A few thoughts after the first game!
by Ndomination on Aug 14, 2011 9:48 AM EDT
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Well boys we are well on our way to being undefeated preseason champions once again! In reality though the team looked very good overal and im sure we are in for some exciting football. Just a few observations now.
-I think Derrick Williams played himself out of Detorit in 1 pre-season game. The drops were horrible yet it was nice to see him redeem himself with a first down catch (drews got some balls). Regardless Aaron brown look fast and efficient cathing 5 balls. Simply put I think he is a more valuable piece to our puzzle.
-Speaking of WR's, where the hell was Ballard? It seems every year as Lions fans that drink too much Kool aid and pick a late round player or UDFA to be the savior... well maybe not that but you get my point. 0 catches and Im not sure he even made it onto the field. Conspiracy theorist' may say that we are hiding his talents to sign him on the practice squad and develop him. For the first time in years its great to see Detroit not hanging onto players who should be on the practice squad.
-Somewhere during the lockout Drew Stanton went and learne dhow to throw a ball. Out of everything I saw saturday his pockets presence ( and not forcing scrambles) was the most impressive. He threw some really nice mid routes to dwill, and overall I think he's finally becoming the player we thought we hand when we drafted him.
-Look I'll be the first to say that I love Suhs aggression but the andy dalton head ripping play? Come on Guy! I dont want hime getting a reputation as a dirty player but I think if things like that keep happening he may well be on his way As a personal opinion he's just to good for that....
Alright boys, let me know what you think!
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.
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About Suh
I think he is making a statement during the 1st game of each preseason. Its one that don’t mess with the Lions. I like it provided he only does one head hunting during the entire season.
As for Stanton I was impressed when he threw a pass just before getting clobbered. In years past he would have scrambled and missed that pass.
D Williams is going to be interesting. He dropped a couple of passes but he also made up for it. I think the coaches will give him a gimme if he gets Velcro for hands in the next game. If he doesn’t and drops a couple passes then forget it he is going to get cut.
The running game is scaring me though. If and when our OL starters show up they better learn how to run block or its going to be long season for Stafford. I do not like seeing 5 man rushes against 5 blockers.
by MisterEK on Aug 14, 2011 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Perfectly said to a T
Suh, agree.
Stanton, agree.
D Will, agree (messed up but made up for it with 2 nice catches though only 1 counts in the books).
Running game is going to be scary. No capable power back unless Mike Bell somehow becomes formidable in a short time. Basically, in my humble opinion, I think Jahvid Best is MUCH MUCH MUCH more important to this team than Stafford. We have capable backups with Hill and Stanton at QB…we don’t really have that with our RBs, as we saw as well last year.
disagree
Stafford can lead us to the promised land, best (or the backup QBs) probably cant
I would still be comfortable going into playoffs with Hill or Stanton leading
If Best goes down, I’m not comfortable walking in with the rest of our RBs.
Let's be patient
I know that the Aaron Brown and DWill situation has gone on long enough, and there will be definitely be some important decisions made in a couple weeks, but lets remember a couple things:
Aaron Brown has performed really well in preseason since he was drafted, usually against the 2s and 3s, and lets not forget that we were playing the Bengals, probably the worst team in the league this year. Hopefully he has a more firm grip of the playbook and can contribute consistently against better competition. Bell and Harrison both serve as good in house competition for Brown, but he and Best are very similar players while the coaching staff are looking for a bigger change of pace back.
DWill has reportedly been shining in training camp this year and I read somewhere that those couple drops were his first of the year.. too bad they came during a game. There has been alot of hype about Ballard and Davies for good reason: Ballards a freak and Davies is a seasoned vet who can obviously contribute on ST.
Let’s wait until we see these two against better competition, and I’m sure that after the 3rd game against the Pats, we’ll all have a better idea of who can contribute against the best talent and depth in the league.
Running Game...
I agree, it is scary….
But, not a panic yet. I am not willing to write off Harrison yet… It was obvious to me that Hill was telling him what to do / where to run after leaving the huddle. Harrison and Bell will need more time to study the playbook…. I would expect that the run game will improve for next week…. Not to say it will be stellar, but it should be better.
Derrick Williams played himself out of Detroit?
I think he just played himself into the 4th wideout position. Notice how other receivers minus Nate and Calvin didn’t do jack. I think Williams is going to have a pretty good preseason. Question is whether he can have a good regular season
House of Spears | My Detroit Lions/NFL Blog
So who do we keep?
Ballard? Hughes?
"I’d probably get arrested because football’s my only time I get to go out there and hit people as hard as I can, and it’s legal," Follett said. "I need that once a year."
by Rick Chaffee on Aug 14, 2011 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn't say he was already off the team
But we have Johnson, Burleson, Davis and Young that are pretty much locks, Logan, Brown and Stovall could all also make the team and fill the 5th/6th WR slots. Ballard is PS at best and Hughes is same.
