Detroit Lions Weblog

Matthew Stafford’s Injury Appears More Disastrous by Each Passing Moment

When the Lions selected Matthew Stafford in the 2009 draft, there were a number of discussions about his durability. This topic was of particular importance, since many believed that the Lions were possessors of a below average offensive line, which would be enlisted to protect their newly selected 70 million dollar man. The standard response to any questions of Stafford’s durability was that he had never (ever) missed a start in college or high school. Since then, injuries have only caused more questions to arise about his NFL future.

Tom “Killer” Kowalski reports that it is quite possible, if Stafford’s shoulder injury is a grade three separation, that Stafford will be finished for the 2010 season.

According to a source close to the situation, the Detroit Lions feared that quarterback Matthew Stafford might be lost for the season when preliminary tests showed that he has a Grade 3 separation (Grade 3 involves a complete separation of the joint, with tearing of ligaments and the capsule surrounding the joint) of his right shoulder.

If this is the scenario that eventually plays out, with Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton sharing QB responsibilities for the remainder of the 2010 season, it would be absolutely disastrous on a number of fronts for the Lions.

Stafford’s starting only 13 games in his two seasons, while missing 19 due to injury, would only be a hindrance to his development. Regardless of the Lions final 2010 record, the Lions future hinges upon Matthew Stafford gaining experience and carrying the franchise forward.

It is Safe to Suggest That a 24-game Road Losing Streak is a Monkey on the Lions Backs, Right?

During the next two weeks, the Lions have an ample opportunity to get a huge monkey off of their backs, by ending their 24-game road losing streak.

If the Lions have to go without Stafford or Hill during the next two weeks, each of these winnable road games are in serious jeopardy. Expecting that a very limited Drew Stanton can put the Lions on his back and win either of these road contests, with his lack of experience and skill set, against two teams who have only won one game combined, is unfortunately, far too much to ask.

That is where the problem lies, too. If the Lions drop their next two contests, falling to 2-8, the Lions season will go off of the rails. All of the momentum that they have accumulated as a franchise this season, playing tough, competive football, will be for naught.

The future ramifications of a season-ending to Stafford’s shoulder creates some serious problems for the struggling Lions franchise.

Stafford's Health is Eminently Important to the Lions Future

As the Lions continue to rebuild, they need to be establish some known, dependable commodities upon their roster, even in a rough and tumble sport like football. Out of all of the players that the Lions had on their roster, Stafford would be the one they considered most important to their future.

All of the Lions plans emanated outward from the basic premise that Matthew Stafford would be their franchise QB, going forward. His missing more than half of his games due to injury during his two brief seasons shakes the very foundations of this franchise.

Will the Wincing Visage of Matthew Stafford Be a Lasting Image?

Quarterback is a position that thrives (and succeeds) on establishing confidence, stability and leadership. These intangibles can only be developed through repetition. The more time that Matthew Stafford misses, the more his development in these areas is stunted.

If you are still not concerned about Stafford’s future status, does the dreaded vote of confidence from Lions coach Jim Schwartz reveal any of the Lions concern about the lingering nature of Stafford’s injury?:

“If it was the same injury that was nagging him, I think maybe you could say a little bit more injury prone (regarding Stafford),” Schwartz said this morning. “But these are completely different injuries. His other shoulder injury was healed, so it’s really not an aggravation of an injury, it’s a new injury. He’s re-injured his shoulder, but it’s a new injury.

“Matt’s an incredible competitor, and I don’t have any worries about his ability to stay healthy.”

Hopefully, Matthew Stafford’s career is not reduced to being marked by damage control and backpedaling. If his injuries persist, the Lions will remain wondering what could have been.

It is clear that Stafford has all of the potential in the world, but if he continues to be dogged by injury and remains unable to play, they will suffer a serious setback in their organizational development, which could delay their return to viability for several more years.

What Could Have Been A Defining Moment For the Lions Franchise, Now May Become Schwartz’s

After yesterday’s loss, Jim Schwartz is edging ever closer to becoming part of the miserable pantheon of failed Lions coaches. There are eight games remaining, so Schwartz’s career still could take on another trajectory.

After an inauspicious 4-20 start to his coaching career, coupled with a series on inexplicably horrific events yesterday, Schwartz is now facing an uphill battle.

Jim Schwartz Owned Up to Being Responsible For Yesterday's Loss

Jim Schwartz was exceptionally contrite about the loss. That is a commendable move, even if it is transparently obvious that he is sending a message to the team that he is going to fall upon the sword for them, so that they don’t become disheartened and allow for their faith in the Lions current program to begin to unravel.

