SB Nation - Drew Henson

Rumblings Draft Scouting: Scouting/Draft Philosophies

Brian Galliford — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:45:16 -0000

It's Thursday, which means it's time once again to bust out our 2010 NFL Draft notebooks. We've been talking a lot about prospects recently, and while that type of discussion is perpetually fascinating (to me, at least), I've received dozens of e-mails asking me to take a different approach to this series, at least for one week.

The gist of those e-mails - talk more philosophy than another stock watch. It wasn't worded in exactly that fashion in every e-mail, obviously, but when someone asks me why I might rate Eric Norwood higher than Carlos Dunlap coming out, the philosophy behind the ranking is essentially what's being asked about.

The article you find after the jump is entirely my opinion, and only very tangentially Bills related (we'll have Bills stuff for you today, I promise). I'm certainly no professional, clearly, nor do I consider my personal scouting and draft philosophies the best - or the only - way to go about things. I've got five rules to scouting and to drafting. They're after the jump - and, of course, you're free to completely trash those rules in the comments section.

Need versus Value
Ah, yes - the ultimate NFL Draft argument. Do you take the best player who plays a position you're thin at, or do you just take the best player? Both sides of the argument have been attempted, both have had raging successes, and both have failed miserably.

I'm of the school of value. Need lists are obviously important to discuss from a team standpoint heading into the Draft each year, but ultimately, if you're building for the long-term, you need to find the best football players, period. Clearly, if a team has players graded out similarly, but one's a linebacker (who's graded only slightly lower) and the other's a cornerback, and your team just happens to be thinner at linebacker than corner, you take the linebacker. But, as an example, it can get pretty brutal when you force-select a JaMarcus Russell when Calvin Johnson and Joe Thomas are clearly the best players available.

The Calvin Johnson is an interesting case study too, by the way. Matt Millen is one of the most infamous front office executives of the modern era of football, but that's a selection he did well with - and he did it in the face of intense scrutiny, considering his penchant for drafting receivers early. Johnson is one of the best offensive forces in the game right now, and while he doesn't play a premium position - teams can and do win without elite receivers - he's a difference-maker on the field.

My last need versus value rule, however, is a contradiction. Quarterback is the one position at which you can sacrifice some value to fill a need, because it's the one position that you absolutely have to be good at to field a consistent, contending team. That's a gamble, obviously - that type of move bit the Bills in the butt when they moved up in '04 to get J.P. Losman - but it also is worth the gamble when it turns out that you pick up a Joe Flacco at No. 18.

Production versus Potential
You see it happen every year - a guy heads to February's NFL Combine, drops a ridiculous 40 time, and suddenly he's the greatest thing since sliced bread at his position. The ultimate faux pas to the NFL Draft is to rely too heavily on workout numbers and all-star games, and the poster child for that faux pas is former Philadelphia DE Mike Mamula.

The best draft picks are guys that play well in college. Tom Brady was one of those guys, even if he had to share time with Drew Henson at Michigan - which clearly hurt his draft stock. For a more recent and satisfying example, take a look at Jairus Byrd - dude pumped out a very pedestrian 4.67 40-yard dash in pre-draft workouts, but the Bills took him anyways, because he never had fewer than five picks in a season at Oregon. You don't draft numbers. You draft football players, and Byrd has been clutch for Buffalo this season despite his "pedestrian" athleticism.

That doesn't mean the Combine, all-star games, pre-draft workouts and the like are meaningless. You might be in love with a receiver's college production, but not with his speed on tape. You're looking at him as a guy you might be able to sneak away with in the third round. If he pumps out a 4.4 40, you might move him a notch or two up your board, because you can bet that other teams who may not have noticed this guy on tape will notice that 40 time and re-watch the tape. But ultimately, what a guy does on the college gridiron is infinitely more important than what he does in shorts.

Athleticism versus Approach
Football is a survival of the fittest game. The best players - players that you build your franchise around - are some of the best athletes on the planet. Invariably, every season, scouts encounter players that have tremendous untapped potential based purely on their overall athleticism, and invariably, those players are graded just a bit too high. Unless, of course, their approach to the game is carefully considered.

