Author: brian wallace

Detroit sports fan for life!!
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Detroit Lions: are they ready for the season to start?

Embed from Getty Images Given poor performances this preseason. There is a real doubt the Matt Patricia lead Detroit Lions are ready for the 2018-19 NFL season to start. That has Detroit Lions fans feeling unsettled.

 

The Detroit Lions offense looks out of sync. The Detroit Lions defense looks like it does not have a clue. The Detroit Lions regular season starts soon.

 

Matt Patricia is bringing a complex defense that is unlike the Detroit Lions have ever used. It is a proven defense. Just ask the New England Patriots. You can say “it is only preseason.”  But the defensive unit has not improved. At all.

 

The Lions secondary has been lit up like a Christmas tree. The reads have been off due to lining up in different spots on the field. Tackles have been missed as players try to figure out who exactly has who on the field during a play.

 

The Detroit offense, Matthew Stafford is the only player on this unit there is not worry and/or concern for. The offensive line has yet again looked offensive. The Detroit Lions look like a total mess.

 

I believe part of it is they simply do not have the right players to play “Patricia ball.” Speaking of Matt Patricia, his team looks bad and has played uninsipired through 3 preseason games. Patricia is struggling to grasp when to use timeouts.

 

For the Detroit Lions to show improvement. Matt Patricia  must show he can learn from his mistakes. As of this minute. He is not helping Lions general manager Bob Quinn out.

 

Quinn, who brought his friend and buddy Patricia in to get the Detroit Lions  over the hump and advance in the NFL playoffs has egg on his face as of right now. Unless things drastically change the Detroit Lions are going to have a very bad season.

 

That would not be getting the team over the hump.

 

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Michigan Wolverines: Jim Harbaugh has his quarterback

Embed from Getty Images Michigan Wolverines head football coach Jim Harbaugh is known for developing quarterbacks. As he enters his fourth season on the Michigan sidelines Harbaugh finally has his guy.

 

Jim Harbaugh, the quarterback whisperer. Sounds silly. Yet, look what he did at Stanford with Andrew Luck. Ok, that is not entirely fair. How about as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Colin Kaepernick. Before he refused to stand. Harbaugh, coached him and went to the Super Bowl. Jim Harbaugh left the Bay area and Kaepernick’s play took a dive.

 

In his time at Michigan, coach Harbaugh has been searching for his quarterback. Oh he did well with what he had. The Wolverines went to Bowl games. But now enters Old Miss transfer Shea Patterson.

 

Shea Patterson, is the best quarterback talent Harbaugh has had since the aforementioned Andrew Luck. Patterson though has a stronger arm. He can run. He does not turn the ball over.

 

Teammates, want a quarterback who is a leader. Jake Ruddock, Wilton Speight and John O’Korn ok quarterbacks. None none of which were leaders. In 2017 Shea’s last season at Old Miss he threw for 2,259 yards, 9 int’s with a QBR of 63.8.

 

In my opinion, Jim Harbaugh picked Shea Patterson over Brandon Peters for two reasons. Given the fact Michigan football has the toughest schedule in the Big 10 and Peters lacks experience and also the fact Patterson comes from the SEC and has beaten top programs it was a rather easy pick.

 

Brandon Peters will be the backup. Shea Patterson will be under center week one. September 1st when the Wolverines invade Notre Dame.  Given the Michigan Wolverines #1 rated defense heading into the season. Patterson now gives the offense better balance.

 

As tough as the Big 10 East is. The Wolverines should give teams fits. It all starts soon. Hail to the Victors.

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Detroit Lions: may be in trouble

Embed from Getty Images It is only preseason…. it is only preseason…… it is only preseason. Like many Detroit Lions fans this is what I keep reminding myself. However preseason aside. The Lions have serious problems.

 

The Detroit Lions have struggled, on both the offensive line and defensive line. The offensive line which was Lions general manager Bob Quinn’s biggest targets in both the NFL draft and free agency has not been in sink. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has been sacked 3 times in two preseason games.

 

Both Kenny Wiggins and Graham Glasgow have gotten off to bad starts. The offensive line has good talent. They must clean up on blocking and individual mistakes. Which certainly could happen.

 

The defensive line is a whole mess. A’ Shawn Robinson, has been well horrible. The second round 2016 draftee has put in back- to- back  bad performances. Against the Oakland Raiders and New York Giants. He missed would be tackles and was shoved out of the way by offensive linemen. At 6′ 4″, 322 lbs he should not simply get pushed around.

 

Through two preseason games the Detroit Lions have been sloppy.  Blown blocks,  way too many  penalties and not holding onto the ball. This is the part of the preseason where teams are starting to gel and gain momentum to head into the regular season with.  Time is ticking. Lions head coach Matt Patrica knows it.

