1984Echoes

No, not good teams. Super Bowl teams like the 1991 Redskins. I think the Lions have a damn fine team. They'll make the playoffs and win a game or two. But I don't think we're in the highest, top, Super Bowl contender tier just yet. My question is: how do we get there so that we are not the 1991 Lions? Or at least advance PAST the 1991 Lions, if not this year, then next year. I don't think preparing and executing a game plan beats the Ravens. I think we need 100% health on the O-line, Montgomery, and Gibbs/ Jamo/ LaPorta operating at 100% (and not going through rookie learning curves) to beat the Ravens. And at least two more upper echelon defensive playmakers, to beat the Ravens. Oh, and yes, execution of a great game plan, as well. IMO. This is like, the 10th time, that I've stated exactly the same thing.

Note for the future: It's only two games, but Cossa has a .947 save %. If he's the real deal... then he could very well be the superstar type that elevates this team above most others, and gives the Wings a serious shot at a Stanley Cup. I know it's too early on Cossa... but just thinking out loud. Add some up and coming defenseman, and a nice looking Centerman (Danielson), and some other complimentary players and, while we may not have the superstar(s) that other upper echelon teams have, I think we can be just as good... Especially if Cossa turns into something special.

It was also a deep play so not what you are asking about, just pointing out it wasn't strictly sideline. But I definitely agree with you though. I don't know if it's timing (Jamo is faster than anyone else so Goff has to time his throws faster than normal), or hands (seen several Jamo drops), concentration, or whatever... But those quick hitters in between the hashmarks with crossing patterns and/or anything else that can free up Jamo... should be allowing for middle of the field explosive plays/ YAC/ etc... I think this is mostly on Jamo though, from the looks of it. I think the play calling will follow how far Jamo improves: hands/ head/ concentration/ timing/ whatever...

His TD last week was deep center. Or at least center-right of the field... not sideline.

I think Jimbo both answered Red's question and spoke to the weakness on offense: Gibbs is not playing more because he doesn't pass-block very well. That counts. He'll probably improve, but he's not there yet. So yes, we miss Monty not just for hard running but also for pass-blocking and against the Ravens, again, that counted. Also, we had a Practice Squad player at LG, and Glasgow at RG. Glasgow is a nice guard, especially as he can be a backup for both guard and center positions. No slight on him. But I saw several Ravens pass rushers coming through the right side of the line, right through Glasgow. Not having Vatai and Jonah, against the Ravens, hurts. There's no panic attack here. It's simply, how can we match up against the top tier teams? On offense, we need to be fully healthy, and we need Gibbs and Jamo and LaPorta to get through their rookie jitters and up to 100% speed. We need them, IMO. To match up with the best. On defense, I think we need to upper echelon playmakers. 1 shutdown CB (dreamin' of Surtain...), and one "Closer" pass-rusher. Someone who outclasses most O-Lineman and actually gets to the QB faster than anyone we have. (Dreamin' of Maxx Crosby...). Since we're (I am) dreaming if we think we can get Surtain and/or Crosby... how do we get something just like them? Because to match up with the top tier (again, no panic attack here); IMO, we need a couple more top-level playmakers on defense. These aren't overreactions. They are simple facts.

Steelers: The Ravens receivers had so many drops they lost count. Colts: Brand new offense for the Ravens and it'll take several games for them to really get the hang of it. Unlucky for us, their receivers did NOT have the dropsies against the Lions, and they are really figuring out this new offense for Lamar Jackson by now... obviously. And their defense is #2 in the NFL this year, right behind the 49'ers. They are #1 in sacks this year in the NFL. That doesn't change just because they play the Lions. Also, instead of our starting Guards: Vatai and Jonah Jackson, which might have helped on the interior in all phases; we had backups Glasgow and Kayode Awosika (off the Practice Squad!!!)... Against the #1 pass-rushing and #2 defense in the NFL. Three guesses on how that's going to turn out...?

PS: Larkin becomes a better player with more explosive wingers (see above)...

DeBrincat & Larkin are now #1 and 2 in points with 12 and 11 in 6 games each, respectively. DeBrincat #1 in goals with 8 in 6. Everyone else is 6 or lower...

