My column. http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141129/pat-caputo-how-michigan-can-learn-from-msu-blueprint-to-turn-around-football-program

- Everybody looks at MSU's toughness as the Spartans' key element, and it's hard to argue against, but it's often overlooked that they do have many explosive athletes at skill positions. R.J. Shelton is a classic example. Great kickoff return to set the tone for this game. He makes a lot of big plays. Macgarrett Kings Jr. is a pretty good punt returner, too.
- I didn't have a problem with MSU not running out the clock to end the half. That's a loser's mentality, especially near midfield. They went for it by passing. It's what they should have done, even if it backfired with the interception. It's not like the Spartans have a bad defense and Penn State a good offense.
- Maybe Mark Dantonio and the Spartans' coaching staff is a bit late to the party playing Tony Lippett both ways. Lippett played a lot defensively early in his MSU career. He's been a 1,000-yard receiver this year, and I would imagine that's where the NFL is looking at him primarily, although there is a tendency in the league to place high value on bigger cornerbacks. At 6-3, Lippett has a similar size-speed equation as Richard Sherman, who was initially a wide receiver at Stanford.  If he were a key part of the defense playing both ways for MSU, Lippett might have helped against Oregon and Ohio State, the games MSU's secondary was scorched.
- The Spartans' offense looks a bit too sluggish for comfort in this game, but Christian Hackenberg has not developed as expected at QB. Penn State really misses former Bill O'Brien, now the head coach of the NFL's Houston Texans, on offense. They aren't nearly as in sync nor as creative under James Franklin, who hasn't been able to develop a big-play receiver.

My column. Big Thanksgiving win by Detroit Lions suggest angst about Matthew Stafford misguided: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141127/caputo-big-thanksgiving-win-for-detroit-lions-suggests-angst-about-matthew-stafford-misguided

A terrific first half of football by the Wolverines, at least until the last two minutes of the half. There isn't a lot of margin for error for the Wolverines. Ohio State played about as poorly as it can in the first half, and Michigan about as well as it can. And it's a tie game. While the game is far from over, at least the Wolverines have put themselves in place to have a chance to pull off a monumental upset. although it's minimal.
- That interception always happens to Devin Gardner. It has, unfortunately, defined his career at Michigan. At least he got it out of the way sooner instead of later today. But that doesn't mean it is done. Gardner is always a turnover about to happen. Even when he appears to be on a roll. Otherwise. Yes. Gardner has played well today. His mobility is giving Ohio State fits. A 15-play, 95-yard touchdown drive is extraordinarily impressive. The Wolverines are running the ball well for a change. Gardner has been especially accurate.
-  Michigan fullback Joe Kerridge has made a couple big plays today. He had a big run on a fake punt last week vs. Maryland. Where was he in the offense, other than blocking, before? Obviously, he's a pretty good player.
- Michigan's secondary is playing very well today. It's been the biggest bright spot defensively. J.T. Barrett is a special QB, though. He proved it at the end of the half on his TD run.
- Not only has Gardner being fully healthy helped the Wolverines offensively, so has the fully recovery of tight Jake Butt. Devin Funchess is having an excellent game, too. The Wolverines need to look toward him more, though.

My column. Big Thanksgiving Lions' win suggests angst about Matthew Stafford may have been misguided: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141127/caputo-big-thanksgiving-win-for-detroit-lions-suggests-angst-about-matthew-stafford-misguided

My column. Impressive Lions' win over Bears suggests angst about Matthew Stafford misguided: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141127/pat-caputo-big-thanksgiving-win-for-detroit-lions-suggests-angst-about-matthew-stafford-misguided

- The Lions offense is sharp today. There will be an overreaction to this, though. A lot of this has to do with just how bad the Bears are defensively. A lot of what is happening today is because the Lions aren't playing top competition on the road, like they were at Arizona and New England.
- Anybody surprised Willie Young made a huge mistake that involved a lack of discipline for the Bears. It was his modus operandi with Lions.
- The Lions' defense has gotten gashed a couple times, but the one thing they have been very effective at is making the Bears offense one-dimensional. It's been like the Bears have totally abandoned the run, and are relying totally on taking what the Lions are giving them. There has been a bend-but-do not-break aspect to the Lions defense today. Whatever works.
- Hey, I liked Andre Fluellen's sack celebration. He was the reeling in the big fish. I get it. The guy had something to celebrate. He now has 3 1-2 sacks in his 73-game NFL career.
- Darius Slay's progress doesn't get mentioned enough. He has had a solid second NFL season. Slay's been single coverage a lot today, and the Bears wide receivers, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are both big and fast. So far, at least, Slay has been up to the task.

