Pride Of Detroit - Complete coverage of Detroit Lions vs. Arizona CardinalsA Detroit Lions blog by Lions fans, for Lions fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51601/pod-fav.png2015-10-12T14:19:15-04:00http://www.prideofdetroit.com/rss/stream/92537202015-10-12T14:19:15-04:002015-10-12T14:19:15-04:00PFF Grades: Embarrassing performance on all phases
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5c9T5onaVPEqXWILLrI6c1Weqx0=/0x0:7048x4699/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47397692/usa-today-8855568.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Detroit Lions have now lost seven straight games to the Arizona Cardinals and this may be the most embarrassing one yet. Check out the individual performances for Sunday's beatdown.</p> <p><span>If you're not aware by now, </span><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2015%2F10%2F12%2F9509651%2Flions-cardinals-pff-grades-an-embarrassing-performance-from-all-phases" target="_blank" data-ref-index="7" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Pro Football Focus</a><span> is a website that focuses on grading NFL players for their individual performances based on an in-depth review of every snap for every game. If you're interested, </span><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fabout%2Fhow-we-grade%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2015%2F10%2F12%2F9509651%2Flions-cardinals-pff-grades-an-embarrassing-performance-from-all-phases" target="_blank" data-ref-index="8" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">here</a><span> is a look at their grading system.</span></p>
<p>Sunday's game was bad. Real bad. If you're still visiting this site to talk about the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a>, then my heart goes out to you. I appreciate everyone that takes time out of their day to read what I have to say because it's only going to get worse. Here is a closer look at the individual performances from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/11/9501009/lions-explode?_ga=1.240119619.1788690663.1444437011">Sunday's game vs. the Arizona Cardinals</a>:</p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p><b>Best Grades</b></p>
<p><span>Riley Reiff</span>: +4.1<br><span>Brandon Pettigrew</span>: +2.1<br><span>Theo Riddick</span>: +2.0<br><span>Manny Ramirez</span>: +1.9</p>
<p><b>Worse Grades</b></p>
<p><span>Matthew Stafford</span>: -3.3<br><span>LaAdrian Waddle</span>: -3.1<br><span>Laken Tomlinson</span>: -3.0<br><span>Golden Tate</span>: -2.2<br><span>Tim Wright</span>: -1.9<br><span>Zach Zenner</span>: -1.5<br><span>Ameer Abdullah</span>: -1.5<br><span>Lance Moore</span>: -1.2</p>
<p><b>Analysis</b></p>
<p><b></b>That's a whole lot of negatives to sift through. Let's start with Matthew Stafford. He played just 54 of the 98 total snaps on offense and was eventually benched for <span>Dan Orlovsky</span> after throwing his third interception of the game. You could maybe make the argument that the third INT was on <span>Calvin Johnson</span>, but at least two of those were on Stafford. Somehow Stafford has regressed since the new coaching staff has arrived, when they made it clear it was their primary focus to improve his mechanics and production.</p>
<p>The offensive line was not very good, but it also wasn't as porous as we're used to seeing. Riley Reiff has had himself a couple of solid performances in a row and is now up to a +1.2 overall grade on the year. It was also nice to see Pettigrew back in the mix, because Tim Wright is an abomination as a blocking tight end.</p>
<p>Fumbling was a huge issue for the Lions, and PFF has made it pretty clear to me in the past that they hand out big negatives for fumbles, regardless of who recovers it. Both Abdullah and Tate were the culprits here. Zach Zenner received an increased workload out of the backfield and wasn't all that impressive, while Riddick was on the field for 54 snaps -- 2 of them being run plays (very unpredictable!) -- and caught 10 passes on 13 targets for 53 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p>The three lowest grades on offense for the Lions through five weeks are LaAdrian Waddle (-18.2), Matthew Stafford (-16.5) and Laken Tomlinson (-10.5). On the flip side, Manny Ramirez (+6.9), Calvin Johnson (+5.2) and <span>Michael Burton</span> (+3.4) are the three highest overall grades.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p><b>Best Grades</b></p>
<p><span>Darius Slay</span>: +1.1<br><span>Darryl Tapp</span>: +1.1</p>
<p><b>Worst Grades</b></p>
<p><span>Jason Jones</span>: -1.7<br><span>Gabe Wright</span>: -1.2<br><span>Josh Wilson</span>: -1.2<br><span>Jermelle Cudjo</span>: -1.2</p>
<p><b>Analysis</b></p>
<p>All in all, there isn't a whole lot to take away from the defense's performance vs. the Cards. They were on the field for just 48 snaps. The heart of the defense, <span>DeAndre Levy</span>, made his return and only saw the field 17 times, due to re-injuring his hip. Matthew Stafford would end the game with more tackles than Levy.</p>
<p>Slay earned a positive grade despite giving up a 49-yard completion to John Brown. To his credit, Brown is insanely fast and not many CBs are going to stop that play from happening. It was perfectly executed in every way. He would later get his hands on a pass intended for <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span> and prevent a TD.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<p><b>Best Grades</b></p>
<p><span>Sam Martin</span>: +3.8<br><span>Josh Wilson</span>: +1.5</p>
<p><b>Worst Grades</b></p>
<p><span>Corey Fuller</span>: -1.5</p>
<p><b>Analysis</b></p>
