Crino's Observations
by Bret Crino on Sep 27, 2011 9:26 PM EDT
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PrintUnfortunately this week, or fortunately the satellite was down through the end of first quarter and came back at halftime. But I still have enough info swirling in my head to have to share it.
Titus Young. This kid is exactly what the Lions needed to fill out the receiving corps. He is making catches. He is also making catches at key times and he can catch the long ball. After starting two games, Titus has 9 catches with over a 15 yards per catch average.
I would hate to be a defensive coordinator having to deal with Nate, Calvin and Titus (the disease that kills defensive backfields natecalvintitus) along with our workhorse TE Brandon Pettigrew. Then you add our end zone thespian, Tony Scheffler and our high octane screen specialist, Jahvid Best. Put it all together with Matt "the Sniper" Stafford and how do you stop it?
Since seeing Titus in an NFL uniform he has reminded me of someone and it finally hit me. He reminds me of Peerless Price. So I googled images of Peerless and yep that's who he reminds me of. I know Titus doesn't like comparisons, but that's what we do. Looking up Peerless's stats, I found that he started with 34 catches in his rookie year and gradually worked his way up to 94 catches in his fourth year before he started to decline. During his prime years he was good for around 50 catches with above 15 yards per catch. I think those are good numbers for Titus to reach or surpass.
Brandon Pettigrew. This guy has been a security blanket for Stafford as of late. Hill and Stanton used him extensively. Stafford is now learning that in hard times cuddling with "Blanky" is a good way to get back into a rhythm. Not to mention when he and Calvin are in the secondary it looks like dads "playing with their kids" a paraphrased Raheem Morris quote on a local Tampa radio show.
Calvin Johnson and Matt Stafford. It is completely evident that Stafford knows how to throw it to Calvin. When there's an blitz and Calvin is in single coverage, Stafford doesn't through a rocket to Calvin, he tosses up a nice, tight, easy to catch spiral that Calvin can catch at it's highest point. Depending on the defender, Calvin's hands reach the ball from eight inches to three feet over the the outstretched hands of the poor soul that is now on the highlight reel.
Eric Wright. This guy impresses me every week. What stands out the most is his ability to set the edge on run plays. He blows up the lead blocker, and with authority. It doesn't matter if it is an receiver, fullback, tight end or lineman. Wright takes that responsibility seriously and does it in a violent fashion allowing a safety, linebacker or defensive end to clean up.
Justin Durant, Stephen Tulloch and Deandre Levy. These guys make tackles. I know it's their job but I'm not used to seeing it. The last weeks they have shut down the run. Yes Jamaal Charles went down and Adrian Peterson busted a big one. But if you look close, they were caught in some gadgetry against the Chiefs and then settled in and was allowing nothing before Charles went out. Against the Vikings I blame that big run from AP on scheme. We happened to have the exact wrong defense called for that play and that will happen from time to time. During that play Delmas took a bad angle and gave them an extra 20 yards. During the TD Kyle Vanden Bosch took an outside approach to the QB and Peterson dove to the hole that Levy filled but Peterson then bounced it out where no one set the edge. Wright was in the end zone in pass coverage and Delmas was late getting to the outside. I don't know who was to blame on that. Sometimes great players make great plays. Overall, the linebackers are getting it done.
Rob Sims. Say what you want about the Offensive line, but Sims is good. On the Best 60 yard screen many analyst have paused the film to show Calvin and Nate down the field blocking, which is great they are GREAT down field blockers. But when you look at the whole play, Titus and Dom start the play by blowing up any chance of the defenders of nipping it in the bud. Then seconds later you see Sims at least 40 to 50 yards down field blocking. That is a teammate you want to have!
Kyle Vanden Bosch. Kyle is the type of guy who doesn't take plays off and is probably the number one reason for the attitude of the defense. His preparation and drive to be better has not gone unnoticed by the rest of the team. They respect him and emulate him. Going into the season I thought maybe Lawrence Jackson may be getting better than KVB. Now after Schwartz's plan to keep him fresh by giving him time off during the week, much to KVB's dismay, Kyle has been playing like the Kyle from the Titans. It's good to see great performances from him again.
The Lions as a team. We have known that this team was different than previous teams. They find ways to put other teams away. It would have been real easy for them to lay down after being down by 20 points in the first half but it has been noted that there was no panic in this team. I have to say watching it, I wasn't as distraught as usual knowing there was a serious chance we could pull this off. Pettigrew was asked after the game if he has come back like that before, the interviewer holding the mic to his face expecting "no ma'am, that was incredible" but instead Brandon turned to grab a shirt while saying matter of factly "yea, I've come back from big deficits before." Kyle was asked the same question and basically said it is such a tight knitted group that we all play for each other, the guy beside me is doing the same thing. Stafford was asked that question and basically said we just need to execute like we know we can and it would give us the chance to win. Three different answers. Put those three answers together and you have the make up of a confident, close-knit team who isn't surprised they are undefeated.
