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2016 DP Media Awards

12/31/2016

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By: Dalton Potocki
As the year comes to a close, it only makes sense that I give out my 2016 Media Awards. I realize my opinion carries a lot of weight in the media industry so any type of revenue increase that is caused by these awards, I would like a portion of those. All of these are supposed to be “If you haven't seen/listened yet you should” type of awards. Without further adieu, the 2016 DP Media Awards:

  • Best Movie: “Gimme Danger”
    Gotta start this by saying I’ve seen 3 movies in theaters this year and this one was head and shoulders above the rest. The bio-pic about The Stooges was excellent. It talked about how they came to rock-n-roll fame in the 60’s and how they were never really respected in the music industry. It’s a must watch for anyone who is a fan of rock.

  • Best Song: “Closer” by The Chainsmokers
    This was the easiest of all awards. Song is an absolute heater. Couldn’t escape it for like 2 months and I was perfectly fine with it. Whenever it comes on at the bar, there is just a different feel. Words are easy to remember, fun to sing along with, and helped normalize mattress-stealing culture. A much needed song for everyone.

  • Best TV Show (Cable): “The People vs OJ Simpson” on FX
    This award was maybe the hardest of the awards. I had it down to three shows. OJ, Always Sunny, and Better Call Saul. While the new season of Always Sunny was funny, it wasn't their best and Better Call Saul is extremely interesting on a week to week basic but it moves a little slow. Those factors combined with the fact that OJ was the first docudrama about the most fascinating crime in American history. People liked to hate on it because of the actors but since I’m all about honesty, I thought that John Travolta did a good job as Shapiro. Cuba Gooding could have done a better job looking like OJ i.e. lifting a weight but considering how it rekindled the nation’s interest in something that happened like 20+ years ago, it wins this award.
    
  • Best TV Show (Not Cable): “Westworld” on HBO
    It could be my affinity for Western themed shows but West World was an absolute masterpiece. Multiple storylines, interesting characters, beautiful scenery, and A+ acting. There was absolutely not one thing that could have been done better. Disclaimer: You really have to pay attention to it or you will get lost, this isn't one of those shows you can watch while scrolling on your phone. I’m not gonna go into because it's still relatively new I don’t want to be the guy who spoils it for ya. Just go watch it. You will not be disappointed.

  • Best Podcast: “Pardon My Take” by Barstool Sports
Constant laughs for anyone who is even remotely follows sports. As they did more shows they have gotten better at interviews and are getting bigger and better celebrities all the time. Their segments are always something to look forward too. They include “Locker Room Talk with Lenny Dykstra”, “PR 101”, and “I just did soul-cycle so listen to me eat chips”. Jump on now while they are on break and listen to their entire catalog.
​
  • Best Video Game: Rocket League
    I don’t even know if this game came out in 2016 but it’s that good. What is Rocket League? Cars playing soccer. Sounds dumb but it is probably my favorite sports game right now and has been for most of 2016.
​
  • Best Radio Station Sports Department: WCBN 88.3 FM Ann Arbor
    C’mon. Thats easy.
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The Orange Bowl: A Must Win to Salvage this Season

12/29/2016

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By: Leo Blavin
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- On the eve of Michigan's thirteenth and final game of the 2016 season the mood around this team's fan base is one of anxiety more than celebration. The Wolverines entered the season as a favorite to not only win the Big Ten, but the national championship as well. After finishing the season losing two of their last three games, the excitement around this year's team has dissipated. An appearance in a New Year's six bowl game is normally celebrated at a school that has failed to reach a BCS/NY6 bowl game since 2011, but given the hype that was built up throught the summer and followed this team into November, Michigan must now try to avoid losing three of their last four games. The 2016 version of Michigan football can still finish the year improving upon the 10-win output produced a season ago, however a loss in the Orange Bowl to Florida State, will leave a sour taste in the mouths of the Maize and Blue faithful. 

