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If you needed any more proof that there was a big change in the Lions defense after the Damon “Snacks” Harrison trade, here’s your latest dose.
Pro Football Focus tweeted over the weekend the Lions’ team grade and the run defense before and after Snacks arrived in Detroit for Week 8.
Here are the differences between before/after the Damon “Snacks” Harrison trade...
— PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) May 24, 2019
overall team grade Weeks 1-7: 62.5 (30th)
Run D Weeks 1-7: 69.0 (26th) overall team grade Weeks 8-17: 80.2 (12th)
Run D Weeks 8-17: 91.7 (2nd)
The “Snacks” effect is a real thing#OnePride
According to PFF, the Lions’ overall team grade was 30th before Harrison (Weeks 1-7) and 12th after Snacks joined the team (Weeks 8-17.) There are a number of factors involved in that, so the run defense numbers, where Snacks’ impact is more evident, is the key here. The Lions ranked 26th in run defense before he arrived and jumped all the way up to second after he began playing in Detroit.
Harrison recorded 31 stops after his arrival, including six in his very first game, which tied him for the most run stops in a single game this season. That was against the Seahawks, who led the league in rushing yards. PFF goes into more detail here.
- Despite the good grades, Snacks hasn’t been feeling the love in his mentions.
Y’all wake up every day and talk about this contract shit. Giants fans tweet me every day about how much of a bum I am and how they glad I’m gone lol...I’m not bothering either one of y’all..bout to start blocking folks so I can enjoy tweeting supporters again
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) May 26, 2019
By contract, he of course means the deal he wants to work out with the Lions. Harrison’s been skipping voluntary OTAs and there’s been some speculation it’s related to contract negotiations, but general manager Bob Quinn has said that’s not the case. Either way, he’s not pleased
- A nice segue to Nate Atkins of Mlive’s piece regarding what markets say Harrison, Darius Slay and other Lions are worth. Slay has also been absent from OTAs but has been around the Detroit area this week. The article compares each player to similar players in the league in terms of performance and pay.
- PhillyVoice writer Jimmy Kempski pointed out something interesting. He charted out the number of players over the age of 30 by team.
Number of players over 30, by team: pic.twitter.com/03pP5nGnBd
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) May 26, 2019
The Patriots had the highest number of players at 15 and the Jags/Browns had the lowest at three. The Lions, which have six, fell just below the average number of players for all 32 teams, which was about 7.5. The number of players over the age of 30 that the most number of teams have is 6. Mean, median, mode, math class paid off for the first time ever.
- ESPN’s Bill Barnwell commended the Lions’ offseason moves but explains they still need more defensive line work. He actually suggested a homecoming for Ndamukong Suh, who we now know signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, but he does make other suggestions.
- PFF’s Cam Mellor took a look at how the 13 wide receivers drafted in the first three rounds and the four tight ends taken in the first two rounds match up with their new teams. He details T.J. Hockenson’s best route and how that’ll fit in with the Lions.
- And finally here are some nice Memorial Day tributes from players.
One of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had was visiting the Arlington National Cemetery. I am forever grateful for all the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to be Free. pic.twitter.com/lOugheEQO7
— Tyrell Crosby (@Tyrellcrosby) May 27, 2019
Today my thoughts are with those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so my family and I can live and enjoy life like this! pic.twitter.com/EHYPmDNhmq
— DK (@DevonKennard) May 27, 2019
Let’s remember the true meaning of Memorial Day!
— Nino (@qdiggs6) May 27, 2019