Tag: Bo Scarbrough

Six Points with David Dorey: Week 12

Six items of fantasy football interest from David Dorey

Well, you made it to Friday. You deserve to take a couple of minutes off to think about a few things. This is really more of a productivity tool to keep you sharp.

David Johnson – Every Johnson owner is wondering what happened and what to do? Keeping it brief, I’d say trade him. The reality with Johnson is that he’s never been as good as he was in 2016 before his knee injury. He lasted one game and missed 2017 with a wrist injury. He lasted 16 games in 2018 but only gained 3.6 yards-per-carry. The Cards have one of the worst O-lines. Now both Chase Edmonds (5.1 YPC) and Kenyan Drake (4.4) have looked much better. Johnson’s knock coming out of college was that he runs upright and invites injury and he had a fumbling problem. He hasn’t touched the ball since fumbling in Week 10. The Cards overpaid on his 2018 3-year contract extension for $39M. His base salary for 2020 is $10M with a $1M roster bonus and has a dead cap figure of $16.2M. No one else will want that contract so the Cards are likely stuck with him next year. This is a new coaching regime than the one that signed him to that ill-advised extension. Bottom line – Johnson looks clearly like the No. 3 running back for the Cards.

Robert Woods – His absence was deemed a “personal situation” and it later was said to be a family matter. He was a surprise inactive last week and while he hasn’t practiced or even been further explained, the good news is that he returned to the Rams on Thursday and joined their practice. The Rams play the Ravens this week and his status will be determined by Sunday. But the good news is that he’s back and at worst, we’ll be ready to play the Cardinals in Week 13.

Bo Scarbrough – The Alabama back was drafted by the Cowboys with their 7.18 pick last year but he never had a touch and was later cut. The Lions had him on their practice squad last Saturday when they opted to call him up and give him a shot. He responded with 55 yards and a score on 14 carries versus his original team. Disregarding the Lions identity as the RB Siberia of the NFL, does he have value for the rest of 2019? Well – this week for sure. Ty Johnson has proven that he is not the answer. J.D. McKissic sticks with third-down work so that leaves Scarbrough and Nick Bawden as the only options. Reality is that he did well as a surprise start at home versus his old team. But the committee approach remains in Detroit where his 14 carries last week was the third-highest by a Detriot back this year.

2020 Running Back Free Agents – Always interesting to see what teams do with their pending free agents. Are they going to re-sign them or just develop other players?  Name (age)

Lamar Miller (29)
LeSean McCoy (32)
Carlos Hyde (28)
Melvin Gordon (27)
Peyton Barber (26)
Derrick Henry (26)
Kenyan Drake (26)
Jordan Howard (25)

Gordon and Henry are the biggest two. Gordon seems likely to discover that the market may not be as strong as he desires. Henry is doing himself a huge favor with his career-best year.

2020 Wide Receiver Free Agents – Some will be signed but a few want to become a free agent and try their luck somewhere else. Unlike running backs, their second contracts are often their most productive periods. Running backs usually play best on their rookie contracts.

A.J. Green (32)
Larry Fitzgerald (37)
Emmanuel Sanders (33)
Amari Cooper (26)
Robby Anderson (27)
Demaryius Thomas (32)
Phillip Dorsett (27)

The oft-injured Green will be interesting since he is already 32 years old. Sanders is likely going to force the 49ers to pay up since he’s the only wideout that’s done anything in their otherwise great season. Cooper will cost the Cowboys a ton even if he only shows up in home games. Robby Anderson has been much better than what he’s done this year. He’ll likely be gone.

Run-Pass Ratios of all 32 NFL teams – Interesting look at which teams are throwing the most and which ones prefer to run. The NFL is a passing league, right? These are through Week 11.

Not surprising, the worst teams are the ones that throw the most. The Chiefs are an outlier but no other team has Patrick Mahomes. The bottom five teams all look likely to reach the playoffs. The success of the 49ers and Ravens may just change a few teams in the copy-cat NFL.

Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, episode 129: Washington Week 12 preview

Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, episode 129: Washington Week 12 preview, is now available to download and listen.

