It’s Come Full Circle What Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown Said About Commanders WR

Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders Matchup Gains Intrigue

The Washington Commanders are coming off an impressive 12-5 regular season, their best since 1991. Despite not winning the NFC East, they secured an at-large playoff bid and defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their first postseason victory since 2005.

Now, the Commanders hit the road to face the NFC’s top-seeded Detroit Lions, who finished the regular season with a stellar 15-2 record.

One subplot adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. In 2022, Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown made headlines by calling out Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown, who was drafted ahead of him. St. Brown referenced a game where Dyami Brown recorded zero receptions.

“The Commanders, they got a guy before me over there, I believe his name is Dyami Brown,” St. Brown said. “…I don’t forget things like that. I see him across the sideline from where I’m standing during the game. I’m going to give every team hell.”

 

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Dyami Brown is coming off his best performance in a Commanders uniform, adding intrigue to whether he’ll use St. Brown’s past comments as extra motivation. Meanwhile, St. Brown has since emerged as a superstar and continues to use perceived slights like this as fuel for his success.

Though it’s been four years since the draft, the narrative remains a lighthearted one that showcases St. Brown’s drive to excel.

The Commanders will rely on defensive back Marshon Lattimore and their other talented players to try to limit St. Brown’s impact on the Lions’ offense.

For more coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season, stay tuned to CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast.

Rubin: The unpredictability of NFL life is highlighted by a Detroit Lions wedding registry

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has had quite a year, both on and off the field. While fans typically express their appreciation through cheers, Bates could also use a Meater Plus wireless smart meat thermometer, priced at $99.95, which promises perfect cooking results without hassle. It’s listed on his wedding registry, along with items like a Juliska Country Estate Winter Frolic Ruby Hostess Tray and an 8-foot fiberglass ladder.

At 25, Bates has made significant life changes recently. He left a promising career as a brick salesman to play for the Michigan Panthers in the United Football League. This decision paved the way for a record-breaking season with the Lions.

On March 1, a few weeks after the Super Bowl, Bates will take another leap: marrying Presley Folkerts in Hockley, Texas, a small town near Houston. The couple’s journey began in fifth grade when they met in homeroom, and after a lengthy separation, they reconnected in 2022. Folkerts, a speech pathologist specializing in children, is described as having a big heart.

A reader, Anthony Monaco, came across Bates and Folkerts’ wedding registry on TheKnot.com and shared it, leading to some small but thoughtful gift purchases. Their registry includes items from Crate & Barrel and Amazon, such as Hudson Natural Stoneware Dinner Plates for $67.95 per set and practical items like a Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro vacuum ($269.99) and an OXO stainless steel pizza wheel ($17.95).

Bates’ NFL journey has been unpredictable. After signing a non-guaranteed contract with the Lions last summer, he earned the league minimum rookie salary of $795,000, plus a $100,000 signing bonus and $50,000 in guaranteed money. However, NFL contracts are famously unstable, especially for kickers, a position fraught with competition and pressure.

Bates has excelled, scoring a team-record 142 points despite a few notable misses, securing his spot for next season. His achievements are all the more impressive considering the uncertainty surrounding the position. His performance this year earned him not only job security but also personal happiness with his upcoming wedding to Folkerts.

As the Lions prepare for their first playoff game, Bates can reflect on a remarkable season and a bright future. With a Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine ($499) and possibly those indigo cotton potholders ($25.90), the couple’s married life seems off to a promising start. May their years ahead be filled with happiness, love, and perfectly cooked meals.

Lions’ best backup expected to leave Detroit for a $2.5 million deal with Bears

In 2024, the Detroit Lions offense ranks first in the NFL in points per game (33.3) and second in yards per game (410.5). Though quarterback Jared Goff, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Detroit’s skill players are mostly responsible for the offense’s success, the Lions’ offensive line is also one of the most dominating in football.

Detroit’s starting five offensive line is perhaps the finest in the league, but the team’s top backup, Dan Skipper, is also an important part of the attack. Skipper has started five games for the Lions this season, but his primary duty in most games is to act as an additional offensive lineman, assisting Detroit’s rushing offense.

