Jimbo

I agree if he is capable of playing if Goff gets hurt. I think we will know more on what the Lions think of him during this off-season. If they keep him and don't bring in someone else well known than they think he can play if Goff gets injured.

The win percentage is just a small portion of what he's been able to do. Taking a franchise that had the history of ineptitude and change the culture in such a short period is his biggest highlight. This was not a franchise that was at about its lowest it could be. The only asset was an older star QB which he did use in a brilliant way even if they didn't think Goff was going to be this good. He is the biggest factor in taking a team that was a laughing stock to one of the top franchises and for years to come.

Its funny how anyone that has not been in the organization knows how good Hooker is or isn't. Bridgwater wasn't just a high school football coach lol. He is a very good veteran that knew the system. It definitely doesn't look good for Hooker although it doesn't mean he's terrible. I do think if he was playing very good in practice, the Lions would of found ways to use him throughout the year although no one knows. We will know in this off season. He might be asked to be traded (for peanuts because that will be what he gets) or let go so he can compete with a team that he has a chance of starting. If the Lions comply, then we know they weren't impressed with him. There just really isn't a way to tell if he is a bust because we have a top 10 QB that hasn't gotten hurt (thank god). Was he worth a 3rd round pick. Obviously not now because he hasn't played and 3rd round picks could of contributed with our injury filled season.

I am not here to remove responsibility from Goff for his performance against Wash. I think Goff is in a very good situation and is a top 10 QB. I do think he can get better with age because experience is always going to get you better. You continue to give him a good to great OL he will continue to be very successful. How you really get him better is you have a better defense. That is why I think the injuries really affected the game plan against Wash. When you have the pressure that you have to score every time you get possession, it causes the offense to try and push plays. Still think he had a bad game regardless.

Mack said he is coming back next year. Probably sign with Chargers again but this could be a one year option. If we want to keep our core intact for many years your going to have to find players like this. Someone mentioned franchising Davis and that is something they will look to do. Like I said in the first post. Every big free agent you sign, could mean losing someone else. The Lions built this team through the draft and besides Sat's loss, its been beyond the success anyone could of imagined. So I can't imagine Holmes wanted to change that direction. I think they can build for the now and still keep success for a long time. Some fans might want them to go for it next year at all costs. That is definitely an option. I personally want them to continue the path they're going because even going all in doesn't mean you are guarantee to win it all. This season I feel like we were the most talented team although injuries caught up with us. I know the offense and Goff had a bad game but if you had half of the injuries (which is what most teams deal with), it changes the whole way (strategy) you go in the playoffs.

I think it was the situation with being down. If we were up, he might of played. Just a tough spot to put a young player in. Who knows if he's bust or not.

If I had a choice I would keep out team intact (coaching wise). Although now that it seems like we're going to lose both, it gives Holmes/Campbell some opportunities and I have full faith in them. It amuses me seeing people bash Johnson all of sudden. Its just fans still needing therapy after Sat. Losing Glen will give us a 3rd compensation pick which will be nice since we don't have one this year. What fans have to grasp is we are actually a destination now. Coaches have to feel like being on the Lions offers them the best opportunity because of the talent we have.

I actually think you have to consider trading Hooker to Vegas or somewhere else (that is if teams actually want him). He would probably net a 3rd round pick and the teams needing a QB are at the beginning of each round so almost a late 2nd round pick. Hooker was being discussed as a 1rst round pick before his ACL tear. So it would make sense for Vegas to consider this with where they are picking and losing out on Ward and Sanders. If this is true than Ben feels he is a legit starting QB in this league and it could be known throughout the league and maybe you could get a 2nd.

Considering we don't have a 3rd round pick in next years draft, that would be an added bonus. Would still rather keep our current situation in tact. Don't think it'll mean we will take a step back but continuity is always a factor in continued success. If we were to lose one, I would rather it be Glenn. Not just because of the pick but also because I think there will be a lot of DC's out there that would be fighting to be our DC if we don't hire within. Same can be said with OC although I think the offense will take a little longer to figure everything out. Plus the extra 2 3rd round picks helps some with Holmes as your GM.