An improvement from one season to the next is easy to accept when you jump from ten wins to eleven, however two straight ten win seasons while your archrival competes in the playoff for the second time in three years will only widen the gap between Michigan and Ohio State. Michigan's fanbase is desperate for progress and there is only so much Wolverine fans can glean from improving the margin of defeat to Ohio State. When Jim Harbaugh was hired two years ago, the expectation was Michigan would return to national relevance and competitiveness. The Wolverines continue to dominate the headlines, but have yet to finish in the top two of the Big Ten's East Division and the cupboard is supposedly bare heading into next season. It's hard to imagine Michigan will be in a position to reach the College Football Playoff in late November of 2017. That's what increased the sense of deflation when Michigan fell to Ohio State. Again. This was the year.

If Michigan can take care of business against the Seminoles, this season will still end on a high note. However a loss will force the returning players to do a lot of soul searching this offseason. This was supposed to be Ohio State's down year after losing a plethora of superstars to the National Football League. They're back in the playoff despite their lack of experience in key positions. Alabama is a revolving door to the NFL and stays competitive regardless of experience at any position. Clemson has reached the Playoff in back to back years. The powerhouse programs in college football aren't going anywhere. Michigan has to catch up rather than hope other teams fall back to them. The current gap between Michigan and the Nation's elite is extremely slim right now, but a loss to Florida State will make that gap feel much wider. Florida State is a blue blood program. This is their sixth straight BCS/NY6 bowl game. Only Alabama has matched that production. 

Friday night's Orange Bowl won't salvage Michigan's chances of fulfilling lofty preseason expectations. However, it can provide the momentum needed to sustain the current upward trajectory of the program. Jim Harbaugh is trying to build something very special at his alma mater. Tomorrow night's result will provide a good indication of just how far Michigan has come in two years under Harbaugh.  A win and Michigan will head into next season with confidence and a belief that they belong among the college football elite once again. A loss and Michigan fans will fear that next year's looming regression, in terms of wins and losses, will set the Wolverines back even further in the college football pecking order. Friday night's Orange Bowl is a true benchmark game.

​It's time for Michigan to make a statement that the Wolverines aren't going anywhere and belong in the conversation with Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, and Florida State among the nation's best. Three losses in their last four games and I'm not sure how optimistic Michigan fans should feel about the direction of the program. This current team is as talented as you could ask for. Harbaugh will keep the roster overflowing with talent. Sometimes the breaks go a team's way. That was not the case for Michigan this year. There is no gurantee Michigan will ever benefit from poor officiating or a fortunate bounce of the pigskin. The beauty of Michigan's Citrus Bowl performance last year was that it left no doubt this program was headed in the right direction. A similar performance against a very good Florida State team will put the curent top teams on notice. A loss and the doubt around Harbaugh's rebuilding efforts will amplify. There will always be doubters, but Michigan will aim to silence them heading into 2017. 
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Double Coverage: Dallas

12/23/2016

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By: Tim Barnum & Dalton Potocki
Dalton: Dallas has locked up the NFC East and homefield throughout the playoffs. They are gonna rest their starters right?

Tim: Hopefully for at least some of the game. Of course that might lead to Romo coming in, playing like he was able to when he was at his best, leading the Cowboys to a huge night (and win), and then causing a QB controversy and the typical Dallas dysfunction, just in time for the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Lions wouldn’t be able to cash in on any of this. Awesome! Really though, I think they’ll play Dak and Zeke for at least half of the game. It’d be nice if they’d rest their O-line, too. That would be the real treat.

Dalton: Slay is doubtful for the game, if Green Bay loses should he play to try to clinch this week or should he save himself for Week 17?

Tim: One underrated aspect about playing on Monday night is you know how everything else played out during the week, so you can make decisions like this. I’d like to see Detroit clinch sooner rather than later, so if he can go and slow down Dez Bryant, do it. It’s a tough call, though, because I have a feeling the week 17 game is the one that will matter more.

