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Calvin Johnson

Who’s “THE ONE” in Detroit?

by Jermaine Lockett August 15, 2016

written by Jermaine Lockett

The One-Flickr

Who’s “THE ONE” in Detroit?

Life after Megatron doesn’t look all that scary anymore. The Detroit Lions know the now retired superstar Calvin Johnson‘s production is irreplaceable. However, they have plenty of insurance on this squad, with the offseason acquisitions. The quartet of Golden Tate, Anquan Boldin, Jeremy Kerley, and Marvin Jones should be plenty of firepower in Motor City. So the big question is, “who is the Number One?”

Is it Quan?

The resumes of these gentlemen are impressive. Well some of them are impressive. I’ll start with Anquan.

This experienced vet has been everywhere from the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and now Detroit. According to Rotoworld.com,

“…there’s “no question” Anquan Boldin will open the season as the Lions’ No. 3 receiver.”

Is that really what you want out of such a productive player? Sure he’s a bit long in the tooth, but the 13-year vet had 69-catches for 789-yards on a team that was hot garbage last year. This amount of production is clearly indicative of a guy who still has plenty in the tank. Q even had a notable 30-yd reception against the Steelers this week. Yes, I know it’s preseason, but it is also 30 hard fought yards. Quan deserves more respect than the third designation. With that said, let’s speak on the number one or number two next.

Is Golden really gold?

With Jeremy Kerley never getting the respect he deserves, we will look at Golden Tate as the co-number one receiver on this squad. Tate since leaving the Seattle Seahawks has had over 90-catches per year with the Lions. In his first year with the team, he had over 1330-yds receiving. ‘Showtime’ has had a case of the dropsies lately in camp. MLive.com’s Kyle Meinke reported:

“He had one on Saturday and a pair of them in 11-on-11 drills at Tuesday’s joint practice with the Steelers. Drops happen all the time and are nothing to get all that worked up about, but during these rough few days for Tate, Marvin Jones has emerged as the Lions’ clear No. 1 receiver, per Meinke.”

Does Detroit have a “Jones” for Jones

Marvin is a good number two receiver, but it remains to be seen if he can be a number one guy. He has shown flashes in the past. The former Cal Bear pulled an “Al Bundy” scoring four touchdowns in one game in 2014. That’s nice and all but “what have you done for me lately?” The former Bengals’ speed and what he can do after the catch is what intrigues me.

Look out at this competition heats up in the next couple of weeks. My vote is on Quan, as I have seen what he can do when determined. However, it’s anyone’s spot until Jim Bob Cooter says differently.

Listen! If you want to do more than just place in your league, subscribe to our email list (meaning the overlay you just opted out of. Just refresh the page and it will come back.). There I’ll be giving out exclusive tips to only those who sign up. No sign-up, no championship, no ice cream. “Remember Ice Cream is only for winners…”

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

August 15, 2016 0 comment

AFC North Baltimore Ravens NFL

Baltimore Ravens:Darren Waller will be a red-zone bully

by Jermaine Lockett July 19, 2015

written by Jermaine Lockett

View image | gettyimages.com

When it comes to the Baltimore Ravens’ WR corps, there has not been a towering receiver of the Calvin Johnson, Demaryius Thomas build. I am talking about that guy who got picked first always in basketball or backyard football; the guy who you paid for protection in school, or at least I did. I’m talking about a guy who could win a game of 5000 (game where you tossed a ball in the air and points were awarded to whoever caught it.).

Sure there was Anquan Boldin but Q didn’t tower over people. He just happened to play like it. The Ravens may have picked a first round WR in Breshad Perriman, but I believe there is a star they picked up later in the draft that will shine brighter because of his build and the system he came from. Darren Waller is not yet a household name but stay tuned. Ravensnation is about to take notice.

