2012 In Like a Lion

Dear doubters,

TOLD YA!

The Detroit Lions are in the Playoffs.  Like Schwartzy implied, some day getting into the Playoffs won't be such a surprise...it will be expected.  We've got one more game this week before the post season begins, and low and behold it is against the extremely formidable Packers.  The good news is that they are entirely beatable, and we have momentum.  Some have suggested we take our starters out, save them for later...and I'm glad the Lions aren't going to buy into that idea.

Per injuries, Delmas is out and Calvin is a "maybe"...but the rest are in and we will take the field to win.  I like the idea of ending the season 11-5 over 10-6. Not sure what the Packers have up their sleeves...can't wait to see on New Year's Day.

Don't talk to me about 2008!

If I hear one more naysayer tell me that the Lion's preseason 0-4 record is a BAD thing, I'm going to scream.  Some Lion watchers (I will not call them fans) are hung up on the fact that just because we had our worst season the last time we were 4-0 in the preseason, that somehow history will repeat itself.


Enough already.  This is a new time, a new team.    Even the sports announcers on TV (yes that means YOU Bernie S. on WDIV channel 4) are bringing up 2008 followed by a "I'm just sayin'" comment.  Let's talk about this year, shall we?  Let's talk about the buzz being created throughout the league and being talked about on the national circuit.  People are watching the Lions because they are GOOD this year.  It isn't some fluke, some strange twist of magnetic fields in the air.  We have good players, a great coach, and real fans who don't care about 2008.  Go LIONS!

Take THAT Pats! Detroit Lions 34 New England 10

"It's only pre season."  That is what I am hearing from Patriot fans and Tom Brady lovers.  I get it, and yes it is only pre season. 

HOWEVER...

Last night's nationally televised game from Ford Field in Detroit was much anticipated by peeps all around the league.  The Lions were 2-0 before last night, beating the Bengals and Browns, neither of which are the caliber of team as the Pats.  Well...Detroit didn't only win the game, they dominated New England. 

Matt Stafford was 12 for 14 with 200 yards and two TDs.  Tom Brady was only 12 for 22 with 145 yards and one TD, and he had an ugly pick that really gave Detroit momentum.  Lions had 400+ total offense. 

You would think the Patriots wouldn't be worried about a pre season game, but for some reason they kept Brady in for three quarters, which is practically unheard of in a pre-season game for a star quarterback.

There may have been something to prove for Lions coach Jim Schwartz too, having interned under the Bill Belichick (whom I cannot stand, btw) administration.  Belichick said Schwartz was one of his smartest interns, which was nice, but he also called him "Schwartzy".

To top it off, it was a very low penalty game, something I know the Lions have been really working on, having previously been the highest penalty team in the league.  Hits were clean, the worst was a bit of excessive celebration in the end zone.  Can you blame them?  They were whoopin' the Patriots for Gods sake.

What can I say?  We look awesome! For those who were waiting for the Patriots game to see if Detroit really has what it takes to win this year, the proof was on the field.  Ladies and gentleman, the Detroit Lions are in the building.  Get ready for a terrific season!

How About Those Lions? Det 34 Cin 3 This Chick's Reflection:

My LIONS sweatshirt was freshly laundered.  My toenails were painted the perfect hue of Honolulu Blue. Pizza was delivered. All was perfect, and it stayed perfect.  I'm talking about my Detroit Lions in their first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Could we have had a better start? (Okay, just a little better but I'll get to that in a minute)  Now I realize we were playing the Bengals, not necessarily the biggest challenge on our list, but despite that, and despite our roster of injuries, there are some pretty fantastic things coming off the turf in Allen Park.

First and foremost we've got to talk about the quarterback situation, specifically Stafford and his shoulder.  He looked great, he let go of the ball quickly, his completion ratio was awesome.  As long as the opposing team doesn't target his shoulder, which they will in regulation, I like what I'm seeing in the pocket.  Now, what is even more exciting than our healthy QB?  How about his back up? Should he end up injured (fingers crossed and knock on wood that this does not happen), do we or do we not have a reason to be psyched about the depth of that position?  We've got four quarterbacks baby, count 'em!  Stafford, Hill, Stanton and Robinson...and they all performed tremendously on Friday night.  It lets a chick sleep well at night!