According to Isaac Zuniga of Last Word on Sports, Skipper, the most valuable backup in football, is expected to leave Detroit and join the Chicago Bears on a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

Zuniga predicts Chicago will sign Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman, Philadelphia Eagles guard Mekhi Becton, and Miami Dolphins guard Robert Jones to the offensive line this summer. He also forecasts that Chicago will employ Ben Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator, as its next head coach.

“It’s hard to imagine Ryan Poles investing heavily in more than two offensive line starters,” Zuniga said. “Instead, the Bears might look at Miami Dolphins guard Robert Jones as a cheaper option. For depth, Ben Johnson might bring in Dan Skipper, a familiar face.

Skipper would be an excellent depth addition for the Bears, as the 30-year-old would add versatility to the offensive line and could play as the sixth offensive lineman, similar to his position in Detroit. Skipper has performed well as a left tackle this season, allowing only one sack and 11 quarterback pressures on 135 pass-blocking attempts and earning a 61.0 PFF pass-blocking rating.

The Lions will want to keep Skipper this offseason, as the former undrafted free agent is critical to Detroit’s offensive system and well-liked in the locker room. But if the former Arkansas Razorback isn’t a Lion by 2025, the Bears may be an enticing destination for Skipper.

Confirmed: Wayne Fonte, former head coach of the Detroit Lions, has signed a two-year contract worth $58.6 million with Tampa Bay

In an unexpected but wonderful turn of events, Wayne Fontes, the former head coach of the Detroit Lions and a beloved figure in the franchise’s history, has signed a two-year contract worth $58.6 million with the Lions.

This time, Fontes returns as a Senior Football Advisor, a position aimed to use his extensive expertise and knowledge of the game to assist define the team’s future.

Fontes’ new position follows his time as a special consultant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions are bringing back the man who led them through one of their most remarkable times in history, signifying a renewed commitment to excellence and a return to the franchise’s heritage.

A Legendary Return.

Wayne Fontes, who led the Lions from 1988 to 1996, is the franchise’s winningest head coach, with 67 victories. During his career, he guided the club to four postseason berths, including the historic 1991 season in which the Lions advanced to the NFC Championship game, an accomplishment that remains a highlight of the team’s history.

Fontes’ return to Detroit is viewed as a full circle event for both the coach and the franchise. His enthusiasm for the Lions and ability to connect with both players and fans make him an ideal candidate for this advising role.

Why did the Lions make this move?

The decision to reinstate Fontes as a Senior Football Advisor demonstrates the Lions’ commitment to merging their illustrious history with their future goals. Under head coach Dan Campbell, the club has made considerable improvement, and Fontes’ addition brings another layer of knowledge to the organization.

Fontes will allegedly prioritize player development, mentorship, and strategic planning, collaborating closely with the coaching staff and front office to assure the team’s upward trajectory.

“Wayne Fontes is a cornerstone of our history and a true football mind,” stated Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp. “Having him back with the organization is a testament to our respect for his contributions and our belief in his ability to help us achieve greatness.”

Fontes Upon His Return

Fontes expressed thanks and enthusiasm at the opportunity to return to Detroit.

“The Detroit Lions have always held a special place in my heart,” Fontes told reporters. “To be back with the organization, to help it grow, and to work with this new generation of players and coaches—it’s a dream come true.” I’m here to do anything I can to help bring a title to this city and its amazing supporters.”

Fan Reactions

The announcement of Fontes’ return has sparked a surge of enthusiasm among Lions supporters. Many people have great recollections of his era and see his return as a positive step in establishing the team’s identity and cultivating a winning culture. Fans on social media have been reminiscing about the great days of the early 1990s and hoping that Fontes’ skills can help the Lions attain similar success.

What is next for the Lions?

With Fontes on board, the Lions are set to capitalize on their recent success. The combination of Dan Campbell’s aggressive coaching style and Fontes’ seasoned approach to the game results in a dynamic leadership combo capable of propelling the Lions to new heights.

