Detroit Lions Weblog

Kitna’s Unflinching Leadership Leads to Lions Victory

Sunday’s Lions/Vikings game was a grueling detente between two of the NFL’s many mediocre teams.   On one hand, it was difficult to stomach Sunday’s exhibition due to the continuous stream of penalties, turnovers, and botched plays that eventually lead to this game being filled with more sub-plots than a 70’s Robert Altman movie.  In some ways, while Todd Jones was simultaneously saving his 300th game for the Tigers, it was apropos that this game was a real “Rollercoaster” ride.

The chief reason why this game has likely rekindled some hope among Lions fans, in spite of the team’s poor performance, was the inspired, willful leadership of QB Jon Kitna, giving them a win against an intra-divisional opponent, something the Lions failed to do in all of ‘06, who had beaten them 14 out of the last 15 times they have played.

Kitna provided the team with an inspiring, if ill-advised, performance after missing most of the game with a suspected concussion.   Kitna, already respected for his surviving 63 sacks and numerous near-beheadings last season, was absolutely fearless in leading the Lions to their victory.    During the Lions overtime period, he scrambled twice, and took two of the more brutal blows meted out by the Vikings during the entire game.  I certainly question his sanity in exposing himself to these big-time hits, but as a fan, I respect the hell out of him for setting such a high standard for his teammates.

Kitna’s injury exposed the 900 pound elephant in the room, that the Lions are in dire need of a true backup QB.   O’Sullivan’s play highlighted how desperate the Lions will be if Kitna does get hurt and eventually misses significant playing time.  

This situation is a clear indictment of first, the team’s decision to trade Josh McCown, second, their front office neglecting the obvious need to find a game ready replacement, with valuable NFL game experience. The Lions are 2-0, and if they play 7-7 football down the stretch, they will likely make the playoffs.   In order to do so, they will have to try to find an upgrade from Dan Orlovsky and J.T. O’Sullivan.  Byron Leftwich, admittedly no all-pro, does possess a winning  record as a starting QB and is currently unemployed, as a starting point. 

Aside from the eerily uncanny resemblance between Kitna and Head Coach Rod Marinelli, Kitna is exactly the type of player the Lions have needed, and the type of player that Marinelli desires.   His willingness to throw himself on a grenade for the organization has been clearly established.  

Kitna has set a benchmark for the rest of the team, and a stark contrast from his recent predecessors.   The Lions, admittedly have not played particularly well, but have a realistic chance to enjoy a turn around this season.  Entering this season, I would have wagered against that.