Mason Foster will be tested in his first game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
by Sander on Sep 6, 2011 12:03 PM EDT
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PrintMason Foster may be the biggest question mark on defense for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's not the only rookie who will start, but Adrian Clayborn has looked ready to play in the NFL from the first second of his first preseason game. Foster, on the other hand, has struggled in coverage and at times looked a little lost. While Foster has all the physical skills to succeed and has looked especially fast and aggressive in the running game, his inexperience in coverage is his Achilles heel. And against the Lions, this could come back to bite the Bucs.
When the Bucs last played the Detroit Lions they lost in overtime to Maurice Morris running wild and a seemingly unstoppable Calvin Johnson. With a beefed up and improved defensive line, the Detroit running game should be easier to stop. And with Aqib Talib back the Bucs have someone who can match up with Calvin Johnson, at least physically. Stopping Calvin Johnson is another matter.
A bigger problem for the Bucs may be the Lions' tight ends. With 2009 first-round pick Brandon Pettigrew the Lions have a talented tight end who can function in both the running game and the passing game, catching an impressive 71 balls for 772 yards last season. In addition to Pettigrew, Detroit also has Tony Scheffler. Scheffler used to be a star for the Denver Broncos, until Josh McDaniels while running that franchise into the ground so fast, even Hugh Culverhouse would have been surprised. Regardless, Scheffler is another two-way tight end who can be a threat in the passing game. And for the Bucs, this is a problem.
Last season, the Bucs were mediocre against tight ends in the passing game. According to Football Outsiders, they ranked 16th in the league, which is just about average. However, that was with Barrett Ruud directing the defense and dropping to the deep middle of the field in Tampa 2 sets. Ruud was experienced and for all his faults, he was a solid player in coverage. The same cannot be said of Mason Foster, at least not yet.
This is a major problem, because in most sets the linebackers are the ones responsible for tight ends in the passing game. Aside from all the problems the Lions' spread sets could pose for the Bucs' pass defense, the tight end exploiting the deep middle of the field is a real possibility with Foster at middle linebacker.
The Bucs could address this by playing their nickel sets more often, keeping Foster off the field in favor of an extra cornerback or safety. If they do that, the Lions could just decide to start running the ball. Both their tight ends are accomplished blockers, so this should pose another problem for the team.
Another option involves giving the tight ends some exra safety attention. Of course, that would leave Calvin Johnson with a lot of room to exploit. There is no easy fix for the Bucs here, and they will have to leave themselves exposed in one way or another on Sunday.
I like Mason Foster, and the Bucs have no choice but to play him and hope he learns quickly. But don't be surprised if you develop a recurring nightmare heavily featuring Brandon Pettigrew while Foster learns on the job..
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As a Lions fan
I think its sweet you guys are worried we might run the ball. People generally have no fear of that from us. The TE thing on the other hand. You should worry about that. The Pats went to a nickle to try and stop our TEs from catching the ball and we torched them for it. Most nickle corners are too small to hang with a huge TE.
Seriously though, it should be a good game. I was blown away by Freeman last year and I hope we can apply enough pressure to keep him from picking apart our secondary.
It always makes me happy
To see respectable fans who don’t just talk trash when commenting on these blogs. It’s nice to know there are still people with enough respect to not make asses out of themselves and other fans.
by Bucsfan123 on Sep 6, 2011 12:43 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Agreed
Thank you ATL Lion. It’s refreshing to here analysis other than “y’all suck” and “cause we’re better than you”.
by flash_kiley on Sep 6, 2011 1:53 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Another Lions fan here.
And that should say it all. We are Lions fans and have had to endure a decade of . . . .I’m going to call it football, but that is being generous. Most of us are very drunk on the Kool-aid especially when we have seen Stafford looking sharper than any QB in Lions history so far this year. Last years game is irrelevant to both teams. 1 we were a walking MASH unit and by the time we played you guys; and 2: I be leave most of your D was hurt as well. The thing that should scare the Bucks the most is your O-line. I only saw the game against the Pat’s and I hope for your guys sake that they were not really trying cause our offense has been running that same hurry up offense all pre-season and has been basically unstoppable.
How many lumps you want Doc?
