Tag: Quintez Cephus

Jeff Okudah and Breshad Perriman join the list of Lions working out together

Jeff Okudah and Breshad Perriman join the list of Lions working out together in the offseason

Even though the Detroit Lions players will not be working out at the team facility next week for the scheduled voluntary offseason activities, many players are still getting after it. The latest are cornerback Jeff Okudah and wide receiver Breshad Perriman.

Okudah is coming off an underwhelming, injury-marred rookie campaign that ended with core muscle surgery and a brutal (but fair) coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. Perriman just joined the Lions as a free agent after playing 2020 with the starcrossed New York Jets.

A professional photographer in Florida captured a great shot of the new teammates working out with one another.

 

The duo joined a cadre of Lions working out with new QB Jared Goff. Detroit’s new starting quarterback was throwing with TE T.J. Hockenson, WR Tyrell Williams and WR Quintez Cephus during the week, hoping to get more familiar with his new targets.

It’s always nice to see teammates getting together and building with one another during the offseason.

Lions WR Quintez Cephus sues his alma mater, Wisconsin, over a sexual assault case

Cephus was acquitted in a jury trial in Wisconsin

Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus is suing his alma mater, Wisconsin, over a dismissed sexual assault charge he faced while a student. Cephus claims the university made him a scapegoat and failed to act properly and fairly in the investigation around the alleged assault.

Cephus is seking unspecified damages in the lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Madison. The Lions wideout is accusing the defendants of violating his due process rights, violating Title IX protections and breach of contract.

Among the defendants listed on the lawsuit are Wisconsin Chancellor Rebecca Blank, campus Title IX coordinator Lauren Hasselbacher and the school’s board of regents.

Cephus was acquitted of charges in a jury trial. But that came after Wisconsin dismissed him from the football team and expelled him from school on the basis of the allegations. Cephus’s attorney said the lawsuit hopes to prevent future cases where prominent student-athletes are accused and not given a fair chance to defend themselves.

Badgers in the NFL: Top 10 plays of the year

With the NFL 2020 regular season over I went through the seasons of Jonathan Taylor, Russell Wilson and other former Wisconsin Badgers

With the NFL regular season over I decided to have a little fun and comb through the highlight archives of Wisconsin products this season.

What ended up surprising me was how familiar all of these plays looked, as we’ve seen guys like Jonathan Taylor, T.J. Watt, Russell Wilson, J.J. Watt and Joe Schobert do it for years it Madison (some were still severely underrated entering the draft and to this day I still do not understand it).

Related: Full-season statistics for every former Wisconsin Badger in the NFL

There are still playoff games left to watch guys including Wilson, T.J. Watt and Taylor.

But for now, here are the top 10 plays of the year from former Wisconsin Badgers in the NFL:

Week 17 Studs and Duds: Marvin Jones makes Detroit Lions’ history

Identifying the Detroit Lions studs and duds from their Week 17 game against the Minnesota Vikings, wrapping up the 2020 season.

In the most fitting end to a season ever, the Detroit Lions lost a close one to the Minnesota Vikings 37-35.

This may have been the most complete game that Detroit has played all season, and it could have ended differently if it weren’t for some questionable calls by the officials.

Nevertheless, some players had career days, and others had ones that they’ll hope to forget.

Stud: Romeo Okwara

In what feels like the first time in forever, a Lions defender has recorded double-digit sacks in a season.

Okwara made it clear that he’s ready for a big contract as he prepares for free agency with an easy sack against Vikings’ right tackle Brian O’Neill to get his tenth sack of 2020.

Stud: Marvin Jones

In what could be his last game as a Detroit Lion, Jones decided to have himself a career day.

The veteran receiver hauled in four catches for 107 yards and a touchdown in the first half and began the second half with another 26-yard score.

Not only did he have a great showing, but he got his name in the Lions’ history books as well with the third-most receiving touchdowns (36) in team history.

