Detroit Lions Weblog

Stafford Talk Overwhelms the Fact That the Lions Have Lost 19 Straight

With Matthew Stafford’s early lack of success (1 TD/5 INT, or 9 INT in 14 quarters counting the pre-season and a lowly 40.5 QB rating), he has formed an early point of contention, which has superseded the fact that the Lions are now embarking upon the second worst losing streak in NFL history and are not all that far off from possessing the absolute worst streak of all-time.

Fran Tarkenton, a fellow Georgia Bulldog alum and among the all-time greats at Stafford’s position, made these comments on an Atlanta sports talk show:

Host: I was born and raised in Detroit, and I’ve been living here in Atlanta for a couple of years now. I’m wondering what you think after a couple of weeks. Did the Lions make the right move in deciding to name Matt Stafford the starter so soon in his career?

Tarkenton: Well, I, I don’t think so. I watched Matt play for three years at Georgia. What’s the first thing everybody says about him? He’s got a strong arm, right? That’s the least important thing to a quarterback.

Host: How so? Why do you say that?

Tarkenton: Because. You don’t say Matty Ryan has a strong arm. You don’t say Peyton Manning or Eli Manning or Tom Brady has a strong arm.

Host: You say they’re great quarterbacks.

Tarkenton: You say JaMarcus Russell has a strong arm, Vince Young has a strong arm, and Matthew Stafford has a strong arm.

Matthew Stafford has got to prove to me – and maybe he will – that he’s a great playmaker. I don’t think he was a great playmaker at Georgia.

And I watched him play against him Minnesota last week, because we have the (NFL TV package), and I’ve watched him play for two weeks. I see the same things: he’s not a playmaker.

I see the kid in New York (Mark Sanchez), playing the New England Patriots, and he made plays all day. Stafford had a chance to win a game – his team was up 10-0 – and he throws two interceptions.

Tarkenton’s points are valid, but he neglects to mention, even as highly-touted as the Manning’s were coming out of college, there were a number of early doubts about their future NFL success. Tom Brady emerged from nearly out of nowhere in New England, with few expectations, at least externally, and Ryan seems to possess a near unmatched makeup, although having Michael “The Burner” Turner in his backfield couldn’t have hurt Ryan’s chance for success, either.

Pro Sports Weekly chimes in with this scouting report in their Sept. 23rd issue:

His arm strength has been compared to John Elway’s and Dan Marino’s. Excels at delivering the long ball in stride. Carries himself with confidence bordering on cockiness. Viewed as a can’t-miss prospect since he led his high school to a state title, so pressure doesn’t faze him. Tended in college to be a streaky performer whose decision-making was not always sound.

Stafford later states, in the same article in Pro Sports Weekly, regarding whether he feels pressure as the top pick, “No, that’s the last thing on my mind, to tell you the truth. I’m focused on seeing progressions and throwing touchdowns, and all that will take care of itself. You can’t look at the big picture too much.

Stafford also mentioned that his favorite player was “John Elway” and that “the way he (Elway) played, his team was always in it, no matter what. Hopefully, Stafford will have a fraction of the success that Elway enjoyed as one of the greatest all-time NFL qb’s.

Well, so far, we have seen most of the things that were indicated (Good and BAD) in his scouting report. What we forget is, despite his cannon right arm, Stafford is largely an unfinished product and the rise up in levels, from college to pro, is near inestimable and incomparable, even for top athletes.

“Killer” Kowalski recently discussed Stafford on a call-in radio show, and says that the Lions need to stay vigilant in allowing Stafford to play, despite his struggles or failings.

Caller: Do you think this kid is in the same league as Peyton (Manning), coming out of school?

Killer: I don’t know. I’m telling you, that’s my point: I don’t know. And neither do you. And the issue is we have to find out. Maybe the kid could be great. And by next year, we’ll know (if) this kid could be on the verge.

When you’re a team as bad as the Lions, then you can’t say, OK, winning two or three games this year is the most important thing to us, and then we’ll just try and reload the next year. You’ve got to build a competitive team. They were not even competitive last year.

Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan discussed Stafford with Mike O’Hara and had these interesting comments to make:

My question for Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan this week wasn’t about the ceiling for Matthew Stafford, the Lions’ rookie quarterback. Potential is a wonderful commodity – when it is fulfilled.
Stafford has potential and a high ceiling. That is evident in his skill level and demeanor. He has a strong arm, and he has a football mentality. He loves the game and works at it.
There are so many factors involved that it is impossible to predict whether Stafford will reach his ceiling. A snap judgment two games into Stafford’s career is just that – a snap judgment.
Stafford could become Peyton Manning, a quarterback for the ages, or Kerry Collins, a 15-year pro who is still starting with the Tennessee Titans.
But what about the other end of the equation? What about the floor?
Linehan has worked with Stafford for five months – through the offseason program, training camp, exhibition season and the first two regular-season games.
If Stafford were going to be a flop, would Linehan have an inkling of that already?
Linehan is convinced of one thing: Stafford has shown that he’ll be reaching for the ceiling, not the floor. There are no signs that the Lions miscalculated when they drafted Stafford first overall.
Some things about quarterbacks are evident early. If Stafford didn’t have the skills or makeup to play quarterback in the NFL, it would have been shown by now, Linehan said Thursday.
“He has as good a sense as anyone I’ve been around,” Linehan said. “You know, he’s only 21 years old. He can handle it. I know he can.
“I look at this kid – he’s going to be as good as he wants to be. He’s got the makeup for it.”

and later, Linehan says:

Linehan pointed to how little work Stafford got in the exhibition season with three of his top offensive players – tight end Brandon Pettigrew, tailback Kevin Smith and Johnson.
“He probably had them on the field together for 12 snaps,” Linehan said.

In Sunday’s game, what that looks like it could be very close, Stafford’s ability will need to overcome his lack of experience and poor decision-making, if the Lions have a legitimate chance to win. Hopefully, for Stafford and Lions fans, we don’t lose sight of Stafford’s youth too soon, just because the team is amid the second worst losing streak in NFL history. The losing streak, however long it persists, is a done deal, Stafford can only take ownership of the team being 0-2, at this point.

Pro Sport Weekly: Best Advice He (Stafford) Received: (Atlanta Falcons Quarterback) Matt Ryan told me to take care of my business. Worry about getting better and not worry about too much else that’s going on around me.

I hope you can continue to subscribe to Ryan’s advice, Matthew, through thick and thin. Detroit Lions fans are an embittered bunch who have suffered greatly for supporting this abysmal franchise. If you can rise above, and emerge from your chrysalis, moving from larva to butterfly, proving your doubters wrong, you may serve as a fine example to us all about how to actually succeed in life, regardless of the pursuit. That mere fact alone is much more valuable than any victories you can lead the Lions to in your inaugural season in the league.

Life After Millen–One Year Later

Today marks a sadly momentous and hopefully, propitious occasion for Lions fans everywhere–The one year anniversary of Matt Millen’s termination.
Bill Ford, Jr. on Matt Millen!

As time progresses, Millen’s dark, doom laden, shadow will no longer cast a pall over the Lions organization. The welled up bile (see Dan, bile is always pertinent when discussing the Lions!) and vitriol among Lions fans may eventually subside, in spite of the early performance of the Martin Mayhew-constructed Lions.

The fact of the matter is, the only remaining Millen-drafted Lion, selected in the draft between 2002 and 2006 is Ernie Sims. Wow! For those of you with short memories, here are some Millen “lowlights”:

The chant began to spread during a college basketball game between Michigan State and Wichita State at The Palace of Auburn Hills on December 10, 2005. It started when ousted Lions coach Steve Mariucci was shown on the big screen, prompting a standing ovation for Mariucci and a loud chant of “Fire Millen!” The following night in Los Angeles, in an NBA game between the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers, the chant surfaced late in the 4th quarter at the Staples Center. The chant has also been heard during various Detroit Red Wings games, both home and away, as well as during a college basketball game between Michigan and UCLA. Former Pistons power forward Rasheed Wallace even took part in the chant during a late timeout in a December 16, 2005 game against the Chicago Bulls. A “Fire Millen” sign was shown in the background of a February 3, 2007 broadcast of ESPN College Gameday at the University of Kansas. Fire Millen signs are popular among the students of Grand Valley State University, a division II school in Allendale, MI. One large sign with the “Fire Millen” slogan was removed by NCAA officials at the football national championship in Florence, Alabama.

“Fire Millen” even turned up in a background sign in the sports-oriented comic strip Gil Thorp on February 20, 2006 (’Detroit News ‘columnist Neal Rubin took over as the writer of Gil Thorp in 2004).

The “Fire Millen” chant returned in force to Ford Field during the second half of the 2006 Thanksgiving day game between the Detroit Lions and the Miami Dolphins,[21] when former Lions quarterback and first round pick Joey Harrington (often a scapegoat for the Lions problems) led the Dolphins to a 27-10 hammering of Detroit, dropping the Lions’ record to 2-9. More Fire Millen chants have been heard at wrestling event WWE’s WrestleMania 23 held at Ford Field, and TNA’s Bound for Glory. For 2008 The Fire Millen chants were back in force during the game against the Green Bay Packers.

