Detroit Lions’ Fans Are To Blame For Team’s Struggles, Writes Bill Simonson

A decade of losing can do funny things to a man’s mind. It seems this Detroit Lions season has turned the loud-mouthed Bill “Huge” Simonson downright delusional.

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Thanksgiving Preview | Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers

Matt and Zac Snyder of Bleacher Report and mittensportsreport.com break down this week’s Detroit Lions football matchup.

When the Lions have the ball…

Detroit’s passing attack vs. Green Bay’s defensive backs

Zac says: Expect the suddenly potent Lions air attack to find itself grounded once again on Thursday. With Matthew Stafford unlikely to play and Calvin Johnson listed as questionable, last Sunday’s numbers won’t be duplicated. Daunte Culpepper will be asked to simply manage the game against a Packers defense that will be without cornerback Al Harris and outside linebacker Aaron Kampman. Pass selection may be limited to short and medium depth routes, especially if Calvin Johnson doesn’t play. Advantage: Packers

Matt says: Matthew Stafford is listed as questionable on the injury report, and that doesn’t bode well for the Lions. The last time the Lions played the Packers, Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton combined to complete only 44 percent of their passes with three interceptions and no touchdowns. Stafford showed true grit and guts in the win over Cleveland. He mixed up his receivers, completing 60 percent of his throws for an NFL rookie record five touchdowns. It would be a huge blow for the Lions if Stafford is unable to play. Advantage: Even

Detroit’s running game vs. Green Bay’s front seven

Zac says: Green Bay boasts a tough run defense that hasn’t allowed a rusher to hit the 100-yard mark in any game since Steven Jackson in Week Three. Certainly an impressive stat considering they faced Adrian Peterson twice in that span. The Green Bay defense has been aided by their offense establishing early leads that force opponents to abandon the running game, a problem the Lions faced in Green Bay earlier this year. Advantage: Packers

Matt says: The Lions may not have run the ball well against Cleveland, but they were successful with the screen pass, which accomplishes the same end. A true ground game has eluded Detroit this season. The Lions will face a difficult matchup on the ground this week, the Packers rank fourth in the NFL against the run (yards/game). Advantage: Packers

When the Packers have the ball…

Green Bay’s passing attack vs. Detroit’s defensive backs

Zac says: Check last Sunday’s box score against the hapless Browns and let me know if you think this warrants any discussion, I think its pretty self explanatory. Advantage: Packers

Matt says: Aaron Rodgers had a very nice day when these two teams met in October. He connected on 78 percent of his passes for 358 yards and two touchdowns. After watching the Lions give up four touchdown passes to Brady Quinn and the maligned Browns passing game, I expect to see Rodgers put up similar numbers on Thursday. Advantage: Packers

Green Bay’s running game vs. Detroit’s front seven

Zac says: Ryan Grant managed just 3.8 yards per carry in the first game against the Lions. The defense will have to limit Grant again to stay competitive in this one. If problems along the Packers’ offensive line continue, then the Lions’ defensive front may be able to find their way into the backfield and cause some trouble. It seems that for every moment of greatness on defense the Lions are able to allow two or three horrible plays. Advantage: Packers

Matt says: Detroit was average against the run last week, allowing 3.3 yards per carry to the Browns, but they’ll need to do at least that to be successful against the Packers. The Green Bay passing game should put pressure on the defense which should allow running back Ryan Grant some room to run. He’s not a particularly impressive runner, but he can more than get the job done. It will be up to the Lions’ front to get a good push to stop Grant before he can get going. Advantage: Packers

Bottom line…

Zac (8-2) says: Lions coach Jim Schwartz got an up close look at Thanksgiving football in Detroit last year as the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans. The Titans jumped out to a 35-10 half time lead and never looked back in posting the 47-10 victory. Schwartz may be able to use that experience to get a little something extra out of his guys. However, the injuries may be too severe with this being a short week to pull off one of those magical Thanksgiving upsets. Green Bay 31, Detroit 20