- It's amazing how much better Matthew Stafford's completion percentage is when his receivers hold onto the ball. He had a brilliant first half. 22-for-26 for 275 yards and 2 TDs says it all.
- I would have said this even if it didn't work and the Lions' scored a touchdown...Good call by Lions' head coach Jim Caldwell to go for it on fourth and goal at the one. There were more than three minutes remaining in the half. At worse, the Bears were going to be pinned back at the goal line in an incredibly noisy stadium on the road.
- What isn't there not to like about Theo Riddick?
- The Lions' first touchdown in long while was a classic example of  Stafford and Calvin Johnson at their very best. It was a terrific throw into double coverage by Stafford, and an excellent catch by Johnson. Problem is, we haven't seen those two at their best enough lately.
- Great design on the play to get Golden Tate the ball on the run and in space. Tate lined up on the line tight. A little delay. A little drag pattern. A predictably nice run by the electrifying Tate. Finally, a little creativity.
- The Lions' defensive line is starting to wear down the Bears' offensive line. You can just feel it.

What a disaster of a first quarter. The Bears looked ready to play. The Lions didn't. No excuses. That was brutal by the Lions.
- Horrible play for Lions' guard Rob Sims. They moved Jared Allen inside, and he beat Sims and forced the fumble as Matthew Stafford was throwing. Then Sims jumped on the ball, and let Allen take it away from him, getting the recovery. Like Dominic Raiola, Sims has played his best football. Thing is, the Lions really needed a big game from their veterans in the middle of the offensive line because both Riley Reiff and Larry Warford out with injuries. They sure didn't get it during the first quarter.
- There is a lot of clamoring for the Lions to stretch the field and throw deep, but their pass protection is terrible.
- Matt Forte is a modern day Marshall Faulk. Not sure if his versatility running the football and catching it doesn't make him the most valuable back in the NFL. How many times has Forte burned the Lions on screen passes?
- We saw an example of what Eric Ebron is capable of on the pass Matthew Stafford side-armed to him in space. He is a brilliant talent, but that isn't the issue. It's a matter of consistency. It will be interesting to see if that is an aberration or a trend. The Bears are dropping one safety impossibly deep in coverage, rolling coverage to the outside on both sides of the field and leaving the middle of the field open as a soft spot. Perfect for the tight end to have a big game.

My column. Ugly loss to Patriots not as important as the Lions reaction to it: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141123/pat-caputo-ugly-loss-to-patriots-not-as-important-as-how-detroit-lions-react-to-it

- Matthew Stafford is going to get scorched by his many detractors in this town if this game remains this way, but Joe Fauria and Corey Fuller have dropped certain TD passes, and Tom Brady is lighting up the Lions' vaunted defense. Also, the Lions' offensive line has been brutal. Stafford has actually played relatively well so far. So had Golden Tate.
- More of Theo Riddick catching passes out of the backfield would be a good thing for the Lions.
- This week, the Lions aren't targeting Calvin Johnson enough. How about some balance between Megatron and Tate?
- If Fauria wants to play more, then make some plays. It was a nice play call by Joe Lombardi. It was a terrific pass by Stafford. It was a huge drop in the end zone by Fauria. The Lions cannot afford to trade field goals for touchdowns with the Patriots. That much is obvious.
- My issue isn't just that Danny Amendola returned a kickoff 81 yards, but that he was able to do so. Sam Martin needs to get touchbacks. Period. Even outside, Even against the wind.
- Matt Prater of 2014 is David Akers of 2013, only he kicks right-footed instead of left-footed.

