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Steve Yzerman is pleased with how the Detroit Red Wings are competing despite a losing record

The Detroit Red Wings are 5-12-3, and sitting 29th out of 31 teams in the NHL. That is not a great record. That said Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said that he is “generally pleased with the effort, competitiveness” of his hockey team. That may sound crazy, stupid or far fetched. But it really is not.

The Detroit Red Wings pushed through games in which players were out due to COVID-19. The Red Wings lost all of those games. Yet with the players on the roster the Red Wings were competitive in those losses. “It’s difficult to win with a healthy squad, and it’s a challenge when you’re not healthy,” Yzerman said.

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 20: Filip Zadina #11 of the Detroit Red Wings battle for the puck with Nicolas Beaudin #74 of the Chicago Blackhawks during a pre season game at Little Caesars Arena on September 20, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Since players have been returning to the lineup the Red Wings have improved play. It is not showing in the wins and losses. It does not have to. More on that in a moment. In a lot of situations during games, The Red Wings have seen a significant step in the right direction.

From better passes to better play from the blueline (defense) to young players such as Filip Zadina showing growth in his game, the young Red Wings are actually beginning to look the part of an NHL team. This is why wins do not matter.

Much like a baby needs to learn to crawl before it can walk, hockey players need to learn what it takes to play at the highest level. This is where the Detroit Red Wings rebuild is.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 21: Moritz Seider poses for a portrait after being selected sixth overall by the Detroit Red Wings during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)

Steve Yzerman is also aware that the organization’s top prospects are having very good seasons as well Yzerman is very pleased with the growth he has seen from Moritz Seider.

While the Red Wings record is not good. Throw that away. This season was never going to be about wins and losses. This season was getting young players to take the next step in development in order to push the rebuild forward.

That seems to be the case and Steve Yzerman is pleased.

 

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With spring practice coming, the Michigan Wolverines football team has a lot of questions

The Michigan Wolverine football team had a 2020 season to forget. The Wolverines finished 2-4 with one the worst defenses in the schools history allowing 34.5 points and 434.3 yards per game. On offense it was not much better for the Maize and Blue. As spring football practice is going to be getting under way soon, the Wolverines have much work to do.

Last seasons opening week starter Joe Milton announced he was going to  transfer from Michigan. This has been an issue during head coach Jim Harbaugh’s time at Michigan. They need a consistent quarterback who will be there more than one or two seasons. Sophomore Cade McNamara, freshman Dan Villari look to be in a battle for the starter job.

MADISON, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines watches action prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Mike Macdonald who takes over as defensive coordinator, Macdonald comes over from the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. He will be tasked to improving a unit that was very bad. Last season. The Wolverines need much better play from the back end of the defense. The secondary.

Given his time coaching linebackers  with the Ravens, it seems likely that Macdonald will begin to move the Wolverines closer to  a 3-4 scheme that he is accustom to. Given the fact Michigan may not have the exact players to run the 3-4 it could be that year one under Macdonald will be a mix of what works best to improve the defense.

In my opinion, the unit that needs the most attention is the Wolverines secondary. Michigan’s secondary allowed more than 250 passing yards per game which ranked 90th in the country. This is a unit with talent. It is possible that the talent did not match last season scheme. The Michigan secondary should improve this coming season.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 26: Hassan Haskins #25 of the Michigan Wolverines heads up field on a first half run past Khalid Kareem #53 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Offensively, the Michigan Wolverines need more playmakers. Running back Hassan Haskins is solid as are wide  receivers Cornelius Johnson and Ronnie Bell but while they along with tight end Erik All are solid, none of those players are gamebreakers.

Until Michigan begins to bring in players that move the needle, they will not sniff the Big Ten title game or better.

It all starts soon with spring practice about to ramp up.

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Should the Detroit Lions draft a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft

By trading former Detroit Lions starting quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for two first round draft picks (2022 and 2023) and a third round draft pick (2021) along with Rams starting quarterback Jared Goff it has garnered the Lions draft capital. Should the organization draft a quarterback in 2021? That is the question we will dive into.

Heading into the 2021-22 NFL season there is little doubt Jared Goff will be the Detroit Lions starting quarterback. In fact Goff could be the starter for two seasons. Which is fine. At 26 years old Jared Goff has already played in a Super Bowl and been selected to two Pro-Bowls. At the very least Goff is a serviceable quarterback.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 24: Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions currently hold the #7 pick in the first round of this years draft. It seems inevitable that up to three quarterbacks will be selected before the Lions have their turn.

Another fact is that the Lions simply do not have many draft picks this year due in part to poor choices former general manager Bob Quinn made. Current Lions GM, Brad Holmes would be ill advised to take a quarterback from rounds 3 and later due to the fact that unless your name is Tom Brady the likelihood a quarterback taken this late would even see the playing field is next to zero.

