In Play Magazine
Home Scoring
The Lions were victorious today over the Washington Redskins 37-25 at Ford Field. The team has scored at least 30 points (32 vs. Philadelphia September 19 and 44 vs. St. Louis Rams October 10). Today’s 37-point outing marks the first time since 1997 (38 vs. Minnesota 11/16/97, 32 vs. Indianapolis 11/23/97 and vs. Chicago 11/27/97) that the Lions have scored 30 points in three-consecutive home games.
Entering today’s game, the Lions led the lead in scoring average at home (38.0), and their average was nearly reached. The team is now averaging 37.7 (113 points) over their first three home games.
Stafford Returns
Second-year QB Matthew Stafford returned today after missing the last five games due to a shoulder injury to lead the Lions to a 37-25 win over the Redskins and giving the Lions two wins in the past three games and two wins in the last two home games.
Stafford completed 26-of-45 passes for 212 yards and 4 touchdowns, while accumulating a 90.2 passer rating.
His 4 touchdown passes are the second-highest single game tally of his career. He joins QB Bobby Layne (4), QB Eric Hipple (2), QB Gary Danielson (2) and QB Scott Mitchell (2) as the only passers in team history with at least two games of 4 touchdown passes, and Stafford is the first player in team history to do it twice in his first two years with the club.
By connecting with WR Calvin Johnson on 4th-and-1 with 3:12 left to play in the fourth quarter to take a 28-25 lead, which the Lions would not surrender, it marked Stafford’s second career fourth-quarter come-from-behind win.
Johnson’s Career Day
WR Calvin Johnson was crucial throughout today’s 37-25 win over the Redskins as he gathered 9 receptions for 101 yards and three touchdown receptions. Johnson’s 3 touchdown receptions is a career high and it was the first time since WR Roy Williams (3 vs. Arizona 11/13/05) that a Lions receiver recorded three touchdown receptions in a game.
All 3 touchdown catches by Johnson helped the team either take the lead initially in the game or re-take the lead.
Today’s game marked the fourth time in his career that he caught at least two touchdowns in a game and the first time against a team other than Green Bay.
With 3 touchdown receptions, Johnson passed WR Roy Williams (28, 2004-07) for the second-most receiving touchdowns by a Lions receiver in their first four seasons. E Cloyce Box holds the best marks of 32 touchdowns in his first four years (1949-50, 1952-53).
Johnson has now caught touchdown passes in 4 consecutive games.
His 101 yards marks the 11th time in his career that he has recorded 100 yards in a game. He has 100 receiving yards in the past two games (146 at New York Giants 10/17) for a two-game tally of 257 yards.
It is the second time in his career that he has recorded 100 yards in back-to-back games and first since he did so in 2008 (107 at Atlanta 9/7/08 and 129 vs. Green Bay 9/14/08)
With 101 receiving yards, Johnson passed WR Gail Cogdill (3,534 yards, 1960-63) for the second-most receiving yards by a player in their first four seasons with the Lions. With 35 yards receiving next week, he will surpass the highest tally set by Williams (3,652) from 2004-07.
His 9-catch day tied a career high and marked the third time he has registered 9 receptions in a game.
Johnson surpassed WR Brett Perriman (226, 2004-07) for most receptions by a Lions’ receiver in their first four seasons with the club. Johnson now holds the second-highest mark with 231 receptions.
Johnson has now caught passes in all 52 games he has played in his career. His 52-consecutive games with a reception is the longest streak by the Lions.
Suh-per Day
Lions rookie DT Ndamukong Suh electrified the Ford Field crowd as part of a dominating performance by the defensive line today when he registered 2 sacks (17 yards loss), 4 tackles (2 tackles for loss) and put an exclamation point on the victory today with a 17-yard fumble return for a touchdown with 1:36 to play in the game that gave the Lions a 37-25 lead.
In the second quarter, Suh halted a Redskins drive when he registered two sacks in the span of three plays for a total of 17 yards lost. Suh became the first rookie to record two sacks in a game since DE Kalimba Edwards at Arizona December 8, 2002. He is the first Lions rookie defensive tackle to record two sacks in a game since sacks became an official statistic in 1982.
The two sacks pushed his season total to 6.5, which ties Edwards (2002) rookie for the second most sacks by a Lions rookie since 1982. The record is 7.5 by LB Tracy Hayworth in 1992. Suh has the most by a Lions rookie defensive tackles since 1992.
Suh became the first Lions defensive lineman to return a fumble for a touchdown since Bob Bell (25 yards) at Green Bay November 1, 1971
Defensive Pressure Up Front
The Lions 37-25 win today was highlighted by a very aggressive attack by the defensive line to get to the quarterback. As a team, the Lions garnered 7 sacks (59 yards), including 6 by three defensive linemen.
DE Cliff Avril, DT Ndamukong Suh and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch each registered 2.0 sacks each.
With three Lions defenders garnering 2.0 sacks today, it marked the first time since 1986 that the defense accomplished the feat (DE Keith Ferguson 4.0, DE William Gay 2.5 and DT Eric Williams 2.0; at Philadelphia 11/16/86).
Avril’s 2.0 sacks is a career high.
Vanden Bosch’s 2.0 sacks are the most he has garnered in his first season with the Lions. The last time he has 2.0 sacks in a game was against the New York Jets December 23, 2007 while he was with the Tennessee Titans.
On the season, the Lions defense now has 23 sacks.
Logan Goes Long on Punt Return
WR Stefan Logan set up the Lions first score of the game when he returned a Redskins punt for career-high 71 yards. He gave the ball to the Lions offense at the Redskins 19-yard line.
Logan has now returned a kick for more than 50 yards in each of the past three games. He returned a kickoff for a 105-yard touchdown vs. St. Louis 10/10 and a kickoff return for 58 yards at New York Giants 10/17).