This week on the Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast the guys discuss the continued Matthew Stafford injury saga, last week’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys, review the latest news from Allen Park and preview the Lions Week 12 game against Washington.

The DLB podcast is a weekly conversation with Lions Wire’s own Erik Schlitt and his co-host Joe Kania. This week they discuss:

You can follow the Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast (@LionsBreakdown) and it’s hosts Schlitt (@Erikschlitt) and Kania (@JoeKania_DLB) on Twitter, with a Facebook page on the way.

The podcast is available to listen at the DetroitLionsBreakdown.com website and is available to download and subscribe to on multiple podcast platforms, including Itunes, Google Play, Stitcher, among others.

Rookie report: newcomers failed to make their mark against Cowboys

Breaking down the Detroit Lions rookies and their contributions in the Week 11 loss to the Dallas Cowboys

In the 35-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the rookies of the Detroit Lions had a relatively quiet game.

With just six games left for the 2019 season, it’s hard to pinpoint their struggles as ‘rookie mistakes’. Most have been thrown into starting roles over the last ten matchups with limited success and others are struggling to make the gameday roster.

So how did the rookies perform in last week’s game?

First-round draft pick T.J. Hockenson remained a non-factor on offense, making just one catch for six yards. That lack of production isn’t ideal, especially when the rookie was on the field for almost three-fourths of Detroit’s offensive snaps – more than the other two tight ends on the roster combined.

Linebacker Jahlani Tavai’s usage on-field has fluctuated from game-to-game this season. In this matchup, he served as the team’s third option at linebacker, giving up more of his snaps to Christian Jones. Tavai made just two tackles in this game, giving him a total of 36 on the year.

Will Harris lost his starting job to Tavon Walker this week but ended up moving back up on the depth chart following another injury to Tracy Walker. He had four tackles, the lowest of the starting defensive back group. Missed tackles and blown coverage have been a big issue for the rookie this season too.

After being inactive for nearly every game this season, Amani Oruwariye earned his first reps on defense. In nine snaps on defense, the fifth-rounder made a single tackle and didn’t allow the one pass against him to be completed. With the season coming close to an end, this is one rookie to keep an eye on moving forward.

Running back Ty Johnson appears to lost his starting role to newcomer aBo Scarborough, who was just recently signed to the active roster. Johnson couldn’t make the most out of his 19 snaps on offense, and came away with just three total touches for six yards. After being outperformed by nearly every offensive player active for Detroit against Dallas, it’s safe to say Johnson will have a lot to prove in the remainder of 2019.

Safety C.J. Moore’s role was strictly held to special teams this week, where he made one tackle.

Quarterback David Blough was active for this game but did not see the field. Offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel and cornerback Michael Jackson Sr. did not suit up against the Cowboys.

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7 fantasy football waiver wire claims to make ahead of Week 12

7 fantasy football waiver wire claims to make heading into Week 12 of the NFL season.

Need a fresh face for your fantasy football roster this week?

It’s never too late for a few extra points to add to your win column.

Here are eight waiver wire claims to make in fantasy football ahead of Week 11:

Philadelphia Eagles running back Jay Ajayi. Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

RB Bo Scarbrough

The round and round cycle that is the Lions running back situation since Kerryon Johnson’s injury has now landed on Bo Scarbrough. For those paying attention, we’ve went from Ty Johnson to JD McKissic and now Scarbrough. Last week against the Cowboys, Scarbrough came out of no where to muster up 14 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown. McKissic did still feature as a pass catcher, though.

Percent owned in ESPN fantasy leagues: 0.3%

RB Jay Ajayi

Jay Ajayi signed with the Eagles prior to Week 11 against the Patriots, but he didn’t play behind Miles Sanders and Boston Scott. It might be a case of him needing to warm up to the offensive scheme, but he’s certainly at least a better option than Scott with Jordan Howard still expecting to miss some time. He’s at least worth stashing for a playoff run later on.

Percent owned in ESPN fantasy leagues: 10.%

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Fantasy sleepers for Week 12 of the NFL season

Touchdown Wire’s Pat Yasinskas examines nine under-the-radar players who could give your team a jolt down the stretch.

