Detroit Lions Week 7 Stock Report
It took six games, but there's finally a positive spin to the weekly Detroit Lions stock report.
The Lions grabbed their first win of the season after Sunday's overtime "thriller" against the Chicago Bears. While the action did provide entertainment, some of it fell more along the lines of comedy than competition.
But we're not gathered here to throw shade on a season that's left too many fans in the cold. Click through to find out which players are casting a light on the proper path for a better season.
Stock Up: WR Calvin Johnson
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Calvin Johnson used to hold the title of hardest player to game-plan for.
Defensive coordinators would try bracketing him with a safety over the top and a cornerback underneath, possibly even throwing in a linebacker when desperate.
It never mattered. Johnson would outrun, out-maneuver and outmuscle defenders while the rest of us shook our heads and smiled.
That hadn't been the case this season, with Johnson failing to reach 100 yards in any of the first five games despite being fully healthy.
For whatever reason, Detroit finally opted to start using its highest-paid player in a manner in which he can exploit the competition. Johnson jumped over, ran around and generally made Chicago's secondary look stupid on his way to 166 yards, one score and NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Future opponents won't be as stubborn as Chicago. They'll be more careful with Johnson, not let him run free in one-on-one coverage. But this game was a reminder that Detroit needs to use Johnson in the most advantageous way possible. As of Wednesday, there was no word on whether offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi got the memo or not.
Stock Down: S Isa Abdul-Quddus
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One of Sunday's heroes also finds himself in the goat category.
Time after time against the Bears, strong safety Isa Abdul-Quddus was near the ball. He even racked up seven tackles, including one stop, per Pro Football Focus, while only missing one.
But the stat sheet doesn't account for missed opportunities.
Abdul-Quddus was easily blocked on far too many occasions. He understood how to read the play, but he wasn't aware of incoming blockers, leading to extended plays for Chicago. Rest assured that his awareness rating will drop in the next Madden update.
Regular starter James Ihedigbo didn't practice Wednesday, per Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com, and the normally tight-lipped Lions aren't tipping their hand about his availability. That could mean another rough week for Abdul-Quddus because Adrian Peterson is certainly capable of exploiting mistakes.
Stock Up: OGs Laken Tomlinson and Larry Warford
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Both of Detroit's starting guards played so well that they deserve to be mentioned together. Plus, there was an available picture of them, and it's difficult to stretch two slides out of guard play.
The Lions enjoyed their best running performance of the season by a wide margin thanks to the play of these two. There were numerous times where one or both guards were making blocks at the second level, providing expanded rushing lanes for the running backs.
Plus, they were both excellent in pass protection. There was nary a hurry allowed between them, and they are the only offensive linemen who could make such a claim.
Those clean pockets were directly responsible for many of Matthew Stafford's sharp throws (don't worry, we'll get there). Stafford had the ability to step into his throws, which led to in-route accuracy, a rarity for the Lions.
The offensive line will be critical again this week. While Minnesota's two most fearsome defenders reside on the outside, defensive tackles Sharif Floyd, Linval Joseph and Tom Johnson have combined for 29 quarterback hurries this season.
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Stock Down: DT Caraun Reid
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Detroit's defense wasn't expected to maintain the same level of play from last season, but with fresh blood at defensive tackle and a supposedly improved Caraun Reid, the opportunity to come close was there.
However, when the Lions needed Reid, he faltered heavily.
Starting defensive tackles Tyrunn Walker (out for the season) and Haloti Ngata both missed last week's contest, making Reid and Andre Fluellen the first line of defense. It didn't go well in the beginning.
The Bears attacked the middle of the defense, pushing both starters off the ball with ease. Fluellen eventually responded well by anchoring against double teams and giving his linebackers a chance. Reid never found the same consistency, but notched a pair of defensive stops (plays that constitute an offensive failure) and one quarterback hurry.
Ngata may return after practicing Wednesday, according to Twentyman, but the Lions need Reid to find his footing fast. There's no room to hide with Walker's broken leg forcing him onto the field.
Stock Up: QB Matthew Stafford
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Matthew Stafford finally had the day fans have been expecting since August.
The preseason was littered with practice reports of Stafford's sharpness, which were backed up by his limited preseason performances. He looked primed to lead a top-10 offense and score enough points to offset the offseason shake up on defense.
Obviously, that didn't happen through five weeks, with Detroit failing to score more than 17 points in any game, save for the season opener.
Joe Lombardi loosened the ropes tying Stafford's arm behind his back, and the quarterback went to work, completing four of his seven throws that traveled 20 or more yards in the air. He was averaging 2.4 such attempts per game prior to the win over Chicago.
His 405 yards and four touchdowns also served as a reminder of his potential. It should—although it won't—curb talk of the Lions drafting a first-round quarterback in May. But it may have been enough proof to let him sling it downfield for the rest of the season.
All advanced stats, grades and positional rankings are courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter @BrandonAlisoglu.
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