Browns Fans & Stafford's Support
by Twon82 on Nov 22, 2009 8:58 PM EST
75 comments
Accept the Loss, Browns Fans
I went to the Browns' SB Nation blog to congratulate their fans on a game that ended up being fun to watch when the entire league was laughing at it being the "Bad Bowl." Then, I found myself scoffing at what I found. Excuse after excuse.....no internal finger pointing to speak of.....sore losing. I mention this because I know how POD readers and contributors would've reacted if we had lost the game today. It would've been entirely blamed on the Lions, and no one would've bitched about refs blowing the game for us or anything like that. I know this, because I have seen it time and again over the course of the time I've been coming to this blog.
Moreover, the Browns fans have nothing to bitch about other than blowing a game they (frankly) should've won. The pass interference call that kept the game alive at the end was legit. I watched it, and they interfered with TWO of our receivers very blatantly. The rules allowed for the timeout to allow Stafford to come back on the field (and the guy had an injured shoulder anyway).
I know the loss stings bad, Browns fans. If anyone understands your pain, it's us Lions folk. But refs never blow a game, if you ask me. If your team is REALLY that much better, it shouldn't come down to that anyway (sans awful, blatant calls throughout the game...which I have rarely seen). And in this case, the Lions got what they deserved. A win.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Stafford Needs More Protection
I am disgusted at how much our new QB gets hit. It's just unacceptable. Matt is tough, determined, and talented...there's no doubt about it. But the main focus of this Lions team in the next offseason HAS to be finding this guy more protection. The offensive line isn't cutting it. Stafford didn't get sacked much today, but he is hurried and shoved to the ground way too much. Think of Peyton Manning and how little you see him go down. It's what Stafford deserves. Think of how much more effective our offense could be weekly if we protected Stafford. Megatron, Kevin Smith, Pettigrew, Heller, Aaron Brown, Bryant Johnson....we have the weapons....and giving them time to move would be astronomically helpful.
It obviously isn't just the offensive line. All Lions fans are sick of this defense's play. I think we all feel like it is underachieving, to say the least. It would be one thing if we had a bunch of no-names on that side of the ball...but Julian Peterson, Larry Foote, Philip Buchanon, etc...even Louis Delmas....they are too good to be playing like that. 24 points to the Browns in the first quarter??? The Browns had scored 5 TDs all year...they scored 4 against us...3 in the first half. It's just unacceptable....and I trust that Schwartz, being the defensive-minded guru that he is, will shore that up over the coming couple of years....but he's gotta be going out of his mind.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Lastly.........I was excited as hell (and still am) about the Lions pulling off this miracle win. I can't tell you how nice it was to see a little luck go in our favor for once....even if it was against the Browns, who we should beat anyway). But we shouldn't let this go to our heads. There are a lot of problems still showing their ugly heads....and the Packers are going to be ready for us come Thursday. I hope Stafford is healthy....I hope the defense gets serious.....I hope the Lions come out wanting another victory.....hungry and determined. They have an opportunity to play on the national scale on Thanksgiving and show the country that they are improving...that they are talented and coming around.....I just hope they actually do it. Complacency is not an option here. Another win would keep us further away from the #1 selection spot. We still need to win another game to avoid that if you ask me.
Stafford is the real deal. The Lions need to now continue to build around him, while keeping our strongest pieces.
GO LIONS! RESTORE THE ROAR!!!!
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit's main writer, Sean, or the site in general. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.
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I have said this many times...
I have been on board with Stafford, since the MSU/Georgia bowl game. Matt just has IT. That something special. Get him some real protection.
if the shoe fits...get another one just like it - George Carlin
by JCruize on Nov 22, 2009 9:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely agree.
I’ll admit. I was gun-shy due to the whole Joey Harrington debacle. I didn’t want to see us go through that again. My worries really didn’t have a whole lot to do with Staff himself. Well, he’s proven he’s no Joey Harrington. He’s much, much more. And like you said, if he gets the protection and support around him, he’ll be a real special player in this league and he will be able to bring many good Sundays to Detroit.
GO LIONS! RESTORE THE ROAR!
by Twon82 on Nov 22, 2009 9:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Time for Your Music Vid Update?
Consider it. I watch the thing several times a week. How much sweeter can it get?