<p>Martin had one of his best performances and had a beauty of a punt drop dead at the 1-yard line. I have absolutely no idea what Josh Wilson did to earn a +1.5 grade, but good for him. He earns a high-five from me. Corey Fuller was penalized on special teams and also missed a tackle.</p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/12/9509651/lions-cardinals-pff-grades-an-embarrassing-performance-from-all-phasesAlex Reno2015-10-12T10:24:06-04:002015-10-12T10:24:06-04:00Lions snap counts from Cardinals game
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G5X54t9iocbtZ0a_Zr2swyOwT3I=/0x45:3000x2045/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47394570/GettyImages-492300978.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gregory Shamus/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A breakdown of who received playing time for the Detroit Lions in their loss to the Arizona Cardinals. </p> <p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h4>Offense:</h4>
<p> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="652">
<colgroup> <col width="181"> <col width="148"> <col width="87"> <col width="148"> <col width="88"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20" width="181"><b>QUARTERBACK</b></td>
<td align="center" width="148"><b>OFFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center" width="87"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td align="center" width="148"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center" width="88"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Matthew Stafford</td>
<td align="center">53</td>
<td align="center">56%</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Dan Orlovksy</td>
<td align="center">42</td>
<td align="center">44%</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><b>RUNNING BACK</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OFFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Theo Riddick</td>
<td align="center">52</td>
<td align="center">55%</td>
<td align="center">12</td>
<td align="center">40%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Zach Zenner</td>
<td align="center">30</td>
<td align="center">32%</td>
<td align="center">6</td>
<td align="center">20%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Ameer Abdullah</td>
<td align="center">15</td>
<td align="center">16%</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center">10%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><b>FULLBACK</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OFFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Michael Burton</td>
<td align="center">20</td>
<td align="center">21%</td>
<td align="center">17</td>
<td align="center">57%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><b>WIDE RECEIVER</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OFFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Golden Tate</td>
<td align="center">74</td>
<td align="center">78%</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Calvin Johnson</td>
<td align="center">71</td>
<td align="center">75%</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Lance Moore</td>
<td align="center">66</td>
<td align="center">69%</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Corey Fuller</td>
<td align="center">32</td>
<td align="center">34%</td>
<td align="center">10</td>
<td align="center">33%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">T.J. Jones</td>
<td align="center">18</td>
<td align="center">19%</td>
<td align="center">10</td>
<td align="center">33%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><b>TIGHT END</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OFFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Brandon Pettigrew</td>
<td align="center">55</td>
<td align="center">58%</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center">10%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Tim Wright</td>
<td align="center">42</td>
<td align="center">44%</td>
<td align="center">6</td>
<td align="center">20%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><b>OFFENSIVE TACKLE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OFFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Riley Reiff</td>
<td align="center">95</td>
<td align="center">100%</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center">10%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Cornelius Lucas</td>
<td align="center">56</td>
<td align="center">59%</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center">10%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">LaAdrian Waddle</td>
<td align="center">39</td>
<td align="center">41%</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center">10%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><b>OFFENSIVE GUARD/CENTER</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OFFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Manny Ramirez</td>
<td align="center">95</td>
<td align="center">100%</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center">10%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Travis Swanson</td>
<td align="center">95</td>
<td align="center">100%</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center">10%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20">Laken Tomlinson</td>
<td align="center">95</td>
<td align="center">100%</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center">10%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="left" height="20"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Analysis:</b></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>The Lions are still unsure what to do at the right tackle position. They constantly switched between LaAdrian Waddle and Cornelius Lucas on the right side of the line and nearly split their snap evenly between the two. Neither player is doing enough to win the job, but the Lions don't have any other options. </span></li>
<p> </p>
<li><span>After his two fumbles, Ameer Abdullah was benched and never saw the field again. Both Zach Zenner and Theo Riddick benefited from Abdullah's absence.</span></li>
<p> </p>
