Detroit Lions' Week 12 Stock Report

Another win, another week filled with optimism, or anger, depending on whether you wanted the Detroit Lions to somehow navigate a closed path to the postseason or take Laremy Tunsil with the first pick in next year's draft.

Regardless, stocks on both sides have been rising and falling, although Detroit is still in the No. 5 spot if the 2016 NFL draft went down today.

Stocks have vacillated on a personal level, as well. Some players and coaches who were in the doghouse a couple of weeks ago have found their way out of the kennel and into the public's good graces.

And some players continue to dig out a foxhole under said doghouse.

Stock Up: OC Jim Bob Cooter

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

The Lions have gone from a historical name to a hysterical one at offensive coordinator, although the results have been nothing to laugh at.

Well, that's not totally sincere. Yes, the Lions have won two games in a row, but the offense has put a total of 36 points on the board in those two outings.

But there are only so many changes that Jim Bob Cooter could implement midseason. One of them—simplifying the offensive line protection schemes—has paid off, however, with only three sacks allowed the last two weeks.

Plus, he's put himself the ear of quarterback Matthew Stafford, which has caused the normally pocket-bound quarterback to venture past the line of scrimmage. Stafford's 18-yard scramble set up the quarterback draw that won the game against Oakland.

Whoever takes over as general manager will likely wipe out the rest of the staff in favor of a fresh start, but Cooter is starting to make a name for himself in only three games.

Stock Down: SS James Ihedigbo

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The Lions signed James Ihedigbo because of his familiarity with defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and their need of a strong safety, and the match worked well for a time. He has played some of the best football of his career in Detroit. 

But things have changed.

The aging Ihedigbo has barely gotten off the bench the last two weeks because of the play of Isa Abdul-Quddus. In fact, he only saw 12 total snaps against Oakland, per Pro Football Focus.

That's unlikely to change soon. Abdul-Quddus isn't just playing better, he's the younger guy who has a solid chance of coming back next year.

The same can't be said for Ihedigbo.

Stock Up: RB Theo Riddick

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Where is the love for Theo Riddick? He has played his way into the Pro Bowl discussion, but nobody is bringing it up.

For starters, he leads all running backs with 50 receptions.

And despite that heavy volume, he's second among all running backs in yards per pass route run, which is a better indicator of his exceptional efficiency. The San Diego Chargers' Danny Woodhead has him by a tenth of a yard, but the New England Patriots' Dion Lewis is in third place, over a full quarter-yard behind Riddick.

Plus, he only has one drop with countless one-handers to his credit.

He's also quicker then a water bug, having forced 18 missed tackles after the catch, and is always there when the team needs a play. There's a good chance Detroit would only have one win if it weren't for Riddick.

And that's why he deserves more love.

Stock Down: TE Eric Ebron

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

There weren't many that were willing to believe in the evolution of Eric Ebron this summer. Yet the data supported the theory of better production in his second season.

As of 10 games this season, he has two more catches, 72 more yards and two more scores than he had all of last year.

Those, in fact, are superior numbers to his rookie totals, but they are not the dramatic increases fans were promised. And to make matters worse, he's already dropped two more passes than he did last season.

Ebron hasn't lost faith in himself, though. He recently told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that the recent drop-off in performance—only seven receptions in his last three games—was due to the adjustment to Jim Bob Cooter's offense, and "it's going to end this week."

That's a tough sell, though. Brandon Pettigrew saw more snaps than Ebron last week, meaning Cooter thought it best to play it safe (and slow) despite not having broken the 20-point barrier in his brief play-calling career. That doesn't seem to show much confidence from the coaching staff.

Stock Up: LBs Stephen Tulloch and Tahir Whitehead

Mike Roemer/Associated Press

The pairing of Stephen Tulloch and Tahir Whitehead is the tonic that has lifted the Lions to two consecutive wins.

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has entrusted Tulloch to contain the rushing game by virtue of his thumping nature. That faith was rewarded. The Raiders and Packers combined for 97 yards on the ground.

Whitehead has been called to duty on passing downs by virtue of his better athleticism. He only allowed seven yards and zero after the catch against the Raiders, proving it was the right call.

This is a case of a coach utilizing the available talent in ways that will bring about the best production. It's a theory that former offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi never understood and that Austin seemed to have forgotten.

With everyone healthy on the defensive side of the ball and the struggling Eagles coming to town, these two will again be the key to victory should Detroit find a way to win its third straight game.

All advanced stats 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.