Detroit Lions

With a dramatic free agency period now largely complete, contenders for Super Bowl glory in the 2020 season have already emerged.

The Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints are expected to feature prominently in the playoffs once more, with Tom Brady's arrival putting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the mix as well.

All 32 teams understand the draft's importance, though while some of the top rosters may only need to fill one or two needs and ideally select the best player available, others are facing critical decisions that could alter the future of their franchise.

For the following eight teams, the pressure is on ahead of a 2020 draft that could impact their postseason chances, and the job security of those in charge, for many years to come.
 

Las Vegas Raiders

Armed with two first-round selections thanks to the Khalil Mack trade, the Raiders will pick at 12 and 19. Head coach Jon Gruden has had two losing seasons since signing his big-money contract, while Mike Mayock's first draft as general manager, that included three 2019 first-round picks, received mixed reviews on the evidence of last season. 

With question marks over whether Derek Carr will be the long-term quarterback, the Raiders need to give him weapons and will desperately hope to land one of the star receivers, CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs.

Secondary help with their other top pick could address another key need, with the Raiders in need of tangible progress in their first year in Vegas following the departures of Mack and Amari Cooper in exchange for draft assets over recent seasons.

New York Giants

The Giants will pick at number 4 this year, having selected at 2 and 6 over the past two years – a sign that all has not been well on the field. Running back Saquon Barkley and QB Daniel Jones have been their previous premium selections. An offensive tackle or versatile safety-linebacker hybrid Isaiah Simmons are seen as the most likely options this time around.

After the firing of head coach Pat Shurmur, pressure is on GM Dave Gettleman to hit with that pick and his selection at 36 for a roster still needing a significant injection of talent under Joe Judge. With no playoff win since their 2011 championship season, fans are growing impatient.

Miami Dolphins

After stripping the roster bare in 2019, free agency saw the Dolphins begin to use the salary cap space they had freed up, with Byron Jones lured from the Dallas Cowboys to be made the NFL's highest-paid cornerback. 

Now it is time for the Dolphins to start making the most of their masses of draft capital. They have three picks in the first round - 5, 18 and 26 – and three more across rounds two and three (39, 56 and 70).

They face a key decision regarding their long-term future at QB, with current starter Ryan Fitzpatrick only a bridge option. If they are happy with his medical reports, the Dolphins could trade up for Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa, stay at five to see if he drops, or instead go down a different route by taking Justin Herbert or Jordan Love with one of their three first-rounders.

That is a decision of paramount importance and with so many other selections in a deep class at tackle and receiver, it is a draft that, if they get it right, could catapult the Dolphins into being perennial AFC East contenders after the New England Patriots lost Brady.

Detroit Lions

Just nine wins in two seasons since arriving from the Patriots has Matt Patricia under pressure in Detroit. After trading Darius Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Lions have been strongly linked with cornerback Jeffrey Okudah at number three overall.

With picks near the top of the second and third rounds too, and number 85 picked up as part of the deal for Slay, Lions GM Bob Quinn has options, including trading down from three. This is a pivotal draft in the team's rebuild.

Atlanta Falcons

The Saints have won the NFC South for three straight seasons and Brady's arrival with the Bucs gives the division another powerhouse. 

That leaves the Falcons in a difficult spot, given they have underwhelmed since their Super Bowl collapse at the end of the 2016 season. The Falcons are not rebuilding, and the clock is ticking for them with QB Matt Ryan now 34 and star wideout Julio Jones 31. 

Unlike many of the other teams in this list, the Falcons are not blessed with extensive draft capital, with only number 15, 47 and 78 in the top 100. GM Thomas Dimitroff may have to pull off something special if his team are to keep pace with divisional rivals led by Brady and Drew Brees.

New England Patriots

All eyes are on the Patriots after Brady's departure. Bill Belichick has given little away, this draft will tell us if he plans to draft an immediate successor, with his other options being rolling with Jarrett Stidham at QB in 2020, and potentially beyond, or signing a free agent like Cam Newton.

The Patriots have a pick at 23 that is prompting huge debate, given they are not scheduled to make another selection until number 87. If they go QB in the first round, it will leave the roster without star offensive weapons, one of the factors that frustrated Brady towards the end of his tenure.

Belichick has praised the depth and quality of the QB class and could wait to see if a developmental option under center is available in the middle rounds while selecting an immediate contributor at another position in round one. Or, he could do nothing and build around Stidham or a veteran recruit.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are one of the most intriguing teams in this year's draft with picks at nine and 20, as well as a second-round selection at 42. Trading away Nick Foles appeared to indicate Gardner Minshew will be unchallenged at QB, but would that remain the case if the team have a high grade on Herbert or Love and either fall into their lap?

Jacksonville's defense is in a complete rebuild after last season's Jalen Ramsey trade was followed by the offseason exits of A.J. Bouye and Calais Campbell, while more receiving options for Minshew are also needed.

