The Lions Den

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Land O Links III

An article from Tom Kowalski on Matthew Stafford.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/matthew_stafford_on_fast_track.html

Monday, August 3, 2009

A very good evening to all of my fellow Lions fans! Your wondering why I am in such a happy-go-lucky mood and well as most of you know I am a pretty happy person anyways but the reason I am particularly happy is from the time the Super Bowl ended and just this past Saturday my withdrawal symptoms are over! Training Camp has finally arrived! High 5 to all of my fellow Lions fans.

We are witnesssing the dawn of a new era. The losing culture of the Matt Millen and Rod Marinelli era is over! General Manager Martin Mayhew and Coach Jim Schwartz have poured a solid foundation for a solid team. With all of the changes they have made it is hard to say which area we will be better in. We had a great receiving corp and with Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan's vertical pass system Wide Receivers Calvin Johnson and Bryant Johnson will but up awesome numbers. We hit pay dirt with our Running Back Kevin Smith who I am predicting will have at least a 1,200 yard rushing season.

Now the area of concern to me going into training camp is our DL situation we do not have much depth in the DT area and we have to stop the run and that is one area that Coach Schwartz has said any good team worth the effort has to be able to run the ball and stop the run. Now with DT Grady Jackson could be suspended for the first four games of the regular season due to him taking a banned diet supplement which is total garbage. So DT Sammie Hill who we drafted in the 4th Round in this years draft was supposed to be a developmental, project player but he may be forced to playing right away as a starter. For our defense sake I hope he is a quick study.

A quick note, the Lions are holding a team kick-off luncheon at Ford Field. I have attended the last two kick-off luncheons at Cobo Hall. They are a great time. Last year I had WR Brandon Middleton at my table. Didn't talk to him much but he signed my Lions yearbook which you get for free for attending by the way. Here is the link from the Detroit Lions web site with the press release on it. Tickets are like $60.00 FYI. It is a lot of fun and I hope you can all attend. I am looking forward to this event. One of the highlights before the season kicks-off.

http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=486470

Here is a link from the Lions web site which has a schedule for the Lions open practices with a really cool event this coming Saturday at Ford Field called 'Lions Uncaged'. It is free to attend but you need to get these voucher sort of tickets from SVS Vision Centers. There contact information is in the press release. I will be going there. Pretty stoked about it! Should be a great time for all that attend there will be an autograph signing session also.

http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=486307#Uncaged

Coach Schwartz wants bigger, stronger lineman. The lineman's strength has increased about 16% which is substantial. One big difference in this season's training camp is that they are running a 4-3 defense. Everyone will be on a bit of a learning curve since the last three years the Lions ran a useless Tampa 2 defense. I believe we can force the opposing team's offense to run to the middle instead of the outside where before they were gobbling up huge amounts of real estate. I feel that is one of the first things that we need to focus on.

The Offense will click with all three of the QBs getting reps. I fell pretty confident with our QB depth but it will be interesting if they sign a 4th QB for possibly the practice squad.

You know another reason I think Coach Schwartz will be better on Sundays? It is because of his intelligence. He won't get out coached he will know when to challenge a play, when to use time-outs and know how to make adjustments and substitutions. We are in safe hands with Coach Schwartz.

Before I forget my Lionettes I re-did my UFL List and I like the changes I made. The Detroit Lions new UFL farm team is called the Grand Rapids Lynx. It was changed from the Grand Rapids Snow Leopards. I thought that sounded too cute and cuddly and Lions and Lynx's are not cute and cuddly but creatures that will look at you and say "Hello Lunch!" I was really toying with the idea of calling the Lions farm team the Michigan Massasaugas. The one native poisonous snake here in Michigan. Anyways I think this list is much better. Enjoy!

