How Good are the Lions?

[Fox1994]

They also threw 2 INTs in the endzone at the end of the Vikings game in that 14 point loss. They are 2-3 players away from actually being legit. I love watching them this year. In the past they lost the game by halftime. This year it literally comes down to the last drive every game. Exciting stuff. No team looks at the Lions as an easy win this year.

I think that's the problem. I think teams do look at the Lions as an easy win and that's why the games are coming down to the wire. Which is not to say they're not improved. They're doing well, they're in games, and I think they'll be better when Stafford's back. And I wouldn't be surprised if they made the playoffs next year. I'm not guaranteeing it, but you can quote me if you want to hold it against me later.

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

Shaun Hill career: 61.5%, 84.8 QB rating, 31-18 TD/INT

Matt Stafford career: 54%, 61.9 QB rating, 13-20

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Obviously Stafford has the higher upside, but i'm not sure where people get this idea that these close losses would be wins if Stafford was playing. Hill is a better player right now, and if this was a playoff ready, contending team, Stafford would be sitting for a few years. The Lions are probably a better team with Hill behind C.

Shaun Hill is a high quality backup, one of the few in the league. He's in that Doug Flutie, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeff Garcia (late career) type mold of a guy who is a great spark off the bench short term, but gets exposed long term.

 

[strahanfan92]

I don't know about you guys, but when Matt Stafford was getting ready to come in when Stanton went down on that final drive today I got a lot more nervous.

 

[mgoblue2290]

Those numbers are from last year and although its hard to tell from an outsider's perspective the team around Stafford is vastly improved. It was only pre-season but I'm telling you, the guy looked very sharp. On offense we added Scheffler, Burleson and Jahvid Best. Also Pettigrew has really stepped up this year and become a reliable target. It also helps that the defense isn't awful this year, it is still bad but it has been improved as well.

 

[BigHouseUSA]

Hill's been good, after he cut down on mistakes. There's a lot of throws he can't make, once he started cutting those down the last few weeks he's been solid, but nothing overly special. His numbers are slightly bloated because we can't run. From what I've seen of Stafford, he can make those throws, and maybe some of those games change. Either way, Stafford in or out, I still don't think we're good enough.

 

[Fox1994]

Hill's a very good backup. I just think that Stafford has the potential to catalyze the offense. :ionno: I don't think they're a playoff team in any case, but I think they're teetering on the brink of contending. They certainly look better than last year and the year before.

 

[mgoblue2290]

Hill's been good, after he cut down on mistakes. There's a lot of throws he can't make, once he started cutting those down the last few weeks he's been solid, but nothing overly special. His numbers are slightly bloated because we can't run. From what I've seen of Stafford, he can make those throws, and maybe some of those games change. Either way, Stafford in or out, I still don't think we're good enough.

Agreed. This team is still about between 4-7 guys away from being a contender. If we can fill 3 or 4 of those spots next year, then we'll at least be in contention for a playoff spot and a 7 to 9 win season.

 

[Buzzman]

I think that's the problem. I think teams do look at the Lions as an easy win and that's why the games are coming down to the wire. Which is not to say they're not improved. They're doing well, they're in games, and I think they'll be better when Stafford's back. And I wouldn't be surprised if they made the playoffs next year. I'm not guaranteeing it, but you can quote me if you want to hold it against me later.

I think its more of the Lions just playing well. You can't tell me the Giants were overlooking the Lions after what they have done this season. The Lions offense is the #1 in the NFC (before this week) at 25 ppg and the Giants had the #1 scoring and passing defense yet our third string QB passed for 220 yards and had the team in a spot to tie the game. The defense gets stops when at crucial times. Once we get a LB and a CB that will make the world of a difference. We literally have lost 3 MLBs this season and now Follett is probably done for awhile. Our run D sucks because they just dont have the talent to stop them. The secondary has done a great job as of late of limiting the other teams passing attack.

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

Hill's been good, after he cut down on mistakes. There's a lot of throws he can't make, once he started cutting those down the last few weeks he's been solid, but nothing overly special. His numbers are slightly bloated because we can't run. From what I've seen of Stafford, he can make those throws, and maybe some of those games change. Either way, Stafford in or out, I still don't think we're good enough.

That's why i'm saying Hill is a good "spark guy", but will never be a long term answer.

Don't get me wrong, i'd start Stafford the second he's ready. My point is that Hill does a good job anf is hardly costing the team wins. They've had some bad breaks.

 

[Buzzman]

Shaun Hill wanted to comeback in the game after breaking his forearm. Dude is a beast.

 

[Houston]

LOLions

 

[NAHSTE]

They're pretty good, for a bad team.

 

[dave]

The Lions, like the Niners, are so full of bad luck it's sad.

Shaun Hill has done a decent job for them, Hill breaks his arm.

I don't care what the NFL says, that Calvin Johnson TD in week 1 was legit.

IMO, these are not the same, old Lions ... but they are so snake bitten by bad luck.

If I were the Lions' owner, I'd immediately sign Jim Schwartz to an 8-year contract and tell the team ... you can no longer blame the coach. Everything is on you.

No more changing coach philosophies every second year, no more quick fixes.

Jim Schwartz is our Jeff Fisher. The coach is no longer the scapegoat.

 

[Cornelius]

The Lions, like the Niners, are so full of bad luck it's sad.

Shaun Hill has done a decent job for them, Hill breaks his arm.

I don't care what the NFL says, that Calvin Johnson TD in week 1 was legit.

IMO, these are not the same, old Lions ... but they are so snake bitten by bad luck.

If I were the Lions' owner, I'd immediately sign Jim Schwartz to an 8-year contract and tell the team ... you can no longer blame the coach. Everything is on you.

No more changing coach philosophies every second year, no more quick fixes.

Jim Schwartz is our Jeff Fisher. The coach is no longer the scapegoat.

If I were a Ford, I'd sell the Lions and then use all my money to go on a crazy binge of coke and whores.