Tag: Jeff Driskel

Redskins vs. Lions in Week 12: Odds, how to watch, stream on Sunday

The Redskins take on the Lions this Sunday, and it might be their last best chance at getting another check in the win column this season.

The Washington Redskins will play host to the Detroit Lions on Sunday at FedEx Field, and if they want to try and win another game before the end of the 2019 season, this might be their best chance.

The Lions will be without starting QB Matthew Stafford, who is dealing with a back injury, and they will face QB Jeff Driskel instead. Though he is a backup, Driskel proved last weekend against the Dallas Cowboys that he is still supremely capable of picking apart an opposing defense, let alone the Redskins’ unit.

As for Washington, the return of Derrius Guice was extremely welcomed last week as he scored his first career touchdown, and rookie QB Dwayne Haskins’ ability to find some success late — though it was in garbage time — gave the young play-caller some confidence to build on at the very least.

How to watch, stream

Line (Via Bet MGM)

  • Redskins: +3.5
  • Over/Under: 40.5

[vertical-gallery id=25464]

Matthew Stafford won’t play, but will it matter for the Redskins?

The Redskins will face backup-QB Jeff Driskel on Sunday, but he proved last week that he’s very capable of beating a team like Washington.

It was declared on Friday morning that Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will not play this weekend against the Washington Redskins, as he continues to deal with an injury to his back.

The tiny fractures in his back held him out of last week’s game as well, ending his streak of 136-straight starts for the 31-year-old.

The injury is obviously a bummer for the Lions, as they are already dealing with starting RB Kerryon Johnson being sent to the IR earlier this year, but the question begs to be asked…will it matter on Sunday?

The truth is, the Lions will likely be able to find a path to victory against the Redskins, even without Stafford at the helm. Last week, with Jeff Driskel under center, Detroit lost to the Dallas Cowboys in a shootout, but they managed to put up 27 points on an elite defense. If the Lions can put up even close to that point total against the Redskins lack-luster secondary, then they should be able to cruise to a victory, especially when you consider that All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay is expected to lock-down WR Terry McLaurin, taking away Washington’s No. 1 weapon.

It’s possible that Redskins fans got their hopes up when they saw on Friday that they wouldn’t have to face Stafford, but it likely won’t matter in the end.

[vertical-gallery id=25399]

4 reasons why the Lions will beat the Redskins in Week 12

The Lions are struggling but draw the ideal opponent in the 1-9 Redskins

The Detroit Lions desperately need a win. Losing six out of their last seven games has driven the team, and the loyal fans, to dire straits.

Thankfully the NFL schedule brings good tidings to Detroit in the form of the Washington Redskins in Week 12.

Washington is 1-9 and in chaos. They fired coach Jay Gruden earlier this season. They’re in a battle with their best player, left tackle Trent Williams, over mishandling his cancer diagnosis. Their point differential of minus-128 is 100 points worse than the 3-6-1 Lions bring to FedEx Field.

They haven’t even led in a game since Week 6, whereas the Lions are one of three teams to hold a lead in every game. In short, the Lions might not be playing very well, but Washington is on a different level of bad football.

Here are four reasons why the Lions will snap the losing streak and beat back the host Redskins on Sunday.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

Jeff Driskel proving worthy of keeping as Matthew Stafford’s backup

Driskel is easily the best backup QB Stafford has had since Shaun Hill and is worth keeping

[jwplayer 6Q40ShvH-ThvAeFxT]

If there has been any positive development from Matthew Stafford’s back injury, it’s been the play of Jeff Driskel as his reserve. Driskel has performed admirably in Stafford’s absence, much better than most Lions fans anticipated.

Granted expectations were pretty darn low for Driskel. Most fans remember him as the former No. 1 QB recruit in the nation who fizzled at Florida. Some caught him in his five games as the starter for the last-place Cincinnati Bengals in 2018, the first time he’d played since being a 6th-round pick by the 49ers back in 2016.

Driskel did complete 59.7 percent of his passes in those games with Cincinnati, tossing six TDs against two INTs and also running for 130 yards at over five yards per clip. Not bad, but certainly nothing to get excited about as the injury-ravaged Bengals played out the string for a lame-duck Marvin Lewis as the coach.

[lawrence-related id=29088]

The coaching situation might be different in Detroit, but Driskel has proven consistent. What he showed he could do with the Bengals — being an effective, agile No. 2 QB — has carried over into Detroit.