Two frustrating seasons have followed their AFC Championship berth and the pressure is on - this draft must set foundations to move the team towards contending again.

Minnesota Vikings

While Kirk Cousins' big-money contract extension removes any questions about the Vikings' future at quarterback, they go into the draft with some glaring needs.

The evaluations on whether they were wise to trade away Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills will be based on how they replace him with a historic class of a receivers to choose from. Cornerback reinforcements are a key requirement on the defensive side of the ball.

Having renewed their commitment to Cousins and with the Green Bay Packers to chase down in the NFC North, the Vikings - who pick at 22 and 25 in the first round - need to hit at those priority positions if they are to compete this year.

Campbell's Lions lead the NFC North after going 9-3, inspired by an energetic running game and experienced quarterback Jared Goff, who made Super Bowl LII with the defeated Los Angeles Rams.

Only C.J. Stroud (3,540), Sam Howell (3,466) and Tua Tagovailoa (3,457) have passed for more yards than Goff's 3,288, while the Lions' 1,648 rushing yards can only be bettered by the Chicago Bears, the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens.

Enjoying a fine season to date, Harmon – a Lion for a season in 2020 – lauded the qualities his former Detroit side have to offer in their quest for a first playoff berth since 2016.

"What I've seen is a team that has taken the approach and the mindset of their head coach," Harmon, now of the Cleveland Browns, told Stats Perform.

"A gritty team, a tough team, a team that will not quit, a team that will fight for all 60 minutes, and a team that is continually going to be on the rise this year and for years to come.

"They have a great thing cooking in Detroit.

"I was privileged enough to sit down with coach Campbell when he got hired. Right then and there, I knew they hired the right guy.

"He said it was going to be a year-to-year thing, it wasn't what happened overnight. He understood that he understood the process that it was going to be."

As the Lions continue in their search for a first Super Bowl triumph, Harmon lauded Campbell for restoring pride among a devoted Detroit faithful.

He added: "I'm happy for what he has done for the city of Detroit because they have one of the most loyal fan bases in sports, not just in the NFL.

"All they've ever wanted was a team to compete and a team that they can be proud of and Dan Campbell has given that to them – so hats off to him.

"We still have a long season, but what they've been able to accomplish this year up to this point, and just over the last two years, it shows that they're heading in the right direction to compete for years to come."

Touching further on Campbell's qualities, Harmon believes more NFL teams should follow suit in appointing former players looking to get into coaching.

Former tight end Campbell played for the New York Giants, the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints – as well as a spell with the Lions – in a playing career that ended in 2009.

"It was a brief, probably 20-25 minute conversation, and the energy he gave off to me was, a lot of coaches say, I'll do any and everything for you, but you can just tell he meant it," Harmon continued.

"Not only did he mean it because, obviously it was his chance to be a head coach, but because he could relate. He was in the player's shoes.

"That's one thing that I think the NFL and these owners should start doing more is looking to hire former NFL players because they can relate.

"They understand the grind, not only physically, but mentally. They understand what it means to be an NFL player.

"What better way to have a head coach, who not only can motivate the players, but also relate? So they hired the right guy and we all see it. I wish him nothing but luck."

The veteran running back, 35, was surprisingly cut by Washington earlier this week but has quickly found a new home ahead of the 2020 NFL season, which begins next week.

Peterson confirmed he was travelling to Detroit to sign for the Lions in a text to reporter Josina Anderson.

"They're giving me an opportunity to play," he said.

"I know coach [Darrell] Bevell from my days in Minnesota. Ultimately I feel comfortable going there and helping them to get better."

Bevell is the offensive coordinator in Detroit and held that role for five seasons with NFC North rivals the Minnesota Vikings – where Peterson enjoyed the best years of his career – between 2006 and 2010.

Peterson, drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft, was a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his four seasons working with Bevell in Minnesota and he led the league in rushing yardage in 2008 when he amassed 1,760 yards.

Since leaving Minnesota after the 2016 campaign, Peterson has played for the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals and Washington – for whom he accrued 1,940 rushing yards across two seasons.

He will enter his 14th year in the league hoping to add to 14,216 career rushing yards, which are the fifth-most of all time.

Detroit legend Barry Sanders is fourth of the list with 15,269.

The Lions had already drafted running back D'Andre Swift in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft and he is expected to compete for starting snaps with Kerryon Johnson, another second-round pick who has struggled to stay healthy since entering the league in 2018.

Detroit begin their 2020 season against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field next Sunday.

The Buccaneers booked their spot in the postseason for the first time since 2007 thanks to Saturday's 47-7 demolition of the Detroit Lions.

Tom Brady helped end Tampa Bay's 13-year wait for a playoff berth, throwing four touchdowns on 22-of-27 passing for 348 yards and no interceptions against the Lions.

