Tag: David Blough

5 Bold predictions for the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving

Four bold predictions for the Detroit Lions as they host the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day.

The Detroit Lions are preparing for their second bout with the Chicago Bears this season, hoping for a much better outcome than last time.

Detroit has had quite the season so far, holding a lead in each of their 11 games but sitting at the bottom of their division at 3-7-1. With an injury-plagued roster and some recent struggles on defense, can the Lions turn it around in their prime time matchup?

Here are my bold predictions for this week’s game:

Quarterback change-up changes nothing

With rookie David Blough getting his first career start while both Matthew Stafford and Jeff Driskel deal with their injuries, don’t think that we’ll see anything new on offense.

Driskel’s tenure as the Lions’ starting quarterback wasn’t exactly noteworthy, with four touchdowns and just as many interceptions in three games. While he and Blough are very different passers, don’t think that this will change things up on offense.

Blough is an undrafted rookie who’s first regular-season action comes in a major prime time game. Though he has been with the team since the beginning of the season, don’t think his play will be any better than what we’ve seen in recent weeks.

While we’ll see a much different style of play from Blough than the other two Lions quarterbacks, don’t expect anything new.

Amani Oruwariye will make another interception

In his first game as a starter, filling in for the injured Rashaan Melvin, Oruwariye proved to be more capable than many expected. In the loss to Washington, the rookie pulled off an impressive interception on a pass from Dwayne Haskins.

Bears’ quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has thrown six interceptions so far this season and will be down three offensive weapons on Thanksgiving Day. I think the rookie will be able to keep the momentum going from last week and capitalize on this opportunity.

There will be a dearth of yellow flags

There were 20 flags thrown the last time these two teams faced each other, but that may not be the case this time around.

Jerome Boger and his crew will be officiating this game. This is a crew that hasn’t called more than 12 penalties in a game in 2019, so this could bode well for the Lions. Detroit only committed six penalties last week, so it appears that some of their discipline issues have been resolved.

Hockenson will re-emerge in the offense

After a fairly quiet season, Hockenson may be able to rediscover his place in the passing game. He had three receptions for 47 yards against Chicago earlier this year.

Can he put on a similar performance this week? I hope so.

The Detroit Lions will come out with a win

Usually, predicting a victory isn’t considered a bold prediction, but that’s not the case for this team.

Detroit is itching for a win amidst a four-game losing streak. The Bears aren’t in a much better situation at the moment, so this game could be an interesting one.

The Lions defense has shown some improvement since their last game against Chicago. Their run game has been revived with the emergence of Bo Scarborough. The only liability is the quarterback situation. If the defense and the offensive line can hold up, the Lions will be able to overcome and snap their losing streak.

Rookie expectations: David Blough, Amani Oruwariye preparing to start

The Detroit Lions are about to face off against the Chicago Bears for their annual Thanksgiving Day game. Unfortunately for them, a short week means that injured players have less time to heal and prepare, leaving the rookies to fill their roles.

The Detroit Lions are about to face off against the Chicago Bears for their annual Thanksgiving Day game. Unfortunately for them, a short week means that injured players have less time to heal and prepare, leaving the rookies to fill their roles.

Here’s what to expect from the rookies before Thursday’s game:

Quarterback David Blough

Matthew Stafford has been ruled out.

Jeff Driskel, limited with a hamstring injury, is not expected to play.

Now, the Lions have to rely on undrafted rookie David Blough to lead the offense this Thanksgiving.

The rookie out of Purdue, who the Lions acquired via trade from the Cleveland Browns, has yet to play a snap in a regular-season game. With Cleveland in the 2019 preseason, he completed 58 percent of his passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns, along with two interceptions.

The level of competition will be much higher than they were in the preseason. The Bears have one of the best defenses in the league at the moment, so the rookie will have a lot to prove.

[lawrence-related id=34279]

Running back Ty Johnson

Johnson’s rookie campaign has slowed down immensely due to Bo Scarborough’s recent successes on offense. Once thought to be the team’s starter, Johnson has taken just 31 snaps on offense since the Lions signed Scarborough two weeks ago, rushing six times for 17 yards and making three receptions for a mere 10 yards.

Facing off against a solid Bears’ run defense that is allowing just 3.7 yards-per-carry this season, Johnson isn’t expected to contribute much on offense this week.

Tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Isaac Nauta

Despite taking the most tight end snaps last week, Hockenson managed to keep his name clear from the box score. He was targeted twice but failed to make a reception on either pass. Expect the team’s first-round pick to start once again, but don’t expect him to make a difference on offense — especially if his shoulder injury continues to be burdensome.

Nauta, who played in his first regular season game last week, took a bulk of his snaps from the fullback position. While only used for a handful of offensive snaps, the rookie tight end showed promise as a run blocker. His ability as a lead blocker could make an impact in Detroit’s run game. Expect the rookie’s role to be limited to fullback and special teams against Chicago.

Offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel

The undrafted rookie was active for the first time in his career on Sunday but never saw the field.  With both Frank Ragnow and Kenny Wiggins being full participants in practice, expect Benzschawel to make his way back to the inactives list.

EDGE Austin Bryant

Bryant’s NFL debut last week showed some promise in his limited action. The rookie was credited with one quarterback pressure, where he was able to make a hit on Washington’s Dwayne Haskins.

With both Trey Flowers and Da’Shawn Hand limited in practice, Bryant may have another opportunity to see the field this week.

Linebacker Jahlani Tavai

The last time the Lions faced the Bears, Tavai walked out of that game with three tackles and a sack. Despite his usage on-field going down drastically in recent weeks, the rookie could still have the chance to make some big plays. He’ll be used in a much more limited role, coming in as an extra linebacker in some situations. Expect the rookie to see the same success he had last time.

Cornerbacks Amani Oruwariye and Michael Jackson

One of the most pleasant surprises of the Lions’ 2019 seasons was the sudden emergence of Amani Oruwariye. After spending most of the season on the bench, the fifth-round pick found himself in the starting lineup against Washington, subbing in for an injured Rashaan Melvin.

In his first full game as a Lion, Oruwariye blanketed receivers, allowing just half of the passes that came his way, with an average passer rating of 18.7 against him.

With Melvin still listed on the injury report, expect this rookie to come in and contribute heavily on defense once again.

Fellow rookie cornerback Michael Jackson received his first snaps as a pro on special teams. If he is active again this week, his role isn’t expected to change.

Safeties Will Harris and C.J. Moore

For the third time this season, rookie Will Harris saw the field for every defensive snap in the game.

While he started the season strong, his skills in coverage have started to look like an issue. He has missed almost a fifth of the tackles he’s attempted this season and has allowed an average of nearly 12 yards-per-completion.

With Tracy Walker limited again with his lingering knee injury, Harris may be starting again this week. Hopefully, his struggles don’t show up in this matchup.

Undrafted rookie C.J. Moore has remained relatively quiet this season on defense but he’s shown some promise on special teams. With injuries at the safety position, expect Moore to be active again this week with a limited role on defense.

Report: Lions to start David Blough on Thanksgiving

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Detroit Lions are planning to start David Blough on Thanksgiving Day in a Week 13 matchup against the Chicago Bears.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Detroit Lions are planning to start David Blough on Thanksgiving Day in a Week 13 matchup against the Chicago Bears.

With Matthew Stafford ruled out with a fracture in his back and reserve quarterback Jeff Driskel listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, the Lions were utilizing third-stringer Blough on the first team all week during practices.

Blough entered the league via Purdue and caught the Lions’ attention at the East-West Shrine Game, but after going undrafted Blough signed with the Cleveland Browns. Blough went 25 of 43 for 271 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the preseason.

The Lions acquired Blough from the Browns after trading for him at the 53-man roster cutdowns — swapping seventh-round draft picks in the 2021 draft.

If the Lions were to lose Blough during the game on Thursday, the team would turn to tight end Logan Thomas who was a quarterback at Virginia Tech and tried his hand under center in the NFL before making the position switch.

Lions expected to start QB David Blough vs. Bears

The Bears won’t be facing Lions QB Jeff Driskel, who is dealing with a hamstring injury. Instead they’ll face undrafted rookie David Blough.

The Chicago Bears will face an unfamiliar face at quarterback tomorrow against the Detroit Lions.

Third-string quarterback David Blough is expected to start for the Lions on Thanksgiving, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

With Lions starter Matthew Stafford still out with tiny fractures in his back, backup Jeff Driskel has filled in for him over the last three games. But Driskel has been dealing with a hamstring injury in this shortened week. He’s been limited in practice this entire week.

