Lions News

[-Deborah-]

Good read!! As someone who used to work in radio, I am in awe of his schedule. He is a hard worker and really good at his job. Love seeing the video clips of him and his crew handling the big calls.

[whatever_gong82]

The 1st article, from a guy writing for the Chargers' fans, no less, on how Ben Johnson snookered LA Chargers' Head Coach Brandon Staley all game long this past Sunday has a lot of pictures in it, and I have to save them (and post them in the article!) so that the online article makes sense.

Please give me another 10-15 minutes.

[whatever_gong82]

How Lions OC Ben Johnson stayed one step ahead of Chargers’ Brandon Staley

Ben Johnson vs. LA Chargers.jpg

By Daniel Popper
8h ago



On Monday, a day after the Los Angeles Chargers gave up 41 points in a Week 10 loss to the Detroit Lions, coach Brandon Staley took responsibility for how his defense played.

“We haven’t been consistent enough,” he said. “It starts with me.”



The next question was a follow-up. When he said “starts with me,” was he referring to play calling?

“No,” Staley said. “It’s the execution of the technique and the fundamentals. Those are within our control, and we just need to do a better job of executing our assignment and our technique. If it was a scheme-related error, you would see us make adjustments that way.”



Two days later, on Wednesday, Staley said he will continue calling defensive plays in Week 11 when the Chargers play at the Green Bay Packers.

The film from Sunday’s loss to the Lions shows one fact undeniably: Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was one step ahead of Staley from the first drive to the last drive.


A defense does not give up 41 points and 533 yards without execution mistakes from the players. For example, the Chargers missed multiple tackles on both of the Lions’ long runs — a 35-yard Jahmyr Gibbs rush in the first quarter and a 75-yard David Montgomery touchdown run in the second quarter. They mishandled coverage responsibilities when they bit too hard on a play-action fake on tight end Brock Wright’s 25-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.

But to pin the performance entirely on execution is to misrepresent the truth of what happened.



We will start on Detroit’s opening possession. The Lions faced a first-and-10 from their own 42-yard line. They came on in 12 personnel — one running back, two tight ends, two wide receivers. The Chargers matched with their base defense — two corners, two safeties, two inside linebackers, three interior defensive linemen, two edge rushers.

The Lions spread their two tights out to left side of the formation, which forced edge rusher Khalil Mack, circled in yellow, to shift into a coverage alignment.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic1.jpg
The Chargers were in a Cover 4, or quarters, call, with all four deep defenders responsible for a fourth of the field.
Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic2.jpg

Johnson, meanwhile, had a quarters-beater play design called. Receiver Josh Reynolds, circled in blue and aligned to the right side of the formation, was running a dig route. Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, aligned in the slot to the left and circled in pink, was running an over route behind Reynolds.

This design was attempting to put safety Derwin James Jr., circled in yellow, in conflict with routes breaking both in front of him and behind him.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic3.jpg

Lions quarterback Jared Goff took the shotgun snap, and the routes developed.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic4.jpg

As Reynolds broke inside on his dig, James drove on the route, leaving his deep quarter zone vacated.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic5.jpg
Goff hit St. Brown for an easy 46-yard completion that set up a Lions field goal.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic6.jpg

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic7.jpg

James was supposed to stay home to defend his deep quarter. However, if James did not close on the dig, Goff could have completed to Reynolds over the middle behind the linebackers.

The play is designed to put James in conflict. Johnson had the right play called for the right defensive look. And it worked.

This was just the first of many such examples in this game.


continued..

[whatever_gong82]

Later in the first quarter, the Lions faced a fourth-and-5 from the Chargers’ 28-yard line.

Expecting a pass, Staley called a defense out of his dime package, with six defensive backs: Asante Samuel Jr. and Deane Leonard at outside cornerback, Ja’Sir Taylor at nickel, or Star; James at dime backer, or Money; and Alohi Gilman and Dean Marlowe at safety.

