Detroit Lions Weblog

Week 17: Can the Lions Spoil Pittsburgh’s Postseason Aspirations?

In response to this entry’s heading, Definitely Not! I would give the Lions a really slim chance of victory even if this game were going to be played at Ford Field. The fact is, this game will likely be played under harsh weather conditions at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The Lions have proven this season that they have not yet reached a point where they can play competitively on the road with any sort of consistency. Also, it is no secret that the Steelers, playing for their very playoff lives, are a significantly better team than the Lions.

On Offense, the Lions must score and score often. The Lion offense has been anemic at best, and the Steelers have a formidable defense. Still, if the Lions offensive line and backs can be effective in stemming off the Steeler’s pass rush and blitzes, they could potentially exploit the Steeler’s secondary(Especially if the Lions take some shots down the field to C-Rog and Roy when they are matched up one on one with a corner due to safety blitzes!). If the Lions are able to convert some big plays in the passing game, they may be able to loosen up the Steelers tough defense against the ground game. I believe that the Lions will have to utilize a lot of maximum protection blocking schemes to give Joey Harrington a decent opportunity to find open receivers while facing the Steelers onslaught. I am very worried that the Steelers will outright out-physical the Lions up-front and break the team’s will in a meaningless game. Joey Harrington will have to remain unfazed from the ceaseless Steeler attack. The Lions have not performed well in third and long yardage situations all year and they will be facing that situation often during this game. They will need to convert these third and longs regularly to keep their drives going and remain competitive. If the Lions should fail to do so, this game will be over by the half and quite likely, Dan Orlovsky will get some reps.

On Defense, the Lions, whose Linebacking corps has been obliterated by injuries, must get the games of their lives performance-wise from it’s Defensive line rotation. Early in the game, I believe that the Steelers will try to hammer the Lions with their ground attack and then exploit the Lion’s weak secondary with a sprinkling of play action deep balls to Hines Ward and Antoine Randle-El. If the Steelers are able to gain a big lead early, they will pound the Lions defense into submission with it’s punishing ground attack. Again, the Steelers need this victory, but if they are able to jump ahead early they may be able to save “Big Ben” for the playoffs and would gladly hand the game over to Charlie Batch. For the Steelers, I believe that this would be an ideal situation. If the Lions remain close, the Steelers will become quite nervous.

All of this speculation is for naught. I can’t conjure a scenario where the Lions aren’t too outmanned, too outphysicaled, too overmatched to remain at all competive in this game.

Heinz Ketchup 34 Honolulu Blue and Bloodstains 9

Week 17: Pittsburgh vs. Detroit Stat Match-Up

27. Detroit Offense vs./ 3. Pittsburgh Defense

Yardage
Yards 4011/ 4228
YPG 267.4(27)/ 281.9(3)

Scoring
PTS 233/ 237
PPG 15.5(28)/15.8(3)

Passing
YPG 176.3(26)/ 197.7(15)
TD 12(29)/ 12(2)
Sack 30(13)/ 46(3)
INT 18(25)/ 15(14)

Rushing
YPG 91.1(26)/ 84.2(2)
TD 10(20)/ 10(10)

16. Pittsburgh Offense vs./ 21. Detroit Defense

Yardage
Yards 4818/ 4827
YPG 321.2(16)/ 321.8(21)

Scoring
PTS 354/ 310
PPG 23.6(8)/ 20.7(17)

Passing
YPG 186.3(24)/ 199.1(16)
TD 21(11)/ 19(16)
Sack 31917)/ 30(24)
INT 12(8)/ 17(7)

Rushing
YPG 134.9(6)/ 122.7(25)
TD 17(6)/ 11(13)

————-Turnovers———–
———-TakeAways—-GiveAways—-
——–INT–FUM–TTL–INT–FUM–TTL–+/-
DET—17—-12—-29—18—10—-28— +1
PITT–15—-13—–28–12—-9—–21— +7

————–Qb Comparison—————
————–ATT/CMP–%–YDS–YDS/ATT–TD/INT-RTG
Harrington–297/171–57.6-1809-6.09—-9/12——68.7
Roethlisberger-252/161-63.9-2250-8.93-17/7—-103.4

————–Rushing Comparison———
——–ATT–YDS–AVG–TD
Jones-168—586–3.5—-5
Pinner-106–349–3.3—-3
Parker-229–1067-4.7—4
Bettis-100—327–3.3—6

————-First Downs———-
Det 242 Opp 288
Pitt 277 Opp 259

————-Third Downs———
Det 77/207(41.2) Opp 78/198(39.4)
Pitt 64/182(35.2) Opp 82/215 (38.1)

