Detroit Lions Weblog

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Final Roster Cuts, Team Needs

Rumors are flying hot and heavy that the Lions will seriously consider signing Rams QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, a Harvard graduate who was drafted by Mike Martz while he was Rams head coach, should he eventually be released by the Rams on Sept. 1st.   

Given Dan Orlovsky’s health issues and the less than stellar performance by J.T. O’Sullivan during the pre-season, I will not be a bit surprised to see the Lions searching high and low for an available QB with some NFL game experience, especially one who has some previous experience in Martz’s or a Martz-like, Sid Gillman/Ernie Zampese derived- (if such a beast exists) offense. 

If Orlovsky eventually starts the season on the P.U.P. list, it would allow the Lions to carry an extra QB through their bye week.  The Lions don’t appear to be too thrilled with Orlovsky’s performance at this point, so I would not be surprised to see him eventually be released, too.

Final roster cutdowns are tomorrow.   I am very curious to see if there will be any surprises among the final cuts.   Rex Tucker’s release was somewhat of a surprise, but there should be more to come.   Some potential surprise roster cuts could appear among the defensive line, linebackers, and secondary.   I think the final roster battles will be very heated among the offensive line and wide receivers, too.

The Lions still appear to have some glaring roster needs entering the season.   I would not be surprised to see them take a long look at adding a second-string QB (see above), some help in the secondary at both corner and safety, and potentially some help at Strongside LB, if someone of value becomes available. The prescient need for help in their pass rush also would seem to indicate that they would consider a solid, veteran DE, who is also a capable pass rusher, if one were to fall out of a tree and become available.

The Lions pre-season performance inspires little confidence  entering the 2007 season.   Considering the multiple 10 win pronouncements and general positivity among Lions players, this could make a disappointing performance this season become even more so, among Lions fans, since expectations have been set a little higher this season.  

Truthfully, I don’t honestly see a much improved team, even with the Lions poor pre-season performance set aside.   There are too many holes on defense and still not enough roster depth to overcome injuries at several critical positions.   The murky prognosis for Kevin Jones return also makes the Lions offense appear significantly less certain entering the season.