The hamstring injury is enough to sideline Driskel as a starter, but he’ll be available as a backup on Thursday.

The Bears faced Driskel three weeks ago, where the surprise of facing a new quarterback allowed him to utilize his mobility to move the ball on Chicago’s defense.

Blough, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Purdue, was acquired by the Lions from Cleveland following the preseason finale. Blough has received first-team reps during practice this week in preparation.

[lawrence-related id=431868,431851,431719,431859,431827,431838]

Lions QB Jeff Driskel questionable for Thursday’s game vs. Bears

The Bears don’t know which Lions quarterback they’ll face on Thanksgiving, as Jeff Driskel is questionable with a hamstring injury.

As the Chicago Bears prepare to face the Detroit Lions tomorrow for a Thanksgiving matchup, they don’t know which quarterback they’ll be facing.

They do know for sure that they won’t face starter Matthew Stafford, who remains out with tiny fractures in his back. But backup Jeff Driskel, who has filled in for him over the last three games, has been dealing with a hamstring injury this week.

The Lions officially ruled Driskel as questionable against the Bears.

If Driskel is good to go for Thursday, he’ll likely be affected by limited mobility given his hamstring injury. Driskel’s mobility has been a big part of his success in these last three games, where he has 22 rushes for 151 yards and a touchdown.

If Driskel can’t go, the Bears will face third-string quarterback David Blough, who hasn’t played in a regular-season game.

[lawrence-related id=431827,431838,431783,431778]

Behind Enemy Lines: 5 questions with Lions Wire

Ahead of Thursday’s matchup, we’re going behind enemy lines to learn about the Bears’ Week 13 opponent, the Lions.

The Chicago Bears (4-6) will face the Detroit Lions (3-7-1) for the second straight Thanksgiving with the Bears determined to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

The Bears are coming off an unimpressive victory over the New York Giants (2-9), where there’s much improvement to be desired on offense. They’ll face a Lions team depleted with injuries and that has lost seven of their last eight games.

Before the game, we caught up with managing editor Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire to get the scoop on the Bears’ Week 13 opponent.

Here are five questions with Lions Wire:

1. After starting the season 2-0-1, the Lions have lost 7 of their last 8 games. Is Matt Patricia’s seat getting warmer with each passing week?

A lot of Lions fans wish it was, but most indications are the team and ownership remain committed to the process. It does not help Patricia that he’s known for being a defensive mastermind and his Detroit defense is largely terrible. An embarrassing loss to the Bears on national television might heat things up more.

2. The Lions will likely face the Bears again without Matthew Stafford, but backup Jeff Driskel is also dealing with a hamstring injury, which means the Bears could possibly see third-string QB David Blough on Thanksgiving. Can you give us a scouting report on Blough? Also, if Driskel is good to go, how could his limited mobility affect his play?

Blough is an interesting guy. He was in Browns camp and preseason this summer and looked good for an undrafted rookie. He does not lack confidence and his ball placement is impressive. Blough is not much of a runner. He’s smaller (6-0) and needs clean passing lanes. From what I’ve seen he doesn’t have Stafford’s arm strength (almost nobody ever has) or Driskel’s either, but he not without some ability to zip in an 18-yard out pattern. Driskel’s mobility and ability to escape pressure are his greatest assets. If he’s athletically limited, the Lions might be better off starting Blough. Driskel’s running has been a huge boon; only Lamar Jackson has more rushing yards per game at QB than Driskel’s 50.3.

3. The Lions defense fared well against the Redskins minus for that final scoring drive by Washington. Detroit allowed 13 first downs and just 230 total yards. Given the struggles of the defense this season, have they shown progress in the last few weeks?

To be honest, Washington’s offense is horrifyingly bad. That probably played more of a factor in the Lions’ successful stats than anything Detroit did well. One move that has helped lately is making rookie LB Jahlani Tavai the defensive signal-caller. He’s smart enough to handle it, and taking it away from Jarrad Davis has allowed Davis to focus more on the actual plays. Tavai continues to play pretty well.

4. The Lions’ depth is being tested right now in terms of injuries. Detroit had 11 rookies playing last week against the Redskins. How much have injuries impacted the Lions this season?

