Lions Notes: Darren McFadden Likely Out On Sunday

by Sean Yuille on Dec 14, 2011 7:04 AM EST in Detroit Lions Notes

Raiders running back Darren McFadden is not expected to play on Sunday against the Lions. (He has been out since October with a foot injury.)
Lions wide receiver Titus Young is one of the nominees for the Week 14 Pepsi Rookie of the Week. Yesterday he tweeted a picture of a Pepsi can with his picture on it in honor of being one of the nominees.
The NFL has suspended James Harrison for one game for his vicious helmet-to-helmet hit on Colt McCoy. Suspending him was the right move, but here's my question: How does Ndamukong Suh get two games for a stomp that barely even made contact with the Packers player when Harrison is only getting one game for his fifth (!) illegal hit on a quarterback in the last three years? Suh deserved his suspension, but to me Harrison should get more than one game for his headhunting.
Former Bears and Saints defensive end Alex Brown worked out for the Lions earlier this week. He thought he "killed the workout," but unless other injuries happen, it doesn't seem like the Lions will be adding any additional defensive ends to the team.

UPDATE: Adam Caplan reports that Vernon Gholston also worked out for the Lions.
Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after injuring his knee. This means it's unlikely the Lions will have to worry about Jennings when they play at Green Bay in Week 17. Of course, the Packers have several other talented receivers, so losing Jennings isn't necessarily a huge blow for Green Bay.

Tweet Comment 47 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Suh

The issue with Suh is the suspension was not just the stomp but what happened when he was on top of the packer. Slamming a persons helmet into the ground 3 times in a row is not the best way to stay in the game. So according to the NFL office that would be his 3rd Helmet issue in only 2 years. With the NFL stance on helmets it does make sense for Suh as harrison is only doing it in the field of play during an actual play.

by MisterEK on Dec 14, 2011 7:11 AM EST reply actions

No.

The problem with Suh is that is was after the whistle. The Harrison helmet hit can be agrued as being inadvertent. What Suh did was after the whistle, and stupid. Whether he did it with malicious intent or not, he definitely did it on purpose. Harrison hit can be argued (even as a good old fashon hit), Suh’s stupidity cannot be.

That said, I still believe Suh’s 2 games was too much.

by ridebmx on Dec 14, 2011 7:59 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Also

I’d bet you money if McCoy didn’t have concussion symptoms afterwards, the play wouldn’t have been looked at again. It’s not like hes Tom Brady…

by ridebmx on Dec 14, 2011 8:03 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

How can you agree with Harrison's suspension?

In past years, the would have been a legal hit. And, it happened during the play. Harrison is becoming one of my favorite non-Lions, because of his relentlessness.

Tengo el sangre del tigre.

by beef99 on Dec 14, 2011 7:41 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Easy, vicious hit to the head and repeat offender

under the rules that unacceptable. suspension was absolutely necessary.

by Joel Korson on Dec 14, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions

Personally I think Harrison's suspension is a little tough

Suh deserved his. Harrison was suspended for playing football. As someone else said, the hit he made was legal five years ago. What Suh did, well that’s never been legal.

by JWurm on Dec 14, 2011 8:21 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

but it has not been legal the last 2 years and he has numerous violations of it

by Joel Korson on Dec 14, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

it doesnt matter five years ago

Five years ago there was a minor and major face mask penalty. One for five, one for fifteen. The point is, you need to play by the current rules, not what was “acceptable” in the past

by yamahawarrior89 on Dec 14, 2011 12:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Everything I said still stands

No player has ever been suspended for a hit like that. Ever.

by JWurm on Dec 14, 2011 8:40 PM EST up reply actions

Harrison did have a somewhat valid point to his hit..

McCoy had tucked the ball to run, then right before he was hit he chucked the ball and braced for the hit. However, if you look at the play…Harrison’s head is up and his feet are still on the ground as McCoy is throwing the ball. Which means, he had plenty of time to either stop the hit or adjust so the hit wasn’t violent. You can see him lower his head and lead with the crown of his helmet. I don’t think it should have been more then one game suspension. This is his first offense this year.

LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! GO STEFAN LOGAN!

by BBlades on Dec 14, 2011 8:33 AM EST reply actions

Not upset about the suspension

What I don’t understand is why he didnt lay him out by going to the midsection. Would have been a legal hit and he could have went full force.

by jeremy j on Dec 14, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

Exactly

It’s not an issue of the hit, the issue is Harrison’s aiming point on the hit. If he had aimed lower (i.e. chest or midsection) there would be no issue.

by CMUWR12 on Dec 14, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions

yup!

