Jimbo

A first round bye is definitely still a possibility with the schedule Philly has. The next 6 games are very tough (Cowboys twice, KC, Buff, San Fran, and Seattle)

This was my whole point about any given Sunday. Baltimore wasn't as good as they looked and Lions weren't as bad as they looked last weekend. KC lost to Denver. San Fran lost 3 in a row. Philly almost lost to Wash. Still think they will win the division and get a home playoff game. That I would take in a bet. After that I wouldn't bet on because a lot can happen. There will probably be 2-3 more games where they will under perform and will get everyone worked up. I guess the question is, what are your expectations to think this season was a success? My expectation at this point in the season is for them to at least win a playoff game. That I think is the bottom expectation for me. I wouldn't think this season was a success without a win in the playoffs (or a first round bye). If they were in a tougher division it would be to win the division.

All the horrible loss did was calm everyone down about where their ranking was in the rest of the league. Baltimore could lose to Arizona this weekend. It doesn't mean were worse than Arizona, it just means that sometimes its a bad weekend or you have bad matchups with injuries and so forth. I don't think anyone thought the Lions were worse than Carolina last year but that game was almost worst than this loss. How bad they lost definitely should make the team concerned about some of their weaknesses. To me they are where you want a team to be in a 3 year of a major rebuild. You want to be a playoff team with a chance to be better. You have a great core of young players. You built really good offensive and defensive lines. They do not have generational QB so you will need to keep on drafting good and make good decisions in FA and trades. If you want to compete for a long time. With great drafting after round 1 makes it where a team can afford to make mistakes on first rounders. That is the difference with this team and past teams. Past teams rarely had top level talent after round 1. Past teams couldn't afford to miss on Carter. Or make the mistake with Jaymo.

I would love either of those guys (Crosby or Surtain) although I don't want to give up the farm for them. I think the Lions are in a unique situation where they are young and will compete for a while. This is where Holmes will have his biggest decisions. He needs to figure out if a trade for one of them (or someone we didn't even know was available) makes them a top 3 team. I am wondering if anyone in the organization is also thinking the draft is in Detroit next year and they don't want to give up a first round pick. Just a thought. I am sure they are more interested in winning the Superbowl although it is interesting that the draft is in Detroit next year.

I understand the frustration and some over reaction to yesterdays game. The texts I got from friends probably more than on here. I will say though that a butt kicking like this could affect confidence or it could give the team a reality check and make them better. I know there thing as of late was that they weren't listening to everyone saying how good they were although I never bought that. They deserved to be in the conversation of one of the best teams in the league from both their record and how they played. Besides KC, they really haven't beaten anyone though. KC was a good road win although Jones/Kelce missing was a factor. Its good for our record and getting a home playoff game but I am worried we really won't know what this team is until the playoffs. Three takeaways that I don't think are over reactions but just observations. First: My biggest concern was the injuries that keep on happening and I think that was a factor in this game and especially in the secondary. They also clearly need a back that can block better during pass plays which having Montgomery out was a factor. Second: They struggle against mobile QB's and how to play them. Too many times, they looked like they were having a sack and ended up a big play for the Ravens. Give credit to Jackson, he played about a perfect game for his skill set. Made some great throws under pressure. Third: Goff looked horrible and is what a lot of others said about him. When he gets pressured hes an average to below average QB. You can still win with him and I even think a Superbowl. You just need to make sure you keep on having a great offensive line.

The biggest concern I have right now are the injuries. Can't keep losing guys every week. It is nice that between great drafting (adding depth) and good coaching (leadership) that this team can withstand the injuries. Any loss San Fran and Philly has is important. If you look at schedules, we clearly have the easiest. Philly and San Fran have tough games coming up and with the injuries to San Fran. This could mean we have a shot at the #1 seed or worse case the #2 seed and a bye. Obviously would be nice to go into the bye week with only 1 loss but if they have 2 I wouldn't be upset. Its sad that this is actually our toughest run of games. Going into the bye week at 6-2 would be acceptable considering the injuries and the rest of the schedule. I don't want to jinx anything but I think worse case record is 12-5. That is divisional winner and home playoff game (worst case).