NFL UFL (NFL Affiliate)

NFC NORTH
Detroit Lions Grand Rapids Lynx
Green Bay Packers Lincoln Black Knights
Minnesota Vikings Bismarck Archers
Chicago Bears Columbus Fire Ants

NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons Nashville Vipers
Carolina Panthers Jackson Leopards
New Orleans Saints Tallahassee Sting Rays
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Huntsville Spiders

NFC EAST
New York Giants Annapolis Harpoons
Philadelphia Eagles Albany Sidewinders
Dallas Cowboys Oklahoma City Gun Slingers
Washington Redskins Orlando Conquistadors

NFC WEST
St. Louis Rams Las Vegas Red Knights
Arizona Cardinals Albuquerque Cobras
San Francisco 49s San Jose Hammerheads
Seattle Seahawks Portland (Oregon) Pythons

AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens Manhattan Rattlers
Cincinnati Bengals Richmond Cougars
Cleveland Browns Portland (Maine) Bull Sharks
Pittsburgh Steelers Norfolk Torpedoes

AFC SOUTH
Tennessee Titans Little Rock Bombers
Houston Texans Austin Scorpions
Indianapolis Colts Louisville Juggernauts
Jacksonville Jaguars Baton Rouge Cheetahs

AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills Harrisburg Jackals
Miami Dolphins Raleigh Scythes
New England Patriots Charleston Makos
New York Jets Hartford Condors

AFC WEST
Denver Broncos Salt Lake City Dragons
Kansas City Chiefs Des Moines Tomahawks
Oakland Raiders Boise Renegades

San Diego Chargers Los Angeles Rebels

Well as Porky Pig would say "That's All Folks!" Well not really but it is late and I have an awesome day of writing Happy Letters planned tomorrow! Everyone take care and remember when things turn around for our team, it will be well worth all of the heartaches and sorrows of our past failures. I will have news round up links posted by the end of the week well then again I should not promise that I will do that because as of late I have been coming up short in that regard. But anyways GO LIONS!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Land O Links II

Hi everyone,

Hope all is well out there in Lions Land. Just a quick note this blog is just a recap of Lions news links the past couple of weeks. They are all pretty much great information but there is a lot so read what you wish. I will have another post out Thursday night before training camp starts this Friday. Until then take care and GO LIONS!

A good article by NFL Senior Analyst Pat Kirwan that the Lions under Coach Schwartz are not that far off from respectability in the league.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d810bd435&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true

An archived Live Chat from NFL.com with QB Matthew Stafford.
http://chat.nfl.com/front/archived_chat/345

Calvin Johnson is such a stud here is an awesome article on him from the Detroit News.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090716/SPORTS0101/907160425/1004/SPORTS/Lions+have+no+reason+to+worry+about+WR+Calvin+Johnson

Lions have signed our sixth round pick, RB Aaron Brown and seventh round pick LB Zack Follett.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/lions_sign_late_draft_pick_aar.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/lions_ink_seventhround_linebac.html

Lions announcer Dan Miller was on the Huge Show with Bill Simonson to talk about the off-season. A good audio interview if you get a chance to listen to it.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/dan_miller_on_the_huge_show_ve.html

Brian Van Ochten of the Grand Rapids Press was also on the Huge Show with Bill Simonson on QB Matthew Stafford being the starter at New Orleans. Another great audio interview!
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/brian_vanochten_on_the_huge_sh_4.html

Here is an interesting article from Tom Kowalski on DT Sammie Hill playing immediately for the Lions because of our lack of depth at the DT position.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/sammie_hill_is_one_rookie_who.html

A great article from Tom Kowalski on Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/lions_will_need_to_score_point.html

T Jon Jansen had some keen insight on the unlikelihood of an NFL strike in 2011.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090719/SPORTS01/907190412/1049/New-Lion-Jon-Jansen-says-NFL-strike-in-2011-is-unlikely-

NFL Sirius Radio’s Adam Schein made a prediction that the lions won’t go .500 like division foe Al Harris from the Green Bay Packers has proclaimed. Thanks a lot Al for the love and Adam you’re not the first analyst I would turn to for football commentary.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9813380/Schein's-Nine:-Cards-back-in-Super-Bowl?&GT1=39002

