Detroit Lions Weblog

Bye Weeks Brings Respite From Season of Discontent

The Lions are more than halfway through their 2006 bye week.   Mercifully, the bye week came at a time when they may be able to regain a few healthy, experienced players to supplement their current roster as they embark upon their Bataan death march until this season’s denouement.  I didn’t expect miracles from this team and it’s coaching staff, yet, I hoped that they would be able to muster a few more victories than they likely will as the season progresses.

Roy Williams has to be the most enthusiastic and positive player in Lions history.   His prognostications have thus far been invalid, but I harbor some meager hopes that they will win a few games down the stretch, even if it isn’t the 9 wins that Williams speculated that the team was capable of.  In regards to Williams, I believe that his statements are getting amplified since there is so little to report about this vintage of the Lions.   Easily, this is one of the more uninteresting Lions teams in their history.  Other than Roy Williams habitually inserting his foot into his mouth, Shaun Rogers’ “Supplement-Gate” suspension, Joe Cullen’s “Naked Drive-Thru” excapade, and the uselessness of Mike Williams there is very little to get excited about with this team.

Hopefully, the Lions can make a run to provide a little future hope for this organization.   In recent years there has been so little sign that things are taking a step forward, that any tangible sign that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel will be greatly appreciated.

Head Coach Rod Marinelli Interviewed on the Jim Rome Show

Head Coach Rod Marinelli had a brief interview on the Jim Rome show today, partially filling the role of a shil-, er, I mean spokesperson for some award sponsored by some cell phone company.  Rome’s first question was to ask Marinelli about gaining his first NFL victory against Buffalo? Marinelli said that it felt good but that in the NFL you don’t have the advantage of being able to savor any victory, especially considering that the Lions followed that win up with a loss this Sunday.

Rome asked Marinelli how he felt about entering the bye week and Marinelli responded by stating that he didn’t dwell on things he had no control over.   He did say it would be a valuable time to break down film and hopefully get some players healthy. 

Rome asked about comments made by Kevin Jones that stated that not only were the Lions fighting to preserve their reputation but also were “fighting for him (Marinelli) and his reputation, too”.  Rome wondered how that made Marinelli feel when a player said something of that nature.  Marinelli said that he feels strongly about this team and believes that they can win through paying more attention to details.   Anymore, most games are won during the 4th quarter and attention to detail goes along way towards determining the outcome in close games.  He also said that Kevin Jones has been playing at a very high level recently.

Rome asked Marinelli about the Lions losing culture and how you go about changing it?  Marinelli said that the past can’t dominate your thoughts and that you have to establish and adhere to what you believe in philosophically as a coach.  He said that he believes in laying down the fundamental building blocks and instilling toughness as approaches that may lead to victory.  Marinelli also stated that physical toughness has been there from day one for the Lions, but mental toughness and the consistency that comes along with mental toughness have been lacking.  He believes that the lack of mental toughness is why they are losing late in games.

Rome asked how Marinelli believed you could nurture this mental toughness? Marinelli stated that it’s taught step by step and that through repetition you develop consistency in execution.  When facing adversity this consistency becomes poise (consistency through times of turmoil)  as opposed to panic–which is a reflection of being unprepared.  Marinelli also said that consistency is a reflection of belief in what you are doing.

Rome asked about releasing a talented player like Charles Rogers.   He wondered if the release was performance-based or a reflection of Rogers’ lack of a positive attitude or commitment.  Marinelli said that the coaching staff had to do what was right for the team and said that tough choices sometimes have to be made.  (He was very brief in regards to Mr. Charles Rogers) 

Rome asked about D-Line Coach Joe Cullen and his early season “nude drive-thru”  incident?  Marinelli said that he was upset and disappointed about what Cullen had done.  He said that Cullen was getting help for his problems and that he had been corrected through his one game suspension.  He also said that he believed that some people take pleasure in other people’s misfortune.

Rome’s last question was in regards to Marinelli’s service in Vietnam (something Marinelli doesn’t comment upon)?  Marinelli said that his service was a private issue and then there was a brief but very awkward moment where Rome decided that it was probably time for Marinelli to enter his shil-uh, I mean spokesperson mode.

