Best is avg. 2.9 Harrison is avg. 2.9 Williams is avg. 2.5 Anyone who reads my posts knows I think Best is not a lead back, and is best being our change of pace back. I know he can "hit the homerun" but right now a lot of his carries seem to be shotgun draws up the middle. I'd rather see Harriosn or Williams getting a lot more carries to free Best up for more productive carries in the middle and toward the end of games. I'm really leaning on Williams getting 10-15 carries per game, he's more of type of back Leshoure would and been in our offense, and I think Schwartz is kinda in a funk on what to do with Leshoure injured right now. I hope we can all agree giving Best extra carries right now is not the answer to Leshoure being injured. So my plan would be simple, Williams getting the bulk of the carries in the 1st quarter and increasing Best role as the games wears on. Harrison and Morris would fight for carries after that, just so we are all aware Morris has 4 carries for 0 yards thus far this year. I know were getting by with our rushing attack right now but that is gonna change the more the Lions get noticed and that's about to be pretty quick in the next few weeks, better start now rather then have this be the biggest topic of conversation which will happen if Linny and Schwartz don't at least put a little fear in teams that we can move the ball on the ground...

Unless Akeem Ayers goes out their and blows up the combine I just don't see us taking him, and when I say blow up I mean running in the 4.5 range and being 1st or 2nd in all LB drills.  Here's how I see things playing out

1. Lions drafting OT- Anthony Castonzo or Tyron Smith who ever is the best OT in the draft is who the Lions will probably take.   If Gos is not healthy they will start out at RT or RG.

2. DB- Davon House- One of the major areas of need for the Lions

3.LB- Greg Jones- Can play inside or willing to try SAM another position of need

4. RB- Delone Carter- Who you might ask, think of Mike Turner of the Falcons, 5-9 around 225-230lbs. Will keep Best healthy and fresh

5. C- Tim Barnes- One of the better pass blocking centers, I think we all agree with Stafford healthy we will be passing alot, let's give him all the help he needs.

 

Well that's it, come on in the feeding frenzy and tear me apart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A proposed return date for Stafford is against Miami, I'm in favor of this.   Why if they didn't think he could come back then why didn't they IR him.   I thinks it's more about proving to the team that he is the guy to lead this team next year and years to come.   If he can get through 2 games healthy might bring the team together along with luring in FA in the offseason.   If he doesn't play then the entire team will have that doubt he will ever be healthy including FA.

Why start Stanton now, I wanted him to get the start in Bufflo.   Starting him now proves what, if he starts and plays well that proves what,  a adduiton for him for his next team.   I'm sorry Schwartz didn't think he was good enough to play and put in a hurt Hill to do nothing the entire game.   I'd rather see a hurt Hill then a healthy Stanton because he's gone at the end of the season no matter what happens.   If the FO thought he had a future here he would of played sooner.

Start playing some backup line men that might have a future here, Fox, Mcdonald.   We need to start bringing in some new line men so we might as well know who have a future here.   Peterman could very well be cut in the offseaon or demoted to Backup.   Fox was drafted for a reason, I'm not saying start him but put him in for some clean up work and see if he worth keeping.

I'd like to see a RB brought in a get a large amount of playing time, since we signed Morris and used him horribly through out his time here.   In hindsight sight he should of been playing all year along with Best instead of Smith.   Brown even should maybe get and start with a chance to get 10 to 15 carries in one of the last few games.  

These last games should be about seeing who will be with us next year, O-line needs alot of help, probably more help then our secondary.   Keep A-smith as a starter and see how he responds, yes he's better at nickel back, but injuries happen so keep him out there and see if he's worth building up as a project with a possibility at spot starting in the future.

This offseaons along with the 2011 season will be the most important since our time we had a winning season, we have most of the pieces for a winning team.   If we blow up next year like this year our FO will probably be torn down again, I'm not in favor of this.   We need to know who is gonna help this team in 2011 and give some of the players who have a shot with us next year some playing time....

- Pass to set up the run, our run game is horrible right now.   Mise well start out passing hoping that as the game goes on we can squeak in some runs worth some value

- Best is not healthy, use Morris and Brown as your primary backs.   It pains me to watch best right now because he's a shell of himself.   When 90% of your run style is cutting and explosiveness it shows when your toes are blown out.

- Throw a couple trick plays in the game, how about a flea flicker, on 4th and 2 how about a fake punt or FG.   Have we tried any trick plays this year I guarantee the Pats won't be looking for it

- Make the Pats beat us with thier run game, THATS RIGHT I SAID IT.   Brady is gonna sit in shotgun most of the game mise as well force them to run and see if our D-line produces.