Well... After 3 assists tonight he has 5 points in 6 games. But I think Larkin & DeBrinc are hogging all the points.

Nope. Walman and then DeBrincat just SCOOOORE!!! (Hat trick for DeBrinc). 6-2 Wings.

So far... So good...

Go Veleno!!! Damn! (Thank you Chiarot... for the shot, Veleno's goal, and for not being -30 so far this year...)

Larkin and DeBrincat both have 9 points...

That's my point. I'm not worried about one game. I still see them winning the division... easily. But as we've both just said, we won't be able to compete against the best playoff teams as they have more talent/ playmakers than what we currently have. Holmes... keep workin'... !!!

You're entitled to your opinion Tater. I didn't watch a clown show. I watched the Lions get outclassed by a more dominant, more talented team.

The coaches? Wrong answer. The Ravens are just a better team. Remember 1991? We need a few more high-end players to compete at that level. More D. Maybe starters at OG instead of backups. IMO.

PS: This already feels like a 1991 V2.0 type of season. Really good year; but wiped out by the Redskins during the regular season (game 1) and in the playoffs.

I watched the first quarter and a half and then needed to head back home. They didn't look like a clown show at all. At least when I was watching. They just looked outclassed by a better, more dominant team. A more dominant defense. And a Lamar Jackson that can make something out of nothing when guys are draped all over him. Or run for daylight, and a 1st down (or TD). Just outclassed. NOT a clown show. IMO.

So, the only comment I have to make after today (is actually a set of questions): What does it take for the Lions to go from very very good, to the highest level in the NFL? What do they need to reach the level of the 49'ers/ Eagles/ Chiefs/ Dolphins (wut!!!)/ Ravens? level...? Because I think they will have a very very good, year/ record, prolly win the division, maybe even win a playoff game or two... But I don't think they'll get past the NFC Championship game, and there are some premium AFC teams that would also prolly block the Lions from winning the whole enchilada even if they made the Super Bowl. I think the Lions need to make a couple of premium moves to get players that will get them to that level. IMO. My 1st guess is: concentrate on Defense, not offense. Even though we've done nothing today against a really nasty Baltimore defense. Want list = (1st) top-level CB. Surtain or draft pick or whomever that may be. (2nd) more pass-rush, whether that's a Maxx Crosby type or a reasonable facsimile. (3) Do we need elevated coaching on D? Just asking.... And what do we need on offense? I don't see any must-have needs except rookie & 2nd year growth (Gibbs/ Jamo/ LaPorta), maybe a key RB depth player... is there a way to make our O-Line even more awesome? Does that help anything? Do we need more smashmouth running that could possibly steamroll a Ravens or 49'ers defense? Just asking... Any comments/thoughts welcomed/ appreciated...

Snoooooooooze... button. Wait! Was that Larkin hoisting the Stanley Cup? Right after Goff hoisted the Vince Lombardi?!?! Right after Harbaugh raised the (wait, college FB doesn't have a name for their championship trophy? Which is a... football? Hmmm... I'll name it: Fielding H. Yost Trophy...) Fielding H. Yost Trophy?!?! Sweeeeeeeeeet!!! Snoooooooooze button... just one more time please...

The motive is easy, even with no information whatsoever. It was a hate-murder. But I wouldn't guarantee that it wasn't just as easily a white-trash bigot using any excuse to perform out his anti-semitic hatred as it was a Palestinian sympathizer. It could be either, IMO. But hate-crime-murder it was...

Dylan Smith had a good outing tonight. 4 inn's 9 K's. 1 hit and 2 BB's... 4 errors behind him so that wasn't helpful but only 1 ER and 2 runs overall. I'm assuming he's ticketed for AA in 2024...

I don't think they constructed the 4th line this year to be only a checking line... They added offense all the way down to the bottom in order to roll 4 lines. On that basis, I'm perfectly fine with Veleno on the 3rd or 4th line, especially with the pop so far that he's displayed this year. Whatever the situation dictates... And with the belief that Veleno will be centering a line that can both score and shut down a dangerous line on the opposing team, regardless whether he's centering the 3rd or the 4th. At least that's what I'm thinking... And I like that he has apparently made that step up this year...!

Or Dre Bly...

Jobe is pitching tonight... FYI.