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Lions Notes: Jahvid Best Is Freaking Good; Ernie Sims' Losing Streak Snapped

By Sean Yuille
Catch him if you can.
Catch him if you can.
  • 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.
  • Derrick Williams was installed as the Lions' No. 3 quarterback just in case both Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton got hurt on Sunday.
  • Ndamukong Suh is the new spokesman of Omaha Steaks.
  • 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.
  • A man from West Bloomfield has had Detroit Lions season tickets since 1949. He is one of the rare season-ticket holders who has actually experienced winning.
  • 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.
  • Jim Schwartz is not concerned about the possibility that Stafford is injury prone, but rather that he is getting hit so ferociously.
  • 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.
  • Former Lions defensive end Chima Ihekwoaba signed with the CFL's Montreal Alouettes.
  • David Kircus was released by a UFL team last week. I'd say that's rock bottom for his playing career.

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