The Monday Morning Microscope: Week 1 - The Fleecing
by DrewsLions on Sep 12, 2010 9:34 PM EDT
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Disclaimer: Because I may not be available tomorrow until later in the day, I'm posting my inaugural Monday Morning Microscope tonight. I'm taking the band-aid approach. Just get it done quickly and maybe it won't hurt as much.
As I sit here staring at a blank page, I feel as if I scarcely have the heart to start writing. Today's game has rocked me to my core as a Lions fan. When Stafford went down, I honestly got nauseous. No lie. I think that's a sign that I have a real problem, but that's another discussion best left for a future psychotherapy session. I watched all the hope and optimism that I've carried since the end of the 2009 season come crashing down as hard as Julius Peppers on Stafford's shoulder. All the cheering and excitement came to an abrupt halt and the vision of Shaun Hill warming up after halftime chilled me to the bone. Little did I know, that disturbing mental snapshot was not going to be the worst sight of the day. Still clinging to the hope that Stafford would emerge after a quick, precautionary MRI to lead this team to a victory, my heart sank deep into my chest as he emerged from the tunnel... no pads and his arm in a sling under his shirt. For nearly the entire third quarter, I sat motionless... staring at the television, completely comatose.
A few weeks back, I playfully commented in someone's fanpost about a nightmare scenario with Stafford going down for the year. Now I was staring at that scenario in week one. In my mind, there was no worse situation. This was it. The season is lost. My optimism was completely drained from my body. Right or wrong, that is the way I felt. My mind started to reel at the thought of all of the lost progress losing Stafford would mean. I came unraveled.
As the defense started to step up in the fourth quarter, I did manage to come out of my fog a little. The thought of winning the game started to creep back into my numb mind. The back and forth emotions continued as the game came down to a few shots at the end zone. As I watched Calvin go up into the air and come down with the football - in bounds - I jumped from my couch, screaming at the television in sheer exhilaration (which my kids found hilarious)... feeling like maybe all is not lost. Wait. What? The ruling on the field was what?
Snap back to reality... oh, there goes gravity... (insert the clip from the movie "Fight Club" where Edward Norton's character realizes he is Tyler Durden here...)
A part of me simply wants to fall to my knees with arms reaching to the sky, screaming "Why? Why? WHY!?!?" What in the hell have we done to deserve such cruelty and suffering? Why don't we deserve to catch a break every now and then? Can the football gods not smile down on us once in a while? I just want to play the victim here. We didn't get beat because of talent today. We got beat because of a key injury and horrible rule. We are a better team than the Bears. In fact, if Stafford had not gotten hurt and we go into the half up 17-10 or better yet, 21-10, we easily win. The final score would likely have been 27-13 or something like that. But that didn't happen. Instead, the football gods decided to once again strike down our chances to be successful this year. I just can't understand it.
Never has a loss felt so empty or a season felt so lost so early. One play has changed the course of our entire season. Like I said, if Stafford had not gotten hit, fumbled and gotten hurt, we'd have won the game today and I'd be feeling very different right now. In fact, I'd be feeling pretty damn good. But instead, I'm feeling something disturbing. I feel like never wanting to watch another Lions game again. I feel like this has finally happened one too many times. How many lost seasons can I endure? How many countless hours in the offseason can I spend devoted to this team only to have the season seemingly gone after one half of football? I just feel sick. I understand that we have fifteen more games and the season is not over, but I simply can't change the way I feel at this particular moment in time.
I'm not even going to get into the call at the end of the game. It's an exercise in futility and it is the rule. As many have already said, it is an idiotic rule and it will likely be brought into the spotlight like the infamous Tom Brady "tuck rule", but that gives me absolutely no solace right now. None at all. Even if we won this game, the reality still would have to set in that Matthew Stafford could be out long term and the way Hill played today, gives us little hope considering our schedule. Yes, that is a pessimistic view, but my wounds are very deep right now. I truly hope that things aren't as bad as they appear, but right now the uncertainty is disconcerting at best.
So, as much as I really don't want to delve back into this one, I'll give my...
Thoughts on the Game:
- As I always did last year, I'll start with the quarterbacks. And it really sucks that I have to use the plural form of the word. Before the injury, Stafford was hit and miss and the offense was very vanilla. I expected that, however. Offenses are usually a little slow to get in sync in week one and typically take some time to iron out the kinks. But the bottom line with the Stafford-led offense is that they got into the end zone twice. That's all you really need to know. Shortly before the injury (and the Forte sideline tightrope miscue), it was 14-3 and we were primed to go into the half up by two scores.
- Once Hill entered the game, the entire offense fizzled. In fact, until the last drive, they had one first down the entire second half. One. Are you kidding me? I don't know if it was Linehan's bland playcalling or the lack of leadership under Hill, but something was certainly off. Watching that offense in the second half certainly gives me absolutely no faith that this offense will be explosive with Hill under center.
- Where the hell were our wide receivers today? Calvin showed up in the fourth quarter, but where was he the rest of the game? One measly catch by wide receivers in the first half? That's not good enough. I don't know whether to blame the receivers or Linehan. The Lions sure came out ready to dink and dunk and check-down all game. Like I said, I can't tell whether that was the plan or if the receivers simply weren't getting open. Stafford had time in the first half, so it appears that the receivers simply weren't doing enough to get open. If Calvin is going to take the jump to elite, he's got to do more to make plays.
- The other day, I commented on a fanpost that I was having nightmares about Julius Peppers going up against Jeff Backus. I can't remember who, but one of you chimed in and told me I had nothing to worry about. Care to restate that claim?
- I do have to say the bright spot today was the defense. The injury and bad rule aside, the defense played one of the best games of football I've seen a Lions' team play in a long time. Take the two long Matt Forte touchdowns out of the game and it would have been absolutely dominant. They were put in awful field position all day long and still stood firm. They got pressure, hustled, got turnovers and just tackled... really well, for the most part. In fact, I don't remember more than one or two times complaining about missed tackles.
- This defensive line will wreak havoc on weaker offensive lines... that much is sure. But I was actually impressed by the secondary. They made plays, tackled well and for the most part, kept the offense in front of them. I was very impressed - all things being relative to my fairly low expectations. Staying on the theme of defense, I just wanted to highlight a few players that I thought really played well today:
- Kyle Vanden Bosch - Not since Chris Speilman have we had a Lions player with such a motor. The guy is non-stop and a real force. I am so glad we picked up this guy.
- Ndamakong Suh - He was double-teamed all day long. I watched him a lot today and he was nothing short of superb. One of the strongest players, pound-for-pound, I've ever watched. This kid is going to be one of the best defensive tackles to ever play the game. Take that to the bank!
- Sammie Lee Hill - Hill outperformed Corey Williams today... easily. Williams occupied space, but Hill was a real force. He was disruptive and dominant. A change in starters could happen soon.
- Louis Delmas - Just confirmed all our suspicions that he is going to be special. He's so quick and his angles are just perfect.
- Turk McBride - This kid really impressed me today. He was fast and powerful off the edge and played very well against the run.
