Detroit Lions news: Mike Disner staying, NFL.com All-Rookie Team, one Divisional Round player prop
The Detroit Lions will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round on Sunday, with a trip to San Francisco to take on the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game next Sunday on the line.
The focus is on the game Sunday, of course, but here's a look at some news around the Lions heading into the contest.
COO Mike Disner withdraws from Panthers general manager search
Perhaps in an attempt to woo Ben Johnson into becoming their next head coach, the Carolina Panthers submitted a request to interview Lions' COO Mike Disner for their general manager vacancy on Jan. 10. Which isn't to say Disner isn't amply qualified for the job, because he absolutely is.
But's a moot point now. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Saturday, Disner has withdrawn from consideration for the general manager post in Carolina.
Calvin Johnson talks renewed relationship with the Lions, receiving yards record
Lions Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson was on The Jim Rome Show Friday, and he talked candidly (again) about his renewed relationship with the organization and the importance of being at Ford Field for the Wild Card Round win over the Rams.
"It was extremely important,” Johnson responded. “To bring my family back around the organization, to be here in such at time where my brother Dan (Campbell), he’s having success here … it’s important.”
“I’m glad that we’re walking in the right direction,” Johnson added. “And I’m extremely happy for this team right now.”
Johnson also talked about threats to his NFL single-season receiving yardage record (1,964 yards in 2012) now that there's a 17th game. More specifically, Rome asked if there should be an asterisk beside the record if someone does it in 17 games.
"One hundred percent. You know, I mean shoot, the record should say 16 games or whatever it is. That’s what the record should say.”It’s definitely hanging up there within reach for these guys, especially with that extra game."
Records have been made a set through NFL history, over an increasing number of games with no asterisk attached. Johnson's record has stood through three 17-game seasons now, which points to how hard it will be to pass it, even with an extra game.