The 71-yarder is the longest by a Lions returner since WR Eddie Drummond returned an 83-yard touchdown at Jacksonville November 14, 2004.
Logan becomes the first player in Lions history to return a 100-yard kickoff return and a punt return for at least 70 yards in the same season.
Smith’s Pick-Four
Second-year CB Alphonso Smith picked off his fourth pass of the season when he recorded a fourth quarter interception (returned for 4 yards).
With a fourth pick of the year, he became the first player for the Lions to record 4 interceptions in a season since CB Dre’ Bly registered 6 interceptions in 2005.
For Starters
K Jason Hanson has now played in 294 career games, the most in franchise history. Hanson is third all-time in games played with one team, currently at 294, and is now one game behind Washington CB Darrell Green (295) for second place on that list.
Among active players, Hanson ranks second with 294 career games, and he is 11th overall in League history.
T Jeff Backus made his 151st consecutive start today at left tackle.He has started every game since he was drafted in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Backus currently holds the mark for the most consecutive starts among active interior (offense and defense) linemen and is currently tied for fifth among all active players with 151 straight starts.
He is second in Lions history for most consecutive games started behind Hall of Fame CB Dick LeBeau (171).
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
RON ADAMS OF WYANDOTTE NAMED LIONS COACH OF THE WEEK
In Play Magazine
Michigan Army National Guard on Board as Presenting Sponsor of High School Coach of the Week Program
Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Ron Adams of Wyandotte as the 2010 week nine recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.
Adams led his Wyandotte Bears to a 27-0 victory over previously unbeaten Southgate on Friday (Oct. 22) to finish the regular season with a perfect 9-0 record. The win marks the first time the Bears have finished the regular season unbeaten since 1942. Wyandotte is currently ranked No. 6 in Division 2 by the Detroit Free Press.
Adams is in his 22nd year as a high school coach and fifth as head coach at Wyandotte where his record stands at 42-11. After taking over a team that was 1-8 in 2005, he has guided the Bears to five straight state playoff appearances.
Adams also served as head coach at Taylor Truman for five seasons where he led them to their first playoff appearance in school history. He has served as an assistant at Taylor Center, Melvindale and Wyandotte.
This week Adams and his squad host Allen Park (6-3) in the state playoffs.
Michigan Army National Guard on Board as Presenting Sponsor of High School Coach of the Week Program
Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Ron Adams of Wyandotte as the 2010 week nine recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.
Adams led his Wyandotte Bears to a 27-0 victory over previously unbeaten Southgate on Friday (Oct. 22) to finish the regular season with a perfect 9-0 record. The win marks the first time the Bears have finished the regular season unbeaten since 1942. Wyandotte is currently ranked No. 6 in Division 2 by the Detroit Free Press.
Adams is in his 22nd year as a high school coach and fifth as head coach at Wyandotte where his record stands at 42-11. After taking over a team that was 1-8 in 2005, he has guided the Bears to five straight state playoff appearances.
Adams also served as head coach at Taylor Truman for five seasons where he led them to their first playoff appearance in school history. He has served as an assistant at Taylor Center, Melvindale and Wyandotte.
This week Adams and his squad host Allen Park (6-3) in the state playoffs.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
TONY SCARCELLI OF MARINE CITY NAMED LIONS COACH OF THE WEEK
Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Tony Scarcelli of Marine City as the 2010 week eight recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.
Scarcelli guided his Marine City Mariners to a 56-21 victory over St. Clair Shores Lake Shore on Friday (Oct. 15) to improve to 7-1 on the season. Marine City is currently ranked No. 3 in Division 4 by the Detroit Free Press.
Scarcelli is in his 25th year as a coach at Marine City serving as head coach for the last six seasons and as an assistant for 19 seasons. His career record as head coach stands at 63-7 and includes the 2007 Division 4 state title and at least a share of the Macomb Area Conference (Gold Division) title all six seasons. The Mariner football program has never recorded a losing season in Scarcelli’s 25 years as a coach.
This week Scarcelli is preparing his squad to take on Grosse Pointe South (5-3).
Scarcelli guided his Marine City Mariners to a 56-21 victory over St. Clair Shores Lake Shore on Friday (Oct. 15) to improve to 7-1 on the season. Marine City is currently ranked No. 3 in Division 4 by the Detroit Free Press.
Scarcelli is in his 25th year as a coach at Marine City serving as head coach for the last six seasons and as an assistant for 19 seasons. His career record as head coach stands at 63-7 and includes the 2007 Division 4 state title and at least a share of the Macomb Area Conference (Gold Division) title all six seasons. The Mariner football program has never recorded a losing season in Scarcelli’s 25 years as a coach.
This week Scarcelli is preparing his squad to take on Grosse Pointe South (5-3).
DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2010
TODAY’S NEWS
The Lions practiced in shorts on Sandoval Field (indoors) today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.
Today’s workout marked starting QB Matthew Stafford’s most extensive practice participation since Week
Lions CB Jack Williams practiced with the team for the first time today since being placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list on September 4. The team now has three weeks to decide whether to add Williams to the active 53-man roster, release him or keep him on the PUP list for the rest of the 2010 season.
The team announced today that they have signed C Cody Wallace from the New York Jets practice squad.
The Lions practiced in shorts on Sandoval Field (indoors) today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.
Today’s workout marked starting QB Matthew Stafford’s most extensive practice participation since Week
Lions CB Jack Williams practiced with the team for the first time today since being placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list on September 4. The team now has three weeks to decide whether to add Williams to the active 53-man roster, release him or keep him on the PUP list for the rest of the 2010 season.
The team announced today that they have signed C Cody Wallace from the New York Jets practice squad.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Lions Head Coach Schwartz Press Conference Monday Oct 18
In Play Magazine
Opening statement:
"Zack Follett should be en route to Detroit fairly soon. He’s flying back today. He’s doing a lot better. His tests all came back very, very encouraging. We look forward to a quick recovery and seeing him back on the field sometime."