- Alphonso Smith - For a guy who has had one week to get ready, he played very well. He's a sure tackler and didn't make any huge mistakes. I think we got an absolute steal. If he could provide value in a game a week after his trade, imagine what he'll be worth to this team next year!
- Actually, there were very few liabilities on defense today. I thought everyone out there played well today. There was a lot fewer containment issues and guys did a great job of staying with their assignments. This secondary is going to be susceptible to the big play, but today they did a good job of bending but not breaking. I would also be remiss if I did not mention that goal line stand. That was one of the most impressive displays of heart and physicality I've ever seen. Watching Gunther walk around and give the guys a quick pound on the pads gave me goosebumps. Once again, kudos for the defense being a bright spot on such a dark day.
As of right now, a part of me is still clinging to the delusion that maybe Stafford's injury isn't too bad. As I write, the optimistic reports are that he is out 2-3 weeks. If he can come back after the bye week, I guess that's better than what could have been. But still... I am so pissed that this kind of thing always seems to happen. After watching our defense today, I think we had a chance. Without Stafford, I'm just not optimistic. If we are 0-4 at the bye week, it's going to be tough to go into Giants Stadium on the road and win. A 1-0 start today, then facing a potentially Kolb-less Eagles team next week would have given us some momentum and a chance to do something special this year. I'll admit... a little piece of me was left on Soldier Field today.
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Great post
Although, I don’t feel quite as bad as you. I completely agree about the whole “football gods not shining on us” thing since every little thing that could’ve went bad for this franchise, has. Stafford getting injured is a cruel blow. We were all looking forward to our franchise QB leading this explosive offence but instead we saw a lot of dinking and dunking and the young buck’s arm in a sling. I’m hoping against hope that it’s not serious and the injury only keeps him out a game or two. We can recover from that if that’s the case.
One thing that makes me very happy is our defence. A HUGE surprise. Our Defensive Line is as advertised, F**KIN’ SCARY. Our defensive backs also showed up at times, although I’d like the coverage tightened a bit. The fact that we kept the Bears to 19 with the amount of ball and field postion they had is astounding, especially when you look at where this unit was last year. If they keep up those sorta efforts then maybe wins aren’t so far-fetched.
RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.
his post hit home with me
I felt the same way……I’ve been in a terrible mood all day. The Stafford injury is really upsetting me more than the bad call on calvin……I was so looking forward to seeing Stafford develop and come into his own this year and be a stud on the national scene and see us subsequently get some credibility……I also bought tix to the thanksgiving day game and the game at lambeau and was looking forward to seeing him live – I am just hoping he doesn’t have to go on IR or something. I feel the exact same as Drews – I’ve been looking forward to it all offseason and to see it go up in flames in the worst possible scenario in the first half of the first game hurts like hell
by Angry Johnny on Sep 12, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Playcalling
Great Article!
I’m not going to comment on the crap call at the end or Stafford getting hurt. But what did upset me was all the dink and dunks on offense. It reminded me of the old Lion’s where if it was 3rd and 10, we called a TE cross for 5 yards.
I saw tons of single coverages on Calvin, but we didn’t even try to go his way for 3 quarters. The Bears brought up the safety a ton to stop Best, and we played right into it. Where was the aggressive play calling from pre-season? Even with Stafford in, we did very little attacking the corners.
And sure, there were a bunch of plays down with our backs to the goal line. But you got to at least try something to give yourself some space. I hope Linehan looks over the tape and gets ill. That way, maybe next week he’ll remember this game and decide to spread the field a bit more.
Good article
I feel your pain. The way you wrote it up was about exactly how it happened for me, and I’m sure countless other Lions fans. I seriously think we may have a problem, but I still feel a little sick when I think about the game today.
Next week Sunday can’t come soon enough.
by WestsideLionsFan on Sep 12, 2010 10:00 PM EDT reply actions
At least
we played better pass defense than one team in the league. But they (Houston) were playing Peyton and they WON!
by OregonEmigrant on Sep 12, 2010 10:05 PM EDT reply actions
Red Zone
Great Numbers:
Detroit Red Zone Efficiency 2/2 – 100%
Chicago Red Zone Efficiency 0/4 – 0%
Detroit Goal To Go Efficiency 2/2 – 100%
Chicago Goal To Go Efficiency 0/2 – 0%
Terrible Numbers:
Detroit 168 yards total offense.
Detroit 20 yards total rushing
Offense: Even with Stafford out I believe the Lions can and will improve the rushing and passing to outside receivers. I believe Hill will improve by getting more reps.
Defense: Cut down the long plays and improve as a unit. It is interesting that the Lions got beat by thows to a running back. As the defense grows these should be cut down.
Impressive
RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.
by Hyperion Ecta on Sep 13, 2010 2:49 AM EDT up reply actions
We can't give the D enough cred
those boys kept us in the game whne we needed them the most. Berry looked awesome I think were gonna like that guy ALOT. Are seconday may not be as bad of a liabillity as I had imagined…the QB problem right now will be. Only the Lions could get a franchise QB that woud get RE injured on opening day. Maybe matt needs bigger shoulder pads.
I had a dream were the Lions let me sign a 1 day contract they let me practice with them running drills and catching passes from Matt…At the end of the day I was called into Mayhews office. I was told I had just been traded to seattle for a 5th round draft pick.
No... he just needs a better left tackle
Can we start the draft talk now? Who is the top rated tackle in the country? KIDDING!! Just kidding guys… I don’t wanna hear the “D” word this early in the season.
lol
got jansens phone #?
I had a dream were the Lions let me sign a 1 day contract they let me practice with them running drills and catching passes from Matt…At the end of the day I was called into Mayhews office. I was told I had just been traded to seattle for a 5th round draft pick.
by The Profiler on Sep 12, 2010 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Stop you guys!
For the most part Peppers was shut down all day! 1 bad play and you are all calling for his head, that’s bullshit! You want to get mad then start with the horrible play calling for not properly calling screen passes and draws to stop that fast front 4 of the bears. And even then it wasn’t really the front 4 that hurt us it was the LB’s that were on the constant pass rush that was stopping us, so again where was the screen pass and the quick slants that make the LB’s stop and read plays before coming on the all out blitz’s. For that matter where was the RB circle route’s? You guys know the route that sends the RB to the exact spot where Urlacher was suppose to be;execpt for the fact he was living in our backfield because we never tryed to pass the ball to the deep seem spots. And like Drew said how in the world can you not attack those CB’s? especially when you have a player like Calvin! "Get off of Backus’s ass for the most part he had 1 bad play against a guy who is 1 of the more dominant DE’s in the league today.
How many lumps you want Doc?
Backless needs to be replaced
I’ve been saying for a few years now that backless need sto be replaced. I dont know who but he seems to let a few times a game go through with his olay blocks. The defense looked good. If the defense in the second half plays like that through a whole game the d will keep us going in many games. Also we went from a potential of 7 wins down to 4 to 5 wins now
Backus WAS NOT IN ON THE SACK
Corey Hillard let him by watch the play again. SORRY FOR THE CAPS but it pisses me off when people don’t know what they are talking about.
Nope you are wrong.
