Week 6 Carolina 21 Lions 20
October 17, 2005 on 1:43 pm | In Uncategorized |Only the Lions…..Only the Lions can manage to do the things they did Sunday and still find a unique way to lose. How does a NFL defense score 14 points on interception returns and their team still loses? How does that same defense play an effective, physical game, knock out the starting QB, and subsequently, allow a ineffective backup QB, who hasn’t played in nearly three years, slice and dice their secondary and eventually lead the Panthers to their winning TD. Furthermore, after big plays like R.W. McQuarters huge kickoff return and Marcus Pollard’s 86 yard catch, how is the Lions offense so incapable of producing points?
When the Lions defense made their huge fourth quarter stop of the Panthers on downs, in their own end zone, any long-standing (and sane) Lions fan realized that this wouldn’t be the last time the defense would be called upon to perform near-miraculous feats. After the 86 yard pass to Pollard and the offense stalled, settling for a field goal, I realized the Lions would eventually find a way to lose the game. I guess I just didn’t expect it to occur in such a spectacular fashion!
I really don’t have much to comment on. The Lions defense exhibited a brutal brand of play that was exciting to watch. Hits by Earl Holmes and Kenoy Kennedy will go down amongst the most brutal ever doled out by Lions players. You would figure that toughness would lead to a winning brand of football. This is purely inconsequential, if the Lions coaching staff can’t find a way to generate a respectable NFL offense, this team will continue to disappoint. Joey Harrington is a non-issue, Jeff Garcia will be the starting QB within the next two weeks. This offense needs to find a way to maximize their opportunities. The Packers and Vikings are only a game behind the division leading Bears and Lions. The Lions should be 4-1, and looking down at the rest of the division. I blame that on the coaches.
The offensive system is not suited to the personnel. The offensive coaching staff is entirely too conservative. Lions fans were aware of both these issues prior to the season. I guess I didn’t think that these troubling coaching philosophies would continue to hinder the Lions young and talented roster at this point in the season. The Lions have to make hay in the next 5 weeks, their schedule will only get tougher as the season winds down. They can ill afford to lose games that they are the cusp of winning. Most notably, is the inevitable frustration that is simmering to the boiling point as the offensive and defensive units begin finger-pointing and name-calling over who isn’t holding up their end of the bargain. Bottom Line, Steve Mariucci doesn’t have the organizational leadership abilities to contain the oncoming detente, which will soon emerge over an impotent offense, a growing player disrespect for the coaching philosophy, and a general discontent that comes from losing continuously. As a Lions fan, all I can say is, haven’t I been here before?
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Joey not the only problem (why I hate Detroit Fans)
All that they did yesterday (yes I was there) was boo Joey. It’s not like the O-Line doesn’t totally suck, It’s not like he only has about 2 seconds to throw most passes. It not like there is NO running game,
When they got the ball back with 32 seconds to go, he hits a guy at the 27 yeard line right in the numbers on 2nd down. Martinez makes that catch, Hansen kicks the FG, and Joey is a hero.
This is a team game Lions Fans!!! The Whole Offense Sucks (especially the O-Line). You will see that when Jeff Garcia struggles when he comes back. I did not grow up in this town, so I gotta laugh at the same old Detroit Attitude:
Starting QB and Red Wing Goaltender Suck (fill in the naem, Peete, Mitchell, Harrington, Vernon, Osgood, CuJo, etc.), so we gotta bring in the backup (again fill in the name) because he will save the day.
Backup sucks just as bad, so now we hate him and we need the new backup to come in!!! Grow up People!
-Sam
Comment by Sam Hoff — October 17, 2005 #
Yeah, the fans suck. But I have to continue on with Mr. LionsWeblog man here…this reminds me of that year the Giants had, but someone needs to jog my memory…
the year where the defense just couldn’t stand how awful the offense was, I’m sure it was a Fassel year…anywho, I don’t want this young, very promising defense to languish contributing to, at best, a mediorcre team only to grow old, and be a shadow of its former self (a la Strahan) by the time a new frikkin’ offense is installed!