I put Bengals DE Michael Johnson at the top of this post for a reason - he's a recent example of this type of argument. Johnson came out of Georgia Tech last April as one of the most physically talented defensive linemen available, but his pre-draft hype was completely overblown. Johnson had an excellent senior season at Tech - but he'd been essentially invisible, and more than very inconsistent, up until that point. Couch scouts everywhere saw his body type, his length, and his speed, and heralded him as a first-round caliber talent. He is - but real scouts, wary of past paper tigers, questioned his motivation and work ethic thanks to his lack of production through his first three years. His talent got him drafted No. 70 overall, after many thought he could challenge to be the top pick in the draft. Johnson might end up being a very good pro player, but he was drafted where he should have been drafted.

There are great reasons why players like Charles Rogers are differentiated from players like Andre Johnson. Rogers, one of the ultimate busts of this decade, was drafted a pick ahead of Johnson because it could be rationally argued that he was more talented. He was certainly productive at Michigan State. But Johnson's approach to the game, as compared to Rogers', has made a comparison between the two as professionals an utter joke. Johnson is a man among men. Rogers didn't take football seriously. Approach to the game, as opposed to being content to skate by on pure talent, is a huge factor.

Character versus Perceived character
Character is such a crucial element to finding good draft players - and the Rogers vs. Johnson debate outlined above is a good example of why. The best example of the character debate is, of course, Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf. But you don't need me to tell you that.

But there are ways to differentiate between guys who are good guys but have had issues, and guys who haven't had issues but could cause problems down the road. It's tough to do, but not impossible. Teams conduct personal interviews with every Combine prospect to help them gauge what they hear prior to that even about a player's attitude and work ethic. But what they hear is far more important than what the player says. If you hear a scout say "Player X needs a good interview at the Combine to raise his draft stock," that fact alone carries more weight than what he says to teams at the Combine. Flipped around, if you hear "Player Y had bad Combine interviews" but that player hadn't been mentioned as a character risk beforehand, that interview necessarily carries more weight - but not as much as testimonials from teammates, coaches, and even hearsay.

This is the trickiest part to drafting players from teams, because it's much more beneficial to draft team players than me-first players. It's even harder for us lowly fans, because we don't have access to anything more than rumors, in most cases.

Intelligence versus Football IQ
Michael Oher is the most recent example here, but if you don't know the basic thrust of his incredible story, you might miss the application. He grew up abandoned and mostly on his own, and when the kind family that took him in integrated him into what we might call a "normal kid's setting" - i.e. school, sports, etc. - Oher was completely out of his element. He struggled in school, he struggled socially, and he even struggled on the football field.

But Michael Oher is coachable. He got better as a ball player in high school. He came out of his shell and started acting more like a normal kid. He started passing his classes. He obviously wasn't at the top of his classes, but considering where he came from, the achievement was tremendous. At Mississippi, it was more of the same - steady improvement.

Leading into the pre-draft process this season, many scouts drooled over his physical tools, but questioned his overall intelligence and motivation - and, more importantly, whether or not he'd coast after achieving the ultimate in his sport and turning professional. He's such a unique case study that it was hard to project how he might apply himself at the NFL level.

Many, many teams were turned off by Oher in the pre-draft process based on his personality. He's soft-spoken, honest, and not at all the type of personality that makes great offensive linemen (at least according to reports - I obviously don't know Michael Oher). But again - Michael Oher is coachable. He'd already proven that.

Now, he's filling in at left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens as a rookie. He's playing well - he even dominated Minnesota's Jared Allen at times, and Allen is arguably the best pass rusher in the game right now. Oher is nowhere near the smartest player around. But he's coachable, and he's got great instincts. Those are the building blocks to the ambiguous term "Football IQ". Oher's capable of picking up a playbook because he's got a high Football IQ, and some adaptability. That's the difference that scouts struggle with sometimes - book smarts versus football smarts. Find smart football players, and you're in much better hands.