Dalton: Is the Stafford MVP talk over after the performance he put forth in New York?

Tim: Look, people. Stafford has led many fourth quarter drives that led to wins, it’s true. Would all of those drives be as lauded if it weren’t for Matt Prater blasting deep field goals, though? No. Stafford has also thrown fewer picks this year, at least so far. That’s true as well. And we must remember that his leadership is more effective than ever, because in week one he yelled at receivers to get out of bounds. The clutch drives, decrease in interceptions and vocal leadership are all good things. I will not dispute that. In the words of the angry muppet Stephen A. Smith, though, HOWEVAH, this is not a career year for Matthew Stafford. TO be honest, it’s not even close. In 2011, when the Lions went 10-6, which could actually be a better record than they end up with this year, Stafford threw 41 touchdowns and cleared 5,000 yards. Unfortunately Drew Brees almost go to 5,500 yards and Tom Brady cleared 5,200 yards, so Stafford was an “also ran,” that year. His touchdown to interception ratio wasn’t as high that year as it looks like it will be this year (keywords: looks like - there are two games left), but those are numbers many quarterbacks have never touched, especially the 5,000-yard mark. So by my metrics, which mean two things (jack and shit), I never really thought Stafford was having a “career year” let alone a MVP-caliber season. Now, no quarterback is having a year as good as Brees, Brady or Stafford had in 2011. Looking at teams who will likely make the playoffs, Matt Ryan stands out as a frontrunner for MVP. He has more than 4,300 yards, 32 touchdowns and 7 picks as of the time of this writing. Aaron Rodgers is ahead of Stafford in yardage, too, and like Ryan, has 32 touchdowns and 7 INTs. You know that if there’s a chance to give him the MVP trophy, they’ll do it. I love Matt Stafford and will admit he’s more effective this year, but there’s no chance for MVP, especially given the recent circumstances.

Tim: I was at a family Christmas party last weekend and couldn’t watch the game. Sounded awful from what I heard on the radio. What happened? Was that indicative of who the LIons are?

Dalton: The offense was awful. Do I think it was a product of poor play calling/game plan? First, excellent questions and second, absolutely. I think it was really like every game they have played this year besides New Orleans. They were slow all game but had a chance to take the lead in the 4th. They just couldn't get it done this time.


Tim: Which one of the Cowboys standout rookies do the LIons have a better chance of shutting down? Can the Lions break through Dallas’ offensive line?

Dalton: They have a better chance of shutting down Zeke. The reason I say that is the answer to the second question. No, the Lions can’t break through that O-Line. No team has and there is literally no reason to expect a Lions’ pass rush, which has been non-existent, to be able to get after the QB. At least with the run game we can rely on our linebackers to come and stuff the run.
​
Tim: I’d like to hear your thoughts on the Cowboys resting starters and if the Lions play Slay. You’re more plugged in to these sorts of topics. What say you?

Dalton: That’s a unique question. I do see the Boys resting Zeke and especially Dak. Jerry Jones would love nothing more than to have Romo come out and light up the Lions. Playing Dallas once every two years and trying to figure out what Jerry Jones will do hurts my brain. I couldn’t imagine being someone that actually covers that team. As for Slay, he should play. If the Lions miss out on the NFC North title, they can still get into the playoffs via Wild Card. If they beat Dallas, then they would hold the tiebreaker over the Tampa Bay Bucs.  

Predictions:

Tim: I always feel better about the Lions when they’re playing inside. They’ve stepped up throughout the year and I think they can do it again this week. 20-17 Detroit.

Dalton: 23-17 Dallas. This prediction really changes on the outcome of a Saturday game. If Minnesota beats Green Bay, then I think the Lions will reach deep and clinch the division on the road. But, I think that Green Bay wins and the Lions will have their sights set on Week 17.


