5,000 & 40
by Twon82 on Dec 19, 2011 1:23 PM EST
Email
Print
Anyone doubting whether the Lions made the right choice in 2009 now? If so, get your head examined.
Admittedly, when we drafted Stafford, I was slightly skeptical. I wouldn't say I was overly skeptical, but how could you not be a little bit with how the Lions had been performing up to that point. Ever since, we've made a complete 180 in terms of talent and production on the field. Even with his injuries, the entire team had shown up and proven that they were getting better gradually. But we know now that everything rides on Stafford. As it should. He is, indeed, our franchise quarterback and is proving himself more and more all the time.
Stafford is absolutely torching it this year. He is on pace for 5,000 passing yards and 40 passing TDs. Incredible numbers. And I can already hear people claiming that it's only because we're one-dimensional. Yes, there is merit in that argument. But I think this exhibits the brilliance of Stafford's air game, being able to overcome the lack of a consistent run game.
Not only this, but Stafford will have FOUR solid RBs (Jahvid Best, Mikel Leshoure, Kevin Smith, and Maurice Morris), barring the release or trade of anyone, to rotate and give us solid production there and take pass pressure off. If the Lions can establish that, watch out. I honestly think they should find a way to keep all four of them. New England has done it. A rotation of three to four solid backs and it helps out Brady tremendously.
You can't discount how valuable Megatron is to Stafford's numbers. At all. Without him, there's much less production. But no previous QBs were taking advantage of it quite like Staff. They have a special vibe and it's going to lead us to special places.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit or its writers. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.
68 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Point Taken!
He’s been phenomenal considering how young he is and the situations he gets pu tin (with no running game for long stretches). His ceiling is truly vaulted if not sky!
He’s not quite on pace for that though: there’s only two game left… but clearly should be in the mid-upper 4,000 (on pace for 4,737) and 30s (on pace for 38)
The boys are back in town!
buh, bye MoMO...
Thanks for your effort.
KW will beat out the 33(?)yr old vet next season.
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
that or i can see us taking another RB in the draft
say 4th round or so. Smith has been pretty good at picking up the blitz. I’m really hoping that Leshoure can come back and be the guy we think he is. Best can still get his 10 touches a game. Smith will be used in spot duty which should keep him alot healthier ..
I’m love the fact that we are 9-5 and looking to make the playoffs but next year we can honestly be world beaters.
The Disassembly Line....nuff said.
I say 1st round.
2 years in a row, why stop now?
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
I think that's definitely a possibility
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...
no no no.... DT
then trade up for RB
I’m still glad we didn’t trade CJ for the chance at AJ
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Dec 19, 2011 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah MoMo sucks hugely this year...
We’ll be lucky if we have one starter at RB next year. I honestly think right now our starter has to be LeShoure, which doesn’t give me confidence. K Smooth will be damn lucky to be brought back…love what he did and has done for us, just hurt too often. Same with Best. He’s one concussion away from being done…if he already isn’t done. I love all 3 backs, trust me I do. I think they could all be dynamic starters, but with the nature and history of their injuries I very highly doubt they’ll all stay healthy.
For those reasons, I think we’re due to draft another RB. Whether it’s 1st round or 7th, who cares, doesn’t really matter with RBs. Personally, I’d like to see about 3rd-5th round, and all 3 RBs brought back next season. Why not have 4 RBs?
I played Momo in fantasy this week.
(I seriously thought Smith was gonna go down again)
However, besides me being a fantasy idiot, I don’t think Smith looked so good. He looked like the old Kevin Smith. He ran hesitantly. He did a lot of dancing and wasn’t able to break tackles.
He definitely had a few great games, but I don’t know if I’d put Kevin Smith in the “solid” category quite yet… His consistency is suspect and I think he has shown the injury issues are still hanging around.
I think he’s gonna have to work hard to make the team next year.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
I wondered if his ankle was still acting up, limiting his "jump"
I agree he didn’t have the speed/explosiveness he had before the injury.
Lion fan in the Great Land!
Dude...
He has a high ankle sprain… that hasn’t healed yet.
Looked as though the trainers were retaping it every quarter or so.
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
That's part of what I'm talking about...
When isn’t he injured?
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
eh...
Ankle tweeks happen. Fact is… he looked real good coming off 2 serious knee injuries.
I don’t really put much weight on the short term. I DO expect him to finish the season(post) strong.
