News

DT Ndamukong Suh (Photo: G. Smith/Detroit Lions)

Despite a big win by the Lions this week that snapped an eight-game losing streak dating back to last November, this week's headlines were dominated by talk of Ndamukong Suh and his personal foul penalty.

Suh's teammates stood by the first-year team captain, who apologized to them in Tuesday's team meeting.

"He just said basically that he can’t make those type of mistakes and he can’t put us in a position where we have to battle back from mistakes like that," veteran receiver Nate Burleson said. “He also said that with him having a target, and people looking for him, they’re looking at us (as a team).

"After he sat down and few guys screamed ‘I love you.’ We’re a family."

Apparently these players consider themselves a family with members that want to hold each other accountable.

Burleson talked Thursday about a decision the team made to run gassers for every personal foul penalty committed this season.

After two penalties against Minnesota -- one by Suh and the other by Louis Delmas -- the team ran one full gasser (one half for each) following Wednesday's practice.

Coincidentally, it was the hottest practice of the season.

"We've got a group of guys who brought it up to the team," Burleson said. "We should have some accountability.

"Even though mistakes and personal fouls are individual-based, at the end of the day, it hurts everybody on the team."

MORE NEWS, NOTES AND QUOTES LEADING UP TO THE LIONS' WEEK 2 MATCH-UP AT ARIZONA:

• INJURY REPORT: T Jason Fox (groin) is the only player listed as out for tomorrow's game. S Don Carey (hamstring) is doubtful and DT Nick Fairley (shoulder) is questionable. All other players on this week's injury report -- RB Reggie Bush (finger/groin/knee), S Louis Delmas (knee), DE Jason Jones (knee), LB Ashlee Palmer (ankle), and S John Wendling (ankle) -- are listed as probable. Get game designations for both teams.
• Despite the fact that he walked away from last Sunday's game with finger, groin and knee injuries, RB Reggie Bush doesn't want his carries to decrease.
• After the Lions' defensive line had a strong performance against the Vikings, Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians says his offensive linemen will have to "have their big boy pads on".
• The Lions will have to content with a happy Larry Fitzgerald as he continues to find rhythm with veteran QB Carson Palmer.
• Tim Twentyman explores the idea of defenses adjusting to cover Reggie Bush, leaving Calvin Johnson with more opportunity.
• Detroitlions.com analyst Herman Moore says the Lions can make a statement by carrying over their second-half performance against the Vikings into Arizona. Mike O'Hara also digs into that possibility.
• Stafford is enjoying his options. He and the Lions had key contributions from six offensive players not named Calvin Johnson in Detroit's win over Minnesota.
• Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan wasn't surprised by the solid play of the offensive line in Detroit's 34-24 win vs. the Vikings.
• Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham believes rookie CB Darius Slay will continue to improve with experience. Slay himself acknowledged early in the week he missed a key tackle, but isn't losing confidence.
• Special teams coordinator John Bonamego discusses the play of rookie punter Sam Martin in the Lions' 34-24 season-opening win over Minnesota and how he expects him to improve this week at Arizona.