Bringing a veteran QB into camp

shake n bake — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:02:34 -0000

Last year with Peyton Manning on the PUP the Colts brought in a pair of veteran backups, Quinn Gray and Jared Lorenzen. Now with Jim Sorgi out 2-3 weeks they may bring an experienced QB in again. There are still a few Quarterbacks with NFL experience remaining unsigned.

Free Agents

UFL (I don't know if there is an arrangement for the NFL-UFL on the poaching of their talent, but it's unlikely any of these guys will give up a starting UFL job for a few weeks in an NFL camp).

Brooks Bollinger (Orlando)

Quinn Gray (New York)

J.P. Losman (Las Vegas)

Jump for more info on the vets

Gus Frerotte (FA) last seen replacing a struggling Tarvaris Jackson and starting 11 games for the Vikings before a back injury took him out of the lineup. He completed 59.1% of his passes for 2,157 yards, 12TDs with 15 INTs for a QB Rating of 73.7 and ANY/A of 4.3.

Drew Henson (FA) most notable for sharing time with Tom Brady in college. Henson both thrown an NFL touchdown and has a major league hit. The downside being that he's thrown just 20 NFL passes (only 2 over the last 4 seasons) and had only 9 MLB at bats.

Craig Nall (FA) the long-time backup has the impressive statistic of more years in the league (9), than games played (7). He has played well in his few appearances holding a career QB rating of 123.8 over 48 attempts.

Marques Tuiasosopo (FA) A second round pick of the Raiders, Tuiasosopo has played just 13 games (2 starts) in 8 seasons, and hasn't posted a season with less INTs than TDs or a QB rating over 51 since his (4 attempt) rookie year. Awesome name though.

Cleo Lemon (FA) Lemon started half a season in Miami in 2007 playing well enough for an ill advised 3 year, 9 million dollar contract from the Jags, who cut him after just one year.

Brooks Bollinger (Orlando) Bollinger has played a handful of games as a backup since a mediocre half-season starting for the Jets with 56.4% completion, 1,558 yards, 7TDs, and 6INTs for a rating of 72.9 and 4.1 ANY/A

Quinn Gray (New York) We all saw Gray last year, through the first 3 preseason games he looked like the best QB of the 3 headed backup committee. Over the last two he threw 4 INTs to 1 TD and completed under 40% of his passes. He eventually caught on with the Cheifs where he had 8 very good pass attempts.

J.P. Losman (Las Vegas) The 2004 1st rounder couldn't stay healthy and regressed as a passer after a pretty good 2006 season. With Trent Edwards emerging as a viable starter and outplaying Losman, J.P. was given the boot.

Very slim pickings, Where for art thou Josh Betts? (actually he is available)

Tuesday Notes: Foote Wants Long-Term Deal with Detroit After This Season

Sean Yuille — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:57:14 -0000

Larry Foote's reasoning for not signing a long-term deal is that his value will go up after this season. He is obviously expecting big things from himself, and he hopes to sign a long-term deal with the Lions next year if everything goes according to plan.
Jeff Backus feels as if he won't be switching to left guard since the Lions only selected one offensive tackle in the draft (Lydon Murtha in the seventh round).
Drew Stanton and former Lion Drew Henson rode the Zambonis during the second intermission of Sunday's Red Wings-Ducks game.
Sammie Lee Hill is a pretty good cook.
Peter King ranked all 32 NFL teams, and the Lions surprisingly weren't last. King has Detroit at No. 31, saying that the Lions will win four games this year and Jim Schwartz will get a bronze statue. He had the Browns at No. 32, because they have "too many holes" in "too tough a division."
Despite reports that Brett Favre wasn't going to unretire, it seems like it's 2008 all over again. Favre threw at his local high school again, and the Vikings confirmed they are interested in him. Considering it is only May, my guess is that this story is just starting to get going. Once training camp nears, I foresee an ESPN filled with nothing but Favre-related stories.
Tight end Michael Gaines, who was released by the Lions recently, signed with the Bears on Monday.

Wednesday Notes: Kevin Carter Visits Lions?

