Detroit Lions Weblog

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!!!!!