Jim Schwartz Tells the Lions Faithful, “Et Tu
Pyramus?”

Don’t mistake for a moment that the Lions franchise didn’t desperately want and need a victory yesterday. To come so close, in a game that would have definitively stated the franchise’s arrival as a viable competitor, and find a way to fail again, is absolutely devastating. Make no bones about it.

Dominic Raiola, who has seen a near inestimable level of misery exacted upon this franchise during his ten seasons, likely said it best:

This is the worst loss ever, I think,” said center Dominic Raiola, his hat down near his weary eyes.

Mitch Albom put yesterday’s horrific Lions loss into perspective, by stating what it could have meant, but unfortunately now means to this dogged-by-misfortune-of-their-own-making, Lions franchise:

Well, at least the worst this century. It was the worst, because it could have been the best. The Lions could have had the kind of headline that shakes the rust off your future. As Raiola pointed out, “It wasn’t like we had to come back; all we had to do was get one first down.“

If nothing else, Jim Schwartz deflected the blame from resting upon the shoulders of the organization’s very own “Little Engine That Could”, Drew Stanton, since he may now have to become the team’s starting QB, depending upon the severity of Matthew Stafford’s shoulder injury.

Drew, You Have Got Gumption. Still, Please Don't Forget Who You Are.

If the Lions “flame out” during the remaining eight games, and Schwartz’s career is placed into jeopardy (at least with the Lions), this game will serve as a benchmark for what exactly went wrong during his failed tenure. Which is a crying shame, given how close the Lions truly were to victory yesterday.

Absolutely Heartbreaking Loss Mired By Penalties, Injury

There are a number of different ways to look at the Lions heartbreaking overtime loss to the Jets today. The 2-6 Lions, who have been competitive in each of their games, with one of their losses, being an example of absolute robbery (The Bears), and all but one of them (the Minnesota loss) being within one touchdown score, right up until the end of the game.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines optimism as having “hopefulness and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something; a tendency to take a favourable or hopeful view.”

That being said, the Lions have been dogged by their continued sloppy, undisciplined play all season. If you have been paying close attention, it was obvious that eventually such a heavily penalized team was going to grasp defeat from the jaws of victory.

As a Lion, you bitterly hate having this kind of loss happen while playing against one of the league’s best teams, on your home field, when many doubted your ability to even keep the game close in the first place.

Furthermore, injuries aside, (and there were a lot of costly injuries suffered by the Lions today) the fact is, when you have got the game at hand, against a quality team, you can’t make costly mistakes which allow your opponent an opportunity to keep the game close.

Such as, after Matthew Stafford’s injury, deciding to allow Drew Stanton, your third string QB, have a run/pass option on a crucial third down play. Ultimately, the 30-40 seconds that would have rolled off the clock if the Lions would have decided to run the ball and then punted, without the clock stopping, rather than having Stanton weakly throw a pass (and stopping the game clock) which, if caught, would have lost them yardage, made all of the difference in the game’s final outcome.

Stanton Has Learned How to Lose, as a Member of the Lions

Once the Lions punted to the Jets, I absolutely knew that bad things were about to happen. This scenario has played out far too often not to feel like you have seen this movie before.

A Dejected Kevin Smith Represents the Despair of Lions Fans

The Lions played the Jets about as well as anyone had reason to expect that they could. There is no denying that. That being said, I will not be surprised to see this moribund franchise, after a number of disappointing, but hard fought losses, begin to regress, as the season marches on.

Despair:
intransitive verb
: to lose all hope or confidence
transitive verb
obsolete : to lose hope for

At 2-6 what do the Lions have to play for? They are essentially removed from playoff contention, unless they go on an improbable run of victories. Obviously, expectations were never high for the Lions entering this season, but if you think it is painful now, watching them lose close games, how painful will it be when they start playing like the 2-6 team that they are?

Let The Concerns About Matthew Stafford's Durability Begin

Penultimate to the Lions season, is the health of Matthew Stafford, and to a lesser extent, Jason Hanson. Each player is crucial to any potential current success that the Lions may yet enjoy this season.

The Lions fan base, at least those who aren’t disappointed by Matthew Stafford’s passing inaccuracy, are collectively hand wringing about what now appears to be a long term shoulder injury issue, which may severely inhibit his future development.

70 Million Dollars For 13 Starts in Two Seasons, You Would, Too.

The Lions need for Matthew Stafford to play and remain reasonably healthy. The development of their team is inextricably linked with Stafford’s continued development. Stafford has to lead this team, if they are going to ever get over the hump, so to speak.