———–Fourth Downs———
Det 7/17(41.2) Opp 5/10(50.0)
Pitt 4/11(36.4) Opp 6/17(35.3)

Penalties
Det 110/791 Pitt 97/861

Time of Possession
Det 29:19 Opp 30:41
Pitt 31:11 Opp 28:49

Efficiency(Yards/Play)
Det 4.5 Opp 5.1
Pitt 5.4 Opp 4.5

Injuries: Doubtful: DET S McGraw, Ques: Det LB Curry, RB Jones, RB Pinner, LB Wayne, G Woody, Pitt LB Frazier, DT Kirschke Probable: Det WR Vines, Pitt LB Harrison, FB Kreider, LB Kriewaldt, Qb Roethlisberger, OT Smith, DE Von Oelhoffen

Take This With a Grain of Salt…

In a recent issue of the Cleveland Plain Dealer a writer speculates on the possibility of the “Big Tuna”, Bill Parcells, potentially taking the reigns as Lion’s Head Coach next season. Supposedly, Parcells has been interested in working for the Ford’s in the past and he has yet to sign a contract extension with the Cowboys. The column’s author purports that Parcells and Millen are friends, but I wonder if Parcells would consider taking the helm if he couldn’t “shop for his own groceries”? Or more plainly, would Millen accept the reduced role that working with a domineering personality like Parcell’s commands.

I think Parcells could have an immediate impact. The team’s veterans have often reported that the team has a few young “knuckleheads” who didn’t work hard under Steve Mariucci’s direction. Mariucci was a soft touch who gave the players more respect and a wider berth than they probably deserved (and earned!). One of my favorite football euphemisms is a Parcell’s quote: “I would throw them (the players) a fish, but they never throw one back to me.” Parcells has always been stern and demanding because he doesn’t have faith in the fact that the players won’t take advantage of a more permissive coaching philosophy. The Lion’s have suffered from a lack of discipline and focus that has cost them at least three games this season that were winnable. At this point, this type of speculation is all that we Lion’s fans can hang our hats upon.

The 5th No-”L”

I know, I know, that’s an awfully cheesy title to the entry. It was nice to see the Lions pull off a road victory, winning a meaningless game in the manner in which they did. Normally, if they had followed their typical script, they most certainly would not have marched down the field for their last FG. Even at that point, with the game on the line, the choice not to line up and spike the ball and stop the clock was a cause for a great deal of nervous consternation. I didn’t believe that the field goal unit was going to line up and get the kick off in time as the few remaining seconds were quickly melting away.

Their were still a rash of mind-numbingly stupid mistakes and the game was far from a pretty victory. That being said, a win is still a win in the NFL, even if it is a little bittersweet. The Lions probably blew their chance for a Top 5 draft pick by posting another victory. You always want for your team to win, yet a player like D’Brickshaw Ferguson or A.J. Hawk may have made a huge difference for this team moving forward. When the dust has settled, the most important fact is that the Lions may have made a small step forward, in a season full of misery. As a Lion’s fan, sometimes you take what you can get.

WEAK 16: AINTS vs. Motor City Kitties

Fresh off of the news that “Big Baby” Shaun Rogers has been selected to play in the 2006 Pro Bowl and the recent demotion of Jeff Garcia to No.3 Qb on the depth chart, the Lions head to the Alamo Dome in San Antonio to play the Saints. Even if the Lions incessant QB shuffling does give the appearance of a rudderless ship lost at sea, the Lions appear to have been given their last remaining realistic chance to win a football game this season. The Saints have been notorious for quitting down the stretch on Head Coach Jim Haslett. With all of the numerous other difficult circumstances surrounding this season for the Saints, the Lions should be geared up to play in a very winnable game.

Offensively, the Lions need to avoid costly turnovers. I think that the Lions can successfully control this game if they are able to manage the game with an effective ground attack, efficient passign game and no turnovers. If they hold true to recent performances, some early turnovers and the lack of a reliable ground game could absolutely destroy them. The Saints are notorious for their lack of discipline. If the Lions don’t do anything to aid the Saint’s cause, the team should win convincingly.

Defensively, with all of the recent injuries, the Lions need to avoid giving up big plays to the Saints. The Lions also need to wait for the Saints to make costly errors and take quick advantage of them. The Saints recent track record has proven that they will shoot themselves in the feet repeatedly, if you let them. The Saints don’t have an imposing ground game, but with the Lions recent difficulties I expect them to run with some success. My major concern is that the Lions secondary will allow QB Todd Bouman to develop some sort of rhythm or rapport with his playmaking WR’s, Donte Stallworth and Joe Horn. If the Lions persist in allowing in big plays, they will fritter away the game.

