2024 Detroit Lions: Draft complete. (5 Viewers)

[BobbyLayne]

INSANE:

The Lions ranked inside the top-10 in 2023 in rush yards before contact, rush yards before contact per attempt, fewest sacks allowed, total yards, and percentage of drives ending in an offensive score.

On Halloween 2022 - 18.5 months ago - this regime was 4-19-1 (.188).

They are 22-8 (.733) since and have not lost two games in a row.

MCDC started 0-11-1 in road games; 10-5 in away games since the turnaround. Which unfortunately includes the twin traveshamockery of at Dallas and at San Francisco (they were 10-3 before that.)

How did they get this good this fast?

 

[Payne]

First week of the 2024 Season:

• TNF: Ravens vs. Chiefs
• FNF: Packers vs. Eagles
• SNF:
  Spoiler

  Rams vs. Lions
• MNF: Jets vs. 49ers
• TNF: Bills vs. Dolphins
  
  more leaks:
  
  
  Spoiler: Lions rumored schedule -12 out of 17 games leaked

  All of the Home Games have been leaked
  
  1. v LAR (SNF)
  2. v TB
  3. road game
  4. v SEA (MNF)
  5. road game
  6. road game
  7. @ MIN
  8. v TEN
  9. BYE or road game
  10. BYE or road game
  11. v JAX
  12. @ IND
  13. v CHI (Thanksgiving)
  14. v GB (TNF)
  15. v BUF
  16. @ CHI
  17. road game
  18. v MIN
  
  MISSING GAMES:
  
  @ HOU, @ DAL, @ GB, @ ARI, @ SF

Could be a rough start depending where those week 3, 5 and 6 road games are.

 

[jon_mx]

Is anyone seeing a fifth year on the Goff extension? Jon mentioned, but still can't find it any where.

There should be a 5th year which is a void year. That allows them to spread the signing bonus to that year and kicks $14 million in cap hit to 2029 and saves it from impacting 2024.

 

[jon_mx]

INSANE:

The Lions ranked inside the top-10 in 2023 in rush yards before contact, rush yards before contact per attempt, fewest sacks allowed, total yards, and percentage of drives ending in an offensive score.

On Halloween 2022 - 18.5 months ago - this regime was 4-19-1 (.188).

They are 22-8 (.733) since and have not lost two games in a row.

MCDC started 0-11-1 in road games; 10-5 in away games since the turnaround. Which unfortunately includes the twin traveshamockery of at Dallas and at San Francisco (they were 10-3 before that.)

How did they get this good this fast?

Probavly rhetorical, but:

1. 4 of the 5 best draft classes the Lions have ever seen who are not only talented but are dedicated to being the best.
2. Getting a boatload of draft capitol for Stafford and getting a younger franchise QB thrown in for free.
3. Outstanding coach staff and coordinators. (The verdict is not completely in on AG, but the players love him).
4. Turning the culture into a destination which players want to be a part of.
5. Clearing up cap space of dead weight and not bringing in high priced fixes.

It will be a recipe other franchises will try to replicate, but there are not too many MCDC's and Brad Holmes.

 

[jon_mx]

Looks like the NFL loves those prime time games to be at Ford Field. It elevates the atmosphere which makes good TV

 

[BobbyLayne]

First week of the 2024 Season:

• TNF: Ravens vs. Chiefs
• FNF: Packers vs. Eagles
• SNF:
  Spoiler

  Rams vs. Lions
• MNF: Jets vs. 49ers
• TNF: Bills vs. Dolphins
  
  more leaks:
  
  
  Spoiler: Lions rumored schedule -12 out of 17 games leaked

  All of the Home Games have been leaked
  
  1. v LAR (SNF)
  2. v TB
  3. road game
  4. v SEA (MNF)
  5. road game
  6. road game
  7. @ MIN
  8. v TEN
  9. BYE or road game
  10. BYE or road game
  11. v JAX
  12. @ IND
  13. v CHI (Thanksgiving)
  14. v GB (TNF)
  15. v BUF
  16. @ CHI
  17. road game
  18. v MIN
  
  MISSING GAMES:
  
  @ HOU, @ DAL, @ GB, @ ARI, @ SF

Could be a rough start depending where those week 3, 5 and 6 road games are.

Bring on The Revenge Tour

Boys are gonna come out raging

 

[Da Guru]

Hooker and Penix may have to be abstinent now, but they're going to explode all over the NFL in about 4 years.

I get having insurance to Goff, but a third round pick is an expensive policy that no one knows if it will pay off.

INSANE:

The Lions ranked inside the top-10 in 2023 in rush yards before contact, rush yards before contact per attempt, fewest sacks allowed, total yards, and percentage of drives ending in an offensive score.

On Halloween 2022 - 18.5 months ago - this regime was 4-19-1 (.188).

They are 22-8 (.733) since and have not lost two games in a row.

MCDC started 0-11-1 in road games; 10-5 in away games since the turnaround. Which unfortunately includes the twin traveshamockery of at Dallas and at San Francisco (they were 10-3 before that.)

How did they get this good this fast?

Probavly rhetorical, but:

1. 4 of the 5 best draft classes the Lions have ever seen who are not only talented but are dedicated to being the best.
2. Getting a boatload of draft capitol for Stafford and getting a younger franchise QB thrown in for free.
3. Outstanding coach staff and coordinators. (The verdict is not completely in on AG, but the players love him).
4. Turning the culture into a destination which players want to be a part of.
5. Clearing up cap space of dead weight and not bringing in high priced fixes.

It will be a recipe other franchises will try to replicate, but there are not too many MCDC's and Brad Holmes.

In reality Lions have had 1 good season. I am expecting more to come for sure but in this league you never know as a few injuries can derail a season.

