NFC contenders should hope Lions don't earn 7th seed, which says a lot about how far Detroit has come
Right now, the Detroit Lions are one of the three or four best teams in the NFC. Yes, the Bears are terrible, but what Detroit did to them is what good teams do (or try to do) to bad teams. Whatever it is, the sight of a white-hot Detroit team is suddenly something to … fear? Calling Detroit a dangerous playoff team flies in the face of history. This is a franchise that hasn’t won a single playoff game in 30 years.
wftv.comDan Campbell deserves coach of the year consideration: Meet me at the logo
A team that's been down in the dumps for so long that it seems insane to say this, but the Detroit Lions are fun to watch. Now this might be getting ahead of myself, but with the Lions fighting their way into the playoff hunt, Dan Campbell absolutely deserves consideration for the coach of the year award. Yes, the Lions are only 6-7 on the year, but their progress on the field shows a team that’s greatly improved from a year ago. For that, Campbell deserves heavy consideration to be the coach of the year. Take notice, Dan Campbell for coach of the year.
wftv.com2 coaches fired, several others remain on hot seat
The NFL had a record-tying 10 coaching changes last offseason and three-quarters of the teams have changed head coaches at least once in the past five years. Here's a look at some coaches who figure to be on the hot seat if things don't turn around in the second half of the season and some assistants who could be in line for head coaching jobs. With Hackett's offense struggling with new high-priced quarterback Russell Wilson and new ownership in town, Hackett could one and done in his first head coaching job unless things change. After a failed stint as head coach in Tampa Bay more than a decade ago, Morris could be in line to get another chance. He has spent years as an assistant, working on offense, defense and as an interim head coach in Atlanta in 2020.
wftv.com2 coaches fired, several others remain on hot seat
There has already been two coaching changes halfway through the NFL season with Indianapolis firing Frank Reich this week four weeks after Carolina did the same to Matt Rhule. The NFL had a record-tying 10 coaching changes last offseason and three-quarters of the teams have changed head coaches at least once in the past five years. Here's a look at some coaches who figure to be on the hot seat if things don't turn around in the second half of the season and some assistants who could be in line for head coaching jobs.
news.yahoo.comAaron Rodgers throws 3 INTs, lets Lions beat Packers 15-9
The Packers (3-6) have lost five straight for the first time since 2008 when Rodgers, their four-time NFL MVP, was a first-year starter. Detroit tried to seal the victory late in the fourth when coach Dan Campbell went for it on fourth-and-3 from the Green Bay 43. Campbell made a call on Green Bay's next possession that panned out, winning a challenge that overturned a Green Bay catch on fourth down. Rodgers responded with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Allen Lazard, but his 2-point conversion pass to him was broken up by Jeff Okudah, allowing the Lions to lead 8-6. Goff gave Detroit a nine-point lead with his second touchdown pass, a 3-yard throw to rookie tight end James Mitchell.
wftv.comRodgers throws 3 INTs, Lions hold on to beat Packers 15-9
Aaron Rodgers matched a career high with three interceptions and threw an incomplete pass on fourth down from the Detroit 17 in the final minute, letting the Detroit Lions hold on for a 15-9 win over the Packers in a matchup of slumping teams on Sunday.
Former NFL players finding success as current NFL coaches
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (AP) — Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel offered handshakes and high-fives to his players as they exited Nissan Stadium following a victory two weeks ago. He’s one of 10 current head coaches with NFL playing experience, some with considerably more than others. Although there’s a rich tradition of NFL players becoming successful NFL coaches — Mike Ditka, Jim Harbaugh, Marty Schottenheimer, Don Shula and Dan Reeves, to name a few — there seems to be no direct correlation between the two. Campbell and Pederson built their staffs almost exclusively with former NFL players. Pederson’s staff includes longtime NFL players Brentson Buckner, Mike Caldwell, Bernie Parmalee and Deshea Townsend.
wftv.comLions fire DB coach Aubrey Pleasant after getting torched by Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
A day after blowing a 14-point lead and allowing 382 passing yards in a loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Detroit Lions have fired their defensive backs coach. Head coach Dan Campbell announced the decision on Monday to part with Aubrey Pleasant in the wake of Sunday's 31-27 loss and a 1-6 start. "I think Aubrey is a hell of a coach," Campbell said at his Monday news conference. But Detroit's defense couldn't hold the lead as Tua Tagovailoa torched the Lions secondary with 382 passing yards and three touchdowns on 10.6 yards per passing attempt. They rank 27th out of 32 teams with 266.4 passing yards allowed per game.
