Detroit Lions Weblog

Bye Week Blues: Quitting in Games, Tatum Bell Trade Request, Offensive Line Woes

As much as the Lions likely were desperate for their upcoming bye week, coming off a horrifically disappointing road loss against the Washington Redskins, this has not been a week of rest for the organization.   In fact, their have been a number of discernible signs of unrest, as an apparent disenchantment over the team’s two terrible road losses grows.

Amid rumors of dissent amongst the coaching staff, especially in regards to the performance of Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz, who has been clearly outcoached in several games this season, the Lions have not had a serene week.   Apparently, the feeling is that Martz needs to do a better job of exploiting the advantages that the Lions are being given by the opposition.    Martz has also done a poor job of integrating first round draft pick WR Calvin Johnson as a consistent contributor in the Lions offense. Martz has been frequently viewed as an eccentric, progressive-minded, offensive genius.   There now appears to be a few chinks in that armor.

The Lions continued failings in their ground game, their lack of persistence in attempting to develop their ground attack, and a general lack of ball control have all impacted the Lions defense significantly.   This is likely where the root of the internal conflict begins, since most position coaches are protective and territorial, and want to look out for the best interests of their charges.

With a burgeoning internal conflict to deal with, the Lions also have to face three immediate issues: 1) Washington TE Chris Cooley’s comments that the team quit in the second half of last Sunday’s game, Tatum Bell’s  trade request (deadline Tuesday), and the failings of their offensive line.

Cooley’s accusations are interesting, to say the least.  Cooley essentially, to utilize pro wrestling terminology, broke kayfabe, or the internal code that preserves the fan’s faith in the credibility and sanctity of the game.   Cooley’s comments were also non-committal in the sense that he attributed the Lions quitting to the high temperatures in the nation’s capital last Sunday.  Whether the Lions quit or not in Sunday’s game is inconsequential, the mere fact that this charge has been levied is disappointing, considering the primacy that Rod Marinelli places upon maximum effort and executing fundamental, blue collar football.  Internally, the Lions need to ensure that they will not be accused of quitting in any game throughout the remainder of the season.

Tatum Bell’s trade request, in lieu of the Tuesday trade deadline, should come as no surprise.   Bell has been vocal about his lack of involvement in the Lion’s offensive game plan.   That being said, Bell’s trade demands significantly damage the Lions leverage in pursuing any potential trade, and it remains unclear if he will not eventually be the Lions feature back anyhow, in an admittedly limited Lions ground attack.  Bell, like Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary, and a few others before him, all appear to have been the beneficiaries of an excellent blocking scheme, and the consistent play of a veteran offensive line in Denver.   Bell may be able to be successful in places like Tampa Bay, Texas, or back in Denver, but I don’t believe he will receive the opportunity to find out until this season is finished, when he is a free agent. 

In my eyes, the Lions should pursue a trade of Bell, given his lack of production, his apparent dissatisfaction, and the Lions personnel needs.   Aveion Cason, Anthony Sherrell, and whomever the Lions were able to sign off of the street would likely give the Lions similar production to the disappointing Bell. If a trade of Bell could help the Lions at backup QB, O-Line, DE, LB or CB, they would be negligent to not at least consider the possibility of trading Bell, and either of his companion disappointments in G Damien Woody and T George Foster (depending upon the salary cap ramifications, of course).

Which leads me to the offensive line.    The bye week is usually a valuable organizational evaluation period.  It also one of the few times a team can bring in street free agents and take a look at them.   The Lions may have been utilizing both of these analytical tools, but even more importantly, they have to figure out a way to make what previously appeared to be a promising offensive line much more consisent.   It is no secret, that the Lions throw the ball frequently.   The fact that Jon Kitna is easily the team’s most valuable player is also no mystery.   Yet, teams aren’t blitzing Kitna to pressure him, but are able to pressure Kitna by rushing their front four against the Lions five man offensive line with a great deal of success.   Dropping seven into coverage, and still being able to pressure Kitna, has allowed both Philly and Washington to essentially neuter the Lions offense.   

The obvious fact is that the Lions will struggle to win any games without Kitna’s presence, which places the onus upon the Lions offensive line to improve immediately.   Each hit Kitna takes exacts a heavy toll, that toll is unfortunately not limitless.  Combine that with the Lions inability to run with the ball, and the Lions offensive line is easily it’s most disappointing unit, a situation which will likely not be completely addressed until this next off-season.   The unfortunate reality is that Jeff Backus is not a franchise left tackle, regardless of his durability, and the Lions have not had much success with their numerous offseason plug-in’s that they have attempted to patch their offensive line with.   The development of players like Jonathan Scott, Stephen Peterman, and Manny Ramirez can’t come a moment too soon, in my eyes.