Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Sniveling Must Stop, Kowaslki Answers Some Interesting Questions, Marinelli on “Big Baby”

I heartily support the Lions decision to “not have Mike Martz return” this off-season. However, the non-stop, whining and sniveling among the Lions offensive personnel this off-season (Kevin Jones, Damien Woody, Jeff Backus), in regards to the incompetence of Martz, is incredibly sickening.

The Detroit News‘ Rob Parker recently wrote an article which featured some disparaging comments from Lions RB Kevin Jones directed at the now, Niners O.C. Martz. Parker, who is always more than willing to serve as a convenient mouthpiece for professional athletes, which is a sort of transparent compensation for his lack of journalistic ability, and he should be ashamed of himself. Where were the pressing questions to Jones about the team’s incredible demise this year? How about asking Jones about what personnel moves need to made for the team to improve this off season?

The bottom line is, Martz is gone, the Lions ended the season with a horrific 1-7 collapse, and no amount of finger-pointing will change the ultimate failure of this franchise in ‘07. The parting shots that have been levied by the members of this organization, are a denial on a grand scale. The megalomaniacal Martz may have made decisions that defied logic at times, but ultimately the players determine their own fate. Their stunning lack of accountability speaks volumes to why this team never seems to get it right, even after so many past failures.

“Killer” Kowalski addresses some interesting off-season questions on MLive.com with some equally engaging responses. Most enlightening, was his belief that the Lions are prepared to go with Ikaika Alama-Francis and Jared DeVries as their pass rushing left defensive ends. As much as I am glad to see an end to Kalimba “The Ghost” Edwards’ disappointing tenure in Detroit, this news troubles me, because if the Lions don’t add a more consistent pass rush, no amount of off- season re-jiggering will improve the team’s terrible defense.

Kowalski even responded to one of my questions, saying that the Lions new O.C. Jim Colletto will encourage the Lions QB’s to take shots down field in the passing game, even if they get rid of the seven step drops. So rather than a plodding, “Mooch”-like offense, maybe a more Holmgren-like passing attack will be in order, judging by “Killer’s” comments.

Apparently, in an attempt to do a little damage control, Rod Marinelli has recently stated that Shaun Rogers will not be released, he will either be a member of the Lions or will eventually be traded. I respect Marinelli’s blatant attempt to undo the damage done by last week’s premature reports, but it is obvious to me that Rogers definitely will not return to the team as a happy camper, so why would any team give the Lions adequate compensation for the expensive and aging Rogers.

Kowalski also gave an indication of what he perceives the Lions to believe Rogers’ value is. He answered one question by saying that Jets MLB Jonathan Vilma for Rogers wouldn’t likely be enough to trade Rogers, in the Lions eyes. If that’s the case, they better ship Rogers off to Duke, like Damien Woody before him, because he will show up to training camp north of 400 lbs if they don’t find a way to relocate him.

Another questioner asked if the Lions would consider uniting Jon Kitna with his deposed buddy, Mike Martz, in San Francisco. The Niners already have Trent Dilfer and Alex Smith on their roster, in spite of the love fest between Kitna and Martz, there is no reasonable way that the Lions could ship Kitna out, for either team.