Next up, the red zone.  I seem to remember a team that was often unable to convert inside the 20 yard line.  Not Friday night.  It was like watching a different team.  Series after series, the passing and the running game, moved us right down the field into the red zone.  What did my mighty LIONS do when they got there?  They SCORED, that is what they did!

I feel good about the O-Line and I think our Defense rivals that of a brick wall.  Our defensive line is what brings me to one itty bitty little issue with someone not so itty bitty.  Oh Suh, ya big tank!  Katrina Hancock of WDIV said it best on Sunday night's sports wrap up when she said, and I'm paraphrasing here...something like "I don't necessarily agree with what he did, but I do like his passion."  What did he do?  Um....attempt to decapitate a QB after the whistle was already blown? As a matter of fact, the LIONS had four fifteen-yard penalties for a total of 60 yards. Really?  In a preseason game? Passion is tremendous, but please keep it legal.

I get that we are trying to prove ourselves, and that many on the roster just want to keep their jobs, but ease up a little boys.  I love your focus, your drive, your dedication and ferocity.  These are all good, solid lion characteristics.  But penalties kill, no matter how king of the jungle you may be feeling.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention one other major sparkle for Detroit, and his name is Jason Hanson.  If I had a buck for every time I or my husband said, "Thank you Jason" when he gave us three more points on the board, I'd be rich. I  was concerned after his surgery last season, and I think they brought him back in a little too early. But I'm not a doctor, so what do I know? I know my next LIONS jersey will be that of number four.

I am so in love with our team this season.  Coach Schwartz has got it going on.  The media is catching on that the Detroit Lions are worth paying attention to this year.  I know I'll be doing more than paying attention.  You'll hear my roar on game day, all the way from the 'burbs.

'Tis the Season--Finally! NFL kicks off all over the country!

Scared me....suddenly my LIONS weren't televised at kick off....Silly me, I should know that they hold off until prime time and won't air the game until 9pm.  Also new this year is the switch for pre-season from FOX to ABC. 

Kansas City and Tampa Bay also square off tonight....so much fun to see the players on the field, especially since I wasn't exactly confident we would even have a season because of the lock out. 

Aaaaaahhhhhh.....see the turf, smell the sweat, hear the crunch of the helmets. Ladies and gents, the NFL is upon us.  Enjoy!

Are You Ready For Some Football? YES!!!!!!

A huge sigh of relief is escaping the mouths of us huge NFL fans.  I mean, did we ever really think there wouldn't be a season?  Quite honestly, a few months ago I wasn't so sure.  Things started looking up last week when the NFL owners came to an agreement, then finally yesterday the players signed off on it too.

So that means my toes have been painted Honolulu Blue for my Detroit Lions, and I am more than ready to see how they are going to look after all the drama of whether or not they would be abel to get to work.  They take the practice field in Allen Park on Thursday.  The ROAR is audible and ferocious and I am thrilled to start my countdown to pre-season!

This week's At A Glance...

What in the hell is going on at Wimbledon?  Serena and Venus are out.  My beloved Federer is out.  Please, oh gods of tennis, keep Nadal in for the final.

There has been an Irish invasion on the green with Rory McIlroy.  He won the US Open, now what is in store?  He's INCREDIBLE

I'm still holding on for an NFL season.  Lions continue to practice on their own, Stafford's shoulder is supposed to be A-OK.  I hope they are right about that!  He looks so chunky, hope he is still in shape.  Most importantly, of course, is his front line...and I think they look pretty good.  As for the big D, bring it on!  We've got a brick wall.

As for baseball, not going to jinx things but the Tigers are nice and steady....and number one.

NBA: now that the Mavs have won the title, we can get busy seeing what is going to happen with the coaching staff for the Pistons....I'm feeling Laimbeer but we'll see.

At a glance...

Well, I'm still holding on for an NFL season.  Lions continue to practice on their own, Stafford's shoulder is supposed to be A-OK.  I hope they are right about that!  He looks so chunky, hope he is still in shape.  Most importantly, of course, is his front line...and I think they look pretty good.  As for the big D, bring it on!  We've got a brick wall.

As for baseball, not going to jinx things but the Tigers are nice and steady....