As the Buccaneers (10-5) eye a second Super Bowl crown to pair with their 2002 success, Arians told reporters: "It's just the beginning. Our goal when we started out, especially this year, was just to get in the dance.

"And now it's to win 11 games. And see where we stand and where we're going, know who we're playing.

"[I'm] really, really proud -- our guys did a great job of preparing this week. You could feel -- this was the playoff practice week. Even with the holidays, they handled their business well."

Six-time Super Bowl champion and superstar quarterback Brady reset the single-season franchise high for passing TDs with 36, surpassing former number one pick Jameis Winston's record of 33 posted last season in his 300th regular-season appearance.

Brady produced the best first half of his illustrious career, completing 22 of 27 passes for 348 yards away to the Lions in Detroit, having eclipsed his own record of 340-plus passing yards, four-plus TDs and no interceptions in a single half set with the New England Patriots in 2009.

The 43-year-old became the only NFL player in history to play for 20-plus seasons with one team – the Patriots – and later make the playoffs with another, per NFL Research. Brady is also the first player in the league's history to reach the playoffs in 12 consecutive seasons.

"Any time you have a 158 quarterback rating and throw for over 300 yards in the half, back-to-back, it's pretty special," Arians said. "And he's a pretty special player."

Such was Brady's dominance against the Lions, having combined well with Mike Evans, he was handed a rest and replaced by Blaine Gabbert to start the third quarter.

"We knew -- especially [against] this team -- Tom went against this defense for 20 years in New England [with] all the calls and everything. He was very confident that we could get Mike the ball in this ballgame," Arians said.

"Every time Blaine [Gabbert] had a chance, we were going to try to get Mike that record. I was hoping he'd get it today and we wouldn't have to play him next week, but next week will take care of itself. I desperately want that to happen. Whatever he needs -- 50 [yards] or whatever he has left -- I'm sure Atlanta's not going to want to give it to him, so we'll have to find some creative ways to get it for him."

The trade was reported by multiple sources on Tuesday.

The Lions selected Okudah with the third overall pick of the 2020 draft, but he has had a hard time staying healthy.

In three seasons with Detroit, Okudah has appeared in 25 games while missing 25 games due to injuries.

Heading into the fourth season of his rookie contract, Okudah will make $5.1million and the Falcons have until May 1 to decide on picking up his fifth-year option.

Atlanta will hope a change of scenery will give Okudah a fresh start and help shore up a pass defense that ranked among the worst in the NFL in 2022.

Only five teams had fewer interceptions than the Falcons' 10 last season, while opposing quartebacks posted a 95.7 passer rating – fourth highest in the league.

In 15 games last season, Okudah had one interception, seven pass breakups, 73 tackles – including two for loss – and one forced fumble.

Playing at home and entering the contest on a three-game winning streak, the Lions struck first with a close-range Jamaal Williams touchdown in the first quarter.

The Bills would answer straight back with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Allen to Isaiah McKenzie on the next drive, and after trading touchdowns again in the second quarter, a Tyler Bass field goal as time expired gave Buffalo a 17-14 lead at half-time.

Defensive lineman Ed Oliver tacked on two more points for the Bills early in the third quarter when he sacked Lions quarterback Jared Goff in the endzone for a safety, but the hosts would not go away, taking the lead 22-19 to begin the fourth period after a D.J. Chark touchdown catch.

The see-sawing battle would see the Bills retake the ascendancy with under three minutes remaining through a five-yard Stefon Diggs touchdown reception, but the Lions looked destined to take it to overtime when Michael Badgley tied it up at 25-25 with a clutch 51-yard field goal, with only 23 seconds on the clock.

That proved to be enough time for Allen to win it, delivering a 36-yard strike to Diggs to move within field goal range, setting up Bass for another big kick, and another big make to take the Bills to 8-3.

Allen completed 24 of 42 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, while top receiver Diggs snagged eight receptions for 77 yards and a score.

The Bears scrapped to a 16-14 victory against the winless Lions on Thursday amid uncertainty over Nagy's future in Chicago.

Nagy had to answer questions about his future this week, following reports he had been told his final game would be against the Lions (0-10).

But after snapping a five-game skid, Nagy savoured Chicago's result as the Bears improved to 4-7.

"When there's distractions, which is in every sport, in all facets of life, there's always going to be distractions," Nagy told reporters.

"It's how you handle them. And again, we got the win today, and it could've went a lot of different ways. But the reason why we got the win is because of how they handled the distractions, you know? That's where to me, when you're in this business and you lead people, it's my job to make sure of honest and open communication.

"That's where, for me, I just can't tell you how much this win means today to me because of what they did."

Chicago's defence allowed a season-low 239 total yards and just 14 first downs against Detroit.

Andy Dalton fuelled the Bears with a touchdown on 24-of-39 passing for 317 yards – his 30th 300-yard career passing game and the most yards by a Chicago quarterback since November 2020.

