
Hyperion Ecta
Oct 19, 2008 Dec 24, 2009 13 4795
Hyperion Ecta's the handle and I'm POD's resident Australian Lions fan. There's only one team I care for more than the Lions and that the Wests Tigers, my Rugby League team. I currently go to Griffith University on the Gold Coast and am studying Journalism & Sport Management.
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Detroit Lions
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Official Detroit Lions Website Upgraded
They've finally upgraded the official site. It looks much better now, especially since I thought it was always a touch dull compared to other teams. Another change to the Lions, and for the better.
3 months ago
Hyperion Ecta
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An Unlikely Scenario...But Hey, I Can Dream
I decided today to write a story, something that I've dreamt of and thought about a lot. A Lions Superbowl victory. Now, Don't go ahead and laugh yet....actually, please do, because in some ways, this is a bit of comic relief. Now, like all of us here at POD, I'm believe firmly in my Lions, and I will until I die but I think we all can agree that a Superbowl is many, many years away. However, I love to believe that the seemingly impossible is possible, so who knows?
This post is not a prediction but rather a scenario I would love to see come true,which I have just set it this season, instead of years away. Please enjoy a laugh, a smile or just a quiet daydream of what could happen
Season 2009 - The Start of the Lions Golden Age.
Week 1: @ New Orleans Score: NO 31 - DET 14 (Record 0-1)
A scratchy opening to the season in Louisiana, the Saints offence rolls too strongly and our inexperienced defence can't get a hold on them. Stafford wins the starting job over Culpepper but struggles a little, shows promise though.
Week 2: Minnesota Score: DET 42 - MIN 39 (Record 1-1)
A sign of things to come. In a game where both teams offence shone brightly, and defences wallowed. The Lions managed to take a 35-21 lead coming into the 4th quarter but watched the Vikings roll into the lead led by their hero in Adrian Peterson. Stafford ends up the hero though as he leads the Lions on a TD drive with minutes to go.
Week 3: Washington Score: DET 35 - WAS 21 (Record 2-1)
Stafford becomes a hero for the second week in a row along with his partner in crime, Calvin Johnson. A 90 yard bomb with the scores locked at 21-21 helped the Lions take another unlikely victory. Stafford proceeded to show he has a bit of mobility in those legs after running in a TD with a minute to go to seal the victory.
Week 4: @ Chicago Score: CHI 42 - DET 21 (Record 2-2)
A stunning first half led by Chicago's offence helped them take a 35-7 lead which the Lions could never chase down.
Week 5: Pittsburgh Score: PIT 28 - DET 17 (Record 2-3)
An early lead by the Lions couldn't stop the Superbowl champs from prevailing in the end.
Week 6: @ Green Bay Score: GB 38 - DET 28 (Record 2-4)
An inconsistent performance over the 60 minutes saw the Lions flounder to their 3rd straigth loss. The offence managed to once again show their strength, but the defence failed to contain the Packers ability to move the ball as well.
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: St. Louis Score: DET 35- STL 24 (Record 3-4)
The Lions offence once again blazed to an what seemed to be an insurmountable lead at 35-7, but a late surge by the Rams had many fans hearts in their mouths. Thankfully, the defence managed to hold on long enough for the Lions to snap their losing streak.
Week 9: @ Seattle Score: DET 55 - SEA 24 (Record 4-4)
Led by Stafford, Kevin Smith & Pettigrew, the Lions managed to wipe the floor with the Seahawks in an enjoyable game. Kevin Smith ran in 2 TD's and over 130 yards in a dominating performance.
Week 10: @ Minnesota Score: DET 24 - MIN 17 (Record 5-4)
A solid performance overall seen the Lions win their 3rd straight game for the 2nd time this year. The combination of Stafford and Kevin Smith was instrumental in the victory.
