This is a new column I’ll be rolling out on a biweekly basis. The contributors on the site have put out some really strong analytical pieces, but something Chris and Mike have wanted to focus on is catering to the fans who don’t have the time to read some of the more in-depth articles. The scope of this column will be limited to subjects which don’t necessarily merit full-length discussion. As the name would imply, “Three and Out” will focus on three topics of interest per article (one per down, if you will), with each topic generally being covered in 200 words or less. Without any further ado, let’s get started.
FIRST DOWN
A lot of fans are quick to point out how overrated Teddy Bridgewater is, but can we talk about how overrated Aaron Rodgers is? In 2015, out of fifteen qualifying quarterbacks, Rodgers was one of just four signal callers with more than 500 pass attempts and less than 4000 yards. The other three were Ryan Fitzpatrick, Derek Carr, and Sam Bradford. He was ranked 26th in completion percentage (60.7%), 17th in yardage (3821), and 15th in passer rating (92.7). Those numbers are all worse than the spread from his first post-Favre season (63.6-4038-93.8). A lot of people will point to the shoddy line play, but Green Bay’s adjusted sack rate was the same in 2015 (7.4%) as it was in 2011, when we won an MVP. Despite being just 32, I think Rodgers’ best years are behind him.
SECOND DOWN
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Eric Ebron has hands down the best Twitter account of any Lion. He’s become more entertaining over the past several months, taking on trolls, teammates, and celebrities alike. When a bitter fan told him to hit the Jugs machine, he posted a training video of him snagging passes with one hand. He constantly torments Darius Slay for his Twitter PDAs with his girlfriend. When Randy Moss’s son committed to NC State to play football, Ebron, a UNC alum, tweeted at the NFL legend poking fun at the move. He was at his best the day of the UNC-Villanova title game, during which he referenced Space Jam, talked trash to pornographic actress Mia Khalifa, and, ultimately, memed himself as Crying Jordan after the Tarheels lost on a buzzer-beater. @Ebron85 is a must-follow not just for Lions fans, but for NFL fans in general.
THIRD DOWN
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In his latest mock, Mel Kiper predicted that the Lions were going to take wideout Laquon Treadwell sixteenth overall. The Lions do need a third receiver, but with all the pass-catching talent on the roster, I’m not sure how you can justify spending a first-rounder on one. Golden Tate is one year removed from a Pro Bowl. Theo Riddick has established himself as one of the best, if not the best, receiving backs in the league. Marvin Jones is going to get his chance to shine. Quinn has made it clear that he expects Ebron to make the leap. Spending a first-round pick on a guy that could conceivably be a fifth option is ludicrous. Especially when the offensive and defensive lines need to be shored up. If Treadwell is available at pick no. 16, I suspect the Lions will entertain the idea of trading down more than they will the thought of selecting the Ole Miss product.
I’d like to use the conclusion as an opportunity to address you, the reader. I think I speak on behalf of all the staff when I say that we appreciate your readership. It’s an exciting time at DetroitLionsPodcast.com. Although the season is still five months away, there’s a lot of fun stuff set to happen in the coming weeks. Currently, these developments have a double secret probation confidentiality level, but we can’t wait to share them with you. For now, though – I hope you enjoyed the column. As always, I welcome and encourage feedback on the subreddit. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have this gig, so take the time to let me know what you enjoy, what you don’t, and how I can improve. Until next time, stay drinking the Kool-Aid.