Staley paired that with his pass-rushing front with three edge rushers (Joey Bosa, Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu) and one interior defensive (Morgan Fox).


Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic8.jpg


The Lions were anticipating this look and Johnson called a run. Detroit had the advantage up front, with six blockers for the six Chargers defenders in the box — a hat on a hat in football parlance.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic9.jpg


The Lions ran a trap run play, with left guard Jonah Jackson pulling to block the Chargers’ lone interior defensive lineman, Fox.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic10.jpg


As Goff took the snap and handed to Montgomery, you can see the Lions have one blocker for each Chargers defender.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic11.jpg

Montgomery made a good read to cut to the outside of Jackson’s right shoulder.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic12.jpg

Montgomery was already through the hole by the time Marlowe was able to drive down into the box in run support from his two-high pre-snap alignments.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic13.jpg

Marlowe made the initial hit.
Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic14.jpg


The Lions offensive line pushed Montgomery past the line to gain.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic15.jpg

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic16.jpg

The right call against the right look. And this continued for Johnson and Lions until the last possession of the game, their winning field-goal drive.

On the first play of that drive, the Lions opened from their own 25-yard line.

Staley called a five-man pressure, with Taylor blitzing out of the slot. The Chargers played a fire zone behind it — a variation of Cover 3 with three deep-field zone defenders and three underneath zone defenders.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic17.jpg

Johnson had called a heavy play-action play, with Goff faking a stretch handoff to Montgomery. The route concept, meanwhile, was designed to attack the Chargers’ right flat defender, in this case Gilman, with a crossing route. Kalif Raymond, circled in green, was running the crosser. St. Brown, circled in orange in the slot to the left, was running a clear-out route to occupy Gilman. Jameson Williams, aligned to the outside left and circled in red, was running a deep dig to occupy Samuel, the outside corner.

The defense is designed for Gilman to cover the flat zone but his first responsibility is covering any vertical routes up the seam. That left linebacker Eric Kendricks to run with the crosser despite his run-fit responsibilities.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic18.jpg

Goff took the under center snap and faked the handoff. You can see the Chargers’ two defenders to the left side occupied by the clear-out routes. Raymond broke to the inside on his crosser, in front of the face of Kendricks. Taylor got a late jump on his blitz.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic19.jpg

As Goff settled into his drop, Raymond ran past Kendricks, who was sucked in by the play-action fake. Kendricks allowed Raymond a free release.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic20.jpg

Raymond ran wide open into the vacated zone, with Kendricks just beginning to track him.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic21.jpg

Easy pitch and catch for Goff.
Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic22.jpg
Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic23.jpg

And nothing but green grass in front of Raymond.

Detroit Lions at LA Chargers_Pic24.jpg

He went up the sideline for 41 yards, moving the Lions into field goal range.

“Good play design,” Staley said, “and good execution by them.”

The Chargers are 44 games into the Staley era. They rank 30th in defensive EPA per play this season heading into Week 11.

The blame falls everywhere — execution, scheme and play calling.



Daniel Popper is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Los Angeles Chargers. He previously covered the Jacksonville Jaguars for The Athletic after following the New York Jets for the New York Daily News, where he spent three years writing, reporting and podcasting about local pro sports. Follow Daniel on Twitter @danielrpopper

[whatever_gong82]

I'm adding the other pictures in the post above.

I posted the additional info so that the posts are in numerical order, and not cut off with someone else's post.

[whatever_gong82]

I've finally finished the 1st Athletic article. It took longer than I thought.

I'm taking a quick break.

I will post the other Athletic article later today.

[Mainevent]

Ben Johnson’s awesome, and that was a fun watch. But they SHOULD carve up that defense, Chargers are 31st overall and 32nd against the pass.

