Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Final Pre-Season Game, Swancutt to IR, and Vines to PUP

The Lion’s have one final pre-season game in which to give a stronger impression that they will be prepared for the season to begin on Sept. 10th. Thus far, the team has appeared to get worse in each successive pre-season game. The offense has sputtered in the last two games and the defense has been inconsistent and susceptible to giving up the big play (sounds vaguely familiar!).

The Lions will be releasing 22 more players soon and I hope that two of the team’s high-priced, first round draft selections exhibit some urgency and provide the team with performances of a quality commensurate with their pay and draft picks coming out of college. It is also imperative that the team’s defense starts to exhibit a pass rush, that MLB Boss Bailey show that he is developing an affinity for his new position, while the rest of the unit struggles to develop health and consistency.

The Lions have been unable to yet develop a consistent ground game. Obviously, Kevin Jones will be playing for a very brief period of time against Buffalo. Brian Calhoun, Shawn Bryson, and Arlen Harris need to carry the load well in Jones’s stead.

Most concerning, is the lack of explosiveness from the Martz offense. Other than a few big plays, this offense has yet to really pose a threat to any opposing defense it has faced. I hope that the team will look sharper in it’s friendly confines and give themselves something to build upon for the opener.

The Lions unfortunately had to place promising DE Bill Swancutt on the injured reserve and he will miss the season due to a knee injury. WR Scottie Vines will miss six games after being placed on the physically unable to perform list. Neither player is a starter, but you hate to lose solid contributors who provide the team with quality depth.