Schedule leaks: Detroit Lions to open season by hosting Eagles, travel to Green Bay in finale
ALLEN PARK -- Dan Campbell will open his second season by hosting the team that whipped him harder than anyone else in Year 1. The Detroit Lions are scheduled to host Darius Slay and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. That’s a rematch of an ugly Week 8 game from last season, when the Lions were squashed 44-6. Meanwhile, the Lions are scheduled to finish the season by traveling to Green Bay for a game against the Packers, according to The Athletic. “So getting to play in Green Bay early, Chicago early, that would be pretty nice.”Detroit’s full 17-game schedule will be released at 8 p.m. Thurday.
mlive.comLions among 3 teams shut out of All-Pro voting; 6 former players jettisoned by Quinntricia earned votes
OFFENSEQuarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay, 34; Tom Brady, Tampa Bay, 16. Left tackle: Trent Williams, San Francisco, 46; Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers, 2; Orlando Brown Jr., Kansas City, 1; Tyron Smith, Dallas, 1. Right tackle: Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay, 37; Lane Johnson, Philadelphia, 10; Brian O’Neill, Minnesota, 3. Cornerbacks: Trevon Diggs, Dallas, 33; Jalen Ramsey, Los Angeles Rams, 32; J.C. Jackson, New England, 25; A.J. SPECIAL TEAMSPlace kicker: Justin Tucker, Baltimore, 40; Daniel Carlson, Las Vegas, 8; Nick Folk, New England, 1; Matt Gay, Los Angeles Rams, 1.
mlive.comEx-Lions players in the NFL playoffs: Matthew Stafford gets another crack at first postseason win
Still, several former Lions players and familiar faces are playing for the ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl. This post will run through ex-Lions players on 53-man rosters in the NFL playoffs, starting with the most noteworthy of them all:Rams QB Matthew StaffordMatthew Stafford is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Stafford has completed 74 of 117 passes for 908 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions in three playoff games. Stafford threw for 4,886 yards with 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, developing a lethal combination with receiver Cooper Kupp. Trufant’s part grew down the stretch for the Raiders on the playoff push, playing 43 snaps in the finale.
mlive.comPrescott throws 5 TD passes in Cowboys' romp over Eagles
Dak Prescott threw a career-high five touchdown passes against Philadelphia Eagles backups, Cedrick Wilson and Dalton Schultz each had two scoring catches and the Dallas Cowboys kept their slim hopes for a No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs alive with a 51-26 victory.
Amani Oruwariye’s breakout season ends with trip to injured reserve, surgery a possibility
ATLANTA -- Amani Oruwariye’s breakout season is over. The Detroit Lions announced on Saturday afternoon they’ve moving the third-year cornerback to injured reserve. Green in the win against Arizona, perhaps the defensive play of the season for Detroit. Even Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn isn’t shying from those lofty possibilities. Linebacker Tavante Beckett, tight end Shane Zylstra and linebacker Curtis Bolton have all been elevated to play against the Falcons.
mlive.comInstant observations: Jared Goff benched in Detroit Lions’ embarrassing 44-6 loss against Eagles
DETROIT -- Jared Goff threw away the football on fourth down the last time he played at Ford Field. And considering the day featured a 44-6 bloodletting against an awful Philadelphia Eagles team, that is saying something. Then after Philadelphia tacked on another touchdown to open the second half, Goff, well, did whatever it is Goff does on fourth down. On his second play of the season, Blough was strip-sack’d. He wasn’t even tested by Jared Goff until the second quarter, when Slay dropped Amon-Ra St. Brown after a modest 5-yard gain short of the sticks.
mlive.comFormer Lions star Darius Slay all smiles about Ford Field homecoming, Detroit fried chicken too
ALLEN PARK -- Last week, the Detroit Lions saw an old friend in Matthew Stafford. The All-Pro cornerback left Detroit under very different circumstances, after a rift with former head coach Matt Patricia never healed. On Sunday, Slay will make his first return to Ford Field since the deal. But the hiring of Patricia in 2018 proved to be the beginning of the end for the star corner in Detroit. Slay’s personality was too big for the Patriot Way, too care-free for the Matt Patricia Way.