Dud: Jahlani Tavai

The former second-round pick is not playing as he’ll be in the league next season. Missed tackles have plagued his career and this game was no different. Even when he was able to get his hands on a Vikings player, he was rarely able to bring them down.

He showed flashes of potential as a rookie, but this year has made it clear that Tavai is not a franchise linebacker in Detroit.

Stud: Quintez Cephus

As the only wide receiver under contract going into next season, Cephus provided some much-needed optimism for Detroit.

The fifth-round rookie played in a fairly limited role against Minnesota but was still able to make a spectacular catch in coverage for his second career score. He hasn’t made too big of a splash this season, but it sure looks like he’s ready for a bigger role in 2021.

Dud: Duron Harmon

In what might be the most embarrassing defensive play for Detroit in the 2020 season. Harmon found himself moseying around as backup Vikings receiver Chad Beebe found the endzone.

Beebe easily broke out of a tackle, another Lions defender missed, and Harmon was there, just standing and staring at the young receiver.

While Harmon has had an overall successful tenure in Detroit so far, this play was one that will haunt him.

Dud: Mohamed Sanu

Twice in this game, Sanu found himself in the position to make a big play but couldn’t come up with the ball.

On what could have been one of the best throws of Stafford’s career, Sanu dropped a would-be 52-yard touchdown pass in double coverage. He later dropped another pass that would have moved the sticks for Detroit.

Detroit Lions Week 17 Rookie report: One last game to make an impression

There’s just one game left of the 2020 season, and the Detroit Lions’ rookie class is set to face off against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17.

There’s just one game left of the 2020 season, and the Detroit Lions’ rookie class is set to face off against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17.

With the team being eliminated from the playoffs, this is the time for these young players to get more playing time and get their final evaluations before the upcoming offseason.

The eight rookies remaining on the Lions’ roster have had very different seasons, but all could have a chance to make an impact on Sunday afternoon.

RB D’Andre Swift

Detroit is down to just three running backs and Swift is the clear number one as they prepare for Minnesota.

The rookie has struggled in recent weeks, due in part to the team going against some of the top defenses in the league. In each of the last two games, Swift had a fumble and has averaged 81 total yards from scrimmage.

Luckily for Swift, Minnesota is coming off a game where they allowed six touchdowns from a running back. This could open the door for the second-round pick from Georgia to have a big game.

OL Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg

Jackson had a spectacular start to the season and played well at both right and left guard on Detroit’s starting offensive line.

Much like Swift, he’s struggled in recent weeks, but still has only allowed four sacks on the year. At this point, it’s all but certain that Jackson remains as Detroit’s starting left guard for the foreseeable future.

Stenberg, on the other hand, has not had as great of a rookie season and is once again inactive for this game.

The fourth-round pick has only been active for two games and still couldn’t get any snaps on offense despite Detroit having more than their fair share of injuries to the offensive line.

EDGE Julian Okwara

Okwara returned from injured reserve last weekend and went on to record his first career stats.

Taking 20 defensive snaps against Tampa Bay, Okwara managed to make two tackles, one of which went for a loss of yardage.

He and Austin Bryant will serve as Detroit’s JACK linebackers against the Vikings. Expect about the same amount of production out of Detroit’s third-round pick in the final game of the season.

WR Quintez Cephus

Even with Kenny Golladay out, Cephus has not been able to capitalize on the extra offensive snaps that he’s been receiving.

Luckily for Cephus, he’s in a good situation to step up in this upcoming matchup. The rookie is the only currently active wide receiver under contract in Detroit past this season, meaning that the Lions may want to get some extended looks at him.

Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola, and Mohamed Sanu all top the receiver depth chart, and all three are over 30 years old. This leaves a window open for the 22-year-old rookie to come in and make an impact on offense.

Cephus has 18 receptions for 298 yards and a score on the season and could record his second career touchdown on Sunday afternoon.

DL John Penisini

Penisini has anchored the defensive line as nose tackle for most of the season, but that could change now that top free-agency acquisition Danny Shelton is back on the active roster.

The rookie lineman took nearly three-fourths of the defensive snaps last weekend and recorded four tackles.