Pretty sure it will be between GB and Detroit for the division. Winning the division is key to get the home playoff games.

 

[msudaisy26]

INSANE:

The Lions ranked inside the top-10 in 2023 in rush yards before contact, rush yards before contact per attempt, fewest sacks allowed, total yards, and percentage of drives ending in an offensive score.

On Halloween 2022 - 18.5 months ago - this regime was 4-19-1 (.188).

They are 22-8 (.733) since and have not lost two games in a row.

MCDC started 0-11-1 in road games; 10-5 in away games since the turnaround. Which unfortunately includes the twin traveshamockery of at Dallas and at San Francisco (they were 10-3 before that.)

How did they get this good this fast?

Probavly rhetorical, but:

1. 4 of the 5 best draft classes the Lions have ever seen who are not only talented but are dedicated to being the best.
2. Getting a boatload of draft capitol for Stafford and getting a younger franchise QB thrown in for free.
3. Outstanding coach staff and coordinators. (The verdict is not completely in on AG, but the players love him).
4. Turning the culture into a destination which players want to be a part of.
5. Clearing up cap space of dead weight and not bringing in high priced fixes.

It will be a recipe other franchises will try to replicate, but there are not too many MCDC's and Brad Holmes.

This isn't a recipe the Lions made. The Ravens have done this for the better part of 20 years, the Steelers have done it for closer to 50.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

You can have the greatest recipe in the world, but if you can't cook you can't cook.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Week 17 leaked - another prime time game

up to 5 national games so far

 

[Zeppelin]

Week 17 leaked - another prime time game

up to 5 national games so far

What is it?

 

[BobbyLayne]

Week 17 leaked - another prime time game

up to 5 national games so far

What is it?

Scroll up; fully leaked Lions schedule is hidden in spoiler tags at the top of this page.

https://forums.footballguys.com/threads/2024-detroit-lions-draft-complete.634878/post-24933137

 

[Zeppelin]

Rams at Lions Sunday night week one is official.

 

[Moonlight]

Week 17 leaked - another prime time game

up to 5 national games so far

What is it?

Scroll up; fully leaked Lions schedule is hidden in spoiler tags at the top of this page.

https://forums.footballguys.com/threads/2024-detroit-lions-draft-complete.634878/post-24933137

That’s a tough schedule good to have no international games and 9 home games.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Week 17 leaked - another prime time game

up to 5 national games so far

What is it?

Scroll up; fully leaked Lions schedule is hidden in spoiler tags at the top of this page.

https://forums.footballguys.com/threads/2024-detroit-lions-draft-complete.634878/post-24933137

That’s a tough schedule good to have no international games and 9 home games.

I see one definite cold weather game at Chicago late in the year. Green Bay on November 3rd might not be too bad.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Looking at this through the old school prism of quarters of the season (err....5 + 5 + 4 + 4):

Weeks 1-5:

1. LAR on SNF
2. TB
3. @ ARI
4. SEA on MNF
5. bye week

Open at home back-to-back versus the two teams we beat in the playoffs, in the desert, and then home for MNF v the Hawks. Considering what it potentially could have been, not too shabby - 3 home games, two primetime. Unfortunately we are back on the early bye schedule - would strongly prefer middle or late, but it is what it is.

Week 6-10:

1. @ DAL
2. @ MIN
3. TEN
4. @ GB
5. @ HOU on SNF

Following the Week 5 bye, it's at Jerry World (National 4:25 game) followed by at US Bank, home versus the Titans, and on the road in Lambeau, and at NRG Stadium - first primetime game in 6 weeks, they occur at least every third week the rest of the season. 4 out of 5 being on the road is daunting - 3 playoff teams - especially since two are versus teams who beat us last year. Well, one was a split, one was decided by the refs, but the point remains...

Weeks 11-14:

1. JAX
2. @ IND
3. CHI on Thanksgiving
4. GB on TNF

4 games, another PrimeTime, back-to-back Thursdays on National tv. Starts at home v Jags, at Colts, then back to back Thursday divisional games: Turkey Day v the Bears, TNF home v Packers. Including Week 15, the Lions are home 4 out of 5 - nice balance to the immediately preceding stretch!

Weeks 15-18:

1. BUF
2. @ CHI
3. @ SF on MNF
4. MIN

Honestly we don't know who is good and who is bad right now; whatever we think in mid-May, guarantee it'll be wrong in December. Bills at home, cold weather game in Soldier Field, at Levis Stadium on MNF, home v the Vikings. Might be a tough stretch here to close it out, or we might be getting Hendon Hooker some snaps as we rest up for the bye week. Although it's hard to imagine MCDC ever letting off the gas, who am I kidding.

---

Not great, not terrible.

edit to make the quarters 5 + 5 + 4 + 4, more natural break

 

[Da Guru]

Week 17 leaked - another prime time game

up to 5 national games so far

What is it?

Scroll up; fully leaked Lions schedule is hidden in spoiler tags at the top of this page.

https://forums.footballguys.com/threads/2024-detroit-lions-draft-complete.634878/post-24933137

That’s a tough schedule good to have no international games and 9 home games.

It is a difficult schedule. Can we please finally give Seattle an azz whipping?

We are not used to first place schedules in these parts.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Week 17 leaked - another prime time game

up to 5 national games so far

What is it?

Scroll up; fully leaked Lions schedule is hidden in spoiler tags at the top of this page.

https://forums.footballguys.com/threads/2024-detroit-lions-draft-complete.634878/post-24933137

That’s a tough schedule good to have no international games and 9 home games.

It is a difficult schedule. Can we please finally give Seattle an azz whipping?