Well, I'm not too scared of the Lions just running the ball from base personnel
The personnel issue with the tight ends just puts the Bucs in a bind. If they don’t respond with nickel personnel, they will struggle to stop passes to tight ends. If they do respond with nickel personnel, the Lions can use their tight end blocking advantage to run the ball more effectively. And it’s not like the Bucs have had a good run defense recently.
I think he will be ok.
No way you going to learn until you get your feet wet. I had the same feelings about Cody Grimm last year. struggled initially but he was good in the end. I hope our d-line brings pressure!
Mason Foster Gets First Game Experience...Invaluable
Great Expectations Not To Worry
No man is an island and he’ll be behind an awesome DL. With his supporting characters he should do fine. With Quincy and Geno on his wings and solid DB’s he’ll fit in just fine. Nobody is perfect, especially rookies, but stopping the run makes Detroit one dimensional…which they’re not bad at, but it should let the DL pin their ears back and cause havoc with Stafford.
Lions fan here
Even though we have a strong front 7 your backfield scares the crap out of me, I think if there’s one backfield that could where our D-line over the coarse of the game it’s yours. On the flip side looking forward to Stafford and our WR going up agaisnt you defence.
I wish I could totally disagree w/ you
but Megatron and Pettigrew are match up problems for any defense. Im not sure Calvin Johnson can really be contained, maybe just slowed down a bit. I do think our best chance is to force mistakes by Stafford w/ pressure. We have a revitalized front 7 this year and they could even end up being the strength of the defense. Also, I remember the Lion’s o-line being pretty porous and, as far as I know, haven’t done much of anything to improve it.
So, I think this will come down to the Bucs being able to get pressure w/ 4 or 5 men. If they can do that, we can mitigate the damage from the offensive threats of Detriot.
The man with the hair makes 'em skared. Soul Glo!
by chuckyforpres on Sep 6, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
About that pourus O-line you mentioned.
The Lions QB’s were among the league leaders in NOT being sacked last year. Backus gave up the fewest sacks for any LT in the NFC last year. Simm’s has had a full year to jell with Backus and mighty mouse Rayola at Center. Peterman played all of last year with a foot injury and he’s healthy again, Gos well he is back on the field and has shown steady improvement every year so far so he should be fine. Expect to see a lot of shotgun formations from our offense and Staff getting rid of the ball fast, he has all pre-season and Megatron isn’t the scary WR on this roster, Nate Burelson has been just out of this world so far. We don’t know what we have with our Rookie Titus Young yet because we have only seen 1 game out of him, but the guy who has stepped up BIG TIME is someone that you all know and that is Stoval, at 6’5" and not seeing double teams he has been catching everything thrown near him so far also.
How many lumps you want Doc?
I didn't realize Detriot fans liked their O-line.
Ether way, the o-line is considered by most analysts to be mediocre at best. QBs didn’t take many sacks, but they did take a lot of shots as seen by how many injuries there were to that position. I was not trying to say they will simply get steam rolled, but I do believe the skill players will have to make up for that deficiency with things like bubble screens and, as you said, shotgun formation w/ quick throws.
Detroit has a good d-line as well, and Tampa will certainly be looking for ways to counter their strength and speed. I think this game will end up being one the week’s best games for the level of talent on both sides and the amount of strategery you’ll see on the field.
The man with the hair makes 'em skared. Soul Glo!
by chuckyforpres on Sep 6, 2011 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah most analysts, like Sapp and all of them on NFL Network
Also talk about how we need a Lt to replace Backus, and yet all these so called analysts don’t realize that Backus gave up the fewest sacks. On a side note most of us are not happy with our O-line, The front 5 are very good at pass blocking but for as good as they are at that, they are just as bad at run blocking. It all starts with lessthanDOMinant Rayola who can’t push or hold his own against any DT in the league.
How many lumps you want Doc?
I don't think Backus is a horrible LT
But he’s old, and he’s probably mediocre. He could do with some upgrading. And as you say, run blocking is the real problem. Which is exacerbated by the fact that Best can’t run the ball inside and Leshoure is out for the year. Which is a shame, because I was looking forward to seeing Leshoure in the NFL.
None more than me sir.