Rodney Crowell
by LionFanInChiefsLand on Nov 22, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
agreed i donno if twon made it or found
but if he made the you need to add some
Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??
by det32 on Nov 23, 2009 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't make that video...
….but you are right, it is awesome. I am wondering if whoever made it will update it as the season goes.
GO LIONS! RESTORE THE ROAR!
by Twon82 on Nov 23, 2009 12:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yea lots of room at the end
Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??
by det32 on Nov 23, 2009 12:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
donno if there is anouth tho songs not that long
would need to start it over
Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??
by det32 on Nov 23, 2009 12:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i did not not want them to but i was wrong!!!!
Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??
by det32 on Nov 22, 2009 9:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I flip flopped very early, but finally made up my mind about a month before the draft.
Staff is our guy. I agree that we need more help on the O line, but it is tough to completely ignore our crying need for more defensive help. If Suh is available when we draft [very possible as I don’t believe we will be picking any later than third or fourth] it will be very tough to pass him for Okung. Right now Cleveland and Tampa look to be possible to pick in front of us, St. Louis looks like they have at least another win in them. Tampa would definitely take Suh, but I don’t see the Browns or Rams going that way. They might be more interested in QBs.
by NorthLeft12 on Nov 22, 2009 10:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm in the same boat as you
I wanted Curry or Monroe and wasn’t really on board with Stafford until about a month beforehand when it became clear he was the guy on top of the Lions board. Once that happened, I was completely with him, he was a Lion after-all. This game has just soldified my faith in him.
I’m proud of the boys today.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Nov 22, 2009 10:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's about how I was, yeah....
GO LIONS! RESTORE THE ROAR!
by Twon82 on Nov 22, 2009 11:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately....
…I am not sure the QBs are going to be graded too high. It looks like it will mostly be o-linemen and defense in the draft this year (in the higher picks).
GO LIONS! RESTORE THE ROAR!
by Twon82 on Nov 22, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
One thing I kept thinking after he won us that game
was, “Man, I bet he’s getting laid tonight….”
by Nate D. on Nov 22, 2009 10:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
the man is worth 70 million and is 21 years old.
He gets laid every night.
by IAmGross on Nov 22, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain. Lily Tomlin
by Leapin Lion on Nov 23, 2009 7:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
+70 Million
http://thebiglead.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/dl.jpg
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Nov 23, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
who voted for them?? rbanner is one i would think what abouth other
I did not want to draft him, and still feel I was correct…
I wanted to draft him, but have not been impressed yet…
Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??
by det32 on Nov 22, 2009 11:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Let them be idiots...
….I’m enjoying watching Stafford grow. I’m enjoying just being a fan. They can be sour all they want to.
GO LIONS! RESTORE THE ROAR!
by Twon82 on Nov 22, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Stafford's a winner!
I graduated from Un of Georgia in 1982. I have seen many excellent GA quarterbacks… Eric Zeier, Quincey Carter and David Greene to name a few. Stafford, by far, is the best of all of them! He is for the real . Not only is he incredably talented, but he has the heart to match…He risked his entire future career to win this game for the people of Detroit. He is a winner! I watched Mark Sanchez play today. One of the Jet’s recievers dropped a pass…Snachez ran to the sideline complaining loudly about how well he threw the ball and how poorly the receiver ran the route. None of this from Stafford. You watch as he takes charge of this team. Win and he will credit the team…loose and he will shoulder the blame. Class act all the way!
by Chatoplay on Nov 23, 2009 12:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Didn't vote
There’s really no choice for how I’m feeling. I was somewhat (but not adamantly) against the pick of Stafford. But, just like one bad game didn’t make Stafford a bust, one heroic game isn’t going to make him my savior.
I’m happy for how he played, but it was against the Browns. And, like I mentioned in my fanpost, without that PI call, he had a better than average game in a losing effort. The story of the game went from “holy shit, look how bad our defense is” to “OMG, Stafford is amazing” with one throw of a penalty flag.
My choice in the poll is “I did not want to draft him, and I’m hoping I was wrong, but I’m not sure yet.”
Let’s hope this is just one of many comeback dramatic wins by Stafford. And let’s hope for a speedy recovery, though I doubt he’ll be available on Thanksgiving.