We are not used to first place schedules in these parts.

We had a 2nd place schedule last year that was no picnic (9 road games, 8 games against 2022 playoff teams.)

The every-year-reality is we don't fully know if it's a tough schedule or not. At the end of every September there are teams who are way worse than we projected, and upstarts who are wildly exceeding expectations. That somewhat random uncertainty plus the ebbs and flows of a season are why the NFL is so great.

How many times did we have a red hot team coming up last year....the Broncos have won 6 of 7 after starting 1-5 to move over .500....the Rams are the hottest team in football having won 7 of their last 8 in the regular season....Baker and the Bucs have gone 6-1 since December 1.

And while I am fairly confident about the upcoming season, this league will humble you quick If you start thinking you're just gonna walk over sub-.500 teams. There are playoff teams who ended the prior season on the upswing who don't even get back to the dance, every year. No matter how many core players you retain, each year is it's own deal. You have to learn how to win as a group all over again, every season.

Man I can't wait for this years journey. Last year was epic, and it will always be special.

Progression is rarely linear in the NFL but this year has a good chance to be the best season every for Detroit. But it's going to be rough, both the Packers and Bears have improved, the Eagles are loaded for bear, the 49ers are always tough, and the Rams are still dangerous. First things first, as you noted the other day. Goal #1 is to win the division again bc everything depends on accomplishing that first.

 

[Moonlight]

Week 17 leaked - another prime time game

up to 5 national games so far

What is it?

Scroll up; fully leaked Lions schedule is hidden in spoiler tags at the top of this page.

https://forums.footballguys.com/threads/2024-detroit-lions-draft-complete.634878/post-24933137

That’s a tough schedule good to have no international games and 9 home games.

It is a difficult schedule. Can we please finally give Seattle an azz whipping?

We are not used to first place schedules in these parts.

Oh joy get to go to Dallas again so many wonderful things have happened to the Lions there.

Might be happy to take a split with the Seattle and Cowboys games. Bad luck with those teams.
Regarding Seattle Pete Carroll not
being on the sidelines is something I like.

 

[Zeppelin]

Oh joy get to go to Dallas again so many wonderful things have happened to the Lions there.

Might be happy to take a split with the Seattle and Cowboys games. Bad luck with those teams.
Regarding Seattle Pete Carroll not
being on the sidelines is something I like.

**** that. Time to win both and bury that ****.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I think ESPN ranked it as the 11th hardest schedule. Not sure if that was based on last year's records or this year's projections.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I think ESPN ranked it as the 11th hardest schedule. Not sure if that was based on last year's records or this year's projections.

It's generally based on prior years. SoS is so worthless.

We don't know who is good and who is bad. Same story every year, this league always has surprise teams in either direction.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Jon Jansen on the morning show has the Lions winning their first 7 games and going 14-3. Something about that first name brings the optimism out.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Might be happy to take a split with the Seattle and Cowboys games.

FTN

15-2 is on the table. This roster is stacked.

---

In the 105 years the NFL has been around, only 25 teams have had 1 loss or less.

• 4 undefeated regular seasons:
  • 1934 Bears (11-0-0)
  • 1943 Bears (13-0-0)
  • 1972 Dolphins (14-0-0)
  • 2007 Patriots (16-0-0)
• Of the 21 1-loss teams, only 9 happened post-merger (1970.)
  • 1976 OAK
  • 1982 LAR (strike season - 9 games)
  • 1982 WAS (strike season - 9 games)
  • 1984 SF
  • 1985 CHI
  • 1998 MIN
  • 2004 PIT
  • 2011 GB
  • 2015 CAR

Teams with 14 or more wins in the regular season:

• 16 - 2007 NE
• 15 - 2004 PIT
• 15 - 1985 CHI
• 15 - 1984 SF
• 14 - 29 teams, most recently 2022 KC

14 or more wins by decade:

• 1920s - 1
  
  1926 - Frankford Yellow Jackets went 14-1-2
  
  
• 1930s - 0
• 1940s - 0
  
  1947 - NFL season became 12 games
  
  
• 1950s - 0
• 1960s - 0
  
  1961 - first 14 game season
  
  
• 1970s - 2
  
  1978 - schedule increased to 16 games
  
  
• 1980s - 7
• 1990s - 7
• 2000s - 8
• 2010s - 5
• 2020s - 3
  
  2021 - 17 game schedule introduced

---

115 days until Opening Night.

 

[Da Guru]

Might be happy to take a split with the Seattle and Cowboys games.

FTN

15-2 is on the table. This roster is stacked.

---

In the 105 years the NFL has been around, only 25 teams have had 1 loss or less.

• 4 undefeated regular seasons:
  • 1934 Bears (11-0-0)
  • 1943 Bears (13-0-0)
  • 1972 Dolphins (14-0-0)
  • 2007 Patriots (16-0-0)
• Of the 21 1-loss teams, only 9 happened post-merger (1970.)
  • 1976 OAK
  • 1982 LAR (strike season - 9 games)
  • 1982 WAS (strike season - 9 games)
  • 1984 SF
  • 1985 CHI
  • 1998 MIN
  • 2004 PIT
  • 2011 GB
  • 2015 CAR

Teams with 14 or more wins in the regular season:

• 16 - 2007 NE
• 15 - 2004 PIT
• 15 - 1985 CHI
• 15 - 1984 SF
• 14 - 29 teams, most recently 2022 KC

14 or more wins by decade:

• 1920s - 1
  
  1926 - Frankford Yellow Jackets went 14-1-2
  
  
• 1930s - 0
• 1940s - 0
  
  1947 - NFL season became 12 games
  
  
• 1950s - 0
• 1960s - 0
  
  1961 - first 14 game season
  
  
• 1970s - 2
  
  1978 - schedule increased to 16 games
  
  
• 1980s - 7
• 1990s - 7
• 2000s - 8
• 2010s - 5
• 2020s - 3
  
  2021 - 17 game schedule introduced

---

115 days until Opening Night.

