Lions Notes: Matthew Stafford Again Nominated For FedEx Air Player Of The Week

by Sean Yuille on Nov 1, 2011 3:27 PM EDT in Detroit Lions Notes

Matthew Stafford is once again up for the honor of being the FedEx Air Player of the Week. Stafford won the award earlier this season for his performance against the Chiefs in Week 2, and now he is up for it after completing 21-of-30 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns against the Broncos.
Stafford had the highest passer rating and QBR in Week 8.
Titus Young is one of the nominees for the Pepsi Rookie of the Week.
Ndamukong Suh's meeting with Roger Goodell and the league office is scheduled for today. After the news came out about the meeting, the NFL clarified the nature of it and said that Suh "reached out" to Goodell more than a month ago and will meet with "football operations" people like Ray Anderson, Merton Hanks, Carl Johnson and Jeff Fisher. The NFL invited Suh to bring a Lions coach with him to the meeting, although Jim Schwartz wouldn't say if he was planning on accompanying Suh to New York.
Stephen Tulloch has received some criticism for mocking Tim Tebow by "Tebowing" in Sunday's game. He responded to the criticism by tweeting this: "I have a love & passion for the game of football. Football is a form of entertainment. Have a sense of humor, I wasn't mocking GOD! #Tebowing"
While some Lions players had fun with the "Tebowing" fad on Sunday, others thought the joke was Tebow's play. From Michael Silver:

"Can you believe ’15’?" one Detroit Lions defender asked after his team’s 45-10 immolation of Tebow and the Denver Broncos. "Come on – that’s embarrassing. I mean, it’s a joke. We knew all week that if we brought any kind of defensive pressure, he couldn’t do anything. In the second half it got boring out there. We were like, ‘Come on – that’s your quarterback? Seriously?’ "
That may seem harsh, but it's a fair assessment. Putting pressure on Tebow prevented him from doing much of anything during Sunday's game, and it was an ugly performance by Tebow. Granted, it is going to take time for him to learn and grow as a quarterback in the NFL, but I really don't understand why the Broncos benched Kyle Orton in favor of someone who clearly isn't ready to see the field as a signal-caller. (Tebow will start again this week, by the way.)

A big part of the Lions' turnaround has been learning how to win on the road. Last season, their road losing streak grew to 26 after a loss at the Cowboys. As pointed out by Michael David Smith, the Lions haven't lost a game away from home since then. They beat the Buccaneers and Dolphins on the road at the end of 2010, and so far this season the Lions have won their first four road games. Jennifer Hammond notes that the Lions only had four road wins in the previous four seasons combined, which shows just how big of a turnaround this has been.
Speaking of road wins, this is the first time the Lions have started the season with four straight victories on the road since 1956, according to Paula Pasche.
Jim Schwartz is very excited about adding Chris Harris to the secondary. Schwartz said on Monday that it won't take long for Harris to get on the field.
Schwartz has not established a timetable for Jahvid Best's return from his second concussion since August.
Per Paula Pasche, only two players since 1970 have caught 11 touchdowns in their first eight games of the season: Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson, who picked up his 11th touchdown on Sunday.
In case you haven't seen it yet, click here to check out the funny video from ESPN about what is a catch. Lions wide receivers Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson are featured in it.
Here's a great stat from John Niyo: As a team the Lions had only four interceptions in all of 2008. Already this season Chris Houston has four picks of his own.
According to Anwar Richardson, 79.2 percent of the teams that have started 6-2 since 1990 have gone on to make the playoffs.
The Broncos left a media credential at Sunday's game for Tom Kowalski.
Former Lion Tommy Watkins recently died at the age of 74.
Just how weak is the NFC West? The 49ers could conceivably clinch the division before Thanksgiving.
Former Lions cornerback Leigh Bodden, who was recently released by the Patriots, cleared waivers and is now free to sign with any team.
Running back Tashard Choice was claimed by the Redskins after being released by the Cowboys.

