Lions News

[froot loops]

Currently Irvin is not a cut candidate as he is just a PS player. The way he is playing he is going to be on the roster after his last elevation is used Sunday.

Cabinda was considered by the coaches as their best special teams player. I am not a special teams expert but according to the POD guys, they love Cabinda and his PFF special teams grade is great. Basically there is a spot on special teams that calls for a a guy with Cabinda's size and speed. Right now Nowasake is in the roster because he replicates that size and speed and he was going to get poached.

Rodrigo was playing fullback for a few games, but that has been replaced by using LaPorta.

[Iron Lion]

Rodrigo at FB is convenient because he doesn't have to report eligible due to the jersey number. But him in the game signals to the defense. LaPorta at FB=defense doesn't know anything until they line up.

[Cody_Russell]

Oh, that’s right. Bruce Irvin is PS.
If James Houston can return this season, there might not be a reason to sign Irvin to the 53 man roster.

I would still put Charles Harris at the top of the cut list assuming there isn’t a special intangible that he brings.

[whatever_gong82]

Lions' Hendon Hooker focused on development next few weeks, but stays ready, just in case


Justin Rogers
The Detroit News



Allen Park — Last week, Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker started the process of breaking in some game cleats. You know, just in case.

At that point, having just completed the final practice of his three-week acclimation window coming off last season's ACL injury and repair, Hooker didn't know whether he'd even be added to the active roster. He didn't know because the team didn't know. The goal was to make that happen, but who knew how the math might change based on the then-pending matchup with the Denver Broncos. A couple of injuries in that game, and the Lions might not have had the flexibility to carry a third QB down the stretch.


But by escaping that contest in good shape, the Lions were able to pull the trigger on Hooker's activation on Tuesday, which will allow him to continue practicing with the team the remainder on the season.

It's been more than a year since Hooker suffered his ACL tear last November, derailing a senior season where he was in the mix to win the Heisman, as well as a candidate to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Instead, facing what essentially amount to a medical redshirt rookie year, plus being a couple of years older than the other top quarterback prospects, he slid to the Lions in the third round.

Detroit Lions rookie QB Hendon Hooker.jpg

This recent acclimation period has been a slow ramp-up. There's obvious rust, apparent when he misfires a few times in a row while participating in a routine drill during the brief viewing window open to media at the start of each practice.

"There's a lot of rust, especially putting shoulder pads back on," Hooker said. "Getting back into football shape is different than regular conditioning. Getting that volume in practice and moving around 100 miles per hour, rep after rep, was the biggest things."



But by the end of the three weeks, his responsibilities had been expanding. Coach Dan Campbell confirmed Hooker had evolved past individual drills and was beginning to lead some of the scout team reps by last week. And after such a long stretch away from the game, Hooker has been soaking it all in.

"I think just getting my feet back wet and being able to be out there with my teammates has been great," he said. "That's the biggest thing is getting that chemistry with the guys on the field, as well as a bit of my confidence back. It's been a while since I've competed on the field in a high level. So it's a blessing to be back out there."




This is all new territory for Hooker. In all his years playing football, he'd never had surgery. In fact, he'd never missed more than a week with an injury. Raised in a highly competitive environment — where even game nights with his mom and sister would develop into fierce, trash-talking affairs — Hooker had to learn how to cope almost immediately while watching his college team prepare for its bowl game, and during the subsequent pre-draft prep, where he couldn't validate his abilities to prospective employers.

"Doing the bowl prep, that was always my favorite time because you get to scrimmage every day," Hooker said. "It's all good-on-good and nothing but competitiveness and hunger during that period. Being in the hospital, away from my teammates, that was tough. Then not being able to showcase my talents during the draft period, to prove I was the best in this class, was also tough."




But even though unforeseen circumstance led him to Detroit, it's been an ideal landing spot, in many ways. There's been no rush to push him back too fast from the injury and he's been embraced within a nurturing environment that's rapidly sharpened an already-sharp football IQ. That support system in Detroit has included coaches Mark Brunell and J.T. Barrett, starter Jared Goff and practice squad QB David Blough, who Hooker said has been like a player coach with how well he sees and processes the game.

