Category: Lions News

Trey Flowers: ‘we’ve got to get out there’ once allowed

Lions DE Trey Flowers isn’t afraid of the risks of coronavirus enough to keep him off the playing field

Trey Flowers joined a conference call with local reporters on Wednesday. He wasn’t local, however; Flowers was at his home in Alabama instead of being in Detroit working out with teammates in the Lions offseason activities. Such is life in the time of COVID-19.

The Lions defensive end was asked about if he had any worries about getting back on the field once the NFL and NFLPA give the go-ahead. Flowers didn’t hesitate one bit.

“If they give the OK of playing football, we’ve got to go out there,” Flowers said. “I’m not one that plays with fear because you’re out there risking your life anyway just running into guys, risking injury, risking a lot of things. … If they give us the OK, I wouldn’t have any concerns or any hesitation about going out there wondering if it’s safe or not. We play a dangerous game already.”

Flowers sees no issue with taking proper precautions to protect the players from coronavirus, however. He trusts the NFLPA leadership and the league to make those correct decisions.

“But I feel as though there has to be a lot of precautionary measures in place. I feel as though the NFL, the NFLPA can kind of figure that out about what it needs to be a safe environment for the players.”

Some NFL teams have been able to open up facilities to a limited number of players and staffers. The Lions are prevented from doing so by Michigan’s quarantine restrictions.

Flowers echoes the sentiment from quarterback Matthew Stafford, who told reporters a week earlier in his own Zoom call,

“If they told us we had to start the season tomorrow and I had to fly to Detroit and put the pads on, I’d be happy to go do it.”

 

The Detroit Lions were snubbed from CBS’ Top 100 NFL players list

Not a single Lions player makes Pete Prisco’s list at CBS Sports

Talk about a harsh reality check. The latest list of the top 100 NFL players, this one from CBS Sports and Pete Prisco, throws buckets of cold water on the Detroit Lions.

No Matthew Stafford. No Kenny Golladay. No Trey Flowers. Newcomer Jamie Collins isn’t anywhere to be found either.

Not a single Lions player earned a spot on Prisco’s list of the best 100 players in the NFL today. Golladay was the only Lion to earn “just missed” status in the list of afterthoughts beyond the top 100.

That’s the national perspective on a Lions team that fell from six wins in 2018 to just three in 2019, with several key players suffering injuries or just not playing as well as hoped. Darius Slay was the only 2019 Lion to make the list. The new Eagles CB checks in at No. 96 after his worst season since his rookie campaign in 2013.

Golladay, a healthy Stafford, Flowers, Frank Ragnow and perhaps Collins are the best candidates to appear on the list at this time next year. It will take more than three wins to get any of them on the list, however.

 

 

Danny Amendola: ‘We want to have a home playoff game at Ford Field’

Danny Amendola: ‘We want to have a home playoff game at Ford Field’

Danny Amendola entertained the Lions media with a Zoom teleconference session on Wednesday afternoon. Quick-witted and enthusiastic, Amendola covered a wide range of topics about the Lions and life in the coronavirus pandemic.

One of his more engaging answers came when Amendola was asked about what he and Kenny Golladay talk about when they communicate via Zoom sessions or even last year in the locker room. After praising Golladay’s ability, Amendola talked about the goals he laid out for the team.

“What Kenny and I talk about now is we want to win,” Amendola said from his home in Austin, Texas. “We want to get to the playoffs. We want to have a home playoff game at Ford Field. I tell him as much as I can there’s nothing like that feeling of winning for your city and that’s what we want to see the most.”

Amendola has been working out on his own and with some local quarterbacks, including Colt McCoy and Baker Mayfield. They all live in the same neighborhood. He’s anxious to get back to working with Matthew Stafford and his fellow Lions wideouts.

Lions sign 6th-round draft pick John Penisini

Lions sign 6th-round draft pick John Penisini

The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with sixth-round pick John Penisini. The defensive tackle from Utah signed his contract, per his agent, David Canter.

Penisini is the second member of the Lions draft class of 2020 to sign with the team, following guard Logan Stenberg over the weekend. He was the No. 197 overall pick and the penultimate pick by GM Bob Quinn.

At Utah, Penisini blossomed as part of a very talented all-around defensive corps as the primary nose tackle. He figures to play behind Danny Shelton and also get some looks when the team wants to get more physical and stout up front.

Terms of the contract were not immediately disclosed.

Matthew Stafford calls D’Andre Swift a ‘do it all’ back

During a virtual conference with Detroit media on Thursday, Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford called second-round pick D’Andre Swift a “do it all” running back.

This offseason, the Detroit Lions returned almost every offensive skill player on their 2019 roster, only losing tight end Logan Thomas and running back J.D. McKissic in free agency.

