Lions Analysis:  Lions 45 (6-2)     Broncos 10 (2-5)

What Happened:

I guess the Tim Tebow bashers were right.  His mechanics are atrocious, his delivery is way too long, he does not see the field well, and besides his cheery demeanor he cannot get it done in the NFL as a drop back passer.  The Lions destroyed Tebow on Sunday.  I know the Lions defense almost gave up 200 yards of rushing but besides that they scored 2 touchdowns, buckled down on their side of the field, and got 7 sacks and almost many more pressures.  The offense rushed for over 100 yards and Matthew Stafford showed franchise QB potential.

Matchup outcomes:

1. 1.       Jeff Backus vs. Von Miller: Advantage Jeff Backus.  Backus gave up some pressure but for the most part Matthew Stafford had enough time to throw down the field.  The Lions OL was far from elite, but only gave up 2 sacks and paved the way for the running backs to rush for over 100 yards.  For this OL, that is a win.

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Lions week 8 Recap: Tebow fed to the Lions - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Lions Analysis:  Lions 20 (5-1)     49ers 26 (5-1)

What Happened:

We got beat by a team that deeply resembles last year’s Chicago Bears team.  A team that runs the ball well, is dynamic on Special Teams, plays tough defense, and waits for the other team to beat itself.  That is what happened on Sunday.  The 49ers offense scored because of a couple long runs by Frank Gore and some long returns by Ted Gin Jr.  Defensively the 49ers stopped the Lions offense and harassed Stafford all game long.  Lions were bad at all levels: coaching, offense, defense, and special teams.  Still, the Lions are 5-1 and shouldn’t get too down on themselves.

Matchup outcomes:

1. 1.       Jeff Backus vs. Aldon Smith: Advantage Aldon Smith: Good luck people trying to block him.  He is an athletic freak who can beat you with speed and power.  It should be noted Backus was destroyed when he blocked Justin Smith as well.  Backus had one of the worse games of his career. 
2. 2.       Frank Gore vs. Lions back seven: Advantage: Gore.  Though he was bottled up most of the day: he did what Forte didn’t.  He broke long runs that led to the few scores the 49ers had.  The 49ers knew they couldn’t drive against the Lions so they were dependent upon these huge runs.  Running for more than 200 yards while carrying the ball less than 20 is a huge feat.  Lions need to improve versus the run…that falls on the back seven.

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Lions Week 6 Recap: 49ers are this year’s Chicago Bears - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Lions Analysis:  Lions 24 (5-0)     Bears 13 (2-3)

What Happened:

The start of the game was ugly on both sides.  The Bears were over matched and it showed and the Lions were over-amped.  However, in the second half the Lions offense settled down and its defense smothered the Bears.  This game was one of the best games I have seen from the Lions offensive line who only allowed one sack, and opened some holes in the run game.  Once again, Calvin Johnson looked amazing and the Defensive Line did whatever they wanted.  Cutler should be commended for the job he did.  I think the Chicago fans owe him some apologies about questioning his toughness because he is a gutsy performer.

Matchup outcomes:

1. 1.       Jeff Backus vs. Julius Peppers: Advantage Backus…wow.  Peppers had three tackles, one for a loss, and one quarterback hit.  You could not ask for more than that.  Backus played sound all game long and had tons of help from TE’s and the run game. 
2. 2.       Matt Forte vs. Lions back seven: Advantage: Lions back seven.  I told you Forte was going to get his.   He ran for over 100 yards rushing, but he was a non-factor in the passing game, did not get into the end zone, and did not take over the game.  Lions slowed him down enough. 
3. 3.       Calvin Johnson vs. Charles Tillman: Advantage: Calvin Johnson.  Last season he was held in check by Tillman but it just goes to show you how much better of a player Calvin Johnson is and how much better Stafford is than Shaun Hill.  Calvin had 5 receptions, 130 yards, and 1 TD.  His long touchdown in the first half was instrumental since our offense could not sustain drives at that time.

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Lions Recap from Week 5: All Hail Megatron - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

My Fantasy Preparations      Record 4-0

Opponent

Green Hornet

Record 0-4

 Transactions:

            This week the Dallas Cowboys have a bye week so I was stuck without a defense.  Normally I wouldn’t care since my opponent is 0-4 and I seem to be doing okay…but Jacoby Ford has done nothing and does not seem to be getting over his groin injury so I cut him and added the Houston Texans defense.  Funny enough the Texans defense is scoring about 5 more points a week than the Cowboys so when this week is over I might have a tough decision on my hands.  I will be looking to add running back depth soon as well.  I love Ray Rice and Darren McFadden as my starters.  However, Steven Ridley and Ben Tate are good but do not get enough opportunities and Marshawn Lynch has done nothing.      

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Fantasy Preperations for Week 5: Facing MJD and Roddy White. Who do I start and Who do I sit??? - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

How do I Beat a Team with Adrian Peterson? That Man's a Stud

My Fantasy Preparations      Record 2-0

Opponent

Urine Trouble

Record 1-1

Transactions:

            Another week I failed to use the waiver wire.  Scoring the most points in the league makes one press the pause button on transactions, as stated last week.  I have thought about replacing Marshawn Lynch and Steven Ridley as my 4^th and 5^th RB’s but decided to wait.  Currently there is nothing but fodder on the waiver wire but the patient Vulture always finds a meal…that was a weird saying I made up…I think I will retire it.  Anyways, keeping an eye on injuries as well as trends is the way to improve your playoff level team to Super Bowl level.  Just look at my pickup of Ben Tate.  He has been giving me 100 yards a week so far…cash in the bank.