So far, the sixth-round rookie has exceeded expectations and has proven that he can be versatile from the interior of the defensive line. Penisini has four tackles-for-loss and a sack so far this season as well as one quarterback pressure and just one missed tackle.

Expect him to still have a bigger role on defense, but his snap counts will go down with Shelton back in the starting lineup.

TE Hunter Bryant

The undrafted rookie has one career reception for an impressive 44 yards. Right now, Bryant is the third tight end on the roster and is expected to have a very limited role.

S Bobby Price

With the release of Jayron Kearse, Price was signed to the active roster, but unfortunately, he was declared inactive for this game.

Detroit Lions Week 16 rookie report: Julian Okwara returns to the defense

Exploring the expectations for the Detroit Lions rookies in Week 16, as they face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Detroit Lions are taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16 and over the final two games of the season, it will be a prime opportunity for their rookies to get some extra looks.

Let’s take a look at what their expectations are for this game.

RB D’Andre Swift

The rookie running back is set to start against Tampa Bay’s stout run defense. This season, the Buccaneers defense has allowed an average of 3.4 yards-per-carry against them, including just one 100-yard rusher.

Swift is coming off a very good week with two touchdowns and 67 yards on the ground. At the top of the depth chart, the second-round rookie will continue playing in his new role as Detroit’s all-purpose back.

With Matthew Stafford questionable and several starting offensive linemen dealing with injuries, Swift may have a harder time at running the ball, but he should still be an integral part of the offense.

EDGE Julian Okwara

The younger of the two Okwara brothers will take the field for the first time since Week 6. The rookie had a very limited role on defense, taking a mere 30 defensive snaps in the four games he was active. Okwara did not record any tackles, sacks, or pressures in that span.

He will serve as a JACK linebacker on Detroit’s defense, likely being Austin Bryant’s backup. As he has been on injured reserve for most of the year, it is hard to know what to expect from the third-round rookie.

Detroit’s pass rush has been less than optimal in 2020 and regardless of how many snaps Okwara plays, it will be good to have more bodies at the edge.

OL Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg

As mentioned earlier, the Lions have a slew of injuries to their starting offensive line.

Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow will miss his second straight week after suffering a fractured throat. Right tackle Tyrell Crosby already has been ruled out, while Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Taylor Decker are listed as questionable heading into this game but are expected to start.

Luckily, rookie Jonah Jackson is healthy and will continue serving as Detroit’s starting left guard. The rookie out of Ohio State has allowed just four sacks on the 910 offensive snaps he’s played.

Stenberg has yet to see the field on offense, even when the Lions were struggling with offensive line injuries. He is inactive once against this week.

WR Quintez Cephus

Cephus has cemented his role as the fourth receiver on the depth chart.

Though he hasn’t been putting up big numbers, he has come through for some big plays. Last week, he caught just one pass for 36 yards, showing that he has the ability to contribute, but needs some more time to develop and learn the offense.

Expect Cephus to make a few catches against Tampa Bay, but don’t expect a big showing from the rookie.

DL John Penisini

Penisini has exceeded expectations as a sixth-round rookie. At the beginning of the season, many thought he’d take a small share of snaps while serving as Danny Shelton’s backup. Instead, he rose up the ranks and began seeing big shares of playing time on the defensive line.

In each of the last two games, the rookie nose tackle has recorded a tackle-for-loss. He has to develop more as a pass rusher, but he he has been able to put some pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Expect Penisini to record a few tackles and make some plays against the run. Luckily for him and the defensive line, Tampa Bay will be without starting running back Ronald Jones.

TE Hunter Bryant

After two very quiet games as Detroit’s third option at tight end, Bryant showed up in a big way with a 44-yard reception from the slot receiver role.

Bryant garnered plenty of hype as an undrafted rookie, and though he has just one career reception, it gave us a look at what he could be capable of down the line. He’s a versatile tight end with a unique skill set who could find himself with a bigger role next season.

