Detroit Lions Weblog

Jon Kitna Possesses Eminent Domain Over Dominic Raiola’s Bottom(So Does Dom’s Wife)

Jon Kitna has never been at a loss for poignant words during his brief time in Detroit. He has always been ready to submit a well-timed, quick-witted quip. His demeanor often has been humorous, embarrassing, and enlightening, all at once.

Recently, Kitna left me asking, did you have to go there, Jon? Kitna quipped that only he (and Dom Raiola’s wife) were able to touch Dominic Raiola’s behind, in reference to any perceived quarterback competition entering this upcoming season.

Exuding this kind of toughness and self-assuredness is likely the primary reason that Kitna still is employed in the NFL, against all reasonable odds. Kitna owns the tenacity necessary to be the last man standing, in most cases.

I believe that Kitna may be a little delusional here, though. The Lions drafted Drew Stanton for a reason. Many of the comments that have been made by Jim Colletto and Rod Marinelli lead me to believe that ultimately, Kitna’s starting role is far from cemented.

I believe that a poor start to the ‘08/’09 season would eventually seal Kitna’s fate in Detroit. The Lions are no closer to being playoff contenders with Kitna, or a nubile Drew Stanton, starting for them.

The more pertinent question to ask remains, whose career is reaching it’s nexus, and whose is just beginning? The Lions are likely going to have to face a very difficult choice during the upcoming months, and clearly, in spite of my incessant hand-wringing, Stanton is the more prudent choice in the long run.

Hopefully, regardless of the shape that events take in the future, we will still be regaled with the same 10-win prognostications, religious/cross hat wearing, multiple, miraculous concussive recoveries, and Joe Cullen costume donning antics, along with the many other endearing Kitna traits, that have made this team infinitely more intriguing during the past two seasons since Kitna’s arrival.

Kitna’s tenure is a stark contrast to Joey Harrington’s in Detroit. If there was a player ever more ill-suited, and out of place, amidst the type of blue collar, midwestern temperament that Harrington often was subjected to, I can’t imagine them.

In regards to Stanton, he certainly is no Harrington, but it remains to be seen whether he possesses the leadership, focus, and decision-making ability necessary to distinguish himself. Stanton strikes me as a slightly more accurate passing version Of Mike McMahon.

Hopefully, Stanton avoids the kind of chicken-with-it’s-head-off, fight-or-flight desperation of an heavily undermanned McMahon–whom the Lions shamefully threw to the wolves before he was close to being prepared to face NFL competition.

Stanton does benefit from the experience of operating in the same kind of dysfunctional, festering losing environment during his time in East Lansing that currently exists in Allen Park. Unlike McMahon, Stanton is a Michigan resident, so there will likely be a commonly expressed desire to see what Stanton can accomplish among Lions fans, should Kitna falter.