Detroit Lions Weblog

Rod Marinelli’s Hollywood Resemblance? More Joey?

Pro Football Talk has always been one of my favorite sites that is devoted to football on the internet. They are generally informative and usually quite funny (if a little juvenile). Recently, they have made a reference to Coach Marinelli as being a modern-day Les Steckel. Steckel, much like Tom Coughlin often has been reputed to, was notorious as a micro-managing taskmaster who failed miserably as a head coach. Marinelli’s schtick does have the ring of an old-school gym coach who’s deep in the process of dividing up his squirrelly minions for a rousing game of “Dodgeball”. That being said, Marinelli gives me the strong impression as being a completely genuine individual and the type of personality who may be able to cultivate what other recent Lion’s head coaches have been unable to do with this hapless franchise, win.

The newest Pro Football Talk has noted that Coach Marinelli bears a strong resemblance to Peter Boyle’s character on the television sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond.” After falling out of my seat laughing, I realized that had Mike Tice not been fired in Minnesota, that half of the team’s in the NFC North would have featured head coaches who had a close resemblance to cast members of that program.

In regards to Harrington, he was obviously like a boil that needs to be lanced. The boil (Harrington) was a minor irritant causing a slight discomfort. But should the pus residue from the lanced boil do something like say, flourish with another organization and become an all-pro, that irritation will rise a few levels become a genuine source of infection locally. Unless of course one of the newly-minted QB’s on the Lion’s roster were able to perform well enough to help us forgot about Joey’s success outside of the organization. At this point, nothing has occurred to lead me to believe that either Jon Kitna or Josh McCown will unable to succeed under the tutelage of Mad Scientist/Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz. Still, it is of the utmost importance that these new QB’s acquit themselves with the local fan base quickly so that the fan outcry does not elevate beyond where it was last season.

The Lion’s still need to address several roster positions via either free agency or the draft. They will likely need additional help at T (especially if “Big Daddy” retires), MLB (unless Teddy Lehman can both remain healthy an exhibit the strength to stop plays at the point of attack), OLB (as much as I like “Dirty” Davis and Alex Lewis, they need someone who is more dependable to emerge here), CB (Obviously, Fernando Bryant has proven unreliable and their depth has been severely taxed with the losses of Goodman and McQuarters, they sorely need Stanley Wilson to be ready to contribute), S (They obviously are trying to address this position but I will be very disappointed if they are unable to draft Michael Huff), WR (Ricky Proehl is apparently going to come back for one more season. With his past familiarity with the Martz offense, the Lion’s may finally have the go-to possession receiver they so sorely lack if they decide to pursue him), OG (Are the combination of Rex Tucker, Rick DeMulling, and Barry Stokes equitable to a starter?), and DE (As much as I like James Hall, Corey Redding, and Kalimba Edwards, they desperately need a more consistent edge rush than they have possessed in recent years.)

Lions Continue to Build from Ground Up, Sign S Idrees Bashir

The Lions have signed veteran Safety Idrees Bashir to a 1-year contract. Bashir, whose career started off quite well but has been disappointing in recent years, has some prior expereince in a Tampa-style “Cover-2″ defensive scheme. Bashir will compete with Terrence Holt and Jon McGraw for a roster spot. Bashir is the next in a long string of free agent signings that are decidely without flash or glamour. Yet, if these players respond to the new coaching staff and the obvious opportunity that they are being given to potentially succeed in Detroit, they could provide the dependable foundation to build upon that the team has been so sorely lacking in recent seasons.

It is quite obvious that Matt Millen has undergone some conceptual changes since hiring Marinelli. None of the team’s acquisitions have been anywhere near as attention-grabbing as the recent terminus of John Joseph Harrington’s career in Detroit. Furthermore, the queue that has grown for Harrington’s future services may cause some Lion’s fans to give pause and wonder if they should have been careful about what they had wished for.

That being said, I strongly believe that the Lions finally have football coaches in place who can make an immediate difference. Matt Millen has (stubbornly) appeared to have come to the realization that “bright and shiny” objects are not necessarily of a higher quality or essence as a result of their effervescence. The upcoming draft will be very telling about the future of this team with it’s new leadership. If the Lions have the opportunity to draft a player like Vince Young and instead opts for a player like A.J. Hawk or Michael Huff that would be indicative of new direction in my book or at the very least a dramatic change of direction from recent draft day selections.