NBA: now that the Mavs have won the title, we can get busy seeing what is going to happen with the coaching staff for the Pistons....I'm feeling Laimbeer but we'll see.

U.S. Open Golf this weekend, without Woods.  Do you think he really is suffering from an injury?  Anyway, always fun to watch on Father's Day Weekend.

Countdown to Wimbledon, which begins June 25th.  The men's field is soooo exciting (and hunky!) to watch.  Can't wait!

Another big dude with an attitude for Detroit Lions

So...I am reeeaaalllly excited!  LIONS first pick during the NFL draft was Nick Fairly out of Auburn, a defensive tackle!  Our line is looking sweet!  He will start with Suh and Vandenbosch.  Talk about a brick wall! 

NFL Draft coming up this weekend

I'd be a lot more excited about the draft if I knew for sure we were going to have a season....please oh please let the union and management come to an agreement so we can have our season....

I can't imagine a Fall without football.....

Detroit Lions Schedule: 9/11, Monday Night, Christmas Eve

Yes, I know it is Good Friday....but please indulge me for just a second.  Ladies and Gentleman, the Detroit Lions Schedule is in....and it's a good one!

We begin on 9/11, have the first Monday Night game scheduled since 2001 in October, and we even get to rock a game around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve when we're at our big family party, preppin' for St. Nick.  How jolly is that?

And finally....we will end the REGULAR season on Lambeau Field. 

Aaaahhhhh...I can almost smell it.....Football season is right around the bend...

For your planning pleasure....here's the schedule.

Sept 11     at Tampa Bay     FOX      1pm

Sept 18     Kansas City        CBS      1pm

Sept 25     at Minnesota      FOX       1pm

Oct 2        at Dallas             FOX       1pm

Oct 10      Chicago             ESPN      830pm

Oct 16      San Fran            FOX       1pm

Oct 23      Atlanta               FOX       1pm

Oct 30      at Denver           FOX       4:05pm

Nov 6       Bye

Nov 13     at Chicago         FOX        1pm

Nov 20     Carolina            FOX        1pm

Nov 24     Green Bay         FOX        12:30pm

Dec 4        at New Orl.      FOX         1pm

Dec 11      Minnesota         FOX         1pm

Dec 18      at Oakland        FOX        4:05pm

Dec 24      San Diego         CBS         4:05pm

Jan 1         at Green Bay     FOX         1pm

Suh named AP Rookie of the Year--Suh-per!

Congratulation to Ndomukong Suh for being named Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press!  This is a Defensive Tackle that played every game like it was the game of his life.  He started the season with a bit of a big head, but was able to tame the attitude a bit and put his words into action game after game after game.

Thanks to Suh, the Detroit Lions are now the team with the most (7 over Pittsburgh 6) AP Rookie of the Year players since the awards began in 1967.  Go Lions!

Superbowl Sunday--Snow and Steady

Usually, when there is a mega snow storm, airplanes are grounded and airports are jammed with waiting passengers standing, sleeping, drinking....but not when it is a snowstorm in northern Texas, the weekend of the Superbowl.  Just the opposite actually, news reports today state they are adding more planes to the fleet to try and get people to Dallas. 

Dallas, TX is covered in a blanket of snow with more on the way tomorrow.  Crews are spending all day Saturday removing snow from the dome where Pittsburgh and Green Bay will meet up to compete for the Superbowl Championship.  The weather has slowed things down for businesses surrounding the stadium who were counting on a week of Pre-Superbowl frenzied consumers, but I don't think it will freeze any of the excitement tomorrow...assuming fans can get in.

I am excited to watch the game tomorrow.  I will root for the Packers. I would've been behind the Steelers if they had done a better job handling the Roethlisberger situation.  I'm not the only one, as I've heard of other families who just can't forgive Pittsburgh's blind eye. With no real allegiance either way, I will be happy to sport my son's cheese hat in hopes that Green Bay will grab the ring. 

The hardest part of the weekend for me will be when the game is over, marking the end of the NFL season. Thankfully, there are lots of sports to hold my attention until the NFL Draft in the Spring, until Spring/Summer training in June, until Pre-Season in August, when my Detroit Lions will step back out onto the field.