Side note: I was pissed that we kept John Wendling and put Ricardo Silva on waivers. Many of you disagreed with me and Silva did clear waivers so it worked out. HOWEVER, the best selling special teams book is currently "Where's Wendling". Our special teams suck right now and Silva is wasting away on the practice squad. Time to make a move.
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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Titus, Tony, and KVB
I know KVB is a absolute boss but he has been dominate so far, Tonys got two TD’s so far and Titus seems to be fantastic
Go check out the Datsyukian Deke , Detroit Red Wings Blog
http://datsyukiandeke.wordpress.com/
I voted Titus!
Eat, Drink and Sleep Football.
#PunchRexRyanintheface #suckitbrady #romoblows #andfuckmarksanchez
"Please Don’t Talk About Detroit Lions’ 4-0 2008 Preseason, You Sound Stupid" Zac Snyder
I love that little feller.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
This right here sums it up for me:
Young has caught nine passes for 140 yards, making some particularly difficult catches over the middle along the way. “He’s going to make a lot of plays in this offense,” Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. “He’s a young player and still has a ways to go, but he made some really big-time catches. He’s not the biggest guy in the world, but he’s got really strong hands, and he’s fearless going across the middle.” -NFC North Blog
Eat, Drink and Sleep Football.
#PunchRexRyanintheface #suckitbrady #romoblows #andfuckmarksanchez
"Please Don’t Talk About Detroit Lions’ 4-0 2008 Preseason, You Sound Stupid" Zac Snyder
by LionsGal652 on Sep 28, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
I like the Input
Remember he missed all of training camp. For a rook to compete like that with no training camp is a very good sign. I hope Fairley can impress us as much. If so, we will be tough to beat.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
I've been a fan since
the post draft interviews with him, but I didn’t vote for him because I expected him to perform well. Thrilled with what he has done.
by OregonEmigrant on Sep 28, 2011 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Speivey, he has developed so well. Won out the startign job and is becomign a smart player who can do well in coverage and make tackles.
I am so glad the coaches kept him around.
"We’re looking to improve this team every day, every week, every month until we get to our ultimate goal, which is to win a championship. We have a long way to go," Lions general manager Martin Mayhew
+1
'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
Eric Wright, easily.
TD is good, but he was our second pick for a reason, and he’s obviously not outperforming the best receivers on this team. Eric Wright has absolutely surprised me with his play so far, and definitely HAS outperformed the rest of the secondary, if only just.
"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
agree but
i picked titus.
and its hard to be better than MEGATRON.
lol
"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 memori
oh and i voted Spievey also. He is most improved on the team
at least in my eyes he is
It's down to Wright and Speivey for me.
I wonder how long it will be before Speivey and Avril will have their names pronounced correctly. Superbowl?
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Tuffy's Observation
You need to buy a vineyard for your retirement so that you can name your product Crino’s Vino’s. They you can hire me as an official taste tester and we can talk about the Lions while sampling the wine. Just sayin’
I never met him, but he was family to me... R.I.P. Tom Kowalski We will all miss you.
Tully, Speivey, and Houston
I didnt expect Tulloch to be so physical. Speivey looks better that Delmas imo, and Houston is just plain solid.
I really enjoyed reading this post. Thanks.
Put me down...Lions win at least 11 games next season! 1/6/11
Have you heard my rant...
I want to bring up Silva and get him involved so he can take Delmas spot eventually. Way bigger upside. He’s a Baller, Hitter great instincts and he is 4 inches taller and 20 lbs heavier.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
I disagree.
Upside is great in theory. The problem is when it remains theoretical. The only time I consider someone for their upside, is when the battle is very close already, say like with Donahue and Harris. Delmas vs Silva? Yeah, upside isn’t something I’m going to look at in that battle.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
very true
but Silva vs Coleman is another matter entirely. I doubt Silva would ever take Delmas’s or Spievey’s spot. He may however be a better replacement should either be injured.
Someone is alive today simply because I can't afford a hitman.
by Justan Oldfart on Sep 28, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Get him on squad
behind speivey and delmas, OK cut coleman then i don’t care. He is better than both our backups. Every seems to think our special teams alternate pro bowler (Wendling) is irreplaceable. He is averaging 1 tackle a game and the one in tampa wasn’t until our 40 yrd line. Dime a dozen.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
irreplaceable?
now you’re just being a dick. Dude, I respect that you like Silva. Know what? I liked him to. Not sure what being a dick to folks who like Wendling brings to the table. If Silva is so great, draft him on your fantasy team.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
Don't get why that is being a dick, dude.
I am just calling it like I see it. No big deal.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
My beef was with your irreplaceable comment.