I had him pegged as the best “complete” back coming out last year. Yes there were other guys who were faster, or better power backs; but Leshoure was the complete package coming out and losing him will hurt us at some point this year. Now we are carrying 3 RB’s who are all going to try and be the between the tackle RB. You guys know the old saying, if you have 3 anything at 1 position, you don’t have 1. You guys lucked out by drafting Blount, we had a big group over at the POD who were wanting him before that draft, And he proved a lot of us right about him being a damn good RB.
How many lumps you want Doc?
Actually, Tennessee didn't draft him either....
he was an undrafted rookie free agent that signed with Tennessee, stuck around for the preseason, and was waived after the final preseason game. We just happened to be in the right place (coming off a 3-13 season) at the right time to claim him off waivers.
actually TN wasn't the first choice
He agreed to terms with one of the west coast teams (IIRC, but don’t recall who) but then backed out for the Titans offer before signing with the 1st team.
Either way you shake it, y’all really made out like bandits to get him!
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
most Lions fans don't like the O-line, but
many do at least respect the pass protection it offers. Where it really fails is in making anything happen in the run game. QB get hit or hurried behind any line, it’s hard to know when a fluke injury will occur.
That said, I’m more than a little worried about the TB D line, or front 7! How much time they give the pass game to develop will be key. They will also determine the run game we can deliver. This is probably the most important 4-7 in this game imo.
It should be a Donny Brook of a game!
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
+1
Our line is better than average at pass blocking and worse than average at run blocking. I think the Tampa D Line could cause problems, but I expect that with the time to prepare, we are going to see a lot of 2 TE sets and Best in the flats to stem the pass rush. I hope your outside LBs are good at pass coverage.
Just a reminder...
The Bucs have a couple good TE’s as well…we were also missing 3 starters off of the O-line alone when we played Detroit last season. I can understand the excitement that Lions fans are feeling but Detroit fans also have to understand that we’re a better team than we were last year minus all of the injuries. Not to mention Buc fans and players were robbed last year; bad officiating on the Kellen Winslow Offensive PI cost us the game and the playoffs. I’m pretty sure our guys didn’t forget that. Should be a good game but ultimately I think the Bucs win. IMO, our D-line as a whole will be just as good as DET’s if not better, and we have an more balanced offense. But don’t get me wrong, this will not be an easy victory for us, we can easily lose this game if we don’t get off to a good start.
by ctd1977 on Sep 6, 2011 4:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Is Winslow even going to play?
I saw that pre-season game when he came limping off the field after running out of bounds, I was thinking that it was a hammy issue,but without him being on my fantasy squad (Gates) I have not looked up his “injury”.
How many lumps you want Doc?
It was a minor ankle injury
He should be fine, although this team has been a little less than truthful about its injuries recently.
lol Sander
What team is truthful at this time of the year? I’m glad you noticed my quotes around injury. I wish TB was still in the old Norris Division, it’s like the old rivalry is still there, but at the same time it really isn’t there.
How many lumps you want Doc?
this is true.. for the most part
without hashing out officiating the injuries, or lack thereof, should really help TB! You’re right it will be an interesting game.
my prediction:
homer: Det wins pretty big after shutting down the TB O except the run
realist: too damn close to predict! slight edge to Det based on all the offense weapons
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
I see Mason Foster as a big liability for the Bucs
He wasn’t even that good at MSU in coverage and I doubt he got better since then. I think the Lions 2 TE sets, 3-4 wide sets will definitely be tough for any team to stop, not just the Bucs. We have 2 really good TE’s, top-3 receiver to go alongside a promising receiver corps, and a speedy receiving back to catch passes from Stafford who most expect to breakout if healthy.
Buccaneers are no slouch though, I can see Blount ripping us in the run game and Freeman throwing to his #1 guy in Mike Williams or their #1 TE in Winslow. The Bucs boast an array of weapons just like the Lions do and could test our secondary early. I’m worried about their offense a little bit more than their defense because though their d-line seems to be great, its got 2 rookies that I’m unsure of. Linebacking got weaker with Ruud gone and the secondary has 1 outstanding corner, an aged corner in Barber, and the safetys I’m not sure of.
Tampa Bay is about as good to me as Detroit is so this will be a good close match. Hurry up Sunday I’m ready!