This Chicks Picks for NFL Playoffs, Week Three

Here we go.....

I'm sooooo glad the Patriots are out.  This week I"m only really passionate about one of the games.  It's a no-brainer with Pitt and the Jets.  I'm hoping New York can keep up their momentum and take the Steelers out this week.  Apologies to my son who is hardcore Pittsburgh....I'll cut him some slack because he does acknowledge that Roethlisberger is a goon, but still loves the team.  As for me, go Jets!

As for the Packers and the Bears...I don't really have a fave here.  I used to be a bit of a cheesehead when Favre was leading the team, but no longer have a real need for cheese.  I do, however, like Lovie S. and we love everything else about Chicago.  They look ready to go all the way, so go Bears.

There you have it, I'm holding out for a Jets v. Bears Superbowl.  Let's see what happens! 

This Chicks Picks for NFL Playoffs, Week Two

Okay, okay....so last week I was only 1:4, and I'm still fairly devastated the Saints and Eagles are both out.  I would have loved to see a Saints repeat, or watched Vick go all the way, after all the lessons he has undoubtedly learned.  That being said, my heart isn't really in the Superbowl this year...but if it was, it'd be for the Ravens.

Let's get to my picks for this week:

Ravens vs. Pitt--It's funny when I think back to a time when I was jumping on my couch, with my Jerome Bettis Jersey on, waving a terrible towel cheering on the Steelers.  Anyone who has read me nowadays knows there is no way in hell I will support an organization that supports Ben Roethlisberger.  Go Ravens.

Packers vs. Falcons--I really have no allegiance either way.....but I'm calling the Falcons.

Jets vs. Patriots-- Ugh.  The lesser of two evils, I say.  I pick the Jets.  Brett's photo package is behind them, the sexual harrassment in the locker room was taken care of and I don't really care if their coach likes his wife's feet.  On the other side....cannot stand Bill Belichick, so go Jets.

Bears vs. Seahawks--  Just don't like the Seahawks, though have real positive ties to Seattle in general (hello...Gray's Anatomy, ICarly and our good friend Tom...lol).  No hard feeling Seattle....go Bears.

NFL Playoffs Baby! This Chick's Picks for the week!

Ladies, ladies.....today begins the beginning of the end.  The excitement of the NFL Playoff season is electrifying, though it is hard not to think of the idea that the clock is winding down for football season.  How can that be?  It seems like we just got here....and right when my Detroit Lions were picking things up with four straight wins to closeout the regular season.

Being the eternal optimist that I am, however, I take heart.  You can too.  You see, just because the Superbowl is less than a month away (gasp!), the Draft is close behind, then Spring Training, and before you know it, it will be Pre-season in August.  For the real NFL fans, there is as much that goes on in the off season as there is during the real season.  Yay for us!

Now, back to the Playoffs.  Who is your team?  Mine is out, of course, but I do have teams I like, and teams I like to hate (Yikes!).

My picks for this weekend:

Jets vs. Colts:  This is an easy one.  I've got the Colts.  They have Manning who puts them into auto- drive to a W, and if Karma plays into things at all, the Jets have it coming...sexism, harrassment and just plain disrespect toward women.  Crush 'em Colts!  The winner of this game faces Pitt next week...and that organization really needs to learn a lesson or twenty when it comes to dissing their female fans.  They are in the playoffs thanks to their criminal QB.  How do they sleep at night?

Saints and Seahawks:  I'm with the Saints all the way.  Who doesn't love Drew Brees and his awesome arm and even bigger heart?  They've got game, and well, Seattle just doesn't,  not to mention their coach has been prone to bad sportsmanship.  I can't deal with that....Go Saints.  The winner here goes on to face Atlanta next week and I like the Saints chances for that game too.

Ravens vs. Chiefs:  I'm just not feeling this game but am going to call it for the Ravens.  I don't care who wins as long as they crush New England next week.  Pats Coach Bill and his ethics make me want to hurl.

Packers vs. Eagles:  The Eagles will fly right on through to next week.  I'm really becoming a re-newed Michael Vick fan.  This is a guy who learned a tough lesson, lost his ego and knows the value of the work he has done to bring himself back.  The winner here faces "da Bears" next week, and I'll still be soaring with the Eagles over Soldier Field.