I referred to this issue down toward the bottom at the other Wendling/Silva post series.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
I don't want the kid starting,
I just want him on the side of the ball where he can learn. His downfall is he is from Hampton and played a completely different role. He proved to me that he will be in the right place, make a play on the ball and can tackle with authority. I am sure the decision is what most of you are saying, take this kid and knock off a previous or current starter in the NFL or a guy who they trust can play decent in a back up role and good spec teams player. I just think over time the cream will rise. I normally would never question decisions from Mayhew, he is almost always spot on. I have said “In Mayhew I Trust” many of times. But I have noticed it seems he has more difficulty with DB’s than other positions. Which is defies logic since he was a DB. Gerald Alexander for Northcutt. Bad move. I think Coleman. Bad move. Jonathan Wade…blah blah blah. He did get us Houston and Wright, Speivey was moved to safety,(good move but I was wondering what took so long). So If Mayhew does have a weakness to explore, it is there.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
I honestly wish you would have responded with this post instead of some of your other replies to mine.
You have valid points, none of which I truely disagree with.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
He proved all that to you
In what… 4 quarters of preseason play?
Get a grip dude.
'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
When else could he have done it.
And yes it was about 4 quarters he played that’s what makes it impressive. One of leaders in tackles, has AS MANY interceptions in four quarters as Delmas has accumulated in TWO FULL SEASONS including preseasons. Countless plays where he was the over the top guy, he was actually there on time. THAT’S MY GRIP DUDE. what’s yours?
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Titus Young
I had my doubts on draft day, they have all been erased. Even before this game I felt good about it, from the K. C. game basically I saw what we have in him and I really like it, I like it a lot.
The other guys I saw it coming, so no surprises there. I thought they were all good players and they have not exceeded any expectations I had of them.
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
Young & KVB
When we drafted him I thought it was not a good pick. He is making me eat my words.
KVB is great too, the problem with him though is I see him being overly aggressive some plays ex. AP’s TD run and the end arounds vs KC and MIN.
DO NOT get me wrong KVB is a huggeeee part of the defense I just think he is overly aggressive sometimes. It is not a bad problem to have, but some of the time it hurts us.
Anyone else have some thoughts?
The 4th down stop last week was entirely KVB
'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
Titus.
All things considered, being he’s a rookie, he has the injury issues in camp, he was the biggest unknown. Then, he busted lose in Kansas City. Just one more weapon Stafford can play with.
since the ? was who surprised me most
I went w/ Wright, mainly because him and Houston have helped calm a lot of fears about the secondary and he has started his redemption year well and so far proving it was his past scheme and not actually the player.
Close second would be Speivey and Durant. Speivey because the guy is proving that his position change was warranted as well as a 3rd round pick that has 2 more positions on Defense being locked in and Durant because of the 3 starting LB’s he was the only one I actually questioned as a F.A coming in.
4th is the entire Lions team. For their 1st game of season showing they could come out strike quick and hold on to the game in TB, for their blow out of KC, and that come back this past week in Minny while almost shooting self in foot at the end of the game and almost giving the Vikes the win they almost deserve. That game alone was the biggest surprise of the season.
Bret, your poll might have been too inclusive.
Honestly. There are so many who deserve recognition. To wit:
1. Titus Young is everything I said (from my pre-draft soapbox) he would be. Derrick who? Bryant who?
2. Amari Spievey showed me early in camp that he’s the most improved player on the team. The best is yet to come.
3. Eric Wright being used (mostly) in the best possible way to reignite his early NFL success.
4. KVB off to his best season ever. WOW!
5. The maturity and confidence of Chris Houston.
6. The emergence of Tony Scheffler as a trusted weapon.
7. The blocking—yes, blocking of Jahvid Best. Showing recognition of the blitz, and making plays—not stats.
8. Rob Sims is simply outstanding.
9. Matt Stafford’s toughness, desire and leadership.
10. Stephen Tulloch, the hard hitting heart of the Lions defense. Outstanding.
11. Justin Durant is much more than I ever could have hoped for. That crow I’m eating sure tastes good.
12. Calvin Johnson having a breakout year and making it look almost too easy.
That's why the list is so long...
I coudn’t stop listing, as I was typing one , another popped into my head. I didn’t put Suh, Calvin, Nate or Staff on there because they were so obvious and I am glad to see that wright, titus and speivey are obvious as well.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
I voted for Titus Young as my surprise because...
I expected Eric Wright to be very good. I remember clearly when he was being discussed as one of the top CBs in the NFL a few years ago. I was one of the folks that felt the Mangini defense messed him up and he just needed a chance of scenery to blossom again. So his success is not a surprise for me. I expected him to play like this.
My surprises of this season have come mainly from Spievey, Young, and Raiola.
Amari Spievey has been great. He has outplayed Louis Delmas and appears to have more upside. That is not to say that Delmas is not a fine safety, it is saying that Spievey appears to be something special if he keeps developing. The only thing that makes this less of a surprise, is that Amari showed some flashes of it toward the end last season.