I really respect Coach Marinelli.   I think that he says the right things and it’s remarkable that he has yet to lose his team.   Other than their embarassing performance against the Bears, all of the Lions games have been winnable in spite of any adversity.   That being said, this a team that is consistently losing close games in the 4th quarter, turning the ball over too much (when it has little or no room for error), is heavily penalized and is precariously close to having one of it’s worse seasons of all time.   I have to wonder what kind of timetable it will demand for him to establish the poise, belief, and consistency that he referred to in his Rome interview.   I also wonder that if in deferrence to his superiors within the organization, he avoided mentioning that he believes that the Lions are lacking the proper personnel to execute the system that he and the coaches were attempting to put into place.  

Let’s face it, players like Boss Bailey, Jeff Backus, Kalimba Edwards, and Cory Redding et al are remarkably average and have not developed into the type of talents that we would like to believe that they are.   Maybe Marinelli would like to say that not only does he need to change the Lions losing culture but the team will also need to undertake a costly, time-consuming roster overhaul that will likely have to come sooner than later.  In which case, “Millen Man” marches and other means of Lions fans expression of disgust will likely be de rigeur as this team continues to languish in it’s interminable, unremittent rebuilding program.

Terrible First Quarter Cements Lions Sunday Road Loss

Just prior to Tigers pitcher Kenny “The Gambler” Rogers outstanding 2-hit performance Sunday, which cemented his permanent, exalted status in the pantheon of Detroit sports legends, there was a football game played that provides a stark and bitter contrast to the immense joy that has been provided by the upstart Detroit Tigers.

Many of us have been understandingly distracted from this painfully awful season by the 2006 Detroit Lions.   This organization has not reached the critical point of development that is necessary to overcome any sort of adversity or challenges that it may face on it’s path to victory.  It’s disgraceful that a team who has had top 10 draft picks in 5 of the last 6 years can currently be entering their bye week with a 1-6 record (22-65 during Matt Millen’s tenure).

The most damning aspect of Sunday’s road loss to me is the manner in which the Lions lost the game.   The Jets have struggled mightily all season to score points in the first quarter (They scored 14 1st quarter points against the Lions).   The Jets have possessed an ineffective ground game all year, and with the recent losses of DT’s Shaun Rogers and Shaun Cody, it was obvious to everyone with a modicum of knowledge about football that the Jets were going to attempt to change their fortunes against the Lions (They did, Leon Washington had 129 yards rushing with 2 TD’s). 

With all of this in my mind, the Lions compounded their early struggles with a rash of penalties and also surrendered a disastrous 44 yard pass play to WR Justin McCareins, who had been a complete non-factor in the Jets offense until Sunday.   In spite of all of Head Coach Rod Marinelli’s interminable bluster about instilling discipline and tenacity (i.e. “Pounding the Rock”), this team is noticeably lacking in both traits and will continue to lose games in bunches if it can’t find a means to become a more disciplined and determined team.

Fortunately, for most Lions fans, the team is entering their bye week.   They can watch the World Series in peace, without that telltale chronic pinch in their neck and insomnia resultant from an overwhelming sense of impending doom that accompanies all Lions fans wherever they go in life.   The Lions have a week in which to regroup and recuperate.   Hopefully, the team will receive an additional boost of resolve via the return of several key players after the week off.   Otherwise, the team’s future struggles may reside in that same philosophical place as trees falling in forests  (Can they really be heard if no one is listening?)……

Week 7:Jets Vs. Lions Preview

With all of the amazing anticipation surrounding the upcoming World Series games to be played in Detroit, I nearly forgot that the Lions will be playing at the Meadowlands on Sunday against the New York Jets.  The Jets have kind of served as my second favorite team (I love those uni’s and have always respected Curtis Martin and Chad Pennington) for a few years. The history of the Jets and the well-documented struggles within their organization form a reasonable (recognizable?) parallel to those that the Lions have suffered from throughout the years.

The Lions have struggled mightily to win road games during the Matt Millen tenure.   In order for them to have a chance of turning that around on Sunday they will have to strike early.   The Jets have struggled to score in the first quarter of games.   If the Lions can jump to an early lead like they did last week against Buffalo they may be able to obtain a prescious road victory. 

