“Lions, Saints, Superdome, Oh My!”

Wild card weekend is upon us as two premiere NFC elites, the feisty Detroit Lions and the dominant New Orleans Saints prepare to do battle on Saturday night to stay alive in the hunt for the coveted Super Bowl game in Indianapolis. In a game that promises to be spectacular, the Lions are looking to make the most of their first playoff appearance in twelve years while the Saints look to captivate Mardi Gras town once again. It’s gut-check time for both of these squads looking to prove something. Prepare yourself for the Lions and the Saints in the Superdome, a battle royale, oh my.

With a previous week 13 match-up under their belts, where the Saints came out on top, this re-match of epic proportions spells out revenge for the Lions and dominance for the Saints. With that, in order to secure a W this weekend, let’s preview the first NFC wild card game of the weekend and see if the Lions have enough roar in them to keep up with the Super Saints.

Detroit’s decisiveness with the ball.

The visiting Detroit Lions are definitely viewed as the underdogs going into a tough re-match against a Saints team that easily defeated the heavily penalized Lions in round one. The Saints haven’t withered in domed arenas this season as they look to continue their winning ways. Nonetheless, the Lions have had a rejuvenated year with a healthy and agile Matthew Stafford, a dangerous and dynamic Calvin Johnson and a no- nonsense Ndamukong Suh. Detroit has been granted access into the playoffs for the first time in twelve years, giving the Motor City something to rejoice, at least for the time being. It will be Detroit’s decisiveness with the football that will help them prevail in this game.

This season the Lions finished fourth in the league in scoring (29.6 points per game) and quarterback Matthew Stafford had a career year tossing forty-one touchdowns and passing for 5,038 yards. Calvin Johnson was re-introduced as a top five receiver in the NFL and the Lions passing attack has turned into a relentless assault that has become hard to stop. Look for the Lions on Saturday to continue to use Stafford’s arm to move the ball on offense, utilizing the deep threats of Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, and even Brandon Pettigrew.

The Lions have come up woefully short in a number of big games this season and now more than ever will need to close that gap if they hope to beat New Orleans. Detroit is 1-5 against teams in the playoffs and 0-5 against teams with winning records this year. The Lions are a solid, young football team on the rise, but stupidity and overconfidence have been huge contributing factors as to why the Lions have suffered some of their losses. The number of penalties per game Detroit racks up is astronomical, while too many Detroit players get too frustrated and emotional during contests that lead to mistakes. The Lions end up shooting themselves in the foot at crucial times and that has cost them several important games.

If the Lions are expected to beat New Orleans, they need to eliminate the penalties, play tighter on defense, especially with Suh back in the line-up, who was absent for their previous match-up, while managing the clock will play an important role in keeping Drew Brees and the Saints offense off the field.

Ndamukong Suh is going to be a key player in the Lions defense in stopping the Saints offense. The Lions defense, especially Suh, will need to put as much pressure on Brees as possible, forcing him out of the pocket. Forcing Brees to throw on the run will help the Lions tremendously. Another key will be Matthew Stafford against the Saints secondary, with the possibility of Stafford having a field day throwing the football. The Saints defense ranks 30th against the pass, and given time, Stafford will be able to carve up the secondary. Tracy Porter and Jabari Greer will need to play lights out defense if they hope to contain Calvin Johnson.

Overall, the Lions have the ingredients that make up a solid football team (young gunslinger, top receiver, solid defense) but still have a few inconsistencies to work out if they expect to make a playoff run. We’ll see what transpires on Saturday night.

The Saints reign supreme on offense.

The New Orleans Saints have seen a rise in their game as the 2011 season has progressed, keeping them in the back of everyone’s mind. A powerhouse of a football team, the Saints host the Lions in the Mercedes Benz Superdome, a place the Saints haven’t lost in all season. Drew Brees has had a record setting season, eclipsing the all time passing yards in a single season mark, once held by the great Dan Marino, passing for 5,476 yards. His aggressive offense has contributed to many of the Saints wins this season, a gun-ho style of game play. Surrounding Brees is a plethora of football talent including rookie rusher Mark Ingram, lethal tight end Jimmy Graham, and quite possibly the best off-season acquisition in Darren Sproles, who each contribute to the success of the team. Stopping the offensive attack of New Orleans may prove difficult for the Lions because the Saints reign supreme offensively.