Raiola has played better this season than I expected. I really felt that Dom was done, but he seems to have a new energy this season with the team winning games. Maybe his problem was more about being down from all the losses than age. We will see. I hope he continues to play as well as he has so far this season. It is a welcome development. He had a bit of a tough game against Minnesota, mainly on run blocking, but so did the entire offensive line. He also has to be more careful not to injure Matthew Stafford on this quick snaps (ouch!)
When Titus Young was drafted, he was the one pick that I was not really sure about. I loved the Fairley and LeShoure picks. I was fine with Culbreath and Hogue as developmental prospects. I just didn’t have a great feeling about the Titus Young pick. I am very very happy to report that Titus Young is making me believe! He had a tough camp with injury, no rookie camp, limited OTAs run by the players and no coaches. His extra work with Stafford during the off-season is probably instrumental in letting him gain some chemistry early this season. The guy has speed and energy to spare. Titus knows how to catch the ball and is not afraid to go after it. So far he is looking good and he has the moon as his ceiling with guys like Megatron and Nate showing him the ropes and pulling coverage off him.
I never met him, but he was family to me... R.I.P. Tom Kowalski We will all miss you.
Raiola would have been my 2nd choice
Totally surprised me this year, and is making me think that myself and others sometimes write a player off long before we should. It is the typical knee jerk reaction of the armchair quarterback. And hell with my screen name and all I am kind of obligated to root for Raiola.
Our offensive line might not be flashy, but they are all tough, try hard guys, that never quit and they are far from the worst line in the league or division. Matter of fact, I think we easily have the best line in the division and a top third of the NFL on talent and performance. Sure it can improve, sure the run game needs to improve, but it is getting to the point, in the next year or two where all we will be able to do with this team is nitpick the bottom of the roster.
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
Our Oline needs to improve.
But I join both of you in giving props to Dom so far this year. He has been solid, So has Petey btw.
The thing is though everyody’s oline needs to improve according to blog sites anyway. Everyone I’ve visited thus far mentions weakness on their oline frequently. As frequently as we do probably.
Someone is alive today simply because I can't afford a hitman.
by Justan Oldfart on Sep 28, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
So true Oldfart,
Every O-line sucks to the average fan because they all get beat, and when they do its an instant replay for all to see. Defensive lineman are monsters and super athletic these days they are bound to get through or stop running game here and there on every team.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Well honestly, the talent on the defensive line in general is a lot more elite
It is why you see tackles like Jake Long, who are both athletic and physical as the best in the league. Mark my words, Nate Soldier will be the best left tackle of this draft class due to his athleticism, needs to get a bit stronger but he is holding his own already. Has some lapses, but really is playing much better than I thought he would.
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
Good point.
When a superior monster does grow up on th offensive side, they tend to be special.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Your last point is Gold.
I love that he has Nate taking him in as a little bro and he gets to watch Calvin on a daily basisi
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Wendling over Silva
Every single time. Wendling doesn’t play ST alone. He’s also put in solid time at safety for us filling in during injuries. Show me how many missed tackles he had last year. You want to take a pro bowl alternate and dump him in favor of Silva? Here’s what NFL.com has to say about Silva:
This player does not have any statistics…
Yeah, Silva might be good some day, but I’m not about to dump tried and tested quality depth for someone who has never made an impact. Remember, DWheelz looked good in practice, but that doesn’t mean much come game time.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
Not sure why the block quote went all ridiculous.
This player does not have any statistics…
Only that line is the quote, the rest is me talking.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
Pro bowl alternate special teams!!!!! Who cares?
Two key components—special teams and alternate. He wasn’t a pro bowler, he was an alternate. Pick 16 shooters from the NFC and he was 3rd or 4th or something, Big deal! I need this guy (silva) learning our defense and taking Delmas spot in a year or two. We can find some hard headed schmuck from Wyoming or Idaho or something to become our special teams “pro bowler”“alternate”. The only difficulty in finding a good special teamer is to find one who’s aspirations end at special teams. No star quality involved. Besides I have never seen a great special teamer hand a game over on a punt recovery. “It’s all three phases…” yea yea yea that’s why Calvin is on Special teams because it’s equally important. NOW kickoff shouldn’t even be returned. That just diminished his value even more. Silva is special with an upside NONE of our current safeties possess (starters, back-ups, or alternate probowl special teamers. ) Is it because Detroit has been so starved for Pro Bowlers that we put so much value on him? Maybe.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
What?
Upside is theoretical man. You’re talking about taking a guy out that has already provided quality depth and played real game time at safety….during our four game win streak last season. Personally, I think its a special kind of stupid to drop a guy like that based purely on theoretical upside, even if you don’t factor in special teams play(which I also think is a bad decision and not even slightly diminishing in value.) You honestly think Wendling’s aspirations stop at playing special teams? You need to take a talent like that on the street and make some money with your mind reading powers.
