Archives for October 4, 2014

‘But just because Schwartz refuses to reveal what beating the Lions would mean to him personally, that’s no indication of any ambivalence about what a victory would mean to his current employer. “It is an important game for us,” he said. “It’s a road game and we’re coming off a two-game skid. And we need to be able to get it back, whether it’s the Lions, whether it’s any other team.’

‘The defensive front has to be as stout as it has been in any game this season.’

‘The source also told The News the foundation will be aggressive in supporting charitable causes in Buffalo and that its endowment will dwarf that of the Buffalo-based John R. Oishei Foundation, which describes itself as the area’s largest private foundation, with more than $300 million in assets.’

‘The bigger issue has been the performance of the guards. Erik Pears is off to a terrible start in his first season as a full-time right guard. Williams, an offseason free agent acquisition, has been troubled by his back and has not been effective. Backups Kraig Urbik and Richardson – who have both seen time replacing the ailing Williams – haven’t played enough to draw a conclusion.’

‘This is a rough matchup for the Bills. The interior of Buffalo’s offensive line has struggled in the last few weeks, and Marrone has acknowledged it. Now, rookie guard Cyril Richardson and converted guard Erik Pears will be lining up across from Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh. The strength of Detroit’s defense will be matched against the weakness of the Bills’ offense. That could be trouble.’

‘Wide receiver Marcus Easley was also listed as out for the Bills.’

‘”It’s the lynchpin of it,” Polian said. “There wouldn’t have been a career had I not succeeded in Buffalo. And that’s all due to the players and coaches. This is not about me, it’s really about the lessons I learned and about the players and coaches that I was fortunate enough to be with that provided success.”‘

‘And he wouldn’t guess what sort of reaction he’ll get from fans when he takes the field Sunday. “Doesn’t matter,” Schwartz said. “It’s about the game. That’s certainly not important.”‘

Waddle’s return expected to reverse Lions’ O-line woes (Detroit News)

Concussion will sideline Lions RB Joique Bell Sunday (Detroit News)

Linebacker Levy quietly becomes force on Lions defense (Detroit News)

Detroit News predictions: Lions vs. Bills (Detroit News)

Replacement QB poses riddle (Detroit News)

Lions’ James Ihedigbo fined $16K for hit on Jets’ QB (Detroit News)

Lions’ Tate ailed by hamstring; Johnson still uncertain (Detroit News)

Sam Martin, Jason Jones, Rob Sim named Lions’ captains (Detroit News)

Lions’ Johnson questionable, Bell out vs. Bills (Detroit Free Press)

Ex-Lions coach Schwartz downplays return to Ford Field (Detroit Free Press)

Waddle return should help protect Stafford (Detroit Free Press)

How Lions’ DeAndre Levy developed sixth sense on field (Detroit Free Press)

Detroit Lions’ Joique Bell cleared for physical activity (Detroit Free Press)

Detroit Lions’ Golden Tate expected to play vs. Bills (Detroit Free Press)

5 things to watch as Detroit Lions try to extend winning streak to 3 games (Ann Arbor News)

Detroit Lions’ DeAndre Levy credits improvement to being unsatisfied with ‘just being a guy’ (Ann Arbor News)

Detroit Lions RB George Winn should see carries with Joique Bell, Theo Riddick ruled out vs. Buffalo (Ann Arbor News)

Detroit Lions’ Kyle Van Noy back to 100 percent, but can’t return until Nov. 9 (Ann Arbor News)

LaAdrian Waddle will return to Detroit Lions’ starting lineup against Bills (Ann Arbor News)

Detroit Lions expect Golden Tate to play against Buffalo; ‘possibility’ Calvin Johnson won’t (Ann Arbor News)

Detroit Lions Q&A: Cornelius Lucas talks online shopping, girls and playing for the … Pistons? (Ann Arbor News)

Detroit Lions struggling on the ground, and that might not change against Jim Schwartz’s Bills (Ann Arbor News)

Detroit Lions DC Teryl Austin deflects praise for team’s defensive success to his players (Ann Arbor News)

Detroit Lions to lean on Reggie Bush against Bills (Oakland Press)

Detroit Lions notes: DeAndre Levy honored; Calvin Johnson questionable (Oakland Press)

Calvin Johnson questionable against Bills Sunday (Fox Sports Detroit)

Three storylines to follow in Lions-Bills (Fox Sports Detroit)

DeAndre Levy Credits Change In Mindset For Better Play Over Past 2 Seasons (WXYT-FM)

Caldwell Expects Tate Will Play Sunday, Says ‘We’ll See’ About Johnson (WXYT-FM)

Huntington week in review: 3-1 Lions keeping focus on Bills (DetroitLions.com)

Notebook: what fuels LB Deandre Levy? (DetroitLions.com)

Injury report: Game designations (DetroitLions.com)

James Ihedigbo Blog: I can’t wait (DetroitLions.com)

Ryan Broyles ready, willing and able to contribute (DetroitLions.com)

O’hara’s Friday focus: No looking back or ahead for Lions (DetroitLions.com)

‘Watt was penalized for roughing the passer two times in the Texans’ 23-17 victory. On both penalties, he was whistled after hitting quarterback EJ Manuel around the knees.’

‘He was fined for striking the quarterback below the knee area.’

‘”I hit too hard I guess,” Watt said after Sunday’s game. “We’ll see if I get a nice letter in my locker on Wednesday. Which I’m sure I will.”‘

‘Manuel’s brand of bad was particularly maddening because of the group the Bills have put together around him. We were about a week away from an “Is Sammy Watkins open?” Tumblr site. Here’s a hint: Sammy Watkins is always open. Going back and watching the tape of Buffalo’s game against the Texans was brutal. Every time Watkins streaked across the middle of the field, the ball seemed to hit him in the knee, or ricochet off the fingertips of an outstretched hand.’

‘”It’s about the same as any week,” Schwartz said Friday. “I’ve been a visitor there before, so I know where the visitor’s locker room is, in addition to the home locker room.”‘

‘This weekend, he’ll face a Detroit team ranked No. 1 in the NFL in total defense. Orton went 4-0 against the Lions when he was a member of the Chicago Bears, beating Detroit twice in both 2005 and 2008.’