I am on the same page as you. I always try to be calm after every bad situation. I have to admit, losing Hutch was like a gut punch because at the time they were destroying the Cowboys (this was early on so we didn't know how bad the Cowboys were). Even though I had positive thoughts. The lowest was definitely what happened in the Bills game and it wasn't getting killed in the first half. It was the injuries in that game that really made me think that maybe this wasn't our year. Although since that game they have proven me wrong and have shown how deep this team is. If we lose in these playoffs, I am not going to say SOL because it just simply isn't. The future of this franchise is bright as long as we have Holmes. I seriously think he might be one of the best GM's in NFL history already. I just have never seen someone make decisions that have worked out at a high percentage like him. There has been more success although I am not sure there has been a GM that has hit out of the park on his first season and has maintained it every year. The NFL is probably the hardest sport to evaluate talent at a high percentage because of the mass quantities of individuals you have to evaluate. I also think the previous Lions teams broke me and made me not let them ruin my day. Last years loss in the NFC Championship tested that although I remember just thinking in my head........THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT.

This year for the Vikings was very similar to two years ago. Good record but won a lot of close games. Playoffs always show what teams really are. Just watching them all year, they were a lot worse than their record. I love the situation the Vikings are in right now being a Lions fan. The decision they have to make with Darnold is a tough one. I have to admit, I thought the Lions could of been in a similar situation that Vikings are in now a few years ago. Good thing is Goff ended up being a lot better than I think even Holmes thought. It definitely helped with one of the best OL's in the league. Darnold can be successful in this league if you give him time although that is 75% of the QBs in this league. Goff struggles with pressure sometimes although I think his intelligence is underrated. Reading defenses and making the right decision.

Yeah I think its easy to look back and say everything worked out. Lately it seems like the 1rst pick hasn't been the right pick. Jax could of went with Hutch. It did not work out like that in Lion's history. I guess though that is more of the who is making the pick instead of where the pick is. Still has been frustrating being a Lions fan all those years they would win at the end to miss out on a hall of fame player.

I don't think too many fans were upset by that run at the end of the season. I think most fans knew this team was on the right path regardless of their record. Plus they had a lot of draft picks already. I think that run sped up the rebuild by one year and no one would of wanted to play Detroit if they got in the playoffs that year. Where it gets frustrating is when a team like the Giants, Saints, Raiders, Browns win at the end of meaningless games and give up on a chance to draft their franchise QB. This happened so many times with the Lions and usually with lame duck GM's trying to keep their job.

Signing Davis or any big free agents this summer could mean you have to let Laporta, Branch, or Campbell go the following year. Now the CAP could change drastically or they could restructure contracts (or let someone else go) although when you sign someone else you are taking a chance not being able to keep someone. Now If you ask me at this point right now I would say next year is probably the best year for us to be the best team possible Its just that year that everything works out with the team. So maybe you do sign Davis or other free agents and go all in. I don't feel like Holmes is the go all in kind of GM and is looking more of a great team for a long time. Not saying this year or 2-4 years from now they don't have a better shot at winning. Just saying everything seems to come into place next year as far as our talent and contracts go with the CAP. A lot can change in the NFL and that is why its important to win when you have a chance. Good thing with this team is that they are still actually very young for a top team.

