Detroit Lions Weblog

Broncos Trade, Brian Calhoun–More Millen Failure?

The Lions traded former Pro Bowl CB Dre Bly during the off-season for two veterans, OT George Foster and RB Tatum Bell.    After four games, it has grown resoundingly clear who received the better end of the deal.    Foster, who clearly can’t count past two, has been benched twice and is unlikely to earn his way back onto the field anytime soon.   Bell, like Olandis Gary and a bevy of others before him, appears to have flourished in Denver while benefiting from operating within the Broncos running system, and doesn’t seem to possess the skills necessary to be able to contribute consistently for the Lions.  

Admittedly, the Lions have been completely unable to run the ball this season, and have often neglected seriously attempting to establish their ground game in any manner. 

Bly, even though he was ill-suited for the Tampa-2, or what I believe should be referred to as the “Marinelli Albatross”, still would have helped tremendously with his ball skills, his veteran experience, and his ability to thrive in man-to-man coverage.

RB Brian Calhoun was recently placed on the injured reserve list.    Calhoun was an ‘06 third round draft pick, and has also been a resounding failure.   He has never found a role in Mike Martz’s offense, where considering his reputed skills, he should be able to flourish.   Instead, he is likely to become a roster afterthought moving forward, since he occupies a similar organizational role to diligently irrepressible Aveion Cason.

This organization will continue to suffer black marks like Sunday’s road loss until they are able to do a better job of scouting and evaluating talent.   After 101 games, I have no remaining faith in Matt Millen’s abilities.