This is just an ESPN proposal. This didn't really happen lol

There are many ways to win in this league. Obviously if you get a Manning, Mahomes, Brady, ...etc. you don't have to have a complete team. A great QB makes others around them look better. The question also is what makes a QB great. The biggest thing to me is they are obsessed to make themselves better every off season. Talent doesn't do it alone. MJ had ridiculous talent although what made him the GOAT was the absolute obsession to be the best. It's actually almost a mental disorder and only a few come along every generation. When you have those type players (especially QB) your teams will be in conversation for the super bowl every year. Another way to win is with a great OL/DL. If you can give your QB time and the opposing QB less time you will give your team a chance to win every week. Another way to win is having an absolute dominant defense or offense (EX: Balt, Bears for defense and Rams, NE, SF for offense) they can win by dominating on one side of the ball every week. Another way is having a GM/coach (and good coordinators) combination that is on the same page. Making good decisions, and play calls. Or a combination of the above ways to win. I think the Lions have a great OL and great GM/Coaches. That is why this team will be good for a while.

I think a good question is, who do you consider the core of this team right now? By that I mean, who are the players you would be willing to pay a top 5 salary to (or the highest at that position) with their next contract. These are players that you can't afford to let go and are the heart and soul of this team. Basically franchise tag players. This is important because if you are thinking of making that big splash at the trade deadline, it could mean losing 1 or 2 of these guys. I think my list right now is Hutch, Sewell, Jonah, Laporta, Branch, Joseph, and St. Brown. Goff will be there for me if he wins a playoff game or we get a bye this year. The team will have to figure out Decker's situation because when his contract is up, I think he will be 31. Hopefully he takes a little less to stay with the team after this next contract. Incomplete list is Jaymo, Cambell, and Gibbs. Although I would be surprised if Jaymo ends up a top 5 WR. There are issues with LB's and RB's and long term big contracts and a reason why a lot of people had issues with drafting them in the first round.

I feel like the difference with this Lions team compared to other teams in the past going for a Superbowl is its young. The hope is we will be top 5 contenders for a while. Now if we can get a player like a Crosby and not give up the farm, I am good with it. We will not be in a bad situation next year with the salary cap although we are going to have to start paying some of our star players on rookie contracts soon (and Goff). When you start having to do that, your going to have to let players leave. That is fine when you have an affective GM like Holmes, because you fill those holes with draft picks. I am just not sure with this team, you need to make the huge splash. I would be fine if they did, I just don't see them doing it. I think they will make a couple of smart trades. Depth and maybe gamble on a player that isn't having a good year but has a history of being a pro bowl or cusp type player that would thrive on a team like ours (not someone in their prime but still has a lot left).

I put the Lions as 5 in the NFL at this point. Next two weeks will be good to see where they actually are. On the road against TB and Balt are tough matchups on the road. I would be OK with going 1-1. TB has a bye this week and it all depends how they react to the time off. A lot of teams come out rusty after having some time off. Definitely think the Lions need to continue their first half dominance next week. We might even have to wait for the playoffs until we really know how good we are because we don't play a top 5 team (at this point) the rest of the year. The Lions have a good shot at a bye. Think SF has an easy schedule although Philly has a tough schedule. They still play Miami, Dall twice, KC, SF, Buff, and Sea. They definitely needed that win this week. Here is something for fun discussion. Would you trade Jamo and 1rst round pick for Jefferson? On paper. that is an obvious yes although he is going to get the highest WR salary extension. Not sure Minn would trade with us although if they are sellers and get rid of Cousins, they could be in full rebuild mode.

I'm having flashbacks to last year. That is the game that really got to me because I was counting it as a win. Home game and having a rookie QB on the road should result in a big win although it still makes me nervous. We could not stop the run.

Philly was a great team to draft him. Good locker room and a team going for the super bowl. Lions would of been fine as well. Hoping the same situation for Jamo. Funny thing is I didn't read anything about Jamo being an issue in Alabama. Were there drop issues (and route running) with him as well in college?