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‘Come on – that’s your quarterback? Seriously?’ "

I’ve found myself saying that about our Lions a few times over the years.

by detroit_fan on Nov 1, 2011 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

I think they are playing Tebow...

to show the fans how bad he really is. Once the season is over and and the emperor is shown to be naked they can cut ties with him or maybe move him to another position. I think he would be a good FB/TE

by HuhSJ on Nov 1, 2011 4:11 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Might be on to something

That could be it

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by Sean Yuille on Nov 1, 2011 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Apparently thats how Elway sounded

on the radio today, he said Tebow has shown no improvement since college throwing the ball. Only a matter of time before they cut him, or switch him to fullback

by LionsD on Nov 1, 2011 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Lot of pundits and fans...

hating on the Lions for their supposed “dirty” play and bad boy attitude. Well you know what, as a fan of 20 years I say it’s about damn time we have an attitude! If other Olines want to whine about a much tougher talking and playing team I only have this to say: shut up and wipe the sand out of your vagina. Other fans and teams have taken pity on us for annually being the league doormat. Well this is the year the ship is righted. The 90s Pats and Packers and Colts turned it around! Now so can we. I love the passion and vehemence these Lions are showing. Kudos boys! Keep up the GREAT work!!!

by LionGuy016 on Nov 1, 2011 4:21 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Seriously...

Embrace the hate. They’re going to hate us one way or the other. If the Lions position themselves as an elite team in the league at which point lesser teams hate the success we’ve had then what does it matter if they also hate our “bad boy” style.

I do draw a distinction between “Bad Boys” and “Dirty.” The Pistons Bad Boys weren’t any more dirty than any other NBA team in that time period…they simply didn’t back down and were far more physical than what pussies like Bird were used to.

Jonas Jerebko once killed a charging female rhinoceros in heat protecting its young with nothing more than a hook shot.

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by The Boourns on Nov 1, 2011 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Broncos fans went crazy about the comment on Tebow

http://www.milehighreport.com/2011/10/31/2526818/can-you-believe-15-come-on-thats-embarrassing-i-mean-its-a-joke-we#comments

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by Latif Masud on Nov 1, 2011 4:39 PM EDT reply actions

Yep bunch of butt hurt bronco fans.

Good job latif stickin up for the d and riling the enemy on their own site.

Matt millen:He puts the oron in moron and the upid in dumb.

by awayfromthepride on Nov 1, 2011 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

You can question his talent, just don't call him "Tebbie."

The coolest Lion nickname ever belongs to Dick "NIGHT TRAIN" Lane.

SSSTTTAAAFFFOOORRRDDD!!!

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by Gee Garold Lembach on Nov 1, 2011 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Why not?

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by Latif Masud on Nov 1, 2011 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh, they took offense to your "Tebbie" reference, for some reason. LOL

The coolest Lion nickname ever belongs to Dick "NIGHT TRAIN" Lane.

SSSTTTAAAFFFOOORRRDDD!!!

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by Gee Garold Lembach on Nov 1, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

I found that to be pretty funny

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by Latif Masud on Nov 1, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Hilarious

Perhaps they should focus on what was said rather than worrying about who said it, because it was an accurate statement.

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by Sean Yuille on Nov 1, 2011 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

They also just completely overlooked the part of the article where Silver mentioned that pretty much everyone he spoke to had similar feelings about Tebow…

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by Latif Masud on Nov 1, 2011 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Give them credit -- they seem to be over it now.

The most recent posts seem to recognize that the Lions were way above the Broncos talent level.

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Nov 1, 2011 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I saw a lot of comments there which were dead on reasonable

of course some claim hate against the Lions and spew blind fandom garbage etc. Most seem to understand there is problems on the team and some, at some level, even seemed to recognize the statement in question seems fairly accurate!

If you are disappointed it is only because you have chosen to set your expectations at a level that was never reasonable in the first place.
--> Don't blame the Lions. Blame yourself for not keeping your perspective.
-Tufflynx

by Ee Oulo on Nov 2, 2011 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions

You know

For years no one talked about the Lions cept what a welcome it was to see them on their schedule. Now that they can play like an elite team, notice I said, can play like, not are one, yet. Now its all about how the Lions are dirty or how it was a slight on Christianity. Seriously? Fans should stop blaming the Lions and start blaming their own teams. They are paid players just like the Lions, dont like what Suh says, block him. Dont like what Tulloch does after a sack on Baby Jesus, block him. Dont like 45 or 48 scored on you? Stop em. Thats what you are paid to do. The Lions and their fans took abuse for years from opposing teams including im sure the Broncos even tho we have hammered that sad team twice now in the last 4 years.

Simply put if you dont like getting your shit pushed in or reading quotes from opposing teams, especially when 90% of the football world agrees with what was said. Stop em, thats what you are paid to do.

by TomRem on Nov 2, 2011 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Tommy Watkins' passing

Watkins is one of the first Lion RBs I recall as a Lions’ fan, so he’s special to me; him, Dan Lewis, and Nick Pietrosante played in the early 60’s. Watkins was drafted by Cleveland in 1960, spent 5 years with Detroit, and finsihed his career with Pittsburgh. He is best remembered as a punt returner; leading the league for a couple of those years as a Lion.