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
I'm still taking K Smooth even if he plays 4 games a season
MoMo is useless. Completely and utterly useless. He was good for us last year, but this year he looks like his age finally caught up with him. No explosiveness or power at all this year.
low*
"If you don't invest very much, then defeat doesn't hurt very much and winning is not very exciting." ~Dick Vermeil
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer. I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That's what gets me aroused." ~Jim Schwartz
MOMO going where?
with our RBs and injuries? yeah, he is not going any where.
4RBs on our roster. i can see it now.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any thoughts on a FA?
Seems the FO wanted Ronnie Brown more than KWill or KSmith.
Do you think we might look to FA? Or do you think that was a one year stopgap plan?
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
That would be ridiculous to really search in F.A. for a 4th RB
Seems like overkill to me. If we have Best, Leshoure, and Smith, I don’t really care who the 4th would be. I’d like it to be MoMo just because he’s never injured.
President of the Eric Wright fan club.
Obligatory statement about being a huge Lions fan.
I have a twitter: Follow Me
DJ Moore is a pussy thug.
I meant more for a #3
Behind Best and LeShoure.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
I think it'll go something like this:
1a: LeShoure (“Every down back”) will probably carry the load
1b: Best – playing in specific situations, taking the other 40%-ish of the carries
2: Smith – Spell back for either guy, probably see some snaps every game or two, replacement for either in case of injury
3: Williams – Power back/reserve guy. Could get cut, but I see us carrying 4 backs next year nonetheless
'The reality is - the police become necessary in human society, only at that junction in a society where it is split between those who have, and those who ain't got' - Omali Yeshitela
"In the absence of logic it is not uncommon that sanity can only be found by embracing lunacy." – Leonuro, circa 2011
Sounds very possible
K Smith and K Will are obviously subject to upgrades, but I wouldn’t hate bringing those two back.
with the injury history
I can see them still mining for talent
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Dec 19, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
...uh...
I’d like it to be MoMo just because he’s never injured.
lol…. He’s been injured all year.
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
?
Since when?
President of the Eric Wright fan club.
Obligatory statement about being a huge Lions fan.
I have a twitter: Follow Me
DJ Moore is a pussy thug.
Hand/wrist
all preseason…. reaggrevated it a couple weeks ago… so we’ll call it the 2nd half of the season…
That’s the reason he hasn’t played that much… fumble hazard.
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
Yeah, but I meant like season ending
Like Best. He’s not really a guy who you have to worry about getting seriously hurt throughout the season.
President of the Eric Wright fan club.
Obligatory statement about being a huge Lions fan.
I have a twitter: Follow Me
DJ Moore is a pussy thug.
lack of pt does that
he was looking great end of last year t
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Dec 19, 2011 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
just a question but isnt harrison returning next year?
RESTORE THE ROAR 2011 DETROIT LIONS <----- best D-line in football
Not likley
IMO healthy or not he didn’t add anything to the offense
THE PHONZ ~ I LOVE THAT GUY
PCP 4 LIFE
by The Profiler on Dec 19, 2011 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
Even if he did return it wouldn't be with the Lions
Did you not remember we tried to trade this guy?! FO doesn’t like him and neither do I.
I tend to agree with BHC....
RB, although a necessity… really aren’t ‘high’ on the list….. THAT being said… If the #1 or #2 back is still there at # 20something…. the Lions should take him.
Best Position player available…. (the Best RB, Best OLine, Best CB, S, DE…. )
I’m really happy with the depth to where the Lions could pick any position and improve this team… (Sigh of relief)
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
Agree %100 I pushed hard for them to draft the QB from Georgia I seen this coming from college
But I disagree with one thing. You list Maurice Morris as a solid RB. Still not sure what everyone else is seeing but Mo should have been gone already IMO. Him and Kieland BRICK WALL Willams will both be gone next year. I could see Kevin staying as a 3rd or 4th back possibly though based off his couple of really good performances. Morris is used up he doesn’t have much of anything left. We need to look at free agency maybe see if we can land Ronnie Brown again. He’d be a solid depth guy with Leshoure being the workhorse and Best being change of pace. Just imagine what Stafford could do with a real NFL offensive line too! Thos guys were an embarassment to offensive lineman everywere sunday. Win was great and really let Matt showcase who he is but I can’t seem to shake the feeling that the O line in the long run will F us over if we don’t make some changes next year.