<li>This was the first game both T.J. Jones and Corey Fuller were active. Fuller received the bulk of the snaps between the two, likely because of his early 48-yard catch.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Defense:</h4>
<p> </p>
<table width="652" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup> <col width="181"> <col width="148"> <col width="87"> <col width="148"> <col width="88"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td width="181" height="20" align="left"><b>DEFENSIVE END</b></td>
<td width="148" align="center"><b>DEFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td width="87" align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td width="148" align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td width="88" align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Ezekiel Ansah</td>
<td align="center">30</td>
<td align="center">65%</td>
<td align="center">6</td>
<td align="center">20%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Jason Jones</td>
<td align="center">30</td>
<td align="center">65%</td>
<td align="center">6</td>
<td align="center">20%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Devin Taylor</td>
<td align="center">23</td>
<td align="center">50%</td>
<td align="center">12</td>
<td align="center">40%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Darryl Tapp</td>
<td align="center">16</td>
<td align="center">35%</td>
<td align="center">7</td>
<td align="center">23%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left"><b>DEFENSIVE TACKLE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>DEFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Caraun Reid</td>
<td align="center">31</td>
<td align="center">67%</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Gabe Wright</td>
<td align="center">24</td>
<td align="center">52%</td>
<td align="center">13</td>
<td align="center">43%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Jermelle Cudjo</td>
<td align="center">15</td>
<td align="center">33%</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Andre Fluellen</td>
<td align="center">15</td>
<td align="center">33%</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left"><b>LINEBACKER</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>DEFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Josh Bynes</td>
<td align="center">35</td>
<td align="center">76%</td>
<td align="center">21</td>
<td align="center">70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Stephen Tulloch</td>
<td align="center">30</td>
<td align="center">65%</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center">10%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">DeAndre Levy</td>
<td align="center">17</td>
<td align="center">37%</td>
<td align="center">2</td>
<td align="center">7%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Travis Lewis</td>
<td align="center">14</td>
<td align="center">30%</td>
<td align="center">22</td>
<td align="center">73%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Tahir Whitehead</td>
<td align="center">12</td>
<td align="center">26%</td>
<td align="center">27</td>
<td align="center">90%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Brandon Copeland</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center">21</td>
<td align="center">70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left"><b>CORNERBACK</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>DEFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Rashean Mathis</td>
<td align="center">36</td>
<td align="center">78%</td>
<td align="center">6</td>
<td align="center">20%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Darius Slay</td>
<td align="center">36</td>
<td align="center">78%</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Josh Wilson</td>
<td align="center">19</td>
<td align="center">41%</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Quandre Diggs</td>
<td align="center">14</td>
<td align="center">30%</td>
<td align="center">4</td>
<td align="center">13%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Nevin Lawson</td>
<td align="center">10</td>
<td align="center">22%</td>
<td align="center">14</td>
<td align="center">47%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left"><b>SAFETY</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>DEFENSIVE SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Glover Quin</td>
<td align="center">38</td>
<td align="center">83%</td>
<td align="center">6</td>
<td align="center">20%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">James Ihedigbo</td>
<td align="center">36</td>
<td align="center">78%</td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Isa Abdul-Quddus</td>
<td align="center">15</td>
<td align="center">33%</td>
<td align="center">27</td>
<td align="center">90%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Don Carey</td>
<td align="center">10</td>
<td align="center">22%</td>
<td align="center">27</td>
<td align="center">90%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Specialists</h4>
<table width="416" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup> <col width="181"> <col width="148"> <col width="87"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td width="181" height="20" align="left"><b>KICKER</b></td>
<td width="148" align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td width="87" align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Matt Prater</td>
<td align="center">4</td>
<td align="center">13%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left"><b>PUNTER</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Sam Martin</td>
<td align="center">10</td>
<td align="center">33%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
<td align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left"><b>LONG SNAPPER</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS SNAPS</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PERCENTAGE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" align="left">Don Muhlbach</td>