The Lions could sign a cheap free agent to fill the role of backup quarterback. That said because drafting a quarterback is like throwing a darts at a dartboard the risk this year seems far to great.

The Detroit Lions are in for a total (much needed) rebuild that is going to take some time. The roster is filled with holes that need to be filled and the team as a whole lacks speed.

NEW YORK – APRIL 28: NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell speaks during the 2007 NFL Draft on April 28, 2007 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

This years draft focus should be in my opinion, on areas that can impact the roster this coming season. Be it wide receiver, offensive line, linebacker, defensive backs or edge rusher.

So in should the Detroit Lions draft a quarterback in 2021? My answer is no.

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Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is “taking the kid gloves off” young pitchers

When current Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch took over as manager of a young Houston Astros team who was starting to come out of a long rebuild (sound familiar?) he did so by unleashing the young Astros pitching staff. He did not limit pitches or put inning limits on the staff. Now on the first day of spring training, Hinch said he is going to do the same with young Tigers pitchers.

Just yesterday, Detroit Tigers General Manager, Al Avila said this will be the season that Matt Manning will be pitching in Detroit. Be it out of spring training or at some point early in the season. Manning will join top organization prospects Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal giving the Tigers and the fan base a true look at the future.

DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 29: Rookie pitcher Tarik Skubal #42 of the Detroit Tigers delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning of game two of a doubleheader at Comerica Park on August 29, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. Skubal recorded his first major league win in the Tigers 4-2 victory over the Twins. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled for August 28 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to Friday’s postponed game, Robinson will be honored during today’s game. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

Back to A.J. Hinch. This would appear on the surface to be a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Meaning, If “taking the kid gloves off” young Tigers pitching prospects worked in Houston then Hinch is hedging a bet it will work again in Detroit.

New Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter will be charged with overseeing the talented group of young arms. Yet, Fetter will be getting instructions from Hinch. The age old question in baseball is how do you handle young pitchers?

Both Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal, spent time with the Tigers last summer. Both top pitching prospects took the typical rookie pitching lumps. With time under their belts the two enter spring training with a spot in the Tigers starting rotation.

CHICAGO – AUGUST 19: Casey Mize #12 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during his Major League debut against the Chicago White Sox on August 19, 2020 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images)

Like the Detroit Tigers veteran pitchers, Mize and Skubal will not be limited. A.J. Hinch feels that the way young pitchers get better is by innings pitched and allowing the pitcher to fall flat on their face when they have a bad outing. That is how pitchers learn.

This is one storyline to keep an eye on during spring training and into the 2021 Detroit Tigers season.

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At 8-19 the rebuilding Detroit Pistons are fun to watch

The Detroit Lions, Red Wings, Tigers and Pistons are all in full- blown rebuilds. The Tigers and Red Wings are pretty much unwatchable at this time. The Lions will be pretty bad this coming season. While the Detroit Pistons who are also under construction and are far from being a .500 team, are at least fun to watch.

For many rebuilding teams, beating teams that are equally as bad or even alright is common place. The Detroit Pistons are the exception to the rule. For whatever reason the Pistons beat good teams. Seriously.

 

DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 8: Mason Plumlee #24 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 8, 2021 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

It could be that the teams the Pistons have beaten have approached the game as an automatic win and do not play with the same focus they do other nights. In fact that seems probable. It could be that the Pistons rise up to meet the challenge of playing a playoff caliber team.

The truth would seem to be somewhere in the middle. While I do believe teams take their foot off the gas when they play the Pistons, I also think the Pistons reach down for a little more.

As of right now, the Detroit Pistons are three and a half games out of a playoff spot. Let that thought go. Detroit is not going to the playoffs this season or next. They are in a rebuild. What is being laid is the foundation of success for the future.

MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 18: General manager Troy Weaver of the Detroit Pistons looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 18, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Troy Weaver, upon being named Detroit Pistons General Manager said the process was going to take some time. Yet, at the very least Weaver has put a team on court that competes and is fun to watch.

The Detroit Pistons are not getting blown out when they do lose. But when the team wins it is against teams like Boston, New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers. Teams that should blow the Pistons away are losing to the rebuilding franchise.

It is almost unprecedented that a rebuilding team is beating teams they really have no business beating. Detroit Pistons fans are loving every second of this team. A team with a losing record that is fighting and competing in every game.

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Glory be it’s spring training week for the Detroit Tigers

With the cold bite of winter that February has brought, there is a ray of sunlight that is coming from Lakeland Florida. Detroit Tigers 2021 spring training is set to kick off this Wednesday. There is a lot to go over as the organization takes steps towards coming out of the long rebuild. That will not happen in 2021. But what will happen when all is said and done, is the Tigers will be closer to being a good baseball team.