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Sep 6, 2011 1:01 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
He's only as big a liability as any rookie.
Yes, the Lions’ TE personnel, specifically, poses a tough test, to which I say — “Good.” If he can get through this game generally unscathed, he’s going to be fine. Yeah, he’ll make mistakes, and the Lions should test him any chance they get. But he’s extremely talented and will have to get flat-out beat in order to get… beat. Because he won’t be easy to simply run over.
I really wanted to draft Foster despite his coverage issues
Mainly because he’d be good against the run and sniffed out screens better than the linebackers we used to have. I think Foster if he improves his coverage skills could be an every down linebacker.
Until then, take him out on 3rd downs and force the Lions to try to run more on 3rd down. The Lions o-line isn’t great at run blocking, but are a top-5 or top-10 unit in pass blocking. If the Bucs stops the pass and forces the Lions to run, that’s the key to stopping Lions offense.They aren’t prone to running the ball unless the have to and can run the ball.
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Sep 6, 2011 2:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He's like the anti-Ruud
He’s skilled at the things Ruud was terrible at, and not great in coverage which was a strength of Ruud. At least there’s some opportunity for Foster to improve in those areas. I think Ruud was already at his ceiling.
my bad
University of Washington. I got him mixed up with another guy we were looking at from MSU. Same position and kind of player.
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Sep 6, 2011 5:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
big difference between Jones and Foster tho bro
TB got the better player by far.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
The key is our front four.
For the first time in as long as I can remember, we have the personnel to apply QB pressure (if not outright get at him). It’s going to put our young DB’s in a much better position. Sure, shit will happen, Mason will take his lumps, but unless Stafford three-step-drops us the entire game and works the middle of the field like it’s going out of style, I’ll remain cautiously optimistic.
And i think that is where Foster could help us.
If he can be aggressive in the run game and force the Lions into second and third and 8+ yards, it will be tough for Stafford to three step drop us to death.
by flash_kiley on Sep 6, 2011 1:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I too am looking forward to the TB DL this year!
In this next game tho, not so much… Expect Stafford to be in Shotgun/Pistol around 75% of the time this game, for what it’s worth. Foster will take his lumps and develop into a great player for y’all, imo
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
I also understand the caution with the Lions d-line. But their linebacking core and secondary doesnt jump out at me at all
They have some nice pieces, but no potential gamechangers. I like our offenses’ chances to put up some points on them.
by flash_kiley on Sep 6, 2011 2:02 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
not to be smart but . . .
last year you did run all over the Lions . . . but you still LOST! with Stanton playing QB.
About that game from last year.
And yes you guys ran like wild horses on us. But we had just got our MLB back from a major injury, had just picked up a different OLB in Carpenter who had no experience in Gunny’s system and Palmer our like 5th LB on the other side. Move a head to this years team, we have a healthy Levy, Justin Durrant who is a head knocking run stuffing OLB, and a true MLB Stephen Tulloch who has averaged over 150 tackles 2 years in a row without a legit D-line in front him, what do you thing these 3 can do with 1 of the best D-lines in the league playing in front of them? I will say that if your O-line is huge you guys cans still run on us, we saw what all the beef up front could do to us when we played Cleveland, and Cinnci. Those 2 teams have some serious beef up front and made it hard for our D-line to get into the backfield.
How many lumps you want Doc?
So.....
You say it tastes of disappointment but you haven’t drank it. How much of a disappointment was the Lions kool-aid last year when your Bucs lost to the Lions at home against our 3rd string qb and you guys missed the playoffs?
That to me is a disappointment.
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Sep 6, 2011 5:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Ouch... but so true.
We had to win that game – and could not. Megatron will get his yards, but the match-up I fear happens over on the other side – Nate Burleson vs. Ronde/EJ Biggers/ Myron Lewis/ the guy who sells peanuts in section 110. Not in our favor, even if Talib can tie up Calvin Johnson.
I can see that
Burleson has looked incredible in preseason making circus catch after another. Bucs’ defense isn’t scary to me, but I’m worried about Blount, Freeman, Williams, Winslow, and even Benn if he breaks out. The Tampa offense is stacked along with a good o-line and that will be a good test for this young Lions defense.