As the Lions prepare for the upcoming season, Wayne Fontes’ return gives a sense of hope and enthusiasm to the team and its devoted fan base. Fontes’ efforts, whether in terms of draft strategy, teaching young players, or establishing the team’s long-term vision, are likely to have a big influence.

This agreement is more than simply a contract; it is a reunion of past and present, a celebration of legacy, and a bold move toward the Lions’ future. Detroit supporters will definitely be watching closely as their club begins this new chapter with Wayne Fontes back in the fold.

Jared Goff Explains How Backups Help Him Prepare

Goff provides insight into how the quarterback room prepares for games.

On Thursday, the Detroit Lions’ quarterback room welcomed back a familiar face.

After acquiring Teddy Bridgewater, the Lions now have three active quarterbacks and one on the practice squad. Starter Jared Goff relies on everyone in the room to prepare for each opponent.

Bridgewater is no stranger to the Lions; he was with them last year before resigning to coach high school football in Florida. After winning the state title in his first season as a coach, he decided to come out of retirement and join the Lions for the remainder of the season.

Each quarterback is responsible for their own part of the game preparation process. Jake Fromm, a practice squad quarterback, evaluates the proportion of man or zone coverage deployed by opponent defenders in various situations.

Bridgewater and Hendon Hooker contribute significantly to position coach Mark Brunell’s collaborative team atmosphere. The procedure is incredibly comprehensive until the night before the game, when the entire room will go over every detail of the game plan.

“They all do a ton, whether it’s breaking down the stuff early percentage wise, like getting the percentages and Jake (Fromm) does a lot of that weekly of, what’s the percentages of what they play on certain downs, and then through the week, just little quizzes here and there, making sure we’re on our stuff,” Goff told reporters. “The night before the game, we’ll go over everything, and they’ll keep me on my toes.” Now, Teddy (Bridgewater) is a guy I said last year, a guy who’s played, a guy who’s played in big games, he’s got the experience, and I can rely on him for some of those things. He’s a veteran with valuable expertise.”

Brunell, who has tutored the Lions’ quarterbacks since 2021, agreed that there is a lot that goes into preparation each week. In addition to the coaches’ time, the group of passers frequently spent a significant amount of time reviewing footage together.

“It’s a daily review of the game plan. They watch tapes together. “We spend a lot of time with them,” Brunell explained. “They spent a significant amount of time simply in the room without the coaches, studying footage, talking over things, and going over different situations. Adding Teddy to that, as you could expect, is a great advantage for us since he has seen it all. And he simply has a different viewpoint, that of a man who has been out there and played in this league for a long time. This year, I discovered that he is a really clever person and an excellent coach. But he’s fantastic, and a lot goes into it.”

Returning to San Francisco.

The Lions recall the pain of walking off the field at Levi’s Stadium while confetti fell.

As the club returns to the site of their NFC Championship loss in January, they’re ready to continue their quest of the top seed in the postseason against the team that kicked them out just one game shy of their ultimate objective.

Goff stated Thursday that the Lions had grown from their experience late last season. It acted as fuel for this year’s group, which adopted the tagline ‘It Takes More’ as the campaign’s theme.

“Anytime you go deep in the playoffs, and you go through a game like that, you learn, you grow, you get better, you get closer, all that stuff comes into play,” Mr. Goff said. “We felt so close to winning that game and we came up short, but yeah, it served us well this season and hopefully as we go into the postseason.”

Amon-Ra St. Brown, a wide receiver, believes that the team has evolved from last year’s setback, despite the addition of new players.

The sting from the setback is not fresh, but the game is critical to Detroit’s chances of winning the NFC’s top seed.

“It happened over a year ago. It ached and really stung at the moment. But I believe it has helped us all grow as players and coaches,” St. Brown added. “We have some new faces on the team, but many of the same players from last year. It was a difficult loss for us last year. We’re pleased about the new year because it allows us to craft our own tale.

Christian Booher

Sports journalist who has covered the Detroit Lions for the last three NFL seasons. Christian delivers experienced analysis, insights, and the ability to objectively appraise the team’s performance in a competitive NFC North division.