Jimbo

I really love that we finally have a GM that can draft. He is definitely going to go BPA. Even the past three years he has and we had a lot more holes. The draft is where you find your stars and going BPA is how you find them. Its very rare to find the franchise player in FA and if you do your going to have to over pay. FA is where you plug your holes and its so refreshing to finally hear a GM say that. That being said, it is nearly impossible to predict. I would love if the Lions could get Latu if he either dropped (because of injuriy concerns) or if they traded up. Would love to get someone that could take some pressure off of Hutch (so either Robinson would be good if they stayed in their spot). DT Murphy from Texas is another going around the same range. I would also be good if we went with a receiver (Thomas, Mitchell). If I had to make a prediction on the pick I would say Kool-aid.

I guess he won't be in the Naked Gun remake

I think with this situation its more of an equation on severity of the accusation compared to actual value (and cost to let that player go). If he was Sauce Gardner then you wait and see. Ray Lewis got accused of murder but he was Ray Lewis, so you wait and see. The fact that he got destroyed by receivers all last season made that equation easy for the Lions and the decision to not wait and see before you release him (not turning himself in right away made it even easier). For a long time I stopped thinking sports figures or anyone famous for that matter were great people. It makes things a lot easier to just think everyone has skeletons in their closets and just enjoy what they do on the field.

https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/21/24108084/examining-the-salary-cap-impact-of-the-lions-releasing-cam-sutton Better description of the cap situation for Sutton.

So what is the situation when the Lions cut him? Does he still go against the cap (this year and next) or is there a clause when something like this happens? What about if he "isn't around anymore" (same questions)? With everyone so sensitive now I want to also say that those questions are not as important as the safety of this woman and the children affected. Also the life of Cam Sutton (unless he did some of the rumors that are going around). Was asking for a friend actually lol.

This will be tough to watch for the NFC championship game. Three receivers were in that game and you know it will be a big part of the series

Jaymo is just one of those players that people focus on. Its almost the perfect storm with him. Its going to be debatable for a while. My whole point with saying its a bad pick is that how I deal with it myself. For me, its just an acceptance thing and allows me to move on and have different expectations with him. The fact that the Lions are an actual Superbowl contender actually takes the pressure off of him to have big stats. Doesn't matter where he was picked anymore. He just needs to help us win. If that means having 1 big play here and there and we win it doesn't matter where he was picked (for me lol). One thing I am loving about him lately is it seems like he is maturing and is really excited regardless if he makes the play. Just be a good teammate and do what the coaches tell him to do and he will start to see more plays called for him.

Great game. Herbert had a great game and we came out with a win against a tough team on the road. Definitely a game that they will look at defensively and look to improve on. Run defense looked good though and against one of the best RB's in the league. Definitely need to improve on a more balanced strategy. It's nice to see what our offense will look like when we have both RB's and healthy offensive line. Not a perfect game but a win is a win especially on the road against a team that was desperate for a win. On the whole Jaymo discussion. I think you have to change your expectations as time goes on. At this point it was a bad pick. I just have accepted that. Even if he ends up being a good to great receiver, a year and a half (lets face it will probably be two years) of low production out of the 12th overall pick is a bad pick. I don't care how many good blocks or if he has a good play here and there. Its a bad pick. You really couldn't convince me that it was a good pick. If St. Brown all of the sudden looked like an average WR, would you be OK with that because he was drafted late? No, you would be disappointment and expect more from him. That being said, my expectations for Jaymo now change because its already decided its a bad pick. Now I want him to be a threat and keep on making good blocks. At this point, I am not worried about where he was picked. Just have to accept it was a bad pick and move on. It does matter where the team is at as a whole when I look at individual players. In the past I would focus more on where players were picked and their production because the team was bad.

Great post 1984Echos. I agree with most of what you said. I feel like the Lions are looking for years of competitive football and they are ahead of the rebuild. I really don't think the Lions when they traded Hock, thought they were going to compete for a playoff position last year. Fact is we really don't know what the reasons are they didn't get Young or Sweat. Is it possible that Lions weren't offered to match or better the young offer? Maybe Wash though San Fran would have a better draft pick and the Lions weren't going to give a 2nd round pick. Sweat would of had to been a 1rst round pick and again, I am sure they weren't willing to give that up for him. Maybe it'll come out but usually no one really knows what happened. Maybe the Lions just simply didn't want both or one of these guys at all. We also don't know if the Lions were focused on other players that didn't work out (Crosby, Burns). As much as I have absolutely love having competency with the Lions management. They aren't perfect. They will be judged overall if they win a superbowl. If they don't, its a failure. Better than past regimes already, although you will be judged based on rings. Dumars was a complicated GM. Not sure if anyone else could of build the Pistons team that took them to 6 straight eastern conf finals. Although I feel like his own mistakes and over confidence resulted in only 1 championship. Should of been multiple championships.

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.