The Lions returned from their bye week in first place in the NFC North, thanks to losses by the Vikings, Packers and Bears. They control their own destiny with the next seven games of the season.
Head coach Jim Caldwell has had success down the stretch in this league in part because of his 'don't look ahead' mantra.
"It's kind of always been the way in which we've done things," Caldwell said Monday. "It's not a departure from anything that we've done. It's not anything that's unusual.
"We've always tried to focus on the next opponent and that's exactly what we're going to do at this point. You know, we've got a lot of ground to cover, got a lot of work to do and particularly with a team that's as good as this team is."
The players seem to embrace his approach wholeheartedly.
"We have to take care of what's coming this weekend," guard Larry Warford said. "We have to focus on the Jags. All that outside noise about being in first place, we're not worried about that. We're worried about what's going on this week."
LEVY RETURNS TO PRACTICE
The bye week seems to have helped the Lions out in the health department. Cornerback Darius Slay and right tackle Riley Reiff, who both missed the team's last game in Minnesota, took part in practice and are likely to return to game action.
The team also got linebacker DeAndre Levy back at practice. Levy hasn't practiced since Week 1 with knee and quad injuries.
Officially listed as doubtful on the team's injury report, it's unclear when he'll make his return to game action.
"He's still in the rehab protocol part of it, trying to get himself acclimated out to practice," defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. "Obviously, I think when he comes back we plan on him being the old DeAndre Levy.
"Whenever that time is when he does get on the field, we don't expect anything less from him."
JAGUARS COMING TO TOWN
The Lions' next opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars, are a much better team than their record suggests. Despite being 2-7, they have a lot of talented playmakers.
"It's the NFL," Safety Glover Quin said Wednesday. "They get paid like we get paid. They've got good players like we've got good players.
"We were 1-7 last year at one point. Then we went on the road and beat a good Green Bay team. It can happen."
Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson echoed Quin's sentiment in a conference call with Detroit media Wednesday.
"As far as the record and things like that, each week is a new week – each and every week," Robinson said."As far as a player, you're judged on how you go out there and what you put on tape each and every week.
"And that's what it's all about. At the end of the day, even if it's not what we want it to be right now we all put a lot of work in this offseason. We all put a lot of work in in camp. We just continue to out there and play for one another as teammates.
"We kind of are what we are. I think we definitely have the talent and skill to turn this thing around. We're looking for one to kind of get things started. Each and every week that's what it comes down to. Just try to win that week."
**SALUTE TO SERVICE WEEK
**
Salute to Service week kicked off Monday night with a GI Joes vs. Pros Madden Tournament. On Tuesday, the team visited with service members and their families at Selfridge Air Base.
Military members returned the favor Friday when they stopped by the practice facility for a meet and greet with players after practice.
Military appreciation efforts will continue Sunday with the team's official Salute to Service game. Join the Lions as they honor those who serve our country!
OTHER NOTEWORTHY ITEMS:
- Glover Quin gives two truths and one lie about himself. Watch his teammates try to guess which one is the lie.
- Watch Lions players share good luck messages for Calvin Johnson as he competes in the Dancing with the Stars finals.
- Read about how Anquan Boldin and Glover Quin met with members of Congress in an effort to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
- You asked. Now watch tight end Eric Ebron answer your fan-submitted questions in this week's #AskALion episode.
- Catch up on all the news from Teryl Austin's and Jim Bob Cooter's Thursday press conferences.
- Watch Tori Petry's report on the annual Courage House Dinner where quarterback Matthew Stafford received the Ed Block Courage Award for his toughness last season.