Offensively, Kevin Jones and Brian Calhoun should split an ample of amount of carries because the Jets have had a very difficult time stopping their opponent’s ground game, even with a quality player like MLB Jonathan Vilma.  I expect the Jets to try and come after Jon Kitna aggressively with a combination of blitzes in order to try and cause the Lions to turn the ball over.  Jets S Kerry Rhodes has been very effective in generating big plays and will need to be accounted for.  The Jets young CB Justin Miller has struggled, so it will be no surprise if Mike Furrey or Az Hakim has a big game.   I believe that Roy Williams’ size/speed advantage will help him when he’s matched against either Miller of CB Andre Dyson.

Defensively, I believe that the play of Marcus Bell and Cory Redding will be very important.   The Jets have been ineffective rushing the ball.   That being said, the combination of Leon Washington, Kewan Barlow and Cedric Houston should see a lot of carries in attmpt to take of advantage of the Lions revamped defensive front.  The Jets also likely want to play a controlled, ball-control type of game to keep the Lions offense off of the field against the league’s statistically worst Jets defense.  One player to watch is TE Chris Baker.   I think that the Jets will attack the middle of the Lions zone coverage with Baker.   The Lions will also face a tough test attempting to limit big play WR’s Jericho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles.

This should be a good, close game.  If Kevin Jones rushes for 150 yards and Roy Williams catches gain over 100 yards again this week, the Lions should win.  With all that said, I believe that the Lions road woes will continue….

Jets 24 Lions 21 and The Tigers in five games!!!

After Sunday’s Victory Marinelli’s Plan is more Visible

In Sunday’s win against the Bills, it became apparent for the first time what exactly characterizes the brand of football that Lions Coach Rod Marinelli believes is winning football. That brand of football may finally be beginning to resonate with the Lions. Obviously, it was just one victory and the Bills are quite far from serious Super Bowl contenders, but the Lions continued to be effective on offense and began to show signs that the intricacies of the Cover-2 zone defense are making more sense.

In the victory, with a patchwork offensive line, it was impressive that Kevin Jones was so effective running the ball and that the Lions depended upon him to close the game out in the end with a less than comfortable lead. I have been decrying the improper utilization of a talent like Jones throughout his career and am hopeful, and glad that the Lions may have realized his potential. With the injuries the team has sutained on their offensive line, running the ball became their best option especially with the Bills planning on pinning their ears back and coming after Qb Jon Kitna relentlessly. The Lions patchwork offensive line were able to build upon their successes throughout the day and were able to protect Jon Kitna well enough that WR Roy Williams had a career day. The Mike Martz offense is much more thrilling and daunting than any we have seen in recent memory in Detroit.

Most encouraging for me was the defensive play. The Lions dormant pass rush came alive and consistently pressured Bills QB J.P. Losman. The team was able to garner 5 sacks (3 1/2 by James Hall!) I also noticed a more rugged physicality from players like LB Paris Lenon and CB Fernando Bryant that had been sorely missing. This presence serves notice that the Linebackers and Secondary will punish you after the catch, which is necessary if the Lions no longer want to continue getting diced up by opposing QB’s.

There were still a lot of mistakes made Sunday and it is abundantly clear that no Lions victory will come easily this year. Hopefully, the victory gives the Lions something to build upon, especially after how emotionally unaffected they seemed to by their 0-5 start. The team obviously has the confidence and belief in their coaches philosophies, now they just need to exhibit the consistency and discipline of execution that will lead to future victories.

Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On!

Wow! You take a day or two off and the walls come caving in. First, last night’s announcement of the four game suspension of DT Shaun Rogers is nearly catastrophic for a defense that appeared to be showing signs of developing some continuity and improved play. Rogers, who has battled sleep apnea and weight-related health issues, claims he purchased an over-the-counter weight managing supplement from a GNC that unfortunately contained a banned substance, according to the NFL. Rogers’ loss combined with the continued recovery from a toe injury by NT Shaun Cody will be very detrimental to the depth of the Lions defensive line rotation. In their absence, Cory Redding will continue to play Defensive Tackle and run-stuffing Marcus Bell will play Nose Tackle. I expect that on passing downs, that Bell will be supplanted by veteran Tyoka Jackson or the versatile Jared DeVries. The Lions will also have to consider adding a defensive tackle to add to their depth. I expect that either of DT’s Cleveland Pinkney or Damian Gregory will be receiving a call from Matt Millen very shortly.

