Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Sign Second Smith, Rogers Trade Mania, “The Burner”?

The Lions have re-signed CB Keith Smith and are attempting to re-sign CB Travis Fisher. The returns of Smith and Fisher, along with the recent signing S Dwight Smith, do not constitute a major secondary upgrade, in my eyes.

The Lions are also reportedly also interested in CB Drayton Florence, who’s addition would be more of the caliber that Lions fans are hoping for. The Lions apparently also are among the suitors for another ex-Charger, RB Michael “The Burner” Turner.

Given the wealth of running backs available in the draft, and the imminent return of both Brian Calhoun and Kevin Jones, the acquisition of Turner would be a little perplexing.

That being said, I would still welcome the signing of Turner, and what he would bring to the organization, since it is increasingly apparent that winning teams are deep at the running back position, and that the “true” feature back may be evolving towards extinction. With Jones and Calhoun’s individual injury histories, adding another quality running back would probably be prudent in the long term.

The probable Shaun Rogers trade has taken on a life of it’s own. The Broncos, Jets (who have traded for Kris Jenkins), Jaguars, and Dolphins are all reportedly in the mix, with the Lions having interest in the Jaguars DT Marcus Stroud or Broncos CB Dominique Foxworth in particular.

The Jonathan Vilma trade rumors are withering on the vine, the Saints are probably going to beat the Lions in the bidding for Vilma’s services. (update:In the case of Vilma, I am more than a little disappointed that a conditional 4th round pick was all it took for the Saints to garner Vilma’s services. The Lions team doctors must not have liked what they saw of Vilma’s knee, still a massive void remains at the position on the Lions roster, and it will be VERY difficult to fill)

The Lions have some work to do, but at least on the surface, it would appear that they have had a decent, but not great, start to free agency.

Shaun Rogers, Free Agency Begins Friday, Vilma in Town?

Pro Football Weekly is reporting that a Shaun Rogers trade may not occur as quickly as what was originally thought. Apparently, in spite of reports that Rogers would be traded Friday, there are a growing number of teams who have expressed interest, which may allow (gulp) Matt Millen the luxury of deciding which deal eventually makes the most sense for the Lions. Hopefully, the Lions get more in return than a 3rd round draft pick for Rogers.

If the Lions don’t trade Rogers immediately, he will be due a large bonus, that they were hoping to avoid paying. Unfortunately, now is not the time for rash decisions, they have to maximize any deal involving Rogers, since his leaving will create a significant void in their roster.

The Lions are visiting with another former Buccaneer, S Dwight Smith (note: Smith
signed according to Pro Football Talk.com, goodbye, Kenoy Kennedy). I realize that a basic amount of familiarity is important in NFL circles, but during the last two off-seasons, the Lions have been serving as a sort of Tampa North or St. Louis East for free agents. Personally, I’d like to see their roster analysis stretch a little deeper than a player having previously played for their current staff.

When Marinelli is fired after the ‘08 season, what will the Lions do with their roster of cast-off Rams and Bucs, after Matt Millen hires their new coach?

Smith could be a decent depth player, but safety would seem to be quite low on the Lions extensive list of personnel needs with Daniel Bullocks, Gerald Alexander and possibly, Kenoy Kennedy all returning.

Speaking of which, free agency begins Friday and it doesn’t appear that the Lions are going to be particularly active. They have made it known that they are looking for a right offensive tackle, they need depth at cornerback, are looking for a starting middle linebacker, and given their interest in Dwight Smith, must feel they need help at safety.

They also likely will look at running backs, tight ends, and potentially defensive ends. This is a not a deep free agent class, and the Lions aren’t likely to find many available upgrades.

This free agent class may allow them to address their needs at corner, running back, tight end, and middle linebacker. I don’t think that there is much available help at right tackle or defensive end. Here are some players of interest:

RB: Derrick Ward, Musa Smith, T.J. Duckett, Chris Brown, and Julius Jones

MLB: Al Wilson, Dan Morgan and Jonathan Vilma (via trade)-Pro Football Talk.com reports that the Lions are the current front runners for Vilma.
CB: Sammy Davis, Drayton Florence, Randall Gay, Keith Smith, Stanley Wilson, Jr. and Travis Fisher.

TE: Ben Troupe, Bo Scaife

DE: N.D. Kalu, Antwan Odom

Other available players of interest: KR/WR Andre Davis, G Alan Faneca, T Flozell Adams, LB Lance Briggs, DE Justin Smith, DE Bobby McCray, DE Jovan Haye, LB Calvin Pace, RB Michael Turner, DT Albert Haynesworth, and DT Corey Williams. These are all players who everyone will be interested in, so the Lions will have little or no chance of meeting with them, let alone reeling them in.