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Sep 6, 2011 8:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Nate is a much better player than he has shown
He just hasn’t played with Stafford much….i see him having a break out year
True
But I guess you cant be disappoinment when your team was 0-16 you havent won a Super bowl since Leave it to Beaver was on TV and you haven’t been decent since Barry Sanders, Scott Mitchell and Herman Moore. I guess you just get use to it. LOL
Thats a pretty hardcore slam...
considering we were a crummy 3-13 a scant 2 years ago – and we can’t even beat DET when we needed to.
To DLions4Eva – not everybody here will be dissing your team. By all accounts, it seems to be a fairly even match-up.
I wasn't even dissing his team.
All I am saying is that theyt have not done anything yet. Alot of teams look good on paper and amount to nothing. And yea we were 3-13 and they were 0-16. And at least we have been in some type of contention in the 21st century. Thats all that Im saying sir. And we can beat them if we needed to. Im just saying stop being scared of a team that hasn’t done anything yet.
Your right DcBucs
We haven’t done anything yet. We have been historically the worst franchise of the last decade or so and one of the worst in history. Had the worst team(even worse than the 76’ Bucs because we had free agency) and the worst GM in sports history. But, we did beat you guys in Tampa Bay last year and own the series 25-23 since the Bucs existence.
Its not what you’ve done for me in the past, it’s what have you done for me lately and I’m hoping we go into Tampa without any major injuries and show everybody just how good the 2011 Detroit Lions are with a 100% healthy Stafford and an actual defense with good players in the back-7 and the front-4.
Should be a good one!
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Sep 6, 2011 11:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
thanks Cracker
I agree with you, its a really even matchup and I’m super excited to see two up and coming teams battle it out in the opener.
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Sep 6, 2011 11:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yep
If I’m the Greg Olson I just start aggressively attacking that secondary with a passing game. Use quick passes to mitigate the effect of the Lions defensive line, but aside from running some traps/screens I wouldn’t try to get the running game going much. That’s their real weakness.
Lions LB situation (to flash_kiley to start this section)
This is where you’ll see the biggest change over the D you played against last year. Tulloch (our MLB now) was 2nd (iirc) in tackles last season (with TN) for a reason. He’s a baller~ Many of you probably are familiar with Durant (our SLB now) from his Jacksonvill days. He’s also quite good against the run but rather meh in coverage. Personally I’m not that impressed with Durant so far but he is showing improvement as he learns the system. Are there any pro bowl caliber players there? Perhaps Tulloch and perhaps Levy but likely not.. They are game changers tho.
In short the run defense has improved tremendously since last year. This likely comes at a cost to the short pass defense tho. The DB play has seemingly improved A LOT so it’s tougher D than many realize.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
Even though they are young...
the Will and Sam backers, Quincy and Geno, need to help out a younger Foster this year. If they come to play, I think the Bucs can secure a good enough linebacking core for the rest of the season. However, this is a big IF, and if they take some plays off, well, we might be in for a long season.
If I could wear a bucs shirt with a noles hat for the rest of my life, by golly I would be the happiest man in the world.
Balance is key.....
……if the Buccs can run a balanced offense they will be able to keep the Lions defense at bay. The Lions bring in one of, if not the best D-line in the NFL, but if they don’t know whats coming then they wont be able to pin their ears back and just unload as much. Schartz doesn’t get enough credit for the success his wide open D-line pressure style of Defense. First he made Albert Haynesworth look like the best ever for a year or two in Tennessee. Now he’s doing it in Detroit with Suh and company. If we stay balanced in our attack the D-line won’t be able to affect us enough to change the game.
by TheDarkLord on Sep 6, 2011 3:12 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Good point DarkLord.
That is true no matter who the team is, I mean look at how good Bradford looked last year, and he had NO weapons at his disposal, but if you can keep a D honest with some running and play-action any team can win in this league. Be scared though, the Lions are going to come in here and run a no-huddle offense and I saw what the Pat’s did to your D with the hurry-up, it COULD be the same this Sunday.
How many lumps you want Doc?
we respect the Lions but we'll never be intimidated...
