i want to see what DeAndre Levy can do, kinda tired of Sims
Vikings 4 the superbowl
by RaysOfHope on Oct 5, 2009 12:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good take on Sanchez....
while I do think Sanchez will be a good QB in the league, he came into a more complete, stable situation and had an easier schedule the first three weeks. He looked downright mortal on Sunday and does not have near the upside Stafford does IMO.
Losses like yesterday are always tough because you KNOW the team can play at a high level. You have to take away the good and praise the evident progress. Its fine to criticize errors and poor play, as long as its kept it in perspective. Hey we all know there are going to be more losses and that the Lions are not going to be playoff bound….. this year.
This is an exciting team to watch. They have a great attitude, the coaches have a great philosphy (equal portions of smashmouth and finesse) and they have several studs on the team. Pick up some more defensive playmakers (Eric Berry is probably coming out after this year) and get a seasoned O-line gelling, the Lions could easily be play-off contenders next year. Staff is a special talent and anything he’s lacking right now (a little more touch) is very coachable. The Lions are on a very good track and no one should let the inevitable losses this year wreck their excitement as long we keep seeing all the other positives each week.
by MusicCityDawg on Oct 5, 2009 12:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i think Sanchez and Stafford will both be great QB's
Stafford has the tools to be just a little bit better
Vikings 4 the superbowl
by RaysOfHope on Oct 5, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
MCD...
this is the most exciting Lion’s team in recent memory… aside from maybe Martz’s first year. The thing about the ‘09 Lions is that they are the most complete team we’ve had since pre-Millen days. Our offense is better… our defense is better… our coaching staff is better. All phases are contributing positively. Each unit still has progress to make and there are players that need to be added, but for once, I see a solid core of players to build on.
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
second half play calling
Killer’s Monday morning chat thing pretty much spelled out the weird play calling in the 2nd half. Apparently they were defending with a run stopping defense for the first that Calvin and Matt were eating alive. Second half they went to Cover-2 to stop the Calvin abuse and it was our job to be able to run on such a defense and we failed miserably.
Or something to that effect.
by HoorayForEverything on Oct 5, 2009 12:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
But that is an adjustment the coaching staff...
needs to make. When they see that 2-deep shell, they have to start taking the underneath stuff. Stafford could have picked that apart with the backs and tight ends. It’s a learning process for everyone… coaches included.
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still remember when Dallas faced Marinelli's Tampa 2.....
…..and Cowboys’ TE Jason Witten had 15 catches underneath. All day long, 10-15 yards over the middle. We could have done that Sunday. We can still do that.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 7, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
Pettigrew can be every much as good as Witten, except he’s a better blocker.
by DrewsLions on Oct 7, 2009 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good post Drew
You hit on every key point I can think of, and I agree with you 100%.
by KDawg on Oct 5, 2009 1:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great post, Drew
I especially liked the points about Linehan’s play calling. And I’ve quietly been waiting for the OLB’s to do something. Still waiting…..
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 5, 2009 2:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, GR...
I’m still waiting too. I initially thought Levy was a waste of a pick, but now I see the brilliance of it. But still… where is that pro bowl ability of Peterson? Makes me wonder if he’s on the backside of his career. I hope not.
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree big time on Levy.
I was very critical of this pick when it was made and for some time afterwards. It looks like I owe Mayhew and Schwartz an apology. Levy has stepped up every chance he has had so far and delivered. The Lions need to have both Foote and Levy on the field as much as possible. Peterson or Sims need to show that they deserve playing time with those two.
by NorthLeft12 on Oct 6, 2009 7:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah Levy has been a good surprise
he is a big hitter.
by JCruize on Oct 6, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From what I have seen....
I think Levy could take over as a starting OLB over Peterson or Sims at some point THIS season…..and that is saying a ton about the rookie linebacker.
by KDawg on Oct 6, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i remember when he was drafted...