On December 6, 2005, Detroit sports talk radio station WDFN announced the “Angry Fan March” (also known as the “Millen Man March”) in protest of Millen’s contract extension.

On December 9, 2005, in protest of Millen’s poor record, one Detroit Lions fan site, known as “The Lions Fanatics,” led by owner Dan Spanos organized an “orange out” event, which encouraged Lions fans to show up at Detroit’s Ford Field clad in hunter’s orange, the color of their opponent that week, the Cincinnati Bengals.

On December 24, 2006 another group of fans, lead by Herbert Nicholl Jr. planned a walkout protest towards the end of the first half in the game against Chicago, to express their disgust with the current management.

It all seems like yesterday, doesn’t it, Lions fans?

Here is a bit of info on how bad Millen’s infamous tenure was:

In 2001, Millen left broadcasting to assume the job of the Detroit Lions’ CEO and de facto general manager. At that time, Millen had no prior player development or front office experience.

Since Millen’s arrival in 2001, the Lions were 31–84, 53 games below .500, and had lost nine or more games each season. During the early part of Millen’s tenure (2001–2003), the Lions failed to win a road game for three years (0–24) before opening the season with a win at the Chicago Bears in 2004. Overall, the Lions are 8–50 on the road since 2001. Millen himself admitted to an interviewer in 2008 that the team’s record under his leadership has been “beyond awful”. The Wall Street Journal said that NFL executives admit in private that Millen “has made more bad draft decisions than anyone else in two centuries”.

Despite the team’s record on the field, Matt Millen was the second highest paid general manager in the NFL. With a draft record that included a number of high first-round draft picks who were considered poor choices (Charles Rogers, Joey Harrington, and Mike Williams among them), and widespread disappointment among fans, the media, and even some players, Millen received a five-year contract extension from owner William Clay Ford, Sr. at the start of the 2005 season. Following the team’s 3–13 performance in 2006, Ford announced that Millen would be retained as General Manager for at least another season, because according to inside sources to the Ford family, they still believed that Millen is the best GM that the Lions ever had.

On September 24, 2008, Millen was confirmed to no longer hold his positions with the Lions. Whether he was dismissed or resigned was unclear. It was later reported by a team official that Millen was actually fired.

There will never be another professional sport executive who performed as poorly as Millen again. No executive could survive being broken off, much earlier than Millen was, given the Lions poor performance and the general sad state of affairs around the Lions Allen Park headquarters. In comparison, even George W. Bush will look much better under the kind revisionist’s eye, which usually proves that time can heal nearly all wounds.

Seemingly, the Lions are in a much better position than they were at any time under Matt Millen’s watch. Martin Mayhew has proved to be a shrewder, and much more willing to tinker with the Lions personnel in imaginative ways. He seems to be able to cultivate a deal in a fashion where he is clearly not being made a fool of, unlike Millen.

The one regret, or if I could wind back the clock and change things regret (except for missing this Springer-esque action at Ford Field!), one year after Millen’s termination, that I continue to hold is the awful Shaun “Big Baby” Rogers trade for Leigh Bodden and a wasted draft pick. In spite of Rogers surliness, lack of focus, and poor conditioning, I’d like to imagine, at least for a brief second, what could have been regarding a focused, happy Shaun Rogers, under Jim Schwartz’s watchful eye, within Gunther Cunningham’s defense, where he’d be a near perfect fit. Otherwise, good riddance to the whole, hideous car wreck of a tenure that was Matt Millen’s career as Lion’s team president!

Week 3: Redskins Vs. Lions PreView

Football is a wonderful game that generates more passion, and feelings of commonality, than any other sport I can think of. As I was walking to my local library, to use a computer (to write this entry), I heard/saw a guy who was clearly disheveled and missing a few choppers, the remaining ones appearing somewhat gnarled, hollering at me. I was certain the guy was about to serve up a story about being from another town and somehow ending up unfortunately stranded here in Lansing.

The next question would likely be, in my mind, at least, whether I could lend him the bus fare money necessary so that he could return to the misbegotten locale that he had came from. But, I was wrong. He started shouting out of breathe, “Are you a Giants fan?”, in his best and seemingly, authentic Jersey-ite accent, as he ran towards me. I said “No, I am just a huge football fan, ” standing ashamedly (for pre-judging) in my Giants Jeremy Shockey-jersey, which I had purchased at a Goodwill about a year ago. We had a brief discussion about the Giants being 2-0 and he even had time to discuss the Lions with me, “F@ck the Lions, They Suck!” I guess that does unfortunately sum it all up, doesn’t it?

