Detroit Lions Weblog

Final Verdict on Lions ‘07 Season, Not Good!!!

The Lions pathetic loss yesterday, to an undermanned Packers team that had benched seven of it’s starters, was eerily reminiscent to the beginning of Matt Millen’s ill-fated 31-81 tenure as team president, where the team also lost in an embarassing fashion to the Packers.  Not only was the team’s 1-7 slide emblematic of Millen’s tenure, it represents a coming of full circle, since they will likely embark upon yet another rebuilding campaign this off season.

As we all expected, Off. Coordinator Mike Martz will likely be terminated within the week.  I am sure that Special Teams Coach Stan Kwan’s job may also be in jeopardy.   Given the ending of the ‘07 season, and all of the upcoming personnel changes that are likely going to occur, I implore you W.C. Ford’s, clear the decks!!!!   Make a complete clean sweep in the front office and coaching staff.

If you are unwilling to terminate Matt Millen, please force him to hire a consulting staff that would effectively limit his influence over the organization.   He can’t continue to destroy this football team unfettered.  All signs indicate, after seven abysmal seasons, that he is incapable of turning this organization around, in any fashion.

The players have done little to change the course of the franchise, either.   The general degradation of the team’s performance throughout the season is damning of the ENTIRE organization, not just the front office and coaching staffs.    Since the team is likely to see a near 50% turnover in personnel this off season, it’s a perfect opportunity to begin with a clean slate.

Final Grades:

Offense: C-

QB’s: Jon Kitna C, Kitna was a good team leader.   His performance trailed off as the season unraveled.  He is clearly no long term answer.

RB’s Kevin Jones C, T.J. Duckett B-, Tatum Bell C-, Aveion Cason B

If there was a more under-utilized group of backs in the league, I want to hear who they were.   Unfortunately, a poor offense and defense rendered the Lions one-dimensional in most games.  Even with a change of philosophy offensively, I would be comfortable with all of these players returning next season.

TE’s: Sean McHugh B-, Casey FitzSimmons C, Tight End is another invisble roster position.   McHugh and FitzSimmons were useful in limited duty.

WR’s: Williams B, McDonald B+, Furrey C+, Johnson C.   The Lions had no discernible plan in how they were going to include all of these players into their offense.   They never had a clue how to utilize Johnson and his vast abilities. Johnson appeared to be both distracted and frustrated as the season unfolded.   Matt Millen, there will be a special place in football purgatory reserved for your decision to draft four first first-round receivers in such a short amount of time.

 OL: D-, Backus D-, Mulitalo C-, Raiola C+, Peterman C-, Foster  F, Scott C, Woody C-/B.   The Lions embattled offensive line plain sucked, but with this caveat.  The design of Mike Martz’s offense was of little or no assistance to their glaring deficiencies.   Martz’s hubris in regard to this situation is a deservedly terminable offense.  Needs a near complete overhaul.  Where are you Joe Thomas????

The Lions offense had no tangible identity as the season progressed, it’s failings, coupled with a terrible defense, were reflective of the team’s 1-7 finish, not it’s improbable 6-2 start.

Defense: D

DE’s: Edwards F, DeVries B-, White C+, Alama-Francis Inc., Smith C

Until the Lions find a consistent edge rushing DE, the Tampa 2 zone defense will allow opponents to complete nearly 70% of their passes and the Lions defense will remain a cruel joke.

DT’s Rogers D, Redding D-, Cody D-, Moore C-, The supposed foundation of the franchise, the defensive tackles were too infrequent contributors to be considered as  valuable members of the organization as they were.  If the Lions retain Marinelli, and Tampa 2, the defensive personnel will have to be almost completely overhauled.

LB’s Bailey D, Lewis D, Lenon C-, Lehman D, Sims B-  The heart of Millen’s failure on defense.   He has repeatedly missed providing the organization with talent and depth here. The coaches rave about Alex Lewis, but his inability to displace Boss Bailey speaks volumes.

CB’s: Fisher D. Bryant D, Wilson, Jr. D, Smith D, Edwards D-

In a defense where the athletic abilities of the CB’s are somewhat downplayed, the Lions CB’s were a resounding disaster.  They were not strong in run support and were horrible tacklers, their most prominent role, by design.

S’s: Kennedy C-, Bullocks Inc., Alexander C, Blue B-  The Lions safeties were active, by necessity.  Though they were rarely burnt deep, again by design, they allowed to teams to methodically dismantle them with their poor tackling.

The Tampa-2, against the weaker teams around the league was mildly effective.  When it came time to face a higher quality of opponent, the Lions defense was a complete failure, capped off by losing several games by 3 or more TD’s.   In order for the Lions to become even competitive, something needs to be done here.

Special Teams D-, except for Jason Hanson and Nick Harris, who get B’s.   The special teams is supposed to be a dependable, barely noticed aspect of the game.  The Lions poor coverage units dogged them all season.

The outlook is not good.   Rod Marinelli was unable to stem off the Lions 1-7 slide.  Much like Mariucci’s 6-10 season, prior to his dismissal, I see the Lions completely falling apart next season. This will ultimately lead to a new coaching staff, personnel, and philosophies to be implemented, yet again.