<td align="center">7</td>
<td align="center">23%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Analysis:</b></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>DeAndre Levy could not finish the first half without re-aggravating his hip. Travis Lewis mostly picked up the slack in his absence, but Tahir Whitehead finally got some playing time with the defense, too. </span></li>
<p> </p>
<li><span>Without their two top defensive tackles, the Lions relied mostly on Caraun Reid and Gabe Wright. Andre Fluellen did not see the field much, after being added to the roster earlier in the week.</span></li>
<p> </p>
<li><span>As the game wore on, Detroit opted to give some snaps to the bottom of the secondary depth chart. Nevin Lawson, Don Carey and Isa Abdul-Quddus all received a significant portion of snaps with the defense.</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/12/9506981/lions-snap-counts-from-the-cardinals-game-abdullah-stafford-benchedJeremy Reisman2015-10-12T09:00:06-04:002015-10-12T09:00:06-04:00Notes: More on the Lions' 42-17 loss
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AyFDxKdbHoyaWZIBdJ5t4yuyjAo=/0x0:4487x2991/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47391764/usa-today-8855682.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Stats and updates on the Lions' embarrassing loss to the Cardinals.</p> <p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> tied a record on Sunday. It wasn't necessarily a bad record, either:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Lions set an NFL record for most pass attempts in a game that ended in regulation (70). <a href="http://t.co/RL9GBvQ5mt">pic.twitter.com/RL9GBvQ5mt</a></p>
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/653350076060958720">October 11, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br></span></li>
<li><span><span>Matthew Stafford</span> was supposed to have a breakout year this season. So far, not so much:
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Matthew Stafford now leads the NFL in interceptions with 8. He had 12 all last year.</p>
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) <a href="https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/653368139942600704">October 12, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br></span></li>
<li><span>The Lions offense continues to get accused of being too predictable. This time, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> coach Bruce Arians admitted <a href="https://twitter.com/Justin_Rogers/status/653375785340903425" target="_blank">his defensive line coach identified a Lions' screen pass</a> before the snap and called it out to his players. <span>Cory Redding</span> would go on to intercept the pass and nearly return it for a touchdown. </span></li>
<p> </p>
<li><span>Ladies and gentleman: The Sarcastic Wave:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The wave ... <a href="http://t.co/yph02IbfL4">http://t.co/yph02IbfL4</a></p>
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/653347537668210688">October 11, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br></span></li>
<li>DeAndre Levy's return was cut short on Sunday, as he re-aggravated his hip injury and did not play in the entire second half. Levy says <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ttwentyman/status/653359656518184961">it's not as bad as the original injury</a>, but the Lions did not give any additional details.</li>
<p> </p>
<li><span>And I guess we're back to the Paper Bag era:
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The paper bags are back at Ford Field. Photo by <a href="https://twitter.com/MelanieMaxwell">@MelanieMaxwell</a> <a href="http://t.co/yQj53KcNpg">pic.twitter.com/yQj53KcNpg</a></p>
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) <a href="https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/653378717591465984">October 12, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/12/9504067/lions-notes-more-bad-news-from-the-lions-lossJeremy Reisman2015-10-12T08:00:08-04:002015-10-12T08:00:08-04:00Players, coaches react to Sunday's loss
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x0OHRxPK8lDGHL-aE_AZHmeUUTg=/0x11:2299x1544/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47391346/usa-today-8855705.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Lions players and coaches spoke with the media following their 42-17 loss to the Cardinals. </p> <p>It was predictably a somber mood in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> locker room after their 42-17 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>. The players spoke in low, melancholic tones -- <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Justin_Rogers/status/653357409574985728">if they spoke to the media at all.</a> There were no smiles. There was no playful banter with media members. Here's a quick recap of what some players and coaches said after the game:</p>
<h4><span>Matthew Stafford</span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span>The Detroit Lions <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/653362726408949760">did not make Stafford available</a> in the press conference room after the game. However, he did speak briefly in the locker room.</span></li>
<p> </p>
<li><span>Stafford told the media he was given specific conditions on his play at halftime:
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Stafford said Caldwell told him at halftime if he threw another pick he'd be benched. He did, he was.</p>
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) <a href="https://twitter.com/davebirkett/status/653365142080614400">October 12, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"><!--
<br />
// --></script>
</span></li>
</ul>
