Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Can Breathe a Brief, Deep Sigh of Relief

The Lions, amid a miserable three game losing streak, were bestowed with an early Christmas gift from their NFC cohorts this Sunday.   Anyone who predicted that Philly, Arizona, Washington, and the Giants would all lose their games this weekend, allowing the Lions to retain their tenuous grip on playoff contention alive, isn’t likely a fatalist Lions fan.

The Lions need to view next week’s game against the Vikings, in Minnesota, as their Super Bowl.  With the Vikings and Bears beginning to breathe down their necks, at only one game out apiece, the Lions can separate themselves from their divisional rivals and slow their three game free fall with a difficult road victory this weekend.

There is so much to sort for the Lions this week, especially their offense.   Reportedly, they are about to make a roster move to bring in OL Barry Stokes, in lieu of Jonathan Scott’s injury, and both Blaine Saipia and George Foster’s general ineptitude, in hopes of shoring up their terrible offensive line.  

Mike Martz and the offensive position coaches need to determine what has gone wrong with their scheme.   Their offense has been terrible and leaves way too many points on the playing field.   If their playoff hopes are going to continue, something needs to change or be fixed.  They will not make the playoffs if the status quo is preserved.

I hate to keep beating a long-buried dead horse, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Browns are in the thick of AFC playoff contention largely due to rookie LT Joe Thomas.   Thomas has yet to allow a sack and QB Derek Anderson has become a potential pro bowl candidate due to the presence of Thomas and Eric Steinbach on their left side. 

According to the Pro Football Weekly’s “The Way We Hear It” column, the Lions will be in the market for a RT next season. I agree that the Lions will need to make upgrades along their offensive front next season, but I disagree that a right tackle will solve their problems.

In spite of Jeff Backus’ impeccable record of making consecutive starts, I believe that he should become the Lions ‘08 RT and that they should actually be in the market for a franchise LT.   The Lions have settled for too little far too often along their offensive line, and Jon Kitna, if he is to remain the Lions Starting QB, isn’t getting any younger, either.

By the way, if I were awarded a do-over on the selection of WR Calvin Johnson, drafting Joe Thomas instead, I would also like for the Lions to have two of my favorite up-and-coming players added to their roster: Wes Welker and Marion Barber, III.   Both Welker and Barber have the necessary grit and natural football instincts to add significantly to the Lions offense and also appeal to Coach Rod Marinelli with their intangibles.