My column. Loss to Maryland validates need for Michigan to move on Brady Hoke: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141122/pat-caputo-loss-to-maryland-only-validates-need-for-michigan-football-to-move-on-from-brady-hoke

- The Lions' offensive line was struggling to begin with, but without left tackle Riley Reiff  it is a disaster. In some ways, he is the Lions' most underrated player. We're seeing why today.
- Where was the rub routes and bubble screens to Golden Tate last week? Obviously, the Lions learned from some of their mistakes offensively last week. They need to think more along those lines from this point forward. They got away from those plays too early after their first drive, which netted a field goal.
- Maybe the Patriots' offense had been reading too many of its press clippings lately. A dumb penalty. An ill-advised play call in which they left Ndanukong Suh unblocked. A dropped pass by Rob Gronkowski. It took awhile for the Patriots' offense to get going, but once it did, it was very impressive. Tom Brady is not going to be stopped.
- The Lions need to find a way to possess the ball. The more the Patriots' offense is off the field, the better for the Lions.

My column. Loss to Maryland only validates Michigan's need to move on from Brady Hoke: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141122/pat-caputo-loss-to-maryland-only-validates-need-for-michigan-football-to-move-on-from-brady-hoke

My column. Loss to Maryland only validates Michigan football need to move on from Brady Hoke: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141122/pat-caputo-loss-to-maryland-only-validates-need-for-michigan-football-to-move-on-from-brady-hoke

- This game is indicative of everything that is wrong with Big Ten football. These aren't great defenses. These are bad offenses. Is there ever a game Devin Gardner doesn't turn the ball over the worst possible ways imagined?

Jim Hackett

- The notion Brady Hoke is actually coaching for his job at the end of this season is ridiculous for most Michigan fans, who have already moved on from Hoke emotionally. But it does seem possible in lieu of what interim athletic director Jim Hackett said in a news conference before this game. It was interesting how Hoke pulled out the fake punt on the Wolverines' first possession (fullback Joe Kerridge rambled 50-plus yards after taking the snap as the upback). It does lead to wondering, however, where such creativity has been all season. Oh, and it was telling how the Wolverines settled for a field goal anyway, one that went through the uprights despite being partially blocked.
- I'd be shocked if Maryland's William Likely doesn't have an impact in the NFL someday. He is as productive and gifted as any cornerback in the country.
- Without standout  wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Maryland's offense is a classic Big Ten variety. Quarterback C.J. Brown is a good runner, but not great. And he isn't much of a pocket passer, and the Terrapins offense looks like something from the mid-1970s. In that regard, Maryland fits the Big Ten perfectly.

My column. If the Lions are really different, then beat Tom Brady and the Patriots: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141118/pat-caputo-if-the-detroit-lions-are-really-different-then-beat-tom-brady-and-the-patriots

My column. Why Jonas Gray is anything but an overnight sensation: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141119/jonas-gray-anything-but-an-overnight-sensation-pat-caputo-says#disqus_thread

My column. http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141116/pat-caputo-having-a-lot-of-weapons-means-nothing-if-the-detroit-lions-dont-use-them-better

The Lions are hanging around again. Could it be time for another Captain Comeback routine? If so, it is getting a little old. It's one thing to be a game manager, but another to play it too close to the vest. The Lions offense has badly lacked imagination today. This is not one of Matthew Stafford's better games so far. He has all his weapons with him.
- The Lions' defense is so much better this season for a lot of reasons, not the least of it is the safety play. Glover Quin is a top-notch player, but so is James Ihedigbo. He is a far better player than I could have imagined. It was very good news for the Lions when he returned to the field after staying down for awhile with a shoulder injury. He should have held onto the potential interception, though.
- Ziggy Ansah is another Lions' player who has come to play today, but where is Suh? This would be a good time for him to impose his will on the game.

My column. How to fix Michigan football: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141115/pat-caputo-how-michigan-football-can-return-to-glory

My column. Under no circumstances do the Big Ten and Ohio State belong in the first College Football Playoff: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141113/under-no-circumstances-do-the-big-ten-and-ohio-state-belong-in-first-cfp-pat-caputo-says

- Turnovers are the great equalizer. Without them, the Lions are getting crushed in this game. As is, they may setup for another comeback.
- It was an inexcusable drop by Calvin Johnson. A waste of a brilliant play by Matthew Stafford, who did a tremendous job of escaping the rush. It was remindful of late last season when Megatron's drops were so costly.
- The Lions need to step up the tempo of their offense. In the NFL, they call it playing fast. The Lions have been too slow getting in and out of the huddle. There is little zip. They have to come up with some quick-hitting plays to make the Cardinals pay for their aggressiveness. It might be wise to mix in the no-huddle offense more.
- The Lions' vaunted front four has been decidedly mediocre so far today. They aren't helping out the secondary at all. Drew Stanton has had plenty of time to throw the ball. His turnover issues have been strictly self-inflicted.
- The more of Joique Bell, the better for the Lions. He has emerged as a very good NFL running back, as long as he keeps hanging on the ball, which had been the problem. Bell has become the definition of hard-running back.
- That was a garbage pass interference call on Eric Ebron. Antonio Cromartie was equally responsible for the contact on that play. It would have been a key first down.

