Ezekiel Ansah has been on the field for three plays thus far for the Lions. One resulted in his third sack of the year. Another had pressure that led to a Devon Kennard sack. At this point, using him as a pure third down pass rush option still seems confusing. When I spoke with him Friday about it, he said he felt he was progressing and this is the plan they've come up with. That said, Ansah told me he believes he can get back to the every-down player he was prior to this season.
The Lions got back to what works best for them in the first half -- and it has showed. Giving the ball to Kerryon Johnson usually nets positive gains for Detroit and he has 64 yards on 10 carries in the first half, including the Lions' only touchdown of the game. He's been a large reason why the Lions lead, 10-7, over Carolina -- the first time Detroit has led at the half since Oct. 21, almost one month ago. That was also the last time the Lions had a strong rushing day. The offensive line has been particularly good, opening holes for Johnson and protecting Matthew Stafford, who has not been hit or sacked after being sacked 16 times over the past two games.
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25313280/lions-rb-kerryon-johnson-ruled-vs-panthers-injuring-knee
Lions RB Kerryon Johnson ruled out vs. Panthers after injuring knee.
The Lions won their first game in almost a month, beating Carolina on Sunday. Even in the win, there is reason for concern, as Kerryon Johnson left the game with a knee injury. If he's out for any amount of time, that alters a lot of what Detroit can do on offense.
http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401030910
Panthers go for 2 and fail late and lose 20-19 to Lions.
The Lions got their first win in almost a month. Still, there has to be concern over one thing — the health of Kerryon Johnson.
http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-li...face-big-loss-after-kerryon-johnson-sidelined
Despite win, Lions could face big loss after Kerryon Johnson sidelined.
As part of the Salute to Service weekend, some Lions players had decals on their helmets honoring fallen soldiers -- and Lions coach Matt Patricia wore a button honoring a soldier as well. "We're honoring some families of Michigan that have lost loved ones and it's part of the week," Patricia said. "Earlier in the week I mentioned of our guys doing a great job of paying respect and showing their support for those that have gone out and made the ultimate sacrifice, but those are out currently sacrificing everything they have to allow us to do what we do every single day, we're very blessed for that."
Here's a list of the soldiers and the player who wore the decal honoring that soldier: SSG Eugene Alex (United States Army) Don Muhlbach.
PFC Mark Barbret (United States Army) Jarrad Davis.
SSgt Marcus Bawol (United States Marine Corps) Graham Glasgow.
2LT Brandon Cavanaugh (Army National Guard) Matthew Stafford.
SrA Michael Hinkle II (United States Air Force) Glover Quin.
SGT Richard Jordan (United States Army) Devon Kennard.
Cpl Nicholas Manoukian (United States Marine Corps) Deshawn Shead.
CPO Heath Robinson (United States Navy) Matt Patricia.
Staff Sergeant George Torres (United States Marine Corps/United States Army, Retired) LeGarrette Blount.
http://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=401030910
Lions vs. panthers Boxscore.
espn
