SB Nation - Corey Smith

Predicting the Arizona Cardinals Record: Part 4

Andrew602 — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 11:00:23 -0000

For the last three weeks, we've spent some time breaking down what the Cardinals record may be for the 2009 season. Over the weeks we looked at each game of the Arizona Cardinals schedule, and broke down each team they will play. You can see parts part 1, part 2, and part 3 right here, where you'll see that the Cardinals record at this point is 8-4. In part three, the Cardinals came out 3-1, only losing to the Titans. During this next stretch, they face 2 division opponents, and two others from the NFC North. So to finish our segment before the season begins, here is the final part of the prediction for the Cardinals 2009 record.

Week 14 - At San Francisco 49ers

Key Additions: WR Brandon Jones, CB Dre Bly, DE Demetric Evans, FB Moran Norris

Key Losses: LB Tully Banta-Cain, WR Bryant Johnson, CB Donald Strickland, QB J.T. O'Sullivan, DT Ronald Fields

Analysis: After Mike Singletary took over for the 49ers last year, he immediately made a difference, and since then, he's stamped his identity on this team. He's created a tough and smart football team over at 49er camp. Although the 49ers are one of our rivals, you have to respect what Singletary has done for them at this point.

What to watch for: In their first match up, I gave the Cardinals the win at home, as they were opening the season after their Super Bowl run against a division rival on their home field. This time, the Cardinals travel to San Francisco, where the 49ers can play very aggressive against road teams. It's also on the Monday night stage, where both teams have played very cutthroat in the past. Expect a lot of emotions to come out as this has become a great rivalry.

Key Match Up: Chris Wells vs Patrick Willis - This would be a very exciting match up on the national stage, as our bruising rookie running back takes on their Pro Bowl hard hitting linebacker.

Prediction - Loss - Last year the Cardinals barely escaped a win over the 49ers at home. This year I'd expect us to split the series, with each team winning at home.

Week 15 - At Detroit Lions

Key Additions: LB Julian Peterson, QB Matthew Stafford, LB Larry Foote, CB Phillip Buchanon, CB Anthony Henry, DT Grady Jackson, OT Jon Jansen, WR Bryant Johnson, RB Maurice Morris, WR Ronald Curry, CB Eric King

Key Losses: CB Leigh Bodden, DT Shaun Cody, DT Cory Redding, DE Corey Smith, QB Jon Kitna, QB Dan Orlovsky, WR Shaun McDonald, FB Moran Norris, G Edwin Mulitalo, S Dwight Smith, WR Travis Taylor

Analysis: There's not much to say after a team goes 0-16 during the regular season. The Lions just plain stunk last year. This year proves to be a different experience for a team that's struggled in recent years. As you can see, they've cleaned house and started fresh. It began in the off season when they hired Titans defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, as their head coach. They also took the next step in rebuilding their team, in drafting a franchise quarterback by the name of Matthew Stafford. The team can only improve from last year and anything more then 4 wins would be a success.

What to watch for: By the time the Cardinals head to Detroit at this point in the season, they will likely be vying for a playoff berth. On the other hand, the Lions may just want to play spoiler. Another thing to watch for is Calvin Johnson. He's already been regarded as one of the best wide recievers in the NFL at this point in his career. Watch to see how DRC handles himself against the tall receiver. If Stafford is in the game at this time, watch for the Cardinals defense to try and rattle the rookie QB.

Key Match Up: Adrian Wilson vs Matthew Stafford - If the rookie is starting at this point in the season, he has a big arm and likes to air it out. Expect Wilson to drop in coverage a few times but also layout Stafford a few times in the backfield.

Prediction: Win - It's simple, the Cardinals will be fighting for a playoff spot at this point in the year and the Lions will not be.

Week 16 - St. Louis Rams

Key Additions: SS James Butler, C Jason Brown, FB Mike Karney, OT Jason Smith

Key Losses: WR Torry Holt, OT Orlando Pace, QB Trent Green, S Corey Chavous

Analysis: After dusting off the cob webs and bringing in some youth, the Rams look to another challenge in '09, WIN. The last two years have been struggles for this Rams team that used to be the greatest show on turf. With Spagnola at the helm now, we may actually see a division rival actually become...a division rival.