Matt (8-0) says: The Lions have seen only embarrassment lately in their rare national appearances, losing by double digits in the past five Thanksgiving games. They were able to get over the hump last week against Cleveland, and there’s hope that this team is getting better, which they very well may be. The only problem for the Lions is that there is still a large gap between simply “better” and good. Green Bay 26, Detroit 17

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NFL Preview | Detroit Lions Vs. Cleveland Browns

Matt and Zac Snyder of Bleacher Report and mittensportsreport.com break down this week’s Detroit Lions football matchup.

When the Lions have the ball…

Detroit’s passing attack vs. Cleveland’s defensive backs

Zac says: The Cleveland defense has recorded a league low four interceptions on the year. Unfortunately, Matthew Stafford has thrown a pick in five of seven games this year, including five against Seattle just two weeks ago. Calvin Johnson seems to be back in the flow of the offense with his eight catches in Minnesota last week, although he appeared disinterested at times. Hopefully playing a beatable opponent will add a little pep into the offense. The Lions need the added dimension Brandon Pettigrew brings to the offense. His two catch follow up to his seven catch performance needs to be straightened out to give the passing game balance. This week could be a good opportunity for the Lions to showcase their aerial talents. Advantage: Lions

Matt says: The Lions passing game has been inconsistent this year, but they should be able to get going against the poor Browns’ pass defense. Matt Stafford will look to get the ball to Calvin Johnson early and often to keep him involved in the game. If the Detroit offensive line can give Stafford any sort of time, the Lions can be successful through the air. Advantage: Lions

Detroit’s running game vs. Cleveland’s front seven Zac says: Kevin Smith needs to run with authority this week. Former Lion Shaun Rogers is a mountain of a man in the middle of the Browns defensive line and will need to be contained. Lions fans know the kind of impact he can have on a game, although they also know he can disappear for games at a time as well. The nature of many Lions games this year has forced the offense to abandon the running game. If the Lions can establish the run early and keep the Browns offense down, then Kevin Smith may hit the 100 yard mark for the second time this season. Advantage: Even

Matt says: Cleveland has given up 4.7 yards per carry this season, so the Lions running game may be able to carry the team. A healthy mix of Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris and dashes Aaron Brown could keep the Browns defense on their heels. It’s gonna be up to the Detroit offensive line to control the line of scrimmage. Advantage: Lions

When the Browns have the ball…

Cleveland’s passing attack vs. Detroit’s defensive backs

Zac says: To say Brady Quinn has been less than effective as a starter would be understating the situation. The Cleveland offense is one of the league’s worst in recent memory as shown in their 8.7 points per game average. Browns quarterbacks have thrown just three touchdown passes and their top receiver, Braylon Edwards, was traded away to the New York Jets earlier this year. Rookie Mohamed Massaquoi leads the team in receiving yards while former Lion Mike Furrey lead the team with 21 receptions. Watching the league’s worst passing offense against the league’s worst passing defense could be ugly. Advantage: Even

Matt says: It’s hard to know what will happen when strength meets strength, but when weakness meets weakness, it’s even harder to guess. Louis Delmas’ tooth is feeling better, and his return to the banged up secondary will be nice, to say the least. Advantage: Lions

Cleveland’s running game vs. Detroit’s front seven

Zac says: Jamal Lewis is clearly not the back he once was but this match up still presents a few concerns for me. Lewis is a big strong back that requires strong tackling to bring down. Lions fans know how good of a tackling team this has historically been (NOT!). I expect the Lions secondary to play an important role in run support as the defense cheats off the Browns’ weak passing game. Advantage: Even

Matt says: The Lions run defense is ranked 19th in the NFL in yards allowed per game, but they’ve shown an ability to stop the run for stretches of time. The Browns, on the other hand, rank 26th in rushing average. The Detroit front seven need to take away the run early to force Quinn and the Browns to put the ball in the air in long yardage situations. Advantage: Lions

