dropkickshanahans

I don't see it being any different than the other tough divisions if the Lions truly turned the corner. The North is going to be a tough division to win in the future between the Pack, Bears and Lions, more-so for the Bears since they're getting older on defense and Briggs wants to leave. Could turn into the NFC East of the last decade. But yes, right now the Packers have the better young and talented defense and offense overall, but the Lions are very close. The one thing that could put the Lions over the edge is if they upgrade their line. Backus is getting old, Riola is terrible and an ******* to boot, and I can't express more how much I despise Peterman and Cherilus. I will say though, I think the Lions have the better front 7 than the Pack (and the better GM ). They can rotate the front 4 all game with no worries of getting pressure (even without Fairley), and what a difference Tulloch and Durant have been. Last season, Blount ran all over the Lions. Yesterday, they stuffed him and Graham all game. It was truly a lopsided game until the second half when they played conservative, and that's something I haven't seen in my lifetime for this team. I can't wait until next week when they play in a dome instead of 100 degree weather.

What. A. Game.

I kinda felt that it would automatically go to Jim or Acta; whoever won the Central basically. Now Cleveland's falling into obscurity so I feel like Leyland has the best chance out of everyone in the AL now.

Half-game up on the Rangers now, what a run they've been going on! I also just realized that a week or so ago the Tigers were barely positive in run differential, now they're +40. Talk about coming alive...

Tiger's are roarin! Man I'm so glad we got Fister, what a huge acquisition him and Young are.

I was a little surprised too but when I thought about it he's had three years to do something and never proved anything so there's no sense in keeping 3 RB that are more or less the same type of player. Best and Harrison are more shifty anyway. When I found out that they cut him for Keiland Williams though I was happy. Big Ol' powerback that we desperately need for short yardage situations.

Damn. Lions could use him for some more D-line depth at that weight.

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/6921420/passing-buck Good article by Bill Simmons. He discusses his thoughts on the AL MVP candidates and why he feels, through his interpretation of "MVP", why it should go to Verlander, but ultimately wont.

Found a funny quote regarding the fans and media bitching and moaning about Suh being a dirty player: "Translation: 'We have no hope of stopping him, please do it for us Mr. Goodell.'"

That's a good point. Another one to add is how much rest and flexibility Verlander impacts on the bullpen for the following games because of how many innings he pitches.

Cleveland can never catch a break haha. Been like this for years.

WOW! What a throw by Action Jackson!

>Bleacher Report.

18 wins with about 7-8 starts left for Verlander. What a season he's having.

I think I'd much prefer Cabby at the 3 spot, but a solid lineup. Also belated congrats to Thome, I've always liked him as a player even though it seems like he'd never leave the central.

You expect that, but I think Leyland has other plans in mind...

Jhoww gets 9-10 shutouts Hudler gets ~60 points Franzen plays 75+ games Helm scores 15 goals Calvin Johnson reels in 20 TDs

http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/78217/1/watch-cincinnati-bengals-vs-detroit-lions.html If anyone needs a stream for the game.

All depends on Stafford's health. If he's healthy I think around 11 wins. If he gets hurt again, and the way players have been injured more frequently due to lack of camp and practice because of the lockout, we could be looking at another 6-7 win season again. The injuries seemed to be happening more to rookies though so hopefully the vets are ok since I think they'd be more prepared.

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/14839/2011-feels-like-verlanders-season Decent article about Verlander's magical season. I'm glad C.C. wasn't mentioned, because Verlander and Weaver are way ahead of him IMO and I believe Verlander is ahead of Weaver. People keep pointing to Weaver's ERA, which is fine and all considering it's almost a full point lower and is an important stat, but across the board Verlander is 1st in every category. Not to mention 1 no-hitter, and 2 other no-hitters going into the 8th (which the one could have been a perfect game ). I agree. In the future we might even be able to throw Suh in there as well. These players are staples in these teams' success.

I've always liked Guillen; a reliable switch hitter with good power, but it looks like his best years are now behind him and injuries are making him worse.

Anti-climactic much? What a horrible ending I stayed up to watch.

I hope Carcillo doesn't make our players flinch!

Are you serious? Also, I doubt anything happens with those "tampering" charges. I'd actually probably laugh if the Lions get penalized, that's how dumb I think the whole thing is.

Hopefully this injury doesn't affect his running ability in the future.