Category: Lions News

Lions still planning on at least some fans in Ford Field

Lions still planning on at least some fans in Ford Field if local COVID-19 restrictions still allow it

In a letter to the team’s season ticket holders, the Detroit Lions indicated they do expect to have at least some fans in the seats for Lions home games in 2020.

Friday’s letter to Season Ticket Members (STMs) offered optimism that local regulations will permit fans to attend Ford Field events despite the current COVID-19 pandemic. That optimism is hedged with uncertainty, however.

From the letter, which was also distributed to the Lions media,

The organization is preparing to host fans at all eight regular season home games, but there is still uncertainty surrounding how many fans, if any, will be allowed to attend games during the 2020 season or under what conditions.

Despite these uncertainties, the Lions intend to offer STMs an opportunity to purchase tickets on a multi-game plan basis. Once it has been established how many fans can be accommodated, a final determination will be made regarding how to fairly allocate seating options among the Lions’ STMs. Currently, the team is not planning an on-sale opportunity for single-game buyers.

The last sentence there effectively rules out any non-season ticket holders from having the chance to purchase tickets for any Lions home game.

STMs were also given the opportunity to opt-out of their tickets in 2020 without penalty.

Additionally, the Lions are providing STMs an opportunity to opt-out of the 2020 season with incentives to defer 2020 payments to the purchase of 2021 season ticket memberships. All STMs will retain their current 2020 seat location(s) for the 2021 season as well as current account seniority, regardless of whether they opt-out or elect to purchase tickets for the 2020 season. 

Some of the benefits include a price freeze guarantee on ticket prices and food/beverage credits.

The city of Detroit and the state of Michigan have yet to formally rule out fans from attending Lions games.

[vertical-gallery id=47172]

Rashaan Melvin among several ex-Lions opting out for 2020

Melvin is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars after spending 2019 as a Lions starter

Rashaan Melvin is confirmed to be one of the 66 NFL players who will sit out the 2020 NFL season due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns. The cornerback is one of two Jacksonville Jaguars who elected to opt out.

Melvin spent the 2019 season as a starting CB for the Detroit Lions, with varying degrees of success. He is one of several former Lions players who chose to opt out, per the agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA.

Other former Lions players who chose to opt out:

  • Larry Warford, free agent
  • Rolan Milligan, S, Colts
  • Leo Koloamatangi, OL, Jets
  • Jeremiah Valoaga, EDGE, Raiders
  • Cole Wick, TE, Saints

[lawrence-related id=48036]

Taylor Decker says the Lions have yet propose any contract offers

Decker is entering the final season of his rookie contract

Taylor Decker is entering the final year of his contract with the Detroit Lions. The veteran left tackle is playing out the fifth-year option of his original rookie deal signed as the team’s first-round pick in 2016.

Decker has been good enough to earn a lucrative offer if he were to hit the open market. While he’s not an elite talent, replacing him at such a key position would be a major ordeal for the Lions. Tackles of his caliber don’t hit free agency often, and the draft is an even less-certain way to fill a critical hole. Detroit is flush with salary cap room too, near the top of the league in available cap.

Despite all that, Decker says the Lions have not yet presented him or his agent with an extension. He made the admission during a Zoom teleconference with reporters on Thursday.

When asked if he’s considered different contract options, Decker responded,

“I haven’t considered anything because there hasn’t been anything put on the table. However those conversations go, I’ll speak with my agent about that, he’ll speak with the organization about that and then however they go, they go. But obviously anything could be considered.”

He also doesn’t seem worried about a timetable.

“I didn’t really have any expectations on when something would be done or if something would be done,” Decker explained without sounding concerned. He noted the team and the country have bigger things to worry about in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Jamie Collins’ confidence, positional versatility could be a game changer for the Lions

Linebacker Jamie Collins’ confidence and positional versatility could be a game-changer for the Detroit Lions in the 2020 season.