Sean Yuille — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:54:34 -0000

Free agent defensive end Kevin Carter was scheduled to visit the Lions on Tuesday. Carter played for Jim Schwartz in Tennessee from 2001-04 and started all 16 games for the Buccaneers a season ago. He is likely still a free agent because he is entering his 15th year in the NFL. Despite his age, though, he would be a good addition to the Lions' defense just because of his experience.
The Giants apparently had a trade worked out with the Lions to swap the 20th and 29th picks. The trade was contingent on Jeremy Maclin being available, which is probably why the Eagles traded ahead of Detroit. Philly probably realized that the Lions were in trade talks, and if they had waited beyond the No. 19 pick, Maclin would have been headed somewhere else. Because Maclin was drafted before the Lions went on the clock with the 20th pick, the trade never happened, but it certainly is interesting to think about. Had the trade happened, would the Lions still have gotten Brandon Pettigrew?
ProFootballWeekly is reporting that the Lions may claim recently released quarterback John Beck. The Dolphins got rid of the former second-round pick earlier this week, and because of their waiver position, the Lions essentially have first dibs on him. I'm for the move, as Beck very well may be better than Drew Stanton. If that is the case, Beck could become the Lions' third QB. If he isn't better than Stanton, then he would simply be released.
Drew Henson wasn't too surprised that the Lions released him.
Aside from Henson, the Lions also released Pacino Horne and Matt Lentz. Both players were signed recently, but they apparently were only bodies for the Lions' first minicamp under Jim Schwartz that took place a couple weeks ago.
The Lions gave away a Kevin Smith jersey to a fan that turned out to really be a Kevin Jones jersey with a new nameplate sewn over Jones' name.
PFT has the 2009 rookie pool numbers. The Lions, due to having the top pick and an additional first-round selection, have the largest pool out of all 32 NFL teams.
The Jets released Brett Favre from the reserve-retired list, meaning he could sign with whatever team he wants if he were to come out of retirement again. He released a statement saying he is retired "at this time." I stress the phrase "at this time," as that football itch probably won't come until the summer when training camp nears. I have a feeling this summer could be even more dramatic than last year if Favre comes out of retirement. Chances are he would sign with the Vikings, which would just be the ultimate slap in the face to the Packers.
39 million people tuned in to the draft over the weekend.

Saturday Notes: Culpepper Looks Good in First Practice

Sean Yuille — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:04:23 -0000

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

8 months ago: Detroit Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper throws during practice drills during an NFL football mini-camp at the team's training facility in Allen Park, Mich., Friday, April 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Browse more photos »

By all accounts, Daunte Culpepper looked impressive during the Lions' first practice under Jim Schwartz on Friday. He weighs less than he did as a rookie and his passes were described as having zip on them. Of course, there is only so much you can tell from a minicamp, but it is good to hear that Culpepper looked good. Even if the Lions pick a QB in next weekend's draft, Culpepper will still likely be the starter heading into the 2009 season. For that reason alone, I'm glad to hear he is not only in shape but also looking good throwing the ball.
While there was much praise for Culpepper, the same can't be said for Drew Stanton and Drew Henson. Neither looked all that good, and Stanton especially struggled. If a QB is drafted, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if both Stanton and Henson were off the roster by the time training camp begins. The Lions probably are going to figure out that some of the free agent QBs out there are much better than Stanton and Henson will ever be, making it pointless to not sign a veteran. Culpepper is the only one guaranteed to stick around. Beyond that, the other QBs' roster spots are definitely up in the air.
Grady Jackson, Daniel Bullocks, and Stephen Peterman didn't practice due to injuries, and Kevin Smith was "somewhat limited."
On a positive note, safety Gerald Alexander practiced for the first time since fracturing a vertebra last October.
The Lions signed cornerback Antonio Smith on Friday.
Why does Paris Lenon still have a locker?
Dave Birkett compiled a list of the draft prospects that visited the Lions.
Photos from the first day of the Lions' minicamp.
Western Michigan cornerback E.J. Biggers visited the Lions.
The Jason Peters trade is official. The Eagles gave up a first- and fourth-round pick in this year's draft and a sixth-rounder in 2010. Peters was signed to a four-year, $53 million extension, meaning he will make $60 in the next six years.
If you haven't seen the video of Matthew Stafford throwing footballs at plates on Jimmy Fallon's show, then click here.
Ty from The Lions in Winter wrote a heart-felt letter to Martin Mayhew and Tom Lewand. It's definitely worth a read.

