Category Archives: Detroit Lions

The latest Detroit Lions News, rumors, schedule, roster, video and more.

Detroit Lions

Robert Saleh says he’s not paying attention to coaching chatter

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Once the initial surprise wore off when news broke that the Detroit Lions decided to part ways with maligned head coach Matt Patricia, speculation immediately began to abound as to who his ultimate replacement would be.

Naturally, one of the first names that came to mind of both fans and media alike is San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

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A Dearborn, Mich. native, Saleh grew up a Lions fan and played college ball in the state. He later attended Northern Michigan and coached at Michigan State, Central Michigan and Georgia.

Addtiionally, a bipartisan group of 36 Michigan House legislators released an open letter to the Detroit Lions Principal Owner Sheila Ford Hamp requesting she consider Saleh to officially succeed Patricia.

However, Saleh maintains that he’s not distracted with his name popping up in such rumors, and is instead focused on the immediate task at hand for his team.

“To be completely honest, I didn’t see anything or hear anything until coming off the practice field,” Saleh said. “So I don’t know what to make of it or anything like that. So it’s just whatever, I guess, you know.”

“This league is so week to week and the most important week right now is Monday Night Football against Buffalo and we’ve got a team that’s in the middle of the playoff hunt, so it’s really a non-issue for me,” Saleh said. “I don’t talk about it. I don’t really even see it. I don’t have social media, I don’t look into the news. So it’s probably more for family and friends to enjoy and get a kick out of than it is for me. We’re completely locked into Buffalo.”

Lions fans, do you see a homecoming in the near future of Saleh?

– – Quotes via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk Link – –

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WR Marvin Hall to be waived by Lions

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The Detroit Lions have made the first big roster move following the dismissals of head coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn last weekend.

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According to NFL Network reporter Mike Garafalo, the Lions are planning to part ways with veteran wide receiver Marvin Hall. The decision will allow younger players on the team to demonstrate their abilities.

So far in 2020, Hall has recorded 17 receptions for 290 total yards and two touchdowns. Hall was originally signed to the Lions practice squad in 2019, and then soon promoted to the active roster.

As noted by Garafalo, Hall recently had a career game, hauling in four receptions for 113 receiving yards.

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Latest NFL COVID-19 protocols could mean no games in California

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Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, Santa Clara County, Calif. officials introduced a temporary ban on all high school, collegiate, and professional sports. The San Francisco 49ers will play their next two scheduled home games in Glendale, Ariz.

And now, we could potentially see the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers follow suit in playing their home games in alternate locations.

On the heels of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest round of COVID-19 safety protocols, sources told Yahoo News that the NFL is in contact with the Rams and Chargers regarding moving their practice and home game sites to neighboring states.

“[NFL] operations may not be able to continue [in California] soon and considering where we’re at in the schedule, dramatic changes like the 49ers’ relocation of operations could encompass the remainder of the season,” one source said. “That could be the case for all of the teams [in California]. The situation is being monitored and how it will impact the rest of the season is a little fluid right now. But the best thing everyone can do is just prepare for any eventuality.”

The NFL has seen a rise in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, which forced the rescheduling of the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers matchup twice. The League also halted all team activities earlier in the week.

– – Quotes via Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports Link – –

Detroit Lions

Danny Amendola, Reggie Ragland react to Matt Patricia’s dismissal

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The Detroit Lions pulled the trigger on a franchise altering pair of moves on Saturday, presenting maligned head coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn with their walking papers.

They went through their first week of practice under interm head coach Darrell Bevell as they prepare for their divisional tilt with the Chicago Bears on Sunday, but haven’t forgotten the connections they had with Patricia.

Linebacker Reggie Ragland admitted to feeling down about the personnel change, and was sure to reach out to Patricia after the move was made official.

For wide receiver Danny Amendola, he’s focused solely on the things that he can control.

“We’re always going to have relationships throughout this league and throughout our careers, and it’s no different here,” he said during today’s media Zoom session. “Business is business and I can’t control a lot of that, so I focus on what I can do, and what I can control.”

The Lions and Bears will get underway from Soldier Field in Chicago at 1:00 PM EST.

Detroit Lions

Darrell Bevell has the respect of Bears coach Matt Nagy

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The Detroit Lions are gearing up for their first game since the franchise-altering facelift that took place last weekend, as maligned head coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn were shown the door by team principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp.

