Payton Talks Play-Calling Duties, Lions Defense
 

Opening Statement:
“Today’s injury list: DE Turk McBride (left ankle) did not practice, LB Jonathan Vilma (left knee) was limited, CB Jabari Greer (right knee) was full, and DT Tom Johnson (left elbow) as full. Most of the work today was in our nickel and third down.”

Is it easier when you have just one wide receiver like Calvin Johnson on a team to focus on defending him and shutting him down?

“Certainly the challenges always shift to run and pass as to how you’re going to support the run and if you’re going to play with safety help over the top of a receiver, then there’s an area there that you’re giving up. I think more importantly than anything you have to have that mix. There may be times when you won’t have safety help over the top, then you have to understand clearly what you have to do underneath if you’re the corner defending him. The challenge when you watch him on tape is the earned receptions where the coverage is good and he has the stature to go up and make a play above his head. He runs extremely well. With that combination of size and strong hands, those are the challenges. When you’re in the right spot and he’s able to elevate and make a play.”

Does it help that their running game may be a little weaker than it was a couple of weeks ago?

“I think when you’re offensively looking at what teams are trying to do to take away a player like Calvin, you want to have that balance. Typically you get into seven or seven and a half man fronts instead of eight man fronts when you’re playing with safety help over the top of the receiver. Again, it just gets back to the mix and I think more importantly than anything else is doing your best to prevent the big plays, the ones that change momentum in games and the ones you see that he’s made in big spots for them. It’s easier said than done, but certainly it’s a point of emphasis when you’re defending a player like him.”

What is it that the Lions do so well to have one of the best pass defenses in the league?

“I think there’s a direct correlation in their pass defense as it pertains to their ability to rush the passer. They’re a team that does a very good job within the four-man rush of hurrying and pressuring quarterbacks, so when that clock is shorter for the QB, I think it benefits everyone in coverage. I think they’re a great example of that. They’re playing very well on the back end, and yet they’re able to really speed up that clock. I think that becomes more challenging. I think they’re by far the number one team in third down defense. They’re holding opponents to a really low number in regards to conversions. I think it starts with the rush.”

Full article.
Payton Talks Play-Calling Duties, Lions Defense

We are blessed to have a good off. coordinator and good assistant coaches. Sadly, we will probably end up losing some coaching staff next year.

I hope not.