The Saints have had yet another fantastic season under the guise of Sean Payton, a 13-3 squad humbled by an early season loss to the St. Louis Rams, now finding that 2011 could be a repeat of 2009. With their Super Bowl title, string of postseason appearances and high potent, explosive offense, the Saints are slowly pushing out the bad memories of a once thought lowly franchise. This wild card game against the Lions will help secure the promise that the Saints are the NFC team to beat.

On Saturday night, the Saints will need to keep Matthew Stafford in check if they want to win. We cannot emphasize how awesome the offense is, but truly the defense will need to step up if they hope to stop the Lions aerial assault. What will be key for the Saints will be the rushing attack of Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas against Detroit’s run defense. The Lions were able to hold off Ingram and Sproles in week 13, giving the Lions a fighting chance in the game; nonetheless, Drew Brees cannot do all the work himself. The rushing attack needs to step up in a big way to penetrate the Detroit defense if they don’t want to be surprised by the Lions D-line.

Drew Brees is extremely vital for New Orleans in this game and will likely go down in history as one of the NFL’s best, but now the playoffs have arrived and we start from scratch. The record setting year means nothing now and Brees doesn’t want to get a bad reputation of being a quarterback who can’t win when it matters most. If the Saints go down to the Lions, it would be an epic disappointment for having such an amazing year.

Overall, the Saints have an explosive team, as we watched them pick apart their opponents all year long. The Saints shouldn’t have a problem marching through the playoffs if they play like they have been. There may be a few kinks to work out, but New Orleans seems poised to make history again.

Who Wins?

This is undoubtedly going to be an offensive battle, with Stafford facing off against Brees. Both quarterbacks combined for 10,514 yards this year, each throwing for over forty touchdowns and were powerful contributors in getting their teams to this point. The game may be closer than people expect considering the pass deficiencies of the Saints, but watch out for Brees to put a damper on the Lions season, as he has been stellar all year and is not going to let such a flawed Lions team out perform his Saints. Detroit is still growing and has everything in place to become elite, but it seems like this game could be the end of the line for them in 2011.

Saints 35 Lions 24

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St. Louis Rams vs. The Detroit Lions

The St. Louis Rams could be peering in on three straight victories and an early NFC West division lead if they are able to come away with a win on Sunday. While on the other side of the ball the Lions are fighting desperately for their first win of the season. This match-up was likely circled on many people’s schedules prior to the season, as it could have been the battle of the past two season’s 1st overall quarterbacks, however Lions QB Matthew Stafford will still not be healthy enough to see action this weekend.

Sam Bradford has been silencing any critics that he had around the league prior to the season’s start, he’s proving to the organization and the fans in St. Louis that he was well worth the draft pick. Running the ball has not been such a successful endeavour for Steven Jackson thus far this season he only has one touchdown, and a 3.9 YPC, facing a weak Lions run defense on Sunday he should flourish once again and likely hit paydirt more than once. Clayton has been Bradford’s favorite target recording 300 yards and two touchdowns so far this season, he should continue to produce against the Lions, and is worth a roster spot if you’re scrambling for a WR this weekend. Danny Amendola and TE Daniel Fells have been productive as they have grabbed a combined 32 receptions from Bradford, but until the group further develops a solid continuity I wouldn’t recommend plugging them into your lineup.

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Detroit Lions 0-3 vs. 2-1 Green Bay Packers

This NFC North show down has a lot of fantasy implications. Detroit looked to be a dream fantasy team the first couple of games: a high scoring offense paired with a lousy defense. Unfortunate with Matt Stafford out, and rookie Jahvid Best ailing, the Lions have lost some offensive punch. The defense has remained lousy, which suits the Green Bay Packers just fine.

The Packers have not lost to the Lions at Lambeau since 1991. That was before Brett Favre. The current Lions have a 22 game road losing streak. Everything is setting up for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to have a big game on Sunday. Coming off a tough defeat to the Chicago Bears on Monday night should also help motivate the Packers to score early, and often. Green Bay could also use a big halftime lead to try to get their stumbling running game going.

Detroit is walking into a terrible situation this week. With injuries to key offensive players, there is little hope of  pulling off a huge upset. Green Bay has and excellent pass rush, and will try to keep to keep Shaun Hill under constant pressure, and force him into turnovers. The Lions won’t lack for effort. Hill has played decently is relief of Matt Stafford, and Jahvid Best leads the NFL in touchdowns. Detroit also boasts a good, young  defensive line, and will try to keep Aaron Rodgers under constant pressure. On offense, Jahvid Best’s  health is key. If he is healthy, and starting, look for the Lions to utilize more run plays early, in an effort  to keep the Packers potent offense on the sidelines.  If Detroit falls behind, look for some garbage time passing stats in the second half.

