NFL FanHouse http://nfl.fanhouse.com NFL FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NFL FanHouse http://nfl.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Packers Spoil Detroit's Holiday Partyhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/26/packers-spoil-detroits-holiday-party/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/26/packers-spoil-detroits-holiday-party/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/26/packers-spoil-detroits-holiday-party/#commentsFiled under: ,

Donald DriverDETROIT (AP) -- Aaron Rodgers matched a career high with three touchdown passes and Green Bay beat the Detroit Lions 34-12 on Thursday, giving the Packers three straight wins and improving their playoff prospects.

The Lions lost their sixth straight game on Thanksgiving, setting a franchise record, and had an emotional setback after their biggest comeback win since 1957.

Matthew Stafford, playing with a sore non-throwing shoulder, threw one touchdown pass and four interceptions in a rookie-like performance, after passing for five scores in Sunday's win over Cleveland. Detroit trailed the Browns by 21 before coming all the way back.
More: Check Box Score | Woodson's Heartwarming Gesture
Dan Graziano: Pack Should Be Thankful for Rodgers

The Lions (2-9) looked like they were building off that momentum by recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff and with Stafford's TD pass to Calvin Johnson. But the Packers (7-4) scored 27 unanswered points in the second and third quarter to turn the game into a familiar rout.

Detroit lost its previous five games on Thanksgiving by an average of 23.4 points, and eight of nine in the showcase game. The Lions are 33-35-2 on the holiday since 1934.

The Packers have won nine straight against them overall, and coach Mike McCarthy is 8-0 in the suddenly lopsided series.

Charles Woodson returned his second interception for a score late in the game and struck a Heisman Trophy pose in the end zone, just as he did in 1997 at Michigan before going on to win the award. Woodson forced and recovered a fumble on the ensuing possession.

Rodgers was 28 of 39 for 348 yards and connected with Donald Lee, Donald Driver and James Jones for scores. He has played Detroit four times and those passing totals rank among the top eight in his career.

Driver had seven receptions for 142 yards, including a 68-yard catch, and a TD that gave the Packers a 20-7 lead midway through the third quarter.


Green Bay played without cornerback Al Harris and linebacker Aaron Kampman, both of whom had season-ending knee injuries in last week's win, and were just fine without them.

Stafford was only 20 of 43 yards for 213 yards, and his four interceptions were one fewer than he had earlier this year. He was listed as doubtful for the game because of his shoulder injury, but his decision-making seemed to be more of a problem than his health.

Johnson, who was questionable with hand and knee injuries, only had a 9-yard catch to go with his 1-yard score.

In Detroit's last game, Stafford broke an NFL rookie record with 422 yards passing and drew praise for playing hurt on the final untimed play. He also became the youngest player to throw five touchdown passes in a game.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
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Packers Spoil Detroit's Holiday Party originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Aaron RodgersCharles JohnsonMatthew StaffordFanHouse NewswireThu, 26 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST Report: Matthew Stafford Will Starthttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/25/matthew-stafford-doubtful-for-thursday/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/25/matthew-stafford-doubtful-for-thursday/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/25/matthew-stafford-doubtful-for-thursday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Matthew Stafford(Update, Nov. 26: In a somewhat unlikely development, injured Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will start Thursday, according to a report on MLive.com.)

The Lions would love nothing more than to trot their new franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford, out for a national-television audience on Thanksgiving Day. But it looks like everyone will have to settle for Daunte Culpepper.

Stafford, who injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder one play prior to tossing a game-winning TD to beat Cleveland last Sunday, was listed as doubtful by the Lions for Thursday's game against Green Bay.

Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz did not sound optimistic about Stafford's playing status following the team's Tuesday practice, and apparently, nothing changed over 24 hours.
More: Lions Try to Break Thanksgiving Drought

"If it's the way it was [Tuesday], a lot of guys wouldn't have been able to play, but you don't want to rule anyone out this time of the week," Schwartz said. "He's still sore, but he's getting better. It's something we anticipated getting better. Whether it's something that will be better on Thursday -- it's still too early to tell. If he was the way he is today, he'd be unlikely to play; but things can change so we don't want to rule anything out."

Stafford did not participate in practice at all this week for Detroit. Neither did star wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who is dealing with hand and knee injuries. Johnson is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest.

Should Stafford be unable to go, Culpepper would return to the starting lineup; he started two games for Detroit earlier this season with Stafford nursing a knee injury. Culpepper actually has a Thanksgiving Day win to his credit -- way back in the 2000 season, Culpepper led the Minnesota Vikings to a 27-15 win at Dallas.

Detroit has not won a Thanksgiving Day game since beating Green Bay in 2003, a stretch of five consecutive losses. That streak has contributed to the growing movement that wants the league to take the annual Thanksgiving games away from Detroit (and, to a lesser extent, Dallas) and allow other teams to rotate into hosting duties.

Report: Matthew Stafford Will Start originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Calvin JohnsonDaunte CulpepperMatthew StaffordChris BurkeWed, 25 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST Zebra Report: Mangini's Timeout Gaffehttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/25/zebra-report-manginis-timeout-gaffe/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/25/zebra-report-manginis-timeout-gaffe/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/25/zebra-report-manginis-timeout-gaffe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Eric ManginiZebra Report is FanHouse's analysis of actual NFL rules and how they are to be applied ... because most fans think they could do a better job than the NFL officials, yet definitely could not. Click here for an introduction as to how we do things.

As the clock struck zero in the Lions-Browns game, there was a pass interference penalty called on Cleveland in the end zone. In the aftermath of the play, Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford laid on the field injured. The officials called an injury timeout for Stafford. Also, Cleveland head coach Eric Mangini took a timeout to seemingly do nothing more than lambast the officials for what appeared a pretty obvious interference call.

There are three rules that apply here. First of all, the Lions are definitely entitled to one more play.

Rule 4-8-2: At the election of the opponent, a period may be extended for one untimed down, if any of the following occurs during a down during which time in the period expires: (a) If there is a foul by the defensive team that is accepted, the offensive team may choose to extend the period by an untimed down after enforcement of the penalty.

Secondly, the timeout by the Browns is what enabled Stafford to stay in the game. Otherwise he would have had to sit out the final play.

Rule 4-5-4c: When an injury timeout is called, the injured player must leave the game for the completion of one down. The player will be permitted to remain in the game if (inside the two-minute warning): (iii) the opponent calls a timeout.

Finally, the Lions were out of timeouts. The officials initially announced Detroit would be charged a team timeout. The announcers were adamant there was some mistake by the officials herein, but they were mistaken (shocker, I know). The Lions were bailed out by two different factors here. First of all, Mangini called a timeout.

Rule 4-5-4b: If a team has used its three charged team timeouts, an excess team timeout shall be called by the Referee, unless: (iii) the opponent calls a timeout.

Also, the Lions would be afforded the luxury of one "excess" timeout which comes with a 10-second runoff, yet no yardage penalty. In this case, the clock was already at zero, but the Lions -- see above -- were guaranteed one final play due to the defensive penalty. Of course, Mangini took this out of play anyway when he called a timeout.

Finally, there is no yardage penalty for the first "excess" timeout. There would have been for the second and every subsequent one thereafter. The officials in the Browns-Lions game got this entire interpretation correct.

