Comments on: It’s Always Darkest Before Dawn

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:39:36 +0000

Mike–Pioli/Pelosi, potato/Pah-Tot-Oh, it doesn’t really matter ‘cuz I knew what you meant. At any rate, “fairness” is a reference to QB being the most demanding NFL position and me believing that it has been proven that it is not a “utility” position like return specialist, etc.

If White is going to prepare for QB, he will know the wideouts responsibilities, too. Still, I think it seems more likely he would either be a QB, or an emergency QB/Return Specialist/Wr or DB, depending upon his ability to catch the ball.

I realize that Kordell Stewart was moderately successful in multiple roles, but that is definitely the exception, and not the rule. Anquan Boldin has played a lot of QB and gets to in the “Wildcat” formation for the Cards, but he isn’t their third-stringer.

If you remember, Bert Emmanuel was the Lions emergency QB several years ago. The other element of “fairness”, boils down to what White desires for a future career path, he was once a minor league baseball player, too.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:11:30 +0000

Yes, Pioli - jeez, sorry dudes.

I’m not sure I agree with your “fairness” comment about Pat White. I don’t think any NFL team will draft him as a QB - he isn’t an NFL type, however, the offer of both QB and reciever has got to be an added bonus for him. He will have to learn all the plays, but he is more than capable of that I am sure.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:42:12 +0000

Yuk–I heard that “Our American Cousin” had a boring second act, by the way…

Mike–In regards to Marinelli, he will land on his feet, and back where he belongs, as an assistant coach. He will land in T. Bay, Minnesota, Chicago, or Pittsburgh, via his previous associations with the coaches of these respective franchises. My bet is firmly on Lovie Smith bringing him into the fold, in some manner.

Gosder Cherilus is improving each week, but a right tackle, no matter how good, when surrounded by an under-performing line group, will no major impact. The Lions O-Line needs to be rebuilt, which Lions fans and the team’s front office don’t seem to agree upon.

Mike is Pelosi actually Pioli? I hope they are not looking to add a Pelosi! If the Lions are really stupid enough to not do their due diligence with Pioli, then the situation is worse than we could have ever imagined. The Ford’s are going to keep the current nitwits, then.

I don’t mind draft talk, either. What the hell else do we got in the 10 days since the Lions abysmal Turkey Day performance. Pat White, if he will pass on being a full-time NFL Qb, in lieu of many potential opportunities in the CFL and Arena League, is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. He, like Devin Hester or Josh Cribbs, possesses blazing speed and incredible playmaking instincts. The Lions would certainly look at him, whether he is available to them in the 2nd or 3rd round is the bigger question. Speed is like the fastball in baseball, it can’t be taught.

The Seahawks have attempted to utilize Seneca Wallace in much the same manner in which you suggest the Lions use White, which would not be fair to someone of White’s abilities. Either he is a QB or not. The Lions would utilize him in packages aka “The BlueKat” formation or in trick plays. He would be an amazing kickoff and punt returner in my opinion!
Matt Jones was not is and Tim Tebow clearly is not an NFL QB, but White might have the arm strength to be considered one.

Maybe Next Year, your website/blog is awesome!@!! In regards to the Ford’s, I have heard a lot of mention that in order to receive a “bridge loan” or “bail-out” they should be forced to sell the team, a concept that I support. I am upset that Citi still has it’s name on the Mets new ballpark after receiving billions of US taxpayer dollars, and that those stipulations were NOT placed on the banks, though.

Mike– in regards to Smith, he has been plenty good, not the game-breaker that Johnson is, but an excellent playmaker that both circumstances and organizational incompetence have impeded the Lions ability to use him at his fullest. Sighhh!

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:27:12 +0000

Ok, I know this isn’t “draft chat” but I think the Lions should consider Pat White from WV as a possible pick. He could be a slot/slash reciever and also the #3 QB thus freeing up an additional roster spot for a player that will actually make an impact on the field. The guy is fast as hell and could get massive YAC. What do you think?

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:47:33 +0000

One other question. Now that we are where we are, do you think the Lions blew their first draft pick, or was Gos and then Kevin Smith a good pick? I don’t think Chris Johnson would have had any more success than smith. If Gos continues to get better and can be good next year, I may be able to stand by what I initially said about the Draft being a good one, Dizon at 2 of course doesn’t seem to be working the way they wanted it to. #1 pick in April has GOT to be a LT. If we go QB, we’ll be an extra two years from credibility. Does Kitna come back next year with a new GM and coaching staff?

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:41:53 +0000

Some folks have posted quotes from an article from profotballtalk.com that the Lions are not considering Pelosi for the vacant Millen Post. Is this true? How can these boneheads not consider every good option out there? Crazy.

By: Maybe Next Year

Maybe Next Year — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:10:00 +0000

The problem is the Fords. They are the ones who put together all the staff that you think should be fired. They are worse at running a football team than they are at running an automobile company into the ground. The Lions have not been good for decades. There is no one you can blame that on but the owners. SELL THE TEAM FORD (and sell your car company while you’re at it).

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:56:02 +0000

This may be Rod’s last coaching job of any kind. He can’t afford to quit, the remainder of his contract is his retirement plan.

By: Yukon Dan

Yukon Dan — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:38:51 +0000

What do you mean “aside from expansion teams”? I have never seen an expansion team this bad during my football viewing lifetime (I was a bit young to remember Tampa Bay). It can’t get worse. It really can’t. It strikes me as unfathomable that Marinelli actually believes that there are enough positives that he should continue on. This is like Mrs. Lincoln giving a review of “Our American Cousin” without acknowledging the assassination. I guess if it were me, I would be considering hara-kiri. Then again, I understand the concept of shame. On to Minnesota!

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:29:00 +0000

They are kind of like a 1/2 team aren’t they YUK? They out of necessity will improve, or should be contracted. Aside from expansion teams, have you ever seen a worse team in any sport?

The Ford’s are likely having intervention meeting as we speak. They are over their heads and will need capable assistance. A Mayhew/Lewand team might be capable in the future, but the Lions no longer have the margin/time to find out.

The Lions are an inexorable, nationally agreed upon joke, with no punch line. Out of necessity, or survival instinct, they will entrench themselves and begin moving in a new direction.

I read a message board where someone called Marinelli “Elmer Fudd, Puller of Pudd” of which no more apt description could be given. The shoe fits, unfortunately in this case…