Final Score: Green Bay 35, Detroit 13

**Injury watch: DET- QB M Stafford won’t play,  RB Jahvid Best (toe) is questionable but likely to start,      WR Nate Burleson (ankle) is doubtful

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Years From Competition?

It would be considered generous if one were to call the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, and St. Louis Rams rebuilding franchises. Although the teams have each made respective large steps in overall team progression, they still have years to go in order to truly compete in the NFL. The Lions are the best off of the bunch with former 1st overall pick Matthew Stafford at the helm, current 2nd overall pick Ndamukong Suh leading it’s defence and a plethora of wise free agency moves over the past two seasons.  St. Louis lies somewhere in the middle, as they are in need of major work but have just acquired 1st overall Sam Bradford to QB the team into the future, still have Steven Jackson (who can produce as good if not better than most RB’s), and generally have a winning atmosphere (with the exception of the last few years). The Buccaneers although rest at the far end of this spectrum; with no real QB, no real RB, and a 2nd year head coach with an overall lack of team identity. Tampa Bay is years from competition and the following reasons are why.

QB Situation

Tampa is about to enter this season, like last, without a true starting quarterback. Currently on the roster rest Josh Johnson, Josh Freeman, Rudy Carpenter and Rookie Jevan Snead. Last season Johnson, Freeman, and even Bryon Leftwich partook in a carousel at the position, and it looks as if so this will happen again the upcoming season as the Buccaneers have yet to announce a true starter. Rest assured this is never a recipe for success. In order for the Bucs to become competitive again, they will at the very least need to establish a quarterback that the offense can gain a rhythm with game in and out, not every other game.

RB Situation

The Bucs have talent at the RB position, but have not been able to exploit it properly. Derrick Ward and Ernest Graham lead the depth charts. Coming off a career season (two years ago) Derrick Ward signed with the Buccaneers looking to make an impact, but as a buccaneer his yards per carry fell immensely, from 5.6 to 3.6. Earnest Graham is a bruising power back, who has only been able to truly excel in one season (2007) RB’s Coach Steve Logan and the offensive line need to understand how to proper utilize these backs in order to succeed.

Team Identity

Every good team has an “identity” for example this year’s New Orleans Saints were the high-scoring, fast paced, air show. While Tennessee ran a true “run-first offence”. Therefore in the NFL what separates teams is a unique identity, and thus makes this identity them difficult to prepare for. The Bucs under 2nd year head coach Raheem Morris have yet to establish that identity. Are they a run first team, pass first, QB spread offense, true west coast? Until this offensive identity is established it will be difficult for the Bucs to compete. Tampa Bay seems to be playing a style of offense of trial and error, or whatever works, as opposed to running an actual philosophy.

Short and sweet; There’s a lot to work on, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are years from competition.

NFC Trio Years From Competition? Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Three Way Trade: Eagles, Lions, Broncos
The Philadelphia Eagles can scratch off one of their draft needs after acquiring Ernie Sims on Monday morning. The Eagles made out like bandits in a three-way deal with the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos.  Philadelphia has sent a fifth-round pick to Denver, who then sent tight end Tony Scheffler and a seventh-round pick to Detroit,  in return Lions send LB Ernie Simsto the Eagles.

The Linebacker rotation for the Eagles was a nightmare last season. With as many as seven different starters playing all LB positions, the Eagles decided to acquire former first round pick Sims in hopefully mending a defensive wound.

2009 first-round pick Brandon Pettigrew is still recovering from surgery on his left knee, and with the already lack of depth at this roster spot the trade for Tony Scheffler fills a need.

The Broncos new system never fit well with Scheffler, a restricted free agent who had been skipping the Broncos’ offseason programs, and rumored to be not a fan of Josh McDaniels. Getting something for a player that was part of the plan is positive way to look at letting go of a talented offensive target. Mind you, after trading Marshall and Scheffler the need for skilled players has all of a sudden became a huge need.

Detroit is making some real strides on trying to get out of the NFL basement. Only time will tell if these moves result in any sort of success. While you have to hand it to the Eagles once again, gaining an excellent LB prospect for a mer 5th round pick.

