Detroit Lions Weblog

Mike O’Hara on 92.1/92.7 WQTX FM 02/28/05

Mike O’Hara was interviewed from Indianapolis today on the Fred Heuman show. Heuman wanted for O’Hara to comment on whether the Lions were going to choose Jeff Garcia or Kurt Warner as their backup. O’Hara said that to be honest, he wasn’t sure which one the Lions would choose or if they might not choose Brad Johnson or maybe even Jay Fiedler. He still believes that any QB that the Lions bring into camp will be expected to compete with Joey, but yet still will be added as a backup. He does not expect to the Lions to deviate with their plan to start Harrington, though. O’ Hara thinks that the Lions will be “selective and judicious” in free agency. After re-signing Dominic Raiola, and the apparent decision by Stockar McDougle and his agent to test free agency, the Lions will look for a mid-level free agent interior linemen and give Kelly Butler and Victor Rogers the opportunity to compete for playing time at the vacant tackle spot.

Heuman also questioned O’Hara about the potential availability of Ty Law or Charles Woodson as additions to the Lions secondary. O’Hara shot down both of them as being very likely to be added by the Lions. Law coming off serious injury and Woodson’s inconsistency would keep the Lions from investing much in either player. He did say that if Darren Sharper were released by the Packers he could potentially be of interest. The Lions also re-signed Bracy Walker, who will provide depth and is a stalwart special-teamer. I do belive the Lions will try to prevent him from being utilizeed as a starter on defense this year.

O’Hara also commented on the NFL Network’s treatment of Maurice Clarett after his poor times running the 40-yard dash. He felt that they were trying to send a message and isolate him as an example for his trying to test the ruling that restricts college players from being able to enter the NFL draft. A lot of media seemed to take some joy in Clarett’s failure. O’Hara did say that one playoff team’s running back coach said to him that Clarett didn’t look good running and the fact that he left the combine after his poor showing rather than complete all of the physical drills is more of problem than his poor 40-yard dash times. Their evaluations lean towards believing that he can’t overcome adversity and that he is his own worst enemy. I still believe that Clarett has some incredible untapped football ability and could be a late round steal for someone.

Heuman asked O’Hara both who he would select as backup to Harrington and who he believed the Lions will select. He said he believes that the Lions will select Garcia, since he and Mooch have worked together previously. Garcia also provides a change of pace with his ability to scramble and get out of the pocket, where Harrington is a more natural dropback passer.

I also have to take umbrage with comments from O’Hara’s column from the Detroit News today, entitled “Lions Keep the Old, Seek the New”. In it he says that the Lions will tender three free agents Eddie Drummond, Andre Goodman, and Chris Cash. He thinks other than QB, the Lions will address Left Guard and Wide Receiver in free agency. That all makes sense. I’m at odds with this observation:

“A prime receiver such as Derrick Mason, a former Michigan State player released last week by the Titans, would be attractive. A more likely candidate is a player like Joey Galloway of Tampa Bay. Galloway has speed and is used to being a third receiver.”

Az Zahir Hakim is a better player than Joey Galloway. Galloway, infrequently healthy, has been nothing but a disappointment and malcontent when he has been healthy in his career. I think this would be a very poor decision by the Lions.