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

Sep 29, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman (left) and Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz (right) shakes hands after the game at Ford Field. The Lions won 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz held his weekly Monday press conference this afternoon. Here are some highlights of what he discussed following the win over the Chicago Bears.

• Rashean Mathis was in the building today and worked out. He was never diagnosed with a concussion but was held out yesterday as a precaution. Decision was made by Lions team doctors, not Bears doctors as some reports suggested. Lions feel good about where he is right now but will see how it goes as the week progresses.
• Chris Houston has a leg injury and wasn’t able to finish the game. Schwartz left it at that. Doesn’t appear to be more than day-to-day or week-to-week. Schwartz wouldn’t comment on who would be the next man up if Houston can’t play.
• Team wasn’t in prevent mode late in the game, had some plays they could have been better. Darius Slay got burned a couple times but also made some nice plays. Team missed a couple opportunities to stop fourth downs. Points to offense giving the ball away as a problem in closing out the game.
• When asked about Brandon Pettigrew coming up with some good catches in traffic, Schwartz said Pettigrew hasn’t been doing any different work. He went and trusted his technique and played football.
• Getting off to a 2-0 start in division important. Showing they can get turnovers is important, was lacking last year. Offense showing it can be explosive. But have to move on and be successful over the long haul. Schwartz likes the personality of his team.
• On going to Green Bay next season, team never goes into a game thinking they don’t have a chance to win. Certainly want to end the losing streak but beating Packers will mean more.
• Louis Delmas is getting back in to the swing after not being a full participant during training camp. Interceptions get noticed but Schwartz thought he made some really nice tackles.
• Idea that Lions were successful because Israel Idonije tipped off team to Bears defensive calls “ridiculous” and didn’t have an impact on the game. Lions ran for a lot of yards because they blocked well and the running backs did a good job when they got the ball.
• Calvin Johnson‘s fumble recovery needs to be recognized because Bush’s touchdown run doesn’t happen if “the best receiver in football” isn’t hustling behind the play.
• Decision to not go for it on fourth down early in the game was about it being the first quarter and the opportunity to get points. Doesn’t mean that is what they will do every time – Schwartz cited a decision to go for it on fourth and goal from the one last year at Green Bay.
• Kris Durham has great size, good hands, he’s reliable. Doesn’t look fast but because he is so long he can get open and get deep. Stepped up in some crucial times. Took a helmet in the small of his back, he’ll be sore this week.
• Missed way too many tackles. Rushed well. Have tackled better and will tackle better.