Read my Lions analysis at: http://www.studyofsports.com/?cat=142
by simscity on Nov 23, 2009 1:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I hear you...
….I am staying down to Earth on this one. I think it is just good that we enjoy this win, because the rest of the season will not be full of them. I understand completely what you are saying though. I think everyone is more excited about the future, rather than the rest of this season in particular. I know we could easily finish 2-14. But I also see that Stafford’s mindset is different from other QBs we’ve had…and with the right personnel around him, he can do excellent.
GO LIONS! RESTORE THE ROAR!
by Twon82 on Nov 23, 2009 1:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I basically feel the same way. Michigan fans, myself included, made the mistake of naming Forcier our savior after the ND game. That was beyond premature.
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
by Sean Yuille on Nov 23, 2009 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sean,
Our problem in Michigan is totally on the O-line and all th freekin turnovers. The o-line for no continuity with all the injuries after we lost our center the wheels fell off the very next week. The turnovers are just playing with all those young guns at the skill positions.Michigan was never beet this year….. Gave away a bunch of games with all the turnovers but we were never beet.
by davis0169 on Nov 23, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Penn State kicked our ass, as did Wisconsin in the second half
The other games were all winnable, though.
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
by Sean Yuille on Nov 23, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
stafford
i am impressed with stafford but i think this is too early to proclaim him a star. he played great today and his toughness won the game but we need to understand that this was the browns.now the good sign is tht he is getting better every week but wait a few more weeks or even years to proclaim him a star. I will tell u one thing though, he is much better than sanchez and sanchez has a better team and a much better OL.
by David7 on Nov 23, 2009 1:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Massaquoi?
Wonder if Stafford will approach the GM about trading for his old UGA teammate, wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi? LOL…
by Chatoplay on Nov 23, 2009 3:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Adamantly Opposed...
…to drafting Stafford. In spite of his recent brilliance in this past game (and he was VERY good), I still think my reasons for not wanting to draft him are still there.
The offensive line is still not worth a $#!t in pass protection. Stafford is getting kncocked around like a rag doll, and is usually not getting the time he needs to throw. A better, more established O-Line would do wonders for any young quarterback’s confidence…and eventually give them the time they need to acheive greatness.
The defense is porous. I mean Cleveland was abysmal offensively before this game, and they made Brady Quinn look like a sure-fire hall-of-famer. They rebounded nicely after one of the most pathetic 1st quarters since the Saints game…but there are still lots of problems with this team defensively.
Aweful defense usually means you’re playing from behind…playing from behind leads to dropping back to pass a lot…passing a lot leads to lots of blitzing….poor offensive linemen lead to loads of pressure…pressure leads to mistakes and broken ribs! It’s a recipe for disaster…and I think most of that still holds true.
In addition, my number one reason for not wanting to draft Stafford is that this TEAM doesn’t know how to win games yet. Yesterday’s game was an incredibly exciting, and well deserved victory…but a winning team doesn’t require that incredible last drive because they took care of business earlier. I just feel like the TEAM as a whole still needs to develope an identity still…and it shouldn’t lie on the shoulders of a rookie QB (who should be enjoying his Senior year of College right now) to find ways to win games.
Look, Stafford may be the real deal…he certainly showed us a nice little sample of what he is capable of yesterday. That doesn’t mean, at least in my opinion, that it makes it the right move to draft him. Obviously, he’s here and I’m gonna pull for him to do well like crazy….but it’s gonna take a Super Bowl to convince me that it was the right thing to do.
"Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer." -Mark Twain
by Mushy on Nov 23, 2009 8:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I look at our other first pick options and how they are doing and cringe.
The only O lineman doing half decently at LT is Eugene Monroe and even he has been up and down and is not looking like an elite blocker. Jason Smith is at RT and not doing very well, Andre Smith is still not playing and most likely a Guard. Aaron Curry at OLB is good one week then awful the next. I like Levy as much as him. BJ Raji has not started and is playing sparingly. I like what Hill has been doing for us. Sanchez? Sanchez? Are you kidding me!?! Who do you take at # 1 from that group?
The bottom line is there was only one clear # 1 pick, and even he had his faults, and we took him. Our early draft position in 2010 will allow us to fill a few more holes [hopefully three] and build a team around the leadership of Staff and Schwartz.
