Scanning the Savanna: Detroit Lions News from Around the Web

Scanning the Savanna searches the web for Detroit Lions content each morning and brings it to your fingertips in one easy location.

If, And, But: The Detroit Lions Will Be in the Playoffs in 2013
Russell S. Baxter – Yahoo! Contributor Network

"In 2011, the Detroit Lions reached the playoffs for the first time since 1999, which at the time was tied for the longest drought in the league with the Buffalo Bills.But it once again all came apart for the Men from Motown, who stumbled out of the gate, managed to get to 4-4 and then proceeded to lose their last eight games to finish 4-12.To make matters worse, the other three teams in the division all won at least 10 games.Still, hope springs eternal for every team. And it’s not like Jim Schwartz’s team doesn’t have some talent.Hence, the Detroit Lions will make the playoffs for the second time in three years…"

Detroit Lions’ Ronnell Lewis arrested on 3 misdemeanor charges
NFL.com

"Detroit Lions linebacker Ronnell Lewis was arrested on three misdemeanor charges early Saturday morning following an altercation at a bar in Norman, Okla., police told NFL.com Tuesday.Lewis, 22, was arrested Saturday at 1:30 a.m. on charges of disturbing the peace, public intoxication and interfering with official procedure after fighting in and outside a bar in the campus corner district of Norman, according to an affidavit provided by police."

Twentyman breaks down what he considers to be the Lions’ five greatest needs heading into the draft
Tim Twentyman – DetroitLions.com

"The Lions targeted three players in the first hours of free agency last month. Each filled very specific needs. They got all three of their men in running back Reggie Bush, safety Glover Quin and defensive end Jason Jones.The re-signings of cornerback Chris Houston and safety Louis Delmas filled additional holes.That was a good start to the 2013 season, but the Lions still have needs to address. They’ll get a chance to fill a number of them via the NFL Draft, which begins Thursday at 8 p.m."

LaDainian Tomlinson leads all-time fantasy mock draft
Michael Fabiano – NFL.com

"18. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions (2011): Owners might think Megatron’s best fantasy football season was 2012, when he broke the NFL’s single-season record for receiving yards. In reality, his best totals came in 2011 when he had 96 catches, 1,681 yards and a personal-best 16 touchdowns. The No. 1 player at his position heading into 2013, Johnson broke the Madden curse (we hope) last season and has first- or second-round draft appeal."

Matthew Stafford gives elementary students a recess surprise
Brad Galli – WXYZ

"Nobody ever expects to win a contest.Tuesday, students at Deerfield Elementary in Novi were surprised as the recipients of a text-to-win contest, and found out they would get a visit from members of the Detroit Lions.They knew it would be fun, but had no idea who would show up.Enter Matthew Stafford . . . and chaos."