A Flurry of Signings, Larry Allen?

The Lions have been quite active during the last couple of days. They have added valuable depth on the O-Line (Barry Stokes, Rex Tucker), Linebacker (LeVar Woods, Paris Lenon), and bolstered their defensive line by re-signing Jared DeVries.

None of these players jump out as contributors that will immediately change the team’s fortunes, but at least in the case of Stokes and Tucker they should be upgrades over players like DeMulling, Loverne, et al who have played the Offensive Line for the Lions in recent years. DeVries is very versatile and has performed quite well in limited action. It would appear that both Woods and Lenon will be special teamers who can give the team additional depth. That being said, it is not beyond the realm of possibility (by the way, with the Paris Lenon signing, is he the first XFL’er to play for the Lions?) that either could challenge “Dirty” Davis for more playing time.

Larry Allen provides an intriguing possibility for the Lions to consider. Allen is a future Hall of Famer, admittedly a declining one, who could provide an instant impact with his experience and phenomenal physical strength. The situation remains worthy of tracking (the Lions dogged pursuit of Allen) until it becomes clear that Allen intends to retire.

Lions Sign RB Harris, Going “X-Files”

The Lions have signed free agent RB Arlen Harris. Harris, who also returns kicks, has previously played for Mike Martz and Wilbert Montgomery in St. Louis. Harris will help to provide additional depth and knowledge of the new offensive system as they enter next weeks mini-camp. Harris, much like Shaun King, probably will have a slim chance of making the team, although his familiarity with the coaches should help him.

Local Radio Host Jack Ebling (WQTX 92.1) mentioned earlier this week that the Lions were about to receive some bad news. After the articles regarding Joey Harrington leaving the team hit the news Ebling said that this was not that the bad news the team was about to receive and that “other shoe was about to drop” in that regard. Since whatever ominous scenario Ebling has eluded to has not been anounced I took the liberty of speculating what the news might be. Here are what I feel the most likely bad things to happen to the Lions this week:

1) Charles Rogers is suspended for the season for failing another test for illegal substances. Rogers’s failing another drug test would surely cement his place along with R. Jay Soward as the biggest bust at WR in recent NFL history. The acquisition of Corey Bradford further leads me to believe that the Lions signed Bradford in lieu of a Rogers suspension.

2) “Big Daddy” Dan Wilkinson retires. He has recently been contemplating retirement and the team has been trying to get him to reconsider.

3) Mike Martz retires. His health issues last year could easily crop and pull the rug out from under the Lion’s organization.

Other than these three scenarios, anything else I could come up is more or less a fabrication. The Lions, fighting one fire at a time, probably hope to avoid revealing whatever other bad news could be out there for the team until the first issue has blown over. Harrington essentially forcing the team to let him leave is an organizational “black eye” that will not heal quickly (Especially if he plays and excels for a divisional foe).

As much as I have some unwarranted confidence in the new coaching hires, I growing increasingly concerned about the internal health of this organization and the culture that permeates it. There is no question that this is amongst one of the worst franchises in all of professional sports. That being said, it looks like things might just continue to get worse before they can get any better.

Starting the Season with 17 QB’s?

By now, everyone in Michigan who can read, watch TV or listen to the radio probably knows that Joey Harrington has apparently requested to be released from his contract or traded. The Lions had hoped that they could resolve the situation internally but apparently, after signing Josh McCown today, the situation is beyond repair. The extensive rift between Harrington and his teammates has created an environment where Joey no longer wants to be part of the team. In some regards I can’t blame him. He has been abused by fans, suffered through numerous coaching changes, and generally mishandled.

Yet, it is hard to feel much sympathy for a person who has been given a golden opportunity and failed so miserably with it. I have believed for a long time that Harrington could still develop into a NFL caliber starting QB and hoped that it would eventually be with the Lions. I guess as a fan, I should be thankful that this whole sad affair is finally finished. It is time for the next failed Lion’s QB to assume his reins……

Between Mike Williams’s ballooning weight, any future offenses to the league’s drug policy by Charles Rogers and the apparent eventual loss of Harrington, Matt Millen’s tenure as team president has been a colossally miserable failure in the draft. That being said, I am glad that the Lions were able to attract a couple of free agent QB’ss who may able to perform capably in the team’s new offensive system. Josh McCown still looks promising and may benefit from the tutelage of Mike Martz. Hopefully, McCown can blossom into the player that Harrington never was.