As you all know with our team coming off that dreadful season the likelihood of the Lions being blacked out is almost a certainty. I feel they need to end the black-out rules they are archaic and extremely insulting to the fan base especially in these downtrodden economic times.
http://oplions.blogspot.com/2009/07/will-we-see-lions.html

A great Q/A online chat with Lions Announcer Dan Miller. It is the transcript of the Q/A session which is a great read.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/live_chat_lunch_qa_with_fox_2.html

A good article by Tom Kowalski on our Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/look_for_lions_defensive_coord.html

The Lions have traded WR Ronald Curry to the St. Louis Rams for DT Orien Harris.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/lions_trade_wide_receiver_rona.html
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090722/SPORTS0101/907220422/1361/Lions-acquire-DT-Orien-Harris-from-Rams-for-WR-Ronald-Curry

Martha Reeves is running for re-election on the Detroit City Council and she put the old Lions logo on her campaign literature. She said she was a member of the Lions but someone forgot to tell her women are not allowed on professional football teams. What amazes me is the pure stupidity of the Detroit City Council and I really feel bad when you have morons like this lady represent a once great city.
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/07/is_martha_reeves_and_the_vande.html

The NFL draft is moving from Saturday and Sunday to Thursday through Saturday. I am pretty stoked about this.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/nfl_to_start_draft_on_thursday.html

Some bad news might be brewing with a possible NFL strike in 2011. Here is an article from Tom Kowalski about that subject.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/enjoy_the_nfl_this_season_and.html

A great article by Tom Kowalski on our super awesome Head Coach Jim Schwartz. A great read.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/head_coach_jim_schwartz_should.html

Here are articles from Tom Kowalski on WR John Standeford, WR Eric Fowler, WR Adam Jennings, TE, Casey Fitzsimmons, LB Julian Peterson, CB Phillip Buchanon, CB Keith Smith, K Jason Hanson
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/lions_backup_receivers_will_ha.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/casey_fitzsimmons_is_only_retu.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/arrival_of_julian_peterson_giv.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/phillip_buchanon_could_be_the.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/keith_smith_might_be_down_to_h.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/comment_rebuttal_actually_ther.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/07/jason_hansons_amazing_talents.html

Links round-up by Philip Zaroo.
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/07/detroit_lions_links_roundup_li_3.html
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/07/detroit_lions_links_roundup_ji_1.html
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/07/detroit_lions_links_roundup_al.html
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/07/detroit_lions_links_roundup_se.html
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/07/detroit_lions_links_roundup_li_4.html

Friday, July 24, 2009

It's This And That With Kenny

Howdy to my favorite peeps in the world the ones that I call my fellow Lions fans! I know things are pretty bad in Michigan but if I can give you all a few laughs and some helpful insight on the Lions then that makes me feel good. I want to tell you all that when the Lions turn this thing around, this will be Christmas, New Years, winning the lottery and meeting the love of your life all rolled into one!

Here is a link to a site called College Football News that is a first-look projection of where the 2010 NFL Draft Class will land and the First Round is STACKED with OL and DL! We could very well snag out LT with our First Round pick!
http://cfn.scout.com/2/856941.html

The Lions have announced open practice schedules for the Lions. Here is the schedule from the Detroit Lions web site. I hope some of you will work out a time when we can go down to Allen Park and check them out in action.
http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=486307

Here are some HYSTERICAL You Tube videos with Adolf Hitler ranting about the Lions. Some of you have seen some of these before. This movie clip that they use is from some World War II movie with Hitler assumably blaming everyone but himself about Germany losing the war and the sheer genius who does these adds subtitles to totally change what it really says. These are so funny I almost split my side every time I watch them. There is some bad language so you are forewarned but they are so funny to watch. They take awhile to stream so I suggest clicking on the link hitting pause then wait for it to load and then watch them.