Week 11: Cleveland Score: DET 42 - CLE 21 (Record 6-4)
Thoughts of playoffs entered Lions fan's minds as Detroit won their 4th straight game. An inspiring 3 TD performance by TE Brandon Pettigrew saw the Lions overcome the Browns at Ford Field. A fairly close game for 2 quarters before the Lions kicked in gear and ran away with the victory.
Week 12: Green Bay Score: DET 49 - GB 7 (Record 7-4)
Rejoicing at Ford Field as the Lions announced their playoff intentions to the league after destroying the Packers in a one-sided display. Kevin Smith kept his career season on track with two long range runs helping the Lions celebrate a possible playoff appearance.
Week 13: @ Cincinnati Score: DET 24 - CIN 14 (Record 8-4)
Detroit managed to win their 5th straight game, but were forced to win the hard way after trailing 14-0 at halftime. Lions playmakers, including Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith and Brandon Pettigrew helped the Lions bridge the gap and take them to victory
Week 14: @ Baltimore Score: DET 28 - BAL 17 (Record 9-4)
One of the greatest franchise turnarounds appeared to be on the cards as the Lions completed it's sixth straight victory, moving them one step closer to the playoffs. A strong defensive display helped the Lions offence put up the points on a staunch Ravens D' led by Ray Lewis. Lions receiver Bryant Johnson produced a career game in the victory.
Week 15: Arizona Score: DET 56 - ARI 3 (Record 10-4)
An unlikely savaging victory by the Lions helped them all but lock up a playoff position. In the strongest performance of the season, both the offence and defence clicked and provided the Superbowl runner-ups with an embarassing loss.
Week 16: @ San Francisco Score: SF 31 - DET 24 (Record 10-5)
The Lions winning streak finally came to an end in San Francisco with an uninspiring loss. Hopes still hung high in Detroit though as many seen the loss as a blessing in disguise before the playoffs.
Week 17: Chicago Score: CHI 38 - DET 21 (Record 10-6)
The Lions had to settle for a Wild card place as Chicago managed to win the division. A disappointing performance had Lions fans doubting they could make an impact in the playoffs.
Wild Card: Falcons Score: DET 52 - ATL 7
Not even the most optimistic Lions fan could have anticipated such an outcome as the Lions pummeled the Falcons. The Lions led by Kevin Smith and Matthew Stafford dismantled the Falcon defence and created one of the most stunnning performances in Lions history.
Divisional Playoff: New Orleans Score: DET 35 - NO 7
Managing to halt the rampant Saints offence, the Lions managed to once again stun analysts and fans alike as they took another step toward the unthinkable, a Superbowl. The game was won after the Lions defence stood strong for 2 quarters and held the Saints to only one score. The Lions potent offence then took care of the match as they stormed to victory.
NFC Championship: Philadelphia Score: DET 17 - PHI 14
In probably the greatest franchise turnaround in history, the Lions went from winless to Superbowl. The fairytale continued with the help from critical playmakers on both sides of the ball. Domination of possession and solid all round performance saw the Lions upset the highly touted Eagles and take them to the Superbowl.
Superbowl: Indiannapolis Score DET 28 - IND 17
The most unlikely of circumstances came true in Miami as the Lions managed to do the unthinkable and defeat the Colts in the game of all games, the Superbowl. The defining moment, which happens so often in Superbowls came in the 3rd quarter when Calvin Johnson broke a 75 yard run after the catch for a TD with the game in the balance at 14-10 to Detroit. The Defence led by the likes of Julian Petersen and Cliff Avril helped stave off Peyton Manning and the Colts offence and take the Lions to a Superbowl victory. After 60 minutes of emotional football, the Lions along with their loyal fans stood finally victorious on the soil of Dolphin Stadium, with the glistening Vince Lombardi Trophy hoisted high, surrounded by the Honolulu Blue and silver.
Now that's my dream, a Lions Superbowl victory. Remember, this isn't a prediction, it's merely a hope for what could be. Hoped you enjoyed reading.
30 comments | 0 recs
A Series of WCF Articles
The first of four small articles detailing a small press conference held by WCF. He talks about the fans, Rod, Millen and the new regime. The other three articles can also be found on MLive's Lions page. Interesting reads to say the least.