mlive.comLooking ahead: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts offers another dynamic challenge for Detroit’s defense
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are back home at Ford Field for a date with the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, with the team looking for their first win of the season. Goedert has 18 catches for 286 yards and two touchdowns, catching three of five looks for 70 yards last week. Detroit’s rushing defense has taken steps forward this season, with this week’s challenge coming in the form of Hurts and his ability to make you pay. He’s been tasked with covering the leading receiver on the opposite team almost every week and he’s just done a great job. See below for the five most recent meetings, with the Lions winning four of those five:2019 -- Lions 27, Eagles 242016 -- Lions 24, Eagles 232015 -- Lions 45, Eagles 142013 -- Eagles 34, Lions 202012 -- Lions 26, Eagles 23 (OT)
mlive.comDetroit Lions considered 3-point underdogs for Halloween game against Philadelphia Eagles
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are underdogs once again, with the Philadelphia Eagles getting three points from most oddsmakers ahead of the Halloween matchup at Ford Field. Philadelphia (2-5) has lost two straight, including five of six since its season-opening win against the Atlanta Falcons. The Eagles lost 33-22 to the Las Vegas Raiders last week, scoring 15 of those 22 points in the fourth quarter. The Lions will also get their first taste of Eagles rookie receiver DeVonta Smith, who has 32 catches on 53 targets for 406 yards and one score. Parker is third cornerback they’ve lost to serious injurySnap counts: Detroit Lions continue to tinker with rotations at wide receiver, safety in Week 7
mlive.comDetroit Lions in early stages of considering uniform change for 2022
ALLEN PARK -- Matthew Stafford, Darius Slay, Ezekiel Ansah and Ameer Abdullah were the stars of the Detroit Lions’ last uniform rollout. The Lions are eligible to redesign their uniforms in 2022, and they’ve already begun to kick around the idea. Do we continue with the color rush, etc.? They updated their leaping lion logo, changed their font and introduced an all-grey color rush uniform. It seems that could happen as soon as 2022, although it’ll be a while before any final decisions are made.
mlive.comEx-Lions CB Desmond Trufant reportedly signing 1-year deal with Chicago Bears
ALLEN PARK -- Former Detroit Lions cornerback Desmond Trufant is reportedly sticking around the NFC North, signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears per ESPN. Former All-Pro and Pro Bowl cornerback Kyle Fuller is on the way out, with the Bears saving a reported $14 million in cap space. “But, you know, I just know overall, we need competition in that area (cornerbacks),” Campbell said. We need competition. Just because, for example, we got two young cornerbacks.
mlive.comFrank Ragnow, Jack Fox end Lions’ All-Pro drought with second-team nominations
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions ended their All-Pro drought on Friday with center Frank Ragnow and Jack Fox earning second-team nominations. That includes when he fractured his throat in a Week 15 game against the Green Bay Packers. But Ragnow stayed in the game, played all 68 offensive snaps and never allowed so much as a single pressure. He bounced between practice squads in Kansas City and Detroit last year before eking past undrafted rookie Arryn Siposs in a spirited training camp battle this year. Tight end T.J. Hockenson also earned Pro Bowl recognition but did not make the All-Pro teams.
mlive.comDetroit Lions’ 2021 regular-season opponents officially set
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions already know their full schedule for the 2021 season, complete with that potential 17th game. The Lions will play each team from the NFC West and AFC North in 2021. They will also play the last-place Atlanta Falcons from the NFC South and last-place Philadelphia Eagles from the NFC East. If the NFL adds the 17th regular-season game as expected, Detroit will play the last-place Denver Broncos of the AFC West. The Lions will hit the road for trips to Seattle, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Pittsburgh.
mlive.comCowboys beat Eagles 37-17, stay alive with Washington loss
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) and wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) celebrate a touchdown catch by Lamb in the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 27. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)ARLINGTON, Texas – Andy Dalton threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns, two to Michael Gallup, and the Dallas Cowboys stayed alive in the playoff race with a 37-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Dallas can overtake Washington (6-9) with a win at the New York Giants and a Washington loss to the Eagles on the final weekend of the regular season. The Giants (5-10) can get in by beating the Cowboys if Washington loses. UP NEXTPhiladelphia has Dallas' fate in its hands at home against Washington in the regular-season finale.