On how long he expects QB Shaun Hill to be out:
"I don’t know if he’s being operated on right now or if it’s further on down the road today but he’ll have his broken arm operated on. After that, I really don’t know. It’s going to be a few weeks but it’s a little too early. It’s his non-throwing arm. It depends on what kind of cast and everything else that could be put on it. I don’t want to put a time table on it but there’s going to be some missed time with it."
On if he thinks QB Matthew Stafford will be the starter against Washington:
"I don’t want to say hope, but anytime you’re talking about injury there is a degree of hope, because you never know exactly how someone is going to respond to an increased workload. He did throw last week. He had been throwing on a limited basis before that. So, hopefully we can keep him on track and we can be smart about how we use him and get him ready for that, but that’s definitely the plan."
The Lions have a bye week coming up and will be out of action this weekend.
Opening statement:
"Zack Follett should be en route to Detroit fairly soon. He’s flying back today. He’s doing a lot better. His tests all came back very, very encouraging. We look forward to a quick recovery and seeing him back on the field sometime."
On how long he expects QB Shaun Hill to be out:
"I don’t know if he’s being operated on right now or if it’s further on down the road today but he’ll have his broken arm operated on. After that, I really don’t know. It’s going to be a few weeks but it’s a little too early. It’s his non-throwing arm. It depends on what kind of cast and everything else that could be put on it. I don’t want to put a time table on it but there’s going to be some missed time with it."
On if he thinks QB Matthew Stafford will be the starter against Washington:
"I don’t want to say hope, but anytime you’re talking about injury there is a degree of hope, because you never know exactly how someone is going to respond to an increased workload. He did throw last week. He had been throwing on a limited basis before that. So, hopefully we can keep him on track and we can be smart about how we use him and get him ready for that, but that’s definitely the plan."
The Lions have a bye week coming up and will be out of action this weekend.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
UPDATE ON DETROIT LIONS LB ZACK FOLLETT
In Play Magazine
9:15 p.m. ET
“Both the MRI and CT tests performed on Zack this evening at the Hackensack Medical Center were NEGATIVE. Zack is resting comfortably and has feeling and movement in all of his extremities. He will continue to be monitored throughout the evening. We expect no further updates until Monday.”
9:15 p.m. ET
“Both the MRI and CT tests performed on Zack this evening at the Hackensack Medical Center were NEGATIVE. Zack is resting comfortably and has feeling and movement in all of his extremities. He will continue to be monitored throughout the evening. We expect no further updates until Monday.”
Thursday, October 14, 2010
DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010
In Play Magazine
TODAY’S NEWS
The Lions practiced in shorts on Sandoval Field (indoors) today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.
The team announced today that they have waived-injured LB Spencer Havner and have signed LB Vinny Ciurciu. Ciurciu played in nine games for Detroit in 2009 and spent the 2010 preseason with the team before being released September 4.
The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: LB Landon Johnson (concussion), LB DeAndre Levy (ankle/groin), DE Turk McBride (ankle), QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) and CB Nathan Vasher (nose/biceps) did not practice. RB Jahvid Best (toe), WR Nate Burleson (ankle), S Louis Delmas (groin), WR Calvin Johnson (shoulder/knee) and WR Stefan Logan (foot) were limited in practice today. Best was upgraded from no practice to limited today.
The following players were listed on the New York Giants’ Injury Report today: T Will Beatty (foot) is out. WR Victor Cruz (hamstring), FB Madison Hedgecock (hamstring), DB Brian Jackson (neck), DE Mathias Kiwanuka (neck) and RB D.J. Ware (groin) did not practice. LB Keith Bulluck (toe), C Shuan O’Hara (ankle/Achilles), S Kenny Phillips (knee) and DE Osi Umenyiora (knee) were limited in practice today. Umenyiora was upgraded from no practice to limited today.
The Detroit Lions will visit New Meadowlands Stadium this week to take on the New York Giants Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The Lions will aim to win back-to-back games after beating the Rams 44-6 and the Giants will look to make it three-in-a-row after winning 34-10 at Houston. The game will be televised in Metro Detroit
TODAY’S NEWS
The Lions practiced in shorts on Sandoval Field (indoors) today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.
The team announced today that they have waived-injured LB Spencer Havner and have signed LB Vinny Ciurciu. Ciurciu played in nine games for Detroit in 2009 and spent the 2010 preseason with the team before being released September 4.
The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: LB Landon Johnson (concussion), LB DeAndre Levy (ankle/groin), DE Turk McBride (ankle), QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) and CB Nathan Vasher (nose/biceps) did not practice. RB Jahvid Best (toe), WR Nate Burleson (ankle), S Louis Delmas (groin), WR Calvin Johnson (shoulder/knee) and WR Stefan Logan (foot) were limited in practice today. Best was upgraded from no practice to limited today.
The following players were listed on the New York Giants’ Injury Report today: T Will Beatty (foot) is out. WR Victor Cruz (hamstring), FB Madison Hedgecock (hamstring), DB Brian Jackson (neck), DE Mathias Kiwanuka (neck) and RB D.J. Ware (groin) did not practice. LB Keith Bulluck (toe), C Shuan O’Hara (ankle/Achilles), S Kenny Phillips (knee) and DE Osi Umenyiora (knee) were limited in practice today. Umenyiora was upgraded from no practice to limited today.
The Detroit Lions will visit New Meadowlands Stadium this week to take on the New York Giants Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The Lions will aim to win back-to-back games after beating the Rams 44-6 and the Giants will look to make it three-in-a-row after winning 34-10 at Houston. The game will be televised in Metro Detroit
RICH BELL OF SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY NAMED LIONS COACH OF THE WEEK
In Play Magazine
Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Rich Bell of Saginaw Swan Valley as the 2010 week seven recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.
