Notes: Barry Sanders would still dominate in today’s league

Age ain’t nothing but a number baby, and Barry Sanders is no exception.

SB Nation’s Charles McDonald listed the 50-year-old Lions legend among six Hall of Famers who would still kick butt (sorry, language) in today’s NFL. Calling him possibly the greatest running back of all time, McDonald argues that Sanders could be dropped into a game today without missing a beat. For reference:

McDonald writes that in 1990, Sanders averaged 13.3 yards per reception, which would have ranked 41st among current qualifying players last season. Just imagine him back in Honolulu blue. Hey Sanders, bet you won’t do it. Bet you’re too scared to try. Ch-chi-chicken, buh-gooock. (Do you think this is working? Was that a decent chicken noise?)

Of note, this article popped up just as The Athletic’s Matt Brown highlighted* Sanders’ achievement—the greatest individual season in college football history. In 1988 at Oklahoma State, he ran 344 times for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in 11 regular-season games. Then, another 222 yards and five touchdowns in the Holiday Bowl. He rushed for at least 154 yards every game.

*Note: Subscription required.

Likely knowing very little about his physical abilities now, how do you think Sanders would do in today’s league?

Onto your notes.

• The Free Press’s Dave Birkett gives his take on the five toughest games of the upcoming season.

• For those involved in the fantasy football world, Pro Football Focus’s Daniel Kelley writes Matthew Stafford is the quarterback with the greatest drop in average draft position from last season to this season, which was QB10 to QB25. He says that while Stafford wasn’t really off his passing game in 2018, two things did drop—his volume and his risk.

• As the team prepares for training camp, The Lions Wire’s Erik Schlitt details running back Zach Zenner’s path to the 53-man roster, calling it “challenging, but attainable.”

• Tackle Taylor Decker and wife joined Tori Petry took a tour of the Detroit Zoo. He’s actually got a background in zoology, including an internship at the Columbus Zoo. Why? “Growing up, I just loved the movie The Lion King. I was just always interested in animals because of that. I watched it like everyday, I’d always cry.”

• And we’re back! What’s in the Box, episode 2 just dropped, click here.

• Kerryon Johnson celebrated his 22nd birthday on Sunday, further reminding me that holy crap I’m getting old. Happy Birthday!! (nervous laughter)!!!