Detroit Lions Weblog

Mark Champion, Jim Branstatter Shown the Door.

In unfortunate news, Lions broadcast affiliate, WRKR, has decided to release Mark Champion and Jim Branstatter from future Lion broadcasts. Champion provided excellent play-by-play, I always appreciated how his comments had strong empathy with the thoughts and feelings of Lion fans. Whenever a Lion offensive linemen would commit an untimely holding penalty in the red zone, Champion would respond with a well-timed “Oh My!” or “Oh Dear!”. Branstatter is nearly without peer in color commentary. Both broadcasters appeared loyal and appreciative of the Lion’s organization which makes WRKR’s decision all the more shocking.

The Lions hosted QB Brad Johnson, OG Rick DeMulling, and WR Corey Bradford yesterday. I have high hopes for the signings of both DeMulling and Johnson. Bradford is a puzzling choice. It would appear to me that the Lions need to add a dependable slot receiver as opposed to Bradford, who would be very helpful in plays utilizing the Lions new more agressive, vertical passing attack. That being said, it is crucial for the Lions to add someone who has sure hands and can find the first down marker on third and long. My understanding is that Bradford has not always been the most sure-handed of receivers.

Pro Sports Weekly’s 03/09-03/15 issue has an article entitled “Johnson has speed to burn”. The article is about University of Texas LB Derrick Johnson. The article is a feature connected with their pre-draft analysis of the linebacker’s who will be available in the upcoming draft. Many mock drafts are indicating that Johnson could still be available for the Lions to draft at selection #10. It goes without saying, that the Lions may already be well-stocked at the linebacker position. Still, Johnson is the best defensive playmaker available in the draft and would be an excellent addition to the defense. Johnson could share time at the Weak Side with Teddy Lehman or Dirty Davis. Lehman or Davis could start getting reps in the middle to help spell Earl Holmes and replace Wali Rainer. I think the ideal would be preparing Teddy to assume the backup middle linebacker role if he can increase his upper body strength and learn not to get blown up by blockers at the point of attack. Lehman would also be less of a liability in pass coverage than Holmes. Here are some of the statistics mentioned in the article in regards to Johnson’s career at UT:

2004-5 season:128 Tackles-72 solo, 2 sacks and 8 (not a typo) forced fumbles.
He also had 9 career interceptions.

Many experts compare him to Tampa’s Derrick Brooks. Here are Matt Millen’s lascivious quotes from the article in regards to the superb talent Johnson posesses:

“He has that burst you’re looking for,” Detroit Lions president and former NFL linebacker Matt Millen says. “All you have to do is put the tape on and see the the things he does. You always look for the things you can’t coach. When you see guys jumping over things, getting through the mess and running and bursting to the ball…that’s when they jump out at you. Derrick Johnson can burst. You don’t put that on the clock”

Sign me up! If by some freak occurence Johnson is available, the Lions would be quite foolish not to select him. Johnson is a sideline to sideline player who has a nose for the ball. I guess the marks against him are that he often over-pursues the ball and removes himself from being able to make the play and he had a poor performance against Michigan in the 2005 Rose Bowl.

Also, in another quick note, their are rumors circulating that the Lions are considering some sort of stupid Black alternate jerseys. Two words–Piston’s Teal! The Lions should not deviate from what is my opinion the greatest jersey in all of football, the Lions “throwback”. But if I were asked, I would suggest the Lions use the “throwback” jersey as their regular jersey.