Hill to Start at Buffalo

Courtesy of detroitlions.com

 

Hill to Start at Buffalo

Posted by Tara Altman on November 10, 2010 – 2:50 pm

Head Coach Jim Schwartz announced this afternoon following practice that “barring any set back this week,” QB Shaun Hill will be the starter against the Bills.
Hill fractured his forearm against the NY Giants prior to the Lions’ bye week and was inactive against the Redskins.
Schwartz on Hill’s injury: “He’s been cleared. He was in a position last week that we kept him active as our third quarterback. We dressed him as our third quarterback. He could hand off, he could do all those different things. He wasn’t really in a position to take a hit. But he can play with a cast and another week will be good for it. That will close him right in at four weeks. The doctors feel good about that. Shaun will be ready, barring any setbacks.”
Hill says that “everything feels fine,” and is looking forward to the opportunity.
Hill: “It feels good. I’m full-go. Last weekend I had a splint that went all the way into the palm of my hand and I had no wrist mobility in it until Sunday. Since I’ve gotten the wrist back, a lot of things have changed. It had more to do with finding out where we were and getting a different splint.”

• Share this:
• Share
• 
  

• Facebook
• Email

Posted in DetroitLions.com Blog | 13 Comments »

Lions QB Shaun Hill 'ready to go,' will start vs. Bills | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Lions QB Shaun Hill 'ready to go,' will start vs. Bills | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Lions QB Shaun Hill 'ready to go,' will start vs. Bills

Chris McCosky / The Detroit News

Allen Park - Coach Jim Schwartz announced Wednesday that Shaun Hill would start at quarterback on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

"Shaun has been cleared, there should be no limitations," Schwartz said.

Advertisement

Hill, who is three weeks removed from surgery on his left forearm, seconded that, saying he could do everything, from handing off with the left hand, to taking snaps from under center and being able to fall on the left arm.

"Absolutely ready to go," Hill said.

Schwartz also reiterated what he said on Monday, that surgery was not an option for Matthew Stafford, who suffered a second injury to his right shoulder on Sunday. Essentially, Schwartz said they were going week to week with him.

He also made a point of saying there was a reason that neither Stafford nor kicker Jason Hanson (knee) were placed on the injured list - the Lions are hopeful both can return this season. Though, it is clearly more likely that Hanson will be back than Stafford.

Besides Stafford and Hanson, missing practice Wednesday were starters offensive guard Stephen Peterman (foot), defensive end Cliff Avril (hip), defensive tackle Corey Williams (rest), as well as back-up tailback Kevin Smith (knee) and special teams captain Isaiah Ekejiuba (knee) did not practice.

Starting cornerback Chris Houston (shoulder) did practice. Safety C.C. Brown, who missed last week with a knee injury, took part in individual drills but was limited.

Newly-signed quarterback Zac Robinson also practiced.

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101110/SPORTS0101/11100403/Lions-QB-Shaun-Hill-‘ready-to-go-’-will-start-vs.-Bills#ixzz14wYgPXoI

Lions' Zack Follett says 'scary' injury won't change him | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Lions' Zack Follett says 'scary' injury won't change him | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Tim Twentyman / The Detroit News

Allen Park — It was the scariest moment Zack Follett said he's ever faced on a football field: A feeling of complete helplessness, unable to feel his arms or legs after a helmet-to-helmet collision.

"It's something in the far back, back part of your mind that's one of your greatest fears, seeing yourself down on that field," Follett, the Lions linebacker, told The Detroit News on Tuesday. "It was definitely scary when it happened."

 

The feeling is every athlete's worst nightmare, and one Follett won't soon forget.

Follett's frightening injury took place last Sunday while he was covering a fourth-quarter kickoff against the Giants.

Follett was blindsided by Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, and immediately fell to the ground with a burning sensation in his neck.
He was down for an extended period, receiving medical attention from both teams' personnel.

"The scariest part was losing feeling in my arms," he said. "I was just laying there kind of trying to calm myself down. I couldn't feel anything at first. Then a couple minutes went by where I started to feel pinches and scratches on my leg.

"There was a big sigh of relief then. My neck was just kind of on fire at that point."

Follett was placed on a backboard and stretcher before being carted off the field and taken to Hackensack University Medical Center. He regained full movement in his arms and legs at the hospital, and MRI and CT tests came back negative.

"I was running down on kickoff and trying to two-gap the guy that was blocking me," Follett said. "I wasn't really looking at him, I was looking at the ball carrier and focused on him and the next thing I know his helmet went down and my head was up and it caught me just right and snapped my head back.

"It sent shock waves down both of my arms and I kind of dropped down."
Follett said he's taken hits that were three times harder during his career, and walked away fine..

He categorized last Sunday's hit as a perfect one.