The other bit of unfortunate news is that RB Shawn Bryson was placed on injured reserve yesterday. Bryson, a versatile, effective blocker and pass-catcher, will be missed. The Lions are going to have to look at playing Marcus Pollard or Casey FitzSimmons in more of an H-Back type of role with the loss of Bryson along with the lingering hamstring problems for FB Corey Schlesinger. They may also need to add another Fullback to the roster. The team did add RB Arlen Harris, who played with the team during the pre-season. Harris, who played under Martz in St. Louis, can provide some of the versatility of Bryson but will not be as consistently effective as Bryson has been in the past. The Lions will become much more dependent upon RB’s Kevin Jones and Brian Calhoun to be able to contribute in blitz pickups and will miss the consistent lead blocking of Bryson and Schlesinger.

The Lions were able to bring LB Teddy Lehman off of the PUP list and decided to release veteran WR Scottie Vines after he was activated. I was hoping that Vines may be able to provide additional contributions in the passing game, but the Lions appear content attempting to develop WR’s DeVale Ellis and Shaun Bodiford. Vines exhibited a lot of promise last season but appeared to never be part of the new regimes long range plans.

Week 6 Preview; Or 1 More Week Until Lions Have a BYE!

With the treacherous amount of injuries the Lions suffered last week, their difficulties executing on defense, and the inability to establish any sort of consistent ground attack, the odds are long that the Lions will have any chance in winning this week’s home game. That being said, this should/could be a winnable game. If football was played for three quarters instead of four, we may be talking about a 3-4 win team right now.

At this point, my most horrifying future scenario that I can conjure consists of Joey Harrington throwing for over 300 yards and multiple TD’s on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit. Wait, it gets worse. I can also see several hundred people scaling Ford Field’s roof and leaping to their deaths immediately after the game. If this is any indication of my thoughts of the direction of this current season, and it is, it should be loud and clear that I believe that the Lions are going to struggle to find more than 2-3 victories for the rest of the season.

On Offense, the Lions are so beat up on their offensive line that I believe that they will have to simplify their blocking schemes and play-packages in order to establish some rhythm and consistency. With the strong possibility that Jon Kitna will be running for his life all day in passing situations, the Lions need to have a strong ground game from Kevin Jones and they can ill afford any costly turnovers or penalties. The Bills are going to blitz and blitz often, so don’t be surprised to see more reps for Shawn Bryson trying to stem the onslaught. I also think the Lions are going to have to utilize more max-protect formations to give Kitna a modicum of time in which to operate.

On Defense, the Lions can’t let QB J.P. Losman pick apart their secondary. They HAVE to pressure him into poor decisions and turnovers. The Bills receivers, Josh Reed, Lee Evans, and Peerless Price, are not big playmakers and the Lions can’t afford to let any of them have a season-making type of game. The Lions will have their hands full attempting to contain RB Willis McGahee. McGahee has gained a lot of yardage but has not scored often in the red zone. Hopefully, the Lions can limit his effectiveness and not allow him to break off any big plays. Who am I kidding? It will take divine intervention for the Lions defense to stop even a poor offense like the Bills.

Matt Millen how does 21-65 in 86 games sound to ya?

Bills 27 Lions 17

Week 6: Detroit vs Buffalo

13. Detroit Offense vs./ 18. Buffalo Defense

Yardage
Yards 1507/ 1538
YPG 301.4(17)/ 307.6(15)

Scoring
PTS 88/ 105
PPG 17.6(19)/ 21.0(18)

Passing
YPG 241.8(6)/ 194.2(12)
TD 5(15)/ 7(21)
SACK 19(30)/ 13(8)
INT 6(23)/ 4(13)

Rushing
YPG 59.6(32)/ 113.4(19)
TD 5(5)/ 4(19)

23. Buffalo Offense Vs./ 29. Detroit Defense

Yardage
Yards 1329/ 1810
YPG 265.8(30)/ 362.0(28)

Scoring
PTS 77/ 141
PPG 15.4(26)/ 28.2(29)