Bottom line…

Zac (7-2) says: I think the Lions learned a lot from their home loss against the previously win-less St. Louis Rams. The Lions still aren’t good enough to take even the worst teams lightly so I expect a focused effort on Sunday. The Lions have the added education of their preseason stomping at the hands of these very same Cleveland Browns. I know it was just the preseason but that experience has to be near the front of the players’ minds this week. Detroit 20, Cleveland 12

Matt (7-0) says: It’s not really a riveting matchup this week, but it’s a game that could go either way. Both teams are at the bottom of the league in many statistical categories (including W-L), so it may be an “exciting” game from standpoint that it’s a fairly even matchup. I know i’ll be glued to my couch to see how this one plays out. Detoit 9, Cleveland 3

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NFL Preview | Detroit Lions vs St. Louis Rams

When the Lions have the ball…

Detroit’s passing attack vs. St. Louis’s defensive backs

Zac says: It looks like both Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson will be game-time decisions. Stafford appears more likely to play which should give the passing game a boost, even if Calvin isn’t able to go. Dennis Northcutt and Bryant Johnson have had productive games and will need another.

Derrick Williams may get another opportunity to show what he can bring to the offense. Stafford may need a little time to shake off some rust and his mobility may be limited due to the knee injury. Oshiomogho Atogwe is a playmaker in the St. Louis backfield and will need to be accounted for at all times. Advantage: Even

Detroit’s running game vs. St. Louis’s front seven

Zac says: It is time for Kevin Smith to step up and be the feature back the Lions need. We’ll see if moving Jon Jansen to the starting left guard spot produces dividends for the running game.

Jansen has never played the position in a game but routinely practiced there as a Redskin for emergency situations. A week of rest and playing in front of the home crowd could give the Lions a boost to control the clock and wear down the mediocre St. Louis defense. Advantage: Lions

When the Rams have the ball…

St. Louis’s passing attack vs. Detroit’s defensive backs

Zac says: The Rams’ passing offense and Lions’ passing defense each rank near the bottom of the league. The Rams are lead by receiver Donnie Avery who has a hip injury and may not play, further limiting their offensive attack.

Marc Bulger and Kyle Boller have combined to throw more interceptions than touchdown passes this year, not surprising considering how infrequently the Rams offense has found the end zone. The Rams may find intermittent success against the revolving door of the Lions’ secondary but lack the players to truly take advantage. Advantage: Even

St. Louis’s running game vs. Detroit’s front seven

Zac says: Steven Jackson has bested his career average with his 4.4 yards per carry but hasn’t scored a touchdown yet this year. Jackson hasn’t been discouraged by not scoring this year and undoubtedly looks to his match up with the Lions as a chance to get on the board.

The Lions have had problems containing good running backs over the course of an entire game. Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte were both able to find occasional holes to rip off big gains. Dwayne White and Sammie Hill were back at practice this week and will help bolster the thin defensive line.

Tackling well will be the defense’s only chance to containing Steven Jackson. Advantage: Rams

Bottom line…

Zac (5-1) says: Mark it down, remember this date: I’m picking the Lions to win! St. Louis has a terrible offense and is averaging less than 10 points per game. The Lions absolutely have to shut them down and give the hometown crowd another game to cheer about.

I hesitate to call a game between such terrible teams as bing a must win but the Lions need to show that they are on their way up rather than staying among the league’s worst. Detroit 20, St. Louis 13

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Detroit Lions Win! What Does It Mean?

The Detroit Lions have finally managed to break the NFL’s second longest losing streak in league history. Now that the euphoria has settled, we can now reflect on what this victory means.

It means the Lions, the modern example of futility, will not break the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ record losing streak.

It means Matthew Stafford will not have to look over his shoulder for fear of being replaced by Daunte Culpepper simply to break a losing streak.