"I'm going to meet with a specialist, I believe Thursday, a doctor in South Carolina to have him kind of give me his opinion about it and kind of go from there after I get that advice," said Follett, who added he suffered a neck injury on the play.

"It's definitely not just a stinger that I'll be back in action in a couple of weeks. I've had a history of neck problems and I've had disk bulges and I think that's why I slipped in the draft."

Despite the incident, Follett said he won't play any different when he gets back.

"I made it to the NFL by playing aggressive and playing hard and it's something as athletes that your job is on the line," he said. "You're trying to do your job and the last thing on your mind is where you're placing your helmet when you hit somebody."


From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101020/SPORTS0101/10200362#ixzz12uYg7Ey9

Lions LB Zack Follett improving after violent collision | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Lions LB Zack Follett improving after violent collision | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Chris McCosky / The Detroit News

East Rutherford, N.J. -- The news was encouraging afterward on fallen Lions linebacker Zack Follett.

"Keep him in your prayers," coach Jim Schwartz said. "He's a valuable member of this team. He's a favorite in this locker room and he's a favorite across the city of Detroit, and rightfully so."

Advertisement

Follett was strapped to a backboard, carted off the field and taken to Hackensack Medical Center after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul on a Lions kickoff in the second half on Sunday.

The postgame report was there was no evidence of a fracture to the cervical spine and he had movement in all extremities.

The play raised a couple of issues. Lions safety C.C. Brown, for one, feels the league needs to outlaw the wedge on kickoff returns. Follett's job on the kick coverage unit is essentially to be a human missile and break up the return team's wedge.

"At some point they've got to outlaw that wedge," Brown said. "There are too many people getting hurt. You've got two 300-pound guys coming to you and they want you to hit that wedge. That's an accident on call, right there. At some point the league needs to outlaw it."

The league has done a lot to govern helmet-to-helmet hits, but they remain very much part of the game.

"The league does a good job of officiating helmet-to-helmet hits," Schwartz said. "You're not going to be able to officiate all of them out of there. It's a tough game. Player safety is obviously one of the biggest concerns of the league, of coaching staffs and of players. But things happen and you can't officiate everything and you can't legislate everything."

Follett stayed in the hospital overnight for further evaluation.

No run, no win

The Lions' running game continues to be stuck in the mud. In a game where establishing the run was paramount to neutralizing the Giants' pass rush, Detroit amassed 64 yards on the ground, 3.0 per carry.

"They played a lot of plays designed to take the run game out," Schwartz said. "They ran a lot of eight-man fronts, lining up linebackers on the line of scrimmage. They were going to make it very difficult to run the ball."

Quarterback Drew Stanton was the leading rusher with 30 yards in three carries. Rookie Jahvid Best had no place to go, getting just 16 yards in 12 carries.

It was no consolation they limited the Giants, who had 19 sacks in five games, to just two.

Playing through pain

Calvin Johnson clearly was in pain after the game, despite catching five passes for 146 yards, including an 87-yard touchdown.

"Big pain," he said. "This week (bye week) is coming at a good time."

Matthew Stafford, who has a similar shoulder injury, advised Johnson to take treatment immediately. He said if he didn't work through it now, he would be set back next week.

The 87-yarder, by the way, was the second-longest TD reception of Johnson's career.

Extra points

Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh incurred another penalty for knocking a quarterback in the face with his hands. The penalty occurred on a second-and-long incompletion that kept alive what ended up being a 97-yard scoring drive.

"That happens a lot of times," Schwartz said. "Guys are trying to get into the chest and they slip up.

"He just has to get off that a bit quicker."

… Jason Hanson kicked two 50-yard field goals and has now booted nine in a row. He has kicked a NFL-record 45 field goals of 50 or more yards and he's moved into fifth place all-time with 438 field goals.

… On tying the record of 24 consecutive road losses, Schwartz said, "We haven't won very many games at home in that time, either. So when you don't win many at home you are sure not going to win many on the road. Obviously, we need to get over that hump."

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101017/SPORTS0101/10170327/1361/Lions-LB-Zack-Follett-improving-after-violent-collision#ixzz12ftDAJEe

Detroit Lions at New York Giants 10-17-2010

By Eric Steven Johnson

Fourth Quarter

After a completely uneventful third, the fourth quarter has been very consequential. What looked like a quick 3 and out deep in their own territory turned into six points for the Lions as Stanton completed an 87 yard touchdown pass to Megatron. Great throw, better catch, better run after catch.


On the following kickoff, linebacker Zack Follett collided helmet to helmet with one of the Giants and did not get up. He was eventually strapped to a body board and carted off the field. It did not look good and very closely resembled the scene from when Mike Utley went down years ago. I hope this winds up being something not serious. Zack is a good player and has done a lot of good things in the community. I hope he not only makes a full recovery but we see him back on the field soon.