wftv.comLions owner still has faith in coach Dan Campbell, GM despite 1-5 start: 'It requires patience'
Yet for now, despite seeing only four wins under Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp isn’t considering making any changes. Campbell and Holmes took over for the Lions in 2021, and the two have amassed a 4-18-1 overall record in that time. Campbell, who played for the Lions himself, said he had a lengthy meeting with Ford Hamp about the team this week, too. While Ford Hamp is patient now, things could certainly be different by the end of the year if Campbell and the Lions don’t start winning. "We've got a long way to go in this season," Ford Hamp said, via the Detroit Free Press .
wftv.comLions owner says she is still confident in team's leadership
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — (AP) — Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp shared her frustration with the team's 1-5 record and expressed confidence in the franchise's leadership. “I think we’ve got the right people in place to pull this off, and I truly believe that. “It was extremely thorough, and we really believe we’ve come up with the right people.”So far, Holmes, Campbell and their players have not led a turnaround. “I really believe in the top leadership in this organization. I think we’ve got the people to do it, to carry this out.
wftv.comCowboys lean on defense in Prescott's return, top Lions 24-6
ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — Ezekiel Elliott ran for two 1-yard touchdowns and Dak Prescott threw for a score in his return from injury while the Dallas Cowboys leaned on their defense again in a 24-6 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The Cowboys (5-2) recovered Jamaal Williams' fumble inside their 1 with a four-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Jared Goff was responsible for four other Detroit turnovers — he threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles. Campbell's frustration showed when he threw his headset after Williams lost the ball in a pile and Anthony Barr recovered for Dallas with the Cowboys up 10-6. ... RB De'Andre Swift missed his third consecutive game with ankle and shoulder injuries after the Lions were hopeful he could return.
wftv.comCampbell tries to shield defense after 48-45 loss to Seattle
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell felt his offense needed to have a clean day. Jared Goff passed for 378 yards and four touchdowns, but Detroit struggled against Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks in a wild 48-45 loss on Sunday. Smith accounted for 369 yards and three touchdowns, and Rashaad Penny rushed for 151 yards and two TDs.
news.yahoo.comLions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ruled out for Week 4 vs. Seahawks with ankle injury
The Detroit Lions will be down at least one of their biggest offensive weapons this week after head coach Dan Campbell ruled out wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown for Week 4. St. Brown suffered a sprained ankle in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings and told reporters Thursday he wasn't sure if he'd be able to play against the Seattle Seahawks this weekend. "It definitely was hurting out there on Sunday," St. Brown said regarding his injury. "Like I said, I never really dealt with a sprained ankle, but when I was cutting and stuff, it was definitely hurting but I just pushed through. It's a big loss for a Lions offense that looks like it'll be without running back D'Andre Swift as well, who missed Thursday's practice with ankle and shoulder injuries.
wftv.comLions RB Jamaal Williams flagged for excessive hip thrusting during TD celebration
The Detroit running back scored a second-half touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings on a 13-yard scamper to take a 24-14 lead. DON'T DO EM LIKE THAT JAMAAL LOL pic.twitter.com/iLkKjHlKd1 — Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) September 25, 2022Left tackle Dan Skipper (No. 70), who pulled to the right as Williams' lead blocker on the score — clearly approved of the dance. It's not clear if officials were counting Williams' hip thrusts a la Hingle McCringleberry. Williams' run mark the the 13th straight quarter to start the season that the Lions have scored a touchdown.
wftv.comDefending Super Bowl champion Rams open season as underdogs
Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams will raise their Super Bowl banner Thursday night before kicking off the NFL season at home where they became the second straight team to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy in their own stadium.
Igwebuike's late TD, 2-point stop lead Lions past Indy 27-26
This was a good week for us.”Igwebuike had a solid game, carrying seven times for 32 yards, including his strong final run. But Blough wanted to show everyone he could rebound from last week's late turnover, which turned an almost sure win into another frustrating defeat. Boyle took over in the second half and led the Lions to two touchdowns. ... Craig Reynolds started at running back and had seven carries for 37 yards including back-to-back 11-yard runs in the first half. Colts: Linebacker Brandon King left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury and did not return.
wftv.comHard Knocks: Dan Campbell doesn't care if you have 'you have one a** cheek and 3 toes'
Detroit Lions Training Camp ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN - JULY 27: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on during the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 27, 2022 at the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)There's a reason the Detroit Lions were selected as this season's "Hard Knocks" subject. His name is Dan Campbell. Here's the short version:Line of the season…“Doesn’t matter if you have one ass cheek and three toes , I will beat your ass!” Dangerous Dan Campbell #OnePride #HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/PC3BlfmyCO — Dan Leach (@DanLeach971) August 10, 2022Campbell's enthusiasm appears infectiious — at least through the eyes of "Hard Knocks" lenses. However it ends, the ride promises to be a uniquely Dan Campbell experience.