- Pats don't have any big recievers, let's gamble and gamble big with the blitz.   I'd rather go down swinging early rather than let the Pats slowly eat us from the inside out slowly.

- Let Hill throw the ball down field.

Not that it matters any more but I've been watching the Lions go for that 2-point try try, and Hill must of forgot to check all his receivers because Burleson was wide open.   It's kind of funny but he doesn't really even look at the left side of the end zone.

I took two things from yesterday's game

1. I'm going to start to see who's available at the end of the season for FA running backs, I thought the Lions should of tried to trade for Willis McGahee because I thought he could of gave us between 1-3 years of decent play.

2. I'm really starting to question Schwartz in some areas of his coaching ability, just to many yellow flags man, way to many.

 

PS: On a side note, I'm not gonna judge Hill yesterday because he did have a fucking cast on his forearm, but really. Hill should not of been out their and yet our coaching staff thought he gave us a better chance to win rather than a healthy Stanton.  If Stantons that bad I'd rather them put that rookie in they just signed, or sign somebody who might be on the team next year, not a guy they clearly don't trust and won't be on the team...

Let's stop all the B.S. right now, Stafford is going on I.R. He's not coming back for the Bill, or Thanksgiving, if were luckly he'll be full health by training camp 2011.

What I want to know is what should be do now, how far away is Hill from being healthy.   Would you rather have Hill under the center knowing what he can do because he had a little success with us and some starting exprience with the 49er's.   Or would you rather give Stanton his 1st true chance at trying to do somthing.

If Hill didn't get hurt during the Giants game I'd have to say just give it to Hill, but with him having a broken forearm I'm sorry guy's I want the Drew Stanton experience to begin.   Let's keep him on a game to game basis, if he goes out there agaisnt the Bills and throws 3 picks and is horrible well then Hill can come back for the Dallas game.   But what if Stanton plays a decent game and we win, give him another start.   Personally I think Stanton is gonig to play well and make some of you out there have a big slice of Stanton cock pie for giving up on him when not even being given a proper chance to progress.

As for 2011, injuries can be a freak thing, I don't care what schwarz say's Stafford didn't look fully healthy, but I can't blame Schwartz for crossing his fingers putting him in.   Well it bit him in his ass, how can you say it's not the same injury that knocked him out in the 1st game when it's the same shoulder, can you separate your shoulder in two different places???? never heard of that before.  OK Stafford lost his 1st two seasons with injuries he still the best QB we've had in Detroit for the last 10 years..

I want to see Stanton get some playing time, if he sucks then Hill our fail safe QB and becomes a game manager QB.   So we have to hope for the best with Stafford, can't give up on him yet, but we also have to be prepared for the worse and see if Stanton can be the guy if injuries take Stafford away from us.   Holy shit did this season become complicated

I need to get this off my chest while I can still think properly if you know what I mean, the Beam train is headed my way.

1st: I want to thank Jim and Martin for a great 1st half of the season, I know if Stafford wouldn't of gotten hurt we probably would make the playoffs...

2nd: Please IR Stafford for the rest of the season, he's not healthy.   He was hurting before he went out, shoulders are a funny thing.  Let's all be honest right now, we might win 1-3 more games this season but were not going to the playoffs.  

3rd: Stanton needs to start the rest of the season, I know Hill can play but we need to start thinking about our future if Stafford continues to get hurt.  Is Stanton worth keeping, he has a arm, he canrun he deserves the chance to play to decide if he's worth keeping.   I know alot of people will say that's why we signed Hill but this is a different situation right now.   Let's just say Stafford get's hurt next season early on via like he got hurt agaisnt the bears.   Do you want Hill in the rest of the season or a guy that can get the ball down field.   I would like to see Stanton get sometime then make my choice

4th: Jim you still have alot to learn about being a head coach, I know your the guy for the job, but throwing the ball on 3rd down when you could of taken another 40 seconds off the clock was dumb, sorry it was dumb...

5th: Continue to make smart moves in the off season, I really think players will want to sign with us.   We are so close to becoming a feared team.  My wish list will be via draft or FA, another starting CB, another starting SS, what happendto Kevin Smith again??? maybe it's time to get a back to handle the carries Best can't.   Best is not a starting RB and that's the last time this year I will say that.  Our O-line played well enough this year, if we can't sign a proventackle I'd rather be stuck with Backus another year.  What would be worse is throwing a rookie tackle out there next year with Stafford, no, no, no.