The Lions drive right down the field after the injury and move into Giants territory. Nate Burelson puts the ball on the ground and the Gee-Men pick it up. It is called a fumble and recovery and turnover.

The Giants march down the field on a handful of plays and score a touchdown.

Lions 17 Giants 28


Lions score a quick field goal and make an impressive defensive stand and the Giants have to punt.

Lions 20 Giants 28

Stanton gets shaken up on the play and we have a Matt Stafford sighting! Except we hit the 2 minute warning and Stanton comes back out. Maybe its a good thing he did because he makes a phenomenal scramble to keep the Lions hopes alive.

Just as quickly, Stanton gets picked off on a pass that deflects off of Megatron's fingertips. That will end the game.

Lions 20 Giants 28

Once again, the Lions beat the spread but too many STUPID PENALTIES and injuries prevent them from beating the other team.

Third Quarter

The Lions have mounted a drive down field with the ball in the incapable hands of Drew Stanton. Drew completed several short passes and capitalized on yards after the catch. Then a STUPID PENALTY nullifies a 35 yard passing play to Nate Burleson that would have placed them inside the Giants 5 yard line. On the following play, Stanton fumbled and the Gee-Men recovered.

The Lions practically begged the Giants to score a touchdown following the turnover. I believe a total of seven penalties were committed on the 55 yard drive. The Lions held the Gee-Men to a 3rd down three times in the red zone only to commit a penalty to put the Giants that much closer to the end zone. STUPID PENALTIES.

Lions 10 Giants 21


Second Quarter

Lots of back in forth in a constant battle for field position in this quarter. The teams have traded the ball back and forth so far. The Giants have been moving the ball downfield and are setup on the Lions 35. Eli takes a shot and hits a former Wolverine, Mario Manningham, for a touchdown. Sloppy play by the defense on that series.

This gives the Giants their first lead of the game.


Lions 7 Giants 14

A lousy kick bounces and Logan gets a hold of it deep in the endzone and takes a knee for a touchback. No 105 yard heroics this time,

STUPID PENALTIES!!! Stephen Peterman does it again and knocks the Lions out of field goal range. Hill gets banged up on a play in the two minute drill and heads into the locker room.

WE HAVE A DREW STANTON SIGHTING!!!

The former pride of MSU overthrows Bryant Johnson and then takes off for a scramble. He comes up just short of the first down. They manage to convert a 4th and short to keep the drive alive. Tony Scheffler hobbles off the field on the play.

The Giants talk the officials into giving the Lions an intentional grounding call and Jim Schwartz lets them have it. The coach is livid and I don't blame him as the officials threw the flag about fifteen seconds after the play ended and every member of the giants were signaling for one.

Stanton recovers and get the Lions back to the 37 on two consecutive completions. With only 3 seconds left in the half, the Lions setup for a field goal. It's 40 year old Jason "look ma, no" Hanson from 58 yards. As if it were no more difficult than kicking a PAT, he booms it through the uprights for three as the half comes to an end.

Lions 10 Giants 14



First Quarter

The Giants are heading out of the tunnel and our play by play team informs us that the Lions won a game last week and would like to make it two in a row. Thank you for that observation, Dick Stockton. We had no idea they actually wanted to win games until now.

Dick Stockton has now pointed out that the Lions have an opportunity to tie the all time record for consecutive losses in road games today. That record is currently held by the Detroit Lions. Beautiful...

A lackluster Jason "look ma, no" Hanson kickoff leads to decent field position for the Gee-Men. Despite a few good defensive plays, the Giants convert a first down. Then Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamukong Suh gain some penetration and get a sack on Eli. A penalty puts the Giants into a manageable 3rd and 8 but Eli gets greedy and takes a shot downfield. He misses and the Giants have to punt.

The snap is botched and the punter can't handle it. He actually fumbled it twice trying to get it away. Ball is on the ground and recovered by the Lions!

How about six points off a turnover? I'll take it and so did the Lions. The Lions grit out a drive and convert three 3rd downs in order for Shaun Hill to hit Nate Burleson in the endzone. Hanson boots the PAT to make it a seven point lead.

Lions 7 Giants 0

After letting Ahmad Bradshaw break a fifteen yard run, the Lions D-Line said the hell with that and tackled him for a loss and a gain of one forcing Eli to make a long throw to convert the 3rd down. It gets tipped and hits the ground. Gee-Men punt and managed to down in inside the Lions five yard line.

An understandable 3 and out, given the field position, and the Lions have to punt. Harris booms a beauty and Zach Follett whiffs on a quick tackle. Giants get a good return but are ultimately brought down by the long snapper, Don "the Mule" Muhlbach.

Poorly timed penalty leads to a Giants touchdown. The Lions D gives up an offsides penalty on their own 12 which allows Eli a free play. They get to the four and on the next play, Brandon Jacobs pounds it in the endzone.