What to watch for: The Rams come to University of Phoenix Stadium with hopes of knocking off a divisional opponent. Unfortunately, they haven't played that well there in the past, and will likely have some difficulty. The Cardinals will be ready for this game, hoping to catapult themselves into the playoffs with a win.

Key Match Up: Gerald Hayes vs Steven Jackson - Last year Hayes swarmed Jackson when the Rams came to Arizona. Will Jackson have revenge on his mind?

Prediction - Win - The Cardinals may need this win more then the Rams will at this point in the season.

Week 17 - Green Bay Packers

Key Additions: S Anthony Smith, C Duke Preston, DT B.J. Raji

Key Losses: DT Colin Cole

Analysis: The Packers had high hopes last year, after coming off an NFC Championship appearance. Unfortunately, it didn't translate into the 2008 season. While they had a good offense in '08, they suffered injuries that caused them to lack a rushing attack to go with their passing offense. The defense was the obvious weak spot, as they gave up a significant amount of points and were playing catch up most often then not. This year they bring back their explosive offense, and most are healthy. Aaron Rodgers has looked amazing at this point in the preseason, and they outscored their opponents in each game. They brought in Dom Capers and drafted DT B.J. Raji to improve their defense, and it's already showed as they've forced numerous turnovers and have limited their opponents scoring so far.

What to watch for: Watch for the Cardinals to head into this game with revenge on their minds. Even though it was only the preseason, the Packers put a shellacking on the Cardinals first team offense and defense. Expect to see fireworks in this game as the Cardinals defense would like to get after Aaron Rodgers.

Key Match Up: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie vs Packers Wide Receivers - After getting embarrassed in the preseason, we can only expect DRC to come out with something to prove in this game.

Prediction - Loss -Although the Cardinals will likely play differently this game, the Packers look to be much better in '09 and will be playing aggressively in their last game of the season, as their division will be competitive.

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Arizona Cardinals final projected record - 10-6

So after the final four games, the Cardinals finish their 2009 season at 10-6, which will likely land them with another division title and a playoff berth. Although you could easily mix and match some wins and some losses, 10-6 may still be the record, with 9-7 or 11-5 not that far out of the question. Although I'd like to see them go 16-0, I can live with the projected record if it happens. As far as anything less, the Cardinals would have to have a complete meltdown or a massive amount of injuries. What's your take on a final record of 10-6? Do you think the Cardinals would do better or worse?

Poll

How many wins will the Cardinals have in 2009?

13 or higher - Super Bowl here we come...again.

62 votes

10-12 - What hangover? We're back in the playoffs.

495 votes

7-9 - Another average season in the books

183 votes

6 or less - Same Ole Cardinals?

47 votes

787 votes | Poll has closed

Wednesday Notes: Four Injured Lions Return to Practice

Sean Yuille — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:23:54 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

4 months ago: FILE -- This is a June 24, 2009, file photo showing Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas watches during NFL football minicamp, in Allen Park, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

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Calvin Johnson and Louis Delmas returned to practice on Tuesday. Johnson was without his cast, but he didn't have any passes thrown to him just to be safe. Delmas made his presence felt by destroying Aaron Brown with a ferocious hit during today's practice. Jim Schwartz made sure to tell Delmas to be a bit more careful when jacking up teammates, but he seemed to enjoy the hit. Gunther Cunningham, as expected, seemed to like what he saw as well.
Casey FitzSimmons and John Standeford returned to practice today. FitzSimmons was limited, but the fact that he simply returned is good news, as I didn't expect him to be back so soon. Standeford fully participated in practice.
Wide receiver Kenneth Harris was carted off the field because of an ankle injury.
Daniel Loper didn't practice today and was replaced by Manny Ramirez at left guard.
Running back Allen Ervin was wearing a boot at practice because of an ankle injury. Jim Schwartz said it was more serious than a day-to-day issue, which is too bad. Ervin played well against the Falcons and certainly looked better than Aveion Cason. Ervin and Aaron Brown pulled ahead in the competition for the third running back spot for sure. Obviously Brown has the upper hand (and will continue to have it with Ervin out), but losing a player means less competition, which is never a good thing.

