Sprint Game Ball Of The Week: Cliff Avril

by Sean Yuille on Dec 6, 2010 9:50 AM EST in Sprint Game Ball of the Week

This post is sponsored by Sprint.

Two weeks ago after the Lions lost to Dallas, there were so few worthy candidates for the Sprint Game Ball that I gave it to punter Nick Harris for pinning the Cowboys inside the five a few times. It was a strange pick to have to make for sure, but one of the side effects of losses, naturally, is not having many players perform all that well.

Although Detroit lost on Sunday to Chicago, I'm happy to say that a few guys were in the running for the Sprint Game Ball this week. Drew Stanton, making only his second career start, completed 16 of 24 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown, and he also ran for a touchdown. Calvin Johnson caught three passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. Stefan Logan took a kick back 60 yards and averaged 38.7 yards per return (he also had a punt return for 19 yards). Also, Dave Rayner made both of the two field goals he attempted, including one from 50 yards out.

All of the guys listed above could have easily been given the Sprint Game Ball this week, but the obvious winner is someone else: Cliff Avril. Avril had a monster day for the Lions, recording four solo tackles, three sacks and three tackles for loss. He also was involved on the play where Turk McBride got a sack and forced a fumble. All in all, it was quite the game for Avril, who is having quite the season.

In 2010, despite missing three games, Avril has a total of 25 tackles and seven sacks. He had 10.5 total sacks in 2008 and 2009 combined, so he is already getting close to matching that mark in this season alone. He has really progressed as a player and is someone who will definitely be part of the Lions' talented defensive line for years to come.

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Comments

Very deserving selection. Cliff has had an excellent year.

I was not overly concerned about losing KVB for this game as long as Cliff was back. Cliff has been our best DE all year. His numbers don’t really show what a good year he has had.

You played a helluva game Drew and though I am not a big fan, you are our QB......for now.

by NorthLeft12 on Dec 6, 2010 10:05 AM EST reply actions

His speed around the egde cause QB's to either roll out, or step up into the pocket

And into the loving arms of SUH

"Winning is not everything. It is the only thing."

by Lionsfan8 on Dec 6, 2010 10:18 AM EST up reply actions

Porcher

He kind of reminds me of Porcher…anybody else get that feeling? Hopefully he sticks around like Porcher did…although I wasn’t happy with the way he was kind of forced into retirement…

by BBlades on Dec 6, 2010 11:00 AM EST reply actions

Sort of like Porcher

I think Cliffy is a bit smaller and quicker though. Porcher could line up at DTackle if needed. He actually reminds me like Marc Spindler more if you can beleive that!!

Come on Lions! Its a 60 minute game!!!!!

by NYCLionsfan on Dec 6, 2010 11:27 AM EST up reply actions

Coming into this season

Cliff is alittle bigger than Porcher. Porcher was 6’3 265lb. Cliff with his added offseason weight. 6’3 and i am guessing on the other side of 270lb. Cliff put on his twitter early in training camp. That he added 10 pounds of muscle.

The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth. - Niels Bohr

by JCruize on Dec 6, 2010 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks Cruize

He just looks smaller to me than Porcher but thats just my perception

Come on Lions! Its a 60 minute game!!!!!

by NYCLionsfan on Dec 6, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

I know what you are saying

I was actually surprized that Porcher was not bigger. I think maybe I was still in highschool in the Porcher days. So maybe mine and your perception of Porcher is as being bigger. And by looking at your pic. I think you have gotten bigger since your highschool days. I mean come on man. Let somebody else have turn on the bench press. You big bastard. ; )

The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth. - Niels Bohr

by JCruize on Dec 6, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions

Ha ha thanks Cruize

I always liked tall and thin DE’s – like Jason Pierre-Paul out of USF last year (who is getting much better for the Giants as of late).

I just want some W’s Cruize – you can have the flat, decline or Smith machine if we beat the Pack this week

Come on Lions! Its a 60 minute game!!!!!

by NYCLionsfan on Dec 6, 2010 2:37 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah I am with you

I want the wins too. And I will take the flat. By the way. What is your max bench press weight? A few summers ago I got 300lb up (once). I was on Red Bull and Pro-Max bars at the time. Now I do less weight more reps. Going for the trim cut look. The wife didn’t like me being all big and bulky. I was at 6’0 245lb. Now I am 6’0 220lb( and getting slimmer).

The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth. - Niels Bohr

by JCruize on Dec 6, 2010 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

Good question

I’ve only benched >300 on a smith machine or with DEPENDABLE spots. I’m 6’1, 240 but going into a “cut” phase soon as well. I started a new job a few months ago and haven’t been to the gym in a while. Going back after the new year though.

PS – my muscles are mainly for show. You would be surprised how weak I really am – I am not “naturally” strong like others so I rarely impress people with heavy weights

Come on Lions! Its a 60 minute game!!!!!

by NYCLionsfan on Dec 6, 2010 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

I think the older you get

and less time you spent at the gym. The cut look is easier to maintain. I am down to going to the gym about 3 times a week. Before, I was going no less than 5 times.

The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth. - Niels Bohr

by JCruize on Dec 6, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions