Tag: Jamal Agnew

Special teams miscues killed the Lions in loss to the Redskins

The Detroit Lions special teams failed in the Week 12 loss to the Washington Redskins

Normally the Detroit Lions win the special teams battle. It’s been one of the few things the Lions have reliably done well in 2019. But in Washington, the special teams not only failed to be an asset, they also bore a significant portion of the blame for the loss.

Matt Prater missed his first field goal attempt. His 39-yard attempt into the wind fluttered wide right like a hummingbird getting blown by an industrial fan. Missed field goals in inclement conditions happen to everyone, even Prater, but it was still a critical miss for a team that lost by three points.

Prater made his next attempt, but the ensuing kickoff was an unmitigated disaster. Normally Sam Martin kicks off, and he’s one of the best at placing the kicks. Prater left this one a few yards shorter than ideal, and the tackling and containment on Steven Sims was simply dreadful,

Martin wasn’t healthy enough to handle the kickoff duties. He wasn’t particularly good at his regular punting gig, either. His first punt–from the Washington 39–pinned the Skins at their own 5-yard line. He couldn’t pin them inside the 20 on any of his other three punts that were well within the distance of making that happen.

It wasn’t just the guys who make their living with their feet who struggled.

Detroit fielded six Washington kickoffs. Ty Johnson had two returns, getting the Lions to start at their own 24 and own 30. It’s not awful, but it’s not helping.

With Jamal Agnew inactive due to injury, speedy Marvin Hall took over as the primary punt return man. He probably won’t get that opportunity again. Aside from Hall leaving the game on crutches, his decision to field a punt inside his own 2-yard line while running backward cost the Lions 18 yards. That’s an extra first down the team couldn’t afford to surrender. Being reminded of Stefan Logan is never a good thing for a Lions return man.

 

Lions Week 12 inactives: Rashaan Melvin joins the 6 players ruled out on Friday

On Friday, the Detroit Lions ruled out six players due to injury, leaving only one player needed to be declared inactive for today’s game.

On Friday, the Detroit Lions (3-6-1) ruled out six players due to injury, leaving only one player needed to be declared inactive for today’s game. In contrast, Washington only declared Vernon Davis out on Friday — and has since placed him on injured reserve — meaning their inactives list is comprised of mostly healthy players.

Let’s take a look at who won’t be available for today’s game.

Lions Week 12 inactives

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)
CB Rashaan Melvin

Stafford was ruled out early Friday and that means Jeff Driskel will get his third start as the Lions quarterback.

Ragnow’s absence will lead to some shifting on the interior offensive line with Graham Glasgow shifting inside to center, and Kenny Wiggins starting at right guard.

Flowers won’t be replaced by just one player. Expectations are Romeo Okwara will start but we will also see Christian Jones and Jahlani Tavai setting the edge from their linebacker positions.

No Hand means Mike Daniels will need to step up, while John Atkins should also see his snaps increase.

Walker’s absence will lead to Tavon Wilson and rookie Will Harris starting, with undrafted rookie C.J. Moore or veteran special teamer Miles Killebrew stepping into the third safety role.

With Agnew unable to play, the Lions will likely turn to Marvin Hall — who was called upon to replace Agnew last week — but we could also see Danny Amendola returning punts and/or Ty Johnson on kick returns.

Melvin was a late addition to the injury report this week with a rib injury, and as is the case with most mid-week injuries, it’s impacted his chances to play this week. Justin Colman will likely see his snaps increase, as will Mike Ford and/or Amani Oruwariye.

Washington’s Week 12

The Honolulu Blueprint: Keys to a Lions victory over Washington

The Honolulu Blueprint: Identifying several key strategies the Lions will need to do, in order to be victorious over Washington in Week 12.

The Detroit Lions (3-6-1) are banged up as they prepare to travel to Washington (1-9) in Week 12, and they’ll need to follow this week’s Honolulu Blueprint if they want to come away with a victory.

Let’s take a look at the key components the Lions need to take advantage of in Week 12.

Driskel needs to keep it simple, play to strengths

Matthew Stafford (back) will miss yet another game and that means the Lions will call on Driskel once again to step in and step up.

Driskel has played well the last two weeks, producing through the air and on the ground. He’s thrown for 478 yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception, while his 88 rushing yards, and a score, have been very problematic for defenses.

No one will be mistaking Driskel for Stafford anytime soon, but he won’t need to be in this game. Driskel’s priorities should be to keep active feet, limit turnovers, and take what the defense is giving him.

Keep Bo Scarbrough rolling

From practice squader to starter in the 24-hours leading up to last week’s game, Scarbrough made the most of his opportunity with the Lions. He scored on only this third NFL touch:

At the end of the day, Scarbrough’s numbers may have appeared average, finishing the game with 14 carries for 55 yards (3.9 yards per carry average) and the above touchdown, but when you look closer, there were some impressive stats — specifically, yards after contact:

Per Pro Football Focus, Scarbrough is averaging an impressive 4.07 yards after contact.

Bottom line: don’t get caught up in the total yards rushing, it’s how he’s producing those yards that matter. He brings a huge missing piece to the Lions backfield and one that they need to keep working if they hope to find success on the ground.

Get creative with pressure

Washington’s rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins hasn’t quite acclimated to NFL pressure. The first-round pick was announced the starter less than three weeks ago, and his two games as a starter, he has thrown 57 passes and been sacked 10 times.

The Lions will be without their top two defensive line pressure creators in Trey Flowers (concussion) and Da’Shawn Hand (ankle). Because of this, coaches will need to get creative in how they scheme up pressure.

One of the most impactful ways they have found success doing this is by disguising where the pressure is coming from and bringing linebackers from non-traditional spots. With injuries upfront — and Tracy Walker (knee) also out — expect the Lions to deploy a lot of linebacker sets, which should afford them the opportunity to utilize these pressure schemes.

Shut down Haskins top option in McLaurin

Haskins and fellow rookie Terry McLaurin (3rd round pick) were a formidable duo at Ohio State a year ago and their chemistry has carried over to the NFL. On the season, McLaurin has 566 yards receiving, more than double the next receiving target on the team.

There’s little doubt McLaurin is Washington’s top receiving option, and when it’s this obvious, it’s almost a foregone conclusion he’s going to draw Darius Slay. If Slay can take away Washington’s top option, it could force Haskins into uncomfortable situations and that means opportunities for turnovers.

On the year, 79 passes, Haskins has thrown five picks. At the same time, the Lions have gone five weeks without an interception. This could be a prime opportunity to end the drought.

Overcome the loss of Agnew on special teams

Lions kick and punt returner Jamal Agnew will miss this game with an ankle injury and that means an opportunity for someone else to step up.

Last week after Agnew went down, Marvin “all I do is catch 40-yard passes” Hall filled in returning punts — there were no kick returns after Agnew left the game but the expectation is Hall or rookie Ty Johnson will line up there this week.

The Lions shouldn’t have a problem replacing Agnew’s 4.34 speed — Hall and Johnson can also each run sub 4.4 — but can they replace his production? Last year in Atlanta, Hall returned 26 kickoffs for a 23.7-yard average, roughly 3 yards less than Agnew. Johnson has never returned a kick in the NFL but he took two to the house against Michigan and Ohio State.

The Lions have the potential to overcome the loss of Agnew — which is more than can be said in years past — but they need to show it on the field.

Lions Week 12 injury designations: Matthew Stafford, 5 others ruled OUT

The Detroit Lions announced their injury designations ahead of their trip to Washington, ruling out six players, including Matthew Stafford, Frank Ragnow, Trey Flowers, Da’Shawn Hand, Tracy Walker, and Jamal Agnew.

The Detroit Lions (3-6-1) have announced their injury designations ahead of their Week 12 trip to Washington (1-9) and they will be without six players, all of which are significant weekly contributors on game day.

Let’s take a closer look at who won’t play, whose status is in question and those who will play on Sunday despite being banged up.

Ruled OUT

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Stafford was ruled out at coach Matt Patricia’s morning press conference, which shouldn’t be a surprise given it was reported his injury could last up to six weeks. Jeff Driskel will get his third start under center in Honolulu Blue.

Ragnow is still in the league’s concussion protocol and the Lions will need to shuffle the offensive line to account for his absence. Graham Glasgow will shift inside to center, while Kenny Wiggins will be promoted into the starting lineup at right guard.

Flowers is also in concussion protocol and the Lions will need to turn to a collection of players to replace him on the edge. Romeo Okowara has missed the last two weeks with an injury but is no longer listed on the injury report and will be expected to start. He won’t be expected to replace Flowers on his own as the Lions have recently turned to linebackers Christian Jones and Jahlani Tavai to assist in setting the edge.

With no Flowers or Hand in the lineup, the Lions interior pass rush will take a significant hit. Hopefully, Mike Daniels can bring the heat, because the rest of the defensive linemen have underwhelmed in creating pressure.

Walker is one of the key players in allowing Patricia to execute his multiple scheme and without him on the field, the safety group will be limited. Expect Tavon Wilson and rookie Will Harris to start, with undrafted rookie C.J. Moore (who is also injured) or Miles Killebrew in the third safety role.

Agnew loss means the Lions will need to turn to their reserves for both punt and kick return duties. Last week, speedster Marvin Hall was called upon to replace Agnew, which will likely be the case again this week, but we could also see Danny Amendola returning punts and Ty Johnson on kick returns.

Questionable

CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)

Melvin was not listed as injured on Wednesday or Thursday but popped up on the injury report with a limited practice on Friday. Mid-week injuries tend to be troublesome, so even if he is active on Sunday, he may see limited snaps.

Not listed with an injury designation

RT Rick Wagner (concussion)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
S C.J. Moore (hamstring)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Wagner is not listed with an injury designation, suggesting he is either close to, or has, cleared the league’s concussion protocol. Expectations are he will start on Sunday at right tackle.

Harrison has gone through this same routine each week since injuring his groin almost a month ago and no reason to think things have changed — full practice to open the week, a rest day on Thursday, limited on Friday, and start on Sunday.

Moore was limited Wednesday and Thursday but was upgraded to a full practice on Friday. He looks good to go on Sunday.

Unless Martin suffers a setback this weekend, he is expected to play on Sunday. If he needs to be replaced, the Lions would turn to Matt Wile, who would need to be promoted from the practice squad.

Lions Week 12 injury report: Rick Wagner, Sam Martin upgraded Thursday

Updating the Detroit Lions injury report after Thursday’s practice: there was very little progress among the injured Lions players today.

The Detroit Lions (3-6-1) are working to get healthier before they head to Washington (1-9) for Week 12.

For the majority of injured players, their status remained the same, which is not a great situation for the seven highly valuable contributors who have been unable to practice for the last two days.

Thursday’s changes

RT Rick Wagner (concussion) — upgraded to a full practice
P Sam Martin (abdomen) — upgraded to limited
Damon Harrison (groin) — No practice, rest day

Wagner is still moving through the NFL’s concussion protocol but with a full practice under his belt today, he only needs medical clearance from an independent doctor in order to be eligible to play on Sunday.

Martin continues to get limited work/rest days in hopes he will be available to play come Sunday.

Despite not being listed on yesterday’s injury report, Harrison returns to the list today for his standard rest period. Harrison has taken every Thursday off since injuring his groin in Week 7.

Still unable to practice

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Over the weekend, it was reported that Stafford’s injury could last up to six weeks, but he may be able to return sooner. Former Lion Herman Moore suggested the Lions should consider shutting him down for the season but on Wednesday, Stafford said he doesn’t want that and plans to return as soon as possible. After another missed practice, it doesn’t look like returning this week will be an option.

Ragnow and Flowers are currently in concussion protocol and by not being ready to practice on Thursday, their chances of playing on Sunday have been significantly reduced.

Hand, Walker, and Agnew are still unavailable to practice which is not positive news for their potential availability. On the bright side, all hope is not yet lost. Last week, Walker was able to return to practice on Friday and play in the game on Sunday, illustrating things can happen late in the week — even if it is rare.

Limited practice

C.J. Moore (hamstring)

Moore continues to put together limited practices and after not missing snaps last Sunday, he’s in a decent spot heading into tomorrow’s final practice.

Lions Week 12 injury report: Matthew Stafford plus 6 others unable to practice on Wednesday

The Detroit Lions Week 12 injury report is headlined by Matthew Stafford but another six players were also unable to practice on Wednesday including Frank Ragnow, Trey Flowers, Da’Shawn Hand, Tracy Walker, Jamal Agnew, and Nick Bawden.

The Detroit Lions (3-6-1) are heading to Washington (1-9) for a Week 12 matchup of two underperforming and banged-up teams.

The Lions have been bitten by the injury bug once again, which is beginning to happen with an unforgiving regularity. In addition to the four players who were unable to play due to injury, another five were forced from last weekend’s game, including Frank Ragnow and Trey Flowers who suffered concussions, as well as Tracy Walker, Jamal Agnew, and Nick Bawden who all suffered lower-body injuries.

Unable to practice on Wednesday

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)
FB Nick Bawden (knee) — placed on injured reserve

Ahead of last week’s game, it was reported that Stafford’s injury could last up to six weeks, but he may be able to return sooner. “Sooner” doesn’t appear to be this week as Stafford is still only observing practices.

Ragnow and Flowers are currently in concussion protocol, so it’s not overly surprising that they were unable to practice today. Brain injuries are unique but we will likely learn more about their health after their practice report status on Thursday.

Hand still not being able to practice is concerning.

Walker surprising returned to the field last Sunday but only lasted 23 snaps before being injured again and leaving the field. Agnew was also forced from last week’s game with injuries and we likely won’t know much more about their availability until tomorrow.

With punter Matt Wile on the practice squad, it looks like the Lions will be giving Martin some rest days to get fully healthy. Martin has yet to miss any game action this season.

We found out after practice that not only was Bawden not at practice but he was being placed on injured reserve — his season is cut short once again.

Limited practice

RT Rick Wagner (concussion)
C.J. Moore (hamstring)

Wagner is still moving through the NFL’s concussion protocol and a return to practice today is a big step in the right direction. He still needs to have a full practice and then be cleared by an independent doctor but he is getting closer to returning to game action.

Moore didn’t leave last week’s game with an injury, so this injury must have popped up after the game sometime. Limited at this point is good news but we will know more as the week progresses.

No longer listed on the injury report

DE Romeo Okwara (groin)
WR Danny Amendola (hand)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DT Mike Daniels (foot)
DT A’Shawn Robinson (ankle, thumb)
NT John Atkins (wrist)
CB Darius Slay (neck)
S Will Harris (quad)

Most of the players listed here being removed from the injury report isn’t overly surprising, with one glaring exception — Romeo Okwara.

Okwara was limited for most of last week but was unable to play in the game over the weekend, so not being listed here suggests either a miraculous recovery or that the team was exercising a lot of caution last Sunday.