Players and fans have been raving over the performance of returning player Jeremy Butler in the offseason. Some have even said that Marlon Brown had a nice mini camp and is looking to put it all together in his now 3rd season with the team. Brown is a tall guy as well but he could stand to spend a little more time at the buffet. 215 lbs at 6’5 isn’t exactly intimidating for CB’s.

Anyway, the man that needs to be given some love is the guy towering over the crowd at 6’6 and actually has some mass to him at 240 lbs. BaltimoreRavens.com’s Ryan Mink even thinks Waller can be a prime red-zone target, given his size.

We are in a league where size definitely matters folks. I mean take a look at the average size of the NFL CB. 6-ft is what were looking at. While the top CBs in the league just line up against the best and could care less about size (unless you’re Richard Sherman, who only plays one side of the field), Waller won’t be facing the team’s number one corner. That job is all loud mouth Steve Smith Sr’s, which could create a matchup nightmare for opponents if Waller is used properly.

Did I mention this gentle giant came from the same school that Megatron and D.T. both came out of? And while Georgia Tech may have a run heavy system, they have taught the same technique over the years to their big-bodied receivers. They all have been taught by the Yellow Jacket’s WR coach Al Preston to climb the ladder and use size to your advantage.

This skill attributed to the sixth round pick’s 51 receptions for 971 yards and 9 TDs in 50 career games (22 starts) at the collegiate level. Sure, I believe that the rookie has to improve on his route running ability and I am sure Ravens’ WR Coach Bobby Engram will push the issue, but please believe that when it comes to bringing down the jump-ball on a much needed play, Waller will have the advantage.

Additionally the 204th overall selection has great blocking ability being that he came from such a run-first school. Waller can even be moved inside to play slot or TE in different packages, being that he was used in that capacity at GT.

Joe Flacco has been finding him already on the field in mini-camps and hopefully that translates over to the regular season. I can’t wait for this guy to put the pads on this week and show his physicality at the line and his ability to get off the press. Training camp is coming. The rookies get there July 22nd, followed by the veterans on the 29^th. I am giving you a heads up. Get those #12 Jerseys pre-ordered. This Raven is going to do it big!

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

July 19, 2015 0 comment

Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings NFC North NFL

NFC North Power Struggle

by Michael Craig September 13, 2014

written by Michael Craig

Mike Morbeck-flickr

With Week 1 in the books and Week 2 already partially started, it would seem that the two teams that were predicted to win the NFC North are at the bottom, while the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions are at the top. Is it just a minor hiccup, or do the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have reason to worry?

Chicago Bears: With Jay Cutler as your QB, its hard to tell what you’re going to get. He has two amazing weapons in Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall. However both seem to be a little banged up to start the season off, and you already lost to the Buffalo Bills at home. How do you respond? A game against the San Francisco 49ers is probably not the best follow-up scenario.

This defense is not your father’s defense of the past. This is a defense that looks almost polar opposite that of the Seattle Seahawks‘ defense. There are only a couple of defenses worse than the Bears, and one even happens to be in the same division. The only sparkle of hope for the 2014 Chicago Bears is a three-game stretch where they play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lions and Dallas Cowboys at the end of November. However the Detroit Lions may not be such an easy task.

Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson Jr. That is basically all one has to say about the Detroit Lions? However they also have what seems to be a resurgent Reggie Bush. Has the NFC North truly become an arms race? You got Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers in the same division. Not to mention Cutler, who more times than not looks like a great QB. So who do you pick as the NFC North favorite?

On paper, the Lions look like a good pick. Dare I say even a better pick than the Packers? Sure why not? Their defense is more explosive than that of the Bears and Packers, and their offense has more weapons than just Megatron now. How are they not in the conversation for NFC North Champions at the end of the year?

Green Bay Packers: You really only have to say one players name when it comes to the Green Bay Packers. This is who their season rides on, and their success solely on his shoulders. Yep, you guessed it, Eddie Lacy. Oh? You thought I would say Aaron Rodgers? Sure as long as you have Rodgers as your QB, you have a chance to win any game. However Lacy is the bell cow that the Packers have been looking for ever since before their Super Bowl run season.

