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Who will back up Stafford in '14?
March, 25, 2014
Mar 25
8:51
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
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QB Matthew Stafford missed 19 games during his first two NFL campaigns, but ever since he underwent shoulder surgery, the Detroit Lions quarterback has completed three consecutive 16-game slates.
During the past four seasons, the Lions have had veteran Shaun Hill backing up Stafford, but now he is an unrestricted free agent and testing the market. He met recently with the St. Louis Rams, though he didn't sign with them.
Not only do the Lions appear willing to let Hill walk, but they may replace him with a rookie.
"We would definitely consider drafting a quarterback as our backup," general manager Martin Mayhew said Monday, per Kyle Meinke of MLive.com.
Part of the reasoning behind drafting a backup quarterback could be flipping such a player for a pick down the road.
"A lot of teams have use that backup quarterback position to draft and develop a guy you can eventually trade for a draft choice," Mayhew said. "There's a lot of different ways to go with that. We'll just keep aware of the situation and find the right fit."
The Lions remain interested in retaining Hill and don't intend to promote third-stringer Kellen Moore to the No. 2 role. If they can't secure Hill, a rookie may be their best option, because there will be limited free-agent options beyond Hill:
Michael Rothstein
Lions on list for best free agents left
"[ESPN NFL Insider Field] Yates has the best fit for Hill to be in Chicago with an alternative fit in St. Louis. Nothing about Detroit, which would then be hunting in the sparse veteran quarterback market if it can't land Hill. Among those options could be Luke McCown, who worked with Joe Lombardi in New Orleans last season."
How will Lions split backfield touches?
March, 20, 2014
Mar 20
10:43
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
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The current expectation is that new Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi will bring his version of the New Orleans Saints offense to the Motor City in 2014, which would include regular use of two running backs in the backfield.
"You're going to see some more two-back sets," Lions president Tom Lewand told a small crowd this week, according to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com.
"I think you'll see some of that incorporated into what we do," he said. "What I really like about Coach Lombardi's, as well as Coach [Jim] Caldwell's approach is, 'Let's get as many weapons on the field as we can and try to use them strategically.' It's a very adaptable offense, and they want to use the talent and the guys that we have, not just one back at a time because that's what the personnel group calls for."
Last season, Reggie Bush led the Lions with 223 rushes, 57 more than Joique Bell. They were targeted fairly evenly in the passing game; 80 targets and 54 receptions for Bush and 68 targets and 53 receptions for Bell. In '13, Pierre Thomas led the way for the Saints with 147 carries (Mark Ingram was second with 78 and Darren Sproles had 53). In the passing game, Sproles led the backfield with 89 targets for 71 receptions, though Thomas had 84 targets for 77 receptions.
The question at hand is just how exactly Lombardi will split the workload between Bush and Bell in '14. Arguably Bell is better suited to handle the "Pierre Thomas" role as the primary rusher and Bush a better fit in the "Darren Sproles" role by catching passes in space. The likely result will be a lessened rushing workload for Bush, who, in turn, should end up being targeted more as a receiver. That would give Bush a nice bump in fantasy football leagues that reward a point per catch.
We also should expect new fullback Jed Collins to play a role in the offense, though it might not be reflected much on the stat sheet.
"Collins has been a nice fit in New Orleans for the last three years, as I'm sure Lions OC Joe Lombardi knows well," ESPN Saints reporter Mike Triplett told ESPN Lions reporter Michael Rothstein. "Obviously the fullback position doesn't play a big role in New Orleans' pass-heavy offense. Collins played 39 percent of the Saints' offensive snaps last year. But he's been solid as both a lead blocker and an occasional receiver out of the backfield or short-yardage runner on 'belly' handoffs."
Clinton-Dix a good fit for Lions at No. 10?
March, 18, 2014
Mar 18
8:31
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
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On Monday, the Detroit Lions hosted Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who could be a target for them with the 10th overall pick in May's draft. Clinton-Dix said after meeting with the team that he is worthy of being a top-10 pick.
?I watched Mark Barron do it a couple years ago, when he went 7, so it?s been done,? Clinton-Dix told the Free Press. ?If they want to take me at 10, I?m looking forward to it and I would love to be in Detroit.?