6 months ago
Hyperion Ecta
3 comments
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Q & A with Louis Delmas
I like his enthusiasm, a good read.
6 months ago
Hyperion Ecta
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POD 2009 Predictions
Since we have a little while to wait for the offseason to really kick in, I thought I'd get everyone's perspective on the upcoming season for the Lions.
Firstly, My Predictions:-
Lions Pre-Season Record: 2-2
Depth Player Who Will Win A Starting Spot During Preseason: Andre Fluellen, I see him coming up over Darby and becoming a solid DT.
Lions Reguar Season Record: 5-11, fewer blowouts too.
Best Offensive Player For The Lions: Calvin Johnson - 89 receptions, 1400 yards, 11 TDs
Best Defensive Player For The Lions: Julian Peterson - 80 tackles, 8 sacks, 3 FFs
Best Rookie: Louis Delmas - 90 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 FFs
Most Improved Player: Gosder Cherilus
Will Stafford Start This Season, If So, When?: Yes, Week 12
Position For 2010 Draft: 7th
Feel free to add other categories and or predictions. Here's a copy of the questions to copy and paste if you like.
Lions Pre-Season Record:
Depth Player Who Will Win A Starting Spot During Preseason:
Lions Reguar Season Record:
Best Offensive Player For The Lions:
Best Defensive Player For The Lions:
Best Rookie:
Most Improved Player:
Will Stafford Start This Season, If So, When?:
Position For 2010 Draft:
153 comments | 5 recs
Hyperion's Draft Review
Well, the 2009 Draft is officially over and we have a bunch of new Lions to support. I thought I'd give my opinions on each selection as well as give a grade.
#1 - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
We have discussed this pick to the hilt on POD and really there isn't much else to say. I like the kid, he speaks well, has a big arm, good intangibles and great mechanics. He has his concerns with accuracy and decision making but for the most part I'm happy with the selection. I hope to see him play at some point this year, but not until after week 12 or something. I'm excited about the possibility of a franchise QB on our teams.
Grade: B+
20 - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St.
At first I was a little confused, since we had it set that we had Oher or Maualuga lined up, but I really like this pick now. Pettigrew is the best TE in this draft and probably the best all round TE to come out for a while. I've made it pretty clear here on POD about how I like good TE's and I think we have just got ours. He's gonna be a huge help in run blocking and will be a good safety valve for Culpepper and Stafford.
Grade: A
33 - Loius Delmas, S, Western Michigan
Another talent pick over need. Like the Grew pick, I was confused, even a little annoyed when Delmas was announced over Maualuga but like with most of our picks, doing a little research has made me happier. Delmas is the best safety in this draft and having a good safety is important for a defence. I also think Delmas will be a huge help stopping the run who will make big hits for us. Impressive pick.
Grade: A-
76 - Deandre Levy, OLB, Wisconsin
Right now, I'm not a fan of this pick. I've done a little bit more research on him and he seems to be only decent. He's fast for a LB and is a good pass rusher. Can he move inside? I doubt it, but Schwartz obviously seems something in Levy and I trust him so while I would've picked someone else, I'm not gonna be angry about it. We'll see how he turns out soon.
Grade - D
82 - Derrick Williams, WR, Penn St.
Once again, I was annoyed with this pick. But after more research, I don't mind it so much. I would've been on board with this pickmuch more if we hadn't signed Ronald Curry but I still think Williams will contribute. He's a fantastic kick returner and to be honest, we need one of those. He's also very fast and could be dangerous in the slot. I also think he underachieved in college and could break out in the pros. Like most picks though, could have went to MLB or OG.
Grade: C+
115 - Sammie Lee Hill, DT, Stillman
My god, a need pick! A small school guy who will be a big body in the D-Line, something we definetly needed. Learning under Grady Jackson could be very beneficial for Hill and he could flourish as a big run stopper. Lots of potential as well.