12-5 should win division. I have them beating Minny and Da Bears twice and splitting with GB in division.

 

[jon_mx]

Jon Jansen on the morning show has the Lions winning their first 7 games and going 14-3. Something about that first name brings the optimism out.

Wwwwaaaayyy too pessimistic for me.

 

[Moonlight]

Or the Lions could start Goff at home and start Hooker on the road. <g>

Or the Lions could start Goff for indoor games and start Hooker outdoors.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Or the Lions could start Goff at home and start Hooker on the road. <g>

Or the Lions could start Goff for indoor games and start Hooker outdoors.

I like it.



13 of the first 14 games are in a dome. If we’ve locked up the #1 seed we could let H2 play a couple half's.

Week 9 at Lambeau Field Nov 3
Week 16 at Soldier Field Dec 22
Week 17 at Levi’s Stadium Dec 30

Finish off back inside at US Bank first weekend in January

 

[msudaisy26]

Might be happy to take a split with the Seattle and Cowboys games.

FTN

15-2 is on the table. This roster is stacked.

---

In the 105 years the NFL has been around, only 25 teams have had 1 loss or less.

• 4 undefeated regular seasons:
  • 1934 Bears (11-0-0)
  • 1943 Bears (13-0-0)
  • 1972 Dolphins (14-0-0)
  • 2007 Patriots (16-0-0)
• Of the 21 1-loss teams, only 9 happened post-merger (1970.)
  • 1976 OAK
  • 1982 LAR (strike season - 9 games)
  • 1982 WAS (strike season - 9 games)
  • 1984 SF
  • 1985 CHI
  • 1998 MIN
  • 2004 PIT
  • 2011 GB
  • 2015 CAR

Teams with 14 or more wins in the regular season:

• 16 - 2007 NE
• 15 - 2004 PIT
• 15 - 1985 CHI
• 15 - 1984 SF
• 14 - 29 teams, most recently 2022 KC

14 or more wins by decade:

• 1920s - 1
  
  1926 - Frankford Yellow Jackets went 14-1-2
  
  
• 1930s - 0
• 1940s - 0
  
  1947 - NFL season became 12 games
  
  
• 1950s - 0
• 1960s - 0
  
  1961 - first 14 game season
  
  
• 1970s - 2
  
  1978 - schedule increased to 16 games
  
  
• 1980s - 7
• 1990s - 7
• 2000s - 8
• 2010s - 5
• 2020s - 3
  
  2021 - 17 game schedule introduced

---

115 days until Opening Night.

12-5 should win division. I have them beating Minny and Da Bears twice and splitting with GB in division.

I would be surprised if they swept the Bears. They should have lost twice to them last season.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Or the Lions could start Goff at home and start Hooker on the road. <g>

Or the Lions could start Goff for indoor games and start Hooker outdoors.

I like it.



13 of the first 14 games are in a dome. If we’ve locked up the #1 seed we could let H2 play a couple half's.

Week 9 at Lambeau Field Nov 3
Week 16 at Soldier Field Dec 22
Week 17 at Levi’s Stadium Dec 30

Finish off back inside at US Bank first weekend in January

Another possibility: Goff on 1st - 3rd downs, Hooker on non FG 4th downs (in other words most of them).

 

[BobbyLayne]

Or the Lions could start Goff at home and start Hooker on the road. <g>

Or the Lions could start Goff for indoor games and start Hooker outdoors.

I like it.



13 of the first 14 games are in a dome. If we’ve locked up the #1 seed we could let H2 play a couple half's.

Week 9 at Lambeau Field Nov 3
Week 16 at Soldier Field Dec 22
Week 17 at Levi’s Stadium Dec 30

Finish off back inside at US Bank first weekend in January

Another possibility: Goff on 1st - 3rd downs, Hooker on non FG 4th downs (in other words most of them).

In 1971 the Dallas Cowboys split the QB position through 7 games. Tom Landry tried alternating drives, quarters, halves, and in one memorable loss, Craig Morton & Roger Staubach alternated plays. They started the year 4-3.

He finally committed to #12 and they won their last 10 games - last 7 of the season, then rolled through the playoffs. Crushed a young Dolphins team in the Super Bowl for their first title.

Dallas was actually likable back then. Every year they’d choke in the playoffs, for a good 5-6 years everyone agreed “well they can’t win the big one.” Until they did.

Then their fan base became insufferable.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Refreshed and ready to roll, Lions' Frank Ragnow annoyed by early retirement speculation​

Justin Rogers
The Detroit News

[Rogers] "I feel really good… as good as I've felt in a while. This has been my best offseason, 100%.” Frank Ragnow discusses his health and how it was “annoying” reading retirement rumors this offseason

Spoiler: Wongar ain’t retiring

Orion Township — The day after the Detroit Lions' season ended, following a disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship, Frank Ragnow was mentally and physically exhausted.

The three-time Pro Bowler had battled through a number of injuries during the year, and the emotional toll of falling of just short of the Super Bowl added an air of melancholy to the moment.

The way he described the way he was feeling, the toll the year had taken on him and the road ahead, it left room for speculation that Ragnow was considering early retirement. And, predictably, with a player of his caliber, it gained legs among fans and media, alike.

But months removed from his heat-of-the-moment reflection,
Before he would have time to reflect on the organization's remarkable turnaround, or using the loss to San Francisco as fuel to take the next step, Ragnow's sole focus was the same as many players when the grind of a season comes to a screeching halt; getting right through rest and recovery.

