Monday Kickoff

Beauford — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:06:15 -0000

Another weekend, another week closer to kick off as we trudge our way through the longest part of the off season. If you're like us - and I know you are you sick bastards - you're probably sitting at work this morning wondering why, why oh God, did you choose a career path that has you sitting in an office at this ungodly hour. If you do not have a job or are currently on anything resembling a "summer vacation" I'd like to offer a hearty screw you. To get you through this morning, I offer the following:

The Good

The good is that Maize n Brew Dave is flying the flag at the Big Ten media days. He'll update as much as possible, or as much as internet access allows him to. Follow along on Twitter if you're inclined.

The Bad

Justin Feagin; dismissed. This isn't likely to be something that will hurt on the field, but as pointed out in the original article, it does provide those who are inclined to do so more ammo for the "rabble-rabble-Rodriguez" meme. The offense is something called "violation of team rules" which could mean any number of things. No formal charges against Feagin yet - at least, none public - so no inclusion into the Fulmer Cup yet. There are a couple things disappointing about this:

1) Again, as the original article states, this was/is a Rodriguez recruit among the first to get into any significant trouble. He is not an inherited Carson Butler.

2) Feagin committed to Michigan to try to play quarterback at the height of the "will he won't he" Terrelle Pryor mashup. His response to whether Terrelle's decision would influence his own mindset as to the viability of the QB position, his response amounted to "I ain't scared." I loved it at the time, and while his dismissal doesn't really hurt on field, it kind of hurts that a player everyone kind of liked gets booted.

3) Another APR hit. Sigh.

The Ugly

via images.stltoday.com

Half time score: 0-0. Full time score: 5-0. This was a young squad the U.S. put out on the field, buy dayyuum. That's an asswhipping even you, you "they don't score enough" soccer hating fan, can relate to.

Something to talk about

Frequent commenter Jeepnut is going to Iowa and Illinois for a game. Any recommendations about either place?

Friday Notes: Lions Sign Pair of Players

Sean Yuille — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:56:12 -0000

As noted in a FanShot yesterday, the Lions signed wide receiver Ronald Curry and fullback Terrelle Smith to one-year deals. Curry visited earlier this week and helps upgrade the wide receiver position. Regardless of whether or not Matthew Stafford is drafted, the Lions needed to improve their receiving corps behind Calvin Johnson, and this offseason I think they have accomplished that goal. As for Smith, he seems like someone that could become a starter. He and Jerome Felton will probably compete for the starting fullback job this summer.
Matthew Stafford participated in a chat on ESPN.com yesterday.
Stafford also made the rounds on TV, doing interviews for both ESPN and NFL Network. Although I am strongly against the Lions drafting him, I will admit that Stafford seemed very level-headed and down to earth. If he does end up being the Lions' pick, I do think he will be a good person to have representing the franchise. Again, I hope he isn't picked, but if he is I think I will be able to deal with it after the initial anger wears off.
The Lions apparently looked into centers Alex Mack, Eric Wood, and Max Unger and are considering them for their second-round pick.
Eastern Michigan offensive lineman T.J. Lang visited the Lions and worked out for the team. He is a versatile lineman who is watching his stock quickly rise.
The Lions hosted Michigan's Carson Butler for a visit recently. His pro day was run by the Lions' tight ends coach, and apparently they are interested in Butler, who is expected to be a late-round pick. Butler was switched to defensive end midway through last season based on the fact that he was beat out by a freshman at tight end and because he never seemed to buy into the program. Mel Kiper has been someone talking up Butler and how much potential he has, but I just don't see it. Butler was a terrible blocker, and although he has great athleticism, it says a lot when a freshman beats you out. Also, he beat the crap out of a Michigan student back on St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. The worst part is that the student he beat up wasn't the one he was even looking for. It was a big mistake that resulted in the student being sent to the hospital.
Cris Collinsworth is going to replace John Madden as NBC's color commentator.

SB Nation - Carson Butler

Monday Kickoff

Friday Notes: Lions Sign Pair of Players