Entering this week’s game, with the roiling discontent over Matthew Stafford’s early performance bubbling up at it’s earliest, least igneous stage, in what will likely end up as conflagration by mid-season, this game represents one of the Lions best chances for achieving a victory this season. This is also Matthew Stafford’s best chance to begin to prove his mettle and future worth to the organization.

In order to do so, the young Stafford needs to manage the game better, make better decisions (such as not throwing across his body, back into zone coverage, while rolling out to the short side of the field, with several defenders surrounding his “intended” receiver), and just take what the defense has given him, in most cases.

Offensively, I think the Lions game plan will similar to the one they had against the Vikings, especially in the first half of the Vikings game, before they had fallen too far behind. They are going to find it difficult to pound the middle against the Redskins DT’s Albert Haynesworth and Cornelius Griffin, so they will likely try to get to the edge of the ‘Skins defense, both running (sweeps, off tackles, quick pitches, etc) and passing (screens, swing passes, slants, etc.), where they had similar success against the Viking’s much stout-er ‘Williams Wall”. The good thing is, the Redskins offer nowhere near the quality of edge rushers as the Vikings did with Jared Allen and Ray Edwards. Aging veterans, Andre Carter and Phillip Daniels, along with rookie OLB Brian Orakpo, who is likely to occasionally play with his hand on the ground in clear passing situations, are exploitable for the Lions, if Gosder Cherilus and Jeff Backus come to play.

Another player, Brandon Pettigrew, who was largely drafted, in part, due to his success against players of Orakpo’s caliber in the Big 12, could be the difference-maker necessary to exploit the ‘Skins, since they have a very good secondary who will likely direct nearly all of their attention (like all teams) towards limiting Calvin Johnson. Teams are going to play a combination two-deep zone with Johnson bracketed (double-covered), until the Lions prove that their other receivers, enter Pettigrew, along with Bryant Johnson, Dennis Northcutt, et al can make them pay for doing so. Pettigrew will need to work the seam, and take advantage of any match-ups he has with linebackers in coverage and find the soft spots in the ‘Skins zone coverage. as they open up.

The ‘Skins safeties are big, physical, fast and can cover a lot of ground. If Matthew Stafford felt abused by Chad Greenway and Darren Sharper, he had better be careful throwing into a tight window against LaRon Landry and Chris Horton, or he could be in for a very long day.

Defensively, with the struggles the Redskins offense has in scoring, the Lions need to play a sound game, like they did against the Vikings (for the most part), with a little better defense against the run. Embattled Jason Campbell will be content to serve as a game manager, handing the ball off to Clinton Portis, and delivering safe, short passes to Chris Cooley, Santana Moss, and Antwaan Randle-El.

The Lions safeties, Louis Delmas and Marquand Manuel, were very active last week. Look for the ‘Skins to attempt to play action them, as they fly up in run support, to throw the occasional deep ball to Santana Moss.

With DeAndre Levy almost assuredly taking Ernie Sims place on Sunday, look for the Skins to run his way, and to attempt get him matched up with Chris Cooley, whenever possible. Levy’s play, in Sims’ stead, will be a major factor Sunday for the Lions defense.

In the end, as much as I want to see it happen, I just don’t think the Lions defense will be able to rise to the occasion enough, to slow the ‘Skins plodding, exciting-as-watching-paint-dry brand of offense. This will be a tough one to watch, Thanks heavens for “black-outs’”, eh! Redskins 17 Lions 13

At the very least, do what you can to honor, commemorate or celebrate, whatever you choose, today being the one-year anniversary of Matthew George Millen’s termination, one year ago today, as a Lions executive!

A Lot Late, Some Vikings/Lions Thoughts

After re-watching this game, I was struck by how close the Lions actually were to winning this game. Consolation and moral victories are for suckers, to be sure. Still, the Lions have achieved some things which they can build upon, no matter how meager the future value of that fact eventually is.

We are very close, as Lions fans, and for some that time has already arrived, for the hue and cry to grow over Matthew Stafford’s very early performance in his first two NFL games.

