The Lions...Woe Is Detroit.
by Drew Lane
for In Play! Magazine
Is it possible the Lions have reached an all time low in 2008? Occasionally, it is possible to look deeply into a roster destined to win two or three games and see a future based on young talent. Rookies often need to make their mistakes and “learn how to win.” This is not the case with this year’s model.
Remember Jimmy Johnson’s 1-15 Cowboys? Within a year it was not difficult to see a bright future. While the Lion’s of the Matt Millen era have fooled some, the present offers no hope for years to come. The defense is uncommonly bad, even by the Lion’s recent standards. They cough up big points early and if they need a late stand to seal the win … well, I don’t have to tell you.
It’s easy to lay it on Joe Barry but I won’t bother. Where are the promising young players years of early draft picks would normally yield? Ernie Sims has his moments but little else generates hope for a better day. A couple players have stood out as disappointments. Cory Redding signed a blockbuster contract two years ago that has yielded next to nothing. Leigh Bodden, who picked off six passes in Cleveland last year, has one of two Lion’s interceptions after nine games.
Searching the offense for future hope is equally dismal. This is an offense that has received seven first round picks in seven years, including some pricey early picks (two second picks, a third and a sixth). Comically, four of these are, or were, wideouts.
Calvin Johnson is the only one still around and undoubtedly will be the best. The other first round pick of this bunch still playing in Detroit is rookie Gosder Cherilus, who should have a question mark instead of a number on the back of his jersey. Pardon me for belaboring the obsession with wide receiver … but …a recent survey of NFL General Managers (Sports Illustrated) rated wide receiver as the second lowest priority position in round one, just ahead of punter.
Kevin Smith will not reach the heights of probably at least 10 to 12 running backs picked in the last three years. 2008 makes the second consecutive season with virtually no running game. This is unlikely to change without wholesale changes in the offensive line.
Shall we pile on by examining the quarterback situation?....
Link to article
by Drew Lane
for In Play! Magazine
Is it possible the Lions have reached an all time low in 2008? Occasionally, it is possible to look deeply into a roster destined to win two or three games and see a future based on young talent. Rookies often need to make their mistakes and “learn how to win.” This is not the case with this year’s model.
Remember Jimmy Johnson’s 1-15 Cowboys? Within a year it was not difficult to see a bright future. While the Lion’s of the Matt Millen era have fooled some, the present offers no hope for years to come. The defense is uncommonly bad, even by the Lion’s recent standards. They cough up big points early and if they need a late stand to seal the win … well, I don’t have to tell you.
It’s easy to lay it on Joe Barry but I won’t bother. Where are the promising young players years of early draft picks would normally yield? Ernie Sims has his moments but little else generates hope for a better day. A couple players have stood out as disappointments. Cory Redding signed a blockbuster contract two years ago that has yielded next to nothing. Leigh Bodden, who picked off six passes in Cleveland last year, has one of two Lion’s interceptions after nine games.
Searching the offense for future hope is equally dismal. This is an offense that has received seven first round picks in seven years, including some pricey early picks (two second picks, a third and a sixth). Comically, four of these are, or were, wideouts.
Calvin Johnson is the only one still around and undoubtedly will be the best. The other first round pick of this bunch still playing in Detroit is rookie Gosder Cherilus, who should have a question mark instead of a number on the back of his jersey. Pardon me for belaboring the obsession with wide receiver … but …a recent survey of NFL General Managers (Sports Illustrated) rated wide receiver as the second lowest priority position in round one, just ahead of punter.
Kevin Smith will not reach the heights of probably at least 10 to 12 running backs picked in the last three years. 2008 makes the second consecutive season with virtually no running game. This is unlikely to change without wholesale changes in the offensive line.
Shall we pile on by examining the quarterback situation?....
Link to article