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Criminally Underrated: My Cousin Vinny

12/22/2016

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By: Dalton Potocki
My Cousin Vinny is one of the most criminally underrated movies ever. Most of my friends have never seen it and I can’t figure out why. It literally is the perfect courtroom thriller/comedy. I’m not gonna spoil it for those of you who haven’t seen it, but Joe Pesci is a hot-shot New York lawyer trying to get his cousin off of murder charges in the deep south. Marisa Tomei puts in the performance of a lifetime as the sexy, smart, and sassy Lisa Vito. When the trial starts up and Pesci starts grilling the witnesses, it is must watch TV. I actually laugh every time when Pesci asks “What are these bushy things?” and the guy responds with “bushes”. Laugh out loud shit. So it's the almost perfect movie, now you have to ask why today's yutes (a little inside joke, gonna have to watch the movie to understand it) haven't watched it? Could it be because some people my age are super ignorant and won’t watch anything made before 1998 (MATT O’BRIEN) or could it be because people dont have refined tastes in cinema quite like me? Maybe it is a combination of both. When it comes down to brass tax, MCV needs to be watched by more of my friends because I need someone, not named Dad or Devon, to understand my references to it. Be better friends, the World (me) needs this film to live on. Until then, God bless any tv channel that puts it on.

P.S. I think I’m gonna start a new column called Criminally Underrated
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DTF: Week 15

12/21/2016

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By: The Polish Prince
Not a whole lot to say. That one was a stinker. The offense was inept and now there are some serious injury concerns to Darius Slay and Golden Tate. I don’t know what to think of this team. Well, I kinda know. I know they are a good team. Hell, they’re 9-5 and are still in control of their own destiny. But, Dalton, they haven’t beaten a team with a winning record. Yea. I know. They have beaten the teams that have been placed in front of them and that’s all you can ask out of this Lions team. If Chicago could have beaten Green Bay, I would be much more optimistic about the Lions’ chances of avoiding the winner take all in week 17. That didn't happen. There are a few different scenarios in which the Lions get in this week.

The Best Scenario:
  • Lions beat Cowboys and Green Bay loses to Minnesota. Lions win the NFC North

Wild Card Scenario:
  • Lions beat Cowboys and Bucs lose to the Saints
  • Bucs lose to Saints, Washington loses to Bears, and Falcons beat Panthers

I would prefer that the Lions just beat the Boys and GB loses because the Lions have never won the NFC North and I need the money, remember my bet.

Good:
  • Stafford: Played pretty well. Thought the play calling was bad
  • Prater: Dude just doesn’t miss
Bad:
  • Secondary: If Slay is out for Week 17 we are in trouble
Ugly:
  • Coaching: Why not challenge the OBJ “catch”? Why do we continually run the ball on first down when we don’t have a run game? Team looked like they were ready but no one made plays. It was a really odd game

It’s kinda hard to get excited about Dallas, unless Green Bay loses to Minnesota. Don’t really know what to say except it looks like all signs point to week 17 in a win or stay home game.

P.S. Detroit got the world’s first Applebee’s/IHop combo. So missing the playoffs will hurt but maybe not as bad as it would.
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Double Coverage: Giants

12/16/2016

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By: Tim Barnum & Dalton Potocki
Tim: Gotta be honest, I’m a nervous Nellie going into this week. The Giants have the same record as the Lions, but I feel like they’re a superior team, especially after they beat the Cowboys last week. Why should I feel confident the Lions can win this game?

Dalton: You should feel confident in this game because what evidence is there that this won't be a close game? The Lions are the close game team this year and if it's a one score game in the 4th quarter, I like our chances. The Giants have a very good defense, maybe the best defense the Lions will face this year but their offense isn’t anything to write home about. Outside of Odell Beckham Jr, there is no offensive weapons on this team. Eli is not a better QB than Stafford and that should give Lions fans hope. This year is the “bend don't break” year for the Lions and if they can contain OBJ from making any big plays I would expect this game to be a race to 20 points.

Tim: How worried are you about Stafford’s finger? I have to tell the truth, I’m a frantic Francine. Please refrain from using all the JPP jokes. I want to make some, too.