Other officiating nuggets from Week 11

o. In the Titans-Texans there were two supposedly subjective calls that seemed not-so-subjective. First of all, a horse-collar tackle was called on John Busing when he tackled Chris Johnson to open the Titans' eventual game-winning drive. Replays clearly showed Busing had a hold of Johnson's jersey in the upper back region and definitely was not a horse-collar. Also, on a previous drive, one of the Texans defensive linemen clearly tripped Vince Young on a pivotal third-down incompletion. Adam Gretz informed me there was a discussion in the FanHouse live chat during the game in which some were insistent you could trip a ball-carrier. You can't:

Rule 12-1-7: No defensive player may trip an opponent.

These two blown calls once again brings to the forefront the issue of what coaches may or may not challenge. Obviously, there are very few penalties you can challenge and complete judgment calls (such as holding or pass interference) cannot be challengeable under the slippery slope premise. But, if something is cut-and-dry -- like a horse-collar, tripping, facemask or contacting a receiver inside five yards versus outside five yards -- it seems that it wouldn't do any harm to allow coaches to challenge the ruling on the field. After all, it's not like they have unlimited challenges. They'd still have to pick their battles.

o. An anonymous reader submitted this question: "I would like to know why it is not intentional grounding when a QB spikes the ball to stop the clock. There is no eligible receiver at the center spot, the QB is not outside the tackles and the ball does not cross the line of scrimmage. To me it should be a penalty."

There's a special exception here. Under the intentional grounding rule (8-3-1):

Item 3: Stopping Clock. A player under center is permitted to stop the game clock legally to save time if, immediately upon receiving the snap, he begins a continuous throwing motion and throws the ball directly into the ground.

o. A reader submitted this a few weeks ago: "In the Giants Chargers game, Eli Manning rolled away from pressure heading to the sideline. With no receiver open, he threw the ball away before stepping out of bounds. Officials ruled he was already out of bounds and it was a sack. Replays clearly showed the he was not out of bounds but the missed call cost the Giants 5 yards in a very close game, giving them 3rd and 14 instead of 3rd and 9. My question is: why such an obviously missed call is not reviewable?"

I'd have to guess that he's referencing a sack in the game log at the 4:06 mark in the fourth quarter. That's the closest thing I can find to the explanation in the email. In a reply exchange, the reader told me Tom Coughlin threw the red flag and was told he could not challenge the ruling on the field. I haven't been able to find a replay, but -- if it happened as was explained above -- I believe the officials were incorrect. And we actually have proof from a Week 11 game ...

o. Because here is a submission from co-worker Chris Sesno: "Jason Campbell was scrambling out of the pocket with about 25 seconds left and just inside of field goal range. He ran to sideline and as he was stepping out of bounds (about a 10 yard loss) he also threw the ball away -- and the pass didn't reach the line of scrimmage while in-bounds. They initially ruled he stepped out of bounds, thus they stopped the clock and marked the ball down after the loss of yards. Jim Zorn couldn't challenge since it was under two minutes, so they let the clock run for delay of game. After the delay of game, the refs reviewed Campbell's scramble and ruled that he threw the ball before he stepped out, it was close but definitely the right call. Then they spotted the ball 5 yards behind the original spot of the ball (before he threw away, and tacked on the 5 for delay of game). Then they went back and nullified the delay of game and moved the ball back up to the original line of scrimmage. With 15 seconds on the clock and third down, the skins tried a field goal and Suisham missed it from around the 29."

OK, let's sort this out. First of all, this appears to be the exact same situation as the Manning play above was described and this one was reviewed. So why couldn't Coughlin challenge the Manning play? You got me.

On this particular play, let us recall an issue I discussed last week. A delay of game penalty -- much like a false start -- is a "non-play." So the previous play can still be reviewed. You might recall in my explanation a few weeks ago when I covered this question, I pointed out there was nothing specific in the rules as to what would happen to the penalty if the play was changed. I said my guess was the penalty would simply be ignored and that's what happened here.

As to a possible grounding penalty, Campbell was outside the tackle box, but the ball crossed the out of bound line clearly short of the line of scrimmage. Here is the rule in question:

Rule 8-3-1: Item 1: Passer or Ball Outside Tackle Position. Intentional grounding will not be called when a passer, who is outside, or has been outside, the tackle position throws a forward pass that lands at or beyond the line of scrimmage, even if no offensive player(s) have a realistic chance to catch the ball (including when the ball lands out of bounds over the sideline or endline).

This is a tricky one. From the language in the rule, I could see it going either way. Does the ball crossing the line of scrimmage once out of bounds mean Campbell's off the hook? Or was the last parenthetical statement only referring to offensive players? It seems to me it should have been intentional grounding, but it's entirely possible I'm reading this rule incorrectly (after all, I'm only trained in high school and we don't have the "outside the tackle box" exemption).

o. Finally, we had another tripping call for a blocker whipping his legs up at the defender. This time it was Jason Peters of the Eagles on Sunday Night Football. It was, again, identical to Jeff Dugan's trip in the Vikings' loss to the Steelers, but I've yet to hear anything further from all the Vikings fans who chastised the league and myself. Interesting.

Got a rules-related question? Whether it's elementary, high school or NFL, email TZR and he'll see what he can do.
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Zebra Report: Mangini's Timeout Gaffe originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>eric manginizebra reportMatt SnyderWed, 25 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST Mangini Says Lions Faked Injuries to Slow Down Browns' Assaulthttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/mangini-says-lions-faked-injuries-to-slow-down-browns-assault/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/mangini-says-lions-faked-injuries-to-slow-down-browns-assault/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/mangini-says-lions-faked-injuries-to-slow-down-browns-assault/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Eric ManginiThere was little on Sunday that matched the drama of the Cleveland-Detroit showdown. Yes, two 1-8 teams gave us a gripping game filled with highlights and lowlights from both sides.

After Matthew Stafford found Brandon Pettigrew for the game-winning touchdown on an untimed down that followed a defensive penalty, Browns coach Eric Mangini -- never one to shy away from controversy -- decided to accuse the Lions of faking injuries during the game.

Mangini brought it up after the game, then repeated the accusations Monday at his weekly press conference.
"There were multiple, multiple, multiple injuries throughout our no-huddle process," Mangini said Sunday.

Asked if he thought the Lions were trying to slow down the no-huddle, Mangini said, "They all came back. I have no idea."

Mangini brought up the accusation against Monday. When pressed on if he was really accusing the Lions of faking injuries, Mangini said, "I'm saying there were a lot of them."
The Browns were quite the offensive juggernaut Sunday. Brady Quinn threw for 301 yards and four touchdowns, and they did some serious damage with a 27-point first half. It was clearly the best the Browns have looked all season, which meant it was bound to go south at some point.

Mangini might have a point. Studying the official play-by-play for the game, there are six instances where play was stopped for a Detroit defensive injury. Four of those times, the Browns were working without a huddle. The play-by-play listed the returns of four players as "probable," and one was "questionable."

Jim Schwartz scoffed at the notion during his Monday meeting with the media.
"He's way out of bounds on that," Schwartz said. "That couldn't be further than the truth. There was no need to do that to slow the pace down, because the officials were doing a really good job of standing over the ball for us and them.

"We used a lot of no-huddle also, and I thought that the crew did a really good job of making sure that substitutes were allowed to come from either side if the offense substituted. So that game was under control that way.

"There was no need to do any of that stuff. That couldn't be further from the truth."
Reality is that it's hard to imagine a coach using such a tactic during a game. Schwartz is surely looking for an edge to help his team, but it doesn't make any sense to have guys faking injuries. The Browns were effective moving the ball in the first half, no matter if they used a huddle or not. After the Lions made some adjustments at halftime, they were able to hold Cleveland to a single touchdown in the second half.