Ragnow still can't believe how much things got blown out of proportion.

"I was frustrated," he said ahead of a skeet-shooting event for his foundation Rag Remembered on Thursday. "It was kind of annoying. All I said was I'm going to need some time to heal up the day after the game. That was my intention and then it took off, which was kind of annoying, but it is what it is."

Ragnow, 27, isn't retiring. It's not something he's even considering. In fact, he's feeling better, physically, than he has in a while thanks to a continued offseason commitment to getting his body right. That process really started turning around for him last year under the guidance of Detroit's new training staff, led by the organization's director of player health and performance, Brett Fischer.

"I feel really good," Ragnow said. "I feel as good as I've felt in a while. This has been my best offseason, 100%. I really dove into a lot of things to take care of my body and I feel like I'm clicking right now. The goal is to keep it a steady trajectory into the season."

Instead of having to worry about his body, Ragnow's attention is back to getting to the Super Bowl. Like many of his teammates, he hasn't let the taste of the NFC Championship, where the Lions blew a 17-point lead, leave his mouth.

"It's a huge motivating factor," he said. "It's so frustrating and I try to keep it fresh in my mind, remembering how horrible that felt. I'm not going to speak for everybody, but I think it's in the back of a lot of guys' minds. We should have done it, and a lot of that was on us, but we're all back and ready to roll. It's so exciting."

The team's reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, Ragnow continued his good works in the community with Thursday's event, which was attended by more than a dozen teammates. Inspired by the sudden passing of his father, Jon, when Ragnow was still in college, his foundation is designed to help grieving families dealing with loss through outdoor activities.

"I was just thinking about the amount of guys coming to support me is absurd," Ragnow said. "I think it just speaks to how fortunate we are as a team, as an organization, to have continuity. We've gotten to know each other and developed real relationships outside of being co-workers. We're friends, good buddies.

"...It's kind of hard to grasp (the impact we're having through the foundation)," Ragnow said. "It's been pretty dang cool. The fishing we do in the fall, it's very intimate. Even the camp this summer. It's been cool to see we're not only helping these families, but these families are starting to connect with each other, developing relationships and a support system. That's been so cool to see."

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

 

[King of the Jungle]

Might be happy to take a split with the Seattle and Cowboys games.

FTN

15-2 is on the table. This roster is stacked.

---

In the 105 years the NFL has been around, only 25 teams have had 1 loss or less.

• 4 undefeated regular seasons:
  • 1934 Bears (11-0-0)
  • 1943 Bears (13-0-0)
  • 1972 Dolphins (14-0-0)
  • 2007 Patriots (16-0-0)
• Of the 21 1-loss teams, only 9 happened post-merger (1970.)
  • 1976 OAK
  • 1982 LAR (strike season - 9 games)
  • 1982 WAS (strike season - 9 games)
  • 1984 SF
  • 1985 CHI
  • 1998 MIN
  • 2004 PIT
  • 2011 GB
  • 2015 CAR

Teams with 14 or more wins in the regular season:

• 16 - 2007 NE
• 15 - 2004 PIT
• 15 - 1985 CHI
• 15 - 1984 SF
• 14 - 29 teams, most recently 2022 KC

14 or more wins by decade:

• 1920s - 1
  
  1926 - Frankford Yellow Jackets went 14-1-2
  
  
• 1930s - 0
• 1940s - 0
  
  1947 - NFL season became 12 games
  
  
• 1950s - 0
• 1960s - 0
  
  1961 - first 14 game season
  
  
• 1970s - 2
  
  1978 - schedule increased to 16 games
  
  
• 1980s - 7
• 1990s - 7
• 2000s - 8
• 2010s - 5
• 2020s - 3
  
  2021 - 17 game schedule introduced

---

115 days until Opening Night.

12-5 should win division. I have them beating Minny and Da Bears twice and splitting with GB in division.

I would be surprised if they swept the Bears. They should have lost twice to them last season.

It will not be easy as they have improved on both sides of the ball.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Refreshed and ready to roll, Lions' Frank Ragnow annoyed by early retirement speculation​

Justin Rogers
The Detroit News

[Rogers] "I feel really good… as good as I've felt in a while. This has been my best offseason, 100%.” Frank Ragnow discusses his health and how it was “annoying” reading retirement rumors this offseason

Spoiler: Wongar ain’t retiring

Orion Township — The day after the Detroit Lions' season ended, following a disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship, Frank Ragnow was mentally and physically exhausted.

The three-time Pro Bowler had battled through a number of injuries during the year, and the emotional toll of falling of just short of the Super Bowl added an air of melancholy to the moment.

The way he described the way he was feeling, the toll the year had taken on him and the road ahead, it left room for speculation that Ragnow was considering early retirement. And, predictably, with a player of his caliber, it gained legs among fans and media, alike.

But months removed from his heat-of-the-moment reflection,
Before he would have time to reflect on the organization's remarkable turnaround, or using the loss to San Francisco as fuel to take the next step, Ragnow's sole focus was the same as many players when the grind of a season comes to a screeching halt; getting right through rest and recovery.

Ragnow still can't believe how much things got blown out of proportion.

"I was frustrated," he said ahead of a skeet-shooting event for his foundation Rag Remembered on Thursday. "It was kind of annoying. All I said was I'm going to need some time to heal up the day after the game. That was my intention and then it took off, which was kind of annoying, but it is what it is."

Ragnow, 27, isn't retiring. It's not something he's even considering. In fact, he's feeling better, physically, than he has in a while thanks to a continued offseason commitment to getting his body right. That process really started turning around for him last year under the guidance of Detroit's new training staff, led by the organization's director of player health and performance, Brett Fischer.

