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Just how bad have the Detroit Red Wings been this season? Statistics do not lie

Embed from Getty Images The  Detroit Red Wings have been bad this season, and water is wet. The Red Wings own the NHL’s worst record. The statistics are illuminating and tell exactly why this team is where they are in the standings. In nearly every major category the Wings rank dead last 31st of 31 teams.

The Detroit The Wings are 12-38-4, with a league-low 28 points. To put things in better perspective, the Los Angeles Kings have 43 points 15 points better than Detroit.

Also for the Red Wings the team is last in the NHL with 110 goals scored, working out to again dead last with 2.04 goals per game. The Anaheim Ducks, in 30th place in the category, have scored 20 more goals than the Red Wings.

The Detroit Red Wings also sit last with 206 goals allowed, and have the worst goals against average 3.81 in the NHL. The New Jersey Devils are next with 180 goals allowed, so the Red Wings have allowed 26 more goals than the next worst defensive team in the league.

Detroit has earned the fewest points at home 8-18-2, 18 points and 4-20-2, 10 points on the road. That is simply awful. But wait there is more. The Red Wings are last with 10 regulation wins. That equates to one every 5.2 games played so far to date during the 2019-320 NHL season.

As bad as the numbers are, and they are really bad, there is some good in all this mess. The good? Steve Yzerman is the general manager. This should be the bottoming out season of a long rebuild.

When the 2020-21 NHL season kicks off the Detroit Red Wings will be in better shape. In both cap space as well as prospects pushing for roster spots. It takes time and at times rebuilds are flat out no-fun. That has been the past two seasons.

So in short, relax enjoy the rest of the games this season and prepare for a brighter future that begin to take shape this offseason.

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The Detroit Lions are closer to being a good team than you think

Embed from Getty Images The Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl. The Detroit Lions secured the third pick in the 2020 NFL draft. The Chiefs look like the NFL’s next superpower. The Lions are not as far from the Chiefs as many people believe. Do not laugh.

The Kansas City Chiefs have ultra-talented Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. The Detroit Lions have Matthew Stafford who shares the same arm strength and accuracy as Mahomes. To me it is a wash if both quarterbacks are in the pocket.

The offensive line of the Chiefs has Pro Bowl left tackle Eric Fisher and Pro Bowl right tackle Mitchell Schwartz. The Detroit Lions do not have an offensive lineman who has earned all star honors,  center Frank Ragnow seems likely to earn that honor in the near future. The Lions finished the season ranked 11th the Chiefs were 16th long the offensive line.

Wide receivers is interesting as well, for the Chiefs,  Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce,  had 1,229 yards, Tyreek Hill 860 yards, Sammy Watkins 673 yards. Detroit lead by Kenny Golladay’s 1,190 along with 11 touchdowns,  Marvin Jones 779, Danny Amendola had 779, the Detroit tight ends were a non-factor.

At running back, the Chief’s Damien Williams ran for 107 yards, (Kansas City is a pass first team) Lions running back Kerryon Johnson went for 403, Bo Scarbrough on 83 carries ran for  377 yards. The Lions running game should improve with the health of their backs.

Defensive line goes to the Chiefs. The Lions did not get the production out of the unit and will look to make upgrades this offseason.

Linebackers is interesting as well. The Lions’ linebackers struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Kansas City, linebackers did well enough to support the defensive line and secondary while not being a liability, linebackers are not a strength for either team.

Secondary is where the Chiefs shine brightest. The Lions finished last in pass defense, allowing 284.4 yards per game in the NFL.  The Chiefs ranked eighth against the pass with a 221.4 yard average.

Special teams the Chiefs in sixth place, the Lions in 10th. But coaching goes to the Chiefs in a landslide.

In six out of nine stats, the Lions are  close to or better than the Chiefs. That does not mean the Lions do not still have a lot of ground to make up if they want to approach the play of a Super Bowl champion. But when you lose a head to-head game by four points, maybe you’re not that far away after all.