I think this team is developing an identity, around Staff, Delmas, Calvin, Pettigrew, and Levy. 2010 will be the year to fill in some holes on the lines and in the secondary, hopefully.
by NorthLeft12 on Nov 23, 2009 9:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Stafford is here...
…so I don’t want to turn this into a huge debate that ends up making me sound like I hate the kid. I just think the team would have done better to take another player with that pick. Hindsight is 20/20, but I still like Michael Ohr, Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe. BJ Raji or Curry would have been stretches, but I would have liked either of those players too (especially if they were able to move down to take them). Anyway, my point is that any of those players could have been taken…all of them were likely to struggle…but a struggling LT, or defensive player will not have nearly the pressure on them that a QB does, nor do any of those positions have such a drastic impact on the game.
"Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer." -Mark Twain
by Mushy on Nov 23, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wasnt a Stafford fan
stood on my soap box for Curry, but Smith, Monroe, and Raji do not posses the talent/ceiling that Stafford has. They were not worthy of the top pick. And we all know no one was going to trade up for it. His obvious heart and leadership are intagibles that Schwartz and Mayhew seen in him that convinced them of drafting him #1. And I am happy they did.
Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain. Lily Tomlin
by Leapin Lion on Nov 23, 2009 10:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We had a shot at Oher at # 20 and passed to take 'Grew.
I did not agree with it at the time but after I thought about it a long time I figured that Schwartz and Mayhew and the rest of the staff know more about these guys than I do and where they want to go.
I’ll defend Backus again [talk about your thankless jobs] and observe that he is not our biggest problem on the O line. I actually think he played very well against Minnesota the week before, and from what I heard, was okay yesterday too. Gosder needs to improve and the interior needs upgrading. I think the Lions will draft a guy who will start at Guard and possibly develop into an LT [Anthony Davis?]. If they could get him in the second round.
by NorthLeft12 on Nov 23, 2009 10:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Backus got raped vs. Minnesota
I still would take Oher over Grew, I think we would have been much better off.
However, hindsight is 20/20, and I’m happy we got the beastmode twins for Staff to throw to.
by Nate D. on Nov 23, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you sure?
I think Backus was up against the Skullet all game and held his own. Ray Edwards OWNED Gosdar that game
by JazzyBBP on Nov 23, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Backus stuffed the Mulletoid.
No sacks, not even close from what I saw. The only play Allen got close on was to break up an intended screen. Backus did his job, Allen just plain ran away from him to stop the pass.
by NorthLeft12 on Nov 23, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Backus raped the mullet.
It was the interior line that got rolled over and f***ed dry. It was all the blitzes they sent up the middle on almost every play that were killing Stafford.
by toled0lions on Nov 23, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take you guys' word for it
I think I saw one play that stuck out where Backus got owned by Allen, and it made an impact to me. I was one of the people in the early season who said Backus was the least of our worries on the OL (not saying much), but lately, I really feel he needs to move to G or be sent off completely.
The fact that Raiola and Peterman got extensions and not him says something as well. Cherilus doesn’t seem like he was Rd. 1 pick worthy (go figure), we have no guards to speak of… But I’ve always been a Raiola supporter. Don’t know why, but I like him.
by Nate D. on Nov 23, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Backus already got his contract.......until 2012 I think.
by NorthLeft12 on Nov 23, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's correct
Well then I wouldnt be opposed to letting him be a career Lion, just move him to LG to ride out his career.
by Nate D. on Nov 23, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I haven't really done the research, but...
Stafford is more appealing than the QB’s coming up now. While Okung and the like seem similar to the Smith’s and Monroe. I don’t think we lose anything by waiting to build the trenches now.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Nov 23, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I completly agree
This would be his senior year in school, BUT he is here and learning. Showing drastic improvement from week to week. Something a Lions QB has shown a serious lack of.
Our win yesterday has catapulted us to the #4 (for the moment) pick in the draft. The O-line could be drastically upgraded in one offseason. The talent wasnt there last year, hopefully it is our #1 priority this offseason.
Oh by the way through 10 games played
YDS TD INT PCT RTG FUM FUM/Lost
Stafford 1,911 11 14 55.2 66.9 4 1
Sanchez 1,791 10 16 52.1 61.1 9 3
Sanchez has a very good oline, and defense
Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain. Lily Tomlin
by Leapin Lion on Nov 23, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Living in NYC I love to see Sanchez struggle!!! LOVE IT!!!