I was thinking out loud. “Who the F is this dude.” But than I saw some video of him. Thought he might be a good LB someday. Looks like that day is coming sooner than later.
by JCruize on Oct 7, 2009 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was wrong too
I thought Levy was a soft player with good straight-line speed and nothing else. I didn’t like that pick. Oops. He’s good.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 7, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After all these years of fully accepting the fact that my favorite team has been a complete and total turd, I still can’t get used to how bad Backus plays sometimes. It’s amazing.
And now I’m starting to get the same way with special teams. It’s astounding, considering how desensitized I am to this team being bad, that “Kwan’s pawns” can manage to be so vile that they conjure up my contempt.
by abnerman on Oct 5, 2009 2:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Did Troy play for pitt last night, let's hope he takes one more week off!!!
by msivits on Oct 5, 2009 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he's playing
Just our luck Polomalu will be starting, although realistically I don’t think it makes much of a difference. Pitt is just too big and physical for us at this point of our rebuilding.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me and the great Herman Moore
by NYCLionsfan on Oct 5, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where the Hell was the Special Teams Yesterday?
This is why you put your best players in special teams situations, because if you do not Special Teams will be special for the other team like it was on Sunday!! The coverage units on special teams are atrocious and the special teams coach should be on the street looking for a job today!!
by Marcmargolis on Oct 5, 2009 3:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great post
I agree with everything you said.
-Foote has been a beast, but Peterson has been missing, even the announcers pointed that out yesterday.
-Sanchez was so uncomfortable anytime he faced pressure, and really his mistakes cost the Jets the game. A fumble in the end zone and an INT returned for TD did them in, and he capped the game off with another INT.
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
by Sean Yuille on Oct 5, 2009 3:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i much rather have someone who comes into the league & struggles off the bat
than someone who comes in & lights it up. at least the guy who faces challenges from day one knows how to pick himself up, dust off & sling it again. i am very curious to see how sanchez bounces back. my guess is that he starts to struggle a bit now. i mean really, do you want a qb who seems more intent on trimming his finger nails than on the game? did you see that? staff faced pressure & adversity from day one & now seems to have things slowing down for him. i just hope this knee thing clears up quick & doesn’t become nagging
by londonlion on Oct 5, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha yeah I remember seeing that
He was biting his nails every time the cameras cut to him.
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
by Sean Yuille on Oct 5, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cuticle hygiene and length are critical factors in QB performance.
I believe those measurement are taken at the combine.
The Football Outsiders have also charted the dorkiness of a QB’s haircut versus their performance. Seems to be a positive correlation.
by NorthLeft12 on Oct 5, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dorkiness of a QB's haircut correlates to success?
Then why Brian Brohm was cut by the Packers? Maybe we can pick him up off waivers!
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 7, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check out Peyton Manning.
I’m not familiar with Brian Brohm.
by NorthLeft12 on Oct 7, 2009 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Former Louisville Cardinals QB
….picked up by the Packers at the top of the 2nd Round in ’08. Dorky bowl cut. Needs a new bowl. Looks like Opie.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 8, 2009 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Sanchez....
looked like a fish out of water yesterday. He couldn’t have looked less comfortable. He’s been Johnny Cool to this point because he hadn’t faced any adversity yet. It will be interesting how he responds when the nasty Jets fans start booing him at the Meadowlands when he has a bad home game. Ask Eli how that feels…..
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Makes you wonder about those teams that couldn't mount a pass rush against him.......
I always thought the rule of thumb for defending rookie QB’s was “blitz early, blitz often”.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Oct 7, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice article
I had very similar thoughts as yourself as to the playcalling in the 2nd half of the game and our inability to run. I never understand why coaches always revert back to running (when it isn’t effective) when passing is moving the ball up and down the field at will. We should be opening up running opportunities through our Passing game rather than running to pass, especially against teams like the Bears who crash down on the O-line on 1st downs.
Contrary to your sentiments, it doesn’t matter how lightly our opponents take us if we don’t show up for the 2nd half we’re going to lose the vast majority of them.
by FelixWigg on Oct 5, 2009 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Schwartz mentioned it again today
It was a change in the Bears’ strategy.
The bears came out with 8 or 9 in the box, leaving the receivers in man-coverage. Linehan and Stafford did an excellent job at tearing apart that gameplan. But when the Bears moved to Cover-2 in the second half, they forced the Lions to beat them with the run game. We failed, miserably.