It was absolutely Backus. I thought initially it was Hilliard too, because the camera shot showed Backus’ jersey bunched up and looking like a 78. It was not. It was Backus. I’ve watched the play about 15 times now and Peppers just cleanly beats him.
Actually, Backus did fairly well, but he’s going to get murdered by the fans and the media over Stafford’s injury. He’s already hated and this is going to be the final straw for fans.
If that is true, then Backus truly does need to be replaced
Oh you didn't know?? You're ass better CALLLLLLLL SOMEBODY!!!!!
I agree that Backus did not play all that bad
I would have been happy with him holding Peppers to one or two sacks, the injury is what it is. Though he gave up the sack I don’t blame him. Some of the best left tackles in history gave up sacks, in fact all of them did. I am sure their QB’s got injured on some too. It is terribly unfortunate but not his fault.
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
+1
Can we please put less blame on the LT and put some more blame on Stafford’s body (not him…his body). I hate to say it, but he is fragile, even though that was a big hit.
The beginning of the end of the misery
by Latif Masud on Sep 13, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
+2
The best LT’s will lose some battles … but our QB should be out the first time he is tackled …
It was a hard fall .. but not the twist joints variety .. This fall is a common one in the NFL for QB’s ..
I know I am being a pessimist … but the future with Staff has me worried .. was already wondering who our next “Franchise QB” will be .. a QB cannot afford to get hurt so easy .. and that too for each year in his 1st 2 ..
"Blame Stafford's Body"?
What do you propose we do about that? Of course he’s fragile. So is Best. These are guys we’ve selected and it’s incumbent upon the Front Office to select the best protection for the playmakers in back, and it’s incumbent upon who is on the roster drawing a paycheck to protect them. They don’t get paid to score, they’re paid to hit and block.
Guys like Backus still have a job to do. Others have been cut before they even saw a single regular season game. Blaming Stafford cause he “can’t take a tackle” is silly.
I don’t want add player does not have blue collar mentality,
even if he is great player. Piston should not quit your job. - OK from J
I know
Somebody needs to make a fan post. Hilliard not Backus. Allowed the Peppers hit on Stafford.
if the shoe fits...get another one just like it - George Carlin
Going to repost what Sean put in another thread.
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
From The Associated Press
[The game really turned sour for Backus when he failed to contain Bears defensive end Julius Peppers, who sacked Stafford and caused a fumble — and the shoulder injury.
“It’s your worst nightmare as an offensive lineman — you don’t want to get your quarterback hurt. It’s our job to keep him upright and I didn’t do that today,’’ Backus said.]
"But the point is, finger-pointing is just what sports fans do when something doesn't go right." -- Kurt Mensching
by RealityIsOptionable on Sep 12, 2010 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions
It was Backus
Backus even spoke to media about the play after the game. I know I’ll take flack for this, but I like Backus. Julius Peppers is an ELITE player. I don’t know of many tackles in the league that could keep him locked up for an entire game. The Lions really should have done what the Bears did early in the game. The Bears used max protect quite a bit. They were using two tight end sets and if the tight ends weren’t helping block they were at least chipping our guys. With a player like Peppers you pretty much need help on every down. Backus screwed up and he knows it.
I agree.
Game planning failure is as much to blame as Backus.
by OregonEmigrant on Sep 12, 2010 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed, Backus had two mistakes on pass blocking............
The first was when Peppers tried to decapitate Staff and got a roughing the passer penalty, Backus almost whiffed on the block, but Staff got the ball away quickly, and the second , well we all know what that one was.
Not trying to blame Staff here but I think that was a little bit of his inexperience showing. I thought he had enough time to throw, but he held it a bit long waiting for someone to get open.
I’ll try and see if I can time the video later.
Lastly, that was an outstanding play by Peppers. Staff tried to pull the ball in to his body, but Peppers reached in with one hand and knocked the ball away as he was sacking him. A really outstanding play.
Yeah, it does piss me off
Except you’re the one that is wrong.
Pride of Detroit, for Lions fans | SB Nation Detroit, for Detroit-area sports fans
crap Sean I didnt get this far down, you could delete the other post up above that is a double if yah want.
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
The more people that see it the better
Lot of misinformation out there.
Pride of Detroit, for Lions fans | SB Nation Detroit, for Detroit-area sports fans
Guys... it was Backus that allowed the sack on Stafford.
I have the game on tape and watched it a bunch of times. Backus… not Hilliard.
by DrewsLions on Sep 12, 2010 10:27 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Well I watched it to...And honestly I cant tell
but I know the Backus likes to wear those black rubber sleeves. The first couple of times I was sure it was Hilliard. But looking at it about twenty more times. It still looks like #78. But I will yield to Drew and BBlades opinion on who it was.
if the shoe fits...get another one just like it - George Carlin
Yeah everything I am reading points out it was Backus
So my apologies for the mis-information.
if the shoe fits...get another one just like it - George Carlin
Reguardless
2 plays out of how many? against 1 of the elite passrushers in the game, and you guys want his head? Fuck off you fools! Blame the horrible play calling for not trying to stretch the field; AT ALL; during the first half. Hell the Bears were T-ing off on our O-line because they didn’t have to worry about any pass’s being longer than 5 yards to a TE.Where was the TE help on Peppers? oh yeah they were too busy running 5 yard routes. And for a preformance from our D that was arguably the best D in over 20 years to go down the drain is what sickens me.
How many lumps you want Doc?
Great write-up, Drew
I’m still seething from that BS call
In life, a man is either the hammer or the anvil. Ndamukong Suh is both
Pride of Detroits village idiot
I'm happy about the defense but the offensive playcalling was vanilla.
We need to get as aggressive on offense as we were on defense. Even if it’s with Shaun Hill.
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
This was hard to read
It is 10:30pm and my head is still bouncing up and down with every heart beat. just thinking about it gives me pain. why why why. what else can go wrong on opening day. damn it!.
1 slice, 1 beer, 5 more reps.
Nice article Drew
I had the exact same range of emotions with the Stafford injury. I really hope it’s nothing serious and that he gets back soon. The overall stats may not indicate it, but the defense did play well overall, especially considering Chicago always had a short field. The second half effort was very impressive and the run defense was great all game allowing Chicago only 3.3 YPC.
One correction though…we were up 14-10 when Staff was injured, not 14-3.
D
Stepped up much bigger than I expected! When is the last time we held a team
under 20?
I can’t even think coherently after that $hit call.
My heart has sank to my toes with Staff going down.
I think Schwarz has to convince the boys that we DID win that game.
The refs didn’t see it that way, and the record won’t reflect it but, we won!
Can’t go into the next one thinking we got beat, we didn’t!
Expectations don't produce!
The D
The D kept us in the game. It was our offense (under both Stafford and Hill) that was largely ineffective. I know people will point out that the offense scored 2 touchdowns wish Stafford in, but they were both scored because our defense stepped up and caused a turnover. If you combine the yardage picked up on Detroit’s 2 scoring drives it’s 102 yards. that makes their average starting position their 49 yard line for those two drives. You push them back further with either QB and that didn’t do anything except punt or turn the ball over.