Grade: B
192 - Aaron Brown, RB, TCU
Not a fan of this pick. RB was probably the one position we were pretty strong. I don't see his value. He may be able to return, but we just got a returner in Williams. Unless we are trying to get a three way running attack of Smith, the main back, Morris, the big back and Brown the quick back, I just don't like it. I won't give this an F since we don't know how these players will turn out but it's not far off.
Grade: D-
228 - Lydon Murtha, OT, Nebraska
This is our big boom/bust pick. Murtha was rated as a top 50 prospect out of high school and lit up the combine but as a college player was vastly inconsistent. If we can coach him up and maximise his potential, we could have a replacement for Backus. Right now though, I think he will be a backup Tackle or a possible Guard.
Grade: B-
235 - Zack Follett, OLB, California
I don't mind this pick. I know we have a lot of OLB's right now but I like Follett. The guy is a special teams master and will be of help to us. The only problem is, we have lots of needs that we more pressing than this...a lot. Interestingly, I think Follett would be better suited to the middle than Levy since he seems to be a better run stopper.
Grade: C
255 - Dan Gronkowski, TE, Maryland
I think this is the worst pick, which is sorta OK since this is the second last pick in the whole draft, I don't think you can expect great value at that position. In saying that, Ellerbe was still on the board so I would've been very happy with him. I think the worst part about this pick is that he appears to be a blocker and we signed one in Will Heller not long ago. Wasteful.
Grade: D-
Overall Grade: B-
On the whole, I think we done OK. Could have done better. Our first day was the standout with three quality picks while our second day was very hit and miss. I'm pumped for the season now...bring it on!
21 comments | 0 recs
Players Left On The Board
Looking forward to Day 2, there is still some players left on the board which could really help us.
Centre : Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas & Antione Caldwell, Alabama
Guard : Duke Robinson, Oklahoma - Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin - Trevor Canfield, Cincinnati - Herman Johnson, LSU - Cornelius Lewis, Tenessee St. - Tyronne Green, Auburn - Louis Vasquez, Texas Tech - Roger Allen, Missouri Western St. - Andy Kemp, Wisconsin
Tackle : Jamon Meredith, South Carolina - Troy Kropog, Tulane - Gerald Cadogan, Penn St.
Wide Receiver : Derrick Williams, Penn St. - Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma - Louis Murphy, Florida
Defensive Tackle : Jarron Gilbert, San Jose St. - Alex Magee, Purdue - Chris Baker, Hampton - Vance Walker, Georgia Tech
Defensive End : Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech - Lawrence Sidbury Jnr., Richmond - Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin
Middle Linebacker : Darry Beckwith, LSU - Darnell Ellerbe, Georgia - Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina
Cornerback : D. J Moore, Vanderbilt - Coye Francies, San Jose St. - Kevin Barnes, Maryland
That's a pretty extensive list of guys who could help us. Personally, I'd like Duke Robinson and Darnell Ellerbe.
26 comments | 1 recs
Scott Wright's Mock Draft
Scott Wright, the draftnik who runs draftcoutdown.com has just updated his mock draft and it looks pretty strong.
#1 - Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
#20 - Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
#33 - James Lauranaitis, MLB, Ohio St,
#65 - Fili Moala, DT, USC
#82 - Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
I wouldn't be too disappointed with that draft, although I'd like a bit more defence. Like I've said before, I hope we get an extra pick or two to help fill our many holes
15 comments | 0 recs
The Importance Of Positions- Defence
Here's the Defensive side of my Importance of Positions post. Note: This is based on a 4-3 defence.
1. Middle Linebacker
This was a tough call but in the end, the MLB wins because it acts as the QB of the Defence. They provide the leadership and all-round qualities that are vital on the defensive side of the ball. A good MLB can do everything- they can blitz the QB, cover the middle of the field and, to some most importantly, stop the run. The RB's worst enemy is the MLB as they protect the middle of the field and also have the range to pull across to the sidelines.