You may not think special teams is important. That’s your opinion and I respect that. You like Silva, I get it, but if he’s so special with upside nobody has, why’d the Lions cut him? Why’d he clear waivers? Upside is not going to score us points. Charles Rogers, Mike Williams, they had upside? I liked what I saw in Silva, but clearly not as much as you.
Is it because Detroit has been so starved for Pro Bowlers that we put so much value on him? Maybe.
No. It sure would be nice to see some more of our guys make it to the pro bowl though, whether you think its worthless or not. Show me one pro bowl player or alternate that doesn’t contribute to his team somehow. Calm down dude, I place value on him because he’s a damn good special teams player and a hell of a backup safety. Silva hasn’t done shit. The sad fact is that your boy just doesn’t have the experience or versatility Wendling does. We’re not hurting at Safety, so he was cut. Not sure why you’re taking it so personally or being aggressive because I like what Wendling brings.
Like I said, even if Silva has a bigger upside, I’d choose Wendling as a known quantity and quality depth every time.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
Here's the thing
as Killer would say :)). In preseason I liked what I saw from Silva moreso than Coleman but as a fan and TV watching specialist I didn’t see the whole “body of work.” Our coaches did and frankly I am willing to accept their judgement over mine. We aren’t talking the previous regime after all. We should also consider that other teams have had to sign safeties due to injuries and Silva remains on our practice squad so apparently the lions staff weren’t alone in their assessment. If god forbid we do have an injury at that position we will likely activate Silva but as for eventually overtaking Delmas uhh no I don’t think so.
Someone is alive today simply because I can't afford a hitman.
by Justan Oldfart on Sep 28, 2011 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree sir.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
Silva hasn't done shit?
In his only chance to show (the preseason) he almost equalled Delmas’ two full seasons of numbers. I liked what Wendling brought last year. But it’s this year and he hasn’t yet. Now he’s hurt. He may never get back on the field again, that’s how the NFL is when you are that close to the cut line. He may become a good spec teamer again but he’s been no pro bowl or alternate so far this year. He started games when Delmas was out last year. This year he has been no where?
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Those
are valid concerns.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
i like silva
But the coaches and fo not putting him on the squad now means something to me…
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Sep 28, 2011 7:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah we spent money on coleman and delmas, it's money right now.
All of you probably think Delmas is a future pro bowler. Never, doesn’t have i and everyone else with any knowledge of a secondary can see it. He has been in the defense longer than anyone else and is the worst tackler because of angles. He is the worst on the ball because of angles. He will NEVER have it and neither will coleman. Safety takes instincts that those two don’t have if you are not going the right direction quickly you are too late. Da missle has lauched too many errant “missles” or duds. Time to move….
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
So Gunny and Schwartz don't have knowledge of a secondary?
They made the 53-man roster, they were the reason Silva got cut, and believe it or not, I’m going to take our coach’s word over yours. You’re saying a lot of things I’m not buying, and now you’re attempting to insult people who disagree with you. Quite done with paying attention to that argument.
"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
I beleive
Mayhew knew he could keep all of them . If he cuts Coleman and or Wendling they are gone if he cuts Silva an unknown he can keep all three. I am waiting for the next move and I believe it will come. Secondly, I have read back through these comments to make sure and I have been insulted personally and have done nothing but explain my case. I have been called a dick twice because and now Mavryk says I am insulting people because you don’t buy my agruements? C’mon guys, it gets heated but let’s try to keep it about football.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Err.
“Never, doesn’t have i and everyone else with any knowledge of a secondary can see it.”
Keeping it about football is exactly the point, that quotation was from you and was talking about other’s football knowledge. That’s an insult because this is a football blog. If you challenge someone’s knowledge of crochet on a football blog, I might let it slide. If you challenge someone’s knowledge of physics on a football blog, that can be fine. But you can’t expect to say stuff like “everyone with any knowledge about [x football subject] can see I’m right”, because those are basically fighting words.
"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
Everyone relax
Good thing is, if this is the best thing we can argue about we are doing great. I see your point Mav and have the utmost respect for your opinion (I couldnt mean that more) but I don’t think he was being a dick. To your point Bret, the coaching staff have had much more time with Silva than anyone, I can only assume that there were red flags about Silva that made them pass on him. A few good preseason plays doesn’t really mean much. Great write up by the way
Thanks man,
I’ll check myself I don’t want to turn into the Heath Evans of Silva LOL
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
This is the first time I even looked this thread.....dude, your ridicilous.
Delmas comes from longer distances trying to come up in run support, since that CLE or CIN preseason game where he got exposed, he’s been playing fine, and making tackles that should be the LB’s responsibility, so he gets burned on angles once in a while. So has Spievey.
