Tag: Detroit Lions

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Detroit Lions: a voice silenced

Embed from Getty Images 31 loyal seasons. He was the voice of Detroit Lions football. Until today when the Detroit Lions radio home WJR informed beloved broadcaster Jim Brandstatter, he was being replaced by former Lions offensive linemen Lomas Brown.

He was as announcers go an icon in the city of Detroit. For 31 NFL seasons that dated pre-Barry Sanders, Jim Brandstatter called the games. Like no other.

Many people would mute the t.v. and listen to “Brandy” call the games. He was that good. It is the radio stations right to bring in whoever they please. Lomas Brown is a very solid choice as he has done work on ESPN.

But for Lions fans Sunday’s will never be the same. Many say Jim Brandstatter is one of the best in the booth. That reaches outside Detroit. No person in Michigan would or could argue.

The news caught many Michiganders off guard. It seems the choice was WJR’s alone. The Detroit Lions, were said to be just as taken back. This is like when the late Mike Ilitch owned the Detroit Tigers, and fired Ernie Harwell.

Detroit Lions fans, can only hope like Mr. Ilitch WJR  realizes they made a mistake in a year or two and bring Brandstatter back.

Will there be push back against the radio station? You can count on it. People who follow sports include the people calling the game as part of the team. Detroit, is no different.

It is a shame of epic proportions. A talent like Jim Brandstatter should not be forced out but choose when they walk away. 31 years is a long time. Perhaps now Jim will be with his family Thanksgiving Day when the Lions play.

But for the fans, city and team it will not be the same.

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Detroit Lions: player to watch, Kenny Golladay

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Lions, have a wide receiver problem. They have a bunch of good ones. So maybe problem is a good thing as it creates competition and forces already good players to ramp it up a notch.

Kenny Golladay, is electrifying. He is the fastest of the Detroit Lions, wide receivers. Kenny, had what may would call a typical rookie NFL season. Looked great one week. Looked not so great the next week.

There is no reason for concern. The former Northern Illinois Husky, star is my Detroit Lions player to watch in 2018-19. Not too mention he has all the tools to be a great player.

The Detroit Lions, have Golden Tate and Marvin Jones jr,  who are very good receivers. Detroit, has missed and lacked that big threat downfield when Calvin Johnson retired.

Kenny Golladay, can do that. He can be Calvin Johnson-like. He is 6′ 4″ runs the 40 in 4.50. Once he finds consistency Golladay, is set for take off. Adding to the weapons quarterback Matthew Stafford, and the Lions have on offense.

Kenny Golladay, can be the guy to take his game and the Lions, offense to the next level. As he becomes more and more reliable the Detroit offense will open up even more. Golladay’s game will open spots for the other receivers and tight ends. Not to mention open running lanes for running backs.

It is not all up to one player. But, if certain players step it up the team or unit of a team becomes better balanced. That will happen as Golladay, matures into the player NFL experts say he will be.

I believe Kenny Golladay will take that next step this coming season. And Lions, fans will enjoy watching his growth as will Kenny’s teammates.

 

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Detroit Lions: Matt Patrica voted worst NFL coach

Embed from Getty Images It is both laughable and yet somewhat practical that new Detroit Lions, head coach Matt Patrica, has been voted the worst coach in the NFL.

I find these little polls both interesting and sort of stupid. Matt Patrica, a very decorated defensive coordinator in his time with the New England Patriots. Has seen his Detroit, coaching start being listed in less than flattering light.

Lions fans, should not hit the panic button. I totally get it. Matt Patrica has never coached a football game as a head coach. Respect is earned. Patrica, who literally is a rocket scientists (by degree) understands this.

To me this is not a slap in the face for the Detroit Lions, or the head coach. It is simply the pecking order. Many Hall of Fame coaches started at the bottom.

This is a show me moment for Patrica, more than the Detroit Lions. If he fails the organization will make changes. It is time for Patricia, to come to grips with the fact he is THE guy.

Every time the Lions, fail or are successful he will be the man in the cross fire. Good or bad. Such is the life of any head coach in any sports.

It is probably safe to say Matt Patrica, probably saw that poll and laughed. Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn is hoping his hand picked head coach gets the last laugh. As is Lions nation.

