The early favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has to be Jahvid Best. In his first two games in the NFL, Best has combined for 268 yards and five touchdowns. Not only that, but with his performance against the Eagles, he became the first rookie in NFL history to rush for more than 75 yards, gain more than 150 receiving yards and score three touchdowns in a single game. Now you can see why the Lions traded up to get him in the draft back in April.
Because the Eagles won on Sunday, Ernie Sims snapped a personal 29-game losing streak. Although the Lions won two games last season, he was injured for both of them, meaning when you counted the Eagles' Week 1 loss, he was on the wrong side of the scoreboard 29 straight times in games that he actually played in. Ouch.
Since starting 6-2 in 2007, the Lions have a record of 3-39. Now excuse me while I go cry in the corner.
Kevin Smith said in a blog post last week that his knee "is not exactly 100 percent." He went on to say that he doesn't think it will be 100 percent until next offseason, although he meant that it likely won't feel 100 percent right until then. He doesn't necessarily think it will limit him on the field, although he was once again inactive on Sunday.
Matthew Stafford sent a text to Jeff Backus last week saying that he wouldn't want any other left tackle. I'm sure Backus appreciated the message, as he was feeling pretty bad about allowing the sack that caused the injury.
Julius Peppers checked in with Stafford to see how he was doing following last week's game between the Lions and Bears. Although Peppers said he was simply doing his job, he did want to make sure that Stafford was all right and would be back sometime this season, calling him a "great young player." That's a very classy move on Peppers' part.
Peppers was actually fined $5,000 for an illegal hit on Stafford, although it was not for the play that injured the Lions QB. It was when Peppers got his hands up on Stafford's helmet, which is pretty weak if you ask me. Brian Urlacher was also fined $5,000, although he was much more deserving of his fine, as he hit Stephen Peterman from behind after the whistle.
Gunther Cunningham said that Kyle Vanden Bosch is the "best football player" he's ever been around.
Last Tuesday, the Lions hosted offensive guard Chad Rinehart and centers Blake Schlueter and Cody Wallace for tryouts. A signing isn't imminent or anything, as the Lions were merely preparing a short list of players in case injuries happen at some point during the season.