These two are on the Lions going 0-16.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_MSuSL8e-c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01AvAlIxwQo&feature=fvw
(There one has a few comments from Rod Marinelli at the end of this one)

This one is on the Lions half-way through the 2008 season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm4ikLH3qW0&feature=related

Last night the NFL Network aired a special Quarterback Challenge competition. It got me thinking about a few things. I have mentioned before changing the Pro-Bowl format so I want to hit on that again. This is what I would change in the Pro-Bowl. Make it like the All-Star Game in baseball. Instead of having it two weeks after the Super Bowl have it mid-season after Week 8. Every team should have their bye week during this time so the playing field is leveled PUN INTENDED.

It would be early enough in the season so various cities can host it if there is stadium that is exposed to the elements like Lambeau Field. These are some of the events I would have. Baseball has the homerun derby, so I would have the Pro-Bowl have a Quarterbacks Challenge with quarterbacks throwing the ball the farthest and accuracy contest, Kickers with the longest Field Goal and a Wide Receiver contest to catch balls on various routes. The game that is played between the AFC and NFC would have some meaning like whichever side wins the NFC or AFC teams in the draft would get an extra compensatory pick in the 7th round or the NFC/AFC team automatically receives the ball first in the Super Bowl.

The Draft is moving from a two-day weekend format to a three-day primetime format! They are going to move it from a two-day format to a three-day format. The first round will air on Thursday night during primetime, second and third rounds air on Friday night also during primetime and rounds four through seven will air on Saturday morning. WOO-HOO! This is such awesome news! Check out this article!
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-nfldraft-primetime&prov=ap&type=lgns

This article is worth checking out some interesting thoughts on the NFC North.
http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/07/15/summer-scramble-nfc-north-burning-questions-and-prediction/

Another Lions fan maybe not as big as yours truly LOL just joking calls himself Lions In Winter and he uses the same blog domain that I do and he has some really awesome insights and thoughts on the Lions. I suggest adding his spot to your favorites.
http://thelionsinwinter.blogspot.com

Everyone thinks I am on mad crack for saying the Lions are going 7-9 this year and I am delighted that Lions In Winter agrees with me! I am not alone in this universe after all! Although a caller to the Pat Caputo show said that Matt Stafford will lead the Lions to an 11-5 record. I guess I am not the only one chugging the kool-aid and scarfing the corn bread.
http://thelionsinwinter.blogspot.com/2009/07/completely-useless-waste-of-time-part-i.html
http://thelionsinwinter.blogspot.com/2009/07/completely-useless-waste-of-time-part.html

I want to repeat my draft wish list from awhile ago. I know I am a little ahead of the game on this one but I was thinking about our draft wish list for the 2010 draft. Right now we have 8 picks. One for each round 1-7 and I believe an extra 5th rounder from Denver from this past draft. There is the chance of getting another couple of compensatory picks from the league with free-agent losses. But let’s say for the sake of the argument we have 8 picks. What should we get with those?

My little list will probably change a million times before the 2010 draft and that is probably a conservative estimate. Right now I think we should look at snagging a Cornerback/Safety, Quarterback (Stafford will need a strong back-up), Offensive Guard/Offensive Tackle, Defensive Tackle (First Round would be my choice), Defensive End, Wide Receiver (Not a First Rounder but maybe a good one in the 3rd round), Running Back (they are a dime a dozen and we should be able to snag one in the 4th round) and another Linebacker (preferably middle which is sort of dependent on if Larry Foote signs a long-term deal with us.

Well my Lionettes I will have another post with more link round ups by the end of this weekend. I hope you all have an awesome weekend. Until next time GO LIONS!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Land O Links

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Getting Closer To Season Kick-Off

Hello to all of my fellow Lions fans. Sorry it has been awhile since my last post and I have to warn you this post is more or less a links round up of Lions News from MLive. MLive is the best when it comes to news about our favorite football team in thee state of Michigan. So this post and most likely the next will be playing catch up with all of the happenings out of Allen Park these past few weeks. I know it is a lot of information but like a buffet, eat AKA read what you like. I just try to offer you all a condensed source of Lions information.

