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***Breaking news*** The Detroit Lions have just hired a new defensive coordinator

Embed from Getty Images We have a developing story, The Detroit Lions have named Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach Cory Undlin defensive coordinator. This is from NFL insider Field Yates. A formal announcement from the Lions is coming shortly.

Cory Undlin, has been coaching in the NFL since 2004. Undlin started as a defensive assistant with the New England Patriots, the same year current Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia started in the Patriots organization.

Coaching with the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos, Undlin has been the defensive backs coach in Philadelphia for the past four seasons.

During his coaching career, Cory Undlin has produced mixed results with the defensive backs units he has been part of. This past season the Philadelphia Eagles secondary struggled with pass defense. To be fair, the Eagles did not have the best player personnel to work with in the secondary.

During the 2018 season Undlin helped the Eagles weather the storm of a rash of injuries to produce a solid if not spectacular secondary. This is an expected type of move for Patricia and his Lions staff.

In my opinion Cory Undlin was brought in for a couple of reasons. The primary reason being, Undlin already knows, understands and has a firm grasp of the defense Patricia wants to run dating back to their time in New England.

It goes without saying that because his background is in the secondary the Detroit Lions need to bring in a home run hire for the linebacking unit. In a move that may surprise some. Undlin really is not that far fetched.

People inside the Philadelphia Eagles organization have has internal conversations if current Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz leaves the team who would replace him, the answer was Cory Undlin.

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The Detroit Lions bring in a new special team coach

Embed from Getty Images Brayden Coombs, who worked for the Cincinnati Bengals since 2009 in different capacities, was hired Saturday as the Detroit Lions special teams coach. Coombs replaces the departed John Bonamego. Brayden Coombs joins Detroit’s staff with high regard.

In Brayden Coombs, the Detroit Lions are getting a real up and coming coach. At just 33 years old, Coombs has experience not only with the offensive and defensive side of the ball, but Coombs has also put in work as a gameday scout as well as quality control coach who helped with the offensive game plan.

When Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, chose to keep Coombs after he was named head coach it spoke volumes to just how solid a coach Brayden is.

Brayden Coombs, is viewed around the NFL as a bright, rising coach. Last season Coombs nearly landing a coordinator job in Green Bay. Detroit Lions fans should be happy he did not get the job.

On a very bad Bengals team, the special teams turned heads. The Cincinnati Bengals special teams were the best in the NFL. Finishing the season ranked #1.

The 2019, Detroit Lions special teams were anything but special. Head coach Matt Patricia prioritized special teams as a unit the Lions would like to upgrade. The Lions finished the season ranking 8th in the department. Not bad, but if there is a way to improve the team it needs to be made. So Patricia saw a clear upgrade and made it.

Brayden Coombs will have pressure from expectations he has placed on himself from his previous work. All indications are he is ready and able to meet the challenges head on.

Brayden Coombs is a very solid, very good move for Patricia and his coaching staff. To get one of the best special teams coach in the NFL is a big win for a staff that dismissed a few coach’s in order to get better.

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Detroit Red Wings: Steve Yzerman speaks

Embed from Getty Images Yesterday, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman made his one and only comments about the state of the Wings. Back in April, Yzerman told the fans, media and hockey world he only speaks one time in-season, because of a busy schedule. Steve Yzerman in not only general manager, but he actively scouts at home and abroad.

In giving his near mid-season team evaluation with legendary Detroit Red Wings radio play-by-play announcer Ken Kal, Yzerman did not hold back. He gave the good, the bad, the ugly.

On the Trade Deadline Steve Yzerman said he is looking to acquire more draft picks. There is an one problem, there are some impending unrestricted free agents who are have bad seasons, driving down asking price, making it more difficult to move.

“My plan isn’t passive,” Yzerman started with, “I’m looking for ways to build for the future and trying to acquire draft picks or prospects or young players that can come into the organization sooner or later.”

On Top Prospects: Yzerman hinted Moritz Seider, Joe Veleno, Gustav Lindstrom will likely get a nine game look (so their entry level contract does not kick in) later in the season.

“I don’t have anything set in stone but that’s definitely something in the back of our mind” Yzerman said, “Do we bring up the Velenos and Seiders and give them a feel for the NHL? I won’t say absolutely you’re going to see this player or that player here, but I think it’s safe to assume that at some point some of those guys will get up here and play some games as the season winds down.”

On coach Jeff Blashill’s future: Steve Yzerman said it is unfair to pin the team’s record on the coaching staff because of injuries. The Detroit Red Wings have been without defenseman Danny DeKeyer, as well ask key forwards Anthony Mantha and Andreas Athanasiou for some time now.