It’s been brutal. Last week Matthew Stafford, Frank Ragnow, Trey Flowers, Da’Shawn Hand and Tracy Walker all missed due to injuries. That’s five of the eight best all-around players on the team. Kerryon Johnson is on I.R., so is his replacement, Tra Carson. Stafford was on pace to basically match Dan Marino’s legendary season (stats wise) when he suffered his broken back, so that’s a major blow.What’s been problematic is so many guys are hurt with short-term injuries. It’s not severe enough to go on I.R., but they’re out 2-3 weeks instead. That means no depth when other guys get dinged during a game, and that keeps happening.

5. What’s your prediction for the game?

I think a healthy Lions team would roll at home on Thanksgiving, but given the shell of a team the Lions will trot out, it will take a lot of help from the Bears themselves for Detroit to win. Bears win, 30-17.

[lawrence-related id=431771,431763,431736,431711,431670]

David Blough getting 1st team reps at QB for the Lions

Both Matthew Stafford and Jeff Driskel are saddled with injuries, leaving Blough as the next man up

With the Thanksgiving matchup against the Chicago Bears just two days away, the Detroit Lions quarterback situation remains up in the air. With Matthew Stafford almost certainly ruled out with his broken backbones and backup Jeff Driskel slowed with a hamstring injury, David Blough could be the man under center on Thursday.

Blough took reps with the first-team offense for the first time in Tuesday’s practice, the last full team session on the short week. If Driskel’s hamstring doesn’t improve, the undrafted rookie from Purdue will get his first career action as a starter on national television.

[lawrence-related id=27732]

Blough came to Detroit via a trade with the Cleveland Browns at the roster cutdown deadline, in part because he played well against the Lions in the preseason matchup between the two teams.

 

Bears could face Lions third-string QB David Blough on Thanksgiving

Lions QB Jeff Driskel is dealing with a hamstring injury that could sideline him on a short week ahead of Thursday’s game against the Bears.

The last time the Chicago Bears faced the Detroit Lions, they caught a break in the form of Matthew Stafford’s back injury, which forced backup Jeff Driskel to the starting lineup.

The Bears might catch an even bigger break on Thursday if Driskel’s hamstring injury lingers.

Stafford did not practice and Driskel was limited Monday with a hamstring injury, which might force third-string quarterback David Blough to the forefront on Thanksgiving Day against the Bears.

Stafford is expected to miss Thursday’s game against the Bears as he continues to deal with tiny fractures in his back, which means Chicago will face a backup. The only question is which one?

The Bears will have to prepare for both Driskel and Blough come Thursday, and there’s a disadvantage when it comes to preparing for a quarterback you haven’t seen before in Blough.

Chicago faced Driskel three weeks ago in their first meeting this season, and Driskel was able to move the ball on the Bears’ defense at times. This time, if Chicago faces Driskel, they’ll know exactly what to expect, including how he utilizes his mobility to make plays on the field.

Given the short week ahead of this Thanksgiving Day matchup, it’s difficult to gauge whether it’ll be Driskel or Blough facing the Bears’ defense. Regardless, the Bears need to take advantage of a bad Lions team that’ll be going with a backup quarterback against them for the second time this season.

[lawrence-related id=431645,431605,431676,431632]

Rookie expectations: Extensive injury report provides opportunities

Setting the Detroit Lions rookie expectations for Week 12: Extensive injuries provide plenty of opportunities for rookies to step up.

With an extensive injury report heading into their game against Washington, the rookies of the Detroit Lions may see an increase in their snaps this week.

Here’s what to expect from the rookies in this week’s game:

Quarterback David Blough

Blough will serve as Jeff Driskel’s backup once again, but don’t expect much from the undrafted rookie. Barring any unforeseen injuries, his duties will be limited to the sidelines.

Running back Ty Johnson

Johnson has struggled as of late and was quickly passed on the depth chart by recently-signed Bo Scarborough. Johnson will still get some looks on third downs and provides some speed and ability in both the passing and running games, but he won’t get the nod as the starter.

Johnson could also play a role on special teams as a kick returner while Jamal Agnew sits out with an ankle injury.

Tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Isaac Nauta

T.J. Hockenson was just recently added to the injury report, listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. His injury may keep him out of this matchup, which means the team could be relying more on Logan Thomas, Jesse James, and Isaac Nauta.

Nauta, who was just promoted to the active roster, will serve two roles against Washington. Aside from being the fourth — or third — tight end on the depth chart, the rookie out of Georgia could get some first-team reps at fullback with Nick Bawden on injured reserve.

Offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel

Benzschawel has yet to see the field this season, but he could find himself active today due to starting center Frank Ragnow being ruled out with a concussion. The undrafted rookie is versatile and provides some depth at center and both guard spots.

Linebacker Jahlani Tavai

Tavai has been used all around the defense this season, lining up at all four linebacker positions on 58-percent of defensive snaps. While he hasn’t solidified a starting role, he has been a regular contributor for the Lions.

The rookie has two sacks and 36 tackles on the year and could have himself a big game due to Washington’s top two running backs dealing with injuries.

Cornerbacks Amani Oruwariye and Michael Jackson

Both rookies have had quiet seasons, with Oruwariye taking a total of nine defensive snaps and Jackson being a weekly inactive.

With starting cornerback Rashaan Melvin listed as questionable and backup nickel corner Jamal Agnew ruled out, the two rookies could be active for this matchup and provide substantial depth at the position.

Darius Slay and Justin Coleman will still be starters, and Mike Ford will likely be the next man up, but either/both Oruwariye or/and Jackson could be active today.

Safeties Will Harris and C.J. Moore

While Tracy Walker sits out of this game with a knee injury, expect Harris to once again fill that role. The rookie has struggled in recent weeks, having six missed tackles and allowing a 112.4 passer rating against him.

Moore has been dealing with an injury in practice all week but will be ready to go against Washington. He will see the field as a third safety in specific defensive sub-packages while also being a core special teamer on punt and kick returns.

What to expect from the Lions’ rookies against the Cowboys

Setting expectations for the Detroit Lions’ rookies in their Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field.

The rookies of the Detroit Lions have a tough matchup ahead of them with the Dallas Cowboys coming to town in Week 11.

Despite many seeing increased roles in recent weeks, their levels of on-field success have varied.

Here’s what to expect from this year’s rookie class:

Quarterback David Blough

With starting quarterback Matthew Stafford sitting out once again, Blough will go into this game as Jeff Driskel’s backup. The undrafted rookie has yet to see the field this season, and that isn’t expected to change today.

Running back Ty Johnson

Johnson’s availability for this game was uncertain heading into this week, but the Lions sixth-round pick has cleared concussion protocol and is ready to play against Dallas. The rookie running back will be the team’s starter but will share his reps with J.D. McKissic and newly signed Bo Scarborough.

Tight end T.J. Hockenson

Hockenson’s rookie campaign has not been that of a player taken eighth overall, but his role on the offense is clearly defined.

A bulk of the rookie’s snaps have come from the slot while fellow tight ends Jesse James and Logan Thomas lined up from the traditional inline tight end spot.

Hockenson has made 25 catches on 44 targets this season with just two drops. Interestingly enough, 17 of those 25 receptions went for first downs. If he could keep up that kind of success in short-yardage situations, the offense will have a much easier time moving the sticks against Dallas’ strong pass defense.

Offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel

The undrafted rookie has yet to play in a regular-season game, and with a healthy interior offensive line, don’t expect anything different from him.

Linebacker Jahlani Tavai

Tavai has been showing some improvement throughout the season, seeing his snap counts rise steadily. While his increased workload has led to a decrease in Jarrad Davis’ reps at MIKE, it has actually caused Davis to thrive in a new role.

Tavai has done well as a pass-rusher and against the run, but there’s still work to be done in pass-defense. Expect him to get a fair share of snaps from the inside linebacker role while Davis and Devon Kennard hold the outside spots.

Cornerbacks Amani Oruwariye and Michael Jackson Sr.

Both rookies have had fairly quiet seasons, with Oruwariye being active for two games and Jackson yet to suit up for one.

Detroit’s cornerback group is looking to be at full health for the first time in weeks, meaning that these two could see themselves as healthy scratches on the inactive list this week.

Safeties Will Harris and C.J. Moore

For the second week in a row, Harris has taken every single defensive snap for the Lions. Despite a clear-cut starting role, the third-round pick has struggled to cover opposing receivers.

Harris has allowed an average 113.7 passer rating against him along with one touchdown. Expect this rookie to have a rough matchup against Dallas’ talented trio of wide receivers.

In a much more limited role on defense, Moore has yet to allow a reception against him. His usage on defense will go back down this week if Tracy Walker returns to the field, but expect the undrafted rookie to rotate in on defense while playing a bulk of Detroit’s special teams snaps.