Honestly I think Lions fans should curb their enthusiasm some what; at least wait until the Lions get back to .500 for the 1st time this millennium before mentioning the Lions in the same breath as the Pats. IMO the pre-season has given the Lions fans such high expectations it’s insane. You would think the Lions won the superbowl after they beat the Pats based on the way some of the fans are acting. I hate to burst Lions fans bubble but pre-season is different for regular season. Teams won’t be playing vanilla defense and evaluating players, they’ll actually be scheming and game planning to beat you. Sunday can’t get here soon enough; I’m bored with all of this Lions is gonna be good Bull****.
by ctd1977 on Sep 6, 2011 5:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Woe now ctd.
It wasn’t that long ago that the Bucks were the laughing stock of the entire NFL. Yeah you guys got your Lombardy trophy but that was also a long time ago. Last I saw out of TB you guys had 10 wins and 9 of them were against losing teams and 1 against a team that had nothing to play for in week 17. Look both these 2 teams are so close in the pecking order that neither of us fan bases can sit back and talk smack to each other.It will be a good game on Sunday regardless.
How many lumps you want Doc?
thats not gonna happen buddy
We’ve endured 0-16 and were at the bottom of the barrel for over a decade. We finally have what looks like a winning team and I know you will be hearing a lot more about the Lions soon enough. But it starts with beating the Bucs in Tampa.
Detroit is this year’s cnderella team, much like the New Orleans Saints and Arizona when they went from last to first a few years back. They were actually worse than the Lions historically and made it to the Superbowl, so why can’t we?
I bet you it was the same way for Bucs fans in 1978 after witnessing 0-14 and 0-12 in 76’ and 77’ and finally you guys get a winner and went to the playoffs. Its like that for us but we’ve been bad for longer.
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Sep 6, 2011 6:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
it's hard not to be excited about this team!
You are right tho, more tempered expectations by any fans going into the season is in order, especially from horrible teams of the recent past like both of ours. Screw that tho, what’s wrong with some hope?? :) If you’re tired of hearing about the Lions in the media it’s probably best to avoid the media for the next few months tho cus it’s just getting started!!
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
Why should Foster have to get Iso with any TEs?
Between safeties and outside LBs we have various bodies to match up. I don’t think he’ll be man’d up very often.
The Lions, from what I've seen in the preseason, love to spread the field
Even with safety help over the top it’s not that hard to isolate a TE against a middle linebacker. And if the Bucs pull away a safety to help on the TEs, they give Calvin Johnson extra room.
Spread the field with tight ends?
Well I can’t wait to see our dline pass rush in this one! Honestly I hope to see our dline really shine in this game. It looks like a good match up for them. If they can’t, and maybe even if they can, then it’s going to be a tough, tough game.
Yep
Lions loved to come in to games with 2 TEs, 1 RB and 2 WRs, and just spread them all out this preseason. Not unlike what the Pats did last year.
yeah they can keep that up
And next year u will hear the same ol when our qb stays healthy talk..just saying:)
you've been paying attention Sander
kudos!
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
Pettigrew and Scheffler
I agree about Pettigrew being a tough challenge for Foster, but I live in Denver and Scheffler really isn’t that good and not really all McDaniels fault. He couldn’t block in Denver that’s why wasn’t on the field much and he had some drops in key situations. He had the talent but many folks here were disappointed in him. I suspect the Bucs will pull Foster in 3rd down for the nickel package. He’s gotta learn sometime. Tough match up to start the season with a young Detroit team. Good measuring stick the the Bucs. Looking forward to it!
this is the real Scheffler
he’s been about the same in Detroit. He fell out of favor a bit down the stretch too due to a couple meh games. He’s still quite a receiving threat when Pettigrew sticks Clayborn as needed.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
It's true that Scheffler's not a good blocker
But as a pass catching TE he has a great record. His career average for YPC is similar to Jermichael Finley. He just hasn’t been used as much in the Lion’s offense.
No slogans. Just win!!!
Slap Stafford in the mouth
That’s how we start to stop Megatron.
by GoBuxGo on Sep 6, 2011 8:53 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Hype or not, Sunday will tell.