"I feel really good," Ragnow said. "I feel as good as I've felt in a while. This has been my best offseason, 100%. I really dove into a lot of things to take care of my body and I feel like I'm clicking right now. The goal is to keep it a steady trajectory into the season."

Instead of having to worry about his body, Ragnow's attention is back to getting to the Super Bowl. Like many of his teammates, he hasn't let the taste of the NFC Championship, where the Lions blew a 17-point lead, leave his mouth.

"It's a huge motivating factor," he said. "It's so frustrating and I try to keep it fresh in my mind, remembering how horrible that felt. I'm not going to speak for everybody, but I think it's in the back of a lot of guys' minds. We should have done it, and a lot of that was on us, but we're all back and ready to roll. It's so exciting."

The team's reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, Ragnow continued his good works in the community with Thursday's event, which was attended by more than a dozen teammates. Inspired by the sudden passing of his father, Jon, when Ragnow was still in college, his foundation is designed to help grieving families dealing with loss through outdoor activities.

"I was just thinking about the amount of guys coming to support me is absurd," Ragnow said. "I think it just speaks to how fortunate we are as a team, as an organization, to have continuity. We've gotten to know each other and developed real relationships outside of being co-workers. We're friends, good buddies.

"...It's kind of hard to grasp (the impact we're having through the foundation)," Ragnow said. "It's been pretty dang cool. The fishing we do in the fall, it's very intimate. Even the camp this summer. It's been cool to see we're not only helping these families, but these families are starting to connect with each other, developing relationships and a support system. That's been so cool to see."

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

Great news on the literal center piece of the Lions best unit.

Speaking of which it will be interesting to see how Philly replaces Jasen Kelce, now that the future hall of famer is retired.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Speaking of which it will be interesting to see how Philly replaces Jasen Kelce, now that the future hall of famer is retired.

Guess they’re sliding Cam Jurgens over from RG this year. Long term they’re hoping Dylan McMahon (2024 6th rd pick) develops bc he profiles similarly to Kelce (undersized, strong, good athlete.) They gave their LG Landon Dickerson a brinks truck a few months ago ($87M.)

Tyler Steen will be the new RG but I bet Trevor Keegan (5th rd steal fm Michigan) pushes him.

Nobody future proofs their DL & OL better than Howie. They’re content to draft them Day 2 and let them take 2-3 years to develop. It’s like laddering expiring bonds, when they’re out of contract they either resign, trade, or let them walk - but they are never, ever without multiple options.

 

[BobbyLayne]

hype tweet: Goff in 2021 to “I’ll just say it like this…you’re good enuf for ****ing Detroit Jared Goff”

 

[BobbyLayne]

PFF NFL Show - Off-season grades for all 32 teams

3 hour show but there are timestamps in the description so you can go to any team to hear one segment (5-10 minutes.)

NFC North Grades:

• Detroit A+
• Chicago A
• Green Bay B
• Minnesota B-

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Speaking of which it will be interesting to see how Philly replaces Jasen Kelce, now that the future hall of famer is retired.

Guess they’re sliding Cam Jurgens over from RG this year. Long term they’re hoping Dylan McMahon (2024 6th rd pick) develops bc he profiles similarly to Kelce (undersized, strong, good athlete.) They gave their LG Landon Dickerson a brinks truck a few months ago ($87M.)

Tyler Steen will be the new RG but I bet Trevor Keegan (5th rd steal fm Michigan) pushes him.

Nobody future proofs their DL & OL better than Howie. They’re content to draft them Day 2 and let them take 2-3 years to develop. It’s like laddering expiring bonds, when they’re out of contract they either resign, trade, or let them walk - but they are never, ever without multiple options.

Any idea what caused their late season implosion last year? It seemed like they were on course early in the year and then just kept getting worse.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Speaking of which it will be interesting to see how Philly replaces Jasen Kelce, now that the future hall of famer is retired.

Guess they’re sliding Cam Jurgens over from RG this year. Long term they’re hoping Dylan McMahon (2024 6th rd pick) develops bc he profiles similarly to Kelce (undersized, strong, good athlete.) They gave their LG Landon Dickerson a brinks truck a few months ago ($87M.)

Tyler Steen will be the new RG but I bet Trevor Keegan (5th rd steal fm Michigan) pushes him.

Nobody future proofs their DL & OL better than Howie. They’re content to draft them Day 2 and let them take 2-3 years to develop. It’s like laddering expiring bonds, when they’re out of contract they either resign, trade, or let them walk - but they are never, ever without multiple options.

Any idea what caused their late season implosion last year? It seemed like they were on course early in the year and then just kept getting worse.

IDK, but I think Nick came pretty close to losing his job. Hurts leadership & efficiency, bad coaching, lousy defense, panic bc nothing was working.

Good article here:

A closer look at the 2023 Eagles’ historic collapse

 

[Moonlight]

Speaking of which it will be interesting to see how Philly replaces Jasen Kelce, now that the future hall of famer is retired.

Guess they’re sliding Cam Jurgens over from RG this year. Long term they’re hoping Dylan McMahon (2024 6th rd pick) develops bc he profiles similarly to Kelce (undersized, strong, good athlete.) They gave their LG Landon Dickerson a brinks truck a few months ago ($87M.)

Tyler Steen will be the new RG but I bet Trevor Keegan (5th rd steal fm Michigan) pushes him.

Nobody future proofs their DL & OL better than Howie. They’re content to draft them Day 2 and let them take 2-3 years to develop. It’s like laddering expiring bonds, when they’re out of contract they either resign, trade, or let them walk - but they are never, ever without multiple options.