Here are so various stories collected by Philip Zaroo from MLive. By the way I emailed Philip to see if he had a video from Fox Sports of a ‘tale of the tape’. It was like what they do in boxing comparing fighters’ weight, arm reach, etc. This one had a comparison between Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson and Megatron from the Transformers. It was totally hilarious and if I ever find it I will share it with all of you.

http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/detroit_lions_links_roundup_ro.html
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/detroit_lions_links_roundup_li.html
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/detroit_lions_links_roundup_of.html

(In this link an excellent story about Bret Favre with the Vikings)
http://www.nfltouchdown.com/brett-favres-return-good-for-the-lions/

(A really awesome story from NFL.com by Pat Kirwan with video from the NFL Network) PLEASE READ THIS AND CHECK OUT THE VIDEO!
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d810bd435&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true&campaign=email_NL0612

http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/detroit_lions_links_roundup_tr.html
(In this link there is a game scenario of the 76 Buccaneers Vs, the 08 Lions, pretty funny)
http://www.profootballcentral.com/2009/06/16/game-of-the-century/

http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/detroit_lions_links_roundup_lo.html
(A neat Q/A from the Detroit Lions web site with Safety Louis Delmas)
http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=485584&nsln=061909

Some of you might have heard that the Lions are considering having practice held at a venue other than Allen Park. It is speculative right now but two possible locations are Saginaw Valley State University and Grand Valley State University. Here are a couple of articles from Tom Kowalski and another from Gregg Johnson of the Grand Rapids Press.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_jim_schwartz_is_big_beli.html
http://www.mlive.com/lakers/index.ssf/2009/06/talk_of_moving_lions_camp_to_g.html

Here is an interesting article from Tom Kowalski on TE Will Heller.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/will_heller_should_be_no_2_tig.html

This article has Head Coach Jim Schwartz discussing there not being a depth chart and that there is a clean slate with all of the players.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_coach_jim_schwartz_keeps.html

Here is a neat video with Tom Kowalski on the Lions pursuing DE Kevin Carter.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/tom_kowalski_on_woodtv_still_p.html

Here is an interesting story from Brian Van Ochten of the Grand Rapids Press about the OLine protecting Matt Stafford.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/will_lions_line_performance_di.html

Here is a neat tidbit on Head Coach Jim Schwartz.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_head_coach_jim_schwartz.html

Here are some articles from Tom Kowalski on QB Daunte Culpepper, OLB Zack Follett, CB Ramzee Robinson, Safety Louis Delmas, DE Jared DeVries and DE Cliff Avril. There pretty short so check them out.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_daunte_culpepper_still_b.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_daunte_culpepper_breaks.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_rookie_zack_follett_focu.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/despite_his_high_intensity_lio.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_cornerback_ramzee_robins.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_use_louis_delmas_in_mant.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/despite_defensive_changes_lion.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/a_likely_starter_lions_cliff_a.html

An interesting article regarding on Marquand Manuel playing at Safety then there is the possibility of keeping Anthony Henry at CB who was possibly going to be moved to Safety.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/will_marquand_manuels_play_at.html

Here is a good analysis from Tom Kowalski about the QB’s performance and another photo slide show from Mini-Camp.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_qbs_moved_the_ball_but_t.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/photos_detroit_lions_morning_m.html

Lions owner William Clay Ford Sr. broke his silence about firing Matt Millen and owning up to the failures of the Lions recently. Here are some stories and a Q&A with reporters. I believe he does want to win but his biggest problem he is too loyal. He said that the hiring of Jim Schwartz as head coach was his call and kudos to him on that because I believe we hit pay dirt with his hiring. If I had the choice of hiring Jon Gruden, Mike Shanahan or Jim Schwartz, I would take Schwartz in a second!
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_owner_for_those_who_walk.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/william_clay_ford_acknowledges.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_owner_william_clay_ford.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_owner_william_clay_ford_1.html