With injuries and byes, there’s a good chance you’re looking for fantasy sleepers this week. With that in mind, Touchdown Wire presents nine fantasy football sleepers for Week 12 of the NFL season:

9. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Detroit Lions

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Scarbrough was brought up from the practice squad before Sunday’s game with Dallas. He ended up getting the bulk of the carries ahead of J.D. McKissic and Ty Johnson. He rushed 14 times for 55 yards. That should earn him more carries going forward, and he’s got a favorable matchup Sunday against Washington.

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Lions week 11 snap counts: Bo Scarbrough leads the way in the backfield

Detroit Lions Week 11 snap counts observations include Bo Scarbrough leading the way in the backfield and Amani Oruwariye getting first NFL snaps on defense.

When examining the Detroit Lions (3-6-1) snap counts from Week 11, a few key things stood out, including Bo Scarbrough leading the way in the backfield, tight end shifts, Amani Oruwariye getting first NFL snaps on defense and the reduction if three safety sets.

That and more takeaways from this week’s snap counts below:

Jeff Driskel stays strong

Jeff Driskel — 65, 100-percent

Driskel took a few hard shots in this game but was able to overcome them to play every snap.

Lions interior OL leans on four players

LT Taylor Decker — 65, 100-percent
LG Joe Dahl — 62, 95-percent
C Frank Ragnow — 56, 86-percent
RG Graham Glasgow — 62, 95-percent
RT Tyrell Crosby — 65, 100-percent
OG Kenny Wiggins — 20, 31-percent

Crosby replaced Wagner in the starting lineup and he, along with fellow offensive tackle Decker, was able to play every snap.

On the interior, it was a much different story. The rotation at guard continued, and like in previous weeks, it took an injury for it to stop — this time to Frank Ragnow, who is currently being evaluated for a concussion.

After Ragnow left the game, Glasgow shifted to center and Wiggins was promoted to right guard. Wiggins also took five snaps as a sixth offensive lineman.

Scarbrough leads the backfield

Bo Scarbrough — 32, 49-percent
Ty Johnson — 19, 29-percent
J.D. McKissic — 15, 23-percent
Nick Bawden — 2, 3-percent

Not only did Scarbrough start but he led the way in snaps out of the backfield. McKissic was the second option but was briefly sidelined in the second half. Johnson saw over a quarter of snaps, but you wouldn’t know it by the box score as he only received three touches. Bawden left the game early with a knee injury.

More of the same from the WRs

Kenny Golladay — 60, 92-percent
Marvin Jones Jr. — 57, 88-percent
Danny Amendola –36, 55-percent
Marvin Hall — 14, 22-percent

More of the same from the receiver group, these numbers match a recent trend as of late.

Hockenson’s snaps rise as James’ fall

T.J. Hockenson — 48, 74-percent
Logan Thomas — 22, 34-percent
Jesse James — 15, 23-percent

Hockenson broke the 70-percent mark for the first time since the first two weeks of the season. James’ decline continues and he saw his lowest snap count of the season. This is the fifth week in a row where James has seen 36-percent or fewer snaps.

Interior DL snaps increase with focus on the run

A’Shawn Robinson — 55, 74-percent
Damon Harrison — 49, 66-percent
John Atkins — 36, 49-percent
Mike Daniels — 29, 39-percent

With the team focused on stopping the run, the Lions went with a heavy rotation of interior defensive lineman. Both Robinson and Harrison saw their highest snaps count percentages of the season, while Atkins and Daniels saw their second-most.

EDGE rushers see higher snaps with Okwara out

Devon Kennard — 60, 81-percent
Trey Flowers — 55, 74-percent

Flowers was well on his way to leading the way in this group before he was forced to leave the game with a potential concussion. Both players had solid games.

Davis’ snap counts rebound, production stays high

Jarrad Davis — 67, 91-percent
Christian Jones — 53, 72-percent
Jahlani Tavai — 46, 62-percent
Jalen Reeves-Maybin — 5, 7-percent

Davis put together back-to-back impressive games, especially against the run. Reeves-Maybin saw the field on defense for the first time in a month, taking a coverage role in NASCAR sets during obvious passing situations.