My column. How to fix Michigan football: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141115/pat-caputo-how-michigan-football-can-return-to-glory

My column. Under no circumstances do the Big Ten and Ohio State belong in the first College Football Playoff: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141113/under-no-circumstances-do-the-big-ten-and-ohio-state-belong-in-first-cfp-pat-caputo-says

- The Lions' defense looks terrible today. It points out the issue of getting ahead of yourself about this team. But having said that, the Lions, while not as good they appeared to the many people jumping on their bandwagon after the win over the Dolphins, aren't as bad they have appeared so far today.
- The underrated aspect about the Cardinals, which we've seen already today, is the diversity of their weapons. They can turn to many different directions to gash a defense. But they are all in the passing game. They simply don't run the ball that well. There could be a point in this game the Lions take advantage of it because the Cardinals don't exactly have the type of team that can run out the clock. Also, Drew Stanton, as good as he looks so far, is prone to interceptions. He thrown nearly as many interceptions as touchdown passes in his career. Game is not over yet.
- Does every field goal attempt by the Lions have to be an adventure? It's good Matt Prater made a 50-yard field goal. but....
- The biggest myth about the Lions is they are more disciplined. Way too many penalties.

My column. How to fix Michigan football: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141115/pat-caputo-how-michigan-football-can-return-to-glory

My column. Under no circumstances do the Big Ten and Ohio State belong in the first College Football Playoff: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141113/under-no-circumstances-do-the-big-ten-and-ohio-state-belong-in-first-cfp-pat-caputo-says

Anthony Gose

The trade the Tigers made late Wednesday night for center fielder Anthony Gose was a good one. He is a plus center fielder defensively and an outstanding base runner. Gose is a left-handed hitter ,who has been a weak stick in the MLB so far, but there is room to grow. He is barely 24. It's a start in the right direction for the Tigers to improve defensively in the outfield. I don't see him as a 4-
A player, but a legitimate major leaguer.
Travis was named as the Tigers' top prospect earlier in the day by Baseball America, but that is a bit  of a reach. Stephen Moya should have been No. 1. He is a second baseman, despite the Tigers' recent moving him to center field. He is undersized in regard to height, but does have an upside, which includes surprising power.
Gose is not much older than Travis. Less than a half year. He is far more MLB ready and probably has a higher ceiling.

My column. Why re-signing Victor Martinez looks better than actually is for the Detroit Tigers: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141112/pat-caputo-re-signing-victor-martinez-looks-better-than-it-actually-is-for-the-detroit-tigers

My column. If it appears too good for the Lions, it probably is: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141111/if-it-appears-too-good-to-be-true-for-the-detroit-lions-it-probably-is-pat-caputo-says

My column. Comebacks by Matthew Stafford and Lions no coincidence: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141109/comebacks-by-matthew-stafford-and-detroit-lions-not-a-coincidence-pat-caputo-says

- Come on. Can't the Lions come up with a better kicker than Matt Prater? My gosh. Three strikes and you're out. That soccer shot by Prater into the middle of Dolphins' line was an epic football moment, and for all the wrong reasons. It's the type of play that not only changes the course of games, but seasons. The Lions are really going to have to fight that moment off today and perhaps the rest of the season if they don't recover today.

Ziggy Ansah

- Ah, if only the Lions had drafted Chandler Cantanzaro with the seventh-round pick they wasted on Nate Freese in the last NFL Draft. Cantanzaro, an undrafted free agent from Clemson, is on track to be the NFC's Pro Bowl kicker after signing with Arizona.
- This is by far the best game Ndamukong Suh has played in a long time. He has been very active, and definitely is impacting the game by collapsing the center of the pocket. The Dolphins have struggled running the ball, as well. Suh has been instrumental in that aspect, too.
- The strip by Ziggy Ansah, causing a fumble early in the second half, was another example of how Ansah is more than just an edge pass rusher. He is a solid all-around football player, who is stout at the point of attack and very instinctive defending the run.
- Great first-down reception by Calvin Johnson. Just wondering why Matthew Stafford feels compelled to throw to him in double coverage, and why Golden Tate hasn't been targeted more in this game. Finally they went to Tate on last play of third quarter.