(More after the jump)

Jim Schwartz compared Brett Favre unretiring again to this famous quote from Godfather III: "Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in."
Favre's decision to sign with the Vikings caused a big increase in ticket sales for the Lions. The Vikings play at Ford Field on September 20 -- the Lions' home opener -- and it seems like there is a very good chance of it being a sellout. In that sense, thank you, Brett Favre.
Nick Schuyler, the lone survivor of the boat accident that involved Corey Smith, was interviewed by Bryant Gumbel and recounted what happened during the tragedy.
Tarvaris Jackson's days with the Vikings are numbered, and it is expected that he will be released or traded by Friday. The Pioneer Press speculated that the Lions could be interested in him based on the fact that he was with the Vikings and has knowledge of their offense, but I highly doubt Detroit would waste anything on him. It's not like he would be anything more than the Lions' third-string QB, so I would be shocked if he ended up joining Detroit via a trade. If he does become a free agent, I wouldn't be too surprised if the Lions showed interest in signing him, but does anyone honestly think Jackson is going to sign with a team that already has a couple QBs that would be ahead of him?

Friday Notes: Daunte Culpepper Named Starter for Preseason Opener

Sean Yuille — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:57:27 -0000

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

4 months ago: Detroit Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper (11) throws during an NFL football training camp in Allen Park, Mich., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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Daunte Culpepper has been named the Lions' starting quarterback for their preseason opener against the Falcons tomorrow afternoon. Matthew Stafford and Drew Stanton will still get an equal amount of playing time, but Culpepper will get to play first, with Stafford expected to come in during the second quarter and Stanton some time in the second half. Knowing that, this move really isn't too big of a deal. It's only the first preseason game, and for me, it was expected that Culpepper would be the starter initially.
Casey FitzSimmons, Keith Smith, and Daniel Bullocks were ruled out of the Falcons game by Jim Schwartz. That doesn't mean they are the only ones who won't play, however, as the injury list will probably reach double digits. Those three players are just the ones that are out for sure. Other injured players will participate in the pregame warm-ups before a decision on their status is made. I would be surprised if a player who is injured gets a significant amount of playing time. There is simply no point in risking further injury at the very start of the preseason.
The Lions' depth chart has been posted on the team's official website. It accounted for some injured players, as their names are italicized and dropped to the end of their position.
Decals honoring Corey Smith and Ricky Sandoval will be on the Lions' helmets this season.
NFL teams are allowed to have a sponsor on their practice jerseys, and the Lions are going to put the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit's logo on theirs.
Drew Stanton did a good job of running the scout team in preparation for the Falcons.
Members of Michigan's Air National Guard attended practice yesterday and got to be a part of the Lions' circle after practice.
Louis Delmas had a rough childhood.
Brian Billick is a fan of Jim Schwartz.
Grady Jackson is the slowest player in Madden 10, coming in with a speed rating of 34. That's pretty bad, but at least he isn't 34 overall like cornerback B.J. Sams.
In case you hadn't already heard, the Eagles signed Mike Vick.

The Chiefs Have a Plethora of Linebackers (Fourteen to be Exact)

Chris Thorman — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:53:22 -0000

Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson works the blocking sled during practice Monday at the team's workout facility. RICH SUGG/The Kansas City Star (via KansasCity.com)

View full size photo »

And before we start, the movie scene that I always think of when I hear the word "plethora":

Jefe: I have put many beautiful pinatas in the storeroom, each of them filled with little suprises.
El Guapo: Many pinatas?
Jefe: Oh yes, many!
El Guapo: Would you say I have a plethora of pinatas?
Jefe: A what?
El Guapo: A *plethora*.
Jefe: Oh yes, you have a plethora.
El Guapo: Jefe, what is a plethora?
Jefe: Why, El Guapo?
El Guapo: Well, you told me I have a plethora. And I just would like to know if you know what a plethora is. I would not like to think that a person would tell someone he has a plethora, and then find out that that person has *no idea* what it means to have a plethora.
Jefe: Forgive me, El Guapo. I know that I, Jefe, do not have your superior intellect and education. But could it be that once again, you are angry at something else, and are looking to take it out on me?