Lastly I'm not a fair weather fan, please don't take this post as that.   I am still going to watch all the games, just I have a shut off valve so I don't get to wrapped up in the season.  I have one with the Tigers which I used, unfortunately already used it with the Pistons this year...LOL...   I'm just trying to think logical right now and I know the Lions season is over.

I saw great improvments this year and if Stafford can put a healthy 16 game season together we will be the NFC north champs... GO LIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2011

- The D-lined played out of there minds, all 4 were making plays all day long.   I think Avril is ready to turn a corner, I don't know what "it" is but he has it, and he also looks like a true DE now, he used to be a little thin but you can truly tell looks the part now

- I think all of Detroit should send a thank-you card to Denver for giving up on Alphonso Smith so soon.   He dropped a pick 6, but later came back with another pick which allowed us to take the lead.  That was a big time play in a big time moment.  I can see Alphonso being in a Lions uniform for a long time...

- Suh is just a freak plan and simple, and when I say freak I mean like how Barry Sanders was a freak, how Jerry Rice was a freak, and how Reggie White was a freak.   Remember when people would tune in just to see what Barry would do, I think Suh will start to build that same following.

- Thankyou for playing Kevin Smith more, hopefully he earned the trust of Schwartz to get 10-15 carries a game.   Let's be honest though, we still have no running game but were moving in the right direction.   I loved seeing Best and Smith on the field at the same time both can run and catch and with those to on the field could create some great match ups for us.

- I don't know what to make of Nate Burleson, makes good plays then horrible ones.  But teams seem to pay attention to him so I guess Linehan knows what he's doing by bringing him in.

- Well here we are at 2-5 in a horrible NFC north division, the next game against the Jets could be a measuring stick for us.  We win that one and were at 3-5 with our next games being Bills, Dallas, Pats, Bears and lastly Packers.   4 out of the next 6 games are at home, are 2 away games come against the Bills and Dallas.   The Lions have the talent to beat the Jets, but we haven't upset a team with so called "super-bowl potential" in a while.  I have 1 main fear going into that game, our run game and the possibility of Stafford having to throw the ball 65 times could get ugly.

1. Stafford stay healthy, take control of this offence, have a winning streak

2. Kevin Smith get used a lot more often.   I'm sorry I might take some shit for this but Best is not a feature back.   He can get 10-15 touches per game and get you close to 100 yards, but he's a homerun hitter and should be treated like one.   If your not gonna use Smith as the power back then get Felton in there more!!!

3. Get a running game started in the 2nd half, Smith hasn't played much but looks decent. I don't care if they run to set up the pass or pass you set up the run but I want to see them move the ball on the ground.

4. STOP THE STUPID FUCKING PENALTIES

5. With a healthy offence can Linehan call the right plays to power this offence to the next level

6. More blitz packages from the Gunner

7. Better clock management from Schwartz

8. Are CB's continued improvement

9. To have 3 starting LB that stay healthy and play a few games together to start to gel together, every week it's a guessing game other than JP being out there.

10. To win on Thanksgiving

Alright were 1-5, but for the 1st time in years we have been in all the games this year and one could say if Stafford never got hurt we could be leading the division.   This is why I believe the Lions still have a shot at making some waves this season.

- Stafford comes back against the Redskins, it was kind of weird watching Stanton throw the ball down field wasn't it, Hill you played well and proved your a quality back QB, but a down field arm you don't have.   Stafford comes back and takes control of this offence, Linehan can start calling plays for the QB he designed them for.

- There's a good chance for the 1st time this year the team will be healthy.   Stafford, Johnson, Levy oh my.

- Our D can actually hold teams when they need too.   Now don't take what I said out of context, there's still a long way to go, but they also came a long way from last year.

- I don't no why but I have a funny feeling Best will get alot more involved making big plays when Stafford comes back, I don't know why just one of those feelings.

- No team in this division unstoppable, I believe we still play the Queens, Bears and Packers again, all at home.

- Same goes for all our games on are schedule, If we get the ball rolling with the Skins, the confidence meeter will be running high when the Jets come to town the following week.

 

We all know we had a rough 1st half of the season with Stafford out, but we almost won alot of games I never would of thought we would of had a chance in.   You take all the dumb luck we've had, horrible calls, injuries.   Now we start the 2nd half of the season with 2 straight home games with a healthy team.   I think Schwartz knows this team is so close to turning the corner, now if we can stay healthy, gain some confidence, momentum is a funny thing once it's starts rolling.