Passing
YPG 160.6(29)/ 265.8(30)
TD 4(22)/ 11(32)
SACK 14(24)/ 6(29)
INT 4(14)/ 1(30)

Rushing
YPG 105.2(19)/ 96.2(14)
TD 3(16)/ 1(2)

———–Turnovers—————–
——-TakeAways—–GiveAways—+/-
——INT–FUM–TTL–INT–FUM–TTL–
BUFF-4—-2—–6—–4—–4——8–/ -2
DET–1—-6—–7—–6—–6——12–/ -5

Time of Possession
DET 27:26 Opp 32:34
Buff 29:57 Opp 30:03

3rd Down Efficiency
DET 17/59 (28.8) Opp 24/64 (37.5)
BUF 17/61 (27.9) Opp 24/67 (35.8)

Penalties
Det 38/331 Opp 32/284
BUF 39/274 Opp 31/231

Injuries: OUT: DET S Kennedy, DT Cody, LB Lewis
Doubtful: BUFF S M. Bowen
Questionable: DET G Verba, T Tucker BUFF CB N. Clements, LB T. Spikes, G C Villarial
Probable: Det G Stokes, RB Bryson, WR R. Williams

Damien Woody Placed on Injured Reserve, WR DeVale Ellis Returns

In what may be regarded as the worst news for the Lions yet this season, it was announced that former Pro Bowl Right Guard Damien Woody was placed on injured reserve yesterday, which means he will not return for the rest of the season. Woody, who has never regained his former Pro Bowl caliber of talent since joining Detroit, is a valuable member of a weak and getting weaker Lions O-Line. As you know, the Lions have also had the misfortune of having their two free agent O-Line acquisitions, Left Guard Ross Verba and Right Tackle Rex Tucker, injured for most of the season and both will definitely not play against Buffalo. The Lions have an incredible depth issue now in their line rotation, which clearly was a major contributing factor to their loss to the Vikings on Sunday.

It is well-reported that the Lions struggled in communicating their blocking assignments and blitz-pickups after Woody and Left Tackle Jeff Backus each left the game. The Lions will now have to rely upon rookie Jonathan Scott, journeyman Blaine Saipia, and inconsistent Rick DeMulling to take up the slack. Two realities are immediately obvious, Jon Kitna better purchase a life insurance policy and with the obvious difficulties their are in acquiring quality free agent offensive lineman who can be quickly integrated into your playing rotation at this time of the season, the Lions can afford no more injuries to offensive linemen.

WR DeVale Ellis has been signed from the Lions practice squad to fill Woody’s roster spot, which is puzzling since the team has such serious depth issues in their O-Line. I hate to do it, but Matt Millen is deserving of more criticism here. By acquiring several veteran offensive linemen as free agents this off-season who had checkered injury history’s, Matt Millen was taking a serious risk that has backfired severely. This risk is yet another of a VERY long list of reasons that Matt Millen should no longer be retained after this season as team president.

The Enigma of Shaun Rogers

Shaun Rogers has been an enigma throughout the duration of his Lions career. At times, he is one of the true dominating forces in the entire league. He can single-handedly plug up the middle of the line of scrimmage, creating a major disruption for opposing offenses. He is an excellent run-stuffer who is also capable of pressuring the QB and blocking kicks. Rogers’s physical abilities have never come into question and his skills are off the charts. Yet, Rogers can also appear disinterested and surly, too.

He refuses to speak to the Detroit media after games. Rogers is a fomer Pro Bowler but has never been perceived to be a team leader. Matt Millen even utilized a strange motivational ploy early in Rogers’s career. Millen made it public knowledge that Rogers was available for trade in an attempt gain more productivity from Rogers. Through all of this Rogers titillates Lions fans with his freakish talents.

This season Rogers was incredibly dominant in the Lions first game against Seattle. Since that point, he has faced consistent double and triple teams and has been chip blocked by running backs and tight ends. His impact has been severely diminished with this strategy and his teammates have been unable to pick up the slack in his stead. The Lions have even attempted to move him around on the line of scrimmage in hopes of freeing from opposing blocking schemes.

In order for the course of the Lions season to change, Rogers has to be a more effective member of the defense. He needs to exhibit the determination and tenaciousness necessary to overcome opposing blocking schemes. Otherwise, the defenive struggles will continue or worsen.