Carrying on....

On a simple level, a switch from the 4-3 defense to the 3-4 defense is going to require more linebackers on your team, if only because you now have four guys standing up behind the defensive line instead of three. Unfortunately, it's a little more complicated than that. The Chiefs are trying to figure exactly who fits where during these OTAs.

Let's review our linebacker situation this morning to see exactly what we've got going on.

Where Did They Come From?

The Kansas City Chiefs currently have fourteen linebackers on their active roster. Of those fourteen linebackers, three were listed as linebackers on the roster during the 2008 season:

The Chiefs added three more linebackers as college undrafted free agents in the weeks following the 2009 NFL draft:

Jovan Belcher
Corey Smith
Pierre Walters

And the team added five more linebackers this off season through free agency and one trade:

Where did the next three linebackers come from? Well, as Kent Babb noted today (Welcome back by the way Kent), former defensive linemen Turk McBride, Tamba Hali and Andy Studebaker are now listed as linebackers on the active roster. We've known about a possible (probable) switch by these guys to the linebacker position but recently it's become official.

Hali at least played linebacker in college. McBride said that, other than a handful of situations, he hasn’t played enough of the position at any level to claim any real experience. Regardless, that’s his position now, and he knows that coaches won’t wait while he adjusts to a learning curve.

So the Chiefs bring in eight guys this off season that are listed as linebackers (those UDFAs are almost assuredly not competing for a starting spot; just special teams) and then convert three more current d-linemen to the same position.

Think that linebacker is an important position in the 3-4? Important enough to switch three players' positions? Todd Haley does.

"Well, it’s such a big change for a couple of those guys. I don’t think you can judge them too quick on anything that they’re doing. But, there’s nobody that we look at and say, ‘no chance,’ so far to this point. The dropping and those guys that have been defensive ends that are now stand-up and dropping and doing those things, that’s a big change for them. But, again, I think we’re seeing progress every day and that’s good."

The conversion from defensive line to linebacker for these guys appears to be permanent, judging by Turk McBride's comments:

"Definitely right now," McBride said, "I can’t say I’m a good linebacker. But the more repetitions I take, I think I should do well at it. I tell myself: You have to start thinking like a linebacker. I can’t think like a defensive lineman anymore.

Derrick Johnson's Role

Where does 2005 first round pick Derrick Johnson fit in all of this? As DJ himself noted a couple of weeks ago on the Red Zone podcast, he's going to be playing inside linebacker in the Chiefs' new 3-4 defense. Zach Thomas says that is the best position for DJ:

"This is going to be his best scheme," Thomas said. "It’s definitely weakside linebacker-friendly. It can exploit the talent that he has. Everybody knows how talented and fast he is. If he gets this down where he’s not thinking, just rolling around and just having fun and he knows what to do, he’ll be a great player in this scheme."

Todd Haley chimed in on DJ yesterday:

"I’m not going to get in to where he was drafted because that doesn’t really matter to me now. What matters to me is that I’ve got guys that can help us win and I would say the position he’s playing gives him a chance to excel. Derrick’s been following Zach around and you can see that there’s some chemistry building between that group in general. I like the way that he’s worked this off-season. He’s been a consistent guy, always here, always working, up in the room studying and trying to get better. I think he has a chance to get better this year."

It's a do or die year for Derrick Johnson. Then again, I thought last year was too...

Who is Playing Where?

New faces. New positions. Where do they all fit in? In the 4-3 we called the linebackers nicknames, based on position, from weakside to strong side "WILL, MIKE, SAM" (for strong, middle, weak). But in the 3-4 they are named (in the same order weak to strong) WILL, MIKE, TED, and SAM. We haven't gotten much info on who's playing where

As Kent Babb noted, yesterday during OTAs, the first team linebackers lined up with Tamba Hali and Monty Beisel lined up on the outside and Zach Thomas and Derrick Johnson playing inside. Once Mike Vrabel comes to camp though, Beisel will likely be relegated to the second team and Vrabel will take his place on the outside.