Any idea what caused their late season implosion last year? It seemed like they were on course early in the year and then just kept getting worse.

Part of it is looking at their draft they spent their top picks on CBs and they took back CGJ in FA because their pass defense was like jelly. Similar to Lions except I think there was team dissension and blaming. Questions about whether they had heart.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Speaking of which it will be interesting to see how Philly replaces Jasen Kelce, now that the future hall of famer is retired.

Guess they’re sliding Cam Jurgens over from RG this year. Long term they’re hoping Dylan McMahon (2024 6th rd pick) develops bc he profiles similarly to Kelce (undersized, strong, good athlete.) They gave their LG Landon Dickerson a brinks truck a few months ago ($87M.)

Tyler Steen will be the new RG but I bet Trevor Keegan (5th rd steal fm Michigan) pushes him.

Nobody future proofs their DL & OL better than Howie. They’re content to draft them Day 2 and let them take 2-3 years to develop. It’s like laddering expiring bonds, when they’re out of contract they either resign, trade, or let them walk - but they are never, ever without multiple options.

Any idea what caused their late season implosion last year? It seemed like they were on course early in the year and then just kept getting worse.

Part of it is looking at their draft they spent their top picks on CBs and they took back CGJ in FA because their pass defense was like jelly. Similar to Lions except I think there was team dissension and blaming. Questions about whether they had heart.

I'm content to being reductive and just blaming it all on Matt Patricia.

Ruined the Lions, ruined the Patriots offense, ruined the Eagles defense, currently unemployed.

 

[Moonlight]

Speaking of which it will be interesting to see how Philly replaces Jasen Kelce, now that the future hall of famer is retired.

Guess they’re sliding Cam Jurgens over from RG this year. Long term they’re hoping Dylan McMahon (2024 6th rd pick) develops bc he profiles similarly to Kelce (undersized, strong, good athlete.) They gave their LG Landon Dickerson a brinks truck a few months ago ($87M.)

Tyler Steen will be the new RG but I bet Trevor Keegan (5th rd steal fm Michigan) pushes him.

Nobody future proofs their DL & OL better than Howie. They’re content to draft them Day 2 and let them take 2-3 years to develop. It’s like laddering expiring bonds, when they’re out of contract they either resign, trade, or let them walk - but they are never, ever without multiple options.

Any idea what caused their late season implosion last year? It seemed like they were on course early in the year and then just kept getting worse.

Part of it is looking at their draft they spent their top picks on CBs and they took back CGJ in FA because their pass defense was like jelly. Similar to Lions except I think there was team dissension and blaming. Questions about whether they had heart.

I'm content to being reductive and just blaming it all on Matt Patricia.

Ruined the Lions, ruined the Patriots offense, ruined the Eagles defense, currently unemployed.

I’ll buy that.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Anybody got $17K they want to put to work for 8 months? Pay ya back in mid-January.

DM if interested, I'll give you my bank routing info.

Your StubHub Order Summary - Your Seats

Number of Tickets: 2
SECTION 128 ROW 41
Ticket Price 2 × US $6,242
Fulfillment and Service Fee 2 × US $2,188
Total Price US $16,861

Behind the Visitors bench, figure I can resell 7-8 games to pay for the 1-2 I want to see. The one X game I'll give away

---

On a more serious note, the most affordable home options for me will be:

• Titans Week 8 Oct 27 1pm
• Jags Week 11 Nov 17 1pm
• Vikings Week 18 TBD TBD

Best road prices are:

• at Colts Week 12 Nov 24 1pm
  (could swing up to Michigan for Thanksgiving with the fam after the game)
• at Bears Week 16 Dec 22 1pm
  (then up the coast for a Grand Haven Christmas)

Also looking at:

• at Cardinals Week 3 September 22 4:25pm
• at Vikings Week 7 Oct 20 1pm

We can only afford to do one of these. Any thoughts?

Hopefully we'll chose more wisely than last year (Baltimore....which was an amazing weekend despite the outcome.)

 

[jon_mx]

I will have to do the Colts game. Just an hour drive.

 

[jon_mx]

Speaking of which it will be interesting to see how Philly replaces Jasen Kelce, now that the future hall of famer is retired.

Guess they’re sliding Cam Jurgens over from RG this year. Long term they’re hoping Dylan McMahon (2024 6th rd pick) develops bc he profiles similarly to Kelce (undersized, strong, good athlete.) They gave their LG Landon Dickerson a brinks truck a few months ago ($87M.)

Tyler Steen will be the new RG but I bet Trevor Keegan (5th rd steal fm Michigan) pushes him.

Nobody future proofs their DL & OL better than Howie. They’re content to draft them Day 2 and let them take 2-3 years to develop. It’s like laddering expiring bonds, when they’re out of contract they either resign, trade, or let them walk - but they are never, ever without multiple options.

Any idea what caused their late season implosion last year? It seemed like they were on course early in the year and then just kept getting worse.

You lose both coordinators and bring in Mattie Pattie. It was predictable. Lions maybe in that same position next year, but we have good backfill options.

 

[TartanLion]

Refreshed and ready to roll, Lions' Frank Ragnow annoyed by early retirement speculation​

Justin Rogers
The Detroit News

[Rogers] "I feel really good… as good as I've felt in a while. This has been my best offseason, 100%.” Frank Ragnow discusses his health and how it was “annoying” reading retirement rumors this offseason

Spoiler: Wongar ain’t retiring

Orion Township — The day after the Detroit Lions' season ended, following a disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship, Frank Ragnow was mentally and physically exhausted.

The three-time Pro Bowler had battled through a number of injuries during the year, and the emotional toll of falling of just short of the Super Bowl added an air of melancholy to the moment.