Read my Lions analysis at: http://www.studyofsports.com/?cat=142
by simscity on Oct 5, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
again i ask
why in the world did they decide to run to the outside…all day long? we have shown success up the gut…
by londonlion on Oct 5, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't honestly say I remember perfectly
But I don’t remember a disproportionate amount of runs to the outside.
Read my Lions analysis at: http://www.studyofsports.com/?cat=142
by simscity on Oct 5, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
there were some runs up the middle...
but if i had to guess 85-90% of the runs were off-tackle or sweeps/pitches. those are typically effective once the inside is establised or you have tackles that are road graders. smith is at his best between the tackles, making a cut maybe two & heading up field. we had success vs. both the williams wall & haynesworth…why did the gameplan change. i could be remembering wrong…but i’m fairly certain the better majority went outside the tackles.
by londonlion on Oct 5, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cover 2 is a zone defense!!
As I am sure we all know……the “Tampa 2” is beatable! There is absolutely no reason that we should not have abandoned the run and let Stafford throw the damn ball over the middle, as well as behind and underneath the zone! Instead, we are behind and Linehan is still trying to run tosses and sweeps? Unbelievable.
We most certainly needed to either run traps, counters, delays, draws, or dives in the middle of the defensive line if we had any hope of establishing the run against Chicago. I do not understand the play calling by Linehan, but I hope there was (and is) a real reason for it. I hope it was part of Schwartz’s plan and Linehan was doing what he was told. Otherwise, I hope that Schwartz builds a dwelling in Linehan’s ass too, to go along with the summer cottage in Kwan’s.
I know a lot of you guys think that the Lions should be throwing down the field all the time, but short and middle route passes are the way to beat a cover 2 defense. Send the WR1 and WR2 on deep routes to draw the safeties off, and burn the F-ing linebackers underneath with the TEs, RB, and slot receiver. There are always soft spots in a zone defense…..either the play calling prevented us from exposing these areas, or Stafford simply did not recognize them. I think the kid is doing a great job reading defenses and finding the open man, so once again I point to the play calling and scratch my head.
by KDawg on Oct 5, 2009 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep!
I agree with your breakdown. So what if the defense switched to cover 2. We have to play to our strengths and dictate how the game will be played. Instead we let the Bears determine what plays we were going to run by funneling us into ineffective runs repeatedly setting up Stafford with 3rd and 10’s where the Bears would send the house against him. Not the best strategy.
by FelixWigg on Oct 5, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Felix
I agree that we have to fix the second half disappearing act, but we are a dangerous team now. No one can just assume we are going to give it away in the second half. As we continue to progress, some of the sloppiness will work itself out and we will start to put together a few more complete games. Will they be wins? Maybe… maybe not. The fact is, teams will HAVE to play us hard for 60 minutes most games. Last year, they had to play us hard for about 15 mins and then they had a 21-0 lead with no chance of us coming back. Did they fear us last year? Hell no. Why should they? Should they fear us this year? Hell yes. Why should they… because we will either be leading or can come from behind if needed. Big difference.
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you happen to see the Monday Night game last night?
Late in the fourth quarter, the Vikings were pinned deep in their own territory. They did exactly what the Lions need to be able to do…..they moved the ball in chunks until they were in a position to punt and keep Green Bay deep in THEIR own territory. Field position and average starting field position of the opposing team is every bit as important as time of possession. I have said before that time of possession is key, and I am not backing down from that statement, but I might add that it can not win games alone if the opposing team is starting every drive from midfield. If the Lions could manage to keep the opposing team’s average starting field position inside their own 30, while also winning the time of possession battle, then they would be in a much better position to win games. They are dangerous on offense, but ALL offenses fail. Our offense HAS to give our defense a better chance at success, by keeping the average starting field position of opposing teams respectable, when they fail to score. Unless they can accomplish that, we will see a lot more of the same thing we saw on Sunday.
by KDawg on Oct 6, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree 100%
offense has to help out defense with TOP & field position…defense has to help offense w/ turnovers, getting off the field on 3rd down & field position too.
by londonlion on Oct 6, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Points
1. I was really hoping Sims would be another great linebacker from FSU but the guy is a bust. He’s constantly out of position and is too small to make an impact. DeAndre Levy has shown a great nack for the ball and will be a playmaker in this league I guarantee it. Get Sims out of here.