 

The good in all of the bad play was that Detroit Lions players were mad. After the game. Veterans called out under performing players. As it should be. Players were very quick to praise the work that coach Patrica and his staff has done in preparing the players, The players understand it is all on them.

 

Still it needs to come together. Soon. Coaches do not coach  sloppiness. Matt Patricia is a stickler for detail. He was not in a talking mood after Friday’s loss at the hands of the Giants. He only said “things need to get cleaned up.”

 

It is only preseason…. it is only preseason…. it is only preseason. But soon it will not be.

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Detroit Tigers: prospects keep moving up

Embed from Getty Images For all intent and purpose the Detroit Tigers season is over. Losing has final taken it’s grip. The good news though is Tigers prospects continue to shoot through the system.

 

I go from Franklin Perez to Daz Cameron,  in which player I like more. Both Detroit Tigers prospects came to the organization via the Justin Verlander trade last season. Perez a starting pitcher has been hurt most of this season though still widely considered a can not miss prospect.

 

Then there is the dynamic center fielder Daz Cameron. Though rated as the Tigers #7 prospect I have him higher. As in #5. He may very well be the centerpiece of the Verlander trade. Cameron went from High A ball, to Double A, Erie Seawolves and today has been promoted to Triple a, Toledo Mud Hens.

 

Cameron demanded to promotion with his play. In 53 games, Daz is hitting .285,  five home runs and 35 RBI along with 22 stolen bases. Daz Cameron is the son of former MLB center fielder Michael Cameron. Daz is that good.

 

Also on the move in the Detroit Tigers pipeline is 2B Kody Clemens and OF  Brock Deatherage who are moving from Single A, West Michigan Whitecaps to High A, Lakeland Flying Tigers.

 

Also on the move is outfielder Parker Meadows. He appears headed from Gulf Coast League to Penn League affiliate. the biggest mover is SS  Wenceel Perez. Wenceel, at 18 years old has made a big impression. Hitting .317 the   Dominican Republic native looks like a tremendous pickup.

 

Even in a rebuild there is a lot to keep and eye. The Detroit Tigers minor leagues have some very good talent. Talent the will soon find itself on the Comerica Park field.

 

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Detroit: Rest in peace Aretha Franklin

Embed from Getty Images The voice. That voice. A gift from God. Given to a person who was as humble as she was respected. Aretha Franklin passed away on a rainy Thursday. The city of Detroit let out a collective cry.

 

She had money, fame and could have lived anywhere. She chose Detroit Michigan. The city she attended church and served the people. “Being the Queen is not all about  singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has more to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.” Miss Franklin was quoted as saying.

 

73 charted hits on the Billboard Hot 100 the most of any female artist. 18 Grammys. Recording Academy lifetime achievement Award, Grammy Legend award. The first female inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The Presidential Medal of Freedom. An incredible talent.

 

Detroiter Bob Seger said “What an other worldly talent. Legendary. Right up there with the greatest singers ever. She will be greatly missed.”

 

Aretha Franklin sang about respect one moment and lifted her voice to God the next. She  loved Detroit, and Detroit loved her back. She paid for funerals of people who could not afford them.

 

She did her own shopping which brought her closer to the people of the city. There are no words that will properly express what she has meant to the city of Detroit. She fought for civic rights in the city. Paid for children to go to school. The list is extensive.

 

When she passed away the Detroit airways filled with her songs. All of them. No matter the type of radio station. That is a powerful statement. Life will go on. The people of Detroit will never forget Miss Aretha. Ever.

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Michigan Wolverines: defense will be scary good

Embed from Getty Images With much focus on quarterback Shea Patterson and Jim Harbaugh calling offensive plays himself. The Michigan Wolverines 2018-19 defense heads into the season ranked #1.

Rashan Gary, is a returning all-American defensive end. Gary, is not the best player on the Wolverines defense. The defensive line also boasts of Chase Winovich,  Brian Mone and Aubrey Solomon as it’s core. Other players will rotate in during games.

This Michigan Woverines linebacker corps is outstanding. Devin Bush Jr. is a beast and the best player on defense. Noah Furbush, Josh Uche, Devin Gill  round out the talented unit.

The Michigan secondary is the best in the Big 10. Khaleke Hudson is tough hitter at safety.  Casey Hughes who transferred from Utah will anchor the strong safety. Lavert Hill and David Long set up as the top cornerbacks on the team.

Defensive coordinator Don Brown, is set to unleash his unit. His favorite saying is “Solving problems with aggression.” Expect the Wolverines defense to attack at all times.

