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Jason Hason
I like him as a person and as a field goal kicker but its time for someone else to kick off. Lasted week it seem JH leg could go to the 15 yard line and/or the ten yard line; but the kicks never made it for a touch back (Back of end zone). I know special team has been a problem and everyone is asking for Stan Kwame head which might be deserving but not all his fault. There is not another kicker on the team and not another spot for such a specialty. Your thoughts?
Actually, both teams were kicking short into the wind one direction at Seattle. And while Hanson's not a touchback guy at this point in his career, it's not like he doesn't have pretty good leg strength (kicked another 50 yd FG on Sunday). They've actually been trying to get those guys (Harris and also Hanson somewhat) to directional kick and try for a little more hang time to help with some of the coverage problems.
Players on IR
When can players on IR come gack and play? It could help if Damion Cook and Daniel Bullocks where healthy. I know they would have to cut someone from the active roster but it would be an upgrade at saftey and on the O-line. Your thoughts?
When you go on IR, you're done for the season. Unless the team and player agree to an injury settlement (a prorated salary for an agreed-upon estimate of injury rehab time), at the end of which the player must sit out six weeks before he can sign with a team. Last year, the Lions did that with Aveion Cason at the end of preseason, releasing him with a four-week injury settlement, then signing him back in Week 10.
But in both cases, those guys aren't available. Neither one would've been an upgrade, though. Bullocks was behind both Manuel and Pearson on the offseason depth chart.
Roster Changes
I have to tip my hat to the Detroit coach; He is not accepting players not getting the job done on the field. Special teams looked like a big joke last Sunday. So, I glad the coach made some changes to personnel. Let's see if those changes are an upgrade. When will see some changes in the D-line and O-line? Why haven't we seen Turk at DE yet? I also see that we have acquired Marvin White at safety. Any good word on this safety? Could you also speak to DB Buchanan and Pearson falling in the depth chart; I think they will be on the chopping block as we keep bring in players for tryouts.
McBride's more of a long-term project at DE. He took off 20 pounds to play OLB in the Chiefs' new 3-4 only to get released. It takes time to get back up to the kind of weight where he'd be comfortable and/or productive at DE -- he played at 275 there under Cunningham.
White's a guy that'll get called on fairly soon, perhaps, on special teams. With Simpson likely out this week, and Pearson still trying to get back, he might even be active this week.
Pearson's back in a role where he belongs -- he's not a starting safety, based on last season and this last preseason. But Buchanon is arguably the biggest mystery and/or disappointment on the roster this season. An injury put him on his heels, and the coaching staff didn't like the way he responded once the season started. He's not Bryan Kelly Pt. 2 yet, but I suppose that's possible if he doesn't step up. Meantime, Will James has played pretty competently and consistently and is a wiiling tackler.
DE
In all four games both lines needed to play better and step there game up. The DE needs to be change up. They have not got any perssure on the QB's. White and Avril had not got it done yet, Hunter has showed something. Is there anyone out there that can help these Lions on the DL or DE? Why haven't we seen Turk play DE yet?
Answered above re: McBride. But you'll notice that Peterson started getting some more time at DE last week, and you'll see that continue. Avril's still only part way back from his injury, so there's some hope there, I think, that he'll be more productive if/when he can get back to 100 percent from the hamstring injury. Hunter's been a bright spot, in my opinion. And while White doesn't add explosiveness, he's solid against the run and a veteran with a decent track record.
Stafford
I was hoping to see Stafford put more of a touch on some passes. I few plays could be simple if he learn the touch of a jumb ball/pass. I have not seen that for his game as of yet, everything has to be a bullet. I want to see a pass where the receiver can run and go get it. Have you seen these passes for him as of yet?
He overthrew a couple, but that's still sort of to be expected from a rookie with a big arm like that. We've seen the touch you're talking about in camp and practices, so you'll see more of what your looking for soon I'm sure.
J Peterson OLB
Why is his production level so low? Will the Lions move or try Bing/Dizon at his position. Looking forward Chi-town this weekend. Do you think the Lions can win there?
Well, you have to understand that tackle totals are always lower for the SLB, who picks up more blockers. And the defense is designed to funnel runs to the middle, so Foote's the guy who's going to have the gaudy stats. Still, Peterson wasn't good vs. Saints, and they let him know it. (He already knew it, actually.) I thought he played better the last two weeks, and he was involved on some key defensive stops Sunday. Dizon's getting a lot of action on third downs, sometimes at Peterson's expense, and I expect that'll continue.
I do think they can beat the Bears, but beware Marinelli's men up front. They've got nine sacks in three games, second-most in the NFL.
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