Another thing I think is worth keeping in mind. Bortles is playing really well in games right now. Would not playing him in live games for a season slow his progression? Why stop the momentum?

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Smart move. If Bortles plays well I still don't think he starts week one though. I think this is more on getting a better gauge on Bortles if Henne goes down and we need to go with BB. I think it's a good idea to let Henne start this season. Let us get about six or more wins under our belt and then draft some better o line men. Not saying Gabbert cpuld have been great had he sat the whole year but I do think he would have been better had he not caught a lesser dose of Carr Syndrome. This team will be a force, just not until next year

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"Expect for the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes."

 

One side note that relates to Blake Bortles getting an opportunity to play a QTR. with the Jaguars starters is this will probably be the first pre-season game that DE Ziggy Ansah plays for the Lions. Ansah came off the PUP list earlier this week and won't be playing tonight in Oakland. Luke Joeckel likely will be matched up against Ansah, which will be the first time the 2013 top 5 picks faced each other in the NFL. With Joeckel benefitting by going up against savvy talented veteran Jared Allen last night, it will be interesting to see what transpires in pre-season game # 3.

that will be interesting. Didnt Ansah look pretty good last year? How's the lions defense been? Any key injuries for week 3?

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I think he'll do well, but at this point, the Bradley and the FO doesn't seem like they'll budge.

 

I don't really care either way, BB's looking like he's going to be good for a long time. Wether he starts this year or the next.

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When or IF Bortles starts this season depends on Henne. If Henne is consistent I think they stick with the plan.  If the team is below .500 at bye week with Henne struggling, it would be insane not to put Bortles in at some point.

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He had one snap with the ones.

 

You said it.  A single snap.

 

Until now.

 

They are re-evaluating their redshirt plan.

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"You do your own thing in your own time. You should be proud."

He;ll be opening day starter. 

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The "he must sit a year" crowd are getting too funny with their semantics. It’s not a 'competition' it’s when Bortles is 'ready'. It’s not 'starting', he's 'playing' with the ones. Just give it up. Bortles is going to be the staring QB for this team sooner than the 'resistance’ was clamoring, get on board.

I'm pretty sure most here have been pretty consistent instating they'd play him when they determined he was ready. Nothing has changed.

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Never argue with idiots. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

This was planned since the first week of preseason I don't think it is foreshadowing anything.

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No pain, no gain.

So happy about this. I love Bortles so far.

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Well there's no doubt that he has earned reps with the 1's, no doubt at all.

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I survived the Gus Bradley Error.

I'm pretty sure most here have been pretty consistent instating they'd play him when they determined he was ready. Nothing has changed.

Somebody should have told Bortles this wasn't a competition. He's not suppose to be ready until 2015.

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No one is safe.

I'm pretty sure most here have been pretty consistent instating they'd play him when they determined he was ready. Nothing has changed.

Though technically correct, I don't think any of them thought he would be this far along so in some ways, things have changed.

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I really wonder if Texans fans have seen our 2 games this year and what they're thinking about Bortles.


even if Clowney becomes a Demarcus Ware type of player, Bortles will still be way more valuable if he's a top 12 QB IMO.

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I really wonder if Texans fans have seen our 2 games this year and what they're thinking about Bortles.


even if Clowney becomes a Demarcus Ware type of player, Bortles will still be way more valuable if he's a top 12 QB IMO.

They're obviously waiting for Jameis or Mariota

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They're obviously waiting for Jameis or Mariota

They'll definitely be in position to get one of them with Ryan Fitzpatrick playing QB this year.

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They're obviously waiting for Jameis or Mariota

That's what I've been thinking also, in that case hopefully which ever one they draft busts

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That's what I've been thinking also, in that case hopefully which ever one they draft busts

Also in either case, Savage was a pick flushed down the toilet

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that will be interesting. Didnt Ansah look pretty good last year? How's the lions defense been? Any key injuries for week 3?

 

Ziggy Ansah led all NFL rookies with 8 sacks.  However,  Ansah was better overall vs. the run.   His instincts were impressive for someone with no football background until 2010.   Injuries limited Ansah to 14 games.   The key for 2014 in addition to staying relatively healthy from this point forward is overcoming not practicing all off-season and the first 2 + weeks of training camp.    Sky is the limit for Ansah long term if he stays relatively healthy.   His work ethic is a major plus as well.

 

Thankfully,  there currently are no key injuries.  Other than Ansah and rookie WR T.J Jones being on the PUP list  ( Jones is still on the PUP ) list,  the Lions have been remarkably healthy through this point of the summer.  Veteran players such as Calvin Johnson,  Dominic Raiola,  and Rob Sims have been kept out of some practices.  Calvin Johnson was kept out of the team's scrimmage and the first two pre-season games.   He's practicing well but Jim Caldwell wants to keep him fresh.  Megatron had knee and finger surgeries back in January.  

 

The major issue on the Lions Defense is DT Nick Fairley's inability to keep his weight under control.   Fairley is one of very few players who has ever gained weight in the first two weeks of training camp.   Caldwell isn't going to look the other way regarding Fairley's weight and uninspired practice and game performances.  Fairley was on the 2nd team all week and last night in Oakland,  as former Jag C.J. Mosley has outworked and outplayed Fairley.   In Oakland,  Fairley played with more energy but his effectiveness was not remotely close to someone of his ability.   This will likely be Fairley's last season in Detroit.   At the very least,  it's almost impossible picturing the Lions giving him a multi-year contract.  As for Mosley,  I believe he's a better fit as a # 3 DT.   If Fairley doesn't get his act together,  the Lions are in serious trouble in 2014. 

 

The Lions Defense overall has been above average,   though the primary issue is generating enough of a pass rush without blitzing.   In Oakland,  the Lions blitzed LB's Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy early and often up the middle.  That caused considerable pressure on Matt Schaub.    Overall,  there were probably more LB blitzes last night than in at least one entire regular season when Jim Schwartz was Head Coach.    New Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin was the Ravens DB Coach.   The aggressive blitzing strategy of the Ravens is going to be a major part of the Lions Defense,  even though the team remains a base 4-3 Defense.    When Gus Bradley and his Offensive Coaches look at the Lions-Raiders game film,  a primary focus is going to be blitz protection and ways to counter act it if Austin remains aggressive.    Screens,  draws,  and traps likely will be a major part of the Jaguars plan to keep their QB's in piece and their attempt for Offensive Success.   Tulloch had a great all around game and was the best Lions defender on the field in Oakland from my point of view. 

 

As long as Ndamukong Suh is in the game,  I expect the Jaguars to double team him often.  Especially as it relates to their problems at Center and having a terrific QB prospect in Blake Bortles. 

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Somebody should have told Bortles this wasn't a competition. He's not suppose to be ready until 2015.

It's never been a competition for Bortles with anyone but himself. When he is ready, he starts. He's not in any sort of competition with Henne.

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Never argue with idiots. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.