My column. What MSU lacks as national football power exposed by J.T. Barrett and Ohio State: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141109/pat-caputo-what-msu-lacks-as-national-football-power-exposed-by-jt-barrett-ohio-state


My column. Stafford, Suh, Megatron at the crossroad or disappointment and greatness: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141108/pat-caputo-stafford-suh-megatron-detroit-lions-at-crossroad-of-greatness-and-disappointment

Brent Grimes made a terrific play with the diving, one-hand interception in the end zone. However, the ball was underthrown by Lions' QB Matthew Stafford. With a little more trajectory, and aimed more for the far corner of the end zone instead of front, and Calvin Johnson would have had his second TD of this game. He had Grimes beat by a half-step and was in perfect position as a 6-5 receiver going against a 5-10 cornerback.

Grimes vs. Johnson

- Enough fake punts. Come on. The worst time thing to do is turn around and do it again. A punt return unit is going to be most on high alert after it was burned. The second fake allowed the Dolphins to essentially flip the field. A good punt there, and the Lions' defense, which was playing especially well at the time, would have had the Dolphins pinned deep in their own end. Instead, it gave Miami much-welcomed breathing room. The Lions got the interception there by James Ihedigbo, but the outcome will usually turn out worse in that circumstance.
- I know Joique Bell has had trouble handing onto the ball sometimes, but he easily the Lions' most effective pure runner these days. He is very difficult to bring down, and I do wonder what he would do with 15-to-20 carries per game.
- How about Ndamukong Suh just tackles Miami QB Ryan Tannehill there rather than grab his facemask. It was bad judgment, and very costly for the Lions. Suh put himself into position to make a play, and not only didn't make it, but made took a costly penalty in the process.

My column. What MSU lacks as national football power exposed by J.T. Barrett and Ohio State: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141109/pat-caputo-what-msu-lacks-as-national-football-power-exposed-by-jt-barrett-ohio-state

My column. Stafford, Suh, Megatron at the crossroad or disappointment and greatness: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141108/pat-caputo-stafford-suh-megatron-detroit-lions-at-crossroad-of-greatness-and-disappointment

- The Lions defense looks terrific so far. Finally, some real actual plays made by Ndamukong Suh, who played brilliantly on the Lions' first two series this afternoon. That is exactly how he played as a rookie, and has seldom since. Ziggy Ansah looks refreshed and quick after the bye week. Dolphins' QB Ryan Tannehill hasn't had much chance this afternoon, even though he has excellent mobility.

Calvin Johnson

- I have no idea why, with it third down deep in the red zone, the Lions decided to run the football. It would have seemed like the ideal time to throw the football, especially since it appeared Calvin Johnson was single-covered by Miami cornerback Cortland Finnegan. At least Matt Prater made the field goal. Everybody was holding their breath. though. But the Lions more than made for it, with the deep touchdown pass to Megatron on the next series. We haven't seen that much from him the last calendar year. Perhaps he is finally healthy.
-There was much anticipation for the return of Johnson today, but Reggie Bush had more immediate impact until he went down with another injury. Bush's lateral quickness was outstanding before he was injured. There is little question whether he is still a still a top running back in the NFL, if he can stay healthy. That's becoming more of an "if" lately.
- Loved the fake punt, not only the timing of the play, but its concept. It was very well designed, and obviously took advantage of hole in the Dolphins' punt return scheme.