Saints @ Lions: Offensive Scouting Report

Saintsational — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:00:08 -0000

Season Stats

	Detroit	Opponent
Total First Downs	200	298
Rushing	60	126
Passing	122	158
Penalty	18	14
3rd Down: Made/Att	49/176	73/172
3rd Down Pct.	27.8%	42.4%
4th Down: Made/Att	6/14	6/8
4th Down Pct.	42.9%	75.0%
Possession Avg.	26:53	33:07
Total Net Yards	3721	5454
Avg. Per Game	265.8	389.6
Total Plays	786	877
Avg. Per Play	4.7	6.2
Net Yards Rushing	1107	2362
Avg. Per Game	79.1	168.7
Total Rushes	296	479
Net Yards Passing	2614	3092
Avg. Per Game	186.7	220.9
Sacked/Yards Lost	49/323	26/156
Gross Yards	2937	3248
Attempts/Completions	441/248	372/252
Completion Pct.	56.2%	67.7%
Had Intercepted	15	4
Punts/Average	79/44.3	56/43.9
Net Punting Avg.	38.2	38.4
Penalties/Yards	77/634	82/681
Fumbles/Ball Lost	30/10	26/14
Touchdowns	25	53
Rushing	8	26
Passing	16	20
Returns	1	7

Offensive Rankings

Team	Yds / Game	Yds / Play	Rush Yards / Game	Rush Yards / Play	Pass Yards / Game	Pass Yards / Play	Int. Rate	Sacks / Pass Att.	First Downs / Game	Punt Return Avg	Kickoff Return Avg	Field Goals Made	3rd Down Pct	4th Down Pct	Red Zone Pct	Goal to Go%	Avg Time of Poss.	Pts. / Game
DET	265.8	4.73	79.1	3.74	186.7	5.93	3.40%	11.11%	14.3	8.0	21.9	95.45%	27.84%	42.86%	57.69%	80.00%	26:53	17.1
Rank	29	27	31	28	24	25	26	31	31	26	26	2	31	24t	9	5	31	27

Rushing Offense

Left End

Left Tackle

Left Guard

Up the Middle

Right Guard

Right Tackle

Right End

Plays: 36

Plays: 60

Plays: 14

Plays: 79

Plays: 9

Plays: 55

Plays: 38

NFL Rank: 24

NFL Rank: 9

NFL Rank: 30

NFL Rank: 25

NFL Rank: 32

NFL Rank: 11

NFL Rank: 20

Avg Gain: 2.33

Avg Gain: 5.27

Avg Gain: 2.79

Avg Gain: 3.65

Avg Gain: 3.89

Avg Gain: 3.56

Avg Gain: 5.08

NFL Rank: 32

NFL Rank: 4

NFL Rank: 30

NFL Rank: 23

NFL Rank: 14

NFL Rank: 24

NFL Rank: 13

Passing Offense

Short Left	Short Middle	Short Right	Deep Left	Deep Middle	Deep Right




















Plays: 135	Plays: 58	Plays: 154	Plays: 34	Plays: 23	Plays: 36
NFL Rank: 12	NFL Rank: 29	NFL Rank: 16	NFL Rank: 8	NFL Rank: 14	NFL Rank: 7
Avg Gain: 5.86	Avg Gain: 6.62	Avg Gain: 4.96	Avg Gain: 9.44	Avg Gain: 7.52	Avg Gain: 14.44
NFL Rank: 19	NFL Rank: 17	NFL Rank: 25	NFL Rank: 23	NFL Rank: 28	NFL Rank: 6