"Again, for me, there is only my understanding, which is what it's been since the day I signed up to be this coach, is to win as many games as I can possibly win, and do it the right way," Nagy added.

"When you lose five games in a row, you understand. When you're 3-7, you know what territory it can get to. You know what I mean? That comes with the job. I knew that four years ago when I took this, and so here we are. Every week is a little bit different.

"This one was definitely different. This is one of those weeks where you use it moving forward. You don't make any predictions, but what you do is when you go home on that plane tonight and everyone's having a good time because they're able to celebrate and have fun watching the tape and enjoy their Thanksgiving and get back to being healthy and understand what games are next, but the only game that matters is Arizona coming up.

"That's it. So again, for me, the only thing I can say to those players is that I appreciate them and we have a hell of a group of guys, players and coaches, and they showed it today by getting a win."

Bears coach Matt Nagy had to answer questions about his future this week, but he was boosted by a trip to Detroit to play Goff and the winless Lions in Thursday's early game.

Goff – back after an oblique injury – is now 0-16-1 when not coached by McVay, having gone 42-20 in their four years together with the Los Angeles Rams, and this was another outing to forget.

Although a matchup between the teams ranked 29th and 30th for points per game heading into the week was never likely to be a classic, it started well for Goff when he connected with Josh Reynolds on a 39-yard touchdown.

D'Andre Swift soon went down with a shoulder problem to check Detroit's momentum, however, and Cairo Santos' field goal got the Bears on the board before two Andy Dalton passes broke the game open late in the half, as he threw 52 yards to Darnell Mooney and then 17 yards to Jimmy Graham up the middle for a TD.

That was quickly followed by a Goff fumble – his eighth of the year and the fifth he has lost – and the Lions continued to struggle to move the chains even after an Amani Oruwariye interception, instead allowing Santos to stretch Chicago's lead before half-time.

But Goff's work through the air was much improved and a patient third-quarter drive ended with a pass to T. J. Hockenson to edge the Lions in front.

The hosts came close to their first win of the season but were ultimately thwarted by the boot of Santos as Chicago's final drive led to a successful 28-yard field goal in the final seconds.

Bears coach Matt Nagy had to answer questions about his future this week, but he was boosted by a trip to Detroit to play Goff and the winless Lions in Thursday's early game.

Goff – back after an oblique injury – is now 0-16-1 when not coached by McVay, having gone 42-20 in their four years together with the Los Angeles Rams, and this was another outing to forget.

Although a matchup between the teams ranked 29th and 30th for points per game heading into the week was never likely to be a classic, it started well for Goff when he connected with Josh Reynolds on a 39-yard touchdown.

D'Andre Swift soon went down with a shoulder problem to check Detroit's momentum, however, and Cairo Santos' field goal got the Bears on the board before two Andy Dalton passes broke the game open late in the half, as he threw 52 yards to Darnell Mooney and then 17 yards to Jimmy Graham up the middle for a TD.

That was quickly followed by a Goff fumble – his eighth of the year and the fifth he has lost – and the Lions continued to struggle to move the chains even after an Amani Oruwariye interception, instead allowing Santos to stretch Chicago's lead before half-time.

But Goff's work through the air was much improved and a patient third-quarter drive ended with a pass to T. J. Hockenson to edge the Lions in front.

The hosts came close to their first win of the season but were ultimately thwarted by the boot of Santos as Chicago's final drive led to a successful 28-yard field goal in the final seconds.

NFL Network reported the short turnaround ahead of the trip to Detroit to face the Lions likely will keep Fields out of action, though Bears head coach Matt Nagy said Monday the team was still "gathering facts". 

Rookie QB Fields got pummelled by the Baltimore Ravens defence in a 16-13 defeat Sunday, leaving in the third quarter with rib problems. 

He had completed just four of 11 passes for 79 yards at the time. Dalton came on in relief and completed 11 of 23 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. 

Nagy acknowledged there could be a "safety issue" playing Fields against the Lions but remained vague about the team's plans. 

"‘We always want to make sure that we’re not putting our players at more risk, regardless of who you are," Nagy told reporters Monday.

"Obviously, there’s more magnitude to everybody else — and to us — with Justin. And being the quarterback and touching the football every play and throwing and that sort of thing. So we’ll have to keep that in mind.’’

Quarterback shuffling has been a season-long theme for the Bears (3-7), as the veteran Dalton started the first two games of the season before suffering a knee injury.

Sunday marked only his second appearance since then, as the 22-year-old Fields has had mixed results but generally shown improvement while settling into the starting role. 

The 11th overall pick in this year's draft threw for a career-best 291 yards in Chicago's previous game, a 29-27 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

The Lions (0-9-1) also are expected to be without their starting QB, as Jared Goff continues to deal with an oblique injury that kept him out of Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. 

