Are the Lions for Real?
October 2, 2007 on 8:15 pm | In Uncategorized |This very question has been hashed out in a number places recently, by a number of so-called experts, especially since Head Coach Rod Marinelli has recently stated that the Lions could eventually be an “elite” team (his words, not mine).
Marinelli believes that if the Lions are able to combine their already exhibited mental toughness with a continued effort to “clean some things up” execution-wise, they may be able to become an “elite” team.
The Sporting News’ Clifton Brown believes that the Lions have harvested upon teams who are among the bottom tier of the league, with inferior quarterbacks, rather than being a particularly good team. He is correct, but other than New England and Indianapolis, and maybe the Cowboys, who really is any good in this modern-day, mediocre, brave new world of the NFL?
Sunday’s game at Washington, where the Lions have not won in twenty attempts, is pivotal. Odds are in the Redskins favor, but at some point, you have to ask, Why can’t the Lions continue to play better than .500 football for the rest of the season? Why can’t they beat the ‘Skins?
The Lions seem to have a inordinately sharp awareness of the fact that they have not played as well as they are capable of, yet they still posess a .750 winning percentage. Jon Kitna says as much by adding, “Listen, we’re trying to peak at the right time. Have we played our best yet? No. We haven’t played our best yet. But we’re going to continue to get better each week. We’re gaining confidence, and we’re learning how to win.”
Marinelli also states “We’re starting to understand and believe that if we just keep playing, something good is going to happen for us.” If anything, the Lions are saying all of the right things. However, It does remain to be seen whether the Lions are fully equipped for the challenges that they will face ahead. Sunday’s game will serve as an early barometer, that’s for sure.
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i cheer big for the lions at the local sports bar, and i hope they can make the playoffs. but in my 38 years walking this earth ive always been let down. this year seems a little diferent, the team seems to be playing more like a team than ive seen in a long time. kitnas really getting it togetner and his recievers are following suit.the schedual aint that tough, only 3 or 4 rel hard ones. goin to the playoffs.
Comment by relocatedlionsfan — October 3, 2007 #
Brown may be right. The Lions have feasted on bottom feeders. They have also not played up to what I believe to be their potential. As the season progresses, and barring major injuries, the Lions should tighten things up. Whether they are “for real” is a matter of judgment, and Blogman, your are right–they ain’t Indianapolis or New England. They are, though, I believe, a legitimate NFL team and not an “easy victory” for anyone. If I were a playoff bubble team, I would be worried that I have to play the Lions. What these Lions are, I’m uncertain, but they are not the “Same ol’ Lions.”
My prediction: The Lions will win in D.C.
Mighty Felines: 31
Aboriginal People: 20
Comment by Hondo — October 4, 2007 #