 

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The Detroit Tigers need Christin Stewart to hit in 2020

Embed from Getty Images There is no other plan for Detroit Tigers outfielder Christin Stewart. Miguel Cabrera under contract for the next four seasons, it seems highly likely that designated hitter will be occupied for the foreseeable future buy the long time Tigers first baseman. in 2020, Christin Stewart must hit like the Tigers believe he can.

Christin Stewart hit very well in minor leagues. Heading into last season the Tigers felt Stewart’s defense would be his biggest drawback, never dreaming it would be his hitting.

Christin Stewart had a completely forgettable rookie season with the Detroit Tigers, which really fit in with the theme of 2019 Tigers team. At 26 years old, Stewart is young and has a track record of hitting in the minors. 2020 will be a big year for Stewart as well at the Tigers who need more bats in the farm system.

In 2019, Stewart  had 416 plate appearances that was only worth 80 wRC+, and his OBP and SLG plummeted to .305 and .388. Though Christin had occasional flashes of power he hit 10 home runs his .154 ISO was not nearly the routine .200+ ISO he posted in every full season in the minors. In other words his numbers were bad.

Chrstin Stewart needs the 2020 season to be his breakout year. The Tigers minor leagues are not overflowing with other options at the moment. Stewart needs to prove he is capable of being part of the Detroit Tigers build-up part of the rebuild, now that the team finished it’s tear-down part of the rebuild.

It is just one thing the Detroit Tigers coach’s, front office and fans will be watching this season.

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With a new defensive coordinator and linebacker coach how will the Detroit Lions improve

Embed from Getty Images A couple weeks ago the Detroit Lions brought in Cory Undlin from the  Philadelphia Eagles as the teams new defensive coordinator. That news was met around the NFL and in the media at large as a solid hire. Needing to fill the linebacker’s coaching position the team then hit a home run and brought in  Tyrone McKenzie.

With the two most important defensive coach’s positions filled, what is next? What does it mean for the toothless Detroit Lions defense? Can the two coach’s both widely viewed as very good at their jobs take the majority of players still on the roster and improve them?

The Detroit Lions linebackers were bad and well below average to just plain awful in pass coverage and did not provide much hope in general with their play. The one thing the unit did reasonably well was rushing the coverage on delayed blitz play calls.

In Cory Undlin, the Lions are getting a coach who understands man coverage, something Patricia loves. In Tyrone McKenzie, who comes to Detroit from the Tennessee Titans, the Lions are getting a coach who immediately got his players to provide a much bigger impact on the defense and overall improvement in their play.

The Tennessee Titans linebackers were the third best tackling linebackers in the NFL this past season. That is something that has sorely been lacking from the Lions defense for a while now.

The Lions do have a couple of linebackers who were drafted in the first and second round. Neither of them excel or are even okay at pass coverage, making that a priority in either free agency or the 2020 NFL draft.

So far, Matt Patricia has at the very least upgraded a couple defensive coach’s. He needs to leave them along and allow them to do what has made them and the players they coach successful. If that happens and the Lions bring in a coverage linebacker the defensive turn-around could be swift.

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A Hall of Fame tight end believes Detroit Lions TJ Hockenson can join the list of elite tight ends

Embed from Getty Images Just how important has the tight end position become in the NFL? Last year the best tight end in the game played in the Super Bowl, now the two best tight ends in the NFL are getting ready to play in Super Bowl LIV on Sunday night in Miami. What does that mean for the Detroit Lions and first round draft pick TJ Hockenson?

Tony Gonzalez, who was one of the best tight ends the NFL has ever seen and a member of the NFL Hall of Fame recently said, “He can be an All-Pro, no doubt about it,” speaking of TJ Hockenson.

That is quite the endorsement coming from one of the positions all-time greats. It gets better for both the Detroit Lions and TJ Hockenson. Tony Gonzalez would like to workout and mentor the young tight end.

Hockenson began his NFL career with a big training camp, then had a big game against the Arizona Cardinals in a 131 yard debut. That is more yards than any rookie tight end making his debut in NFL history.

That was the high point for Hockenson and the Lions. After that big start TJ came down to earth a bit, he averaged 21.5 yards per game the rest of the way, never had more than 56, and was average as a blocker. Then he suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for the final month of the season. He finished with 367 yards on 32 catches for the year.