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: After watching roughly six quarters of Lions football, I think they made a mistake starting Stafford. The guy’s downfield ability is what makes him interesting, but each mistake he makes for a winless team is going to make him pull back. Stafford throwing dumpoffs is just a waste. If they don’t win this week (hosting Washington), I think they’ll be 0-6 going into the bye. I just think coming off the disaster that was last season that this is a lot of pressure to put on the QB, particularly one who the last thing you want is for him to play scared.

There will be growing popular support for his being benched. Second guesser’s will say that he should never been selected as the team’s starter to begin with.

CHURCH OF SCHWARTZ:Jim Schwartz said after the game, and I quote, “I’m not using the term “rookie mistake” for Matt Stafford.” Well coach, then neither am I. This guy’s the worst starting QB in the NFL. Joey Harrington didn’t look this bad in his first two starts! I was sitting in row ten behind the end zone and was able to see the plays develop and the coverages the Vikes were using. Those two INTs he threw were throws you learn not to make when you are a seven year old kid just starting to learn the game!

Even with his sad (1 TD/5 INT) early performance, Stafford has shown signs of being exactly what the Lions thought he was (a team leader who appears innocuous to failure) and also the player which caused many teams to look the other way when it came to evaluating his collegiate career. He does in fact possess a rifle arm and is capable of making jaw-dropping plays. Still, he is just as capable of making you want to throw up your hands in frustration over a poor decision and the seeming lack of passing accuracy, after so recently showing laser-hewn precision and throwing darts to open receivers.

Chad Greenway gave Stafford a very cruel welcome to the game speed of the NFL, and should help Stafford to realize just how tight the throwing windows actually are in the NFL, and that there are times when you need to just squeeze the ball, tuck it and run, or throw it away rather than always attempting to pass a camel through the eye of a needle.

Tom”Killer” Kowalski: (Re:Lion’s Young players)Fans have to understand that when you play young guys – especially this many of them – there are going to be a lot of screwups. Some young guys will learn and become savvy and productive veterans while other young guys won’t ever get it and will need to be replaced. The only way to know the difference is to put them on the field and let them play.

The question is whether you put all of your energy and resources into breaking a long losing streak or you try to build a strong foundation and live with some of the painful consequences along the way. There’s no guarantee of victory with either strategy but at least the latter approach offers hope for the future.

I will re-iterate, I originally thought that the Lions should have eased Stafford into the starter’s job, attempting to glean whatever value they could from Daunte Culpepper, or potentially catch lightning in a bottle in the process, and allow Stafford to spend his developmental time away from the school of hard knocks. That being said, I am now equally as adamant that the Lions had better not double back on their decision, and now have placed themselves in a position where they had damn well better stick with Stafford, through thick and thin, no matter Stafford’s future struggles and the team’s record.

I have been among the many who wanted Jeff Backus’ head upon a platter for several season’s now. That being said, Backus has been unjustly maligned for Jared Allen’s sack early in the second half of Sunday’s game. Clearly, that sack came as a result of a mis-communication and blown blocking assignment. In actuality, the Lions offensive line has only allowed two sacks, and aside from some ill-timed and unfortunate penalty calls, it has performed better than early expectations would have previously allowed.

Admittedly, the Lions have simplified their offense and tried to help Stafford by having him deliver quicker, shorter passes, which helps the offensive line, as part of the “blowback” of that decision, but still, the Lions offensive line has improbably become a lesser concern.

A growing concern, is the injury sustained by Ernie Sims Sunday, which could decimate the team’s already ineffective defense by robbing them of Sims’ speed, experience and aggressiveness. I guess, it was a good idea to draft DeAndre Levy after all. Sims’ status is really unclear at this point, it seems almost a sure thing that he will be unable to play against the Redskins Sunday.

Lastly, I have recently been highly critical of the team’s decision to select Brandon Pettigrew. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that Pettigrew showed his first signs of his potential significance within the Lions offense against the Vikings Sunday. Hopefully, his presence will only grow as the Lions chase their elusive first victory in 19 games (and counting…)

Week 2: Vikings Vs. Lions

After a disappointing week one loss, with the Lions inability to run, stop the run, and pressure the passer all brightly shining through, the Lions will be facing an old nemesis, Brett Favre, who is now leading a new team, but long time bitter division rival, in the Minnesota Vikings.

Defensively, as crazy as it seems, the Lions will likely attempt to clog the middle with an extra man in the tackle box, and put the game upon Brett Favre’s old, broken down shoulders. The Lions stand an infinitely better chance of hanging close by forcing Favre to make plays down the field and in play action, rather than allowing the NFL’s premier player, Adrian Peterson, to slice and dice through their papier mache defense.