This is like the Jason Fox drooling over taking Backus’s place and no one has any idea if he came play. Silva is getting fine experience just practicing most everyday on the PS, if he was so great he would of been picked up by another team.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
Even when I watch Slolights
I see Delmas taking bad angles. I thought he was the best thing since sliced bread two years ago. He was hampered by a groin and definitely didn’t have his full speed but I think since his concussion at Tampa he seems to have lost his MOJO. By the way the farther you are from the ball carrier the easier it is to get the correct angle.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Good agument for MLB
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
delusional
I ask this, watch these next few games with my point in mind. If you still disagree so be it. Beleive me, I know it’s a tremendous leap to say Delmas is just an ok safety when all we had on defense one year was him and Avril. But I will not continue to grade him on his rookie year. It’s his third year, nearing the apex of his youth and knowledge. I don’t see it.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Bret, I have....Where you mistaken on Delmas is not in his angle of attack..
but on his shitty tackling, but which he has seemed to improved greatly after the CLE gaff of the runner bouncing right off of him, in hope of making some hot dogging shoestring tackle.
Now if you want Silva in the line up somewhere, it would be in place of Coleman, and I wouldn’t have much of an issue with that, but I think your overvaluing him at the moment, but I love young up and coming players also.
In my mind Delmas and Spievey are sacred cows at the moment and have been playing outstanding football, but multiple in space tackles, and have been great in run support.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
That's what i thought initially about his tackling.
Then I saw Bmac and speivey and Wright blowing people up and I started taking a closer look. Bmac is probably our smallest player and tackles with the same “make my high school football coach scream in is ear” bad form missle, no wrap type of tackle. Speivey does it too, but for some reason it works for them and not Delmas. So I went through my dvr collection of Lions games to find out why and noticed he is USUALLY in a bad position. For example, one play the runner got the edge and delmas lunges at the ball carrier from in side out. The affect was minimal, the runner simply bounced further to the outside and kept running full speed. Had he been a single step further, meaning he made a quicker decision and attacked the area earlier, or taken a step deeper of an angle because he was late recognizing the play, that tackling style would have been a highlight play.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
But he doesn't wrap but shoot through the runners legs.
I don’t think he would bring down a runner with that technique no matter what position he was in.
Lets watch him, IMO he started wrapping better and his tackling has improved.
I agree with you about MacDonald.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
I think that's all he knows,
Is to tackle that way, it worked all his career until the NFL. What I like about bmac wright and speiveys tackling is that use that same approach delmas does, but only when it will work (usually head on or perpendicular hit, all other times they wrap. I have also notice this, but I thought Levy missed a couple of tackles last year doing the same thing but I think Durant and probably more so Tulloch has mad an impression on him and made him even better. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Levy yet, i think he will improve game to game.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Seriously?
I like your analytical arguement but it is a pretty common general statement that I made. He was argueing Wendling if I rememeber correctly and I was talking about Delmas never being a pro bowler and" he doesn’t have i(t) and everyone else who knows can see it" , so I insulted no one. Hey if they took it that way sorry but don’t accuse me of nonsense and call me names. If some one used that phrase about some intricate detail about O-Line i would take it as is, because I don’t have detailed knowledge of O-line play. It’s up to the reader, not the writer to determine their level of knowledge. I don’t know these people from Adam, I could be talking to Ron Rice for all I know, and if I were and he disagreed with me I sure he wouldn’t have called me a dick he would have left it alone or had a rebuttal.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
I don't have a horse in this race.
I’m not even arguing with you. I didn’t call you any names and I didn’t insult you, but simply saying that what you said strikes really close to the sort of “if you know football then this should be obvious to you” stuff that’s basically akin to insulting someone’s mother or stealing their lunch money. It’s not conducive to civil discussion on a football blog.
"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
Like I said to "chaunce"
I’ll check myself I don’t want to turn into the Heath Evans of Silva LOL
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Just in case nobody read the minithread up top.
I said Crino was being a dick. Nobody else is getting the finger pointed at them, but I’m just stating it for the record. I’ll admit, it was out of line. I will say though, not in my defense as there’s no defense for calling someone a dick, I will say that it seemed at times in the Silva/Wendling debate here and up top that you were not debating at all. It seemed like you were just attacking my position. Which, breaking down someone else’s argument can be a valid tactic, my issue was with the overdramatic misrepresentation of statements made. I argue Wendling is more valuable and you come back with everyone is saying he’s irreplaceable? I shouldn’t have called you a dick, but c’mon man? I like to debate, but at that point in time, there was no debate, it felt like a fight was being picked. I respect your opinions though and in the future I’ll just use better judgement and refrain from responding in a scenario like that. Good day.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
By the way,
I can be a dick, just prefer it not documented on the internet.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
just prefer it not documented on the internet.
I’m a well documented douchebag, on the interweb and real life. Fucking paprazzi.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
I think that's a little harsh on Delmas
his rookie year showed great instincts, 2nd yr had injuries
this year we want more of the rookie year type impact.
A leader as a player made sure to jump on and secure the ball for the win vs Tampa.
You make it sound like he’s talented.
this reminds me.. where’s demario ballard?
and I would love to have Silva develop into something special
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Sep 29, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't know where Ballard is...