In his most recent mock draft, ESPN NFL Insider Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Lions Texas A&M WR Mike Evans at No. 10 and had Clinton-Dix dropping to the St. Louis Rams at No. 13. Overall, he ranked the safety 24th on his latest Big Board. ESPN Lions reporter Michael Rothstein thinks the safety would be a good fit for a Lions roster that needs help at safety:
Mel Kiper Jr.
NFL combine shifts Big Board
"Clinton-Dix looked good in Indy, long but explosive, and it matches the tape. He's instinctive and fluid, and can play Cover 1, getting to the ball even against teams looking to exploit him by working the perimeter. He reads the quarterback well and can accelerate or turn quickly to make plays in any direction. While he won't be defined by physical play, he's certainly not afraid to fly downhill and make a play close to the line of scrimmage. That said, his ability to anticipate, take great angles and cover could add help to almost any defense."
Michael Rothstein
Clinton-Dix an intriguing prospect for Lions
"Considering the need-based focus at safety for the Lions, bringing in Clinton-Dix for a long look makes complete sense. ... He is one of the top two safeties in the draft along with Louisville?s Calvin Pryor and as of Monday, Detroit is still in need of a starting safety to pair with Glover Quin after releasing Louis Delmas last month. While the Lions are likely to also sign a veteran -- former Baltimore safety James Ihedigbo was in for a visit last week -- it wouldn?t be surprising to see the team look at a defensive back early as well. ...
His ability in coverage could be an asset to the Lions, who would ideally like to keep Quin as a safety they can bring down into the box to give run and short-pass support. If the 6-foot-1 3/8, 208-pound Clinton-Dix can play free safety and excel at it early, that would be a benefit for a Detroit defense that struggled in coverage last season. Part of the reason came from the defensive line not reaching opposing quarterbacks fast enough, but the other part came from the Lions? corners and safeties not being strong enough in coverage.
Clinton-Dix did both at Alabama. As a sophomore, he became the Crimson Tide?s last defender back, expected to help in coverage and make big tackles. Last season, he played down more, helping in run support. His height also fits the mold of what the Lions are looking for in their defensive backs. He said at the combine it took him most of his freshman year to pick up Saban?s system and that allowed him to play deep as a sophomore and down low as a junior. It also made him potentially ready for the NFL from the beginning of his rookie year, an intriguing proposition for the Lions if he is still around at No. 10."
March, 25, 2014
Mar 25
8:51
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
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QB Matthew Stafford missed 19 games during his first two NFL campaigns, but ever since he underwent shoulder surgery, the Detroit Lions quarterback has completed three consecutive 16-game slates.
During the past four seasons, the Lions have had veteran Shaun Hill backing up Stafford, but now he is an unrestricted free agent and testing the market. He met recently with the St. Louis Rams, though he didn't sign with them.
Not only do the Lions appear willing to let Hill walk, but they may replace him with a rookie.
"We would definitely consider drafting a quarterback as our backup," general manager Martin Mayhew said Monday, per Kyle Meinke of MLive.com.
Part of the reasoning behind drafting a backup quarterback could be flipping such a player for a pick down the road.
"A lot of teams have use that backup quarterback position to draft and develop a guy you can eventually trade for a draft choice," Mayhew said. "There's a lot of different ways to go with that. We'll just keep aware of the situation and find the right fit."
The Lions remain interested in retaining Hill and don't intend to promote third-stringer Kellen Moore to the No. 2 role. If they can't secure Hill, a rookie may be their best option, because there will be limited free-agent options beyond Hill:
Michael Rothstein
Lions on list for best free agents left
"[ESPN NFL Insider Field] Yates has the best fit for Hill to be in Chicago with an alternative fit in St. Louis. Nothing about Detroit, which would then be hunting in the sparse veteran quarterback market if it can't land Hill. Among those options could be Luke McCown, who worked with Joe Lombardi in New Orleans last season."
How will Lions split backfield touches?
March, 20, 2014
Mar 20
10:43
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Recommend0
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The current expectation is that new Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi will bring his version of the New Orleans Saints offense to the Motor City in 2014, which would include regular use of two running backs in the backfield.
"You're going to see some more two-back sets," Lions president Tom Lewand told a small crowd this week, according to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com.
"I think you'll see some of that incorporated into what we do," he said. "What I really like about Coach Lombardi's, as well as Coach [Jim] Caldwell's approach is, 'Let's get as many weapons on the field as we can and try to use them strategically.' It's a very adaptable offense, and they want to use the talent and the guys that we have, not just one back at a time because that's what the personnel group calls for."