A terrible kickoff is played even more terribly as Scheffler and Felton collide as they both try to recover the kick. Best runs for a loss and then the Giants jump offsides only to have Best run for another loss. 3rd and logn coming up as the final seconds tick away in the first quarter.


Pre-game thoughts

The Lions have listed Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson as questionable, De'Andre Levy and Nathan Vasher are out and plenty of other injury issues remain. That doesn't mean they can't beat the Giants. It does make it that much harder.

The New York Football Giants have been two distinctly different teams this year. One is decidedly soft and has Eli Manning starting at quarterback. The other has been a defensive juggernaut that also had Eli Manning starting at quarterback. What does this mean for the Lions? Shaun Hill is likely going to wake up with a headache tomorrow. Then again, if the Lions D-Line has their way, so will Eli.

I still stand by my statement that Eli Manning is the Eli Manning of the Manning brothers. Which means he sucks. If anyone is going to cost the Gee-Men the game, it's going to be his startlingly inconsistent play. The rest of the team will likely give the Lions nightmares and send them crying back to Detroit licking their wounds. If the Lions D can get to Eli; force him to make mistakes and keep that offense off the field, it will open up opportunities for Shaun Hill.

The Lions will need to keep using their two tight end package and play tough football. There's going to be a ton of pressure on Hill and he's not going to have time to get rid of the football. They will have to establish a running game with either Best or Smith use a lot of play action passes to buy any kind of time.

I don't think the Lions win on the road today, but I think they play the Gee-Men tough and give them a good scare. It's going to be much closer than the 10.5 line the Las Vegas bookies handed New York. Who knows, with their improved special teams play and a defense that only looks to have two or three holes instead of eight or nine they just may shock the world.

Lions sign TE Tony Scheffler to 3-year extension | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Lions sign TE Tony Scheffler to 3-year extension | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Chris McCosky / The Detroit News

East Rutherford, N.J. - The Lions have secured the services of tight end Tony Scheffler through 2013.

As first reported by the Denver Post, Scheffler and the Lions have agreed to a three-year extension, which includes a $2 million signing bonus.

Advertisement

Scheffler, a Chelsea High graduate who also played at Western Michigan, is second to teammate Brandon Pettigrew among NFC tight ends with 24 receptions. Scheffler will make $1.776 million this season. Terms for the next three years were not immediately known.

Also on Saturday, the Lions released offensive lineman Jamon Meredith and signed cornerback Paul Pratt off the practice squad. The move was necessitated by a biceps injury to cornerback Nathan Vasher.

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101016/SPORTS0101/10160406#ixzz12ZOU5hyi

Stefan Logan has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Courtesy of www.detroitlions.com

Wide receiver Stefan Logan has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after his Week 5 performance against the St. Louis Rams.

Logan broke for a 105-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to begin the second quarter, inevitably igniting a 44-6 win.

Logan: “I appreciate every guy on the special teams group: punt return, kickoff return team, coverage units. Coach has a lot in store for us, he has a lot of things that he wants to do to get us free as far as what we’re doing for kickoff return, punt return and so I have to applaud those guys as well because with their help that’s what sprung me lose to get me that long kickoff return. I feel good as far as showing what I can do that I’m a little guy, but I’m going to go hard. I give 120 percent every time.”

He is the first Lions special teamer to be named NFC Player of the Week since kicker Jason Hanson earned the honor during Week 8 of the 2007 season.
The last Lions kick returner to get the nod was R.W. McQuarters in Week 5 of the 2005 season.

Additional notes regarding Logan’s return:

• Logan’s 105-yard kickoff return tied for the longest kickoff return in team history. He tied CB Terry Fair who recorded a 105-yard touchdown September 28, 1998. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown since TE Casey FitzSimmons returned an onside-kick 42 yards for a score vs. Chicago October 28, 2007. The last non-onside kickoff return for a touchdown by the Lions was WR Eddie Drummond’s 92-yard kickoff return for touchdown at Minnesota November 21, 2004.
• In League history, Logan’s 105-yarder is tied for the sixth longest kickoff return for touchdown.
• He also recorded 2 punt returns for 24 yards, including a 17-yard return in the third quarter that set up a Lions touchdown drive that began at the St. Louis 41-yard line.
• Logan is also a member of the team’s kickoff cover unit that allowed just an 18.3 yards per return average on 9 returns.

• Share this:
• Share
• 
  

• Facebook
• Email

---

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• Schwartz, Staff Prepare for Tomorrow’s Game
• Schwartz, Staff Make Last Preparations for Senior Bowl
• Offseason will be Significant for Second-Year Offensive Players
• Ego trip: Catching up on last night

Tags: Stefan Logan, Week 6 -- Lions at Giants
Posted in DetroitLions.com Blog | No Comments »

“I am very concerned about his shoulder.” - Jim Schwartz

By Eric Steven Johnson

“I am very concerned about his shoulder.” That is all we could get out of Jim Schwartz regarding Calvin Johnson's mysterious shoulder injury.