The inability of the Browns to put the game away had more to do with their own limitations than any sandbagging being done by the Lions.
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Mangini Says Lions Faked Injuries to Slow Down Browns' Assault originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brady quinnbrandon pettigreweric manginijim schwartzmatthew staffordBruce CiskieMon, 23 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST The Legend of Matthew Stafford, Part Ihttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/the-legend-of-matthew-stafford-part-one/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/the-legend-of-matthew-stafford-part-one/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/the-legend-of-matthew-stafford-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Matthew Stafford got up off the truf to deliver a rare Lions victory, and write the first part of his legend.When you're the Detroit Lions and you're thinking about making Matthew Stafford the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, you're a quivering Jell-O mold of fear and trepidation. Is the kid smart enough? Is he strong enough? Is he tough enough to not just play but thrive in the most crucial position any sport has? Will he represent the team well? Does he make a good impression? Is he a leader? You're risking dozens of millions of dollars and the future of your franchise on questions you really can't hope to answer by the end of April of his junior year of college, and it's scary.

But the flip side is what you know he can be, which is that rarest of NFL commodities -- a franchise quarterback. You imagine a day when he puts the team on his back, overcomes some ridiculous obstacle (an expired clock, say, or an injured shoulder ... or both!) and leads the team to an emotional, season-defining win. You believe he can be that kind of player, and so, you give him the money and hope. And then, in Week 11 of his first season, he gives you a glimpse.

Just a glimpse, mind you. All those questions about Stafford, they're still out there, not fully answered. He's got bad games still to come, whether his left shoulder bounces back right away or not. And his big win Sunday did come against the Browns, who are as big a joke this year as the Lions were last year.

But of all the zany and incredible things to come out of the final moments of Sunday's loony Browns-Lions game, the most potentially significant was the first chapter in what could be the building of Matthew Stafford's legend.

"He's a smooth guy," Lions linebacker Larry Foote said of his quarterback. "He plays with a lot of poise."

Sounds cliche, but if there were ever a time to gauge poise, this was it. The final eight seconds of this game were a frenzy, and Stafford managed to keep his head about him while others (notably Browns coach Eric Mangini) were losing theirs.

The ball was at the Browns 32-yard line, and the clock showed eight seconds left. Detroit needed a touchdown. Stafford took the ball from center Dominic Raiola and began to run around. And then kept running around.

"We didn't draft him for his elusiveness," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "During that play I screamed 'Throw the ball!' about six times, but he just kept on making somebody miss and buying himself time."

Here's how Stafford described it:

"Just trying to buy some time. It wasn't going to be a timing throw. Just trying to look around. I knew when I was scrambling left, I wouldn't be able to get it off because that dude was bearing down pretty good, so I kind of ducked around. Then I think (running back) Kevin Smith came back and cut somebody down that was chasing me. Then I saw Calvin (receiver Calvin Johnson) -- he was the only guy I saw -- in the back of the end zone. It looked like he was tired as hell, running back this way, and I just threw it up and then got planted."


It was Cleveland DT C.J. Mosley who "planted" Stafford, driving him to the ground hard on his left shoulder. Lying on the ground, Stafford didn't see Cleveland's Hank Poteat tackle Johnson in the end zone. Didn't see the yellow flags hit the turf. Didn't imagine that anybody would ever call pass interference in the end zone on a Hail Mary play with no time left on the clock.

"I was content to lay there for a while," Stafford said, continuing his painkiller-aided rambling description of the play. "And then Dom (Raiola) grabbed me and told me that pass interference was called and I was like, 'Really? Come on.' I need to figure out which ref called it, because he's a good man."

It was pretty astounding. Nobody can seem to remember the last time such a call was made in such a spot. FanHouse's human pro football encyclopedia, Dave Goldberg, recalls a game on Nov. 29, 1998 between the Bills and the Patriots in Foxborough where Drew Bledsoe and New England got an untimed down after a Hail Mary pass interference call and the Bills were so mad they stormed off into the locker room before the extra-point attempt that followed the ensuing touchdown. It's possible that was the last time, but regardless, it's pretty unusual. It was the right call here, but Poteat said he never imagined it would be made.

Anyway, when Stafford got up, he walked off the field grabbing his left arm. He lay on a table on the sideline with Detroit team doctors examining his shoulder. Daunte Culpepper was frantically throwing to get loose for the final play, since the rules say an injured player has to sit out one play before going back in the game.

Unless...

Unless the opposing team calls a timeout. Which Mangini and the Browns did. And when Stafford found out that's what had happened, he sat up.

"I heard timeout over the loudspeaker and knew that was probably my only chance to get back in," said Stafford, an NFL rookie who apparently knows a rule that an NFL head coach does not. "It was my left shoulder and I don't really need it to throw."

Armed with such rock-solid logic, he raced over to offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and told him, "I can throw." Stunned, Linehan sent him back onto the field for the final play, which was a touchdown pass to Brandon Pettigrew. The extra point won the game.

"He made a great play to finish the game, but probably his best play was eluding four team doctors on the sideline that were all trying to stop him (from going back into the game)," Schwartz said. "It's a good thing our team doctors didn't play on varsity, because Matt had to work his way back onto the field."

Now, as much fun as it is to rip Mangini, it's hard to get on him for allowing Stafford back into the game when he didn't have to. Mangini said he called the timeout to get the right personnel on the field to defend a goal-line play. It likely didn't occur to him that he'd just done the only thing that could have brought Stafford in to run the play, because he'd probably watched Stafford walk off the field holding his limp left arm and figured he was maybe out for the rest of the season (which, technically, he still could be, right?)

Mangini was done in by over-coaching -- micro-managing from the sideline unnecessarily. But what else do you expect from a guy who fakes a field goal, converts the first down and then kicks a field goal on the very next play, as Mangini did at the end of the first half of this very same game? Mangini is what he is, and in this case he was a mere foil. If Stafford grows into the next great star NFL quarterback, they'll forever tell the story of that late-November Sunday his rookie year when he went back into the game with one arm and no time left on the clock and threw the winning touchdown. At the rate Mangini's going, he'll be long forgotten by then, and Stafford will have become a legend.

Which is what the Lions were hoping they were drafting No. 1 overall back in April. Nice of the kid to draw them a living-color sketch of their best-case scenario so soon.

The Legend of Matthew Stafford, Part I originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>cleveland brownsdetroit lionseric manginihank poteatjim schwartzmatthew staffordDan GrazianoMon, 23 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST Stafford Injured in Lions' Incredible Winhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/stafford-injured-as-lions-pull-out-incredible-win-over-browns/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/stafford-injured-as-lions-pull-out-incredible-win-over-browns/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/stafford-injured-as-lions-pull-out-incredible-win-over-browns/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When two bad teams get together, sometimes they can produce some great theater. Such was the case Sunday in Detroit, where a pair of 1-8 teams gave fans one of the day's best games.

At the end, a penalty that was called on the game's last play gave the homestanding Lions one untimed down from the Cleveland 1. They made it count, as rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford hit tight end Brandon Pettigrew for six, and a Jason Hanson extra point gave Detroit a 38-37 win.

With Detroit on the Cleveland 32 and eight seconds left, Stafford scrambled and bought plenty of time before heaving a pass to the end zone. Receiver Calvin Johnson was undercut in the end zone, drawing the pass interference call with no time on the clock and giving Detroit one more play.

After the throw, Stafford was hit by Browns tackle C.J. Mosley, who drove Stafford hard into the turf. Stafford landed on his left shoulder and didn't appear able to lift his arm up.