Tommy Watkins lived his last 30 years in Detroit, where he mentored many youth. May he R.I. P.

The coolest Lion nickname ever belongs to Dick "NIGHT TRAIN" Lane.

SSSTTTAAAFFFOOORRRDDD!!!

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by Gee Garold Lembach on Nov 1, 2011 5:09 PM EDT reply actions

"Detroit doesn't pat itself on the back, it gets the job done."-Barry Sanders

My POD Main Fantasy Football league team will rule all!!
Standings thru 8 weeks
1. Ndominators (sgdbw90) 6-2
2. Backus That Thang Up (lions_sucker) 6-2
3. House Of Spears (Latif Masud) 5-3
4. The Blue Suh Crew (DrewsLions) 5-3
5. Logan's Shakehouse (Me) 5-3
6. Fairley Suh-perb (Hyperion Ecta) 4-4
7. Better Than Mayhew (Sean Yuille) 4-4
8. Epic Beardmen (Nate D) 4-4
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10. Delmas Demolition (CapitolLions) 3-5
11. West Coast Cruizers (JCruize) 2-6
12. Motown Madmen (Jettero2112) 0-8

by Enforcer on Nov 1, 2011 6:37 PM EDT reply actions 6 recs

FUCKING EPIC, rec'd

"Lemme Tell you why I have confidence in the long term future of this team... It's #9, That's why I have confidence in the long term future of this Team." - Jim Schwartz

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by j16941 on Nov 1, 2011 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Love that video with Calvin and Nate.

“You guys follow the rules. Whatever they are.”

"Detroit doesn't pat itself on the back, it gets the job done."-Barry Sanders

by Enforcer on Nov 1, 2011 6:42 PM EDT reply actions

How many people would have raised their hands if.....

I would have asked you if you would be happy if at the Bye Week, Matt Stafford’s stats would be:

CMP ATT YDS CMP% AVG TD INT RATE
183 299 2,179 61.2 7.29 19 4 99.1

???

Count me as having a hand raised…….

by DrewsLions on Nov 1, 2011 7:19 PM EDT reply actions

Sorry... that's hard to read, but you get the gist.........

by DrewsLions on Nov 1, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions

If he were putting up these number in any other reason

he would be a front runner for the MVP award, but so many more well known quarterbacks are having record years, so Stafford’s production is just a blip on the NFL radar

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by Latif Masud on Nov 1, 2011 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions

i know, but...

comeback player of the year for sure!

by dfwLions on Nov 1, 2011 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Comeback from what?

In order to be CPOY, you have to have had some good years previously.

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Nov 1, 2011 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions

No, you don't.

This is a myth that needs to stop being perpetuated.

"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson

by Mavyrk on Nov 1, 2011 11:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

You know what is really scary Latif?

Stafford actually had three fairly poor performances in the first eight games. If he can eliminate those in the final eight, he still has a chance at a 5000 yard season. I know that isn’t likely because we play some high quality teams in the second half, but you can dream, I guess.

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by TuffLynx on Nov 1, 2011 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

5K might be a stretch

He’s on pace for 4200 yards now. To get to 5K, he would have to average 352 yards passing for the rest of the season, which is a stretch. Still, I’ll take 4200 yards, 40 TDs and about 10 INTS ANY day!

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by Latif Masud on Nov 2, 2011 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions

When I projected his numbers this year,

I was conservative – 4200 – 26 (td passes) – 13(int’s). If you pro rate the numbers above and double them – he will have almost 40 td’s. WOW. raises hand

Did you guys see the size of that chicken?

by studmo on Nov 1, 2011 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions

After seeing the rookie QBs this year

Newton, Dalton, even Gabbart - it’s no surprise that any Lion player would consider Tebow a joke. He’s nowhere near the class of even those guys. Truth hurts sometimes.

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Nov 1, 2011 9:01 PM EDT reply actions

The Broncos painted themselves into a corner with this:

Broncos benched Kyle Orton in favor of someone who clearly isn’t ready to see the field as a signal-caller. (Tebow will start again this week, by the way.)

Orton is light years better. Now, Fox seems hesitant to start Tebow anymore. What to do? They can’t bring Orton back – that bridge is burned. They are faced with starting Quinn.
I am soooooo glad I am a Lions fan.

Did you guys see the size of that chicken?

by studmo on Nov 1, 2011 10:58 PM EDT reply actions