After our media Zoom call with Detroit Lions linebacker Jamie Collins, two things were abundantly clear: He is incredibly confident and he enjoys playing all over the field.

When studying Collins game film from 2019, he rarely lineup up at the same linebacker spot on back-to-back snaps and he played at a high level regardless of whether he was dropping into coverage, stopping the run, blitzing, or pass rushing off the edge.

That positional versatility makes Collins a very rare player and his effectiveness playing at multiple spots gives the Lions plenty of options on how to set their defense.

Because Collins is a non-traditional player, trying to project him into a traditional linebacker role in the Lions scheme tends to be a fruitless effort as he will likely see snaps at every linebacker spot.

With that in mind, Collins was asked if fans wanted to go back and watch a game of his to get a better understanding of who he is as a player, Collins confidence shined through.

“Any game for me,” Collins said. “I feel like I’m doing what I gotta do every year, every game, every season. You can go check my stats, my stats are through the roof.”

He would go on to expand on his positional versatility, noting that he is willing to play anywhere and do anything coaches asked of him.

“Inside, outside, it’s my job,” Collins continued. “I’m here to do what’s best for the team. I just want my teammates to know that I got their back whenever they need me, I’m there and hopefully, I can say the same about everybody else… If they put me inside, I’ll play inside. If they put me outside, I’ll play outside… I like to switch it up every now and then and hunt for the ball. I like to rush the passer, but a lot of times I like to catch interceptions too.”

He even suggested that if it was in the team’s best interest and coaches wanted him to play safety, he would “drop some weight and play safety.”

Collins’ confidence and versatility could completely change the Lions approach to the linebacker position and we could see a ripple effect run through the entire position group.

Jarrad Davis says he’s ‘mentally better than I’ve ever been’

Lions LB Jarrad Davis says he’s ‘mentally better than I’ve ever been’ after pushing himself hard and transforming his body this offseason

Jarrad Davis has transformed himself this offseason. The Lions linebacker already showed off a rocked-up new physique, the results of an intense offseason physical training regimen. Now he’s ready to show off a newfound mental toughness and focus, too.

Davis discussed his major overhaul of both his physical and mental states this offseason in a Zoom teleconference with reporters on Tuesday. After talking about his new diet and considerable lean muscle bulk, the fourth-year LB proudly brought up his focus on being mentally tougher and more aware.

“It’s gonna help me just stay focused and learn how to just be locked in in pressure situations throughout the season,” Davis said. “Yeah, I made a physical transformation, but I feel like I’m mentally more available and mentally better than I’ve ever been in my entire life.”

Davis is entering the final year of his contract with the Lions, who elected not to pick up the fifth-year option on the 2017 first-rounder’s deal. His generally underwhelming performance has him fighting for his Detroit career as well as his NFL future. Davis seems to be attacking the challenge with proaction and positivity.

[vertical-gallery id=47335]

Kelly Stafford details fallout after false-positive result, blames NFL for lack of accountability

After Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford received a false-positive COVID-19 test last Saturday, his wife Kelly took to Instagram to place blame on the NFL for lack of accountability.

After Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford received a false-positive COVID-19 test last Saturday, his wife Kelly took to Instagram and had some harsh words towards the NFL, blaming them for lack of accountability.

Over the weekend, the Lions placed Stafford on the reserve/COVID-list indicating he had either tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, was in close proximity of someone who had tested positive or had received a false positive test. Per NFL and NFLPA rules focusing on protecting a player’s privacy on health-related matters, they do not identify which category a player falls under.

Just hours later NFL Network’s Tom Pelliserro reported a source told him Stafford was asymptomatic followed up by a Monday report from Monday Morning Quarterback’s Albert Breer that Stafford did indeed test positive for COVID-19 — a report that was later proven incorrect.

