Tim Twentyman will respond to ten insightful questions from his X account @ttwentyman each week during the regular season as part of a series we call “10 Questions with Twentyman.”
What to you is the most impressive stat be it team, Offense, Defense, or a personal record?
No taking the easy way out by using winning 13+ games.
20-man: I’m a stat geek, as you are all aware. I appreciate you taking advantage of my obsession in this way. There are undoubtedly many excellent ones, but I’ve been most impressed by quarterback Jared Goff’s consistency throughout the season. Goff has made it seem so easy, even though that position is really tough. This season, Goff has completed at least 75 percent of his passes in seven games and recorded 11 games with a passer rating above 100.0. Tom Brady has the record in the latter category with eight games established in 2007. Goff has been that outstanding all year.
Why has our offense only drawn 1 DPI penalty all season?
20man: It’s a great question that I was asked during a radio interview last week, and I’ll give you the same answer I gave them: Ben Johnson. How many 50-50 balls or contested balls do you see the Lions having each week? A handful maybe and most of those are in the red zone when things aren’t called as tight. Johnson’s brilliance, at least when I watch it, is the way he schemes players free in space. He opens up space for pass catchers and then relies on their innate running instincts. The Lions lead the NFL with 2,392 yards after catch. It’s difficult to get PI penalties when there aren’t many defenders around the pass receivers.
If Packers and Lions both win, what would week 18 lineup look like? Bench starters for additional rest (2 weeks off) or play everyone to keep guys in rhythm?
20man: It’s a wonderful question I hope I get to ask head coach Dan Campbell the first time we chat to him next week. I can just speak for myself, but I would play Goff and the starters for at least a half against Minnesota. I wouldn’t want to disturb the flow of game preparation and the work week leading up to Sunday. If Goff does not play, Hendon Hooker and Teddy Bridgewater will require more practice reps, which I believe will upset their current rhythm heading into the playoffs. I wouldn’t play them the full game, but I’d get them reps and keep the work week as is.
Is the injury situation going to improve by the post season?
Tom, reinforcements are on their way. The Week 18 game against Minnesota could be a playoff game for both teams in Detroit. Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin is expected to return this week. Wide receiver/returner Kalif Raymond has begun practice and is expected to return Week 18.
The practice window for rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. could open in the coming weeks, and there’s a potential he’ll return for the playoffs, but Campbell hasn’t provided any fresh information on him. – Edge rusher John Cominsky sustained a knee injury in July, and the Lions have kept the door open for him to return in the playoffs, but the last time Campbell was asked about it, he wasn’t optimistic. – Cornerback Carlton Davis III injured his jaw a few weeks ago and might perhaps return if the Lions go to the NFC Championship Game or the Super Bowl, according to the latest reports.
Aidan Hutchinson, a defensive lineman, has declared in public that if the Lions make it to the Super Bowl, he will be prepared to return. Hutch is the only person who can make it back, though I’m not as sure. – During Week 3 against the Cardinals, linebacker Derrick Barnes tore both his MCL and PCL. Although he is still unlikely to make a comeback this season, he did not rule out making a comeback in the playoffs when he spoke to the media in November.
How confident are the Lions in their new secondary? Iffy at Safety, Amik at outside CB and Bb in the slot?
20man: They should have a lot of faith in Amik Robertson’s ability to manage things outside until/if Davis returns, based on his performance in Chicago last week. He was very aggressive in the run game on the edge and allowed two receptions for 41 yards. In the Bears game, he received the fourth-highest grade among Lions defenders from Pro Football Focus. Brian Branch, who began the whole previous season in the slot, was able to play more because Ifeatu Melifonwu filled in and played 80 percent of the snaps. Most significantly, Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator, can have his top five players on the field in the secondary thanks to that combination.
When questioned about the Lions’ defence at his news conference on Thursday, Kyle Shanahan mentioned how much better he thought they were in the secondary compared to where they were in the NFC Championship Game the previous season. That, in my opinion, says a lot about how the league perceives Detroit’s secondary, despite Davis being out and the reorganisations Glenn has made as a result.
Has anyone emerged as the number 2 RB behind Gibbs? Seems like Reynolds, Jefferson & Vaki all performed equally last week.
20man: Craig Reynolds is a seasoned player in whom the coaches have great faith. In addition to playing physically and getting tough yards, he excels at protecting the ball, which is crucial in Scottie Montgomery’s running back group. Reynolds is the reliable veteran who has been there, done that, and can be relied upon almost every time he takes the field, but Jermar Jefferson has shown great promise during the season on the practice squad and scout team.
Is bridgewater coming in to eventually be a coach on the staff?
20man: Since Teddy Bridgewater arrived, we haven’t had a chance to ask him about his immediate plans after attempting to win a Super Bowl this season, but I believe it might be in the cards if he makes up his mind to do so. Campbell is raving about him. Campbell stated, “It’s great for our team,” in reference to Bridgewater’s acquisition. “I believe that Teddy, his values, and his character are respected by everyone in that locker room.
“He’ll put those guys through a little defensive testing, which is beneficial in practice. Additionally, I think it’s difficult to avoid or, if possible, add guys who you feel have the ability to improve the lives of those around them. When and if Bridgewater decides to put up his boots and become an NFL coach, I believe Campbell would find a place on his coaching staff for a player or somebody he feels that strongly about.
With David Montgomery out how many carries a game should we expect to see Gibbs get?
20man: I believe that the usage in Chicago last week is indicative of future trends. In the 17-point victory over the Bears, Jahmyr Gibbs ran 23 times for 109 yards and a score, demonstrating the Lions’ confidence in him to carry the load. For a total of 27 touches, he added four catches on five targets. Depending on how the game progresses and how well the run game works, I anticipate Gibbs to get 20–25 touches with Reynolds, Jefferson, and Sione Vaki working in some. With an average of 121.0 running yards per game this season, the 49ers are ranked 15th in run defence.
Do you see Dan Campbell embarrassing the niners just like he did with the cowboys
20-man: I am aware that Campbell is trying to win this game. This week, he was asked what he would do if the Vikings defeated the Packers on Sunday. They knew that Monday night’s game against Minnesota would determine the NFC North title (and Detroit’s No. 1 spot). His response was as follows: Yes, I’ll make things simple for everyone so that the critics may launch their attacks and you won’t have to argue with them any longer. We are giving this game our all, and we are playing. I don’t care how it looks, where it is, or who is this or who is that; we are going to the west coast to play and win this game. There you have it. The Lions and Campbell want to continue this. Fixing some errors and ensuring they are playing their best football going into the playoffs is more important, in my opinion, than seeking retribution.
With playoffs looming, wouldn’t it be best to limit Gibbs and let Reynolds Vaki get more carries last 2 games?
20man: I believe that, similar to Campbell’s statement that this team plays its best football in December before the playoffs, he would want his second-year back to be performing well, carrying the load, and entering the postseason with a great deal of confidence after three strong games. Although injuries have been a major theme this season, you can’t let your concerns about injuries stop you from playing your style of football and preparing for the playoffs however you see fit. I don’t see Campbell as a head coach who plays with fear.