Individual Stats

Passing	Att	Cmp	Yds	Cmp%	Yds/Att	TD	TD%	Int	Int%	Long	Sack	Lost	Rating
D.Orlovsky	190	111	1266	58.4%	6.7	6	3.2%	4	2.1%	96t	12/	81	80.3
D.Culpepper	115	60	786	52.2%	6.8	4	3.5%	6	5.2%	70t	14/	95	63.9
J.Kitna	120	68	758	56.7%	6.3	5	4.2%	5	4.2%	47t	15/	89	72.1
D.Stanton	14	8	107	57.1%	7.6	1	7.1%	0	0.0%	41	5/	33	105.4
D.Henson	2	1	20	50.0%	10.0	0	0.0%	0	0.0%	20	3/	25	85.4

Rushing	No.	Yds	Avg	Long	TD
K.Smith	186	773	4.2	50	6
R.Johnson	76	237	3.1	27	1
J.Kitna	6	34	5.7	10	0
D.Orlovsky	7	29	4.1	10	0
D.Culpepper	12	25	2.1	9	1
A.Cason	3	5	1.7	4	0

Receiving	No.	Yds	Avg	Long	TD
C.Johnson	65	1165	17.9	96t	10
K.Smith	36	279	7.8	27	0
S.McDonald	35	332	9.5	26	1
M.Gaines	23	260	11.3	33	1
M.Furrey	18	181	10.1	25	0
R.Williams	17	232	13.6	25	1
R.Johnson	12	88	7.3	34t	1
C.Fitzsimmons	11	78	7.1	16	1

Dan Orlovsky Declines to Address Future with Lions

Sean Yuille — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:00:06 -0000

When asked about whether or not he will re-sign with the Lions in the offseason, Dan Orlovsky had this to say:

"That'll take care of itself when the time comes," Orlovsky said Monday when asked if he wants to re-sign with the Lions. "I'm just going to continue to focus this week on New Orleans."

After watching Orlovsky play this season, I do think the Lions should bring him back. Granted, that may not be an option, as Orlovsky will probably run as fast as he can to a new team. I guess it depends on both the money and the opportunity to play. If he were to return to the Lions, he may have to deal with Jon Kitna, Drew Stanton, Drew Henson, and Daunte Culpepper, all of whom are under contract for next season.

Out of those four QBs listed, only Stanton and Culpepper will likely be on the active roster come next season. Kitna will probably be released or traded in the offseason, and Henson is probably destined for the practice squad. Orlovsky has shown that he is better than Stanton and Culpepper, in my opinion, so if no other QBs were drafted or signed, I would say Orlovsky should start.

All of this speculation probably is pointless since a new general manager and a new coach would likely have a completely different plan. All of the current quarterbacks on the roster could end up somewhere else under new management, which honestly wouldn't be all that bad. I guess we'll just have to wait until we know who the GM and coach will be for next season before we continue to speculate about the roster, but it certainly is interesting to start thinking about the Lions' QB situation for next year.