Why the Detroit Lions fired Brayden Coombs
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- It’s easy to understand the backlash to the firing of Brayden Coombs. “Cmon.”It’s easy to understand the backlash because Coombs was in charge of one of the few good things left in Detroit. He walked into Allen Park telling Lions players they were soft and didn’t know how to play real football. “(Spielman) is helping us build a Detroit Lions culture throughout the entire organization,” team president Rod Wood said. Perhaps if this were a one-off mistake, the Lions might be more keen to give Coombs some grace.
mlive.comJalen Hurts helps Eagles beat Saints 24-21
Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)PHILADELPHIA – Jalen Hurts provided the Philadelphia Eagles a spark with his legs and his teammates came up with their best all-around effort of the season. They needed everyone to deliver to beat the New Orleans Saints. Sanders brook loose for an 82-yard TD run in the second quarter, giving the Eagles a 17-0 lead. He had a 74-yard TD run against Pittsburgh and a 74-yard run against Baltimore.
Packers withstand late rally to outlast Eagles 30-16
The only other players with at least 400 touchdown passes are Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Dan Marino and Philip Rivers. He has 36 touchdown passes this year and is the first player to throw at least 35 in five separate seasons. Rodgers doesn't have the footballs from his 100th, 200th or 300th touchdown passes. His 400th touchdown pass was a 9-yarder to Adams that capped a 99-yard drive in the third period. Philadelphia’s rally started with Hurts' 32-yard touchdown pass to Greg Ward on fourth-and-18.
Desmond Trufant, Danny Shelton headed to injured reserve; Kenny Golladay still out
ALLEN PARK -- Desmond Trufant, signed to replace Darius Slay as Detroit’s No. Trufant was placed on injured reserve before practice on Wednesday, along with defensive tackle Danny Shelton. Cornerback has been a problem all year, where Trufant and Justin Coleman have both had spells on IR. Star receiver Kenny Golladay also won’t practice when Detroit returns from the Thanksgiving break on Wednesday. Trey Flowers, also on injured reserve and now eligible to come off it, remains sidelined.
mlive.comDK Metcalf burns Eagles, Darius Slay after Jim Schwartz compared him to Calvin Johnson
DK Metcalf could not be stopped on Monday night. The Seahawks wide receiver torched the Eagles defense, including former Lions cornerback Darius Slay and former Lions coach Jim Schwartz, to the tune of 10 catches for 177 yards in Seattle’s 23-17 win. “In my mind I’m not trying to be Megatron, I’m trying to be me. “So, hey, Slay needs to blame his D-coordinator for that.”Metcalf now has 58 catches for 1039 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games this season. And to be fair, his numbers compare favorably to Calvin Johnson early in his career.
mlive.comMatt Patricia’s reign of error was unraveling before it even began
ALLEN PARK -- The Lions announced at 2:43 p.m. Saturday that they had fired Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn. But the sheer volume of players who were very publicly celebrating Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn’s demise on Saturday afternoon? Matt Patricia had a toxic relationship with his locker room, period. And Matt Patricia never did that, especially early. But this is exactly the problem with Matt Patricia.
mlive.comEx-Lions players don’t hold back in aftermath of Matt Patricia, Bob Quinn’s firing
ALLEN PARK -- There are more than a couple of stories of ex-Lions coach Matt Patricia rubbing players the wrong way during his two-plus seasons in Detroit. Well, it turns out those former players were ready to dish something back nearly the moment news broke that Patricia and Lions general manager Bob Quinn were relieved of their duties in Detroit. Former All-Pro Lions cornerback Darius Slay has not been shy since getting traded to Philadelphia in the offseason, and that didn’t change on Saturday. Slay has gone public with his feelings for Patricia before, even saying he didn’t respect him as a person. It didn’t work out— — Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) November 28, 2020When the next HC for the @Lions gets to Detroit—he will have a lot of work to do.
mlive.comEagles beat Cowboys 23-9 in sloppy battle for first place
Philadelphia Eagles' Travis Fulgham (13) celebrates with teammates after catching a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Philadelphia. Carson Wentz threw a pair of touchdown passes to overcome four turnovers, Rodney McLeod returned a fumble 53 yards for a score and the Eagles beat the Dallas Cowboys 23-9 on Sunday night. “A win is a win,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said. The Cowboys then had an excellent opportunity after Donovan Wilson strip-sacked Wentz and recovered at the Eagles 25. Dallas had a first down at the Eagles 4 before Brandon Graham stripped DiNucci on second down and recovered.