But no one has been as valuable to the rookie as backup Teddy Bridgewater, who has embraced a mentorship role.



"He's been great," Hooker said. "He's been like the big brother I never had. Him being here, being able to give me another angle, another perspective for plays, for how we should conduct ourselves outside of this build, just being a pro. It's everything that goes into being a high-quality quarterback; Teddy holds all those qualities and he's trying to instill those in me."

Now that Hooker is part of the active roster for the remainder of the season, he can continue his development. As coach Dan Campbell pointed out last week, "He’s raw and he’s got a ton of things he’s got to get better at and develop. But that’s what you would expect, right? He’s a rookie."


But by being active, Hooker also has to be ready. If disaster were to strike, he could be called upon to serve as the Lions quarterback in an emergency situation. A new rule this season allows a team to use a third QB in games if the first two get hurt. That's why Hooker is breaking in those cleats. Just in case.




More realistically, the next time he sees game action will be in the preseason. And if you've had a finger on the pulse of the fan base, whether through social media or talk radio, you know they can't wait to see what he can do. Some of that chatter has reached Hooker's ears via former college teammate Kamal Hadden, a Detroit native who regularly passes along some of the buzz.

"He texts me all the time about how his family loves me and a lot of people in Detroit are talking about me," Hooker said. "It's cool to get that recognition from them, that love and support from the home fans. I'm just here trying to do my job every day and get better."



But no one will be as excited as Hooker when he steps between those lines again on a game day. His eyes light up just thinking about it.

"Every day I touch my pads, I'm just waiting," Hooker said. "... If it comes down to it, and my number isn't called until next year, then that's fine. I'll be hungrier and even better. I look forward to it and I'll be ready to roll."



jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

[whatever_gong82]

Detroit Lions mailbag from the Detroit Free Press:


Detroit Lions mailbag: Obscene ticket price hike, how long will contending window stay open


Dave Birkett
Detroit Free Press




Ticket prices are soaring, the Detroit Lions are back to playing good football and the playoffs will be here before we know it, so I figured I'd squeeze in one more mailbag before the holidays.

Let's get to your questions.


I think a lot of the fanbase acts like this Lions team is the peak of Brad and Dan’s plan. I feel like their vision is bigger and still another year or two out. Legitimately, what’s the “window” for the Lions now? — @_RonHaskell



I haven't got that sense myself, that many people feel like this is an all-or-nothing year. But I do think smart football people know that windows open and close fast in the NFL and teams have to do everything they can to maximize their windows of opportunity.

Ron is right. The Lions didn't start this rebuild with an eye on peaking in 2023. They intend to build a long-term sustainable winner, and they look like they're on track. They have promising, young talent at key positions, a well-maintained salary cap and the pieces in place at the ownership, coach and general manager levels to continue their success.


Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell on Tuesday 8-8-2023.jpg

That being said, there are some obstacles to navigate for the Lions to maintain (or improve upon) their spot in the NFL pecking order. The Lions, in all likelihood, will give Jared Goff a sizable contract extension this offseason that could hinder their future spending elsewhere. Goff, in all likelihood, will have to prove himself with a new offensive play caller next season. The schedule is about to become more difficult. They won't have the benefit of a top-10 pick going forward. And at least one of their division foes (the Chicago Bears) has a chance to draft a potential difference maker at quarterback.


There's no doubt the Lions will enter next season as one of the Super Bowl favorites, but I wouldn't project much beyond that. I'm not predicting any sort of fall off, but the Los Angeles Rams (due to roster construction) and Cincinnati Bengals (injury) were in the Super Bowl two years ago and are fighting for their playoff lives now.

Enjoy this run for however long it lasts, cause when it ends it could be abrupt.



With 10 wins and 3 games to play, is this the best Lions team you have covered since you became the beat writer? Give us some perspective, Dave. — @GaryG_OU


Gary, yes, I do think this is the best Lions team I've covered in my 15 seasons on the beat between the Free Press and our old paper, the Oakland Press. The record shows it — the Lions have a chance to win 13 regular season games for the first time in franchise history — and so does the play on the field, though it's probably not the runaway some people think.