THE PHONZ ~ I LOVE THAT GUY
PCP 4 LIFE
I saw 51 get blown up on almost every play
i know they arent the sexiest/exciting picks but we need to make oline our first 2 picks. guard and center is what i would like, i omitted tackle out cause the good ones will be gon eby the time we pick. Also we have some project tackles on roster already
For sure
I’m at the point though noew if we get a lineman this year in the first 3 rounds I won’t consider the offseason a full sucess. Unless we sigh a full fledge starter instead
THE PHONZ ~ I LOVE THAT GUY
PCP 4 LIFE
by The Profiler on Dec 19, 2011 7:24 PM EST up reply actions
I posted the exact same thing Pro....
Imagine what Staff could do with the running game and o line of a team like the Jets. The NY media and fans have every right to critique Sanchez the way they do. He has got everything in the world that a qb needs to be successful in the NFL. (maybe he could have a better TE) but that’s about it.
I’ll tell you guys, I seriously hate every fucking thing about that pompous little bitch. I’m not one to hate just to be hating, either. I just don’t like anything about that dude. Pretentious douchebag.
"That's my quarterback man"- T.O.
by Lionking4420 on Dec 20, 2011 2:05 AM EST up reply actions
I think it might be in our best interest
To cut or trade Stefan Logan and make Best our new KR/PR. I love Best as a player, and I want him to succeed, but his concussion problems make him risky as a full time RB. As a PR/KR he can be effective as a player, and not have the risks that he would have as a RB.
You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.
-Johnny Cash
Whaaaa?
Have you ever seen the punishment those gunners inflict on special teams?
Best would be annihilated.
'The reality is - the police become necessary in human society, only at that junction in a society where it is split between those who have, and those who ain't got' - Omali Yeshitela
"In the absence of logic it is not uncommon that sanity can only be found by embracing lunacy." – Leonuro, circa 2011
by Nate D. on Dec 19, 2011 6:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Best returning kicks!
you tring to get our 2 best offensive play maker killed. No thanks
THE PHONZ ~ I LOVE THAT GUY
PCP 4 LIFE
by The Profiler on Dec 19, 2011 7:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
it was nice to see them use Logan again in the backfield
He really hasn’t gotten a lot of opportunities to be play maker like last year
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Dec 19, 2011 7:32 PM EST up reply actions
I say we bring the FB position back
If there is a beasty FB coming out of college we draft him. since our Oline cant open up holes we might as well get some one who can.
FBs don't open holes
They block the guys coming through them. A fullback is of no use to a shitty OL. He’s just another guy who won’t make it through the line of scrimmage.
'The reality is - the police become necessary in human society, only at that junction in a society where it is split between those who have, and those who ain't got' - Omali Yeshitela
"In the absence of logic it is not uncommon that sanity can only be found by embracing lunacy." – Leonuro, circa 2011
Yup.
You can’t block a player coming through a hole when there’s no holes to come through. I truly hope we trade up to get a solid T or G. I don’t think we could trade up high enough for Martin or Kalil, but possibly Riley or DeCastro. If we don’t trade up, I’d be ok with a center like Konz.
President of the Eric Wright fan club.
Obligatory statement about being a huge Lions fan.
I have a twitter: Follow Me
DJ Moore is a pussy thug.
We need a modern center
Someone that can handle a 320 lb + NT in those 3-4s that is the flavor of the decade in the NFL right now. I am tired of watching Dom get knocked back onto his behindus while killing our running game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know.
But you can’t just take 3 of our 5 starting O-line guys out, stick in 3 rookies or F.A’s in and expect it to work. No cohesion equals no protection.
President of the Eric Wright fan club.
Obligatory statement about being a huge Lions fan.
I have a twitter: Follow Me
DJ Moore is a pussy thug.
C is the biggest priority.
Dom just can’t do it.
Likewise with LT, Backus just isn’t equipped to handle Peppers and Jared Allen anymore.
Peterman is serviceable… Though I hate him. I’d say C/T are our biggest priorities.
'The reality is - the police become necessary in human society, only at that junction in a society where it is split between those who have, and those who ain't got' - Omali Yeshitela
"In the absence of logic it is not uncommon that sanity can only be found by embracing lunacy." – Leonuro, circa 2011
BHC, you are 100% correct
And I am not thinking you can change 3 players on our line in one season. We need to do 1 or perhaps 2.
In priority, IMHO
1) Center, our push up the middle is non existant. Kills our running game.
2) Tackle, Not an easy job to fill, Goz moving to LT and new RT?
3) Guard, Peterman can wait another year or two.
I am not convinced Goz can handle the Left side but would he be better than any rook we stuff in that spot? I know people give Backus shit but he will be incredibly difficult to replace.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
by joshsun on Dec 19, 2011 8:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed. Backus takes heat around here (from me as well) but he's not a bad player.