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NFL NEWS & RUMORS

• Rams release Marc Bulger on Monday. Someone should tell Sam Brafford he needs to get himself a real estate agent in the St.Louis area because this is a slam dunk. Bulger was scheduled to make $8.5 million next season and was never expected to be with the team, heading into training camp.

• The Seahawks and Detroit Lions made a few trades today: Seattle sent guard Rob Sims to Detroit for a fifth-round draft pick. Sims was a 4th round pick for the Seahawks back in 2006 and started 14 games for Seattle last year. The Lions also traded away Robert Henderson for a 7th round draft pick in this years draft.
• Defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove has signed his tender offer, and the team announced that he’ll be back in New Orleans in 2010.
• NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reported that the Redskins already have buyers remorse after signing Albert Haynesworth to such a huge contact. Rumors were that the big man was on the table when McNabb trade talks were commencing. Eagles had no interest.
• We had DT Jared Odrick high on our draft boards but not as high as the Cleveland Browns. PFT.com is reporting there is a lot of love for the big man in Clev-town
• Tim Tebow Signs A Deal With Nike

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NFL Players Give Us Their Favorite Swear Words- Maxim.com

NFL Players are known as some of the nastiest dudes on the planet, and based on some of the lengths of the bleeps in this video, you can see why. Maxim recently had the chance to hang out with some of these….click on th Picture

Seattle’s deal for Whitehurst most intriguing QB move of free agency- SI.com

Intriguing as the roll of the dice Seattle took by boldly trading for San Diego’s Whitehurst in a deal that has boom/bust potential written all over it. Whitehurst was the little-known and even lesser thought of No. 3 quarterback in San Diego, behind starter……click on the Picture

Reid: Team evaluating trade offers- ESPN.com

Andy Reid has said Donovan McNabb is his starting quarterback heading into the 2010 season. But the trade rumors around the team’s quarterback situation have persisted. And now Reid says offers are being made for all three of the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterbacks….click on th Picture

Bears-Cowboys Thanksgiving game gaining steam- Profootballtalk.com

With FOX televising the game, the opponent definitely will be one of the Cowboys’ six NFC opponents: the Redskins, Eagles, Cowboys, Lions, Bears, and Saints. As Williams points out, the Cowboys haven’t hosted an NFC East opponent on Thanksgiving since 2002. The Lions are otherwise unavailable that day, and Saints-Cowboys is…..click on the Picture

Florida wideout excited to play with a “real quarterback”- Yahoo Sports

Tim Tebow’s departure for the NFL hasn’t left everyone in Gainesville in mourning. Thompson isn’t losing any sleep over the loss of Tebow. AP. While most of Gator Nation is still trying….click on the Picture

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Detroit Lions sign WR Burleson to five-year deal
Nate Burleson has played the last 7 seasons with the Seahawks and Vikings but has found a new home in Detroit signing a new 5 year deal worth an impressive $25 million dollars, with $11 million guaranteed. Detroit is trying to add another solid addition for their young quarterback, an in my opinion they might have found themselves a gem. Burleson was over shadowed by a few more high profiled wide receivers in this years free agency and have added a good 2nd option to play opposite Calvin Johnson.

Burleson has had some injury trouble over the years, playing only 1 game in 2007 and missing a few in 05, but overall his experience should be a great addition for the Lions.

Detroit Acquires DT Corey Williams
In a move that people will shrug their shoulders at, the Detroit Lions traded for a huge center piece to add to their defense. 29 year old Corey Williams is a big defensive tackle at 6’4 230 lbs, his addition could be lining up to the Detroit Lions 1 round draft pick soon, with all indications that Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh will be selected by Detroit. This is a great step forward, if the Lions can beef up their run defense quickly the odds for a better season will not doubt improve. Detroit rank dead last in yards per game last season and 25th against the run.

No word yet on which pick the Lions had to give up, but rumors are it’s a for a late-round draft pick

More Detroit Lions News?
The Detroit Lions are also pursuing free agent defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, who once played for coach Jim Schwartz.

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NFL Trade: Antonio Cromartie to the Jets

Breaking News: Jason La Canfora with his nerdy classes and wisdom has sniffed out the first NFL trade news of Free agency. The San Diego Chargers have looked to have traded CB Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets for a 2011 conditional draft pick. Pick looks to be around a 2nd/3rd pick next year

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