Don’t expect too much from Bryant this week as he still is last in line on the tight end depth chart. The undrafted rookie should bring in one or two receptions as Detroit tries to gain a win in Tampa Bay.

Lions Week 15 rookie report: Where will Jonah Jackson line up?

Projecting the roles for the Detroit Lions rookies during their Week 15 matchup with the Tennessee Titans.

As the season comes closer to the end, the Detroit Lions seem to have fewer and fewer rookies available on their roster due to injuries.

Luckily for Detroit, most of the ones who are still healthy will be playing major roles for the team as they get ready to play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 15.

Here’s what to expect from the rookies this Sunday afternoon:

RB D’Andre Swift

For the first time in weeks, Swift’s status for an upcoming game is not in question. The rookie will get the start against Tennessee but could have some struggles against their defense.

The Titans have prevented opposing teams for rushing over 100 yards six times so far this season and have been fairly effective at shutting down running backs in the passing game as well.

The rookie has averaged just 35 rushing yards per game this year and also has hauled in 35 receptions for 301 yards. He has also found the endzone seven times in his 10 games.

Swift will have to put on a strong showing as the starter to help out the Lions offense. With massive change-ups happening at three spots on the offensive line, it’ll make it that much harder for the rookie.

OL Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg

As mentioned earlier, some major changes will be happening on the offensive line for Detroit.

After suffering a fractured throat last weekend, Frank Ragnow has been ruled out, leaving some uncertainty as to who will start at center.

Third-round pick Jonah Jackson had previously played center during his time at Rutgers before transferring to Ohio State and could be named the starting center after starting at both left and right guard throughout this year.

Right now, it is a toss-up between Jackson and Joe Dahl, who has practiced at center many times over his career in Detroit but has never played the position in a regular season game. Whoever wins the job at center, the other will play left guard.

With a lack of depth now for the interior offensive line, Logan Stenberg may have a window to get himself onto the gameday roster. He had taken a few special teams snaps in two games this season, and now could serve as Detroit’s backup guard and center in their matchup against Tennessee.

WR Quintez Cephus

With Kenny Golladay out once again, Cephus will likely see more playing time at the wide receiver position.

The rookie has had a very up-and-down season, especially in recent weeks. Two weeks ago against Chicago, he had two receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. The following week, he took more snaps on offense but came away with the same number of receptions but for just 16 yards.

Cephus is the clear fourth option at receiver behind Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola, and Mohamed Sanu. His size and versatility to play both the outside and the slot will help his chances of getting a good share of snaps in this game, but it’ll be up to him for how he will perform.

The rookie has dropped 11-percent of passes that have come his way and has 16 receptions for 253 yards on the season. If he can become more reliable, he will be a solid asset to the passing game.

DL John Penisini

The rookie nose tackle is once again listed as questionable as the Lions prepare for this game.

Nose tackles are not known for impressive stat lines on defense, and that remains true for Penisini. Last week against Green Bay, he had just two tackles, one of which went for a loss of yards.

If he can play, he will be Detroit’s starting nose tackle. Unfortunately for him and the rest of the defensive line, they will be facing off against the NFL’s best running back, Derrick Henry. Tennessee’s star rusher is coming off a 215-yard, two score game last week, and is now set to face one of the league’s worst-ranked defenses.

If active, Penisini will have a lot on his plate this week as he tries to prevent Henry from trampling the defense.

TE Hunter Bryant

Bryant will once again serve as Detroit’s third tight end behind T.J. Hockenson and Jesse James. The undrafted rookie has appeared in two games this season, taking a total of nine offensive snaps without even a single target.

Lions Week 14 rookie report: D’Andre Swift’s on track to return to action

Examining the Detroit Lions rookie’s roles as they prepare to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.

Riding high after a win against the Chicago Bears last weekend, the Detroit Lions will be hosting the Green Bay Packers in another NFC North matchup.

With Darrell Bevell taking the reigns as the interim head coach, the Lions have seen some optimistic changes to their playbook and how players are utilized on the field.