- PS - We start our 2nd half of the season on Halloween, come on how cool is that, black cat kind of feeling I think were in store for a fun 2nd half of the season...

Go to Deadspin.com and listen to the phone messages Farve left some girl, a it sounds like Farve and be he reminds me of a creepy uncle of mine.   Lastly if those pics and messages are him, his season might be over when the Comish gets to the bottom of it.   Go there and listen then tell me what you think!!!!!!!!!


Go Lions Go Lions Go Lions Go Lions Go LIons Go LIons Go Lions Go Lions

Well let's start with Hill, he's been growing into this offence.   I'm sure Linehan didn't think Stafford would of been hurt this bad that early in the season and it showed.   Games we probably would of won was slowed not by Hill but the offence learning him and how he throws.   Hill had some success in SanFran because his WR new him and how he throws, while Linehan built the offence around Stafford and his cannon arm.   4 games in now the WR and Linehan know how to use him now that's why were moving the ball better.

 

Rams: This will be a close game won in the 4th quarter, being at home will be the biggest factor.   Quick slant passes and YAC are the big factor here.   And of course Linehan learning within the 30 yard line just to throw it up to our bigger WR and let them make the plays.   Best will look for screens and big sweeps to the outside for possible homeruns scores.  Now that the offence is comfortably with Hill moving the ball will happen.

 

Giants: Why will they win you ask, well Eli not really lighting it up right now.   our D-line has kept us in games we wouldn't of been in a year ago.   I actually think we will win bigger in NY than against the Rams because knowing we have a bye week and Stafford will be soon on his way.   By this time the offence will play like Hill was the starter since preseason and know all his throws.   I don't want to repeat myself but the 1st 4 games have been a growing exprience with Hill and were now ready to reap some of the benefits of that process.

 

With a possible 2-5 record going into the bye, I think some good times could be on the way for the Lions.   The key factor here is Linhean calling plays around Hill and trusting him.   Going into the bye with a 0-6 record is basically starting to look at a top 5 draft pick which I think can still be avoided.

http://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-lions/2010/9/27/1714335/jahvid-best-injury-turf-toe

 

But how about we admit were going to get raped by Green Bay next Sunday, why risk Best.   Let him rest a week and hope him and Stafford can come back agaisnt the Rams and be 1-4 starting the 2nd quarter for the season.  

 

PS. After watching Morris on Sunday we should of cut him and kept Dede on the team, he really is just a younger version of him.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81ac656c/article/lions-qb-stafford-still-hasnt-thrown-since-injuring-shoulder?module=HP_headlines 

Sorry this is the 1st time I ever posted a link, but what it says is Stafford still can't untie his shoe lace with his arm yet.   That sounds a bit more serious then the FO was leading us to believe.   If he can't untie his shoe after two weeks this sounds like a 6- 8 week injury rather than the latter...    DAMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anybody who read my posts know I'm pro Kevin Smith, that being said Brandon Jacobs is now available by trade.   Smith hasn't played this year and said he won't be 100% till next year, so why not IR him which will give him proper time to heal and try to get Jacobs via trade maybe a 6th round pick.   Lions fans think of Best being our speed back and Jacobs being or thunder.   I think we all agree after or 3rd and 1 then 4th and 1 failure our short yardage game could use a little help...

It's here, it's finaily here.   The Lions begin there season on Sunday.   I've been back and forth on both sites and as usually Bears fans think there gonna win and so do we.   My views are simple, the Bears O-line is worse than ours,  but our CB's are unproven and the Bears WR suck.  The fact is the Lions get to show off there new front 4 which is pure scary, and Bears fans continue to turn a blind eye on that.   There counter is our cb's and lb's are weak and will allow big plays.  

 

Our Biggest advantage is we had Martz and Rod as coaches on our team and know what's in store.   Cutler will pass for some yards but his 3 to 7 drops backs will offer sacks for our D-line.   We know how to attack a Tampa 2 defence becase we already had Rod as our coach.   I'm notching this one up as a coming out party for the Lions in the NFC north "no puns intended"   Our D-line forces Cutler into bad choices, and stuffs Forte for under 75 yards.   Bears WR are a joke and so are our Cb's so some big plays slip through, bottom line there offence can't keep up with ours.

PS: I know Backus has a tough job infront of him but they talk as he's a rookie LT that will be walked over like a scrub and that won't happen.   He might give up a sack, maybe two but he's facing the best DE in the league and if that's the worst, I'm willing to bet on the Lions.