Imagine being on the Amazon river
You really have to pee, so you let loose into the water. A great sense of relief floods your whole body, but all of a sudden a Candiru fish swims up your urethra. That’s how this loss made me feel.
Geez...
RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.
by Hyperion Ecta on Sep 13, 2010 2:51 AM EDT up reply actions
SO I had a vision
Next week stafford returns sore but able to play with some shots in his arm. Philly comes in with a dazed kolb and over confident vick. We Light them up stafford and calvin combine for 200 YARDS reciving and 5 TDs. At the end of the game the sexy Charissa Thompson interviews calvin johnson and ask…“Why are you still holding the ball?” to wich Megatron laughs at the camera…“I just wanted to make sure it counted”!
I had a dream were the Lions let me sign a 1 day contract they let me practice with them running drills and catching passes from Matt…At the end of the day I was called into Mayhews office. I was told I had just been traded to seattle for a 5th round draft pick.
I think we'd all get a laugh
if he held on to the ball on his first pedestrian catch next week all the way to the Umpire and made him pry it out of his hands….but it won’t happen
by HoorayForEverything on Sep 12, 2010 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Yea
Do it like barry use to…hand the ref the ball after every catch
I had a dream were the Lions let me sign a 1 day contract they let me practice with them running drills and catching passes from Matt…At the end of the day I was called into Mayhews office. I was told I had just been traded to seattle for a 5th round draft pick.
by The Profiler on Sep 12, 2010 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Replay shows
that during the “process” of handing the ball to the umpire, the receiver lost possession. The result of the play is incomplete pass.
by HoorayForEverything on Sep 12, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Yea
Calvin upset ask why?…Delay of game #81
I had a dream were the Lions let me sign a 1 day contract they let me practice with them running drills and catching passes from Matt…At the end of the day I was called into Mayhews office. I was told I had just been traded to seattle for a 5th round draft pick.
by The Profiler on Sep 12, 2010 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Hooray this links for you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hA8qZxobn4&feature=channel
I had a dream were the Lions let me sign a 1 day contract they let me practice with them running drills and catching passes from Matt…At the end of the day I was called into Mayhews office. I was told I had just been traded to seattle for a 5th round draft pick.
by The Profiler on Sep 12, 2010 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Better yet...
At the end of the game the sexy Charissa Thompson interviews calvin johnson and asks…"Why are you still holding the ball and why do I still have on these clothes?"
I’ll let your imaginations fill in the rest….
LOL
Is it hot in here or is it just me she says
I had a dream were the Lions let me sign a 1 day contract they let me practice with them running drills and catching passes from Matt…At the end of the day I was called into Mayhews office. I was told I had just been traded to seattle for a 5th round draft pick.
by The Profiler on Sep 12, 2010 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I still don't get the perspective that Backus hurt Stafford
What does Michael Oher or Jeff Backus or Jonathon Ogden in his prime have to do with it? Every left tackle will get beaten at least once in his life. If Stafford was getting continually dropped due to the Left Tackle I would get it, but he took one monster hit which can and will happen at least once to every QB in this league this year and it happened to wreck his shoulder (which doesn’t happen to every QB).
by HoorayForEverything on Sep 12, 2010 10:57 PM EDT reply actions
Backus gave up the sack... that's why?
Yeah, they do get beat and I did think that Backus played pretty well. It’s just that Backus has been the Detroit whipping boy for a long time and now he’s allowed the golden armed quarterback to get hurt, because he couldn’t protect his blind side. That’s just the way it goes. Offensive linemen get little credit for playing well, but all the slack for allowing sacks. No news is good news for tackles.
the LT cant allow that
take the penalty, break his ankle, do SOMETHING. you cant just let him walk by you and rape your Quarterback.
That happens more than you think
Peppers is a physical beast….inconsistent but a beast none the less. I don’t think any NFL tackle was going to stop him on that play
The beginning of the end of the misery
by Latif Masud on Sep 13, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
clap clap clap
TY Hooray, for someone else thinking along the lines of intelligence. That O-line played damn good today and because of 1 play, a play that Staff should not have been hurt by; most of you want to condem him. Screw that, I have seen a lot of QB’s take WAY harder hits from the blind side and jump back up like it was nothing, for you guys wanting Jeff’s head on a platter is just as sickening as watching Calvins game winning TD taken away by a F’ed up rule!
How many lumps you want Doc?
I just feel hollow.
I’m trying to find bright spots in this debacle and sure the D played decent but at the same time Chicago just plain ole sucks and kept shooting themselves in the foot.
by delusional on Sep 12, 2010 11:16 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Devastating day, but too early to give up hope
You captured my feelings almost exactly. But here are some thoughts:
I live near San Francisco (where Shaun Hill last played). True, he doesn’t have the rocket arm of Stafford, but he is good in real game situations – really. The fans here liked him. He will be an upgrade from the typical Lion’s QB. We can afford to wait for Stafford to come back with Hill on the field.
Regarding the call – the same strict interpretation of the rule could be used to dis-allow about half the touchdowns around the league today – why only this one???
Reason for all the short passes – that was the game plan for this Chicago defense. Could be very different in coming weeks.
by WestCoastLionFan on Sep 12, 2010 11:17 PM EDT reply actions
I'm not giving up, Hill can win for us...
The offensive play calling just has to get better…let Hill play, he’ll get us a few wins. The o-line better be ready for Philly though, they got to Rodgers a lot…however, our d-line should have a good game as long as Kolb is playing (not so sure with Vick in there). GO HILL and GO LIONS!!!
by kulas_gordon on Sep 13, 2010 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
It's called stretching the D
And for our offence to not even take a shot down field is just pathetic, you have CALVIN JOHNSON for crying out loud, and you don’t even look his way until the 4th quarter? No wonder the Bears had 8 and 9 in the box all day!
How many lumps you want Doc?
Guys...
I would like someone to explain “the process of catching a pass” to me. I would like to read the entire rule if possible…I just can’t shake the anger over this. How could that catch have been any more complete, and how is it any less of a touchdown than a running back sticking the ball over the goal line? CJ caught the ball, had control, got both feet down in bounds, fell down, and was in the process of getting up when the ball left his hand. How is that not a completion, and how was it not a TD?? That is all I want to know.
Oh you didn't know?? You're ass better CALLLLLLLL SOMEBODY!!!!!
The receiver must get all 3 feet down in bounds
Calvin just didn’t have what it took to come down with it
this explains it - but not really.
by WestCoastLionFan on Sep 12, 2010 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
It's not clear at all.
“The rule states: If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone.”
How long does he have to maintain control of the ball though? half a second? 1 second? 3 seconds? 1 hour?
That’s why I hate how rules like this are enforced. I’m fine when the rule reads like that and it seems clear, but Johnson clearly maintained control after he touched the ground with his legs, butt, and hand. He then hopped up well all of us were fist pumping, screaming, and acting like morons and the ball came out. I just don’t understand WHY it shouldn’t be a catch. What is the reasoning behind it, and when should this be enforced like this? All the players and fans know what a catch looks like and what Johnson made was clearly a catch.