They’ll be going up against their divisional rival Chicago Bears, who currently sit at 5-6 on the season.

Bears head coach Matt Nagy, a fan of interim head coach Darrell Bevell, knows that the Lions will come prepared at Soldier Field on Sunday.

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“I know Darrell Bevell, I have a lot of respect for him,” Nagy said. “I know that he’ll have those guys ready.”

As far as adjustments that the team is making with the new faces in charge of the scheme, the Bears know they must be prepared.

“That’s always a factor in a situation like that, but at the end of the day you can’t overwhelm yourself with that factor, or what that may be,” Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson said. “You know, it may be something, but you can’t try to really prepare around the unknown.

“We know what their DNA is. We know what they like to play. For us, we just have to be prepared to adjust to whatever change or whatever that difference might be.”

Is quarterback Mitchell Trubisky expecting the Lions to continue their traditional man-to-man style of defense this time around? Even with the coaching change, he knows it’s a possibility.

“I think you have to expect that because that’s who they are and that’s what they’ve done for the last 11 weeks,” Trubisky said. “But you gotta expect the unexpected with the new coach being in there. They might throw some different looks at us so for us it’s just worrying about what we’re doing on the offensive side of the ball, being in the right place at the right time, executing our plays, trying to take another step forward from last week, and obviously my focus is ball security and taking care of the football.

“But yeah, you gotta expect the unexpected but that’s who they’ve been the last 11 weeks so to change during a week, we’ll see, but you gotta be ready for it.”

– – Quotes via Gene Chamberlain of SI Link – –

Detroit Lions

3 Player ruled OUT for Lions Week 13 matchup vs. Bears

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The Detroit Lions will play their first post-Quinntricia game on Sunday vs. the Chicago Bears with the hopes of turning their season around.

Just moments ago, the Lions released their final injury report of the week and as you can see, Kenny Golladay, Da’Shawn Hand, and Jeff Okudah have already been ruled OUT.

Player Position Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
Kenny Golladay WR hip NP NP NP Out
Da’Shawn Hand DL groin NP NP NP Out
Jeff Okudah CB shoulder/groin NP NP NP Out
Austin Bryant DE thigh LP LP LP Questionable
Matthew Stafford QB right thumb LP LP LP Questionable
D’Andre Swift RB illness LP NP NP Questionable
Tracy Walker S not injury related not listed not listed NP Questionable
Danny Amendola WR hip LP FP FP
Hunter Bryant TE concussion FP FP FP
Quintez Cephus WR not injury related NP NP FP
Mike Ford CB concussion FP FP FP
Christian Jones LB knee NP LP LP
Detroit Lions

Robert Saleh and John Dorsey emerge as 2 candidates of ‘interest’ for Lions

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Who will the Detroit Lions hire to replace Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia?

That is by far the biggest question that will have to be answered during the offseason and we now have our first report that the Lions are interested in a pair of candidates to replace Quinntricia.

According to Pro Football Network insider Benjamin Allbright, the Lions are interested in San Francisco 49ers DC Robert Saleh to replace Patricia and former Browns and Chiefs GM John Dorsey to take over for Quinn.

“Robert Saleh is one of the hottest names out there right now,” Allbright said. “He’s absolutely sought after. Jacksonville was very interested last year, Detroit is interested this year.”

“I’ve heard John Dorsey is a name to watch out for in the general managership portion up there in Detroit,” Allbright added.

Nation, do you think this would be a good combo? Personally, I am sold on Saleh but would take a hard pass on Dorsey.

Detroit Lions

Michigan lawmakers send open letter to Sheila Ford Hamp advocating for head coach candidate

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As the late, great Ernie Harwell would say, Matt Patricia is LONG GONE!!!

Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp announced over the weekend that both Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn have been relieved of their duties, which means the team now must replace both positions.

There have already been countless candidates mentioned that could be options to replace Patricia, including college coaches, current NFL coordinators, and even former Lions head coach, Jim Caldwell.

But according to a group of Michigan lawmakers, the Lions should hire Dearborn native, Robert Saleh, who is currently the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

In a report from Justin Rogers of The Detroit News, a group of 36 lawmakers have actually sent an open letter to Ford Hamp, advocating for the Lions to make Saleh their next head coach.