In regards to Vilma, and potentially, DT DeWayne Robertson, if Vilma passes his physical, I would love to see the Lions find a way to gain the services of one or both of these players, especially Vilma. Vilma is reportedly visiting the Lions today, or soon, even if there are other teams interested in him, Matt Millen has to realize that Vilma would be a perfect fit, if he has a clean bill of health.

Marinelli, Bryant Released, Rogers:To Trade or Not to Trade?

Rod Marinelli delivered this colorful, folksy analogy in regards to the quality and methods he has recently implemented in the Lions personnel decision-making process:

“I’ve created some divots here. I’d like to put some seeds in there for a while instead of putting sod in there. We need some seed, and grow a few our own guys.”

Aside from providing a whole new, non-hippie meaning to “homegrown”, Marinelli politely neglected to mention the strong stench of manure that often has surrounded the Lions personnel decision-making processes. Unbelievably, I really want to embrace Marinelli, and his bundle of shopworn maxims, but honestly, does anybody know exactly what the hell they are doing in this organization?

“I can’t explain anything they do. I can’t” Thank you, Mike Martz. Stop the madness! Stop the madness! Mr. Ford, are you listening to what the co-faces of your franchise, by their own admissions, have been saying about the methods that they have utilized to build your franchise, or in more important terms, spend your money.

I’m actually beginning to wonder if a Kremlin-style, media blackout would be more comforting to fans, in the long run, as the Lions front office continue to bumble and stumble their way through the off-season.

The Lions finally granted Fernando Bryant his wish, and released him. I would expect that Bryant’s release is a sign that, upon the beginning of free agency, the Lions will have signed either one or both of CB’s Travis Fisher and Brian Kelly, or they wouldn’t have likely granted Bryant his release. Bryant was an expensive piece of “sod” for the Lions, who never took root due to both injury and incompetence.

The Lions apparently are scheduled to visit with recently released (Dolphins) Detroit native OT L. J. Shelton, about their vacant right tackle spot. Shelton is an experienced piece of “sod”, and signifies the Lions continued ignorance/denial of how poor their offensive line truly is. Heck, even an aging, and admittedly expensive, Flozell “The Hotel” Adams may be available, and he attended Michigan State, after all. At least Adams would provide a guaranteed roster upgrade, something that I don’t believe Shelton does.

In regards to the winnowing of the Shaun Rogers trade process, it only makes sense that the Broncos emerge as willing trade partners for Rogers’ services. Rogers had the best game of his career against the Broncos in ‘07, and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has exhibited a Raiders-like affinity for misfits, malcontents, and underachievers during recent seasons.

More importantly though, Shanahan and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, know a sucker when they see one. They rooked Matt Millen last season in the Dre Bly trade, and are certainly sure to do it again, in exchange for their soon-to-be dominant nose tackle, Rogers. The question that ultimately needs to be asked here is: Does Matt Millen deserve the right to select the player, with the 2nd or 3rd round draft pick, that the Lions will receive in return for the Broncos eventual Pro Bowler, Rogers?

I have no truck with the Lions eradicating themselves of the perennially disappointing Rogers. With all of Rogers’ immense talent, and part time productivity, he has never seemed willing to assume the responsibility that the Lions would have liked to place upon his large shoulders. Good riddance.

The Detroit News’ Terry Foster recently wrote one of the more honest and impassioned articles I have ever read in regards to Matt Millen . I really don’t want to hear any more comments about who to place the blame upon, or discussions of the relative merits of “sod” and “seed”, I want to. just for once, believe that this franchise actually could be moving in the right direction, in spite of it’s continued struggles.

Roy Williams, CB’s, Kitna QB Competition, Yeah Right

Rod Marinelli all but ended speculation during a recent press conference that the Lions are considering trading WR Roy Williams, at least for the duration of ‘08. For all of the bluster about a new and improved “balanced” offense, the Lions clearly have put themselves in a position where they are still going to have to pass often to keep both the temperamental Williams, and last year’s first round pick, Calvin Johnson happy.

Williams is easily the most valuable player that they actually have the luxury of considering to possibly trade. I like Williams, and believe he will still be a valuable component of the Lions roster in ‘08, but I wonder exactly how the Lions plan on keeping Williams, Johnson, and a hungry stable of running backs all happy in the long run? Unless of course, they are planning on their defense being poor enough in ‘08 that they will likely being playing from behind early in most games (hee-hee).

