10 thoughts on the Detroit Lions’ 2021 schedule
Updated May 12, 2021;
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ALLEN PARK We already knew who and where the Detroit Lions were playing in 2021. Now we know when they’re playing too. And that might not sound like much of a distinction, but the NFL has done a great job turning its annual schedule release into a prime-time event that draws millions of viewers.
The Lions schedule dropped on Wednesday night, and there’s plenty to glean from the slate, which includes a return to prime-time television.
Sept. 12: 49ers, 1 p.m., Fox
Sept. 20 (Monday night): at Packers, 8:15 p.m., ESPN
Jared Goff thrilled by vote of confidence, says Lions players will work out together despite boycotting program
Updated May 06, 2021;
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ALLEN PARK Detroit Lions players put out a statement recently saying they would not participate in any voluntary in-person workouts this offseason, like many other teams around the league. They cited the COVID numbers in a state and said “it is in everyone’s best interest” to forgo the voluntary work that had been scheduled to get under way this month.
But new quarterback Jared Goff says players still intend to get in some work together before mandatory minicamp opens on June 8.
3 rookies crack Detroit Lions’ projected depth chart following 2021 NFL draft
Updated 10:33 AM;
Today 9:43 AM
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Oregon Ducks (58) Penei Sewell (OL) stands on a ladder in front of the Ducks band on the field after the Ducks defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 28 to 27 to become the 2010 Rose Bowl Champions in a bowl game played on January 1, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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ALLEN PARK Penei Sewell will start right away at right tackle for the Detroit Lions or something has gone terribly wrong. He’s that good, and he’s that ready after opting out of his final season at Oregon.
Detroit Lions draft class dominated by freak athletes
Updated 11:45 AM;
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ALLEN PARK Levi Onwuzurike was one of the most athletic defensive tackles in college football, a 290-pounder with elite get-off and lateral quickness. The Detroit Lions liked him so much they considered a trade back into the first round for him, and were thrilled to land him early in the second.
One pick later, they added another defensive tackle (Alim McNeill) who jumped even higher and ran nearly as fast as Onwuzurike, even though he’s also 27 pounds heavier. And if you think that’s kind of freaky, well, that’s because it is. McNeill is a former running back who packed on almost 60 pounds at N.C. State to move onto the nose. And he didn’t do it by getting fat, either.
There’s a lot to like about Lions GM Brad Holmes’ first NFL draft performance
Updated 10:25 AM;
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ALLEN PARK General manager Brad Holmes is receiving mostly rave reviews for his first draft in Detroit. Grades on his first class are among the best in the league. Dan Brugler, one of the very best analysts, ranked it as his third favorite class. ProFootballFocus, the advanced analytics service, gave it an A-minus.
But one critic has hit him especially hard for some of his decision-making on the first two nights of the draft.
“My mom shot me a text this morning, I guess she saw me on the last press conference. She just said, ‘You’ve got to make sure you get some sleep,’” Holmes said on Saturday evening (don’t worry Mrs. Holmes, it wasn’t too late).