The Lions signed several pass catchers in free agency, but their most substantial additions came via the draft when they selected running back D’Andre Swift (2nd round), wide receiver Quintez Cephus (5th), and running back Jason Huntley (5th), while also signing tight end Hunter Bryant post-draft.

With his Michigan residence up for sale, Stafford has split his time between his California and Georgia homes. He noted that he has had a few workout sessions with Kenny Golladay while in California, and while currently in Atlanta, has worked out with rookies Swift, and Cephus, as well as sophomore tight end Isaac Nauta.

During a virtual conference with Detroit media on Thursday, Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford was asked about the most high profile skill player added this offseason, fellow Georgia alum, Swift.

“As far a player goes, he’s a back that can kinda do it all,” Stafford said of Swift. “I think he does a good job out of the backfield catching the ball and making big plays. They handed it to him a bunch and he was doing a great job running with it.”

Swift will join a backfield that featured Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough last year and the trio are expected to share carries in 2020.

“(Johnson) had a great career in college – him and Bo Scarbrough,” Swift told the Lions media post-draft. “I’ve seen them first hand. He’s done great in the NFL, too. So just to go in there and build a relationship with them type of guys – I’m just looking to compete for whatever role is fit for me.”

Adding a back with the talent level of Swift will help lighten the load this season and when asked about how important it is to have multiple backs, Stafford responded:

“I think it’s huge. In the NFL, running backs — well everybody — but running backs, get dinged up, beat up here and there throughout a season, and really throughout games. So, the more guys you can have back there that can carry the rock and do a good job for you the better off you’re going to be.”

Johnson and Scarbrough have long injury histories — both were injured last season — and the Lions are banking on Swift being able to help reduce the injury risk, as well as elevate the talent level on offense — after all, he is capable of doing it all.

NFL teams can open as early as May 19 with several restrictions

NFL teams can open as early as May 19 with several restrictions, though the Detroit Lions will likely not due to Michigan’s current rules

In a memo to NFL teams, Commissioner Roger Goodell reversed course and indicated that teams will be permitted to open their facilities for the first time in over two months as early as this Tuesday, May 19th. However, local restrictions will almost certainly prevent the Detroit Lions from joining most of their peers.

Facilities for all 32 NFL teams have been mandated to be closed since mid-March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Teams have been working remotely ever since, and initially the NFL was not going to allow any facilities to open until all teams would have equal access based on local responses to the pandemic. That has now changed.

From the memo distributed to clubs and made public via the AP,

“Clubs may reopen their facilities beginning on May 19 if they are permitted to do so under governing state and local regulations, are in compliance with any additional public health requirements in their jurisdiction, and have implemented the protocols that were developed by (the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer) and distributed to all clubs on May 6.”

However, there are several restrictions on who can be in the facilities. Among those limits:

  • Only players who are undergoing medical treatment or injury rehab are allowed, along with strength and conditioning staff to work with them. Players coming off an injury like Matthew Stafford and Kerryon Johnson would qualify.
  • No more than 50 percent of the staff may be in the facility, with a cap of 75 total people at any time.
  • Coaches cannot return until all 32 teams are on equal footing and allowed to attend via local regulations and restrictions. Matt Patricia and his on-field coaching staff cannot report for duty.
  • Front office personnel, administration staff, equipment people, medical and nutritionist staff are allowed.

Because the state of Michigan remains under strict lockdown orders until at least May 29, the Lions are unlikely to qualify as an essential business to be allowed to open its doors. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has not yet addressed the situation.

Matthew Stafford ready to play with no fans but would miss the fan energy

Lions QB Matthew Stafford would miss the fan energy but not the noise if the NFL plays games without fans in the stands in 2020

Fans know the drill. When the opposing team has the ball, get as loud as possible. It hinders the offense by making communication between quarterback, linemen and receivers that much tougher.

So playing in front of no fans, which is a very real possibility during the 2020 NFL season thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, would be a radical change for everyone. That includes the players themselves.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn’t have a problem with having it quiet while he’s orchestrating the offense.

“I’m the quarterback, quiet’s great. I love that,” Stafford said during his conference call this week. “I can talk, I can hear what they’re saying on defense. I can probably try to use that to my advantage. It’s like playing a home game everywhere you go, I’m fine with that.”

Stafford admitted the energy from the crowd would definitely be missed, however.

“…feeding off that energy. There’s definitely a feel. It would definitely feel different, I would think,” Stafford declared.

Detroit opens with four road dates in the first six games, plus a bye week. If the early-season games are without fans, the Lions stand to benefit from the scheduling quirk.

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The Lions quietly improved their pass rushing this offseason, per PFF

Through the draft and free agency, the Detroit Lions have one of more improved pass-rushing units in the league according to PFF

It seems like year after year, fans are begging the Detroit Lions to improve their pass rush. When you are letting quarterbacks like Mitchell Trubisky look like a Pro Bowler, you know there is some serious room for improvement. After this offseason, it looks the Lions might’ve quietly improved their pass rush.