Backup Daunte Culpepper lined up under center in relief, but when the Browns called a timeout, Stafford was able to return to the game. He then threw a touchdown pass to Pettigrew on the untimed down that followed Cleveland's penalty.

"He just said, I'm ready,''' Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said. "He could walk.

"There was no one who was going to stop him from going back on the field. He had come way too far in that game to not finish it.''

After the pass, Stafford appeared to be in a high degree of pain -- reports said that X-rays on Stafford's shoulder were negative, but he would likely go for an MRI on Monday.

A successful extra point gave Detroit the win, and the crowd at Ford Field went crazy.

In helping Detroit improve to 2-8, Stafford set an NFL rookie record with five touchdown passes. He out-dueled Cleveland's Brady Quinn, who led the Browns to an early 24-3 lead before the Lions began their comeback.
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Stafford Injured in Lions' Incredible Win originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brandon pettigrewc.j. mosleydaunte culpeppermatthew staffordBruce CiskieSun, 22 Nov 2009 17:35:00 EST NFL FanHouse Week 11 Chathttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/20/nfl-fanhouse-week-11-chat/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/20/nfl-fanhouse-week-11-chat/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/20/nfl-fanhouse-week-11-chat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


We still have two unbeatens in the NFL, New Orleans and Indianapolis. The Saints visit Tampa, so they shouldn't be threatened, but the Colts have a doozy of a game at Baltimore. Meanwhile, it's a clash of titans in Detroit, as the 1-8 Lions host 1-8 Cleveland. Join us at 12 PM ET to discuss all the Week 11 NFL action.

NFL FanHouse Week 11 Chat originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Bruce CiskieFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Vikings' CB: Calvin Johnson Is 'LeBron James of Football'http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/vikings-cb-calvin-johnson-is-lebron-james-of-football/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/vikings-cb-calvin-johnson-is-lebron-james-of-football/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/vikings-cb-calvin-johnson-is-lebron-james-of-football/#commentsFiled under:

Calvin JohnsonCalvin Johnson, now is his third professional season, has shown flashes of brilliance. His 1,200-plus yards receiving and 12 touchdowns in 2008 were incredible numbers considering Detroit finished 0-16. But "Megatron" has just one TD grab this season, and the Lions are a combined 8-33 since drafting him.

So while Johnson has been stellar at times and has a very, very bright future, it's hard to put him on the same level as guys like Randy Moss, Andre Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald. Unless you ask Minnesota cornerback Benny Sapp, that is.

"Calvin Johnson is the best receiver in the league, hands down," Sapp, a six-year veteran, told the St. Paul Pioneer Press after Minnesota's 27-10 Week 10 victory over Detroit. "He's the complete package."

Sapp drew the unfortunate assignment of trying to cover Johnson on Sunday, with Antoine Winfield, Minnesota's normal starting cornerback, out of the lineup due to injury.

Johnson hauled in eight catches for 88 yards. He has not scored since a Week 2 TD against the Vikings, but that didn't slow Sapp's praise for Johnson.

"He's like the LeBron James of football because of his size, speed and his knowledge of the game," Sapp raved. "He could have been a safety. A corner. An outside linebacker. He could have been anything."

Those established superstars at the wide receiver position might take umbrage with Sapp's comments, but at the same time, Johnson has the potential to be a simply impossible matchup for opposing defenses. He scored in 10 different games during Detroit's miserable 2008 season, topping the 100-yard receiving mark five times.

Injuries -- not to mention Detroit's woeful offensive line and the introduction of rookie QB Matthew Stafford to the Lions' offense -- have slowed Johnson's rise. Still, he's steadily developing a rapport with Stafford. If the Lions ever figure out a way to pass protect, and discover a couple more consistent offensive weapons, Johnson has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler.

Even with Johnson's occasional struggles, and the abundance of top-flight wide receivers out there, Sapp has no problems anointing Detroit's young star as the league's top receiver.

"I'm not saying he's the best route runner," Sapp said, "but overall, he's the whole package."

Vikings' CB: Calvin Johnson Is 'LeBron James of Football' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Chris BurkeWed, 18 Nov 2009 02:15:00 EST Dominic Raiola Wants Detroit Fans to Lay Off Matthew Staffordhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/dominic-raiola-wants-detroit-fans-to-lay-off-matthew-stafford/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/dominic-raiola-wants-detroit-fans-to-lay-off-matthew-stafford/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/dominic-raiola-wants-detroit-fans-to-lay-off-matthew-stafford/#commentsFiled under:

Dominic RaiolaDominic Raiola has played all nine of his NFL seasons in Detroit, never finishing with better than a 7-9 record -- and that streak isn't ending this season. So he's allowed to have some pent-up frustration.

He let some of it out Sunday during the Lions' 17-10 home loss to the previously winless Rams, firing off some choice words at a group of Detroit fans who were heckling rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford. Detroit's final possession of the game consisted of four Stafford incompletions (plus two more pass attempts wiped out by penalties).

After the final misfire landed well wide of its intended target, a few rowdy patrons let Stafford have it -- yelling "Hey Matt, throw it to me, I'm open, I'm open," according to Raiola, who quickly came to his QB's defense.

The veteran center let fly with a few obscenities, according to MLive's Tom Kowalski, then spent a postgame interview defending his actions.

"You want to pick on [Stafford]? I'm going to say something," Raiola said. "I understand the frustrations, I do. I've been here for 8 1/2 years. I love these fans, I love these people and I love it here. I'm just saying that I'm sorry if I was offensive to anybody, but I'm just being loyal to my teammate, one of my guys.

"It did strike a chord. You've got three or four guys yelling at him ... did they see what happened on the last drive? I don't think so. If you're going to call a guy out, know what you're talking about. He just got here. You want to run him out of town already? You know what I'm saying? That just hit home with me. Because I've been through it with Joey [Harrington]. I've been through it. They sent him packing and they're not going to do it to this guy.

"I'm going to be right here next to him.''

To some extent, you have to commend Raiola for sticking up for Stafford, though cussing out a handful of the measly 38,000 or so fans that made it to Ford Field on Sunday might not have been the best strategy.

This isn't Raiola's first rodeo, either. Last year, when some fans booed the Lions as they fell to 0-13 -- en route to an 0-16 record -- Raiola flicked them off, then said that he'd fight those fans if he were allowed.
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But despite his sometimes-rocky relationship with the Motor City faithful, Raiola remains committed to the Lions. He signed a four-year contract extension in the offseason that could keep him in Detroit through the 2013 season.

Detroit has every intention of still having Stafford as its starting QB at that time; part of the reason Stafford is playing in the first place this season is so he can learn on the go, in hopes that he'll progress faster. Of course, that was also the plan with Harrington, who, as Raiola vividly remembers, earned the Lions' starting job just three games into his rookie season in 2002, then was sent packing by the Detroit organization after 2005.

If Raiola's ever going to play on a winner in Detroit, he needs Stafford's career path to hit a much more upward progression than Harrington's did.

And if he has to drop a few obscenities to make that happen, then so be it.

Dominic Raiola Wants Detroit Fans to Lay Off Matthew Stafford originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Dominic RaiolaJoey HarringtonMatthew StaffordChris BurkeMon, 02 Nov 2009 02:20:00 EST Bumbling Rams Allow Unusual Safetyhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/bumbling-rams-allow-unusual-safety/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/bumbling-rams-allow-unusual-safety/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/bumbling-rams-allow-unusual-safety/#commentsFiled under: ,

Rams vs. LionsSunday's St. Louis-Detroit matchup appeared destined to be one of the worst of the NFL season -- the teams entered Week 8 a combined 1-12 on the year -- and one second-quarter play summed up the ineptitude of both teams pretty well.