Last season, Reggie Bush led the Lions with 223 rushes, 57 more than Joique Bell. They were targeted fairly evenly in the passing game; 80 targets and 54 receptions for Bush and 68 targets and 53 receptions for Bell. In '13, Pierre Thomas led the way for the Saints with 147 carries (Mark Ingram was second with 78 and Darren Sproles had 53). In the passing game, Sproles led the backfield with 89 targets for 71 receptions, though Thomas had 84 targets for 77 receptions.
The question at hand is just how exactly Lombardi will split the workload between Bush and Bell in '14. Arguably Bell is better suited to handle the "Pierre Thomas" role as the primary rusher and Bush a better fit in the "Darren Sproles" role by catching passes in space. The likely result will be a lessened rushing workload for Bush, who, in turn, should end up being targeted more as a receiver. That would give Bush a nice bump in fantasy football leagues that reward a point per catch.
We also should expect new fullback Jed Collins to play a role in the offense, though it might not be reflected much on the stat sheet.
"Collins has been a nice fit in New Orleans for the last three years, as I'm sure Lions OC Joe Lombardi knows well," ESPN Saints reporter Mike Triplett told ESPN Lions reporter Michael Rothstein. "Obviously the fullback position doesn't play a big role in New Orleans' pass-heavy offense. Collins played 39 percent of the Saints' offensive snaps last year. But he's been solid as both a lead blocker and an occasional receiver out of the backfield or short-yardage runner on 'belly' handoffs."
Clinton-Dix a good fit for Lions at No. 10?
March, 18, 2014
Mar 18
8:31
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
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On Monday, the Detroit Lions hosted Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who could be a target for them with the 10th overall pick in May's draft. Clinton-Dix said after meeting with the team that he is worthy of being a top-10 pick.
?I watched Mark Barron do it a couple years ago, when he went 7, so it?s been done,? Clinton-Dix told the Free Press. ?If they want to take me at 10, I?m looking forward to it and I would love to be in Detroit.?
In his most recent mock draft, ESPN NFL Insider Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Lions Texas A&M WR Mike Evans at No. 10 and had Clinton-Dix dropping to the St. Louis Rams at No. 13. Overall, he ranked the safety 24th on his latest Big Board. ESPN Lions reporter Michael Rothstein thinks the safety would be a good fit for a Lions roster that needs help at safety:
Mel Kiper Jr.
NFL combine shifts Big Board
"Clinton-Dix looked good in Indy, long but explosive, and it matches the tape. He's instinctive and fluid, and can play Cover 1, getting to the ball even against teams looking to exploit him by working the perimeter. He reads the quarterback well and can accelerate or turn quickly to make plays in any direction. While he won't be defined by physical play, he's certainly not afraid to fly downhill and make a play close to the line of scrimmage. That said, his ability to anticipate, take great angles and cover could add help to almost any defense."
Michael Rothstein
Clinton-Dix an intriguing prospect for Lions
"Considering the need-based focus at safety for the Lions, bringing in Clinton-Dix for a long look makes complete sense. ... He is one of the top two safeties in the draft along with Louisville?s Calvin Pryor and as of Monday, Detroit is still in need of a starting safety to pair with Glover Quin after releasing Louis Delmas last month. While the Lions are likely to also sign a veteran -- former Baltimore safety James Ihedigbo was in for a visit last week -- it wouldn?t be surprising to see the team look at a defensive back early as well. ...
His ability in coverage could be an asset to the Lions, who would ideally like to keep Quin as a safety they can bring down into the box to give run and short-pass support. If the 6-foot-1 3/8, 208-pound Clinton-Dix can play free safety and excel at it early, that would be a benefit for a Detroit defense that struggled in coverage last season. Part of the reason came from the defensive line not reaching opposing quarterbacks fast enough, but the other part came from the Lions? corners and safeties not being strong enough in coverage.
Clinton-Dix did both at Alabama. As a sophomore, he became the Crimson Tide?s last defender back, expected to help in coverage and make big tackles. Last season, he played down more, helping in run support. His height also fits the mold of what the Lions are looking for in their defensive backs. He said at the combine it took him most of his freshman year to pick up Saban?s system and that allowed him to play deep as a sophomore and down low as a junior. It also made him potentially ready for the NFL from the beginning of his rookie year, an intriguing proposition for the Lions if he is still around at No. 10."