Pretty much
The NFL hates it when the ball touches the grass. I have no fucking clue why, so they want the receiver to treat the ball like a newborn baby and make sure not one inch of it touches the ground.
The beginning of the end of the misery
by Latif Masud on Sep 13, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I actually took a look at the rule book today.
It comes down to maintaining possession throughout the process of catching the pass… like you stated. I think Johnson dropping the ball while he was still “in the motion started by the process of the catch” is what sealed it. I think it’s very open for interpretation as to when the process of the catch ends. In essence, it’s a horseshit rule and call.
As for the difference between a runner losing possession after crossing the plain and a receiver is the process of maintaining control. A runner already has possession. The receiver has to get possession and then maintain control throughout. I understand the rule… just disagree completely that Johnson’s catch was not a touchdown.
Thanks WestCoast
Here it is guys:
A play from start to finish is a process. When you go to the ground, even after you’ve caught the ball, you have to maintain possession.
The rule states: If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.
SO here is my major problem with all of this…Calvin Johnson DID have control of the ball after he hit the ground! He was making a secondary move, by trying to get back up, when the ball came out of his hands! Man, I just can’t get over this call…it is just not right. The Lions have been losing just fine on their own, and we certainly do not need the help of the referees to lose. Just like the perfect game by Galarraga, that play goes down in my mind as a TD, and that game goes down as a win. I don’t care what the official record says…we won that game fair and square, and we did it without Matt Stafford for a half.
Oh you didn't know?? You're ass better CALLLLLLLL SOMEBODY!!!!!
Exactly
That is exactly how I saw it… that Calvin was making a SECOND move after possession was attained. He was reaching out with his right hand – in which, the ball was in – and it fell out when he put his hand on the ground. To me, he already had possession and the TD was scored… then he dropped the ball. Too much interpretation. Possession should be clear cut. No one can look at that play and not say that it was a legit TD. If you can do that, there’s a problem with the interpretation of the rule.
I found a couple of articles that pretty much say how I feel...
It’s doubtful members of the competition committee will review the play in the offseason, but they should. They need to sit down with an open mind and realize that when a player has control of the ball, has two feet down in the end zone, goes to a knee before rolling over to his side, and palming the ball to the ground — as Johnson did on Sunday — it should be ruled a catch.
Think about it. When a running back dives into the end zone from the 1-yard line, breaks the plane, and the ball falls out of his hands, it’s a touchdown. There seems to be an inconsistency about rushing for a touchdown and trying to catch a touchdown pass in the end zone.
"I like the rule, because when a player dives and hits the ground all at the same time, I can understand that maintaining possession should happen," Steve Mariucci said. "But in this case, both feet hit, and his rear end, prior to the ball coming out of his hand. This seems to be a different process, a different scenario. I’d like to see us revisit that rule."
Marshall Faulk saw the play the same way.
"To me, that’s a touchdown," Faulk said. "But I understand the rule as it stands."
There may be a proper time and place to institute this rules guys, but to me the play by Calvin Johnson was not the right scenario, time, or place to be practicing calls on an obscure rule that effects the outcome of the normal course of play. If it had been Calcin Johnson making a diving catch in the end zone, then I could understand and agree with the call…but in this case he made a JUMPING catch, it was blatantly obvious that he had complete control of the ball when both of his feet hit the ground inside of the field of play, and it was clear that the ball did not come out of his hand until he was already trying to stand up! It was a touchdown, and there is no way that ANYONE could EVER convince me otherwise! And if this so called rule truly did make that play an incomplete pass, exactly as it happened today, then that rule is absolutely the worst rule in the history of professional sports PERIOD, and it seriously takes away from what was once a great game to watch and play. If they are going to make a rule like that for receivers, then that same rule needs to apply to running backs, and the whole “the ball broke the plane so it is a TD” rule should be thrown out as well.
Oh you didn't know?? You're ass better CALLLLLLLL SOMEBODY!!!!!
Spelling Fail....
Emotions are getting the best of me…
Oh you didn't know?? You're ass better CALLLLLLLL SOMEBODY!!!!!
Completely agree
RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.
by Hyperion Ecta on Sep 13, 2010 2:55 AM EDT up reply actions
How many Processes does it take to screw Detroit
1) feet down, ass down, ball raised showing complete control. 2) Ref signals T.D. play is OVER if a opposing player comes up and hits CJ and knocks ball away its a penalty why??because play was over. late hit !!. could also say CJ may have even saw ref signal TD relaxes and sets ball down. 3) CJ rolls over his left hand touching out of bounds (well after establishing and still maintaining control) how is that differant than catching pass getting both feet down then going out of end zone and spiking ball??? 4) intentially puts ball on ground while getting up
DrewLions, thanks for the great post.
That is pretty much exactly how I feeled. It took several hours before I started watching anymore football. I do feel hope for our defense. I loved Hills play and we were lucky to get KVB and Suh is a force.
Now I’m really concerned for Stafford, dissappointed in Backus.
I’m still here and still a Lions fan!
Still pissed
My anger is not going down, seeing that clip in the super bowl made it worse.
I don’t know what to think, but conspiracy theory is strong in my mind right now.
Drew you left a little bit of you in chy town, I left beliefs that the NFL is a fair leage in Chicago, I’m forver tainted now… : (
I wrote this to the commissioner today - but need his email.
Sir,
As a long time NFL fan, I watch to enjoy the competition of fantastic athletes playing the most exciting sport there is. I watch for the competition. After today, I will no longer invest my time to watch.
The booth review denying the Detroit touchdown at the end of the Lions/Bears game was a naked example of officiating far exceeding its proper role. Today’s game was not won or lost based on competition, it was decided based on third party manipulation of the contest. As a fan, and from a fan’s perspective, the fun of the game has been obstructed. The competition aspect is gone, and so is this fan.
by WestCoastLionFan on Sep 12, 2010 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Raiders fan here, but admirer of the Lions, popping into say...
…you guys got hosed, plain and simple.
Don’t know if you watched or remembered the Raiders/Chargers game that was the 2nd part of the Monday night opening week double header last year, but a receiver of ours, Louis Murphy, was victimized by the same rule, although not as blatantly as was Megatron today.
Kamerion Wimbley is the truth
Thanks for the sympathy.
I remember that game last year too. Sorry that you guys had a rough outing today. Maybe one day soon, we’ll see a Lions-Raiders Super Bowl and not have to go through all this nonsense.
One can only hope we live to see that Super Bowl.
Appreciate the sympathy too….still kinda shell shocked. Didn’t expect to win, but expected to at least be competitive.
Always had a soft spot for the Lions because, believe me, I can sympathize with a once proud franchise run into the ground by inept management.
Kamerion Wimbley is the truth
To get off of Backus' back.........
and comment on the post (great post btw) seeing Stafford go down the infamous words my gf has become accustom to hearing escaped my lips once again " you got to be fu**ing kidding me" and with the play at the end of the game once again those words flew out of my mouth moments after jumping out of my chair and pumping my arm in the air like i just knocked out Mike Tyson in the first round in HIS prime.