In his two starts in place of the injured Matthew Stafford, Driskel continues to produce modestly decent numbers. His completion percentage has fallen just a bit to 58.3, but he’s also playing with the WR corps that gets the worst separation in the NFL. The TD/INT ratio remains the same at 3-to-1, and Driskel has improved his yards per attempt and yards per completion by almost a full yard in each. He’s also proving a little more dangerous on the ground, averaging 6.8 yards per carry and extending several drives (six 1st down runs) with his ability to tuck and run.

It’s certainly not Driskel’s fault the team is 0-2 with him at the helm. He’s led the Lions to 40 points in two games against two teams that held top-5 scoring defenses entering the game, Dallas and Chicago.

He’s made some very nice plays, showing the ability to throw on the run and keep his eyes down the field. This is a play Matt Cassel, Jake Rudock, Kellen Moore or other recent Stafford backups never makes:

He still needs work. A lot of work. Driskel consistently holds the ball too long, especially on shorter throws. He’s not nearly as aggressive as Stafford at attacking down the field, a key component of Darrell Bevell’s offense.

The Lions have a lot of holes on the roster once the 2019 season ends and contracts expire. Backup quarterback doesn’t need to be one of them. Nobody should be suggesting that Driskel is good enough to usurp Stafford and take over the starting gig. Driskel himself would bristle at that notion. But No. 2 has shown more than enough to prove worthy of a contract extension to continue as Detroit’s backup QB.

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.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9

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

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.

Highlights, player tracking of Cowboys biggest Week 11 plays

Dissecting the biggest plays in the Dallas Cowboys’ 35-27 victory against the Detroit Lions using EPA and Win Probability metrics.

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys picked up a much needed victory as they beat the Detroit Lions 35-27 in a close game. The Cowboys dominated on the offensive side of the ball while their defense continued to struggle, this time against a Lions team led by backup quarterback Jeff Driskel. The team’s defense has been a let down despite some stellar play from the defensive line. That being the case, the burden is on Dak Prescott to lead the offense in high scoring games, and on Sunday he once again proved more than capable.

It was an explosive game for both passing offenses as each team’s pass defense was lackluster.

Here are the biggest plays of the game in terms of Expected Points Added (EPA) and Win Probability (WP) with data via nflscrapR. EPA measure the value of a play based on down, distance to first downs, field position and time remaining in the game.

Make sure to check out the multiple views of the player tracking data for unique insight into how the plays unfolded.

The Plays

No. 1: Ezekiel Elliott up the middle for 2 yards, FUMBLE

EPA: -4.2. DAL WP Shift: 48% -> 39%

Another game, another turnover on the Cowboys’ opening drive. The team has been known for their slow starts in 2019 and turnovers have been one of the biggest culprits. On the first rush of the game Elliott fumbled after being gang tackled by a pair of Lions. It was edge rusher Trey Flowers that forced the ball out with a recovery from linebacker Jarrad Davis.

The turnover proved to be a costly one as the Lions were able to turn it into their first score of the game. It was a seamless opening drive for the Lions who would start at their opponents’ 28-yard line. After a short drive, running back Bo Scarbrough scored on a 5-yard rush up the middle.

No. 2: Dak Prescott sacked by Devon Kennard for a loss of 10 yards

EPA: -2.4. DAL WP Shift: 42% -> 34%

The Cowboys’ third drive of the game looked to be a promising one. Beginning at their own 14-yard line, they would slowly inch their way into a scoring opportunity. The drive spanned 14 plays, 79 yards gained and five first downs. Eventually the Cowboys found themselves at the Lions’ 2-yard line on a goal-to-go situation. On third down it was Lions edge rusher Devon Kennard that would generate the sack on a well-timed blitz call for a loss of 10 yards.

After the sack the Cowboys would have to settle for a 30-yard field goal try from Brett Maher putting the score at 7-3 late in the first quarter.

No. 3: Prescott pass short middle to Tony Pollard for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN

EPA: 3.5. DAL WP Shift: 44% -> 55%

Trailing by four points to start the second quarter the Cowboys would get their first touchdown of the game in style. Much like in their previous possession, their fourth drive would also be a long one. This drive covered 7 plays, 70 yards gained and three first downs. Their success was rewarded when Prescott connected with Pollard on a 21-yard reception for the score. Pollard flashed his explosive potential by forcing a missed tackle in route to his first career receiving touchdown.