Today, the Lions removed Stafford from the reserve/COVID-19 list and had some very stern words of clarity on the subject:

“To be clear, Matthew does NOT have COVID-19 and never has had COVID-19 and the test in question was a False-Positive. Also, all of Matthew’s family have been tested and everyone is negative.”

Not long after, Kelly Stafford took to Instagram to explain the stresses that were placed on the Stafford family during the last four days, the negative reaction from members in their community, and why she blames the NFL “for not holding itself accountable”:

The past four days have been somewhat of a nightmare. For 24 hours, we believed my husband was positive for covid.. We were all tested the day after and we were all negative including Matthew.. then he tested negative again, then again, again, and again.

After his second negative, we were made adware [sic] of the “false positives” and how this was one of those cases.

I have been losing my mind because of how my Family has been treated since my husband was put on COVID-IR.

Even after we knew it was false positive, our school told us they were not allowed back, I was approached in a grocery store and told I was “endangering others,” my kids were harassed and kicked off a playground, I was told I needed to wait in my car when trying to pick up food, and people closest to us had to get tested just so they could go back to work.. and that’s just to name a few things. I don’t blame these scenarios on any of the people directly involved.. I understand where they are coming from, but I do blame the @NFL.

I blame the @NFL for not holding themselves accountable. These are people’s lives and livelihoods that are in those results in THEIR test sites. Maybe we should be absolutely positive a person has covid before releasing that info to the world. I’m sharing our experience because I don’t want it happening to any other family that plays for this league.

We are thankful for those who called, texted, emailed and showed concern for matthew and our family. Your thoughts during this strange, difficult time are greatly appreciated.. but we are all absolutely fine and feeling great. Thank God for that.

Kelly would add this in the comments section:

“I would also like people to know.. if you saw me out and about after this, it was because we already knew it was a false positive. We would never chance endangering anyone with this virus. If we have learned anything in the past two years, it’s that we know the value of health and the health of others.”

Mike Greenberg: ‘I am a Stafford fan’, sees the Lions as a potential surprise team

ESPN Radio’s Mike Greenberg professed his belief in Lions QB Matthew Stafford and offered hope the team could exceed expectations in an appearance on the Big Drew and Jim Show

ESPN Radio personality Mike Greenberg is known for being a New York Jets fan, but the man affectionately known as “Greeny” has a soft spot for Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford too.

In an appearance on the Big Drew and Jim Show on ESPN 96.1 in Grand Rapids to promote his own new show on the network, Greenberg professed his belief in Stafford’s ability to win.

“I am a Stafford fan and I have long been, and remain, a believer in him. They’ve never gotten it right around him really. Maybe they will.”

While prefacing his comment with the telling “they’re probably a long ways away” from contending, Greenberg offered this on the Lions,

“I wouldn’t be shocked if they won a lot more games this year than most people are probably going to project.”

It’s a candid view from the outside that isn’t necessarily shared by many of Greenberg’s colleagues.

[lawrence-related id=47712]

Geronimo Allison explains why he opted out of 2020

Detroit Lions wide receiver Geronimo Allison took to social media to explain why he opted out of the 2020 NFL season.

On Sunday, Detroit Lions wide receiver Geronimo Allison opted out of the 2020 NFL season and took to social media to explain why he made that decision.

Here’s what Allison had to say, via his Instagram account:

“One of the greatest joys of my life has been playing professional football. I wasn’t sure anything could ever top that until my wife and I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world, just a few months ago. I reported to training camp as a new dad, hopeful to play this season.

“However, with still so much uncertainty around this very scary virus and the intense desire to protect the health and well-being of my family, I have decided to opt out of this season. I want to thank the Detroit Lions organization, the Ford Family, and the National Football League for allowing me to play the game I love and supporting me through this unbelievably difficult decision. I am looking forward to next season.”