Supposing the Lions are without Stafford, and likely, Shaun Hill for a few weeks, then the season could really begin to get away from them. After what appeared to be a respectable start to the season, and missing out on what could have been a defining victory, well…

At least as Lions fans, we can derive some comfort from having been here before. As far things go, it is a minor improvement to have the Lions fighting for victory and remaining competitive in each game, even if they are 2-6, right?

A Pointed to Response to Those Who Criticize Lions Fans For Crying Their Losers Lament

Week 9 Preview: Jets Vs. Lions

Sunday’s game between the Jets and Lions at Ford Field is one of the more intriguing games that the Lions have been involved in a really long time. With a victory, the franchise would earn it’s 500th victory and prove that even though their season began with a 2-5 start, they are moving towards NFL legitimacy, which seemed nearly impossible during recent seasons.

The venerable Tom “Killer” Kowalski puts it best in his recent “tweet”:

“I’ve got to admit, for the first time in god-knows-how-long, i’m actually fired up about covering a Lions game . . . this could be good.”

Kevin Smith also recognizes the tantamount importance that this game takes for the Lions organization, as they continue to try to rebuild some respect:

“This is the biggest game of my career since I’ve been here, no doubt about it. We want to begin a win streak and we’re trying to get to where we want to go. We’re on our home turf and we have to defend our turf, that’s about as simple as you can put it.”

To me, this game is one to anticipate excitedly, but the Lions fatalist that rides on my shoulder (Damn that guy!) nearly everywhere I go, says that this game could be a lot like the games immediately after Rod Marinelli’s 6-2 start three years ago, after a devastating beatdown of the Denver Broncos at Ford Field, which had the Lions fan base whipped into a froth (for naught).

The Enigmatic Shaun Rogers, During the 2007 Season's Highest Point

In other words, this game is a major turning point, because if the Jets brutalize the Lions at Ford Field, coming off of an exciting victory over the Redskins, the Lions fan base will collectively detumesce, while acknowledging that there is still a long ways to go, before the Lions become a viable NFL franchise.

The Jets are an exceedingly confident, if somewhat flawed team in my estimation. Their “Sanchise” quarterback, Mark Sanchez, whose career will forever be interconnected with Matthew Stafford’s as members of the 2009 draft, has struggled with inaccuracy and an uptick in interceptions during recent weeks.

The Jets offense poses more fear from name recognition, with several players whose glimmering pop of fame is brighter than their actual offensive output (Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards, step forward please), than in it’s actual execution.

The Jets offense is 15th in total offense, while averaging 22.7 ppg. They are built around a strong offensive line, the relentless “ground and pound” dual rushing attack of Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson, and in theory the conservative, mistake-free game managing skills of Mark Sanchez.

The Lions are 27th against the run, allowing 4.9 yards/carry and 130.4 yards/game. If the Lions defense is going to prevent an ugly loss, this is where they will have to come with an intention to make a difference, when compared to recent weeks.

The Lions do benefit from MLB DeAndre Levy being one week closer to being healthy, but their injury-depleted linebackers and safeties will be stressed, to say the least.

If the Lions can limit the Jets rushing attack, and force the Jets into passing on third and long distance, their front four, which seems to be growing more devastating by the game, can attack Mark Sanchez and potentially goad him into poor decisions and costly errors.

Amari Spievey's Success, Amid a Trial By Fire, is Crucial for the Lions

Speaking of third downs, Sanchez’s favorite and most dependable target, TE Dustin Keller, will be the center piece of the Lions attention during those situations. Keller is far too good to be coverd by a linebacker, even Julian Peterson, which means the Lions safeties or nickel backs are going to be asked to occasionally play man coverage on Keller, a less than desirable scenario.

One thing to watch will be the Jets play action passing attack, which the injuries to safeties C.C. Brown and Louis Delmas, forcing the green Amari Spievey into action, could allow the Jets to exploit the Lions vertically for big plays to Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery, Keller and Holmes.

Offensively, the Lions are likely facing the best defense that they have faced all year. One thing that is abundantly certain, judging by the comments of Jets head coach Rex Ryan, the Jets chest-pounding, braggadocious, strutting cock of a defense believes that they can come into Detroit and smack the Lions in the mouth.

The Jets are seventh ranked in total defense and are allowing only 15.7 ppg. They have earned the right to beat their chests, to a point. Personally, I believe that the swagger helps the Jets just as much mentally, and is comparable to the cockiness of a prize fighter, when utilized as gamemanship against their opponents.

The Lions, with their struggling rushing attack, are going to have be creative. The Jets are going to throw exotic blitzes and utilize an attacking mode of defense to disrupt the Lions offense, and in their eyes, rattle a still inexperienced Matthew Stafford.