Tight end is the most difficult position to play. The player needs to be a receiver, a blocker as well as understand defensive coverages. Tony Gonzalez, said “Like I said, you just got to keep taking it to that next level and you got to keep challenging him. And hopefully I’ll get a chance to talk to him. I talked to all these tight ends, young tight ends in the league, so if you do see him, tell him to reach out to me because to me that’s what separates the good ones from the great ones.”

TJ Hockenson said he would love the opportunity to get to gather with the former NFL legend, which can do nothing but help.

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Detroit Tigers PA Jay Allen loses his battle with cancer

Embed from Getty Images Life can be cruel at times. Take Jay Allen, who spent many years as a mainstay on the microphone at the Grand Rapids Michigan area sporting events. Allen was well respected and worked hard. In March of 2019 Jay Allen landed his dream job working for the Detroit Tigers.

Jay Allen previously worked in Grand Rapids as a disc jockey as well as the PA announcer for the West Michigan Whitecaps, the Tigers Single A affiliate. Allen also called the races at the Berlin Raceway in the mid 1990’s for area radio, too.

Jay Allen was offered the job as the PA announcer at Comerica Park during Detroit Tigers baseball games.  Allen wrote on his Facebook page last April 5, after debuting on Opening Day. “Yesterday was one of the most fulfilling days of my life, to be able to do something that I truly love to do, at a facility like Comerica Park can not be put into words.”

As I said life can be cruel at times. Jay Allen’s first season with the Detroit Tigers, would be his final season as well. In August of last year Jay Allen was diagnosed with stage 4 bile duct cancer.

A man who family members say had a lot of faith in God, would undergo  intense treatments. Friday, January 24, Jay Allen lost his battle with cancer. The Detroit Tigers posted the announcement on the teams official site:

“The Detroit Tigers are deeply saddened to learn that the club’s public address announcer, Jay Allen, passed away this morning. Everyone admired Jay’s faith, determination and positive mindset during his fight with cancer. His vocal passion for the Tigers and sports across the state of Michigan endeared him to millions of fans, and his impact will never be forgotten. The Tigers extend their condolences to Jay’s family and friends at this trying time.”

Jay Allen, leaves this world at just 60 years old. He will be missed.

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Is Matt Manning the Detroit Tigers top prospect?

Embed from Getty Images Casey Mize? Matt Manning? Exactly who is the Detroit Tigers top prospect? The two pitchers are both dynamic and will play a HUGE role in the Tigers future. It is almost silly to pick between the two, yet that is what we are going to look at.

Casey Mize has hellacious stuff. Mize has a four-pitch offering. Fastball, slider, change up and a wicked split-finger-fastball. Every pitch Mize throws is capable of missing bats.

FanGraph’s just released it’s list of Detroit Tigers top prospects. The site lists Matt Manning as the organizations top prospect heading into the 2020 season. Manning tops the list seems to indicate  his development rather than Mize’s shortcomings. Manning has, in FanGraphs’ words, “become the dream.”

Matt Manning has an athletic frame with a fastball that tops out at 98 mph. Both Manning’s fastball and curveball received plus grades, and his developing changeup also received praise. “Manning is tracking like an All-Star starter and a potential top-of-the-rotation arm,” the FanGraph scouts concluded.

The good news for the pitching rich Detroit Tigers system is it boasts of two top line starters. One just edging the other one out of the top spot. Both Casey Mize and Matt Manning are expected to be in Detroit at some point this season.

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Are the Detroit Lions planning life after Matthew Stafford

Embed from Getty Images Rumors! I like rumors about as much as I like Mock Drafts. Not at all!!! However, when multiple people are reporting the same thing it does at the very least, turn heads. The Detroit Lions coaching staff has been in Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl. It was reported this past week they are willing to move quarterback Matthew Stafford.

With a playoffs or no job mandate from Lions owner Martha Ford, it would seem counterintuitive to part with a starting quarterback who has been with the Lions since 2009.