The Vikings do have one major injury, starting guard Anthony Herrera has been limited in practice this week, but the Vikings should be able to continue business as usual offensively, if he is eventually unable to play.

Adrian Peterson will gain a 100+ yards against the Lions defense, without question. However, if the team can somehow keep him under 125 yards and fewer than three TD’s, and Brett Favre manages to throw a couple of ill-conceived passes into coverage, the Lions defense may actually keep the team in the ballgame.

My other primary concern, aside from a healthy return of Bernard Berrian, is that Percy Harvin could absolutely run wild on the Ford Field turf . There is no way to fully game plan for what Harvin could do, since the Vikings haven’t fully utilized his abilities, yet. Aside from Peterson, Harvin’s game-breaking speed and playmaking ability could rapidly turn this game into an ugly, embarrasing blow out.

On offense, memo to Matthew Stafford, ball control and safe plays are the order of the day. The Lions offensive line will be completely manhandled by the Vikings front seven. There is no shame in that, the Vikings may have the best front four in football. What the Lions need to be able to do is run the ball well enough, so that they can buy Matthew Stafford some time in the pocket, with play action passes and more dump off passes mixed in.

If there is ever going to be a game for Scott Linehan’s offense to be of benefit to the Lions, and for the anticipated emergence of first round tight end Brandon Pettigrew to occur, this is the game. The Vikings play a two deep zone, similar to the Lions Tampa-2 in recent seasons, and without ballhawking Darren Sharper patrolling the middle, the Lions may be able to exploit the middle of the field with timely passes to Pettigrew.

I want to believe that as close as the Lions played against the Vikings last year, that this game will remain close to the bitter end, and it could. Of course, providing Matthew Stafford limits the Lions turnovers and the Vikings additions of Brett Favre and Percy Harvin don’t prove to be too much for the Lions to overcome, as they seemingly will be.

At any rate, my gut feeling is that Peterson will put up 175 yards and three TD’s, with Percy Harvin enjoying a coming out party of sorts, meanwhile the Lions offense will continue to languish without a consistent running attack and Matthew Stafford’s continuing to complete too many passes to the guys not in Honolulu Blue, and too few to the guys wearing Honolulu Blue.

Vikings 31 Lions 13

Former Lions Head Coach Monte Clark Passes Away

Pride of Detroit, has linked the news of the unfortunate passing of Monte Clark.

Echoing Sean of Pride of Detroit’s sentiments, Clark was the first Lions coach that I remember, who famously had the ill-fated misfortune of watching the Lions lose in the most disturbing of all fashions during the 1983 playoffs, watching the incredibly reliable, and among the all-time greats at kicker, Eddie Murray miss a field goal attempt that would have put the Lions one win away from playing in the Super Bowl. That victory would have been the team’s first post-season victory in 26 years. The team has since won one playoff game in 52 years.

I will never forget the exciting and dynamic emergence of Billy Sims, where he absolutely devastated the Los Angeles Rams in his inaugural game as a Lion. That game was coached by Clark, and for that memory alone, which likely is the game that has predetermined my fate as a long-time Lions fan, by hook or by crook, I have to thank Monte Clark, in spite of the attendant frustrations that go along with said fandom.

Here is the Lions brief tribute from Tom Lewand:

“Monte will always be remembered as a consummate football man,” praised Lions President Tom Lewand. “He knew football inside and out, and had a passion for it. He played the game at a high level and had success wherever he coached.

“Monte also had a terrific sense of humor. Anyone who knew him could tell you Monte stories that always bring a laugh. Our deepest sympathies go out to Charlotte and the entire Clark family. He will be greatly missed.

Ernie Harwell to be Lions Honorary Captain

After attending last night’s tear-filled, but joyous Tigers game where Ernie Harwell publicly thanked the Tigers fans and organization for his wonderful career, I was glad to hear that the Lions are going to follow suit and name Harwell and honorary game captain on Sunday against the Vikings.

So much has changed in the Detroit area during the last few years, starting with the end of the “Big Three” as we know them, and likely their place within the local culture along with it. The mass exodus of the city’s population, the urban decay, crime and blight all have garnered a lot of attention, despite a general public denial of the true spirit and ability to overcome, with grit, that has truly marked what makes the city of Detroit so great.

Since last season’s improbable Final Four basketball tournament run for the Michigan State Spartans, I have had a genuine feeling that Detroit may actually be on the rebound. It is a process that will take a great deal of time.