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Detroit Lions: How imroved will the run game be?

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Lions, have not been in the top half of the NFL since Hall Fame running back Barry Sanders, graced the Detroit backfield. 2018 has Detroit with a new coach, new running backs. What does it mean?

Veteran running LeGarrette Blount and rookie Kerryon Johnson, join the attempt to kick start the worst running attack in the NFL. Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia, has stated many times he wants a balanced offense.

Coach Patrica, has also adopted the New England Patriots, “Do your job” slogan.  That seems simple enough. But it is almost to basic. If everyone is focused and blocking the player lined up against them. If running backs are focused on hitting the designed running lane and not improvising. Better results are sure to follow.

The Detroit Lions, have not had a running back break 100 yards in a games since 2014 in the person of Reggie Bush.  Needless to say that is a long time. It is a long time the Lions have been toothless (pun intended) to the point of being dead last in every rushing stat.

Matt Patrica, is dead right. The same way a team can not win if defenders are not tackling. The same way a team will have a mixed bag of results mostly bad if the offense is not balanced.

An improved offensive line is a good start. But, the rest is up to the tailback. Whoever’s number is called on a certain down must “do your job.”

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Detroit Lions: Matt Patrica’s way or the highway

Embed from Getty Images Several media outlets say Detroit Lions, head coach Matt Patrica is causing a stir in mini camp. When players do not do the simple things the coaches ask they run. A lot.

Some think Patrica, could lose the team. Others say it is a slap on the hand. I say it is the coach. It is his team, his way. Why does there need to be drama behind running?

Should Matt Patrica, reward rebellious players who can not do the simple things? What does that look like in key times of a game? Order, structure and boundaries are needed. Even for grown men. Especially grown men with ego’s.

I believe Detroit Lions, players, front office, fans and media are getting a look at what it is like with a New England Patriots, practice and mini camp. Structured.

That has not been a word that has necessarily been associated with the Detroit Lions, very often over the years. Yet Patrica, is placing a premium on listening and obeying and the Detroit media is saying he is in danger of losing  his players 

Too me that is laughable. If they are grown men. Which they are. Then take the kid gloves off and change the culture. What is wrong with a new direction? The old way did not produce anything more than a playoff game once in a great while.

In the meantime, the “Patriot way” has produced in an epic fashion. Division titles, playoff births and let us not leave out Super Bowl appearances and victories.

Detroit, media should settle down. They should allow this to play out. They may be surprised by the results. If the Detroit Lions, do not achieve those results then tell people they feel it is a result of a coach telling his player to run a lap for failing to comply.

 

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Detroit Lions; With Matt Patricia the team will be fundamentally sound

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Lions, have had talented players but they have not always had coaches that teach proper fundamentals. Under new head coach Matt Patricia that will change.

The aftermath of the 2018 NFL draft is upon us and mini camps are set to open next week. That said the Detroit Lions, start in a new direction one that is based in fundamentally sound play.

Lions fans, can expect the team to play more sound, cut down on penalties, and play tougher than in seasons past. Patricia, has set the as the new norm in Detroit.

Patricia, while in New England with the Patriots had his defensive unit ready every play, every snap, every down. That is what is coming to the Lions. Attention to detail.

Matt Patricia’s defenses never self imploded as he coached them. The Detroit Lions, had moments sometime big moments of self implosion. That angered and frustrated the fan base at times.

I am not sure if that was the fault of previous Lions head coaches or assistant coaches. But there were times the staff was clearly not on the same page.

I fully expect that to be in the past as the Detroit Lions step in a new direction. A direction that is going to be chalked full of fundamental accountability.

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Detroit Lions: Da’Shawn Hand

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Lions, who will begin to switch their defensive scheme from a 4-3 to a 3-4 needed both more beef up front. As well as a pass rusher. Enter 300 lbs defensive end Da’Shawn Hand.

At the University of Alabama Da’Shawn Hand struggled to find consistent play. He did not become a starter for the Crimson Tide until this past season. His season saw good progress.

His long arm length helps Da’ Shawn close would be running lanes and alters the plans of running backs. For a big player he has fantastic balance. He has versatility to his game. He is fast enough to play end on the 3-4 or 3-technique in a 4-3 formation.

Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia,  earlier said the Lions would not commit to one or the other formation but would lineup in either given the situation. Making Hand, a solid pick.

While at Alabama  Da’Shawn Hand, missed 3 games due to a sprained MCL.  He has trouble consistently rushing the passer.  Despite having all the physical tools Detroit Lions, defensive coaches are going to have to work to help him find consistent play.

I have little doubt they can do the job. Lions, general manager Bob Quinn has yet to miss on a draft pick. I think by getting Da’ Shawn Hand in the fourth round they got a solid player with room to both improve and grow.

Given the Detroit, coaching staff this may be a steal of a draft pick.

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Detroit Lions: Tracy Walker

Embed from Getty Images At 6′ 1″ new Detroit Lions,  Tracy Walker was brought in with an eye on the future. For good reason. He’s a hitter.

Walker, is a very fluid athlete. He gets to the ball with little problem. As a three year starter at Louisiana-Lafayette he was an absolute ball-hawk. That is a plus given the talent in Detroit’s secondary.

He has a very quick first step and is fast to the point of attack. Tracy Walker does seem to have one speed and has been beaten deep. Leading me to believe he will play in a lot of zone situation.

Again the Detroit Lions, have a very good secondary so if Walker, plays zone he could also be a stand out special teams player given his instincts for getting to the ball.

Not too mention current Detroit Lions safety Quandre Diggs is entering the final year of his contract and has not developed as well as Lions, general manage Bob Quinn had hoped.

Detroit Lions head coach, Matt Patrica is famously known for coaching players up to a higher level than the players draft status could bode well for Tracy Walker.

He has the natural instincts that coaches look for and that can’t be taught. Getting to the ball before the pass is in the air. It will be fun to see just what Patricia and his coaching staff can do to elevate Walkers game.

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Detroit Lions: Kerryon Johnson

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Lions needed to upgrade a woeful running game. In day (actually night two) of the 2018 NFL draft they got a player who can help. A lot.

Kerryon Johnson, drafted out of Auburn University is a smooth runner. He also hits holes quickly. Johnson also is not afraid to lower his shoulders into would be tacklers.

The Detroit Lions, have lacked a bruiser at tail back for some time. Kerryon ends that search. He may also end the playing days of Ameer Abdullah . That is not a bad thing.

Kerryon Johnson, can step in from day one and be an impact back in the Detroit offense. Taking pressure off of quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions, may have just pushed the franchise closer to a championship.

One thing that Johnson, must work on is taking a hand off a go straight into a forward leaning run position. There were times while at Auburn Kerryon Johnson, stood straight up and down and took a beating behind the line of scrimmage.

Over all this is an outstanding pick by Detroit general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia. The Detroit Lions, offense is now better balanced with the addition of first round draft pick center Frank Ragnow, and now running back Kerryon Johnson.

Kerryon can handle a heavy work load. He is a solid pass blocker and although he wasn’t asked to catch the ball much out of the backfield. When call upon he delivered.

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Detroit Lions: Frank Ragnow

Embed from Getty Images Detroit Lions general manager, Bob Quinn stuck by his drafting dependable players during last nights first round of the 2018 NFL draft. Grabbing a center and helping the Lions, offensive line.

At 6′ 5″ 312 lbs. Frank Ragnow is a hulk of a center. He was captain of the Arkansas Razorbacks. He is strong and is a tough run blocker. Something the Detroit Lions have lacked at the center position.

Leading up to the draft Lions head coach Matt Patricia, said he likes to build teams from the ball out. Check. Ragnow, also is somewhat versatile in that he can also line up at right guard.

He did have a high ankle injury that lead to surgery during the Razorbacks, 2017 season. Detroit, must have been pleased with the medical records.

One drawback on Frank Ragnow is his hands sometimes get outside the pads and leads to holding penalties. With all of that the Detroit Lions, got a heck of a player. A guy who can be a fixture for a longtime to come.

Both the Detroit, passing and running game just improved as well. In an earlier blog I said I did not think Bob Quinn, would draft a running back in the first round at #20.

I could see them drafting one in rounds two or three.