As good as this defense is and can be. Under classmen will be counted on in important times in games. It is the only way to prepare them for when they start.

Last season Michigan tied for the national lead with 114 tackles for loss. The Michigan coaching staff expects that number to increase this season. This defense is  national championship good.

Michigan, hopes the offense does just enough to get them to the Big 10 championship game. Which is a real possibility.

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Detroit Tigers: a look ahead to the 2019 MLB draft

Embed from Getty Images As the Detroit Tigers continue to sink in the standings. Top  prospects have performed outstanding and give promise to a brighter tomorrow. Looking at a top 5 draft pick in next June’s draft.  Here is a few names to keep in mind.

 

Drew Mendoza, 3B, Florida State: As a sophomore Mendoza hit .313 with 7 home runs. at 6’5″ scouts doubt he will be able to stay at 3B most likely headed to the outfield.

Bobby Witt, SS, Has as much hype as high school SS  Brice Turang, had heading into the 2017 draft. Bobby Witt is a five tool player. High school players are tougher to evaluate than college players. One thing is for sure Witt will not make it out of the top five draft picks.

Riley Greene, OF, another high school player with four tool talent. Greene is widely viewed as the best pure hitter in this draft class. Average defender who can play both right and left field.

 

With the Detroit Tigers pipeline stacked with outstanding pitching I can not see them taking a pitcher in the first round. Yes, teams need to draft pitchers every year. But the Tigers need bats to keep the rebuild balanced. I full expect one of these three players to be wearing the Old English “D.”

This will help speed the rebuild up and keep fans interested. The Detroit Tigers are looking at 2020 to start playing competitive baseball again.

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Detroit Pistons: schedule release

Embed from Getty Images As the Detroit Pistons inch closer to training camp with an eye on the 2018-19 NBA regular season the schedule was released yesterday. A closer look shows some pivotal games.

The Detroit Pistons, open the regular season at Little Caesar’s arena against the Brooklyn Nets. Detroit is looking to reach the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season.

The Pistons will be on ESPN four times. December 7 vs 76ers, January 9 vs Lakers, Feburary 27 vs Spurs and March 13 vs Heat. in a move to promote player health the league is cutting back on back-to-back games. The Detroit Pistons will have a league low 13 this coming season.

For the first time since 2004 the Pistons do not have multi-games on the road until January and have 15 of the first 24 games in the Motor City. Including a six-game homestand.

As the team prepares for training camp they will have Blake Griffin for the full time as he was acquired last January. The hope is that point guard Reggie Jackson who has had two seasons of big injuries will be fully healthy.

Training camp opens in late September. I fully expect the 2018-19 Detroit Pistons to be a playoff team. IF they can stay healthy.

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Detroit Lions: first preseason game things to watch

  Embed from Getty Images As the Detroit Lions begin the process of getting game ready for the 2018-19 NFL regular season. Tonight’s game against the Oakland Raiders offers a few things for Lions fans to watch for.

 

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to play 3 downs tonight. Barely enough time to get his feet wet. More like a toe. Still Lions fans need to keep and eye on the revamped offensive line.

Running back, Kerryon Johnson looks to take the bulk of snaps in the Detroit backfield. No surprise as the Detroit Leo’s try to kick start some sort of running game.

Cornerback Tez Tabor, has had a good first two weeks of training camp. Drafted last season the second year DB looks to gain more playing time. With Detroit all world corner Darius Slay not expect to play (due to giving first and second year players a look) Tabor has a wide open door to walk through. If he picks up where he left off at the end of his rookie season Tez Tabor will get the playing time he craves.

Wide receiver Brandon Powell who has gifted speed and the ability to make plays in space should get a few tosses his way. The speedy Powell could also return some punts.

Preseason NFL game seem boring to many fans. Not to me. This is where all the scouting and film watching either pay off or disappoint. I like watching the games because sometimes there are players who are diamond in the roughs.

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Detroit Lions: the importance of Jarrad Davis

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Lions needing help at linebacker drafted Jarrad Davis out of the University of Florida in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft. After an up and down rookie season,  Jarrad Davis is ready to unleash.

The 2017 NFL season saw Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis struggle in passing situations. To the point he was replaced on second and long and third down. Making him a very expensive first round draft pick. Playing only first down only at middle linebacker is a career killer.

Jarrad Davis, though fought through and improved his pass coverage and was left in games as the season was winding down. Now Detroit head coach Matt Patrica and his staff aim to get more out of the second year linebacker.

When the Detroit Lions defense lines up in the 3-4 the linebackers are the single most important unit of the field. The move up to the line of scrimmage and fill the B and D gap between the defensive linemen.

Davis had 96 tackles last season. Now more will be expected from him