Tim Boyle likely will start again in Goff's place in the Lions' annual Thanksgiving Day showcase. 

 

 

Bears head coach Matt Nagy has turned to the rookie after veteran QB Andy Dalton (knee) was downgraded to doubtful for Week 4 of the NFL season.

There was some doubt over first-year quarterback Fields due a hand injury, but he will line up under center for the Bears (1-2) at home to the winless Lions (0-3).

The number 11 pick in the NFL Draft, Fields has the chance to bounce back from an underwhelming start to life in the NFL.

In last week's 26-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns as Dalton sat out, Fields was sacked nine times and held to just six of 20 passing for 68 yards and 12 rushing yards on three attempts.

"This week's practice compared to last week's practice, I felt just more comfortable at practice just kind of getting that under my belt and getting kind of past that," Fields said.

"Last week, you really can't get worse than that. I mean, I hope not. But I felt comfortable this week."

Chicago finished their defeat against the Browns with one net passing yard. It was the fewest net passing yards for the Bears in a game since negative-20 passing yards in 1981 against the Lions.

"Justin's game that he played last week, he did a lot of things that he's going to learn from," Nagy said. "But we also, and myself, have to help him. I think the biggest thing for him is, 'OK, here's how I was in the week of practice. Here's how I was on game day, both physically and mentally. Now how am I going to be heading into this week? Am I getting better? Is there improvement? Am I getting better at the things I was good at? Am I getting better at the things that I wasn't so good at?'

"And that's what we're doing as coaches throughout the week of practice, is being able to watch him and see that. I can say from last week to this week that you do see that advancement. That there, knowing and feeling how he practiced, is why I would answer it that way."

Defensive coordinator Cory Undlin, defensive line coach Bo Davis, defensive backs coach Steve Gregory and linebackers coach Ty McKenzie will join Bevell in being absent for the match.

The news follows two positive COVID-19 tests within the Lions camp earlier in the week, which prompted the NFL and the Lions to activate their close contact tracing procedures.

Bevell would not confirm or deny reports earlier this week that a defensive assistant was not constantly wearing a contact tracing tracker and that another held a meeting in his office.

Wide receivers coach Robert Prince will replace Bevell for the game, while playcalling duties will be turned over to quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan, the team announced.

Veteran Blount called time on a successful career via social media, having last played for the Detroit Lions in 2018.

The 34-year-old won two Super Bowls alongside Tom Brady with the Patriots, while he also got his hands on the Vince Lombardi Trophy during his time in Philadelphia in 2017.

Blount, who also played for the Tampa Ba Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers, wrote via Instagram: "It's been fun and fulfilling!! What's good everyone? I just want to inform y'all that I'm officially retiring.

"I have thought long and hard about this decision, and I've talked to my closest family members and friends about this. We collectively agreed on this decision. It is in the best interest of me and my family.

"I gave everything I had to the game, my team-mates, and my coaches. I want to show my appreciation to the organisations that believed in me enough to give me a real shot. Jeff Fisher and the Titans gave me my first chance and I'll forever be grateful for that.

"Raheem Morris and the Buccaneers took a chance on me and allowed me to put myself on the map and also putting me in the same locker room as the OG Ronde Barber and my forever brother Aqib Talib.

"Bill and RK, I can't thank y'all enough! New England, I love you! PatsNation, I love you! Two Super Bowl rings and a chance to play with the coldest QB to ever play the game in TB! I made the best of friends, a lot turned into family, and many doors were opened for me. Thank y’all so much!!

"Thank you to the Steelers organisation, Mr. Rooney, Kevin Colbert and coach T. Things may not have worked out but I truly do appreciate the opportunity.

"PHILADELPHIA!! PHILLY PHILLY!!! PHILLY SPECIAL!!! Doug, Howie Roseman and Mr. Lurie. That entire season was one of the most special seasons in my entire career for so many reasons!! Getting my third SB ring is just icing on the cake that season. Eagles Nation!!

"All in all, I loved being a part of these organisation and the people involved in them. I'm excited to move on to the next phase in my life!

"Big thanks to my agency, specifically my agent Zeke Sandhu, who stuck with me from the beginning through literally everything. I know it was tough but you always been a big bro to me. Now everyone can stop asking 'are you done?'."

Blount, who started out as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans before making his debut via the Buccaneers in 2010, tallied 6,306 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns throughout his career.

He spent two-and-a-half seasons with the Patriots in Foxborough, where he teamed up with Brady to win two Super Bowl titles in 2014 and 2016.

"So proud of you and everything you accomplished champ it was my pleasure always to be there for you and loved sharing the huddle with you!!" Brady wrote.

Holmes, 41, also assumes the position of executive vice president after leaving the Rams, where he served as director of college scouting.

He takes over the role that had stood vacant since Bob Quinn was fired on November 28, when head coach Matt Patricia was also dismissed.