[protected-iframe id=”048e7048ed25613bd084c8693e37639e-105974723-50443307″ info=”https://gamestream.sportradar.com/embed/1bc055cb-72a7-4e18-a56c-6cd71d77fde0?auto=false” frameborder=”0″ style=”width: 700px; height: 545px” scrolling=”no”]

Continue…

[lawrence-newsletter]

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

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!

Studs and duds from the Lions’ 35-27 loss to the Cowboys

Who played well and who did not in the Lions’ loss to the Cowboys

“Well, at least they made a game out of it” is quickly becoming the title of the 2019 Lions season.

The Lions played basically the same exact game they have nine other times this season and the outcome was the same as it has been six of the last seven; another loss. This slide has taken its toll on everyone, and it’s a big bag of yuck right now. Fans – justifiably, aren’t interested in watching the same thing week by week, and it’s already time to start looking towards the NFL draft, something fans of this team know all too well.

[lawrence-related id=33481]

Here are the studs and dud of the loss.

Stud: Bo Scarbrough

At this point in the season, with the Lions season slipping away week by week, all you can do is look for small victories or reasons to smile. Bo Scarbrough getting his first work in the NFL and scoring on his 3rd touch was the highlight of the loss.

Scarbrough has had horrific luck with injuries throughout his life dating back to his high school days, which was the main reason he was available to sign with the Lions deep into the season. He finished with 12 rushes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Had the Lions not been playing from behind so much, could have had much more.

Dud: Justin Coleman

Coleman – like the rest of the defense – has hit a wall the past few weeks. Whether it was Randall Cobb, Michael Gallup or Tony Pollard out of the backfield, Coleman couldn’t handle it. He fell down on one long pass and was turned around on the very next play. When he was creating turnovers early on in the season, it was easier to forgive his mistakes in coverage. Now that he’s not creating those, it’s becoming tougher to justify his price tag.

Stud: Jeff Driskel

If this Lions defense – high priced and highly drafted across the board – could stop anyone, we would be talking more about how good Jeff Driskel has looked in relief of Matthew Stafford these past few weeks.

Driskel’s numbers aren’t eye-popping, but he’s taken care of the football and led some solid drives over the past two starts. His pocket presence leaves a lot to be desired, much like every backup quarterback in the league, but his mobility and football IQ has been on display. He finished with 260 total yards and two touchdowns with zero turnovers. It’s another solid performance from the backup. He’s not been the reason behind the two losses.

Dud: Matt Patricia

While shockingly the Lions stopped the run better than anyone could’ve expected, the rest of the gameplan on defense was in shambles…as it has been since Week 4. And there’s no one else to blame higher than Patricia. This is his defense. He and Bob Quinn built it. And it’s bad.

You can blame injuries, but they’ve been just about league average overall. You can blame Paul Pasqualoni, but it’s clear he’s just the guy taking orders from the head coach. After the opening drive-forced fumble and subsequent three-and-out, the Cowboys drives look like this: field goal, touchdown, punt, touchdown, touchdown, field goal, touchdown, punt. They *averaged* 61 yards per drive. Dak Prescott threw for 444 yards.

This is on the head coach. And it’s getting worse by the week.

Stud: Darius Slay

People are going to remember his two near interceptions and point to this as a rare letdown from Slay, but he had three PBU’s and, if not for a great play by Tavon Austin, could’ve had his second interception of the year. He and Trey Flowers are the only two players on defense that are having a good year.

Dud: Home “support”

First off, I don’t blame anyone for not showing up to Lions games anymore. I’ve been as critical of this team and coaching staff as anyone, and if fans don’t want to spend their hard-earned money watching this team give up back-breaking drives at an alarming clip or see countless penalties and moronic lapses in judgment every other play then I don’t blame them. Go see a movie with your family, shovel your driveway, read a book or enjoy a great album. Frankly, it’s outrageous that many fans came out today anyway. They don’t deserve the support.

But, it doesn’t change the fact that this basically wasn’t a home game for the players. There were more “let’s go Cowboys” chants than I’d like to admit and every touchdown the Cowboys scored just made them louder.

[lawrence-related id=33442]

Again, I don’t blame the fans one iota. It’s on the players and coaching staff to win games so that people want to watch their team. And the Lions aren’t fun to watch anymore. They were earlier in the season, sure! But week by week, the same problems arise and nothing is being fixed. I don’t know where the team goes from here, but something needs to change.