My column. What MSU lacks as national football power exposed by J.T. Barrett and Ohio State: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141109/pat-caputo-what-msu-lacks-as-national-football-power-exposed-by-jt-barrett-ohio-state


My column. Stafford, Suh, Megatron at the crossroad or disappointment and greatness: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141108/pat-caputo-stafford-suh-megatron-detroit-lions-at-crossroad-of-greatness-and-disappointment

My column. What MSU lacks as national football power exposed by J.T. Barrett and Ohio State: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141109/pat-caputo-what-msu-lacks-as-national-football-power-exposed-by-jt-barrett-ohio-state

The Spartans' defense loves to crowd the line of scrimmage and get in the face of the opposing offense. Their safeties are only 10 yards from the line on most plays. Most college defenses are 15-to-20. There have been few teams the last two years remotely capable of burning MSU's defense by using the Spartans' aggressiveness against them. QB J.T. Barnett and the Buckeyes are tonight, though. Complaints? Not really. That was an outstanding first half of football. Very entertaining. But the Spartans better tackle better and drop back more into coverage or they will continue to get carved up. And they will hear strong criticism about how their vaunted defense is vastly overrated.
- Another NFL caliber throw by MSU QB Connor Cook came during the second quarter. With Adolphus Washington, a 6-4, 295-pound former 5-star recruit defensive tackle, who will likely play in the NFL himself, bearing down on him, Cook gunned a 14-yard strike to tight end Josiah Price. It was 2nd and 15 at the time. Cook snuck for a first-down on the next play. He also ran for a key first down on third and short later in the drive. Then he moved the pile near the goal line on another run. He was good the second half of last season, but Cook is even better this year. 

Jeremy Langford

- Jeremy Langford gets most of the ink among the Spartans' running backs, and deservedly so, but there isn't much dropoff, if any, when Delton Williams gets the ball. He is a solid and hard runner.
- The missed field goal by MSU inexcusable and a killer.
- One of the reasons Ohio State struggled last year in the Big Ten Championship Game vs. MSU is because their wide receivers struggled. That was particularly true of Devin Smith, who had a terrible game. The Spartans' secondary was very physical against him, and he didn't respond well. He looks like a completely different player tonight. And that big play by wide receiver Michael Thomas was not an aberration. He is a sophomore, who was redshirted last season, and has probably been the most improved player year-to-year in Ohio State's program. He is OSU's leading receiver, in fact.

My column. A frank look at what the second half of the season means for Stafford, Suh and even Megatron: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141108/pat-caputo-stafford-suh-megatron-detroit-lions-at-crossroad-of-greatness-and-disappointment


My column: MSU vs. Ohio State about Spartans writing a new course in history: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141105/msu-vs-ohio-state-about-the-spartans-creating-a-new-course-in-history-pat-caputo-says

Each team has explosive athletes offensively, and we've already seen that. Most people talk about MSU wide receiver Tony Lippett, and with good reason, but Keith Mumphety has made a lot of big plays down through the years, including two really big ones on the Spartans' first scoring drive tonight. The throw by Connor Cook on Mumphery's 44-yard reception was superior, though. It's the type of thing that could make him a first-round draft pick. Conversely, Ohio State sends waves of athletes at you. Ezekiel Elliot is the Buckeyes' leading rusher, and his capabilities when given the ball in space are obvious.


Keith Mumphery

- State's best chance to win this game is the same as a defensive-oriented team in basketball. They need to control the tempo of play. That means having sustain drives and wearing out Ohio State. The Buckeyes can match MSU athletically, but don't play with the same degree of physicality.- There is a surprising number of people at this game wearing scarlet rather than green. It's stunning, really. Actually, the most I've seen for an opposing team at Spartan Stadium.
- One thing that really sticks out about J.T. Barrett is his ability to run a quarterback draw. He is a 225-pound kid, and has knack for not only picking his way through defenses, but he is physical runner, who shrugs off arm tackles while still retaining his speed running downhill. He is also a better passer than Braxton Miller. He has a quicker release and snaps of his shorter timing throws much more decisively and on target than Miller.

My column. A frank look at what the second half of the season means for Stafford, Suh and even Megatron: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141108/pat-caputo-stafford-suh-megatron-detroit-lions-at-crossroad-of-greatness-and-disappointment


My column: MSU vs. Ohio State about Spartans writing a new course in history: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141105/msu-vs-ohio-state-about-the-spartans-creating-a-new-course-in-history-pat-caputo-says

