Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Fans, Do You Believe Now?, Takeo Spikes Visits?

The Lions have made a number of steps this off-season to perform some damage control, and hopefully, from their perspective at least, attempt to make amends with the sea of disgruntled, ambivalent Lions fans.

The Lions recently released their flashy “Do You Believe in Now” ad campaign, along with the announcement that they would be offering half season ticket packages, after previously raising ticket prices earlier in the off-season.

Given the state of the Michigan economy, and the generally poor performance of the franchise during recent seasons, it should come as no surprise that demand for Lions ticket would hit a new low. The novelty of the admittedly beautiful Ford Field is quickly wearing off. In order for Lions fans to remain loyal, the value of the on-field product has become an increasingly significant issue.

The Lions announced yesterday that they would be opening some of their training camp practices to the public.   Traditionally they have held practices that were open to the public, but upon moving to their new Allen Park training facility, they cut off the public from being able to watch practice.

Whether this decision rekindles fan interest remains to be seen.  It should prevent many of the super-hardcore fans interest from diminishing, but I am uncertain that anyone who is on the fence about acquiring season tickets will be persuaded by watching an open training camp practice.

The Lions are apparently still a suitor for the services of Chris Simms, but little detail has emerged whether the Bucs will actually be able to trade Simms, be forced to release him, or exactly what they would expect in return from any potential trade partners.

It has also been recently reported that veteran LB Takeo Spikes has visited with the Lions.   Spikes, a former All-Pro, is likely a couple of seasons past his prime and has suffered from a wide range of injuries during his career.  It remains to be seen what Spikes may have to offer, but his veteran leadership and experience in the Cover-2 could eventually prove beneficial.