A weak MLB doesn't have the effect of a weak QB however. Other positions can make up for the lack of a MLB. DE's provide the rush, DT's stop the run and DB's cover the pass plus the OLB's can do everything a MLB can. While this gap can be covered, it still does leave a hole in your defence which needs to plugged at some time. Another knock on the MLB position is that few MLB's can do all the things I've outlined. Most are just dominent rushers and lack coverage skills. In the end though, a MLB can provide the everything your defence needs.
Do the Lions have a good MLB?- No.
2. Defensive Ends
The Defensive End's importance comes from the fact that he is the biggest problem for a QB, the most important offensive player. A good DE can get to the QB cutting his decision-making time down as well as providing sacks which brings offensive drives to a halt. Good DE's can also make stops on the RB, preventing rushes on their egde.
A weak DE provides the exact opposite of a strong one. No pressure leads to lots of time for a QB to make a decision and good lanes for a RB. This puts significant pressure on the secondary leading to poor perfomance by the whole defence.
Do the Lions have good DE's?- For the most part, White has been a solid veteren and Avril appears to have lots of potential.
3. Cornerbacks
Corner's have a vital job on the defence but are somewhat isolated. Corners mostly have one on one battles with their opposing WR. A good CB does bring a lot to a team though. As someone like Deon Sanders proved, being a dominent corner can completely take a receiver out of the game and prevent a QB from throwing in your area of the field. If a corner can provide such an advantage, the defence goes a long way to being successful. A good Corner can also force turnovers via interceptions which, if athletic enough, can turn into TDs.
A weak CB can lead to easy TDs for the offense, making decent WR's get open easier and giving QB's simple options to throw to. Having weak CB's on your team is a major disadvantage and you won't get to far without them, unless you have brilliance in other areas.
Do the Lions have good CB's?- Not right now. Buchanon was a good FA pick-up but Henry is old and better off as a Safety.
4. Defensive Tackles
Defensive Tackles provide the biggest presence on the field for the defence. Their size is used to plug running lanes and get as much penetration into the backfield as possible. A good DT can completely disrupt an Offensive Line and collapse the pocket keeping the QB on the move as well as limiting the Running backs gaps, preventing large runs. But a DT can do alot more for others, a strong DT can require a double team of blocker's to subdue leaving LB's holes to blitz through.
On the flip side, a weak DT will not be able to prevent a dominent push from the Offensive line on run plays and will provide zero support on blitzs. The biggest problem however is that poor DT's negatively affect LB effectiveness and DE effectiveness. A team without good DT's is a team with a big hole, but the hole can be covered with good coverage and good schemes.
Do the Lions have good DT's?- Not really, Grady Jackson is a stop gap and Darby isn't very good at all.
5. Outside Linebackers
Outside Linebacker's are something of a mixture between DEs and CBs. Most OLB's are used as specialists. Some are pass rusher's who are virtually undersized DE's while other's are good at coverage and are like big Corners. Their importance comes from being able to be used in a multitude of situations and in an all-round compacity like a MLB. However, some OLB's are not on the field all the time with many being taken of on pass plays for DB's. Good OLB's though can provide lots of sacks, lots of tackles and a couple of INTs.
Weak OLB's don't provide as much of a problem as poor MLB's do. Like I said before, many of them are specialist's who provide an extra punch. They can't rush like a DE or cover like a corner. In the end, a weak OLB has the least effect on the defence since they can be substituted out through diffferent formations.
Do the Lions have good OLB's- Yes. Sims is still young and still has upside while Peterson, a new FA pick-up, has great pass rushing capabilities and good coeverage skills.
6. Safeties
Safeties are a position that have no real specific role. They are mainly used to support the CB's and provide extra help in the run but do not specific cover any one position nor do they specifically cover the run. They are 'Safeties', help for a certain part of the Defence. A good Safety does bring a lot though. Most are actually playmakers for the defence with some being slight guys who have good hands and can make picks while some are bigger lads that prefer to intimidate with big hits. Offence's take notice of a good Safety and are always on the lookout for them since they play all over the field.