Wednesday Notes: Daunte Culpepper Doubtful for Sunday

Sean Yuille — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:25:44 -0000

Daunte Culpepper didn't participate in drills that were open to the media today. Drew Stanton, Dan Orlovsky, and Drew Henson did practice, and it looks like Orlovsky will start on Sunday if he is healthy enough to play. Culpepper suffered a right shoulder injury on the second-to-last play of the Vikings game, and it looks like he will not be able to go against the Colts. Orlovsky will probably start if he doesn't suffer any pain in the thumb he broke. He tried to return to practice last week and things didn't go so well, so I hope he feels better this week.
If Orlovsky is unable to play, Drew Stanton likely would be able to start instead. Stanton hasn't suffered any symptoms of his concussion in the last week, so it looks like he will be ready to play on Sunday. If Orlovsky is unable to go, it would be Stanton's first career start.
Jared Allen was very pissed off at Gosder Cherilus for his hit during the Lions-Vikings game. Allen was nowhere near the play and Cherilus got up off the ground and nailed Allen in the knee. Although the play looked dirty, it was legal. That doesn't necessarily it means the hit was smart, but Allen really shouldn't be one to talk considering how many times he has been fined for dirty plays. Besides, Allen is going to be fine anyways. He returned soon after the hit and played a hell of a game.
Charles Rogers, who recently violated his probation, will enroll in substance abuse counseling. He tested positive for Vicodin, so apparently that was the narcotic described in the stories about Rogers last week. I just assumed he tested positive for marijuana, because that would make the most sense with Rogers.
Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe had his manhood exposed on FOX following the game on Sunday. FOX was showing Vikings owner Zygi Wilf giving the game ball to Brad Childress' son, and Shiancoe's towel wasn't covering very much.
Adam Schefter thinks the Lions should forfeit Sunday's game against the Colts to focus on beating New Orleans on December 21. Sounds like a plan to me.
Via the Highlight Reel, Georgia QB Matthew Stafford's decision on whether or not to go pro will not be affected by the possibility of being drafted by the Lions. I seriously hope the Lions don't pick Stafford in the first place, but if I were any college player going pro I would certainly refuse to play for the Lions.
William Clay Ford met with Rod Marinelli on Monday. Apparently they broke down the previous game, talked about injuries, and looked at upcoming games. I can't even imagine how pathetic that meeting would sound based on what a joke this franchise is.
Speaking of how pathetic this franchise is, Tom Kowalski thinks it's possible that Marinelli will be back next season and there will be no changes made to the front office. I could see that being a possibility earlier in the season, but with attendance so low, I have to imagine that Ford will do something based on the fact that he has to.

If Marinelli stays, every game will be blacked out next season and the Lions will continue to lose money. I just don't see how Ford could justify bringing Marinelli back in his own mind. Then again, it took until this season for Millen to be fired, so maybe I'm being a little too optimistic.

Tuesday Notes: Stanton Recounts Concussion-Causing Hit

Sean Yuille — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:16:22 -0000

Remember that face mask against Daunte Culpepper in the Panthers game that didn't draw a penalty? Well, it drew Panthers linebacker Jon Beason a $5,000 fine.
Drew Stanton said this about the hit that led to his concussion during Sunday's game:

As for the hit by Tampa Bay's Jimmy Wilkerson, Stanton admitted Monday, "It felt brutal."

"But I never lost consciousness or anything like that," he said. "I was kind of just groggy and a little bit out of it. I feel good today. My head's clear. My neck's a little bit sore, but that's to be expected with kind of the whiplash that occurred. ...

"When I got hit, I thought maybe it just shook the cobwebs up a little bit. But it never really calmed down. And at that point the physicians came over and evaluated me and it wasn't in my best interest to go back out there.
Stanton will not likely suit up for Thursday's game, which is why quarterback Drew Henson was signed to the active roster on Monday.
Former Lions defensive tackle Luther Ellis and his wife have eleven kids -- five of their own and six that are adopted.
Dave Birkett recently shared his thoughts on Martin Mayhew and the general manager situation.
Tom Kowalski doesn't believe that Rod Marinelli should be fired yet. I agree since there is no point to fire him right now. We're already about to be 12 games into the season, so the Lions might as well let him finish coaching this mess for the rest of the year. Besides, no one on the coaching staff is competent to take over as the head coach anyways.
The Lions are the perfect team to play after losing your first game of the season, as the Titans will find out this Thursday.
The Lions' losing ways are causing their fans do some strange things, including wrestling shirtless in a parking lot following the loss to the Buccaneers.

Jared DeVries Out for the Season; Other Injuries

Sean Yuille — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:39:08 -0000

Defensive end Jared DeVries is going to be moved to the injured reserve, as his season is over after re-breaking his left hand during yesterday's game. With DeVries going to the IR, a roster spot becomes available for Drew Henson. According to Dave Birkett, Dan Orlovsky thinks he is "probably two weeks away" from being able to play again, so I guess he won't be moved to the IR after all.

Also via Birkett, the Lions will be one injured team going into Thursday's game.

Along with Stanton, Lions coach Rod Marinelli said right end Dewayne White (calf) and center Dominic Raiola (thumb) are doubtful for Thursday, and cornerback Keith Smith (groin) he probably won't be available either. Raiola said he should be back for next week's game against Minnesota.

Can the Lions just forfeit right now?