Good morning and ROOOOAAARRRR!!!!
As Detroit Lions defensive tackle Justin Bannan prepared to face the Arizona Cardinals last week, he also turned some focus toward another part of the western United States.
To Colorado, where he went to school and where he now makes his home year-round. Record rainfall combined with the topography of the state led to massive flooding throughout the region, including in Boulder, Colo., home of his alma mater.
Bannan still lives in the state and said his home in Castle Rock, an hour south of Boulder and between Denver and Colorado Springs, was not damaged.
"We were paying attention," Bannan said. "It never rains like that. Very odd. It's a shame what happened. It's tragedy.
"Hopefully they can recover, heal and repair, you know."
Bannan also said he doesn't think any friends or acquaintances suffered the ravages of nature.
"I don't really know anyone that really got affected by the flood waters," Bannan said. "I just know there is tons of damage there."
And now a look at what is being said around the Interwebs about the Lions:
Starting with our coverage, Ryan Broyles says, "I'm capable of playing" and he might have to if Patrick Edwards can't go Sunday. Broyles is one of three guys rising on our first rising/falling list of the season. Ndamukong Suh calls linemen who target him "gnats," and Reggie Bush didn't practice Wednesday. Also, I discuss Detroit's drops, Bush and Matthew Stafford on video and in this week's quarterback watch.
Carlos Monarrez and Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press write that rookie tight end Joseph Fauria is patiently waiting for his time in the Lions offense.
A potential beneficiary if Bush can't play Sunday could be rookie Theo Riddick, writes Chris McCosky in the Detroit News.
Detroit coach Jim Schwartz wants the media to ask questions about what his team does on the field -- even the missed field goals -- writes Gillian Van Stratt of MLive.
Justin Rogers of MLive writes about the championship belt that hangs in the locker of offensive lineman Dominic Raiola.
MLive's Kyle Meinke writes that rookie cornerback Darius Slay doesn't take the benchings personally.