The Lions have also publicly expressed an interest in retaining CB’s Stanley Wilson, Keith Smith and Travis Fisher, along with adding two or three more corners in a draft that is going to be quite strong at the position. The Lions have a ton of needs on defense, so on the surface this seems to be a prudent decision. I do believe that the Lions have pressing needs on offense that can’t afford to be ignored, either.

The Lions still seem surprisingly content with their offensive line, for example, given it’s immense struggles. I believe that the Lions need to be honest with themselves. They have a right tackle playing on the left side, and want to sign an underachieving guard to play on their right side. Meanwhile former Lions scout and director of football operations for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kevin Colbert says that the offensive tackles in the upcoming draft are ” the best group I’ve seen in 24 years collectively”. To me, it’s seems that if they can draft a franchise, 10-yr left tackle in the ‘08 draft, especially after whiffing on a talent like Joe Thomas in ‘07, that would prove infinitely more valuable than any corner eventually would be within the Tampa-2 defensive scheme.

The larger defensive need also remains to be, in my opinion, the Lions desperate need for a consistent edge rusher on the left side of the defense. They seem content to put all of their eggs in an unproven basket, by putting a lot of stake in the continued development of Ikaika “Hawaii Five-O” Alama-Francis. No amount of quality corners will improve the defense if opposing QB’s continue to set up in the pocket unfettered by the Lions front four.

Speaking of QB’s, the Lions are continuing to put on airs about a QB competition entering ‘08. It’s bullshit! If they were at all serious about an open competition, they would bring a veteran to compete with Jon Kitna, along with Dan Orlovsky and Drew Stanton. There is no way that Stanton and Orlovsky will pose a legitimate threat to Kitna, unless Kitna takes major steps backward.

Matt Millen “I’d Blame Me, Too.”, The Lions Off-Season Circus is in Full Swing

Matt Millen has annually graced Lions fans with several revealing, albeit brief, press conferences which illustrate how grievously incompetent he has been during his 31-81 tenure.

Millen’s recent ignorant and infuriating statements that if he were a fan, rather than the Lions team president, he would be inclined to place the blame squarely upon his own shoulders made me sick. These statements are indicative of the incredible, improbable job security that Millen currently enjoys, in spite of the continued poor performance of the Lions.

Millen is often candid to a fault, and likes to give everyone the impression that he is willing to accept the blame for his unbelievably poor decisions. No amount of contrition absolves him from responsibility for the utter failure that has marked his tenure.

There is a part of me that wants to accept Millen’s complicity, yet, ultimately I can’t help but believe that these statements will continue to ring hollow, and that the team will continue to suffer from his poor leadership, and we will hear another regurgitated variant of this same press conference after next season, and Rod Marinelli’s imminent firing.

Mike Martz also rewarded the media with some revealing statements recently, indicating that he had in fact been “fired”, even if the Lions still refuse to comment upon, or even acknowledge, his “firing”. My favorite comments from Martz were ” I can’t explain anything that they do. I can’t.” I want to print T-shirts with that quote. Thank You, Mike Martz for expressing my sentiments exactly.

Martz ultimately deserved to be fired, but as time continues to pass I increasingly believe that he was, at least in part, wronged by the Lions. If the Lions were going to bring a wild card like Martz into the organization, they should have made damn sure that they would surround him with the players and support staff to eventually make it work, in spite of how eccentric he often can be, and how fickle he was when it came to utilizing personnel.

The Lions are considering trading Shaun McDonald (probably rejoining Mike Martz in San Francisco) and at least two unnamed AFC teams (My guess is Denver and Kansas City) have expressed interest in Shaun Rogers. One of the Lions receivers needs to go, in order to better utilize the talents of Calvin Johnson, so if it is eventually McDonald, so be it.

In regards to Rogers, the Lions aren’t going to receive value for Rogers unless they give a public impression that a number of franchises are interested in obtaining him. The Rogers saga needs to eventually be completed in Detroit, but I think that the Lions are beating their drums loudly for a reason, which is to drum up competing offers.

Fernando Bryant is unhappy with the Lions for not giving him his release, something they are likely to do soon. The Lions should protect their best interests in Bryant’s case, since their roster is so bereft of personnel at cornerback. Bryant signed a contract, and whether he likes it or not, he will serve that contract out, until the Lions decide to release him.

The Lions apparently may be interested in re-signing Tatum Bell, in spite of how poorly things went for Bell in Detroit last season. The Lions may also be interested in signing Marinelli’s former Bucs protege, CB Brian Kelly. Kelly was an elite corner at one time, but that ship has sailed.