Bell led his Swan Valley Vikings to a 28-13 victory over Freeland last Friday (Oct. 8) to improve to 6-1 on the season. Swan Valley is currently ranked No. 10 in Division 4 by the Detroit Free Press.
Bell is in his 38th year as a football coach and 10th as head coach at Swan Valley where he has compiled a record of 75-28. He served as head coach at St. Charles for eight seasons and at Freeland for two seasons. His overall career record as a head coach stands at 136-64-2. Bell has also been an assistant coach at Swan Valley, Saginaw MacArthur and Muskegon Mona Shores.
This week Bell and the Vikings host Hemlock (4-3).
Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Rich Bell of Saginaw Swan Valley as the 2010 week seven recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.
Bell led his Swan Valley Vikings to a 28-13 victory over Freeland last Friday (Oct. 8) to improve to 6-1 on the season. Swan Valley is currently ranked No. 10 in Division 4 by the Detroit Free Press.
Bell is in his 38th year as a football coach and 10th as head coach at Swan Valley where he has compiled a record of 75-28. He served as head coach at St. Charles for eight seasons and at Freeland for two seasons. His overall career record as a head coach stands at 136-64-2. Bell has also been an assistant coach at Swan Valley, Saginaw MacArthur and Muskegon Mona Shores.
This week Bell and the Vikings host Hemlock (4-3).
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2010
In Play Magazine
TODAY’S NEWS
The Lions practiced in shorts on the outdoor fields today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.
Detroit Lions WR Stefan Logan has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for games played in Week 5 (October 10-11). Logan had a 105-yard kickoff-return touchdown in the Lions’ 44-6 win against St. Louis. The return tied for the longest kickoff return in team history (Terry Fair, September 28, 1998) and tied for the sixth-longest in NFL history. It also marked the first non-onside kickoff-return touchdown by a Lion since Eddie Drummond’s 92-yard TD in 2004 (November 21). Logan also added 24 punt-return yards (12.0 avg.) and finished with 129 total return yards while also helping the kickoff cover unit allow just 18.3 yards per return. In his second season from South Dakota, this is Logan’s first career Player of the Week Award.
The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: RB Jahvid Best (toe), LB Spencer Havner (hamstring), LB Landon Johnson (concussion), LB DeAndre Levy (ankle/groin), DE Turk McBride (ankle), QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) and CB Nathan Vasher (nose/biceps) did not practice. WR Nate Burleson (ankle), S Louis Delmas (groin), WR Calvin Johnson (shoulder/knee) and WR Stefan Logan (foot) were limited in practice today.
The following players were listed on the New York Giants’ Injury Report today: T Will Beatty (foot) is out. WR Victor Cruz (hamstring), FB Madison Hedgecock (hamstring), DB Brian Jackson (neck), DE Mathias Kiwanuka (neck), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee) and RB D.J. Ware (groin) did not practice. LB Keith Bulluck (toe), C Shuan O’Hara (ankle/Achilles) and S Kenny Phillips (knee) were limited in practice today.
The Detroit Lions will visit New Meadowlands Stadium this week to take on the New York Giants Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The Lions will aim to win back-to-back games after beating the Rams 44-6 and the Giants will look to make it three-in-a-row after winning 34-10 at Houston.
The game will be televised locally.
TODAY’S NEWS
The Lions practiced in shorts on the outdoor fields today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.
Detroit Lions WR Stefan Logan has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for games played in Week 5 (October 10-11). Logan had a 105-yard kickoff-return touchdown in the Lions’ 44-6 win against St. Louis. The return tied for the longest kickoff return in team history (Terry Fair, September 28, 1998) and tied for the sixth-longest in NFL history. It also marked the first non-onside kickoff-return touchdown by a Lion since Eddie Drummond’s 92-yard TD in 2004 (November 21). Logan also added 24 punt-return yards (12.0 avg.) and finished with 129 total return yards while also helping the kickoff cover unit allow just 18.3 yards per return. In his second season from South Dakota, this is Logan’s first career Player of the Week Award.
The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: RB Jahvid Best (toe), LB Spencer Havner (hamstring), LB Landon Johnson (concussion), LB DeAndre Levy (ankle/groin), DE Turk McBride (ankle), QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) and CB Nathan Vasher (nose/biceps) did not practice. WR Nate Burleson (ankle), S Louis Delmas (groin), WR Calvin Johnson (shoulder/knee) and WR Stefan Logan (foot) were limited in practice today.
The following players were listed on the New York Giants’ Injury Report today: T Will Beatty (foot) is out. WR Victor Cruz (hamstring), FB Madison Hedgecock (hamstring), DB Brian Jackson (neck), DE Mathias Kiwanuka (neck), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee) and RB D.J. Ware (groin) did not practice. LB Keith Bulluck (toe), C Shuan O’Hara (ankle/Achilles) and S Kenny Phillips (knee) were limited in practice today.
The Detroit Lions will visit New Meadowlands Stadium this week to take on the New York Giants Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The Lions will aim to win back-to-back games after beating the Rams 44-6 and the Giants will look to make it three-in-a-row after winning 34-10 at Houston.
The game will be televised locally.
Monday, October 11, 2010
DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2010
In Play Magazine
TODAY’S NEWS
The team met today and reviewed film from Sunday’s 44-6 victory over St. Louis. The players are off Tuesday and will return to the practice field Wednesday.
Rookie DT Ndamukong Suh’s interception against the St. Louis Rams was the first interception by a Lions’ rookie defensive lineman since DT Thurman McGraw intercepted a pass vs. the Los Angeles Rams October 15, 1950. Suh is also the first rookie defensive tackle in the NFL to register an interception since Falcons rookie DT Trey Lewis had one at Tennessee October 7, 2007.