The Lions, and Schwartz in particular, are very discreet when discussing injuries. They don't like to give the media, fans or their opposition any insight into their players condition. This is not necessarily a bad thing as you don't want to give your opponent a leg up on your game plan, but it leaves the fanbase wanting. Lions fans want to see the star wide out on the field, if not to validate his contract, but to also see him make big plays. When Megatron is on, he is dynamite.

In a report by Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, Schwartz is quoted as saying, “he is doing some tests (Monday). He’s no worse than he was yesterday, but this is something that’s going to develop through the week. We will see if we can get him on the practice field this week.”

They are leading us to believe Calvin may yet be on the field this week. This is, of course, to keep the big receiver in the New York Football Giants game plan. Knowing the big man is not going to play changes the way New York prepares for the game, but with the possibility of Megatron being out there, they have to develop two defensive attacks.

More details will follow throughout the week.

Source: http://detnews.com/article/20101012/SPORTS0101/10120332/1004/sports/Lions-remain-quiet-on-Calvin-Johnson-injury

Detroit Lions vs St Louis Rams 10-10-10

By Eric Steven Johnson

 Today is 10-10-10 and the Detroit Lions are playing at home. Hopefully the date oddity will bring the Lions some luck, as even though they can win this game, they are going to need it. My running blog will be available right here at kickoff.



FOURTH QUARTER

Well, you get the feeling the big story coming out of this quarter is going to be the injury to Calvin Johnson. Looks like he dinged his shoulder up pretty well. He was seen on the sidelines out of pads and getting bandaged up. This may be precautionary as the Lions are up by 28. They really do not need to take any chances with the number one receiver.

Bradford is desperate to make a play to get anything going, and instead throws a pass that gets tipped and ultimately intercepted by NDAMUKONG SUH! It's the first pick of his career. And possibly the first time he's smiled all game.


After a lackluster offensive plays, Jason "look ma, no" Hanson boots yet another one through the uprights. He continues to set the Lions all time scoring record each week. He's been very good for a long time and continues to deliver.

After the Rams successfully challenge a lost fumble, Alphonso Smith intercepts Bradford and returns it for a touchdown. Hanson boots another extra point.

It's 44-6 and folks are actually leaving the building because the Lions have BLOWN OUT the Rams.



Cliff Avril is down with cramps. They have to cart him off because he can't walk. Kyle Vanden Bosch is giving him the business.

Rams work their way into Lions territory and all the way to the Lions 28. The drive stalls there as the Rams have resorted to running the ball, since Bradford seems to enjoy throwing to guys in blue jerseys. Rams go for it on fourth and turn it over on downs.

Drew Stanton in the game. The Flying Fur Cats are out in the victory formation and are taking knees as the final two minutes tick away.

This one is final, 44-6. The first Lions regular season victory since 2007 that was not blacked out!!! What a game!

THIRD QUARTER

You can't ask for a better start than that. The Lions defense turns a quick 3 and out and then drive right down the field and score on a pass from Hill to Burleson.

31-6 LIONS!

The defense has been all over Steven Jackson and have really contained Bradford well. The Rams are the ones committing stupid penalties now. After being manhandled and pulling Jackson from the game, the Rams appear to be going for it on fourth and ten. Good luck fellas. The Rams are in desperation mode in the 3rd quarter. Not a good sign for the touted 2-2 Rams.

INCOMPLETE PASS and the Rams turn it over on downs.  

The Lions go nowhere on that drive and have to punt it away. Now the defense is looking to get the Rams off the field. After converting one third down, the Rams are unable to move any further and are forced to punt.

Lions have the ball and are playing kill the clock football meaning hand-offs and screen passes. The Lions have begun a drive as the 3rd quarter comes to an end.

SECOND QUARTER

Stefan Logan returns the St Louis Rams kickoff for a touchdown! Lions up 10-3!

The Rams are set to run back the Lions kickoff and the return man is brought down at the 25 by who else, Stefan Logan. All he does is make plays. (On special teams)


Despite a five yard defensive offsides penalty, the Lions hold the Rams to a 3 and out. Rams punt and Logan does not return this one for a touchdown. He does however pick up four yards.
 
Lions drive right down the field, overcome a couple dumb penalties and play tough football to put seven points on the board. A short toss from Hill to Calvin Johnson and an extra point makes the score 17-3.

The Rams drive down the field thanks to stupid Lions penalty after penalty. They gave St Louis every chance to score, but somehow, they managed not to. The Lions tip a couple balls that should have been picks and end up holding the Wammies to a field goal. 17-6 moving toward the end of the half.