All of the variables that make this game appear to be a potential victory for the Lions are heavily tainted by the fact that the Lions are a terrible road team and they appear to have recently mailed in the season. A Lion victory would be a nice Xmas gift. Unfortunately, the Lions are a lot like Ralphie with his new air rifle. Even with preparation and warnings, the Lions will find a way to direct the richocheted B. B. squarely into their own eyes………

Bon Temps Roulez 24 Cold Harsh Reality 17

No, Tom Dempsey does not kick a 63-yard FG to win this game!!!!!

WEEK 16:Stat Matchup (Thank God, It’s Nearly Over)

27. Detroit Offense vs./ 17. New Orleans Defense

Yardage
Yards 3732/ 4430
YPG 266.6(27)/ 316.4(17)

Scoring
PTS 220/358
PPG 15.7(26)/ 25.6(29)

Passing
YPG 174.1(26)/ 178.9(5)
TD 12(28)/ 18(17)
SACK 29(15)/ 23(29)
INT 17(25)/ 9(27)

Rushing
YPG 92.5(25)/ 137.5(30)
TD 10(17)/ 16(26)

17 New Orleans Offense vs./ 23. Detroit Defense

Yardage
Yards 4452/ 4535
YPG 318.0(17)/ 325.3(23)

Scoring
PTS 210/ 298
PPG 15.0(29)/ 21.3(19)

Passing
YPG 205.9(17)/ 197.1(15)
TD 14(22)/ 19(20)
SACK 36(21)/ 29(21)
INT 22(30)/ 19(6)

Rushing
YPG 112.1(15)/ 128.1(26)
TD 8(24)/ 11(15)

—————Turnovers———————
——TakeAways—–GiveAways——-+/-
—–INT–FUM-TTL—-INT–FUM–TTL
DET-17–11—28——17—10—27—+1
NO–9—-9—-18——22—17—39—/ -21

NET Points Scored Off of Turnovers
DET -18 NO -101

—————1st Downs
DET 228 Opp 269
NO 275 Opp 253

—————-3rd Downs
Det 71/193 (30.8) Opp 72/184 (39.1)
NO 72/186 (38.7) Opp 77/192 (40.1)

—————4th Downs
Det 6/16 (37.5) Opp 5/10(50.0)
NO 2/10 (20.0) Opp 2/3 (66.7)

—————-Penalties
DET 99/726 NO 124/1060

—————Time Of Possession
DET 29:16 Opp 30:44
NO 30:21 Opp 29:39

—————QB Comparison
————–Att/CMP–PCT–YDS–YD/ATT–TD/INT–Rate
Harrington-267/154–57.7—1599-5.99—–9/11—–69.2
Bouman—47/22—–46.8—224–4.77——1/5——28.5

—————Team Efficiency—————————–
—————–Offense
——OPLAYS–RUSH–PASS–EFF
DET-841——-3.65—5.01—4.44
NO–889——-4.19—5.61—5.01

—————–Defense
—–DPLAYS–RUSH–PASS–EFF
DET-881—–4.28—-5.97—-5.17
NO–839—–4.25—-6.49—-5.28

—————–RED ZONE——————
—————–OFFENSE
——POSS–TD–FG–Scor%–TD%
DET-31——15–11—.839—-.484
NO–37——16–12—.757—-.432

—————–DEFENSE
——POSS–TD–FG–Scor%–TD%
DET–46—–23—14–.804—-.500
NO–51——26—19–.882—.510

Injuries: Out: NO DE Howard Quest: DET RB Jones, LB Wayne NO C Bentley, OT Gandy, WR Hakim, LB Hodge, G Jacox, G Mayberry Prob: DET CB Bly, DE Redding, DT Rogers

Looking For a Chuckle?

Pro Football Talk.com is the best rumor and commentary site that I have ever had the privilege of reading on the internet. They often feature a PFT Pic of the Day. Any Lion’s fan with a sense of humor can appreciate this one . After the site loads, just arrow down a bit and read the caption.

Hire Millen?

I don’t want to dignify Sunday’s performance with a response. The game played out identically to how I predicted it would. This is clearly a lost season and Dick Jauron is a complete moron if he believes his best course of action is to continue to stick with the vets and not begin to play players like Shaun Cody, Stanley Wilson, Jr., Dan Orlowsky, and Keith Smith, etc. Short of playing Houston or the Niners, the Lions are now completely incapable of defeating another team in the entire league at this point. That is how far they have fallen.