wftv.comNFL training camp 2022: Lions RB Jamaal Williams vows to 'run over you while crying' after impassioned practice speech
Detroit Lions Training Camp ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN - JULY 29: Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions laughs during the Detroit Lions Training Camp at the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility on July 29, 2022 in Allen Park, Michigan. The second-year Detroit Lions head coach made enthusiasm his calling card when he took over in 2021. During a recent training camp huddle, running back Jamaal Williams gave a speech that should make his coach proud. When you tired, think of last year and think of that f***ing record. Williams' energy amplified.
wftv.comDetroit Lions hire former Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett as an offensive assistant
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 02 Big 10 Championship Game - Ohio State v Wisconsin INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Former Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett signed with the New Orleans Saints after going undrafted in 2018 following an illustrious four-year career at Ohio State. Barrett went 38-6 in four years at Ohio State. Burrow eventually transferred to LSU in 2018 and went on to lead the Tigers College Football Playoff title in 2020 and asw picked No.
wftv.comAaron Rodgers-led Packers facing Lions for reward, not risks
Aaron Rodgers knows the Green Bay Packers, who have clinched the NFC's No. 1 seed, can't improve their playoff positioning with a win over the lowly Detroit Lions. The reigning NFL MVP still wants to play Sunday at Ford Field, even though that would increase his chances of getting injured. “There’s risk every time you take the field," Rodgers said.
news.yahoo.comThe Latest: Bucs' Brady comes out throwing vs. Falcons
Buccaneers Falcons Football Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson)The Latest from Week 13 of the NFL (all times EST):___1:30 p.m.Tom Brady has come out throwing against the Atlanta Falcons. Brady is now 14 of 17 for 139 yards, guiding the Bucs to touchdowns on their first two possessions. Hurts was limited in practice all week with a sprained ankle, but insisted he would be ready to play Sunday. - Dennis Waszak Jr. reporting from East Rutherford, New Jersey..___More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.
wftv.comThe Latest: Cardinals' Murray, Hopkins active vs. Bears
Cardinals Seahawks Football Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray throws before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) (John Froschauer)The Latest from Week 13 of the NFL (all times EST):___ 12:08 p.m.Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins are active against the Chicago Bears after missing the previous three games because of injuries. The Cardinals, owners of a league-best 9-2 record coming in, won two of three without them prior to a bye last week. Chicago linebacker Roquan Smith is active after leaving the Bears’ Thanksgiving win at Detroit with a hamstring injury. Both franchises have ties to Oxford High School football coach Zach Line.
wftv.comWinless Lions go into bye with fans staying away from games
The Detroit Lions have a lot of long-suffering fans and they're starting to show their displeasure by simply not showing up for games to watch the NFL's only winless team at Ford Field. “When you don’t win a game and you’re 0-8 and you’ve lost at home, I’m not going to be upset with that," Campbell said Monday. The Lions announced a crowd of 47,192 on Sunday, when they were thoroughly dominated by the Philadelphia Eagles 44-6.
news.yahoo.comDan Campbell takes blame for another ugly Lions loss
For eight weeks, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell has been consistent about one thing. “I got outcoached today; I didn't help these guys at all,” he said after Sunday's 44-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. “The coaches are giving us a great game plan, but they can only do so much,” safety Tracy Walker said.
news.yahoo.comThe Latest: Winless Lions lose 2 starters against Bears
Lions Bears Football Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, left, talks with Offensive Coordinator Anthony Lynn before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Chicago. The Detroit Lions lost two starters to injuries in the early part of their game against the Chicago Bears. The winless Lions trailed the Bears 14-0 in the second quarter. The four winless teams — Detroit, Indianapolis, the New York Giants and the New York Jets — are trying to avoid joining Jacksonville at 0-4. All of those winless teams are underdogs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
wftv.comThe Latest: Superdome finally gets to welcome packed house
(AP Photo/David Banks) (David Banks)The Latest on Week 4 in the NFL (all times EDT):___12:45 p.m. New Orleans is hosting the New York Giants in its first game in New Orleans this season. — Brett Martel reporting from New Orleans___12:30 p.m.Long before Tom Brady takes the field to face his former team, the New England Patriots, the NFL gets started with four winless teams in action. The four winless teams — Detroit, Indianapolis, the New York Giants and the New York Jets — are trying to avoid joining Jacksonville at 0-4. All of those winless teams are underdogs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
wftv.comNew coach, new QB, same early results for struggling Lions
Lions Packers Football Detroit Lions' Jared Goff fumbles during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer) (Mike Roemer)GREEN BAY, Wis. — (AP) — The Detroit Lions’ new coach and quarterback are off to a start that resembles the team's previous regimes. On Monday night, they led at halftime but fell apart the rest of the way and lost 35-17 to the Green Bay Packers. But he struggled the rest of the way as the Lions were outscored 21-0 over the final two periods. Green Bay scored touchdowns on two of its first three series, but its fourth possession didn’t come until only 3 seconds remained in the first half. With Detroit trailing 21-17 and facing fourth-and-1 from the Green Bay 25, the Lions passed up the field-goal attempt.
