Archives for January 25, 2014

‘While he was in Tennessee, Schwartz’s defenses finished in the top 10 against the run in five of eight seasons, including No. 1 in 2003. The Titans finished in the top 10 in overall defense three times under Schwartz.’

‘Schwartz, who did not respond to a late-night text message, took a more hands-on role with the Lions defense this year and the team responded with its best defensive effort of his tenure.’

‘Detroit is scheduled to host Buffalo twice next season, once in the preseason and again in the regular season. It’s worth noting Detroit will welcome an undetermined AFC opponent to Ford Field on Thanksgiving.’

‘The Bills also reached a deal to hire one of Schwartz’s former assistants, Todd Downing, to become quarterbacks coach.’

‘Prior to taking the job with the Lions, Schwartz served as the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans from 2001-08.’

“Todd Downing is a bright and energetic coach. He is familiar with our personnel at the quarterback position and he will play a key role in the development of all of the quarterbacks on the Bills’ roster,” Bills coach Doug Marrone said. “He played a pivotal role in the development of Detroit’s quarterbacks during his tenure — most notably Matthew Stafford, the franchise’s all-time leading passer. Downing will be a valuable addition to our offensive coaching staff.”‘

‘”We are excited to add a talented and accomplished coordinator in Jim Schwartz to our staff,” said Bills head coach Doug Marrone. “Schwartz has led aggressive and productive defensive units throughout his time in the NFL and we feel our defense will continue to improve under his leadership.”‘

‘Downing, 33, will enter his 12th year in the NFL coaching ranks and fourth as a quarterbacks coach. He served in the same capacity with the Detroit Lions from 2011-13 helping Lions QB Matthew Stafford become the Lions’ franchise leading passer (17,457 career passing yards) in 2013.’

‘”We had talent in Tennessee with our defense when Schwartz first became our coordinator, but it had to be re-cultivated,” Bulluck told DetroitLions.com. “It was the same thing with Detroit. They drafted talent but it had to be cultivated.”‘