Detroit Lions Weblog

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.