With Detroit facing 3rd-and-10 from the Rams 12, quarterback Matthew Stafford fired a pass over the middle that ricocheted off the hands of running back Aaron Brown and right to waiting St. Louis safety James Butler.

More: Rams Get First Win in Detroit | Week 8 NFL Scoreboard

Butler made a shoestring grab in the end zone for an interception. But rather than take a knee for a touchback, Butler attempted a return, running out of the end zone to the St. Louis 2 -- then reversing field back across the goal line, where he was tackled by Kevin Smith for a safety.

Brown's missed catch was one of at least five drops that the Lions had in the first half.



"Don't ask about that dumb play," Butler said. "I knew it wasn't going to hurt us. I just knew we were going to win because I have faith."

Moments after his mental mistake, Butler flat-out botched a second interception. Stafford overthrew a pass down the middle, hitting Butler in the numbers, but he was unable to reel it in.

The wacky safety didn't wind up doing the Rams in, though -- St. Louis scored late to grab a 17-10 win, its first of the season.

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Bumbling Rams Allow Unusual Safety originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Aaron BrownDetroit LionsJames ButlerKevin SmithMatthew StaffordSt Louis RamsChris BurkeSun, 01 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST NFL FanHouse Week 8 Chat Recaphttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/nfl-fanhouse-live-chat-week-8/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/nfl-fanhouse-live-chat-week-8/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/nfl-fanhouse-live-chat-week-8/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


He's back, and it's stealing all of the headlines. It's going to be a highly emotional Sunday for many NFL fans, as former Detroit Lions defensive lineman James Hall makes his return to the Motor City as a member of the St. Louis Rams.

Oh, and Brett Favre is back in Green Bay. Not sure if you've heard about that one.

NFL FanHouse Week 8 Chat Recap originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brett favrejames hallBruce CiskieFri, 30 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST Calvin Johnson Inactive, Matthew Stafford May Need Knee Surgeryhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/calvin-johnson-inactive-matthew-stafford-unlikely-to-play-for-d/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/calvin-johnson-inactive-matthew-stafford-unlikely-to-play-for-d/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/calvin-johnson-inactive-matthew-stafford-unlikely-to-play-for-d/#commentsFiled under: ,

Calvin JohnsonNot that the Lions need any more mountains to climb, but they will be without quarterback Matthew Stafford and star wide receiver Calvin Johnson Sunday as they attempt to break an 18-game losing streak at Lambeau Field. Both players are listed as inactive for the matchup in Green Bay, though Stafford will serve as Detroit's third-string, emergency QB.

Daunte Culpepper will get his second straight start at quarterback for the Lions. In Week 5, he was 23 of 37 for 282 yards, a touchdown and an interception in Detroit's 28-20 loss to Pittsburgh.

Despite Stafford's presence on the sidelines at Lambeau, the 2009 No. 1 pick's right knee injury -- suffered on a Week 4 sack at Chicago -- may be worse than first feared. According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Stafford had some additional swelling in the knee Wednesday, and will send his MRI results to famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion. Should surgery become necessary, Stafford would likely be out until 2010.

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew disputer Mortensen's report.

"It's just gossip," Mayhew told the Detroit Free Press. "It's gossip. I'm not going to comment on it. I'm not going to give it any credence or credibility by making a statement about it."

The Lions' wide receiving corps gets a lot less formidable without the dynamic Johnson. Bryant Johnson and Dennis Northcutt will likely be Detroit's starters, with increased roles for rookie Derrick Williams and recently re-signed John Standeford.

Sunday's injury news was more promising elsewhere in the NFC North -- Vikings rookie wide receiver Percy Harvin will be active against Baltimore, despite a shoulder injury.
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Calvin Johnson Inactive, Matthew Stafford May Need Knee Surgery originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Calvin JohnsonMatthew StaffordPercy HarvinChris BurkeSun, 18 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST Matthew Stafford Likely Out Sundayhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/08/lions-stafford-likely-out-sunday/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/08/lions-stafford-likely-out-sunday/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/08/lions-stafford-likely-out-sunday/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As the Detroit Lions' one-game winning streak was officially snapped Sunday in Chicago, fans were left holding their breath. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper might have been in the game only after it was out of hand, but he was also in there because rookie starter Matthew Stafford had gone down with a knee injury.

While it doesn't sound like Stafford's injury will be a long-term issue, the Lions appear to be planning on him missing Sunday's game against the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stafford missed practice for a second straight day Thursday, and the Lions are likely to start Culpepper against the Steelers, Tom Kowalski of MLive.com notes.
While Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said that not practicing Wednesday and today wouldn't necessarily rule out Stafford, it's important for a young quarterback - or any quarterback for that matter - to get as many reps as possible to prepare for Pittsburgh's complicated defense.
While this might not be the best news for Stafford, it also isn't the worst. He's played well since winning the job in training camp, as it looks like he's getting better each week. The Steelers might present an incredible challenge for Stafford, however, because of their unpredictable and aggressive defense.

A veteran like Culpepper, assuming he hasn't put on 25 pounds in the first four weeks of the season, is a good play against this front seven. He's played against fast and free-flowing defenses before, and it looked in the preseason like Culpepper had regained at least a chunk of the quickness he lost because of knee surgeries and weight gain.

Since it doesn't sound like Stafford will be out long, it's a chance for him to watch a game from the sideline. He might even be able to pick up a few pointers from Culpepper's play, if the Lions can protect him.

Matthew Stafford Likely Out Sunday originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>daunte culpepperjim schwartzmatthew staffordBruce CiskieThu, 08 Oct 2009 14:10:00 EST Fans of Bears, Lions Finally Have Quarterbacks to Cheerhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/04/chicago-detroit-fans-finally-have-quarterbacks-to-cheer/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/04/chicago-detroit-fans-finally-have-quarterbacks-to-cheer/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/04/chicago-detroit-fans-finally-have-quarterbacks-to-cheer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

CHICAGO - Matthew Stafford stood by his locker in jeans and polo shirt denying that he had ever screamed: "No, I'm all right. I don't remember yelling.''

But you did. You grabbed your knee and screamed after a sack by Adewale Ogunleye, and then you didn't come back into the game.

"(Then) it was a silent yell.''

A few minutes later, he walked out while a few of us stood there pretending not to watch him do it.

"Giving me the eye test, huh?" he said. "See if I can walk?"
More: Check Box Score | Green Bay-Minnesota MNF Preview

The thing is, no one has cared to give the eye test to any Detroit Lions quarterback in years. On Sunday, Chicago beat Detroit 48-24 in a moment marked by something no one has seen in 50 or 60 years.

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Both Chicago and Detroit have real quarterbacks. These are two franchises defined by a history, especially a recent history, of bad quarterbacking.

Dan Orlovsky, Jon Kitna, Mike McMahon.

What has happened to the Black and Blue Division, when teams combine to score 72 points?

Did Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, a Bear after he orchestrated a trade from Denver, feel like he was back in the high-flying AFC West?

"Uh, no," he said. "No. We got short fields. Offensively, we didn't really get into a rhythm."

Truth is, it wasn't a game for Cutler. But the eye test shows that he's doing something Bears quarterbacks haven't done in years.

Leading.