That leaves Turk McBride, Corey Mays, Darrell Robertson and Demorrio Williams as the possible backups to the starting crew. Belcher, Walters, Smith and Dacus are likely the guys who are more concerned with standing out on special teams as their chance to make the Chiefs' roster.

More 3-4 Reading

One place I have to recommend for clear analysis on the 3-4 defensive is hoosierteacher's MHR University posts on the topic. I highly recommend you check some of those stories out. TheQ also had a FanPost last month that started a great conversation about the depth chart.

There's really a lot of info I left out here because this could be just a massive post. Chime in with your thoughts below.

Poll

Will Hali, McBride and Studebaker be successful in their transitions to linebacker?

Yes

199 votes

No

243 votes

Not sure

260 votes

702 votes | Poll has closed

Monday Notes: Opinions Differ on Top Overall Pick

Sean Yuille — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:24:15 -0000

Just a heads up: Look for info on Pride of Detroit's community mock draft to be posted sometime later today or tomorrow, with the latter being the most likely. A brief summary of what the POD mock draft will be all about is that I will take readers of the site and let them be a GM for each team, and then they will go through the draft. Depending on how long it takes, it will last either one or two rounds, with the hope obviously being for getting through the first day of the draft.
There are differing opinions about who the Lions should take with the top overall pick, but for the most part the only players mentioned with the No. 1 selection are Matthew Stafford and Jason Smith, as illustrated in USA Today's mock draft.
Dave Birkett has the Lions taking Stafford with the top pick and Rey Maualuga with the 20th selection.
Dan Orlovsky's high school is going to retire his number.
The cause of the boat accident that claimed the lives of Corey Smith, Marquis Cooper, and William Bleakley apparently happened due to "poor anchoring."
With the Final Four now set, Curse of Bobby Layne 50 Years is in first-place in the Pride of Detroit tournament pool. Sawmill22 is in second, and I am in third, 5 points out of the lead. Damn you, Louisville.

Monday Notes: Lions Begin Negotiations with Potential #1 Picks

Sean Yuille — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:58:17 -0000

Tom Lewand said on Sunday that the Lions have started negotiations with more than three players that could potentially be the top pick of the draft. The players weren't identified, but if I had to guess, I would say they are Matthew Stafford, Jason Smith, Aaron Curry, and B.J. Raji (I left Eugene Monroe off the list because there hasn't been a whole lot of chatter about him from the Lions' end, at least not to my knowledge). Those are the players mentioned the most as possible #1 picks and as players the Lions have interest in.

Lewand said that rules permit the Lions to sign someone tomorrow if they wanted. He didn't establish a specific timeline for how long negotiations will take, but I wouldn't expect anything to happen in the immediate future. I'm sure once April arrives the action will start to heat up and negotiations will get serious. The beauty of negotiating with multiple players is that the Lions have all of the leverage and can use that to get a deal done sooner rather than later. I think it will be a similar situation to what the Dolphins did a year ago, negotiating with a few picks and signing the one that accepted a deal to their liking (Jake Long).
The Lions are going to run a 4-3 defense. They will be in the 3-4 every once in a while, but only as a package and not as a base.
The Lions will retire Corey Smith's #93 jersey for the 2009 season.
Matthew Stafford scored a 38 on the Wonderlic test. For more scores, click here.
A rumor popped up on PFT last night about the Lions, and I think it's necessary to address it. Here is what Mike Florio posted:

There's a rumor making the rounds in league circles that the Lions are focused not on Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, but on USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Considering the Lions haven't hosted Sanchez for a visit or scheduled a private workout with him, I think this rumor is just that -- a rumor. Stafford has already been to Allen Park, had his pro day, and is scheduled to privately workout for the Lions. There hasn't been a single mention of Sanchez at all since the combine, and he was only talked about then because he actually went through a full workout. Even then there weren't any specific mentions about the Lions having interest in him.
The annual NFL owners meeting is underway, and apparently there are whispers that some people in the league want the draft to be moved to February, pushing free agency back until a later time. The reason for such a move would be partly because of the economy, as having the draft in February would cut down on the amount of time league employees have to work (they wouldn't have to go all the way to May when mini-camps take place). The move would also put less of an emphasis on free agency since teams would already have addressed many of their needs via the draft.