More great usage of the tight ends as Tony Scheffler catches 3 in a row. Kevin Smith makes a big run (snicker) and they move the ball with no problem. Hill takes a shot to Calvin Johnson and it is called a touchdown but the play is under review. Unfortunately, its overturned but on the following play, Rams commit pass interference and the Lions are 15 yards closer.

The Lions move within the five on a, get ready for it, reception and run by Kevin Smith. Hill floats one over Brandon Pettigrew, but on a second attempt with unbelievable pass protection hits the big tight end for six.

It's 24-6 Lions!

The Rams take a shot at a big play before the half but it gets stopped by the Lions D.

FIRST QUARTER

Captains are taking the field now for the coin toss and we'll be underway soon. A lot of "experts" have chosen the Rams to "upset" the Lions today. The commentators have already conceded that the Lions are a better team than their record would indicate. We're about to find out if that is true. The Rams are a bottom tier team and their power ranking is below the Lions.

The Rams open the game with an onside kick and the Lions have it! Amari Spievey not only came up with the ball but did a pretty sweet front flip on his way down. We have an injured Ram on the play and we're going to break.

Offsides by the Rams gives the Lions five yards and then a defensive holding call gives them more. Jahvid Best breaks an eleven yard run to move the Lions into the red zone. Hill misses to Burleson in the end zone, Pettigrew hangs onto one for 9 yards and an incomplete to Bryant Johnson in the end zone and Jason "look ma, no" Hanson boots a 30 yard field goal.

Rams have the ball and Bradford completes one to Mark Clayton. The Lions absolutely jump the Rams snap count and blow up a run by Steven Jackson and an incomplete pass by Bradford follows. Rams punt. Nice 3 and out by the Lions.

A short gainer by Best is followed by a busted play for no gain and a sack on Hill. Lions punt.

Stupid penalties. Those two words can sum up the Lions defense pretty well. They love to commit stupid penalties. An illegal contact call goes against Alphonso Smith and a big incompletion by Bradford results in fifteen yards. However, Mark Clayton went down on the play and may be injured.

Clayton appears to be out. They're taking him off the field in a cart. This is good news for the Lions as he is the only real receiving threat the Rams have.

And on the wackiest play I've seen in a long time, The Lions recover a fumble on their own 5 yard line and on the return attempt fumble again only to recover and take it even further. Play is under review.

The call on the field stands and the Lions have the ball on their own 27. Lions fail to move ten yards and Hill floats a sure interception, only to have the Rams defender drop it. Lions punt.

Rams drive down the field with relative ease. The commentators point out how efficient Sam Bradford is in the red zone. The Rams are poised to score 6 until a huge defensive stand takes them to fourth and goal at the end of the quarter. Field goal ties the game at 3-3.

Lions vs Rams a sellout

By Eric Steven Johnson

According to multiple sources, the Oct 10 Lions vs Rams game has sold out before the deadline and will be televised. The Lions have a healthy shot at winning this game, and that would make this the Lions first LIVE TELEVISED WIN since 2007.

Detroit Lions practice/injury update

By Eric Steven Johnson

According to Tim Twentyman at detnews.com, both C.C. Brown and Tony Scheffler were back on the practice field for Friday's practice and both are cleared to play on Sunday. Scheffler is a big part of the two tight end package that the Lions have been featuring this year and he gives Shaun Hill another big, tall target to hit over the middle. Brown is a better choice at safety than Amari Spievey, not that that's saying much but the Lions need the best they have in their back four.

Stafford and Levy are both still out and Nate Burleson still plans on playing.

Wednesday practice notes

By Eric Steven Johnson

Matthew Stafford was seen throwing a football at Wednesday's practice. Relax, he played catch with Stanton and Hill to test out his arm. He's not coming back this weekend, or the next one for that matter. The Schwartz announced today that Shaun Hill will once again lead the Detroit Football Lions onto Ford Field to take on the St Louis Wammies.

Nate Burleson participated in practice and was able to cut upfield at full speed despite soreness. He will play on Sunday. Thank goodness. He takes pressure off of Megatron and adds missing depth back to the receiving corps.

Jahvid Best is also set to play and will hopefully be over any linger turf-toe issues on Sunday. He fell down several times against Green Bay and his top end speed and cutting ability seemed to be impeded. He should be able to get something going against the Rams defense.

DeAndre Levy did not practice. Gimpy groin syndrome has been a killer for the Lions this year, affecting both Louis Delmas and Levy. Landon Johnson will likely be your starting middle linebacker again.

The Lions waived Manny Ramirez this week. Funny, I thought he played for the White Sox. In all honesty, this isn't news because Manny Ramirez sucked and they replaced him with OT Jamon Meredith who no doubt also sucks. According to my stat sheets, Jamon worked the night shift at 7-11 before being signed by the Lions. Actually, worse than working at 7-11, he was cut by the Buffalo Bills. Great signing guys.