A full-time successor to Patricia has yet to be appointed, but the key front office role is now filled as Holmes takes up his most senior post yet, reportedly on a five-year deal.

The Lions (5-11) finished bottom of the NFC North in 2020, as they now have for three consecutive seasons, and principal owner and chairman Sheila Ford Hamp said Holmes had made an immediately positive impression.

"On behalf of the entire Lions organisation, I am thrilled to welcome Brad Holmes to Detroit," she said.

"Several weeks ago, when we embarked on this process, it was critical that we find the right person to fit our vision for this team. It was evident early on that Brad is a proven leader who is ready for this opportunity. We are thrilled to introduce him to our fans as a member of our football family."

The Lions were reported to have considered an array of candidates, some of whom had GM experience in the NFL, including Thomas Dimitroff and Scott Pioli.

Rod Wood, the CEO and team president, said Holmes "stood out immediately" because of his commitment to using data to identify emerging talent.

"His abilities as a critical thinker, along with his extensive experience implementing technology and analytics into his approach to scouting, were among the many decisive qualities Brad displayed in our time getting to know him during the interview process," Wood said.

"We look forward to him helping lead our organisation as we take the next steps as a team."

Holmes had been with the Rams since joining as a public relations intern in 2003. He soon joined the scouting staff and was appointed in 2013 to the role he has vacated to switch allegiance.

The Rams will pick up a third-round draft pick for each of the next two years as compensation for losing Holmes, NFL.com said.

Despite injury issues at wide receiver and cornerback, normal service was expected to be resumed when the Buccaneers made the trip to FedEx Field having lost to the New Orleans Saints prior to last week's bye.

But a rematch from last season's Wild Card Round instead went the way of a Washington team who entered the week with just two wins to their name.

Taylor Heinicke, whose performance in that playoff matchup catapulted him to cult hero status, led a key game-winning drive in the fourth quarter to close out a 29-19 victory for Washington, who had earlier lost star defensive end Chase Young to what is believed to be a torn ACL, after the Buccaneers had pulled within one score.

Tom Brady was intercepted twice in the Bucs' first three offensive series, with Washington turning that second turnover into a touchdown as Heinicke connected with DeAndre Carter for a 20-yard touchdown pass to put the hosts 13-0 up following a pair of early field goals.

The Bucs' offense could only manage a pair of field goals, sandwiched by another for Washington from Joey Slye, in response before half-time and Tampa Bay continued to struggle to take advantage of what has been a porous defense thereafter even minus the presence of stud pass rusher Young.

They finally knocked down the door in the third quarter with a four-play, 43-yard drive that ended with Brady finding tight end Cameron Brate for the score, only for Washington to reply in kind as Antonio Gibson was pushed over the goal-line by a scrum of team-mates.

A Dax Milne fumble was followed by a 40-yard strike from Brady to Mike Evans to fray Washington nerves with over 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. However, Ryan Succop missed the critical extra point to leave Tampa Bay four points adrift, before Heinicke led a clutch clock-killing drive that was capped with Gibson's second touchdown to drop the Bucs to 6-3 and deal their hopes of claiming the number one seed in the NFC a substantial blow.

Titans hold off Saints

The 8-2 Tennessee Titans remain the frontrunner for the top seed in the AFC, having stretched their extremely impressive winning streak to six games by edging the New Orleans Saints 23-21.

Ryan Tannehill threw for 213 yards and a touchdown while running for another, wideout Marcus Johnson emerging with a 100-yard game a day after Julio Jones was placed on injured reserve by Tennessee. The Saints pulled within two late in the fourth quarter when Trevor Siemian hit Marquez Callaway for a 15-yard touchdown, but both the two-point conversion and the subsequent onside kick came up short for New Orleans.

While the Saints lost for the second straight week, the Dallas Cowboys rebounded from a shock loss with a 43-3 rout of the Atlanta Falcons and the Buffalo Bills crushed the New York Jets 45-17 a week on from an upset in Jacksonville.

Lions finally don't lose, but don't win

The Detroit Lions' 2021 season has been one defined by gut-wrenching defeats.

They avoided such a fate on this week, but missed a golden opportunity to claim their first win since last December in a 16-16 tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers, missing starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger due to coronavirus.

Ryan Santoso had a 48-yard field goal to win the game for the Lions in overtime after a Diontae Johnson fumble, but saw his kick come up short of the goalposts.

The Steelers appeared to be driving for a game-winning kick in the waning seconds of the extra period, yet Pat Freiermuth's fumble ensured a bizarre game ended level, Pittsburgh failing to take advantage of losses for AFC North rivals the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, whose quarterback Baker Mayfield was injured in a crushing 45-7 loss to the New England Patriots.

With a nine-yard strike to Mike Evans in the closing seconds of the first quarter, Brady became the first NFL quarterback to throw 600 touchdown passes.

