Lions' policy: best safety first Nowhere is the Lions' offseason roster overhaul more evident than in the secondary. Gone are one-time starting cornerbacks Leigh Bodden, Brian Kelly and Travis Fisher. Gone, too, are safeties Dwight Smith and Gerald Alexander. So you could hardly blame veteran safety Kalvin Pearson, one of the few remaining holdovers, for looking over his shoulder recently as the Lions wrapped up offseason workouts with a three-day minicamp. The new management team and coaching staff aren't interested in leftovers, nor were they impressed with much of what they saw from a defense that ranked last in the league in 2008.
Lions Great Lou Creekmur Passes
Allen Park, Mich.- One of the true greats of the Lions' championship teams of the 1950s has died. Pro Football Hall of Famer Lou Creekmur passed away Sunday (July 5) evening at University Hospital in Tamarac, Florida. He was 82 and had been in failing health in recent years.
Creekmur helped solidify the left-side of the Lions' offensive line - playing mostly at tackle but also saw time at guard - during his 10-year (1950-59) Lions' career. He starred on the Lions' three NFL Championship teams of the 1950s, was selected All-NFL six times and chosen to eight consecutive Pro Bowl teams. He was also named to the Lions' All-75th Anniversary Team in 2008.
Creekmur was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
The Lions made some moves they hope can immediately begin this process by acquiring Pro-Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson from the Seahawks and signing cornerback Phillip Buchanon to shore up the Lions paltry secondary. They also added Grady Jacksonto anchor the Lions defensive line and fill the void left behind by Cory Redding.
Detroit Lions Blog: Zack Follett on being a 7th Round Pick
So, it started when I got on my plane May 21st leaving the beautiful sunshine state of California on my way to Detroit. Hit the ground running with OTA's and then settled down for 2 weeks with just daily lifting and conditioning. All of this to get ready for mini camp. Mini camp was a great measuring tool to see how far I've come along and also to see what I need to improve.
Lions Director of Security Ricky Sandoval Dies at Age 49
The impact Sandoval had on everyone who knew him was lasting and profound. To recognize and honor his dedication and devotion to the Lions organization, the team’s indoor practice field, earlier this week, was named “Sandoval Field,” a fitting tribute given his oversight of security at each and every team practice since 2001.
In 2006, Sandoval was named the Detroit Lions 2006 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award, which recognizes men of courage in the NFL. The East Side Athletic Club of Baltimore presents the award annually to a player from each of the 32 league organizations. But Lions’ players, coaches and staff universally agreed no one would be a better representative than Ricky in 2006.
Lions pick up Northcutt in trade
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have traded receiver Dennis Northcutt to the Detroit Lions for safety Gerald Alexander.
The deal was finalized Tuesday after both players passed physicals.
Northcutt gives the Lions a veteran receiver opposite rising star Calvin Johnson.
Northcutt, who has 364 receptions for 4,584 yards and 17 touchdowns, has been projected to start this season. But Jacksonville's three rookie receivers were impressive enough during offseason drills that Northcutt became expendable.
Stafford, Sanchez helping each other prep for NFL
Stafford and Sanchez often find themselves seeking someone who understands their situation. They call each other.
Already linked as the top two quarterbacks in this year's draft, Stafford and Sanchez have forged a separate bond. They go back and forth as a sounding board for the other while attempting to turn potential into performance.
"We're just learning, playing football," said Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick who went off the board four slots ahead of Sanchez. "Obviously, during the season, you want to win football games. That's the No. 1 priority. But at this point, we're just trying to learn and give ourselves a chance to be competitive during training camp and get a chance to get on the field."
End silly debate, Detroit: Stafford should start right away
As a rookie in 1998, Manning threw a record 28 interceptions. There's a reason for that: He was given a chance to start from Day 1 for the Indianapolis Colts without many restrictions placed on him, receiving quarterback freedom early on that allowed him to throw a rookie-record 575 passes.
The Colts knew there would be mistakes. That's inevitable with a rookie starter. They were building something. And you can see what that is today, a passing offense as good as any and a Super Bowl ring on Manning's hand.
The Detroit Lions have to do the same thing.
more...
CBS Sportsline: Top 50 Players in the NFL
No Lions in the Top 50. 6 Wideouts but no Calvin Johnson! Read the article HERE
Detroit Lions Mini-Camp Photos 6/24
Click HERE for the gallery
Pat Caputo: Ready for a quarterback controversy?
Stafford’s extraordinary talent is obvious. It will be impossible to ignore. Would the Lions dare start him ahead of veteran Daunte Culpepper to begin the season? It will be issue No. 1 with the Lions as soon as this week — regardless of anything first-year head coach Jim Schwartz says or announces or does with repetitions in practice.
Stafford has a rocket arm and a textbook release. He runs well and can scramble. He has been a quarterbacking prodigy since he entered high school in the football hotbed of Texas. Attention isn’t something he necessarily craves, but is a way of life — especially after three years at Georgia.
Lions consider Training Camp move for 2010
The Detroit News is reporting that the Lions may be looking at Grand Valley State as a training camp destination for 2010. Pat Caputo doesn't wonder why a move is being considered but wonders why they wouldn't return to Saginaw Valley State.
NFL.com columnist has reason for Lions optimism
The more I study the Lions since Jim Schwartz came aboard as head coach, the more I see a light at the end of the tunnel. You can make the argument that things can only get better after last year, but unless there is a good leader, competent coordinators, an influx of talent and a change in mentality, there's always the chance of another year of winless football.
Why am I optimistic that the 2009 Lions will be competitive and give their loyal fans some hope that things will turn around in the Motor City? I'll tell you why.