Dalton: When the initial reports came out I was sick to my stomach. I honestly was. I didn't want this season to come to a screeching halt because of some finger injury.  But now that the dust has settled, I feel much better about it. There were reports on Thursday that he had a tough time on some throws but I would like to live in denial and assume that the team is just having him try some different throwing motions out. I guess I am still a little bit concerned about his velocity. I really hope this is minor because if this season unravels in the final 3 games because of a finger injury, I might not make it to the 4th of July.

Tim: Hearing a lot of murmuring from the talking heads about Green Bay coming on strong, especially after handing an ass-kickin’ to the Seahawks. I won’t lie, I’m a tense Tess. (OK, I’m done with these.) Are you scared of the Pack after that display, or was it more of a case of Seattle soiling the bed?

Dalton: If you made one more name joke this article would be over. Back to the question, it’s kind of like the Stafford injury. At first, I was terrified. Now, I am less terrified. Green Bay is getting hot at the right time and have a significantly easier schedule down the stretch. That game against Seattle was more of a Seattle just had a very, very off night. No bounces were going their way and every team is entitled to a bad road loss each year. So I do think that the Packers aren’t “Beat Seattle by 3+ scores” good. Two things are giving me solace, 1) The Lions can clinch the North on any Sunday with a win and a Packers loss. This is the NFL and weird things happen. 2) If Detroit loses these next two games, then the last game of the season will be a winner take all at Ford Field. If at the beginning of this season you offered me this scenario, I would have took it in a heartbeat.

Dalton: Slay vs OBJ this week. WIll this be the toughest corner that OBJ will go up against (sorry for making you do a little research)?

Tim: Is Josh Norman still being considered a top CB? Well, even if he’s not, I think he’s still a better shutdown corner than Slay. New York still has to play Washington again, so I’ll say no. Totally just going with my gut, though.

Dalton: It’s not impossible to win out, right? I mean I know that Dallas and New York are good but what is to say the Lions can’t beat both of them and clinch before week 17? Do you see the Packers losing any of their next two games? Can the one-seed be clinched by Detroit?

Tim: Anything is possible, but for some reason I just feel better about the Dallas game right now than I do the New York game. Maybe because it’s indoors? The Giants did lose to the Skins, though, early in the season, a few weeks before the Lions beat them. I know “We beat them and they beat them” isn’t a good indicator as to how a team will perform, but it does give me some hope the Lions can beat the Giants, who, hey, look at that, beat the Cowboys! Twice. As for Green Bay, there’s no way they lose to Chicago, and I think Minnesota has already begun to limp away from the playoff race.

Dalton: We all know that Ben McAdoo has the best hair in football. But Caldwell is giving him a run for best facial hair. There is something about the pencil thin, grey mustache that gets me every time. Who you giving the edge to this week?

Tim: Did Ben McAdoo star as the big, dumb jock with a middle part in his hair in the 90s? Totally looks like it. Then, as he got older, he grew a mustache to disguise himself from the 90s villain he once was, but kept the part as a way to identify with his past life. I think he actually has the edge in facial hair, too, at this point, only because Caldwell is still about 4-5 years away from the pencil-thin grey turning full white and it looking like a permanent milk mustache. At that time, McAdoo will have no choice but to pass the torch to Jim.

Predictions:

Dalton: 23-17 Detroit. This will be a let down game for the Giants. I don't want to look like a huge homer by picking the Lions every week but I really do think that they get it done on the road this week. NYG offense isn't very good and Stafford has too many weapons.

Tim: 26-21 Detroit. You convinced me. Big Play Slay proves me wrong and shows he is the best corner OBJ will play against when he picks off Eli in the fourth to seal the game for the Lions… We forgot to make any JPP fireworks jokes
(EDITOR’S NOTE: I got one in by saying I wouldn’t make it to the 4th of July).
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Cleveland's Urban Development?