I, for one, think the Lions D-line is good but not as good as hyped. First off, Fairley has been pretty much ruled out for the game. Second, Suh wasn’t spectacular stopping the run. While good, I think there is some vulnerability there. Add to that Freeman’s ability to escape the pocket and make things happen with his feet, and the D-line doesn’t scare me as much as it would if we had a Peyton Manning-like QB.
Next, the Lions run game is nothing to fear. I’d be more worried if Leshoure were playing, but he’s out with injury as well. Add to that, three tackles for the Lions have been injured as well. Backus recovering from a torn chest muscle, Cherilus recovering from micro-fracture knee surgery and Fox recovering from a foot injury suffered in training camp. The depth at OT is thin and Stafford should be shaking in his boots about getting hurt again, and Best will have to run inside, because the outside is gonna be tough. I believe it was Backus that gave up the hit that put Stafford out last time.
Don’t take those first two paragraphs the wrong way though. I think this will be a rough game for both teams, and either could win it. The Bucs also have to prove that they’re capable of doing what they did last year. That they can win games with offense. They need to show improved defense against the run and pressure on the QB. Both sides have much to prove and it should be a good game.
Well said Bruce.
You are going to see the Lions come out in a no huddle offense, and you will also see a lot of shot gun formation so that Staff has that extra time to see the field. I agree either team could win this game Sunday. Of course I am taking my Lions, but I see the team winning the turn-overs as the team that is going to win this game. If 1 team can get a couple of them and a short field to work with, it’s going to carry a lot of Mr.Mo with that team.
How many lumps you want Doc?
Actually, most QBs see the field faster from under Center
Their eyes can immediately look up to the coverages as their feet drop back. In shotgun, they have to keep their eyes down until the ball arrives, taking a second away from viewing the field. They can usually see blitzes better from shotgun though, as their peripheral vision can pick up players closer to them. Shotgun formations also hurt the play-action, as it’s easier to see the ball transfer for the D-linemen. Shotgun formations are best used on designated routes, like crossing routes or hook routes against man coverages, or post or seam routes against zones. It’s also useful for draw plays (although standard drop works just as well)
this is a great assessment Bruce!
You’re sure right about Freeman in his wily way to squeeze out of pressure is going to be important (and fun to watch!) As far as Fairley being out goes tho it means very little. Sure it would be wonderful to have gotten him in and developing but that was just icing on an already tasty cake. Suh and Williams are the core of the line with Hill and Fluellen providing excellent rotational depth. 3/4 of those guys can demand double team blocking. We’re seeing 2 of the best d-lines this Sunday no matter how you shake it. Which is going to perform better? beats me…
You’re spot on about the worries of the O-line. You did miss the fact that the center is an umpaloompah and due back at the factory. This unit is my biggest worry for the Lions…. but I still do trust the pass protection.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
and that's exactly how Schwartz has built this team.
You have to pick your poison….a good read, and a nice analysis.
"To achieve victory, we must mass our forces at the hub of all power and movement, the enemies center of gravity." -Carl von Clausewitz
I want to pick my Lions
But this game just seems way too hard to predict. Two teams built in vastly similar ways and talent level is pretty close. Stafford’s numbers don’t meet Freemans but that’s due to injuries. When Stafford has been healthy, he looked like the best of the 3 09’ picks. He can make throws that hardly any quarterback can make, if you saw any of his preseason games, he made some on the money throws seemingly everytime he threw the ball. Everybody pretty much agrees that if he stays healthy he could get the Lions into the post season.
Freeman is also an excellent quarterback, much better than Sanchez imo. He has a huge arm and is pretty accurate with it. I definitely like Freeman’s deep ball and believe he will only get better.
I think Lions edge the Bucs 27-23 on a late minute TD to Calvin Johnson from Matthew Stafford. I’m so excited man, are you ready for gameday Bucs fans?
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Sep 7, 2011 11:24 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
SOOOOO Ready! I can not wait!
I am going to guess this one is a Bucs win.. 27 – 21. Won inside of the 2:00 min warning via a Freeman to K2 TD. Then the Bucs D stops the Detroit O to seal the victory.
by RuudAwakening on Sep 7, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
It would be awesome if k2 were to catch the game winning td
That comes without an apology letter. :)
by Carlitin1988 on Sep 8, 2011 11:19 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
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