Detroit Lions Weblog

Tatum Bell, “Pacman” Jones, and the Upcoming Draft

The dysfunctional soap opera that has severely damaged the Lions internally for years, has been given a more public view of late, based on comments recently made by RB Tatum Bell. Bell said that former Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz quit speaking to him when the team decided to supplant Bell with Kevin Jones, after Jones had fully recovered from his Lisfranc foot injury.

Bell also indicated that he had a poor relationship with former running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery, a staunch Martz protege. How are the Lions supposed to honestly expect any sort of professionalism from their players, when the coaches aren’t able to utilize any of their own.

Bell has also mentioned 1300 yards and 15 TD’s as reasonable goals for the ‘08 season. He also revealed that the current offensive coaching staff really extended themselves in their attempt to convince the Lions front office that Bell should return in ‘08, which ultimately factored into his decision to return.

Cutting through the spin a bit, both parties actually desperately needed each other, Bell had few suitors and the Lions were planning on soon releasing Kevin Jones, and the Lions have done a poor job of concealing the fact that they are likely to select a running back within the early rounds of the upcoming draft.

This infernally stupid decision has been commented upon previously here but, given the fact that Bell has never been an every down back and is unlikely to be able to carry that kind of load throughout an entire season, the Lions really have no other choice.

The Lions have been mentioned as having some interest in embattled Titans CB Adam “Pacman” Jones. Jones’ agent stated that the Lions are among three teams who have seriously inquired about Jones.

Matt Millen responded by stating that the Lions would not acquire Jones, but they wished him the best wherever he may eventually land. In this case, the Lions are probably smart to stay away from Jones, and his immense baggage. That being said, Jones, if he were acquired, would have represented a big jump in athleticism and intangible play-making ability, both of which are elements that are sorely lacking on the defensive side of the ball for the team.

The Lions have about a month of serious draft consideration left.   All signs point to them selecting a running back in the first round, which is actually the type of decision which has kept them mired in sub-mediocrity for so long.  The prudent decision would be to continue to add talent and depth to their offensive and defensive lines, which would actually add a stronger organizational foundation with which they can build upon.