“We are writing today to thank you for your recent decision to make a change at manager and head coach for your franchise,” the letter states. “These decisions are often difficult but are necessary to move forward. For many in our state, and across the globe, the Detroit Lions hold a special place in our lives. We look forward to future success through transitioning to a new manager and head coach. 

“Speaking of head coach, we have one name in mind – Robert Saleh,” the letter continues. “A hometown hero, Robert was raised in the Dearborn community, attended Fordson High School, played his college career at Northern Michigan University, and coached at Michigan State University. Everywhere Robert has been he has achieved success. Most recently, as Defensive Coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, his defense has improved across numerous categories; turnovers, sacks, and yards allowed per game. He has built and maintained one of the best defenses in the league.”

Nation, who do you believe the Detroit Lions should hire to be their next head coach?

Detroit Lions

6 Teams who could trade for Matthew Stafford includes one who would ‘Win a Super Bowl’

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There are plenty of HUGE decisions that will have to be made in Allen Park during the coming offseason, including hiring a new general manager and head coach after the Detroit Lions decided to move on from Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn.

But another decision that will have to be made is whether or not to continue on with Matthew Stafford or if it is time to cut ties and attempt to trade him.

In a piece published in The Athletic, Mike Sando suggests six teams as potential trade partners for the Lions if they do decide it is time to move on from Stafford.

San Francisco 49ers

Coach Kyle Shanahan helped Ryan become the league MVP and reach a Super Bowl. He just knocked the Los Angeles Rams out of first place in the NFC West with Nick Mullens subbing for Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback. Think Shanahan could win big with Stafford? His Falcons offenses were more pass-oriented than his 49ers offenses have become for a simple reason. Shanahan had greater faith in throwing the ball with Ryan than he has with the quarterbacks in San Francisco. Stafford would open the playbook.

“They would win a Super Bowl,” an offensive coach said. “Stafford would be in a real organization finally. He would bend to Shanahan and that offense because there is such a history of success with that system. And Stafford would know he’s not going to get hit in the head all the time like in Detroit.”

New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees, despite tossing 40 touchdown passes with four interceptions in his past 16 starts, is winding down physically and might not project as a full-season starter if he decides to keep playing. Sean Payton loves Taysom Hill, but does he really want to risk being stuck with a one-dimensional offense for the long-term if Hill does not develop? Jameis Winston is also on the roster, but his off-the-charts interception rate in Tampa was no aberration. Winston threw far too many picks in college as well. Stafford is the more appealing alternative if the Saints can keep open their championship window the next couple of seasons.

“Sean would do it if he needed to and they would roll and Stafford would go there first over any other place if the choice was his,” another offensive coach said. “They have talent, they know how to pass protect, they got running backs and the defense is really good.”

New England Patriots

After three-plus seasons under Patricia in Detroit, living by the Patriot Way in New England might not rank high on Stafford’s wish list, especially without sufficient weaponry on the roster to support a quarterback. But Stafford could win in New England. Josh McDaniels could still be there to run the offense. Key players could return from COVID-19 opt-outs. Bill Belichick will have time (and salary-cap resources) to restore the roster this coming offseason. Stafford, like current Patriots quarterback Cam Newton, comes with some injury concerns at this stage. Unlike Newton, Stafford does not need rushing contributions to be effective.

“I think Stafford has lacked some accuracy this year and while some of that is protection and receiving corps, what kind of dynamic receiving corps do they have in New England?” an exec said.

Indianapolis Colts

Philip Rivers turns 39 on Dec. 8. How the rest of this season plays out could determine whether Rivers wants to keep playing and whether the Colts want him back.

“I think Frank (Reich) is too loyal to Rivers and would not do that with Stafford,” an evaluator said.

The Colts’ roster is ready to win now. Some of the concerns surrounding Rivers’ propensity for taking risks could apply to Stafford as well, but if Indy needs a quarterback ready to win from Day One, Stafford could qualify more than a developmental prospect would.

“They are doing it with Rivers and in their minds, they have to be thinking they are gearing up to who they are drafting next so they can have a real succession plan,” a veteran coach said. “It’s not out of the realm, but to go back-to-back with veterans, I don’t know. They need a long-term fit for the coach.”