 

Yes - a hot topic, but I just want to set our RB situation straight.   Best is our starting RB, but don't see him getting the full load - not now and maybe never.  

Best: He should IMO get 12-18 touches a game; I said touches not carries.   He's great on sweeps, tosses and can make a quick cut inside, and bust one loose, but do you want to over work a small back given his history.   Getting the most out of him means keeping him healthy for a full season, which is why he should be treated like china plates.   Best could do the most damage in the 4th quarter when the D-line is worn down, but he has to be fresh and healthy to do that.

 

Smith: I can see him getting 10-15 touches a game. He's still a grinder and coming off injury.   How he came back so quickly is amazing to me, but he will get carries to ease the load on Best.   He had a decent rookie season followed by a decent sophmore season cut short by injury. Schwartz is a smart coach and knows what he has in Smith.  Maybe he's not the workhorse back we thought, but he will be a good 2nd RB in our system.

 

Morris: Morris is what he is - a back  up if Kevin gets injured again. Morris looks good in small doses and can stand in as a spot starter like he's done his entire career.  But I believe he's in his 30's now, and it's not worth considering giving him Smith's job. I think we all know he probably won't be on the next year, but he is good insurance if Smith gets hurt this year or has a set back.

 

Brown: Brown got the nod over Dorsey because of his speed and has a role much like Morris; if Best gets hurt he'll fill his void as the speed back while Smith grinds out tough yards.   The coaches probably hope he can be the RB that will allow them to lose Morris in 2011.

 

Felton: I love this guy,  but he's our FB and nothing more.  He'll get some tough goal line carries along with 3rd and short carries when he just has to plow over guys.   He does his best work catching the ball with space to plow over guys when he's in the open field.  He did get some carries in the preseason that teased us all, but he's our FB not our power runner.  If the coaches wanted him for that, Smith probably would have been released - allowing him for that job. 

Overall: I don't think any of our backs will break the 1,000 yard mark, but they will have a very feared back field to opposing D-lines

Best- 880 yards rushing with 6 TD's

Smith- 675 yard rushing with 5 TD's

Morris- Clean up work

Brown- 1 or 2 TD's on long runs or screens

Felton 1 or 2 TD's on goaline carries

For the first time in almost ten years I can get excited for an upcoming season and look myself in the mirror and know I wasn't lying to myself

 

Wk1 @Chicago: Lions put the NFC north on notice by crushing the Bears in week 1, Stafford passes for over 300 yards, Calvin catches 150 of them along with 2 TD's, Best has a TD run over 50 yards, Defense records 6 sacks and one results in a fumble ran back for a TD.   1-0

 

Wk2 Eagles: Philly brings us back down to earth by Kolb killing our db's for over 400 yards, D-line holds strong but can't make up for a weak secondary.   Avg. performances by all offensive players 1-1

 

Wk3 @Minnesota: Yes I will say it the Lions start out 2-0 on the road, Our D-line shuts down AP, and rushes Favre into bad throws all day.  3 picks for the day, 4 sacks, Stafford hooks up with his best friend for another 2 TD's and Kevin Smith grinds out tough yards. Lions get some sweet revenge on Farve 2-1

 

Wk4 @Greenbay: Sorry see back to wk2, Rogers kills us for over 450 yards and the Greenbay curse continues 2-2

 

Wk5 Rams: Hello number 1 meet number 2!!! D-line kills Bradford lead by Suh getting 3 sacks, Best leads the way with over 150 yards, Stafford passes for 3 TD's 3-2

 

Wk6 @Giants: Lions continue the trend of playing well on the road and beat the Giants by a Hansen field goal, Stafford leads the late drive, db's slowly are starting to gel, D-line ranks top 5, 4-2

 

Wk7 Redskins: Typical lions build up steam then a letdown, close game but Dono, and Shanny get us at home 4-3

 

Wk8 Jets: Lions lose a heart breaker to Sanchez, team plays well but Jet's D just too good 4-4

 

Wk9 @Bills: Lions go into Buffalo and stop the bills for 4 quarters, you name it we and we did it too them 5-4

 

Wk10 @Cowboys: Getting closer, Lions play well but slip off late in the game and lose 5-5

 

Wk11 Patriots: As much as it pains me to say we lose another close one again were still in the game in the 4th quarter 5-6

 

Wk12 Bears: D-line shuts down Forte', put's pressure on Cutler which results in??? anybody??? PICKS!!!  6-6