Hopefully, Marinelli, and the Lions can see that signing Kelly, even with his experience and character, would be like the signings of past-their-prime players like Todd Lyght, Otis Smith, Eric Davis, Robert “Beetle” Bailey, and so many others before him, and will ultimately be a mistake. Or in other words, another Lions off-season, and yet another, in a near endless string of, clowns emerges from Mr. Ford’s circus fire engine.

Lions Begin Playing Off-Season Poker, Millen Speaks

The Lions are currently holding their cards quite close to their vest in regards to any upcoming off-season personnel moves. After a recent exploratory meeting with veteran MLB Al Wilson, they were surprisingly non-committal in response to inquiries about any future interest that they may have in eventually signing Wilson.

Rod Marinelli has stated that the Lions want to continue to get younger and faster. The Lions seem to be comfortable in allowing the chips to fall as they may, and then begin to make some decisions from there. I agree with their plan to not rush headlong into free agency, in attempt to make sound decisions, however, facing the daunting task of retooling a very bad defense this off-season, it is still an alarming position to take.

It also is apparent that the Lions are prepared to let all of their potential unrestricted free agents explore their free agent opportunities, rather than re-sign any of them before free agency begins. Their have been no public decisions made in regards to the immediate futures of players like Fernando Bryant, Kalimba Edwards, and Shaun Rogers, all players who appeared to be candidates for release.

Matt Millen spoke to the Detroit News’ Mike O’Hara at the Indianapolis NFL draft combine, which begins today. Millen said that the Lions “wasted a tremendous opportunity” by playing so poorly during the last eight games of the season.

Millen, as always, is a master of understatement. He conveniently denied comment about what he believed lead to the team’s eventual demise as a playoff contender, and certainly didn’t posit any future solutions, either.

As much as Millen and Marinelli still want to go about the charade of portraying themselves as qualified to lead this franchise, it is growing increasingly apparent, at least in my eyes, that as Lions fans we should be very concerned about what the future holds for the Lions in ‘08/’09.

Bobby F’N Layne

Growing up in Michigan, as a Lions fan, Bobby Layne has always stood out in Bunyan-esque proportions, due to his devil-may-care, gunslinging swagger and unmatched success as a team leader and Lions quarterback.

As time moves on, Layne’s cache only grows, since the Lions have proved to be such incompetent judges of what characterizes a competent, let alone championship caliber, NFL quarterback.

In the 50 years since the Lions traded Layne to Pittsburgh, they have had just one Pro Bowl QB (Greg Landry) and have only won one playoff game. Layne serves as both an unobtainable yardstick for comparison of what a great quarterback truly is, and also provides a convenient means of denial among Lions fans, allowing them to blame the team’s incredible lack of success as a “Bobby Layne” curse.

If you don’t recall, upon his trade to Pittsburgh, Layne supposedly stated the Lions wouldn’t win a championship in 50 seasons, after their unpopular decision to trade the incorrigible Layne.

Well, it’s been 50 years, and the “curse” seems more real every day. MLive.com talks to several former Lions and a few of Layne’s teammate, about the existence of a “Bobby Layne” curse.

The fact of the matter still remains, the Lions have become the most poorly managed professional sports franchise in recent sports history, no Bobby Layne, Tom Brady, or Peyton Manning can alter that unresolvable fact.

Layne liked to party, may have been the greatest big game and late game quarterback of the 50’s, and cut a larger than life figure. 50 years don’t diminish Layne’s accomplishments, in fact, to many hopeless Lions fans, the final verdict could be that the success of Layne, and the Lions of the 50’s, may actually remain the high watermark for this pathetic organization for many years to come.

File Under: Why the Hell Not?

Former Michigan State power forward, and brother to two NFL players, Fernando and Robaire, Antonio Smith is training for a shot to try and make an NFL roster.

Smith was an incredible team leader for the Spartans and possesses the high character and necessary athleticism that may eventually make his, albeit improbable, bid a success.

If Rod Marinelli is who we have been promised he is, he could shape the unlikely career of Antonio Smith for success. The Bucs took Greg White and Jovan Haye and made them solid contributors–so why not Smith?

The Lions have a need for an edge rusher, if Smith has the tools give him a shot. One question begs to be asked, with the influx of basketball players gaining NFL tryouts, why didn’t Smith give this a shot sooner? Especially, considering his obvious connection to a current NFL defensive lineman.

Lions Look At Another Veteran, Injury-Riddled Linebacker?, Calvin Johnson Worst Top 10 Pick?

Mlive.com utilized the recent reports from a Denver newspaper indicate that the Lions are scheduled to meet with former Broncos MLB Al Wilson about potentially joining their team.

Wilson, who missed all of last season due to a severe neck injury, was not someone who immediately jumped into your mind when the Lions chose to address this vacant position, however, Wilson is well-schooled in the cover-2, possesses a lot of foot speed, and is an excellent team leader.