WR Stefan Logan’s 105-yard kickoff return against St. Louis (10/10) tied for the longest kickoff return in team history. He tied CB Terry Fair who recorded a 105-yard touchdown September 28, 1998. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown since TE Casey FitzSimmons returned an onside-kick 42 yards for a score vs. Chicago October 28, 2007. The last non-onside kickoff return for a touchdown by the Lions was WR Eddie Drummond’s 92-yard kickoff return for touchdown at Minnesota November 21, 2004. In NFL history, Logan’s 105-yarder is tied for the sixth longest kickoff return for touchdown.
Second-year CB Alphonso Smith, who the Lions acquired via trade on September 6, 2010, registered his first career interception return for a touchdown against St. Louis (10/10) when he picked off a pass in the fourth quarter and went 42 yards for the score. The interception marked his third interception of the season and the third in the past three games. The last Lions player with interceptions in three-straight games was CB Dré Bly when he did so in four-straight games in 2005 (at TB 10/2/05; vs. Baltimore 10/9/05, vs. Carolina 10/16/05 and at Cleveland 10/23/05).
Lions QB Shaun Hill completed 21-of-32 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns (no interceptions) vs. the Rams (10/10). His passing rating on the day was 117.6, the second highest of his career (142.3 rating vs. St. Louis November 16, 2008). The 117.6 rating was the highest by a Lions’ quarterback since QB Jon Kitna registered 137.3 vs. Chicago September 30, 2007. It was also the highest rating by a Lions quarterback with 30 passing attempts since QB Joey Harrington recorded a rating of 121.8 vs. Arizona November 13, 2005.
The Detroit Lions will visit New Meadowlands Stadium this week to take on the New York Giants Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The Lions will aim to win back-to-back games after beating the Rams 44-6 and the Giants will look to make it three-in-a-row after winning 34-10 at Houston.
TODAY’S NEWS
The team met today and reviewed film from Sunday’s 44-6 victory over St. Louis. The players are off Tuesday and will return to the practice field Wednesday.
Rookie DT Ndamukong Suh’s interception against the St. Louis Rams was the first interception by a Lions’ rookie defensive lineman since DT Thurman McGraw intercepted a pass vs. the Los Angeles Rams October 15, 1950. Suh is also the first rookie defensive tackle in the NFL to register an interception since Falcons rookie DT Trey Lewis had one at Tennessee October 7, 2007.
WR Stefan Logan’s 105-yard kickoff return against St. Louis (10/10) tied for the longest kickoff return in team history. He tied CB Terry Fair who recorded a 105-yard touchdown September 28, 1998. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown since TE Casey FitzSimmons returned an onside-kick 42 yards for a score vs. Chicago October 28, 2007. The last non-onside kickoff return for a touchdown by the Lions was WR Eddie Drummond’s 92-yard kickoff return for touchdown at Minnesota November 21, 2004. In NFL history, Logan’s 105-yarder is tied for the sixth longest kickoff return for touchdown.
Second-year CB Alphonso Smith, who the Lions acquired via trade on September 6, 2010, registered his first career interception return for a touchdown against St. Louis (10/10) when he picked off a pass in the fourth quarter and went 42 yards for the score. The interception marked his third interception of the season and the third in the past three games. The last Lions player with interceptions in three-straight games was CB Dré Bly when he did so in four-straight games in 2005 (at TB 10/2/05; vs. Baltimore 10/9/05, vs. Carolina 10/16/05 and at Cleveland 10/23/05).
Lions QB Shaun Hill completed 21-of-32 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns (no interceptions) vs. the Rams (10/10). His passing rating on the day was 117.6, the second highest of his career (142.3 rating vs. St. Louis November 16, 2008). The 117.6 rating was the highest by a Lions’ quarterback since QB Jon Kitna registered 137.3 vs. Chicago September 30, 2007. It was also the highest rating by a Lions quarterback with 30 passing attempts since QB Joey Harrington recorded a rating of 121.8 vs. Arizona November 13, 2005.
The Detroit Lions will visit New Meadowlands Stadium this week to take on the New York Giants Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The Lions will aim to win back-to-back games after beating the Rams 44-6 and the Giants will look to make it three-in-a-row after winning 34-10 at Houston.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
DETROIT LIONS VS. ST. LOUIS RAMS FACTS AND FIGURES
In Play Magazine
Lions 44-6 Win
The Lions defeated the St. Louis Rams 44-6 today at Ford Field. The last time the Lions scored 44 points in a game occurred when the Lions claimed a 44-7 win over Denver November 4, 2007.
Today’s 38 point margin of victory is the largest by the Lions since they beat Jacksonville 44-0 December 17, 1995
Defensive Stand
Detroit allowed just two field goals in today’s game vs. St. Louis. The last time the Lions did not allow the opponent to score a touchdown was vs. Seattle September 10, 2006 when they allowed just three field goals against the Seahawks. The Lions lost on a late field goal 9-6.
Today’s effort marked the first time the Lions allowed six points or less since they defeated Green Bay 17-3 September 11, 2005.
All Three Units Score
In the Lions’ 44-6 win today, the Lions scored on 3 passing touchdowns, 1 kickoff return touchdown and an interception return for touchdown. It marks the first time that all three units have scored for the Lions since they did so vs. Chicago September 30, 2007.
Logan Takes Kickoff to House, Ties Record
WR Stefan Logan took a kickoff return following a Rams field goal 105 yards for a touchdown to give the Lions a 10-3 lead in the second quarter.
The 105-yarder ties a franchise record for the longest kickoff return in team history. He tied the record set by CB Terry Fair, who returned a kickoff 105 yards vs. Tampa Bay September 28, 1998.
Logan’s kickoff return for a touchdown was the team’s first since TE Casey FitzSimmons returned a onside kickoff 42 yards for a touchdown vs. Chicago September 30, 2007.
The kickoff return for touchdown was the second of Logan’s career.