Cleveland Browns

This one might seem odd on the surface with Cleveland 8-3 and Baker Mayfield in only his third NFL season, but I’m not sure Mayfield has the talent to elevate the Browns. Stafford could. Coach Kevin Stefanski would know the Lions’ QB well from his own days in the NFC North. The Browns have the offensive line and run game that Stafford hasn’t had in Detroit and that he could use as he transitions into the latter part of his career.

An exec wondered whether Cleveland would invest the draft capital and salary in Stafford without having an obvious connection to him, but we should also remember that the Browns’ current leadership has relatively little invested in Mayfield, who was inherited from the previous regime. And there could be one Stafford connection through Darrell Bevell, the Lions’ interim coach. Stefanski worked with Bevell in Minnesota for five seasons.

Denver Broncos

The organization has its own issues. Ownership is in flux. GM John Elway cycles through coaches. There is some young talent on offense, however, and the team ranks among the top 10 in combined EPA on defense and special teams. Stafford would give the Broncos at least a chance at keeping pace in an AFC West packed with talented quarterbacks. The odds are against Drew Lock playing as well as Stafford has played, let alone as well as Patrick Mahomes or even Justin Herbert and Derek Carr have played.

“Elway might not do that because his name is on the young guy,” a coach said.

Nation, if the Lions do decide to move on from Stafford, where would you like to see him traded to?

Detroit Lions

5 College coaches who could replace Matt Patricia

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FINALLY!

Following their Thanksgiving debacle against the Houston Texans,  the Detroit Lions have finally moved on from head coach Matt Patricia.

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Patricia had his shot to make his mark on a Lions franchise that has suffered for so long but he failed miserably. Because of that, envisioning owner Sheila Ford Hamp keeping him around any longer was painful to even think about and thankfully, we have been relieved.

So, now it is time to start thinking about potential replacements for Patricia.

There is a good chance that the Lions hire a current NFL coordinator such as Kansas City Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy or San Francisco 49ers DC Robert Saleh, but there is also another route they could go and that is taking a look at current college coaches.

Here are 5 college coaches I believe the Lions could consider to replace Matt Patricia.

As things move along, we will break down each candidate but for now, here are some names to consider.

Ryan Day – Ohio State

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Lincoln Riley – Oklahoma

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Matt Campbell – Iowa State

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Pat Fitzgerald – Northwestern

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Jim Harbaugh – Michigan (sorry, had to add him in here!)

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Nation, which of these candidates would you prefer?

Detroit Lions

Tony Dungy believes Lions should bring back familiar face to replace Matt Patricia

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Matt Patricia is officially gone as head coach of the Detroit Lions and now the team must decide who will be the right hire to lead the team into the future.

There have been a plethora of hot candidates mentioned, including Kansas City Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy and San Francisco 49ers DC Robert Saleh.

But former Super Bowl Champion head coach Tony Dungy has a different candidate in mind and he is a VERY familiar face around these parts.

Dungy recently joined Rich Eisen on the Rich Eisen Show and he said that he believes the Lions should bring back Jim Caldwell.

“Just listen to Ms. Ford’s press conference when she let him go, that was the most unbelievable thing I have ever heard,” Dungy said. “Hey, our locker room is better, we’ve got great direction, we’ve won more games than we’ve had over any three-year period of time in the last 40 years, our city is better, our players believe in him but we are going in another direction. Come on. That says a lot right there.”

“If I were them, I would bring Jim Caldwell back and say hopefully we can fix this thing,” he said.

Nation, how would you feel about the Lions bringing back Jim Caldwell?

 

Detroit Lions

The NFL absolutely hates our Detroit Lions

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If you are a Detroit Lions fan, you are well aware of the plethora of times NFL officials have screwed your team.

It seems like at least a couple of times a year, a big call is botched that ends up costing the Lions a win.

Here is a video created by Lions fan DeQuan Young which highlights just how bad some of these calls have been.

Nation, will the Lions ever get a call that helps them to win a game?

Detroit Lions

Reporter says there will be a demand for Matthew Stafford, return package could be ‘handsome’

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Is it time for the Detroit Lions to move on from Matthew Stafford?

That is a question we have been asked a million times and we expect to be asked a million more during the offseason following the 2020 season.

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Unloading Stafford before his current contract expires would be a hefty hit against the salary cap. Yet, there has been plenty of speculation that a new head coach and general manager could decide that trading Stafford makes the most sense for the Lions future, even if it means losing in the short-term.