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me vs. Bears fans
by NYCLionsfan on Nov 23, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Whoo go Staff!
I always keep an eye on Sanchez’s performance, hoping he doesn’t do that well. It’s sad, I know, but that’s what I do.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Nov 23, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was wrong! But now I believe!
Pass the turkey and kool-aid, please. Nice spiral on that drumstick, Matt.
Northleft is right, we are building an identity, a nucleus of young stars. If we can do as well in the next draft as we did in this one (5 starters?), we’ll be well on our way.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Nov 23, 2009 9:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sorry guys
Staff is no better than most of the guysdrafted in the first roundthis last draft. All of them have shown that they are Rookies. 1 week we praise them and the next we just sit back and scratch our heads wondering why we took a QB with the #1 pick. The right choice would have been aD-lineman. I think our D looks so awful because week after week we get no presure on the QB. There is 2 rookie pass rushers that have been off the charts this year and if you think about it our secondary has been better than we could have hoped for with no pass rush forcing QB’s into bad reads.
by davis0169 on Nov 23, 2009 10:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Who would have you chosen with the #1 pick?
Because that player has to be worthy of the #1 selection in the entire draft, and his position warrants being the highest paid player in the NFL. A franchise QB fits that bill. We all knew there would be growing pains, but there are flashes and improvments and thats all that is being asked of him at this time.
Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain. Lily Tomlin
by Leapin Lion on Nov 23, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You can't just pretend that there was a d-lineman ripe for the picking.
There wasn’t. You draft from the players available, that’s how it goes. No D-lineman in the draft was worth the #1 pick.
by Trysdor on Nov 23, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Who are you referring to davis? Guys drafted last year or available in 2010?
I cannot think of any rookie linemen pass rushers in the NFL this year.
by NorthLeft12 on Nov 23, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Denver!
Can’t think of his name right off the top of my head but he came from Louisville i beleave, he has a screwy name and with all the hype leading up to draft day he wasn’t even on anyones list cause he wasn’t from a “grade A” school. No I wouldn’t have drafted him at #1 either, I would of drafted Curry without even thinking about it and if someone would o talked me outta curry it would of been Raji. It all starts with the D especially in D troit.
by davis0169 on Nov 23, 2009 5:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gee... I wonder how I felt about Stafford... :o)
Vindicated? Only if we get a Lombardi trophy. But I feel very confident that Matt will at least be a good quarterback, if not great. When was the last time a Lion’s QB threw 5 TD’s? Ever?
by DrewsLions on Nov 23, 2009 10:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Apparently Kitna did. Against Dallas. Not sure if we won that game.
by NorthLeft12 on Nov 23, 2009 10:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kitna
Was it this game?
http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2006/12/31/NFL-Detroit-39-Dallas-31/UPI-76561167608155/
by Chatoplay on Nov 23, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, thats what Brandstatter said on the post game show yesterday.
The article says only four and so does NFL.com. He was sacked five times that game which was par for the course for Kitna. I stand corrected.
Lesson learned: Check anything that comes out of Brandstatter’s mouth.
by NorthLeft12 on Nov 23, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think we won that game
It was the last game of 2006 maybe??? It was on the road too.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me vs. Bears fans
by NYCLionsfan on Nov 23, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Go to heck Drew!!!!
Just playing bro, You were dead on about Staff infection.
by davis0169 on Nov 23, 2009 5:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Your August post seems appropriate - ironically following a Cleveland game
http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2009/8/25/1002148/supposed-stafford-infatuation
by Octavius on Aug 25, 2009 9:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As a Georgia fan, I watched Stafford for three years and his development over that time was not accurately represented by Statistics.
Some additional points Lions fans would do well to remember from his his time at Georgia:
1. Toughness, he is not afraid to take a hit to make a throw
While Tim Tebow was running the Wildcat as a sub for Chris Leak, Stafford was running for his life behind an offensive line that would be hard-pressed to block my Fraternity’s flag football team. Forget throwing off his back foot, he may as well have been throwing from the bottom of a well, he got the Archie Manning treatment for the entire SEC season.
He still needs to adjust to the speed of the NFL, but no need to worry that he will be whining about not getting time to throw or being hurt.