12/12/2016

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By: Anonymous Source
There are gonna be a lot of jobs opening up in the NFL. We’ve already seen Jeff Fisher get the axe. It’s not crazy to think that there will be opening in Cleveland and Jacksonville. People are already linking Jim Harbaugh to the the LA job but I’m not buying. HOWEVAH there is a Big Ten coach who could be on the move. You heard it here first folks, Urban Meyer is going to the NFL. He’s proved what he has needed to prove at the collegiate level. He wouldn't be leaving the well dry at OSU either. But where? Where oh where could Urban go? If only there was a team with:
  • A mobile quarterback
  • Defensive star he is familiar with
  • An offensive weapon who could play QB in a pinch
  • A promising young running back
  • A job near his current location so his family doesn’t have to move
  • A couple high first round picks to build around
  • A fan base that already appreciates his former work

I’m not saying that Urban Meyer is going to the Browns but you heard it here first.
Picture
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DTF Week 14

12/12/2016

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The Polish Prince
Has there ever been a more Lions win? I mean, after watching a team win its 5th in a row and 8 out of 9, has there been this bad of feeling? Not only did the Lions look bad in their win but Green Bay looked awesome and when you look at the last 3 games for the Lions (@ Giants, @ Dallas, vs  Green Bay) I am officially worried about a choke job. No fan base has felt worse about a 2 game lead with 3 games to go than this one. This situation has also refueled my hate for Aaron Rodgers. F you dude. You can't be shitty all year then try to snatch it away from me at the last second. Didn't you read my last blog? I need money. Unless you're willing to pony up $300 then stop being good. I hate you so much. You’re lame and your State Farm commercials suck now. You expect me to believe a right minded person would use a fucking golf club to kill a fly. NO! We aren’t that stupid. I hope State Farm drops your ass and goes back to BJ Raji. You don’t need this Division title. I do. Don’t you want me to have joy and spending money on spring break? Do you hate me like you hate your family? Spoiler alert people: Aaron Rodgers hates his family because he is a huge dick that no one can get along with. I hope Olivia Munn divorces you and marries me when I become a hundredaire. We are gonna take that money, maybe go to dinner and movie then go to Tim Hortons afterwards for a donut* or a bagel and some delightful chatting. Then I’ll break her heart because I know you would still care about her. I hate you Rodgers, everything about you.

*He for sure spells it doughnut. Get off your damn high horse dude. You’re not better than me.

The Good:
  • Defense: Only gave up 10 points. Cant ask for much more than that.
  • Stafford: Despite a bad pick-6 he showed a lot of grit and resilience. That last scoring drive was MVP highlight reel stuff
  • Prater: The Goat
  • Coaching Staff: Did a nice job keeping the team poised after the pick-6 and the defense had a solid game plan.
  • DeAndre Levy: Limited snaps but he looked pretty decent while out there. Could be a huge addition to a defense that is hitting its stride.

The Bad:
  • Joique Bell: Bruh
  • My Hate for Rodgers: He hasn't done anything to me and the Lions incompetency is more to blame for my pain than him. Really gotta try to dial it back, can’t be good for my blood pressure

The Ugly:
  • Officiating: Completely botched a hands to the face call on Graham Glasgow and then ruined an opportunity to at least tie for the Bears. This is a problem. There needs to be repercussions for poor officiating.
  • Staffords Injury: I would be lying if I said I wasn’t shook when I heard about the severity of it. I’m not worried about his accuracy, I’m worried about his velocity. If he has a tough time fitting the ball into small windows, that offense could get even worse than it is sometimes.


Wow, reading back on that opening paragraph, there is a lot of hate. Too much hate for one person. So this is my call to you, hate Rodgers with me. I have a surplus of hate and I can give you a hell of a deal on it. So come on visit me for special holiday offers like 0% down and no APR for 21 months. Only at Potocki Chevrolet, Buick, Chrysler, Hate!