I can see the biggest discussion this year is going to be Carter and Gibbs which is crazy with the Lions actually being a contender. I understand the reasons, I am doing it as well. You can't just compare Carter to Gibbs straight up. You really have to look at our whole draft. I guess the easy comparison would be if you would prefer Carter and Swift to Laporta and Gibbs. I think that is a fare comparison since the Lions wouldn't of traded Swift if they didn't get Gibbs. I will honestly say yes I would rather have them at this point (only 4 games lol). Swift just couldn't stay healthy and I'm sorry Carter had some serious character flaws. Gibbs will be fine. Its not like he hasn't shown talent or speed. Almost every time he has some space, he makes plays. You also don't know the reasons why certain plays are called against certain teams. the goal is to get a W and not worry about where someone was drafted and get plays for him. Same will be for Jamo. If it gets a W and he gets one pass I can care less (or the opposite happens and he has a huge game). We aren't the Lions of the past and all we care about is how our draft picks look because we are thinking about next season. We are in the win now mode and actually have a chance to go far. Look at Holmes full drafts (not one pick) and really I think I would take his over any other GM in the league.

I think all the Carter and Swift talk is way too early although I understand the intrigue. I have already gotten the texts from friends that are saying we should of taken Carter. I think the Carter debate should be more for teams like Chicago, Atlanta, and Raiders. Its also too early to say any of the players they took or made trades to take other players are busts either. The thing I am looking at is this isn't the Terry Fair compared to Moss comparison or Eric Ebron to Donald comparison. I think already both Gibbs and LaPorta look like players that will make it easier to forget about not taking Carter. Now if Carter is the next Donald (not just 3 games) and neither of our guys make all pro than it will be a bad decision (and hurt some) but not crippling because unless there are injuries our players look already good with the possibility to be great. Also think getting Branch helps a lot with not making that pick and could still beat Carter for Defensive rookie of the year. BTW Philly took Nolan smith instead of Branch lol. No team is going to make the perfect pick every time, the key is not making the Sam Bowie pick (Hakeem wasn't Jordan although they didn't look stupid with their pick).

I actually think Goff had his worse game in a while. He just didn't look accurate. Missed on a couple of big plays. Was probably more to do with the offensive line (having injuries) and the pressure he was getting. No big deal though and besides the one interception, he was playing cautious to not make that big mistake. That is my whole thing with Goff. He is a great QB when he has time. I am all about an extension if its a reasonable contract. I do not want to see this team paying him in the Jackson, Burrow, ....etc range. I would think 30-35 mill per year would be reasonable for him. There are some good QBs coming out next year and with Hooker, I think we have some bargaining chips. No way Goff gets more than that in free agency. I think he likes the situation here and I don't think the Lions can afford to pay Goff top 5-10 QB money and still keep on being a playoff team.

Swift looked good last night. That was never the issue. He was a good back for us. The problem with him was he couldn't stay on the field. Now he could stay healthy all year for the Eagles and will look like a great trade for them although we really couldn't keep on waiting for him. It's not easy being a RB in this league although it was very frustrating as a fan with Swift. That being said, I am loving our situation at RB right now. This could be one of those trades that works out for each team. As of now, the Stafford trade looks like a similar outcome at a much bigger level.

That was a huge win. Could care less about Kelce and Jones being out. This is the NFL and injuries and contract issues happen to every team. That is why its so hard in this league to win back to back. Good teams will have contract issues and that is why its important you win during your window. This is a huge W because its a W on the schedule that was supposed to be a L. You need wins like this because there is always a few games they are supposed to win and they lose. The goal is to make the playoffs and hopefully a home game (and maybe a bye). The fact that they didn't look great and still got a win was the biggest thing I will take away from this game. There is a reason why Mahomes is already talked about being a top 5 QB of all time. He is that good and yes we were lucky to get some drops. A couple of KC's huge plays should of been called back from the non false start plays (I think there were 4 obvious false starts that should of been called that weren't). Those big plays getting called back could of been a big mental blow to a team that doesn't have a go to WR. The pass interference was a bad call (he basically stopped and forced contact) although I think the ref is going to make that call most of the time because there was clearly contact before the ball got there. Its a huge factor playing against the super bowl team on the first game (and a night game) because the crowd is all worked up and loud as possible. Its hard to make changes at the line. One thing I will be looking at is KC's defense this good the rest of the season with or without Jones. Because that actually surprised me. Or was Detroit rusty and affected by the crowd more. They are young but only one season from winning the super bowl. Good teams win games like this.

