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

Sep 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz stands on the sideline during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz held his usual Monday press conference following yesterday’s loss to the Steelers. Here are some of the things he touched on this afternoon.

• Lions didn’t go away from Calvin Johnson later in the game, still tried to get him the ball. He stayed in the game plan and they even forced the ball to him.
• Everybody in the Lions locker room knows why the fake field goal was called and don’t really care what other people think. Saw the look to take advantage of it but it didn’t work out.
• Probably had lowest run efficiency game of the year and worst completion percentage game of the year. Minus two in turnovers when they had opportunities to get some on defense.
• Wouldn’t have called the fake if they didn’t think they could get the first down or more.
• Clock was against them at the end of the first half when they couldn’t get in the end zone. Changed play calling.
• Were on the edge of field goal range against the wind when they went for it on fourth down in the first quarter.
• Was one of their worst performances of the year but still had opportunities. Fake field goal and probably a dozen offensive and defensive plays resulted in coming up short.
• Lions have a game plan every where in which they can check in and out of things on special teams. If they see something next week they think they have an opportunity, won’t be afraid to try it just because fake didn’t work against Steelers.
• Nobody runs a fake blind, need a specific look to take advantage of.
• Gave up too many big passing plays. Did a good job against the run and in the red zone. Missed on too many opportunities on defense for turnovers, third down stops. Feast or famine.
• Had guys out of position on Steelers first two touchdowns. At their best, play good team defense and get off the field on third downs.
• There is a possibility Nate Burleson will be back this week. Big difference between practice and games.
• No update on Glover Quin or Joique Bell, both guys are day to day.
• Houston had a hand issue but went back in the game.
• Used Theo Riddick late in the game because Bell was out and they had been using Reggie Bush a lot. Riddick being in the game had nothing to do with Bush’s fumble earlier in the game.
• Style-wise it was a good game for Bell, Bush is not a “mudder” in horse racing terms.
• Dylan Gandy becomes the second tight end if Brandon Pettigrew hadn’t been able to return. Could have gone to one tight end packages. Lots of things they can go to in those situations.
• Not aggressive to be aggressive or conservative to be conservative. The only way to be right is to win.