Lions News

[whatever_gong82]

Glasgow isn't going to cost a ton, I doubt that will have much of a bearing on keeping Jackson. Yeah, he outplayed his 1 year deal, but he'll also be 32 and I don't expect him to garner big offers form other teams.

With Jackson the question will be if they want take that money and use it to shore up another position like CB or DE. A lot of that will depend upon what Sorsdal can be after rough rookie season.

At least with Ben Johnson staying, our O-Line genius savant coach Hank Fraley is staying as well, and maybe he can make Sorsdal into chicken salad instead of chicken crap.

[Mainevent]

I'm not necessarily down on Sorsdal. It was always going to be a big transition for him - not a lot of guys can go from William & Mary to starting in the NFL in year 1. People who know a lot more about OL play than I do seem to like his potential, so hopefully he builds on that in the offseason.

[whatever_gong82]

I'm not necessarily down on Sorsdal. It was always going to be a big transition for him - not a lot of guys can go from William & Mary to starting in the NFL in year 1. People who know a lot more about OL play than I do seem to like his potential, so hopefully he builds on that in the offseason.

And with OL coach Hank Fraley back for another season, I'm hoping that he can somehow mold Sorsdal into an effective and useful NFL lineman.

People forget that Jonah Jackson was a 3rd round pick in 2020, (the only thing that former Lions GM Bob Quinn did right as Lions GM was drafting O-linemen such as Jackson, Ragnow, and Decker) so if Brad Holmes and Company due their homework, you can find Jackson's replacement, if necessary, in the first 3 rounds in April's NFL Draft.

[whatever_gong82]

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/02/02/after-finishing-season-healthy-lions-onwuzurike-has-new-outlook-on-football-future/72448815007/

[whatever_gong82]

[whatever_gong82]

This man's young daughter gets it:

[froot loops]

The Harris ownership is what I had been referring to as it not being ideal situation to go be their first head coach. They are the group that started The Process.

[whatever_gong82]

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/02/02/detroit-lions-2023-final-grades-defense/72437372007/

[ghandi]

Was surprised they gave Cam Sutton a D...He played pretty well the first half of the season and poorly the second half...He clearly is more of a 2 than a CB1 but had to be the guy here.....Priority 1 should be finding a shutdown corner and move Sutton to CB2.....Edge 2 and CB1 should be top priorities this offseason

[Mainevent]

Just new owner syndrome period can be a reason to steer clear. Even if an owner turns out to be a good one, almost all of them tend to stumble out of the block - Tepper, Shad Khan, Terrry Pegula being recent examples. Probably a good idea to let them cut their teeth on some other coach.

[whatever_gong82]

This was from the other day, a paywall article on the offense and special teams.

Detroit Lions 2023 final grades: Offense and specialists



Justin Rogers
The Detroit News



The 2023 season is in the books, and what a season it was for the Detroit Lions. Even though they fell short of their ultimate goal, a Super Bowl championship, they met and exceeded preseason expectations by claiming a division title for the first time since 1993, then winning not one, but two playoff games, before coughing up a 17-point lead in the NFC Championship.

As part of our standard season-ending coverage, we like to provide a final report card for the roster's key contributors. We'll start with the offense (and specialists) today and follow that up with marks for the defense on Friday.


Quarterback Jared Goff

It was another good season for Goff, comparable to some of the better years of his career. He completed a personal-best 67.3%, while his yardage, TDs and passer rating fell just short of his 2018 numbers. He proved resilient, both in games and after a rocky stretch of turnovers in the middle of the season, leading the Lions to 12 wins. Grade: B+

Jared Goff and Dan Campbell vs. Tampa Bay 1-21-2024.jpg

Running back David Montgomery

Montgomery was exactly what the Lions anticipated he’d be when they added him in free agency. In 14 games, he rushed for 1,000 yards for the second time in his career, while averaging a personal-best 4.6 yards per carry and finding the end zone 13 times. The pass-game production was more modest, both as a receiver and protector, but he was otherwise rock-solid as the team’s lead back. Grade: B+


Running back Jahmyr Gibbs

The dual-threat rookie out of Alabama was electric in his debut season, racking up 1,261 yards from scrimmage, 11 touchdowns and averaging 5.2 yards per carry. That’s because he finished second in the NFL with 10 carries of 20 or more yards. About the only knock was his hands. He dropped five passes as a receiver and put a couple of fumbles on the ground, as well as a third in the NFC Championship game. Grade: A-


Running back Craig Reynolds

Reynolds filled the third-back role well, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and scoring the first touchdown of his career. He played a lot on special teams, but had modest results as a return man, including a lost fumble. He also didn’t rank among the top five in tackles with those groups. Grade: C+


Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown

A first-team All-Pro, St. Brown saw across-the-board improvement for the third straight year, finishing with 119 receptions for 1,515 yards and 10 touchdowns. He went on to add at least seven catches and 77 yards in each of the team’s three playoff games. He’s a star. Grade: A

Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. 49ers in NFC Championship Game 1-28-2024.jpg

Wide receiver Josh Reynolds

Reynolds set a new bar for his production with Detroit, catching 40 balls for 608 yards and five touchdowns. The pending free agent has been a security blanket for his quarterback, steadily improving his route-running and run-blocking during his time with the Lions. Grade: B+