I am not as concerned about how I feel about this team more than a W. Now if Lions get blown out and its against a team without 2 of there top 3 or 4 players. I will definitely be concerned. Them winning tomorrow isn't going to get me thinking superbowl or if they lose close I won't think our season is over. Beginning of the year is not a clear understanding who is the best team. If they win, I will just be happy with a W but definitely not over confident. There is something about a Superbowl hangover as well as missing those players that I understand this won't be the same team later in the season. Who knows, KC could be bad this year. Its not unheard of and is actually common from a Superbowl team. Having Mahomes definitely reduces the chances of that. So for me, it will be the eye test and getting as many W's early on. Not sure about all of you but I am more interested in seeing the secondary than anything else. Definitely excited to see Gibbs/Montgomery and how much better Hutch is. Although the secondary to me is an area that is totally revamped and was completely terrible last year. Our rush was good without that terrible secondary. Secondary doesn't always show up on the box score but will show with how much longer a QB throws away balls or the D-line has more time to get to the QB. The RB's are exciting and new although they were good last year. What are all of you looking forward to the most?

Definitely could care less how they win. Its a long season and any W, especially against the Super Bowl Champs, is huge. Every game matters in the NFL. Look at last year with all those close game L's in the beginning of the season resulting in us missing the playoffs by 1 game. Injuries are part of the game and a reason why its so hard to win it all in the NFL. Its still crazy to me that KC won it all last year with the injury to Mahomes. That makes me think he will have a ridiculous game tomorrow because this kid steps up when you think there is no way.

This might sound like a stupid question. With the CAP space this year, can the Lions do anything to help with future years CAP space. We are going to start having to sign players like St. Brown in the future and with good drafting years comes with CAP issues down the road. I guess if they keep on drafting good, you just let players go except for the few pro bowlers. If we don't use a certain amount of CAP space this year, can that transfer to the following years? Or can we sign someone like Jonah Jackson or Goff (even though they are still under contract) to an extension and make it heavy this year? Basically I am just curious if the CAP space this year can benefit future years? Maybe they end up using this CAP space and go for it this year and none of that matters.

Good to see Jamison answering questions. A little annoyed he didn't understand the rule. Especially for a young player under his first contract. Its a mistake but its not like he was at a strip bar with a gun or left a scene of an accident after someone died. Love to see someone like Calvin giving him advice. As far as the Gibbs and Campbell picks. Its ok to disagree with draft picks although I feel guys like Barnell are looking for views/clicks and don't actually know each teams. I feel like the Lions are in win now mode. I understand the reasoning for not picking LBs and RBs early although I think the Lions are actually in a unique situation. They are young and actually don't have any long term bad contracts (as of now). If you can draft two players that can make your team better and feel like the picks make your team better short term than other picks than I think you have to make those picks. Because the Lions (as of now) don't have a Mahomes, Manning, or Brady I feel like you have to strike now and go for a super bowl in the next three years because of your unique situation. Time will tell.

Didn't someone say something during the combine that Stroud was kind of boring because he does everything good? Forgot the exact quote. That was until his cognitive score came out lol.

Carter means nothing with the way the salary for certain draft picks is allocated. Maybe 10 years ago or whenever that changed. I hated the days of draft picks holding out.

I think the NFL is the hardest to determine from year to year on who is going to playoff teams. Too many factors and players to consider. Saying that, I don't know how anybody doesn't think the Lions will be a better team. Not considering future injuries (because no one can predict that), the Lions have gotten better at almost every where. They are one of the youngest teams that got a lot better towards the end of last year (specifically defense). No one would of wanted to play the Lions in the playoffs last year. I can guarantee that if you asked any of the top teams, would you rather play Minnesota, Seattle, NYG, TB or the Lions and all of them would of picked the Lions as there least favorite team to play. A lot can happen in the off season although I feel like they are better than all those teams. In the NFC I would only put us under Dallas, SF, and Philly until they are proven better or worse.