As long as Lacy is healthy and performs like last season, the play-action plays will work better and the defenses on the other side of the ball will actually have to play honest against one the best Quarterbacks to play the game. Will that be enough to overshadow what is looking like another terrible defensive unit? Dom Capers has to do something, or else Mike McCarthy is going to look like a fool for keeping him on the staff.

Minnesota Vikings: Out of all four teams in the NFC North, the Vikings are the only ones who actually dominated their opponent. With Green Bay being dominated by the Seattle Seahawks, the Bears losing at home to Buffalo, it left the other two teams in the North for a chance to shine. Detroit pulled it off by convincingly beating the New York Giants. However Minnesota literally controlled the St. Louis Rams, a team that many predicted to be a surprise this year, and made them look like a 2-14 team.

How is it a team led by Matt Cassel, a team that drafted a Quarterback in the first round of the 2014 draft was the only one that looked like they were a full team out there? Adrian Peterson wasn’t even a factor in the game. His stats were less than noticeable. So even without the spectacular stats of one of the greatest Running Backs of our time, the Vikings still managed to put a 34-6 score up on the Rams.

Is there a power shift in the NFC North? The Detroit Lions have been on the radar for that NFC North crown for some time now. The Green Bay Packers have won the division the last three years and won the Super Bowl 4 years ago. The Chicago Bears missed the playoffs two years ago with a 10-6 record and are the last team not named the Packers to win the NFC North. How about the Minnesota Vikings? Two years ago they were a surprise as they made the playoffs, but not since the 2009 season has anyone even considered the Vikings a threat.

Come January, one of these teams will have to be number one, and one will be at the bottom. I believe many will be surprised by who the bottom feeder of this division will be. Don’t be surprised if one of the wild card teams this postseason comes from the NFC North.

Michael Craig is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook.

September 13, 2014 0 comment

Detroit Lions NFC North NFL

Detroit Lions: What to expect for 2014-15

by Brandon Vallar August 12, 2014

written by Brandon Vallar

[email protected]

After having a down season in 2013-14, it seems the people of Detroit don’t have much to look forward to. But then again, maybe they do? With a new coaching staff, offensive weapons, and a few additions on Defense, it looks like this team could compete with the best. The real question now is, just how far can they go?

Starting with the Offense, coming in to 2014 the Detroit Lions made several acquisitions in the Off-season that could put them over the top. The additions of Wide Receiver Golden Tate and Rookie Tight End Eric Ebron will give this team the edge they need in the passing game. With a receiving corps of Calvin Johnson, Tate, Kris Durham, and Kevin Ogletree, the Lions seem well put at Wide Receiver. While Johnson usually gets double teamed, I don’t think that will happen this year. With Tate on the outside or coming out of the slot, that will create plenty of opportunities for the Lions to get down field. Durham is another big body receiver that could line up on the outside opposite of Johnson and with the trio of Johnson, Tate, and Durham things could really get interesting. This group could get a lot of yards and really do some damage out on the field. Following the receivers come the Tight Ends which include: Ebron, Joseph Fauria, and Brandon Pettigrew. Ebron may be a rookie but will get plenty of looks. He is super athletic but needs to work on his blocking and route-running. Fauria, standing in at 6’7 is a top red zone threat that will score given the opportunity. And finally Pettigrew is usually their blocking tight end, but also gets looks on passing plays. His main problem is his hands, but overall will help this Offense get down field. Overall I believe this Offense has the potential to be a top 5 Offense and put up the numbers of a Superbowl winning team.