On Tanking: Red Wings fans know one thing about the teams former 20 year captain now general manager, Steve Yzerman is ultra competitive. Anything that resembles losing weather just a bad team, or intentional to gain draft picks, Yzerman shoots down.

“Every player is looking to use the second half to improve and they will be expected to improve and will be held to a standard to improve and gradually become a better hockey team.”

Fans of the Detroit Red Wings can rest easy. Yzerman will do his job and do it well. He needs time.

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In a dark, no good, very bad season, Detroit Red Wings Filip Zadina shows promise

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Red Wings have 38 games left in what has been their bleakest season in more than three decades. Yes, it is that bad in Hockeytown. What do Red Wings fans have to look forward to over the next three months, other than the draft lottery and chance to land the No. 1 pick? Filip Zadina’s development, is one thing fans should be keying into.

Filip Zadina, The Red Wings top pick in 2018 (sixth overall) has been making progress since being promoted from the Grand Rapids Griffins in late November.

Zadina  has five goals and six assists in his past 16 games, after being held without a point in his first three. Zadina also has 11 points in that time as well.

Probably the aspect of his game that has stood out most is, Zadina’s increased confidence with the puck the young forward is playing with poise. Filip Zadina is much more confident now than he was in training camp, when he appeared to be pressing in an effort to make the Red Wings opening night roster, he is more relaxed and his play reflects it.

This is one of the best aspects of a very ugly Red Wings season. Zadina has taken his game to the next level. He has done so in the NHL and not the AHL. Zadina said he feels playing in Detroit would help his game. He has been dead right.

On January, 6 2020 Zadina showed why he is a HUGE part of the Detroit Red Wings future:

Last night the Red Wings played Montreal, Zadina scored the game-winning goal. This is exactly why the Detroit Red Wings drafted him. This is what is going to be counted on for on a regular basis.

For Zadina, he has shown growth in the defensive end of the ice and on the power play, the sky is the limit. He is the real deal and is starting to play like it. In an awful season Filip Zadina gives hope to the Red Wings organization and fans.

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The 2020 Michigan Wolverines offense could look a little different

Embed from Getty Images One year ago Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines football team’s offense was stale, and did not have the firepower to win in the schools biggest games. Harbaugh went outside the box and brought in Josh Gattis to run his offense. Gattis arrived in Ann Arbor and said his offense is based on “speed in space.”

“Speed in space,” is based on spreading the ball around and getting it to the best play makers. It sounded like a good theory. Michigan had some players needed to become a bit more explosive offensively.

Yet, Gattis and the Wolverines did not have enough play makers to move the meter much. Jim Harbaugh and Josh Gattis watched as the Wolverines struggled to grasp the offense early in the 2019 season.

Then it began to click, Michigan went on a mini tear, amassing points and yardage in the second half of the season. throw out a combined point total of 43 against Ohio State and Alabama, it goes without saying that is bad, Michigan did gain a combined 791 yards against the two national powerhouses.

The Michigan Wolverines offense clearly showed signs of growth. Enough growth to suggest the Wolverines look set to be a dangerous offensive team next season.

Cutting down on turnovers and finding a running game opened things up for the Gattis lead offense. Hammering Notre Dame for 45 points and hanging in against both Ohio State and Alabama, albeit for only the first half are positive steps.

The real question for Harbaugh, Gattis and the Michigan offense is what’s next? The team must replace quarterback Shea Patterson, who both struggled and played well sometimes within the same game. Michigan has an outstanding offensive line, but need to replace four starters as well as wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones who declared for the NFL draft.

While that is a lot to replace, Michigan, thanks in large part to solid recruiting have the depth for a smooth transition. It is not difficult to see improvement for the 2020 Big Ten season.

Jim Harbaugh knew this would be a bumpy step-back season as his team went in a new direction offensively. If the team can find it’s way through the non-conference games with new starters, Michigan’s offense looks prepared to take the next step.

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The Detroit Pistons look to join the Tigers and Red Wings in rebuilding

Embed from Getty Images Tom Gores has been consistent in his expectations, when Gores bought the Detroit Pistons in 2011 he expected his teams would compete for playoff spots every year. With the 2019-20 Detroit Pistons the season having been nothing short or utter disappointment, changes are coming.

Pistons owner Tom Gores was asked Thursday night if he was OK with the team taking a step back if it meant getting more than just a playoff spot and actually competing for NBA championships.

“We probably have to take some chances with some of the younger guys, but absolutely, That’s what we’re aspiring to- something bigger than what we’ve been doing, but I have not lost faith in what Dwane Casey (Pistons head coach) is doing and how we’re developing the players and our future,” Gores said.