I was agreeing with you brother
I don’t think Dwheelz can cut it. Just trying to see what the prospective is on who stays if dwill goes.
"I’d probably get arrested because football’s my only time I get to go out there and hit people as hard as I can, and it’s legal," Follett said. "I need that once a year."
by Rick Chaffee on Aug 14, 2011 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions
There will be at least 5 WRs on the roster
CJ, Nate, Young, and Logan are probably in.
That leaves one spot for another WR and sorry, I don’t see Davis, Ballard or any of the others beating out Williams. Frankly, I think DWill was tight because he was trying too hard at first. He needed a couple plays to settle down, and he did. If he goes through the rest of the preseason with very few drops and makes some plays he will make the roster. I know there are some DWill haters out there, but saying he is done at this point is incredibly premature. He has a lot of camp left to solidify his spot. At this pint it is still his to lose because nobody else did enough to take it away.
I agree it's too early
but, you have to admit he’s closer to losing the trust for good. It’s been an issue with him all along in games and I can’t believe they’ll put up with too much more. It’s not unrealistic to think Davis is pushing his spot.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
How can you complain about ballard when he didn't get any reps
What’s he supposed to do? Catch passes from the sidelines.. lol
He got enough reps towards the end of the game
…and the fact that he didn’t get reps should tell us about where his progress is
House of Spears | My Detroit Lions/NFL Blog
by Latif Masud on Aug 14, 2011 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
I will agree with you there
Do you think he should be cut or practice squad? cuz he is old rookie at 26.
"Lakers in 4, Pistons cant score" - NBA Analysis. Jokes on you!
"In Mayhew we trust"
Thank you Kris Draper and Chris Osgood for all the memories
by Bballkid-22 on Aug 14, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah
He’s had one year of Junior college ball and two years of D2 football in him. Calling him raw doesn’t do any justice. He could be someone that contributes by next year
House of Spears | My Detroit Lions/NFL Blog
Ballard was in the game enough
he just could not get open
Yooperlionfan is officially "the man"
the Lions D-Line: the Four Horsemen of the A-sack-alypse
Jim Schwart: Erasing the stink of Millen, one fist pump at a time.
P.C.P: It is not just for recreation anymore.
he could not get open....that sounds like opinion not fact
On a play that he was lined up on the left he beat his man with safety help … Zac did not throw too him…. it is very difficult to say really unless you know the story. What i saw of him in practice no one could cover him in certain situations and showed good hands….things could change of D-will has another butter finger game… i root for Ballard honestly because he could be special… d will not so much
He got almost an entire quarter of play and had only one target, which he could not catch.
That is the fact. We can speculate as to why, but the other fact is that he played almost an entire quarter against third string players and he did not make an impact. That alone should tell you that he still has a very long way to go in order to develop.
I think D Will is the better fit at the moment
Ballard could be very good but I think practice squad is best for him right now. Just needs to develop
"Lakers in 4, Pistons cant score" - NBA Analysis. Jokes on you!
"In Mayhew we trust"
Thank you Kris Draper and Chris Osgood for all the memories
I did see DWill get a little seperation on Cincy's 2nd teamers.
Only to drop the ball which negates anything he did prior to that.
He’s history in the D.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
by delusional on Aug 14, 2011 12:07 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
$20 says he is on the roster opening day...
Matthew Stafford, Quarterback: a man barely alive, Gentlemen we can rebuild him, We have the technology, We have the capability to make the worlds first bionic QB, Matthew Stafford will be that man, Better than he was before
Better, Stronger, Faster
by Gyorick on Aug 14, 2011 1:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Bet....an injury to him and the bet is off.
He may drop something on his foot so I’m giving you a deal….lol
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
by delusional on Aug 14, 2011 1:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He brings zero to the table that others can't provide.
nutes ago -by John Kreger -WR Williams in danger of losing job WR Derrick Williams atoned for a pair of costly drops in Friday’s game with several nice grabs in practice Sunday. He needs to carry his practice performances over to game action to remain a Lion. WR Rashied Davis has been a model of consistency and is close to surpassing Williams on the depth chart.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/post/15438069
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
by delusional on Aug 14, 2011 4:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
bangarang!
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
Still going strong today I see. Just cut him and be done with it. Not every pick pans out. It's time to move on.
“cmccosky: Rough day for Derrick Williams. I count 3 drops so far”
—http://twitter.com/cmccosky/status/103114559983861760
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
by delusional on Aug 15, 2011 12:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That just isn't going to happen.
Mayhew and Schwartz will hope that Dwill does good and that they can make a trade for him later if he is not going to make the roster. If your a Lions fan you should hope for the same thing. Why are you so eager to cut him when the Lions might still be able to get something for him?
That's just your opinion.
A lot a teams lining up for?