The 44-year-old – 20-of-36 passing for 211 yards – would finish the game with 602 for his career, all four of his TD tosses going for fewer than 10 yards and three of them landing in Evans' hands. 

Blaine Gabbert took over at quarterback for Brady midway through the fourth quarter with the game well in hand as the Buccaneers improved to 6-1. 

Brady's opposite number, Bears rookie QB Justin Fields, had a brutal day as he was sacked four times and threw three interceptions as Chicago failed to find the end zone. 

Stafford, Rams survive Lions scare

The matchup between Super Bowl contenders the Los Angeles Rams and the winless Detroit Lions finished with the expected result, but the Rams' 28-19 win was much closer than anticipated. 

The Rams (6-1) trailed 19-17 entering the fourth quarter and needed a five-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Cooper Kupp early in the period to take the lead and a 47-yard Matt Gay field goal with just over a minute to play to seal the win. 

Stafford completed 28 of 41 passes for 334 yards and three TDs against the team he played for in the first 12 years of his career, while former Rams QB Jared Goff threw a pair of costly interceptions for the Lions (0-7).

Kupp became the first player in the Super Bowl era to have 800-plus receiving yards and nine-plus receiving touchdowns in his team's first seven games of a season.

While the Lions remained the only winless team in the league after Week 7, the Arizona Cardinals (7-0) maintained their status as the lone team with a perfect record, routing the Houston Texans 31-5 behind three TD passes by Kyler Murray. 

Tampa Bay lost heavily to the New Orleans Saints last time out but were much improved against the Carolina Panthers, aided by a record-breaking touchdown from one of their running backs. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars threatened an upset in Green Bay only to come up short, but the Detroit Lions found just enough time to squeeze out Washington 30-27 thanks to Matt Prater's last-gasp field goal. 

Elsewhere, there was a further twist in the NFC East and the Cleveland Browns battled their way to a narrow 10-7 win over the Houston Texans in a game delayed due to bad weather. 

 

BUCS BACK WITH A BANG

Brady endured an outing to forget against the Saints as the Bucs were beaten 38-3, tied for the franchise's largest home loss. 

However, the six-time Super Bowl champion responded to the setback by throwing for 341 yards and three touchdowns, as well as sneaking in for a score himself in a 46-23 triumph. 

The game was tied at 17-17 at the half but the Panthers gave up a 98-yard touchdown run to Ronald Jones in the third quarter, the longest rushing score ever for Tampa Bay. Derrick Henry, Tony Dorsett and Ahman Green are the only other players to manage the same feat in the NFL. 

Jones finished with 192 yards on the ground, tied fifth on the all-time list for the most in a game by a Buccaneer. 

RODGERS LEADS THE WAY

The Packers improved to 7-2 on the season, though it was anything but straightforward for them in a 24-20 triumph over the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Aaron Rodgers threw for two touchdowns, including a six-yard strike to Davante Adams that put Green Bay ahead in the fourth quarter. They still had to repel a late drive by the plucky Jaguars, who have now lost eight straight. 

Quarterback Rodgers' other TD pass was far more spectacular. He teamed up for a 78-yard play with receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling - his longest completion since 2014. 

EAGLES FLAWED IN NEW YORK

Astonishingly, the Eagles remain in first place in the NFC East despite slipping to 3-5-1. They boasted a 10-2 against the Giants in New York since 2008 going into the game but slipped to a 27-17 loss that leaves the division wide open. 

Daniel Jones helped the home team record a second successive victory that moves them to 3-7.

The Giants had been 14-3 ahead at the midway stage and while Philadelphia fought back, a pair of Graham Gano field goals in the fourth quarter sealed the result. 

Week 10 scores:

Cleveland Browns 10-7 Houston Texans
Detroit Lions 30-27 Washington Football Team
Green Bay Packers 24-20 Jacksonville Jaguars
New York Giants 27-17 Philadelphia Eagles
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 46-23 Carolina Panthers

Brady helped end Tampa Bay's 13-year wait for a postseason berth after fuelling Saturday's 47-7 demolition of the Detroit Lions.

The six-time Super Bowl champion threw four touchdowns as he reset the single-season franchise high for passing TDs with 36, surpassing former number one pick Jameis Winston's record of 33 posted last season.

Brady produced the best first half of his illustrious career, completing 22 of 27 passes for 348 yards away to the Lions in Detroit, having eclipsed his own record of 340-plus passing yards, four-plus TDs and no interceptions in a single half set with the New England Patriots in 2009.

The 43-year-old superstar became the only NFL player in history to play for 20-plus seasons with one team – the Patriots – and later make the playoffs with another, per NFL Research. Brady is also the first player in the league's history to reach the playoffs in 12 consecutive seasons.

"I love playing and the team-mates that I have -- I always feel like I never want to let them down," Brady told reporters post-game after he was replaced by Blaine Gabbert to start the third quarter.