There is also a LAUGHABLE article reprinted in the Detroit Free Press about Lions WR Calvin Johnson being the worst of the Top 10 draft picks of 2007. As if Johnson’s performance could be seen in any other fashion. The Lions consistently do less with more, why would Johnson be any different?

Disturbingly, Johnson’s supposed vast array of attributes were never fully utilized or adequately tapped, signifying essentially, another wasted draft pick.

I don’t believe that the book is complete on Johnson, however, I do believe that the Lions may have been in the playoffs in ‘08 had they selected OT Joe Thomas, LB Patrick Willis, S LaRon Landry, or RB Adrian Peterson, in Johnson’s place, for starters.

I do believe that the columnist is wrong, by the way. WR Ted Ginn, Jr., DE Jamaal Anderson, DE Gaines Adams, and to a lesser degree, DT Amobi Okoye did little to distinguish their high draft selections, either.

The Lions will likely continue to screw these important decisions up, leaving them vulnerable to potshots from national columnists desperate for filler during these barren months of the sports calendar ad infinitum.

“Sledge” Teaching Non-Violence, Sam Gash Promoted to Running Backs Coach, Roy Williams, MLB Morgan Released by Carolina

Former Lions standout FB Corey “Sledge” Schlesinger, whose NFL career was marked by it’s 12 seasons of head-to-head, violent, midfield-car-crash collisions with would be hole-filling linebackers, has started a mentoring group which teaches young male athletes about practicing non-violence towards women. “Sledge” has always maintained an unimpeachable character, so his new role of guidance should come as no surprise to Lions fans.

Sam Gash, who along with Shawn Jefferson has been quickly promoted up the Lions coaching ranks, has become the Lions running backs coach. Gash and Jefferson are fairly recently retired as players, so they both possess a strong ability to connect with the Lions young players. Gash was a fullback for the Ravens when new Lions offensive coordinator Jim Colletto was an offensive line coach in Baltimore.

Tom “Killer” Kowalski has reported that the recent speculation about a trade of Roy Williams entering the 2008 season may be a bit premature. The Lions have one more season with Williams, who they believe will be much happier and productive player without the presence of Mike Martz.

That being said, Williams is an ‘09 free agent, who is unlikely to be franchised by the team. The Lions believe internally, that if Williams has a good season in ‘08, he is likely to return, something Williams has stated publicly. Williams is adept at massaging the media, and has never met a sound byte he didn’t like. I don’t fully buy that Williams wants to remain in Detroit beyond the ‘08 season.

Personally, if the Lions plan on managing their offense effectively next season, I think that they should leave no option unexplored, especially if upgrading their offensive line can be accomplished. I don’t believe that there will be enough balls to keep both Calvin Johnson and Williams content, let alone keep duel water bug receivers Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald fully involved in the team’s offense, especially, if it is going to become more balanced and run-oriented.

With that in mind, I think that the Lions have to consider moving Williams, for something of value in the draft or via player trade. The Lions need to consider the inordinate investment that they have given to their wide receiver personnel, and admit their vast personnel needs throughout their roster.

Only through the lens of the Lions illogical, schaundenfreude would they determine that they can continue to emphasize their receiving corps, in spite of their overall personnel deficiencies. Williams is the most valuable player on the Lions roster, who could ever be construed as expendable, not Shaun “Big Phat Baby” Rogers or Kalimba “The Ghost” Edwards.

Carolina released injury-prone, but talented veteran MLB Dan Morgan today. Normally, a red flag would immediately be associated with any future pursuit of Morgan by the Lions, but I believe that the Lions should take a flyer on the talented linebacker who, if healthy could fill an immediate team need, cheaply.

Morgan has a great deal of speed and would allow the Lions to move Paris Lenon to the strong side, and maybe buy them some more developmental time with Buster Davis. With Matt Millen’s near-infinite job security, I don’t see where the organization stands to lose by taking a chance on Morgan, in the event he can be a healthy contributor.

By the way, did anybody see former Lions QB Joey “Piano Man” Harrington on the Rachel Ray show, clearly Harrington engineered one of the biggest deceptions in NFL history to be selected as a franchise QB. He clearly is out of his element on the football field. I just wish he would ride his clipboard off into the sunset, rather than continue to jab an icepick into the hearts of Lions fans with his faux-football antics.

Harrington, like fellow draft busts Charles Rogers and Mike Williams, is the organizational embarrassment that just keeps on giving, even if his character has never come into question like Rogers’ and Williams’ have. I know Joey’s a good guy, but…..