With a second week to learn more from Bevell and a tough divisional matchup ahead of them, what is to be expected from Detroit’s 2020 rookie class?

CB Jeff Okudah

The 2020 season has not been kind to the Lions’ first-round pick.

Okudah missed the first game of the season because of an injury. Once he was healthy, his first career matchups were against some of the league’s top talents. He has had more than his fair share of rookie mistakes, and now it seems his debut year is over as he prepares for his upcoming surgery and heads to the injured reserve list.

Expect Amani Oruwariye and Darryl Roberts to be Detroit’s outside cornerbacks while Justin Coleman mans the slot.

RB D’Andre Swift

After missing the last two games due to a concussion and issues with migraines, it appears Detroit’s up-and-coming rookie running back will make his return.

Assuming he does play, Swift may need some time to reacclimate to the game. Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson have been sharing snaps in the Lions backfield, with Peterson doing most of the work on the ground and Johnson playing more as a receiver.

If Swift returns, he could immediately fill both of those roles for Detroit’s offense. The rookie has 606 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on the season. If the Lions want to stay competitive in this matchup, they better hope that Swift can play.

OL Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg

Not much has changed for the roles of either rookie offensive lineman in recent weeks.

Jackson struggled a little more than usual last week against Chicago, but was luckily bailed out by some Bears defensive penalties. The rookie out of Ohio State will still get the start at left guard. He has allowed four sacks on the season and has committed the same number of penalties.

Stenberg took the field for the first time in his pro career last week, albeit just for three special teams snaps. The fourth-round pick will continue to serve as a reserve offensive lineman and should be active for the game as the Lions’ eighth lineman.

WR Quintez Cephus

Filling in for Kenny Golladay, rookie Quintez Cephus had quite the showing in Chicago. Cephus had the best game of his young career with two receptions for 63 yards and one very impressive touchdown.

He took the field for a little less than half of the team’s offensive snaps last weekend and that isn’t expected to change this week. The rookie should still be considered as Detroit’s second option behind Marvin Jones and will split some snaps with Mohamed Sanu as well.

DL John Penisini

After taking over as Detroit’s starting nose tackle, Penisini came through for the defense with three tackles as well as an important fumble recovery late in the game against Chicago.

Unfortunately, the sixth-round rookie’s status for the Packers game is questionable as he deals with a shoulder injury he suffered late in the week during practice.

If he can’t play, the Lions have no other rostered nose tackles and will have to try and utilize Kevin Strong and Frank Herron in the attempts to stop Aaron Jones and the rest of Green Bay’s rushing attack.

TE Hunter Bryant

Bryant saw the field for the first time in his NFL career last weekend and is expected to play again this week. The undrafted rookie took a mere 11 snaps in that game – five on offense and the rest on special teams.

Bryant still sits behind T.J. Hockenson and Jesse James on the depth chart, so don’t expect too much from the rookie against Green Bay.

S Bobby Price

Another undrafted rookie to make his NFL debut against Chicago, Price was given a substantial role on special teams right away. The safety, who was just elevated from the practice squad, saw the field for almost two-thirds of the Lions’ special teams snaps and made one tackle.

With fellow safety and core special teamer C.J. Moore questionable to play, Price may find himself in that role once again.

Detroit Lions Week 14: Comprehensive depth chart vs Packers

Examining the Detroit Lions depth chart as they take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.

In this comprehensive look at the Detroit Lions roster, we will be examining not only the positional depth chart but also looking at who coaches will turn to in specific situations, including who will step up in case of injury.

With Darrell Bevell now in charge, things are still a bit unpredictable, but based on last week’s game versus the Chicago Bears, this is our best guess at this time.

Here’s a look at the Lions depth chart as they take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.

Note: Starters will be listed in BOLD and you will see some players listed more than once as they have multiple roles.