Just like that. It was not an out and out “We are going to rebuild,” but that is exactly what Gores is saying. Then came the proof, last night two NBA insiders reported the Detroit Pistons are looking to (or shopping if you like that verbiage better,) trade veteran center and Pistons mainstay Andre Drummond.

Drummond is the right player to start with. The market for centers in bare, making Drummond very attractive to playoff bound teams looking to add rebounding, defense and scoring. The Pistons know full well Drummond would bring in a tremendous haul. Players, prospects and first round draft picks. The Pistons are said to be engaged with the Atlanta Hawks with the Boston Celtics also keeping an eye on Drummond.

The Pistons also have other nice players to sell off, none short of Blake Griffin will bring in talent and coveted draft picks like Andre Drummond. I believe (if my memory serves me correct) last season both Tom Gores and Dwane Casey said they want to build around Griffin, so at this time I do not think they will move him. If they get an offer to good to pass up, then all bets are off.

In Detroit, the city already has two rebuilding sports franchises the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings and despite what general manager Bob Quinn said the Detroit Lions are also rebuilding at least on the defensive side of the ball.

For the Pistons with and older roster, this is the right path to take. By trading a star and getting current players already on NBA rosters, prospects and draft picks the Pistons position themselves to get better sooner. What will speed that up more is after the season when the team has expiring contracts off the books and can go after big name free agents, like Gores has always wanted to.

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With coaching vacancies the Detroit Lions have work to do

Embed from Getty Images Tuesday the Detroit Lions gave six assistant coach’s pink slips. Yesterday, two Lions coach’s announced they were leaving coaching. Also yesterday the Detroit coaching staff was confirmed to be coaching the Senior Bowl. The Lions have three weeks to fill eight coaching positions in order to be able to coach the Bowl game.

The Detroit Lions will have a new defensive coordinator in 2020. Paul Pasqualoni, who  oversaw the Detroit Lions defense the past two seasons and the second worst defense this season, announced Thursday that he’s stepping away from football because the Lions said he wants “to be closer to his family.”

In more of a surprise, offensive line coach Jeff Davidson also is taking what the team described as an “indefinite leave” of absence from coaching. Davidson worked wonders for the Lions offensive line.

The Senior Bowl is widely viewed as the most prestigious college all-star game. Last year’s event showcased 40 players who were taken on the first two days of the NFL draft, including 10 first round picks and 93 drafted players overall. This year’s game is Jan. 25 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.

Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia, now has a lot of work in just three weeks. Patricia needs to find a: Special teams coordinator, linebackers coach, assistant strength and performance coach, Football performance coordinator,  Defensive backs coach, tight ends coach as well as a defensive coordinator and offensive line coach.

In my opinion, Patricia will move quickly. Really he has no other choice. It is possible he has already in mind the coach’s he would like. Coaching in the Senior Bowl is considered a serious advantage because it gives teams an opportunity to actually work with prospects and put them through drills, rather than just seeing them rip a 40 yard dash at the NFL combine or a pro day. Usually the two worst teams in the league that didn’t make a coaching change land the gig.  Detroit picks at No. 3 in the first round of the draft.

Both Patricia and Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn are excited about the opportunity to head to Alabama. Its is a golden chance to see talent up close. But before then there is work to do. Lions fans can expect to hear about new coach’s in the next two weeks.

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The Detroit Lions fire six assistant coaches

Embed from Getty Images Monday afternoon in the end of the season press conference’s  Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia said he was evaluating everything as the team fresh off a 3-12-1 season needs to be overhauled in some areas. Lions general manager echoed the same. Evaluate, think, make moves.

Tuesday afternoon The Detroit Lions announced some changes. The unfortunate outcome was six coaches received pink slips. This is what 3-12-1 looks like. Some of the firings were justified, more on that in a moment.

Tuesday, strength coach Harold Nash, special teams coordinator John Bonamego as well as four other assistant coaches were let go beginning what looks to be a rather significant offseason makeover for the Detroit Lions.

One puzzling move that was not made was defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni was not fired, not yet anyway. Heading into the 2019 NFL season the Lions defense looked as good as it has in a while on paper. But paper does not play games nor does it coach.

Monday afternoon when GM Bob Quinn spoke, he said he did not like to make excuses, but the Lions had an NFL high 18 players on IR (injured reserve.) It seemed every game at least two Lions players were being carted off the field. To dismiss, Harold Nash was probably the right thing to do.

It is mind-blowing and downright boggling Paul Pasqualoni was not at the very least reassigned a different role. The Detroit Lions had one if not the most underachieving defenses in the NFL this season. The Lions ranked 31st in total yards, 26 in points allowed, dead last against the pass and blew seven second half leads.