We’ll get a 9th rounder for him.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
by delusional on Aug 15, 2011 2:50 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
sure
It would be nice if they could salvage something for him. I’m not holding my breath tho.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
Suh should be doing what he did to Dalton.......
The NFL will fine (or maybe already has) fined him what, like 25k? That’s like $50 to us. If he is doing that to one or two QBs during the preseason when games don’t matter, that is fine by me, because when the regular season comes, QBs will be like deer in headlights when they see him. If you didn’t realize, after he did that to Delhomme last year, QBs were constantly terrified of him. Brilliant move on his part in my opinion.
I totally agree
He is making a statement. There is no such thing as a dirty player in my opinion. Sending a message to other teams. Think if would have did that to Aarron Rodgers or Peyton Manning. He probably would have got suspended. If Brady plays against the Lions im telling Suh to rip his head off! hahaha
"Lakers in 4, Pistons cant score" - NBA Analysis. Jokes on you!
"In Mayhew we trust"
Thank you Kris Draper and Chris Osgood for all the memories
And after watching the replays,
Suh didn"t actually rip the helmet off. He swung him into another player, which dislodged the helmet, then Suh took him down.
"I’d probably get arrested because football’s my only time I get to go out there and hit people as hard as I can, and it’s legal," Follett said. "I need that once a year."
by Rick Chaffee on Aug 14, 2011 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
Suh didn’t rip his helmet off, it just came off, that just made it look that much worse. Just like with Delhomme I don’t think he saw the quick flip of the ball just as he got there. Dalton flipped it kind of underhand out of Suh’s line of sight. Could he be a little gentler when he takes down a QB? When other teams start taking it easy on Stafford, then maybe I’ll agree, maybe.
"My grandma could play behind that line!"- Zack Follett
Actually
I went back and watched the clip a few more times and I’m pretty sure that after Dalton’s helmet came off Suh was just trying to cover him up and protect him from any head trauma that might have occurred after losing his helmet. He was really just doing him a favor. It was all taken out of context.
"My grandma could play behind that line!"- Zack Follett
I don't think Suh cares about the money.
I think he is working to get tinot the heads of the QBs around the league. I am just concerned that he will also get into the heads of the league and the officials. I can see him getting a lot of phanton penalties again this season because the refs are looking to throw a flag on him.
By The Numbers
Just wanted to point out the only team to put up more points this week was the Patriots, and we were in a tie for least points allowed. If we can keep this up into the regular season, the question won’t be will we make the playoffs, it would be how deep into the playoffs will we go.
Great job
Oo Ta Goo Ta, Solo?
I'm pumped for the season, but...
Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. We played what’s shaping up to be arguably the worst team in the league this year. That, and the last time we went 4-0 in the preseason, well… do I need to say it? Let’s wait until 09-11 to start getting super excited about the product we’re putting on the field.
My thoughts
The secondary looked solid, although against a rookie QB. Lets see what they look like in the next game.
Yooperlionfan is officially "the man"
the Lions D-Line: the Four Horsemen of the A-sack-alypse
Jim Schwart: Erasing the stink of Millen, one fist pump at a time.
P.C.P: It is not just for recreation anymore.
But then again
who does Cleveland have? McCoy, Wallace, Weatherhead, lol or Jarrett Brown? Not exactly flowing with QB talent.
"I’d probably get arrested because football’s my only time I get to go out there and hit people as hard as I can, and it’s legal," Follett said. "I need that once a year."
by Rick Chaffee on Aug 15, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Against McCoy?
I think we need to see the defense chase Brady around in the third week. And see Fatass Haynesworth land on Stafford and see him get up. And get the running game going. Lots of work to get ready for a formidable Bucs team on 9/11.
by Dave Marshall on Aug 15, 2011 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
good start w/ little time to prepare and condition
one thing that was impressive is that they kept Stafford upright. Stanton is looking good and I wouldnt doubt that if Staff stays health and he continues to grow and develop Shaun Hill will be 3rd on roster or gone after this season. And Ive never been a big fan of Stanton but he showed a little poise. 34-3 preseason opener on a short off season pretty much thrown and scrapped together, though its against a team that is in serious limbo they lost a lot of good players and their franchise man said peace Ill see ya, Id like to see how the next 2 games are played before saying they are on track.
Suh is that player you want on your line, definitely has the potential to be that next Reggie White or dare i say he has the heart of Joe Greene or the ability to become that Alan Page type player who can win a MVP at his position on the way to 4 straight conference titles but he’s got to get aware and becareful he has too much potential to get lost between blurring the lines of getting dirty more often than he should and being straight mean and aggressive. I agree that this was his message but he doesnt have to send this message, teams already know he is a force, the D Line is fully capable and going to be a pain in the … all day, he has nothing to prove til regular season. Remember O Lines remember this and all it takes is a good hit to his knees .. and we ll be on here crying foul knowing what happened but knowing Karmas a …..
A coward dies a thousands Deaths a soldier dies once ....
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