Oruwariye sees first NFL snaps on defense

Darius Slay — 73, 99-percent
Rashaan Melvin — 72, 97-percent
Justin Coleman — 51, 69-percent
Amani Oruwariye — 9, 12-percent
Mike Ford — 5, 7-percent

Ford has steadily been entrenched as the Lions fourth cornerback all season but appeared to be replaced by the rookie Oruwariye in the second half. Oruwariye looked sharp in limited snaps and his performance could be enough to earn him more snaps moving forward.

3 safety sets leave with Walker

Tavon Wilson — 67, 91-percent
Will Harris — 59, 80-percent
Tracy Walker — 23, 31-percent

After three weeks of being unable to play due to injury, Walker was a surprise return to action on Sunday. Unfortunately, that surprise return was short-lived as Walker was forced from the game with a knee injury.

Harris started the game in a third safety role with Walker’s return, but after his exit, Harris was forced back in the starting lineup. Depending on Walker’s status moving forward, Harris may be starting for the foreseeable future.

Special teams

Miles Killebrew — 28
Dee Virgin — 27
Steve Longa — 23
Jalen Reeves-Maybin — 23
Logan Thomas — 23
C.J. Moore — 22
Mike Ford — 19
Christian Jones — 13
Jamal Agnew — 12
Jesse James — 11
Jahlani Tavai — 11
Nick Bawden — 11
Will Harris — 8
Amani Oruwariye — 8
Tavon  Wilson — 8
Marvin Hall — 7
Jarrad Davis — 6
Justin Coleman — 5

Bo Scarbrough making most of his “opportunity” with Lions

Bo Scarbrough provided the Detroit Lions a much-needed spark in the running game and he is looking to make the most of his opportunity.

[jwplayer 6Q40ShvH-ThvAeFxT]

On Saturday afternoon, running back Bo Scarbrough was on the Detroit Lions practice squad. Less than 24-hours later he would make his first NFL start and record his first NFL touchdown on just his third NFL carry.

Scarbrough made the most out of his opportunity.

A highly touted recruit, Scarbrough landed at Alabama to play under Nick Saban and like most Crimson Tide starters, when his college career was completed, he found himself in an NFL camp.

Initially, Scarbrough’s NFL journey was common of most late-round draft picks. The Dallas Cowboys selected him in the seventh round, he then suffered a training camp injury (hip), was released at cut-downs and re-signed to the practice squad of the team who drafted him.

A few weeks later, Scarbrough was released from the Cowboys practice squad, was brought in by the Jacksonville Jaguars and place on to their practice squad. From there he would be poached by the Seattle Seahawks and placed on their active roster, but never saw game action.

After an offseason with the Seahawks, Scarbrough was released again, eventually landing with the Lions on their practice squad. 10 days later he would be promoted to the active roster for a game ironically against the Cowboys.

Here is where Scarbrough’s path diverges from most. Not only was he active for the game, but he was called upon to start — something he wasn’t informed of until Sunday morning, but also something he was prepared for.

“It’s an opportunity,” Scarbrough said in the locker room post-game, “week-in and week-out. Everybody needs an opportunity. It felt regular to me. Playing under coach Saban – this is what we’ve always done. Every week was a different guy up, so you just have to be ready when your number is called. If your number is called, you just have to take advantage of it and run with it.”

And take advantage he did, finishing the game with 14 carries for 55 yards (3.9 yards per carry average) and the aforementioned touchdown — not hall-of-fame numbers by any means, but far more efficient than previous options the Lions have tried at running back after losing Kerryon Johnson to injured reserve.

“I think he’s been working hard since we got him,” coach Matt Patricia said in his post-game press conference. “He’s a big back. He comes downhill, and some of things that we saw, we wanted to give him that opportunity to go out there and show us what he could do. I thought he ran hard, thought he showed the physical part of the run game. That was good for us to see.”