It means the page has turned from a horrible 2008 season.

It means, for a week at least, the Washington Redskins can be the punch line.

It means the Lions can play the rest of the season for the future, not for the past.

The Lions may have a long way to go before reaching respectability, but at least they can look at the standings and find some other teams with a worse record than themselves. Sunday provided a chance to celebrate; the rest of the season will provide a chance to build a culture where victory is expected.

The win doesn’t mean the Lions have turned a corner, it doesn’t mean Martin Mayhew and Tom Lewand are the front office combination to bring the Lions to prominence, but it does mean the nightmare is over and Lions fans can start to dream again.

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NFL Week Three Preview | Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions

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NFL Week 2 Preview | Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions

Matt and Zac Snyder of Bleacher Report and mittensportsreport.com break down this week’s Detroit Lions football match-up.

When the Lions have the ball…

Detroit’s passing attack vs. Minnesota’s defensive backs

Zac says: Brady Quinn managed to throw for over 200 yards with a nice completion percentage against the Vikings secondary last week. If Matthew Stafford can avoid interception, he may have an opportunity to find some success. The offense will be aided by a home crowd eager to see their No. 1 overall draft pick succeed.

Calvin Johnson always has the potential for a huge day, but will need help from the other receivers to avoid being double-teamed. The young offense may still struggle at times, especially through the air. Advantage: Even

Matt says: Calvin Johnson creates an advantage just by being on the field—he has the ability to get to the end zone any time he touches the ball.

Matthew Stafford needs to understand that his strong arm can’t squeeze the ball into coverage—he needs to use his powers for good, not evil. Rookies are allowed to make mistakes, but they must learn from them and show improvement each week. The Detroit offensive line must keep Jared Allen from getting to Stafford, or the rookie will continue to throw interceptions (and take a beating). Advantage: Lions


Detroit’s running game vs. Minnesota’s front seven

Zac says: Kevin Smith averaged a disappointing 1.3 yard per carry against the Saints. That will need to pick up for the Lions to have success offensively. Kevin and Pat Williams present the most formidable defensive tackle tandem in the league, a huge test for the interior of any offensive line. I figure the Lions can muster a few bright spots in the running game, but not enough. Advantage: Vikings

Matt says: I expected a lot more from the Lions’ running game last week against the Saints defense. It will be difficult to improve much this week against an even better Minnesota defense. Advantage: Vikings

When the Vikings have the ball…

Zac says: As long as Adrian Peterson is running the ball for the Vikings, their air attack will be nothing but a change of pace to keep defenses honest. Brett Favre attempted just 21 passes for 110 yards in week 1. Philip Buchanon will be back in the line-up to help bolster the Detroit secondary. Percy Harvin has big play potential and will need to be kept in check. I can’t call a clear advantage in this match-up because the Vikings won’t need to test the Lions through the air. Advantage: Even

Matt says: While it’s true that the Vikings will not need to rely on the passing game to win, they’ll still be able to have success through the air. Brett Favre is no stranger to the Detroit Lions, and unfortunately, the secondary did not improve while he was away from the division. Advantage: Vikings

Minnesota’s running game vs. Detroit’s front seven

Zac says: The Lions continue to lack depth and talent on the defensive line. The strong linebacker corps will not be able to have kind of impact they are capable of until the D-line can hold their own. Adrian Peterson’s 180 yards and three touchdowns against the Browns may be duplicated in Week Two. Advantage: Vikings

Matt says: Adrian Peterson is really, really good. The Lions run defense is really, really bad. Advantage: Vikings

Bottom line…

Zac says: I can’t find the courage to pick the Lions to win until they show they can. The only way the Lions pull this one out is if Adrian Peterson catches another case of fumblitis and Brett Favre throws a couple of his wild throws right at the Lions. As long as Favre is content to be a “manage the game” type of quarterback and plays within his aged abilities, the Vikings have nothing to fear. Minnesota 28, Detroit 21

Matt says: I’m a homer, but even I can’t take the Lions in this contest. Too much Adrian Peterson, and not enough run defense, will ultimately do the Lions in. At this point, expectations are still low for the Lions, and I’ll simply take some steady improvement. Minnesota 34, Detroit 20

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NFL Week 1 Preview | Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints

Matt and Zac Snyder of Bleacher Report and mittensportsreport.com break down this week’s Detroit Lions football match-up.