After years watching Rex Grossman, Bears fans should just be thrilled to see someone not panicking. But they're suspicious.

Steve Stenstrom, Shane Matthews, Kordell Stewart.
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Bears fans have been trained to rely on tough defenses and running backs. They take pride in smashing the ball down the other guy's throat in frigid weather off the Lake. They want to win the Bear Way. It's a Chicago thing, with the people thinking the team is just like them, big and tough.

The men here feel that way, too.

Certain basics of the Chicago psyche are being challenged now. The Bears, 3-1, have won three straight. Cutler is the first Bears quarterback since 1970 with a passer rating over 100 in three straight games.

But he was booed in his first preseason game. He was criticized for saying, accurately, that Devin Hester is not a "jump-up-and-get-it" receiver. He threw four interceptions against hated Green Bay, and was seen yelling at receivers. People were already on the verge of giving up on him.

It was his first regular season game.

Jim Miller. Henry Burris. Cade McNown.

Oh, God, Cade McNown.

Bears fans just don't understand how to have a real quarterback, that you can cheer for one. It's just now occurring to people here that the word "quarterback'' does not necessarily require them to start booing the way a doctor's rubber mallet makes the leg kick.

Tap, tap. Quarterback.

"Boo."

That's part of why it's so tough for Chicago or Detroit to actually have a quarterback. It's a history of booing, a history of skepticism.

Every new, young quarterback steps into it.

The fans should react that way. If not, then they would be the biggest suckers of all. Their teams have let them down over and over and over.

Charlie Batch and Ty Detmer and Gus Frerotte.

But maybe guys like Joey Harrington and Cade McNown just needed a little love and nurturing.

Nah. They just stunk.

These guys I keep naming, by the way, have all been starting quarterbacks for the Bears or Lions the past 20 years. Know that I'll never get to all of them.

Dave Krieg, Steve Walsh, Will Furrer.

Jonathan Quinn, Craig Krenzel, Chad Hutchinson.

Most of these guys weren't fill-ins for an injured starter, but were the actual starting quarterbacks the teams chose. Those last three started every game for the Bears in 2004.

Cutler is already a star. Former coaches have ripped him for his attitude. Mike Martz said, "He just doesn't get it. He doesn't understand that he represents a great head coach and the rest of those players on that team. Somebody needs to talk to him."

Yes, he supposedly is not the best guy to be around, unlike, say, Jim McMahon?

Before now, the Bears have had one really good quarterback, McMahon, since Sid Luckman retired in 1950. And McMahon was so fragile he lasted about 15 minutes. The Lions haven't had anyone since they traded Bobby Layne in the 1950s and he supposedly put a curse on the team, saying they wouldn't win a championship in 50 years.

Just try to believe, Bears and Lions fans. Lucy is not going to pull the football away from Charlie Brown this time.

Daunte Culpepper (old version), Jeff Garcia (old version).

Midway into the second quarter, the Bears had third and goal from the 5, and Cutler couldn't find anyone open, so he rolled left, jumped at the goal line and was clobbered by two defenders going opposite ways.

Cutler spun like a helicopter blade as he scored.


"It's what you expect from your leader," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "A leader has to make sacrifices from time to time."

The Bears aren't used to that. They're used to hoping the quarterback doesn't ruin things for the defense. That's the only bar to clear.

Stafford, the first pick in the draft, is not quite there yet. But his arm is a gun, and while he doesn't have Cutler's patience yet, he has far more than most rookies. He threw three dumb passes for sure Sunday.

One was intercepted when he was trying to throw it away, one was completed near the endzone when he threw into three defenders.

It's OK. He passes the eye test. As for his knee, he'll have tests on Monday, and you never know what happens inside the knees of NFL players. Maybe the Bobby Layne Curse really does exist?

We'll have to see. It's hard for fans at either place to have faith.

And Detroit has a million more problems to work out.

But not every quarterback is Brian Griese, Kyle Orton, Rex Grossman.

Oh God, Rex Grossman.

Email me at gregcouch09@aol.com

Fans of Bears, Lions Finally Have Quarterbacks to Cheer originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Greg CouchSun, 04 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST Matthew Stafford Leaves With Knee Injury In Lions' Losshttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/04/matthew-stafford-leaves-with-knee-injury-in-lions-loss/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/04/matthew-stafford-leaves-with-knee-injury-in-lions-loss/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/04/matthew-stafford-leaves-with-knee-injury-in-lions-loss/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Matthew StaffordComing off their first victory since December of 2007, the Lions played another good half of football Sunday. Heading into halftime, Detroit stood even with the Chicago Bears, 21-21. Matthew Stafford had engineered three touchdown drives, including a 98-yard beauty that greatly resembled the Lions' 99-yarder last week.

The second half, though, was another story. Johnny Knox, the Bears rookie wideout/returner, took the second half's opening kickoff back for a touchdown and his team never looked back. When the dust settled, the Bears had routed the Lions 48-24 and injured their rookie quarterback. On a play during the fourth quarter, Stafford was sacked by Adewale Ogunleye. In the process, Stafford's body was awkwardly twisted around and he screamed while grabbing his right knee. He did not return.
More: Eli Manning Also Hurt | Bengals Win in OT | Texans Win Big

There is no news yet of the exact injury nor of the extent. What we do know is that Stafford was noticeably limping on the sidelines and that he was replaced by Daunte Culpepper. You can bet there's an MRI in Stafford's future.

"He wasn't able to get it warmed back up again and we didn't want to put him back in the game," Schwartz said in the post game press conference. "If he was healthy enough, he would have gone back into the game."

UPDATE: Adam Shefter passed along, via Twitter, that Chris Mortensen is reporting Stafford suffered a dislocated kneecap (or subluxation of the patella, for you med fanatics out there). He says it was popped back in, but that doesn't sound fun. It's entirely possible Culpepper will take the field next week for the Lions as their temporary starter.

As far as the game itself, Stafford played relatively well. He completed 24 of 36 passes for 296 yards and a touchdown. He did throw one interception, and it was a bad one, coming on the Lions' 14 and setting the Bears up for an 8-yard (after the return) touchdown drive. He also missed several wide-open receivers in the Bears' zone coverage. He did lead those three drives in the first half and seemed to be on the same page with No. 1 receiver Calvin Johnson (eight catches for 133 yards).

The Lions outgained the Bears 398 yards to 276 and had the ball for 13 more minutes. The difference in the game was the Bears' efficiency on offense and special teams play. The Bears got good returns all day, not just on Knox's touchdown, in addition to stellar punting from Brad Maynard. The result was the Bears having an average starting position of Detroit's 46 compared to the Detroit 17-yard line for the Lions, which is an astounding difference.

The Lions will look to get back on track next week at home against the defending Super Bowl champs, the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Stafford is healthy, he'll face a tough test, but he appeared to be developing nicely Sunday in Chicago.
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Matthew Stafford Leaves With Knee Injury In Lions' Loss originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>matthew staffordMatthewStaffordMatt SnyderSun, 04 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST FanHouse Live Chat: Week 4 Previewhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/02/fanhouse-live-chat-week-4-preview/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/02/fanhouse-live-chat-week-4-preview/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/02/fanhouse-live-chat-week-4-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


It's a week headlined by some old guy facing his former team, but there are other storylines in Week 4. The Browns and Buccaneers start new quarterbacks, the Lions try for their second straight win, unbeatens clash in New Orleans, and the defending Super Bowl champions arguably face a must-win Sunday night. We'll talk about all these topics and more in our weekly get-together. Read the recap.