 

Wk13 Greenbay: Surprise, Surprise we get one of those wins we were't expecting, Gunther releases the hounds sacking and forcing Rogers into bad throws, Stafford has a game like last years Browns game leading the team to a come from behind victory 7-6

 

Wk14 @ Tampa Bay: The balls starting to get rolling here, Lions kill the Buc's in some nice cool December weather in Tampa 8-6   Note to all Lions fans, the P word starts to be spoken alot in POD

 

Wk15 @Miami: Should the Lions even return to Detroit with the next game being in Miami???? Henne, Marshal and the Big Tuna just a little to much for us, again that damn theme of staying close in the 4th but losing a close game 8-7

 

Wk16 Minny: Well Farve has killed us his entire career so it's only fitting that he finishes his career on a Sour note just like with the Packers, Jets and now Vikings!!!! D-line sacks farve silly and mixes up the run and pass just right so they can't cheat either way...!!!! LIONS WIN!!!!  9-7 Will we make the playoffs with that record ???? Don’t know

This draft is a crap shoot, nothing is set in stone and I feel there will be big twists and turns in this draft.   And I think for once the sun will shine on our side of the sidewalk and give us a once in a life time draft.   That being said Bradford should be the 1st pick in the draft, but as of right now he's not signed by Rams yet and he's asking for a mega rookie contract.   He could and should get it but there's major health concerns with that shoulder, do you want to draft a QB with a HISTORY of shoulder problems on his throwing shoulder, not to mention one that will cost so much.   I do not think the Rams will draft Bradford if he's not signed before the draft tick tock tick tock so here's what I will think what will happen.....

 

Rams draft Ndamukong Suh passing on Bradford and his mega rookie contract saying his shoulder is too much concern, I don't care how much muscle you gain a sack is a sack and if he lands on that shoulder wrong there's no saying what could happen.   With the Browns needing a QB they jump at the chance to trade for him and Detriot makes it easier by swapping 1st round picks and picking up the browns 2nd and 3rd round picks for a possible franchise QB.   Mayhew works his magic and trades the Iions first 3rd round pick to the Redskins for fat Albert, how could this happen simple he's fallen out of favor in Washington and big name player's haven't been going for market value this year.

Round 1: Trent Williams    OT

Round 2: Devin McCourty   CB

Round 2: Nate Allen      S

Round3: Ben tate   RB

Round 4: Donald Butler OLB

 

This whole draft could be make believe if the Rams choose Bradford but I'm getting this weird draft feeling that something big will happen...

The Lions brought in John Connor a FB for a visit, he is graded out as a 6th or 7th round.   Why would we be looking at a FB when we have Jerome Felton?   Maybe instead of drafting or signing a RB we are drafting a old school FB and moving Felton over to our power running back.   Felton was a power back in college and was drafted as a FB so he has the exprience, at least it could be a reason why we have been so quite in the RB area when we need one.

I've been following spring training pretty close and I hadn't heard much about or from him, then I seen his box score today that was 0-3 and a .154 batting avg. for the spring.   Does anybody know anything wrong with him, inury or what not.   He's one of our big bats we need to come through, is he just having a bad spring any insight would help.  Words, Words, Words, Words, Words.

Two days ago the Lions secondary was a mess and in a lot of ways still is.   Now we have Houston, Wade signed our DB back field starts to some clear.   I thought signing KVB and trading for Corey Wiliams would change of draft, but if you get constant pressure on the QB you make your secondary look better.    What made KVB look like a pro bowl DE? Fat Albert, with Suh getting double teamed once again for a year or two KVB could get double diget sack numbers from Suh.   We have a rotating line of SLH and Willams letting Suh attack the QB letting KVB have his way at the QB much like his day's of being a Titan.   Our CB's are already been upgraded with our recent pick up's letting us rush a front four getting to the QB.   It's taken 10 years to  finally get a coach, G.M. to know what there doing but It's happening fast. Our front four will make a pass rush to make up for lack of a secondary, making them look much better than they are.   We are truely in a age of having a modern GM and being up to date....    Can't wait till kick off...   Suh will be our 1st pick allowing all this to happen.  

