Detroit Lions Weblog

Too Much Colletto, Calvin Johnson Revisited

Jim Colletto has been providing the public with a bevy of opinions and informative nuggets for scrutiny, recently. Colletto addressed the Lions current offensive line situation by saying that it is time for both Jonathan Scott and George Foster to be productive with their upcoming opportunities to fill the team’s void at the right tackle position.

He stated that, in particular, Foster may perform better in the new “balanced” Lions offense because his responsibilities will be diminished. Both Foster and Scott will be asked to do significantly less than they were required in Mike Martz’s ‘07 offense.

In regards to the release of Kevin Jones, Colletto said that with the team’s decision to utilize more “zone blocking” schemes in their running plays, and with the likelihood that Jones would miss a significant amount of time to rehabilitate his knee injury, that the Lions needed someone who will be able to participate in the early, crucial transitional phases of the Lions new “balanced” offense. Something Jones was obviously going to be unable to do.

In regards to the o-line situation and Jones, I believe that this is all a mountain of hogwash. The Lions continued denial about their offensive line is astounding. I refuse to accept that the design of Mike Martz’s offense was the sole reason for the failure of the Lions offenseive line in ‘07. They have to address the quality of their personnel on the offensive line, soon.

Colletto intimated that the Lions may address offensive tackle or running back early in the upcoming draft. Other than the irresponsible absurdity of revealing the team’s plans for the upcoming draft, at least there are signs that the Lions realize that their offensive line may be inadequate as it currently stands.

In regards to Jones, he was a patient, physical runner, who with the proper amount of time, could have thrived in a “zone” running scheme. If the Lions are serious about the new running scheme, they should take a look at Denver as a template. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has repeatedly plugged low-profile, productive players into their “zone” running offense with a great deal of success.

It is not a prudent decision to select a running back high in the draft, unless it is a true difference-maker like Adrian Peterson, who oddly enough the Lions could have selected last season, because of the high salary cap charge and the inordinately high probability of serious injury at that position. Furthermore, the return on investment is relatively brief, compared to so many other personnel positions.

Colletto also has indicated that the new, improved “balanced” Lions offense would give them a chance to take a closer look at QB Drew Stanton. Stanton should pick up the current Lions offense much quicker than he would have under Mike Martz, according to Colletto.

The continued demonization of Martz’s tenure by the Lions is astounding. Is Martz’s absence honestly going to improve Drew Stanton’s opportunity for future NFL success, especially given Martz’s track record?

The thought of the Lions thrusting Drew Stanton into their lineup, either as a result if injury or poor play by Jon Kitna, really scares me. Stanton was a horrible reach pick by the Lions. In my opinion, Stanton is still a developmental player whose skills need to be refined significantly in order for him not to be the next J.P. Losman, Cade McNown, or some other faceless bust of a quarterback.

Drew Sharp lambasted the Lions selection of Calvin Johnson in Sunday’s Detroit Free Press. Sharp indicates that the most damning piece of evidence to indicate that the Lions “blew it” by drafting Johnson is that all indications are that they are going to select an offensive lineman or running back, positions that they could have filled with Pro Bowlers during last years draft.

Essentially, he is right. Joe Thomas, in particular, would have provided a franchise cornerstone, something that is conspicuously absent on the current team.

That being said, Lions fans need to refrain from aiming their collective frustrations at a player who has incredible potential, and a boat load of character. We should not discount that Johnson was playing hurt in several games. The Lions didn’t exhibit an interest, or clear plan, that they could successfully harness and utilize Johnson’s immense talent. That is not Johnson’s fault!

Johnson ultimately may never match the expectations that were previously held for his talent. I would be surprised if that were the case, but this is the Lions. I hope that Johnson doesn’t grow disenchanted, or isn’t somehow stifled, by the long brewing discontent among Lions fans, whose patience has grown rightfully thin. At the very least, Johnson’s being targeted by Lions fans as a source of disgust is premature when there are so many more obvious choices (see Backus, Jeff).