"I know it's been that way for 21 years of my career. I just try to show up and do the best I can do every week and every day, and realise that the competition isn't only on Sunday.

"The competition is every day of the week and I've got a lot of guys on this team this year that have made a great commitment to one another and we're committed to being the best we can be."

Brady – who became just the fourth non-specialist to play in 300 regular-season games and the 12th player in NFL history to achieve the feat – added: "I know at different times we haven't played the way we're capable of playing, and when we do play the way we're capable of playing, we're pretty tough to beat.

"We've gotta figure out how to do it more consistently in the best possible way. We play another divisional opponent at home and I'm gonna be excited to get out there to play and see what we can accomplish."

The Buccaneers are 10-5 and second to the New Orleans Saints (11-4) in the NFC South.

Brady, 43, is set to become the 12th player to achieve the feat in the NFL when the Buccaneers face the Detroit Lions on Saturday.

The six-time Super Bowl winner said it was a nice milestone to reach in what is his 21st NFL season.

"I think it's pretty cool. I don't get caught up too much in statistics and those types of things, but football has just been a very important part of my life for a long time, 30 years," Brady told a news conference on Wednesday.

"I love the ability to go out there and compete with my team-mates, compete for our fans and I love the game, I love the nuances of the game, I love the relationships I've built, all the memories I've had and I'm very blessed to be 43 years old and still doing it.

"It's definitely a challenge for me still, there's physical challenges, there's mental challenges, there's emotional challenges and I just love doing it.

"It's pretty cool that I'm still able to do it and still have a team that's supportive of me being out there and I want to go out there and do the best I can for them."

The Buccaneers (9-5) can clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2007 with a win over the Lions (5-9).

Brady has gone five straight games with multiple touchdown passes, his longest such streak since a nine-game run in 2015.

The quarterback is keen to see what Tampa Bay can produce at Ford Field.

"The season will be what we make of it. Our season is not over yet," Brady said.

"We've got a lot of football ahead, we've got obviously a hugely important game this week and then one more game in the regular season and we're going to have to play our way into the playoffs. It means we've got to win games and this is the one that matters the most because it's the next one and if we make it we do get in so it's hugely important.

"Every season presents some different challenges, every season has different things that challenge you in different ways. This one has been a challenge for everybody around the world. We're managing with it, we're managing it, we're dealing with it as best we can.

"We're trying to make improvements, trying to make them on a daily basis and I'm very excited about this weekend's game and seeing what we do on the day after Christmas."

Tom Brady's Bucs had slipped to 3-3 with last week's unexpected defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the team now have a losing record for the first time since the legendary quarterback lost his 2020 debut. Only in 2002, when he missed the playoffs, had Brady previously had a losing record at the end of Week 7.

This reverse was perhaps even more surprising than the Steelers upset, as P.J. Walker, Carolina's third-choice QB, led a Panthers team who had traded away star running back Christian McCaffrey this week.

Following that trade with the San Francisco 49ers, Steve Wilks, the interim head coach since Matt Rhule's October 10 firing, insisted: "There's no such thing as tanking when it comes to myself and the guys in that locker room."

The Panthers backed up that statement by dominating Brady and the Bucs, who were held to three points or fewer for the third time in their three seasons together. A Brady offense had three points or fewer only twice in his entire New England Patriots career.

The Bucs were scoreless through three quarters, in which time Carolina scored two touchdowns – Walker with a 20-yard completion to DJ Moore, before Chuba Hubbard, with just six carries through six weeks alongside McCaffrey, ran in from 17 yards.

Ryan Succop's field goal at the start of the fourth quarter was not to set the stage for a dramatic turnaround, as Walker's 29-yard pass to Tommy Tremble completed the job.

Rodgers also loses once more

Brady's fellow veteran Aaron Rodgers also dropped to 3-4 as the Green Bay Packers lost for the third week running, beaten 23-21 by the Washington Commanders.

The Packers have suffered three straight defeats for the first time since 2018, with Rodgers unable to rally late on after a first half in which he had only 47 passing yards – his second-lowest career mark after 15 or more attempts before halftime.

Dak back but defense dominates

Dak Prescott returned from injury as the Dallas Cowboys beat the Detroit Lions 24-6, although the victory owed more to running back Ezekiel Elliott and the team's defense than their QB. Prescott threw for 207 yards and a TD, as Elliott ran in for a pair of scores while Jared Goff was sacked five times and picked off twice.

Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals' QB, was far more influential as he threw for 481 yards and three TDs in a 35-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons. That yardage ranks third in a regular season Bengals game all-time, although the 525-yard record already belongs to Burrow (v Ravens, 2021).

The Tennessee Titans' Derrick Henry enjoyed a record-setting performance in victory over AFC South rivals the Indianapolis Colts, rushing for 128 yards. He has 1287 career rushing yards versus the Colts, the most of any Titan against any one team.