Our D was awesome when it counted, we gave up almost 400 yds in the air, not good. Like I said our D was awesome when it counted, just didn’t seem to be on their game consistently. Our offense, hmmm, our offense? CJ is 6’5" if i am not mistaken, in my personal opinion i don"t care what play is called anywhere on the field if CJ is in single coverage (which he was much of the day) you throw the ball his way —up and out, up and out how hard could that be? We seem to have decided to run some sort of sloppy hybrid west coast style of offense with sooooo much dink and dunk passing without establishing anything.
Our D will only get better as the year goes by, i am so very confident in that, its like I’m swimming in kool aid now and probably will be for awhile especially when i think of how far our D line has come. (do they make blue kool aid? i want to at least match)
Our offensive play calling keeps me weary, wondering, curious, and questioning if i need to keep my paper bag in my back pocket, i cannot believe our lack of WR receptions especially in the first half, there seemed to be opportunity to throw 15+ yds receptions every other play, Chicago’s D did not seem very complex today, and we made them look good by not trying at all to stretch the field, a few tosses down the sidelines to CJ would open up the dink and dunk crap which in turn could have opened up the ground attack. I don’t know if the coaching staff was scared to unleash Stafford or what, but i would much rather lose giving it our all and taking some chances then lose trying to play it safe ( safe=ridiculously safe). For Stafford to properly learn and get better we need to have faith that he can occasionally use that cannon of an arm he has.
Our offensive play calling made it very easy for the Bears D, in my opinion the key to any great offense is keeping linebackers in check when we run nothing but short plays the opposing linebackers are ALWAYS on the balls of their feet going forward, play calling has to keep the linebackers in check always making them question whether or not to be on the balls or the heels, scrape or fill, we can’t do that with plays under 7 yds.
my two or three cents.
Our D will be good if
Our offense can produce something other then a 3 and out. If we keep having to put our defense on the field every 2 minutes or so they’re going to get tired. When you get tired is when bad things happen. Our offense has to learn how to maintain drives to give the D a break. As for the play calling. Our we sure it was the all the play calling? Or, is Stafford turning into Capt Checkdown. I don’t want to bring up ghosts of our pasts but we all remember Joey Harrington. We need 9 yards on a third down so what does he do? He checks down to a receiver that’s 3 yards past the line of scrimmage that’s double covered and we don’t get the first down! I saw a lot of that in Sundays game. Just saying, I hope it was play calling and not the return of Capt Checkdown, or Checkdown Charlie.
Great post Drew
It sums up the way I’ve felt ever since the game ended really nicely. This game had me initially so angry, but that has settled into a kind of hollow feeling due to uncertainty about the rest of the season. It really does make me question whether being a fan of the Lions (or the NFL in general) are good for my health in the grand scheme of things. No game should have this kind of effect on me.
This game was flat-out awarded to Chicago. It’s really as simple as that. Can you imagine, if absolutely everything in this game were reversed (Cutler hurt, and one of their receivers being robbed of the last second touchdown)? Would you feel good about the win or about how good a team we really have? The Bears were awful today. If we were in their exact place, I don’t think I’d feel good, or believe that we’d win very many more games the rest of the year. It took losing our young, talented QB and an absolutely BS rule/call for them to come out on top.
As others have said, it just seems cruel; cruel to have Stafford hurt, possibly very badly, cruel to have the huge goal line stands mean nothing in the end, and cruel to just crush whatever hope so many of us had to watch our team grow and learn to win this season.
I know, I know. The sun will, in fact, come up tomorrow. The season has only just begun. This one is just gonna hurt for a while.
by Mogwai on Sep 13, 2010 12:18 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
rec'd
I feel ya, and also wonder if this passion of mine is good for my health or for my life in general. Years ago, I played a nearly perfect round of golf. Then, the next 3 times I went out I could not get even close to that level of play…in fact i got worse and worse and worse. The 3rd time out, I think I hurled my golf club into the pond and walked off the course. The next day, I went out and bought a sailboat and did not play again for at least 3 years. My thought? The game isn’t fun anymore, and if it angers me this much I should find something to do that doesn’t make me so miserable.
I am toying with the same thing with the Lions right now. Investing so much emotional capital into the Lions every single day of the offseason, only to have our hearts ripped out on opening day…losing the game and our quarterback all together.
Frankly, I think Hill will do fine at QB…but I don’t pay (with my heart nor my wallet) to see Shaun Hill play qb. Not sure if I am giving up for the year yet…not sure if I can give up. Time may not heal these wounds. I feel as bad as I did when Favre beat us with the bomb in the playoffs…probably worse. And the memory of this catch and call will be burned in my memory forever.
Kong of the Jungle----Best of the Beasts!!
by footstock on Sep 13, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
same here foot......
i was so mad yesterday that i had to just leave and take my kid fishing i couldnt even watch the highlights or any more nfl games for that matter. by the way i had a great day fishing i caught 2 walleye and a couple of 10 lb + catfish ….. it really made me wonder also if im just crazy for wasting all of my time in the offseason like im actually a scout for the team and to sit around the house on a beautiful sunday screaming obscenities at the tv screen putting the lions first and my family second …..just to be tortured like this year in and year out. im having a very tough time with this….we need some sort of miracle win soon to regain my confidence and a lot of other fans too. We really need to open up the offense though that was embarrasing to have that many so called weapons and no production … but then again the vikes and saints didnt score high either …..lets hope staffro is ok…….heres to fishing and beer! go lions.
by perfectlions on Sep 13, 2010 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
the fishing and family fun sounds like a better alternative. lol
One of my brothers was able to break away from the Lions years ago and never has come back. But my other bro and myself have been like heroin addicts about this team.
Anyone have any successful Lion fan recovery programs that have worked? This team may kill me if i don’t get some help soon.
Kong of the Jungle----Best of the Beasts!!
Sorry I cursed us!!!
I went upstairs and told my wife we were up 14-3. By the time I came back downstairs Forte had scored and it all went downhill from there. I would also like to say sorry to all of the Philly fans. I started Kolb in fantasy today. This is pretty typical for me. Can you see the pattern? I’m sure I will pick up a QB this week and he will get hurt next Sunday. I promise I won’t pick up Hill unless everyone would like Stanton to start. Can I catch a F’in break!!! I was so pumped for this season to get here and now I just want to cry!!! Hopefully the injury to Stafford isn’t that serious. The D & Best getting into the endzone were the only brightspots.
My heart hurts
Talked to a Bears fan at the bar and he actually apologized for his team winning, because he knew they didn’t deserve it.
Everyone in the country ruled it a touchdown but the zebras looking at it in a booth. I’ve been seething all day.
IMO
The Bears didn’t win that game. The Lions lost it. I would say the same thing if the Lions had won. The Lions wouldn’t have one that game, the Bears lost. Neither team played a complete enough game. With as many yards as the Bears had they should have scored probably 35 points. Then we could have said they really won. With the way our D played (1 interception and 4 fumbles(three we recovered)) We should have scored more then 14 points. Had we put the game away and not had to rely on a last second jump ball to CJ, maybe I would have said we had won. Neither team played well enough to deserve the win.
