Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions-related Guests on local Sports Talk 92.1/92.7 WQTX

On August 19th Greg Landry, Robert Porcher and Oakland Press Sportswriter, Keith Langlois were each guests on the Fred Heuman show. Heuman and Landry each discussed the fact that it has been over 30 years since the Lions last had a Pro Bowl Qb-Landry in 1971. Landry stated that it was very important to consider the fact that a QB’s success is very reliant upon his supporting cast. He believes that Harrington may have the offensive weapons around him to take another step forward this season. Landry and Heuman also discussed how much of a travesty it is that Charlie Sanders has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Landry said that Sanders was the best player he had played with and the only other player that was close was RB Steve Owens, who career was shortened by a knee injury.

Landry commented that even though he had been engaged in a similar QB competition to the one Harrington is currently engaged in with Jeff Garcia (Landry’s with Bill Munson), he was able to maintain an amiable relationship even with the added pressure. Landry seemed optimistic and upbeat about the Lions future chances.

Robert Porcher was also a guest. He said he feels good to be retired. He doesn’t miss the aches and pains and that he is spending more time at Ford Field now working for the Super Bowl Host Committee than he ever did as a player. He has learned a lot in the process as he begins to enter a new life as a businessman. Heuman asked Porcher if he was financially set up so that he could live comfortably for the rest of his life? Porcher stated that stability depends upon an individual’s motivation. He doesn’t want to be complacent, that is why he has endeavored in opportunities like being involved in the annual Traditional Black College Football game at Ford Field, opening of a restaurant and getting involved in “development”. Porcher also made it clear that he was through with football as a player but still a big fan of football, especially the Lions, but he has no problems adjusting to the end of his career unlike some of his former colleagues. He said he is very proud of the development and success of players like Shaun Rogers and James Hall.

Keith Langlois pointed out that this would first time in quite a while that players whom the Lions have cut at the end of camp will be desirable for other teams to sign and fill roster needs. Langlois feels that the Lions posess the depth to be a competitor for the division title but it will depend on how quickly the young players mature. Langlois also commented on Joey Harrington’s inability to connect with the Lion’s fan base. He said that Tony Siragusa’s comments pointed the obvious differences between Harrington and the more “meat and potatoes” fan base.

This is where I have to call B.S.. How can there be a “meat and potatoes” fan base for the Lions if they can still afford to pay $50 or more for tickets, expensive parking and concessions, and other money that one might devote to their full enjoyment of a Sunday in Detroit. I think this supposed blue-collar fan base is a nice fallacy, that reinforces some long dead stereotypes of midwestern football fans. I will agree with Langlois that Harrington comes across as aloof, a little arrogant, and sometimes a little clueless when he tries to defend his and the team’s performance when the team has been lousy. Langlois believes that the fans want to believe that Harington is as engaged in and has some emotional investment into the team’s success as they feel that they have. Langlois also states some of Harrington’s troubles with fans and media should be placed squarely upon the backs of the Lions organization. They have done little to support him or justify his being a starter since he was drafted. Mornihnweg didn’t want to draft Harrington, Mariucci seems barely able to accept Harrington’s performance and Millen hasn’t done the greatest job of giving him a quality supporting cast. Even after Harrington’s 9 for 9 passing performance against the Jets, Mariucci was still quoted as saying that Harrington could still play better. Mariucci is right, but it may do some good to support Harrington when he does a good job, too. After a couple of pre-season games, it is obvious that Harrington has to be the player that they can depend on. Garcia looks like a decent backup, at best.

Former Lions LB Mike Lucci was also a guest on the Fred Heuman show on August 21st. Lucci said that he doesn’t attend too many Lion’s games, especially pre-season games. Lucci said that he and his teammates always considered the pre-season as a necessary evil (since the owners make a lot of money on pre-season games) that wouldn’t disappoint them if they didn’t have to participate in. Lucci said he believed during his playing days that even though pre-season games meant little, that they were important to establish a winning feeling and the accomplishements that are made can carryover into success during the season, too.

Lucci commented on Joey Harrington and his lack of popularity with the fans stating that changing his name to “Joe” may go along ways. He also said that Lion fans would probably like to see him be more fiery and do more things that the fans can identify with. Lucci did say that football was the greatest game in the world and he was very fortunate to have played. He said that whenever he sees Lem Barney that Barney will say ” Hey Lucc, think we have one more in us?” Lucci said that they would be able to give one more lick then they subsequently would fall apart. He also said that it was better to have people saying “Why did you leave” at the end of your career as opposed to “Why in the hell don’t you leave.”