Furthermore, upon aquiring Kitna, I knew that the likelihood of Harrington making it through the entire season without a Qb controversy would be slim, if possible at all. If it is really a time for a change, I hope that this is not the only one that is made. Their are several positions being held on this roster by players who can easily be excised, with no apparent loss, especially if they refuse to be a part of the new direction the team is headed in.

The Lions have also signed free agent Tight End Dan Campbell. Campbell, a devastating run blocker, will split time with Marcus Pollard. Campbell is a reliable vet who is far from flashy but will provide consistency at the position that has been sorely lacking.

Comings and Goings…The Lions Become Active in Free Agency

The Lions have been very busy today. They re-signed DE Kalimba Edwards, RS/WR Eddie Drummond, and have a preliminary agreement with QB Jon Kitna.
The re-signing of Edwards and Drummond were very important. If the Lions had lost either player their already weak depth at Defensive End and Special Teams would have degraded into vast personnel chasms. At this point, with the losses of CB’s Andre Goodman and R. W. McQuarters and the checkered tenure of Fernando Bryant, corner moves to the front of the list as the roster group that most needs to be addressed.

Edwards, an athletically gifted player, has never really blossomed into the consistent performer the Lions have needed. That being said, he has been at times the best pass rusher on the Lions roster. I have always called him “The Ghost” because he has the unfortunate tendency of disappearing at inopportune times. I am glad that the Lions have decided to retain Edwards. Under new defensive tutelage, he may just be able to achieve the talent that he has shown in limited flashes in the past.

It was also imperative that the Lions re-signed Eddie Drummond. With the Lions past offensive deficiencies, the positive field position consistently provided with Drummond’s returns has been very valuable. Hopefully, with good health and an improved offense Drummond’s returns will lead to more positive results than they often did last year.

The signing of Jon Kitna will light the necessary spark to set the starting QB debate’s tinder ablaze. Kitna will assume the helm of the Lion’s fans perennial favorite–the backup QB. Kitna will join the ranks of Erik Kramer, Bill Munson, Charlie Batch, Mike McMahon and SO MANY others in the post-Bobby Layne Lion’s football world. Kitna was a valuable and essential acquisition. That being said, I hope that Joey Harrington is capable of staving off the competition of Kitna for the future benefit of this franchise. Kitna will prove valuable if called to service if Harrington suffers injury or proves incapable of overcoming his faults. No one should allow themselves the luxury of swallowing the panacea, Kitna is by no means a long term solution at the position.

I think the Lions are off to a good start in free agency. They have retained the players they have wanted to keep and have brought in a couple of players that the team has had their eyes on for a couple of years (Kitna and Bradford). They still have a very serious needs in their secondary especially at cornerback (lost McQuarters and Andre Goodman), offensive line (lost Utility Linemen Kyle Kosier), Defensive End, and Linebacker (Who will play the middle?). I will be curious to see where the Lions may turn to improve these areas.

Kitna Visits Lions, Bryson Re-signed, Lions Ink WR Bradford

The Lions brought in free agent QB Jon Kitna to discuss the possibility of joining the Lions. Kitna, who has been primarily a backup in Cinncinati, would probably be signed as a fallback plan should Joey Harrington not be able to flourish in Mike Martz’s offense. Kitna is a dependable, seasoned veteran who would be an asset as a backup. I am very concerned about the possibility of the Lions depending on Kitna as a starter for any extended periods of time, though.

The Lions have also re-signed RB Shawn Bryson. Bryson has been a very valuable backup and a versatile third down specialist. Bryson has soft hands, picks up blitzes well, and will probably perform quite well in the single-back sets that will often be employed by the Lions in their spiffy new offensive scheme. Many Lion fans will lament Bryson’s re-signing since his play doesn’t generate a lot of sizzle. That being said, Bryson is a difficult commodity to replace especially if Kevin Jones gets injured or fails to develop upon his ability to block, especially in single-back formations.

The Lions have been pursuing WR Corey Bradford for several seasons now. Bradford, an excellent deep threat, should really fit well into the new Lions offensive scheme which promises more vertical, downfield passes. My concerns with the Bradford signing are that he doesn’t provide the team with the dependable possession receiver they have needed in recent seasons (they had that with Kevin Johnson last season but he got injured) and shouldn’t they be able to depend on either Mike Williams or Charles Rogers to fill the role that Bradford will? I am sure that more will be developing out of this situation.