2. I don’t put too much blame on KJ for the running game. I think Linehan trusts his tackles more than his guards hence the outside running, but with 2x Bear MLB’s out on defense it was not a smart move. Plus, you can’t run the ball when it’s handed to you and there are already defensive linemen in the backfield.
3. Kwan needs to go. There were gapping holes in every special teams play yesterday and we’re lucky that there weren’t more TD’s by the Bears on special teams.
by LionInIowa on Oct 5, 2009 5:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure....
we can call Sims a bust quite yet. I don’t think he’s anywhere near 100% healthy right now. Even so, he does need to step it up. The Lions need him to be a impact player that makes game-changing plays. Some question his football intelligence. That… I don’t know. Maybe there is something to that theory.
I agree with you that Kevin Smith will be fine. He’s a good back. Yesterday was on the offensive line. Like I said above… Adrian Peterson could have been in our backfield and the outcome would have been the same.
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Smith just did not have the explosion
to the hole. Watching the Minnesota game. As, soon as Smith got the handoff. He was already hitting the hole with power. He just didn’t have it against the Bears. I think He was more injured than he lead us to believe.
by JCruize on Oct 5, 2009 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I saw JC
I can’t understand why Schwartz, Linehan, or Gash did not recognize this and let Felton and Morris take the running load. I’m not saying that would have changed the outcome but it would have given us a better chance.
by NorthLeft12 on Oct 6, 2009 7:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree Drew
Even though Smith was not hitting the hole as aggressively as he has in the past, I think that he was healthy enough to produce had our offensive line gotten the job done. I also agree that not even Adrian Peterson would have done much better in our backfield on Sunday. AP was limited in the Monday Night game by the Packer’s defensive line…..and we all know what he CAN do against teams with worse run defenses that Detroit or Green Bay. Detroit’s run defense is ranked 20th…..Green Bay’s is ranked 17th…..Chicago’s is ranked 10th…..therefore it stands to reason that not even Adrian Peterson himself would have done a better job in the Lion’s backfield against the Bear’s run defense. They just have that good of a defensive line, and that is all there is to it. We are in for another week of tough times running the ball against Pittsburgh’s #3 ranked run defense, so we better have a game plan to beat them in the air (against their much weaker 15th ranked pass defense) or it will be another long day of us fans saying WTF?!?!?
by KDawg on Oct 6, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe he should hyphenate his last name....like Jones-Drew
He could be Kevin Jones-Smooth instead of Kevin Smith…..lol
by KDawg on Oct 5, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the game
the special teams were atrocious yesterday, but nothing irritated me more about the game than the play of the offensive line. that was a pathetic, pitiful effort put forth by paid professionals.
the backus era in detroit has to end. period. i couldn’t count how many times he pointed to the guy he was responsible for blocking, and then inexplicably, wouldn’t do it!! our number one pick in the ’10 draft has to be a left tackle! stafford is going to get killed without any consistent blind side protection.
by big smoove on Oct 5, 2009 7:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
La da da da dada da
I was gonna say Kevin Smith…..but then I got high…..lol
by KDawg on Oct 5, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love these posts Drew
Keep em up. My thoughts on your thoughts:
- I don’t know if I’m worried yet about Peterson and Sims. Sure, I’d like some big plays from them, especially Peterson, but as long as they aren’t making mistakes I’m not gonna get carried away. It’s not like we have a huge amount of depth their (minus Levy and he is still a rookie, he’ll get his time soon enough).
- Completely agree about Foote. I’ve loved his play so far. I hope we do resign him for a few more years.
- Next week’s game worrie me. It’s the Steelers and while they don’t look like the Superbowl champs, they still look strong. Much stronger than us anyway. IF Stafford plays, and that’s a big IF, it would require season best performances from every unit. Without Stafford, I think we are worse off, especially with K-Smooth injured.