The way he described the way he was feeling, the toll the year had taken on him and the road ahead, it left room for speculation that Ragnow was considering early retirement. And, predictably, with a player of his caliber, it gained legs among fans and media, alike.

But months removed from his heat-of-the-moment reflection,
Before he would have time to reflect on the organization's remarkable turnaround, or using the loss to San Francisco as fuel to take the next step, Ragnow's sole focus was the same as many players when the grind of a season comes to a screeching halt; getting right through rest and recovery.

Ragnow still can't believe how much things got blown out of proportion.

"I was frustrated," he said ahead of a skeet-shooting event for his foundation Rag Remembered on Thursday. "It was kind of annoying. All I said was I'm going to need some time to heal up the day after the game. That was my intention and then it took off, which was kind of annoying, but it is what it is."

Ragnow, 27, isn't retiring. It's not something he's even considering. In fact, he's feeling better, physically, than he has in a while thanks to a continued offseason commitment to getting his body right. That process really started turning around for him last year under the guidance of Detroit's new training staff, led by the organization's director of player health and performance, Brett Fischer.

"I feel really good," Ragnow said. "I feel as good as I've felt in a while. This has been my best offseason, 100%. I really dove into a lot of things to take care of my body and I feel like I'm clicking right now. The goal is to keep it a steady trajectory into the season."

Instead of having to worry about his body, Ragnow's attention is back to getting to the Super Bowl. Like many of his teammates, he hasn't let the taste of the NFC Championship, where the Lions blew a 17-point lead, leave his mouth.

"It's a huge motivating factor," he said. "It's so frustrating and I try to keep it fresh in my mind, remembering how horrible that felt. I'm not going to speak for everybody, but I think it's in the back of a lot of guys' minds. We should have done it, and a lot of that was on us, but we're all back and ready to roll. It's so exciting."

The team's reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, Ragnow continued his good works in the community with Thursday's event, which was attended by more than a dozen teammates. Inspired by the sudden passing of his father, Jon, when Ragnow was still in college, his foundation is designed to help grieving families dealing with loss through outdoor activities.

"I was just thinking about the amount of guys coming to support me is absurd," Ragnow said. "I think it just speaks to how fortunate we are as a team, as an organization, to have continuity. We've gotten to know each other and developed real relationships outside of being co-workers. We're friends, good buddies.

"...It's kind of hard to grasp (the impact we're having through the foundation)," Ragnow said. "It's been pretty dang cool. The fishing we do in the fall, it's very intimate. Even the camp this summer. It's been cool to see we're not only helping these families, but these families are starting to connect with each other, developing relationships and a support system. That's been so cool to see."

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

This is superb news !

 

[BobbyLayne]

I will have to do the Colts game. Just an hour drive.

The other consideration is we'll come into town 1-2 days before and won't leave until the (end of) the next day.

Needs to be an interesting place to visit. Twin Cities, I have extended family. Glendale, I love golf. The Windy City is always a good time.

Cannot imagine being stuck in Indy for 3-4 days, but maybe they're are some hidden gems I don't know about.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Brodric Martin has really put in the work in the off season and has eliminated a lot of fat. Can Martin make that leap similar to what Alim did last year?

The photoshoot says....

that's a lie

---

ETA

February 10

Martin is hoping to accelerate his development as he enters his first NFL offseason. The big DT revealed he’s working to emulate the big jump fellow lineman Alim McNeill made last offseason into the 2023 season. McNeill altered his diet and his body, making himself sleeker and more explosive. It resulted in McNeill bagging five sacks and 30 QB hurries in 13 games — more than he had in his first two seasons combined. Martin takes inspiration from that progress, telling Twentyman,

“Going into Year 3 it was a huge transformation for him. Obviously made him a better player. So, it’s something I’m definitely going to hone in on and try to do.”

Even before his rookie season, Martin acknowledged his pad level and playing strength needed to improve. Getting in better physical shape can help him attain his goals. He played at over 330 pounds as a rookie.

It's almost as if talk is cheap

jury still out on that one

---

Anyway, I'm of the opinion that was a dumb plan to begin with. Alim is a uber athlete, dude could be in MLB if he didn't focus on football. The lean route helped him become a better 3-tech.

The Lions didn't draft Martin to do that. He is a 1-tech. The extra weight is beneficial to him.

Dude has a RAS of 2.14. Trying to be someone else is not the recipe for success. You be you, big fella.

 

[loser]

Or the Lions could start Goff at home and start Hooker on the road. <g>

Or the Lions could start Goff for indoor games and start Hooker outdoors.

I like it.



13 of the first 14 games are in a dome. If we’ve locked up the #1 seed we could let H2 play a couple half's.

Week 9 at Lambeau Field Nov 3
Week 16 at Soldier Field Dec 22
Week 17 at Levi’s Stadium Dec 30

Finish off back inside at US Bank first weekend in January

Another possibility: Goff on 1st - 3rd downs, Hooker on non FG 4th downs (in other words most of them).

In 1971 the Dallas Cowboys split the QB position through 7 games. Tom Landry tried alternating drives, quarters, halves, and in one memorable loss, Craig Morton & Roger Staubach alternated plays. They started the year 4-3.

He finally committed to #12 and they won their last 10 games - last 7 of the season, then rolled through the playoffs. Crushed a young Dolphins team in the Super Bowl for their first title.

Dallas was actually likable back then. Every year they’d choke in the playoffs, for a good 5-6 years everyone agreed “well they can’t win the big one.” Until they did.

Then their fan base became insufferable.

I can do insufferable. Let's goooo!!

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I can do insufferable. Let's goooo!!

Good, we seem to be trailing some of the other team threads in that category.