[whatever_gong82]

Lions’ best-case, worst-case scenarios in final 8 games as they eye playoffs

Detroit at Green Bay action.jpg

By Colton Pouncy
Nov 17, 2023



It’s mid-November and the Detroit Lions are eyeing the playoffs. As things currently stand, the Lions have a 99 percent chance to make the playoffs and an 86 percent chance to win the NFC North, per the New York Times’ playoff simulator. They’ve positioned themselves for a trip to the postseason, and perhaps a run once there, if they take care of business down the stretch.

The final eight games will go a long way.

With that in mind, let’s take a game-by-game look with best- and worst-case scenarios for each week, as the Lions try to end on a high note.


Week 11: Bears at Lions


Best-case scenario: Justin Fields, set to play his first game since injuring his thumb in Week 6, is still shaking off the rust. He throws two interceptions, one to Kerby Joseph, in a Lions rout. Aaron Glenn gets the bounce-back performance he was hoping for, as the Lions shut down the Bears’ run game and hold them to under 20 points. The David Montgomery revenge game finally arrives, as Detroit’s workhorse back rushes for a pair of touchdowns against his former team. The Lions win rather easily at home, and shift their attention to Thanksgiving.

Worst-case scenario: Fields’ return presents issues for a Lions team that hasn’t handled mobile quarterbacks well. Fields and an improved Bears defense show up ready to play, with nothing to lose. The Bears’ second-ranked run defense limits Montgomery’s effectiveness. Wide receiver D.J. Moore and tight end Cole Kmet torch Detroit’s secondary, the Lions’ defense can’t get off the field on third downs, defensive end Montez Sweat makes his presence felt and the Bears pull off the shocker at Ford Field.

The pick: The Lions take care of business and improve to 8-2.


Week 12: Packers at Lions


Best-case scenario: A repeat of the first time these teams met, only this time, Lions fans make their presence felt in their home stadium. Jordan Love has to move to a silent count at Ford Field. The Lions get after a weak Packers offensive line to the tune of five sacks — just what the doctor ordered considering their lack of production of late. The offense finds the soft spots in Green Bay’s zone defense, as Amon-Ra St. Brown tops the 100-yard mark yet again. The Lions win and Detroit has a happy Thanksgiving.

Worst-case scenario: Love lets it rip downfield, throwing with precision and touch, hitting his guys Jayden Reed and Christian Watson in stride. Aaron Jones, limited in the first meeting, is far more effective and has some success against Detroit’s run defense. Jaire Alexander, who missed the first game, has an interception and Rashan Gary rattles Jared Goff. The Lions lose a letdown on Thanksgiving.

The pick: This one is closer than the first matchup, but the Lions, now 9-2, beat the Packers.


Week 13: Lions at Saints


Best-case scenario: The Lions have no trouble handling the Saints’ dink-and-dunk offense. Jack Campbell has his best day as a pro and begins to round into form a month before the playoffs. Derek Carr and the offense struggle to muster up much outside of check-downs to Alvin Kamara. A Saints team that has yet to play an offense as prolific as this Lions’ attack learns just how many ways this unit can beat you. The Lions win comfortably in the boot.

Worst-case scenario: Carr and the Saints offense decide to open up the downfield passing game. Wide receiver Chris Olave has a career day against the Lions’ secondary, Kamara gets yards in chunks on the ground and through the air and the Saints’ defense — ninth in scoring defense, ninth in passing yards per game and 10th in total defense — provides a challenge for the Lions. At home, the Saints get the W over the Lions.

The pick: The Saints are better on paper than on the field, and the Lions prove that. Lions win on the road and improve to 10-2.


Week 14: Lions at Bears


Best-case scenario: The Lions just prove to be a bad matchup for a Bears team that’s still rebuilding. This time, it’s Jahmyr Gibbs doing the damage against the Bears, as Montgomery takes a back seat against his former team. Soldier Field becomes Ford Field West, as Lions fans take over the stadium and drown out the home crowd.