Amani Oruwariye making case he is Detroit’s new No. 1 cornerback
But heading into a Week 7 game against Atlanta, you can make a pretty convincing case Amani Oruwariye has been Detroit’s best corner. Oruwariye is now allowing 0.87 yards per coverage snap, which is 15th, and ranks 46th overall according to ProFootballFocus. “I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job, but always looking for a way to improve," Oruwariye said. He’s in his second season out of Penn State, and young players always have stuff to work on. The Falcons have just one win, but their offense can really sling it, averaging 291.2 passing yards per game.
mlive.comFive Detroit Lions headlines to watch for the 2020 season
DETROIT After another long offseason that included doubts about the season being played because of the coronavirus were now less than two weeks away from NFL season kicking off and another year of Detroit Lions football. That said - Here are the headlines going into the 2020 season for the Lions. Matthew Stafford returnsQB Matthew Stafford is back after missing the final 8 games of last season. New facesThere are a ton of new faces with many of them on the Lions defense. Improvements on defenseBy any number the Lions defense was one of the worst in the league last year.
Lions Draft Day Three Full Of Surprises
Lions general manager Bob Quinn said he hopes his fifth NFL draft with the franchise proves to be his best. I wish I batted 1.000 our record would be a lot better.The Lions are 27-36-1 in four years under Quinn. PLANNING AHEADPerhaps looking ahead to 2021, the Lions took speedy Wisconsin receiver Quintez Cephus in the fifth round. CATCHING A FLYERThe Lions took New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley in the fifth, likely envisioning him as an option as a kickoff returner and elsewhere on special teams. Detroit closed its draft with a third player from Ohio State, defensive tackle Jashon Cornell, in the seventh round.
detroit.cbslocal.comLions Selection In First Round OSU Cornerback Jeff Okudah
The Detroit Lions selected Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah in the NFL draft Thursday night. The Lions were expected to take Okudah or linebacker Isaiah Simmons if they didnt trade out of the high slot to acquire multiple picks. He is the highest-drafted cornerback since Shawn Springs was selected from the same school by Seattle in the 1997 draft. The Lions were last in the NFL against in the pass last season and then traded three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay to Philadelphia last month for draft picks. The Lions have nine selections overall, including a pair of picks in the third and fifth rounds from the Slay trade.
detroit.cbslocal.comFormer Lion Slay Looks Forward To Opportunity
New Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay welcomes the opportunity to cover the opponents best receiver. The move reunites Slay with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who was Detroits head coach when Slay was selected with the No. But Slay, a three-time Pro Bowl pick, is more talented than anyone Schwartz has had in Philly. I can get up in a guys face for the whole game, Slay said. I feel like I just like to go play ball.The Eagles strongly considered drafting Slay seven years ago, but selected tight end Zach Ertz instead.
detroit.cbslocal.comLions Achieve: Big Play Slay Bails Out Lions In Win Over Chargers
DETROIT (AP) Matthew Stafford and Darius Slay had a lot to do with the Los Angeles Chargers leading the Lions for three-plus quarters. Detroit (1-0-1) overcame Staffords two interceptions, Slay getting outplayed by Keenan Allen and Matt Prater missing an extra point and a field goal. Prater also missed a 40-yard field goal to the right in the second quarter. Los Angeles got in position to score again in the third, but Long missed a 39-yard field goal by hitting the left upright. Lions: Stafford was 22 of 30 for 245 yards with two TDs and two interceptions.
detroit.cbslocal.comSlay And Winston Have Plenty To Play For
Jameis Winston has plenty to play for and Darius Slay does, too. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions have been eliminated from the playoff picture, putting their team goals out of reach. Winston, who intends to play in Detroit with a small fracture in his right thumb, is in the final year of the contract he signed as the No. He is among the NFL leaders with 1,157 yards receiving and eight touchdown catches. Chris Godwin ranks second in the league with 1,212 yards receiving.
detroit.cbslocal.comMatt Patricia Not Thinking About Next Year
Matt Patricia appears to look and seems to sound as if he expects to lead the Detroit Lions again next season. And yet, Patricia does not give off any hints publicly or privately that suggest he is coaching for his job over the final three games of the season. Well worry about next year, next year, Patricia said Monday, a day after a 20-7 setback at Minnesota. But right now I want to get through today and want to get the game corrected.Has Patricia been told hell be back for a third season in 2020? While most coaches say their record reflects how successful their team is, or not, Patricia has a different take on what he sees in the standings.
detroit.cbslocal.comNFL Trade Deadline 2019: Detroit Lions trade rumor mill (Oct. 29)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Darius Slay #23 of the Detroit Lions celebrates a win over the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on November 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)Will the Detroit Lions make a trade ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline today? The Lions have been in the middle of multiple rumors as the Oct. 29 NFL Trade Deadline approaches. The NFL trade deadline is 4 p.m. Follow the latest Detroit Lions trade rumors below:Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
NFL Trade Deadline 2019: Detroit Lions trade rumor mill (Oct. 29)
Will the Detroit Lions make a trade ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline today? The Lions have been in the middle of multiple rumors as the Oct. 29 NFL Trade Deadline approaches. On Sunday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported teams were calling the Lions about cornerback Darius Slay:Heres another name that bears watching as Tuesdays trade deadline approaches: Lions CB Darius Slay, per league sources. The NFL trade deadline is 4 p.m. Follow the latest Detroit Lions trade rumors below:
MONDAY HUDDLE: Should Lions be buyers or sellers at trade deadline?