I hate the bears, those motherfuckers have knocked out Stafford two years straight.
This was a piss-poor game to watch at times, both teams played like shit- but the Lions at times showed flashes of a good team in the making and I hand it to the Defense, Best, and Megatron for trying to net us a win. They’ll get there.
In the meanwhile- Protecting Stafford has never been more glaring of a need. He’s not going to be any good to Detroit unless his Offensive line actually takes offense at how he’s being manhandled by other teams.
I don’t want add player does not have blue collar mentality,
even if he is great player. Piston should not quit your job. - OK from J
Because, apparently I'm a masochist...
I took a stroll over to Windy City Gridiron to see what their take is on that side of the matter. Quite a few are like some of the fans who have already come over here, admitting that it was a bad call or bad rule, and that they were lucky to get the W. Others though are completely deluded. I’ve seen posts there describing how the Bears “dominated” us today. I can’t even process that. How does anyone but the most delusional homer of a fan honestly think that way? I can’t reply over there, because I have absolutely no idea what to even say to that.
I know how you feel Drew.
Though I was extremely disheartened over the loss, the Stafford injury is a much bigger blow. I am going to just take it in stride and keep on hoping for our team to remain competitive. I am holding by my initial stock in Hill, that he is a solid backup. So though the drop off without Stafford in there will be noticeable, and likely big, I am going to remain optimistic for now.
No real news on Aaron Berry yet other than it was his shoulder, he had a shoulder injury in college too so I hope it is not related to that, or if so, I hope it is more of a minor tweek kind of injury instead of anything serious.
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
About the so called "rule"...
“If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete. "
This was a quote from an article on ESPN defending the now infamous call made today at Soldier field. I assume since it was quoted in the article it is pretty close to what is being argued in support of the call.
I tend to trust my own eyes because they are my only eyes and I would hope that anyone would trust their own eyes as well. Here is what I saw.
HE HAD CONTROL OF THE BALL. Nowhere in this “ruling” do I see anything saying you can’t have control of the ball with one hand. Seriously. Johnson had control of the ball when he caught it with two hands, his feet touched, he shifted it to one hand and held it out as if almost showing the official he had made the catch. He only lost control of the ball once his feet, backside, and opposite hand touched the turf. I hope people realize how massive Calvin Johnson’s hands actually are. If that is the rule then fine, it’s a rule. Calvin, however, did not break the rule. He had complete control of the football until as he was looking at the ref who was starting to signal touchdown,then finally after he had four points of contact with the ground put the football down (touchdown) in the endzone. End of story. Spin it anyway you want. He had control of the ball from the moment he had two hands on it… The NFL might as well put a “recall” on any one handed catches made by receivers. Clearly (according to the NFL) a player can’t have possession with one hand. Advice for you NFL running backs: Don’t think about high stepping into the endzone celebrating while holding the ball with one hand…that won’t get you a touchdown.
Love the Pride of Detroit, love the posters, love reading the articles and comments. GO LIONS!
MEGATRON ATTACK!
One thing is for sure.
If I ever come across Bobby Lane’s grave I am going to get a six pack of beer and some sliders. I am then going to hang out and preach to his gravestone about what a piece of crap he was as a person. I am then going to urinate, defecate, and vomit on top of where he is buried. Then I am going to look for property and work nearby so I can do that more often, maybe for the next 50 years, seems like a good round number to me.
Screw Bobby Lane, screw his curse, and screw the horse he rode out of town on too!
That is all I can chalk this ridiculous crap up to. Pure superstition, because if getting crapped on were the same odds as winning the lottery, the Lions fans would be mega millions winners every week.
One has to hope that it will go the other way for us sooner or later. Law of averages give us our due already! Ironically the curse should have ended after 2008. So if your a superstitious sort things should be looking up soon!
http://curseofbobbylayne.com/wordpress/
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
Thats...uh....pretty disturbing there, Smurf....
RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.
by Hyperion Ecta on Sep 13, 2010 2:57 AM EDT up reply actions
It's ok he probably is buried in Texas and I couldn't bear to live there with all the Cowgirl fans.
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
Overlapping rules = Double standard
I can’t help but post Article 3 of the NFL rule book:
Item 1: Player Going to the Ground.
If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.
Item 3: End Zone Catches.
If a player catches the ball while in the end zone, both feet must be completely on the ground before losing possession, or the pass is incomplete.
Clearly these two rules conflict with each other. So basically, when a receiver is in the end zone jumping up to make a catch, why does Item 1 become the letter of the law, and not Item 3? If Item 3 doesn’t apply to this particular situation, then when exactly would it ever be applied. Was the play in question not a passing play that took place in the end zone?
If the NFL didn’t already have a specific provision detailing how ‘end zone’ catches are governed, then I can understand the reliance on Item 1, which despite being ass-backwards, would actually be correct in this terrifying circumstance.
by Scott Mitchell's Right Arm on Sep 13, 2010 3:02 AM EDT reply actions
Maybe the items are interpreted in order? Just guessing here since I am not an official.
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
Not sure about that
Item 1 mentions end zone catches as well, so Item 3 shouldn’t even exist if that’s the process they take.
And since Calvin wasn’t directly falling down until after he got his two feet down with possession, which according to Item 3 was already a touchdown, then the play was technically over and Item 1 should never have been used.
by Scott Mitchell's Right Arm on Sep 13, 2010 3:23 AM EDT up reply actions
It can cause an incompletion apparently
Hey that's a timeout, I can play right? yeah, get me--get the F-- Help me up...I can throw the ball if you need me to throw the ball...
Wait!
There is a part of that rule that states that the ground can indeed cause a fumble if the player is diving for extra yards and not down by contact. If he is diving for extra yards with the ball extended from the body and it hits the ground and comes loose, it is a fumble. There for the ground can indeed cause a fumble….unless of course it’s in the endzone. NFL rules need to be re evaluated. This is some BS
Sorry but
our linebacker play sucked! Both TDs to Forte were the LBs fault. No way a screen supposed to go 89 yards. Then the TD at the end of the game was BS too. RB coming out of the backfield is the LB’s responsibility.
Come on now
You can’t expect an LB to cover a running back on a fade route and not have some trouble. Peterson played a great game and I’m not going to slam him on one play just as much as I’m not going to slam Backus for one play.
It’s bad luck, pure and simple. Backus miffed one play and Staff goes down.
It sucks, it blows and it spits. Kolb went down in the Philly game the same way and ended up with a concusion.
If you want to blame anyone, blame Linehan for his shit play calling the whole fucking game. Looked like a God damn Peewee league game with the horribad offensive calls.
True
How ever, where were our safeties on both those plays? On the second touchdown Forte was well past Delmas when the ball was thrown.
The secondary is garbage
I agree with you BBlades…our secondary can hit, but can’t cover (C.C. means can’t cover). While they are making better plays than last year, I still expect them to be the greatest weakness on defense this year. Hats off to the front four though, Chicago has a decent o-line…can’t wait to see them against Philly!
by kulas_gordon on Sep 13, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Gotta say...
