Detroit Lions Weblog

Kirk Ferentz, Norvell Turner, and Me

The Iowa Hawkeyes Head Coach Kirk Ferentz, has formally removed his name from all speculative NFL Head Coaching possibilites. Ferentz, a member of the Belichick tree of coaches, is a name that has been often mentioned as potential head coach in recent years. Tom “Killer” Kowalski has mentioned that he doesn’t believe that Matt Millen would have seriously considered interviewing a collegiate coach.

Also heard mentioned on my local sports talk, WQTX 92.1, that Norv Turner would potentially be part of the group of assistants that Russ Grimm brings with him should he be hired. Turner, who has quite a bit of Head Coaching experience (with little success), would be an excellent choice as Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach should Grimm be hired (Grimm will be unexperienced). I think that a Turner-called Lion’s offense may be able to extract some benefits from untapped resources like Charles Rogers, Kevin Jones, and dare I say it, Joey Harrington. Turner’s offense is built around a strong running game and play-action passes. Turner would be bring the hoped for vertical component that Lion’s fans have longed for in recent seasons. However, some changes would definitely need to be made to the Lions O-Line for an offense designed by Turner to be successful. The O-Line would have to become proficient in allowing their Qb’s to have some time to drop back and throw as opposed to the quicker timing passes in the West Coast offense.

AFC Playoff Predictions

New England 28 Denver 21
The Pats will run just effectively enough that they will keep the Bronco’s offense off of the field. The Pats will spread out the Bronco defense and attack every defensive back not named Champ Bailey. Some factors that could turn the game in the Bronco’s favor: 1) Their fast athletic LB’s are able to pressure Brady and are also able to assist the young Bronco’s DB’s in pass coverage. 2) Tatum Bell is able to break big plays against the stout Pats run defense.

Indy 31 Steelers 17
The Colts offense is too much for the Steelers to handle. Their only hopes are that they are to generate the pressure on Manning that the Chargers were able to several weeks ago. The Steeler’s secondary is severely outmanned and can’t allow the game to become a shoot-out. If the Steelers can garner an early lead, they will pound the quick, undersized Colts defense with the “Bus”. If Bettis gains 85+ yds and has two TD’s, the Colts will lose.

NFC Playoff Predictions

Seahawks 31 Redskins 13
The Seahawks will win their first playoff game since 1984 leaving the Bengals (1990) and Lions (1991) as the team’s with longest droughts of playoff victories. The Redskins only hope is to limit the damage from league MVP Shaun Alexander and for them to be able to play turnover-free football. I believe that the charmed existence for Mark Brunell ends in Seattle.

Panthers 17 Bears 9
This game promises to be the most physically brutal of all of the matchups. The Bears will win in a squeaker if Jake Delhomme commits some costly turnovers or if they are able to neutralize Steve Smith. I have no confidence that Rex Grossman will be prepared to lead the Bears to victory. It is the Panther’s game to lose.