This is probably a little premature but figured, since its a bye week its a good week to discuss. The Lions are in a good a situation but are going to have some tough decisions. I actually don't think the run in the playoffs make much of a difference what we do next year. One good thing about the injuries is they have still been a top team in the NFL and will get these players back next year. So I am hoping we can keep most of our current roster and add a few free agents for depth. They are actually in a good spot next year. 2026 and beyond will be a lot more difficult because the contracts will really start adding up and your going to have to make a lot more difficult decisions. This years draft will definitely be used for depth and filling in holes in future years. The Lions are projected to have $51.25 in CAP space per USA today. This could go up or down depending on the CAP. Most of this will be used to keep our current team intact. 2021 drafted players to make decisions on Iffy: Injuries are a concern. Hoping to keep him. Possibly with a short term contract. He might want to test the market. Barnes: He played great in last years playoffs and early this year. This year was disappointing to see him get hurt so early. Hoping they can keep him but like Iffy, he might want to see what his options are. Levi: He had a great game against Minn. Another one with injury concerns. Would be nice to keep him on a short contract but will have to see what the options are. 2022 drafted players to make decisions on Hutch: Probably agrees to a new contract. There is the concern about his leg although the fact that there wasn't any ligament damage, I feel like this is safe. At least take on the 5th year and then negotiate throughout the season. Jamo: This is going to be the hardest decision in the off season because of the suspensions. I think you try to work something out with exceptions. Could take on 5th year. Playoffs will be huge for him. Holmes might already know what he plans on doing. Possibility of a trade although his talent is there and him and St. Brown are almost a perfect combination. You could solidify your top two receivers for a while. Jamo could want a shorter contract or to play out next year thinking he'll be a top 10 receiver. Paschal: Injuries are a concern. He did a good job this year filling in after all the injuries to our DL. Could let him play out and worry about it next year or sign him to an extension. Joseph: Definitely extend him to a top safety contract, might happen during the year if they can't figure it out early. Malcolm: Feel bad for him because he was really filling in for Alex and Barnes. Think this is one of those guys that everyone likes and he could stay on the team because of that. Lions Free agents Davis: It seems like they will let him leave. Was a great addition although I don't think the team will want to give him a long contract which could affect signing our 2023 draft class. If he was willing to take a short high end contract, they might be able to work something out. Cominsky: No idea what they will do with him. Could end up bring him back or lose him to free agency. Chance of him playing in the playoffs and if he could be a factor, it could help him stay with us or free agency. Davenport: Most likely gone Zeitler: Hope they can bring him back on a short term deal. Patrick: Hope they can bring him back on a short term deal. There are a bunch of guys like Muhammad, Reynolds,....etc that will be back next year or they find other players (in the draft or FA) to fill their depth spots. Free Agents I don't think they are going to make a splash because that would make it difficult to keep the 2023 draft players. I think they are going to look for some veterans that want to play on a winning team and for Campbell. They could also find some players that had bad years or were injured on short term deals thinking they are on a good team and could get a bigger contract the following year. We are mostly going to be looking for depth. Draft Mostly depth guys that will be used to replace guys we could lose down the road or are retiring. I don't think Holmes will reach but I see this as a draft they start to look at the OL. First and second round pick will be best player available. They are in that rare situation where they don't really have any holes.

I don't want to lose either of our coordinators. Consistency is very important to maintain high level of success. Although I am also understanding that when you have success, your going to lose talent along the way. This teams success isn't because of one coordinator or player. That has shown with all the injuries we have sustained and still managed at least 14 wins. Their teams success is because of talent and culture. I understand the fear Lions fans are going through because of the history, although this team is built to be successful for years to come. There are a lot of talented coordinators in this league and both Johnson and Glenn should get head coaching jobs although if you think the Lions success is based on their talent, your wrong. Talent and culture are the most important things for a teams success and that is do to upper management (specifically Campbell and Holmes). Holmes brings the talent and Campbell brings the culture and attitude. Enjoy this run and don't worry about who we might lose next year. Don't get me wrong, Johnson has been great with his play calls. Although I think the level success is just as much who is making the plays as who is calling them. Glen is a very talented DC. He has gotten a lot of grief over the last few years although it showed that once he got more talent, he is one of the best in the league. Then when he lost some of that talent, the defense has slowly struggled. When you have talent and success, you also attract the best coaches in the game because they know that it could lead to their success which will result in more $ and better jobs. I also think Detroit is starting to build a coaching tree where there is talent learning and can step in. If they move on with coordinators or aren't ready, there will be plenty of talent ready to take the jobs of the coaches we lost.

Question is will he go with Glenn if he leaves or becomes our Def cord

Is it really a good idea to have that creepy old man around that many young girls?