Worst-case scenario: It’s hard to beat a team twice. The Bears keep getting better and discover an identity, similar to the Lions a year ago. Fields does his thing and runs for north of 100 yards. The explosive plays stack up and the Bears get it done against the Lions.

The pick: The Bears still aren’t ready, but they’re getting closer. The Lions improve to 11-2.


Week 15: Broncos at Lions


Best-case scenario: The Lions, winners of six in a row, are looking to keep things rolling against the Broncos. The secondary has a strong day against some good, but not great, receivers. Russell Wilson tries to play hero ball and gets himself into trouble, racking up a pair of turnovers. The defense can’t generate pressure against the Lions’ offensive line, and Detroit rolls to another win.

Worst-case scenario: The Broncos, surging at the right time, have discovered their identity. The Lions’ defense lets Russ cook. He plays efficient, mistake-free football. An ever-improving Denver defense gives the Lions’ offense fits. Javonte Williams proves to be a difficult back to take down. Pat Surtain II locks up Detroit’s passing game and the Lions struggle at home against a team with wins over the Chiefs and Bills. The Broncos picks up another impressive win.

The pick: Broncos win. They’re playing good football and appear to have figured things out. The Lions fall to 11-3.


Josh Dobbs vs. New Orleans Saints.jpg

Week 16: Lions at Vikings

Best-case scenario: Dan Campbell gets his group motivated to bounce back on Christmas Eve, reminding his team what happened against the Panthers a year ago. The Lions use that as fuel and take care of business against a scrappy Vikings team that continues to find ways to win.

Worst-case scenario: In the first of two matchups in the final three weeks of the season, the Vikings get the best of the Lions. The home-field advantage at U.S. Bank Stadium is evident. Brian Flores’ much-improved defense sets the tone, picking off Goff and forcing three Lions turnovers. The Lions have no answer for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, who make life easy for Josh Dobbs. Hungry after a potential loss to the Bengals the week before, the Vikings bounce back with a win.

The pick: The Vikings, whose wins without Kirk Cousins have come against the Packers, Falcons and Saints, deserve credit for pulling together. But the Lions are clearly in a better tier. Detroit gets it done and improves to 12-3.


Week 17: Lions at Cowboys

Best-case scenario: The Lions, playing an opponent they could see in the first round of the playoffs, make a statement in Dallas. Ben Johnson hits all the right notes to carve up a formidable Dallas defense. Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker stonewall Micah Parsons and the Cowboys’ front seven. Gibbs has 120 scrimmage yards, Jameson Williams hauls in a 40-yard touchdown and the Lions’ run defense makes the Cowboys one-dimensional. In the end, it’s enough for a win just before the New Year.

Worst-case scenario: Dak Prescott does what he’s done to various secondaries over the last month or so and gashes the Lions for 330 yards and three touchdowns. Parsons and company get the best of Sewell and the offensive line, rattling Goff and limiting his time to throw. It’s a struggle for the offense, and the defense doesn’t have it. This one looks eerily similar to the Ravens game. Over before the first half.

The pick: Cowboys win, but the Lions are in it until the end. Detroit falls to 12-4.


Week 18: Vikings at Lions

Best-case scenario: A Lions team eager to finish the regular season on a high note and secure the NFC’s No. 2 seed shows up ready to play. The offensive line neutralizes Minnesota’s pass rush, led by Danielle Hunter, and keeps Goff upright. The defensive line, aided by the return of James Houston, has Dobbs on the run early and often. Detroit takes care of business and secures a top-2 seed in the NFC.

Worst-case scenario: The Vikings are fighting for a playoff spot and have established an identity under Dobbs, who now has a firm grasp of the playbook, full command of the offense and budding chemistry with playmakers like Jefferson and Addison. The defense is playing as one under Flores, who confuses Detroit’s protection with an array of blitzes. The Vikings get the win and pull off the upset on the road.

The pick: The Lions pull it out and go undefeated in the NFC North and 13-4 overall. It’s enough to secure the NFC’s No. 2 seed.



Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions. He previously covered Michigan State football and basketball for the company, and covered sports for The Tennessean in Nashville prior to joining The Athletic. Follow Colton on Twitter @colton_pouncy

[whatever_gong82]

Lions' perpetually snakebitten offensive line will once again be down a starter



Justin Rogers
The Detroit News



Allen Park — With the team's starting offensive line healthy and starting together for the first time since the season opener, the potential of Detroit's offense was unlocked in last week's 41-38 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. In the contest, the unit held the opposition's talented defensive line without a sack and helped pave the way for a ground game that averaged 6.5 yards per carry.



But the snakebitten group has been dealt yet another setback. Guard Jonah Jackson, who had just returned from a three-game absence related to a high-ankle sprain, is back on the shelf for Sunday's game against Chicago because of a wrist injury suffered against the Chargers. He was officially ruled out Friday afternoon.

That will leave the Lions to turn to either Kayode Awosika or rookie Colby Sorsdal to fill the Jackson-sized hole up front.



In addition to Jackson, the team also ruled out Isaiah Buggs, who missed the week of practice because of an illness. Coach Dan Campbell said the veteran defensive tackle has a couple of things going on, medically, and it's unclear how long he'll be out of action.

With Buggs out, it opens the door for one of Detroit's young defensive tackles to get some playing time. Options include third-round draft pick Brodric Martin or possibly even 338-pound practice squader Quinton Bohanna, who started nine games for the Dallas Cowboys last season.

Jonah Jackson is out for 11-19-2023 Bears game.jpg

The only other Lions player on this week's injury report is safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who suffered a hand injury against the Chargers and was sporting a club on his left hand during practice this week.

Off the injury report is wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, who is in line to make his Lions debut, after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Cleveland Browns.



jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

[froot loops]

Ben Johnson’s awesome, and that was a fun watch. But they SHOULD carve up that defense, Chargers are 31st overall and 32nd against the pass.

JT O'Sullivan has a YouTube channel that goes over the quarterback's game. Each episode is 30 minutes. He did one for both Goff's game and Herbert's game. It was interesting in Goff's video there are a couple plays where he is like, "What is the defense doing?"

In the Herbert video Herbert he praises these throws where he is throwing fastballs that hardly any other quarterback can do. But he also is critical because Herbert does the fastballs too much where touch would have been better.

[chemiclord]

Hebert does give me Stafford vibes in that sense as well. Early in Matt's career he struggled with putting touch on the ball, and seemed to throw everything at an all out cannon. It's one of those things that you either have learned before making it to the NFL, or it takes a few years once you're in there.

[jaadam4]

Hebert does give me Stafford vibes in that sense as well. Early in Matt's career he struggled with putting touch on the ball, and seemed to throw everything at an all out cannon. It's one of those things that you either have learned before making it to the NFL, or it takes a few years once you're in there.

Exactly what I thought when I read that

[edindetroit]

Lions’ best-case, worst-case scenarios in final 8 games as they eye playoffs

Detroit at Green Bay action.jpg

By Colton Pouncy
Nov 17, 2023



It’s mid-November and the Detroit Lions are eyeing the playoffs. As things currently stand, the Lions have a 99 percent chance to make the playoffs and an 86 percent chance to win the NFC North, per the New York Times’ playoff simulator. They’ve positioned themselves for a trip to the postseason, and perhaps a run once there, if they take care of business down the stretch.

The final eight games will go a long way.

With that in mind, let’s take a game-by-game look with best- and worst-case scenarios for each week, as the Lions try to end on a high note.


Week 11: Bears at Lions


Best-case scenario: Justin Fields, set to play his first game since injuring his thumb in Week 6, is still shaking off the rust. He throws two interceptions, one to Kerby Joseph, in a Lions rout. Aaron Glenn gets the bounce-back performance he was hoping for, as the Lions shut down the Bears’ run game and hold them to under 20 points. The David Montgomery revenge game finally arrives, as Detroit’s workhorse back rushes for a pair of touchdowns against his former team. The Lions win rather easily at home, and shift their attention to Thanksgiving.