Comment by Harry Sanders — October 18, 2005 #
We Lions fans should be respectful of Joey, at least he is out there trying. Oh wait, a multi million dollar a year NFL quarterback should not be “trying” he should be doing! The offensive line is only about 80 percent effective, but Joey had Kevin Johnson wide open at the last play and he over threw him. Coaching was definetly questionable, why was Martinez put in the position to save the day for his first NFL play? Thats where you need your veterans like Charles Rodgers, oh yeah he decided to screw the Lions and get himself suspended. The Lions are getting better and better indivual players, however, Marriuci needs to make them a team. Maybe Jauron cold pull the offense together like he did the defense. Although the defense looks much better, they (the backfield) doesn’t seem to hit like other defense backs in the league. I was watching the Seattle game Sunday night and those guys were really hitting.
Comment by doughboy — October 18, 2005 #
“Bottom Line, Steve Mariucci doesn’t have the organizational leadership abilities…..” I thought that was precisely why we brought him on board?! When do we start hacking from the top down? Besides….doesn’t Matt Millen still live out of town? No one seems to care….big money….quick money. Looking at the division, this is first year in awhile that I can remember the Lions actually having a hope or chance to finish on top. I don’t know whats worse….a beginning like the Texans or a beginning like the Lions. There’s almost more dignity in a winless first 6 weeks as opposed to the dismal start we’re having. I don’t know….I’m at a loss here.
Big - What’s up, brutha!? You don’t send me flowers anymore!?
Comment by SleePac — October 18, 2005 #
DBs not hitting???
Ask Jake Delhomme how hard Kennedy hits? Wow, I can’t agree with that ovservation?
-Sam
Comment by Sam Hoff — October 18, 2005 #
I heard that the lions are talking with the AFL’s most prolific passer, Mark Grieb of the san jose sabercats!! This could be the guy were looking for. check out this guys carreer stats. They are very impressive
Comment by LionsFan — October 19, 2005 #
Mark Grieb? Isn’t Joe Hamilton or Clint Stoerner available? Joey Heisman will have one more week to deliver. You don’t want to be a Lions fan next week if Harrington sucks against the Browns and the Lions lose! SleePac-I haven’t forgotten you, man….Catch You Later
Comment by Steve — October 19, 2005 #
I have been a lions fan since the days of Dick Night Train Lane. I have been in Wisconsin for twenty years since and have come to realize that the problem with the modern day lions is that this franchise accepts and tolerates mediocrity. This is a characteristic of the owner, the GM, the scouts, and the coaches. With this type of attitude Joe Montana, in his greatest hour, would look like Joey in quarterbacking the sad team.
Comment by Joe — October 20, 2005 #
Doughboy, I dont know if you really watched the game or not because I saw an extremelly hard hitting defense out there. How about the forced fumble or the hit on dellhome? Yeah those were pretty soft hits I guess. And our O line is disgusting. I hate Joey Harrington and I always have. Even before his first preseason game as a lion I have not liked him but I give him respect. I dont even think I can go to anymore games at Ford Field because it makes me sick how the fans treat Joey. He gets blamed for every thing bad that happens to this team. He even gets booed on good things he does. When Garcia comes back and he is getting rushed and sacked 5 times a game I will laugh at everybody who pointed their fingers solely at Joey. And also I am glad Backus is hurt now all we need is the rest of the god damn O line to go down and hey we might stand a chance. Joey gets rushed every single play. As much as I want Garcia to come in and tear shit up and get the lions back to 500 I just dont see him as the answer. Oh yeah and one more thing the WEST COAST OFFENSE DOES NOT WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!! How many more piss poor seasons will it take before we decide to get rid of it. I think I could do a better play calling job. And when C Rog comes back I can guarentee numbers from him. He embaressed himself and his teammates, he is extremelly talented and will want to prove himself. Watch for an excellent rest of the season from C rog.
P.S. Red Wings are going to win the Stanley Cup.
Comment by Jeff — October 20, 2005 #
This is the best the Lions have looked in Years,especialy defense.If the offense can come around,and we get back Roy And Charles and garcia in there.Let”s wait and see how this turns out.This game against the bears should tell if the Lions are for real.
Comment by Robert — October 24, 2005 #