Detroit Lions Weblog

Wha’ Happened?!?

This was one of the strangest weeks in recent memory for the NFL. A Kurt Warner-led Giants win in Lambeau? The Saints lose to the Arizona Cardinals and Emmitt Smith appears rejuvenated? The Chargers defeat Tennessee? The Raiders getting drilled by the Houston Texans? Parity is alive and well.

The unfortunate thing is that overall, the quality of NFL games are suffering. I have watched or listened to 4-5 bad NFL games already (Lions/Bears, Redskins/Cowboys, Cowboys/Browns, Cincy/Miami just for starters). It is exciting that even our lowly Lions may have a shot in a division with two 1-3 teams and a team that has shown the propensity in seasons past to blow a good start to their season.

Meanwhile, the Colts, Eagles and Pats appear to be the class of the league. It is early in the season, but yet it is hard to envision a Super Bowl not featuring at least one of these three teams. Also a “Dark Horse” contender has emerged in the early fine play of the Jacksonville Jaguars. They already have the look of a team who plays stout enough defense that they will give teams headaches throughout the duration of the season.

Artose Pinner

This is a big game for Artose Pinner filling in for Kevin Jones. It is imperative that the Lions are able to run the ball and get off to a good start to the game. Thus far, the Falcons have been very good in their rush defense. Teams have been able to throw against the Falcons, but having won their first four games (two by large margins) teams have been in a position where they have had to throw.

The Lions have shown no improvement in their ability to run from last season to this season thus far. Obviously, establishing the running game will be a major challenge. It will be a major opportunity for Pinner to assert his worth within the Lion’s organization after they took the risk drafting him after he suffered a broken leg in the senior all-star game.

I Hate Bye Weeks!!

I detest the bye week. I know, I know…the Lions needed this week to regroup and recuperate from last week’s loss. That being said, the NFL has a short season and it doesn’t have quite the same level of sexiness when it isn’t being viewed through the lenses of Honolulu Blue Glasses.

At any rate, next week’s game in Atlanta will be major. The Lions need to prove that they have learned from last week’s mishaps. I think that Atlanta is very beatable. It will be interesting to get scouting reports on how the Lions may prepare for playing Michael Vick. Someone on the roster will have to portray him as the scout team quarterback. My bets are on Reggie Swinton attempting to fill that role.

In regards to Mr. Vick, is there any athlete more over-hyped in the history of athletics? I realize his style of play is electrifying. I realize he is the perfect embodiment of the video game-fueled world view of the modern sports fan. That new Nike commercial, with the Michael Vick theme park ride is great. But can he please win a big game, any big game before he is anointed the next coming?

Do any of you wonder why T.J. (Don’t Call Me Lil’ Tico) Duckett has yet to establish himself in Atlanta? He probably isn’t best suited for the Falcon’s recently implemented West Coast offense, but couldn’t he at least fill the Zach Crockett-role for the Falcons? As a MSU alum and fan, this has been a real disappointment.