SOL…sh*t outta luck, same ol lions, however you want to say it, it seems to apply. I would love to blame the refs for this loss, but the Lions will get no help from them until we start to win consistently. Would love to blame it on Scott Linehan, whom, in his temporary insane state, thought he was going to successfully run Javid Best up the middle against the Bears. Nope. We have to go back to what Jim Schwartz said before the season started, we, as a team have to learn how to win. It took the OC until the last 90 seconds to figure out heaving the ball to Calvin Johnson who is 9 inches taller than anyone else out there was a GOOD idea. Shaun Hill threw some UGLY looking passes, but Calvin, as he demonstrated in the final end zone catch that only counts for the Dallas Cowboys; he can catch ugly passes. The bad news, and there is plenty to go around, is Stafford may be out for a while. The good news, our defense is worthy of that Lil blue Lion on their helmet. I wouldn’t want to be the Philadelphia Eagles next week.
Can’t wait to see what bizarro rule shows up next week, …left handed receiver born on a Tuesday…NO CATCH!!!
I'd really like to see a slow motion
breakdown of the play that shows the exact time elapsed from the moment Calvin catches the ball to the moment it comes out of his right hand. The official ruling is unclear how long he needs to maintain position once hitting the ground. The fact that he had control of the ball high in the air, came down, took a couple steps before he even started falling to the ground makes the ruling that much harder to understand.
As always, Great Post
I agree with everything you said above. I sorta had a bad feeling that stafford was gonna get hurt at some point this season, but this team still has too much talent on offense (and evidently on defense) to loose more than 10 games.
The beginning of the end of the misery
Never Posted...reading this blog a while
I’ve been watching the Lions faithfully since 1979. Even when I was stationed overseas, I watched every game via Yahoo! or getting up at 2:00am in Japan to watch them on AFN or whatever. I have an attic full of crap…anyway, that was just my introduction. I am loyal through and through no matter what crappy decisions the front office and coaches make.
I don’t understand why everyone is worried about Stafford being injured. In my opinion, he is not the future of this franchise and if they start winning under Hill, are they going to bench him in Oct/Nov in favor of their “star” player? Stafford has bad footwork, only won 2 games, and obviously is injury prone. I think we have a better chance of winning under Shaun Hill anyway. Sure his arm strength isn’t as good and he lacks some mobility, but he is 10-6 as a starter I believe.
Jim even said it himself…they should have won this game regardless of that last catch. The defense let Forte get a 89 YD TD, the o-line let Hill get sacked and fumble on the 1, need I go on about poor plays? There should be an o-line stat for sacks allowed, if anyone knows where it is…please tell me, because I feel that Backus does allow a lot of sacks, but he is kept year after year after year…him and Riaola have been together for 10 years I think?
While I do agree the offense and defense are improved over last year and the Lions will win about 5-6 games, I really think the front office needs to evaluate getting a QB in free agency next off season AND draft a better o-line. This game was won and lost in the trenches, not on one blown call. Stop Forte’s TD and prevent that sack, game over.
I’m sure I will get flamed for this post, but I really don’t think Stafford is the answer and if he isn’t, then we wasted a lot of money and years on a bad QB. If he is, you can all make fun of me while we go to the playoffs.
Kulas
Quoting Chris Mortenson:
Comment:
Stafford has an average arm, poor decision making, and will never be a top NFL quarterback.
Mortenson:
I know of no coaches or NFL front office personnel that would agree with you on any of your points.
Sack stats: profootballfocus.com
Kong of the Jungle----Best of the Beasts!!
There is no way...
on God’s green Earth that Shaun Hill could unseat Stafford. None. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
I like Shaun Hill, but Stafford has more ability and potential in his pinky finger. The current installment of the Lions’ roster is build around one centerpiece… Stafford. With him, we rise or sink. Stafford will have EVERY chance to succeed. They have put all the eggs in his basket. He is the leader. He is THE guy.
I know that you already realize you will get flamed for this and I don’t really want to do that. But how can you be a longtime fan of this club and football in general and not get this? “He is not the future of this franchise”… that’s your quote. Really? What planet are you watching the Lions from?
I hope I'm wrong
If a QB is always injured then what good is he regardless of how much potential he has? I totally agree that Stafford has more talent than Hill…but if he can’t play because the coaches can’t protect him, what good is he? I mean we’ll see what happens and how serious his injury is…maybe its not as bad as everyone thinks.
Oh, I don’t doubt you that all the eggs were put in the Stafford basket, I just remember thinking on draft day that the Lions should have traded down and took other players because of what I saw in college. The biggest question is…did the front office make the right choice? I don’t know and only time will tell.
I hope you are right because I will buy the tickets to the playoffs for you and I if Stafford is the guy. I would love nothing more than to see the Lions beat someone in the playoffs like they did in 1991 vs the Cowboys 38-6 with Erik Kramer…
Maybe I watch the Lions from the wrong planet, but like I said, we’ll see and I wasn’t the happiest on draft day, but I also don’t make zillions of dollars to make draft decisions.
by kulas_gordon on Sep 13, 2010 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Quick observation
I just remember thinking on draft day that the Lions should have traded down
nobody is going to trade up for the #1 overall pick until there is a rookie salary cap in place. Most of us wanted a trade down, but we all knew it wasn’t happening just because of all the gauranteed cashola that has to be doled out.
In life, a man is either the hammer or the anvil. Ndamukong Suh is both
Pride of Detroits village idiot
The Lions can't protect any quarterback... not just Stafford.
If they can’t protect Stafford, they can’t protect Hill. Hell, they could trade for Peyton Manning and it wouldn’t matter. In this offense, it’s likely the quarterback will get hit. The injuries to Stafford are product of circumstance only. It’s not like he’s brittle. He’s a big kid. It’s all just very, very unfortunate.
As for drafting the wrong guy and all that… you gotta let it go. He’s a Lion and the future of our club. Right now… as long as he can play and progress… I’ll stake my entire reputation (if that’s worth anything) on Stafford’s success.
you are correct...
Not much else to say besides you are correct and I just hope they win regardless who is QB…I’d love to see any Lions QB have a 300 yard day and 3 TDs against the Eagles and come out of there with a win…regardless if its Hill, Stafford, or Bob Gagliano.
by kulas_gordon on Sep 13, 2010 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow Drew!! The best article I have ever read on POD!! Period!!
I don’t know how you did it. How you somehow pulled out the intestinal fortitude to write this fantastic piece after such a deflating day. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
I am sure that I am not alone in saying that, hypothetically, you have helped many of us step back away from the ledge today. After what occurred yesterday, I couldn’t have asked for a better read to start my day. Thank you so much!!
Kong of the Jungle----Best of the Beasts!!
philly is beatable
Our D will improve with everygame… I’m worried on Stafford.. Hill has to step it up… the injury report will be interesting this week… let’s hope… 1-1?? We will see… that was a w yesterday…. 2 feet touched
GO LIONS in 2010! the transformation starts now.. they have much to do.
is there any better
pads to protect his shoulder, or any player, in that respect? Any suggestions…
GO LIONS in 2010! the transformation starts now.. they have much to do.
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