Here are a couple of articles from Brian Van Ochten of the Grand Rapids Press on the changing mood of the Lions and owner William Clay Ford Sr.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_players_upbeat_during_mi.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_owner_william_clay_fords.html

I know a lot of fans are unhappy with Center Dominic Raiola getting a 4 year extension but I am okay with this. He is not the worst center and he plays really hard. I think some continuity on the OL might lead to better production out of everyone this coming season.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_sign_dominic_raiola_to_f_1.html

An audio interview with Coach Jim Schwartz on WDFN-AM Detroit, a good listen, it’s about 25 minutes long so a bit long but worth it.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/jim_schwartz_on_wdfn_i_feel_a.html

Here is an article on the city of Clawson’s second favorite son (right behind Justin Winslow) RT Jon Jansen who I think could start over Gosder Cherilus on the right side, play Right Guard or even Center!
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/former_washington_right_tackle.html

This is a bit of old news but maybe not so much to those of you who don’t follow the Lions as religiously as I do. Anyways the Lions traded Safety Gerald Alexander to the Jacksonville Jaguars for WR Dennis Northcutt. He was most likely not going to make the team and was going to have to be cut.
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/report_lions_trade_gerald_alex.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_trade_gerald_alexander_w.html

Here is an article from Tom Kowalski on OT Jeff Backus, a really long article but worth it.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/after_threeyear_nightmare_lion.html

Here are a couple of articles from Tom Kowalski on OG Manny Ramirez and DE Dewayne White.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/manny_ramirez_needs_to_mix_pow.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_dewayne_white_pits_produ.html

Lastly here is an article on Kevin Carter on playing both DE and DT by Tom Kowalski. I so hope he signs with us. If he signs I will certainly sleep better at night knowing our DLine is more stable and a Mack truck won’t be unable to run through it.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/comment_rebuttal_kevin_carter.html

I know I am a little ahead of the game on this one but I was thinking about our draft wish list for the 2010 draft. Right now we have 8 picks. One for each round 1-7 and I believe an extra 5th rounder from Denver from this past draft. Then there is the chance of getting another compensatory pick from the league with free-agent losses. But let’s say for the sake of the argument we have 8 picks. What should we get with those? My little list will probably change a million times before the 2010 draft and that is probably a conservative estimate. Right now I think we should look at snagging a Cornerback/Safety, Quarterback (Stafford will need a strong back-up), Offensive Guard/Offensive Tackle, Defensive Tackle (First Round would be my choice), Defensive End, Wide Receiever (Not a First Rounder but maybe a good one in the 3rd round), Running Back (they are a dime a dozen and should snag one when a good one is available) and a Line Backer (Depending on if Larry Foote stays with us, an Inside Line Backer).

Well I hope to have another post sometime next week. I will have some original stuff here soon I just wanted to share these links with all of you. I hope you all have an awesome weekend. Until next time GO LIONS!

Monday, July 6, 2009

25 Days To Go But Whose Counting?

Yes by the title of this blog you can see I’m getting rather antsy about waiting for training camp. Again I’m sorry for not posting in awhile. Been a really busy one as of late. By now we have all gotten over the Wings loss in game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Where the Pistons and Wings fell short the Lions will prevail. I was wondering how electrified will this whole state be when the Lions make a Super Bowl run? All in do time :)

For those of you on FaceBook the Lions have started an official page. All of the Detroit Lions FaceBook pages were unofficial. Here is the link to sign up if interested.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Detroit-Lions/95004133604

Here is a link from Tom Kowalski about DT Grady Jackson.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/scouting_report_grady_jackson.html

Here is a slide show from an OTA with some neat photos from the practice.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/photos_detroit_lions_final_ota.html