Labor Peace, Patrick Ramsey

Thankfully, labor strife has been averted in the NFL. Granted, billionaires and millionaires squabbling over percentages of revenue (amongst both themselves and each other) is enough to make you want to vomit, unless of course you are an individual who has the good fortune of fitting into either category. The main point of contention still appears to be over the distribution of local revenues. Their are several sets of circumstances that allow certain franchises to gain an inordinate amount of money from their local revenue (size of market, stadium naming rights, luxury seating/boxes, merchandising, etc.) that other organizations either choose not exploit or are unable to.

Apparently, the Lions are investigating the possibility of making a trade with Washington for the services of Patrick Ramsey. Ramsey, whose career has vacillated between brief moments of brilliance and maddening inconsistency, has the arm strength to flourish under Mike Martz’s offensive scheme. Ramsey has weathered favorably all of the numerous coaching and personnel changes that come with being a component of Daniel Snyder’s favorite toy. Both Ramsey and Joey Harrington could co-author a self-help book on how to pass through a shitstorm and somehow still maintain a grin upon your face. I like the investigation of the acquisition of Ramsey, but am a little concerned over what the cost may be to gain his services. Anything higher than a 3rd or 4th round draft pick would be too costly in my opinion, especially if he isn’t guaranteed to start.

Summer “Brees”, Free Agency

The Lions have become an increasingly rumored player in the pursuit of Chargers QB Drew Brees, who is an unrestricted free agent. Should the C.B.A. talks to continue to stall, the Lions not only could be a major player for Brees’ services but many other unrestricted free agents or “street” free agents who have been recently released for salary cap purposes. The Lions, according to today’s Detroit News article by Mike O’Hara, would be $13 Million under the $94.5 Million salary cap if free agency began today. Many teams will have to struggle to get their salaries pared down to that number, and will not be looking to add salaries to their payroll since they also will still need to have cap room to sign their draft picks in April.

In regards to this situtation, I think the Lions should be very cautious with Brees. He is the best available QB without a doubt. Yet, Brees is going to be returning from major shoulder surgery and it remains to be seen how his abilities will be effected. In baseball, many players are able to come back stronger than they were prior to a major shoulder injury. In this particular case, I think it would be wise for the Lions to see what the market truly is for Brees. Should you overpay for potentially damaged goods? Is Brees marginally better than Joey Harrington or will his acquisition make a significant difference towards the team’s future success.

Personally, I believe that the Lions could make 2-3 additions that would be position upgrades (i.e. Guard, Defensive End, Cornerback, Safety, Linebacker) that would have bigger long term impact than the acquisition of Brees and cost them less.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations continue to push back the deadlines for free agency and the deadline for teams to be under the $94.5 M salary cap. Tuesday the owners will meet in order to work out their differences over the distribution of local revenues. If the owners can come out of this meeting with their differences worked out and meet the demands of the players, the C.B.A. will be extended. Otherwise, the salary cap purges will be delayed until Wednesday Night and free agency will begin Thursday.

Even if the purge ensues, their is a great likelihood that the owners would attempt to agree upon a new C.B.A. before it effects free agency and surely wouldn’t allow for an uncapped 2007 season. I also believe that they would like to avoid messy situations like union de-certifications, player lockouts, anti-trust hearings, the dissolution of the College Draft and other nightmare scenarios that could severely damage the league.

Lions Sign Journeyman QB Shaun King

The Lions have recently signed veteran QB Shaun King. I don’t believe that the King signing in any way limits their interest in acquiring another QB to bring into training camp. However, a veteran like King maybe a quick study and could conceivably provide additional depth as a third-stringer. King, who started with Buccaneers and flourished very briefly, has been bouncing around the league the last few years. King has never been a flashy player, but has been capable of providing steady play in limited action.

Hopefully, by this time tomorrow the NFLPA and the owners will have sorted out their differences and agreed upon an extension of their collective bargaining agreement. As interesting as a league-wide salary cap purge on Monday morning maybe to watch, the health of the league rests upon the fact that the two parties can sort out their differences.

Detroit Lions Blog 2006 1st Round Lions Draft Board (Players whom I would like to see the Lions draft)
1. A.J. Hawk LB
2. Michael Huff S
3. Chad Greenway LB
4. Tamba Hali DE
5. Bobby Carpenter LB