Lions Archives - Page 3 of 4

Matt Patricia will return in 2020. So will you.

December 20, 2019April 1, 2020
by Jon Hamilton

The writing had been on the wall all season, but many failed to see it. I tried time and time again to talk people off the ledge and keep a clear mind about the future of this team. But fans wanted blood. For heads to roll. For yet another regime change, as if rapid turnover has ever produced anything tangible for this organization. Martha Firestone Ford and family have now made official what everyone should have already seen coming: Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn will be back in 2020. And no matter how fed up you think you are about the “same old Lions”, you’ll be back too. Read more “Matt Patricia will return in 2020. So will you.” →

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Stop Turning Me Into A Detroit Lions Apologist

December 11, 2019April 1, 2020
by Jon Hamilton

I wasn’t always a Detroit Lions apologist. I swear. Read more “Stop Turning Me Into A Detroit Lions Apologist” →

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Detroit’s losing culture isn’t your fault, Lions fans

December 4, 2019May 22, 2020
by Jon Hamilton

I’ve made a commitment to write about the Detroit Lions, so here I am. Call it dedication, call it stubbornness, or maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment. It’s probably all of the above. Read more “Detroit’s losing culture isn’t your fault, Lions fans” →

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Detroit Lions Observations: Hello Again, Apathy.

November 25, 2019July 29, 2020
by Jon Hamilton

Apathy – An absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement. Can be a symptom of repeated exposure to Detroit Lions football. Read more “Detroit Lions Observations: Hello Again, Apathy.” →

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The Psychology of Going for 2: A Case Study

November 22, 2019September 19, 2022
by Jon Hamilton

Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia isn’t the greatest in-game strategist, but on one gloomy November afternoon he got something right: He elected to go for 2, trailing by 8 after a 4th quarter touchdown. Of course, the attempt failed, and the Lions didn’t score again, falling 35-27 to the Dallas Cowboys. This left the door open for media and fan scrutiny, many of whom feel really strongly that you should just kick the extra point in that situation. Read more “The Psychology of Going for 2: A Case Study” →

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Lions Cowboys Observations: Home Field Disadvantage

November 20, 2019July 22, 2020
by Jon Hamilton

The exercise of breaking down the Detroit Lions game-by-game performance, gauging their playoff odds, keeping tabs on the rest of the NFC North, looking ahead at the schedule…it’s sucking the life out of me. The season was over with nearly half the damn thing remaining. Luckily, the Lions’ 35-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys unearthed some interesting side-topics to keep me from falling asleep while writing this week’s observations. Let’s wax poetically over Jeff Driskel, talk home field (dis)advantage, and get into some advanced analytics (the devil’s work)! Read more “Lions Cowboys Observations: Home Field Disadvantage” →

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Lions Bears Observations: It Ain’t Over…But It’s Over

November 12, 2019July 8, 2020
by Jon Hamilton

The Chicago Bears defeated the Detroit Lions 20-13 in week 10. But don’t get it twisted, the Bears are a bad football team. They have an awful head coach who absolutely butchers in-game decision making and clock management. They have a third-year QB in Mitchell Trubisky who appears to be regressing. Their leading rusher averages 3.6 yards per attempt. Read more “Lions Bears Observations: It Ain’t Over…But It’s Over” →

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Lions Raiders Observations: This Defense is Offensive

November 5, 2019July 3, 2020
by Jon Hamilton

Remember just a few short weeks ago when the Lions were a scrappy, upstart team going blow for blow with some of the best in the NFL? A team that nearly took down the reigning MVP and then a future first ballot hall of fame quarterback in consecutive games? The team that actually caught the attention of the nation (by playing well, for a change), clearly being the victims of poor officiating and bad luck. Read more “Lions Raiders Observations: This Defense is Offensive” →

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Lions Giants Observations: Taking Care of Business

October 29, 2019January 28, 2020
by Jon Hamilton

It was clear heading into the season that the first six games of 2019 was going to be the measuring stick that showed just how close the Lions were to competing in the NFC North. They emerged from that early gauntlet 2-3-1, and it was a wild ride. The Lions have many strengths and a whole bunch of weaknesses too, but they have been consistently competitive throughout the season. Now it’s time to start beating the teams you are supposed to beat, and that’s exactly what they did in week 8 against the Giants. Read more “Lions Giants Observations: Taking Care of Business” →

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Lions Vikings Observations: Everyone Just Calm Down

October 22, 2019February 6, 2020
by Jon Hamilton

The Detroit Lions dropped their third straight game in a Week 7 loss to the Vikings. They also lost Kerryon Johnson and Darius Slay to injury. There was no controversial call or unlucky bounce that led to this loss. They were simply beaten by a better team in all phases of the game. Let’s get to some observations, before discussing whether or not the sky is really falling. Read more “Lions Vikings Observations: Everyone Just Calm Down” →