There is no brighter, more genuine, light indicative of all that is wonderful about the city of Detroit than the grace and integrity of Ernie Harwell, whose strong values and fearless march onward in the face of terminal cancer should stand as an example to us all as the way in which to embrace our own mortality, or any other adversity we may face, despite our fears.

Harwell is the voice of at least two to three generations of baseball in Detroit. When he passes, a great deal of history will go along with him. Entering last night’s game, I also saw, oddly enough, radical political activist John Sinclair, who was also famously the manager of the MC5, a Detroit rock band. In my eyes, nothing encapsulates the experience of being a Michigander more than last night’s game, which was also a tribute to the living members of Detroit’s “Greatest Generation”, or World War II veterans.

This disparately incredible divergence of views represented , from Harwell, to military vets, and I’m assuming, John Sinclair, all under one roof, tells me that despite the mean-spirited political divisiveness that many of us now subscribe to, even if for a few brief moments, we can put aside our differences, come together and collectively celebrate what life is really all about. Last night was as much a celebration of the values that unite us all, as it was a celebration of Ernie Harwell’s charmed career as an announcer. Hopefully, these values, which are clearly held by Mr. Harwell, will perpetuate long after we are all gone. Thank You, Ernie.

Lions Sign DE Turk McBride, Release DT Orien Harris

The Lions front office deserves some measure of credit for continuing to tinker with their roster in an attempt to improve the quality of their defensive line play.

By adding Turk McBride, a former second round draft selection fo the Chiefs, the Lions are looking at another relatively young player with a high-ceiling, who was unable to flourish within a new defensive system.

from Arrowhead Pride, Sept. 16: This is, in my opinion, a good move for McBride. The Lions defense is coached by Gunther Cunningham, who was on staff when the Chiefs selected McBride in the second round of the 2007 draft.

Nothing flashy as far as his production as a pro thus far, but seemingly, there is some ability there which the Lions may be able to eventually tap, as soon as Sunday? McBride, whose nom de guerre here will now be “Bake“, after the Philladelphia Phillies outfielder from the 80’s, could be a steal, which remains to be seen.

Can’t fault the Lions front office for at least trying, right?

The Lions Offensive and Defensive Lines Had Better Snap Their Chin Straps, and Be Prepared to Get Punched in Their Collective Mouth’s This Week!

Entering this season, Lions fans were mislead, again. The various literati who cover the team discussed how the Lions offensive had truly taken to playing “power football” and fans were lead to believe that by acquiring portly Grady Jackson that somehow the team would be more stout against opponents rushing attacks, too. Jim Schwartz even promised that the Lions would become a more physical bunch, rebuilt in the image of the truly punishing brand of football played by the successful Tennessee Titans organization.

“Killer” Kowalski, recently wondered about the Lions new “tough and physical” football, after their poor showing in week one against the Saints.

Schwartz said the Lions weren’t tough or physical last season and, after his first offseason and training camp, they still don’t have those qualities.

Look at the Saints’ first eight plays against Detroit and their last eight plays. They scored 45 points because that’s all they needed. The Saints could have dialed up 60 if necessary. The Lions knew the Saints would run and they still couldn’t stop them. New Orleans’ first eight plays resulted in 107 yards and 14 points, and its final eight were running plays. The only goal was to burn the final 4:48 off the clock, and that’s what the Saints did, gaining 40 yards in the first five carries.

How pathetic is it that the Lions knew the Saints would run and they still were powerless to stop it?

Tough and physical? If you’re talking about hitting a player after the play is over, crushing a player after he’s out of bounds, running over an official or punching the ball out of the hands of a player who has just scored a touchdown against you then, yeah, the Lions are tough and physical.

That’s probably not what Schwartz had in mind, though.

I have to admit, I still retain mild hopes that we will see a different football team in the remaining 15 games, even if they eventually go 0-16 again. I hope that Schwartz is able to garner more tough and physical play from his team, by any means necessary. That being said, tough and physical play has not been a Lions trademark during recent seasons and Rome wasn’t built in a day, as we all know, all too well. The discouraging fact is, inarguably, the Lions possess both the worst offensive and defensive lines in all of football.

Until that harsh reality is seriously addressed, this team will get their asses kicked up and down the field (and back again) routinely.

The Lions, as part of the “Black and Blue” division, since the days of Bobby Ross, seemingly have shied away from playing tough (and during Ross’ era their “power” football personnel was horribly, ill-constructed), meanwhile giving lip service (enter Marinelli, Rod, see also Schwartz, Jim) to acquiring a tougher, more physical brand of football seemingly better suited to the midwestern football fan’s anxious tastes and the realities of the environs in which most midwestern teams play in.