Quarterback

  • Matthew Stafford (9) — Questionable, expected to play
  • Chase Daniel (4)
  • David Blough (10) — INACTIVE

Running back

  • D’Andre Swift (32) — Questionable
  • Adrian Peterson (28)
  • Kerryon Johnson (33)
  • Jonathan Williams (41) — INACTIVE

Third Down back

  • Kerryon Johnson (33)
  • D’Andre Swift (32)
  • Jamal Agnew (39)

Fullback

  • Jason Cabinda (45)

Wide receiver

  • Kenny Golladay (19) — Ruled OUT
  • Marvin Jones Jr. (11) 
  • Danny Amendola (80)
  • Mohamad Sanu (12)
  • Quintez Cephus (87)
  • Jamal Agnew (39)

Slot receiver

  • Danny Amendola (80)
  • Jamal Agnew (39)
  • Hunter Bryant (86)

Tight end

  • T.J. Hockenson (88)
  • Jesse James (83)
  • Hunter Bryant (86)

Expected starting offensive line

Reserve offensive line

  • LT – Joe Dahl (66), Dan Skipper (70) — elevated for Week 14
  • LG – Joe Dahl (66), Logan Stenberg (61)
  • C – Joe Dahl (66), Jonah Jackson (73)
  • RG – Joe Dahl (66), Logan Stenberg (61)
  • RT – Dan Skipper (70), Joe Dahl (66)

Interior defensive line

  • John Penisini (91), NT — Questionable
  • Nick Williams (97), DT
  • Da’Shawn Hand (93), Big DE, DT — Questionable
  • Kevin Strong (92), 3T, Big DE
  • Frank Herron (75), 3T, Big DE — INACTIVE

EDGE Rushers

Off-the-ball linebacker

  • Jamie Collins (58), MIKE, WILL, JACK
  • Jahlani Tavai (51), WILL, JACK, MIKE
  • Christian Jones (52), JACK, WILL
  • Reggie Ragland (59), WILL, JACK, MIKE
  • Jarrad Davis (40), MIKE, WILL, JACK
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44), MIKE, WILL
  • Miles Killebrew (35), Hang

Cornerback

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Slot cornerback

  • Justin Coleman (27)
  • Darryl Roberts (29)
  • Mike Ford (38)

Safety

  • Duron Harmon (26), Single-high, JOKER
  • Jayron Kearse (42), JOKER
  • Tracy Walker (21), JOKER, Single-high, Nickel CB
  • Will Harris (25), JOKER, Single-high
  • C.J. Moore (49), Single-high — Questionable — INACTIVE
  • Miles Killebrew (35), JOKER
  • Bobby Price (47), JOKER — Elevated for Week 14

Third-safety

  • Tracy Walker (21)
  • Will Harris (25)

Kicking team

  • Matt Prater (5) — placekicker
  • Jack Fox (3) — punter, holder, kickoffs
  • Don Muhlbach (48) — long snapper

Kick returns

  • Jamal Agnew (39) — kick returner and punt returner
  • Danny Amendola (80) — reserve returner

Kick coverage

  • Tracy Walker (21) — gunner
  • Bobby Price (47) — gunner
  • Mike Ford (38) — reserve gunner
  • Miles Killebrew (35) — five-phase specialist
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) — five-phase specialist
  • Jason Cabinda (53) — five-phase specialist
  • Will Harris (25) –five-phase specialist
  • C.J. Moore (49) — Personal Protector (PP)

Teams final injury reports

Injured reserve/COVID-19

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Video: Breaking down Matthew Stafford’s big passing day vs. the Bears

Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield breaks down 3 outstanding Stafford throws from the win over Chicago

Matthew Stafford’s long touchdown strike to Quintez Cephus in the comeback win over Chicago came on a play that wasn’t designed to go to the rookie wideout.

That’s one of the findings from Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield in his video breakdown of Stafford’s impressive outing versus the Bears in Week 13. Schofield demonstrates why the play was schemed for Stafford to go elsewhere, but his ability to quickly reset under pressure and uncork the longest air yardage throw completed all week made it work anyway.

All three throws diagrammed here in the video breakdown have a common theme: Stafford keeping his eyes down the field and open to options, then delivering a perfect strike.