Some interesting names have started to surface as possible offensive coordinator candidates for the Detroit Lions. That and more in today’s headlines.
As other teams compete in the playoffs, the Detroit Lions are forced to go about the business of preparing for the 2019 regular season. And first on the “to-do” list is finding themselves a new offensive coordinator.
A couple of interesting names have surfaced as possible candidates for the vacant OC role in Detroit. We’ll discuss that plus rookie running back Kerryon Johnson, the passing of Rick Forzano and much more in today’s edition of headlines.
Both Sarkisian and Hackett are likely names Lions fans will find it hard to get excited about. Each was recently fired from NFL teams whose offenses struggled in 2018 (Sarkisian – Atlanta, Hackett – Jacksonville). Of the two, Hackett’s Syracuse connection plus his power-running style seem to be more in-line with where the Lions want to go. Still, I think most fans would prefer Detroit to pass on both.
Kerryon Johnson’s first 2019 goal: ‘Finish seasons’ – ESPN.com
One of the reasons Kerryon Johnson fell to the second round of the NFL draft was due to his extensive injury history, one that reaches as far back as high school. Although Johnson is extremely talented, the Lions must not rely on him as their workhorse back. Instead, finding Kerryon a running mate in 2019 needs to be a priority.
Former Lions head coach Rick Forzano passes away at age 90 – DetroitLions.com
As one of the coaches who helped to launch New England Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick’s career, Rick Forzano’s legacy in the NFL is assured. He joined the Lions as an assistant coach back in 1973 and became their head coach from1974 through part of 1976. We send our condolences to the Forzano family.
Top-25 cornerbacks in the NFL in 2018 – Pro Football Focus
After making back-to-back Pro Bowls, it’s hard to imagine that Darius Slay was the 18th best cornerback in the NFL last season. But that’s exactly where Pro Football Focus ranked Slay in their above article. If there is one knock on the 28-year old corner, it’s his lack of takeaways. Slay posted just three interceptions in 2018 after getting a career-high eight picks the season before.
Marvin Jones correctly predicted the four wildcard winners – MLive.com
Once Marvin Jones Jr.’s football career is over, he might get a job as a fortune teller. Jones was able to correctly predict all the winners during the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs. Let’s hope he predicts the Lions being in the postseason mix next year.