Hill’s Career-Tying Three Touchdown Passes
When QB Shaun Hill connected with WR Nate Burleson on a 26-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, it was Hill’s third touchdown pass of the game, which is the most he’s thrown for since joining the Lions and it ties his career high (3 vs. Tampa Bay December 23, 2007).
Hill now has passed for 10 touchdowns on the season, the second highest single-season tally of his career, including 9 touchdowns in his four starts this year. His career high is 13 in 8 starts while he was with San Francisco in 2008.
Hill is now 8-2 as a starter in home games during his career and 4-0 against the Rams.
Hill of a Day
Hill completed 21-of-32 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns. His passing rating on the day was 117.6. His passer rating was the second highest of his career, second only to his 142.3 rating vs. St. Louis November 16, 2008.
Pick-Three
Second-year CB Alphonso Smith, who the Lions acquired via trade on September 6, 2010, recorded his third interception of the season, and he now has a pick in three-straight games. The last Lions player with interceptions in three-straight games was CB Dre Bly when he did so in four-straight games in 2005 (at TB 10/2/05; vs. Baltimore 10/9/05, vs. Carolina 10/16/05 and at Cleveland 10/23/05
Smith registered his first career interception return for a touchdown when he picked off a pass in the fourth quarter and went 42-yards for the score.
The Lions, as a team, recorded 2 interceptions in the game. They have intercepted at least 2 passes in the past three games. The last time the Lions intercepted 2 passes in three-straight games was when they recorded two interceptions in four-straight games in 2005 (3 at TB 10/2/05; 2 vs. Baltimore 10/9/05, 3 vs. Carolina 10/16/05 and 3 at Cleveland 10/23/05).
Suh Tips and Picks
Rookie DT Ndamukong Suh recorded his first career interception when he tipped Rams QB Sam Bradford’s pass at the line of scrimmage and plucked the ball out of the air in the fourth quarter. Suh then returned the interception 20 yards to set up a Lions field goal.
Suh finished with three tackles on the day.
Best’s Total Yards over 100
Rookie RB Jahvid Best combined for 104 yards in today’s game, including 67 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards. It was his second-highest tally of total yards from scrimmage on the season. His high is 232 yards vs. Philadelphia September 19, 2010.
In two games at Ford Field, Best has totaled 336 yards from scrimmage (145 rushing and 191 receiving.
For Starters…
K Jason Hanson has now played in 292 career games, a franchise record. His tally of 292 career games are the third most by a player in NFL history for a team that drafted him and the third most among active players. He is 11th overall in League history in career games.
T Jeff Backus has extended his streak of consecutive games starting to 149. He has the longest streak among active interior (offense and defense) linemen in the League and his streak is the fifth longest in the NFL among active players.
Lions Halt Rams Drive in RedZone with Turnover
With the Rams driving deep in Lions territory during the first quarter, the Lions forced a fumble (DT Corey Williams) at the Lions 6-yard line, and it was picked up by Lions CB Alphozo Smith. Smith returned the fumble nine yards before the Rams forced a fumble that was then recovered by Lion CB Jonathan Wade. Wade returned the fumble 10 yards to give the Lions the ball at the Detroit 27-yard line.
The fumble was the 12th takeaway of the season for Detroit (5 interceptions, 7 fumbles).
Calvin Johnson Increases Lions Lead
WR Calvin Johnson scored on a 1-yard touchdown pass from QB Shaun Hill with 6:14 left in the second quarter to put the Lions up 17-3. It was Johnson’s fourth touchdown reception of the year and Hill’s eighth touchdown toss.
Johnson has now scored touchdowns in three of the past four games.
On the drive, Hill was 8-for-9 passing for 78 yards, WR Nate Burleson caught 3 passes for 30 yards and RB Jahvid Best had 2 catches for 28 yards and four rushes for 13 yards (41 total yards).
Lions Extend Lead 24-6 to go into the Half
With :10 left in the second quarter QB Shaun Hill drifted out of the pocket and hit TE Brandon Pettigrew for a 3-yard touchdown pass. The score capped off 12-play 80-yard drive that covered 1:27.
Pettigrew scored his first touchdown of the season.
Lions Open Third Quarter with TD
Lions QB Shaun Hill hit WR Nate Burleson on a 26-yard touchdown pass with 10:54 left in the third quarter to move the Lions into a 31-6 lead. The drive, that started after a punt (returned 17 yards by WR Stefan Logan) forced by a three-and-out by the Lions defense, covered 4 plays 41 yards in 1:53.
The touchdown was Burleson’s first as a Lion and it was his longest reception of the season. The reception was two yards past the line of scrimmage and Burleson raced the other 24 yards up the middle for the score.
The touchdown gave the Lions three-straight offensive possessions capped off by touchdowns, all in the air.
Lions 44-6 Win
The Lions defeated the St. Louis Rams 44-6 today at Ford Field. The last time the Lions scored 44 points in a game occurred when the Lions claimed a 44-7 win over Denver November 4, 2007.
Today’s 38 point margin of victory is the largest by the Lions since they beat Jacksonville 44-0 December 17, 1995
Defensive Stand
Detroit allowed just two field goals in today’s game vs. St. Louis. The last time the Lions did not allow the opponent to score a touchdown was vs. Seattle September 10, 2006 when they allowed just three field goals against the Seahawks. The Lions lost on a late field goal 9-6.
Today’s effort marked the first time the Lions allowed six points or less since they defeated Green Bay 17-3 September 11, 2005.
All Three Units Score
In the Lions’ 44-6 win today, the Lions scored on 3 passing touchdowns, 1 kickoff return touchdown and an interception return for touchdown. It marks the first time that all three units have scored for the Lions since they did so vs. Chicago September 30, 2007.
Logan Takes Kickoff to House, Ties Record
WR Stefan Logan took a kickoff return following a Rams field goal 105 yards for a touchdown to give the Lions a 10-3 lead in the second quarter.