FanHouse Live Chat: Week 4 Preview originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Bruce CiskieFri, 02 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST Lions Win First Game Since 2007http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/27/lions-win-first-game-since-2007/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/27/lions-win-first-game-since-2007/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/27/lions-win-first-game-since-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


There have been a few near-misses, more than enough heartbreak, and some blowouts thrown in. Sunday afternoon, however, the Detroit Lions finally broke a hideous streak that saw them make NFL history.

The Lions beat the Washington Redskins, 19-14, at Ford Field. It marked the end of a 19-game losing streak for the Lions, who had not won since December of 2007.
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The Lions played great defense throughout the afternoon, getting a key goal-line stand in the first half to keep Washington off the scoreboard. The ensuing Detroit possession saw rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford lead the team on a 99-yard scoring drive, capped by a touchdown pass to Bryant Johnson.

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Detroit would never trail in the game. A 13-0 lead at halftime was cut by a Santana Moss score in the third quarter, and the teams traded scores in the fourth. Detroit's failed two-point play after their score meant it was 19-14 when Washington got the ball back for a last-minute attempt at a touchdown.

The Lions defense bent, but didn't break, just like it did virtually all afternoon. Washington reached Detroit's 36 with 23 seconds left -- Campbell then fired three straight incompletions before the Redskins failed on a hook-and-lateral play to end the game.

There were some positive signs for the Redskins, as Jason Campbell threw for over 300 yards and a pair of scores. Moss caught 10 passes for 178 yards. However, banged-up back Clinton Portis was held to 42 yards rushing, and the Redskins again struggled to finish drives, both offensively and defensively. The defense couldn't get off the field, allowing Detroit to convert 10 of 18 third downs -- plus Albert Haynesworth, Brian Orakpo, Carlos Rogers and London Fletcher all got banged up. Meanwhile, the offense hit on just two of 10 third down attempts.

The Lions and their fans deserve to over-celebrate this win, if you will. Players could be seen with tears in their eyes on the field. For many Detroit players and all of their fans, this kind of day has been way too long in coming. Perhaps getting the first win will give them the confidence to play more assertively when they have a lead, something that has failed them in the not-too-distant past.

Lions Win First Game Since 2007 originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bryant johnsonclinton portisjason campbellkevin smithmatthew staffordsantana mossBruce CiskieSun, 27 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST Lions, Raiders Blacked Out on Sundayhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/24/lions-raiders-blacked-out-on-sunday/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/24/lions-raiders-blacked-out-on-sunday/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/24/lions-raiders-blacked-out-on-sunday/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lions fanBoth Detroit and Oakland failed to sell out Week 3 home games by the Thursday deadline, so the Lions and Raiders will be blacked out in their respective local markets Sunday. San Diego avoided the same fate, unloading enough tickets to keep its game with Miami on the airwaves.

As of Wednesday, the Lions had more than 10,000 tickets still available for Sunday's game against Washington -- Detroit narrowly avoided being blacked out last week, selling its final 1,700 tickets after the NFL allotted an additional 24-hour window. Oakland received a similar extension in Week 1 for its game versus San Diego and also reached a sellout in time.

"It is on us because it's our job to win," Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said about Detroit's game being taken off the air in a 75-mile radius. "It's our job to get fans excited and to give them a reason to come to the game. And when we do that, we won't have to worry about blackouts or sellouts or anything else."

The Lions had sold out every game at Ford Field after its opening in 2002 until midway through last year. This Sunday will be the sixth time in the last eight games that Detroit has been under blackout.

Oakland, meanwhile, has had two games blacked out each season since taking over ticket sales from Alameda County before the 2006 season. This marks the first division game blacked out during that time.

- Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Lions, Raiders Blacked Out on Sunday originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>FanHouse NewswireThu, 24 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST Pocket Presence: Kolb, Garcia Wait for McNabb; Quinn Still Shakyhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/23/pocket-presence-kolb-garcia-wait-for-mcnabb-quinn-still-shaky/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/23/pocket-presence-kolb-garcia-wait-for-mcnabb-quinn-still-shaky/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/23/pocket-presence-kolb-garcia-wait-for-mcnabb-quinn-still-shaky/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's often said that a team with two quarterbacks really doesn't have any. With that spirit in mind, FanHouse will keep you updated weekly on NFL teams facing potential quarterback controversies.

Things are looking interesting in Philadelphia, although Donovan McNabb can come back and ruin all the fun. Meanwhile, there appears to be no end in sight to the situation in Cleveland, where the Browns have looked generally awful when they have the ball.

Philadelphia Eagles: Kevin Kolb and Jeff Garcia

As mentioned, McNabb could return, take the job, and relegate both to the bench. As long as McNabb isn't playing, Eagles coach Andy Reid is faced with a tough decision. Kolb looked shaky, inaccurate, sometimes indecisive, and not very good overall in a loss to New Orleans Sunday. It's not the kind of performance the Eagles can afford to see again, but is it enough to get Garcia a chance to start?

Let's face it: Garcia is rarely a happy backup. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, because no one should want to stand on the sideline in a baseball cap. But it isn't really easy on the head coach or the starting quarterback. Garcia knows the Eagles offense, is obviously capable of running it, and has already won over Philly fans as their starter once. He could do it again.

Then again, he could also end up as the inactive third quarterback when McNabb returns.

Status update: Very warm, until McNabb is ready

Cleveland Browns: Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson

The Browns have scored 26 points in two games. Yes, it's more than the Rams have, but it's still not very impressive. They got six in four quarters against the once-maligned Denver defense Sunday, as the Broncos whipped Cleveland 27-6.

Quinn has been the ringleader of the Browns offense so far. He hasn't done much of anything. He's not throwing with great accuracy, as was advertised. He isn't moving the chains, and he isn't making any big plays.

Yes, Eric Mangini wants his "guy" to succeed, but how long can he watch Quinn struggle without giving Anderson a shot? The Browns are 0-2, and the schedule isn't magically going to get any easier, especially when you consider that the Browns have yet to play a game against an AFC North rival.

Status update: Very warm

Miami Dolphins: Chad Pennington and Chad Henne

It's hard to get a read on this one, but the Dolphins can't be terribly fond of Pennington's play so far. He has been his normal accurate self when it comes to shorter passes, but the Dolphins have had issues putting up points, in part because the passing game has too many moments of ineptitude. Plus, there were already some rumblings that Pennington would be replaced in 2010. If the offense sputters more, will the Dolphins accelerate Chad Henne's timeline?

Status update: Lukewarm

Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper

Yes, head coach Jim Schwartz has said Stafford is his guy. No, Stafford isn't hurt. However, the Lions are 0-2, have not looked good on offense, and are going to get Stafford killed if they don't protect him better. Culpepper is a veteran who could have a steadying influence on the offense. Stafford isn't going to be destroyed if the Lions sit him for a few games. In the end, he'd be grateful for the chance to clear his head.

Status update: Lukewarm

Others Worth Watching

Kansas City (Matt Cassel and Tyler Thigpen); Carolina (Jake Delhomme, A.J. Feeley, Matt Moore)

Pocket Presence: Kolb, Garcia Wait for McNabb; Quinn Still Shaky originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>a.j. feeleyandy reidbrady quinnchad hennechad penningtondaunte culpepperderek andersondonovan mcnabberic manginijake delhommejeff garciakevin kolbmatt casselmatt moorematthew staffordpocket presencetyler thigpenBruce CiskieWed, 23 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST Sunday Snippets: Delhomme Is Bad, Even in His Good Minutehttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/sunday-snippets-delhomme-is-bad-even-in-his-good-minute/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/sunday-snippets-delhomme-is-bad-even-in-his-good-minute/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/sunday-snippets-delhomme-is-bad-even-in-his-good-minute/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jake DelhommeIt got so bad for Jake Delhomme Sunday that, even when he was good, he was bad.