Personally, I think this would be an awful move if it ever happened. It is more important to get proven players signed before you have to resort to the draft for needs. Top draft picks make way too much money as it is, but that is a different topic for a different post. I understand the thinking behind cutting costs and all of that, but the draft's popularity would be diminished by such a move. I can't see there being such excitement over the draft if it were held in February. There wouldn't be time to go through all of the scouting involved and build up the hype like the way it is right now.
As Dave Birkett points out, if a trade involving Jay Cutler were to happen, it is very likely that it could be in the next few days during the owners meetings. If not now, then I think the next most likely time is the first day of the draft.
Former Lions quarterback Jeff Komlo, who had lots of legal problems throughout his life, recently died in a car crash in Greece.
After the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament, wingnutfan91 is in first-place of the Pride of Detroit pool with 52 points. Four people are tied for second-place with 51 points, and I am in sixth-place by myself with 50 points.

Friday Notes: Lions Send Five People to Stafford's Pro Day Workout

Sean Yuille — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:14:03 -0000

Martin Mayhew, James Harris, and three other Lions officials attended Matthew Stafford's pro day workout yesterday. The general consensus appears to be that Stafford performed well during the workout. He didn't hurt himself with his performance, but at the same time, he didn't cement himself as the top overall pick, not that that was likely anyways. I don't think Stafford could have made himself the likely top overall pick, as the Lions simply are considering so many players. Regardless, it's good to see that the workout went well. Even if the Lions aren't leaning toward drafting him, the more hype surrounding Stafford the better. If teams are looking into drafting him, they may think a trade is necessary to get him. That is an unlikely scenario, but Stafford's performance on Thursday keeps it a slim possibility.
Anthony Henry is looking forward to the opportunity of playing in Detroit.
Dan Orlovsky had good things to say about Drew Stanton in an interview on Sirius NFL Radio yesterday. He also joked about his infamous safety against the Vikings.

"I was playing pickup basketball with some friends about two weeks ago in the gym and one of my friends dribbled out of bounds and he didn't realize it and kept dribbling," Orlovsky said. "I was like, 'See, it happens a lot more than you think.'"
At least he has a good sense of humor about it.
A Lions scout was at Colgate's pro day to get a look at an offensive lineman.
Six players and many other members of the Lions organization are going to be at Corey Smith's memorial on Saturday.

Thursday Notes: Raji, Pettigrew Visit Lions

Sean Yuille — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:10:31 -0000

Just a heads up, tomorrow I will be posting information on the SB Nation Mock Draft. It is going to get started next week, so I will be posting a poll with potential top picks much like I did last month.
Boston College DT B.J. Raji and Oklahoma State TE Brandon Pettigrew visited the Lions on Wednesday.
Matthew Stafford's pro day was today. Look for information on how that went tomorrow.
Aaron Curry talked about his visit with the Lions in his latest diary on SI.com.
The Lions are reportedly going to attend Penn State WR Derrick Williams' private workout on Friday.
Jeff Backus probably won't be moved to left guard before the draft.
Drew Stanton talked about his future with the Lions recently and is going to do his best to prove that he is capable of starting.
Dominic Raiola can sense the change that has occurred with the Lions since Matt Millen left. Raiola also thinks that Daunte Culpepper lost at least 20 pounds and looks great. Considering Culpepper weighed 290 when he joined the Lions, I certainly hope he has been losing weight.
Phillip Buchanon signed with the Lions because of the good things he heard about Jim Schwartz and the good things he heard from Jim Schwartz.
Ernie Sims hid out in the woods after the Lions wrapped up their season to avoid all talk of 0-16.
Season-ticket renewals are at a level that the Lions expected, according to Tom Lewand.
The Ravens waived Samari Rolle.
A memorial for Corey Smith is going to be held on Saturday.