Wide receiver Kalif Raymond

Raymond’s receiving and punt-return production dipped in 2023, but the Lions continue to be thrilled with his contributions, inking him to a second contract extension this summer. He didn’t repeat as an All-Pro punt returner, in large part because he didn’t get the same caliber blocking. As an offensive weapon, he’s reliable every time he steps on the field, even if the opportunities declined. Grade: B


Wide receiver Jameson Williams

After a rocky training camp, a suspension for gambling and a slow reintegration into the lineup, Williams came on strong to end the season and carried his explosive, playmaking ability into the playoffs. He made his biggest strides by correcting his shaky hands, helping him gain the trust of Goff down the stretch. If Williams can similarly improve his deep-ball tracking in 2024, look out. Grade: B-


Tight end Sam LaPorta

LaPorta’s consistency as a first-year player at one of the most difficult positions to play, was eye-opening. He rewrote Detroit’s record books, setting new, single-season marks for catches, yards and touchdowns for a tight end. He also set the NFL rookie record for catches for his position. And while he’ll never be a stud blocker, the Iowa product proved surprisingly capable of executing his assignments during his debut campaign. Grade: A

Sam LaPorta vs. Tampa Bay in NFC Playoffs 1-21-2024.jpg

Tight end Brock Wright

Wright unfortunately ended his season on injured reserve because of a broken forearm. Prior to that, he maintained a significant role in the offense, playing more than 400 snaps. More of a blocker than pass-catcher in 2023, Wright was below-average in his primary duties. Effort is never the issue, but execution was subpar. Grade: D+


Center Frank Ragnow

Tough as nails, Ragnow battled through a number of nagging injuries to deliver a vintage performance by his standards, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. Grade: A



Offensive tackle Penei Sewell

Like St. Brown, Sewell continued his steady development into one of the league’s best at his position, earning All-Pro honors for the first time. A ferocious run-blocker, he’s also stellar in pass protection, limiting rushers to just 20 QB pressures and a single sack. Grade: A

Penei Sewell PFF top-rated right tackle for 2023.jpg

Offensive tackle Taylor Decker

Decker sacrificed comfort and some performance to play through a high ankle sprain in the first half of the season because the team needed him. He had a couple of rough days, namely against division opponents Green Bay and Chicago, but was his steady veteran self most of the year, allowing only 23 pressures on the season. Grade: B+


Guard Jonah Jackson

Multiple injuries, namely his ankle and wrist, hindered the pending free agent during his fourth season. The pass-protection effectiveness dipped, but not nearly as much as his typically stellar run-blocking. You can’t help but praise his effort to push through things, but the performance didn’t live up to the bar he’s set. Grade: C-



Guard Graham Glasgow

His versatility made him a highly valuable piece for the Lions this season, allowing him to start at each of the three interior spots. Occasionally overwhelmed by elite pass rushers, and allowing 30 pressures overall, Glasgow’s tenacity and ability to work at both the first and second levels was a critical component to the team’s run-game success. Grade: B+



Offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal

Not surprisingly, the jump from William & Mary to the NFL was a little overwhelming for the rookie lineman. He saw action as both a mid-game injury replacement and a starter (three games), logging more than 250 snaps, but struggled in those opportunities as both a run-blocker and pass-protector. Grade: D



Guard Kayode Awosika

Uneven in his playing time, he was still good enough to emerge as the trusted reserve when one of the team’s starting guards was banged up. An adequate to slightly above-average run blocker, Awosika needs to get better in pass protection if he is aiming to move into the starting lineup next season. Grade: C



Kicker Michael Badgley

Taking over Detroit’s kicking duties late in the season, Badgley made all four of his field goals in the final four games, but with a long of just 41. He wasn’t as sharp after touchdowns, missing two of his 15 extra-point tries. He showed in the playoffs he has adequate leg strength, nailing a 54-yarder, but his career effectiveness from long distance doesn’t inspire confidence, which could suggest why the Lions are continuously reluctant to use him from 50 and beyond. Grade: C+


Punter Jack Fox

Fox’s net punting numbers suffered because of field position, but what stands out is he nearly doubled how frequently he pinned the opponent inside the 20-yard line compared to a year ago, all while keeping his touchback rate under 9%. In terms of what have you done for me lately, he was outstanding down the stretch and a true weapon in the postseason. Despite the sluggish stat line, he remains one of the league’s better punters, while making significant improvements as a holder. Grade: A-


jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

[whatever_gong82]

Just like when the 2013 Washington Commanders had a bunch of future Head Coaches on their staff:

[edindetroit]

Punter Jack Fox

Fox’s net punting numbers suffered because of field position, but what stands out is he nearly doubled how frequently he pinned the opponent inside the 20-yard line compared to a year ago, all while keeping his touchback rate under 9%. In terms of what have you done for me lately, he was outstanding down the stretch and a true weapon in the postseason. Despite the sluggish stat line, he remains one of the league’s better punters, while making significant improvements as a holder. Grade: A-

Only A- for Jack Fox? Don't think so, he's been solid.

[maxw3ll]

He didn't throw for enough yards.

[Fraquar]

If only Fox could kick XP and FG's under 40 yards with reliability they wouldn't need to carry a Kicker as much as they eschew kicking it anyway.
Then you carry an extra CB since they always need those.