That’s why the penalty. It’s clear he wants to head hunt and that has to be discouraged when done in that fashion.

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 Dec 14, 2011 12:25 PM EST up reply actions

Ahhhh... Gholston is washed up

That being said… I remember saying that a about Aaron Maybin. So, I wouldn’t mind bringing him in.

All men are created equal. Its just that some men are more equal than others....

by CapitolLions on Dec 14, 2011 9:04 AM EST reply actions

washed up?

at 25? McNabb is washed up….lol… Gholston needs to go talk to Mike Williams.

http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls

by CLF on Dec 14, 2011 9:42 AM EST up reply actions

Eh, bad choice of terms

How about a bust?

All men are created equal. Its just that some men are more equal than others....

by CapitolLions on Dec 14, 2011 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think Gholston is washed up at all

I think he needs Kocurek to give him noogies while Gunny has his foot on his neck, or whatever trick it is they use to inspire the hell out of that line. He might never live up to his promise but I think he’s a better depth option than Brown, the other guy reportedly brought in.

I just have to wonder if LoJack ends up going to IR soon if they feel they’ve found suitable depth option :/

by Ee Oulo on Dec 14, 2011 11:07 AM EST up reply actions

Hooray! (sort of)

http://blogs.detroitlions.com/2011/12/14/cb-houston-back-at-practice-s-delmas-still-out/

by CMUWR12 on Dec 14, 2011 1:36 PM EST reply actions

Suspensions

Suh’s suspension resulted from an action after the whistle. Harrison’s came from one during a play. Tough call but I think the right one.

by RenoLionsFan on Dec 14, 2011 2:29 PM EST reply actions

Harrison suspension is BS

Can’t believe the author agrees with it, kinda disappointed in you. If these prissy little QB’s don’t want to get hit then go do ice skating with all the other nancy-boys.

by detroit_fan on Dec 14, 2011 2:35 PM EST reply actions

disagree.

What I don’t understand is…. WTF don’t players like this go for the numbers? Harrison clearly chose to go high… that is why he’s sitting out a game.

http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls

by CLF on Dec 14, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs

Yeah. Harrison has a history of aiming too high, using his helmet.

The “BS” is that he keeps doing it. Sorry. suspensions and pretty big fines are appropriate for James Harrison. Another guy? Maybe excessive… but he’s a headhunter. Fuck James Harrison and fuck the Browns for not pulling McCoy quicker. I would’ve fired guys for that shit.

That goddamn Okra and beans got you Oprah in jeans. Seems to me a little lean cuisine, wouldn't hurt much- Agh don't touch! -Obie Trice

by Skylar on Dec 14, 2011 2:57 PM EST up reply actions

and fuck the pussies

that keep trying to water down football! pretty soon they won’t even be allowed to play defense, it will look like the pro bowl. some things are just violent, and football is one of them. Why can mma fighters and boxers take the hit but not a QB who’s wearing a helmet?

by detroit_fan on Dec 14, 2011 3:03 PM EST up reply actions

The rules are there, dude.

Bitch till you’re blue in the face… but they’re there.

Did you know there was 89 sacks last week? Doesn’t really sound like a watered down league to me.

http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls

by CLF on Dec 14, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions

It's a simple rule, and like you said if you want to see a guy getting pounded in the head, go watch some of that MMA/Pro Boxing.

I think headhunting QBs crosses the line & I applaud fines/suspensions for serial offenders like Harrison. If he was a Lion I’d say the same thing dude. i think it’s crossing a clear line. He’s a well-paid professional and should be able to aim a foot lower.

That goddamn Okra and beans got you Oprah in jeans. Seems to me a little lean cuisine, wouldn't hurt much- Agh don't touch! -Obie Trice

by Skylar on Dec 14, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions

He does not go for the numbers

because he does not want to go for the number.

He wants to knock players out of the game. I know it sounds crazy but I think they should take the helmets out of the game completely.

I guarantee you, players will stop leading with their heads if they do not have all that extra padding protecting them.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

by joshsun on Dec 14, 2011 3:21 PM EST up reply actions

Well, you can't do that.

He wants to knock players out of the game. I know it sounds crazy but I think they should take the helmets out of the game completely.

Best would be in a coffin right now. I don’t know if penalties and fines are the best reconciliation ( there isn’t a solution I don’t think ) but seems like it. Hell I’d up the severity of both, personally.