I am glad there have been some upgrades as far as depth goes on the OL with the signing of Jon Jansen. Here are a few links with more on him as well as some of the other guys on the OL.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/jon_jansen_anxious_to_help_bri.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/jon_jansen_finally_provides_li.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/could_jon_jansens_signing_with.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_felt_resigning_stephen_p.html

Here is a link from Brian Van Ochten of the Grand Rapids Press on out notable free agent signings.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/jon_jansen_beefs_up_lions_coac_1.html

Here are a couple of stories from Tom Kowalski about QB Matthew Stafford.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_matthew_stafford_shows_s_1.html

Here are some scouting report stories from Tom Kowalski.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/detroit_lions_scouting_report.html

Tom Kowalski has recently been replying to comments made on MLive and here are a few of those stories.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/comment_rebuttal_drew_stantons.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/comment_rebuttal_lions_still_s.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/comment_rebuttal_run_blocking.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/comment_rebuttal_lions_say_oth.html

Here are a couple of short articles one on DT Andre Fluellen on his future with the Lions and the other on Safety Daniel Bullocks. Just a note I think they will be better in the 4-3 Defense vs. the Tampa 2. Fluellen he needs to put on more weight as a DT and Bullocks needs one more shot after coming off knee surgery and the awful year everyone had last season.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_andre_fluellen_is_still.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/once_promising_daniel_bullocks.html

Here is a podcast from the Grand Rapids Press with Brian Van Ochten about the changes the Lions have been making.
http://blog.mlive.com/twominutedrill/2009/06/twominute_drill_podcast_lions_2.html

Here is an audio interview with Tom Kowalski on various topics too many to name. But if you get the time check out this audio.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/tom_kowalski_on_wbbl_controver.html

Here is a short article about Lions 7th round draft pick Lydon Murtha and his projections for the season.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/oftinjured_lions_rookie_lydon.html

I expect RB Kevin Smith will have a far better season and will be a huge workhorse for the Lions offense this season. Here is a short article on him.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/kevin_smiths_star_could_shine.html

Here are a few comments from rookie Safety Louis Delmas.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_louis_delmas_i_have_a_lo.html

Here are a couple of short stories from Tom Kowalski on RT Gosder Cherilus and Safety Daniel Bullocks.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/theres_a_lot_to_like_about_lio.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/once_promising_daniel_bullocks.html

Here is an audio interview with Center Dominic Raiola on WDFN AM on what has been going on.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/dominic_raiola_on_wdfn_matthew.html

Here is an audio interview with Dan Miller the voice of Detroit Lions football about TE Brandon Pettigrew and other comments.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/dan_miller_on_wzam.html

Here are a couple of articles about Millen picks having a tough time making the final roster. One is on DT Landon Cohen and the other is on OLB Alex Lewis.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_landon_cohen_will_need_m.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/crowded_linebacker_field_means.html

Here is an interesting video from You Tube, a clip from the Ellen DeGeneres show with free-agent acquisition OT Ephraim Salaam. Please check it out! Man I love this guy. He is so cool!
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/detroit_lions_links_roundup_li_1.html

Here are a couple of articles on TE Dan Gronkowski.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/lions_rookie_dan_gronkowski_ne.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/comment_rebuttal_lions_dan_gro.html

Here is a short article about LG Daniel Loper who I believe will make the final roster.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/daniel_loper_fighting_to_nail.html

Here is one singing the praises of Safety Louis Delmas. This kid rocks!
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/early_indications_are_that_lou.html

Here is an article on Linebacker Larry Foote.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/06/while_hes_not_the_most_talente.html

Here are some link round ups from Phillip Zaroo that has more Lions news and stories.
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/detroit_lions_links_roundup_la.html
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/detroit_lions_links_roundup_ji.html
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/detroit_lions_links_roundup_ev.html
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/detroit_lions_links_roundup_li.html

Yes lots of links but they are FYI’s for all of you so if you have the time check them out. Lots of neat stories but do check out the video from the Ellen DeGeneres show and listen to the audio clips. Well worth it. I will have another post before the weekend. Until then GO LIONS!