Worst-case scenario: Fields’ return presents issues for a Lions team that hasn’t handled mobile quarterbacks well. Fields and an improved Bears defense show up ready to play, with nothing to lose. The Bears’ second-ranked run defense limits Montgomery’s effectiveness. Wide receiver D.J. Moore and tight end Cole Kmet torch Detroit’s secondary, the Lions’ defense can’t get off the field on third downs, defensive end Montez Sweat makes his presence felt and the Bears pull off the shocker at Ford Field.

The pick: The Lions take care of business and improve to 8-2.


Week 12: Packers at Lions


Best-case scenario: A repeat of the first time these teams met, only this time, Lions fans make their presence felt in their home stadium. Jordan Love has to move to a silent count at Ford Field. The Lions get after a weak Packers offensive line to the tune of five sacks — just what the doctor ordered considering their lack of production of late. The offense finds the soft spots in Green Bay’s zone defense, as Amon-Ra St. Brown tops the 100-yard mark yet again. The Lions win and Detroit has a happy Thanksgiving.

Worst-case scenario: Love lets it rip downfield, throwing with precision and touch, hitting his guys Jayden Reed and Christian Watson in stride. Aaron Jones, limited in the first meeting, is far more effective and has some success against Detroit’s run defense. Jaire Alexander, who missed the first game, has an interception and Rashan Gary rattles Jared Goff. The Lions lose a letdown on Thanksgiving.

The pick: This one is closer than the first matchup, but the Lions, now 9-2, beat the Packers.


Week 13: Lions at Saints


Best-case scenario: The Lions have no trouble handling the Saints’ dink-and-dunk offense. Jack Campbell has his best day as a pro and begins to round into form a month before the playoffs. Derek Carr and the offense struggle to muster up much outside of check-downs to Alvin Kamara. A Saints team that has yet to play an offense as prolific as this Lions’ attack learns just how many ways this unit can beat you. The Lions win comfortably in the boot.

Worst-case scenario: Carr and the Saints offense decide to open up the downfield passing game. Wide receiver Chris Olave has a career day against the Lions’ secondary, Kamara gets yards in chunks on the ground and through the air and the Saints’ defense — ninth in scoring defense, ninth in passing yards per game and 10th in total defense — provides a challenge for the Lions. At home, the Saints get the W over the Lions.

The pick: The Saints are better on paper than on the field, and the Lions prove that. Lions win on the road and improve to 10-2.


Week 14: Lions at Bears


Best-case scenario: The Lions just prove to be a bad matchup for a Bears team that’s still rebuilding. This time, it’s Jahmyr Gibbs doing the damage against the Bears, as Montgomery takes a back seat against his former team. Soldier Field becomes Ford Field West, as Lions fans take over the stadium and drown out the home crowd.

Worst-case scenario: It’s hard to beat a team twice. The Bears keep getting better and discover an identity, similar to the Lions a year ago. Fields does his thing and runs for north of 100 yards. The explosive plays stack up and the Bears get it done against the Lions.

The pick: The Bears still aren’t ready, but they’re getting closer. The Lions improve to 11-2.


Week 15: Broncos at Lions


Best-case scenario: The Lions, winners of six in a row, are looking to keep things rolling against the Broncos. The secondary has a strong day against some good, but not great, receivers. Russell Wilson tries to play hero ball and gets himself into trouble, racking up a pair of turnovers. The defense can’t generate pressure against the Lions’ offensive line, and Detroit rolls to another win.

Worst-case scenario: The Broncos, surging at the right time, have discovered their identity. The Lions’ defense lets Russ cook. He plays efficient, mistake-free football. An ever-improving Denver defense gives the Lions’ offense fits. Javonte Williams proves to be a difficult back to take down. Pat Surtain II locks up Detroit’s passing game and the Lions struggle at home against a team with wins over the Chiefs and Bills. The Broncos picks up another impressive win.