Now time for the Defense. The Lions’ Defense was ranked 6^th overall last year. The D-line has always been dominant over the past few years. Of course with Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley,and Ziggy Ansah how can you not be? The Linebacker corps of DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, and 2^nd round draft pick Kyle Van Noy the linebackers look ready to continue helping with the run game and stopping short passes. Levy had 6 INTs last year, which is very good for a linebacker. He is good in the run game and looks to improve in the upcoming year. Tulloch is a good tackler and will continue being a solid starter for the Lions. Only time will tell ho Van Noy will turn out for this team. The main concern is with the Cornerbacks, and the main two are Bill Bentley and Darius Slay. Bentley caused a majority of their pass interference calls and constantly gets burned down the sideline. Hopefully he will improve but if he doesn’t it will cost the Lions in the long run. Slay showed good outings toward the end of the season, and gives good speed on the outside. If he improves even more he will easily become the #1 option at Cornerback. Last are the Safeties. The Safeties include Free Safety Glover Quinn and Strong Safety James Ihedigbo. Quinn is a solid starter and provides good coverage down the field. I look for him to continue doing what he has been. Ihedigbo comes from the Baltimore Ravens, where he started all games last year. He is an aggressive defender who is very good at run stoppage. He will be great with this Lion’s team.

At the end of the day, the Lions look like a top 10 team as long as the Offense puts up the big numbers and the Defense can do a decent job stopping their opponents. To me it ultimately comes down to the secondary doing its job and keeping the opposing pass numbers down with minimal penalties called. Only time will tell with this Lions team.

Brandon Vallar is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

August 12, 2014 0 comment

Detroit Lions NFC North NFL

Detroit Lions: Reggie Bush will Have Expanded Role in 2014

by Jermaine Lockett July 21, 2014

written by Jermaine Lockett

Reggie Bush-Instagram

The Detroit Lions are currently stacked on the Offensive side of the ball. The selection of North Carolina star, Eric Ebron out of this year’s draft as well as bringing over Golden Tate from the Seattle Seahawks has bolstered this once struggling unit. There is now more to consider, when game-planning this Offense other than Calvin Johnson. And that was just in reference to the weapons in the air. The ground game for Detroit is notable as well, with Joique Bell providing depth in the RB slot which already has a talented Reggie Bush as a starter. So with all of this fire-power, where does Bush best fit in?

The former USC Trojan had a solid year last season, topping the 1000-yd mark for only the second time in his career with 223/1006/6 TDs in 2013. Additionally Bush had a great deal to do with the receiving game as well, racking up 54/506/3 TDs. With those stats, it appears that the young man is finally rising to the level of play that everyone had imagined since his time at USC. Sure, the stats aren’t eye-popping; however, he is now in a system where he is utilized in the receiving game more. This system resonates best with him and the team, because Bell is able to spell with him on carries and provide Bush with opportunities to catch the ball from the slot. We all know how dangerous Bush is in open space and the addition of all the new weapons will give him that opportunity. Another contributing factor to Bush’s transition to more of a receiving role, other than the obvious missing third receiver on the depth chart is the acquisition of new OC, former New Orleans Saints’ QB Coach, Joe Lombardi.

Lombardi and Bush have a history of working together from 2007-2010. Bush is familiar with the system that Lombardi is bringing up from “The Boot”. Lombardi’s system is one that will line players up in different positions all over the field. If you don’t believe me, take a look at the 2013 Saints’ Offense; Players were constantly switched in and out. Lombardi is bringing the same scheme to Detroit. I’d imagine Bush having a more productive “Dexter McCluster” type role in this new scheme. Either way, Matt Stafford has to be smiling from ear-to-ear with excitement. In an NFL.com interview Stafford said:

“There was so much uncertainty, just trying to figure out how we’d run this offense…I just wanted to make sure that once we started playing and practicing, I was as well equipped and well prepared as I could be.”

Lombardi’s Offense will not be a cakewalk to learn but once the Lions have it down we can be sure there will be even more production. So while Bush may not be carrying the ball as much, you can rest assured that he will be on the field even more this season.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

July 21, 2014 0 comment