Was he ever good in Carolina's 38-10 loss to the Eagles, in which he threw four interceptions and lost a fumble that was returned by a touchdown? Well, the Panthers took the opening kickoff and moved 70 yards for a score of their own to take a 7-0 lead on DeAngelo Williams' 11-yard run. But it was ugly -- two plays before the TD, the Panthers had a first down at the Eagles 1, but Ryan Kalil jumped on the first play and Jeff Otah on the second.

Williams took care of the rest, but those two penalties -- probably some sort of messed-up count by Delhomme, since it was that kind of day -- simply were a precursor of what was to come. Worse, the same thing happened in Delhomme's last game, when Carolina was upset at home by Arizona in its first playoff game last season.

OK, not quite as bad -- Delhomme had six turnovers in that one, five INTs and a fumble. In any case, he now has nine interceptions in his last 51 passes and 11 turnovers in his last two games.

And he got a five-year contract extension worth $42 million in the offseason. Actually, it's probably more like $25 million up front, but it means they're saddled with him until 2012, when he'll be 37. He'll probably play next week -- his backup, Josh McCown, left with knee and foot injuries."I hope so," Delhomme said when asked about it. "I'm not looking for the easy way out."

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CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 13: Chester Taylor #29 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes against the Cleveland Browns on September 13, 2009 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Vikings beat the Browns 34-20. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chester Taylor
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    GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Runningback Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals walks with teammates to the lockerroom prior to the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tim Hightower

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    GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Arizona Cardinals team president Michael Bidwill speaks before the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Bidwill

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    GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the sidelines during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Larry Fitzgerald

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    GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Shaun Hill #13 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by Darnell Dockett #90 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shaun Hill;Darnell Dockett

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    GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Runningback Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals leads teammates onto the field prior to the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tim Hightower

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    GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field following a loss to the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jay Cutler

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    CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 13: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against Charles Johnson #95 of the Carolina Panthers at Bank Of America Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Kolb;Charles Johnson

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    CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 13: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Philadelphia Eagles heads off the field after being injured against the Carolina Panthers at Bank Of America Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Donovan McNabb

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    GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Matt Forte

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    GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears awaits the start of play in the 1st half against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Urlacher

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Delhomme got company in the Sunday night game from Jay Cutler, who threw four interceptions in his regular-season debut for Chicago. Three came in the first half, when both teams struggled. The fourth came on a play that started with 1:11 left after Green Bay had taken a 21-15 lead.

In the first half, Cutler was clearly uncomfortable with Dom Capers' 3-4 defensive schemes, which are more aggressive than most. Next Sunday, he gets to see another difficult 3-4 -- Pittsburgh's -- when the Steelers visit Soldier Field

QUARTERBACKS (a few of them): Delhomme was lucky in a way. Donovan McNabb broke his ribs in the same game, taking some attention away from his disastrous day and raising questions -- facetious ones -- about whether Roger Goodell might let Michael Vick come back a week early. No, of course Goodell won't, so Kevin Kolb will almost surely be the QB when the Eagles play host to the Saints next week.

Donovan McNabbKolb may do OK -- the Saints don't play much defense. On the other hand, the Philly defense, which was handed all those gifts by Delhomme, will meet a very different guy -- New Orleans QB Drew Brees, who had six TD passes against Detroit. Of course, the Detroit and Philadelphia defenses are at opposite ends of the spectrum. (No pun intended, although the Spectrum parking lot is next to Lincoln Financial Field)

Brees was so good Sunday in a 45-28 win that Jeremy Shockey actually caught two TD passes, his first since November, 2007. Shockey says there are more to come. We sort of believe it, although the Saints don't get to play the Lions anymore.

Brett Favre played his first game for the Vikings, who beat the Browns 34-20. Brett was -- horrible phrase -- a "game manager.'' Stats: 14 of 21 for 110 yards while Adrian Peterson was rushing for 180. That's likely to be Minnesota's way all season.

Then there are the rookie QBs,

Mark Sanchez, the fifth-overall pick, threw for 272 yards and an a touchdown in New York's 24-7 win, but it was easy because Rex Ryan's defense held what was supposed to be a high-powered Houston offense to 183 yards. Houston had one shot at getting in the game, but Donald Strickland knocked the ball away from Steve Slaton on an 18-yard pass completion, the Jets recovered and that was it.

Matthew Stafford, No. 1 overall, demonstrated why he should be watching and letting Daunte Culpepper absorb the punishment. As Detroit lost its 18th straight, 45-27 in New Orleans, Stafford was a 16 of 37 for 205 yards and was intercepted three times. "Some of those balls I was throwing, I was just trying to get rid of it and not take a sack.,'' he said.

That's life with the Lions.

NEW PHILOSOPHY?: Jim Caldwell, who replaced Tony Dungy, as the Colts' coach, obviously trusts his defense (and his special teams).

With the Colts leading 14-12 with 7:42 left, they had a fourth-and-1 at the Jaguars 44. Caldwell elected to kick it away and rookie punter Pat McAfee dropped the ball on the 1.

The Jags never got out of the hole. A decision like Caldwell's wouldn't have always been the right one with a team that's depended so heavily on Peyton Manning and the offense, which lost receiver Anthony Gonzalez to a knee sprain that will probably cost him four-to-six weeks. Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer also showed some new wrinkles -- blitzing middle linebacker Gary Brackett a couple of times to disrupt David Garrard late in the game.

The Colts rarely blitzed when Dungy was the head coach and Ron Meeks the defensive coordinator and the bend-but-don't break Tampa Two was the defense of choice. On the final Jacksonville possession, Brackett broke through twice, forcing an incomplete pass and then letting Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney clean up.

Other notables: The play of the day, of course, was the game-winning TD for Denver in Cincinnati, when the Bengals' Leon Hall deflected a desperation pass with 28 seconds left into the air, only to see it come down to Brandon Stokley. Stokley completed an 87-yard TD play to give the Broncos a 12-7 win after the Bengals had scored with 38 seconds left to seemingly win it.

It was the first win for Josh McDaniels, who is a smart guy. Stokley is a smart guy too -- he wasted an extra five or six seconds running parallel to the goal line before stepping into the end zone.

"I've played football since I was 7 or 8 and I never saw anything like that,'' said Carson Palmer.

Actually, he's played for the Bengals since 2003, so he's seen a lot of odd things.

o. Kansas City, with Matt Cassel out with a knee injury, started Brodie Croyle at QB, replaced him with Tyler Thigpen and then brought back Croyle when Thigpen was hurt. The Chiefs went without a first down until just over two minutes was left in the half, but trailed just 10-7 at that point because they scored on a blocked punt.

For the game, the Chiefs were outgained 501-188, although they were tied at 24-all when the Ravens finally scored with 2:06 left.
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Sunday Snippets: Delhomme Is Bad, Even in His Good Minute originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brandon stokleybrett favredaunte culpepperdonovan mcnabbdrew breesgary brackettjake delhommejeremy shockeyjim caldwelljosh mcdanielskevin kolblarry coyermark sanchezmatt casselmatthew staffordmichael vickDave GoldbergSun, 13 Sep 2009 22:20:00 EST