B Photos via Getty Images)

DETROIT, MI – JULY 04: Dillon Dingler #79 of the Detroit Tigers looks on while waiting to bat during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 4, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

For baseball junkies this is a great time of year. Yes, I said that the winter is a great time of year. MLB teams are set to open spring training this coming week. The Detroit Tigers are armed with new top prospects as well as a top five farm system. Here’s a list of the Detroit Tigers top 10 prospects:

1. Spencer Torkelson 3B/1B

2. Casey Mize RHP

3. Matt Manning RHP

4. Riley Greene OF

5. Tarik Skubal LHP

6. Isaac Paredes 3B

7. Daz Cameron OF

8. Dillon Dingler C

9. Joey Wentz LHP

10. Alex Faedo RHP

The Detroit Tigers are predicted to be one of the worst teams in baseball again this coming season. That is just fine. While that statement may shock some, it should not. The Tigers are still in a rebuild. Albeit, a rebuild that is closer to being done.

This is still a time when the organization can use top five draft picks.  This year the Tigers will pick #3 in the 2021 MLB Draft. This will be another opportunity to add more hitters to the pitching rich Detroit minor league system.

DETROIT, MI – JULY 06: Major League Baseballs number one draft pick Spencer Torkelson #73 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 6, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

As some top prospects will be getting a look this summer and some will be getting another look, this is not a wasted season by any stretch. This is a season where the Tigers front office, coaches, and players themselves will know just where they stand and how much work is needed to take the final steps in becoming a full-time Major League Baseball player.

This is also a season for fans of the Detroit Tigers to pay attention. To keep track of top prospects be it in the minor leagues or in Detroit. To pull and cheer for them while hoping the team plays bad enough to get another top five pick in next years draft.

It all starts Wednesday!!!!

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Chris Spielman has played a large role in the retooling, reshaping, rebranding of the Detroit Lions

Chris Spielman was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1988. He became a Lions legend in his eight seasons in Motown. Spielman was selected to four Pro-Bowls and was the Detroit Lions defensive MVP in 1993 and 1994. Since retiring from the NFL Spielman has spent time in the broadcast booth and now has a new job. Chris Spielman is the special assistant to chairman Sheila Ford Hamp and president Rod Wood.

When the Detroit Lions were looking for a new General Manager after the dismissal of former GM, Bob Quinn, Chris Spielman began to get to work. His goal was to help not only rebuild the Lions but change the culture.

Over the years many NFL team reached out to Spielman for job openings. Nothing tempted him enough to leave the announcers chair. That is until the team that drafted him came calling. When the Detroit Lions called Spielman’s loyalty answered. He was never going to work for another team. That would go against everything he believes in.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 26: Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood (L) talks with Chris Spielman prior to the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on December 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Tampa defeated Detroit 47-7 (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Chris Spielman had a meeting with owner Sheila Ford Hamp, and he knew. This is what he wanted. His team needed him and like the defensive captain he was and still is he agreed to return to the Lions full-time.

Spielman has a good reputation around the league he has a lot of connections. He used those connections to identify Brad Holmes. He would meet with Holmes and do his own interview with him before he reported to the owner and team president.

After the meeting Spielman knew Brad Holmes was the right guy to rebuild the Detroit Lions and help unify the team as well as change the culture. Next up was finding the right head coach. Those who remember what type of player (hard nosed, tough as nails) Spielman was, were not surprised when he recommended Dan Campbell for the head coaching job.

WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 22: Chris Spielman #54 of the Detroit Lions before a NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on October 22, 1995 at RFK Stadium in Washington DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

So the new look Detroit Lions that have begun to take shape are being made in the image of an old gritty linebacker. That is part of why fans are actually pleased with the direction of the franchise.

 

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The Detroit Lions believe tight end T.J. Hockenson has a higher ceiling

The new Detroit Lions coaching staff is working around the clock to watch film and get to know and understand the players on the Lions roster. New offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, really likes what he sees in tight end T. J. Hockenson. So much so that Lynn in preparing an expanded role for a player who took a big step forward this past season.

This past season tight end T. J. Hockenson had  had 67 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns last season in route to his first Pro Bowl game. Anthony Lynn believes Hockenson is just scratching the surface of his potential.

DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 03: T.J. Hockenson #88 of the Detroit Lions makes the second quarter reception and is tackled by Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 3, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Anthony Lynn said it was nice that Hockenson made the Pro Bowl but that he and the rest of the Detroit Lions coaching staff believes that Hockenson can be even better and plans to expand the Detroit offense in order to bring that out in the gifted young receiving target.