When trends are set, defenses will try to adapt. I think defenses are mindful of the Lions going for it on 4th now even in situations you normally wouldn't go for it. So I think teams could change defenses to almost think you now have to hold the Lions (and if other teams attempt 4th downs as much as them) to 8/7 yards instead of 9 every 3 downs. A lot depends on the constant success of the team. If the Lions win the Superbowl this year, I definitely think defenses will try to adjust. This could actually benefit the Lions although I think its something teams might already be attempting. By doing that, you could have more miss tackles. I think Campbell is starting to get more credit for his strategy. Cardinal has looked at different scenarios and I agree with his analysis. I am not sure if he goes for it if the defense wasn't dealing with so many injuries. I think there could of been a lot of confusion with the defense they would of had to put out there (not a lot of time to practice that scenario with those players). It also looked like the defense was gassed. Smith kept on having to come out and he looked beat up.

Just like the bunt or the 3, the 4th down play in unusual situations will only work for certain teams. First you have to have a good to great offensive line, second you have to have a creative play caller, and third you need to have a team (and organization) that buys into it. This is why you want to be a trend setter. Teams that don't have the right team will still try and go for it and fail.

I actually think Campbell is a trend setter with going for it on 4th down. So if you asked me 3 years ago, who would go for it on 4th down (instead of kicking the field goal), at the 30ish, 40 secs left, and a tied game. I would say no one would go for it. Although I think Campbell opened up other coaches to go for it on 4th down in unusual situations and multiple coaches would of done the same thing. I think going for it on 4th down is going to be like the 3 in the NBA. Its nice to have a team finally that sets the trends instead of getting on the trend too late.

If I had to pick one game the rest of the schedule for the Lions to lose, it would be this game. First it's an AFC team which means they are still in control of their own destiny to get the bye if they win the rest of the games (only 1 loss in the NFC). Second its a legit Superbowl contender. So with our injuries it wouldn't be a huge let down. Obviously I want them to win although its the one game I won't be that upset if we lose. I would prefer that they don't rush back injured players for this game. Buffalo has some injured players as well but I think they want this game more than us based on last weeks loss and still fighting for that #2 seed (home field advantage until the AFC Championship game). If we lost last week, this week (and really the rest of the games) would be a lot more important. Below is a list of players injured and their situation. Its crazy how big this list is although I am feeling a little better after reading this. https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/12/9/24317299/full-list-detroit-lions-injuries-latest-news-potential-returns-ir-anzalone-decker-hutchinson

I wouldn't be surprised if Tampa made the playoffs. Their schedule is about as easy as it gets. Probably would be a wild card since Atlanta's schedule is also pretty easy,

I actually think Goff is a great athlete as well is Stafford, Manning, Brees, Brady,......etc. None of them would of had a chance to compete in track and field although what defines an athlete is very broad. Its OK to say that if you gave me a chance to have Mahomes (or even Allen, Burrow, or Jackson) over Goff, I would take them in a heartbeat. Now that doesn't mean Goff isn't a great QB or that things change with each teams roster. The brilliance of Holmes is he has done an unbelievable job of putting together a roster that accommodates Goff. I still am not sure the Lions were sold on Goff being their franchise QB when they traded for him. Would they of taken Goff's contract if the Rams didn't make him part of the trade? As much as I think Holmes is playing chess when other GM's are playing checkers, I don't think he thought he would be as good as he has been. I do think they wanted to give him the opportunity to be the QB he ended up being and to Goff's credit he ended up blowing away expectations. With the way the Lions have been playing lately, its good to assume they are going to blow away the Colts although the Colts have not gotten blown out all season. Lions are the best team right now although the most they have lost all year was by 10 to the Bills.

Yeah I think people that only watch Lions games get frustrated with our secondary when they get a penalty or a big play happens. Problem is this is a passing league and its very hard to stop these top guys. Greenbay has one of the best secondaries in the league and look what we did to them. This is year has been drastically better. I love the aggression even though it leads to penalties sometime. Last year there would be a couple of plays a game were Sutton was 5-10 yards from the receiver. Our penalties have slowed down as well.