Watching the Lions, the linebackers were out of position often and certain players development such as former first round draft pick Jarrad Davis has stalled. Leading to the linebackers coach getting his pink slip.

Coaching is not an easy job to be sure. Bob Quinn said he expects about a 25% roster changeover this offseason. That is down from last season where the Lions were closer to a 60% changeover.

Time will tell if the changes pay off. Lions owner Martha Ford gave a playoff or lose your job next season mandate to both Quinn and Patricia. If there is no playoffs next season, there will be a total rebuild, again. Lions fans are use to rebuilds the team has been doing it since 1957. Perhaps that why Mrs. Ford wants to give it one more shot.

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Detroit Red Wings Tyler Bertuzzi makes his first All-Star team

Embed from Getty Images Detroit Red Wings Tyler Bertuzzi is many things. To opposing teams, Bertuzzi is a pest who gets under the skin and smiles while being annoying. To his Red Wings teammates he is simply known as “Bert.” The front tooth missing almost always smiling, almost always joking teammate. To the Detroit Red Wings Tyler Bertuzzi is now an NHL All-Star.

When the NHL announced the player selections Monday afternoon, Tyler Bertuzzi heard his name called. He nor anyone who follows the Red Wings or NHL hockey should have been surprised.

Bertuzzi leads the Detroit hockey team with 14 goals and 16 assists with 30 points, six points ahead of both Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha. Mantha would have made the All-Star team is he had not suffered a rib cage injury.

The NHL All-Star rosters are voted on by the fans. Dylan Larkin has been singing Bertuzzi’s praise for a while now. “I’ve said it before, he’s just a hockey player. He battles, he plays hard, blocks shots and scores goals. Bert is not afraid to jump into battles.” Larkin told reporters.

Bertuzzi has a great sense of humor as well. Last season in a game where Anthony Mantha broke his hand in a fight defending Larkin, Mantha skated to the bench sat down next to Bertuzzi took his glove off to reveal a swelling hand and asked Tyler if he thought it was broken. “How should I know, I’m not a *beeping* doctor”, Bertuzzi told him. Leading Mantha to breakout in laughter.

Bertuzzi is a bundle of sheer grit and determination. He has elevated his game and the game of his teammates everywhere he has played. The fact “Bert” is an All-Star is not surprising to anyone in the Red Wings organization or the Wings fan base. As Bertuzzi is a HUGE fan favorite.

Tyler Bertuzzi also has another big fan, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman who smiles whenever Bertuzzi’s name is brought up. Why? Because Tyler Bertuzzi is a big part of the Detroit Red Wings future.

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Weeding through some good in a lot of bad for the 2019 Detroit Lions

Embed from Getty Images Mercifully the 2019 Detroit Lions season has come to an end. At 3-12-1 the Detroit Lions were done in by a woefully underperforming defense and a rash of injuries. The Lions were in nearly every game, but could not put teams away. That is the bad in a nut shell. So let’s take a look at some good that the team and fans can take away.

For starters the Lions actually found talent in the later rounds of the NFL draft. Rookie defensive back Amani Oruwariye, became the first Detroit Lions player since 2010 to record two interceptions in their rookie season. Oruwariye looks like a solid player moving forward.

Defensive back Tracy Walker, became the fifth DB in Lions franchise history to total 100 tackles in a season. Walker’s feat is even more impressive as he did it in 13 games played.

Danny Amendola, Marvin Jones Jr. and Kenny Golladay, had 60+ receptions for 675+ yards each. That is a franchise first.

Rookie running back Ty Johnson was the first Lions RB since 1991 to record at least 50 rushing yards in the first half of a game while averaging more than 20.0 yards per attempt.

Lions running back Kerryon Johnson recorded the eighth most rushing yards by a Lions player with 1,104 in their first two seasons. Only Detroit Lions legends Billy Sims and Barry Sanders had more.

Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay, caught a touchdown pass in all four games against AFC teams. Golladay, totaled 5 TD catches in all. Only Lions great Calvin Johnson had more (6 in 2011.)

Speaking of Kenny Golladay, he lead the NFL with 11 receiving touchdowns. Joining Detroit greats, Herman Moore and Calvin Johnson as the only players in Lions history to post 1,100 receiving yards and 11 receiving TDs. Golladay also had 16 receptions of 25+ yards, the most by a Detroit Lions since Calvin Johnson in 2012.

Since the NFL began recording pass defenses, Lions cornerback  Darius Slay became the only player in NFL history to have six consecutive seasons with 12 pass defenses and 2 interceptions.

It is not much. But there is the good in a lot of bad. The Detroit Lions have a lot of offseason work to do, in order to put a better defense on the field. The team will pick at #3 in the first round of the NFL draft and has $50 million in cap space to make improvements.