2. Drops? You don’t know the meaning of the word.
Until AJ Green arrived last year, Stafford would have been better off throwing to a cardboard cutout of Calvin Johnson than to any member of the offense with the possible exception of Knowshon.
I am not talking about balls "thrown too hard" and dropped (although that certainly happened) or "too high/just behind" and "off the hands" (that happened as well) drops.
I am talking "softly into the hands of a RB in the flat with not a soul but the fat guy holding the down marker within 20 yards of him" drops.
"3rd and 8, eleven yard curl patterns with the ball placed in the sternum" drops.
"Screen pass dropped perfectly into the hands while all 172 Florida Gator defenders are trying to crack him open like a Pez dispenser" drops.
Two separate officials dropped balls that he tossed to them after the play (ok… only I only saw one, but I missed the Auburn game that year.) He made the correct reads and continued to throw to the correct WR, never bitched or made a scene. He is almost as thrilled to be throwing the Calvin Johnson as I am to never have to watch that freak play against UGA again.
3. He lost weight and built muscle from his Freshman year
May seem like a small point, but look at the pictures from 2006 to 2008, he looks as if he lost 40 lbs…he only lost 15 lbs but he built up muscle and got stronger. What does that mean?
Discipline, work ethic… oh and it reduces the chances that you will have the Sta-Puft Marshmallow Man under center in 2 years (or Jamarcus Russel. I will eat my hat (unless he’s eaten it first) if that kid is an ounce below 280 by the time next year’s draft comes up.)
Cheers all and good luck.
by Octavius on Aug 25, 2009 9:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Patriotic dissent is a luxury of those protected by better men than they
by Octavius on Nov 25, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks! That was great.
You were right.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Nov 27, 2009 6:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fans
Such a huge part of the game belongs to the fans. The players play the game and in most ways, have more in common with each other than with the fans but… The pro -teams form a critical part of the cities’ identity. They are the “glue” as you were, causing people to bind in a common cause. If the fans are optomistic, then this transfers into all social arenas. It rubs off on the team as well. Players want to play in a city where fan support is max. Players will stay in Detroit because they want to be there. Optimism does not mean accepting a two-win season. Optimism does mean limiting criticism to areas that benefit the team. If you don’t believe fans make a difference, look at the Pittsburg Pirates!
by Chatoplay on Nov 23, 2009 10:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I was
Just kidding, jimoska….. :o)
by DrewsLions on Nov 23, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You know what kinda suprises me
no one has said a word about the vicious tackle made on Staff… The DLineman DEFINITELY left his feet to hit Staff, possibly seriously injuring him in the process.
Not complaning, because I’ll take this win no matter what (loved every second of it), but I watched that play over and over and thats what stuck out to me most.
by Nate D. on Nov 23, 2009 1:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
yeah...and didn't his helmet also meet staff in the grill?
i know shoulders were to his ribs…but i would love to see some love & have something said
by londonlion on Nov 23, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
With a team like the Lions you can't look at....
the rebuilding process like it has to happen in a single year, it can’t, as most realize. So debating who to take with your first pick in a given year has to be taken with a longer view of the next three drafts in mind, not just that one year. I say Staff was the right pick. Here’s why:
The principle of whether to draft needs or talent gets blurry when you have needs all over the board. It pushes you more toward taking the best talent because you likely need that spot anyway.
I agree that in general you should build from the inside out, making a QB a lower priority, UNLESS there is a QB on the board who looks to possess everthing you expect from a future HOFer AND you don’t particularly see another one on the horizon in the next three years. Throw the UGA records out the window and look at Staff’s personal tangibles. He was being ID’d as a future #1 pick when he was in 9th grade.
There are some good QBs coming up but none that compare to Stafford. No one is going to trade up to take Colt McCoy or Jimmy Clausen #1 this year. There will however be a lot of DLs and OLs in the 2010 and 2011 draft just as good as you had to pick from last year.
So if you have a shot at getting THAT guy who “could be” the next Favre, Elway, etc. and projects that according to all knowledgable observers, you take him.
If you do build from the inside out and get to be a decent team without a Franchise QB, you are going to draft lower and will essentially shut yourself out of a pick like Stafford unless you are willing to give up a lot for him. Hopefully you’ll find the next Tom Brady.