Redskins run a 3-4 which would suit Foote and the Cardinals lost their top linebacker.   The chances of Foote being back is less and less.   Are you ready for Levy to take over the Middle? Does Follet deserve to get a look on the Strong side??? Or do we look to the draft for a new SLB gettin pretty interesting around here...     Words, Words, Words, Words, Words, Words, Words, Words, Words, Words, Words, Words, Words,

Nate Burleson: If you read my pevious thoughts yes we over paid for him but we had too.   Reading Kdawgs commets I tend to side with him that he will not be our #2WR but a slot guy brought in too stretch the field for Stafford.   He will return kicks and punts and be our stretch WR which Johnson "Bryant" cant do.   But in this role he should be able to stay healthy enough to stay of the field to help us win...   GRADE C

 

KVB: Again not a splash but a upgrade over what we have, he probably has a front loaded contract because he's likey to be realesed after 2 season but thats all we really need from him.   The big key here is trading for Corey Williams, lining up SLH and Williams in the middle should allow KVB to not get a lot of double teams to allow him to get to the QB.   The Titan fans don't seem to miss him but losing fat Albert would hurt any one and it showed in KVB stats and they should rebound for a year or two in Detroit.   Grade B

 

Draft: With a D-line trade and and FA D-line pick up I'm believing Suh or McCoy is less likely.   Were thin at secondary and Berry will be sitting there waiting for us, or we could trade down and still get him.   My thought is we will get Berry and pray that Wilson will be there at the 2nd round, DB always seem to drop, see last year.   If this all happens we could start to see some wins in Detroit, I don't know maybe 6 or 7 but that would be a mass improvement over the last couple of years.

My opinion: Kevin Smith won't play in 2010, they are going to IR him and give him the entire season to rehab.      I'll give you two reasons why, 1st his age he'll be 25 at the start of the 2011 season which is middle aged for a running back. 2nd because all the names that will be looking for work.

Tomas Jones: Very good chance he will be cut looking for a starting role.

Larry Johsnon: Will be looking for a starting role or just a job.

Chester Taylor: Will be looking for a starting role, a little old but not alot of tread on the tires yet

LT: He's a little run down but still good for 10-12 carries a game

Westbrook: Smaller back runs in the same area of LT good for 10-12 carries

Daren Sproles: May get released, shifty younger back can't carry the full work load but can also return punts and kicks.

Reggie Bush: Long shot but unless he redoes his contract it will be tough not to release him.   Saints need him and he needs the Saints, a deal will get done.

I think we will sign one of the first 3 to a two year deal with major incentives.   We will draft a running back in the later rounds or not even one at all.   I've read now a couple times from different writers on how Aaron Brown will be our home run threat,  and that is why we will not draft a speed back in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. My only thought would be if Gerhart or Blount started to drop maybe then we would take a value pick by drafting them.

I was watching NFL net work and they said the Bucs are in talk with the Rams to trade up to #1 to grab Suh, Bucs would swaps picks and give the Rams there 3rd with Josh Johnson.   Also watched the Replay of the Browns Vs Lions game there too and Stafford was miked up, watching that game was just awesome and really hope Pett comes back 100% heathy from his knee.   Words, Words, Words, Words

Damon-290 avg 12 hr 72 RBI

Sizemore- 258 avg 10 hr 68 RBI

Ordonez- 318 avg 16 hr 101 RBI

Cabrera- 320 avg 38 hr 138 RBI

Guillen- 268 avg 19 hr 89 RBI

Inge- 248 avg 21 hr 73 RBI

Sanitago- 260 avg 12 hr 52 RBI

Jackson- 252 avg 9 hr 43 RBI

Laird- 236 avg 8 hr 42 RBI

 

Verlander 21- 6

Scherzer 15- 11

Porcello 16- 10

Bonderman 14-9

Robertson 13- 14

* I know Porcello could be our number 2, but Leland is not gonna put that kind of pressure on a future ace.   DD gambles right and our bullben becomes our biggest aset as was in 06.   Verlander will be allowed to work 7 to 8 innings and he pulls the rest after 6. allowing the pen to close out games....

** Umpire Marsh umpires a game in Detroit and has to be rushed to the hospital with horrible case of food poisening after eating at a local restaurant.

Why does everyone want to dump Boderman so quick, he's had one major injury in his career and it's taking some time for him to come back strong.   Most if not all pitchers go through some injury problems in there career.   Is it such a stretch that Bonderman gets his fast ball back to 93 or 94mph again? no.   Bonderman could easily come back strong and win 12-14 games for us.   If you want to be pissed about bad contracts talk about Willis or Nate or even Carlos, Bonderman is still young and deserves other shot from the tigers.

