Detroit Lions Weblog

GRRNHHH!!!!!

For any of you who are wondering about the title of this entry, it is the collective gasp for air heard emanating from Lion’s fans everywhere who again witnessed the team and organization miss an excellent opportunity to take a step forward instead of a step backwards.

I, fortunately for my blood pressure, was working last evening and saw none of the game. I can assure you, that if a friend comes through, that I will eventually watch a tape of last night’s horrendous performance. The third pre-season game is annually the game in which you are supposed to be able, with confidence, gauge where a team is located on their current developmental curve. If last night was any sort of indicator of the state of the team, Lion fans can at least boast about the team having really spiffy new uniforms. (I already miss the throwbacks!)

Throughout the entire pre-season, the tantamount issue was whether or not Joey Harrington or Jeff Garcia would helm the team as they emerged as playoff contenders. Heck, I even fell prey to being a little optimistic. I basically figured the Lions were on track for 8 wins (+/- 2 wins depending injuries, luck, etc.). At this point, I have to say that we all need to drop our expectations quite significantly. I can’t honestly mention one aspect of the game where the Lions have appeared to improve from last season.

Many Honolulu Blue Kool-Aid (and Black, too) drinkers will urge us to calm down and not overreact. It is only the pre-season, after all. I wish it were that simple. The team was offered a rare opportunity to show what it is made of in front of a national television audience, in a year where they will have the good fortune of being Super Bowl hosts, and they collectively shit their pants. The Lions don’t have recent successes to bank upon, either. It is imperative that this team start to build towards some tangible success. Their pre-season opportunity to flourish is gone now. The fourth game is not the time to over-expose your first team offense and defense. Last night was the only dry run they get.

What has emerged from last night’s game is not a QB controversy. What has emerged, is the harsh reality that the hourglass has been flipped on Steve Mariucci’s coaching tenure with the Lions.(Isn’t it fun to watch those grains of sand as they slowly take gravity’s course!) William Clay Ford HAS to be growing restless. Last Night was not an acceptable performance and there are no indicators currently accessible to think there will not be more games like this to come. SAME OLD LIONS!!!!

The Lions will have to reduce their roster today. They will be playing the Buffalo Bills in four short days. They open against the Green Bay Packers on September 11th.