<h4><span>Golden Tate</span></h4>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Tate was visibly frustrated after the game. On losing at home: </span><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/sportstori/status/653367582645485570">"That's embarrassing. We did it to ourselves."</a> </li>
<p> </p>
<li>Tate later then took the bait and voiced his opinion on the fan's vocal displeasure:
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Golden Tate on fans: "I felt like at times our fan base turned their back on us. We expect them to be w/ us better next week. We need them."</p>
— Mike Sullivan (@MikeSullivan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSullivan/status/653360333671763968">October 12, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
I know Tate is just trying to rally the fanbase, but that's not how things work after getting slammed at home to move to 0-5 on the season. You had a chance to rally the fanbase with your play, and you fumbled it away. </li>
</ul>
<h4><span><span>James Ihedigbo</span></span></h4>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>Ihedigbo didn't sugar coat his thoughts on Sunday's performance:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lions S James Ihedigbo: This is the worst football I've seen in the NFL.</p>
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/jkatzenstein/status/653357843945529345">October 11, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br></span></li>
<p> </p>
<li><span>Ihedigbo noted it was <span>Josh Bynes</span> who <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/davebirkett/status/653357963248320512">stood up after the game and said something to the team</a>, not Stafford.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<h4>Jim Caldwell</h4>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>If you're looking for a quarterback controversy, you won't find one here. Caldwell said unequivocally <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/653354498816090112">Stafford is still the starter</a>. </span></li>
<p> </p>
<li><span>To his credit, Caldwell is taking all of the blame for Sunday's performance:
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Caldwell asked whose fault today was: "It's mine"</p>
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) <a href="https://twitter.com/davebirkett/status/653355269309759488">October 11, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jim Caldwell: I'm not doing a very good job right now</p>
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) <a href="https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/653355218822909952">October 11, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br></span></li>
<li><span>If you're hoping for <a href="http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/11/9466165/fire-everyone" target="_blank">a mixup in the coaching staff</a>, Caldwell has some bad news for you. <a href="https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/653354872495079424" target="_blank">He has no plans of making any coaching changes this week</a>. Of course, it may not be up to him. </span></li>
</ul>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/12/9503429/jim-caldwell-Golden-Tate-Matthew-Stafford-react-embarrassing-lossJeremy Reisman2015-10-11T19:20:45-04:002015-10-11T19:20:45-04:00Lions explode
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1cOL33_d75BueH7YR6JUDvZs1wU=/0x0:2992x1995/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47388482/GettyImages-492243060.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Who cares what the score was</p> <p>There's no real reason you're here to read the recap. There's nothing to be recapped. You're not here to read about a free shot down the field, the only one that Stafford made work, to <span>Corey Fuller</span> and the subsequent pass to <span>Theo Riddick</span> for a touchdown.</p>
<p>There's no reason to explain the ensuing collapse, an explosion to rival <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunguska_event" target="_blank">Tunguska</a>. I had started writing an article about an expected regression from <span>Matthew Stafford</span> on Friday with hopes that I'd have a chance to put it out there Monday. I have to seriously reconsider what I'm doing with that because in all honesty it's the most obvious thing to write now. He got benched for <span>Dan Orlovsky</span>. Dan Orlovsky! The only reason he was brought back by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> was to be used as a teaching tool, a trophy, a scar carried in memory of a dark, unspeakable age.</p>
<p>That same scabbed-over wound got a standing ovation from the Ford Field crowd.</p>
<p>Here's your first half recap if you really want it, courtesy of ESPN's play-by-play:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qYhE2VN_pdEU5rAlieHaUzPHq3I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4147922/Screenshot_2015-10-11_17.55.07.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There should be another fumble in there but <span>Ameer Abdullah</span> - who was compared in the preseason to Barry Sanders by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a> head coach <span>Todd Bowles</span> because <i>this is a statement that could only be made by the head coach of the New York Jets</i> - was saved by the referees, who quickly looked over at Caldwell and said "yeah we're good for Seattle now right?" and shot double finger-guns at him.</p>
<p>Here's the recap for the second half: Dan Orlovsky replaced Matthew Stafford at quarterback.</p>
<p>If there was a special teams play that did not result in a penalty please let me know. I did not see it.</p>
<p>There's no real quick fix to this. Firing the whole staff Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or next week will not save anything. It is, captain, highly illogical. It will not restore power to the engines in time to keep the U.S.S. Detroit from crashing into the planet's crust. Starships just weren't made to operate in atmospheric conditions. There's no way to bring it up.</p>