Let me start by saying I'm a die hard lions fan.   And all losses affect us differently, well I hit rock bottom on this loss.  I could deal with an 0-16 team but I expected a win today or something close.   My thought right now is that Matthew Stafford is nowhere near ready to lead this team.   He could not lead the offense, in fact they played better the less he threw the ball.   My anger comes from the front he put on, let's be truthful he played so well in preseason.   He moved the ball and showed poised I did not expect from a rookie. Well let's moved fowrward to the first two games...

- Stafford is not ready to lead this team.   We have a choice, keep him in and except a possible 3 win season and that is being optimistic , or bring culpepper in.   In two games this year Stafford not has shown the ability to run the offense, in fact he slows it down.   My mind runs crazy thinking back when I was for keeping Orlovsky and Culpepper letting them beat it out...  I had a liking to Orlovsky and did not want to lose him.   But Stafford has shown no improvement in 2 games which drives me crazy thinking about the past... I did not expect Stafford to be a great QB, or a above average QB just an avearge QB he has shown none of the capabilities.   Stafford is not a lost cause and could be a great QB but does anybody feel like me and think he's hurting being out on the field...    Please don't bring up the cowboy's team of the 90's  I know of them.    But he missed passes that a monkey could of hit...

- I have not given up on Stafford but think he's better off on the bench for now.   please don't bring up stats or players of the past.   Some guys can play and some guys can't ,  Stafford can't right now.   This game was winnable and Stafford laid a egg.   Not all his fault, but as good as the defense played they deserved better then his performance.   I'm more angered on me turning on back on not needing to draft a QB... I always stayed true saying you need to build on the lines and I turned my back on that.   Well this game was perfect proof of that, a better O-line or D-line would of helped the QB.   Having a rookie one made it worse, let's hope Stafford learns really fast, and see defenses better than he has...   I repeat all losses affect people different and this one shook me to the core............

Two games into preseason and the line has been drawn, do you want Culpepper to start or Stafford.   I'm not going to bore you with stats and numbers all I'm going to do is make a pitch for each one on why they should be the starter week 1.

 

Stafford:

1st game against Atlanta the kid looked confident, almost as if he commanded respect in the huddle, and he showed all of Michigan his potential by looking off one receiver then going to Williams while taking a hit.   1st year QB's don't do this.   2nd game from what I gathered from highlights, espn, and Drewslions scary break down of the game, things could of gone alot better.   There are always going to be growing pains with a rookie QB, seems like half want Stafford to start and get the growing pains out of the way with some on the job training.   Then the other half see the mistakes that are waiting to be made and would like him a little more seasoned before taking over.   My pitch for Stafford is he's a moxie young QB with natural confidence you don't usually see in rookie QB's.   If he was named the starter today and took all 1st string reps the rest of the way and started the last 2 preseason games playing the 1st half in both games I'm pretty confident he would make believers out of us by week 1.   And for people who are going to cry about all the mistakes, get over it and get on board.   Stafford is going to make a lot great plays, he's also going to make some horrible INT's on the way.   And if he learns a little from each game and makes improvements it would be a worthy investment starting him now then later.

 

Culpepper:

Not many QB's retire and stay out of the game for a 1/2 season then get a phone call on Thursday and are the starting QB of that team by Sunday.   The Lions truly are a special organization,   I was not a big fan of Culpepper to start but after losing over 30lbs and getting into football shape in the off-season I'll respect any man for that.   He has seemed to have a better understanding of the offense and has done nothing to be knocked out of the line up week 1.   If your a true dreamer like me you do believe the Lions can turn it around in one year and be in the play off hunt again.   To do that you need a experienced QB with a past history of success which Culpepper has, not a rookie QB making rookie mistakes.   Think how Culpepper would look week 1 if he was named the starter right now and given all 1st team reps and playing with the 1st team the rest of the games.   Culpepper has been a proven NFL QB, he's not that old yet and has worked with Scott Linehan before with great success.   And if you don't want to endure another possible 3-13 season he's probably the way to go.

 

My opinion:

Stafford has had one good outing and one bad one, and as much as it pains me to say it let the kid play.   Culpepper has played a little better but he's not head and shoulder above Stafford yet, and he should be.   From all counts in practice there neck and neck, and Culpepper is barely in front in preseason games.   In my opinion you have to pick one of the 2 and back them.   I'm picking Stafford believing he'll progress faster then most, I've seen a lot of QB's come through Detroit.  And he's the 1st one where I  watch and just say WOW there's really something different about him.  Kitna didn't have it, Joey didn't have it, McMahon, Batch, Detmer, Case, Garcia and Orlovsky "I like him though"