Well, on paper, the Lions are supposed to win this game. The odds makers in Vegas are actually giving them five points. Yep, they are SUPPOSED to win this game. Will they win it? Who knows?

Will the game be televised? 4500 tickets remain. That's a lot of tickets to sell by 1pm tomorrow. I have a feeling I'll be searching for a stream and watching grainy footage uploaded from Kuala Lumpur to maintain my blog.

Randy Moss to Vikings means another Lions "could win" game just became a "won't win" game.

By Eric Steven Johnson

The Minnesota Vikings are in negotiations to bring back Randy Moss. No word on what the Vikes will give up to get him, but I have a feeling we're talking about draft picks here. The Patriots organization is sick and tired of the diva receiver and can't wait to be rid of him. On the other side, Brett Favre can't wait to throw to him.

To say Minnesota has looked bad this season is an insult to bad teams. They were supposed to be in competition to win the division but have instead solidified themselves as a third place team. With the addition of Randy Moss, the Vikings become a threat and will likely have to play winning football until the end of the season to make the playoffs. That means when they play the Lions in January, they'll be playing their assess off.

For the Lions, that means a game the Lions could have won, at home against a team resting starters, becomes a game where the visitors have to win. With a guy like Randy Moss running deep routes against a Lions secondary that will not get any better, The Purple People Eaters may as well chalk that one up in the win column.

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers 10-3-2010

FOURTH QUARTER

Another drive stalls on the Green Bay 30. Jason "Look Ma, no" Hanson boots a 49 yarder and continues to set the record as the Lions all-time leading scorer. This is a five point game folks. The Lions are playing like they want to win. They won't but its good to see this fire.


BIG FUMBLE ON THE KICK RETURN AND THE LIONS HAVE THE BALL ON THE GB 15!!!!!!!!


And it's not to be. Jason "Look Ma, no" Hanson is out again to kick a 20 yarder from the 7. Unbelievable. You have a chance to take the lead, Hill flubs a sure chance to run one in and instead throws a duck out of the end zone. Ug. Do you want to win or not? If you do, you need to be in the lead.

28-26 Packers


Alphonso Smith intercepts Rodgers! They have not given up. The Lions have the ball on their own 30.


Nothing doing. Lions punt. Way to play flat, fellas.


Packers are out in the victory formation and its over.

The Packers were supposed to dominate the Lions. It didn't happen. Aaron Rodgers was supposed to have a field day. It didn't happen. The Lions were supposed to look like the worst team in the NFL. It didn't happen. They stood up and played their tails off. Unfortunately, they still make stupid mistakes. Cherilus and Peterman didn't help with 2 holding calls a piece. Too many freebies and too many field goals off turnovers. The pack had 14 off turnovers. Lions had 6. When that happens, you're going to lose the game. They come up short by just two points. Two painful points.

No, they didn't get blown out. They ripped our hearts out instead.



THIRD QUARTER

Well, there went that. The Lions benefit from a pass interference call, and then Shaun Hill throws an interception that gets dropped, and then an interception that gets taken back to the house. Play is under review, but we all know how it's going to turn out.

Pack 28 - Cats 14

The Lions offense looks really good and for the first time in the game puts together a clean drive. They move all the way into the red zone only to have Brandon Pettigrew drop a sure first down on 3rd and long.

Jason "Look Ma, no" Hanson puts one through the uprights this time.

28-17 in favour of the Packers

INTERCEPTION, Chris Houston. No, wait. Overturned by a penalty. INTERCEPTION, Chris Houston. Echo? No, this one stands. Lions have the ball.


A nice looking drive with a big gain scramble by Hill ends with a Jason "Look Ma, no" Hanson field goal. The Lions all time leading scorer boots it through from 52 yards out. The Lions are within 8.

28-20 Green Bay.


The Lions force a quick 3 and out on D and get the ball back as the seconds tick away in the 3rd quarter. They get in a 5 yard gain before time expires. It's close going into the 4th quarter. This is where legends are made. They're still in the game. They're playing with purpose. Who know what could happen?

SECOND QUARTER

Dear Lord, the Lions cap off a drive with a 23 yard pass to the Megatron in the endzone. The extra point ties the game at 7. This could actually be a ballgame after all.


Oh, no they ditn't. The Lions D responds to points by forcing a 3 and out. Lions have the ball back.


After converting a couple first downs and moving the ball fairly well, Jahvid Best launches a fumble into the arms of a Packer defenseman. The Gosder Cherilus wisely commits a personal foul giving placing the Packers at the Lions 15.

And since one good turn deserves another, the defense commits a holding penalty putting Rodgers that much closer. Hold on to your butts.

And there it is, touchdown Green Bay. After getting sacked and a short gainer, Rodgers looks to the end zone and throws a strike. 14-7 Cheeseheads.