But what if the new coach and GM decide that trading Stafford is the way to go? Will there be a demand for him around the NFL? And if there is a demand, would the return package be worth making a move?

According to Kyle Meinke of MLive, there would be a demand for Stafford, and the return package could be “handsome.”

From MLive:

League people love this guy, and someone would make a handsome offer if he hits the block. Of course, the Lions don’t have to get rid of him either, and his contract is so reasonable it might actually be in Detroit’s best interest to keep him around to help develop the next guy. That might be the best path forward. So to be persuaded to part with a quarterback as talented as him — who would certainly have a market — Detroit should accept nothing less than a first-round pick, and probably some kind of sweetener.

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Nation, if you were a new head coach or general manager taking over the Detroit Lions, what would you do with Stafford? Would you keep him around until his contract is over? Would you trade him to the highest bidder?

It sure is going to be an interesting offseason!

 

Detroit Lions, Featured Article

There was ‘tension’ between Matthew Stafford and Matt Patricia

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During his time as head coach of the Detroit Lions, Matt Patricia seemingly made more ‘enemies’ than he did friends and according to Kyle Meinke of MLive, one of those enemies, at least early on,  just so happened to be Lions’ quarterback, Matthew Stafford.

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In a recent mailbag piece, Meinke was asked a question about whether or not Stafford got along with Patricia, and his response was telling.

From MLive:

Nobody was spared. Not even Matthew Stafford. The veteran, franchise quarterback wasn’t a fan of Patricia’s talking-down style, according to multiple sources in a position to know. I believe there is more to the story, but that’s what I have confirmed and feel comfortable reporting at this time. I don’t think it was a toxic relationship at any point, but there was tension between the coach and his quarterback, period.

Meinke did make sure to mention that Patricia did change his ways after that first season and that his relationship with Stafford was “fine down the stretch.”

And as I’ve written many times, Patricia also softened some over time, wasn’t so toxic with players, and that’s a big reason why guys who weren’t around for 2018 tend to have a higher opinion of Patricia than guys who were. In the end, the Patricia-Stafford relationship was fine down the stretch. It just wasn’t always that way, as it wasn’t for many players.

This comes absolutely no surprise at all to me as I have written about how Stafford has seemed unhappy ever since Patricia took over. In fact, Stafford has already seemed more upbeat and happy now that Patricia is gone.

Detroit Lions, Featured Article

HOF wide receiver begs Lions to do right by Matthew Stafford

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If you are like me, you have always wondered how good Matthew Stafford could be if the Detroit Lions put a solid team and a great offensive minded head coach alongside him.

Well, Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin also wonders why Stafford could do if he had a “real offensive minded head coach,” and he is begging Lions ownership to make that happen.

From 97.1 The Ticket:

“I’ve always wondered, always wondered — I don’t care what anybody says — I always wonder what Matt would be with a real head coach, offensive-minded head coach,” Irvin told 97.1 The Ticket. “What would he be with Andy Reid? If you can’t get Andy Reid, then I want the closest thing to Andy Reid. You see what I’m saying?”

“I want the closest thing to Andy Reid to get my quarterback, who understands defense, who has a great arm, who has great talent, to play with this kind of talent on offense.”

From there, Irvin says Bieniemy can handle the rest.

“And then I’m going to ask Bienemy, ‘What are your thoughts toward the GM? Who understands how to build the kind of (offense you built) in Kansas City? Who understands how to go find this great speed guy? You got (Kenny) Golladay, so you already got your main receiver, but you still want to get a speedster guy.”

“And I’m going to say, ‘Hey, Matt Stafford. Your last few years, buddy, we’re going to get the most out of you and build this thing around you the right way.’ And I don’t think he’s ever had that.”

Nation, who would you like the Lions to hire as their next head coach?

Detroit Lions

Adrian Peterson makes concerning statement regarding D’Andre Swift

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As you have probably heard by now, Detroit Lions’ rookie RB D’Andre Swift has been dealing from a concussion that mysteriously happened a couple of weeks ago.

On Wednesday, Lions interim HC Darrell Bevell told reporters that Swift was working hard to get back but their have been ups and downs.

But just moments ago, Adrian Peterson spoke to the media and he made a concerning comment in regards to Swift, saying his teammate has not been himself lately.

Lions fans have seen this happen before with Jahvid Best, let’s hope and pray it’s not the same situation.