Every pick is a gamble. But Staff was the right one because he does possess those special qualities. If anyone from the 2009-2011 drafts is going to be the next elite NFL QB, Staff has the better odds over any of the others. And as of yesterday he made his first mark of putting himself into some elite company like Tarkenton, Elway, Aikman, etc.
Now this year there is another situation facing the Lions. The single greatest need is a DL, probably at DT. But Eric Berry could be on the board at Safety. The Lions need another safety but maybe not as much as a DT. Do you take Berry or a DT? Is there a DT on the board who projects to be an elite DT like a Haynesworth or Seymour? If so it’s a tough choice. If not, I say take Berry because he has all the intagibles of being an elite playmaking Safety in the league. You can still get a good DTs with the next couple of picks.
by MusicCityDawg on Nov 23, 2009 1:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
+1
and look what hill is doing…out of what the sixth round was it? i say its berry or oline…dline is deep yet again…
by londonlion on Nov 23, 2009 1:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On the OL I'm think in terms of...
bringing in experience through trades/free agency. Use your picks this year to stack the defensive side particularly the DBs. I am not as familiar with the Lions personnel so I may be off on the DL route. But defensive players seem to be able to contribute the fastest as rookies (except RBs and WRs). OL needs a little more developmental time.
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth" - Mike Tyson
by MusicCityDawg on Nov 23, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Singing Dawg
I agree with everything you said about how to build a team up above, but the lions don’t need DT’s,we need pass rushing ends in a critical kind of way. I too really kind of want Berry to go with Delmas, just the thought of what we would have back there kind of get’s me grinning. But A true bad ass at the end of the D-line is the most pressing issue with this current group of players. Our Tackles have no been getting blown out up front they are being run on because we don’t have 1 real end period. But O-line I can’t argue with and Berry is just a dreamy pick.The irony would be Millen who never really drafted D-fence is getting replaced by his flackies and they “in my opinion” hit their first draft outta the stadium. Now lets get a Back-to-back draft and see what we can do.
by davis0169 on Nov 23, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Always respect this argument....
….namely because you can’t argue against it. If you see a player that you have every reason to believe is going to be your hall of fame QB to lead you to the promised land…you have to take them.
I guess my argument is, that when your team is SO far behind the rest of the league, you have to put some pieces in place if you want that QB to have the best opportunity to be that Hall of Fame player you think he is.
At the end of the day, I’ll take a Super Bowl over a hall of famer…and there is more than one way to win a Super Bowl!
"Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer." -Mark Twain
by Mushy on Nov 23, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I get what you are saying....
like I said, any pick is a gamble. There are the Tom Brady’s of the world, but there are a lot more Brian Griese and Danny Wuerffel types, decent to bad despite good college careers who never quite clicked for an extended period. Of course it’s moot to argue the point now. It is fairly obvoius what holes need to be filled next.
But in two more years I don’t think anyone will be saying Staff was anything but the right pick in 2009.
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth" - Mike Tyson
by MusicCityDawg on Nov 23, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought you were going to say
Leif and Russel; Carr.
by davis0169 on Nov 23, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What is funny to me...
Is that most of you have forgotten your Lions history. Think back to the 2001 draft. Where we have a new GM. A new head coach. And a team that needs to be built. So RD. 1 we get our LT. RD.2 we get our C and DT.
Skip ahead to a year later. Lions are a team still looking for a QB. So the FO decide the Lions are taking one no matter what. That plan did not seem to work. Oh, did I forget to mention that the Lions passed up on Brees in 2001 to take the LT first.
The fact is: if you are starring a very good QB in the face. You draft him. Period. It is far better to build a team around a good QB. Than to settle for the best available QB in a draft.
if the shoe fits...get another one just like it - George Carlin
by JCruize on Nov 23, 2009 9:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
NFL: Correct call was made
The “Official Review” segment on NFL Network this week focused an in-depth look at the last couple of plays in the Browns-Lions game.
Short answer: yes, that was pass interference. It would have been legal to shove the Lion out of bounds when Stafford left the pocket, but not when the ball was in the air. The shove was while the ball was in the air, and so pass interference was the correct call.
Browns fans can pound sand.
by medicineball on Nov 28, 2009 10:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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