Detroit Lions: Highlights From Jim Schwartz’s Monday Press Conference

Sep 22, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEX Field. The Lions won 27 – 20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz spoke with the media today for his weekly press conference. Here are some of the highlights.

• Schwartz expressed surprise at what catches people’s attention when asked about his demonstrative shedding of his headset following the win. He said there wasn’t anything behind it other than being emotionally invested in the game.
• The number of explosive pass plays and averaging over eight yards per attempt were called out as positives on offense. Stafford was described as “outstanding” by Schwartz.
• The Redskins didn’t present easy fronts to run against but Joique Bell did a good job of running with toughness. Schwartz felt his touchdown run made a statement.
• Mikel Leshoure was active for the first time this week with Reggie Bush out but Leshoure didn’t log a snap. According to Schwartz, it just never came up for Leshoure to get on the field. Team remains confident in him.
• The decision not to play Bush was made by Jim Schwartz based on what he felt was best for the team. There wasn’t anything confrontational in the decision even though Bush wanted to play.
• “We’ll see” is all Schwartz would commit to in terms of Bush’s availability on Sunday against the Bears.
• Devin Taylor will be counted on with Jason Jones lost for the season due to injury. The things they like about Jones, they like about Taylor.
• Ziggy Ansah was beat up a little during the game, had to come out a few times but nothing out of the ordinary.
• Lions won’t use Darius Slay as a nickel back because they want him to focus on playing the outside. Schwartz wouldn’t comment on who he considers a starter at this point.
• The Lions and Bears will play for a share of first place in the NFC North but it is too early to focus on that. Important game because it is a divisional opponent, not because of standings. All games are a great test.
• Riley Reiff and Corey Hilliard got praise as two players whose performances probably went under the radar. Both players did a good job holding down the Redskins’ outside pass rush and that had a lot to do with the offense’s ability to make plays down the field.
• Nick Fairley handled himself well in dealing with the shoulder injury that kept him out of action in week two.
• Return units need to be better but coverage units have been good.
• Ryan Broyles, Kris Durham, Nate Burleson, Bell, Theo Riddck, Tony Scheffler and Joseph Fauria all singled out as making important contributions.
• Schwartz admitted Broyles was on a “pitch count” but made an impact when he was on the field. Broyles still working his way back.