Before a back injury ended his season Matthew Stafford was having a solid season for the Detroit Lions, but his large salary may not serve the Lions best interests to retool this season. There is already a defensive overhaul coming.

Yet, Omar Kelly, from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel is reporting the Lions are willing to trade Stafford.

This would and would not be a surprising move. Yes, general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia have been told to get to the playoffs or else. Yes, the team is rebuilding the defense. Yes trading Stafford means a total rebuild.

That said Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa  who is very good and very accurate should be there when the Lions pick third over-all in the first round. But, a playoff or bust with a rookie quarterback? That would be daring.

This could all be a smoke-screen. The Lions could be dangling Stafford (in name only) to see if they can gather more draft picks or it could be legit. Detroit feels like they are going into the 2020 season with the best running game the franchise has had in a while. They have good wide receivers and tight ends. If they believe they can put enough good players around him then they could draft Tagovailoa.

It could be something, it could be nothing. Time will tell. It is worth keeping an eye on for Detroit Lions fans.

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The Detroit Lions hope Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough can be a solid running tandem

Embed from Getty Images When he was selected by the Detroit Lions to spearhead the teams running attack Kerryon Johnson looked good at times, looked ho-hum at times and was injured at times. Enter former Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough, who played well in games Johnson missed.

Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough have contrasting running styles, that could end up being the combination that solves the Detroit Lions run game in 2020 and beyond. It is a duo both are comfortable with. They know they have different styles — Scarbrough is a big, power back while Johnson is a smaller, shiftier runner.

NFL teams now include a construction of backfields, with teams now employing more than one running back capable of handling a large workload. It keeps them fresh and gives teams options if injuries arise. It could also help to avoid injuries as well.

This past season, the Lions saw Johnson rush 113 times for 403 yards while Scarbrough had 89 carries for 377 yards. It was only a two-game sample size as Johnson and Scarbrough played two games together the final two games of the season. But it was enough to see the two backs have a combination that can be difficult for defensive coordinators and the front seven players tasked with tackling them.

Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia has always wanted a solid running game with two backs well, both from his New England pedigree and also in his attempt to keep his backs healthy for a full season.

In  week 16 against the Denver Broncos,  the duo of Johnson and Scarbrough combined for 76 yards against the Broncos and 95 yards in the season finale against the Packers. It might not sound like a lot of yardage, but both averaged over four yards per carry over the last two weeks.

Next season, the Lions will enter games with two running backs who have proved they can feed off of each other. The team also has found they can grind time off the clock as a good ball-controlled offense should, putting the team in better position to win tight games.

This is part of the reason I believe the Lions will be better next season and win those tight games.

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Detroit Red Wings Moritz Seider excelling in first AHL season

Embed from Getty Images There was plenty of blacklash and anger coming out of Detroit back in June. That is when Detroit Red Wings general manager announced the team was selecting German defenseman Moritz Seider. The shock has worn off and a solid player has emerged. Just as Yzerman suspects would happen.

Many NHL scouts have compared Moritz Seider to defenseman Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Seider has been turning some heads and  has emerged as the top defense prospect in the Red Wings organization.

As the first half of the season is coming to a close, let us take a closer look at how Seider’s 2019-20 season has been going with the Grand Rapids Griffins and his performance at the IIHF World Junior Championships with the German team.

This season, Seider has played in 33 games with the Griffins at the AHL level. Over that stretch, he has managed 2 goals and 13 assists as well as 15  points. Seider is a -8 rating on the season for the Griffins. He signed an entry level contract before the start of the season that brought him over to the AHL from the DEL in Germany.

Being only 18 years old, and the fact that he has been a  team leader is an excellent addition to his growth as a player. On top of leadership, he had 6 assists in more than 7 games leading National German team.

Seider may get his nine game trial run this season after the NHL All-Star break, but next season, if his dominance continues and development stays on the course it is, he may be skating with the Red Wings more than first thought.

It is safe to say Moritz Seider will see time with the Red Wings NHL roster during the 2020-21 season. As he is he has adapted his game to the smaller, faster NHL hockey rinks, and is ahead of his development.