The reason I consider this the least important position on defence is because Safeties provide nothing crucial for the defence. A weak Safety doesn't require another position to step up it's game, it just means that the Defence won't get any extra help in coverage or the run. It doesn't mean you won't feel the lack of a Safety, it just means you'll feel it less.
Do the Lions have good S's- Debatable. Bullocks has showed ability at times and Alexander hasn't had decent time on the field. We shall see.
Some of you maybe asking, "What about the Kicker or the Punter?". Well, they are important positions but because they play such little amounts of time on the field, their importance is dwindled. A good K or a good P should not be underestimated.
7 comments | 0 recs
The Importance Of Positions- Offence
The draft is achingly close now and everyone is talking about prospects and the needs of certain teams in preparation for the big day. These discussions can get quite heated, as some POD members can attest to, but when it comes down to it, none of us can predict, with any accuracy, the outcome and thought process of the Lions, or any other team. Instead, we focus on what's needs we have and what are the most important positions, which got me intrigued. What are the most important positions in the NFL? There are few completely solid answers. But that's what this post is for, to gauge opinion.
Now this is purely my opinion, it is by no means set in stone, nor do I base it of any other people opinions, it's purely what I think after watching, discussing and studying the NFL. Feel free to disagree and make up your own rankings. Also, many of you will already know the importance of most positions but the main purpose is to offer my opinion on why and in what order they are important as well as provide someone new to the NFL an idea of what positions are important and why.
First, I'll start with offence:
1- Quarterback
This is pretty much a no-brainer. A QB is the brains and heart of your offence. Without one, you'd have lots of trouble living. A good QB controls the speed of your offence, runs plays efficiently and provides the most potent part of the offensive scheme, the passing game. An accurate QB can make average receivers better and can wear out defences by not forcing turnovers and by bringing up first downs, leaving the defence on the field. Some QB's can even provide there own rush making them dangerous weapons in themselves.
A bad QB however brings your offence to a halt. The passing game would obviously come to a stand still but the running game would be affected with defences bringing extra men into the box, since the QB can't spread the coverage. A weak QB will also force turnovers, leading to opposing offences getting more ball, in good field position with tired defence to face. There's a reason why QB's get paid the most money.
Do the Lions have a good QB?- No.
2- Offensive Tackles
Tackles get this honour purely because they are charged with the protection of the most important player on the offence. To contuinue my human anatomy theme, the Offensive line is like the Spine, it holds together the rest of the offence and makes it solid. If a QB has a lot of time to find open receivers, even average QB's can be game winners. Powerful OT's can also help the run game tremendously by providing an edgelane for the RB.
A weak OT can have a major effect on a team. Without time in the pocket, a QB, even a good one, will make mistakes, force turnovers, get sacked and possibly injured. Without protection, a QB is severely hindered. A RB also gets hindered but not nearly as much since a RB can run elsewhere, but it does make the defence able to predict his direction better. Typically, a LT is the higher value of the two but a RT can be just as effective.
Do the Lions have good OT's?- Not really. Cherilus might have potential but Backus is average at best.
3- Running Back
This was a tougher decision. I think a RB is the 3rd most important offensive player because he virtually handles one side of the offence himself, the rushing attack. RB's are like the legs, they provide the momentum and keep the offence moving. A RB is the only part of the offence that doesn't need a QB to be successful. A good RB 'moves the chains' so to speak. They provide field position and are a safe form of moving up the field as interceptions are not a risk. A RB is also a dominent member of the red zone offence and much of their scoring comes from that area. A good RB can also open up the pass as Safeties might have to play closer to the line to help stopping them. Lastly, a RB can also be an option in the passing game, providing a safety valve for the QB and being the major option for the Screen pass.