The Lions currently sit in mediocrity with a 3-3-1 record (but hey, no last place in the NFC North anymore. The Lions are currently ninth in the NFC standings, with Seattle and Minnesota holding down the last Wild Card spots at 6-2. Is that too much of a deficit for the Lions to overcome over their last nine games of the season with winnable games upcoming? Should the Lions be buyers and give up draft capital to address glaring needs, especially at running back with Kerryon Johnson likely out for the season? It's going to be a hectic Monday and Tuesday before the trade deadline for the Lions front office deciding exactly what direction to take.
NFL Trade Deadline 2019: Detroit Lions trade rumor mill
(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)Will the Detroit Lions make a trade ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline this week? The Lions have been in the middle of multiple rumors as the Oct. 29 NFL Trade Deadline approaches. On Sunday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported teams were calling the Lions about cornerback Darius Slay:Here's another name that bears watching as Tuesday's trade deadline approaches: Lions' CB Darius Slay, per league sources. Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) October 27, 2019The NFL trade deadline is 4 p.m. Follow the latest Detroit Lions trade rumors below:Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
MONDAY HUDDLE: Should Lions be buyers or sellers at trade deadline?
The Lions currently sit in mediocrity with a 3-3-1 record (but hey, no last place in the NFC North anymore. The Lions are currently ninth in the NFC standings, with Seattle and Minnesota holding down the last Wild Card spots at 6-2. Is that too much of a deficit for the Lions to overcome over their last nine games of the season with winnable games upcoming? Should the Lions be buyers and give up draft capital to address glaring needs, especially at running back with Kerryon Johnson likely out for the season? It's going to be a hectic Monday and Tuesday before the trade deadline for the Lions front office deciding exactly what direction to take.
NFL Trade Deadline 2019: Detroit Lions trade rumor mill
Will the Detroit Lions make a trade ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline this week? The Lions have been in the middle of multiple rumors as the Oct. 29 NFL Trade Deadline approaches. On Sunday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported teams were calling the Lions about cornerback Darius Slay:Heres another name that bears watching as Tuesdays trade deadline approaches: Lions CB Darius Slay, per league sources. The NFL trade deadline is 4 p.m. Follow the latest Detroit Lions trade rumors below:
Stafford-led Lions beat Giants 31-26 and end 3-game skid
Kenny Golladay #19 of the Detroit Lions celebrates his touchdown pass with teammate Matthew Stafford. Giants rookie Daniel Jones threw a 4-yard TD pass to Saquan Barkley and an extra point pulled them within five points late in the game. The Giants have lost four games in a row before the end of October for the second straight season. Jones provided a promising performance after throwing only TD pass in each of his last four games and seven interceptions during that span. He threw a 49-yard TD pass to Marvin Hall late in the first quarter and connected with Golladay for scores in the second half.
Detroit Lions players furious after team trades Quandre Diggs to Seattle for 5th-round pick
Darius Slay #23 of the Detroit Lions talks with Quandre Diggs #28 in the second half against the Houston Texans during the preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)DETROIT - Detroit Lions players were furious after the team traded safety Quandre Diggs to the Seattle Seahawks for a late draft pick. The Lions confirmed Tuesday that they are sending Diggs and a seventh-round 2021 pick to Seattle in exchange for a 2020 fifth-round pick. The team traded wide receiver Golden Tate last season. Getty Images DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions intercepts a pass intended for Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets in the first quarter at Ford Field on September 10, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan.
VIDEO: Darius Slay, Matt Stafford discuss Lions' win over Chargers
The Detroit Lions remain undefeated (1-0-1) through two weeks of football. The Lions defeated the Chargers, 13-10, in their home opener on Sunday. Defensive back Darius Slay made an interception with about a minute left in the game to ensure the win. Watch the post-game comments from Slay, quarterback Matthew Stafford and coach Matt Patricia above. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.