The pick: Broncos win. They’re playing good football and appear to have figured things out. The Lions fall to 11-3.


Josh Dobbs vs. New Orleans Saints.jpg

Week 16: Lions at Vikings

Best-case scenario: Dan Campbell gets his group motivated to bounce back on Christmas Eve, reminding his team what happened against the Panthers a year ago. The Lions use that as fuel and take care of business against a scrappy Vikings team that continues to find ways to win.

Worst-case scenario: In the first of two matchups in the final three weeks of the season, the Vikings get the best of the Lions. The home-field advantage at U.S. Bank Stadium is evident. Brian Flores’ much-improved defense sets the tone, picking off Goff and forcing three Lions turnovers. The Lions have no answer for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, who make life easy for Josh Dobbs. Hungry after a potential loss to the Bengals the week before, the Vikings bounce back with a win.

The pick: The Vikings, whose wins without Kirk Cousins have come against the Packers, Falcons and Saints, deserve credit for pulling together. But the Lions are clearly in a better tier. Detroit gets it done and improves to 12-3.


Week 17: Lions at Cowboys

Best-case scenario: The Lions, playing an opponent they could see in the first round of the playoffs, make a statement in Dallas. Ben Johnson hits all the right notes to carve up a formidable Dallas defense. Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker stonewall Micah Parsons and the Cowboys’ front seven. Gibbs has 120 scrimmage yards, Jameson Williams hauls in a 40-yard touchdown and the Lions’ run defense makes the Cowboys one-dimensional. In the end, it’s enough for a win just before the New Year.

Worst-case scenario: Dak Prescott does what he’s done to various secondaries over the last month or so and gashes the Lions for 330 yards and three touchdowns. Parsons and company get the best of Sewell and the offensive line, rattling Goff and limiting his time to throw. It’s a struggle for the offense, and the defense doesn’t have it. This one looks eerily similar to the Ravens game. Over before the first half.

The pick: Cowboys win, but the Lions are in it until the end. Detroit falls to 12-4.


Week 18: Vikings at Lions

Best-case scenario: A Lions team eager to finish the regular season on a high note and secure the NFC’s No. 2 seed shows up ready to play. The offensive line neutralizes Minnesota’s pass rush, led by Danielle Hunter, and keeps Goff upright. The defensive line, aided by the return of James Houston, has Dobbs on the run early and often. Detroit takes care of business and secures a top-2 seed in the NFC.

Worst-case scenario: The Vikings are fighting for a playoff spot and have established an identity under Dobbs, who now has a firm grasp of the playbook, full command of the offense and budding chemistry with playmakers like Jefferson and Addison. The defense is playing as one under Flores, who confuses Detroit’s protection with an array of blitzes. The Vikings get the win and pull off the upset on the road.

The pick: The Lions pull it out and go undefeated in the NFC North and 13-4 overall. It’s enough to secure the NFC’s No. 2 seed.



Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions. He previously covered Michigan State football and basketball for the company, and covered sports for The Tennessean in Nashville prior to joining The Athletic. Follow Colton on Twitter @colton_pouncy

The Lions aren’t losing to the Broncos at home, 14-3.

[whatever_gong82]

The Lions aren’t losing to the Broncos at home, 14-3.

I hope.

All I want this year is for the Detroit Lions to do these 3 things at a minimum:

1) Finish with a +.500 record (A winning season)

2) Win the NFC North for the first time EVER, and the team's first Division Title since 1993 (In the old NFC Central)

3) Win a Playoff Game, for the first time since the 1991 Detroit Lions did that thing.

After that, anything else is gravy, including a Super Bowl title.

[El Axe]

Mike Martz enjoying breaking down the Lions blocking schemes. Fun watch