P.S. Aaron, if you ever want to come on my podcast I will work around your schedule. Would love to have you on.
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Double Coverage: Bears

12/9/2016

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By: Tim Barnum & Dalton Potocki
Tim: Is there any chance in hell the Bears beat the Lions in Ford Field this week, complete the season sweep and send the Detroit fanbase into an absolute panic?
    
Dalton: There is absolutely a chance. Any given Wednesday...er, I mean Sunday (sorry Bill). What was so huge about the win against the Saints was that it gave the Lions a little bit of breathing room. That being said, they shouldn't overlook the Bears. That defense isn't as bad as what people think. If Chicago wins, fire up the “Get rid of Caldwell” machine.

Tim: Why did our defense look so good last week?
    
Dalton: Teryl Austin put together one of his best game planning performances of the year. Give a lot of credit to him for putting our guys in the right position to make plays. Give credit to our defensive guys who actually made the plays. And give a little bit of love to the offense for controlling ball for 13 more minutes than the Saints and keeping Drew Brees off the field. Complete team victory.

Tim: Should we give Matt Prater some love? Doesn’t he look like a fat-faced Nick Swardson?

Dalton: Yes, absolutely. Most loveable guy on the team. And he is Nick Swardson’s older brother. You can't tell me otherwise.

Tim: What are you looking for from the Lions this week? Do they need to make another statement like they did against the Saints and win by two scores or more?
    
Dalton: They don't have to go out there and dominate. It would be very reassuring of them if they did, but as long as they win they will be alright. But, if they go out and win in convincing fashion, like they should, then they will inspire a lot of hope for a playoff victory.

Dalton: This week’s game is tough. Not a whole lot to talk about but how can Detroit lose this game?
    
Tim: Well when we lost to the Bears earlier this season, I think the score was 16-13 (too lazy to look it up for accuracy). If our offense kind of sputters, which it has done plenty of this year, or Prater misses an extra point (again, it has happened a couple time this year), I could see a similar result. I don’t think Matt Barkley is going to do anything remotely spectacular, so as long as our offense is competent, the Lions will win.

Dalton: Seattle and Green Bay plays this weekend. Seattle is in front of Detroit for a first round bye but Green Bay is Detroit’s biggest opponent for the NFC North. Who are you rooting for?
​


Tim: Tough one, here, because both teams have obnoxious fan bases, with the “12s” in Seattle legitimately believing they’re part of the team, and the fans in Green Bay believing they are “owners” and not simply disgusting human beings who reek of cheese and Milwaukee’s Best. I’ll say Seattle, though. We’ll deal with them in the playoffs.

Dalton: Can Jim Caldwell, if he leads this team to an NFC North crown, win Coach of the Year?

Tim: Possibly, but I feel like this year all awards go to the Cowboys. Gonna be tough to rip that title away from Jason Garrett with his two rookies playing as well as they are.

Dalton: Tell me why I don’t like Jay Cutler again?
    
Tim:I seem to remember you telling me you despise people with diabetes before.
**EDITOR’S NOTE: I do NOT hate people with the D-word. Some of my best friends are diabetic. Love you grandma.**

Predictions:
    Dalton: Lions win this in convincing fashion. I feel this team is so focused right now that they will roll over an inferior team. 35-10 Detroit.
    Tim: Kiss my ass Ditka. Someone get John Fox some lotion for his permanently wind burnt face. The Bears suck. 42-13 Lions.
**ANOTHER EDITOR’S NOTE: “Suck my Ditka”. Not gonna miss an opportunity to use that one.**
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DTF: Week 13