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Fantasy Preperations Week 3: Facing the fury of Adrian Peterson. Who do I start, who do I sit? - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Lions Analysis:  Lions 48 (2-0)     Chiefs 3 (0-2)

What Happened:

The start of the game was actually a close battle.  Lions scored first making it 7-0.  The beginning drive for the Lions set up how the day would go: Chiefs defeating themselves.  It took the Chiefs fumbling their interception as well as two 15 yard penalties for the Lions to score.  Chiefs drove the ball down and settled for a FG.  Chiefs just did not want this game.  Turnovers, penalties, and botched assignments plagued the Chiefs today.  As a Lifelong Lions fan I know how this feels.  Things are different now for the Lions.  Offense, defense, and coaching are all on borderline elite levels.  Matthew Stafford makes the difference.  I feel like this is the start of something special.

What We Learned:

1.       Matthew Stafford can take a hit.  Even though the Chiefs did not register a sack…Stafford took quite a few big hits.  It was nice to see since Stafford ability has never been questioned…only his ability to stay healthy has been questioned.

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Detroit Lions Week 2 Analysis - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Will it Last?

How many times do we see a team or a player exceed expectations in a football game and we think, there is no way that can last.  That player is either too young or not that good.  That team had an easy week or the ball just bounced that way.  Most times it does not last, but every so often those early signs are premonitions of what is to come.  In this weekly column we will look at 3 players and 3 teams who jumped out.

Players

1. Cam Newton: In week1 versus the Cardinals rookie QB Cam Newton threw for 422 yards, 2 touchdowns, and completed about 65 percent of his passes.  Newton was in a shortened off season and was a raw passer to begin with.  I predict that occasionally he will show off his remarkable talent, but most weeks he will struggle.  This is encouraging though and I am starting to eat my words a little.  Next week will go along way playing Dom Capers led defense. Will not last, this season.

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Will it Last Week 1 - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Lions Analysis:  Lions 27                Buccaneers 20

What Happened:

The start of the game had that old feeling.  The Detroit Lions were gaining yards but settling for field goals instead of touchdowns.  Buccaneers scored on an interception as well as a FG that was set up by a long kick return.  Score was 10-3 and even though the Lions were outplaying the Buccaneers, we were trailing.  So what happened?  Matthew Stafford happened.  These Detroit Lions know they are good and when Stafford struggles he knows it is the exception, not the rule.  Second quarter on Stafford could not be stopped.  Stafford attacked the secondary at all levels and the passing game was balanced out by a solid run game.  In the heat, the team who controls the ball will win the game.  How do you stop Calvin, Burleson, Pettigrew, and Best?  

What We Learned:

1.       If healthy and not under distress, Matthew Stafford is near elite.  The offensive line did not allow a sack, though Stafford deserves some of the credit for possessing a quick release.  Stafford utilized all his weapons effectively and constantly hit his hot reads throughout the game.  In a short period of time, Stafford has Detroit believing in him.  

2.       Jahvid Best appears healthy.  He was a weapon in both the run and the pass game.  He might have a big year. However, like Stafford he in an injury risk waiting to happen.   For the moment Best appears healthy and ran with surprising power.  His running between the tackles was a welcome sight.

3.       Detroit Linebackers are much improved.  Levy and Tulloch appear to be a sound two-some.  Tulloch was key in the game: he contained Blount, sacked Freeman, and was very sound in pass coverage.  Levy looks comfortable playing OLB using his sideline to sideline speed and instincts to influence the game.  If the LB unit is this sound, the defense will be hard to score on.

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Detroit Lions Week 1 Analysis - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Draft

We have analyzed Mayhew’s ability to put together a sound coaching staff, initiate trades with players who the Lions believe they can get more out  then their previous team did, and Mayhew’s use FA to round out his roster.  We have yet to discuss Mayhew’s greatest ability: drafting talent.

Mayhew is a disciple of BPA strategy.  His belief in the draft is to acquire talent and fill holes in FA and trades.  He has stuck to his guns on this policy even when the team has glaring holes at OL, LB, and DB this past draft.  Let’s break down Mayhew’s selections into divisions

Stars

Matthew Stafford            QB         Georgia

Brandon Pettigrew          TE          OklahomaState

Ndumakong Suh              DT          Nebraska

Stafford has the makings of a franchise QB.  HE is the face of the franchise and only needs to stay healthy to achieve his potential.  Pettigrew is already a top 10 TE and will only get better.  He can block and be a weapon in the passing game.  Suh might be the best young DL in the NFL.

Future Stars

Louis Delmas                     FS          Western Michigan

Delmas has the potential to be a Pro Bowl safety.  He only needs to play in control and stay healthy.

Starters

DeAndre Levy                   LB          Wisconsin

Jahvid Best                         RB          California

Amari Spievy                     SS          Iowa

Levy is a capable starter at all three LB positions.  He is the leader of the defense with his sound game calls.  Best is a huge weapon in the pass and run game.  Spievy might be a future star if he continues his improvement.

Backup Players

Derrick Williams              WR         Penn State (Soon to be cut)

Sammie Lee Hill                               DT           Stillman

Aaron Brown                      RB           TCU

Jason Fox                            OT         Miami

Willie Young                      DE           NC State

Nick Fairley                        DT          Auburn

Mikel Leshoure                                RB          Illinois

Titus Young                        WR        BoiseState

Doug Hogue                       OLB        Clemson

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Part 5 of 5 Franchise Building 101: The Mayhew Way Drafting BPA - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football