When the Lions have the ball…

Detroit’s passing attack vs. New Orleans’ defensive backs

Zac says: On one hand, Matthew Stafford used the preseason to show off the physical gifts that made him the first overall pick. On the other hand, he threw a pick in each game. This season will be a learning process for the team’s largest investment. If Stafford can develop a solid connection with Calvin Johnson while not ignoring his other targets, the offense could have some success. That being said, starting a rookie in week one is asking for trouble. Advantage: Saints

Matt says: The Saints pass defense ranked in the bottom third of the league last year, and they’ll be tested this week by Calvin Johnson and the strong arm of rookie Matthew Stafford. The key to this match up will be how much time the offensive line gives Stafford to find the open man down field. The Lion receivers should provide the rookie with plenty of targets. Advantage: Lions

Detroit’s running game vs. New Orleans’ front seven

Zac says: The biggest bright spot during the pre-season was definitely the Lions running game. Kevin Smith has looked lean and fast and has a year of pro experience under his belt. I expect a breakout year behind an offensive line that seems to have found a nasty streak. Maurice Morris provides veteran experience while rookie Aaron Brown has fantastic speed. New Orleans has found success in recent years because of their offense, not their defense. Advantage: Lions

Matt says: Kevin Smith is indeed a dandy at running back for Detroit, and with a rookie quarterback they’ll need him to carry the load. Smith provides a good combination of power and speed and looks to have a great day if the Lion offensive line can give him even the slightest bit of room to run. Advantage: Lions

When the Saints have the ball…

New Orleans’ passing attack vs. Detroit’s defensive backs

Zac says: The Lions defensive backfield may be the weakest part of a weak defense. Anthony Henry, Phillip Buchanon and Louis Delmas are all talent upgrades over a year ago but there is still progress to be made. Saints quarterback Drew Brees is coming off a year that nearly saw him break Dan Marino’s single season passing yardage record.

Advantage: Saints Matt says: The Saints, led by quarterback Drew Brees, had one of the most prolific passing offenses in NFL history a season ago. The Lions, who still employ a patchwork defensive secondary, will quite simply be over matched this weekend in New Orleans. Advantage: Saints

New Orleans’ running game vs. Detroit’s front seven

Zac says: Running back Pierre Thomas appears to be out for week one due to a knee laceration. That will give Reggie Bush the chance to show, as Saints brass believes, that he is capable of being an every down feature back. He’s probably going up against the perfect defense to show just what he can do. The Lions lack depth on the defensive line but will need big production from the guys that play. Unless the front four can hold the line of scrimmage the strong Linebacker corps will be unable to make the kind of plays of which they are capable. Advantage: Saints

Matt says: The Lions finished the 2008 campaign as the NFL’s worst run defense. They’ve added two high quality linebackers in Julian Peterson and Larry Foote, but the defensive line is still a weak point. Speedster Reggie Bush figures to get the bulk of the carries for the Saints this week and the Lions can ill afford to let him find daylight. Advantage: Saints

Bottom line

Zac says: The Lions have a long way to go before they can be expected to compete with good teams on the road. Signs of competency on defense and a strong running game would be a step in the right direction. The Lions only shot at winning may be staying score for score with the Saints in a shootout. I don’t see it happening. New Orleans 34, Detroit 20

Matt says: The Saints are going score points, but the question will be how well the Lions offense can move the ball. Will Stafford be able to avoid those rookie mistakes we saw in the preseason? Will the offensive line be able to keep the pressure off of the rookie? The Lions may be able to hang with the Saints for a while, but I really don’t see them snapping their 17 game losing streak this week. New Orleans 35, Detroit 24

This article is also featured on The Mitten Sports Report

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Double Dip in Detroit

The City of Detroit was alive with both the promise of a new season and the excitement of a pennant race. The day began with a 1pm kick-off between the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts, the third preseason game for both teams.