Pro football focus’ Ben Linsey listed the five teams who most improved their pass rush this offseason and the Lions checked in at number three — just below the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins.

The Lions struggled to rush the passer in 2019, ranking at the bottom of the league with a dismal 29.2-percent pressure rate. The standout player was Trey Flowers, who “played well, generating a pass-rushing grade of 78.8 with 62 total pressures in a full season of action”.

Flowers can’t do this all himself, but fortunately, based on the moves made this offseason, he will have some help in 2020.

Devon Kennard registered seven sacks last season — tied for the team lead with Trey Flowers — but his ability to cause consistent pressure left something to be desired. The Lions released him this offseason and drafted his replacement in Julian Okwara.

In theory, Okwara should provide a boost to the Lions’ pass rush, after registering elite pass-rushing grades during his 2018 and 2019 college years. Expectations should be tempered for the rookie, but he has the length and athleticism to be a disruptor on the edge opposite of Flowers.

One of the biggest offseason moves the Lions made was signing former Patriot Jamie Collins to bolster a questionable linebacking corps. Collins has established a reputation in the league as one of the better pass-rushing linebackers, and last year was no exception as “his pass-rushing grade of 76.8 was a top-five mark at the position”. Even though it is expected that Collins will play multiple roles on the defense, he provides a pass-rushing repertoire the Lions have been sorely missing.

The Lions’ defensive line will almost be unrecognizable in 2020, having said goodbye to A’Shawn Robinson, Damon Harrison, and Mike Daniels this offseason. In turn, the Lions signed one of the better pass-rushing nose tackles in another former Patriot Danny Shelton.

Even though Shelton has made a career as a run stuffer, this past year, he was able to elevate his pass rush. His “73.3. pass-rushing grade in 2019 was the highest of his career” and ranked among the Top-15 pass-rushing defensive tackles. With a similar scheme in Detroit, the transition should be seamless for a potential repeat performance.

Pass rushing has been the Achilles heel for the Lions but this offseason the Lions were able to bring in players who should be able to contribute immediately. In theory, the Lions have upgraded their pass rush and if all the pieces click how they are supposed to, they should have a defense that will make them tough to play against.

Jarrad Davis: ‘I haven’t really been the best I can truly be’ for the Lions

Linebacker Jarrad Davis admits ‘I haven’t really been the best I can truly be’ for the Lions

In his video teleconference with the media on Thursday, Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis was forthright and self-aware about how his first three seasons in Detroit have gone. The 2017 first-round pick admitted he’s not been as good as he wants to be or believes he can be.

A personable Davis acknowledged his defensive shortcomings when asked about his career thus far. After stating he wasn’t concerned about the Lions declining his fifth-year option, Davis talked about where he can get better.

“Definitely I need to continue to get better in the run game. Can always improve in that area,” Davis said. “And just, I have the talent to be a good coverage linebacker but I just haven’t been able to show (it). I haven’t been able to show exactly what I can do in that area yet, whether it be just overthinking or just trying to do too much. I haven’t really been the best I can truly be in that position.”

The pressure is now on Davis to prove he can stop overthinking and translate all his off-field work into more on-field productivity.

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Matthew Stafford’s $6.5 million home up for sale

Matthew Stafford’s $6.5 million home is up for sale, but with a growing family, fans need to be careful not to overreact.

Just hours after meeting with the local media Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford’s $6.5 million home in Bloomfield Township went up for sale.

The Stafford’s home has been rumored to be on the market all offseason — well before any trade rumors surfaced — but all attempts to confirm these rumors surrounding the sale had been declined.

There is bound to be plenty of speculation surrounding what this means for the future of the Lions quarterback, it’s important to remember most of the time these decisions come from non-football related situations.

For example, the Stafford’s have three daughters, two of whom are approaching school age, with a fourth child on the way. This is the time in their life when families are considering school districts and more kid-friendly homes — the Stafford’s bought the home in 2013 before any of their children were born.

There is always the possibility this a football-related move, but that concept appears to be founded in speculation only.

All offseason, the Lions have vigorously denied every trade rumor, made no roster moves to suggest they have considered moving on from him, and just yesterday, Stafford himself shrugging off those trade rumors.

“I really don’t pay too much attention to (the trade rumors),” Stafford said. “I pay less attention to them than my wife (Kelly) does. But it’s something that doesn’t bother me. Listen, I’m here, I want to be here. I love being a Detroit Lion, I love leading this team. all that kind of stuff is just out there to be out there. It’s a slow news month at that point and I’m just happy to be where I am and ready to deal with this offseason the way that it is and try to make the best of the season that I hope happens.”

There is bound to be plenty of speculation as to why the Stafford’s have put their house up for sale, but all indications point to this just being a typical off-the-field situation for a growing family.