The 105-yarder ties a franchise record for the longest kickoff return in team history. He tied the record set by CB Terry Fair, who returned a kickoff 105 yards vs. Tampa Bay September 28, 1998.
Logan’s kickoff return for a touchdown was the team’s first since TE Casey FitzSimmons returned a onside kickoff 42 yards for a touchdown vs. Chicago September 30, 2007.
The kickoff return for touchdown was the second of Logan’s career.
Hill’s Career-Tying Three Touchdown Passes
When QB Shaun Hill connected with WR Nate Burleson on a 26-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, it was Hill’s third touchdown pass of the game, which is the most he’s thrown for since joining the Lions and it ties his career high (3 vs. Tampa Bay December 23, 2007).
Hill now has passed for 10 touchdowns on the season, the second highest single-season tally of his career, including 9 touchdowns in his four starts this year. His career high is 13 in 8 starts while he was with San Francisco in 2008.
Hill is now 8-2 as a starter in home games during his career and 4-0 against the Rams.
Hill of a Day
Hill completed 21-of-32 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns. His passing rating on the day was 117.6. His passer rating was the second highest of his career, second only to his 142.3 rating vs. St. Louis November 16, 2008.
Pick-Three
Second-year CB Alphonso Smith, who the Lions acquired via trade on September 6, 2010, recorded his third interception of the season, and he now has a pick in three-straight games. The last Lions player with interceptions in three-straight games was CB Dre Bly when he did so in four-straight games in 2005 (at TB 10/2/05; vs. Baltimore 10/9/05, vs. Carolina 10/16/05 and at Cleveland 10/23/05
Smith registered his first career interception return for a touchdown when he picked off a pass in the fourth quarter and went 42-yards for the score.
The Lions, as a team, recorded 2 interceptions in the game. They have intercepted at least 2 passes in the past three games. The last time the Lions intercepted 2 passes in three-straight games was when they recorded two interceptions in four-straight games in 2005 (3 at TB 10/2/05; 2 vs. Baltimore 10/9/05, 3 vs. Carolina 10/16/05 and 3 at Cleveland 10/23/05).
Suh Tips and Picks
Rookie DT Ndamukong Suh recorded his first career interception when he tipped Rams QB Sam Bradford’s pass at the line of scrimmage and plucked the ball out of the air in the fourth quarter. Suh then returned the interception 20 yards to set up a Lions field goal.
Suh finished with three tackles on the day.
Best’s Total Yards over 100
Rookie RB Jahvid Best combined for 104 yards in today’s game, including 67 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards. It was his second-highest tally of total yards from scrimmage on the season. His high is 232 yards vs. Philadelphia September 19, 2010.
In two games at Ford Field, Best has totaled 336 yards from scrimmage (145 rushing and 191 receiving.
For Starters…
K Jason Hanson has now played in 292 career games, a franchise record. His tally of 292 career games are the third most by a player in NFL history for a team that drafted him and the third most among active players. He is 11th overall in League history in career games.
T Jeff Backus has extended his streak of consecutive games starting to 149. He has the longest streak among active interior (offense and defense) linemen in the League and his streak is the fifth longest in the NFL among active players.
Lions Halt Rams Drive in RedZone with Turnover
With the Rams driving deep in Lions territory during the first quarter, the Lions forced a fumble (DT Corey Williams) at the Lions 6-yard line, and it was picked up by Lions CB Alphozo Smith. Smith returned the fumble nine yards before the Rams forced a fumble that was then recovered by Lion CB Jonathan Wade. Wade returned the fumble 10 yards to give the Lions the ball at the Detroit 27-yard line.
The fumble was the 12th takeaway of the season for Detroit (5 interceptions, 7 fumbles).
Calvin Johnson Increases Lions Lead
WR Calvin Johnson scored on a 1-yard touchdown pass from QB Shaun Hill with 6:14 left in the second quarter to put the Lions up 17-3. It was Johnson’s fourth touchdown reception of the year and Hill’s eighth touchdown toss.
Johnson has now scored touchdowns in three of the past four games.
On the drive, Hill was 8-for-9 passing for 78 yards, WR Nate Burleson caught 3 passes for 30 yards and RB Jahvid Best had 2 catches for 28 yards and four rushes for 13 yards (41 total yards).
Lions Extend Lead 24-6 to go into the Half
With :10 left in the second quarter QB Shaun Hill drifted out of the pocket and hit TE Brandon Pettigrew for a 3-yard touchdown pass. The score capped off 12-play 80-yard drive that covered 1:27.
Pettigrew scored his first touchdown of the season.
Lions Open Third Quarter with TD
Lions QB Shaun Hill hit WR Nate Burleson on a 26-yard touchdown pass with 10:54 left in the third quarter to move the Lions into a 31-6 lead. The drive, that started after a punt (returned 17 yards by WR Stefan Logan) forced by a three-and-out by the Lions defense, covered 4 plays 41 yards in 1:53.
The touchdown was Burleson’s first as a Lion and it was his longest reception of the season. The reception was two yards past the line of scrimmage and Burleson raced the other 24 yards up the middle for the score.
The touchdown gave the Lions three-straight offensive possessions capped off by touchdowns, all in the air.
Friday, October 8, 2010
DETROIT LIONS REACH SELLOUT FOR SUNDAY’S GAME VS. ST. LOUIS
In Play Magazine
Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions have reached a sellout for Sunday’s home game against the St. Louis Rams. By reaching a sellout by today’s 1 p.m. deadline, Sunday’s game will air live in the local television markets (Metro Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw/Flint and Toledo markets), including WJBK-TV FOX 2.
Sunday’s sellout was completed after Gardner-White Furniture purchased 800 tickets.