The Lions are going to have to limit the Jets penetration, by delivering screens, swing passes, and running the ball effectively enough to keep the Jets from swarming the Lions backfield.

Calvin Johnson Needs to Come Up Big Against the Jets Today

It goes without saying, that the Lions are going to need to limit their turnovers and penalties, and attempt to avoid 3rd and long yardage situations, where the Jets will thrive and absolutely suffocate Matthew Stafford.

In the end, the Lions are facing long odds against the Jets. For all of the steps forward that they have clearly made, today’s game will be a difficult test.

Should they win, or hang close, Lions fans will be ecstatic. As much as I believe the Jets to be overrated, I think they will likely emerge victorious in front of a sold out Ford Field.

J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets 24 Lovable Leos 16

Jahvid Best and the Lions Dormant Rushing Attack

After an incredibly auspicious beginning, Lions RB Jahvid Best has appeared decidedly pedestrian in recent games. After scoring five TD’s in his first two games as a pro, between a bout of turf toe and his becoming a primary part of opponent’s defensive game plans, Best has looked more like a pass-catching, 3rd down back than a feature back.

Jahvid Best had 307 total yards and five touchdowns in three games in September, which earned him NFL rookie of the month honors.

He had one fewer yard (306) in the next four games and hasn’t scored since Week 2. He averaged 3.26 yards per rush and 6.65 per reception in October. He is averaging just 3.3 yards a carry overall.

Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz had this to say about Best and his recent slump :

“I thought when he had some daylight last week he ran very well,” coach Jim Schwartz said. “But he didn’t have a whole lot of daylight. Some of that was because of the defense and some of that was because of the blocking.

“But ultimately it boils down to the running back. It’s his responsibility to make plays and make people miss. He’s been nursing an injury that affected his ability to play. He’s put that in the rear view mirror and we expect good things from him the rest of the year.”

Jahvid Best Gives the Lions Game-Breaking Ability

As bleak as these numbers appear, Best is still a game-breaker, who can put opponents on edge. His 36 catches (8.8 yards per catch) has provided the Lions QB’s with another reliable receiving option underneath opponents deep coverage, which is stretched further from the line of scrimmage by the mere presence of WR Calvin Johnson.

In last week’s game against the Redskins, RB Kevin Smith appeared to have regained some of his former ability, as he continues to recover from his knee injury last season. His 12 carries for 51 yards, while combined with Best’s 12 for 48 yards, made the Lions rushing attack appear more competent Sunday.

The Lions Need Kevin Smith to Help With Their Ground Attack

If Smith and Best can continue to combine for a respectable attack, it opens up the Lions offense in a number of ways. Obviously, the play action passing attack hinges upon their opponents playing aggressively against the run.

Just as importantly, with the recent return from injury by Matthew Stafford, the Lions need a solid rushing attack to slow teams that rush the passer agressively, in order to protect Stafford’s physical wellbeing.

The Lions are 30th overall in NFL team rushing with an average of 22.7 carries per game (29th) for 576 rushing yards (3.6 yards per carry (26th) and 82.3 yards per game). Not exactly the kind of raw numbers that will strike fear into the hearts of their opponents during their game preparation.

The Lions are never going to have the type of physical, plodding rushing attack which grinds opposing defense’s into submission. That being said, the Lions need their ground game to help establish ball control, to keep themselves out of 3rd and long yardage situations and most importantly, to help kill the clock in the 4th quarter, when the game is on the line and they are attempting to preserve a late lead.

Lions/Jets a Sell-Out, Rex Ryan Talks Trash, and Players of the Month

The Lions appear to have become the toast of the town, after the news that the Ford Field seats are going to be full Sunday against the Jets, after last week’s blacked out game was a veritable sea of empty seats. Not only are Lions fans excited, but the local and national media are seemingly all talking about the 2-5 Lions (really, 3-4, but I digress).

I'm a Trash Talkin' Douche Bag, Now Where's My Steak and Donuts!

Ryan had this to say the Detroit media this week, about his defense:

“the best defense in the National Football League (is) coming into town”

Ryan has routinely made his mark around league circles with his bravado, which is equal doses vintage Buddy Ryan (his father) and a carryover of his time with the hostile and stingy Ravens defenses, whom he lead for a time as a defensive coordinator.

Ryan’s Jets are built of a similar fabric to those earlier teams, too. The Jets allow
the second fewest points per game in the NFL (15.7) and rank seventh in total defense. This has been accomplished while one of the NFL’s best defensive backs, Darrelle Revis, has been hampered by injury for a good portion of the 2010 season.