I only heard a report from camp he was good, never saw him make a play in a game. Actually never saw him make a catch. Not good news for a receiver, ask Bryant Johnson.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
It reminds me of the guys being the "next big thing"
which we as Lions’ fans always seem to crave, since so many seasons we had to look ahead.
Now there’s direction, a program and talent on the roster making it less necessary to “reach” or grab any notable cast off (Curry anyone?).
I see value in continuity and developing trust with your team mates,
With Ballard, there were plenty here who said he was beastly and made lots of plays in practice, ( I was salIvating to see him!) yet barely saw the field in preseason. I am not saying Silva is the same, I am just not sure he’s ready… although that’s not my beef with the thread that has more to do with saying Delmas is terrible and doesn’t “have it”
I think Delmas has talent and it would be way to early to “pull the plug” on him.. the way another thread has indicated we are doing with Goz.
The practice squad in the NFL has produced some remarkable stories
but even those, the guys still needed some “seasoning” or had another reason why it didn’t happen sooner.
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Sep 30, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think Delmas is terrible, I think he is good.
I just don’t think he will ever be great. Right now that sticks out to me because of the crazy amount of talent on this team. I go down the list,
QB’s great (great starter, great #2, great #3)
WR’s great (titus so far under the circumstance has been as well)
TE’s great
RB’s good
Oline good (all have flashes of greatness and flashes of WTF so i judge in the middle)
Dline Great
Corners and nickel (all good and working towards great)
LB’s Good to great,( learning to gel)
Safety (speivey good and getting better, Delmas good but not improving)
Two years ago Delmas was “The Talent” on defense and it’s not so much him getting worse (even though he hasn’t matched rookie year) It’s the team around him that has surpassed him.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
at this time
I would have Oline above safety as a need
even if Delmas isn’t great. I think it is too early to say he can’t take big strides forward.
I am more concerned about him staying healthy with his size and playing style.
I have heard “The Talent” thing before with Levy, and IMO they’re both still young players finally getting more stability and talent around them and it can take some time to gel. I may be wrong, but I consider them pieces of the puzzle not pieces to be discarded. These threads do have me watching their play more closely to see if I can see what you see, so maybe I’ll have updated opinion after game 4.
@Dallas
Go Lions
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Sep 30, 2011 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
i was like nfl.com calls him dwheelz?
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Sep 28, 2011 7:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
who does NFL.com call dwheelz?
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
lol
This player does not have any statistics…
Yeah, Silva might be good some day, but I’m not about to dump tried and tested quality depth for someone who has never made an impact. Remember, DWheelz looked good in practice, but that doesn’t mean much come game time.
Not sure why the block quote went all ridiculous.
This player does not have any statistics…
Only that line is the quote, the rest is me talking.
by Leonuro on Sep 28, 2011 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Sep 30, 2011 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I really dicked up the block quote in that post
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
This seems moot right now
If we are talking about Silva vs. Coleman: Has Coleman played in a game? Unless he has played on special teams he hasn’t, Delmas and Spievey have played all the snaps at safety (except the one snap Calvin was in for in the TB game). So, as far as developing into as safety Coleman has had to do it at practice. Silva is on our PS so he gets to practice as well, I don’t see anything lost.
If we are talking about Silva vs. Wendling: Wendling has been playing ST, so he is contributing right now. You may not like what he has contributed so far this season, but the coaches obviously feel he is better on ST than Silva or he would have been replaced. As for safety, he also has not played in the game as one, so once again his development in that area is limited to practice where he is on equal footing with Silva.
I don’t believe playing on ST units will help to develop a safety, playing the safety position in games and at practice are what will allow progression as a safety. I don’t think anyone is making the case that they want to groom Silva as a special teams player, so I don’t see how this is limiting his development. Unless we (God forbid) have an injury at safety the backups are not going to play. If the injury is serious enough Silva will likely be called up anyway. I will not complain unless some other team poaches him. He should still be around next year to compete for a roster spot.
I have said before Coleman would be my choice over Wendling to go.
Not because of spec teams. Wendling is a better back up. I’ve watched them both at the safety position and I would take Wendling. Look guys we are arguing about something that we should be happy about, we have talent. We have it everywhere. Three years ago we had the lowest amount of talent of any NFL in recent history. Thank god we didn’t play Apalachain State. Now we are are arguing about 1 position! That’s what this whole article was about. I just listed 14 players I have been impressed with excluding the three stars. There is only one position I don’t feel comfortable with, and that is the safety spot. And it’s not Speivey who makes me uncomfortable, and now that I have slept on it it isn’t Wendling I am uncomfortable with. Let’s just leave it at that.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Coleman was in games this year, not sure if they were dime packages or someone was taking a breather.
He is in Minnesota Highlights.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Silva Vs Coleman
I’m on board with that. When we acquired Coleman, I was all for him. After preseason, I shifted to Silva based on his performance and Spievy’s ascension to the starting role.