“Our fans’ support is outstanding, and we appreciate their excitement for this team,” said Lions President Tom Lewand. “A significant portion of the remaining tickets for Sunday’s game were purchased by our fans and that allowed us to complete the sellout by partnering with Gardner-White. We want to express our many thanks to our fans and Gardner-White for this Sunday’s game airing live in Metro Detroit.”
Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions have reached a sellout for Sunday’s home game against the St. Louis Rams. By reaching a sellout by today’s 1 p.m. deadline, Sunday’s game will air live in the local television markets (Metro Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw/Flint and Toledo markets), including WJBK-TV FOX 2.
Sunday’s sellout was completed after Gardner-White Furniture purchased 800 tickets.
“Our fans’ support is outstanding, and we appreciate their excitement for this team,” said Lions President Tom Lewand. “A significant portion of the remaining tickets for Sunday’s game were purchased by our fans and that allowed us to complete the sellout by partnering with Gardner-White. We want to express our many thanks to our fans and Gardner-White for this Sunday’s game airing live in Metro Detroit.”
Thursday, October 7, 2010
ELLIOT UZELAC OF ST. JOSEPH NAMED LIONS COACH OF THE WEEK
Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Elliot Uzelac of St. Joseph as the 2010 week six recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.
Coach Uzelac guided his St. Joseph Bears to a 35-28 victory over previously unbeaten Portage Central last Friday (Oct. 1) to improve to 6-0 on the season and wrap up a state playoff appearance. St. Joseph is currently ranked No. 4 in Division 3 by the Detroit Free Press.
Uzelac is in his fifth season as head coach at St. Joseph where he has compiled a record of 43-10. He took over the program in 2006 after the team went 0-9 the previous season and has guided the Bears to the state playoffs in each of his five seasons.
Uzelac started coaching in 1964. He was head coach at Western Michigan University, Navy and St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. He has served as an assistant at Bowling Green, Navy, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio State, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, Maryland, Georgetown and the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.
This week Uzelac and the Bears host Mattawan (2-4).
Coach Uzelac guided his St. Joseph Bears to a 35-28 victory over previously unbeaten Portage Central last Friday (Oct. 1) to improve to 6-0 on the season and wrap up a state playoff appearance. St. Joseph is currently ranked No. 4 in Division 3 by the Detroit Free Press.
Uzelac is in his fifth season as head coach at St. Joseph where he has compiled a record of 43-10. He took over the program in 2006 after the team went 0-9 the previous season and has guided the Bears to the state playoffs in each of his five seasons.
Uzelac started coaching in 1964. He was head coach at Western Michigan University, Navy and St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. He has served as an assistant at Bowling Green, Navy, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio State, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, Maryland, Georgetown and the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.
This week Uzelac and the Bears host Mattawan (2-4).
Monday, October 4, 2010
DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2010
In Play Magazine
TODAY’S NEWS
The team met today and reviewed film from Sunday’s 28-26 loss at Green Bay. The players are off Tuesday and will return to the practice field Wednesday.
Lions QB Shaun Hill scrambled up the middle and rushed for a 40-yard gain that helped set up a Lions field goal in the third quarter at Green Bay (10/3). His 40-yard rush is the longest of his career and it is the longest by a quarterback thus far in 2010. The last time a Lions quarterback rushed for a 40-yard gain was QB Gary Danielson vs. Minnesota September 23, 1984. The 40-yard rush also tied for the sixth longest rush by a Lions quarterback since 1948.
For the 22nd time in Jason Hanson’s career, he made four field goals in a single game. At Green Bay (10/3), he made field goals of 39, 52, 49 and 24 yards and is now tied with K Gary Anderson for third place in NFL History for the most games with four field goals.
Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew finished the game with 8 catches for 91 yards. His eight catches were a career high and they were the fourth-most by a Lions tight end in a single game since 1960, and the most since TE David Hill grabbed nine passes vs. Green Bay October 25, 1981.
The Lions special teams unit forced two fumbles on kickoff returns at Green Bay (10/3) marking their 10th takeaway over the past three years (2008-10) which is the most in the NFL during that span.
The Detroit Lions will host the St. Louis Rams at Ford Field on Sunday, October 10 at 1 p.m. The Lions will be looking to get on track after a tough 28-26 loss at Green Bay while Rams aim to win a third consecutive game after a 20-3 win against the Seattle Seahawks. The game will be televised in Metro Detroit (subject to blackout).
TODAY’S NEWS
The team met today and reviewed film from Sunday’s 28-26 loss at Green Bay. The players are off Tuesday and will return to the practice field Wednesday.
Lions QB Shaun Hill scrambled up the middle and rushed for a 40-yard gain that helped set up a Lions field goal in the third quarter at Green Bay (10/3). His 40-yard rush is the longest of his career and it is the longest by a quarterback thus far in 2010. The last time a Lions quarterback rushed for a 40-yard gain was QB Gary Danielson vs. Minnesota September 23, 1984. The 40-yard rush also tied for the sixth longest rush by a Lions quarterback since 1948.
For the 22nd time in Jason Hanson’s career, he made four field goals in a single game. At Green Bay (10/3), he made field goals of 39, 52, 49 and 24 yards and is now tied with K Gary Anderson for third place in NFL History for the most games with four field goals.
Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew finished the game with 8 catches for 91 yards. His eight catches were a career high and they were the fourth-most by a Lions tight end in a single game since 1960, and the most since TE David Hill grabbed nine passes vs. Green Bay October 25, 1981.
The Lions special teams unit forced two fumbles on kickoff returns at Green Bay (10/3) marking their 10th takeaway over the past three years (2008-10) which is the most in the NFL during that span.
The Detroit Lions will host the St. Louis Rams at Ford Field on Sunday, October 10 at 1 p.m. The Lions will be looking to get on track after a tough 28-26 loss at Green Bay while Rams aim to win a third consecutive game after a 20-3 win against the Seattle Seahawks. The game will be televised in Metro Detroit (subject to blackout).
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