Scarbrough’s fresh legs brought a spark to the Lions and his hard running style left teammates impressed.

“Yeah, I kind of grabbed him after the game and just told him how proud I was of him,” quarterback Jeff Driskel said in his post-game press conference. “He ran the ball super hard. He knew what he was doing. He hasn’t been here very long at all and he stepped right in there, and it was awesome to see him run that ball that hard. He kind of brought some life to our run game and it was awesome. He’s a good player and I’m happy he’s on our side.”

Moving forward, Scarbrough figures to be part of the Lions rushing game plan, as he fills a much-needed role in the offensive scheme. He may not start every week depending on the opponent, but he is prepared to contribute in any way he can, “I’m going to do my job, whatever it is, to help the team win. If I have to give someone a cup of water, then that’s what I do.”

With Scarbrough in the mix, J.D. McKissic thriving in his role, and rookie Ty Johnson developing, the Lions trio was able to rush for over 100-yards (121 yards on the day) for the first time since Week 4 when Kerryon Johnson was last active. The Lions may have finally landed on a running back combination capable of sustaining until Johnson can return to the field.

The Silver (and Blue) Lining: 3 positive takeaways from the Lions loss to Dallas

The Detroit Lions losing streak continues but it’s not all negative. Here are three positive takeaways from the latest game.

It’s only fitting that the second Silver (and Blue) Lining comes on the heels of another Detroit Lions loss, par for the course, I suppose. Nonetheless, in what turned out to be an entertaining game to watch, it’s never fun to be on the losing side.

Here are three positive takeaways from the Lions 35-27 loss against the Dallas Cowboys to ease the pain.

The offense can put up points

In what has become the norm for this season, the Lions put up a lot of points, only to fall short.

Jeff Driskel looked much more comfortable taking snaps under center this week, contributing two passing touchdowns along with one on the ground, on his way to winning the Lions Wire Week 11 player fo the game award.

The Lions are averaging 24.4 points per game this season, with a total of 244 points. To add some perspective to the scoring totals, the Lions are the sixth-highest scoring team in the league and the only one with a losing record.

Overall, the offensive play calling is working, albeit sometimes head-scratching. The Lions have had a rotation of running backs throughout the season, Matthew Stafford is currently out, Danny Amendola and TJ Hockenson have missed games, and the Lions offense has shown the versatility of a team that should be a perennial playoff contender. Not to mention that wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones are tied with a league-leading eight touchdowns — each!

Defensive line held up against Ezekiel Elliott

The Cowboys star running back, Ezekiel Elliott could not get the motor going in Detroit. The blueprint was to stop Elliott first, and Dak Prescott second — but the Lions defense never switched out of that first gear.

Elliot finished the day with only 45 yards on the ground on 16 carries, for an average of only 2.8 yards per carry. Since Mike Daniels has returned, the Lions defensive line has been able to find some success stopping the run against both the Chicago Bears and Cowboys. If the defensive line can stay healthy, their opponents will continue to struggle on the ground.

Oh, you didn’t Bo? Scarbrough looked good in debut

On Saturday, the Lions promoted Bo Scarbrough to the active roster to try to get something going on the ground. Scarbrough not only started the game in the backfield for the Lions, but he also led the team in yards with 55.

On the Lions’ first offensive drive, Scarbrough scored his first career touchdown with a five-yard run, right up the middle. The former Cowboys seventh-round draft pick showed that he posses something that the Lions desperately need — power running.

The ability to lower the shoulder pads and break tackles is something the Lions have missed since Kerryon Johnson was put on injured reserve. Scarbrough will look to improve on his 14 carries for 55 yards in week 12 against a Washington Redskins defense that has allowed an average of 136 rushing yards per game.

Fantasy football waiver wire targets after Week 11: These RBs could be crucial for playoffs

What to do after Marlon Mack’s injury?

It’s almost the most important time of the fantasy football season. And for those of you who are on the outside of the playoff bubble, it is the most important time. It’s when teams get eliminated and relegated to the much-dreaded consolation bracket. I, for one, cannot be consoled if I land there.