12/8/2016

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By: The Polish Prince
Nobody say anything. Just let this thing play out. Stafford playing out of his mind. The O-Line doing a good job. A defense that is gaining confidence and hasn't given up more than 20 points in the last 6 weeks. Can’t risk a jinx here. If you say anything, I might actually murder you (that statement CAN’T be used against me in court). Not only am I riding this train emotionally, I am riding it financially. I, Dalton Potocki, am currently financially dependent on the Detroit Lions. I’ll let the laughter die down for a second.
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The victory over New Orleans was by far the most complete game that Detroit has played. The offense moved the ball all day and did an excellent job at keeping Drew Brees off the field. They dominated the total Time of Possession by 13 minutes, that's almost a full quarter’s worth of time they had the ball more. And, when Drew Brees was on the field the defense did a spectacular job. 50 rushing yards, 3 interceptions, and the first time Brees hasn't thrown a touchdown in the Superdome in 6 years. Absolutely unbelievable. That same anemic-looking offense put up 500+ yards and 49 points on a top 10 Rams defense. In a game that almost everyone wrote off as a loss (except me, I believe in this team), the Lions turned in their most complete game of the season. Something we haven't seen out of this franchise, maybe ever?

The Good:
  • Matt Stafford: If you want to argue Stafford for MVP just role this game footage. Unreal pace of play, accuracy (completing 13 in a row at one point), and leadership. When he found Golden Tate on 3rd down for a 66 yard touchdown to essentially ice the game away, I wasn’t excited. I was shocked. Those plays don't happen to the Lions, they typically go against them. Stafford H8erz have been awfully quiet and some have even changed their tune.
  • The Defense: All of the defense. No one saw that performance coming. I would like to be able to get a little more pressure on a consistent basis but whatever they are doing seems to be working. This unit was banged up. No Tahir Whitehead, no DeAndre Levy (shocker), Ziggy still isn't 100% healthy, and Quandre Diggs out for the second half of the game. I take back all the bad things I’ve said about this defense, I routinely said they “aren't good but they’re clutch”. Now, this defense is good.
  • Coaching staff: What Caldwell and Austin did to get this team ready certainly worked. This team is focused and ready to play. After the 1-3 start, I was about ready to get rid of Caldwell because the team just didn't looked prepared but, since then he has had this team dialed in with a laser-like focus. He’s also showing more emotion on the sideline which makes him a little more likeable.
  • Matt Prater: Is he better than Hanson? It might be time to start making that argument. 5/5 on the day and everyone was right down the middle.
  • Golden Tate: Absolutely torched a bad New Orleans secondary. 8 receptions, 145 yards, and a touchdown. HAVE A DAY YOUNG MAN!
  • Zach Zenner: Easily making a case for more touches. When Washington went down with an ankle injury, Zenner came in and ran very hard. 9 carries for 40 yards but helped the Lions take a lot of time off the clock for their final field goal drive. Was thoroughly impressed with the kid out of South Dakota State.

The Bad:
  • Red Zone Offense: It was tough to find something bad out of this game but settling for field goals on 5 out of 6 red zone drives is a startling bad number. Yea, it's great that the team moved the ball so efficiently but if 2 of those 5 are touchdown than this game is over in the 3rd quarter. I mainly blame the play calling in the red zone. Not sure we took one shot to the end zone. It didn't haunt us this week, thankfully, but it’s something that needs to be fixed if this team wants to do anything.

The Ugly:
  • Quandre Diggs: Not for his performance, but the fact that he is going to be out the rest of the season. He was our best nickel corner and it’s gonna be tough to replace him.


No lie, it was really hard to find an ugly. Damn near perfect game from the Lions. They play the Bears at home this week so if all things hold, it should be a win. Green Bay hosts Seattle and a loss for them would put the Lions in great position to close out the rest of the year. The Lions last 3 games will be tough. At Dallas, at Giants, and home to Green Bay. They need to win this match against the Bears, if they don’t their feet will really be to the coals.


P.S. I placed a bet that the Lions would win the NFC North before the season started and I completely forgot about it after the 1-3 start. Then about 2 weeks ago I went to look at my bank roll to see if I had any money to bet on a basketball game and then saw my slip. So not only am I stressed out from a fan point, I NEED this money. Currently unemployed and starting my Christmas shopping. You can venmo me if you feel at @DPotocki
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