Josey Jewell takes on Detroit Lion Amon-Ra St. Brown.jpg

The 2014 Lions were a really good team that went 11-5 and lost that disputed wild-card game to the Dallas Cowboys. That team had a dominant defense led by Ndamukong Suh, but I give this one the edge because of its more potent offense, better coaching staff and legitimacy of opportunity.



The 2014 Lions were good, but they averaged 20.1 ppg and didn't feel like they had the firepower to beat teams like the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers (though they obviously split with Green Bay that year). This year's team has lots of defensive question marks and more peers.

The San Francisco 49ers are the only NFC team I see as clearly superior, so the Lions should have a manageable playoff road. No matter what happens in the postseason, to tie this question into Ron's above, this is easily the best I've felt about the Lions' long-term prospects in my time on the beat. In 2014, the specter of Suh hung overhead. When they made the playoffs in 2011, the Lions were young but had one of the best teams in football in their division. And no one had much faith in the staying power of 2016.



What should the Lions do with Jared Goff and the QB position this offseason? Should they give him an extension or let it play out? — @jamara23732



Let me start by repeating what I've said before: I think the Lions will give Goff a contract extension this offseason that makes him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. As Brad Holmes has said, it's easier to get worse than better at quarterback, and I don't imagine the Lions (or many other teams) would have the appetite to roll the dice on the most important position in football and risk gumming up their chances of long-term success.


Jared Goff prior to Denver Broncos game 12-16-2023.jpg

Whether the Lions "should" give Goff an extension is more nuanced, and I'm guessing the answer for a lot of people will be swayed by how the Lions fare in the playoffs. If Goff and the Lions lose to, say, Matthew Stafford and the Rams in the first round of the playoffs, that's a whole different energy than losing to the 49ers in the NFC championship game.



The reality is, Goff has one more season on a contract that needs to be adjusted to reflect the current market value. Not doing that in 2024 risks alienating Goff and the team, and that's riskier business than trying to construct a roster with his flaws in mind the next few years.

I don't know if Goff can win a Super Bowl, but I'd bet the Lions are going to spend the next few years trying to find out.



Sent a note to my ticket rep. Regarding the large increase and how it’s communicated. Got a boilerplate answer of course. Basically they’re doing it because they can. Do you think this was the proper way to communicate the increase. — @paulnsydney



I've heard from a lot of people upset about the substantial ticket price increases the Lions sent out this week. The team said the average increase was 30%, but one season ticket holder sent me his invoice for an increase of more than 145%.

That's insane, and it's bad business to jam longtime season ticket holders up for that kind of money at the holidays.


The Lions held ticket prices in check during their recent lean years and even lowered prices on a handful of seats around the pandemic. This is a catching up of sorts. Demand has increased substantially — from a business standpoint, why should they let resellers take all the profit when they can charge more themselves? — there's a waitlist of more than 9,000 seats and they're coming for your money.

There's some pretty smart business people in the organization, and they wouldn't be doing this if they didn't think there were enough people willing to pay these prices. I have a hard time coughing up money to take my kids to various other sporting events and concerts, but I find myself doing it on occasion as a dad. The only way to take a stand is by saying no and spending your money elsewhere, but that's easier said than done, too.



Mailbag question — Sam Laporta or Jahmyr Gibbs for offensive rookie of the year a good possibility? Or is it CJ Stroud’s to lose? — @TroyFrankDET



A. I have a vote for all the Associated Press end-of-season awards this year, and I can tell you, as well as LaPorta and Gibbs have played for the Lions this year, this award is going to be a runaway for Stroud.

Houston Texans QB CJ Stroud vs New York Jets.jpg

The Texans have gone from awful to 8-6 in less than a year's time and Stroud's play is the biggest reason why. He has 20 touchdown passes and five interceptions in 13 games and he's the biggest reason the Texans are in contention for a division title.

Gibbs, LaPorta and Rams receiver Puka Nacua are probably next in line in some order, but I'd be surprised if any received a first-place vote.



Hey Dave, been following your work for over a decade! Any thoughts on ever writing a book? — @FriedrichsJk



Jeremy, I appreciate you following along all these years. It's been some ride.