<p>In the third quarter, <span>Matt Prater</span> kicked the saddest field goal ever conceived from 40 yards out. This cut Arizona's lead to 25 points.</p>
<p>Likewise there's no real explanation how this team went to the playoffs and turned around to do...this. Even those postulating regression for the Detroit Lions could not have foretold a collapse at this level. 0-5 always seemed acceptable in a grim future, but the manner of which one has arrived at this conclusion is...illuminating. Let's go with illuminating.</p>
<p>Bruce Arians played <span>Drew Stanton</span> in the fourth quarter in Detroit because he could. This unbelievably savage move designed to firmly end any resistance held by Michigan sports fans was met with applause by those who remained in Ford Field.</p>
<p>Go home. Hug your loved ones. Play outside in the crisp evening air of autumn. Have some food. Smile. Play that album you really love on your turntable. Pet your cat. Netflix and chill. Remind yourself that football is not all in life. We're only here to live this story over again and again.</p>
<p>Like the Doctor on <i>Voyager</i>, we only ask that you deactivate this program before you leave.</p>
<p>We'll see you back here next week.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JSUIQgEVDM4"></iframe></p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/11/9501009/lions-explodeChris Perfett2015-10-11T18:17:47-04:002015-10-11T18:17:47-04:00Matthew Stafford benched
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J0zXQWZOqq3bbKeHsec_TgGhT_M=/0x29:3897x2627/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47388718/GettyImages-491820848.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Brashear/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After throwing three interceptions and falling behind 35-7, Matthew Stafford was benched for backup Dan Orlovksy.</p> <p>It hasn't been a pretty day for <span>Matthew Stafford</span>. After starting the game with an interception on the first drive, Stafford's day only got worse. He threw two more interceptions, as the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> quickly fell behind.</p>
<p>Midway through the third quarter, after falling behind 35-7, the Lions decided to send Stafford to the bench in favor of Dan Orlovksy. This is the first time Orlovsky has seen the field since 2012.</p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/11/9501223/matthew-stafford-benched-for-dan-orlovskyJeremy Reisman2015-10-11T17:45:02-04:002015-10-11T17:45:02-04:00Lions-Cardinals: Second half open thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ti6MT_J2MO1ha92vwUwn5uxA3lw=/0x0:4245x2830/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47388452/usa-today-8855132.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Lions trail the Cardinals 28-7 at halftime.</p> <p>Let 'em have it.</p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/11/9501077/lions-vs-cardinals-second-half-open-threadJeremy Reisman2015-10-11T15:45:02-04:002015-10-11T15:45:02-04:00Lions vs. Cardinals: Open thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XvhJ503IQVtyrOrPL6j73rekPtI=/0x50:3000x2050/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47385888/GettyImages-180891988.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Detroit Lions face the Arizona Cardinals in search of their first win of the season.</p> <p> </p>
<table style="border: 0;"></table>
<p> </p>
<table style="border: 0;"><tbody><tr> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 16px; border: 0;" align="center"> <div align="center"><strong>DETROIT LIONS (0-4)</strong></div> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/158119/Detroit_Lions.png"></p> </td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 23px; border: 0;"><strong>VS.</strong></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 16px; border: 0;" align="center"> <strong>ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-1)</strong><p style="text-align: center;"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cardinals Logo" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/z8Qt0JIpZU4mBSBHl6Djnuepel8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/2298/Cardinals_Icon.jpg">
</figure>
</p> </td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> <td style="border: 0;"></td> </tr></tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>When and where: </strong>Oct. 11, 2015 • 4:05 p.m. ET • Ford Field • Detroit, MI</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TV: </strong>FOX<strong> </strong>• <strong>Radio: </strong>(<a href="http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/lions-radio-network.html" target="_blank">Click here</a>)</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SB Nation coverage: </strong><a href="http://www.prideofdetroit.com/" target="_blank">Pride Of Detroit (Lions)</a> • <a href="http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" target="_blank">Revenge of the Birds (Cardinals)</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Other info: </strong><a href="http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/11/9497939/lions-cardinals-inactives-james-ihedigbo-in-larry-warford-out" target="_blank">Inactives</a> • <a href="http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/9/9484907/on-paper-lions-vs-cardinals-preview-stats-predictions" target="_blank">On Paper</a> • <a href="http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/9/9488021/five-questions-with-revenge-of-the-birds" target="_blank">Five Questions with Revenge of the Birds</a></p>
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https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/10/11/9498619/detroit-lions-vs-arizona-cardinals-open-threadJeremy Reisman