View this post on Instagram

One of the greatest joys of my life has been playing professional football. I wasn’t sure anything could ever top that until my wife and I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world, just a few months ago. I reported to training camp as a new dad, hopeful to play this season. However, with still so much uncertainty around this very scary virus and the intense desire to protect the health and well-being of my family, I have decided to opt out of this season. I want to thank the Detroit Lions organization, the Ford Family, and the National Football League for allowing me to play the game I love and supporting me through this unbelievably difficult decision. I am looking forward to next season.

A post shared by Geronimo Allison (@geronimooooo) on

After sitting out 2020, Allison will revert back to the Lions roster in 2021 where his one-year deal will toll towards next season.

[lawrence-related id=47907]

Daylon Mack: What the Lions are getting in their new DT

A scouting report on new Detroit Lions DT Daylon Mack, acquired off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens

The Detroit Lions have themselves a big new addition to the defensive line. Daylon Mack is the newest member of the Lions defensive tackle group.

The team claimed Mack, 23, off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. He was Baltimore’s fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after playing collegiately at Texas A&M.

The first thing you notice about Mack is his rather generous posterior. He’s 6-foot-1, 340 pounds and most of that weight seems centered around the backside. Or as I said after watching him at the Shrine Game and Senior Bowl practices in 2019,

He was an underwhelming performer during his time at Texas A&M, flashing occasionally but never dominating. His production perked up as a senior after coaching changes, both at head coach and his positional coaches. The incredible lower-body strength and surprising quickness — quick enough that he played some option RB in high school at 300 pounds — for a guy of his considerable girth produced 5.5 sacks and caused a lot of disruption against a lot of good offensive linemen in the SEC that year.

He built upon that momentum at the postseason all-star games. From my notes on the Shrine Game week,

He underachieved relative to his recruiting hype for the Aggies, but Mack came alive in St. Pete. From a heavy DE spot he has remarkable quickness to crash the B-gap. He’s a player I can verify the Lions watched intently throughout the week.

Their interest then was in using Mack in the A’Shawn Robinson role in Matt Patricia’s defense, a heavy DT that can maintain a gap against the run but also line up outside the guard in a 3-man front and attack.

Mack didn’t see the field in Baltimore other than on special teams. They drafted a couple of lighter-type players in this offseason while also letting Michael Pierce, who Mack sat behind as a rookie, leave in free agency. Their changing taste in D-linemen gives Mack an opportunity to prove himself to a coaching staff that liked him a lot heading into the 2019 NFL Draft.

Outlook

Mack has to be in shape, something he battled at Texas A&M. If he is, he can definitely crack the Lions 53-man roster. His ability to play as Danny Shelton’s primary backup but also kick outside to Da’Shawn Hand’s role gives him a very good chance to stick. With John Atkins opting out, Mack is competing for rotation spots with Kevin Strong, Olive Sagapolu, Jonathan Wynn and rookie John Penisini. Figure on two of them making the Lions final roster.

Report: Matthew Stafford tested positive for COVID-19

A report from Albert Breer claims Matthew Stafford tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday after two earlier negative tests

Matthew Stafford’s appearance on the Lions’ reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday shook the weekend. The Lions longtime quarterback is the biggest name around the league to be placed on the newly created list.

Being on the reserve/COVID-19 list doesn’t necessarily mean a player tested positive for the coronavirus. It could also be an indication of being in close contact with an infected person. But in Stafford’s case, a report from SI’s Albert Breer indicate that Stafford did indeed test positive on Friday.

From Breer’s report in his MMQB column,

Lions QB Matt Stafford did, indeed, test positive for COVID-19 (this wasn’t a case of being in close contact with someone sick). The test was administered on Friday, and Stafford was asymptomatic beforehand. That means that Stafford passed tests on Tuesday and Wednesday, before the positive came up and landed him on the reserve list.

That’s an interesting development, because it means Stafford would have come in contact with an infected person after the Lions have already convened for training camp. There is also a chance the test is a false positive. Stafford has said he’s asymptomatic.

[lawrence-related id=47805]