I've definitely thought about writing books, not all of them Lions related. There's a couple people out there reading this I may have even had discussions with about the subject. The problem is time. Like a lot of people, I never seem to have enough of it.

So, if you know a good book agent out there who's willing to give me a nice advance, tell them to give me a call. Otherwise, it'll probably have to wait a few years till my kids' schedules quiet down.



Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

[dsred]

Currently Irvin is not a cut candidate as he is just a PS player. The way he is playing he is going to be on the roster after his last elevation is used Sunday.

Cabinda was considered by the coaches as their best special teams player. I am not a special teams expert but according to the POD guys, they love Cabinda and his PFF special teams grade is great. Basically there is a spot on special teams that calls for a a guy with Cabinda's size and speed. Right now Nowasake is in the roster because he replicates that size and speed and he was going to get poached.

Rodrigo was playing fullback for a few games, but that has been replaced by using LaPorta.

Exactly right Billy.

[dsred]

The Lions, in all likelihood, will give Jared Goff a sizable contract extension this offseason that could hinder their future spending elsewhere.

Then the Lions brass are stupid. Ride. It. Out. Franchise if necessary.

[dsred]

Nothing about CJGJ being activated today? See below.

https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/12/20/24007318/lions-week-16-injury-report-penei-sewell-limited-2-players-sit-out

[Cody_Russell]

Next week perhaps. No rush for Ceedy Duce.

No longer on the injury report

• QB Hendon Hooker (ACL)

12 months and 1 week after ACL surgery… that’s awesome to read this!

[froot loops]

He just started practicing, no chance he was going to be activated.

[whatever_gong82]

Lions' Goff posting league-leading, eye-opening numbers when making tight-window throws


Justin Rogers
The Detroit News



Allen Park — At no point in Jared Goff's career could we reasonably call him reckless — in large part, because the Detroit Lions quarterback has never really been that aggressive, at least relative to his peers.

The NFL has publicly posted aggressiveness data for quarterbacks since 2018. An aggressive throw is credited when the quarterback throws the ball to a receiver with less than 1 yard of separation. And in each season from 2018-2022, Goff ranked near the bottom of the league in percentage of aggressive throws, ranging between 10.7-13.2% of his attempts.



On its own, that's hardly a negative. A quarterback's most important job is to protect the football, so there's plenty of value in keeping it out of harm's way. For context, Patrick Mahomes is also regularly among the NFL's least-aggressive passers.

Jared Goff tight window throw.jpg

But when a quarterback needs to make a tight-window throw, Goff has quietly emerged as one, if not the NFL's best this season. There are multiple examples from recent weeks. Against New Orleans, Goff unleashed a bullet before receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had even broken inside on a post pattern, squeezing the ball between the cornerback in coverage and play-making safety Tyrann Mathieu, or the fourth-down conversion to Donovan Peoples-Jones against Chicago that was fit in between three defenders.



"It's definitely a trust thing," Goff explained. "It's also definitely me getting player as I grow older, being more willing to make throws and being more confident about where I'm going to put the ball. And it's knowing the place when to do it. I did one on fourth down last week because I had to. If that situation maybe happens on third-and-3, maybe I don't.

Goff isn't attempting a higher rate of aggressive throws this year — sitting right within that career range at 13% — but it feels like he's doing it more frequently because of how successful he's been.



As you would expect, completion percentage and passer rating plummet on those throws, but not as much for Goff this season. When the target has less than 1 yard of separation, NFL quarterbacks are completing just 32.1% of those throws, with a gruesome 39.6 passer rating. With Goff, he's hitting at a league-best 47.7% among qualifying passers with a stunning 90.5 passer rating.

"It's not difficult when I trust those guys," Goff said. "They're all studs. And me making and failing the throw in practice, then knowing when it's a go and when it's not."



jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

[whatever_gong82]

[jaadam4]

I’m surprised Hooker was activated. It seems like we need that spot

[jaadam4]

It’s pretty crazy at how good some of the players are down the line on this roster. Holmes has done a good job of finding talent and good players throughout

[froot loops]

They probably want Hooker to continue practicing and that's only possible by activating him. That's your backup for next season and he can run scout team.