OT: Detroit Lions
while it seems like most of the attention goes toward the Cass Tech/FHH game(and for a good reason). The Lions played against the Patriots in a nationally televised game and the Lions did not disappoint by dominating the Pats all game long with a 34-10 win.
Matt Stafford looked great and has been unstoppable today against the Pats secondary. He went 12/14 for 200 yards with 2 TDs and a perfect 158.3 QB rating. He could've easily went 14 for 14 with 3 TDs if Nate Burleson had held onto the ball and Devin McCourty didn't PI against CJ. For the preseason, he 24-of-31 for 356 yds, 5 TDs, 77.4 completion % and rating of 154.0. That is an unbelievable stats and it shows how much he has grown as a QB. If he can stay healthy which he will, sky is the limit for the Lions. My original prediction for the season is 10 wins but I'm seriously revisiting my prediction to 12 wins
The Lions defense has been pressuring Tom Brady all game long. He did not look like his usual self. His internal clock was off by a few split seconds that he made a few bad throws. His lone TD came against Lions 2nd team defense in which they blew the coverage so bad that Wes Welker was wide open for an easy TD. Though I give Brady credit for an outstanding PA fake but that should not have happened.
Overall, I'm really, really excited about the Lions this season. I truly think that they can make noise as a team to be reckon with.
Ndamukong Suh's quote during in game interview, "Last year, we gained respect. This year, we want fear" gave me chills. Folks, the Lions have a bright future ahead of them!
August 28th, 2011 at 12:22 PM ^
There are other former Michigan players in the NFL. I love some Tom too, but I can think of several scenarios in which I would/will be rooting against him.
August 28th, 2011 at 12:59 AM ^
Stafford is proving that he will be a real force in combination with our reciever threats as long as he stays healthy. Im excited for the season.
August 28th, 2011 at 1:25 AM ^
look very good right now. If stafford stays healthy we have a good chance to have a winning season.
August 28th, 2011 at 1:53 AM ^
If the Lions aren't a playoff team, I will delete my MGoAccount and never post here again. 11 wins bitches, 11 wins.
August 28th, 2011 at 2:01 AM ^
I really really want the Lions to tear it up this year, but I'm tempted into thinking about how much better the MGoBlogosphere would be without Dark Blue's constant trolling....
August 28th, 2011 at 2:26 AM ^
God I really think that you want me to have secks with yer mom
August 28th, 2011 at 6:29 AM ^
....and I still have my "Pre-Season Champions" shirt from that year, but you won't see me wearing it this year. There is something qualitatively different about this team - under its new management - that has me thinking that they could have just as easily manhandled the Patriots in November too (even though the Pats are not on this year's regular seasons schedule, of course).
This might be the first time I have ever been able to say this in my life, but I like to watch the Lions' defense in action. I feel better about their chances in close games when they are out there, especially when you know Suh is doing everything he can to pummel the QB. Brady looked a little rushed, even tentative out there last night. Clearly, that front four was in his head.
August 28th, 2011 at 7:46 AM ^
I'm optimistic that things will work out this time.
/
August 28th, 2011 at 9:40 AM ^
Why not...I know its just pre season but I haven't seen a better team this year....
August 28th, 2011 at 9:58 AM ^
I like what I'm seeing. The defense is getting the ball back for the offense. They're going to be a tough out for any team this year. If they can keep getting pressure on the QB's like they have been, I like their chances.
Suh has made a huge impact. They look hungry!
It’s similar to what Michigan has to do. The defense has to get the ball back for Denard more than they did last year. Imagine what the offense can do if they get the ball four or five more times in a game!
Go Blue! Go Honolulu Blue!
August 28th, 2011 at 10:33 AM ^
The problems with the running game - and keeping our QB's on the field - goes back to the OL. They're not an upper-division unit. The opposing DL's are getting into the backfield regularly on running plays and missing blitzes during passes.
The secondary is also problematic. Sure, our DL should make life easier, but the Pats TD came on a basic play-action that completely froze the S and CB. Welker could have walked the last 50 yds to the end zone.
August 28th, 2011 at 12:36 PM ^
I am going to reserve judgement on the offensive line until the regular season, but pre-season I would place the blame for a poor running game on the RBs as much as the blocking, and pass protection has been very good.
In regards to the secondary I share your concerns without an apparent elite corner and a question mark at one safety spot, but the play that broke Welker free was against our second team. I would add that I am not feeling too confident with our linebackers to date as they seem to still be shuffling their positions. Thankfully our D-line is so imposing that they can cover up some of our weaker position groups flaws.
August 28th, 2011 at 12:57 PM ^
is no longer a question mark with the emergence of Amari Spievey. Louis Delmas is an established starter.
August 28th, 2011 at 12:56 PM ^
were top 10 in pass protection. The Lions were just unlucky with QB hits, simple as that. Lions OL has done a great job of protecting the QB considering they dropped back 65% of the time with no running game.
I'm not worried about Lions secondary. Eric Wright/Chris Houston are solid duos. Throw in Alphonso Smith who will play in season opener at NB, the secondary are more than just fine. Ironically, last year, the Lions had more of a problem at LB than at CB. I just hope that the first 4 CB(Wright/Houston/Smith/McDonald) are healthy because the depth after them are ambysal.
August 28th, 2011 at 1:32 PM ^
Well, with a non-existant running game and a suspect back 7 on D, hard to see them getting to double digit wins. However, it's hard not to get excited about the passing game and the DL. Stafford looks as good as any QB in any uniform right now. Suh and Co. are animals and borderline out of control, but, they wear the Blue and Silver and certainly strike fear in other teams.
While I don't see Detroit sneaking up on anyone this year, they will certainly be fun to watch.
August 28th, 2011 at 2:13 PM ^
had non existent running game yet they won Super Bowl. Ditto with Arizona Cardinals from 2 years ago. NE Pats from a few years ago. Running game isn't as important as it once was.
I don't think their back 7 is suspect. They upgraded LB with FA signings in Tulloch and Durant. They got 3 solid CBs in Wright/Smith/Houston and an improving S in Spievey. The Lions defense are going to be fine.
August 28th, 2011 at 5:26 PM ^