So “Fire Millen” and the “Orange-Out” didn’t work. How about www.hiremillen.com? Fans could make donations to match or exceed Millen’s cumulative pay from the Lions and offer it to him in exchange for him no longer serving as the team’s president. The fans could make the decision that the Ford’s seem unwilling to make.

Thank God for the holidays. The Lions will be somewhat incidental in our lives as the festive celebrations begin. I have seen and heard enough from this vintage of the Lions organization. No more belly-aching, back-biting, or long-winded pontifications from this team. This team has been rendered devoid of import. It is going to take a significant amount of time to wash the putrid stench from off of me. Happy Holidays, Lion Fans

Some More Thoughts on Millen

Am I the only person that finds irony in the fact that when Matt Millen was hired by the Lions he was supposedly going to bring a “new” attitude to this organization, as he cruised into Detroit on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, donning shades and boasting a tough-guy, football mentality? Throughout this disastrous season, Millen has been surprisingly meek. With his numerous media gaffes throughout his career, why hasn’t he spouted a terse response in backlash to the growing firestorm, as all of the walls come tumbling down around him? How can the same guy who called one of his own players a “devout coward”, behave himself like a staunchly “devout coward”?

More and more it becomes apparent that Matt Millen will remain as team president after this season. The Ford’s can do what they choose with their money, but what does that leave for us as fans? A renewed positive outlook as Matt Millen hires his 4th head coach? Excitement over a highly-touted 1st round draft choice, when it has become apparent that the Lions could part ways with as many as three 1st round draft choices this offseason?

Given the landscape for Sunday’s game and what remains of this season, what will be in store for Lion’s fans after the circus goes home? Once Super Bowl XL has passed, will their be poor attendance, subsequently leading to black-outs, etc? Obviously, none of us hold the answers to these questions but it promises to be an interesting couple of months around this franchise.

WEEK 15: MILLEN’S LAST STAND?

The tumult that is brewing for Sunday’s game has taken on a life of it’s own. In what will be the single-handedly, worst PR disaster in Lion’s history, their will be: 1) A protest march organized by WDFN 2) Fans collectively wearing Orange Attire organized by The Lion’s Fantics.com 3) Organized Displays of Protests (i.e. a group of fans promise to turn their backs to the field while the game is in progress) 4) Fire Millen Chants, among others 5) Several hours of heavy pre-game drinking, the game starts at 4:05 P.M. 6) A Lion’s bloodletting on the field that will be unmatched this season. It is beyond reason to expect that this team will perform any better in any facet of the game or be any more motivated than it has been in recent weeks. Coupled with significant defensive injuries, this game will be over by the end of the 2nd quarter.

The Lions only hope, which is miniscule at best, is for their offense to be able to run well enough, and for their passing game to be effective enough, and for them to play turnover-free football, meanwhile controlling the clock for numerous protracted drives (i.e. 7+ minutes) so that the Bengal offense is kept off of the field. Without a healthy Kevin Jones and the continued poor play of the Lions QB’s, TE’s and WR’s it is unreasonable to believe that somehow the Lion’s will miraculously execute their offense well enough to keep their defense off of the field.

The Defense on the other hand, will have to beg that somehow Carson Palmer suffers from the same maladies that he had last week while facing the Browns. With the injuries in the Lions Secondary and LB corps, I wouldn’t be surprised if Palmer threw for 250 yards and 3 TD’s and is pulled by the beginning of the 2nd half. Which will give the Lion fans a test run to view a potential future QB in Free Agent to be, Jon Kitna. While nursing an early and huge 2nd half lead, the Bengals will allow Rudi Johnson to commence to dice up the Lions injury-depleted defense by grinding out the very last sense of remaining determination that resides in this once-promising defense. The Lions have been unable to stop the run for several weeks now, if Samkon Gado’s 175 yds is any sort of indicator, mark Johnson down for at least 150 yards and 2 TD’s as he brings the Bengals home to victory. I hope that the Lions get regaled with a Chad Johnson TD-celebration dance. I am expecting for Johnson to possibly have a well-placed “Fire Millen” sign to display as he roasts the Lions secondary. Even better, a Lion’s fan in orange could just hand him one!

If the Ford’s still believe that a blind squirrel will eventually find it’s acorn after this debacle, as the team president’s reign edges ever closer to a 20-60 (.250 winning pctg, is 40-120 far behind?) career record, then I cast pity upon all of the remaining Lion’s fans who allow this albatross to continue to be firmly clutched around their necks, squeezing the life out of them.

Skyline Chili 38 Detroit Coney DOGS 13