The timing is perfect for the game against Green Bay.
This is the game that decides how we roll with respect to the DE situation. And regardless of how the game goes, it’s a Win-Win for us – for it will provide clarity.
If we consistently lose contain against them, we go out and get the DE that we need to win these games. If it’s close, we bolster our depth. If we kick their ass we stand pat, knowing we’re far and away better than the rest of the conference.
I think the most likely situation is we spank them by at least two scores, stand pat, take the #1 seed and roll into the Super Bowl with Hutch coming back to destroy KC.
I think that philosophically this is the big thing. Pressure and sacks aren’t as important as stuffing the run game for this staff. With sticky coverage, good LB play and high effort from the D-line we can generate pressure, but the most important thing is keeping the run game in check and making opponents one dimensional.
Hutch is excellent at both contain and pass rush, but if we make a move at DE I suspect it will be for someone who is better against the run than rushing the passer.
I agree on many levels. Brad seems comfortable making impactful decisions in fluid situations like during the draft, so the trade deadline is a piece of cake for him as teams get serious about what they need in return. I can’t wait to see how the Lions Reality Show unfolds. I’m expecting that Brad won’t swing at pitches outside the strike zone, so he takes a walk.
W/respect to their own and other teams’ guys, they have many games on film, and/or lots of practice time, w/which to gauge who can do what and what their needs are. One more game shouldn’t dramatically change their assessment.
“What they (don’t) have” is the one thing they know. It’s all the other stuff - who’s available for what from whom, who else is interested and what are they offering, etc. - that might still be somewhat uncertain going into Wk 9.
You’re correct, it’s been listed as “illness” since last week… I have to believe he’ll feel well enough to play by Sunday afternoon… If he’s sick longer than 2 weeks, it’s something more serious.