There are several elements to baseball. I believe pitching is by far the most important. That hardly puts me in a club of one. It is conventional wisdom.
But top pitching is greatly diminished if it is not backed by respectable defense. And top fielding can make a pitching staff much better, turning mediocre into good, and good to great.
It was constantly mentioned - and justifiably so - how much better Kansas City's bullpen was than the Tigers in 2014. However, the Royals' starting rotation was also better than the Tigers, a 3.60 ERA compared to 3.89 for Detroit. Part of this is the home ball parks. Kansas City presents a pitcher's delight, but both rotations had a 1.27 WHIP and the Tigers' starters missed a lot more bats and had better numbers across the board. What does that tell you? The Royals were much, much better defensively.
The Gold Glove Awards were announced this week. The Royals had three winners for the second straight year - left fielder Alex Gordon, catcher Salvador Perez and first baseman Eric Hosmer.
Gordon is a brilliant defender, whose defensive metrics are off the chart. If I had an MVP vote, he'd be second on my ballot behind only Mike Trout. Perez is easily the best defensive catcher in the American League. The Royals are way better than the Tigers up and down the lineup with the exception of second base, and it's not like KC's  Omar Infante is a stiff with the glove.
The Orioles, who swept the Tigers in the ALDS, also had three Gold Glove Award winners - shortstop J.J. Hardy, center fielder Adam Jones and right fielder Nick Markakis.

Alex Gordon: A weapon with his glove

After the Tigers traded center fielder Austin Jackson, they became particularly dreadful defensively. Only catcher Alex Avila and second baseman Ian Kinsler (he had by his best season defensively metrically) can reasonably be considered above average defensively. The left side of the infield was a disaster defensively, especially third baseman Nick Castellanos, whose lack of side-to-side range is stunning. The idea Andrew Romine is an above average defender is based more on wishful thinking than reality. He is a Triple-A defender. The outfield when Rajai Davis moved to center to replace Jackson was particularly vulnerable. Torii Hunter performed better offensively the second half, but his range defensively was a big issue throughout.
There is this groundswell for the Tigers to re-sign Victor Martinez regardless the cost. Martinez is not one of the best players in MLB - he is one of the best hitters. Now that's meaningful, but it should not be ignored he contributes nothing defensively. The last time the Tigers reached the World Series, it was the year VMart missed entirely (2012).
The Tigers haven't had a Gold Glove winner since Placido Polanco in 2009. Until they get better defensively, they won't get better overall.
That's the bottom line.

My Column: Stafford, Suh, Megatron, Detroit Lions at the crossroad of greatness and disappointment: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141107/pat-caputo-stafford-suh-megatron-detroit-lions-at-crossroad-of-greatness-and-disappointment

My column. MSU vs. Ohio State about the Spartans offering a new course in history: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141105/msu-vs-ohio-state-about-the-spartans-creating-a-new-course-in-history-pat-caputo-says

My column. Unsolicited advice for Dave Dombrowski about how to fix the Tigers: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141102/pat-caputo-unsolicited-advice-for-dave-dombrowski-on-how-to-fix-the-detroit-tigers

My column. http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141101/pat-caputo-now-the-david-brandon-show-is-gone-how-to-restore-order-at-michigan

- I can't remember a quarterback quite like Devin Gardner, in which the turnover card just comes out so suddenly, and without fail, at least once a game. I mean, right in the other team's hands type of throws or some bizarre sort of fumble. Gardner did it again today, and for a probable Pick 6, except Indiana's defensive back dropped the ball. Then he did it again just before the end of the half, setting up an easy field goal attempt Indiana missed.
- It may fall under the category of "too little, too late" but there has been noticeable improvement from wide receiver Amara Darboh.
- Good for Joe Bolden getting a sack. He's a very good football player and he should not only be defined for the "stake" incident last week at Michigan State
- It's homecoming, perhaps that's why Michigan Stadium is more full than you might expect. The final home game vs. Maryland later this month will provide a much bigger challenge attendance-wise.

My column. Why the David Brandon resignation falls so short without Brady Hoke being officially out: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141031/pat-caputo-why-david-brandon-resignation-lacking-meaning-without-brady-hoke-ouster-too

My column. Stan Van Gundy trying to water into wine with Pistons: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141030/pat-caputo-stan-van-gundy-trying-to-turn-water-into-wine-with-detroit-pistons

My column. Matthew Stafford, Golden Tate and separating fact from fiction for the Lions: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20141029/pat-caputo-matthew-stafford-golden-tate-and-separating-fact-from-fiction-for-detroit-lions