So if you’re in need of a push over the finish line, then prepare for the playoffs with a key waiver wire addition. An injury to Colts running back Marlon Mack could create significant value. And we may have witnessed a breakout game for a Lions running back not named Kerryon Johnson.

Here are eight players you should consider claiming off waivers this week.

8. Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos

ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 0%.

Patrick is probably only worth owning in keeper and dynasty formats. But he’s been an intriguing player, consistently jumping past DaeSean Hamilton on the depth chart for targets since 2018. Patrick returned from IR, and appears to be the No. 2 receiver in Denver.

7. Jay Ajayi, RB, Eagles

Winslow Townson/AP Images

ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 23%.

The excitement about the Ajayi signing may have gone a bit too far. Miles Sanders was the lead back against the Patriots in Week 11, and was OK without a complement in Jordan Howard. If Howard, Sanders and Ajayi are all active in a three-man committee, that will make for unhappy fantasy owners. Still, if you have a spot on your roster, Ajayi could be worth stashing.

6. Ryan Griffin, TE, Jets

ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 3%.

It seems Chris Herndon has failed his backers. Griffin is the Jets’ top tight end, with five receptions, 109 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins in Week 11. If you’re in need of an option, Griffin is probably as good as any on the waiver wire.

5. Devante Parker, WR, Dolphins

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN: 58%. Yahoo! 45%.

He’s a well-owned player, so it’s likely he’s not available in your league. But he should be owned in all leagues. Miami is going to trail their opponents for most of the season, which means they’re going to favor the passing game for most of the season. That means that even though Parker is in a bad offense, he may get easy, garbage-time production.

4. Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers

ESPN: 25%. Yahoo! 54%.

The 49ers have very few reliable fantasy football players in their lineup. Kyle Shanahan features a different running back or receiver in seemingly every game. But Deebo Samuel has been on a nice two-game run, with 16 receptions for 146 yards. He’s worth owning — and maybe even playing in a pinch.

3. Ross Dwelley, TE, 49ers

ESPN: 7%. Yahoo! 14%.

In the absence of George Kittle, Dwelley served as a touchdown magnet. He had four catches for 14 yards and two TDs. Fantasy football owners who have Kittle (or even play against Kittle) should also own Dwelley, in the event Kittle misses another week.

2. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Lions

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN: 0%. Yahoo! 1%.

Detroit wasn’t getting production from their who’s-who cast of running backs in recent weeks. Ty Johnson wasn’t cutting it between the tackles. But perhaps the Lions have found their running back who will serve as a holdover while Kerryon Johnson is on IR. Scarbrough, an Alabama alumnus, had 14 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown this week.

1. Jonathan Williams, RB, Colts

ESPN: 0%. Yahoo! 1%.

Marlon Mack said he would be OK, but it seems the doctors are saying otherwise. He appears to have suffered a fractured hand, according to NFL Network. Jonathan Williams took over after Marlon Mack left the game on Sunday. Williams was outstanding with 13 carries for 116 yards.

Lions Week 11 player of the game: Jeff Driskel

In his second start for the Detroit Lions, quarterback Jeff Driskel has earned himself Lions Wire player of the game honors in the Lions 35-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

In his second start for the Detroit Lions, quarterback Jeff Driskel has earned himself Lions Wire player of the game honors in the Lions 35-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Despite the final outcome, there were a few honorable mentions with recently called-up running back Bo Scarbrough putting up 55 yards and a score in his NFL debut, and J.D. McKissic making several plays to help the Lions move the chains, in what really turned out to be a high volume game in terms of scoring.

Driskel was under pressure all game and got sacked three times, however, he had no turnovers. Driskel showed poise while being under fire from the Cowboys defensive line and put together another nice day on the ground with 51 yards on eight rushes — including a two-yard touchdown in the second quarter (video below).

In the air, Driskel completed 15 of 26 passing attempts for 209 yards and two more touchdowns, giving him three touchdowns in total for the game. He connected with Kenny Golladay late in the fourth quarter on a deep 39 yard completion.

Congratulations to Driskel on earning the player of the game in only his second start for the Lions!