Detroit Lions Weblog

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.