That goddamn Okra and beans got you Oprah in jeans. Seems to me a little lean cuisine, wouldn't hurt much- Agh don't touch! -Obie Trice

by Skylar on Dec 14, 2011 3:52 PM EST up reply actions

Best would not be taking the shots he has been taking

if everyone was helmetless.

by joshsun on Dec 14, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

I'd have to look at the hits that've most contributed to his present condition to agree.

..I feel like the turf has had something to do with it too, but I don’t really wanna argue.

That goddamn Okra and beans got you Oprah in jeans. Seems to me a little lean cuisine, wouldn't hurt much- Agh don't touch! -Obie Trice

by Skylar on Dec 15, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions

My point

I think most of them are helmet to helmet.

I am not suggesting they would completely vanish if helmets were taken away but I can assure you. Players would be a whole hell of a lot smarter about where they were slamming their heads.

by joshsun on Dec 15, 2011 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

People would die

I think I remember you saying you used to play football. Just imagine playing without a helmet. Linemen bump heads on a lot of plays, especially in piles. Picture being knocked on the ground and all of a sudden a guy gets tackled on top of you and the back of his head lands on your face. Stuff like this would happen all the time. Football players would be toothless hahaha.

I say we bring back the leather helmet.

by Kalzilla on Dec 15, 2011 5:20 PM EST up reply actions

People probably would die

You are probably right (not trying to sound insensitive here) but that happens now already.

I just think the players that are causing the most concussions are doing it by using that mallet of helmet as a weapon. Take that away and people would be forced to tackle correctly or they would not be playing anymore.

by joshsun on Dec 15, 2011 6:36 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah I agree with that

The leather helmet idea was semi serious. People use their heads as weapons, and it’s not just James Harrison doing it.

If Goodell was serious about his player safety crap then he would be much more strict about preventing that conduct. Harrison only got a one game suspension? Seriously?? McCoy could have permanent brain damage and this is like the 30th time Harrison’s done this. I’m willing to bet Harrison is going to keep playing like this, so will Dunta Robinson, Hines Ward and dozens of other players.

by Kalzilla on Dec 15, 2011 6:55 PM EST up reply actions

Hit the numbers hard enough...

and the QB’s head would bounce on the turf.

http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls

by CLF on Dec 14, 2011 4:35 PM EST up reply actions

true

but how many concussions are caused by the turf?

All the ones I can remember are head to head shots.

by joshsun on Dec 14, 2011 8:24 PM EST up reply actions

plenty of them are

I saw Kurt Warner benched cuz of one…I believe a bunch of Troy Aikmans were cuz his head bounced of the turf…it happens a lot more than you think

I think hemlet to helmet are the most serious concussions cuz those helmets are made out of spaceage material or whatever, which makes them mroe weapons then teh turf, which as a little give to it

Go Blue!

Revenue - Expenses = Profit

by dezznutz1001 on Dec 15, 2011 12:30 PM EST up reply actions

Like I said above

I do not think removing the helmets would stop the concussions completely. Players would still be bouncing their heads off the turf now and then.

by joshsun on Dec 15, 2011 2:44 PM EST up reply actions

Love Suhs response to media questions today.

Ignored their questions about the car accident and stomping then ignored question on why he was ignoring questions the in essence told the media to eff off because they think he’s accountable to the fan base through the media. Good to have him back!

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

by awayfromthepride on Dec 14, 2011 3:25 PM EST reply actions

I could not disagree with this statement and his attitude more.

by joshsun on Dec 14, 2011 8:24 PM EST up reply actions

Y?

The media has been allovr him, i dotn blame him..some of the things that the media has said and written about him…Hell, i wouldnt have much to say right away either

Go Blue!

Revenue - Expenses = Profit

by dezznutz1001 on Dec 15, 2011 12:28 PM EST up reply actions

I am of the opinion

When you play a game for 50 million dollars, you have an obligation to your team, coaches, teammates, friends and fans to explain the stupid things you do and apologize to everyone involved when you F up.

This whole “who cares” attitude is doing nothing but enabling him even more than he already is. Yeah, great idea.

by joshsun on Dec 15, 2011 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

I say we give Gholston a shot

Maybe he can be the heir to KVB’s spot. I think with the rotation we have now, we can bring him in and get his mind right (lets face it, out DLine will make him train harder then Jets or the Bears ever did) and maybe we find a diamond in the rough…another square peg that will destroy people.

LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! GO STEFAN LOGAN!

by BBlades on Dec 14, 2011 8:25 PM EST reply actions