- The Sanchez hype was annoying, so it’s sorta nice to see him struggle so much against NO. Their QB Rating’s aren’t so much different now and Stafford seems to be on the rise.
- Don’t you worry about me Drew. I’m actually fairly happy with the team. A 1-3 record, while not brilliant, is not a bad effort considering the schedule we have. In every game we have played so far, there has been at least a 15 minute period in which I was at least hopeful for our chances in the game. That didn’t always happen last year. I still think my prediction of 5-11 is on track.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Oct 5, 2009 10:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, HE
I’m not worried about you… :o) You’re one of the most optimistic fans I’ve ever encountered… and that is 100% compliment. I think you can tell that I’m happy with this team too. They are making consistent progress each week and that’s all my expectations for this season were about.
I do have to say it’s frustrating when they could/should win and blow it. That’s tough to watch as a fan. Yesterday should have been a win. But we need to take positives from it, not dwell on the losses. The wins will come… the championships will come (yes… that was plural on purpose… we WILL get championships)
I think your 5 game prediction is very attainable and I will take a 5 game swing year-over-year. That, my Australian friend, is progress. Hooroo!
by DrewsLions on Oct 5, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great post Drews ( As always)
How exciting is it to be watching Matthew grow as a NFL quarterback. Each game, he gets alittle better. He learns alittle more. He is showing his moxy on the field. And these are not cupcake teams that the Lions are facing. I would say NO, CHI. and Minn are on their way to the playoffs this year. The fact that the Lions are hanging in these games is very encouraging. I feel like every week. The Lions have a shot at winning the game.
We also have to remember that we have a rookie Head Coach as well. It will take him some time to get it down. Although, I feel he has done a terrific job so far.
I cannot remember the last time I have been this excited about the Lions. Even in a loss. I am thinking to myself. " They are doing alright out there." I have no problem with saying the Lions could win 6 games this season. If not more. You should spend some time reading the comments on the other sites. I like to go the the team site that the Lions played that day. Just to get a outsider’s view of the game. It is surprising what alot of the posters feeling towards the Lions are. Like the Bears. Some are a bit afraid of their Bears coming to Detroit. And a few are very afraid of the Lions in two to three years. The overall feeling from all is. That Stafford will be a very good quarterback in the future. But, we already knew that, didn’t we Drew : )
by JCruize on Oct 5, 2009 10:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I tend to do that too
It seems many other fans are afraid of the possible league-beating combination of Calvin and Stafford. And who wouldn’t be.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Oct 5, 2009 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hop around other teams sites also
There’s a growing consensus of football fans that are quite impressed with the Lions so far. They know the days of the Lions being the whipping boy of the league is coming to an end very soon. I’ve seen alot of positive comments about Staff and the overall improvement of this team. BTW, side note- Lions fans get quite a bit of respect for sticking with them after last season and the Millen years. Our fanhood is never questioned.
by JazzyBBP on Oct 6, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is better or loyal fan
than a true Lions fan PERIOD!
by JCruize on Oct 6, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My Big takeaway from Sunday was that we finally have a QB who strikes some fear into an opposing defence.
Staff made a bunch of mistakes [the INT, fumble, a few missed receivers] yet still made a lot of plays while under a great deal of pressure. I like how he seems to be developing a rapport with his receivers, especially Calvin and Pettigrew, and is working to keep them all involved in the game.
But it is his demeanor under center that really has me impressed. He seems to be making better reads every week, and definitely seems to be in charge back there. After enduring years of projects, retreads, stop gaps, game managers, and busts at the QB position I think the Lions have finally got the right guy.
I am very much looking forward to a 2009 full of competitive football and the growth of a championship calibre team.
by NorthLeft12 on Oct 6, 2009 7:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
even before the draft I was saying that Sanchez was no $tafford...
once you take him out of the “best team in his league”, he doesn’t look nearly so good…
…and the Jets are no Trojans. LOL
by myPride on Oct 6, 2009 8:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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