On the other hand, the Lions seemingly actually have been fixated upon devoting their energies on the acquisition of “skill” players, who all too often have languished due to the complete lack of toughness in the Lions trenches (or even worse the Lions have failed miserably in their preliminary talent evaluation process, a bigger sin, in my book). The Lions are about to suit up against one of the more physically imposing teams in the NFC, the Minnesota Vikings, and after Sunday’s performance, do you believe that they are any closer than last season to being up to facing that kind of challenge? Signs are less than favorable, I’m afraid to say.

Here the impressions of my good friend, Whitey, who is a hardcore Lions fan and a devoted football degenerate. I am sure that these comments will ring true to many of you, too.:

I would rather give up 50 yard bombs (LIONS of 80s and 90s) and knock Bree’s lid off than rush three and wait. Nothing to add that has not already been said by others.

Right eye twitching. Blood pressure rising. Ulcer growing.

That’s the thing, if Brees didn’t have the time to eat a ham sandwich, and jot down a few pages for his memoirs while sitting untouched in the pocket, before delivering another devastating deep ball, Lions fans may actually have something to be excited about. Most fans can accept mediocrity, few, if any can forgive a team that doesn’t at least attempt to impose it’s physical will.

Stafford’s Inauspicious Debut, The Lions Horrific Defense and Brandon Pettigrew

Thank You, Pat Caputo. You succinctly summarized my post-game feelings regarding the Lions performance Sunday in New Orleans, especially considering their total lack of any sort of defensive pass rush and their considerably awful offensive line play, yielding only one sack, but still forcing Matthew Stafford to throw under duress all day :

Where was Brandon Pettigrew? The Lions spent the 20th overall pick in the draft on the massive tight end from Oklahoma State. It didn’t look like he improved their run blocking at all. He was hurt in preseason, but before you claim pointing out such a factor is unfair, it should be noted the Lions don’t have anything remotely resembling an effective defensive tackle.

Maybe they should have taken one with their second first-round selection rather than Pettigrew?

I hate to reduce Sunday’s loss to one player, or any loss for that matter, but Pettigrew’s non-performance is indicative of why the Lions are terrible and will continue to be until further notice. Drew Brees six TD’s and the Lions zero sacks are directly correlated with the decision of the Lions front office to ignore their defense with their second first round selection in April. I really didn’t like this pick then, and after Sunday, with the jury still being out on Pettigrew, I absolutely hate the decision to select Pettigrew now.

Do you think Matthew Stafford wishes the Lions had selected help for their offensive front? From the Detroit News:

Rookie watch

A look at rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford’s NFL debut:

• 1st pass attempt (complete): 2nd down, 4 yards to Bryant Johnson with 11:39 left in first quarter

• 1st incompletion: 3rd-and-5 with 10:57 left in first (Kevin Smith)

• 1st sack: 1st-and-10, minus-7 yards with 2:43 left in second (Jonathan Vilma)

• 1st interception: 1st-and-15 with 39 seconds left in second (Darren Sharper)

• 1st rushing TD: 1 yard at 11:47 in third

• Final numbers: 16-for-37, 205 yards, 3 INT

Add the complete non-existence of any sort of ground attack, after a lot of pre-season huffing and puffing about how the Lions offensive line had taken to power football, what do these numbers indicate to you, against a less than stellar Saints defense?:

RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD
K.Smith 15 20 1.3 6 1
A.Brown 1 9 9.0 9 0
J.Felton 2 4 2.0 4 0
M.Stafford 2 0 0.0 1 1

I fully expected the Lions to lose Sunday, and am not shocked in the least. There is no shame in allowing Drew Brees and the prolific Saints offense to be successful, they will have several performances similar to the one they had on Sunday yet this season. However, the returns of a non-existent pass rush, an inability to stop their opponents rushing attack, the big gains on deep balls in the Lions secondary, and the complete void of a ground game for the Lions offense are all disconcerting indicators that not much has really changed since Rod Marinelli patrolled the sidelines a few brief months ago. Amid an 0-18 losing streak, it is very difficult to see where this team can find a victory, even among the worst teams in the league, if these longstanding problems continue to persist.

All of this, without considering the stupid penalties, costly turnovers, and despite crotchety Gunther Cunningham’s angst-filled recriminations, poor tackling too, Lions fans have but only one choice. They have to mutter “Same Ol’ Lions” and see how the debacle unfolds again in a week as the Lions come home to face the Minnesota Vikings.