Silva Vs Wendling
I’m obviously a Wendling fan. I love special teams and what he brings to the table. I also liked what he did in relief work last season. Yes, this isn’t last season, but experience in a system gives you a leg up. Make no mistake, I don’t want Wendling starting, but I get warm and fuzzies knowing he’s there to pick up any injured pieces.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
I acutally like Wendling better than Coleman
I saw Wendling replace Delmas in Tampa. I was at the game and watched him. He didn’t jump off the field but he didn’t mess up really either. So I somewhat trust him back there. Again i don’t want him starting. Coleman in my opinion is a worse Louis Delmas. Gets caught out of position at times and I don’t like his size. I like safeties who when bring the wood it’s not just kindling. I also like height or at least long arms. For instance Alfonso Smith, I know he is a corner, but he makes up for his size with wingspan and his hands are probably the size of Calvin’s hands. Corners aren’t usaully as tall because they have to super agile fluid and light on there feet but the few who are tall are the best asomugha, cromartie etc., but safeties don’t have to be as fluid but more instinctual and have a deep understanding of the offense. Their first few steps make or break many of the plays for them and leaping ability, and long arms are crucial because the are usually coming into the play from a distance. These are my reasons for my love affair with Silva, I know he isn’t ready yet. But he has the qualities, where I believe the others don’t. I wasn’t trying to belittle anyone because everyone has their opinion but I was probably being defensive because no one else seems to agree with me on that matter and I was frustrated.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
I understand
I was probably being defensive because no one else seems to agree with me on that matter and I was frustrated.
I went through that alot during my attempts sing the praises of the super group Wham!
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
Well how could you support Wham
when The Human League was by far the supergroup.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
That may be
but I have to talk up the group I was a part of. I was the other guy from Wham!
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
I am the human in the League!
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
That's what I am worried about...
Someone poaching him. I am not in practice so I don’t know how they do it, but I think the P squaders just run scout defenses and offenses for gameplans. Could actually help give him broader knowledge i suppose but I would rather him getting an in depth knowledge of OUR defense.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Titus
with honorable mention to Wright and Peterman, who’s been arguably our best O-Lineman so far
"I’m here to cause you problems and meet your quarterback." - Ndamukong Suh
Scheffler
Not only is he outperforming expectations but he is having fun doing it.
Enjoyed reading the original post. Nicely done, sir.
surprised that we have least amount of penalties
Or maybe just a low amount…to lead the NFC north.
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Sep 28, 2011 8:00 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
IDK
I’ve been watching other divisional games every week and green bay especially is racking up the penalties every game.If green bay isnt the division winner this season that will be why. Eventually those penalties will catch up with them if they dont take care of them.
Durant,Tulloch, Levy
I think they are starting to mesh nicely. Levy looks more compfortable in OLB role and every week it seems they are getting better. I know its been fun to watch.
Thanks
About the Dallas game. I have this ugly underlying feeling about this game. But then again I had it about Tampa game and that turned out stellar. I hope that their win over the Redskins gives them a false sense of confidence and they think they can play that way and get away with it. I think we will score at least 24 points, I hopr we can hold them under that.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
I was worried in preseason that the LB's wouldn't be as good as they have turned out to be.
I have always loved Levy, but I love how JDurant and Tully have shown up in reg season. I think that, with houston and wrights play, made us an actuall contender.
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
I was over on Cowboys site and
there is a nice breakdown of stats on both teams. So far teams look even on paper but thats with Miles Austin in. He’s out now and i think we win by a touchdown even though Boys favored by 1 in Vegas. Must be home field adv. but thats not a problem for us anymore. haha
I'm not buying it
I don’t think their D is good enough to stop Stafford’s air force. And Romo is hurt, give Suh and co a few whacks at him and I can see him slowing down or throwing a few picks out of fear.
and fuck Mark Sanchez.
$.02
Game on!
It all depends on the offensive lines for both teams.
This game will be won in the trenches. The team that protects their QB better will probably win the game.
I never met him, but he was family to me... R.I.P. Tom Kowalski We will all miss you.
I hope Suh can demoralize Costa early!
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
Special teams coverage has been a weak spot for the 3-0 Lions this season. The unit has given up kick returns of 78, 68 and 35 yards, and a 53-yard punt return. The Lions rank 29th in the 32-team NFL in kickoff coverage (34.1 yards allowed per game) and 27th in punt coverage (14.8).
Special teams coach Danny Crossman kept the whole unit after practice Wednesday and was working with linebacker Bobby Carpenter, safety John Wendling and linebacker Doug Hogue before Thursday’s practice.
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110930/SPORTS0101/109300420/Lions’-punt-coverage-unit-is-target-of-Jim-Schwartz’s-tirade#ixzz1ZSdHhU3N
Defenses around the NFL will fall victim to the fatal disease "NateCalvinTitus"
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