Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Pre-Season Game 1, Lions Visit With C LeCharles Bentley

The Lions visited with free agent C LeCharles Bentley, who was a premier center a few seasons ago, before a severe knee injury and a few bouts of staph infection (a strangely common occurrence in Cleveland) have derailed his one promising career. The Lions would like to find a backup for Dom Raiola, and I believe that a meeting with Bentley may ultimately be a statement about there concerns at guard, too. Any player that the Lions add at center for depth, would also likely have to be willing to shift to other positions along the offensive line, too. With that in mind, a healthy Bentley would likely represent a solidifying, if not pernicious force, if he were able to regain even a small measure of his previous form. The Lions indicate that they are not going to sign Bentley, but that obviously could change quickly.

Until I have seen a stronger pass rush and a more productive running attack, I remain concerned about this team’s long-range potential. With that in mind, the first pre-season game did yield some positive signs, though.

I was impressed with the Lions discipline and toughness during their first exhibition game. They exhibited toughness and refrained from too many penalties. However, Gosder Cherilus, and more significantly coming from a veteran, George Foster each committed costly penalties. If Foster commits any more pre-season false starts, judging by the look on Rod Marinelli’s face during the game, it will likely be his last in Detroit.

The combo of Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson looked spectacular. In particular, Johnson’s brief appearance conjured a wanting lasciviousness within me usually reserved for an unfettered, Sunday morning mexican food buffet after a long, hard Saturday night of partying(I bet you thought I was going to drift into a more unseemly direction with this analogy!). Johnson easily  looks as good as advertised, and Abu Mara may actually say it best when he states that trying to find a weakness in Johnson’s game is like “picking lint off of an Armani suit”. The Johnson, Williams, McDonald/Furrey tandem will likely be the most productive since the days of Herman Moore, Brett Perriman, et al.

Apparently, one Novi fan, is concerned though. During a Lions open practice recently, a Novi fan was verbally upbraiding Roy Williams mercilessly for his lack of hustle and for routinely taking plays off. He was quickly ejected. This fan does bring up a good point. Williams has exhibited world class athleticism, and a big time mouth to match. What seems to be lacking, at least at crucial times, is Williams consistent focus and effort. Any future success the Lions will enjoy, is heavily dependent upon Williams fully realizing his high-ceiling talent. I don’t agree with the Novi fan’s methods, but I hope Williams, and the Lions organization take note, they are being held accountable, even if it’s from a vocal minority of fans.

I am anxious to see how the Lions will benefit from the additions of Shaun McDonald, Dan Campbell, Edwin Mulitalo and Daniel Bullocks to their playing group, and off the PUP list. The Lions roster is significantly improved with the addition of each player, and Bullocks has a lot of promise.

In the aftermath of the first pre-season game, the Lions jettisoned K Eddie Johnson and replaced him with journeymen  (is calling a kicker a journeymen, redundant?) Dave Rayner, a MSU alum. The Lions came to an injury settlement with once promising CB Stanley Wilson, Jr., who ruptured his achilles tendon. In the meantime, CB Kiwaukee Thomas returns to the roster. The Lions will likely keep either 5 safeties and 4 corners, or vice versa. Assuming that Leigh Bodden, Travis Fisher, Brian Kelly, and Keith Smith are the corners, S Kalvin Pearson helps in the slot in nickel and dime packages, that would likely leave Dwight Smith, Daniel Bullocks, Gerald Alexander and one more player left to fill out the personnel group. This will be a spirited battle, to be sure.