He’s just nearing the end of his career and like everyone does he’s lost a step. That said, Backus is a middle of the pack LT. Not great but certainly not bad. We could do better. We could do a lot worse also. I applaud his loyalty to this organization. I think the FO and coaching staff do as well. He and Dom both. They have been as faithful as us fans and I really hope they get to taste the playoffs this season. They deserve it. We deserve it. I don’t care who says what. If you can get there you can win it.
In fact, the last 3 out of 4 superbowl champs came from a wildcard spot. Most notably the Packers last year and the Giants in ‘08. Neither even won their divisions. Who says we can’t? I’ll tell you who. Someone who is full of shit. This team has the main two ingredients to win it all if we get there. The superb d line (think Giants d line owning Brady and the unstoppable Pats.) We also have the explosive offense that can hang 30 on any team in the NFL (think GB last year) Not to mention the edgy defense that may give up yards but tends not to break and force timely turnovers. (think the Saints) JMO
"That's my quarterback man"- T.O.
by Lionking4420 on Dec 20, 2011 2:19 AM EST up reply actions
we have tackles that are in the making
Culbreath and Fox. We wont be in position in the draft like you said for a stud tackle. We dont need another project at the tackle position. I’d like another guard or center. I just want to see holes and people getting blown up trying to get through them. Watching Vonte Leech the other night made me wonder if our run game would be any better if we had a lead blocker for RBs.
Fox
might have the talent but he seems like he gets hurt more than K. Smith.
Culbreath, I am not sold on.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
well,
we do know how often fox is getting hurt without playing. That puts up big alarms in my mind.
Culbreath, agreed. The fact that we know nothing about him is what scares me. I seem to remember he played last season at one point right? Was it late season?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
You're thinking about Fox
Culbreath is a rookie, and he’s on IR now.
President of the Eric Wright fan club.
Obligatory statement about being a huge Lions fan.
I have a twitter: Follow Me
DJ Moore is a pussy thug.
ahhhh
ok, thanks.
Still, that is not a good feeling. playing less than 1/4 of a season and getting hurt.
Could he have been not fully healed yet?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most likely
Or just extremely fragile.
President of the Eric Wright fan club.
Obligatory statement about being a huge Lions fan.
I have a twitter: Follow Me
DJ Moore is a pussy thug.
Either way
does anyone really think of LT of the future is on the roster?
I am not buying it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
That is just about the only
way I see it happening too.
And honestly, I think we could get better than both with a mid to late first pick if the team decided that O line was a priority again.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yup.
It seems that this year’s draft class is riddled with O-line talent, much unlike last year. Guys like Martin, Kalil, Riley, DeCastro, Konz, Adams, maybe Brewster etc…should all go in the first round, and there’s gotta be some hidden talent in the deeper rounds.
President of the Eric Wright fan club.
Obligatory statement about being a huge Lions fan.
I have a twitter: Follow Me
DJ Moore is a pussy thug.
ahhh
The lure of hidden talent.
when it comes to O line, I would rather go with obvious talent.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've been saying that for awhile
But looks like Fox can’t stay healthy, and Culbreath is hurt too. Projects are fine and dandy, but if they’re all hurt/ can’t start for 3 or 4 more years, then we have to find someone else soon.
President of the Eric Wright fan club.
Obligatory statement about being a huge Lions fan.
I have a twitter: Follow Me
DJ Moore is a pussy thug.
Righto! Usually the FB takes the next guy after a guard.
"That's my quarterback man"- T.O.
by Lionking4420 on Dec 20, 2011 2:07 AM EST up reply actions
I'd be down with a fullback
although since most teams only have one spot- if any -
there could be some decent talent available
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Dec 19, 2011 7:33 PM EST up reply actions
Our offense may be one dimensional,
but that doesn’t mean it would be successful anywhere.
I can already hear people claiming that it’s only because we’re one-dimensional. Yes, there is merit in that argument.
I could list several qbs that would not have near the success that Stafford has had throwing the ball as much as he has. The two that come to mind, of course, are Freeman and Sancheze. Let them throw every down, and they will still not have the same success.
Did you guys see the size of that chicken?
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- The Shutdown Corner Podcast: Greg Cosell on the NFC South Draft
- BREAKING: Tim Tebow did not become a great quarterback today
- Jerry Jones says Cowboys championship window is closing; Tony Romo disagrees
- Lawrence Taylor was told his Super Bowl ring was bought by Charlie Sheen
- Chad Ochocinco gets robbed, mourns loss of Starbucks gold card