Quick 3 and out for the Lions follows Green Bay's score.



More stupid defensive play, and Rodgers take a deep shot down field. He hits a WIDE OPEN Donald Driver for 60 yards and on the next play, they pass for 6 more points.

Cabasas de queso go up 21-7.

Wow! The Lions did absolutely everything they could have to prevent themselves from scoring and they still pulled it off. Peterman gets called for a second hold, whifs on a block and lets his QB get sacked for 10 yards and more a few more minor penalties should have stalled the drive. However, Hill hits Megatron in the end zone for 6. AND YES, he did complete the process.

Lions get closer, but still trail 21-14

LIONS RECOVER A FUMBLE ON THE KICKOFF!!!!

Then Jason "Look Ma, no" Hanson misses a 50+ yarder.

It remains 21-14 at the half.





FIRST QUARTER

Here we go. We are on the precipice of a blowout. Just about 20 minutes until The Detroit Football Lions storm out of the tunnel to face the Frozen Tundra Cheeseheads. You really get the feeling that the Lions wish they could run full boar out of the tunnel, stop, turn around and head back to the locker room. Unless Ndamukong Suh manages to hit Aaron Rodgers with a DDT followed by a piledriver, the Lions defense will look like a Pop-Warner team taking on an All-Pro squad.

Be afraid Lions fans, be very afraid. In fact, don't watch the game. just read my blog after its all over and follow me through the five stages of grieving in just three short hours. Updates will be posted here constantly and on Facebook quarterly.

Oh, and Gooooooooo Lions (snicker.)



Green Bay has won the toss and elected to receive. Clay Matthews is furious that he does not get to pulverize the Lions offense first.

And, we start off with a Lions penalty on the opening kickoff. Way to set the tone for the game, guys.



That didn't take long. 2:12 into the first quarter, Aaron Rodgers throws a strike to Donald Driver for six. The extra point makes it seven. You can expect the entire game to follow this pattern. When Green Bay gets the ball, they are going to score points. I am already passed the denial phase of grief and moving toward anger.



The Lions open up their first offensive drive with sack on Shaun Hill. Then pass for a short gain. Then hit Pettigrew over the middle for a first down. It was, miraculously,  not called back by a penalty. The Lions are gaining yards using their tight end combo, and nothing else. The receivers cannot get open. Calvin Johnson is yet to get a ball thrown his way and Tony Scheffler really gave up his body to pull in a poor pass by Hill. They also managed to picjk up a holding penalty in the drive but overcame it, gaining another first down.

Then Jahvid Best fell the hell down and Hill threw the ball directly to A.J. Hawk, a Green Bay Packer, who completed the interception at the 7 yard line. Anger is in full swing.



Nothing comes of the turnover and the Lions have the ball back.



With the first quarter over, the Lions are driving down the field. Megatron has caught both passes thrown his way, and both went for first down distance. Best is running ok despite his turf-toe. Stephen Peterman gets flagged for a false start and the team has nearly bailed him out by getting to a 3 and inches situation. Can they convert? Are they really only trailing by 7 points still? Could we even hope to see a tie at some point in this game? Have I already reached the bargaining phase of the grieving process?

Yes.

Detroit Lions Active/Inactive List

Courtesy of detroitlions.com

Best Will Start, Smith Active at Green Bay

Posted by cwywrot on October 3, 2010 – 11:30 am

Rookie RB Jahvid Best will start at Green Bay after missing the majority of the second half last week at Minnesota with a toe injury.
Best did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, but participated in limited fashion on Friday.
Said Head Coach Jim Schwartz on Friday, “The rest definitely helped him the first couple days of the week.”
Also notable, RB Kevin Smith will get his first regular season action of the year. Smith spent the offseason rehabbing after knee surgery last December and saw time in the preseason, but has not been active since.
Schwartz: “I think the thing that really made a big difference for Kevin was coming out of training camp and just getting into a regular season schedule. We tried to protect him as much as we could in camp, like not going three days in a row and not doing two-a-days, but still when you don’t get the same rest that you get during the season, particularly when he wasn’t playing on Sundays, I thought that made a big difference for him.”
Inactives for today’s game include:

• QB Matthew Stafford
• WR Nate Burleson
• RB Aaron Brown
• LB DeAndre Levy
• T Jason Fox
• G Manny Ramirez
• DE Willie Young
• DT Sammie Hill

Starting in place of Burleson will be WR Bryant Johnson and starting in place of Levy will be LB Landon Johnson.
See full starting line-ups from both teams

Welcome to Bleed Blue and Silver

Bleed Blue and Silver is the new home for my rants and raves about the Detroit Football Lions. This will be your one stop shop for game updates, thoughts, concerns, etc. Running blogs will be available during all televised games, and some non-televised as well. I will also provide running updates during the week featuring news, injury updates, transactions and more.