A weak running back has the similar effect that a weak QB has, it stalls one half of your offence. Without a good RB, the passing game receives more pressure as blitz's can happen more often and more defensive backs can come onto the field to cover receivers. An ineffective RB also takes plays a way from the offence as offences tend to go backwards with a problem rushing attack, leaving one or 2 plays to gain long yardage with the pass. A team can be successful without a good RB, but a good QB and good receivers must be there to compensate.
Do the Lions have a good RB?- Potentially, Kevin Smith showed some nice promise last year but will he be considered in the Top 10 backs in the next few years?, probably not.
4. Wide Receivers
The other skill position was a close call with RB for 3rd place. A Wide Receiver provides much of the same positives as a RB but relies on a QB to be successful. WR's are like arms, they provide the punch. A good WR, or a good set of WR's will provide most of the scoring for a offence. They make average QB's jobs easier and can make good QB's great. Good WR's also provide big plays and are some of the most exciting men on the field. They can also draw double coverage, allowing for other player's to have single coverage or no coverage at all.
A weak WR however can prove to be a problem. Without one you have no playmaker. A QB will not thow to a guy who cannot get open which means that the QB's options become limited, hindering the offence. Poor WR's also run ineffective routes which can lead to interceptions. Can a team be successful without good WR's? Yes, but like everything else, you need a RB, TE or a fantastic QB to overcome the shortcomings.
Do the Lions have good WR's?- One, yes. Two, not quite yet.
5. Tight End
I've run out of body parts to compare positions to, sorry. The TE is an important position for two main reasons: they can provide a valuable extra blocker on run plays & can provide an extra receiver on pass plays. TE has changed as a position over the years. Many TE's now are bigger WR's. Few are pure blockers. But a good blocking TE can really help the running game. With the change though, more and more TE's are pure receivers, and they provide a valuable resource for a QB. Good TE's can be important options on first down and in the red zone. In small areas, the TE's size and physicality can be hard to cover with safeties being overpowered and LB's being outpaced. Also, because of that hard to cover attribute, TE's can be safe options for lesser QB's.
The downside however is a weak TE doesn't necessarily affect a team. QB's have WR's to throw to and RB's have Offensive Lineman to run behind. TE's are just extra options that bring help to needs but never really fill them.
Do the Lions have a good TE?- As a extra receiver, no. As an extra blocker, sort of.
6. Offensive Guards
Offensive Guards are the big guys of the offence. They provide the most push on run plays and protect the inside from DT's. The reason they are not as valued as OT's is because they are not charged with protecting the QB from the most dangerous position on defence, the DE. Another problem is that good young guards can often make the switch to OT, meaning that guards aren't always brilliant.
Weak Guards do have a negative affect though. Without them, the rushing attack has to rely on the edge instead of the middle where the most bodies are. It can also lead to pressure collapsing the pocket forcing the QB to scramble away from pressure and throw on the move. On the whole though, a team can get by with adequate guards.
Do the Lions have good OG's?- No, many of them would not start on other teams.
7. Centre (or Center for you Americans)
The Centre's main role is to snap the ball to the QB, an important job no doubt, but it's something any college Centre should be able to do without flaw. So, after that job, they're main role is to help guards block the big DT's or to handle blitzing LB's. Not crucial jobs really. However, a good Centre can also be the leader for the O-Line and help keep it stable and strengthen it. Unfortunately, they are not crucial to the Line's stability.
Do the Lions have a good C?- Raiola is decent.
7. Fullback
The most forgotten position in the NFL. Few people think of the fullback in discussions and most never get drafted above the 5th round. A good FB provides a lead for the RB and can open holes for the runner. They can also be dangerous players in short yardage and goaline situations. Some FB's can also provide a extra receiver out of the backfield. But, few add much to a team. You either have to be an exceedingly powerful blocker who's a bit small or a someone who's athletic but too big to be a RB. A weak FB has little effect on a team because the FB has no vital job. The OL provides much of the blocking and a big RB can be the goaline rusher.
Do the Lions have a good FB?- Felton has some potential, but is more of a big back than a traditional blocker.
Defensive rankings in next post.
2 comments | 0 recs
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