wftv.comNew coach, new QB, same early results for struggling Lions
The Detroit Lions’ new coach and quarterback are off to a start that resembles the team's previous regimes. Detroit brought in Dan Campbell to replace the fired Matt Patricia. When longtime quarterback Matthew Stafford wanted out, the Lions sent him to the Los Angeles Rams in a deal that brought Jared Goff as his replacement.
news.yahoo.com49ers build 28-point lead, hold on for 41-33 win over Lions
49ers Lions Football San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) returns an interception for a 39-yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel) (Lon Horwedel)DETROIT — (AP) — Nick Bosa was ready to kick back and relax while the San Francisco 49ers coasted to a season-opening victory. The Detroit Lions made Bosa get back to work. “I was expecting to be done.”That was not an unrealistic expectation when San Francisco led 38-10 early in the fourth. Garoppolo, who helped San Francisco win the 2019 NFC championship, is 23-8 in the regular season since being acquired from New England.
wftv.comLions made changes that may not translate to success in 2021
The Detroit Lions made a lot of changes in the offseason by bringing in a new general manager, coach and quarterback. The franchise with one playoff victory since winning the NFL title in 1957 is coming off three straight double-digit loss seasons. Detroit might be doomed with at least 10 losses again.
news.yahoo.comJake Fromm leads Bills in 16-15 comeback victory over Lions
Bills Lions Football Detroit Lions defensive back Mike Ford attempts a tackle on Buffalo Bills running back Matt Breida (22) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (Paul Sancya)DETROIT — (AP) — Jake Fromm threw a 42-yard, fourth-down pass to rookie Marquez Stevenson to set up Tyler Bass' 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left in the Buffalo Bills' 16-15 victory over the Detroit Lions on Friday night. Fromm, Buffalo’s fifth-round pick in 2020, spent all of last year as the team's COVID-19 emergency quarterback. Fromm entered in the fourth quarter and finished 8 of 13 for 65 yards. The passes set up Bullock's 28-yard, go-ahead field goal with 1:38 left, which proved to be too much time on the clock to hold on for the win.
wftv.comNFL minicamps mostly proceeding amid debate about offseason
Detroit players joined a coordinated effort by the NFLPA to say they were going to stay away from the team's voluntary offseason program before most of them showed up for practices. Conversations with first-year coach Dan Campbell found enough middle ground for some players to think twice about skipping. “I think teams have done a good job of working it out between coaches and players,” agent Ron Slavin said. “All I can say is this is the first step,” Campbell said last month as offseason practices were starting. Dallas tight end Dalton Schultz, the team's player representative, said at least 20 veterans on his team have contracts with compensation tied to offseason work with the Cowboys.
wftv.comWhat's ahead? NFL owners to meet about upcoming season
They'll begin finding out this week when the 32 team owners hold virtual meetings Tuesday and Wednesday. Two items top the agenda: increasing the regular season to 17 games and decreasing preseason games to three per team. Both are nearly certain to be approved after a pandemic-stressed season that severely cut into the league's revenue stream. The media partners who just spent about $10 billion annually for NFL rights fees will get more content that counts, and fewer exhibition games. Ad“There will be automatic changes to the offseason and in-season workout schedules as a result,” said George Atallah, the NFL Players Association spokesman.
Chiefs' Bieniemy misses out on head coach job once again
– Tyreek Hill was thrilled to hear that his first wide receivers coach, David Culley, was going to be an NFL head coach. After interviewing for six openings, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy ultimately was passed over during the annual coaching carousel. That became official when the Houston Texans hired Culley, the long-time Andy Reid assistant who had been the assistant head coach in Baltimore. “I mean, I'm not a GM or anything but I will say, Coach Bieniemy has helped me a lot,” Hill said Thursday, after the Chiefs finished their first real practice for the Super Bowl. He wants to be a head coach.
AP source: New Lions coach Campbell getting 6-year deal
FILE - This is a 2016 file photo showing Dan Campbell of the New Orleans Saints NFL football team. The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with Dan Campbell to be their coach. (AP Photo/File)The Detroit Lions have landed the coach they coveted from the start of their search, agreeing to terms with Dan Campbell. Philadelphia and Houston, meanwhile, still have an opening for a head coach. Patricia, a former New England defensive coordinator, was 13-29-1 in two-plus seasons as a first-time NFL head coach.