Lions coaching staff still very excited about Nick Fairley

Posted by Michael David Smith on November 12, 2011, 4:13 PM EST

Getty Images

One of the reasons for all the optimism in Detroit heading into this season was the arrival of rookie defensive tackle Nick Fairley. As it turned out, the optimism was justified — the Lions are 6-2 — but Fairley has hardly seen the field.

However, there’s still plenty of optimism about Fairley on the Lions’ coaching staff.

“He’s as healthy as he’s been since the injury in training camp,” head coach Jim Schwartz told theDetroit News. “We’re ready to see some big things from him. We are expecting to see some big things from him.”

Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham was giddy about the things Fairley was doing on the practice field this week.

“This kid, he made a play Thursday that I made all the coaches show in their meeting,” Cunningham said. “It went beyond something I’ve ever seen from a big tackle. . . . This guy is gifted athletically. He’s faster than [Ndamukong] Suh. I don’t know if you know that.”

So the Lions believe Fairley is going to be a force in the second half of the season. After his foot injury limited him to three games and a whopping one tackle over the first half of the season, that would be a welcome change.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are interested in partnering with The Tiger Report, or if you are would like to become a contributor, contact us.

Last minute notes for your fantasy lineup Week 10

You should be close to setting your lineup for Week 10 right now, but there are a few last minute details you need to take note of.

DeSean Jackson is going to be inactive. It has been reported that Jackson completely missed a team meeting on Saturday, and due to his no-show he will be benched today. Jeremy Maclin obviously moves up a bit in worth this week. Jason Avant and Steve Smith should see more action as well.

Nate Washington is active. He's been questionable with a hip injury, but he will be out there today against the Panthers.

Jermaine Gresham is active. Gresham is not at full strength, and the Bengals play the Steelers today, not a good combination for your fantasy team. It would probably be best to find a better option this week.

Jared Cook is active. He may not get a ton of looks while he's still nursing his knee injury, but the Panthers have given up big point to tight ends in a few games this year.

Sam Bradford is active. Bradford still isn't back to 100 percent, so be weary of inserting him into your lineup.

Kevin Kolb is inactive. John Skelton will take the reigns against Philadelphia today.

Chris Ivory is inactive. He had a decent game against the Bucs last week, but he can't shake of the hamstring issues this week.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are interested in partnering with The Tiger Report, or if you are would like to become a contributor, contact us.

Moss has turned down two offers, would listen to Patriots

Posted by Mike Florio on November 13, 2011, 8:24 AM EST

Reuters

As the New England Patriots face the very real prospect of losing their third straight game for the first time since 2002, the lack of a field-stretching threat in the passing game coupled with a potential three-game run of futility and the ongoing struggles of Chad Ochocinco could (not would or should, but could) prompt the Pats to pick up the phone and call Randy Moss.

As Peter King of Sports Illustrated pointed out during halftime of last night’s Maryland-Notre Dame game on NBC, Moss has not burned his bridge back to Foxborough, and Moss has told one veteran member of the Patriots that the Patriots are the only team for which Moss would play.

As a certain Internet hack pointed out in response, Moss has turned down two teams who offered him contracts this season.  If the Pats would call Moss, one of the first topics would be the money.  It’s believed that Moss is hoping for an annualized rate of $10 million, which with seven weeks left after Monday equates to $4.11 million for the balance of the year.  Moss likely would give the Pats a discount, if the phone rings.

Of course, none of this is relevant unless the phone rings.  But if the Pats get their collective bell rung on Sunday night, it could be time to throw a Hail Mary by adding a guy who has run under a few of them.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are interested in partnering with The Tiger Report, or if you are would like to become a contributor, contact us.

TTR's Week 10 - Start em Sit em

Start em



Fred Jackson -  I know the Cowboys are ranked highly in rush defense, but the Seahawks were able to rip excellent runs off tackle all game long.  I like the Bills offensive line and their ability to make an alley off tackle just like Seattle did.  Jackson could have a huge day in his home town.


Brandon Lloyd & Steven Jackson - These guys both could be inline for a huge day against the Browns. That Cleveland rush defense is near the bottom of the league so Jackson could carry the load.  While Lloyd should have his second week of practice with Bradford, and could be the true number one target he has been waiting for.


Ravens Defense - They are playing against the Seahawks, which means that they will get to feast on the Tarvaris Jackson - Charlie Whitehurst show.  This should be a huge day for the Baltimore defense.


Jeremy Maclin -  DeSean Jackson has been deactivated today, because he missed a team meeting.  This means that Maclin becomes the teams undisputed top wideout for today's game.  This could easily be a 10+ target day for Maclin.

Sit em



Tom Brady - Yeah, no one is probably going to bench him but this is not a good match up.  Brady is not playing well right now and that is no mystery and this week isn't going to get an easier.  The Jets can either force pressure and rattle Brady, or they can play the press man like the Steelers did to mess up Brady's timing.  Brady has found ways to beat this defense, I just don't see it happening right now.  They are in a funk, and this is a tough time to right the ship.


Jay Cutler - He has had a very underrated season this year, and he doesn't get the appreciation he should.  With that being said he will not get the chance to get comfortable today against the Lions.  Detroit pressured him to no end in their first match up in Week 5.  This week it should be the same against a well rested and healthy Lions defense.  


Rashard Mendenhall - Rashard has struggled this year and this will not be a favorable match up against this solid Bengals defense.  I expect this to be a knock down drag out fight, but Mendenhall will not be very effective today.  I can see him averaging less than 4 yards per carry today.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are interested in partnering with The Tiger Report, or if you are would like to become a contributor, contact us.