The Lions average 37.7 points per game at home and are sixth overall in scoring. They are excited about coming off another big home victory one week ago and are looking forward to a sold out Ford Field, which will be stirred into an absolute frenzy, as a desperate Lions fan base hopes to will its team to finally emerge from the morass of 10 years of failure.

Ryan’s bravado diminished little when asked about the Lions offense and their recent success at Ford Field:

“Nope,” Ryan said. “I don’t believe that’s going to happen. Hey, they could come out and prove me wrong, but I doubt it. This is a proud group right here on defense. We haven’t really been healthy. We’re just now getting healthy and like I said, you’ll see. This is an excellent defense.”

Rex Ryan Shows What He Thinks of the Lions. A Vociferous Welcoming Committee Awaits

The Lions have shown a commendable amount of resillience this season. Their record so far is not ideal, but they still could easily be in playoff contention. Change the outcome of a few plays, and the Lions would be contending for the division lead, at the least.

Momentum seems to be building for the Lions, as they gain their own measure of swagger and confidence. Whether the Lions can utilize this change of attitude in a meaningful way, remains to be seen.

This Sunday, Stafford and Sanchez Will Have an
Opportunity to Show Who Really is Their Team’s
“Sanchise” QB

Speaking of swagger, the welcome return of Matthew Stafford could not have come at any more of an ideal time. With each passing week, the presence of Matthew Stafford should only grow. If Stafford wants to pick a game to exhibit his mettle and assume the reins, against a formidable opponent, this week’s game would go an incredibly long ways in making that a reality.

Unfortunately, the Lions are in no position to answer in kind to Ryan’s brand of “trash-talking.” They need to do all of their talking on the field and build respect in that way. Perceptions have been altered drastically about the state of this franchise, but a blow out loss at home to the Jets would be a setback to those perceptions, for sure.

NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, Stefan Logan

The Lions had two players named as NFC players of the month today. Each player has been instrumental and integral in the Lions two victories and have helped to legitimize the team’s chances for victory, even in their losses.

Stefan Logan fortuitously fell into the Lions laps, when he could not make the Steelers 53-man roster during the pre-season. With each passing week, Logan has assumed a larger, more impactful role on the team. The Lions average field position has benefited signifantly from the presence of Logan, for sure. The league has taken notice, too.

With all of the excitement surrounding the draft selection of Ndamukong Suh, few Lions fans could have expected for Suh to deliver so opportunistically upon his ample promise. Suh’s 6.5 sacks, interception and fumble return for a touchdown are only small portion of what has made Suh’s presence so valuable.

Suh’s ultimate value has been his ability to draw continual double teams and and free up his compadres along the Lions defensive line to the tune of 23 sacks. He deserves to be the NFC defensive rookie of the month, that’s for certain.

Matthew Stafford, The Lions Defense Lead the Way

Sunday’s game against the Redskins just may have been a turning point. Each of the Lions three most recent draft picks, all players who figured prominently in the Lions victory, made their marks and at least for one day and verified the respective high draft positions in which each were selected at, in spades.

The Stafford-To-Johnson Connection Has Re-Opened

The return of Matthew Stafford, despite some early struggles offensively, was a revelation. Dare I say it, the Lions offense was explosive with Stafford. The Matthew Stafford-to-Calvin Johnson produced three TD’s and the Lions were able to move the ball against a pretty good ‘Skins defense.

Given the back and forth nature of Sunday’s game, there were a number of points where the Lions could have rolled over, and let the Redskins win. They didn’t. Short of a number of Brandon Banks big time kick returns (too many!), the Redskins never really took charge of the game, which also allowed the Lions to remain competitive.

The emergence of the Lions defense, linchpinned upon a devastating defensive front which produced seven sacks, has also been revelatory. The game plan and preparation by Gunther Cunningham, with constant player position shifting along the Lions defensive front, effectively exploited favorable matchups all day.

The Lions Defensive Line Hearkens Back to the Glory Days

The additions of Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch continue to pay dividends. The disruptive nature of the Lions front four has begun to make the entire Lions defense much more effective. Donovan McNabb and the Redskins offense sputtered for most of the day, as a result.

The Lions defensive front may have even induced some mental paralysis upon Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan, who benched Donovan McNabb in favor of Rex Grossman, with the game on the line, late. Shanahan has since indicated that he didn’t believe that McNabb’s conditioning would allow him to run a two-minute drill. Say what?

Aside from a rash of penalties and the Lions defusing their own momentum early in the game, the Lions were really impressive, and bad luck aside, they should remain competitive in each every one of their games in the season’s final nine weeks.