Across the street from Ford Field, the Detroit Tigers prepared for a nationally televised tilt with the Tampa Bay Rays. Fresh off a series opening win on Friday night, the Tigers looked to improve on their second best home record with another win over the Rays.

The Lions finished their business with an 18-17 win over the Colts. Could the Tigers make it a Detroit sweep?

The Rays sent Rookie and potential future ace David Price the the mound for his first career start against the Tigers.

The Tigers gave Nate Robertson his first start of the year in his return from the disabled list following elbow surgery. Robertson has five good rehab starts at AAA Toledo prior to rejoining the Tigers, posting a 1-1 record with a 1.89 ERA.

Nate looked comfortable playing long toss with Gerald Laird and smooth in his bullpen warm up with bullpen catcher Scott Pickens. The good feelings carried over to the game as only 10 pitches were required to retire the first three Rays in order.

Adam Everett committed his 13th error of the season to allow Pat Burrell to reach base to lead off the second inning. A one-out single from Evan Longoria put runners at the corners. A clutch strike out of former Tiger Gabe Kapler eased some of the tension. The remaining tension was relieved with Dioner Navarro’s weak liner to Everett.

The Rays used a single, walk and a couple productive outs to push across the game’s first run in the third inning. Robertson rebounded to strike out Pat Burrell which should have ended the inning but Gerald Laird was unable to hold on to the third strike, allowing Burrell to reach base. The error proved costly as Carlos Pena followed with an RBI single, putting the Rays up 2-0.

While Nate Robertson was effective in his four innings of work, David Price was spectacular in his seven and a third. The Tigers could only muster a single run against the hard throwing lefty, an RBI single from Magglio Ordonez to score Adam Everett.

The Tigers gave the run back to the Rays in the top of the ninth as sloppy play got the best of the Tigers defense yet again. Following a walk to Akinori Iwamura, Jason Bartlett hit into what should have been an easy double play. An errant throw from Everett to Placido Polanco allowed Iwamura to reach third and put Bartlett on first. A Carl Crawford sacrifice fly allowed the Rays to regain their two run lead, 3-1.

The lead held as J.P. Howell pitched a perfect ninth for his 16th save of the year.

The Tigers remain 4.5 games up in the Central because of losses by the White Sox and Twins; their magic number now sits at 30.

Why I’m Rooting For Pittsburgh Steeler’s Big Ben

I’ll come out and say it: I’m rooting for Ben Roethlisberger to emerge unscathed from the allegations of rape.

Sports figures running into trouble with the law has become commonplace, but this one feels personal.  I was born in Ben’s hometown of Findlay, OH.  I have never met the man and I’m not a Steelers fan, but we have something in common and that causes me to root for Ben on a deeper level.

My small connection aside, I can’t help but question some of the details emerging in this developing story.

Similar accusations tend to involve some sort of romantic rendezvous ending with some bad judgement.  Apparently, the woman was sent to the room to fix a television.

I also find it troubling that the woman has not filed criminal charges.  I can’t pretend to know the psychological trauma caused by a true rape victim, but I believe that pressing criminal charges would be the first thing to come to mind.

Perhaps it would be too strong to label Ms. McNulty a gold digger.  The information set forth to date may suggest that it is not. It does not appear that Roethlisberger can be suckered into settling out of court for a sum of money.  Ben vowed to fight the allegations at a press conference today.

We have seen convincing denials before.  Rafael Palmeiro and President Clinton come to mind.  I’m hoping this one is different.

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