Monday Notes: Lions Agree to One-Year Deal with Loper

Sean Yuille — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 04:00:08 -0000

Offensive lineman Daniel Loper agreed to a one-year deal with the Lions on Friday. Loper visited Detroit earlier in the week but left town without a deal. He was scheduled to visit Atlanta on Friday but decided to agree to a deal with the Lions instead. It is expected that Loper will compete for a starting spot at left guard, though he more than likely will be a backup at left tackle and guard as well.
According to ProFootballWeekly, the Lions were initially offered safety Roy Williams in exchange for Jon Kitna before ultimately receiving cornerback Anthony Henry. I guess we probably shouldn't expect them to go after Williams considering they already had a chance to get him once before and passed.
Could the Curse of Bobby Layne not actually exist?
The Detroit News announced the winner of their Lions logo contest. Matt Zelley, who posted his version of a new Lions logo on Pride of Detroit, came in second-place.
Apparently there are rumors that the electronic timing malfunctioned for some 40-yard dashes at the combine. I remember they were having issues with it once when I was watching coverage, so this doesn't surprise me one bit.
Dave Birkett ran down a list of the Lions' top five draft needs.
Nick Schuyler was released from the hospital on Thursday and attended a memorial for William Bleakley on Saturday.
Despite being an NFL player, Corey Smith never took anything in life for granted.
Kevin Jones agreed to a two-year deal with the Bears on Friday.
J.T. O'Sullivan signed with the Bengals last week.
Terrell Owens signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Bills on Saturday afternoon.

Friday Notes: Lions Re-Sign Damion Cook

Sean Yuille — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 06:38:42 -0000

The Lions re-signed offensive lineman Damion Cook. The hope was that they would land Derrick Dockery or Daniel Loper, who visited the Lions earlier this week, but they ended up adding Cook back to the roster. Cook can play multiple positions and started four games at left guard last season. He is more of a backup than anything, as he adds depth by being a utility offensive lineman.
Anthony Henry was "dismayed" when he found out that he was traded to the Lions. That's obviously understandable, but that feeling quickly went away after Henry spoke with Jim Schwartz and Gunther Cunningham. Henry "loved" Schwartz's energy and seems to have bought in to the team's new mindset already.
The Football Burrito mock draft only lasted one round, meaning all of the recent discussion about who to draft with the #33 overall pick was pointless in regards to that specific mock draft. Even so, it was good to gauge everyone's opinion on who I should take. I still don't know the specific player I would have selected, but in all likelihood it would have been an offensive lineman.
Although I don't agree with their top overall pick, the National Football Post's latest mock draft has the Lions selecting Peria Jerry with the 20th selection.
I may not think Matthew Stafford should be the top overall pick, but I at least understand why people have the Lions selecting him. What I don't understand is why the Sporting News' Russ Lande has the Lions drafting Florida State defensive end/outside linebacker Everette Brown with the top pick. That makes zero sense and would be an awful, awful selection. Surprisingly, that may not even be the worst pick. He has the Browns taking Stafford, even though they already have Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. The comments on the post sum up my feelings on this awful mock draft, but all I can really say is WTF. Even Matt Millen isn't that dumb. Well... never mind.
Rudi Johnson thinks the Lions are "years away" from being a competitive NFL team.
The Lions were part of a joke on the Tonight Show recently.
Torry Holt wants out of St. Louis. I don't know what his relationship with Scott Linehan was like, but if he does get released, we'll have to see if the Lions show any interest in him.
The Cowboys released safety Roy Williams.
Bob Bleakley, the father of William Bleakley, spoke to Nick Schuyler, who was rescued on Monday, about what exactly happened to William. Contrary to reports that William Bleakley saw a light and took off his life jacket to swim for help, he actually fought and fought until he couldn't hang on any longer.

Bleakley said Schuyler told him: "Will stayed with me for 36 hours and was in my grasp when he lost consciousness and died." Bleakley, delirious and vomiting, succumbed to hypothermia and dehydration, to the cold and the constant pounding of relentless waves, his father said.

"Nick tried CPR but Will did not respond," Bob Bleakley said. "Then a wave hit and he couldn't hold on to him anymore. That closed it for me."
It was reported a couple days ago that Corey Smith and Marquis Cooper took their life jackets off and let themselves be swept away a few hours after the boat capsized. Whether or not that report is accurate is left to be seen, but I don't think anyone should report anything unless it is directly from Nick Schuyler. He is the only one that can tell us what actually happened, and even he probably needs some time to recover before sharing his story.