The new-look Detroit Lions offense will be very tight end friendly. Don’t believe me? Try this on for size, last season while as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers tight ends were targeted 93 times.

Lynn likes a high-level tight end on the roster because of what it can mean for the rest of the offense. Both in the passing game, downfield blocking and run blocking. To have a player as gifted as T. J. Hockenson it means that linebackers and safeties have to play a cleaner game. No cheating the line of scrimmage.

When the Detroit Lions drafted Hockenson in the first round out of Iowa in 2019 many thought he was the most NFL ready tight end in the draft. Hockenson struggled his rookie year and then took off this past season.

GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: A detailed view of a Detroit Lions helmet during the NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals on September 8, 2019 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

New Lions starting quarterback Jared Goff has a history of targeting tight ends. During his time as starting quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams Goff threw 316 passes to tight ends in his career, including 194 of them over the past two seasons this would seems to indicate a lot of usage for Hockenson in the near future.

For the rebuild Detroit Lions, they will lean heavily on the likes of running back D’Andre Swift and T. J. Hockenson to create miss matches.

 

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D’Andre Swift gives the Detroit Lions a building block at running back

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell knows and has acknowledged the team is undergoing a massive rebuild. Yes there are current players who could and should make it out of the rebuild still with the franchise. Offensive Tackle, Taylor Decker, Tight End, TJ Hockenson,  Center, Frank Ragnow, and a few others should all be Detroit Lions after the rebuild. So should running back D’Andre Swift, who gives the Lions a legitimate threat running the ball.

Ever since Barry Sanders retired from the NFL in 1999, the Detroit Lions have been a graveyard for running backs. Enter D’Andre Swift who was selected by the Lions in the second round of last years NFL Draft.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 15: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions reacts following a first down in the fourth quarter during their game against the Washington Football Team at Ford Field on November 15, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

D’Andre Swift is blessed with serious speed and playmaking ability. As a rookie Swift had 511 yards, while he accounted for 878 yards overall and scored 10 touchdowns, Swift also averaged 4.6 yards per carry for the season.

Swift gives Lions head coach Dan Campbell and new Offensive Coordinator Anthony Lynn a player who looks ready for a bigger role next season. Dan Campbell has made it clear he likes a run-first offense. A running back like Swift gives him an immediate impact player at the position his offense is said to revolve around.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Head coach Anthony Lynn of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

While he was an offensive coordinator before being head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, Anthony Lynn also preferred a run first offense. When Lynn called the offensive shots for the Buffalo Bills he used the run 55% of the time to 45% pass. Lynn did not call offensive plays has a head coach.

With the aforementioned Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow along with the Detroit Lions best and most consistent linemen Jonah Jackson who was a rookie last season as well, the Detroit Lions offensive line is in good shape going forward.

D’Andre Swift in a run-first offense has the ability to become a break-out player for the Lions as soon as next season. Even during a rebuild. The Lions will need to find another running back to help manage Swift’s workload.

But going forward the Lions are in pretty good shape at running back.

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Detroit Lions legend Calvin Johnson has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Not long ago I wrote that Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions were still at odds over money the Lions asked for back once Calvin Johnson retired and the two parties need to work things out. I believe that will happen soon. Last night Cavin Johnson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot. Johnson AKA “Megatron” becomes just the seventh wide receiver to be enshrined his first year on the ballot.

DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 22: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions looks on during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field on November 22, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Raiders 18-13. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/Detroit Lions/Getty Images)

Calvin Johnson did not workout for any NFL team before the 2007 NFL draft. He did not need to. It was clear to every team, every scout, every general manager, Johnson was a game changer. Johnson at  6-foot-5 and 239 pounds ran the  40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds.

Much like former Detroit Lions running back and Hall of Fame member Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson  was a quiet superstar,  who drew attention to himself with his play not running his mouth. He was revered by teammates for his all-out competitiveness on the field and his lack of ego away.

Many members of the Detroit media pointed out on social media after the announcement was made that Johnson was the absolute kindest person they have ever talked with.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions looks on during pre-game warm ups before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on September 16, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 27-19. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Even though Johnson played just nine seasons, and about 60 fewer games than the average Hall of Fame receiver, he racked up the accolades. Calvin Johnson was selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls -2010-15, earned first-team All-Pro honors three times -2011-13 and was named to the league’s all-decade team for the 2010s.

Detroit Lions Shelia Ford Hamp offered a statement the team released

Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions need to have a sit down. The Lions should do right by Johnson and give his signing bonus back. There is no if’s, and’s or, but’s about it. Calvin Johnson earned his money.

Otherwise it could be awkward when enshrinement day rolls around.